Finding Happy
A Memoir
by
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When reflecting on the miracle of finding Happy, I am tormented by Grandma Blondie’s story. Beyond this and Mrs. Applegate’s gossip, the woman who was his original owner remains a mystery to me. Her identity, if known at all, went to the grave with my grandmother.
The women shared at least one common experience—the tragic and unexpected loss of their husband. My memory helps me to realize something else they may have shared…the healing power of love, the unconditional kind that, in most cases, only an animal friend is capable of providing.
I will never know the magnitude of the friendship or the depth of the connection the women shared. I believe it was life-changing for both of them. Somehow a dog with a curious question mark of a tail played a part. He gave them a reason to live. He gave them a reason to give love a second chance, except the mystery woman chose to walk away form it. The missing pieces of this story and my unanswered questions are among the mysteries of my life.
The flame of my curiosity, ignited by the woman who was considered, by some, to be my weirdest relative and fanned by the neighborhood gossip monger, will never be extinguished, and thankfully so. It sparks my sense of wonder and warms my heart which is full of gratitude for Grandma Blondie, who opened her door to a dog, and for the generosity of a stranger, who gave us the gift of Happy.
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About the Book
Tina Marie experiences a life-altering premonition on the eve of her fiftieth birthday and travels the road to her past to find happiness in the here and now.
Confronting her innermost demons, she revisits her childhood, shares poignant and comical moments from highs of dealing with hilarious episodes of sibling rivalry, fashion debacles, baton twirling lessons, and an unfortunate encounter with a monkey, to lows of living with her abusive, alcoholic father.
Finding Happy is set in Cincinnati (OH), during the culture shift from the 1950's to 1960's. The story is detailed with nostalgia, period references, and regional history and colloquialism.
About the Author
Connie and her husband, Thomas, live at the southernmost tip of
In addition to hosting real estate seminars, public speaking, news reporting, and writing fiction, Connie has an extensive background as an award-winning writer/producer for educational public radio stations, including WMKV 89.3 FM and WVXU 91.7 FM in Cincinnati (OH). Connie is also a founding member of the board of Media Heritage, a nonprofit organization devoted to the preservation of