I heard a lot of groans this week. Discouraged sighs that tugged at my heartstrings and tweaked my emotions. Maybe you were one of those people I heard. Were you? If you read Wednesday’s post then you know how I’ve dealt with some of the “noise” that’s threatened to upend. Still… Life and circumstances can rattle us. They can make …
Our Showboat Branson Belle Anniversary
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, …
Summertime in the Ozarks: A Taste of Heaven (With a Hug and a Smile!)
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 …
Mid-Week Meltdown? Four Encouraging Pick-Me-Ups
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, …
Five Ways to Rock Your Monthly Newsletter
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 …
The Right Cure for What Ails Us
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 …
Does Our Brand Convey Who We Really Are?
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 …
A Writer’s Gardening Guide for Surviving and Thriving: Five Practical Tips
I love beautiful plants, flowers, trees, and shrubs. I’m in awe of the people who grow them. My mama is one of those people. She could transplant a brick and bring it back to life. (Well—she can raise a stick from the dead.) Despite the odds, green things thrive under her watchful eye. Gardening’s never been my strong suit, but …
Five Ways to Rock Your Heartfelt, Homespun Anniversary (Ozarks Style)
Although not officially summer yet, we’re in summer vacation mode over our way. (Meaning: Schools out and we’re doing the Happy Dance!) Besides end-of-school wind-down, June kick-starts some wedding anniversaries for our family. That generally includes fun, food, and fellowship. (Did I mention food?) Here in the Ozarks, (God’s country), we love to celebrate happy occasions. I bet you do, …
A Little Light Housekeeping
Hello, friend! Today I wanted to do a little light housekeeping so sit back, relax, and kick your shoes off for a while. After all, wouldn’t you agree that it’s always fun when someone else does the work? Gives us a chance to pause and catch our breath. Whew! First, I wanted to mention my newsletter. If you received yours …