I’ve Moved!

You may have wondered where I’ve been.

For the past few days, I’ve been unpacking over at my new digs.

This will be my last post here, but I do hope you’ll join me at my brand new home. The coffee’s poured, the cake is baked, and my door’s always open.

The fabulous PulsePoint Design team has created a cheery, cozy cottage that suits me to a tee. I will continue to blog on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and whenever the Spirit moves me.

We’re in the process of integrating followers from this blog to my new website, but if you get lost in transition, please sign up at my new site to receive my latest updates.

At my new home, you’ll find out a little more about me and my writing projects. There I’ll continue to dish about life, love, and faith.

The lights are on and the plates are ready. Come on in!

******

You Won’t Find This in the Medicine Aisle

Well, the evening certainly started out on the right note. We left the house laughing and continued to laugh throughout much of the night.

We’d just finished eating at a new barbecue restaurant, and despite the fact that it was just a tad pricey, we’d enjoyed the food and the ambience.

As usual, I’d ordered iced tea with my meal and since we still had a bit of a drive to the play we were attending, I decided to visit the Ladies Room before leaving the restaurant.

I marveled at the lovely, rustic decor as I left my husband waiting at the display wall of hot sauces.

“Ohhh. Isn’t this pretty?” I called over my shoulder and nodded toward the beautiful glass fireplace to my left.

When I pulled open the massive door to the Ladies Room, my eyes traveled first to the single stall and then to the shiny, spic-and-span urinal positioned attractively between two, oak partitions. Blessedly, no one was using it! The Men’s Room was unoccupied at that moment.

“Way to corrupt me, Momma,” my daughter (who’d followed me inside) laughed.

I’m not sure why it took a moment to connect that I was in the wrong place. In this day and age of equality, I thought that maybe the urinal was something they were installing in all public places now, regardless of gender.

I know. Sad, but true, how our minds reason sometimes.

Well, suffice it to say, I found the correct restroom and we were back on the road in a few moments.

It began to rain as we settled in for the drive down to the Branson area.

Traffic was thick for a Saturday night and our pace slowed to almost a crawl. Initially, we chalked it up to holiday shoppers and folks getting off work, but then our speed fell to about 25 miles per hour, and we feared the worst. There was either an elderly driver up ahead or there had been a wreck.

The brake lights on the cars in front of us flickered off and on periodically. This continued around every curve, down every hill, up every incline, and even while meeting oncoming vehicles, and the pace lasted a good ten minutes.

Finally, the source of the hold-up eased onto the shoulder before finally turning.

“What’s a man on a moped doing driving in the rain on a major highway? And with no lights on!” Hubbie observed as we passed.

Indeed.

We arrived at College of the Ozarks, parked at the nearby Jones Auditorium, and settled in to see the December theatrical production of Everybody’s Girl.

To give a little background, Everybody’s Girl is a comedy by John Patrick and it’s set in the 1960′s in the town of Harmony, Maine.  The story centers around Beatrise Bundie, the town mayor, who’s most recent claim to fame is having had a Japanese duck land in her back yard.

The duck incident sets off a hilarious chain of events, beginning with a newspaper reporter out to make some quick cash and a name for himself.

“Gil Bingham” learns several interesting facts about Beatrise in his quest to sniff out a good story: She has five sons who are POWs. She also runs a home for “wayward” girls. She seems to know everything about everybody and has a gift of gab that would rival a fast-talking salesman.

Gil deems Beatrise “Mother of the Year” material and launches a calculated campaign to make this happen. The “ooops factor” comes when we learn that Beatrise has never, ever been married.

I won’t reveal the spoiler in case you ever have the opportunity to see the play, but just keep in mind that there’s always more to a story than meets the eye initially. (Of course, we writers love this aspect.)

From the outset, it was clear that the shining star of the evening would be the young lady who portrayed Beatrise. She was charming, mesmerizing, and truly quite funny.

Other cast members weighed in with remarkable talent and timing to make this production an outstanding performance. (My sides actually hurt from laughing so hard. A good sign for a comedy.)

From beginning to end, the audience was captivated by the cast’s ability to connect and deliver. 

And I smiled during the entire trip back home. From mixed up restrooms to a play about a mom and a duck, the whole, cornballish evening had offered something not to be found in a medicine aisle: a whole lot of laughter.

******

What’s your idea of family fun?

Is laughter really the best medicine?

Christmas Cheer Never Looked So Good

One of the samplings at a cake decorating contest held a few years ago. Go ahead and try a virtual bite. I won't tell if you won't!

While I’m not quite ready for Christmas music the day after Halloween, by the onset of December, the excitement starts to build.

I begin to anticipate the approaching holiday as soon as the last drumstick is gobbled up from our Thanksgiving turkey.

(This year, however, our family smoked turkey breasts so we didn’t have drumsticks–just the deelish white meat from the big, smoked birds themselves. It worked out well though. I found that I didn’t really need turkey legs to wind my internal clock by; the second round of pumpkin pie and whipped cream reminded me of what was just around the corner!)

The day after Thanksgiving, as is tradition, we decorate our Christmas tree and we deck the halls a bit.

We used to put a few mini trees up throughout our home, but this year we decided that “less was more.”

 Besides our “normal” artificial tree, our daughter decorated one of her own for her bedroom. It’s pink with silver and lime green ornaments to match her room colors. (I know what you’re probably thinking, but it’s really quite lovely. And beauty is in the eye of the beholder, right?)

The one thing that we don’t compromise on is our ceramic Nativity set. It goes up every year. It’s precious to us because of what it represents: Christ’s birth. Jesus is Christmas.

Each year, our daughter arranges all the figurines just so. She’s very meticulous about who goes where.

I try not to notice the donkey’s missing ear. After all, the set IS quite old. I must remember to ask our oldest child if he recalls where the ear went. It’s always a humorous moment because of course he does.

******

Have you decorated for the Christmas season yet? Do you also have something you set out from year to year–something your family doesn’t compromise on?

What’s Old is New

As a child, I spent a lot of time with my grandmother. We were a close-knit family, and many summers, weekends, and holidays, we would descend upon my Nana’s two-story abode where fun and adventure beckoned.

Nana’s home was unique. Perched high atop a tree-shrouded hillside overlooking Route 66, the huge, native stone gem seemed almost surreal. With its cascade of thick, concrete steps beneath an expansive, covered front porch, one got the feeling that it was truly a step back in time. (And no…the above photo wasn’t taken there. Her house was a bit more “modern.”)

The interior of Nana’s home was no less a treat. Besides the various built-ins and quaint, little niches, the house boasted multiple rooms to play hide-and-seek in, some of which connected through “secret passageway” closets. The closets linked bedroom to bedroom and were always a great source of excitement and mystery for our childish imaginations.

Sadly, in the early 1980′s, the house was razed in the name of progress. Route 66 no longer accommodated the influx of traffic or served the demand of something bigger and better. Nana’s home gave way to the new and improved highway.

It was a bittersweet time for us. We understood the need for change. We realized the greater good that would come of it. For our family, the adjustment was rather difficult, but for the surrounding communities, the transformation was embraced because of what it stood for: growth, opportunity, and accessibility.

While some change may be a bit unsettling, often times, it can pave the way for innovation. We can reflect upon the “old” while improving upon the “new.”

For writers who are pursuing publication, this mindset isn’t just a nice walk down memory lane. It’s a must. Accentuating the positive and preparing for the future determine success. Thinking beyond the now is what will define us.

With this in mind, I’m so excited to share some big news with you! In a few weeks, I’ll be transitioning from a blog to a brand new, glorious website!

For several months, I’ve been working closely with a website design team. They’re now in the process of putting the finishing touches on my new website and launch date is quickly approaching.

I’ll write a post about the development process when I make my “grand entrance.”  

I hope you’ll continue to join me for this amazing ride!

******

What steps are you thinking about taking in advancing your career?

What part of your journey has been the most challenging?

Does Dozing in the Pigpen Really Make Us Happy?

Several weeks ago, I attended my college Homecoming.

Prior to the start of the ballgame, as is tradition, morning activities included a dunking booth, alumni chatting areas, games for the kiddos, and various food and drink stations. Another big hit for those with youngsters was the petting exhibit.

Adults, too, seemed drawn to the adorable, pink and black spotted piglets dozing peacefully in their temporary pen.

I counted ten of the baby piglets, and like everyone else, I had a good chuckle when observing the one little oddball who was turned the complete opposite of his kin. I’d almost missed him.

There, on the very bottom of the piggy pile, was the lone piglet who remained undaunted by the backsides overhead. Not so much as a snort could even be heard. The small group seemed perfectly content.

How those piglets could doze so comfortably in their precarious state set me wondering.

Could we be as comfortable given the same conditions? When others decide to do their own thing, are we as apt to sleep through the event? Is it possible that dozing in the pigpen could really be as ideal as what it seemed to be for those baby piglets?

I think maybe it goes back to the circumstance. Depending on what life juncture we’re at, sometimes we must learn to adjust, adapt, and conform to our surroundings. When given the alternative (if the other choice is less than desirable) remaining in the pigpen might just be a welcomed respite.

What about the times, however, when there isn’t a choice?

The little piglet seemed happy. He’d adjusted. He’d adapted. But had he conformed? No.

While his siblings were all sawing logs facing the same direction, the little pink and black piglet on the bottom of the piggy pile was different. He’d clearly become the nonconformist of the bunch.

Or…was it the other way around?

Of course, being a spiritual kind of gal, my mind raced with all sorts of biblical analogies.

As Christians, we’re to be a people set apart. We’re to be in the world, not of the world. 

Christians are not better than, more than, or any “holier” than our non-believing friends. Once we have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, we realize that our lives are not our own. We were “purchased” for a price. We’re to serve others without yielding to the world.

When we commit our lives to Christ, we take on new roles. As Christians, we’re held to a higher standard because we know better. Our social values, personal ideals, and moral dictates should reflect our lives in Him. We may have to “conform” to man-made laws/rules while on earth. We may–or most likely will–be faced with conflicting views as our faith is challenged.

“Dozing in the pig pen” facing the opposite direction isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Opposite isn’t always wrong. When we’re faced with myriad life choices, we first have to discern the desired outcome. Will the consequence be worth our differing stance? How will our decision affect others? More importantly, how will it influence the cause for Christ?

******

Can you recall a time when you might have been labeled a “non-conformist”?

And just to loosen the lid on this can of worms this morning…If you write, how do your characters’ life choices affect their consequences? Is it necessary that we portray life realistically even in Christian fiction?

Seasoning: It’s Not Just for Chili

(Today I’m continuing to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday with my family. This is a favorite of one of my previous posts. I pray your day is blessed!)

******

I think in life we all experience difficulties, hardships, and trials from time to time. Some folks may endure these struggles temporarily. For others, the season of suffering may seem never-ending. (I’ve talked about this in my earlier posts Comfort During Trials and Mountaintops.)

As writers, we’re deeply in tune to these times of “seasoning.” These experiences mature us–not only as individuals, but also as writers. To say we’d rather not encounter life’s obstacles would be a severe understatement.

We can extend all the namby-pamby platitudes we want to those who are hurting, but when it’s us, when we’re suddenly thrust smack dab in the middle of the hurricane, our perspective changes. The light bulb doesn’t just go on–the entire candelabra lights up!

No longer are we the outsiders looking in. Suddenly, we become the swimmers barely treading water.

And there are some storms in which a life-preserver, a raft, or a canoe seems to make little difference. Life’s showers might bring job loss, broken relationships, wayward children. Or then again, the bigger monsoon might come: natural disasters, illness, the death of a spouse or child.

For Christians, we realize there’s a bigger picture. Knowing this doesn’t negate our burdens, but we realize through Christ there is hope. For those who don’t have a personal relationship with Jesus, impasses seem insurmountable.

I know in my own life, the times of trial and hardship have “seasoned” me as a writer. (And believe me, over the years I’ve refered back to Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 more times than I can possibly count.)

What I’ve tried to apply as I write:

• Unpleasant (and downright bad) experiences may shape us, but we can choose how they define us. In other words, some things we may not “get over.” Memories linger. Effects of internal and external distress are far-reaching and sometimes everlasting. The good thing–the blow-our-socks-off, supernatural thing? God is still in control! He can create “a new normal” for us. He can take the muck and mire of what we’ve endured and create a beautiful flower-pot from the dregs of stinky garbage.

• When others wound us, determine to be better, not bitter. I know–it’s easier said then done, but I realized a long time ago, I can’t control people’s words or actions. (And think about all the mental energy we waste when we dwell upon how we’ve been wronged.) I’ve recognized that there are just some people who’d rather paddle their boats of negativity all their lives than set sail on a cruise ship to success. You know the folks I’m talking about–the ones who’d rather drop the anchor, and possibly, you with it. But there comes a time, a season, after we’ve prayed for these naysayers that we have to move on. We’re not being mean-spirited; we’re putting God in charge.

• Writing is a process. Like many things, if it were easy we probably wouldn’t learn, grow, or rise to the occasion. According to the Bible, we are all born with spiritual gifts. That doesn’t mean we don’t have to work a bit to develop our talents. Half the excitement on Christmas morning is the anticipation in the weeks before, but initially, there’s some preparation involved–gift wrapping, meal planning, and prayerfully, soul-searching.

• Not everyone will like what I write. There are so many preconceived notions that abound about romantic fiction that it would be fruitless to try to dispel them. For me, personally, writing heartfelt, homespun, contemporary Christian romance is how I’ve chosen to share the greatest romance–Christ’s love for us. Obviously, there are others who do this brilliantly in their prefered genres, as well.

Times of seasoning may cause us to question our cooking skills, but sometimes, we have to make a choice: we can turn that ol’ stove into a planter, or we can roll up our sleeves, pick up a spoon, and work alongside the Master Chef.

******

Tell me about your time of “seasoning.” What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?

Calling All Writers: 10 Ways to Give Thanks

In celebration of Thanksgiving tomorrow, I thought it might be fitting to share a few ways that we, as writers, could give thanks. Enjoy!

1. Remember where we got our start. Thank those who’ve been influential during our journey and extend a word of encouragement to others who may not be as far down the road.

2. Maintain a willing spirit and a servant’s heart. The writing life isn’t easy. Making it less about us and more about others will not only renew our spirits, but it’ll reflect in our writing, as well.

3. Generate positivity. Be a beacon, not a burden. Release your light and invite friends to join you. In other words, pay it forward.

4. Play secret pal to a fellow writer. Ideas could include: an anonymous note of cheer, a small plant for his/her office, homemade cookies, or even a new package of ink pens or paper clips. It’s not the cost, but the creativity and the sentiment behind the gift that count.

5. Go the distance. Share the gift of the written word with those who are homebound, in nursing homes, or in hospitals. Donate books and magazines. Offer to read a chapter or short story to those who are unable. 

6. Write daily. Honor the craft. Even just getting a few words on paper will cause a shift in attitude. (Try something simple like “Thank you, Lord.”)

7. Deliver good news. Call that special someone just to tell him/her “I love you.” When said sincerely and from the heart, those three words have the power to transform!

8. List our blessings, then say them aloud. Verbalizing what we’re thankful for creates awareness. Tacking our list on a bulletin board is even better. That gives us vision.

9. Invite a writer pal out to dinner. It’s fun to dish about a mutually shared craft and words of thanks are bound to come up between friends.

10.  Realize where our talent comes from. Thank Him daily.

******

What would you care to add?

******

Happy Thanksgiving, friends!