What Am I . . .


Doing? Working, typing a blog, thinking.

What exciting new idea did I have today? Remember yesterday's blog when I told you about two historical novels I had planned? Got an idea for a title to the hobo one. Yeah!

Eaten today? Do I have to tell all? Okay, here goes . . . drink my Reliv, drink a cup of coffee, ate about a cup of chicken soup, ate one slice of pizza, some carrot and cucumber slices, banana. And my water. So far . . . that's it. (Ha, you thought you'd catch me gorging on more, didn't you?)

Wearing? Black skirt, peach/orange blouse, white sweater. (Boring!)

Who have I talked to? Hubby, pastor, phone people, store people. That's it!

How do I feel? Tired, stayed up too late last night. Excited about title idea. Looking forward to weekend, sort of.

Doing tonight? Hubby's ultimately over the youth groups in our district, so . . . attending a youth function tonight--possibly. If not, then tommorrow, for sure.


Words that impressed me today? Live like you were dying. Profound words!

Currently reading? Janice Thompson's "The Wedding Caper" published by Barbour's new cozy mystery division.

Scripture that helped me: Psalm 91:14 "Because he hath set his love upon me . . ." How wonderful to know He loves and cares for me!

Wishing for you today? Someone to love and love you back. Fulfillment of your dreams. Satisfying work.



Read on. If you feel sympathy, then you might be a senior! Grin!
An elderly Florida lady did her shopping then returned to her car, found four males in the act of leaving with her vehicle. She dropped her shopping bags, drew her handgun, proceeded to scream at the top of her voice, "I have a gun, and I know how to use it! Get out of the car!"

The four men didn't wait for a second invitation. They got out and ran like mad.

Skaken, the lady loaded her shopping bags into the back of the car and got into the driver's seat. But she couldn't get her key into the ignition. Then she noticed there was a football, and a Frisbee in the front seat.

A few minutes later, she found her own car parked four or five spaces further down the parking lot. She loaded her bags in her own car and drove to the police station to report her mistake. The sergeant to whom she told the story couldn't stop laughing. He pointed to the other end of the counter, where four pale men were reporting a car jacking by a mad, elderly woman described as white, less than five feet tall, glasses, curly white hair, and carrying a large handgun.

No charges were filed.

Moral of the story? If you're going to have a Senior Moment, make it memorable.




More hints to help save your sanity:

If you seal an envelope and then realize you forgot to include something inside (as I so often do), place the envelope in the freezer for an hour or two. Voila! It unseals easily.

Love this one: Hate foggy windshields? Buy a chalkboard eraser and keep it in the glove box of your car. Works better than a cloth.

Listen: Pin a small safety pin to the seam of your slip and you won't have a clingy skirt or dress.



"This says it all" quote:
Time passes. Life happens. Distance separates. Children grow up. Jobs come and go. Love waxes and wanes. Men don't do what they're supposed to do. Hearts break. Parents die. Colleagues forget favors. Careers end.

And as King Sol was so fond of saying: Vanity, vanity, all is vanity.

Now that's a nice discouraging note to end on today, isn't it?

But . . . "you're my friend--what a thing friendship is, world without end!" --Robert Browning


Blessings.

True Stories




Woman holding a book (or wax tablets) in the form of the codex. Wall painting from Pompeii, before 79 AD.


"How many of us know the true stories of our parents and grandparents? How many of us share the stories of our lives with our own children? What a loss to the children if we don't. What are we but our stories?" -- James Patterson in Sam's Letters to Jennifer.

A few days ago I mentioned in the hint section of this blog about beginning a journal.

I think that's important for everyone. What rich history is being missed and forgotten because many of us fail to pass on the heritage (good or bad) that has been ours? I know some would prefer to forget theirs. But is that wise? Of course, only each individual can decide.

For me, I love the early 1900's. I have at least two novels planned for that period, with one of them, hopefully, being developed into a three book series.

I call this one "With Music In Their Hearts." It's about a three redheaded sisters (one copper red, one mahoghany red, one strawberry red). The oldest one (named after my mother) is featured first and is based on the premise of a true incident although that's the only similarity.

The other one is about a (I think it will be . . .) a lawyer whose wife and baby is killed during a house fire. He is so bitter that he leaves everything and begins a life as a hobo. Interesting, huh? We'll see.

What am I getting at?

Pictures and word stories from my mother. I have one special pic of Mom that I love. It's of her and a friend picking apples in an orchard, with these (I call them) aprons to put the apples in. She is so-o-o pretty and young and happy. Remember, Bro?

Those stories Mom tells me are rich in information and little facts that help to make my stories come alive. I love knowing all about that time. The hard times, the jobs she had, the friends she liked and didn't like, the drinking father . . .

I don't know too much about anything before then--don't know if I'll ever discover anything--but at least I have that.

And my novels are a form of a journal I'm writing for my boys and family and friends. It gives me a satisfaction that is deep and real.


Have you begun yours yet?


RED HOT NEWS! Keep looking and reading. Cindy Woodsmall has agreed to be interviewed on my blog in the near future. Her first book came out last year and I was one of her promoters. Her second book is due out shortly. WHOOEEE! She's also agreed to give away an autographed book to some fortunate person. Will that be you? Get those friends and family members to reading Sunnybank Meanderings! (and thanks to those of you who recently let me know you're promoting my blog! You're great!)



Here are some good ideas to help you write in your journal. Try them. All of us who call ourselves that have used them at various times. Most of all, enjoy yourself!

• Good times to write: early in the morning before any one else rises. Even if you do it only a couple mornings a week--you've got that much done.
• One afternoon a week. Turn on answering machine. Or go to the library, park, etc.
• Use waiting time: doctor's office, waiting on spouse, kids eating, or waiting on kids from school.
• If you like music, choose something special while you write.
• Meditate.
• Read aloud a few sentences of what you've already written to get you in the mood. Don't wait for inspiration. Just write. Don't worry about grammar and getting every little detail correct. Just write.
  

Quote:
Life is short: Break the rules, forgive quickly, kiss slowly, love truly, laugh uncontrollably. And never regret anthing that made you smile.



Blessings.

Birds of a Feather

We've got us a red tailed female hawk. It's nest is in a high tree, down in the valley, right below our home, which--wonderfully!--brings it to about eye level when we're standing at a window or on the porch.

It's got the acclaimed high shrill scream that sends chills down your arms. I'm not sure if you can see the red on the tail of the hawk in the last picture. Look closely.

Nest	Light morph, in gliding flight	Juvenile eastern race	Bird in Texas
Bird in San Francisco	Juvenile eating a vole	Bird in Sewell, NJ	Bird in Monroe, CT

Here are some trivia about them:

1. They soar with as little flapping of their wings as possible.
2. They feed on rodents, small animals, certain snakes, lizards, fish, and other small birds.
3. They're also called chickenhawks, which if you have chickens is not a good thing! 'nough said.
   
4. They're visual acuity is believed to be eight times better than humans.
5. They're used for falconry, easy to train, but in 3-4 weeks can revert to its wild state.
   

I love having birds on our property. One of the thrills of spring is listening to the birds twittering and chirping their lovely voices at the world.



Helpful Hints:
Reheat Pizza: Heat it in a non-stick skillet on top of the stove. Set heat to medium-low and heat till warm. Keeps crust crispy, not soggy.

Easy Deviled Eggs: Put cooked egg yolks in a zip-lock bag, seal, mash. Add remainder of ingredients, reseal, keep mashing till it's mixed thoroughly. Cut tip of the baggy, squeeze mixture into egg. Throw bag away when done. Easy!

Expanding Frosting: Whip the container of cake frosting with your mixer for a few minutes. It can double in size. More frosting, less sugar & calories per serving!



Quote:
I have an ounce more faith than I do doubt, and that's enough to tip the scales.



Blessings.

Next Week I'm Gonna . . .

Finish the romance novel I'm working on (about 25,000 words).
Begin losing twenty pounds
Stop worrying.
Quit letting ignorant people bother me.
Pay off all debts.
Participate more on my writer's e-loop.
Join more writer's groups.
Do something new and wonderful.
Help another writer.
Accept the critiques I've gotten on my work.
Believe that I'll soon be published.
Love a little harder, forget a little more.
Walk at least five miles a week.
Improve my blog.
Talk to God more.
Think deeper.
Buy only the pens I love.
Get a new computer.
Plan to visit the mission stations we want to help.
Rescue a greyhound.
Avoid W.M. unless necessary.
Enjoy life more.
Tell someone I love them every day. (Not counting hubby).
Laugh more.
Hire a housekeeper. (or at least hope more for one.)
Buy a sports car (or a truck).


Which ones of this list am I serious about?
Which ones will I strive for?
Which are baloney?

You'll never guess!




HOT TOPIC HINT: I burned my husband's supper last night. Everything! Talk about stress. I thought I'd better give out (and maybe practice a few of these stressful hints I've been so blithely writing.) a few more:

Get enough rest. (Does that happen?)

Eat right. (Let me hide these homemade cookies Kim baked for me.)

Get organized so that everything has its own place. (I do try!)

Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line. (I always try to have something
to do when I know I have to wait.)

Listen to a tape while driving. (Amen. Don't you just feel smug
when you're doing what you should?)

Quote:
If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. --taken from Psalms.


Blessings.

Writer Deb Vogts' Interview

Thanks, Deb, for doing this interview. This past year you’ve become agented. I know my readers will enjoy hearing about your writing journey. Let's get started.

1. When did you first know you were a “writer?”

I’ve had an interest in writing since grade school and began my first “Great American Novel” my sophomore year in high school. Five year’s ago I joined American Christian Fiction Writers (then called Romance Writers), and it was then that I became serious about my writing and actually came “out of the closet” enough to call myself a “writer.” Scary thought. I mean who wants to admit that all you do is create characters and make-believe stories in your head all day? By then I had written two complete books, but I wouldn’t claim them now.

2. What is your favorite genre? Please explain a little about it to everyone.

I enjoy reading Christian fiction, romance, and women’s fiction. Two of the best novels I’ve read this year (and last) have been A River Rising, by Athol Dickson and A Bride Most Begrudging, by Deeanne Gist, both Christy Award winners, and there’s a reason why. Each of these authors captured their story’s world and characters and painted vivid pictures for their readers with some interesting twists. There are many more books in my to-be-read pile, however, so I’m sure I’ll uncover some more great reads soon.

3. What are you working on now? Want to tell us a smidgen about it?

I’m currently writing the second book of a four book series called Seasons of the Tallgrass. It’s contemporary romance set in the Flint Hills of Kansas, and each book takes place during one season of the ranching year. The book I’m working on now is my summer book, and I call it Seeds of Summer. It’s about a young woman who returns to her father’s ranch to care for her siblings after her father’s death. In a nutshell, she realizes that by giving up her dreams, she opens doors for God’s will in her life, and finds that His dreams for her future are far better than her own.

4. What does it mean to be agented? How did this happen? How soon till you're published?

To have an agent is to have someone in a literary agency working to get your manuscript in the hands of an editor and to continue pushing your work until you are published. After that, an agent handles contract negotiations, and helps with all the other little things that go with publishing and marketing yourself as an author.

My story is odd in that I didn’t search long before I found an agent that was a good fit for me. I believe God’s hands were in it from the beginning. A couple years ago, I attended an ACFW conference in Nashville on a full scholarship. (Again, God’s hands.) While there, I visited with several publishers and agents, and my very last appointment was with Beth Jusino from Alive Communications. She showed enthusiasm for my book series and gave me some suggestions for making it better. She said if I could make those changes, to send the proposal and some sample chapters to her. Which, of course, I did. J After that, she requested the full, and then almost a year from the time I met her, she took me on as a client. I was elated, and even in a state of disbelief that it was happening. Beth is full of energy and knows the publishing world inside out. I am thrilled to have her in my corner.

Currently, we are seeing some interest in the series, but I’m finding that patience is a must in this business. Hurry up and wait. J Right now, I’m holding this project up to God, to take care of in His perfect timing.

5) What is an average day in your life?

As a stay-at-home mom with my oldest daughter in college and my youngest in 4^th grade, I have it easier than most. Once the kids are off for school, my day begins with a little bit of housework, then Bible study and devotion, and after that, if I’m good, I’ll go straight to my writing. (If I’m not good, I’ll check my e-mail, which usually equates into spending more time on the Internet than I ought to.) I’ll break for lunch and do some more household duties, and then work again on writing projects in the afternoon till around 5:00 or 6:00.

If I followed my “perfect” schedule, I’d write from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Take a break and exercise, then work on other projects from 3:00 – 6:00, such as web site updates, newsletters, critiques, articles, or my book.

Unfortunately, I don’t live in a “perfect world,” and I have a hard time sticking to this schedule, especially the exercise part. There seems always to be something that interferes like dentist appointments, laundry, or my sweet tooth.

6. How long do you spend daily on your writing?

Ha, ha, see above answer.

7. What are some of your hobbies? A weird habit of yours? Favorite food?

A few of my hobbies include playing the piano (I also give lessons), baking, and of course, reading. I also plant a huge garden in the spring so my summers are pretty busy taking care of that.

I don't have any weird habits (huge smile). My favorite food is either Chicago style pizza or grilled Kansas city strip steak. And chocolate--although chocolate isn't a food; it's a daily vitamin supplement.

8. Do you ever feel like giving up on your writing? Is writing a "piece of cake?" An easy road to travel?

You know, I’m not sure I ever think about giving up. I love writing too much for that to cross my brain. But sometimes I do wonder if it’s God’s plan for me to be published. I think we all have our moments of doubt about that.

No, writing is not a piece of cake. There’s nothing easy about coming up with memorable characters, sensational settings, and page-turning plotlines. And sitting in your chair every day is hard work too, especially when you have kids or a husband beckoning or hear the gentle whisper of a sunny day calling to you. Despite all that, however, and the ongoing insecurities we writer’s face, wondering if we’ll be able to write another novel as good as the last, or if it will sell, and if it does sell, will the next one sell, etc. etc. . . I wouldn’t trade it for a million dollar lottery ticket—and I had to really think hard about that one because it would be wonderful to pay off all of our debt and own a big, fancy house. But what good would all that be, if I couldn’t do the one thing I truly loved doing? I mean, really, it’s pretty awesome to love your job.

9. How do you get your ideas? Come up with character names?

Oh, the ten million dollar question. Most of my ideas come from a variety of places – newspaper or magazine articles, something I’ve seen or remembered from my past, even a dream, but above all, it’s something that strikes my heart as so compelling a thought I have to get it down on paper and write about it. Brainstorming also helps when you need to add conflict to your story.

Character names are a bit easier. I usually refer to a baby name book, and just like naming a child, I give lots of thought to how the name reflects on my character. Sometimes I use phone books.

10. Want to share your blog address with my readers?

Sure, but my blog isn’t a normal blog. Instead, it serves as my web site. I recently added a panoramic photo of the Flint Hills to my header, so I am very excited about that. Plus I now have additional page links for recipes, writer’s tips, and other country tidbits. I call it Country at Heart. Please visit me at http://www.deborahvogts.com/.

11. Any advice for all the "hopeful" writers out there in cyberspace?

Never give up. "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. . .It is the Lord Christ you are serving." Col. 3:23-24.


There you have it, dear friends and family. A woman who is VERY close to being traditionally published. I'm so excited for her and can't wait to hear that she's been contracted. But those of us who are "writers" we soon learn that it's a long journey. For some: years. Deb is our critique group overseer and does a great job of it. I'm so happy to be a part of American Christian Fiction Writers and my critique group.

Don't forget to say a prayer for her writing (and don't forget me either! Grin).



Hint for Posterity:
Begin today a journal of you and your family. Don't try to be 'long-winded.' Begin slowly, keep entries short. Start with memories of your children, work on that for several days or even months. Then write about your life, thoughts, and feelings. Advance to your parents life, or even farther back. Write small things, words, or whatever comes to your mind. Just write and keep at it. Someday you'll have something that may be cherished in the future.


Quote:
Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. --taken from Philippians.


Blessings.

The Senior's Breakfast Special
A friend--Joyce--sent this to me this morning. I'm sure she wasn't pointing any fingers toward me about this topic! Laugh! But for all you senior readers out there--enjoy!

We went to breakfast at a restaurant where the "seniors' special" was two eggs, bacon, hash browns and toast for $1.99.

Sounds good," my wife said. "But I don't want the eggs."

"Then I'll have to charge you two dollars and forty-nine cents because you're ordering a la carte," the waitress warned her.

"You mean I'd have to pay for not taking the eggs?" my wife asked incredulously.

"YES!!" stated the waitress.

"I'll take the special."

"How do you want your eggs?"

"Raw and in the shell," my wife replied. She took the two eggs home!

DON'T MESS WITH SENIORS!!!



Announcement: Don't forget to check out Friday's blog and interview with Deb Vogts. She's a great writer and I can't wait to hear the news that she's been contracted. I feel privileged to be one of her critique partners! Don't miss it!



I'm sure all of you know this; but just in case, here's one single hint today for you:
Rinse your floors after washing. Soap residue leaves a floor looking cloudy and attracts dirt faster. After cleaning, rinse with water and some white vinegar. This neutralizes the floor and removes soap residue. The result will be a truly clean and shiny floor.



Quote:
Right now a moment of time is fleeting by! Capture its reality . . .become that moment. --Paul Cezanne

Blessings.

I Want an Elephant Hat!

No wonder I get brain freezes! I don't have an elephant hat. Yeah, you heard me right. I just found out this morning that a writing bud uses her elephant hat (ordered from a friend in Sri Lanka) and her writing fl-o-w-s when she wears it. So . . . obvious conclusion: I need a writing hat desperately to stop these brain freezes that I've been having.

Seriously, elephants have fascinated me for years. Those big lumbering animals are something quite out of the ordinary, wouldn't you say? Skinny tail, long, long nose, big teeth (tusks) trunk-like legs, beady eyes, flapping, fan-like ears.

Strong and smart, they've been tamed (after a fashion) for use in riding (see foreign countries--both dignitaries and the poor have used them for transportation), working (pulling loads, dislodging trees), war, and acting (circuses and entertainment places).

Comics and cartoons have rendered the elephant as a dear, funny, big-eared creature. Many children's books (Babar, Dumbo, Horton, The Elephant Child) have been written about elephants.

It's said they have a far better memory than any in the animal kingdom, even humans. Their temporal lobe (used for processing audio information such as hearing and language) is greater than for the dolphins. They have a capacity for showing emotions such as grief (cover their dead with branches), art, play, use of tools, compassion and self awareness. This shows an evidence of intelligence only rivaled by dolphins and primates. They laugh, cry, feel moody and protective over their young, remember another elephant they haven't seen for years, are jealous and have fits of rage.

Enough? Let me give you a few interesting facts about them:

They can produce sub-sonic rumbling sounds that other elephants can feel through their feet.
Mother elephants carry their babies for around 22 months.

At birth, babies weigh around 200 - 250 lbs. Whoo!
Babies have several "Allomothers" (babysitters) who help care and rear the baby.

Elephants eat vegetation and digest only 40% of what they eat.
At full speed running, an elephant can reach 24 mph.

An elephant uses it's trunk for social uses such as caressing during courtship, greeting by entwining, play wrestling. They use a raised trunk as a warning or threat while a lowered one can show submission. They flail their trunks at unwanted intruders and rely on them for their highly developed sense of smell, pivoting them like a periscope to determine locations.

They love water. Hmmm. Now that should tell us something: They're smart and love water.
Interesting, huh? No wonder I've always wanted one. Preferrably a pink one -- grin! (and it doesn't have anything to do with alcohol!).

Here's a fun idea! Create a Culinary Scrapbook.
Don't be real formal with this. Handwrite. Include:

Scriptures. Anything that comes to you while cooking.
Quotes from the radio, friends, or a book you read while waiting on that casserole to cook,
precious things children say, advice from grandmother.
Handwritten notes, letters, recipes. What a treasure!
Absolutely favorite recipes and recipes handed down for generations.
Menus you love, grocery lists frequently used,
special meals prepared for company and their comments
Maybe a directory of stores you're especially fond of.
What about photos? Families and friends, your kitchen, food preparation.
Labels. This is such fun! Homemade ones from gifts. special food ones.
Your kids favorite dessert ones.
Maybe a rundown on each family member's love of food. Example: My husband loves sweet potatoes so much that even though he is allergic to them, he still devours them . . . I love coffee, but drink too much, so I'm going to bring my teacups out to decrease the amount . . . my son loves the chicken tenders hubby fixes with his own special blend of honey mustard
. . . you get the idea?
A list & maybe a sealed sample of herbs we love best and how we use them.
Plant them? Process them?
Essential Oils and other homemade remedies that are
prepared in your kitchen.

Use your creative mind. What do you love and cherish?
Purchase a cheap 3-ring notebook, add your own special decorations
and begin on that scrapbook that will be one
more precious memory in someone's life.

ANNOUNCEMENT:
Look for the new interview I'll feature on Friday's blog with writer Deb Vogt. I'm sure you'll be interested in reading her take on writing!



Quote:
Everything in life is most fundamentally a gift. And you receive it best and you live it best, by holding it with very open hands. --Leo O'Donovan


Blessings.

How to Stay Safe

(The following is a tongue-in-cheek article. Read at your own risk. Follow at your own risk. But most of all, enjoy!)

Do not ride in automobiles. They're responsible for 20% of all accidental deaths.

Do not stay home because 17% of all accidental deaths occur in the home.

Avoid walking on streets or sidewalks because 14% of all accidents happen to pedestrians.

Avoid traveling by air, rail, or water. 16% of all accidents involve these.

Of the remaining 33%, 32% of all deaths occur in hospitals, so above all else, avoid hospitals.

But . . . you will be pleased to learn that only .001% of all deaths occur in worship services in church, and these are usually related to previous physical disorders.

Therefore, logic tells us that the safest place for you to be at any given point in time is at church. And Bible Study, too. The percentage of deaths during Bible Study is even less.

So . . . for SAFETY SAKES . . . attend church and read your Bible. It could save your life.

Chuckle.


Gotta a birthday coming up? Want to try something different, something lasting? Here are a few hints:

1. A list of things you most appreciate about him or her.

2. A gift certificate for things to do together that doesn't cost money. Give this some forethought and match with what you love to do and what they love to do. You can create the gift certificates on the computer or buy preprinted ones at an office supply store.

3. Ask each member of your family and friends to think about something they hold most dear and cherish most about living. Ask them to create a list and send it to this person for their birthday. You can give them an album to place all of them. (or do this yourself & present the birthday person with the album.
   

4. Gift certificate for favors and privileges that he or she may exchange for services later. Such as cooking a special meal, teaching them to cook a family recipe, cleaning out the garage or car, a picnic in the Spring, or a foot massage. The more creative the better the gift.

5. A list of the things you wish someone had told you when you were that age. They can be the simplest of things like not to change a flat while close to the road, don't pour bleach directly on clothes, or don't lick a frozen pole. Go ahead, I know you can do better than this.

And watch the smile that broadens that special person's lips!



Quote:
Friendship is the breathing rose with sweets in every fold. --Oliver Wendell Holmes




Blessings.

Rainbows, and Shamrocks, and the pot of gold . . .

We saw a double rainbow coming home one evening from the northern part of a state. Low on the horizon shimmering over the river, the sight was magnificent.

My eyes searched immediately for the tips of the rainbow. I know that in real life no one can find the end of the rainbow . . .

Or can we?

Isn't the rainbow a promise that we can grasp? Isn't the spirit behind the Irish blessings and beliefs--even though they bridge the gap between life and make-believe--what we NEED to realize? That in spite of hardships and setbacks and problems and worries, there are good things that deserve our attention and appreciation. That there are beautiful flowers and beautiful people out there . . . that occasionally there are rainbows, and grandmothers who are good at finding four-leaf clovers, that all of us have some kind of gold in our life if we only realize it and believe in it and accept it?

So many of their blessings and proverbs and sayings are based on an inherent belief in good and rich well-meaning to our lives.

There's a rainbow after the storm.
There are lilies in the valleys.
Behind every dark cloud is the face of Jesus.
Lucky stars, four-leaf clovers, charms, and wishing wells.
The sun shining on a couple's marriage day.
Whistling in the rain.
Soft rain and warm sun upon your face.
Joy in work and play, friends within reach, coins in your pocket.
God's blessings and protection.

Aaach . . . God, help us stretch our imaginations and beliefs and appreciation just a wee bit more . . . today and tomorrow.


Magic Green Cookies
Mix together:
1 pkg INSTANT Pistachio pudding mix;
1/4 cup vegetable oil;
1 egg;
3/4 Bisquick mix;
Roll into 1 inch balls, flatten gently on cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes. Feel free to decorate as you wish (icing, sprinkles, add nuts, whatever . . .). Makes 15 cookies.



Here are a few more hints to a less stressful lifestyle.
1) Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety. If you can't do anything about a situation, forget it.

2) Live within your budget. Don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases.

3) Have backups; an extra car key, house key, stamps, etc.

4) K.M.S. (Keep mouth shut)! This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.

5) Do something for yourself everyday.



An Irish blessing for you today and tomorrow:
May there always be work for your hands to do;
May your purse always hold a coin or two;
May the sun always shine on your windowpane;
May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain;
May the hand of a friend always be near you;
May God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.

Things I'm afraid of . . .


Granddaddy long legs. Creepy.
Snakes. Even more creepy.
Being chased (even in fun). I hate that feeling.
Someone looking in my windows. Eeek!
Rottweillers. Or any mean dog.
Rejection. What can I say?
Being tied up or in a closed box. Yuk, I'm thinking a casket.
Death. (I know, I know the answer to this one . . .)
Nightmares. I hate having these. I always wake up and snuggle closer to hubby!
Lightning. Not the heat kind, but those long jagged streaks, heaven to earth, you know?


Five more hints on reducing stress. Try them!

1) Simplify and unclutter your life.
2) Less is more.
3) Allow extra time to do things and get to places.
4) Pace yourself. spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't lump the hard things all together.
5) Take one day at a time.


Quote:
May your footsteps set you upon a lifetime journey of love. May you wake each day with His blessings and sleep each night in His keeping. And may you always walk in His tender care.


Blessings

Hillbilly Instructions

This is just for fun. A friend emailed it to me and I thought it was good for a laugh. Some people just insist on keepin' it simple! Enjoy!

The Hillbilly's Ten Commandments

1) Just one God.
2) Honor yer Ma & Pa
3) No tellin' tales or gossipin'
4) Git yourself to Sunday meetin'
5) Put nothin' before God
6) No foolin' around with another fella's gal
7) No killin'
8) Watch yer mouth
9) Don't take what ain't yers
10) Don't be hankerin' for yer buddy's stuff

You can't get any plainer than that, huh?



Hints:
Modern day is almost synonymous with stress. Here are the first five ways to help reduce some of it.

1) Pray (simple enough!)

2) Go to bed on time. Hmmm.

3) Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed. Ok-a-y.

4) Say "no" to projects that won't fit into your time schedule or that will compromise your mental health. Very good.

5) Delegate tasks to capable others. (This is especially good for all the Type A personalities)



Quote:
When we obey Him, every path He guides us on is fragrant with His loving kindness and His truth. Based on Psalm 25:10


Blessings.

Merry-Go-Round

Someone once said: What goes around comes around.

Work like you don't need the money.
Love like you've never been hurt.
Dance like nobody's watching. 
Sing like nobody's listening.
Live like it's Heaven on Earth.


I was complaining yesterday to my mother.  Seems like
everytime hubby and I try to do extra or give something
special . . . we suffer a reverse.  Now is my feeling
justified or not?

Or is that some other force working, my imagination, or
happenstance? (an old-fashion word for you!)

Does life have a way of even-ing things out? Do I suffer
because someone wishes it on me or because they've suffered?
Is it true that what goes around comes around?  Will I get
what I wish on someone else?

Superstition? God's plan? Life in general?

I heard someone wishing hurt on others (the other day) because
these people hadn't behaved how the one person thought they
should have. Will it happen that way?

Can we--those of us who trust in a sovereign God--not believe
that God has a perfect plan--not our idea of one--for us? That
if we go through valleys (where the lilies are!) they'll be a
beautiful mountain top with the sun shining somewhere?

Platitudes?  Naaah!

I kind of like to think God planned life that way. Sometimes
we have some hard times, some easy times.

We had a great business opportunity just last week. Shouldn't
that cancel out the effects of some reverse situations?  Maybe.

I had lunch with a friend yesterday.  Shouldn't that cancel out
the feeling of loneliness?  Temporarily.

Today, I'm trying to do a decent day of work. Will that cancel
out yesterday's day of laziness? or tiredness?  Hmmm.

Tonight, I may hear the rain patters on our metal roof.  Will
that make me forget all those dry summers? Possibly

If only I could remember the ditty above to work, love, sing,
dance and live today as I should.

Want some way to get rid of the pests in your house? (Sorry, I didn't mean your kids or hubby! Smile . . .) Try these hints:

Ants. Wash the area of the ant's trail to prevent others from following; sprinkle boric acid (obtained in hardware stores) along the line of entry.

Fleas. To prevent flea infestations, feed pet tablet of brewers yeast and garlic. Bathe dogs regularly during flea season and use a flea comb on your cat or dog. Vacuum furniture and carpet thoroughly and frequently (store vacuum outside of home - in shed or garage, for instance - during problem periods); clean your pet's favorite sleeping spots regularly and sprinkle with fennel or rosemary.

Moths. To prevent moths from feasting on your clothing and woolens, keep them clean and store in a cedar chest. Or place sachets made of cedar chips or lavender in your closets.

Roaches. Set out a dish containing equal parts sugar and baking soda (the sugar attracts and the baking soda eliminates)


Quote:
Eating lunch with a friend. Trying to do a decent day's work. Hearing the rain patter against the window. There is no event so commonplace but that God is present within it, always hiddenly, always leaving you room to recognize Him or not to recognize Him. -- Frederich Buechner


Blessings.

Happy Day!

Read on to find out what I wish for you today!

If you woke up this morning with more health than illness, you are more blessed than the million who won't survive the week. If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture or the pangs of starvation, you are ahead of 20 million people around the world. If you attend a church meeting without fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death, you are more blessed than almost three billion people in the world. If you have food in your refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof over your head and a place to sleep, you are richer than 75% of this world. If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace, you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy. If your parents are still married and alive, you are very rare, especially in the United States. If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are truly thankful, you are blessed because the majority can, but most do not. If you can hold someone's hand, hug them or even touch them on the shoulder, you are blessed because you can offer God's healing touch. If you can read this message, you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world that cannot read anything at all. You are so blessed in ways you may never even know.

To Keep Her Happy . . .

Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing. Proverbs 18:22
Fix her breakfast in bed.
Tell her you love her.
Admire her (let her see it in your eyes!)
Compliment her.
Tell her you love her.
Surprise her with a present.
Open the car door for her.
Take her out for dinner to a nice restaurant.
Thank her for cleaning your house.
Tell her you love her.
Call her.
Make sure she's got the best house and car that you can reasonably afford.
Buy her flowers.
If you can't afford to buy flowers, buy one.
If you can't afford to buy one, pick some wild ones.
Say your sorry when you speak harshly to her.
Tell her you love her.
Thank her for the good meal.
If it's not good, then thank her for fixing a meal.
Encourage her to pursue her interests.
Make sure she knows she's the light in your eyes.
Wash the dishes (or load the dishwasher)
Help her make the bed.
Talk.
Try to understand even when you don't.
Give her a card--doesn't have to be expensive--just give her one--or make one!
Give her a break from the kids for an evening, an hour, or at least hire a kidsitter & take her out for icecream!
Tell her you love her.

Ladies, did I miss anything? Let me know, and if your idea is a good one, I'll send you a nice bookmark depicting either my romance or my mystery. How's that for motivation?



If you're like me, you hate to clean the car in winter. Brrr! Too, too cold. But once the warmer weather hits us, I don't mind doing it. Kind of enjoy it. Well, here's a few hints about taking care of that car:

1) Wash your car in the morning or evening to avoid water spots. (Once they form, it only takes a week or so for them to begin etching into the surface which makes it harder to buff them out.

2) Be careful of the cloths you use to wash it. Lambswool is great to use. Steer clear of harsh detergents that can damage your vehicle's finish.

3) Those pits in the paint at the front of your car? Thought they were rock chips? Nope. Bugs did it. Use a protective coat of polymers several times till you have a build up. Then apply sevderal times a year after that. Bugs and dirt will wipe right off.



Quote:
Life is short, Break the rules, Forgive quickly, Kiss slowly, Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably, And never regret anything that made you smile.

Blessings.

If I Were A Millionaire . . .

Have you ever thought about it? Actually, I'm talking about becoming a muli-millionaire. Overnight. Now that's big money!

Hubby and I were discussing our options last night. (just in case this fabulous idea ever happens! A girl can't be too careful!)

First, of course, we'd give our contributions.
Then we'd invest about half of what was left of our earthly treasure.
Then (are you listening, family?) a cool million to each brother & sister in our families.
Secondly, we'd pick out a few choice good friends and give some to them.
We'd make sure our mothers are taken care of--no worries--for the rest of their lives.

Then . . . hubby and I would travel. Do some mission work that we've always wanted to do. See more of the world. We'd always be on the lookout to help worthy souls. There's a lot of needs out there, but to find the legitimate ones is another story.

Now for the fun part . . .

I'd buy a pink elephant.
I'd buy all the flowers in the world for my garden.
I'd begin collecting more rocks.
I'd buy an airplane.
I'd buy all the antique cars I wanted.
I'd buy myself into getting published (yeah, truly I would)
I might buy an island, for us, and friends and family who need to get away for a bit.
I'd help all the little children in the world--that I could--to have a happy life.
I'd pave my driveway!
I'd take photography lessons.
I'd buy a grand piano.

If only . . .



Updating your kitchen cabinets hints:

A beautiful kitchen is the heart of any home (even for those of us who spend most of our cooking time around the microwave!) Time spent together in the kitchen can bring a family closer together and make wonderful memories (although my own memories of doing dishes as a teenager are less than pleasant - something about dishwater being 'disgusting!') Turning your plain kitchen into something special isn't as hard as you might think. Here are a few simple ideas which can make your kitchen a designer showcase.

1. To give your cabinets a special flair, use three different stains. Use one lighter stain on the upper cabinets, one slightly darker on the drawers and an even darker one on the bottom cabinets. Add a little pigment in a primary color (red, blue or yellow) to add an additional dimension and a little 'pop.'

2. To add a little flair, take out a few drawers and insert low baskets in their place. You will probably have to remove the middle drawer slide or side slides, but that is easily done with a screwdriver.

3. Want to update your backsplash? Use beadboard! Have your local home improvement store cut it to length and attach with nails or adhesive.

4. Tired cabinet doors? Cut out the middle of the doors, leaving a two inch edge all around. Stale fabric panels to the back of the doors. Cover the staples with fabric trim glued with a hot glue gun. You can use any fabric from elegant to country, stripes to plaid, or gingham to quilted.

5. Update your cabinets with special memories. Attach frames painted or stained to match the cabinets to the front of each door. Fill the frames with family photos or your children*s artwork. Or highlight a special collection such as vintage handkerchiefs or postcards.

Sit back and wait for the compliments!


Quote:
I wish I had a box--the biggest I could find,
I'd fill it right up to the brim
With everything that's kind . . .
Grateful words for joys received
I'd freely give away.
Oh, let us open wide a box
Of praise for every day.


Blessings.