Rambling Friday: It's Too Hot? No! It's Too Cold!

I don't like the weather too cold (or maybe I should say, not very cold at all). But then when the temp heads toward the eighties, nineties, or higher, then I'm not crazy about that either. Especially if you live, as I do, where the humidity likes to climb high! 

I normally try hard to not complain. I'm so thankful and grateful for so many things in life, and another day to live is one of them. 

I find the words in 1 Timothy 6:6-12 to be an admonition and encouragement: 

But godliness with contentment is great gain. 

For we brought nothing into the world, 

and we can take nothing out of it. 

But if we have food and clothing, 

we will be content with that.

What do I learn from this scripture?

• If I'm godly and contented I will have gained a LOT!
• I brought nothing into this world, and I'll take nothing out of it!
• I should be content with such as I have, whether small or great!

For actually, I do have a lot:  God, family, and friends. A career I love, memories and adventures
with my family through the years, almost anything one could desire...

Why should I complain? 

Serious Wednesday: Creating Tension

If you're writing suspense, 

you need to know some things 

about creating suspense. 

Remember:

• When you begin any suspenseful section, don't begin with talking about the weather. Now, having said this, if you're using the weather to INCREASE or SET the mood or as PART of the suspense, then, by all means, keep going.  Example:  It was a dark and stormy night (overdone) but  The lightning streak struck the fence post, not twenty feet from where I was standing.  Better. Why is this important? The reader will find out much later in the book...
• Definitely draw your reader's attention to a matter of importance. It can be something so simple it seems to matter LITTLE at the reading but is vitally important. It could point to something significant that will reveal the meaning later in the story. But do capture your reader's attention. Example:   The rhinestones on her shoes sparkled with flirtatious gaiety. Is there something about those shoes that will help solve the problem?
• Short, direct sentences and sometimes with repeated words, will bring a briskness, an urgency that something vitally important is happening or will happen. Don't overdo them, but use them wisely and carefully for a great start to any suspenseful scene.  Example:  Tyrell hurried to Bette and gripped her arms. "What do you mean? Tell me quick."  This short paragraph immediately lets the reader know Tyrell is worried, upset, or afraid. It captures attention and shows urgency.
• If you must use backstory, leave it for later in the book and use it sparingly. Work to make the backstory such a part of the story that the reader moves seamlessly through the story and not hesitate for even a second.  Example:  Her mind flipped backward, backward to his confession that tore her heart from her chest. "I don't love you anymore. I'm leaving you. Today. Now. Goodbye." She rocked, clinching her arms around her legs, and wished she could douse her member in some kind of forgetful fluid. Tense. Heartwrenching. Backstory woven into the present that grips the reader and keeps them turning pages.
• And finally, learn from the best. Never stop learning. Never stop reading. Never stop striving to make your writing the best. Don't take short cuts. Learn, and it will show in your books!

HAPPY WRITING!

Rambling Friday: This Wild, Wild Winter...or Not!

It's truly debatable whether the state I live in lives up to its reputation as a moody state. 




Ya'll love snow?
Then come on down, over, up to my state.

Ya'll all want 75 degree weather at Christmas? Sure, come visit.












You love rainy days? Or is it a whole summer without a drop of rain? Make up your mind.

Love storms, including lightning, high winds and tornadoes? You got it, right here!





You never know what this mixed-up state might send our way...but anyway it is, you gotta love it for the suspense and surprises! 

Enjoy the day!

Sunday Morning Peace: April, the Tease

APRIL is such a tease. 

Warm and cold.

Sunny and cloudy.

Rainy and wet.

Budding trees and bursts of color.

Leftover brown leaves and greening grass.

A merry sprite.

A prankster laughing up her sleeve.

Tempting.

Delirious.

Wonderful.

Smile . . .

***

The sun was warm but the wind was chill.

You know how it is with an April day.

When the sun is out and the wind is still,

You're one month on in the middle of May.

But if you so much as dare to speak,

a cloud comes over the sunlit arch,

And wind comes off a frozen peak,

And you're two months back in the middle of March."

-  Robert Frost, Two Tramps in Mud Time, 1926 

Monday Morning Gratitudes

Waking up to a beautiful, snow-covered world
the first coffee of the day
learning more and more about my essential oils--what a blessing!
strength for the day--so thankful I'm experiencing it these last few days!
good bargain buys
things that make me laugh
jokes between my hubby and me
Memories we share.

Blessings

I Really Do Love All These Things!

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens
Bright copper kettles and warm woollen mittens
Brown paper packages tied up with strings
These are a few of my favorite things.

Cream colored ponies and crisp apple strudels

Doorbells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles

Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings

These are a few of my favorite things.

Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes

Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes

Silver white winters that melt into springs

These are a few of my favorite things

--From the Sound of Music

I know some people do not like this song, but really...?

What's not to love?

Raindrops on roses? Have you ever seen that drop of water on a velvety flower petal?

Copper kettles gleaming in the light?

And mittens keeping your fingers are warm and snuggly?

and I totally love brown paper packages! 

But that's not all! I also love:

Ponies and especially cream colored ones. 

Anything with apples.

Bells? yes! 

And hubby and I still adore watching  the geese flying and predicting winter's moods.

My loves don't stop there!

Adorable young girls with preening and all dressed up in their white dresses and sashes.

Pretending to be princesses and royalty...

And as much as I dislike the severe cold weather, 

I still enjoy watchng lazy, huge snowflakes falling and clinging.

And when winter melts into spring?

The best part yet! 

By the way,

these are just a few of my favorite things.

Merry Christmas!