I’m celebrating Leap Day by sharing the newest five-star review about Remember Me!
Thank you for purchasing, reading, reviewing!
Love always,
Sanela
Love always,
Sanela
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~Sanela
Sanela Ramić Jurich is a distinguished author and accomplished public speaker with a compelling background. Hailing from Prijedor, Bosnia, she entered the world in 1976, just as the complex tapestry of the Yugoslav war began to unfold in the early 1990s. Precociously navigating the challenges of those tumultuous times, Sanela was merely fifteen years old when the conflict erupted.
Her literary contributions, exemplified by notable works such as “Remember Me” and “Haunting from the Past,” stand as poignant testaments to her lived experiences during the war. These masterfully crafted books not only showcase her prowess as an author but also serve as powerful conduits through which she shares her personal recollections of the era.
Currently residing in the vibrant city of Chicago, Sanela Ramić Jurich has established a harmonious life alongside her two cherished sons. Her journey from the ravages of conflict to her present abode is a testament to resilience, determination, and the indomitable human spirit. Through her words and public addresses, she continues to captivate audiences, shedding light on her remarkable narrative and the broader lessons that can be gleaned from her compelling journey.
“My heart belongs to summer and my soul to fall… but still come my dear winter. I’ll experience you like I’ve never did before.” ― Mystqx Skye
Ah, winter – the season of cozy blankets, hot cocoa, and… the winter blues? If the chilly weather has got you feeling a bit down this Valentine’s Day, fear not, fellow bookworms! I’ve curated a list of tips to help you turn those winter blues into a celebration of self-love, complete with the magic of books.
Snuggle up with a Book: What better way to escape the winter chill than by immersing yourself in the pages of a good book? Grab your favorite novel, wrap yourself in a warm blanket, and let the power of storytelling transport you to different worlds.
Create a Literary Feast: Channel your inner chef and cook up a storm inspired by your favorite book. Whether it’s the iconic butterbeer from Harry Potter or a feast fit for hobbits, let literature be your guide to a culinary adventure.
Bookish Decorations: Spruce up your space with literary-themed decorations. Create heart-shaped bookmarks, arrange your bookshelves by color, or set the mood with fairy lights and literary quotes. Your space will feel like a cozy book nook in no time.
Host a Virtual Book Club: Connect with fellow book lovers virtually and host a Valentine’s Day book club. Choose a book that celebrates self-love or features a heartwarming story. Discussing literature with like-minded individuals can be a delightful way to spend the day.
Write Your Own Love Story: If you’re feeling inspired, why not channel your creativity into writing? Pen down your thoughts, start a short story, or even work on that novel you’ve been dreaming of. Your words have the power to create worlds and inspire others.
Bookish Movie Marathon: Sometimes, the best stories come to life on the screen. Curate a list of movie adaptations of your favorite books and indulge in a cozy movie marathon. It’s a perfect blend of literary love and cinematic charm.
Bookstore Adventure: Venture out to your favorite bookstore or library. Treat yourself to a new book or explore a genre you haven’t delved into before. The scent of new books and the promise of undiscovered stories will lift your spirits.
This Valentine’s Day, let the magic of books be your guide to self-love and literary joy. By incorporating these bookish delights into your celebration, you’ll find that escaping the winter blues is as simple as turning the page of a beloved novel. Happy reading, and may your heart be warmed by the love of literature!
Sanela Ramić Jurich is a distinguished author and accomplished public speaker with a compelling background. Hailing from Prijedor, Bosnia, she entered the world in 1976, just as the complex tapestry of the Yugoslav war began to unfold in the early 1990s. Precociously navigating the challenges of those tumultuous times, Sanela was merely fifteen years old when the conflict erupted.
Her literary contributions, exemplified by notable works such as “Remember Me” and “Haunting from the Past,” stand as poignant testaments to her lived experiences during the war. These masterfully crafted books not only showcase her prowess as an author but also serve as powerful conduits through which she shares her personal recollections of the era.
Currently residing in the vibrant city of Chicago, Sanela Ramić Jurich has established a harmonious life alongside her two cherished sons. Her journey from the ravages of conflict to her present abode is a testament to resilience, determination, and the indomitable human spirit. Through her words and public addresses, she continues to captivate audiences, shedding light on her remarkable narrative and the broader lessons that can be gleaned from her compelling journey.
Fueled by her passion for writing, Sanela was eager to take on a new writing endeavor. Utilizing a pseudonym presented her with the chance to engage with a fresh and diverse audience. She recently published her first contemporary/fantasy novel titled “Between the Worlds”. This captivating tale explores the themes of soulmates, profound connections, the allure of home, and the strength of emotions.
With every stroke of her pen, Ella Rees, the alias she wears with pride, casts a spell woven from the raw fibers of emotions, entwining readers in a spellbinding dance of heart and mind.
Well, well, well, 2024, you playful little rascal, you’re not exactly off to a flying start for me.
Picture this: New Year’s Day, 2024. I wake up feeling a bit wonky. Sore throat, chills, fever – the whole shebang. Is it the flu? Covid? Just a run-of-the-mill cold? I’m playing medical detective with my own symptoms. Fast forward to the third day of this saga, and I’m blessed with waking up to my left eye looking like it tried to arm-wrestle a bee and lost. Swollen shut and crusty – the glamorous life, I tell you.
Off to the doctor I go, who, after a dramatic drumroll, declares it’s strep throat causing the pink eye extravaganza. Absolutely fabulous. A week of antibiotics later, the fever is gone, but I’m still clinging onto “under the weather” like it’s a security blanket.
But hey, let’s not let that cramp our style. Writing took a backseat, but fear not, my literary endeavors shall rise like a phoenix from the ashes!
And then today happened. I wake up to a winter wonderland – 7 inches of snow painting my world in frozen magic. Picture me, sipping coffee by the patio door, witnessing the snowfall turn my backyard into a Narnia-level masterpiece. It’s the kind of serene and wonderful that makes you forget strep throat ever existed.
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So here’s to kicking 2024 where it hurts and embracing the unexpected beauty it throws our way. Bring it on, 2024 – I’m ready for the rollercoaster!
May this year be a kaleidoscope of health, prosperity, serenity, love, laughter, and kindness.
~Sanela
Short excerpt from Between the Worlds: Sarah describes a nightmare caused by memories
The backhanded slap sent me sprawling. The shock of pain blinded me. When I tried to roll into a protective ball, he dragged me across the marble floor by the hair.
Sanela Ramić Jurich is a distinguished author and accomplished public speaker with a compelling background. Hailing from Prijedor, Bosnia, she entered the world in 1976, just as the complex tapestry of the Yugoslav war began to unfold in the early 1990s. Precociously navigating the challenges of those tumultuous times, Sanela was merely fifteen years old when the conflict erupted.
Her literary contributions, exemplified by notable works such as “Remember Me” and “Haunting from the Past,” stand as poignant testaments to her lived experiences during the war. These masterfully crafted books not only showcase her prowess as an author but also serve as powerful conduits through which she shares her personal recollections of the era.
Currently residing in the vibrant city of Chicago, Sanela Ramić Jurich has established a harmonious life alongside her two cherished sons. Her journey from the ravages of conflict to her present abode is a testament to resilience, determination, and the indomitable human spirit. Through her words and public addresses, she continues to captivate audiences, shedding light on her remarkable narrative and the broader lessons that can be gleaned from her compelling journey.
Fueled by her passion for writing, Sanela was eager to take on a new writing endeavor. Utilizing a pseudonym presented her with the chance to engage with a fresh and diverse audience. She recently published her first contemporary/fantasy novel titled “Between the Worlds”. This captivating tale explores the themes of soulmates, profound connections, the allure of home, and the strength of emotions.
With every stroke of her pen, Ella Rees, the alias she wears with pride, casts a spell woven from the raw fibers of emotions, entwining readers in a spellbinding dance of heart and mind.
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mejs.download-file: https://www.sanelajurich.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Christmas-Poem-2023.mp4?_=3© Sanela Ramic Jurich
Sarah Wilson was a woman of extraordinary powers descended from a legendary figure known as Air. Joined by her two sisters in power, Sarah’s existence took an unexpected turn when her ex-husband’s violence led to her untimely demise. It was in that moment of passing that Sarah journeyed to a place she recognized as home, where memories of her true self and her soulmate, Jachin—now known as Jack Adams—resurfaced.
But the sisters in power intervened, bringing Sarah’s spirit back to life, empowering her to confront her assailant. With her rebirth as Sarah Wilson, a flood of memories from her past lives and her connection to home surged within her being.
Throughout the tapestry of time and myriad incarnations, one steadfast presence endured—their undying love for each other.
Questions by Chapter Break ~book blog
Let's enjoy some books together!
Q: What is your take on book boyfriends? Do they actually exist? Or do they set the bar for “real life men” impossibly high?
A: Hmm, great question. You know, I’ve always found myself creating these idealized versions of people I like. It could be a crush, a friend, or someone whose personality I admire. I tend to daydream about them, putting them on a pedestal until they become this perfect, almost God-like figure.
Take my first book-boyfriend, Johnny. In my mind, he was absolutely perfect—looks, personality, the whole package. I wanted my readers to fall in love with him just as much as I did, to feel the pain of loss when he met his demise in the story. The real Johnny, the inspiration behind the character, didn’t survive the convoy I wrote about in “Remember Me.” So, he remains forever “that” Johnny, the one I idealized and perfected in my mind. He’ll never reveal his true, human self because he never got the chance to live into his true adulthood.
In my latest book, “Between the Worlds,” I found myself idolizing a friend who, in the end, betrayed me. It was a tough reality check, discovering how mundane he truly was. It shattered the perfect image I’d created in my mind. I wished he could have stayed the way he was in my imagination. So, halfway through writing this fantastic book, he showed me his true colors, and it was challenging to finish it the way I initially planned, with him being as amazing as I made him out to be. But, you know, that’s the beauty of fiction—it’s a fantasy. In real life, I don’t think men that perfect exist because, well, they’re only human.
Q: What do you do when a new idea jumps out at you while you’re still working on a book? Do you chase the squirrel (aka “UP syndrome”) or do you finish your current project first?
A: Oh, that’s a scenario I’m quite familiar with. My creative process is a bit unconventional, to be honest. When a new idea hits me, it’s like an image pops into my head, and it nags at me until I acknowledge it. If I start daydreaming about it, the idea tends to evolve into a full-fledged story. If I really like it and believe I can translate it from my mind to paper, I’ll sit down at the computer and start writing, describing that initial image.
Sometimes, though, it doesn’t sound as good on paper as it did in my head. In those cases, I let go of the idea. But if I find myself smiling and naturally expanding on it, if my mind keeps weaving through the narrative, then I know it’s worth pursuing. Most of the time, if a story feels book-worthy, I can seamlessly transition to it after completing my current project.
So, to answer your question, I do prioritize finishing my current project first before diving into the next one. However, I like to sprinkle little teasers throughout the writing process of my first project to keep the new idea fresh in my mind. Does that make sense? It’s a bit of a quirky process, I admit.
Q: What are some books or authors that you would recommend to our readers?
A: Oh, I could talk about books all day! One author I absolutely adore is Anne Rice. Her vampire series, especially with Lestat, is my all-time favorite. Her writing has this magical way of transporting you to different places and times. The vivid pictures she paints in a reader’s mind just make me get completely lost in her stories. I remember Merick was the first book of hers I read, and from then on, I was hooked.
Dean Koontz is another author I’ve enjoyed, especially his book “Odd Thomas”. It’s one of those books I go back to every once in a while.
Now, I have a guilty pleasure for the Twilight Series by Stephanie Meyer. And anything about witches? Count me in! “A Discovery of Witches” by Deborah Harkness is a particular favorite, although the next book in the series didn’t quite meet my expectations. Maybe the anticipation got the best of me.
Oh, and if you’ve got time, I could go on and on with recommendations. Once I start talking about books, it’s hard to stop. I could keep you entertained for hours!
C.B: Well, it sounds like you have a passion for books that’s truly infectious! I appreciate your recommendations and insights. We could chat about literature for hours, but I’ll let you get back to your own writing endeavors. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and recommendations today!
Sanela Ramić Jurich is a distinguished author and accomplished public speaker with a compelling background. Hailing from Prijedor, Bosnia, she entered the world in 1976, just as the complex tapestry of the Yugoslav war began to unfold in the early 1990s. Precociously navigating the challenges of those tumultuous times, Sanela was merely fifteen years old when the conflict erupted.
Her literary contributions, exemplified by notable works such as “Remember Me” and “Haunting from the Past,” stand as poignant testaments to her lived experiences during the war. These masterfully crafted books not only showcase her prowess as an author but also serve as powerful conduits through which she shares her personal recollections of the era.
Currently residing in the vibrant city of Chicago, Sanela Ramić Jurich has established a harmonious life alongside her two cherished sons. Her journey from the ravages of conflict to her present abode is a testament to resilience, determination, and the indomitable human spirit. Through her words and public addresses, she continues to captivate audiences, shedding light on her remarkable narrative and the broader lessons that can be gleaned from her compelling journey.
It’s been a while since my last blog post, and I have to admit, not much of note has happened lately. I’ve been keeping busy and writing away – it’s my sanctuary. Right now, I’m immersed in crafting a sequel to ‘Between the Worlds,’ which will be the second installment in ‘The Story of Us’ series.
Last night something magical happened, however, I went to a concert. It’s been a long time since I had so much fun and I’m eager to share this thrilling adventure with you.
Picture this: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, an electric atmosphere, and the unmistakable presence of Tool. It was a night of epic proportions.
I was so excited to have a reason to dress up and put on some makeup. Oh, and, I got carded when I went to get a drink! I was genuinely surprised and couldn’t help but ask the bartender, “Me? Really? Why?”
She appeared taken aback by my question and, with a hint of attitude, replied, “We card everyone who looks younger than 30!”
I burst out laughing while handing her my driver’s license. I looked at my 21 year old son and said: “You heard that, right?” I was beaming and he just rolled his eyes. I’m 47, by the way. She truly made my day.
From the moment I walked into the venue, I knew I was in for a memorable experience. The air was buzzing with anticipation, and the crowd exuded a shared excitement that was infectious. Fans of all ages had gathered, all united by their love for Tool’s music.
The opening act was a pleasant surprise – a guy named Steel Beans performed singing while playing drums and a guitar at the same time. I hadn’t heard of him before. His high-energy performance got everyone in the audience on their feet, and by the end of his set, I found myself dancing and singing along with the rest of the crowd.
Then, the moment we had all been waiting for finally arrived. The headliner, Tool, graced the stage, and the crowd erupted in cheers and applause. As the lights dimmed, the first chords of one of their most iconic songs filled the room. The energy in the venue was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before, and I was immediately swept away by the music.
The band’s performance was nothing short of phenomenal. Maynard James Keenan’s voice was even more powerful and captivating live than in their recordings, and the band’s stage presence was magnetic. The entire crowd sang along, creating a sense of unity and shared love for the music.
It’s hard to pinpoint a favorite moment because the entire night was a whirlwind of excitement. The combination of the music, the mesmerizing light show, and the unison of the crowd was a moment I’ll treasure forever.
As the night went on, it felt as though time had suspended, and I was entirely consumed by the music. Experiences like these are a reminder of why I love live music so much.
After the encore, the band bid their farewell, and I left the venue with a heart full of joy and ears still ringing. The thought of having witnessed Tool live is something I’ll always cherish.
They asked us not to record or take pictures until the very last song. I recorded a short snippet of the song to share here. Enjoy!
Well, hello there! As I gear up to celebrate my 47th trip around the sun, I can’t help but marvel at the view – quite literally, because my towering sons make quite the scene! Yes, I’m that mom who needs a periscope to make eye contact with her college-level giant and high school-level titan. But you know what they say, life’s too short to take height too seriously!
Living life on the shorter side – literally and loving it!
It’s official: I’ve been blessed with two strapping young men who decided that reaching for the clouds was their life’s mission. As I stand beside them, proudly sporting my unofficial title of ‘Shorty Supreme,’ I can’t help but feel like a character in my very own coming-of-height movie.
Turning 47 is no small feat – pun intended – and as I embrace this new chapter, I’m reminded that age may just be a number, but height is a genetic lottery. While my sons are busy touching ceilings and changing lightbulbs without a ladder, I’ve come to accept that my natural habitat might just be right here, perfectly poised to find loose change in the sofa cushions.
As I blow out the candles on my 47th birthday cake, I’m not just celebrating another year added to the tally; I’m celebrating the joy of raising two extraordinary young men who keep life interesting, enlightening, and just a tad bit taller. From their first steps to their towering achievements, every moment has been a testament to the incredible journey of motherhood.
From small shoes to big heights – the adventure continues!
So, here’s to turning 47 and never quite reaching the top shelf without a trusty stepping stool. Here’s to the chuckles, the hugs that require a slight leap, and the love that knows no height limit. Here’s to being the mom who might not stand tall, but who sure stands proud.
Happy birthday to me – the vertically challenged but endlessly proud mom of two towering titans. Here’s to many more years of height-related humor, and the delightful journey of watching my sons reach for the stars (while I reach for the step stool).
Cheers to being 47 and still keeping my head high – even if it’s only because I have to crane my neck to see those tall smiles!
Sanela
© Sanela Ramic Jurich
We took just a change of clothing with us. My father’s friend told us not to bother bringing anything else, because it would be taken away anyway. He was there to show us which truck was the safest one for us. My father had to go sit at the front of the truck with other men, and my mother and I sat in the back with women. It was so crowded; I half-sat on mother’s lap. They covered the truck with some brown tarp and off we went.
It was an unbearably scorching August day, the air thick with a suffocating heat that clung to our skin like a second layer. We were crammed together, pressed against one another like frightened animals seeking refuge, yet there was no escape from the oppressive closeness. The stench of sweat mingled with the acrid smell of fear as we huddled beneath a tattered tarp, trying to shield ourselves from the harsh sun that beat down mercilessly.
In that stifling darkness, my stomach churned with a mixture of nausea and anxiety. The bag that held our final remnants of belongings became my reluctant confidante, bearing witness to the physical and emotional turmoil within me. I retched into it, my body betraying me as the revulsion and dread threatened to overwhelm every fiber of my being.
Amidst the agony of the moment, a different kind of urgency surfaced—my desperate need to relieve myself. The very core of my being seemed to ache with the necessity, as if every discomfort I felt was a microcosm of the larger suffering we were enduring. Each passing second felt like an eternity, my bladder aching as if it held not only my own desperation but the collective weight of our shattered lives.
A little while later, we stopped moving. An armed soldier peeked in, waving his gun. He demanded someone to come out and be his helper. After a few torturous moments of hoping and praying I wouldn’t get to be the chosen one, the soldier pointed a gun at “Him” and demanded “He” be his helper for the day.
“He” was my very first crush and the inspiration for Johnny’s character in Remember Me and Haunting from the Past.
The soldier handed him a bag and ordered him to go around and make sure people put all their valuables into the bag.
That went on the whole ride: they would stop the convoy every few minutes to steal from us. People ran out of things to give, so they started putting nail clippers and toothbrushes into the bag.
The soldier ordered us to lift up our shirts to make sure we weren’t hiding anything there. And I wanted to die. At that moment, I wished I could just die. I would have preferred “Him” to see me dead rather than with my shirt lifted up. When he got to where I was sitting, he opened up the bag, but he closed his eyes. I had to lift up my shirt. The soldier watched the whole time; I figured he would rather humiliate me than kill me. But “He”… he must have seen my humiliation, and so he closed his eyes. He will never know how much that meant to me.
The pain we endured transcended the physical, burrowing deep into our souls. It was a pain that defied words, leaving only a raw and unrelenting ache. As the hours dragged on, I couldn’t help but wonder how humans could inflict such suffering upon one another. The soldier’s demands, the humiliation, the theft—it all seemed like a twisted manifestation of humanity’s darkest aspects.
And then, in the midst of this nightmare, my gaze met his for one final moment. In those fleeting seconds, a world of unspoken emotions passed between us. His eyes held not just the fear and despair that clouded our lives, but also an inexplicable shame—as if we were the guilty ones, as if surviving this ordeal was itself a transgression.
The last stop the convoy made (before reaching our destination) was on Koričanske Stijene on Mount Vlašić. The Serb soldiers pointed their guns at all the men they wanted to take out and kill. “He,” too, was one of the chosen ones. He was seventeen.
The Serb army slaughtered over 250 innocent, unarmed (civilian) men that day.
The rest of us were taken to the other side of the mountain and thrown onto a field of mines…
The memory of that day continues to haunt me, an indelible mark etched upon my soul. The Koričani Cliffs massacre wasn’t just a historical event; it was a canvas of suffering, painted with the hues of fear, anguish, and desperation. Even now, years later, the weight of that day presses upon my heart, a reminder that the scars of such horrors never truly fade.
© Sanela Ramic Jurich. All rights reserved.