Please welcome my friend, Susan Sleeman!

Make sure you leave a comment and your email address for a chance to win Susan's book!

How long have you known that you were a writer? Did you receive a clear “call?” Or have you just loved writing all your life?

The life long love of reading inspired me to want to write a book, but it was God who arranged free time for it to happen. I’ve always enjoyed writing from creative to technical writing I’ve done in the corporate world, and I said for years that I was going to write a book, but I was so busy working full time, raising children, and volunteering at church that I never made the time. Then in 2000, I began having health issues that limited my physical activity. Forced to sit for long periods of time, I started to research the craft of writing and began my first book.

As my health deteriorated, I had more and more time available and soon I was writing fulltime and actively pursuing publication. I continued to work on the craft and to submit books, got the requisite rejections and then in the fall of 2008 at the ACFW conference, I was awarded a book contract in front of 500 or so of my fellow writers. My agent, crit partners and the editor had conspired to keep this a secret from me for five months. Since then I have contracted additional books in the Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense line and look forward to writing for years to come.

Wow! Exciting way to begin. Can you tell us the genre you write in? Would you explain what it is?

I write romantic suspense and mystery. In both of these genre’s there are equal parts romance and suspense and or mystery. Suspense and mystery often overlap but differ in that suspense is a story where the clock is ticking and you're on the edge of your seat waiting for what’s going to happen next. It’s more frightening, scary even, with the heroine’s life often in danger throughout the entire book. A mystery on the other hand is a story filled with questions and usually involves solving a murder where the reader is wrapped up through the entire story trying to guess the killer’s identity.

How do you spend your writing days? Do you set goals to reach a certain number of words per day? Can you give us a general idea of how long it takes you to write a novel?

I used to write more when I felt like it, but deadlines now force me to be more disciplined. I currently set writing goals for every day and I write every day of the week. If the words aren’t flowing one day, I keep myself in front of the computer until they come or make up the time the next day.

To complete a rough draft of a book once the synopsis is finished will take about two months. Then it takes another month to complete the editing process, before the manuscript is submitted to my editor and she starts the official rounds of edits.

Tell us about your new book. What is the spiritual message in it? What can readers expect to get from reading it? How and where can readers buy your book?

I have two books releasing within a month of each other so I will tell you about both of them. The first is High-Stakes Inheritance a romantic book published by Steeple Hill’s Love Inspired Suspense line. In High-stakes Inheritance, family counselor Mia Blackburn’s Uncle Wally dies and leaves behind a will that requires her to return to Logan Lake, Oregon to live at the rustic Pinetree Resort for one full year in order to inherit the valuable property. If she fails to stay at Pinetree for the full year, the property reverts to her brother.

But on her first day in town she receives a threatening message: Leave Logan Lake or you will pay. Despite the warning, Mia won't let anyone scare her from the rustic resort. But when a fire traps her in a burning barn, she fears that she won't get out alive. Just in time her ex-boyfriend wilderness counselor Ryan Morgan rescues her from the deadly blaze. He had once broken her heart, yet she still has feelings for him. With Ryan insisting on keeping a close eye on her, Mia feels safer-and closer to Ryan than ever before. Yet the threats haven't stopped, and soon Mia's high-stakes inheritance includes a murder-and Mia could be the next victim.

The second book is Nipped in the Bud, book one in my Garden Gate Mystery Series. Read Between the Tines and Seed You Later, books two and three are not contracted, but if this new mystery line does well, I hope they too will be published. These books take place in Oregon in a fictional town named Serendipity and feature Paige Turner, a landscape designer and host of a local radio show. She has a knack for finding trouble and there is no trouble bigger than discovering a dead body. Which she does after she bickers with a town official---and that day he's discovered dead in a mound of mulch---she finds herself in . . . well, a pickle! With no alibi, she struggles to prove her innocence, but she soon enlists the help of lawyer Adam Hayes. The question is will his knowledge of the law keep her out of jail and will he win her love?

Both books have a spiritual message revolving around trusting God and what happens when we don’t do so. We are taught as we are growing up to be independent, to stand on our own two feet, to be responsible and plan for our future, and sometimes we forget that all of this is a good thing, but not when we begin to rely on ourselves instead of God. We can’t see the big picture of life as God can, so when we stop asking him for direction and trust in what we alone can see, we don’t make the best decisions and life can be filled with worries.

Both of these books can be purchased on line at Amazon, CBD, Barnes and Noble, etc. or in stores at WalMart, Borders, and many grocery and drug stores.

Oh, my, Susan, I've already read High Stakes Inheritance and love it. Your mystery series sounds fantastic. Tell us, do you ever feel like giving up? Most people don’t understand the stress, the work, and the joy of being a writer. How tenuous becoming a writer is. Do you care to share how it feels, what discouraging/encouraging times you’ve gone through?

There are many things on the road to publication that can make you want to give up. Rejections by editors and agents, harsh critiques from other writers, cancellation of the line of books your recently contracted novel was to be published in, negative reviews, and on and on. But when each set back occurs, you are faced with two options. Give up or learn from the experience and move on.

I have to admit my first reaction is usually to question my abilities as a writer and have the urge to throw in the towel. But then, after I process the information, I try to use it to be a better writer. As with everything in life, what doesn’t kill us will make us stronger if we let it.

Would you explain how you “chose” (or were chosen by) a publisher? Do you just go “inny, minny, miny, moe?” Grin.

My first step was to find publisher’s guidelines. Most publishers have them and if you want your book to be published by that company, you need to follow their guidelines. If they say they only publish books between 50-60,000 words, don’t write and submit a book of 100,000 words or you are asking to be rejected. If they publish only romance, don’t send them a suspense book.

So with both of my current releases, I found the guidelines for publishers I was interested in working with, read many of the currently published books to get a feel for the line, and then wrote books that fit within those guidelines.

Now, that you’re published, can you sit back and relax from the success you’ve experienced?

First off, getting a book published is a goal I wanted to obtain, but it doesn’t equate to success in a writing career. And I can tell you that since I have contracted a few books, I have been busier than ever and working harder than ever.

Sitting back and relaxing, if you don’t ever want to publish another book is an option, but I want a writing career so I can never sit back and relax. Book publishing is a business like any other business and businesses exist for one reason, to make money. To make money in the publishing world the company has to sell a lot of books. If a book sells well the company is happy. It a book doesn’t sell well, the company rethinks publishing another book with that author.

So if you want a career in writing you need to make sure your books sell. This does not allow you to sit back and relax. You must promote your book through interviews, book signings, websites, and social media, etc all at the same time as coming up with and writing another novel and perhaps working on edits for a third novel all the while meeting your publisher’s deadlines.

There is however, time in this busy schedule to enjoy holding your book in your hand, to read wonderful emails from readers whose lives you touched, to celebrate the sale of another book to a publisher and to thank God for the blessing of this crazy, hectic, yet most wonderful job in the world.

Do you mind telling us some of your likes and dislikes? Hobbies, interests? Where would you like to travel if you could?

I love to read. I don’t like to clean house. I love to play with my grandson and spend time with my family. I don’t like to do the dishes. I love to garden. I don’t like to do the laundry. I love to work on websites and graphic design things. I don’t like to do the taxes. I love to go out to dinner. I don’t love to cook dinner.

If my travel budget weren’t fully committed to traveling between Florida where I live and Portland, Oregon where my children and grandson live, I would like to go to Australia, France and Alaska.

Would you give us your blog or webpage so everyone can check it out? Anything else you’d like to share? Promotional information?

I can be found at all of the following places on the internet and would love to connect with readers in any and or all of these places.

• http://www.susansleeman.com Personal website
• http://www.thesuspensezone.com Book review website
• http://hometownmysteries.com Hometown Mystery Website
• http://www.twitter.com/susansleeman Twitter
• http://www.facebook.com/susan.sleeman Facebook friends page
• http://www.facebook.com/pages/Susan-Sleeman-Books/124844037537711 Facebook fan page
• http://www.loveinspiredauthors.com Love Inspired Author

Susan, thanks so much for the interesting interview! Folks check out her books. She is a great writer!
Blessings!

My Monday Morning Gratitudes

Scenic calendars
Great bargains
New coats, especially the one I got last year
Homemade cheesecake
Homemade brownies
Olay facial soap
Bath and Body Shops
Son #2's enthusiasm for fishing
White sand
Daisy chains

Sunday Morning Peace

Aren't they gorgeous?

Let your heart soar as high as it will;

refuse to be average!

--A.W. Tozer

Blessings!

Welcome, Historical Romance Writer, Andrea Boeshaar

Make sure you leave a comment and your email address for a chance to win her book: Uncertain Heart! Doesn't the title sound fantastic? 

Welcome, Andrea! How long have you known that you were a writer? Did you receive a clear “call?” Or have you just loved writing all your life?

I loved to write all my life, but in 1992 I received a clear call to write for the Christian market. I had wanted to be the next Danielle Steel; however, God changed my heart and mind and called me to write for Him.

Wonderful! What is the genre you write in? Would you explain what it is?

I write historical Christian and Inspirational romance. My books are like the more conservative Hallmark movies and vary in the Christian message. Sometimes it’s blatant. Other times it is more subtle.

How do you spend your writing days? Do you set goals to reach a certain number of words per day? Can you give us a general idea of how long it takes you to write a novel?

This year I will have written 4 novels! (approximately 80K words each). This is the most I’ve ever written in a year’s time and it’s been quite a stretch for me – not to mention a tad stressful. Keep in mind, there are always revisions which can take up to a month. So I’ve had about 2 months to write a novel.

I will admit that my Seasons of Redemption titles were originally published as Heartsong Presents romances. However, I’ve rewritten each one, adding about 30K words to each and more secondary characters.
That's amazing. You recently had a book published. Would you take this time to describe it to us?

The title is “Uncertain Heart” and here’s a blurb from the back cover:

The year is 1866, and Sarah McCabe has wanderlust. In an effort to become independent of her family back in Missouri, she accepts a governess position in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, giving her a firsthand taste of the life she has always desired—a life of luxury, culture, and social privilege.

Richard Navis is a man determined to finish his indentureship to Captain Brian Sinclair and take over his family’s farm. But when he falls in love with Sarah, his homesteading goals blur. She doesn’t seem interested in settling down. What’s more, Richard fears she’s fallen victim to the captain’s charm and persuasion.

When Sarah’s reputation is questioned, Richard devises a bold plan in hopes of protecting her. But is he too late? Has Sarah already made her choice?

My books are available online at:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/
http://www.amazon.com/
They are also available at bookstores. If it’s not on the shelf, ask for it.

What is the spiritual message in your book? What can readers expect to get from reading it?

The message always varies, depending on what God lays on my heart. In “Uncertain Heart” the message pertains to submitting to the Lord’s plans for our lives as opposed to our own – and finding out life is fuller and worth living when we follow Him.

Do you ever feel like giving up? Most people don’t understand the stress, the work, and the joy of being a writer. How tenuous becoming a writer is. Do you care to share how it feels, what discouraging/encouraging times you’ve gone through?
I feel like giving up just about every other day. Okay, maybe not quite that often.

Being a writer, to some folks, means you’re too lazy to get a “real job.” Family and friends don’t always respect a writer’s time at the computer. I used to write at night, after my children were sleeping. Now that my sons are grown and have moved out on their own, I try to write in the morning – before the phone begins ringing and people want a piece of my time.
If that’s not bad enough, there’s the marketing stress. Publishers now expect authors to promote their books. It’s not just up to the publishers anymore. If an author doesn’t make the expected sales quota, publishers can either cancel the book contract or (in the case of a series) refuse to publish the author again.
I’ve had the later happen to me. One of my books wasn’t a good seller for the company. The publisher wouldn’t look at future proposals from me. For many months afterwards, I felt like a failure. Depression set in and I wanted to quit writing altogether.

Finally, I began to pray about the situation and the Lord showed me that I needed to make some very radical changes in my career if I wanted to succeed. I obeyed. About six months later, the senior editor for Realms Fiction (a division of Strang Communications) asked my agent if she could buy 2 series of historical romances from me because Realms was moving into the Christian market. Before then, Realms had been publishing only speculative fiction.

At first I was nervous and stressed, wondering if I could ever write a good book again. But the fiction team over at Realms has been so encouraging and supportive that I began regaining my confidence at the keyboard. I feel freer to trust God with my creativity. The Lord has really used those folks at Realms in my life in a very positive way. I’m grateful!

Wow, Andrea, that's an encouragement to me. Tell us, who’s inspired you the most?

I think my grandmother, Amie Johnson, has inspired me the most. She was an art and reading teacher in Northern Wisconsin during the ‘70s. She’s with the Lord now, but she did some writing too and I have copies of it. I greatly admire the ability she had, although, sadly, I never did while she was alive.

Do you mind telling us some of your likes and dislikes? Hobbies, interests? Where would you like to travel if you could?

• I enjoy reading.
• I love getting together with my girlfriends and shopping.
• I love playing with my four grandchildren.
• And I love my yellow lab puppy, Miley.
• I greatly enjoy family get-togethers at my brother’s gorgeous home near Lake Michigan.
• I doodle with scrap-booking and . . .
• as for traveling, I enjoy attending various writers’ conferences. There are so many good ones all over the country. The best ,of course, is the ACFW annual conference. If you have never gone to one, and you’re serious about being a writer, you must go!

Would you give us your blog or webpage so everyone can check it out? Anything else you’d like to share? Promotional information?

You can visit me on the web at: http://www.andreaboeshaar.com/

Glimpse the cover of my new release “Uncertain Heart.”

I also blog about all aspects of the writing life on: http://everythingwriterly.blogspot.com/


Thank you, Andrea, for sharing a bit of your life with us! We've enjoyed it.

Blessings, readers.

Review of Randy Singer's Fatal Convictions


Step aside, John Grisham. Randy Singer is the CBA's creator of legal novels. His "Fatal Convictions¨ is an outstanding work of art.

When the wife of a prominent Muslem leader is brutally murdered shortly after converting to Christianity, Alexander Madison "happens¨ to meet Khalid and Ghaniyah Mobassar at the hospital. An automobile/truck wreck has left her with a terrible head injury, and Alex urges them to give him a call about the case. When Khalid is accused of the murder, he requests Alex's representation.

Attorney Alexander Madison isn't interested in taking the case; he's busy with the promising personal-injury case, and his role as a part-time pastor. Though every other lawyer is shying away from it, deep down he believes the accused imam is innocent and decides to defend him in the biggest murder case Virginia Beach has ever seen.

Pressure from his church to drop the case and increasing evidence against his client all make Alex wonder if he¡¦s made the biggest mistake of his life. When the imam's beautiful daughter arrives from Lebanon to help with the case, Alex is torn between his feelings for her and his obligation to his client.

But Alex is not a quitter. He's not about to let a ruthless assassin go free even if it is the fight of his career and his life.

Singer's characters are realistic and flawed, but likeable. Hiding behind the determination that's been bred in him, protagonist Alexander Madison has just a touch of laziness and ne'er-do-well that sneaks out at times, lending him an air of a southern gentleman meets hardcore business man. On top of those traits he has a tendency to flip flop: yes, I should take this case; no, I shouldn't. He's tolerant of lazy, incompetent help, easily swayed by a beautiful face and body, and ready to take full advantage of his partner's dedicated work habits.

Yet in spite of his insecurities, he¡¦s a character we can all relate to. He loves intensely. He stays with the stuff (even though he'd rather run). Once his mind's made up, no church, and certainly no church boss, is big enough to sway him.

I could see Khalid Mobassar and his wife, Ghaniyah; his very obvious intelligence and gentleness, her passion for her Islamic faith.

It was easy to dislike the bad guy, to wonder who was behind his dastardly deeds.

Khalid's daughter, Nara, stood out as a lovely vision of modern woman working toward a better change for women in an centuries-old Muslem world.

Shannon Reese, Alex's hard-working partner, was a figure of steadiness. I enjoyed seeing her spurts of jealousy, her intelligence, and her enthusiasm for the law.

Every aspect of the setting was true. I had no trouble with being drawn into it and seeing it throughout the book. The plot was carried through ably, the whole book easy to read.

Fatal Convictions is great book, and one I highly recommend if you love courtroom drama.

Blessings!

Monday Morning Gratitudes

1. Smiling people
2. Friendly clerks
3. Helpful waitresses
4. Neat, clean waitresses
5. Sparkling clean restaurants
6. Well landscaped businesses
7. People who are humble
8. Men who are confident
9. Macho, but polite men
10. Being able to choose what I enjoy at my favorite restuarants without the menu changing.

Blessings!

Sunday Morning Peace

God sends children for another purpose than merely to keep up the race:

• 
  
  He wants to enlarge our hearts and make us unselfish and full of kindly affection and sympathies
• 
  
  He wants to give our souls higher aims
• 
  
  He wants to call out all our faculties to extended enterprises and exertion
• 
  
  He wants to bring round our firesides bright faces, happy smiles, and loving tender hearts.

Blessings!

Original Starbucks Store

Seattle, Washington at Pike's Place Market area.

If you look closely, you can see the Starbucks sign above the store.

Says: First Starbucks Store, established 1973

Special sign inside the store depicting picture of first Starbucks

Coffee bins

Enjoyed our visit and our coffee!

Blessings!

The year is 1910

One hundred years ago.

1910 Ford Model 'R'

Fuel for this car was sold in drug stores only.

What a difference a century makes!

I love history; love reading how it used to be. Here are some interesting tidbits I thought some of you might enjoy today:

Here are some statistics for the Year 1910:

• 
  
  The average life expectancy for men was 47 years.

• 
  
  Only 14 percent of the homes had a bathtub.
• 
  
  Only 8 percent of the homes had a telephone.
• 
  
  There were only 8,000 cars and only 144 miles of paved roads.
• 
  
  The maximum speed limit in most cities was 10 mph.

• 
  
  The tallest structure in the world was the Eiffel Tower.

• 
  
  The average US wage in 1910 was 22 cents per hour.
• 
  
  The average US worker made between $200 and $400 per year.
• 
  
  A competent accountant could expect to earn $2000 per year, a dentist $2,500 per year, a veterinarian between $1,500 and $4,000 per year, and a mechanical engineer about $5,000 per year.

• 
  
  More than 95 percent of all births took place at HOME.
• 
  
  Ninety percent of all Doctors had NO COLLEGE EDUCATION. Instead, they attended so-called medical schools, many of which were condemned in the press AND the government as 'substandard.'

• 
  
  Sugar cost four cents a pound.
• 
  
  Eggs were fourteen cents a dozen.
• 
  
  Coffee was fifteen cents a pound.

• 
  
  Most women only washed their hair once a month, and used Borax or egg yolks for shampoo.

• 
  
  Canada passed a law that prohibited poor people from entering into their country for any reason.

• 
  
  The Five leading causes of death were:

Pneumonia and influenza

Tuberculosis

Diarrhea

Heart disease

Stroke

The American flag had 45 stars.

The population of Las Vegas, Nevada ,

was only 30!

• 
  
  Crossword puzzles, canned beer, and iced tea hadn't been invented yet.

• 
  
  There was no Mother's Day or Father's Day.
• 
  
  Two out of every 10 adults couldn't read or write.
• 
  
  Only 6 percent of all Americans had graduated from high school.

• 
  
  Marijuana, heroin, and morphine were all available over the counter at the local corner drugstores.
• 
  
  Back then pharmacists said, "Heroin clears the complexion, gives buoyancy to the mind, regulates the stomach and bowels, and is, in fact, a perfect guardian of health."

• 
  
  Eighteen percent of households had at least one full-time servant or domestic help.

• 
  
  There were about 230 reported murders in the ENTIRE U.S.A.

What will the next one hundred years bring?

Something to think about, huh?

Blessings!

A Special Washington State Surprise For Us . . .

Freshly picked Himalayas Blackberries in September!

Blackberries to eat as you pick them.

Blackberries in your morning cereal.

Blackberry cobbler!

Blessings!

Meet the author of "A Friend in the Storm"

Cheryl Ricker!

Leave your comment and an email address for a chance to win Cheryl's book.

AND check out this site for a chance to win a KINDLE in Cheryl's contest:

http://www.cherylricker.com/contests

How long have you known that you were a writer? Did you receive a clear “call?” or have you just loved writing all your life?

Good question. God called me to be a writer when I was in elementary school. Later, in high school, I won a poetry writing contest in a literary magazine which prompted me to major in Creative Writing in university. The Lord kept nudging me forward in this pathway. I’ve just never looked back.

What genre do you write in? (Would you explain what it is?)

I’ve written fiction, non-fiction, devotionals, screenplays and poetry. Right now I’m focused on poetry and fiction. I also like blogging on my “Fresh Air” blog that offers help and encouragement.

Can you describe your writing process for a poem?

Sure; It usually starts with a spiritual insight, inspiration or phrase. I pray for wisdom and direction, asking God to anoint my words and make His truth fresh and understandable. I want readers to experience His love so they’ll choose to further trust Him.

Can you give us a general idea of how long it takes you to write a book?

Always longer than I’d like. I’m embarrassed to tell you how many hours I worked on each poem for “A Friend in the Storm.” I kept reworking them because I’m a bit of a perfectionist. I also wanted each poem to fit with its corresponding quote and Scripture so everything would flow together.

I spent many months hunting for memorable quotes and Scriptures. I started the book in 2005 and I didn’t stop editing until it went to press, if that gives you a hint.

Do you ever feel like giving up? Most people don’t understand the stress, the work, and the joy of being a writer. How tenuous becoming a writer is. Do you care to share how it feels, what discouraging/encouraging times you’ve gone through? Who has inspired you the most?

I couldn’t quit because I don’t know what else I would do. Writing’s what I love.

Writing and sharing my faith.

Yeah, it’s discouraging at times. Not everybody gives you a rave review; and if you’re sensitive like me, that can cut. Bestselling author, Gary Thomas, who endorsed my book, recently reminded me of something that helps me keep things in perspective. I’m writing for an audience of One: Christ. That truth tames my discouragement.

Who inspires me most? Billy Graham. He’s not into what others think or say about Him. He’s out to please the King of kings. That’s the kind of evangelist I want to be.

Would you explain how you “chose” (or were chosen by) a publisher? Do you just go “inny, minny, miny, moe?” Grin.

Zondervan was always my top choice, so I’m super blessed to work with them.

I tried several smaller publishers first, but the doors wouldn’t budge. Oh well…

Would you mind telling us some of your likes and dislikes? Hobbies, interests? Where would you like to travel if you could?

When I’m not writing and marketing, I like listening to sermons, watercolor painting and reading Christian books. I also like spending time with my family, biking, swimming, and, of course, eating out!

Where would I like to travel? Paris France. I’m originally from Canada so I speak a little French. I think I’d like to practice in the Eiffel Tower and a few romantic places! I’d bring my husband of course!

Tell us about A Friend in the Storm. What prompted you to write it?

I started writing poetry for a friend dying of cancer. When she asked me to visit her, I didn’t know what I’d say until God reminded me that I could write her a poem. It just took off from there. She wanted more!

After fulfilling her wish of reading them at her funeral, several people encouraged me to turn my poetry into a gift book.

I researched grief and gift books and I realized I wanted not only to speak to the heart (through poetry), but I also wanted to speak to the mind and the spirit ~ so I included quotes and Scripture.

I wanted to address the difficult question: “Why would a loving God let this terrible thing happen?” To do this best, I wrote most of my poetry from Christ’s perspective. He’s the only One who can truly say, “I’ve been there. I understand.” A Friend in the Storm isn’t just a unique conversation; it’s an innovative way to share God’s comfort and help people find lasting hope.

How and where can readers buy your book?

They can purchase them on my website, at most Christian bookstores, Amazon, CBD, Zondervan’s website, and various Barnes and Noble and Borders stores.

Would you give us your blog or webpage so people can check it out? Anything else you’d like to share? Promotional information?

Be happy to. You can find me at:

•  http://www.cherylricker.com/
• on my Facebook fan page http://www.facebook.com/AFriendInTheStorm
• and on http://www.twitter.com/CherylRicker

Thanks for having me! I don’t know what you’re going through, but I know God will never waste pain. Cry out to Him. He’s waiting for you today.

Rest

Throw me all your passing worries,

pressing thoughts and testy weights,

past confusion, mass intrusion;

Throw me all your human hates.

Letting go, you’ll find true lightness

From the One who took your shame.

I’m a pro at trading burdens;

After all, that’s why I came.

Blessings, dear readers! Don't forget to comment and leave your email address for a chance to win Cheryl's lovely book! It's a treasure!

Monday Morning Gratitudes

Rocking chairs
Cool breezes
Hot tubs
Shade
Snowmen with carrot noses and beady eyes and floppy hats
Old cars
Christmas lights
notebooks
Campfires
Riding along in my car with warm breezes blowing in the window

Sunday Morning Peace

If there is smiling in your heart,

your face will show it.

Blessings!

The Paint Horse Tale . . .

At the apartment where we're staying, this horse lives next door.

She's young and homesick for her old home, I think.

And maybe a little rambunctious on top of that.

Young and restless.

Spoiled? Maybe.

(Is that how God sees me? a little rambunctious in my wants and desires? Restless to have it NOW? Spoiled from all the good things he's given me already? But loving me anyway?)

Tired of being there, she sought for an escape route and found one.

Hubby saw her through a window out back of our place and went after her.

She trotted innocently onto a well-traveled road.

Fortunately there are decent people in this world.

(Do I innocently - or not - seek my own path - the one that will get me THERE faster?

Fortunately, for me, there is God!)

 

A neighbor ran out and flagged oncoming traffic.

Business men from across the street shut their gates and treated her to an apple from some guy's lunch.

Hubby led her back to our yard to await for owner to appear.

Lady Paint was given good grass to eat all day, lots of loving pats and visits so she wouldn't get lonely.

(Ready to help me and lead me in the path I should go, even when I pull on the reins!)

Too bad I can't fly her home with us. LOL

Owner finally returned home late and hubby informed her of horse's dangerous adventure.

She was grateful. I just hope she's more careful.

(Let me be thankful for all God does for me!)

Blessings!

Welcome, Jill Richardson!
     My Guest Blogger for this week . . .


Jill and the Three Ladies


I have never depended on the kindness of strangers. Not that I doubt their kindness. It's the 'stranger' part with which I have issues. Given that the last time I took the Myers-Briggs test my introversion rate was off the scale, the whole "approaching people I don't know to strike up friendly conversation" thing is about as appealing to me as approaching a pit bull to negotiate entry to a cult compound in Texas. This can be a distinct disadvantage to a writer, especially one trying to expand into travel writing.

So our recent six-week odyssey to Europe saw me bidding ciao to my husband half way through, leaving our three daughters and me to forge ahead in the three remaining countries in which I could not speak any of the language (unlike the two we had just left) and me stopping to ponder just why I had thought this was such a good idea when I had planned this whole thing. Not only would I miss the man I'd never been parted from for so long in 24 years, but what on earth would I do without him for interface on all the little details and other people we'd have to deal with? It was just "Jill and the three ladies" as our host in Fussen, Germany had referred to us by email, and we were on our own, taking on the rest of the continent.

Four days later. Unexpected Italian transit strike. Lugging our suitcases two miles up and down endless staircases over Venetian canals, I did not feel like we were four intelligent, capable, modern women conquering the world. I would gladly have played faint damsel in distress if any Superman had come along but alas, the only Superman who motored by wanted about 70 bucks to take us to the train station, and even in our exhausted, sweaty state, we knew that was no kind stranger.

The details of how we finally got to our destination that day are not a horror story you want to hear, but it was definitely the worst day of our six weeks. Yet, it was something else as well. It was the day that, with all the comfortable, known plans tossed to the wind, I had to piece together a plan to get us from Point A to Point B, involving talking to a dozen strangers with varying degrees of English, Italian, and vigorous nodding and shaking. Involving hopping on the only trains running that day (very few) and negotiating staying on them until we got to where we needed to be (wherever that now was). Involving the perfect finesses of management skills and whimsical spontaneity that I'm sure would get me hired for top a paying position at National Geographic Travel immediately.

At any rate, the day I got the message--I can do this. If I can do this I can do what it takes for the rest of this trip. And I can get the personal stories it takes to write travel, even if I'd naturally rather walk from Venice to Interlaken than talk to a stranger. Stories naturally happen around people who keep their eyes, ears, and options open. And who, in our case that day, really have no other choice.

Bio: Jill is the mother of three, wife of one, a former teacher, writer, sometimes pastor, speaker, and whatever else she feels like doing when she grows up. She enjoys working with her community theater, her garden, the junior high battle of the books team, and life. She has written two books and a whole truckload of magazine articles. You can read her blog at: http://jill-theimperfectjourney.blogspot.com/

Thanks, Jill, for visiting!

Winner!

We have a winner for Mary Ellis's book, Sarah's Christmas Miracle!
Congratulations, Patricia!



Upcoming News:

Coming:

September 10: Jill Richardson will be guest blogging on her travels. Great post!

September 15: Interview and giveway with Cheryl Ricker who is giving away one of her beautiful books, A Friend in the Storm. If you've gone through any kind of disappointment, hardship, or discouragement, then this book is for you. If flows with encouraging and uplifting poems, comments, etc. Please leave your comment and email address for a chance to win it.

September 22: Review of Randy Singer's Fatal Convictions, a legal thriller (think: John Grisham).

September 24: Review of Robin Caroll's Deliver us From Evil (suspense)

September 29: Susan Sleeman's interview and GIVEAWAY of one of her books, High Stakes Inheritance, a suspense from Love Inspired Suspense. One of the best I've read. If you love suspense, don't miss out on a chance to win a copy of Susan's new book!

Blessings!

I Love Having Children's Writer,
Diana Symons on My Blog Today!

Please read on to find out a little about her . . .


How long have you known that you were a writer? Did you receive a clear “call?” Or have you just loved writing all your life?

I have always loved writing and making up stories. When I was young, I would go through magazines and cut out pictures that I liked then write poems about them. It never occurred to me that I could actually be a professional writer until I was laid off of work sometime back and I had the time to write more. Since then, different people who don’t know me well have prayed over me to write, so it was a good encouragement to keep it up.

What is the genre you write in? Would you explain what it is?

I have two genres that I write in: children’s fiction and adult fantasy. I like to write for young readers, 8-10ish. For some reason, I love those stories. They’re just fun. I also like adult fantasy, though not science fiction. I like to think of how God would show Himself in other cultures or how the angelic world interacts with our world.

Tell us about your new book. What is the spiritual message in it? What can readers expect to get from reading it? How and where can readers buy your book?

Where the Jewels Are is a fairytale about a princess who wants more than she needs. Her Father knows her heart and sends her on a journey to find a rare jewel, but that jewel turns out to be an old friend. There are study questions at the end to talk about how we should value other people and how much God values us. It’s available on Amazon and http://www.christianbooks.com/.

Do you ever feel like giving up? Most people don’t understand the stress, the work, and the joy of being a writer. How tenuous becoming a writer is. Do you care to share how it feels, what discouraging/encouraging times you’ve gone through?

I have gone through that phase of questioning my decision to be a writer. It was dark. I came out of it when I read somewhere that EVERY writer goes through it. I’m not sure why it made me feel better to know that everyone else also goes dark at some point, but it snapped me out of it. It’s almost a good sign when you think about it. If you are successful in your calling, then you will probably attract attention from the enemy. You just have to remember who you are and why you’re working. We make a difference in the world.

Who’s inspired you the most?

I was inspired, or kicked in the butt, by my sister for years. I would write something and show it to her and she always loved it long after I put it down and forgot about it. She told me for years to get it together and write seriously. She’s been my biggest fan and best butt kicker. I really needed it.

Would you explain how you “chose” (or were chosen by) a publisher? Do you just go “inny, minny, miny, moe?” Grin. Now, that you’re published, can you sit back and relax from the success you’ve experienced?

I started my own company to print my children’s books. I sent them out to a few places with no response, so I just decided to do the work myself. Honestly though, I had no idea how much work it would be. For the adult novel that I’m working on now, I met an editor and agent at a writer’s conference, Mt. Hermon. It was a great place to pitch my story and get feedback on what they were looking for.

Do you mind telling us some of your likes and dislikes? Hobbies, interests? Where would you like to travel if you could?

• I love gardening and cooking. I absolutely love to come in from the garden with an armful of veggies and pull together dinner that’s as fresh as it can get. I spend a lot of time in the garden just enjoying the flowers and checking on how the veggies are growing.
• I love road trips.
• I like to stop at historical sites, especially very old ones where there’s been archeological discoveries.
• And I love to eat local lobster in Boston, conch in Key West, garlic soup at a Basque town in Nevada. I had a bad reaction to a Cajun dish in New Orleans so eating local actually bit back once.

Would you give us your blog or webpage so everyone can check it out? Anything else you’d like to share? Promotional information?

My website is http://www.dianasymons.com/. I love to hear from people. It’s just a joy to hear that someone read my book and liked it. The kids are so delightful to hear from. It’s the mighty Amen to why we write.

Thanks so much for visiting today, Diana! I've loved having you.
 
Blessings!

A Welcome For Us

Sharing with you . . .

Our hostess had picked these roses and placed them in our room. Right away I noticed that they matched the flowers in a local artist's still life that hung on a wall. Lovely, aren't they?


Blessings!