Strange and Wonderful Things

A couple of fun and strange things happened recently in my life.

Hubby and I like to share when we see wild animals, shooting stars, rainbows, etc., so when he stepped in the house the other day and said there were TWO red-headed woodpeckers in the same tree, I headed for the door to see for myself.

Sure enough, about five or six feet, one above the other, the two birds were pecking away industriously. We stood there sharing the moment and enjoying their busyness. Just a moment in time they we can remember.

Another day, Taffy, our Jack Russell, had been left outside. We have floor to wherever tall windows, and sometimes the animals (the ones not tied up) will stand at one of them and stare in trying to make me feel guilty for enjoying the air condition inside while they're outside, I suppose. Anyway. Taffy stared inside, unbeknownst to me.

Noah, who was inside at the time began barking. I was in the kitchen but went to see what he wanted. He looked at me, then at the window.

I ignored him. A little while later, he did it again.

I let Taffy in and that was the end of that. Noah was letting me know that I'd better let his little bossy friend in. That I'd forgotten her and I'd better do something about it.

She might be very annoying to him (he'll lift his paw at her to keep her in line), but he loves her.

Animals and nature are strange and wonderful things. Keeps you interested and expectant.

What will happen tomorrow?



Quote:
Fear is the prison of the heart. --Anonymous


Blessings

Another Writing Experience



Myself and two writing buddies traveled about an hour and half away to join other writing friends for a weekday noon meal at the Der Dutchman Restaurant. Several were there for the first time (seven), one for the second time, and the rest of us have joined together in writing events more than that.



It was a great time of fellowship with good food and a pleasant atmosphere. We called it a meet and greet meeting. After introductions, we asked the blessing, and enjoyed a delicious buffet. Then on to the important things--writing! It wasn't strange or unusual for our talk to center on writing. It's our favorite topic.



It was exciting to hear everyone's progress (some of those present were published. Yeah! Some have agents.) and the great diverse ideas being plotted from different brains. We ranged from regency historical set in England to western historical, German Baptist stories, suspense, romance, childrens, women's fiction, and probably a lot of other ideas germinating in creative minds.



We discussed a few problems we have and how we deal with them. We talked about getting ideas and how we carried them out. We discussed agents and editors, and what we liked or disliked about different publishers. We passed on encouragement and praise. We talked about our upcoming ACFW conference in Minnesota this year.



We explained how our close-at-home writing groups work (or don't work) and what a help it is when they do. We teased each other, laughed, listened, loved, and had the great kind of fun together that only another writer understands.



We argued (agreeably) why some of us wrote what and how we do. Why it works for us. Why we like and want to write certain things.



Two middle graders were with us for the first time and we encouraged and listened to their dreams and thoughts about writing. Three new people who haven't yet joined our group were welcomed and encouraged to become a part.



Donna won the book give-away (even though I tried every which way to get it! Laugh!)



Happy sigh. I'm looking forward to more rewarding days like this. I needed this day. It was an encouragement when discouragement about my writing has been nibbling at my heels.





Quote:

Trouble shared is troubled halved. --Dorothy Salyers



Blessings