I’m in awe of people who are musically gifted whether it be in vocals, instruments, arrangements, or lyrics. For some, it seems to come naturally, yet for others it takes years of practice and discipline. In the church where I’m a member, we’re extremely blessed to have wonderful musicians on our worship team. Besides singing, I believe there are several …
Tea for Two
I know I’ve surely mentioned before about my affinity for collections. I collect many things: gingerbread men, all things apple, old cookbooks, and miniature teapots just to name a few. Several of the miniature teapots I have are more showpieces than anything else with tiny, intricately fashioned cups and saucers. They’re certainly not usable, but they’re very sweet to look at. …
Life in the Ozarks: Part 2
I’ve thought a lot about how much the past affects our present. It influences everything: cultural differences, lifestyles, the way we speak, the way we dress, what drives us to succeed, others’ perceptions of us, and a host of other things. Believe me, because of where I live, I’ve heard just about every hillbilly joke there is. I usually smile …
Life in the Ozarks
Yesterday, I took a rare (but much-needed) break from my writing routine and spent time with my family. Instead of writing a post for today, I’ll be sharing a few pictures instead. Hope you enjoy! We began our adventure here. The glass blowing is a must-see. The pieces are all exquisite! There is something for everyone: glass blowing, candle-making, wood …
Anybody Home?
I’m very fascinated by architecture. I appreciate interesting lines, fascinating angles, and attention to detail. I prefer the old rather than new. I’m partial to native stone, winding staircases, and big rooms with tall ceilings. And I especially like homes and buildings rich in history and steeped in charm. Places of yesteryear hold a certain nostalgia for me. When I step through the …
Faith in Fiction
I snapped the above photo during a sightseeing trip one summer. The lighting was just right, and the stained glass was breathtaking. Often, I’ve examined why I write what I do. You may remember my recent post 10 Reasons Why I Write (Faith-based) Romance. Today, I’m talking about why I like to show faith in fiction. To me, being able to see …
Drinking in Excellence and Sharing the Cup
When we’re surrounded by everyday beauty, sometimes it’s easy to become a little complacent thinking that it’s always going to be there–that it’s always going to be a given. My heart aches for all of those touched recently by natural disasters, unforseen circumstances, and random acts of violence. I tend to dwell on these things, reflecting on how I, personally, can make …
The Three R's…Reading, Recipes, and Romance
Many years ago, when my husband and I were first married, I cooked and made practically everything from scratch. I did this for several reasons: It was cheaper. That’s how my momma taught me. We didn’t have all the prepared things then that we do today. It just plain tasted better! I’ll always remember one of the first meals I made …
Going Coastal
The beach is one of my favorite spots. If you’re familiar a bit with this blog then you probably already know that. There’s just something about the sand, surf, and slower pace of life that draw me in. We visit a little spot along the gulf coast that’s less populated than most, so when we go, we truly are living on …
Sunny Days, Simple Ways
I think as writers, it’s only natural that we project a certain amount of ourselves into the stories we create. It’s what sets us apart from fellow authors. Some may refer to it as voice, writing style, or even vision. While I have many favorite authors I greatly admire, it’s important to me to stay true to myself and write what …