Here in the Ozarks we know how to celebrate and we know how to have fun. Curious? Well then, please join me as I recap our Showboat Branson Belle Anniversary! If you’re familiar at all with Branson, Missouri, you know it’s one of the top tourist destinations in the United States. It’s a place where families can come and relax, …
Last week it was the rain (again). Now we have the sauna and sunshine. Welcome to the Ozarks! Heat, humidity, and rain (at least this summer) are part of the package here. Add to that sparkling lakes, scenic views, and lots of rolling hills and hollows—green as far as the eye can see—and you have summertime in the Ozarks. A …
Hello, friend— Delighted you stopped by! Over our way, we’re approaching the “dog days of summer.” It’s that time of year where temperatures and humidity soar, and folks’ emotional fuses go a little haywire, too. Now, I will say this is one of the rainiest summers on record for the Ozarks. For every two or three dry days we’ve had, …
Well, it was bound to happen. I was “unfriended.” For being “too Jesus-y.” I think it was in reference to my status update on my personal Facebook profile: Thinking deep thoughts this morning during my prayer time. Does it ever just overwhelm you to think that we—YOU, ME—are going to spend the rest of our lives (eternity) together?! I. Love. …
Like the weather patterns, seasonal shifts are part of the writing life. Some seasons are warm and colored with joy. Other seasons are rainy and unsettled. Here are some thoughts I’ve shared about seasons: Don’t Compare Your Productive Season to Someone Else’s When Seasons Affect Our Writing Goals How to Thrive Despite the Odds Waiting, Writing, and Why You …
Well, here in the Ozarks we’ve had our share of rain lately. Buckets of it, in fact. You may have heard about some of the flooding. *sigh* Coupled with the latest changes in CBA fiction, this hasn’t been a banner week. It’s enough to leave us down-in-the-mouth. For those of us who write Christian fiction we’re upset and confused about …
As social media networks continue to limit our visibility (unless we buy their ads so they, in turn, will promote our posts/statuses), what’s a writer to do? How do we reach those we care about? Well, there are two things we can do (and yes, you’ve heard this before): blog and build our email lists—engage through our monthly newsletters. Side …
Happy (early) 4th of July, friend! I hope your holiday is safe, fun, and family-filled. We’ve hit a rainy spell in the Ozarks the last few days, but we’re hopeful that it moves on before we celebrate with fireworks this evening. Because of family members’ work schedules, we’ll enjoy our activities tonight instead of on the 4th. We’ll grill a …
Several years ago, we vacationed in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Eureka Springs is one of those rare gems whose beauty is unsurpassed. This quaint town has it all: breathtaking landscapes, striking, Victorian architecture, historic landmarks, arts and craft venues, museums, trolleys, and a host of friendly folks. Since Eureka! means, literally, “I found …
Two of my favorite, feel-good television shows are The Andy Griffith Show and The Waltons. They remind me of small-town America where I grew up. I love the nostalgia, simplicity, and homespun values, yet there’s also the delicious taste of bittersweet. For example—Sheriff Andy Taylor raised little Opie without a mama, but Aunt Bee stood in the gap and made us believe …
