Where is God?

Our niece collapsed last night and isn't breathing. Transferred her to a different hospital. Doesn't look good. Only around 21 or 22. Sweet, one of our favorites. Why did this happen?

I don't know. I don't know why there's war. I don't know why many politicians are crooked. I don't know why I can't trust the media. I don't know why we have backsets when all looks good. Why kids don't always listen. Why there's heartache and misery and pain in the world.

I guess we'd have to point a finger back to ole Adam and Eve. Didn't they start the mess the world is in? Why should we hurt because of their greed? Sin?

Here's a short story called Grandma's cake:

A little boy was telling his grandmother how everything was going wrong. School, family problems, severe health issues, etc.

Meanwhile, Grandma was baking a cake. She asked her grandson if he would like a snack, which, of course, he does.

"Here, have some cooking oil." she offers.
"Yuck," said the boy.
"How about a couple of raw eggs?"
"Gross, Grandma!"
"Would you like some flour then? Or baking soda?"
Grandma, all those are yucky!" declared the boy.


Grandma replies: "Yes, all those things seem bad by themselves. But when put together in the right way, they make a wonderful and delicious cake! God works the same way. Many times we wonder why He would let us go through such bad and difficult times. But God knows that when He puts these things all in His order, they always work for good.

"We just have to trust Him and eventually they will all make something wonderful!"

God gives us the flowers, the sunrise and sunset, pets, friends, and family. He listens when we talk. He gives when we need. God could live anywhere, but He chose our hearts.

So is God there? Does He care? Yes, yes, yes. I still don't know the answers to many questions. Probably never will. But, I guess I don't have to know; I just have to trust Him.


Don't throw them away. Use them. Here are some frugal hints for those old blankets:
Fold in half the long way, sew together. Use for exercise mat.
Extra thick mat? Sew two together.
Keep one in car for emergencies. Warmth or car repair.
Keep one to use on picnics or camping.
Line a pet's cage.


Quote:
God has a wonderful plan for each person . . . He knew even before He created this world what beauty He would bring forth from our lives. --Louis B. Wyly


Blessings.

WHO ARE YOU?

A friend of mine sent a list of fun questions and I got it this morning. This is just for fun, but it helps to make you think about yourself. See how you would answer these (I'll let you read my answers):


What time is it? 10:18 a.m.
What's your name? Caroline
What are you most afraid of? Ooooh, I don know. What about snakes, granddaddy long legs, the dark when I'm nervous, IRS (laugh), rejection.

What do you drive? Caddy, jeep
What would you like to drive? Oh, boy, this is gonna be fun! A new beamer, or some kind of fancy sports cars, or anything fast, glamourous, and beautiful. I love cars! Or maybe even an antique. I love cars!

Have you ever seen a ghost? Nooo, but I thought I did one time!
Where were you born? In a doctor's office.
Ever been to Alaska? Now that's downright mean! I've always wanted to go. Anyone want to sponsor me? I'll make it a researching work vacation!

Ever done toilet paper decorating in a tree? No, but I participated in making a fun wedding gown out of toilet paper once at a shower. Blame my sister-in-law for that one!

Which do you like: croutons or bacon bits? Don't make me choose. I like both.
Favorite day of the week? Any day that I'm alive!
Favorite restaurant? Any with good food. I kind of like that ritzy one we ate at in Chicago with friends. Don't ask me the name.

Favorite flower? Anything that blooms (tongue in cheek) Besides, if I listed them all, I'd have to ask how much time do you have?

Favorite drink? Water? Any speciality restuarant drinks (non-alcoholic, of course!)

Favorite Ice Cream? Hmmm. I love DQ's strawberry cheesecake blizzards!
Favorite fast food restaurant? Wendy's?
What color is your bedroom carpet? Off-white
What are your favorite colors? Blue, green, purple combinations. I like combinations!

How many times did you fail your driver's test? None! I wowed them with my driving ability. Something along the lines of JC's driving ability. Take note, Arlene and Saundra! Grin.

What do you do when bored? Complain (just kidding! Sort of.) Read, write, talk to hubby, go somewhere! Invite friends over, coax hubby to help out with a project! Shop!

Bedtime? Anywhere between 10 p.m. and 1 a.m. (Usually)
Rising time? Normally --- 5:30 or 6 a.m.
If you could meet anyone in the world, who would that be? President Bush, maybe a favorite writer.

What's your favorite chore? What did you say? I can't hear you. The only thing I can think of that anyway resembles work that I like to do is writing, gardening, working out with hubby, or helping him on a project I want done. Anything else falls under the when-I-get-rich-I'll-hire-a-housemaid chore.

What's your least favorite? Okay, I warned you not to ask me these kind of things. Here's the list: dusting, sweeping, mopping, window washing, bathroom cleaning, dishes, laundry, cooking. Did I leave anything out? (Are you guys still gonna be my friends when this list is over?)

How many tattoos do you have? That's personal, but I'll give you a hint. From one to ten: the number is before one and after ten. (For the math non-wizards, (like me) that's 0).

How many pets? One horse, one cow (for now), four dogs, five cats, one fish (if he survived the winter), numerous wild animals.

If you could choose one animal you'd like to have, wild or domestic, what would that be? An elephant.

Which came first: the chicken or the egg? How dumb do you think I am? The chicken, of course!

What would you like to accomplish before you die? This is my second most wished for (I won't tell you the first. Gotta keep you guessing): Have bunches and bunches of books published.



Looking-forward-to-Sweetheart-Month hint (grin):
My friend Ann suggested this hint in a recent email. So I thought: several times through February, I'll give you some suggestions on making these beautiful gifts. Here's today's which happens to take a smaller container:

Choose a pretty jar. Have you seen some of them from the cheap stores? Beautiful! Tie with ribbon. Add artificial flowers or greenery, the recipe, or some other type of decoration.

Beef Barley Soup Mix

1 pint container

3/4 C medium pearl barley, divided
1/2 C dried lentils
2 tsp. dried parsley flakes
1/4 C dried minced onions
1/4 C instant beef bouillon powder
2 tsp. dried celery flakes
1/2 tsp. dried thyme leaves
2 bay leaves
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1/4 tsp. dried minced garlic

Layer (you might want to combine a few of them) soup kit ingredients in the pint container in order listed, using half of the barley first and then the remaining barley at the top. Close container securely.

Here is the cooking instructions to attach:

BEEF BARLEY SOUP

1 jar Beef Barley Soup Mix
2 lb. boneless beef chuck, cut into ½ to 3/4-inch pieces OR 2 lb. lean ground beef
1 T vegetable oil
10 cups water

Heat oil in large Dutch oven over medium heat and brown the meat. Pour off drippings. Add the contents of the soup mix and water to the Dutch oven; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover tightly and simmer for 1-1/2 to 1-3/4 hours or until beef is fork tender. Discard bay leaves.

YIELD: 8 servings

Quote:
Celebration is more than a happy feeling. Celebration is an experience. It is liking others, accepting others, laughing with others. --Douglas R. Stuva


Blessings.

Research

I thought I'd give you an idea of what kind of research goes into a novel.

Take the romance I'm working on now, the second in my career series. It's about a restaurant owner who can't cook. Her present chef left, she needs a new one. Manny, her head waiter, recommends his nephew, but she's indecisive. More . . . Ask Sharon, she read the first three chapters, or my critique partners.

I've researched:
Knighthood, cooking schools and any information pertaining to cooking (foods, pay, etc.), certain illnesses, British foods, phrases, and words. I anticipate also doing research on ballooning--and maybe some other sports, and abuse. My research papers are approximately an inch thick--so far on just this 40 some thousand word manuscript.

Now take my suspense. I researched:
Montana (all kinds of things--animals, flora, weather, special things, etc.), Blackfoot Native Americans, P.I. work, a little archeology, detective information, arrows, garbage bins, and rope traps (took me forever on that one). My research notebook on just this one novel (90,000 works) is about three inches thick.

(The research is not counting the manuscript pages)

Do I overkill on research? Maybe a little. It's work, and I like to have what I need or more. I can keep that handy notebook with me, consult it for information, double check certain items.

What kind of research is coming up for future manuscripts I've planned? Here's a short list: Harleys, The Smokies, RV's, KOA Campgrounds, junk shops, painting, Second World War, more archelogy in depth, spiders, Jack Russell Terriers, Real Estate Realtors, Hobos, trains, fire. Just to name a few.

So, yeah, you don't just sit down and type words. And if you do, you gotta go back and research. Make sure of your facts. Document. Do all you can to make your book interesting and factual. Real. So that my friend in Oklahoma won't say: no way that happened in this state. So the reader in Pennsylvania will agree that yes, that sounds like what we'd do.

Just thought you'd like to see a little bit of what kind of work is involved in writing a novel.

Best to you all for a wonderful weekend, my dear readers.



Cute hints from salvagable goods:

Find a junk store door and use it for a table.

Take an old creamery container (or something else similar), place a piece of glass on top for a small table.

Or need a table in the kitchen? Convert a potting table into a work station.



Quote:
God bless the friend you sees my needs and reaches out a hand, who lifts me up, who prays for me, and helps me understand. --Amanda Bradley


Blessings.

Published!

No, not me. (Do you hear wailing here?)

It's friend Charlie. His new book (The Spirit From the West) from Tate Publishing will be available soon. Go to Tate Publishing.com and type in his name for a look at the cover. Beautiful!

Now, I don't know what kind of writer Charlie is. He may be horrid, but then again he may be great. Someone said he's a little like Jannette Oke. That sounds inspiring. BUT he's a fellow-writer and I'm supporting him. Will be ordering my copy soon. Hope you all take a chance on this new writer and do the same. I doubt you'll be disappointed.

And all that takes me back to my writing. Don't any of you dare sigh! I mean it. How's my writing coming along? Here's what's happening:

1) Submitted my suspense to two publishers. Have several more I hope to submit to.

2) Submitted my romance to one publisher so far. Will probably submit it to others.

3) Checking out a few more publishing houses.

4) Preparing a proposal for an agent.

5) Checking out some other agents.

6) Sent a query to an agent who requested a certain type of writing from a publishing house.

7) Sent in chapters to a contest.

8) Planning my second book in my suspense series. (It has to be at least 90,000 words, so I'm trying to get others done first before I actually do much work on this one.)

9) Working and should have finished & hopefully critiqued my second in the romance series, by end of March. Will immediately begin the third book in this series and try to complete it by summer. (Three friends' stories in separate books, and their romances)

10) Planning and hope to begin soon a cozy (soft mystery) I've been invited to submit to a publishing house this coming spring.

11) Checking on publishing my children's series.

12) Toning up the works I've completed.

Enough? Did I say I needed prayer? Love this crazy life. How else could a person (writer) get through it?



Brighten up a room with these cheap easy hints!

Look for different accessories (such as small tables, items that catch your attention or interest, lamps, frames, books, etc.) at garage sales, auctions, etc. Keep in mind what you might be looking for so that you won't come home with a lot of clutter you don't have a place for.

Dress up a lamp with a new shade. Try different colors or textures.

Spice up the room with pillows. Try new colors or textures. Use plenty of them. Or tie, stitch, or pin with elaborate pins--tea towels, material, or fabric around a faded pillow.

Use tea towels, pillow cases, any kind of material that catches your attention as cafe curtains in your kitchen. Use a bamboo rod, or whatever. Add colorful rings.

Place a worn frame over some favorite memento: glasses, card, souvenir, whatever. Makes a great three-dimensional effect. Looks ancient and stunning!

Or want something really cool? Hang a frame within a frame within a frame. Cool! Everyone will wonder what's so special about that!



Quote:
I cannot count the number of times I have been strengthened by an heartfelt hug, appreciative note, surprise gift, or caring questions . . . my friends are an oasis to me, encouraging me to go on. They are essential to my well-being. --Dee Brestin


Blessings.

Simply Friends

I'm mentoring a couple of young girls who helped me start our local writing group.

Now don't get me wrong. I don't think, and probably never will, that I've arrived at my writing success era. But after being with my online writing group, and in my online critique group, I think I'd be safe to say, I've come a long way up the road.

I've always been able to write. Came easy for me. In college, others would groan and besought leniency from long research papers. Not me. I loved them! Believe it or not, I like research. I always completed the total required page length (and could have used more!)

For fun, here's the titles of some of my papers I did. Can you guess what they were about? To add to the fun, I'll send a book to any who guesses all three subject matters correctly! How's that for generosity?

1) To Be or Not to Be

2) It's a Jungle Out There

3) Collector Maniac

Back to my beginning sentence.

These two young girls have been a tremendous help to me. Although they've needed help in so many areas, I spot their ability in writing good plots and real characters. Their help to me has been invaluable. They read my manuscripts and pick out what's missing, what I need to hone in on, what I've left out to make the reader satisfied. They point out the flaws in my characters, give hints on how to give them flaws, think up probable obstacles for the plot.

They are great friends, even though they're half my age. Thank you, Lyn and Jam for you encouragement to me. I just hope I'm that much help to them.


More winter hints, whether traveling by car or foot, these are things you should carefully take care of before setting out on that trip!

1) Know your route and keep abreast of weather conditions.
2) Drink plenty of water. Dehydration causes tiredness and reduced alertness.
3) Eat enough food. Your body needs it more in winter than summer.
4) Pack a winter travel safety kit (see yesterday's blog hints).
5) Slow down by 50%.
6) Keep a light touch on the controls.
7) Know how to recover from skids.
8) Keep tires in good condition and inflated properly.
9) Make frequent rest stops.
10) If you get stuck, stay in your vehicle.



Quote:
Friends find the sweetest sense of happiness comes from simply being together.


Blessings.

Winter Wonderland

Wow! You get any snow over the weekend? I have to confess the first, or maybe a few thereafter, is awesome. Saw kids out sledding and creating their individual snowmen for all passer-bys to gaze at and it reminded me of what fun snow is.

Remember the snow angels we use to make? The ice skating? Clearing the ponds of the snow and then that first skating session of the season? The bundles of clothing so thick you felt like an abominable snowperson? Remember the daring slides down hills that some people (NOT me
!) can hardly walk down now? (and hubby hasn't gone down that monster hill yet!) I use to even love to make my car skid on slippery roads.

It's easy to forget. I hate traveling on bad roads! I don't care much anymore for the frozen feel of fingers and feet! Laugh. Why didn't we feel that when younger? Did we just not care? Or did the blood flow faster?

Why does working on my manuscripts, reading, enjoying my fireplace, and inside activities attract my attention more now? Why, when I do go outside, does it take me 30 minutes to work up some enthusiasm? Why is it more fun to watch the lazy quarter-sized flakes falling then to go outside to taste them? What happened to my taste for snow ice cream?

Ah, don't tell me I'm getting old. I don't wanna hear it. I think it's just a different season of my life. I've advanced to a new realm (or whatever they call it) of my life.



Most of you will know these things, but they are great for those who have to drive in the winter (who doesn't?). Just a few ideas to keep you safe:

These are a given. Be prepared for the unexpected emergency...always carry a First Aid kit, map, ice scraper, snow brush, matches, candles, flashlight, warning triangles, flares, tow and battery jumping cables, folding shovel, a bag of sand, a blanket, winter gloves, cell phone if you have one, and an emergency HELP sign that you can put in the back window if you need help.

A blanket is a good idea--just in case. If you have any winter clothes you don't wear anymore, especially an old pair of boots, throw them in the trunk, too. (I love this idea!)

It's also a good idea to take along some extra water, for drinking and other uses. Non-perishable snacks are great to have, too.

Keep all your car's windows, mirrors and lights clear of snow and ice.

Always keep the air intake grill free of snow and ice.

Take an extra minute to clear all the snow and ice from your car. This will help avoid sheets of ice flying off the car and hitting the car behind you. Check that headlamps, turn signals, and tail lights are unobstructed by snow and ice


Quote:
The fountain of beauty is the heart, and every generous thought illustrates the walls of your chamber. --Francis Quarles


Blessings.

Words, Words, and More Words

I had this fun email the other day from a writing loop I'm on. Thought I'd share with you. No wonder people say English is the hardest language to learn. It's enough to make any person question his sanity. Read on . . .

The bandage was wound around his wound.
The farm was used to produce produce.
The dump was so full that it had to refuse more refuse.
We must polish the Polish furniture.
He could lead if he would get the lead out.
The soldier decided to desert his dessert in the desert.
Since there is no time like the present, he thought it was time to present the present.

Crazy, huh?
How's this?

Let's face it: English is a crazy language! There is no egg in eggplant, nor ham in hamburger, neither apple nor pine in pineapple. English muffins weren't invented in England, nor French Fries in France. Sweetmeats are candies while sweetbreads, which aren't sweet, are meat.

What about these paradoxes? Quicksand can work slowly. Boxing rings are square. A guinea pig in neither from Guinea nor is it a pig.

Now you tell me . . . what language did you say you were going to change to?

More later . . .


Love to scrapbook? Here is a fun water paper hint for the scrapbook enthusiast:

Cut your card stock paper the size that you want it to be. Usually you would use this technique for layering.

Take a spray bottle of water and spray gently the paper on both sides till it damp (colour changes a bit).

Crumple the paper up in a ball then simply uncrumple and let dry.

It gives the paper wrinkles and an aged look once it is dry you can use it for layering or background paper in your scrapbook. You can also rip it for a cool effect. Easy to try!!

Quote:
If peace be in the heart, the wildest winter storm is full of solemn beauty. --C.F. Richardson


Blessings.

I'm Hurting and Nobody Cares

Yeah, some topic.

Ever hear that announcement (ad?) where they talk about this guy (Jack Thomas) who almost makes it through a freezing night, but didn't because those (and they list several individuals who were going to, but didn't, do something (volunteer) to help him? Example: work at a food kitchen, donate used clothes, etc.

I hate to hear that advertisment, or whatever it is. I feel like crying, I'm upset, and usually tune it out. Why? Because I have this nagging feeling that maybe I haven't done enough.

I'll be honest. Many times in our ministry, I feel overwhelmed with all we have to do. I feel depressed at times. I'm torn between loving the job and hating it. Why anyone in their right mind would seek it, is beyond me. But there are joys and satisfaction in parts of it. I love the fellowship, the times when we've ministered and its been effective.

So why do I always feel like I don't do enough? Why is there always this "thing" that pushes me to do more, work harder, take on one more thing? Am I a Type A personality? Am I stubborn? Or is it just stupidity that doesn't know when to stop?

Why do I feel so keenly? Hurt when my friends lose a mother? Hurt when a critique partner gets two rejections on a story that won prestigious contests? Why do I hurt when Molly--the old (and getting older all the time) arthritic chow dog stands and looks in my window at the rest of us in the warm house? (She's always been an outside dog, but guiltily, I run and get her a dog treat. Go away, Molly. Stop it, Molly. I can't stand you doing that.)

Yeah, there's a lot of people out there who are hurting. Some show it, some don't. My heart aches. Do I really, really care? Or am I tuning them out? Am I really doing enough?



Winter Hints for those with fussy heat:

• Leave your toothpaste and deodorant in the fridge, so it won't freeze overnight
• Have a shower at night, that way if the pipes freeze you'll be reasonably clean the next day.
• Keep a bag of gravel in the boot of your car. You can throw it under your tires for extra traction in the ice. Alternatively you can use your car mats.
• Keep an old pair of socks ready for icy days. You can put them over your shoes for extra traction

Quote:
There are times when encouragement means such a lot. And a word is enough to convey it. --Grace Stricker Dawson


Blessings.

Purple Cows, Puddles, and Pansies

"I never saw a purple cow, I never hope to see one,
But I can tell you anyhow, I'd rather see than be one." (Mr. Gelett Burgess)

Remember that ditty?
Ever hear of the Flylady?
Ever smile at the purple funny faces pansies have?

Flylady cries purple tears. Really. She passes on house hints and when she reads a touching response from a reader, she cries. Her hubby says she cries purple tears. Cute!

I'm not sure if there is a more regal color than purple. Else why would kings wear purple more than another color? Why did God choose to make purple pansies, irises, violets? Cause he knew there would be one female on this earth who likes them? Cause he wanted something gorgeous to go with all the other flowers on earth? Who knows? But I'm glad He did.

What kind of nonsense was the poet thinking of to write about purple cows? Was he having a silly day that produced a ditty that's gone the round for several years? Or was he being sarcastic about cows in general, putting them down with his satire for the creature?

Was he writing for his kids, making laughter for them? Or poking fun at the awkward animal? Did he despise them, or love them? Or was he like the writer who wrote one of the most touching books I've ever read about dogs, but couldn't stand them himself? (How could he do that?) Did Mr. Burgess understand cows or were they just there; something to help fill that day?

Purple is a mysterious color, associated with both nobility and spirituality. The opposites of hot red and cool blue combine to create this intriguing color. Because purple is derived from the mixing of a strong warm and strong cool color it has both warm and cool properties. A purple room can boost a child's imagination or an artist's creativity. Too much purple, like blue, could result in moodiness. (Ah ha, no wonder royalty can be both creative and moody!)

Purple has a special, almost sacred place in nature: lavender, orchid, lilac, and violet flowers are often delicate and considered precious.

The color of mourning for widows in Thailand is purple. It's also the favorite color of Egypt's Cleopatra. It has been traditionally associated with royalty in many cultures. Purple robes were worn by royalty and people of authority or high rank. The Purple Heart is a U.S. Military decoration given to soldiers wounded in battle.

I could talk about my purple elephant (one of the two smallest ones I have in my elephant collection), but I'll save that for another day. I could talk about the purple clouds or the purple haze over the Smokies. Ever heard of violet eyes? Or purple smoke? Purple bruises? Purple food?

Enough!


Hints:
Got any hot spots in your home? What I mean is: clutter attracts clutter.

Confession: mine is the dining room table (my sister-in-law is so fanatical about nothing but decoration being on her table that I feel guilty every time I look at mine).

We all collect. Yep, all of us. So my own writing stuff, stuff I bring home from work, mail, something hubby has to return to someone, things we need to remember to take with us the next weekend to wherever we're traveling to, papers I need to return to writing buddies, etc., etc. That's my hot spot. So much clutter I have to scoot paper over to make way to sit to eat. Shame!

Here's how to deal with our hot spots:
1) Take a trash bag and throw away five things. Don't look in it; just do it.
2) Then take a bag and put in it things to be given away, or returned--whatever. Close it and haul it out to the car.
3) Take 10 minutes and sort!
4) Next day 10 more minutes.
5) File or throw away what you don't want.
6) Find a place, basket, folder, corner, someplace to keep your not-needed-now-but-soon items. Stick to using it. Don't allow yourself to go back to your old habits.

If you'll try this, so will I. Ask me if I carried through. Sigh. Work tonight!


Quote:
I see in the stars, in the rivers, I see in the open fields, patches of heaven and threads of paradise. Let me sew the earth, the day, the way of my life into a pattern that forms a quilt, God's quilt, to keep me warm today and always. --Christopher de Vinck


Blessings. Have a right royal purple sunshiny day!

Heart Hurts

When . . .

I open my big mouth and can't (or don't) explain well enough so that the other person understands what I'm on about.

A dear friend loses his mother.

A dear nephew loses his brother.

We had to put a loved pet to sleep.

When I'm misunderstood.

If my manuscript is rejected.

If someone misunderstands what I'm writing, doesn't get it, or doesn't like it.

I leave, or they leave me, people I love.

My kids don't understand where I'm coming from.

My friend is tired from overwork.

There's a division between two people I admire.

Leaving the mission field--those we've ministered to.

Suffering, Rudeness, unkindness, blatant stupidity shown by the uncaring.




Tea Tips:
1) For a different taste: disolve lemon drop candy in your tea.
2) Bitter tea? Add a pinch of baking soda. Perfect every time!
3) Make ice cubes with lemonade and use in your tea, with less water.
4) Or make your ice cubes with your favorite tea.
5) Or use muffin tins or cupcake tins for really large ice cubes.


Quote:
Long years you've kept the door ajar to greet me, coming from afar; long years in my accustomed place I've read my welcome in your face. --Robert Bridges


Blessings.

Rain Reminds Me Of . . .

Poems
Colds
Tin Roofs
Hydroplaning
Mud Puddles
Spring
Flowers
Coziness
Dampness
April
Not worrying about whether the car is clean or not (ashamed look here)
Kids
Worms

Another baker's dozen of things. See quote below. Why is it raining today? I don't know. My hubby's brother and sister-in-law vacationing in Hawaii probably don't care. Those in Denver covered in snow storms, probably wish for rain (unless they're skiing), those living in deserts probably are praying for it. So . . . I'd say I'm pretty blessed with a nice rainy day today. What's the purpose of this day for me? Hmmm, we'll see.


Speed Cleaning Hints:
Does a lick and a promise count?

1) Make every move count. Work around room once, don't backtrack, carry equipment with you.

2) Use the right tools. Use a cleaning apron to carry your tools with you!

3) Work from top to bottom. Dirt follows gravity like everything else. Makes sense, huh?

4) If it isn't dirty, don't clean it. Vertical surfaces aren't as bad as horizontal. Upper shelves and molding have less dust than lower ones. Etc.

5) Move on. When you're done, you're done. Don't manufacture more work.

6) When you're cleaning, if what you're doing doesn't work, shift to a heavier duty cleaner or tool. The more you work like this, the better you'll get at knowing what works where.

7) Keep your tools in impeccable shape. Dull razors scratch, not clean. Clogged spray bottles, well, you know what will happen there.

8) Repetition makes for smoother moves. Always put your tools back in the same spot in your apron so you don't have to fumble around for them.

9) Pay attention to what you're doing. Helps to keep things going smoother.

10) Keep track of your time. Try to break your record for the last time you swept that floor!

11) Use both hands. Finish one step and move on the the second with the other hand.

12) If you've got help, use them. Ten minutes is ten minutes. Even kids can use a vaccuum.

When you've learned all this, let me know. I'll let you come and speed clean my house! Grin!



Quote:
Life is so full of meaning and purpose, so full of beauty--beneath its covering--that you will find that earth but cloaks your heaven. --Fra Giovanni


Blessings.

And to Think That I Saw it on Mulberry Street!


Didn't see any elephants (except my collection of them) or parades, but I did see . . .

A bear on the side of the road,
A lost shepherd dog late last night,
Three separate gigantic shooting stars as a special omen to me,
Taffy and Simon (dog and cat) rolling across the floor wrestling,
A new spectacular title for a mystery as yet unplanned,
A lucky penny,
A deer taking a siesta (not at noon, but midnight) on my lawn,
Friends that I hadn't seen in years,
A lie made right,
Two mothers doing good deeds,
Two good Christmas stories (read, thus saw) written by my mentees,
A double rainbow,
Love shining through my hubby's eyes.

There you have it, a baker's dozen of beautiful things. And I didn't make them up! Smile.



Here are some suggestions to try. Whether they work or not is up to the individual:

Headache? Cut a lime in half and rub on forehead. Hmmm.
Mosquito bite? Rub soap or (snicker) hemorrhoid cream on bite. Instant relief.
Colds, Flu? Boil lemonde and drink as hot as possible to help relieve symtoms.
Asthma irritated by mites in pillows? Toss pillow in hot dryer for 20 minutes to kill mites
Stings? Bees: Bicarbonate soda Wasps: vinegar



Quote:
Living is the constant adjustment of thought to life and life to thought in such a way that we are always growing, always experimenting new things in the old and old things in the new. --Thomas Merton


Blessings.

Contentment: Some Have it, Some Don't

Here's a story that gave me a warm feeling this morning when I read it. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Attitude

There once was a woman who woke up one morning, looked in the mirror, and noticed she had only three hairs on her head. "Well," she said, "I think I'll braid my hair today."

So she did. And She Had A Wonderful Day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and saw that she had only two hairs on her head. "Hmm," she said, "I think I'll part my hair down the middle today."

So she did. And She Had A Grand Day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that she had only one hair on her head. "Well," she said, "today I'm going to wear my hair in a pony tail."

So she did. And She Had A Fun, Fun Day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that there wasn't a single hair on her head. "Yea!" she exclaimed, "I don't have to fix my hair today!"

Attitude is everything.

I think I gave you a few hints like this, but it's so-o-o good, I thought it would be good to include it again today. Especially since we're still enthralled with the "New Year." I stood just the other day staring and holding a large (nice, too) piece of cardboard, debating whether to keep it or not. Of course, I had no use for it right then, but maybe I would. I did the right thing and tossed it. (Probably regret it, but . . . )
Hints: How do you deal with clutter?

First, don’t panic. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, to walk away, have a coffee.

1. Start today Procrastination is the major obstacle to decluttering.

2. Choose a small area to start. Say you decide to sort out your sock drawer. Set a timer for 15 minutes. Put on some upbeat music and you’re ready to go. Then completely empty it and give it a quick clean. As you pick up each item ask yourself why am I keeping this? No matching socks? Give yourself another ten minutes to search in the laundry room for it. Otherwise, pitch it.

3. Keep up the momentum. Decide to do a set amount a day, such as 30 minutes. Remember one person's clutter is another person's treasure, so get the rest of the family involved in sorting their own stuff.
   

.

4. Letting Go of the Small Stuff Once you have decided to let things go, it’s crucial to get them out of the
house as soon as possible. Unwanted items can be given to charity, friends or family or recycled. Or you
could sell them at a car boot sale or second hand clothes shop or advertise in your local newspaper.

5. How does it feel? As you put things in the bin or charity shop bag, you may feel great and feel a huge sense of relief. Or you may feel guilty that you are wasting money by throwing things away. You may also feel guilty that you are letting go of unwanted presents or baby clothes. I know many people feel it is wrong to ever discard a photo, even if it is blurred or brings back unhappy memories.
   

People are often scared that the minute they part with something they will need it and consequently hold onto copious junk. I call this the “ghost feeling”, it takes a while to get used to a newly decluttered home.
All these feelings are a completely normal part of the decluttering process. They often stem from what you were taught in your family. Many of my clients come from families where hoarding is a common problem.

So how do you cope with these feelings?

i. Sentimental items Be sentimental but selective. Choose a beautiful box in which to keep sentimental items. Keep a few cherished baby clothes and give the rest to someone who will use them. Put photos into albums only keeping the best ones and let the others go.

ii. Broken things Give yourself a deadline for broken items to be fixed, if not discard them.

iii. Presents – if someone gives you an unwanted gift and there is no polite way to refuse, accept gracefully and respect the other person’s feelings. But remember it is your home and if you do not like something, it will drag your spirits down every time you look at it. So dump the guilt and let it go.

iv. Paper Be ruthless with paper. Put junk mail straight in the recycling and decide how long you will keep newspapers. Remember no-one has time to read everything.

v. Fear The “what if” thoughts are some of the hardest to deal with. I call these clutter thoughts. A useful tip is “one in, one out”

If you really feel panicky about letting go of something then store it for 6 months in the loft or shed. Put the date on it. If you haven’t used it in 6 months then give it away.

7. Storage

Store like with like, such as all vases together. We use 20% of our possessions 80% of the time so put this 20% in the most accessible places. Treat yourself to storage items such as a filing cabinet, a shoe rack or a pretty box in which to keep sentimental items.

8. The benefits

There are so many benefits to decluttering and letting go of old stuff. A more relaxing home where you can find things when you want them. Enjoy the lighter feeling you get when you look around. Next time you indulge in a little retail therapy you’ll have a much clearer idea of what you own and what you actually need.



Quote:
True contentment is a real, even an active, virtue--not only affirmative but creative. It is the power of getting out of any situation all there is in it. -- G.K. Chesterton


Blessings.

Rejection

Ouch! How would you like to get 100 rejections for your manuscript (novel)? How about 140?

Yikes, I don't know if I'd have that kind of strength. I'm serious.

You know the Chicken Soup books? The very first one was submitted by the authors 140 times to different publishing houses (probably some more than once).

And I expect (and want, pray, beg, desire, and any other word I can, or cannot think of) to be published first time around.

So I need to get real. (I'm trying!) I've written, edited, paid to have it critiqued, critiqued more, cut portions out of my baby, and finally--puff, puff--think its ready. I've prayed over it, worried, fretted, and let it simmer.

Is it publishable?

I don't know. We'll see.


Hints to make meal preparing easier and a happier time:

"How many times have you stood in front of your refrigerator at suppertime and not had a clue what you are going to feed your family? All of us struggle with preparing meals and it becomes such a chore because we don't plan ahead."

• Set aside time each week to do your menu planning. Start by planning menus with your family's favorites, or plan meals which use up the food in your freezer and pantry.
• Write down on your calendar what your are going to have for supper each day that week, even if you eat out. Don't forget the side dishes.
• Put together a grocery list before you go to the market. Then, only buy what you need.
• Now, you know what is for supper for the entire week and you know you have the ingredients! Happy cooking!

Quote:
Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. Remember the wonders he has done. --Psalms


Blessings.

Hickory, Dickory, Dock

The other day one of the loopers in my writing group told a story.

She was working in her church basement, typing away and concentrating on a nonfiction book. She felt something watching her. She looked up and there forming a circle around her were several mouse staring at her. They did that for several days.

Wondering what she was doing? Trying to figure out why she'd invaded their territory? Hoping to get something (cheese?) from her?

I loved the story!

If any of you have read snippets of my mystery, the protagonist (heroine), Tara, has a pet mouse named Hickory. You might ask--why choose such a pet?

Here's why: because I like pets in my stories. (I love animals, but I won't start spouting about that!). In this one, I wanted a pet that could travel with Tara: small, smart, interesting, and different. Something that would get Tara attention and questioning looks. And a mouse came to me.

In the book, Tara first receives the pet as a joke from her twin brother, but ends up loving the little fellow. He even helps her in his own initiative way, in her cases.

I researched mice before using Hickory: went to a pet story, studied (in the store) a book, checked on the mice they had, and even considered buying one for an experiment. They are smart, fun, and who knows? If you've ever owned a pet, you know that most of them are NOT predictable. They have senses that go beyond what we know or feel. Why should mice be any different?

So, I rest my case. I think I made a good choice for Tara's pet.

What do you think?



Don't you just hate it when you've gotten a stain on something you love?
Stain Remover Hints:
Rubbing Alcohol--Grass
Ammonia--Sweat
Baking Soda--Odors
Cream of Tartar & Lemon Juice--a great homemade bleach
Hydrogen Peroxide & Cold Water--Blood
Shampoo--ring around the collar, mud, & cosmetic
Pine-Sol--any stain
Dish Soap--Olive oil/cooking oil & grease
WD-40--salad dressing, grease splatters, crayon (spray on, set 10 mins, work in soap, wash)



Quote:
Don't ever let yourself get so busy that you miss those little but important extras in life--the beauty of a day, the smile of a friend, the serentity of a quiet moment alone. For it is often life's smallest pleasures and gentlest joys that make the biggest and most lasting difference.


Blessings.

Ah, Those Sweet Angels

Yeah, right!

Now, up front, I'm not against angels, not against collecting them. I've got several myself, one tops my Christmas tree every year.

But are angels the sweet things portrayed?

Here's what the Bible says:

Luke 20: They don't marry
Acts 7: They reveal the law
Zechariah 1: They bring messages from God
Hebrews 1 & Revelation 5: They praise God
Daniel 6 & Acts 12: They protect God's people

Some angels rebelled, some tempt us to sin, work through false teachers, and attempt to separate believers from God.

Angels are not sweet beings, they are powerful, used by God to work in the world (Hebrews 1).

Our focus should not be on them, but on God. God sends them, uses them, orders them.

Now, to throw a cog in the wheel: Have you heard any old timers talk about seeing angels? My grandmother said she saw two of them with my grandfather between them, leading him away, when he died. True? I don't know.


Hints:
It's so-o-o easy to procrastinate doing things we don't want to do. Anyone else suffer from this? This doesn't mean we're not normal. Lots of people procrastinate. But it can be addictive. It's messes up your schedule (day) and you can find at the end of the day, you feel worse or depressed by not accomplishing what you'd wanted done. Here's a few hints to help us get to the bottom of this procrastination-thing:

1) Accept the job at hand. Learn to make lists (waving hand madly, because I do do this! Yeah!) Write it down. Accept that you should be responsible. Tackle that list one thing at a time. Don't look at it as a whole, but as individual items to be checked off.

2) Think of the end result. What happens if you don't get No. 1 checked off? Who's disappointed? How will you feel? How will you feel when it's accomplished?

3) Remember your reward. It doesn't matter whether you get a trophy, a raise, or a pat on the back. It's YOUR satisfaction that matters. You succeeded. A powerful emotion.

4) Make no room for excuses. Push them away. They will always be there. "I don't feel like it." or "I can't do it right anyway." If its your task, if you're responsible for it, if its important and/or urgent, then do it. Don't allow yourself the temptation to postpone.

5) Get to the bottom of your procrastination. There has to be a reason for why you want to procrastinate that job. Example: I hate getting started on many things (research being one), but actually I love research. I enjoy--and probably over research--on things--once I get started. If it's too hard for you, you don't have the expertise (repairing), get someone else to do it.


Quote:
Live as though you believe that the power behind the universes is a power of love, a personal power of love, a love so great that all of us really do matter to Him. --Madeleine L'Engle


Blessings.

Climbing That Mountain

Did you follow the story of the climbers who got stranded and died on the mountain right before Christmas? I did and kept thinking: they're experienced climbers. They've taken what they need to survive, they'll make it, they know the ropes. Hang on guys!

But they didn't make it.

Why did they climb that mountain? What made them do it? Risk their lives to climb to the top? What was it about mountain climbing that was so inspiring they risked everything to do it?

What do we do that is worth risking everything we have? Do we have goals that are that important? Aims that we shoot for? Desires that push us to our limit?

Most of us want our families and friends to know God and love him. Most of us want--if we don't already have it--financial security and rest about our immediate future. We want to be on good terms with those around us.

On a little lighter level, what desires, callings, goals--call it what you want--do we have that push us beyond the normal, to times of stress, but fulfillment?

Take my youngest son for example: he loves to ski. The thrill of flying down a mountain, the wind is his face, the feel of daring, the snow and mountain the only thing around. It's an inspiration to him. It makes him come alive, his face glowing, his spirits soaring.

What makes hubby love daring things? Heights and flying airplanes and strong machines with power. Things that cause the adrenalin to shoot through his veins. Activities that bring his emotions high. Danger.

What makes me risk dejection, depression, stress, hard work, rejection, and more hard work in my writing? Hope. Hope that someday I will succeed, I will be published, I will make it. That pressure inside that forces me to hop to it, type at the computer when I could be doing other things.

What do you want that is worth the risk?

Does cleaning your home bore you to tears? Try a few of these creative ideas to help make cleaning more bearable:

• Call a friend on your cordless phone while folding laundry.
  
• Listen to worship music or a book on tape while dusting or washing the windows.
  
• Enlist help from family members by creating a game out of who can clean his or her room the fastest.
  
• Grab your hubby or roommate to clean alongside you while you enjoy some quality chat time.
  
• Play the alphabet game while you wash dishes with a family member—the first person comes up with a food beginning with "a," the next person thinks of a food beginning with "b," and so on.
  
• Reward yourself with a mug of joe or bowl of ice cream for a job well done when you're through.

Quote:
Every day under the sun is a gift. Receive it with eagerness. Treat it kindly. Share it with joy. Each night return it to the Giver who will make it bright and shiny again before the next sunrise.


Blessings.

New Year's Day/Weekend

What did you do?

I went through part of the full-critique I'd received from a friend on my romance novel. Of course, it was depressing in a way when I realized what I'd have to change. Not because I'm wrong and she's right. But because many of her suggestions were good ones and I verified some of them with a second opinion.

By the way, she's a no-nonsense person; I'm a romantic (is that good or bad?). But one thing I've learned is, her suggestions balances out my writing. When I have a tendency to ignore certain items, she brings me square around (What? Does that make sense?) to face what I've written. Can I improve this? Shouldn't I dig a little deeper into this person's character: what she thinks or feels? Can't I exploit the plot a little more thoroughly?

Work, work, work. So though it is more work to read her comments (and they are severe!), on my beloved baby, they make me dig deeper. Work harder. Try to be better. And I think, with all honesty that my suspense has grown this past year for all the critiquing my group has given it. Thank you, Peg, Christy, and Deb!

I'm trying to finish up my proposals for two works: romance and suspense. Then I'm moving on to the next in the romance series and hopefully, the second book I've planned for my suspense. Between all that extra time I'll have (wry grin), I want to plot out a cozy mystery to submit sometime (spring?). And I've got three or four other short stories I'd love to develop when I have the time.

So, yes, I was busy. It was a good day. That evening we enjoyed dinner at my mother's with some excellent food. Enjoyed being with my family.

Here's a big hi to two of my nieces: Lecie & Laurnie!

Hope your day was great.



Wanna be happier? Here are a few suggestions and thoughts:
1) Try to do your best in whatever you do. Those who do, feel their best.
2) Remember, when you've done YOUR best, you can feel confident in yourself.
3) Live by your own standards, not someone else's. (and the Bible's goes without saying)
4) If you opt to look at others, learn from them. How can they teach me to do better?
5) Those around you who are always praising themselves, always have to do better than anyone else, ignore!
6) If you bumble something, learn to laugh at yourself. That's a form of confidence.

A story:
When Jimmy Carter was a young naval officer, Admiral rickover asked him about his grades at Annapolis. Carter answered, "I graduated 56th out of a class of 820." The Admiral asked him if he always did his best. Carter answered he hadn't. The admiral responded, "Why not?"

This is something we can do for ourselves. Ask, Why aren't we doing our best?



Quote:
Life begins each morning . . . each morning is the open door to a new world--new vistas, new aims, new tryings. --Leigh Hodges


Blessings.