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.