For a writer, there’s nothing quite as thrilling as landing your first book deal. Toss in a three-book deal and the series of your heart and you’re convinced you’ve just been showered with fairy dust. From the moment your agent delivers the news that an editor loves your project and has made an offer, to signing your name on the dotted …
Baby, It’s Cold Outside…But I Have Great News!
Brrr. Here in my little corner of the world, it’s cold! Though we’ve started a slow warming trend, for the past week or so, winter’s locked us in the deep freeze. I’m a born-and-raised Ozarks gal, but I’m not a fan of cold weather. Never have been, never will be. The good thing? It can’t last forever! And despite the …
My ONE WORD for 2018
Wow. 2018. That doesn’t seem possible. Even though we’re twelve days into the new year, I’m still adjusting. (Good gracious! Someone, please hide those leftover Christmas cookies and sweet treats!) As we enter a new season, I hope you are well and refreshed. I hope, too, this finds you with renewed vision and focus. When I consider those words—vision and …
Happy 2018 ~ A New Year’s Eve Greeting
Greetings Friend ~ Happy New Year’s Eve! As 2017 draws to a close, I wanted to take a moment to share a few thoughts. Can you believe the new year is but a breath away? How is it even possible that 2018 arrives tomorrow? It’s so true the older we get, the years seem to fly by a little faster. …
Merry Christmas from My Home to Yours ~
Three days until Christmas. Three days. How is it that the holiday’s almost here? Maybe you’re like me—so immersed in the busyness of the season that time’s slipped by quickly, leaving a trail of (happy) exhaustion in its wake. Over our way, we’ve shopped, baked, and visited. We’ve watched movies. We’ve viewed pretty lights and attended holiday musicals. We’ve soaked …
Yes. You CAN Have a Nicer, Gentler Holiday Season.
Is it just me or have the naysayers run amok? Granted, the holiday season is a tough time for many. Job loss. Illness. Hardship. The list is wide and far-reaching. And let me just say—today’s thoughts are not in any way meant to diminish terrible circumstances or life’s realities. For those touched by sadness and upheaval, may we always uplift …
Christmas Prep and December Update
Oh, my goodness. Can it really be December? Can it really be time to deck the halls? My Thanksgiving tablecloths are barely dried and put away. Still, here in my little hub, I’m in full-blown Christmas prep. This, after three—yes, three—Thanksgiving celebrations in three different homes on three different days. During those three days, we celebrated with turkey and ham …
Thanksgiving Gratitude: 10 Goodies to Make You Smile
Ahh… Thanksgiving. The time of year when scents of roast turkey and pumpkin pie beckon. The season we give thanks and express gratitude for blessings and good things. As a child, I’m pretty sure the bounty enthralled more than other blessings. When we’re kids, it’s difficult to see beyond immediate gratification, especially, when tantalizing aromas entice and appeal. As we …
Thinking Beyond the Bad to Focus on the Good
Can we not get through a week without bad stuff happening? I don’t know about you, but this thought pops into my head almost weekly. And, maybe, you wonder, too, how do we stay encouraged in a discouraging world? How do we think beyond the bad to focus on the good?’ In my case, I tend to write. Burying myself …
Just a Brief Update…
Since recent weeks have been rather hectic, today’s blog post is coming to you on Saturday and not Friday. Thanks for joining me for a few minutes as we kick back, sip java, and chat. (And since it’s Saturday, don’t break out your dress duds. Your PJs and slippers are just fine!) You may remember I mentioned I’m working on …