Rambling Friday: When Troubles Come...

When troubles come, what do we do?  

Complain?

Put on a grouch?

Question why does it have to be ME?

Put on a martyr'd face?

*  We had to put off Christmas celebration because of circumstances, till January. BUT it turned out just fine. Relaxed and fun.

*   Hubby and I both got a serious case of covid (in spite of all precautions) in February and March. BUT, you know what? It drew me closer than ever to God. He loves us so much, and I trust in Him!!

* In late Spring hubby lost a beloved brother suddenly and unexpectedly. We were heartbroken and sad, but God gave hubby the strength to speak at his funeral. He comforted us when we needed it although we surely didn't understand the why.

* We lost close friends from our church who felt it was time for them to move on. Sad.

* Hubby and a son have been way too busy trying to complete some jobs they took on. WHICH means, they had little to no time to complete some landscaping and repairs needed on our property. Sigh. 

* Hubby had a bad case of kidney stones, and I've been going through another serious physical problem.

OR...

Can we, do we look heavenward and claim the Biblical verse:

The Lord is good, 

a strong hold in the day of trouble; 

and he knows them that trust in him.

Nahum 1:7

God has given strength to face each and every battle that has come our way this year of 2022. 

Because, sure as we are breathing (right now!), God knows our problems, our very being, and He will honor His word. He cares about us and whatever befalls us, He will see us through each and everything that comes. He is our anchor! 

What a wonderful God!

Serious Wednesday: Timeline for Writing

You, authors, who love deadlines and can peel off book after book living such a life---how do you do

it and still keep your sanity? I mean, don't you have other responsibilities? Demands from a family you love? Activities that are either required, enjoyed or good for you? 

Now, I've already shared about keeping a schedule for most days that helps me a lot, but that doesn't stop the unexpected from hitting me high and low. Like last week and this one. It was like a meteor shower with constant something coming up or interrupting my time. I managed to get most necessary things done, but when it came to writing these two weeks, I failed. Not nearly enough words were written. So...

Why have a schedule? 

Because things will eventually calm down. 

Life will flow evenly again. 

Inspiration will hit, and I'll get those words written. 

So the days that seem futile (in my writing) or wasted, really aren't. Right now, I choose to look at them as a time of resting, refreshing my spirit and mind, thinking, plotting and getting ready to write several more thousand words and quite a few more chapters. 

The deadline I've set for this book is real, but I do believe I've got this, in spite of the interruptions.

 I will finish this novel!!!

Serious Wednesday: Reaching Your Goal

 Don't kid yourself. Writing is hard work. But, oh my, when you've reached your goal for the day--
the week--or finished that goal! What a feeling. 

Relief. Relaxation. Happiness. 

But...you can't reach that relief, relaxation, happiness stage until you get there. Tips on getting there?

Here goes:

1. Whatever you're writing, you need to plan ahead of time. Whether you're a by-the-seat writer or a plotter, you have to have some idea, form, or outline--at least in your head--for how you're going to proceed. What's your story or article about? Where are you headed? What will be the problem for your character? How will he/she handle the situation? How will the problem be solved? What genre are you writing in? How long will your book be? 
2. Research is a big part of writing fiction (or nonfiction for that matter). Do it with due justice. Make sure you know what you're writing about. Sometimes on certain things, you will have to do extensive research. Other times a quick check on google will give you the answer you need. Don't skim on this one. Research is important. 
3. Who are your characters? Jot down all the information about these people you might need to remember throughout your writing. That includes major and minor characters. Their coloring--eyes, hair, skin, etc. Where they work--if they work. What they enjoy doing--their hobbies, food tastes, habits etc. Who are they? Their personalities. their employment--even if they work. 
4. What is the problem in the book? How must the protagonists overcome it? How are the antagonists causing the problem, and why? Jealousy? Anger? Greed? Love? Money? 
5. How will the problem be resolved satisfactorily? Writers end their books in different ways. Most have a good, happy ending. Some leave the reader with a question, some with a teaser for more coming. Make sure you know what you want to do to give your characters--and your readers--that feeling of satisfaction! 

Whatever you do, don't try to get around these areas of importance. Embrace these thoughts, make them a part of your writing. And enjoy your journey! You'll be glad you did when your readers can't wait for the next book! 

Wednesday Question: 

What are some hints you use in your writing? 

Enjoy your writing! 

Serious Wednesday: Serious Problems!

Sometimes when you're an author, you run into problems. Small and large. It's when you're in the
midst of those problems, that you come face to face with the realization that something needs to give...or to better say it, the writer needs to be better prepared. 

An example, you ask? Okay.

The Good:  Recently, my newest novel was released. 

The Bad:  The pre-books I was supposed to have, didn't arrive. Somehow in all this postal mess going on, my shipment was sent to the wrong address in the wrong state, plus supposedly, my box was damaged. 

The Result:  I've been in a state of frustration that books wouldn't get sent out to fans that should have been done. 

The end? Of course! God is in control even when it seems nothing is going right. I cling to that assurance and know that all things work together for the good. 

And that's enough! 

Rambling Friday: And This, too, Shall Pass

Pandemic. Day after day of rain. Unemployment for many. Unpaid bills. Sickness. Death.

Problems come. That's for sure. And for some, it seems to never end. But there's always an end. It might not be what we want, what we've looked for, what we hoped for, but an end does come.

As I've watched the weather this week, day after day of rain, cold weather, a return to warm clothes and heat, I wondered when we'd see that warm spring weather again. As I saw a break in the rain, I thought, "Is this it? Is this the end of this period of rain?" But it wasn't. Minutes later, rain began to pour from the skies.

I used to love to ice skate, to play and walk in the snow, but not so much anymore. It's a beautiful season, untouched snow-yards, hanging branches laden with wet snow, snowmen dressed up in humans' finest outdoor wear. But my love has waned for that season. Now I prefer warm weather, beaches, walking in the sand, flowers and all that goes with spring, summer and fall.

But I also know winter will pass. As will summer, spring and fall. All things circle back to what we love, to what we dislike/hate, to, again, what we like/enjoy. It's the circle of life.

What's next? Who knows? But what I do know, God has control. He sees us, He cares for us. He knows what is needed, and will give what we need, whether it's strength, encouragement, hope, assurance, or whatever.

Whatever the problem, THIS TOO SHALL PASS!

Right now, Rejoice and be glad. We can do this!


Stay positive!

Serious Wednesday: There is a Season...

Ecclesiastes 3:1 says:

To everything, there is a season, 

and a time to every purpose

under the heavens.

There is a Season to Write, all right. And there's a season to not write (sometimes).

I know, I know. Some writers don't have slumps or bumps or maybe it's just they're more focused on

handling burdens and problems in their lives.

But I'm not talking about those people. I'm talking about those who don't handle writing and other obligations coinciding, very well. I'm talking about me during those times. How to get through it all.

Since I began my writing journey (what I mean is, seriously because I've written all my life), and becoming an actual published author, I've written at least one, sometimes more novels a year. So when 2019 popped up, and I found myself unable to write, to barely get through one scene before reaching another "block," I knew something had to give.

I struggled for three quarters of the year, setting writing goals and failing at achieving them. I struggled with creating plots, knowing where to go from one scene to another, to even write!

It was only in the autumn of 2019 that I finally gave up. Meaning, I knew it wasn't going to happen, for me, that year. And I realized what my body, mind, and probably God was trying to tell me: I needed to REST!

So...when 2020 entered, I was ready! Excited and determined to begin writing again. My hopes were high, my purpose was exact on what I needed to do, and I began. So far, for this year, I should have completed the first draft, and probably some edits of one of the books I wanted to finish. All going well, it should be in the hands of my editor by the first part of April, and I get to begin on another novel, I'm hoping to complete this year.

What am I saying?

• Recognize and accept, as I had to finally do, that sometimes (not always!) your body and mind need a rest, a period of relaxing, reviving and renewing. 
• Your time of rest may be a period that is different than another person's. Just because I needed a year, doesn't mean YOU need that. It may be a few days, weeks, months or even longer than a year, but your body and mind will tell you what you need. Accept it!
• Don't be idle! You might be able to do some interesting research or take a prospective trip with time to take notes and pictures that can possibly be used at another time. Or you might need to work on other neglected projects or family and friends as a total rest from writing. It could be problems, illness, and burdens that need to be taken care of before you can focus again on your writing. Whatever, whichever it is, don't beat yourself up over it. Because...

• When you pick up your pen (or open your laptop) again, I suspect your fingers and mind will be geared up to write once again. New ideas, fresh inspiration, and a fiery determination will light up the days to fulfill and succeed where you stumbled before.

Embrace the rest period! You'll be glad you did!

Here's to a new and revived writing spirit!

Monday Morning Gratitudes

When trials pour in--sigh--I know God knows.
A vehicle that can go thru the snow
A strong hubby
Answers even if they aren't exactly what I wanted
A fall and pain, but it could have been MUCH worse


Blessings!

Monday Morning Gratitudes

I'm so thankful for peace:

When I'm sad at losing my mother
When I'm stressed because of others' criticism or misunderstanding
When I'm fearful at unreached possibilites that I do not want
When I'm afraid of losing something I love.
When I'm off track in my writing

When I feel like I'm dragging my feet at facing an unwanted duty
When I want to say what I think or feel and know God would be displeased
When I'm afraid at what I might have to go through

Because I know God loves me
Because I've already experienced answered prayers
Because God is in control. He can.


Blessings

Sunday Morning Peace

Peace in the Midst of a Storm

"My peace I give you," said Jesus.

Peace during the storms of trials, discouragement, persecution, temptation, darkness . . .

Loss of job, house, land, family or friends

Even when you're distraught, confused, fearful or ill.

God is there.

He gives peace.

Blessings!

Everyday Insanity

And it's catching!

There are some days that nothing seems to go right. I end up questioning my sanity and most of those I come in contact with and a few I never even see--just out of frustration.

Frustrations:

• Overslept about a half hour--which I need, to feel like I've got time to get my day going right.
• Too much mail to get ready to go out.
• Material for envelope refuses to go in! EEEK!
• Can't find a journal I need.
• At bank, asked teller -- via deposit slip -- to deposit an extra $200 to our account. Fortunately, she knows me and sympathized with my morning!
• Not able to get my mile walk in.
• Unable to stop by the store this morning.
• Too many things to do today; can't possibly get them all done.
• Tired from a hard day yesterday, traveling.
• Book I ordered, haven't received.

But . . .
Had a wonderfully creative weekend with lots of writing and editing done! Love it when genius bubbles like a hot spring!

Here's a funny tale. I'm afraid I qualify! Laugh.

The Bathtub Test
During a visit to the mental asylum, a visitor asked the director what the criterion was which defined whether or not a patient should be institutionalized.

"Well," said the director, "we fill up a bathtub, then we offer a teaspoon, a teacup, and a bucket to the patient and ask him or her to empty the bathtub.

"Oh, I understand," said the visitor. "A normal person would use the bucket because it's bigger than the spoon or the teacup."

"No," said the director. "A normal person would pull the plug. Do you want a bed near the window?"

What would your answer have been?




Here are some more handy hints for around the house. Use with your own discernment!:

• Blood stains on clothes? Us a little hydrogen peroxide on a cloth & wipe off.
• Permanent marker on appliances or counter tops? Rubbing alcohol on a paper towel will do the trick.
• A new box of SOS pads? Cut in half & have twice as many. Usually you only use part of one before it goes bad.
  
• Streaks on windows? Use vertical swipes on outside of windows; horizontal on inside. That way you can tell which side as the streaks. Vinegar gets windows really clean and don't wash on a sunny day. Windows dry too quickly.
• Spray a bit of perfume on a light bulb; lovely scent!
  

Cindy Woodsmall Trivia:
Book One (out now) "When the Heart Cries"
Book Two (out in Sepember '07) "When the Morning Comes"

If you like Amish stories, check out her books. And her interview on Friday, July 13th!


Congratulations, Ann, who was the winner of the Father's Day Mystery Story contest! She won a $10 certificate from Bob Evans! Good work, Ann!



Quote:
Some things cannot be spoken or discovered until we have been stuck, incapacitated, or blown off course for awhile. Plain sailing is pleasant, but you are not going to explore many unknown realms that way. --David Whyte


Blessings

Problems and Solutions!


Hey, everyone. I've had computer problems all day until now (late afternoon!). So . . . in view of that, I haven't been able to check everyone's messages to see who entered & sent the right answer to the contest--until now.


AND we have a tie. Ann and Livia are the two with the correct answer.

The questions I asked:

Who was it? Patricia
What clue did Noah give her? He loved seniors
How did Ali fiture it out?

• Patricia is a senior and likes dogs (including Noah).

• Noah likes her because she's a senior and likes him.

• She has tons of valuable articles in her home, so she would be interested in this book.
  

• She used the distraction of her dog getting lose to send the staff scampering after him. It would only take a moment for her to reach into Ali's office and lift off the key to the case from the bulletin board. In minutes she would be following the staff and effectively hushing her dog's excited barking.

Note:

• Terri is not a senior, in spite of her hatred of Ali.
  
• Neither is Joshua in spite of his capability of stealing to get money.

Being a senior was the main clue. If you notice, I wrote a lot about seniors in one way or other. Sometimes it was used to distract you (by mentioning so many different ones). The index cards and the bubble gum wrappers were red herrings. Lots of the people who visited the library either used index cards or chewed gum, but only three were actual possibilities: Patricia, Rev. Tattony, and Tommy Reece and Billy Mace (together). Ali had decided that Rev. Tattony couldn't be a suspect because he was a reverend and also because he was so generous in giving away books. Tommy and Billy were ornery enough to do it, but too feeble and slow to get away with it.

That left Patricia.

• She owned valuables, some old
  
• She loved dogs
• She was a senior
• I didn't mention her using index cards or chewing bubble gum--that should have been a dead give-away that she was a good suspect.
  

Tomorrow morning, hopefully, I'll have a second round ready for you two.
And thank you to all you emailed and commented with answers. Good job!


Quote:
From quiet homes and first beginning out to the undiscovered ends. There's nothing worth the wear of winning, but laughter and the love of friends. --Hilaire Belloc



Blessings.

PROBLEMS
Hey, you all. I've been hearing from some of my readers that you haven't seen anything since sometime in November. Well, I've been writing, I don't know what the problem is. Hopefully, it'll be fixed shortly. Keep watching.


Hints for children:
One thing you should ensure at Christmas is that your children (old enough, of course) write little thank you notes to those who've given them gifts: grandparents, etc.

There is nothing nicer than receiving a personal thank you for a gift that you have given, particularly from young children.

Help them write it if necessary. It need not be long, but it's good practice for them at writing, too. Also a good way to start is to ask them to think about what it is they like best about the gift they've received. Tell them to all they need to do then is write it down on paper.




Quote:
Blessed are they who give without remembering, and take without forgetting. --Elizabeth Bibesco

Blessings.