Bowling at Christmas Time

The tradition of bowling in December started when I was a little girl. My dad had the week off between Christmas and New Year’s and we would spend one afternoon, bowling. My Mom and Dad were good bowlers and one or the other of them usually won.

Years have gone by. But somehow, my own family and I manage to bowl every year around Christmas time. When my kids were little and it was their birthday, the birthday child could pick one thing to do for family fun. Some picked going to the museum, others going out to dinner or seeing a movie. But my one, son whose birthday is in December always chose bowling.

So the tradition has continued. This last week of December we found ourselves at the bowling alley to mark his birthday.

 I have no form or grace when bowling but somehow I always manage to win at least one game. This year it was tight, but I was able to pull off a win. Each year it gets more difficult as everyone gets better and better.

But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap.  Malachi  3:2

Christmas 2018

 Christmas is here with all the hustle and bustle of getting gifts, baking, holiday events and family. I usually get down-hearted at this time of year.  

The true meaning of the Season gets lost in all the activities. 

But this year, I feel different. This year Emmanuel (God with Us) is with me in all the preparations. It's not a gearing up for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, it's living in the moment and enjoying each one. Not enjoying those that are better and despising those that are not, but enjoying each minute. 

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angels said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.    Luke 2:8-11

Thanksgiving

My husband and I traveled to Alaska to see our daughter over Thanksgiving. It was so awesome to see so many sights that were rugged and wild. I saw a bald eagle fly majestically in the valley next to the rocky cliffs. Mountain goats on crags of a sheer cliff. The wonder of it all was almost too much to take in at times.  

In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made. Without Him nothing was made that has been made.  John 1:1-3

My

Halloween and Unicef

What a strange custom Halloween is. I remember as a child, I had no idea that you could get Candy. The first Halloween I remember, my sisters and brothers Trick-or-Treated for Unicef. Often our neighbors would say, "What?" We would repeat, all 8 of us, "Trick or Treat for Unicef." Then we would hold out our carefully constructed bowls of paper that were to remind us that children in faraway lands only received one bowl of rice per day. Two years in a row we did that. I still had no idea that other kids were getting candy.

Then it happened. We dressed up as usual, but this time after a dinner of grilled cheese sandwiches, we said, "Trick or Treat," and people gave us a piece of candy at every door. What a thrill.  And for that reason alone, I make sure I am home every Halloween to give little children candy. It’s a kid’s day. There are other messages about the day. But I choose it to be only a kid’s holiday for dress-up, candy and fun.

Below was taken from Unicef’s website - https://www.unicefusa.org/trick-or-treat/learn-more

Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF began 68 years ago as a way to help kids still affected by World War II. Since then, millions of children across the United States have gone door to door on Halloween with UNICEF collection boxes, calling out, "Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF!" The annual tradition of Kids Helping Kids® — involving donations big and small — has helped to raise nearly $177 million since 1950.




Be alert and of sober mind . Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ , after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 5:8-11

Research

Research, research is such a vital part of writing. I love reading old maps, looking into customs and phrases of another time period. But then there comes that point in researching when you are looking for a specific fact. Maybe the terrain of the area you are writing about. Or the distance one would have to travel on horseback

How I wish I knew someone from the time I am writing about so that I could just ask these questions. I would take great notes. Then I could get back to writing. 

Instead I am still researching. I need my heroine to ride from her home somewhere outside of London to London. So on horseback, I’ve found she could ride about 48 miles in a day. But I want her to arrive in London in 3-4 hours. Oh and the hero is with her—two people only one horse. So the horse although quite large would take approximately will take more time to get to London. So now I am looking for a town 25 miles outside of London.

Once I find the town, then I have to see what the terrain is like. What types of vegetation grow there. After that I need to decide if they took the main road or the side roads or if they traveled through a forest.

Above is a forest that I know well. I could write about this forest. But it is on the wrong continent. I know the wildlife that lives in this forest. I know what the weather is like. The chill on an October afternoon. But I'm unsure of the temperatures of the place I am writing. 

So that is where today October 10^th finds me . . . deeply embroiled in research.

Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise. Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:20-21

     

Fall

Another month has slowly followed the last—from the almost unbearable heat to a distinctive chill in the mornings and evenings. We have so many tomatoes and peppers. The cucumbers and squash were annihilated by hail one evening.

One of my prize flowers, the pink hollyhock finally bloomed. Mind you, down the street, on a corner with no babying or extra water THAT hollyhock has bloomed all summer.

I love summer. I am sorry to see it leave. But fall is the next best. It is the time when I start writing once again every day. With long walks, boating, camping trips, and family discussions on the back porch nearly over, it is time to buckle down and get my first novel in tip top condition.

  

Here's to a long season of writing.

It is the Lord your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him. Deuteronomy 13:4

Last Day in August

                         

Last day of August. Wow! It went so fast. I was only able to work on my

book. . . .maybe 10 hours this month. I will try to make it 11 hours in September, but there is one less day.

Up in Estes Park last weekend. 

Beautiful and so restful to spend time in the mountains. 

Truly my soul finds rest in God , my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. Psalm 62:1-2                                                                         

August 2018

Summer has gone by so quickly and I haven't posted at all in August. We've been to Mount Evans and St. Mary's Glacier, John Martin Reservoir and Pueblo Reservoir. We've seen mountain goats and marmots. Caught fish and cooked them over the grill.

Went camping.

Got caught in rain storms and have been hailed upon. And amidst it all, I keep writing. Always writing.

These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the                     door frames of your houses and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6:6-9

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

4th of July

Happy Fourth of July.

Cherry and Blueberry Pie with a little vanilla ice cream.

Red, White and Blue.

No writing today.

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1

A tough blow

It's a tough blow. If you have been following my journey, you know we have been working on this book for years. I do see the point. I do agree that it is a new and fresh approach. 

But somewhere, way in the back of my mind, I like the way it started. I like the way it flowed. I liked the details and the back story unfolding the way it did. 

But sometimes it is not what I like, it's what's needed. 

Out in the open wisdom calls aloud, she raises her voice in the public square; on top of the wall she cries out, at the city gate she makes her speech. Proverbs 1:20-21

     

May Roses

                 

With the reviews coming back from the last contest I entered for my novel, my editor and I have decided we should re-do the first chapter. I had introduced my heroine and then three chapters later the hero. But it seems all the reviewers commented on how long it takes for the story to start.   

 I can't believe how the roses have bloomed this year. These pink roses have always done well, but this year they have done better than ever. The trick is to never water, fertilize or care for them in any way.  Walking by them, it smells as if I’ve entered a perfume shop. 

 

These roses are on the side of the house. They also do not need anything. They prefer to be left alone. So that is what we do. 

I wish my writing would bloom. It seems to be more like a struggle. Constantly looking at it and asking questions. What does this section need? This part needs to have more details. This section is confusing. Who’s speaking anyway? He should use his wit here. She should say something intelligent.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. Ephesians 1:3

Nature and Writing

Going on a hike at Chatfield Reservoir a couple of weeks ago, we saw a blue heron sitting in a tree.

As I drew closer it took flight.

My writing journey continues. I had hoped this was the year that my writing would take flight. But instead it has landed once again flat. .

Critiques have gone from worse to worse. Why don't you try this? How about starting here? I don't like your protagonist. I thought your hero was flat.

Some though are helpful, encouraging and insightful. I appreciate those because they make me think. They help me to become a better writer.

Some are given as truth but actually reveal a bias, an opinion or just a perception of how the reader thought they could have written it better.

And those are the ones that weigh heavy upon my spirit. Perhaps they weren't meant to help at all. They have achieved their purpose to disappoint and discourage.

With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. James 3:9-10

Springtime

Spring has come again and with it such pretty flowers.

For the first time since we planted our lilac bush it has hundreds of blooms on it.

The vinca also has come alive with pretty purple flowers.

My daffodils came out strong but with heavy snow withered quickly.

It was a bad year for tulips only 3 bloomed. 

But the Japanese Plum has come to life with hundreds upon hundreds of blooms.

I love Spring. I love renewal. I find refreshment in the hot sun and the cold winds. I love the snow and the rain. And the clear blue skies.

The Lord confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them. My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only he will release my feet from the snare. Psalm 25:14-15

Contemplations

As I edit and edit and then edit my book, I wonder about those that have come before me in writing and publishing their books. 

This last month, I've been reading books for a contest. Published books mind you and I have found all but 2 to be lacking. I'm reading one now that I still have hope for. And then I have to pick up reading one that is frankly a detestable chore. 6 books in all. 

I will have accomplished my goal of reading 6 books in 6 weeks from all different genres. But I have lost, too. I had wanted to find really good books to read. 

Because today is a dreary day, snow on the ground and a cold wind blowing. 

I have picked up a pile of pictures of days gone by. People I don't know or have only seen in their later days—pictures that were given to me by my mom's cousin. 

Pictures of couples, babies, toddlers, children and homes. They belong to a different time. But they call to me. Someone prayed for them. Someone wanted the best for them. Someone loved them dearly. I may not have ever met them. But as part of the human race, I do know them.

For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, “Peace be within you.” For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your prosperity.  

Psalm 122:8-9

Happy Easter

Judging a contest and at the same time, I have entered three different contests with my book.

Previously when I have entered a contest and lost, I have learned something new and have adjusted my writing. I won't say it was easy though. With so much criticism it often has made me want to give up. But a couple weeks later, I'm ready to start back up again.

Perhaps this is the time that will catapult me into the publishing world. Or perhaps I still need to grow.

Either way I want to know the truth of where I stand as a writer.

Happy Easter!!! 

Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy on us, for we have endured no end of contempt. Psalm 123:3

Taos

My husband and I took off on a drive last weekend. We had thought to go to Buena Vista and hike one of their mountain trails. But when we got there, it was windy and snowing. Instead we bought gas and kept on driving.

Hours later we arrived in Alamosa. The sun was warm and not too breezy. So we had lunch and then decided to walk around the town. To our surprise no one was out. This is a college town. We saw no students. We were the only ones out and as we left we saw another couple walking who were obviously tourists, too.   

So we kept driving. We drove into New Mexico. We came across this Rio Grande Gorge Bridge after we had seen a roadrunner run across the road in front of us.

 Contrary to popular belief, they are not red and blue. They are brownish grey and are camouflaged in the grasses. We made it to Taos. It is a very interesting artsy town. All the buildings are one story with a few two stories. All of tan adobe, even McDonalds

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord  “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11e kept driving. We drove into New Mexico.

Beautiful Colorado

Working on getting my chapters ready for two contests. And yes, I am still working on novel #1. 

But in my spare time, my husband and I go hiking in the Colorado mountains. We walked across the frozen stream multiple times. Without the roar of the winding river, it was silent except for the bluster of the wind. But the sun was hot and we never saw a soul. After our trek up the mountain, we had a picnic lunch. 

Hate to leave the beauty of the mountains. But we will be back. 

He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Psalm 23:2-3

Downtown Denver in The Snow

What is better than being Downtown?  Being Downtown in the snow in front of the Daniels and Fisher Tower.

The Daniels and Fisher Tower is all that remains of a department store giant. 

Built in 1911, it was the tallest structure between Mississippi and California. Standing at 393 feet high, it was said that on the 20th floor you could see 200 miles in any direction.

In the 1960's with the store in financial ruin it was set to be demolished. The store itself was but due to the preservation society of the early 70's the tower was saved. 

Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love. Psalm 31:16

Clever Quotes of the Duke of Wellington

Wellington was an unusual man, who led the English to victory at the Battle of Waterloo. Born in Dublin, Ireland in 1769. Died in England in 1852. You can't be a Regency enthusiast without knowing and loving the unique Duke of Wellington.

Here are a few of his quotes:      

·        All the business of war, and indeed all the business of life, is to endeavor to find out what you don't know by what you do; that's what I called 'guessing what was at the other side of the hill.'

·        Educate people without religion and you make them but clever devils.      

·        I don't know what effect these men will have upon the enemy, but, by God, they frighten me.   

·       
The Lord's prayer contains the sum total of religion and morals.

   

To have the intelligence and vocabulary to spout such cleverness only means that he said a great many things. That is the beauty of the written word. It stays on the page and only changes with the readers' interpretation.  

     My writing is changing daily and that is what I need as an author. Stagnant and unchanging becomes tiresome. Growth is all I can strive for in my journey to becoming a published author.

     I will not hide my face anymore from them, when I pour out my Spirit upon the house of Israel, declares the Lord God. Ezekiel 39:29 

   

...

New Year's Day in Colorado

The New Year has started and with it a renewed desire for me to work on writing. The mountains of Colorado refresh my soul. I hope the days of leisure only spur on the silent and hard work ahead. 

     If you respond to my warning, then I will pour out my spirit on you and teach you my words. Proverbs 1:23 

What a great start to a New Year.