Coming Up: Conference!

Oh, dear.

Now does that sound excited, or what? Well, let me tell you what prompted that exclamation. Back at work today (usually don't work on Mondays, but since I'm leaving this week for Texas--conference--I'm here), got an email that said my editor appointment's been changed. Talk about nerves! My stomach is practically heaving. (Sorry!) As if talking to one of the nice Peterson's that I'd talked myself into would be a piece of cake, here I'm going to be talking to someone I haven't researched! Yikes and double yikes!

Oh, well, so much on being prepared.

I am excited, in spite of my groaning and moaning of previous paragraphs. I'm trusting God, and I've worked hard to prepare. Whatever happens now will be more fodder for when I get that coveted book contract. Hopefully, this year, but if not, I'll try not to whine too much, and accept that as HIS will, not mine. Remember, I tell myself: He gave you this writing talent, this ability, He'll let you use it, according to His will. So just relax. My hubby says everything will be fine. Do I dare believe him?

Ah, he's trustworthy, and so is my God. Great God that He is.

MW's. I hope I can come up with something a little more helpful today. What about this?

Sheets make beautiful covers. They're sturdy and endurable. You can do so much with them. A tuck here, a tuck there. Gather them at the back of a chair, with a big bow tie, or at the arms. Use them on a worn chair or as a makeshift tablecloth. They sew up dandy as curtains. Children love them as inpromptu tents. Wrap that next gift for the bride in one. I've used white ones (old ones) as snow under my Christmas tree. And remember to shop at dollar stores, over-inventoried places, and yard sales. Sometimes you can find bargains at the better shops for a steal.

Quote for you today from Erma Bombeck: "Now is the time to enjoy our lives, enjoy the lives of those who have gone before us, and the lives of those who have helped to bring us into this world. Write your stories, read your stories, enjoy who you are."

Grand, isn't it?

Don't forget, tomorrow will probably be the last day of my blog for a couple of weeks. If I can, I'll try to locate a computer with internet, and blog to my heart's content. But if not, don't forget to check back. And, hey, say a little prayer for me, will you?

Blessings.

Friends

I've got friends!

You know the Bible says to have friends you have to be friendly. Well, I must be doing something right. Let me tell you about two of them:

No. 1: Country girl that doesn't do too much traveling. She and her family live
simply and work hard. We call often and ask if we can spend the night, have
Sunday dinner with them. You know what she almost always says? Yes (of
course), but then she thanks me for the privilege of keeping us. She offers to listen any time I need (or want) to bend her ear. That sounds like a friend to me.

No. 2: Another one is a minister's wife. I haven't known her very long. We went to visit up that way (business that meant we'd be staying near her & her family). Ate dinner with them. And, by the way, it was a meal fit for royalty. I digress, although actually, that's part of her charm. Anyway, I mentioned I needed to get a photo of myself for my writing cards and one-sheets. She generously offered to take a few of me and hubby after dinner.

She did a fantastic job! I'm supposed to put one up on my blog here, but
haven't had time yet. So if I don't get it done, JW, I'll try to after
conference. Thanks bunches. It meant a lot to me.

How blest am I?

Just a reminder: I'll be leaving next week for ACFW conference, so I won't be blogging from Wednesday on, for maybe a couple weeks, unless I can get to the internet someway. Anyway, don't forget to check back after the first of October.

Here's a Tip for the MW's:
Don't skimp on certain products. I've found out the hard way that certain personal products like lotions, etc., are worth paying a little extra to get the better brand. Example: Certain shampoo works better, gives my hair more life and color. I've stopped buying that cheaper brand, and will sacrifice something else, to get the better.

Food items can work the same way. Some things I don't mind buying the generic brands, but then, others--like flour--I'd rather splurge for better.

Why does this matter? I'm the type to buy cheap if I can get away with it. Well, I can't always get away with it. But when I have to buy the more expensive product, I accept that I must. I allow that it gives me more confidence, peace of mine, and satisfaction. I know I'm doing something good for me and for my family. Careful? Always. Smart? I try to be. Does any of that make sense?

Quote: "Hold a true friend with both your hands."

Big blessings for a wonderful weekend.

Rushing Around

Got too much to do today.

At work--I thought yesterday--I had pretty much everything ready to go. Today: piled up on my desk like lint. Or worse, dust.

Finish a newsletter that's been very tempermental the last two days. When I get back from ACFW I'll probably start over rather than worrying anymore about fixing this one.

Put together three weeks worth of bulletins.

Type up a form for pastor

Print and label postcards.

Print and label insert sheets

Label said newsletters (220 of them)

And more.

So, no chance to work on writing stuff so far today. Maybe tonight.

But rushing around gives me a headache. Granted, I love to be busy. Can't stand it when I have nothing to do (which has been so long, I feel like I'm telling a fib when I talk about it).
And I can't really when was the last time I had nothing to do. I always have something to do (don't you mothers agree?) .

Rushing around causes me to forget things. And to make mistakes.

So what to do?

Slow down, take a deep breath. For me: organize. Make lists. Tell my brain. Stop. Relax. One thing at a time.

And that usually does the trick. When my overloaded (excited) brain realizes that everything doesn't have to be done (or least I can't do everything at once), it's as if I'm released from heavy chains. I can go again and tick off the items on my list one at a time.

Besides, when I rush, I miss things: like the beauty of my garden pond. The hills with morning mist hanging over them. The moon shining through the treetops. My animals wanting attention, their beautiful green/brown/blue eyes on me, trusting me to give them what they need. My husband and boys wanting my company, loving me when I'm too busy to talk, helping me in the house, running errands for me.

So the moral of the story: Slow down, rabbit. Things will get done and you'll enjoy the scenery along the way lots more.

A suggestion for you MW's, that might just help you relax a little today:
Make a list today of all the things that are beautiful in your life. When you've thought of all you can, thank God for them. Name each thing aloud. Think about them. What would you do if something suddenly took away one of them? Study your list, pray over it, tuck it in your Bible, your purse, a notebook. Somewhere that you can see it often.

What good does doing things like that do? Oh, make us more thankful. Helps us realize what blessings we already have, and hesitant to ask for more. Why should God give us more if we're not thankful for what we have? Besides, I want you to realize you're blest. God loves you. Let that thought sink in and may it resound throughout your evening.

Quote:
Rejoice, and again, I say: Rejoice.

Blessings.

Reaching for the Stars

Ah, yes. Isn't that a grand sentiment?

I like the thought, but do I practice it? Or do I settle for the mediocre, the general, the usual? Oops. I'm afraid too many times that's exactly what I do. Ouch!

Reaching for the stars means trusting God for big things.
* Don't be surprised when the answer is there, waiting.
* Don't stand there with my mouth hanging open when He grants a desire.
He loves me after all. He wants me to be satisfied.
* Don't be afraid to ask Him for something. He's my father.

So that takes me to my writing. Am I hoping too much to want to be published? Am I striving too hard? I don't think so. Nothing was ever gained by lackadaisial behavior. I believe in working hard, doing the very best you can with what talents and ability God's given us. Then when we've fulfilled our part, He'll step in and do His.

When God gives us a talent, or a special desire, don't you think we need to use it? Take that sewing ability and really make something of it. How about singing? Do you have a special knack at visiting? Older people? Working with youth? Cooking? Some type of art?

I'm going to do my best to use my gift. I'm going to hitch my wagon to a star!

So, this quote today fits right in with the above sentiments:
* The height of your accomplishments will equal the depth of your convictions. --Wm Scovalino

Here's a suggestion for you today, MW's:
Take five minutes today to evaluate your special gift from God. Don't say you don't have one. Everyone does. If you don't know what it is, ask someone what they think you're really good at. Then begin using it. Plan on how you can best utilize it. Don't waste it. Use it.

Blessings today on you and your gift from God.

Ready or Not

Yep. I'm almost ready.

For conference, that is. Writing conference. American Christian Fiction Writers in Dallas, Texas. September 21st through September 23rd.

I've got my One Sheet and synopsis for my suspense novel done. My cards are ready to print as soon as I add the picture.

For my romance, gotta finish that synopsis, but the One sheet is done. Cards won't take long.

Now to get those pitches down to perfection. (Well, as much as I can!) A friend has worked hard with me, letting me say my spiel, critiquing and suggesting improvements. My confidence is much better. Yeah!

I've got my clothes picked out, and I'm trying to keep those butterflies shooed away from my stomach. Editors, here I come!

Your quote today:
Behold the turtle. He only makes progress when he sticks his neck out. -- James Bryant Conant

A tip for you, MW's:
Kids love games. Why not make a game of cleaning the house? Timing each other, or singing together as you scrub the bathtub. What about making up stories as you clean? Use your thinking cap.

Use your own judgement for rewards. I don't like to use money most of the time, because you don't want them to think chores are done for that reason. But you can use incentives like: extra time with you or Daddy. A trip to somewhere special. Or maybe a treat they don't get very often.

Till tomorrow . . .
Blessings.

Remember

Remember how it felt to be a kid?

I thought Christmas would never come. I thought school would never end. I thought I'd never get a boyfriend.

Ah, the lies that kids believe. Now, Christmas rushes at me like a bat winging over my head. Now, I crave studying and learning. Now, I've got a wonderful, patient, loving hubby that I love with all my heart.

So what was good about being a kid?

I've got a picture that I treasure. It's of my oldest son, Daniel. He was just a little thing, maybe two, maybe less. It's a close up of him. He's in front of this enormous Christmas tree, in his blue flannel pjs, reaching up. His expression is adorable, with all the wonder and joy that only a kid can feel at Christmas time. That's what being a kid means.

Remember meeting that perfect, right guy? Maybe you didn't know it at the time. Maybe you did, believing in love at first sight. Whatever. That sense of rightness, that perfect blending of spirits, the talks, the hand-holding. What a wonderful thing to remember!

Remember when you held that firstborn in your arms? I remember that expanding feeling I had, as if my chest would burst with love. What I wouldn't have done for that little fellow! Oh, the boundless love I felt.

Remembering is a good thing. And that brings me to your tip, MW's:
Try to remember some kind things that've happened to you this day. This week. This month. Write them down, pray for the person that offered that kind word or deed. Ask God to bless them in a special way. When you do, you'll find the joy returning to your own heart.

Quote for the weekend:
"And I say unto you: rejoice."

Have a wonderful, remembering, joyful weekend. See ya Tuesday!
Blessings.

Writing and Writers

What's it all about anyway? Why are certain people so fanatical about their writing?

Well, here's some good reasons. See if they make sense. If they do, you just might have some writer tendencies in you. And if they don't, not to fret. Writers are a crazy bunch. (Big grin here.)

* It's a calling (corny, but true)
* It's something inside that won't shut up: "Write that thought down." "Ah, ha, now that person would make a great character." Etc. etc.
* You've got the experience; use it.
* You've got the talent.
* You've got the time, the talent, and the experience. Why not use it?
* You're convinced you've got a best seller inside your head.
* Your friends, mother, husband, kids, and everyone else you're acquainted with are tired of listening to those stories; they urge you to write them down.
* Your grade school teacher commented on your writing ability.
* You know if you don't write, you'll die. (spiritually, emotionally, etc.)

Writing is hard work. People think you can just sit down any ole time and compose a novel. Sure. Take me, for example. I know Romance sells easier (maybe) then some other genres. So I thought, you need to work on a romance. Easy said than done. I like suspense, mysteries, thrillers. But so what? You do what you have to do. Writing a romance doesn't mean you have to stop with that suspense novel. (Just do both) O.K. Good. Got that.

But nothing came. As in, not a thread of a thought. Not a plot, or scheme, or a name. Nothing came to mind. What to do?

Keep at it. Think. Read some more. Study on it. Pray. And . . .

One day it hit me. The Plot. The characters. I was off to a good start. The writing flew onto the pages. One after the other. I couldn't get them out fast enough. Until I hit a plateau. Oh, bother.

But all things pass, as did that boring, discouraging, achingly horrible plateau.
More on writing later.

Tip of the day for MW's:
I promised you some ideas for those picky eaters.
Here's one I used on my boys (and hubby, too). They refused to eat onions. They weren't normally picky, so I liked to work with them on the few things they really didn't like. And onions was one. Here's what I did:
Instead of chopping onions and adding them to whatever I was fixing, I took onion powder or salt and sprinkled it on the food I wanted flavored. You have to be careful you don't add too much. But it works. Gave the food that added tastiness and they didn't know the difference.
Another idea. Grind. As in, grind to mush (again, I'll use onions for an example) the onions. Use sparingly, of course. But in meatloaf and other casseroles, you'll get that good-for-you veggie, but they'll not have to pick through the food. They'll gobble it down.
One more: Jello. It's good for you. Kids like it and it's really versatile. Lots of ways to fix it. Whipped cream on top, mixed with fruit or veggies. Add cream cheese, or graham crackers on top. Sprinkle with cheese. Yum. Delicious.

Quote:
Pay no attention to what the critics say; no statue has ever been erected to a critic. --Jean Sibelius

Blessings.

Writing and Writers

What's it all about anyway? Why are certain people so fanatical about their writing?

Well, here's some good reasons. See if they make sense. If they do, you just might have some writer tendencies in you. And if they don't, not to fret. Writers are a crazy bunch. (Big grin here.)

* It's a calling (corny, but true)
* It's something inside that won't shut up: "Write that thought down." "Ah, ha, now that person would make a great character." Etc. etc.
* You've got the experience; use it.
* You've got the talent.
* You've got the time, the talent, and the experience. Why not use it?
* You're convinced you've got a best seller inside your head.
* Your friends, mother, husband, kids, and everyone else you're acquainted with are tired of listening to those stories; they urge you to write them down.
* Your grade school teacher commented on your writing ability.
* You know if you don't write, you'll die. (spiritually, emotionally, etc.)

Writing is hard work. People think you can just sit down any ole time and compose a novel. Sure. Take me, for example. I know Romance sells easier (maybe) then some other genres. So I thought, you need to work on a romance. Easy said than done. I like suspense, mysteries, thrillers. But so what? You do what you have to do. Writing a romance doesn't mean you have to stop with that suspense novel. (Just do both) O.K. Good. Got that.

But nothing came. As in, not a thread of a thought. Not a plot, or scheme, or a name. Nothing came to mind. What to do?

Keep at it. Think. Read some more. Study on it. Pray. And . . .

One day it hit me. The Plot. The characters. I was off to a good start. The writing flew onto the pages. One after the other. I couldn't get them out fast enough. Until I hit a plateau. Oh, bother.

But all things pass, as did that boring, discouraging, achingly horrible plateau.
More on writing later.

Tip of the day for MW's:
I promised you some ideas for those picky eaters.
Here's one I used on my boys (and hubby, too). They refused to eat onions. They weren't normally picky, so I liked to work with them on the few things they really didn't like. And onions was one. Here's what I did:
Instead of chopping onions and adding them to whatever I was fixing, I took onion powder or salt and sprinkled it on the food I wanted flavored. You have to be careful you don't add too much. But it works. Gave the food that added tastiness and they didn't know the difference.
Another idea. Grind. As in, grind to mush (again, I'll use onions for an example) the onions. Use sparingly, of course. But in meatloaf and other casseroles, you'll get that good-for-you veggie, but they'll not have to pick through the food. They'll gobble it down.
One more: Jello. It's good for you. Kids like it and it's really versatile. Lots of ways to fix it. Whipped cream on top, mixed with fruit or veggies. Add cream cheese, or graham crackers on top. Sprinkle with cheese. Yum. Delicious.

Quote:
Pay no attention to what the critics say; no statue has ever been erected to a critic. --Jean Sibelius

Blessings.

Yesterday -- Labor Day

What did you do? I took my mother to see a close, old friend, about a half hour's drive. He's in the VA hospital and seemed to enjoy it so much. I was really glad we went. What a blessing older folk are, if we'll let them!

At home, I did some minor cleaning, prepared a new dessert. That evening friends and one son came for a cookout. The air was crisp, the fire warm, the food tasty. My dessert: what a flop! Everyone said they liked it, but . . . It was an ice cream dessert and hadn't hardened enough. Enough said?

We had a grand time eating though, feeding my spoiled animals, and talking till late. One young friend (14 & a girl!) loves to gig frogs (YUK). She threatened to go after my frogs in my fishpond. No way, I answered. Won't mention her name but the initials are KR. So there, KR, you got your name (sort of) in print.

My novel synopsis is just about ready. Another friend playacted out my novel repesentation with me this morning. She was such a help! With God's help, I just might make it through this editor thing.

A tip for the MW: Fall is in the air! Yeah. It's always been a favorite time for me. Anyhow . . . since we've got cool weather lined up, shortly, let's think about food.

Hmmm. What's easier than casseroles and soup?

1. Take a half hour, sit down, and jot down three good casseroles and/or soups you like, fix well, or can get your hands on.
2. Then take an afternoon and prepare these up ahead of time.
3. Make two of each. Since you're cooking, might as well use that energy for two as one.
4. Pick out one for supper that night, label, and use later as needed.

• Too busy to cook one day? Grab a frozen meal, add some greens (if wanted)and a crusty bread, and there it is. Your meal ready for that hungry family of yours.
• Got some unexpected company? There's all those prepared-ahead-of-time meals, ready to serve.
• Need to do some encouraging, take something in to a bereaved family, a new one in the neighborhood?
• You have to substitute host a group meeting? No problem!

Tomorrow: more on tempting those picky eaters.

A quote for you today: Autumn is a second spring, when every leaf's a flower. --Albert Camus

Blessings on your day and evening.

Favorite Things
What a topic. Everyone has favorite stuff they enjoy, eat, watch, read, etc.
Here's a few of mine:
a fireplace in the winter
a good book or tape
rain that shuts me in the house to enjoy a break
brownies
Simon, Sandy, Twitch, Snuggles, and Tipper, my cats
writing on my novels
eating out w/my favorite guy--Dan
talking with my favorite guy--see above
Christmas
spring
my water garden

Enough for now. More later . . .

Your quote for today:
There will come a time when you believe everything is finished. That will be the beginning. --Louis Lamour

A tip for the minister's wife:
Begin your own list of favorite things. Add to it everyday. Make it a practice to thank God for so many wonderful things in your life. Enjoy your list.

See ya next week,
Keep writing, or whatever. I've got a synopsis to finish on my inspirational love novel, so gotta get busy.

Blessings.