AFFIRMATIONS ARE THE KEY TO AN ABUNDANT LIFE

Are you feeling lacking in some way? Do you wish to lead a life filled with meaning, a life that is filled with abundance? The key to achieving this is to use the power of affirmations to uncover just such a life.

If you are like the person that I used to be, you are too critical of yourself and others. This only serves to keep you locked in a prison whereby you cannot move forward in a positive direction. It will only keep you from developing a healthy relationship with yourself and others. You will remain stuck in a place filled with judgment which will not create any happiness. There is a better way!

“I am” is the most powerful statement in the universe. It is also an expression of “Amen.” It is the epitome of affirmations which you can use to claim what you wish to possess as if you had it now. Over time, you will develop confidence and hope which will lead you to belief. What you put out as your desire will necessarily manifest for you. It is only a matter of practice. You can do it!

Try some of my affirmations and take them in as if they are yours. Better yet make up your own. Say them as if you really mean them. Here are some that you can begin with: I am beloved, I am worthy, I am doing the best I can with what I know about myself here and now. I am prosperous. I am leading a life filled with love. I am leading an abundant life! I am a unique expression of God. I am who I am. I am becoming the person I am meant to be. I am powerful!

Now, try another exercise. Stand in front of a mirror and only look into your eyes. Do not be afraid. Look deeply into your soul and remember the little child that you were. Look into the eyes of that child with the love that child deserved. Try to do it for five minutes every day. You will be amazed at the results.

Now it's time for you to make up your own unique affirmations. Don't be timid. Make them filled with power. Make them express whatever you desire to manifest for yourself. You can do it!

Practice your affirmations every day. If you are feeling depressed or stressed, take some quiet time first. Breathe deeply and let your thoughts bubble up without any judgment. When you feel free, it is time to begin.

Take another deep breath and speak those affirmations with belief. Don't let any doubts get in the way. Do it throughout the day whenever you have free time. Do it when you're in the bathroom. Do it when you are driving. Do it whenever you can.

Remember that the time is now. The present moment is all there is. Appreciate the now. Look forward to the future with eagerness. Only good can unfold for you.

It doesn't take much time or energy, but what you put into it will pay great dividends. You owe it to yourself. You are ready to embark on a new adventure into a life beyond your wildest dreams. I guarantee you will see results. It is only a matter of applying yourself. You deserve it. You are the only one who can do it! The time is now.

Author Davis Aujourd'hui

PUTTING THE PIECES TOGETHER

You may wonder how I weave together the tapestry of my stories. That's a good question! For the most part, I write from a place of inspiration. I get an idea and I just go with the flow. Point A logically, or not, proceeds naturally to Point B. I rarely have a preconceived notion of how my story is going to unfold when I begin each misadventure.

It's not to say that I don't have to map out some of my stories as I get further into them. As you will notice when you continue to read the sequels to "Misadventures", each of my books is thirty-three bite-sized chapters long. That lets me know exactly how much time I have to wrap up each book. With that in mind, I want to make sure that I keep pace with my conflicts and knit together the storyline in as satisfying a way as I can.

Of course, I want to keep you coming back. That's why I will sometimes leave you with a cliffhanger. Even so, I carefully construct each book so that it's a self-contained entity. I'd love to have you read them all, but I realize that's not always practical. As of early 2010, I have eleven books written in the series and I haven't run out of ideas yet.

The way I keep it fresh for myself is that, after book three, I travel backward in time. This allows me to develop the main characters as I trace their deliciously dysfunctional pasts. As is the case with Priscilla Bunhead and Martha Mayhem, you will come to see how they have become so delightfully twisted. It also allows me to introduce a larger cast of characters that are not present in the books in the “current” storyline.

I have an ongoing challenge as I create more and more characters. I have to keep track of their dates of birth and the circumstances of their lives over a span of fifty-odd years. I keep a notebook with all of those details. I have even made a model of Mildred Mayflower's mansion, Mayflower Manor, in order to trace the action as it moves around within the thirteen bedroom home.

To make it easier on myself, I write three books in sequence before I jump forward or backwards in time. That helps me with continuity. What helps inspire creative new ideas is the very act of time travel.

Writing these books is indeed like putting together a jigsaw puzzle. Over the course of several generations, I have introduced close to a hundred characters. Just wait until you get to meet Priscilla's equally ornery aunt, I gotta Bea Bunhead. Then you will come to know the delightful cast of happy hookers at the best little whorehouse on the prairie. You'll meet the ever sunny Purdy Pleasya and the larger-than-life Annie Awesome.

Do any of them have secrets? You bet they do! You'll just have to read the books in order to get the inside scoop. Sister Mary Olga may tell tales out of school, but I will not!

Author Davis Aujourd'hui

Blogs: http://authordavisaujourdhui.blogspot.com/ - Author Davis Aujourd'hui
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"Sister Mary Olga Book Series"
Book #1 "The Misadventures of Sister Mary Olga Fortitude"
Book #2 "Babes in Bucksnort"

Author Davis Aujourd'hui's funny, humorous, satire novels are available in both Kindle and Paperback. Kindles are now $3.99 each.

EASTER MESSAGES

Easter is upon us again. It's a time for Christians to remember the important messages that this occasion brings to us. It is also a lesson for us all.

The primary message is that God loves us, the spirit is eternal, and that all is forgiven. We are all worthy of heaven. Whether or not you believe in an afterlife is not important. Heaven is here for you now.

Jesus' final commandment to his disciples was this – to love one another. This is the message he preached throughout his ministry. It was described in detail in his sermon on the mount. “Love one another as you would have another love you.”

Isn't this an important message and lesson for us all! Love is the greatest power in the universe. It is ever-increasing and multiplies as we pass it on. It is inspirational and contagious. The gift you give to another is the gift that will return. It is also the biggest gift you can give yourself.

Jesus taught us that this life as we perceive it is but an illusion. We may be in this world, but we are not of it. Our real nature is that we are spirit. That is the spirit of love.

Love is without any conditions. It extends and multiplies. It does not recognize any fault in any other. It simply is our natural state of being and is for all.

Whether or not you are a Christian, you can look at the lessons of Easter in a figurative sense. Whether or not Jesus was resurrected is not as important as remembering the lessons that he imparted while he was in his body. Love is the greatest healing force there is. There is no separation from the source of our being. We are all brothers and sisters. We are one.

To those who believe in the resurrection, there is a message of hope for all. That message is that life is eternal. There is no death.

This is a time to remember great joy. Joy is the essence of your being. It also multiplies as you extend it to another. To follow that path will only lead to a sense of well-being and create the reality of heaven here and now.

Easter is a time of personal connection to what you believe to be true. The answers are within. Whatever you believe will necessarily manifest. Let that be love, joy and peace.

Let go of your strife and suffering. Embrace what makes you feel good and whole. As a human, you may feel broken, but love is the answer. It will create your wholeness or holiness.

I encourage each of you to dig deep and to allow goodness to flow to you and through you. That's all God wants for any of his children. Choose to allow only that which is love to express itself. You are worthy and you deserve it.


Author Davis Aujourd'hui

Meet All the Colorful and Entertaining Characters of Buscksnort!

Lights! Camera! Action!
Roll Bucksnort!
Here are some zany, fun-loving townspeople you will not soon forget!
You’re guaranteed to laugh, at times even uncontrollably, but you’ll come away from the Sister Mary Olga Series with a definite smile on your face wanting more.

Bucksnort is a little community tucked away in Wisconsin, like any other little town you would find somewhere across the country. It is filled with individuals who offer their words of wisdom, lifestyle, and beliefs through hilarity and laughter. They may not all get along or agree with the same personal views, but they may surprise you with their actions.

Here’s only a few of the characters you’ll find in I, all without spoilers of course!
Sister Mary Olga FortitudeShe needs no introduction. She’s the holy glue that holds the town together. Well, you might be surprised that she smokes Marlboros and swigs some of the unholy Bourbon cleverly hidden in her crucifix.

Sister SamanthaThe sweet, cherub faced sister with a lot on her mind. She had confessed her love to someone close. Will they reciprocate her love?

Reverend Mother Carmen
She knows that there’s something a foot in the convent, but not sure what it is yet. She’s going to get to the bottom of it.

Father Cowberries
He and Sister Mary Olga have much in common and have show and tell quite often.

Randy Cowboy
He’s the convent’s chef and has some serious decisions to make about his life and relationships. What shall he do?

Diddles DinkledorfTrying to keep his mind from his troubles and from a man by the name of Mark Mayhem, he busies himself by making crucifixes for the local sisters.

Lilliliver LipstickShe easily spreads gossip throughout Bucksnort. But will she be redeemed?

Dr. Wally Wacky-Wacko
He may be a doctor, but rarely wants to engage in any real work, he only looking for his next victims, oops, I mean clients. He’s been bribed to declare one of the townies to be not fit to handle her money. Will anyone catch on to his shenanigans?

Priscilla Bunhead
She has sounded a great alarm and arranged a meeting of Citizens United for Decency and Citizens for a Better Bucksnort on Dinkledorf Drive. It’s difficult to keep a secret from this busybody. What will she do next? Will she turn the entire town against them?

Dimples MayflowerShe has only her own personal fortune to look after, namely her spent inheritance. She’s on the rampage against Reverent Billy-Bob Blunthead for taking her mother’s money. It should have been hers! She’s going to seek the help of the law firm of Fiddledee and Fiddledum.

Reverend Billy-Bob BluntheadBucksnort has been blindsided by this fast taking, theatrical reverend and the Born Again or Burn Forever Disciples for Jesus. Will his words of burning in hell convince the town to run out all of the so-called “undesirables” and “gay menace”?

Pinky Poo Blunthead
The lovely, exuberant wife of the reverend that adds drama to the sermons as she is dressed in brightly colored pink suits and faints, at the most appropriate time of course, with the most melodramatic flair.

And last but certainly not least…

Fartley Dinkledorf
Well… I think that he is fairly self-explanatory.

What happens in Bucksnort will stay in Bucksnort until you turn the funny pages of "The Misadventures of Sister Mary Olga Fortitude" (book #1) and "Babes in Bucksnort" (book #2).

All this and much more laughter to come from Author Davis Aujourd'hui !

Both are available in Papeback and Kindle Format. Kindles are priced at  $3.99

Unforgettable Fun & Laughter in Bucksnort!, Book Review By Author Jennifer Chase

Review By Author: Jennifer Chase "Author of Dead Game & Compulsion" (San Jose, CA)
Rating: ***** (5 out of 5 stars)
Book: "Babes in Bucksnort": Sister Mary Olga Fortitude Book 2 (Paperback)

You won't be disappointed with "Babes in Bucksnort" because all of the outrageous, fun-loving characters are back in book #2 at the steady direction of loveable, chain-smoking, bourbon drinking Sister Mary Olga. She has taught readers, along with her town of parishioners of course, that sometimes it's important to take a good look at ourselves in order to make a positive change.


There seems to be conflict brewing in Bucksnort due to the range of truly unforgettable characters and their diverse activities. This time, Priscilla Bunhead along with her group of town nosey busybodies with the help from Reverend Billy-Bob Blunthead are determined to run out of town who they feel are perverts and undesirables. Following, is outrageous behavior and fun filled chapters that will keep you turning the pages to find out what happens next.


Aujourdi'hu has managed to create a satire series that will definitely give you mountains of smiles and giggles, but he has also masterfully woven important teachings of kindness, forgiveness, and true acceptance. The characters are vivid and it's highly unlikely you'll forget their names any time soon. There's a delicate balance of satire and reality that I feel that "Babes in Bucksnort" has accomplished perfectly.


If you want a fast weekend or afternoon read that's guaranteed to make you laugh, I recommend "Babes in Bucksnort".

I look forward to the next installment to see what Sister Mary Olga has in store for her and the town of Bucksnort.

-Jennifer Chase, Author and Criminologist

You can obtain both of Author Davis Aujourd'hui's Books in Paperback or Kindle Format. Kindles are at a special price of  $3.99

SPRING INTO BUCKSNORT

Spring is here. The sap is flowing and the temperatures are rising. Your temperature will rise when you spring into the fictional town of Bucksnort. There, you will meet some memorable characters with whom to further warm your hearts through the gift of laughter.

Start your journey with "The Misadventures of Sister Mary Olga Fortitude". Then continue to laugh your pants off with "Babes in Bucksnort". My zany characters are meant to purely entertain, though you will encounter nuggets of wisdom along the way.

Sister Mary Olga loves her bourbon and her Marlboros, but she also loves to teach classes in Advanced Holiness. Not all of her students embrace her teaching. The lecherous Poopsy Dinkledorf is constantly making passes at her other female students. Meanwhile, his great grandson, Fartley, causes an uproar in her Beginner's classes while he takes perverse pleasure in passing gas.

The ornery town prude, Priscilla Bunhead, wouldn't be caught alive in any of Sister Mary Olga's classes. She has her mind made up about everything. The poor dear wears her hair in the most unbecoming hairstyle. It is tied up in a tight little bun at the back of her head. It's so tight that her mind is closed shut like a steel trap.

She finds others who like to have someone else do their thinking for them when she founds an organization called BUN – Bunheads Unite Now. Together with the Reverend Billy-Bob Blunthead and his Born Again or Burn Forever Disciples for Jesus, they embark on a mission of judgment. Through the use of fear, they trap other vulnerable souls in a spider's web of delusion.

The characters are zany and the situations are outrageous. You will encounter one hilarious misadventure after another. Take a break from your cares and enjoy an escape. Visit Amazon.com where you can purchase both books in either paperback or kindle format.

 You'll be glad you did!

Author Davis Aujourd'hui

TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR LIFE

How many of you have just been an observer of life instead of a participant? Life is meant to be lived. If you sit on the sidelines, you will miss out on whatever opportunities may come your way.

Maybe you don't know where you would like life to take you. At least you have that awareness. The question is, what can you do now? Try to imagine the life you would like to have. Think of whatever dreams you may have had along the way. That's a good starting point. Where do you go now?

Whatever brings you joy is the path to follow. The writer, Joseph Campbell, said to follow your bliss. That is the way to freedom. That is the way to finding the life you wish to possess.

It's not to say that you won't have stumbling blocks along the way. That's just life. The question is what can you do with those in order to keep heading in the direction you desire.

Start by appreciating whatever blessings you currently have in your life. There is a spiritual law in the universe that, by starting with appreciation, you will attract more blessings into your life.

Replace doubt with faith. Let go of your fears. They are the only things stopping you from moving ahead.

Try journaling. Just let your thoughts flow. It will be amazing what you may uncover.

Focus on whatever goals you may have. If you don't have any, consider the gifts that you possess. That is a good starting point. We are all unique and we all have our own precious gifts. We are creative energy just waiting to express itself.

Resistance is not the answer. You need to allow life to unfold. Stop judging yourself. That's not to say that you shouldn't take a look at whatever obstacles have prevented you from moving forward. Perhaps you have an addiction. Perhaps you are unknowingly allowing your past to repeat itself.

There is a solution to every problem. In fact, there is usually more than just one. Live in the solution instead of the problem. That's the way to find freedom.

Pray if that is your habit. Perhaps you might meditate. Talk to others and ask them to point out your strengths. Focus on the positive. The more you do so, the more you will move in that direction.

The important thing is to affirm whatever qualities you possess or wish to possess. Believe that you possess them now. You will be amazed at the results. Nothing will happen unless you apply yourself. You deserve it.

Stop your complaining. It's time to live. Take responsibility for your life. You are worth it! Dreams do come true.

Author Davis Aujourd'hui

Book Series - "Sister Mary Olga Book Series"

#1 "The Misadventures of Sister Mary Olga Fortitude"

#2 "Babes in Bucksnort"
Both are available in Paperback and Kindle Format. Kindle is now at the special price of $3.99.

LET YOUR SPIRIT LEAD THE WAY

Why let your ego with all of its insecurities get in the way of going with the flow? Let your spirit lead the way. It is a matter of letting go of doubt and embracing faith. Let go of fear and let love be your guiding force.

All too often in life, you allow yourself to fall into negative patterns that perpetuate themselves. What you put out, you attract. You can break the cycle. Just remember that grace is always flowing your way. It's up to you to claim it for yourself.

Practice awareness of your thoughts. Observe them without judging them. Allow yourself the freedom to choose the ones you want. Take responsibility for your life.

It all starts with your thoughts. Discard the ones that don't serve your spirit. Embrace those that enhance it. Then you will send forth rockets of desire that will manifest those things you wish to possess. Positive thoughts will bring positive results.

Now, it's time to put into practice the principles you are learning. You are not in this life alone. As you let your spirit and love be your guiding force, you will attract more of the same from others.

Do not attach any conditions. Appreciate what is and do not dwell on what has not yet manifested. It is all a matter of accepting that life and people are inherently good; so are you! Remember, the Source of your being only wants the best for you. It is up to you to believe that.

Consider the following. Will you be empowered by a particular thought or action? Will you feel “good” about it? Is it a loving one or is it based upon a selfish thought or desire? Are you following The Golden Rule which is to do to others what you would have them do unto you? If you can answer yes to the following questions, you will be coming from a place of love.

You have the choice. You can create heaven for yourselves or you can create hell. Why would anyone choose to create the latter choice? Heaven can be yours now.

What I am speaking about is leading a life based upon spirit. It does not necessarily have anything to do with religion. All you need to do is to believe in yourself and that there is a benevolent power in the universe. This power only wants the best for you. Yet it will not manifest if you don't put into practice the principles of which I am speaking.

There are only two forces operating in the universe – love and fear. It's up to you to choose. As it's been said, there is nothing to fear except fear itself. Let the power of love be yours today.

Remain aware and do no wrong. If you make an error, remember it is correctable. It simply means it's time to admit you are wrong and to forgive yourself. Practice the same love for yourself that you would extend to another. Do not be your own worst enemy.

Stay in the moment. Affirm and practice that which is positive. Always let your spirit lead the way. The results will be amazing.

Author Davis Aujourd'hui

Book Series:

Book #1 "The Misadventures of Sister Mary Olga Fortitude"

Book #2 "Babes in Bucksnort"

Both are available in Paperback and Kindle Format. The Kindle Format is at a special price of $3.99

"The Misadventures of Sister Mary Olga Foritude" Is Now Available on Kindle

Now Available in Kindle Format for $3.99

"The Misadventures of Sister Mary Olga Fortitude"

You can Purchase Here

CELEBRATING JOY

I can't think of anything more important to a person than maintaining consistent moments of joy. After all, life is short and hopefully sweet. It is up to each of you to make the most of it. Why not reach for your joy? It's much better than the alternative.

It's all too easy to make excuses. “My husband or wife doesn't love me. I'm depressed. I got cut off by that obnoxious driver.” The key is to detach from whatever might get you down and to celebrate every moment. After all, the present moment is all that is guaranteed.

It is the present moment where everything occurs. It is a matter of practicing awareness of this moment in order to be able to appreciate the joy within your life. As you do so, your joy will be increased. This is one of the spiritual laws of the universe. Whether it is joy, love, or abundance that you seek, appreciation of that quality will attract more of the same to you.

If you are not in a place where you feel joy, you need to reach for it. Unfortunately, you can't jump from the lowest rung of the ladder to the top in one step. Just keep reaching for the next best feeling. If you are feeling anger, reach for forgiveness. From there, you can reach for reconciliation. Just experience each feeling, then let it go. Continue to climb that ladder until you have reached the top.

I find it helpful to focus on gratitude in order to bring me to a place of joy. I think about the abundance of blessings in my life in order to reach that level of appreciation. Then I can free myself to feel joy. You can do it too!

The beautiful thing about joy is that it is contagious. By staying in a place of joy, you can pass on that blessing to others. Joy multiplies in ever-increasing quantities. After all, it is said it's no good unless you pass it on. Cherish the moment and share your joy with others. That will help you and them cultivate other feelings of good will that will lead everyone to a better place. They, too, can pass it on.

Imagine casting a stone upon the water. The ripples will spread outward until they reach the surrounding shores. This is what will happen when you pass it on. Ripples of joy will spread outward, touching every person who experiences the feeling and then passes it on. As I have said before, joy attracts more joy as it multiplies exponentially.

Choose not to allow anything to take you from that place. You are deserving of every beautiful blessing. That is all the universe wants for you. The Source of your being is a loving and benevolent One. There is nothing that you need to do in order to earn a sense of well-being. There is great love here for you. Open yourself to it. You deserve it!

Continue to affirm that which you want to possess. Claim it now. The moment is happening and you are a co-creator of your own experience. Do not be an observer of life. Be a participant. You are the one who can make it happen!

Author Davis Aujourd'hui

Add a Little laughter to your joy with the books series "Sister Mary Olga Fortitude" - full of fun, zany characters, and lots of laughter. Enjoy.

Book 1 - "The Misadventures of Siter Mary Olga Fortitude"
Book 2 - "Babes in Bucksnort"
Both are available in either Paperback or Kindle Format! The Kindle Formats are at a special price right now for $3.99

Babes in Bucksnort (Sister Mary Olga Series) [Kindle Edition]

"Babes in Bucksnort" is now Available in Kindle Format at $3.99
By Author Davis Aujourd'hui

You Can Purchase Here!

Celebrate Diversity One and All

Have you ever felt as if you were the only person like yourself in the whole world? Guess what? You are. Each of you is a unique expression of the human experience. Your task is to embrace all that you are and to celebrate yourself.

Perhaps you're in a minority group. You might be African-American, Asian, Latino, or gay. Perhaps you just feel as if you were a nerd. Some of the most famous people in history felt that way. They didn't let that stop them from becoming all that they could be.

Look at Albert Einstein. He didn't begin to talk until he was four years old. Yet he went on to become the father of atomic science. He met life's challenges on life's terms and became one of the most famous scientists in history.

Look at Maya Angelou. She was another person who didn't talk for many years during a childhood as an abused African-American girl. Yet she went on to become one of our nation's most prominent poets. She also served as an inspiration to another African-American girl who had been abused as a child. That was Oprah Winfrey. She became our most celebrated television talk show host and she served to inspire countless others whether of not they may have lived lives of oppression.

Each of you possess your own unique gifts which can serve to inspire others. The challenge is to embrace yourself so that you may discover what you have to offer. Surround yourself with people who affirm you and inspire you. That is the key to self-acceptance.

I have had my own challenges with self-acceptance. I didn't want to be gay, but I eventually learned that it was a good thing. Along the way, I struggled with things like alcoholism, clinical depression, and sexual addiction.

I worked hard at becoming a champion and I am now a published author of a series of hilarious satires. I have learned to embrace things in my past that didn't seem funny. I have made lemonade out of lemons as I have learned how to laugh at myself. In so doing, I have created a series of books that have made my readers laugh out loud.

My books contain characters that aren't so different from you. Many of them are minorities. I even have a transgendered nun in my book. She didn't let that stop her from realizing her dream. She went on to become the nun she had always wanted to be.

I have characters who are overeaters who celebrate their big bodies. I have a closeted gay man who comes to terms with his sexuality and learns to love it. I have a gay cowboy who struggles with sexual addiction, himself, but who finds recovery in a twelve-step program called Sex Maniacs Notorious.

It takes all kinds to make the world go around. Wouldn't it be boring if that was not the case! I ask you to celebrate yourselves and to celebrate diversity. You can each make an individual difference for the betterment of life.

Go for your joy!

Author Davis Aujourd'hui

In Light of Gay Parenting on the Rise, New York Author Offers Inspiration on Self- Acceptance

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
News contact: Jackie O'Neal
(609) 334-8621

In Light of Gay Parenting on the Rise, New York Author Offers Inspiration on Self- Acceptance

(Syracuse, NY) CNN reported that data from the most recent U.S. Census shows that the South has the largest share of gay parents in the country. The story then went on to quote Gary Gates, a demographer with the Williams Institute at the University of California, Los Angeles, and School of Law.

“Gay and lesbian people tend to come out later in life, in those areas, which means they are more likely to have children from a previous relationship earlier in their lives.”

The CNN report asserted that according to Gate's survey, San Antonio, Texas, leads the country in gay parenting, with 34% of same-sex couples raising children. That's followed by Jacksonville, Florida at 32%.

Author, Davis Aujourd'hui, who himself is gay, and the creator of the highly- rated and hilarious "Sister Mary Olga Fortitude" - a series of 11 books centered on religious and social satire.

Many of the characters in his books are gay. His latest book, "BABES IN BUCKSNORT", Davis says, "is especially written to speak to those who do not accept themselves."

Aujourd'hui says, "Times are changing and it is easier than ever to find self-acceptance as a gay person in this country. That is certainly not the case everywhere. It’s just that we've made many strides since the early days of gay liberation. It's time to celebrate and stop complaining."

A big believer in motivating others to "stand strong in their own identity," Aujourd'hui offers three tips for individuals to celebrate their individual diversity in a judgmental world:

* The road to self-acceptance requires a lot of personal effort. This all begins with self-affirmations. Saying to yourself something like the following will be very helpful: I am a beloved child of God. I am worthy of love. I am who I am meant to be. Being gay is good.

* Sometimes this will mean having to make hard choices. If your family or friends do not accept you, you may need to distance yourself from them. Network and find safe people and safe places who affirm you. Create a new family. Make new friends. Never take on any one's judgment of you. You are inherently good and were made gay for a reason.

*Life may not be as funny as it is in my book "Babes in Bucksnort", but that doesn't mean that you can't create your own joy. That's what life is meant to be about. The task for you is to accept life on life's terms and to make the most of it. You are the only one who can do it. Go for your bliss!


About Davis Aujourd'hui:

Davis Aujourd'hui is creator of the highly- rated and hilarious "Sister Mary Olga Fortitude" - a series of eleven books centered on religious and social satire.

He is a retired social worker, having worked for Adult Protective Services in New York. He said it enabled him to become a student of the human condition. While doing so, he developed the characters in his books in order to entertain a colleague of his using the gift of humor. He is socially-minded and spirituality, he says is the most important ingredient for him in order to maintain a happy and successful life. He lives in Upstate New York.

Author Davis Aujourd'hui

Blogs:

Author Davis Aujourd' Hui -----  http: //authordavisaujourdhui.blogspot.com/
The Funniest Satire Series of the Decade -----http://bestsatireseriesofthedecade.blogspot.com/

Sister Mary Olga Fortitude Book Series

Book #1 "The Misadventures of Sister Mary Olga Fortitude"
Book #2 "Babes in Bucksnort"
Available in both Paperback and Kindle Format----Kindle Format Special Pricing $3.99

HOW MY BACKGROUND INFLUENCED MY CHARACTERS

I was a social worker for over twenty years. This allowed me the grace of becoming a student of the human condition. I worked with every imaginable type of disenfranchised adult: the mentally-ill, the chemically-addicted, the chronically and terminally-ill, the demented, prostitutes, murderers, and more. It was a serious business and there weren't a lot of success stories. I had to focus on how I could be of help to those who so desired it.

What did this experience teach me? I learned that each individual has the right to self-determination as long as they are able to understand their unique life situations. I learned that, just because someone is different, I was in no position to judge. All people are deserving of respect. It's just that most of the people with whom I worked came from or came to very broken backgrounds. Life is not fair. Life is not easy.

Yet, like all of us, my clients had their own visions. Mind you, some of these visions did not seem to be based upon perceived reality! In some of these cases, I was presented with humorous anecdotes, some of which I have been able to incorporate into my books.

I had a schizophrenic client who believed she was of Russian royalty. I borrowed from her background in order to create a character in one of my yet unpublished books. This client would put on great airs. While she could often be abusive, she could also be of great humor and serve as a source of amusement. Of course, I had to remember my role and to remain as detached as possible. That was a challenge!

I had a client who was extremely prejudiced, but she was really just a fearful old woman who was a paranoid schizophrenic. She would appear in the most public places and hurl racial slurs at the unsuspecting. It is amazing that she was never physically harmed.

She would paint her face with baby powder so she looked like a ghost. She also had a disturbing fascination with her feces and it was not beyond her to throw it. I also based a character in one of my later books after her – a character named Ebeneezer Ickums who was an “inmate” of the Down the Rabbit Hole psychiatric unit.

I had an elderly client who became rapidly demented. She had previously been a very dignified woman. Almost overnight, she turned into a very sexual creature. She believed that I was her husband and that I would come to her at night and make passionate love to her.

I heard some incredible and some incredulous stories from some of my clients. In the beginning, I was very gullible. It took me awhile to discern when someone was baiting me. In these cases, I managed the clients' finances. While most clients were reasonable with their requests, many were manipulative and some learned how to get the better of me.

The second or third time a client requested money to go to a grandparent's funeral would quickly come to be suspect. A client who would appear without shoes in the middle of winter and ask for money to replace them would also raise a red flag.

I had one client who I would take on clothes shopping trips to replace his wardrobe. I would soon learn that he would sell or throw out his clothes in order to get more. One client set up a meat stand in a supermarket parking lot, having used his food stamps in order to sell his groceries for money. After all, it takes money to drink. Some poor souls were awfully resourceful.

Fiction mirrors life and, like most writers, I have been able to use that to my best advantage when writing my books. While my characters are largely based upon my imagination, there have been some very human situations that have influenced me. Since I have chosen to write in a humorous vein, I have borrowed from the zaniest of situations in order to entertain my readers.

Aside from inspiration for my characters, my clients have also helped me to discover those parts of myself that have required healing. My alcoholic clients helped me to understand how self-destructive my own drinking had become. That eventually led me into recovery through Alcoholics Anonymous.

My title character has a serious drinking problem that I treat with a great deal of humor. I have drawn from humorous drinking escapades in order to create humor within her own story. I may be getting ahead of myself, but I send her off to Holy Happenings Rehab in the next book in my series. Of course, recovery isn't always perfect and such will become the case for her. Addictions are powerful and difficult to let go of.

My life challenges have become a wellspring into which I have been able to tap in order to create zany characters and situations. I've never had more fun in my life. Imagination and inspiration are my main influences, but my own experience has been instrumental in shaping my ideas. Life may be stranger than fiction, but I try to make my fiction stranger than life. Enjoy my books and your own unique life journeys.

Author Davis Aujourd'hui

"The Misadventures of Sister Mary Olga Fortitude"

"Babes in Bucksnort"

Both books are also available in Kindle Format also for the price of $3.99. Hope you all enjoy.

DON'T LET THE JUDGEMENT BE ON YOU

How human it is to judge! It seems to be a fact of life. Unfortunately, it can lead to warped perceptions of others and of what is. The road to being free of judgment is to come to a place of acceptance. That always begins within.

As humans, we often find ourselves comparing ourselves with others. If we hold someone in high esteem, we may end up feeling diminished ourselves. If we are full of ourselves, we tend to judge others as inferior. Don't let the judgment be on you!

It's a tricky business. In comparing ourselves to others, we may not realize what we are doing. Our egos are leading the way to conflict – within or without. What we tend to judge in others is something we need to take a look at within ourselves. It may not be that we have that same issue, but we may have something else that we need to look at. As an example, we may look at someone who has an addiction to alcohol with disdain. We may think that they should be able to exercise willpower. Unfortunately, that doesn't tend to work when it comes to addiction. Addiction is a disease. The thing we need to look at for ourselves is how we may be addicted to something else that may or may not be as destructive.

For example, we may be addicted to toxic relationships. We may be addicted to work, sex, compulsive gambling or compulsive buying. When we judge the alcoholic, we think we are better than him or her in order to avoid looking at our own issue. This is denial!

I have developed a series of satires that contain ornery characters who like to judge others. Priscilla Bunhead is a case in point. She judges anyone who is different from herself as being “less than.” She looks at my main character, Sister Mary Olga, with disdain. That's because Sister Mary Olga likes to tip her bottle of bourbon with fervor and to smoke her Marlboros with a passion. Because Priscilla doesn't do these things, she thinks she is better than Sister Mary Olga.

When Priscilla Bunhead looks at people who are gay, she judges them as perverts. She doesn't have any comprehension that they were made that way. It's not a matter of choice. They just happen to have a different sexuality than her.

Unfortunately for Priscilla, she has no outlet for her sexuality. She is an old maid who has never had sex. Perhaps her judgments are fueled by envy of those who have healthy outlets with which to express themselves.

She also doesn't like African-Americans. She basically doesn't like anyone who is different than herself. She has no ability to appreciate the diversity of people. She probably doesn't even like the different colors of the rainbow. Poor Priscilla! She happens to be a very unhappy person.

You may or may not see it, but you may have some aspects of Priscilla Bunhead within yourself. Your vision may be clouded because we all have blind spots. This is where careful self-examination is important. Just don't take this or yourself too seriously. Life is meant to be about joy. A better road would be to find the ability to laugh at yourself.

A good vehicle to do this would be to read my books and take a look at yourself as you laugh at my zany characters. Just don't be surprised if the laugh is on you! "The Misadvntures of Sister Mary Olga Fortitude" and "Babes in Bucksnort"

Author Davis Aujourd'hui

"The Authors Show" Featuring Davis Aujourd'hui

"The Authors Show" - "April 7, 2011"

A Must Listen to Interview

Here's the sequel to "The Misadventures of Sister Mary Olga Fortitude." Once again, the unconventional bourbon-swilling, chain-smoking nun will spin hilarious tales about the residents of Bucksnort, Wisconsin while she tests the will of a reformed prostitute who just happens to be her Reverend Mother. Unfortunately, there's trouble brewing. The nasty town busybody crusades to stamp out “the gay menace.” That's when she brings the Reverend Billy- Bob Blunthead and his Born Again or Burn Forever Disciples for Jesus to town to do the job. It will be an upward climb when the closet doors of many gay people burst open.

"The Misadventures of Sister Mary Olga Fortitude" $3.99 (Kindle Format) Purchase Here

"Babes in Bucksnort" $3.99 (Kindle Format) Purchase Here

Both are available in Paperback Format too at Amazon.com.