Berlin, Books, and Bravery

"You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." A.A. Milne wrote these words for Winnie the Pooh, and they've become the heartbeat of my current manuscript, following Vivienne Johnson as she discovers her own strength to survive all that life throws at her.

This past month, I traveled to Nashville for the KillerNashville Writers' Conference and to Germany with my oldest daughter for the Berlin Marathon. We have a lot to unpack in today's newsletter: books, travel, and what it really means to be brave.

 📚 BOOK(S) OF THE MONTH SPOTLIGHT

I just finished Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. Everywhere I turned, people said it's such an amazing book, and I agree. It's not my typical read, but it was beautifully written and tells a heartwarming story. I enjoyed the characters and found myself invested in their journey. I give it 4 solid stars.

While traveling, I read Die Again: A Rizzoli and Isles Novel by Tess Gerritsen, who I heard speak at a conference two years ago. This mystery/thriller explores hunting, murder, and medical investigation. If that's your cup of tea, you'll love it. Die Again delivers twists, compelling characters, and a virtual safari to Botswana. 4.5 stars!

My current read is James by Percival Everett. So far, I'm enjoying it. Next on my TBR list is a book recommended from my friend, Ms. Kay: JOYspan, the Art and Science of Thriving in Life's Second Half by Dr. Kerry Burnight.

What suggestions do you have for me? Reach out at sandy@sandyclements.com and tell me what book you'd recommend to others!

🐻 Travel to Berlin, Germany

Sometimes the best adventures aren't planned. Berlin wasn't on my bucket list, but when someone asked, "Do you want to go to Berlin with me?" my answer was YES!

My oldest daughter ran the Berlin Marathon, her third major world marathon. (Can we all just say WOW!) The day was hotter than expected and took a tough toll on many runners, but what an incredible sight: athletes from all over the globe chasing their goals and crossing that finish line.

I was there to cheer her on, soak up the city, and surprise myself by running a 5K of my own. My very first! I'm happy to say I not only survived, but I also hit my goal time.

Between the running and cheering, we explored Berlin's history and culture. Tours are one of my favorite ways to experience a city, and we took several, each offering a new glimpse of the past and present.

Five Interesting Takeaways from Berlin

1.  Slow mornings, lingering dinners. Berlin invites you to pause. Coffee is savored, dinners stretch long into the night, and no one seems in a hurry. I loved the reminder that life doesn’t have to be lived at full speed.

2.  Green means GO. No jaywalking here. People wait for the light to turn green before crossing—even on an empty street. Coming from Chicago or New York, it felt surprisingly disciplined (and a little refreshing).

3. Life on the street. Bikes, walking, and sidewalk cafés define the rhythm of the city. Instead of carrying coffee cups or water bottles on the go, Berliners sit, order, and enjoy. Because of this, trash cans are fewer and smaller than we’re used to. (It was hard to find one, I’m not kidding!)

4.  History woven into daily life. Berlin’s past surrounds you. From walking through Brandenburg Gate to seeing remnants of the Berlin Wall, the city tells its story at every turn. Even the museums feel like living conversations with history and art.

5. More alike than different. Language barriers aside, people are people. Families laughed, teenagers acted like teenagers, toddlers melted down in grocery stores. We made new friends during dinner at the Hotel Adlon. Charlotte and Jarek made us feel welcomed, and it reminded me that no matter where we live or what language we speak, we all share the same hopes, joys, and everyday struggles.

🙌🏼 BRAVER THAN YOU BELIEVE!

Traveling abroad. Running a 5K. Showing up for author events and conferences. This past year has stretched me in ways that sometimes felt uncomfortable and even scary. But I've learned resilience grows each time we step into something new.

When I started walking, I could only manage nine minutes a day. Nine! I never would have believed that would someday lead me to finish a 5K.

Fear whispers, "don't try," but courage answers, "just start."

What's something you've been holding back on: a class, a book club, an exercise routine, or maybe a trip? Take the first step. You're braver than you believe.

And I’m cheering for you.

✈️  WHERE AM I GOING NEXT?

A couple more trips are on my calendar this year: Las Vegas and Fort Lauderdale. And in between, I'll be finishing my current manuscript while continuing to promote Kaleidoscope of Secrets. Stay tuned for the inside scoop!

⭐️  REVIEWS MATTER

I'm needing twenty more reviews to reach a milestone. Can you help me out? If you've read my book, I'd be so grateful if you'd leave a quick review on Amazon or Goodreads. Even a simple star rating makes a big difference (and of course, five stars are always welcome!).

💌 LET'S CONNECT!

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