Links to share Saturday...

For my readers who are looking for other authors who write sweet and/or Christian books, Genesis 5020 writes up reviews. I've found a couple of new-to-me authors I like from reading her reviews:
http://5020genesis.wordpress.com/

The things you learn when researching a story are varied, and sometimes you run across someone who captures your attention, like Steve (I learned a lot in a very short post, and I laughed, and the cake comparison really grabbed me):
http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2014/04/new-or-used-the-most-reliable-car-in-the-usa-is-a/

I recently discovered Angela Cavanaugh's blog. Here are a few writing hints:
http://angelacavanaugh.wordpress.com/2014/05/21/writing-wednesday-esd-extra-sensory-description/

Beth Trissel shared a bit about Rosemary:
http://bethtrissel.wordpress.com/2014/05/26/rosemary-the-herb-of-remembrance/

God bless.

Life Happens...

Fortunately, God knows this and is already there. He prepares a way. What I've discovered in my own life is that God's way is rarely my way. It isn't that my plan was a bad plan. I do the best I'm able with what I have and know. God sees the complete picture.

So, why bother with creating a plan at all?

For one thing, it's a good exercise for me. It requires self-discipline, imagination, and perspective. Creating a plan requires me to consider my options, my capabilities, and perhaps more importantly what is it I want to accomplish. Often, once I think things through, what I thought I wanted wasn't.

What's more important?

I learn to trust God. When my plan blows up in my face, I must trust God to see me through the fire.

My plan, too often, is a fence to contain my world. God's plan pushes me to bloom outside my fence.

Memorial Day

Memorial Day used to occur on May 30th, every year. It is a day to remember the military men and women who have died while serving. May God bless the Gold Star families, families who have lost members of their family. Freedom isn't free. All gave some; some gave all.

J. Morgan's tribute:
http://jennmorgan69.wordpress.com/2014/05/25/remembering-memorial-day/

Sharing links...

This is a short video, part of another program. Jim Caviezel is the actor who played Jesus in "The Passion of the Christ." I've seen some interviews and read a bit about him, enough to touch my heart. He was one of my first heroes pinned to my Hero Board on Pinterest. Even if no one else watches this, I needed this.

http://www.faithit.com/this-jesus-actor-is-about-to-blow-up-your-view-on-gods-mercy-with-one-powerful-question/

TBR pile...

With my arm still recovering from my fall, I've taken the time to catch up on my To-Be-Read pile. These are all sweet novels, some Christian, some not. Though they're sweet, some deal with some tough subjects.

The Reluctant Bachelorette by Rachael Anderson.

Touched by Mercy by Tina Pinson

Greater than Rubies by Hallee Bridgeman.

I'm looking forward to meeting Hallee at the Arizona Dreamin' Readers' Conference and buying her her books in paperback. Definitely keepers for me.

Last bits of spring...

Here in Arizona, spring is sizzling into summer. I hope you enjoy some of the flowers in my yard.

God bless.

Sharing links...

Genesis 5020 shared a lovely, inspirational blog a bit ago:
http://5020genesis.wordpress.com/2014/04/25/the-moon/

Beth Trissel shared some of her herb lore, particularly about willows:
http://bethtrissel.wordpress.com/2014/05/07/the-healing-powers-of-the-willow-tree/

J. Morgan shared an inspiring post, posing the question "Who am I?" It was a timely post for me.
http://jennmorgan69.wordpress.com/2014/05/11/serving-two-masters/

Writers In The Storm offered advice on creating loglines:
http://writersinthestorm.wordpress.com/2014/05/16/drama-belongs-in-your-logline-not-in-its-creation/

God bless.

Final Chihuly explosion of color...

http://www.chihuly.com/

Amazing.

Chihuly in red and yellow...

http://www.chihuly.com/

Today's colors are, as mentioned, red and yellow or yellow and red, as the case may be. Sometimes together. Sometimes apart. And a couple non-glass samples.

Wordless

Chihuly in purple...

http://www.chihuly.com/

Today's pictures of Chiluly's art are brought to you by the color purple:

More Chihuly morning pictures...

The link to the man: http://www.chihuly.com/

Today's post is thanks to the color blue:

Chihuly morning...

My sister took me to see the Chihuly exhibit at our local botanical garden.

http://www.chihuly.com/

The glass art... stunning, jaw-dropping, amazing, incredible, fantastic...

We also saw quail, including a dozen little ones bobbing along as fast as their tiny legs could carry them. Adorable. We also saw doves, wrens, ground squirrels, hummingbirds, finches, lizards, and a cottontail rabbit!

We also visited the Butterfly Exhibit. Wow. My camera's battery died, and my sister filled up her camera's picture file. One of the butterflies landed on my finger and kept me company for a while. Humbling. Unforgettable.

Nesting doves. Really. Top third of the picture, a little to the left. White cloud behind the bird's head, but blue sky right above and cholla. Nasty plant cholla

Peter Cottontail. Not really, Peter that is. But the rabbit is there, between the bush and the rock. Promise.

I'll share more pictures from my photo safari over the next several posts.

New Cover Reveal...

It's here! Another gorgeous cover by Carol Fiorillo. Thank you! Book 4 of the Endless Possibilities series, Grace's Possibilities, available June 21, 2014. Next month!

Saturday links...

Inspiration is found everywhere.

Jennifer M. Eaton shared a poignant experience:
http://jennifermeaton.com/2014/04/27/meeting-a-man-who-survived-the-holocaust-as-a-boy-72-years-later/

Beth Trissel has been sharing the coming of spring:
http://bethtrissel.wordpress.com/

Hope for the Broken Hearted shares prayers on her blog and on FB:
http://hopeforthebrokenhearted.wordpress.com/2014/05/01/prayer-for-may-1st/

God bless.

Wordless

Rough draft for Tough Luck...

...is done. What a relief.

I confess: I used to laugh at authors who worried about being able to write another book after finishing one. I never had that problem before. The last few months have been difficult. I struggled to finish a novella. Now it's done and off to my editor. Whew.

Hopefully, this means I'm back on track. I really need to be on track. I have a brutal writing schedule mapped out for the rest of this year. My choice. I've already cut back on a lot of my writing plans. I pray I don't need to cut back any more.

Quick update on my injuries: I'm improving a little more every day. Yay!

God bless.

Sharing links Saturday...

The Writer's Refuge on the craft of writing:
http://thewritersrefuge.wordpress.com/2014/04/17/how-movies-help-us-become-better-writers/

Veteran Traveler shares dogs to follow on FB:
http://veterantraveler.com/dogs-follow-facebook/

Genesis 5020 shared her review of the book Pulling Back the Shades by Dannah Gresh and Dr. Juli Slattery. I bought the book because of Melissa's review. I thought they handled the subject with courage and respect.
http://5020genesis.wordpress.com/2014/04/07/pulling-back-the-shades/

J. Morgan shared a bit of the nittygritty truth of writing:
http://jennmorgan69.wordpress.com/2014/04/13/writing-love-and-business/

God bless.

Another follow up...

Ankle is still swollen like I'm sneaking around a tangelo. Foot is no longer swollen. I'm walking a mile every day, a very slow mile, but a mile nonetheless, without much limping.

Knee is almost back to normal.

Elbow still doesn't straighten. Bah. There is more flexibility, a little more every day.

The good news: Yesterday, I used my right hand for a little odd job. From my wrist comes what sounds like bubble wrap popping. Relief! My wrist has been a little tight ever since the accident. Now, it moves freely without any pain. Yay!

Finding Home is turned in to my wonderful editor.

Back to working on the other WIPs. Yes, plural. I can't help myself.

Update on me and my writing...

Ankle is swollen, but I'm walking further. Arm is the most aggravating. The flexibility improves a little every day, however, I'm still not able to straighten it. Bah. I've stopped taking pain medication because of rebound headaches. I'm sleeping, a lot. I hate sleeping my life away, even if it is good for me. I remind myself the body repairs itself in sleep. Knowing doesn't always improve my impatience.

Finding Home is being edited.

Though I endeavor to create time for writing and doing other things, editing tends to take over my life until it's done. It's probably a good thing that one chapter leads me into the next, and I don't want to stop reading.

God bless.