Sunday Morning Sunshine: Things That Make Me Happy

Animals, like...

Squirrels.

They're thieves, fast, and brave.

Funny and smart

Turtles

Not very friendly,

loners at times,

and are quite determined to be left alone.

But still awesome.

Geese

Quite demanding when it comes to food,

Protective of their babies,

Slow-moving (on purpose, I believe) when crossing a road,

And so much fun to watch!

Swan

Graceful, elegant,

and quite the King (or Queen) of the feathered creatures.

ALL God's Creatures!

 

Sunday Morning Sunshine: Winter is Past

 Winter is Past

For, lo, the winter is past,

The rain is over and gone;

The flowers appear on the earth,

The time of the singing of birds is come,

And the voice of the turtle is heard in the land. 

How's your spring? 

Sunday Morning Sunshine: Flowers and More Flowers

What's more beautiful than flowers in the summertime? 

I can't wait to see these each summer. 

I walk out onto the porch to see how close they are to bloom. 

Every Mother's Day,

Our church gives flowers to all the mothers.

Beautiful star-shaped flowers

These little wild violets always bring a smile

to my face.

Enjoy your summer.

Plant a flower.

Smile! 

Sunday Morning Sunshine: Grandsons

This is why I love this boy!

Innocent! 

Fun-loving!

Working with the animals!

Taking walks and exploring!

Loving life! 

Share a picture of you or your family or a favorite friend:

Why do you love them? 

Serious Wednesday: Writing THE END

Writing "The End" has a particular pleasure for me. 

That's what I did this week, 

and it marked a successful endeavor to complete 

another book. 

What did it show to me (again)?

* That I persevered

* That I still have it in me to write books

* That my creativity still lurks somewhere deep inside me.

* That a person--me, in this instance--does not have to be defeated by life's busyness, illness, problems, or whatever.

No matter the circumstances and hindrances a person can write. You find the time. You find the inspiration. You find the grit to do this.

Why? Because you're a writer. You don't give up when you reach a plateau. Or when you don't want to write that day. You get a word or two or more down. 

Feelings are such a big part of a writer's life. You FEEL and that's what makes you a writer. You don't give up when critiques criticize when you get a bad review, when someone gives you a bad review or your feelings are hurt. You wallow for a bit, then square your shoulders, hold your head high, and begin writing. 

We study, learn and do better. That's why when I write "The End" I'm happy. I did it! I wrote yet another book. 

You can too! Don't give up.

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! 

Sunday Morning Sunshine: I'm happy!

Oh, yeah,

I know we need the rain.

In fact, I enjoy hearing the soft sound of rain

The beauty of the snow...

 But the SUN! 

It makes me happy!

And that's enough. 

Sunday Morning Sunshine: A Happy Picture...

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words!

This picture makes you smile! 

Rambling Friday: The End!

Are there any happier words to write for an author than "The End"?

I think not.

Now I'm not talking about my personal life nor my spiritual life. I'm talking about my writing life. And when I say, I'm delirious with delight at writing those two simple words, I mean it! :) 

Having a rather unfruitful 2019 in accomplishing much writing, this year has been a total delight when I set my goals and finish a 90,000-word fiction book in about two and a half months.

Amazing! I'm on a roll!

MORE information on the book (and it's a doozy!) later.

I must remember: editing slows me down. Promotions will slow me down. BUT...





I have my Chore and Word Crawl list, and...
I can do this!

Happiness!

Rambling Friday: Let it Snow...or Rain...or Sun Shine!

Let it Snow!

Sure it's cold and dangerous and frustrating and miserable. But it's also beautiful and clean, fun and exhilarating!

So...enjoy your indoor projects: coloring, painting, sewing, reading, woodworking (in the garage, of course!), scrapbooking, writing, or whatever you love to do!

Or go outside for a walk. Go sledding with your grandkids or kids or neighbor's kids. Ride in an open-air, horse-drawn carriage, built a fort or a snowman, or whatever you'd like to do.

Let it Rain!
Sure it's damp and wet, with clingy, soggy clothes, messy floors and a spoiler of plans!

But change your plans. Dress warmly with rainboots, umbrellas, and open eyes. Watch the rain dripping off the trees or running rivulets down your windows, splash a little in puddles, lift your face and feel the gentle pelts of water. Remember the thirsty earth, the plants and streams, and the hot, coming droughts and be thankful.



Let it Sun Shine!
Ah, the sunny days! But sometimes it's hot; I mean really hot, and we sweat, feel sticky and lifeless.

Remember though, and enjoy the bright sun that gives life and warmth and opportunity to do things we can't during the rainy and snowy days. So...work on those gardens, sit in the morning sun and feel the rays on your face, lay on the blanket-covered grass and dream a little, Count the leaves on a tree and watch the busy ants march in a line. Prop yourself against a tree trunk and read a book or write in a journal. Take pictures of anything and everything, ride in a boat, swim every day.

Thank God for every day. Enjoy yourself whether it's snowy, rainy or sunshiny. Love, live and appreciate. We only have one life. Don't waste it! 

Happy days!

Sunday Sunshine: Posies Make Me Smile

God has created a beautiful world!

Take a look at some of his handiwork:

So this happened.

I planted six of these pots w/petunias and other accents.

Love!

Dogwood blossoms are just totally awesome. 

See our horse in the background? 

Remember, as kids, sucking the honey from wild honeysuckle?

These tame ones always put on a spectacular display!

Is there anything more breathtaking than these stunning Rhododendrons?

Happy Posie Day!

Sunday Morning Blessings: Thoughts for the Week

Happiness is made to share with another.

You can't be happy long before you want someone else to know it.

When God made the trees, animals and birds, 

he said they were very good.

The vine is for grapes,

the wheat for bread,

the bee to give us honey,

and the sheep for wool.

Even the cat is good to catch mice.

All God's things are good!

"Go break to the needy sweet charity's bread

For giving is living," the angel said.

"And must I be giving and giving again?"

my peevish and pitiless answer ran.

"Oh, no!" said the angel, piercing me through,

"Just give till the Lord stops giving to you."

In the Bible, there is more that finds me

than I have experienced in all other books together.

--S.T. Coleridge

Have a blessed week!

Everyone Wants to be Loved

Everyone Wants to be Loved

I think.

Here are a few suggestions on how to accomplish that:

• Don't contradict people, even if you're sure you're right.
• Don't be inquisitive about the affairs of even your most intimate friends.
• Don't underrate anything because you don't possess it.
• Don't believe that everybody else in the world is happier than you.
• Don't conclude that you have never had nay opportunities in life.
• Don't be rude to your inferiors in social position.
• Don't repeat gossip, even if it does interest a crowd.
• Learn to hide your aches and pains under a pleasant smile. Few care whether you have an earache, headache, or rheumatism.
• Learn to attend to your own business.
• Don't try to be anything else but a gentle man or woman, and that means one who has consideration for the whole world, and whose life is governed by the Golden rule, "Do unto others as you would be done by."

Quote:
Do not fear to step where God leads.

Monday Morning Gratitudes

For therapists who are doing a wonderful job!
For insurance (weird, yeah!)
For the rain
The fun of picking out pumpkins and mums for the porch!
That my first book in the Appleton, WV Romantic Mystery series finaled in the Books Excellence Awards Contest!
That God is good all the time.
That a certain person is being friendly.
That I have a great church.

Blessings!

Monday Morning Gratitudes

Thankful for:

A successful and fun promotion with fellow authors, promoting Knight in Shining Apron
A speaking engagement this past weekend that was accomplished because of God's help.
Friend Jamin's valuable help
Renewed some old acquaintances
Met some new friends
Safety on the roads
Help w/a physical problem
Crossed off some deeds needing finished.
Finished third book in the Appleton WV romantic mystery series.


Blessings

Sunday Morning Peace

THIS DAY!

This is the day the Lord has made.

Let us rejoice and be glad therein!

--the Psalmist

Monday Morning Gratitudes

Thankful . . .
Christ rose for me!
Victory!
As a christ-lover, I can trust him for the end results. :)
Sweet memories
For a best friend who knows all, for earthly friends who encourage, for a hubby-friend who's supportive, loving and the best!
Things that make my heart happy
Spring flowers
Life!
Release from the cold of winter; release from the burden of sin.


Blessings!

Tidbits of My February Life

What a Sweetheart of a Month! 

Lots of fun things. 

A few sad things.

But a good month over all.

Now, here's my list for the month! 

How did yours go?

The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman

is a finalist in the Christian Small Publisher Contest

http://www.christianpublishers.net/15votes/

It would bless my day for you to consider voting for it!

Thanks!

A Great Surprise Birthday celebration for my hubby!

Such fun and he was totally surprised--which doesn't happen often. Lol

And I'm so happy the cake turned out great!

Now on to the next one

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Visited these wonderful sites this month:

Shauna Wheelright's Fun site here on February 2nd:

http://ilovetoreadandreviewbooks.blogspot.com/2015/02/meet-author-carole-brown.html

Topic? Ten FUN Facts about ME!

* Hallee Bridgeman's fabulous online site February 3rd here:

http://www.bridgemanfamily.com/hallee/an-interview-with-author-carole-brown-and-a-giveaway/

An interview!

* Alexis Goring's sweet site here on February 16th here:

http://capturingtheidea.blogspot.com/2015/02/true-love-stories-my-husband-ran-away.html?spref=fb

Topic? My husband Ran Away with the Church Pianist!

* Bonnie Leon on February 3rd here at her very cool site:

http://bonnieleon.blogspot.com/2015/02/steadfast-blogging-guest-carole-brown.html

Topic? Facing More Than You Can Handle

Gail Pallotta's lovely site!

http://www.gailpallotta.blogspot.com/2015/02/looking-out-window-carole-brown-talks.html

Topic? A devotional on Contentment

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We lost this precious little fellow this month: Bryce.

He made everyone smile

Know we'll miss you, sweet lad, but we'll see you again someday . . .

in heaven!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~~ Book News! ~~

With Music in Their Hearts:

received its 27th review:

a FIVE STAR

from reviewer Nancee Marchinoski!

Early WWII sets the stage for an intriguing story of suspense and mystique. A Cincinnati boarding house is inhabited by a cast of colorful and diverse characters with varied personalities. A father and his three daughters run the household with gatherings around the piano and a time of socializing every evening. The most recent resident is a pastor with a secret mission, working with the government to uncover a plot to steal plans for a new type of ammunition.

This is a classic 1940s scenario that brings to mind all of the memories from that era in time. On US home turf the war revolves around the residents who share the same address, but that's where the similarities end. This is a lively, fast-paced adventure that gives away no secrets, takes the reader on a few tangents, and produces a dollop of angst and a tidbit of comedy. The list of characters seems endless, varied and perplexing, and at times a lot to absorb, but there's never a dull moment in this dramatization. This is a treasure to enjoy!
Disclaimer: Thanks to the generosity of the author, I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.

Thank you, Nancee, for the wonderful review.

AND

The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman

received it's 100th Review

and following quickly,

it's 100th and One review,

both FIVE STARS!

When I first saw this book on Goodreads it sparked my interest, so happy I won a signed copy. Caralynne Hayman is a courageous women thrown into an unimaginable situation. Brought up In a religious cult that treated women as property. Married to a man who beat her. A cult that trained young girls to be submissive wives. After her 11yr old daughter dies at the hands of these men and her husband while "breaking her in", Caralynne wants revenge and to get her younger daughters safely out of the cult. As her husband is squirming on the floor having a heart attack she grabs his medicine, then a thought comes to her. If she doesn't give it to him he will die. She thinks about how he could have prevented Lori's death. 

She drops the medicine bottle and leaves the room.

This book was very riveting. It's a book about courage and making changes. Will Caralynne finally find a way to be safe, happy, and find true love? As the title says, it is a story of redemption.

Yippee. So thankful for those who thank authors by leaving reviews.

Such an encouragement.

Thank you, Mary Jo, for this great review!

~~~~~~~~~~~

And something for inspiration . . .

And for fun!

Looking forward to Spring!

Have a good rest-of-the-month!

Blessings

Happiness is . . .

Sunday Morning Peace

Happiness is . . .

(According to the Thorndike dictionary):

Gladness, pleasure, contentment.

According to God's word, a man who:

1.  is corrected by God--he's happy (Job  5:17)

Why should that make anyone happy? 

How does correction encourage the feeling of happiness?

Perhaps because it tells man God loves him so much he shows him his errors. 

God wants us to go the right way, the perfect way for US. 

2.  has a full quiver is happy. (Psalm 127:5)

What? You have to have children to be happy?

Of course not. 

But if you are so blest with children, if having children is right for you,

then raising them to be real men and women, 

enjoying them

and doing your best to encourage them in right choices--

you will have an abundance of happiness

3.  has mercy, shall be happy (Proverbs 14:21)

The merciful are generous-hearted people. 

They show mercy because they've received mercy.

An act of forgiveness and generous sharing of the mercy you have to give

always creates a feeling of happiness.

Period.

4.  fears is happy. (Proverbs 28:14)

Come again? 

You have to fear to be happy.

In this instance fear is equated with openness and truthfulness with God.

Don't hide your errors and sins and mistakes.

Share and confess them to God.

Be afraid to not give them over to a forgiving and all-knowing God.

Then you will be happy.

5.  endures, he is happy. (James 5:11)

Don't give up!

Doesn't matter if you have trials, problems and sadness.

Don't give up!

Hold on to the fact God will be there for you.

He'll walk beside you and help you carry your problems.

Never give up!

Satisfaction, peace and happiness will be yours 

in knowing

you didn't give up.

You endured!

Go, YOU!

Blessings

Choosing Happiness in 2014

Sometimes you read something that resonates with your spirit. I loved these suggestions from my friend Randy Kirk, who generously allowed us to use if we wish. Enjoy!


Have you had enough negative input for one decade? Tired of hearing about squabbles in Washington, tensions in the Mideast, and the economics of fear? Here are seven guaranteed ways that you can choose happiness in 2014.

1. Take a 40 day FAST from the news. Don't read newspapers, listen to news radio, or watch the news on TV. Tell those around you that you don't even want to discuss it. Within 3 days, your spirits will be lifted. Trust me on this one.

2. Stop procrastinating about stupid little stuff. Make a quick list of the top 10 things that bug you in your life that will take less than an hour or so to fix. Then do it them. I once allowed my garage to look like something on a reality TV show for 9 months. It only took 3 hours to make it perfect. I was stoked.

3. Deal with the most toxic person in your life. Some one person is probably responsible for most of the grief you deal with. Set a boundary with them. If they can't handle the boundary, limit or eliminate contact. Just thinking about this one made you feel better. 

4. Set some small makable goals for the year. Vacation, savings, date nights, learn or improve a skill or talent, special projects with the kids, charitable giving, community service, make a difference. 

5. Forgive someone who you are really ticked at. The problem could be a recent issue or a really old one.

You don't even need to tell them you forgave them. Just do it. 75% of emotional illness is due to failure to forgive. If you do this one, and none of the others, it will be the biggest gain for 2014.

6. Begin each day with a daily devotional or inspirational reading. Then exercise. Even 10 or 20 minutes. I've never met anyone who does this who doesn't feel huge benefits.

7. Intend to be happy. Make a choice to be happy. Cherish each moment. Resist every temptation to be negative, or upset, or grasping, or intolerant. Take every opportunity to be loving, giving, and blessing others with your kindness.




Happy New Year blessings!