Hello ,

Making a significant life decision, such as selling your house and moving when the real estate market doesn't seem to be in your favor, can lead to a lot of uncertainty and second-guessing.

This week is especially challenging as we read the financial news and work with home repair experts, realtors, and loan advisors.

At least Mercury, no longer retrograde, is on my side.

I know interest rates seem high right now. But I’ve seen them higher. We bought our first house when Reagan was in the White House and interest rates were 13% or higher. But we didn’t let that stop us from owning a home and chasing our dreams.

Making a resolute decision and committing to it wholeheartedly transforms a choice into the best decision for you. 

It takes on a transformative power when you fully invest your energy, determination, and focus into making something work. 

This week's Our Story Your Story episode beautifully weaves together the themes of making decisions and achieving goals. Miguel, our intrepid teenage traveler, completes his mission as he arrives upon the lively streets of New Orleans for Mardi Gras, making spontaneous choices and embracing unexpected encounters. 

Sometimes, the most exhilarating adventures come from seizing the moment and taking that leap of faith.

Shelley

No, it's not the Eye of Sauron (that's what I thought, too!) This is the Helix Nebula photo Toby created using the Vespera Telescope. The Helix Nebula (also known as NGC 7293 or Caldwell 63) is a planetary nebula (PN) located in the constellation Aquarius. Discovered by Karl Ludwig Harding, most likely before 1824, this object is one of the closest of all the bright planetary nebulae to Earth.

Adventure and Sacrifice: Exploring Themes of Community and Purpose - A Gypsy’s Kiss Chapter 23 "Lost Boys"

by Shelley Carney

He hadn't achieved his goal of getting to New Orleans for Mardi Gras yet, and he was putting that at risk. Imagine if he got there the morning of Ash Wednesday when the town is dead and the only thing you're going to find is dump trucks cleaning up the mess and people solemnly going to church to get their ashes.

Welcome to another exciting episode of "Our Story Your Story," where we delve into the captivating world of literature and share our own life stories. 

Let’s explore Chapter 23 of "A Gypsy's Kiss" titled "Lost Boys." This chapter is based on Toby's adventurous life when he was 15 years old, and it's filled with themes that resonate deeply with the human experience.

Watch the video or download the podcast episode.

Authors and hosts Shelley Carney and Toby Younis take you on a journey through the themes and emotions present in this chapter, emphasizing the importance of community, support, and finding one's purpose.

A Positive Outlook and Compassion

Maintaining a positive outlook and showing compassion toward others is like carrying a lantern of warmth in life's darkest moments. 

It means choosing to see the good, even when faced with challenges, and extending a helping hand to those in need. 

In "A Gypsy's Kiss," Miguel's character embodies this positive perspective, reminding us that complaining about our problems can sometimes blind us to the struggles of others. 

I’m on this journey to experience life and adventures. Surely, this detour will provide both. Plus, I can repay the generosity these kind people have shown me. “I have the whole day to get down to New Orleans. I’d like to help out.” A Gypsy’s Kiss: A Treasure Hunt Adventure, Chapter 23

Toby remembers his father saying, "I complained about not having shoes until I saw a man with no feet," which highlights the power of empathy and compassion. 

It's a valuable lesson for all of us, showing that kindness and understanding can brighten our path and the paths of those we encounter on our journey through life.

At the heart of "Lost Boys," Miguel chooses to stay with the Boltons, characters inspired by Toby’s friends, Bucky McGee and his wife Catherine.

Click here to read the rest of Shelley's informative article on our blog.

Here's our next week in content:

7 pm MDT, Wednesday, September 20, 2023. Garage Prospecting with Shelley Carney and Toby Younis. Livestream.

youtube.com/@garageprospecting

Humpday Hoedown - Garage Prospecting Paydirt Giveaway Night!

It's Giveaway Night! Join us for a chance to win one of two bags of paydirt with gold from the Garage Prospecting New Mexico Blend Paydirt!

To have a chance at the giveaway, make a comment on this video where Toby shares about our new store where you can buy your very own bag or two of New Mexico Blend Paydirt! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qynr2oSnZ7M

Want a bag of New Mexico Blend Paydirt right now? Get some here.

7 pm MDT, Thursday, September 21, 2023. Our Story Your Story with Shelley Carney and Toby Younis. Premier.

youtube.com/@ourstoryyourstory

Exploring Mardi Gras Magic | A Gypsy's Kiss Chapter 24, 'New Orleans' | Our Story Your Story

Join hosts and authors Shelley Carney and Toby Younis on "Our Story Your Story" as they dive into the thrilling Chapter 24, "New Orleans," of the adventurous tale 'A Gypsy's Kiss.' 

In this episode, teenage traveler Miguel lands in the heart of Mardi Gras, experiencing the exhilarating atmosphere of the festivities.

We'll be traveling to California to record documentary interviews this weekend and there will be photos and stories to share with you next week!

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Want to Have It All?

Find our New Mexico Day Trips website to see all our photos and blog posts for NM Day Trips, Garage Prospecting, and Our Story Your Story at nmdaytrips.com

Learn more about AGK Media Studio products and services on our website: agkmedia.studio

You can still find all our past content to improve your content marketing for your small business at messagesandmethods.com

Thank you for spending time with us in the AGK Media community. Scroll down for more information.

Sincerely,

Shelley and Toby

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Schedule a Free Consultation with us to discuss how you can become a content creator, start a YouTube channel and build a community, or incorporate content marketing into your business in 2023.

SHOPPING FOR TECH or EQUIPMENT?

Looking for live stream, field recording or podcast equipment, great office/studio chairs, or a Garage Prospecting Kit? Visit our Amazon Storefront to find the collections and kits we recommend. We have a special kit just for budget-conscious home studio equipment that we have tested and approved. Look for all our favorite hobby and business equipment! https://www.amazon.com/shop/agypsyskiss

We've added a Books idea list to our store with our AGK books: Livecast Life, Women in Podcasting, and A Gypsy's Kiss. Find it at http://books.agkmedia.studio 

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