I don’t hang around with perfect people. I’m sure you’re all very nice. I mean, you’re perfect, after all. And that’s the problem. I’m not perfect. I have a serious sugar addiction. (Jelly beans, anyone?) I skip my workouts. I prefer to “pile” rather than file my papers. My children will tell you that, um, sometimes I raise my …
In Others’ Words: Yesterday
“No one is afraid of yesterday.” ~Renata Adler, American author I wrestled with those six words even as I typed them for today’s blog post. Wrestle with them still. Am I afraid of yesterday? No. But I am afraid of … the lingering effects of some of the choices I made oh-so-many yesterdays ago. I am afraid of … …
In Others’ Words: Celebrate
“Celebrate what you want to see more of.” ~Thomas J. Peters, American writer Yesterday was a day of celebration for me as I held the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of my debut novel, Wish You Were Here. I did my version of the writer’s “happy dance” around my house (several times) and shared hugs and laughter with my family. And, …
Love Finds You … Where?
Miracle. Revenge. Romeo. Last Chance. Humble. What on earth am I talking … er … typing about? All of those words? They’re the names of real towns or cities in the U.S.A. And Summerside Press has designed an entire inspirational fiction book series around “towns and cities with great names, neat personalities, and colorful histories.” I’d love to meet the …
In Others’ Words: Kindness
“Kind words are the music of the world.” ~F.W. Faber, British hymn writer To think of my words as music … that gives me pause. When I speak, what am I adding to the melody others hear? Are my words kind–adding a gentle beauty to the world? Or do harsh words create a discordant ugliness? Scripture warns words can …
Heiress: Susan May Warren’s Historical Set in the Gilded Age (& Book Giveaway)
Award-winning author Susie May Warren’s book, Heiress, grabbed my attention — twice. We’ve all heard the adage: Don’t judge a book by it’s cover. But really, isn’t that exactly how we first judge a book? We walk into a bookstore (or a library) and we scan the shelves until — whoa! — a book’s cover art captures us, saying, “You …
In Others’ Words: Small Things
“Be faithful in the small things, because it is in them that your strength lies.” ~Mother Teresa, founder of Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta Such a simple quote. All of fifteen words. And then, the question: What are the small things? If you’re going to be faithful, if these things are your strength … what are these oh-so-vital small things? …
In Others’ Words: Humility
“Life is a long lesson in humility.” ~James M. Barrie, Scottish author There’s a choice to be made as I grow up–and yes, grow older. Am I going to be all about me, me, me? Am I going to push myself to the front of the line, to the center of the stage–doing whatever it takes to ensure the focus, …
Boy Meets Girl:The Meet-Cute
I learned a certain unforgettable phrase from the romantic comedyThe Holiday. (Okay, before anyone jumps in and protests about some of the content of that movie … I agree. Some of the content: Highly objectionable. Moving on.) Where was I? Oh, yes … the phrase. Arthur, played by Eli Wallach, is a renown scriptwriter from the Golden Age of Hollywood. He explains …
In Others’ Words: Miracles
“Maybe miracles are given not to prove anything, but simply to remind us that the physical world is not so solid and real and dependable as we think.” ~Dwight Longenecker, Catholic priest & author I believe in miracles. Yes, I do. Last night, my husband and I celebrated a miracle with our daughter, Katie Beth, and our son-in-love, Nate. (No, …