It's All About Me

You really thought I was going to talk about ME? Snort, snort, snicker. (that's me laughing). I can't believe you thought that.

Here's some things that make up me:

I'm a private person.
I like my space.
I like to be by myself sometimes.
I like to be with friends now and then.
I like to be with hubby much more than that. Smile

I have certain loves.
Like,
writing
reading
listening to tapes
sitting and working in my garden
fixing good food
traveling and having fun
eating in good restaurants
seeing my sons

hearing from my friends (which really makes my day. I get a real warm glow whenever I do. Is that how you feel too?)

Uh,

I like pictures
I like certain kinds of music: some gospel, soft easy listening, some oldies
I like listening to great live instrumental music

I like the great outdoors (hmmm, that sounds noble, doesn't it. But I'm not noble.)
I like animals, loving some up close. Admiring others from a distance.

I'd like to be when I grow up:
A better person
A published author
A photographer (I envy my sister in law; she's a great one!)
That's about it for now.

I love cars, oldies and new ones. I'd like to collect them (real ones) but, uhmm, I don't have that much money

I like people who are friendly and polite. That really makes an impression on me

I like people who are faithful and responsible and loyal. Big, big admirable personality traits to me

I like researching things

Things I thought I liked in the past, or wanted to be or do, and still harbor a token of liking for, but found out they're not a permanent, have-to-have, or have-to-do things:
cake decorating
nursing
air line stewardess
detective (like to write about them and study them but not BE one)
ceramic shop
dog breeding business
any kind of sales (what a flop!)
secretary
teaching (that's a maybe, iffy situation. Depends on WHAT I'd teach)

Things I hate:
People who are impolite in traffic
People who are traitors and liars and backstabbers
Snakes
Spiders
Granddaddy longlegs (that's what I know them as)
bad food
ugly things (me excepted. LOL)
Poverty
Most, but not all, science fiction, and horror stories. Too, too scary.
Broken stuff

I like
color combinations
cool, not hot, not cold, weather
misty mornings
autumn
Christmas
Easter
picnics
waterfalls
double rainbows
my pets
my friends and family (most of them. Smile)
flowers
veggies
fruit
water
soft rain
umbrellas
warm, snuggly sweaters
nice boots
candles
bed after a busy and successful day
writing
writing
books
being published
YOU

Enough about me.
Have a great day!



Quote:
A wise man will make more opportunities than he finds. --Francis Bacon


Blessings

Wowie and Zowzie!

What a conference! This year's writing conference was one of the best I've attended for ACFW. Here are some good stuff I liked:

• reconnected with old friends
• met some new ones
• talked with some people I've been too shy to talk to before
• Had TWO people in our state group that one awards. Isn't that amazing?
• Had ONE critique partner final in a contest.
• Had a fun and entertaining breakfast with my literary agency and some of their clients (including me, of course!)
• Met with SIX editors. Whooeee! That is outstanding.
• Had FOUR of them request samples.
• Went through a depressing time while there, but with God's help and prayer from friends, pulled out of it. I should know by now that God doesn't fail; I just have to leave it all in His hands and for His timing!!
• Loved the class sessions I attended.
• Wasn't too nervous talking with editors.
• Gave up time talking with one editor so a sweet friend could have that special time. It all worked out anyhow.
• Learned a few things.
• Was able to brainstorm with hubby about a novel we may do together on the way home.
• Received some affirmation on my writing
• Learned that in the end it all comes down to doing what my heart and gut feeling says.
• Came away feeling re-energized to keep on.
• Came away feeling more than ever before that I must have God's anointing and timing for my career in writing. It's all about Him.
• Had a chorus replay in my mind since leaving. Re-learned that God is my all in all, my shelter, my everything.
• THINK I've become brave enough to enter the contest year. Still searching on that one. LOL

Perhaps more later.


Quote:
A wise man will make more opportunities than he finds. --Francis Bacon


Blessings

A SCRAPBOOK OF CHRISTMAS FIRSTS

(Leafwood Publishers, October 2008)

A wonderful new gift book,

A Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts,

is available in October for Christmas giving.

Today, I’ve invited the six coauthors to share their unique story of how they came together to publish this exciting book full of stories, recipes, tips for simplifying the holidays and so much more (click on bookcover to see the trailer!).

First, let me introduce Cathy Messecar, Leslie Wilson, Brenda Nixon, Trish Berg, Terra Hangen and Karen Robbins.

Thank you for being here today, ladies.

Karen: Thank you for the invitation.

You are from three different areas of the country—Texas, California, and Ohio. How did you all meet?

Terra: We all six joined The Writers View, an online group for professional Christian writers. Trish and Brenda met in person in 2004 for lunch, I understand, and on 9/18/04, after reading a post Brenda sent to TWV, I sent an email to Brenda, asking if she would like to join with me and walk alongside each other, as a Barnabas group. Brenda said yes that same day, and suggested Trish too. Very quickly Cathy, Leslie and Karen joined in and our stalwart band of six was formed. Living in California, I was so happy to find 5 Barnabas writers in other states so we could bring together a wealth of different viewpoints and expertise.

Brenda: Actually, We haven’t met. We’re all great colleagues and friends via the internet. Four years ago Terra and I formed a dyad to support each other as Christians who write in the secular markets. Along came Trish, Cathy, Karen, and Leslie (not necessarily in that order) and we formed a close knit bond of support, creative energy, and professional accountability.

Karen: I met Trish through an online forum called The Writers View and she invited me to join the group.

Trish: Although we belong to the same Yahoo writing group, we met one by one online. Eventually, the six of us decided that since we all write as Christians for a secular market through magazine articles and newspaper columns, we could support and encourage one another.

Leslie: Though we met virtually through The Writers View, I have been blessed to give and get hugs from Trish (at a MOPS conference), Cathy (in the area on business) and Karen (in town for a writers' conference). I can’t wait to meet Terra and Brenda face-to-face, though I feel as though I already know them!

How did you come up with the idea to do a book together?

Brenda: The book is Cathy’s brainchild. She mentioned the concept of telling stories of events that happened for the first time at Christmas and sharing holiday historical tidbits and recipes and each said, "If you need any help, let me know." That offer morphed into each of us equally contributing and co-authoring A Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts.

Trish: Yep, Cathy came up with the idea and the title, and asked us if we wanted to join her on this project. Of course, we said Yes!

Terra: Cathy mentioned the idea for a Christmas book to the group, and someone (I think it was Leslie) suggested that maybe our group could all write the book together. Cathy agreed to lead the way on the project. The earliest email I have on this is from 9/7/05, which shows that this has been a three year collaboration from idea to publication.

Karen: (Chuckling) Terra is a librarian and keeps our historical records by saving our e-mails.

Leslie: Actually, Terra, I wrote that comment (in a group e-mail) kind of tongue-in-cheek. Cathy, the ultra-sweet person she is, took my joking at face value and here we are. However, I believe God prompted the passion and ideas we all bring to the project and that He will do mighty things as a result of our collaboration!

Why did you decide on a Christmas theme?

Brenda: It was Cathy’s concept to write a book centering on Christmas.

Cathy: For several years, I’d been thinking about Christmas as a threshold to introduce Jesus to folks who aren’t familiar with him, and I love a simpler Christmas with the emphasis on family, friends and doing for others. I knew of some families who had experienced "firsts" at Christmas—reunions, losses, special surprises—and I wanted to collect those stories.

Terra: Cathy’s idea immediately resonated with me because Christmas books are "a way past watchful dragons," as C. S. Lewis wrote. Many people won’t buy a book about being a Christian, but will buy a holiday and family fun book, thus the "past watchful dragons." People who want to grow in their faith, and people who have no faith but celebrate Christmas will buy our book and hopefully be led to put the focus back on Christ for the holiday, and for their lives.

Leslie: Though Cathy birthed the idea, the rest of us quickly hopped on board. Not only is Christmas special to me—especially now that I have a family of my own—but also that particular holiday cries out to be simplified, to return to the meaningful aspects of celebration, and to lose some of the hype and commercialism.

Tell me a little about what is in A Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts? What is your favorite part?

Cathy: I like that you can read one chapter in about 15 minutes and, with all the different suggestions, it feels like Christmas Eve. Makes you want to set up the nativity! Many of the suggestions for family activities can be adapted for any family get-together.

Karen: There are heartwarming stories about things that happened for the first time at Christmas. For instance, one of my stories is about the first Christmas with our adopted children. And the book is pretty. When I first saw the colorful pages and drawings, I fell in love with the illustrator’s work.

Brenda: I don’t have a favorite part – I love it all!

Terra: I like the way the parts are woven into a seamless whole, like a patchwork quilt, that is stronger and more beautiful than the parts.

Trish: It’s like everything you ever wanted to know about Christmas, all the best tips and recipes, and neat stories all wrapped up in this perfect little package.

Leslie: I love reading the special stories, hints, recipes—whatever—and imagining the precious family time that precipitated each moment. Plus, the book is gorgeous, beautifully printed, truly something to be proud of. And we are.

I’ve heard that the book is really a nice gift book; can you tell me a little about the format?

Cathy: Yes, it’s a hardbound book, full color interior. The layout makes it easy to read. It has a definite scrapbooky look on the interior. Different logos identify sections, such as an oilcloth-look Christmas stocking appears beside the "Stocking Stuffer Tradition" (help for connecting family members), and the "Cookie Canister" recipes are on a recipe card, and the back ground of "A Gift For You" is a gift box with bow. It’s a classy gift that they can be placed on a coffee table or in a guest bedroom during the holiday season.

Brenda: I like to describe it as a Starbuck’s sorta gift book. It’s high quality, crisp, and practical.

With six different personalities and areas of ministry, how did you manage to put this all together and still remain friends?

Karen: We pray a lot for each other and it helps that none of us have an over-inflated ego.

Cathy: There were no squabbles. Surely, we had differing opinions, but we knew that any of us could suggest an idea for this book and that each idea would get fair reviews from others. We actually voted on some aspects—everyone in favor say, "Aye." If you’ve ever watched women at a Dutch treat luncheon when they divide up a meal ticket, it can be intense as they split the ticket down to the penny. As the project came together, I was in awe of my gracious coauthors, unselfish women who respect each other.
For some decisions, we did a round robin—things like book title and chapter titles and what categories to put into the book. Then, as compiler, I’d send out a list of needs to The Word Quilters, that’s what we call ourselves. For instance in a section we call "Peppermints for Little Ones" (hints for children’s activities), I’d put out a call, and the WQs sent in their hints, and then I put them into appropriate chapters.

Brenda: (Smiling) Are we still friends? Seriously, we each have our own platform, ministry, and family life, and those interests kept this project in perspective – it was important but not the only thing on our plates. No one was so enmeshed in this project that she campaigned for her own way. We never had a bitter disagreement or insistence to be "right."

Terra: We are each other’s biggest cheerleaders.We offer support and ideas for our separate writing projects and for personal prayer requests. I love these ladies, and I have only met one of them in person. So far, Karen is the only one who has met each of us, and one day we hope to meet in person, in a circle of friendship and love.

Trish: I think we are all very flexible and forgiving. We do have a variety of personalities here, but God has worked amazing things through our little group.

Leslie: Though I have seven non-fiction projects in various stages of completion, I could not be more thankful that this is the one to reach publication first. I am truly blessed to have worked with these women, learned from them, watched as they’ve poured heart and soul into crafting a product that will impact lives for the Lord.

Where can my readers get a copy of SOCF?

Cathy: The coauthors will all have a supply, plus our publisher, Leafwood Publishers, will have plenty of copies and discounts for buying five or more. Or they can be ordered at most online stores or by your local bookstore.

Karen: And anyone who leaves a comment here can be entered in a drawing for a free book and a gift basket worth $200! For a list of its contents, check our blog,

A Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts.

And while you're there, leave another comment and increase your chances of winning!

Tell me more about your blog.

Karen: We started our blog in July and it is accumulating a wealth of information about Christmas. Each of us posts one day a week following the theme for that week. Watch for new recipes, tips, ways to simplify, stories, etc., similar to what is in our book.

Leslie: Ooh, ooh, let me answer this one. I’m probably the newest to blogging among the group, but I LOVE it. I’ve enjoyed posting and receiving comments back from readers. What an amazing adventure having an online voice can be! This blog will focus on a different theme each week—anything from tips to avoid overeating during the holidays to how to give a guest room special touches—and expand on the material in the book. I think readers will get to know the authors’ individual personalities and connect on a more personal level. Plus, they get that many more ideas, information, inspiration (!) at no additional cost.

WQs: As an added bonus for inviting us to your blog, we’d like to pass along this Christmas tidbit to you and your readers:

Enjoy a blessed Christmas this year! And thanks for inviting us to share our book, A Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts, with you.

New Book

Tomorrow I will feature on my blog a new CHRISTMAS book. A friend of mine is one of the authors. I've seen the cover and it's absolutely gorgeous. Don't miss it!

She's also including in the blog tomorrow a fantastic recipe for you to try.

And for added good measure, she will draw a name out to win some real goodies! So make sure you comment, email me, call, snail mail, or pigeon mail a remark about the feature tomorrow.

I'd sure hate for you to miss out on a good thing.

Come on, folks, check it out. You might even want to order it. It would not only make a fine gift for yourself, but great gifts for others. AND, you get the chance to order it early for this year's Christmas.

Be a sport. Check it out. Watch for it. Don't forget.

Thanks!



Quote:
People who never get carried away should be. -- Malcolm Forbes


Blessings

Gettin' Ready

Right now I'm getting ready to talk with more editors.

Of course, by the time you read this (I'm getting this ready for next week: see how thoughtful I am? Laugh.), I will have already "been there, done that."

But it won't hurt for you to read what's going to happen in your future reading material in my life, will it? Huh? Did that make sense? Oh, well.

Anyhow.
I requested TWO editors this year instead of an editor and an agent. See, I've already got this terrific agent, so I needed two editors. Hopefully, I'll get my pick, but if I don't get my first two picks, the third and fourth ones aren't bad either. In fact, they're great too.

Besides, I can always hover in elevators, doors, lobbys and other such places editors are known to hide in (that's a joke really), and waylay them with my supreme pitch. It'll probably bowl them over, and who knows, I'll probably have dozens throwing themselves into a frenzy of a bidding auction trying to get me to sign on the dotted line . . .

(Oops. Forgot myself. You just got a private read into a fantasy of mine. LOL)

Anyway.
Agent Diana does want me to talk with one certain editor and that's on my priority list. Meeting with as many editors as I can cram in, is there right at the top. I'm anxious to meet with the other agents from my literary agency (altho Diana can't be there this year), and meet some of the other authors. Also, I'm excited (sort of) to get to see some of my critique partners and friends I've met. (Slowly, but surely: that's me. Sigh)

Anyway.
I mean, Oh, well.

Wish me a favorable trip and say a few prayers for me. I'll love you forever if you do. That's a promise. I also promise to never forget you when I get rich and famous, and to always sign my books for you, and to . . .

There I go again. Dreaming . . . or wait, maybe I'm prophetic.

Yep. That's it. I can see in the future.

Love you all!


Quote:
Doubt is a pain too lonely, to know that faith is its twin. --Khalil Gibran


Blessings

What's the Lady Been Up to?



Taffy's still the queen of the farm.

• Still tearing out of the house barking and trying to stir up some action.
• Still running around the garden pond so the frogs will jump in the pond where they belong.
• Still chasing the cats; what a delight. (BTW: bought son #1 a plaque with three cats on it that said:

"We were good, but the dog was scratching the sofa again."

Yeah, right.

• Still guarding her humans from mean ole Noah (who's five times bigger than Taffy). He puts up with her and probably thinks she's a spoiled female her takes a little indulgence. Laugh.
• Still eats Noah's food and "saves" hers.
• Still tears up the stairs with me when I go to see how much hubby's got done remodeling. If she thinks I didn't stay long enough, she'll sit at the top of the stairs and stare at me.
• Still thinks she deserves the best and choicest tidbits of treats.
• Still bosses around the other animals around Sunnybank Farm.
• Still's the sweetest dog in the world.

Quote:

After all is said and done, more is said than done.





Blessings

The Very Worst Food

Here's some examples of food I've eaten or been given to eat:

Working with some neighborhood people, one of the children brought me some vegetable soup. Looked good. Tasted good. Until I found the long hair in it.

Working in a mission work, Sunday was a banquet on the grounds. Some brought in a variety of food. Two of my favorites (not!): mutton stew (yuk, too bland) and fried corkscrew intestines (I dare you!).

Ever dug into a piece of ham and found it was nothing but plain pork? Yeah, I know pork is all right. But when you're expecting ham?

How about the time the friendly hostess had mashed potatoes and they tasted like they'd sat in sewer water for a week? Oh, brother!

Or the time we ate at an Italian restuarant with our favorite spagetti. Dug to the bottom of the plate and disturbed the two flys hiding there--still alive.

You like chicken? So do I! But not tough and still bloody.

Oh, the stories we could tell. It's enough to make one paranoid!

Gotta go and wash my hands a zillion times.


Quote:
Courage is the power to let go of the familiar. --Raymond Lindquist


Blessings

Talking About Food . . .

I told you about the green beans friends had given us.

Son #1 brought home from a food plant last week about six crates of strawberries. Yummy!

We had a great time cleaning and freezing these beauties. Since strawberries are one of the top fruits in my favorite list, it wasn't much of a chore to get those babies ready for winter. We sampled them and they were scrumptious.

The thing of it is: they were free. The truck driver delivered them to the supposed buyer who refused them because they weren't "red" enough.

Too bad for him. Those of us who were the recepients of these fruits were the winners in this situation. He had to unload them because of picking up more stuff. So . . .

Wouldn't you like to be sitting in my family room when I pull out a package of those things this winter?

I can't wait!





Quote:
Some people never exaggerate; they just remember big. --Audrey Snead


Blessings

Fried Green Tomatoes and All That Stuff

We had fried green tomatoes tonight.
And canned beets put up awhile back.
And fresh red tomatoes.

The other night we had fresh green beans with just a hint of bacon lard (forget the cholesterol. Groan.)

Before that we had fresh frozen corn. Yum.
The fresh frozen peaches tasted pretty good too.

Friends gave us the green beans last Saturday. Could have what we wanted if we'd pick them. So . . . Hubby agreed to help and we "went and done it."

Whooee. Forgot what I was getting myself into.

You say Monday was Labor Day. Ha. That's a tongue-in-the-cheek holiday. We worked our tails (if we had any) off that day canning 32 quarts of beans.

Not much you say?

An all day job practically. Thankfully, hubby helped. You'd probably been reading my obituary in the papers if I'd had to do all them by myself.

I know, I know. I use to do all kinds of canning. Canned anything I could get my hands on. But . . . years and experience has taught me a few things.

It's hard work to can your own food.


But, it sure tastes good when you eat it.

Like our friends son said, "I don't like to do the work (picking the beans) but I sure like to eat them!"

I called him the little red hen's friends. Still not sure if he knew what I meant.



Quote:
How difficult it is to be simple. --Vincent Van Gogh

Blessings

Best Friends


When I was little,
I used to believe in the concept of one best friend,
And then I started to become a woman.
And I found out that if you allow your heart to open up,
God would show you the best in many friends.

One friend is needed when you're going through things with your man.
Another friend is needed when you're going through things with your mom.
Another will sit beside you in the bleachers as you delight in your children and their activities.
Another when you want to shop, share, heal, hurt, joke, or just be.
One friend will say, 'Let ' s cry together,'
Another, 'Let's fight together,'
Another, 'Let's walk away together.

One friend will help you meet your spiritual need,
Another your shoe fetish,
Another your love for books,
Another will be with you in your season of confusion,
Another will be your clarifier,
Another the wind beneath your wings.

But whatever their assignment in your life,
On whatever the occasion,
On whatever the day,
Or wherever you need them to meet you with their gym shoes on and hair pulled back,
Or to hold you back from making a complete fool of yourself …..
Those are your best friends.

It may all be wrapped up in one woman,
But for many, it's wrapped up in several.
One from 9th grade,
One from high school,
Several from the college years,
a couple from old jobs,
On some days your mother,
On some days your neighbor,
On others, your sisters,
And on some days, your daughters.

So whether they've been your friend for 20 minutes or 20 years . . .
Cherish each one.






Quote:
Purchase not friends by gifts because when thou ceasest to give, such will cease to love. --T. Fuller


Blessings

Signs of the Time

A certain smell . . . in the air.
A certain feel . . . in the air.

An occasional wild goose that triggers memories.
Labor Day weekend.
Summer activities coming to an end.
School beginning.

Yellow buses flooding the streets.
Kids with lunch boxes.
Vacations (unless you're a lucky person able to go in the fall) over.

Nippy nights.
Less air conditioners.
Apples turning red (or yellow)

Shorter days.

Knowing its time to start fall flower bed cleaning, but fighting the urge to put it off.

Pumpkins popping up everywhere.

Magazines with fall pictures.

Eyeing the trees with nuts and just knowing wondering who's going to be the quickest to get to them -- you or Mr. Squirrel.



Thoughts of fall decorating.
Catalogs in the mail with fall and winter clothes.

The best time of the year!




Quote:
Far away, there in the sunshine, are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead. --Louisa May Alcott


Blessings

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