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