Monday Morning Gratitudes

for all I've learned on this writing journey
that there are more adventures in this journey to experience
for an editor who believes in my writing
a chance
breakthroughs
the exhilaration that comes with spring
I'm still a possibility!
works of real art
working in a garden
fruits


Blessings!

Sunday Morning Peace

 

 

The kiss of the sun for pardon,

The song of the birds for mirth,

One is nearer God's heart in a garden

Than anywhere else on earth.

--Dorothy Frances Gurney, "Garden Thoughts"

 

 

Gardens: one of Cara's favorite places to be.

Release date for The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman: September, 2013

 

 

Blessings!

Vespers: Guest post from Penelope J. Stokes

I read this on Penelope's blog and enjoyed it so much, I asked her if I could repost it here. Enjoy!

Seven Sacred Pauses 6: Vespers

 

Originally posted on April 10, 2013 by P. J. Stokes at: http://sacredjourney2013.wordpress.com/2013/04/10/seven-sacred-pauses-vespers/

 

Sixth Hour: Vespers
Vespers.
Evening.
The liminal time when daylight fades into darkness.

Those transitional moments—the turning of day to night, the changing of seasons, the thresholds and passages that mark significant shifts in our lives—are often perceived as “thin places” in the fabric of the universe, opportunities to catch a glimpse of the world beyond the veil.

Celtic spirituality holds that the universe is full of thin places, specific geographical locations where we can sense more intensely the presence of the divine, and the world beyond our own. I don’t doubt that such places exist. One such place, for me, was the standing stones at Avebury, England, when I visited with my family many years ago. Unlike Stonehenge, Avebury Henge is accessible to visitors, and as I walked among the stones and stood with the grazing sheep in the early light of morning, I felt a sense of connection with God and the universe that shook me to my core.

I’m a believer in thin places.

But even more important than particular geographical locations are the thin places in our own souls. The times and circumstances when we draw near to holiness, and are most susceptible to spiritual transformation. Those fleeting moments when we feel as if we can almost. . .almost. . .reach out and touch the feathered edges of Divinity.

It’s Mystery. It’s Miracle. I can’t explain it. I can’t tell you why it happens, or how, or when. I only know that my part is to stay awake, keep my eyes open, and be still. And then, sometimes when I least expect it, the awareness of God lights upon me like a small bird upon a branch.

Quietly. Very quietly.

And I am changed.

Vespers: Evening
Now is the thin time,
the sunset hour
when from the edges of my vision
I see a shimmering truth,
half-formed,
half-understood,
translucent, real,
though just beyond my reach.
Now my soul halts
on the farther threshold of the day
and waits to be shown
a glimpse of the world beyond.
Here is the only wisdom
I have been given:
that day turns to night
and night to day;
that every new adventure
is richer than what came before;
that forgiveness is gift,
and love is gift,
and all gifts must be held,
like a fragile bird,
with an open hand.

©2012 Penelope J. Stokes
All rights reserved

Monday Morning Gratitudes

prayer
songs that touch my heart
faith steps
watching all the new things babies learn every week
understanding another person's feelings
Blake--an excellent student
when I end up with some good pictures
my first interview as an author
an editor who keeps me on my toes
a smile from a sick baby


Blessings

Sunday Morning Peace

 

 

 

 

When you walk to the edge of all the light you have

and take that first step into darkness of the unknown,

you must believe

that one of two things will happen.

There will be something solid for you to stand upon,

or

you will be taught to fly.

 

--Patrick Overton

 

Blessings!

On Passionate Writing . . .

No one is asking--

let alone demanding

that you write.

The world is not waiting with bated breath

on your article

or book.

Whether or not you get a single word on paper--

the sun will rise,

the earth will spin,

the universe will expand.

Writing is forever and always a choice.

Your choice.

--Beth Mend Conny

 

 

Life is full of choices.

Easy ones.

Hard ones.

Sometimes we don't want to,

Sometimes we don't feel like it,

Often time there are too many demands on our time.

Too many tasks

Life is overwhelming.

Occasionally there are more fun things to do.

 

But the author who is passionate about writing

will find the time.

Somehow.

They will grab hold of discipline

and not let go

until that paragraph,

that page,

that chapter is written.

 

That is the choice they make today.

 

Blessings!



Monday Morning Gratitudes

spring air flowing into my windows
prospective garden planning
answered prayers
the fact that God loves us
confidence in an eternal God
a good night's rest
my hot tub, a lifesaver!
time spent with hubby
a bowl of good tomato soup, spiced
spring showers in April

Blessings!

Sunday Morning Peace

 

 

The world is round

And the place which may seem like the end,

may also be only the beginning.

-- Ivy Baker Priest

Welcome Back, Donna Alice Patton!

I'm thrilled to welcome Donna back today! She's a wonderful friend and prolific writer. Enjoy her

interview below!


What is the title of your book? 

Roses are Red, Diamonds are Blue

Where did the idea come from for the book?

My friend, Judy Nickles, is totally responsible for this book! She saw a contest at one publisher and encouraged (nagged?) me to enter. The contest had certain criteria – it had to include a blue diamond and the main character had to be in danger. I’d always wanted to write a ‘puzzle’ mystery and this just happened to appeal to me.

 

What is the genre of your book?

Suspense with a hint of romance thrown in to keep it interesting.

 

What actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?

Okay, this is going to be hard since I rarely go to the movies. For Laura Barkley, the main character, would be Mag Ruffman (a Canadian actress who played in Avonlea the series awhile back even though she isn’t blond) for the male lead – Sean Murray (NCIS) with a dark beard and very brooding in this role. Then the other male lead – how about Stephen Baldwin? He makes such a great villain.

 

Provide a one-sentence synopsis of your book.

Anastasia Diamond—missing

Museum Curator—murdered

A cryptic clue, kidnapped child, time running out. . . as the snow deepens.

 

Will your book be self-published, published by an independent publisher, or represented by an agency? 

Published by MuseItUp Publishing an independent publisher.

 

How long did it take you to write your first draft of your manuscript?

Hm – hard to say. I should probably keep track? It took about a year to get it into a book form with all the drafts, another three months to take out 20K words to submit to one publisher who rejected it. After that it took two more months to put in all the 20K I took out and submit it to the publisher who accepted it.

 

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?

I’d compare it to some of Mary Higgins Clark’s finest – whether or not anyone else does . . . SMILE!

 

Who or what inspired you to write this book?

Again – Judy Nickles – kept after me until I did! But I’d have to say someone else ‘inspired’ me to write it and that’s Laura Ingalls Wilder. I’ve loved her books since I was a child and this was the perfect opportunity to use some “Laura Lore” in the mystery. Also some of the inspiration came from the Blizzard of ’78.

    

What else about the book might pique the reader’s interest?

The book is set during the 1970’s and I think it’s as historically accurate as I can write it. Hopefully, it’s like stepping back in time – whether you were there or not!

 

Promotional and Giveaway information, Donna? 

Roses are Red, Diamonds are Blue can be purchased online at the MuseItUp bookstore as a pdf or ebook. Since I can't offer a blue diamond as a gift or an actual book, if you want to comment on this blog I will offer a prize. On April 22 I'll draw a name (that's my birthday and I'm sure Carole would love you to keep commenting until then.) Prize will be something nice so be sure to include your email so if you will I can get in touch with you. Maybe some chocolate roses?? Suggestions welcome!

 

Donna has two children's books published (The Search for Madonna and The Gift of Summer Snow). She makes her home in southern Ohio and enjoys time with her family and writing friends. Her beloved nephew is pictured above with her.

 

To buy Donna's book, go here:

Muse It Up Pub
 

 

Thank you, Donna, for joining us!

Folks, be sure to leave your comments and email addresses.

 

Blessings!

On Passionate Writing

Write while the heat is in you.
The writer who postpones the recording of his thoughts
uses an iron which has cooled to burn a hole with.
He cannot inflame the minds of his audience.
--Henry David Thorea 

 

Writing that pulls a response from the writer's being.

 

Sometimes I hear writers talk about crying over a scene;

Laughing over the antics of a character.
 

Writing books, chapters, scenes, sentences and words
 that wrings reactions and emotions from the creator.

That's a writer writing with a red hot iron.

That's passionate writing,

don't you agree?

Blessings!

Monday Morning Gratitudes

Spring feeling in the air
birds chirping soprano, tenor, and alto
frogs croaking bass
the rush of editing
the first cup of coffee
productive days
the strength for today
children's happiness
sunday worship services
God's wisdom in creating seasons.

Blessings!

Sunday Morning Peace

 

Courage doesn't always roar.

Sometimes . . .

courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day

that says,

"I will try again tomorrow."

--Mary Ann Radmacher

A Little Bit of My World . . .

"This is MY machine now!"

My darling grandson on Gramps big monster backhoe.

Taking over, he is!

 

 

 

"Who can I hit with water first?"

Easter

Squirtgun investigation

At Grandmama and Gramps home

 

 

Blessings

Monday Morning Gratitudes

a great publisher
critique partners
editors who "get" you
helpful remarks
email
comfortable shoes
warm sweaters
spring flowers
good smells
adventurous steps

Blessings!