Our son wanted an update on what has been going on at home while he has been away for the past month. So, I told him to check here rather than me texting, calling, e-mailing the same information over and over. For those of you that do not know our family…sorry for the boredom of this post!

The garden is growing extremely well this year. We’ve been eating tomatoes for about a week now…the earliest in my memory of gardens for us. The beans are putting out an ice-cream bucket full every few days. We’ve even had a couple bell peppers already. Last year we didn’t have any until almost frost and then we had a bunch of small ones get hit. The lettuce is about done with the heat and the cucumbers are dong well even though I only have the three plants and I wanted to get more in where the peas were. Of course we have the usual hot peppers that none of us can eat. It always seems like a good idea and then they are way hotter than what we can handle! We’ve had a lot of dill that grew from seed that a friend gave us back in May. I can’t believe how much better it tastes than the dried kind! That is all the good news on the garden. The bad news is that you need a machete to walk through it. We’ve weeded a few times and the piles from that are thigh high. I don’t usually have such a problem with weeds. But I guess all that rain that gave the plants such a boost did the same for the weeds. And of course whenever I go out I break out in this rash that just about drives me crazy! This year it’s on my right arm. It doesn’t seem like Poison Ivy, but it is poison something. I’m the only one that is privileged to get it.

No, we haven’t done any huge projects over the summer so far. It has seemed to take all my energy this year to just stay ahead of the regular jobs. I have done some sewing and I’m planning on doing some more this week. Getting me primed for those bridesmaid dresses I need to make. I would like to take on a rather ambitious sewing project for the dining room, but I’m afraid it might do my sewing machine in! I’ll have to think a little more on that one. My Singer machine has lasted me twenty years without anything being done to it…not even a light bulb change.

The cats are well. Cassie escapes at every opportunity and is rewarded with a spray down for fleas. Herbal of course…but she still hates it. It doesn’t seem to keep her from leaving. She’s beginning to look a little scrawny from being a tramp cat and of course she avoids me because I give her a ‘talking to’ each time she returns. She just shrugs her shoulder and walks away as independent felines will do. Daisy is a little love. She just kind of flows out where she is lying and distributes white hair. She is brushed several times a week, but she still has plenty of hair. I think that is mostly her weight problem!

We are all well. We went to the Emporia Zoo yesterday. It was very sad because some vandals had killed a Black Swan on June 21st when they climbed the fence after hours. People can be so cruel. So, there were no swans yesterday. The last time we were there they had laid some eggs. I don’t know whether they let them hatch or not. But, the Zoo was very pretty with all the flowers in bloom. It was a fairly cool day, but we were there when the sun was pretty hot so the animals were all taking little siestas. The prairie dogs were the only ones yipping around their holes.

Well, that’s about all for the fun and excitement around here. I will try to update more often so you can read all about it. Take care everyone!

Yes, it’s still me…but I’m on a bit of a summer break here. Doesn’t that picture just make you want to dive right in? Since we are in the heat of summer here in the mid west, I wanted a tropical, ocean picture. This is about as close as I could get with wordpress options. And…since I have never been to a tropical, ocean place to take a picture, I just have to make do with what I have.

But, I can still dream. So come along with me for a few seconds and dream too…

You wake on the cool cotton sheets, the ocean breeze tickling the long strips of transparent cloth at the veranda doors. The salt-tinged air awakes your senses as you focus on the slow paddle of the fan above your bed. You slip from the soft comfort of your sleep and pad softly to the doors, pushing them aside to greet the bright, new day. Below your veranda awaits the turqoise blue of the water, lapping at the smooth rocks below.

That’s what I think of when I see this picture and for the summer at least that is a nice dream. So, let me know what you think, and I’ll try to get back here more often to update on my summer!

As I write this post, I think of the verse that I use for this site.

“This is the day the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24

I do think of this verse each day when I start my morning routine and usually I think of the song that this site is titled after. It runs through my head as I make the bed, get dressed, start the laundry for the day. This song became a blessing to me when I awoke one morning at the age of 13. It was the start of spring in Vermont after a VERY long winter and it just brought joy to my heart as I watched the orange tint of the rising sun through my lace curtains. My mind will always remember that morning and the melody of that song…the words. It is so simplistic, but says so much.

If we think about that verse in Psalm 118 and really concentrate on what it is saying…it is difficult to have a bad attitude about the day ahead. God has created each new day for us. As I have said before here, each new day is another day to learn about Him, read His word and pray. Each new day is another opportunity. Whatever our status in life…single, married, divorced, widowed, children or no children, lots of money or just getting by…emotionally happy and joyful or sad and without hope…it is a new day! A new start. Another chance to try again. It may be the day that you accept Christ as your Savior and it may be the day you go home to be with Him!

So, as another spring starts, lets rejoice and be glad in it!

We had a GREAT time at the Ball Saturday night! I wanted to post as soon as I could so I would remember everything…so here goes.

I did finish all my sewing just in time. I made three men’s vest and a blouse for me. The blouse I made for myself was kind of a combination of two patterns, so it was a little tricky, but it turned out just as I envisioned, which doesn’t always happen. I had made my skirt over a year ago for something…actually my daughter’s skirt. I wore hers rather than my green one. My daughter’s skirt is black and white and the blouse I made is black, kind of a satin material. Technically, I should not have worn black, since I’m not in mourning and only younger women in the 1860’s would have been able to wear black and white if they were in mourning. But, it worked. I made jewelry too which turned out well.

Everyone there, a pretty good sized crowd, came dressed for a certain period of time. There were a lot of Civil War era costumes, about 6 hoop skirted dresses and a couple Officer uniforms. It was like you were transported to a different time. It was so exciting for me because that has always been my favorite time. Gone With the Wind was always my favorite book and movie and my greatest dream was to attend a ball.

The dance instructor was great and very patient with all of us that remembered nothing from gym square dancing days. He even partnered our three year old a couple of times and his wife was very gracious to partner her many times. As a matter of fact, everyone there was very gracious and helpful to her. She had a wonderful time and she was still going strong and wanting to stay at 11:30 when we left. There were still four more dances left at that time. I would have liked to have stayed for the couples waltz…the last dance, but with church the next morning and three children that would have been difficult.

I think what impressed me the most was the attitude and etiquette that went along with the evening. It was like everyone put on the costumes and we were back in that time period.  Everyone was ladies and gentlemen. Gloved hands, curtsies and bows. It was so different than the few dances that I attended back in school days. This was just plain fun!

So, to wrap it all up…it was a wonderful experience! I’ll have wonderful memories and I’m really looking forward to the next one. Because of this ball, I learned of a couple more and I would really like to become a part of the group that attends them on a regular basis. My husband has always wanted to be part of a re-enactment group and I think I would really enjoy that. So, now I’m going to start working on a real ball gown in my spare time so I’ll be ready!

And even though my husband never reads this blog…I just wanted to say thanks for having such a great attitude, knowing how important it was for me. You looked so handsome in your string tie and vest and it was so much fun to dance with you! It wouldn’t have been nearly so special if you had not been there!

Doesn’t it feel great when you finally get a project finished? I’m enjoying that right now with the completion of our master bedroom. Last Friday I finally finished painting it the lovely butter yellow that I love. It goes so well with the cobalt blue I also have in the carpet and the Cracker Barrel plates hung on the wall beside the bed. My blinds and curtains are all hung and I fit in the spring cleaning of that room too! So, life is good! Lol! I can say that now, but I have MANY projects waiting completion before Saturday, so I can’t spend too much time here.

I’m really excited about our plans for Saturday night. Our son takes guitar lessons from the barber in town and once a month they have a jam session down there at the barber shop. He is learning a lot and getting better every day on the guitar. Well, the barber shop and the Emma Chase cafe in Cottonwood Falls is sponsoring a Spring Ball this coming Saturday. There will be a live band playing music from the 1860’s and you can dress up in any period costume you want. So, I’ve spent a couple exciting weeks getting ready for it and I still have some sewing to do. Also did some research on-line for authentic 1860’s apparel and hair. Wow! I learned a lot! Although we won’t all be authentic, especially our son and my husband, we will be pretty close. I think it will be a wonderful evening and I’m hoping everyone will dress up too. It will be fun to see all the different clothing. There will also be a caller there for the dances and someone to teach the dances. The polka, reels, waltz were a few that I recognized.

So, that’s the excitement of our upcoming week! I probably won’t be back here for a couple weeks, but I’ll be sure to update for all of those that are interested in how the Ball went.

Take care!

Today I’m going to talk about something that has bothered me for awhile…every since I seriously started thinking about publishing my books. Maybe I should rephrase that…every since I started thinking about TRYING to get published because that is another story in and of itself.

When I first started writing I generally just thought that certain people enjoyed writing and were talented at it and others were not. Some people were gifted at weaving a story and pulling people into it and others were not. How wrong I was!

Over the past couple of years I’ve learned a lot about the WORK of writing. Everything that goes into it. Sure, I knew you would have grammar to contend with, proper sentence structure. That didn’t bother me since I had done fairly well with that in school. I had learned how to write a ‘proper’ paragraph, ‘proper’ short story.

But all that I have learned in the past couple of years has been a whole different ball game. I really don’t like the way it is played at times either! Just to be pretty blunt. I think in some ways it throws out the writer’s gifts of weaving a story and pulling the reader in. Frankly, some of the great, classic authors would have never been published today because they did not follow all the rules. I find that very sad!

Yes, I know a publishing house, especially a big one has to be sure a book will sell and that they will make money on it. Unfortunately that last part is the biggest deal. It goes back to the age-old story…money and success is THE most important thing, not what is behind it, not the values or lack thereof.

So, for all those out there that are pulling out their hair, doing rewrites, polishing, starting over and generally jumping through hoops to meet all the ‘rules’…don’t forget why you started to write in the first place. If God has given you this talent, don’t just write to get published or for the big publishing houses. If you have a story to tell, someone at some point will want to hear it. Just as you may keep a classic suit or dress because the fads will change, I think it’s the same with writing. That was a huge surprise to me. Some of the books I love the most don’t follow all the ‘rules’. And yes, some of those have even been best-sellers!

Dedicated to those that are still ‘plugging away’!

It is one of those days when I just kind of feel like I’m in a muddle. Kind of dragging through the things I need to do. Trying to get out to the gym, which I know will help my attitude…but the hard part is walking out to the van! This too shall pass!

Anyway…after reading some comments, I was again reminded of dear friends. God has a way of sending them in when they are greatly needed. You are having a ‘down’ day and you receive a phone call that leads to a discussion about the Bible or God. Friends stop by and the same thing takes place. What an uplift of the soul!

But the best ‘friend’ we could ever have is always right there in the pages of our Bible. Waiting to encourage, instruct and show His love toward us.  I go there a lot and God always directs me to the passages of scripture I need for that moment. It is the same kind of dialogue you have with a friend on the phone or out visiting…but you can always be assured it will be edifying to your soul.

So today, I’m just really thankful for God-centered friends in my life. For their encouragement, their prayers. If we have that and God in our lives…who could be against us?

The sunlight coming in my window is almost glaring with it’s brightness. It’s reflecting off all that snow. We’ve sure had our share this winter!

We have two cats…one showed up on our doorstep a year and a half ago, the other we handpicked at someone’s home a couple of months later. Both were tiny kittens, barely weaned. The one we chose escapes each time she can. Believe me, the trips outside have been much quicker when the temperatures have been below twenty! The one that chose US never gets near the door and is very happy to have a nice, warm home.

Isn’t that the way it goes…even in us humans? I think about this because the cat that is always trying to escape spends the rest of her time sitting in my window…looking out…WISHING she could escape. She is now blocking my view of the gorgeous sunlight streaming in.

There’s a very simple message in all of this for all of us. Enjoy what we have today and don’t wish it away. I’m going to enjoy the sunlight and be thankful for it today…not wish it away on being warmer or spring again. Enjoy the cold, winter days spent in the house when I can spend more time with my children and have a more relaxed schedule.

If only we could learn these little tidbits when we are younger…when we are spending our lives planning for the future and trying to set and reach the next goal. Better yet to understand that as long as we are here…we have an opportunity to live each day to its fullest, because tomorrow will have more opportunities. That way we won’t spend our lives trying to escape, only to run back in when we find that it’s not what we expected!

Have a sunny and cheerful winter day!

My goal is to keep this a little more updated! I so enjoy the release I have each time I blog here because I talk about what’s on my heart or in my mind at the time. Even though I may ramble a bit, you all listen and sometimes respond. Believe me, my family appreciates it because then they have the edited version without so much emotion! LOL

Anyway, I was just trying to think of a title for this post…and then I realized that I usually do better to write my post and then title it and put it into a category. Because usually, what I end up writing about is very different than what I started writing about. I guess that is more of the SOTP writing that I’m most comfortable with. Which, when I think about it is VERY different than the person that I am.

I am definitely an ‘A’ personality. Everything is planned, done ahead of time and any kind of interruption, disaster, etc. puts me over the edge in my inflexible attitude toward life. Enter God, His word and His plan for my life. Now you get the picture! As I get older, I’m finally starting to understand this a little better, but I’ve had a few tough years learning what I need to to be the person God wants me to be. My two youngest sing ‘I Am a Promise’. If you know the song, one of the verses is “I can be anything God wants me to be.” Now, this song is speaking of a child’s potential which of course is limitless with God’s guidance. But in raising children, the emphasis should be more on what God wants them to be. We all have potential, but it always should be what God has in mind for us because He knows us best and He knows the desires of our heart.

So, this has been hard for me. The person that plans everything, tries never to procrastinate, wants a well-ordered life. God has taught me many lessons on learning to ‘go-with-the-flow’, change of plans at the last minute, learning to follow rather than lead. I think my writing has helped a lot with this…the books and this blog. I sit down, pray for whatever is on my heart and then I let the Lord lead.

After all, He ALWAYS listens and ALWAYS responds.

At this moment, I can not remember if that is even the title of the hymn that is running through my head. I sat down to blog about Thanksgiving and that hymn started playing through my mind and I was singing along.  “Jesus paid it all…All to Him I owe…” How appropriate for Thanksgiving!

Over the past couple of months we have really struggled with some issues in our family. We have worked through some of them and are working through others. God has been faithful, standing by, waiting patiently to listen and give guidance…even during the days and weeks when our faith has been little and at times non-existent. Jesus paid it all and because of that we can have a relationship with God and look forward to eternity with Him. For that, I’m especially thankful this year. Even though in some areas we can not still see the way clear and the road looks mighty rough ahead, it will all work out…in God’s time.

So, I’m thankful, not just for the abundance that we have in so many areas, but for all the little things too. For me, I would like to share some of the little things. Some are still in need of prayer and patience on our part, but I’m thankful for being tested in those areas and it has been a wonder to see God’s hand in it all…

My husband, for the changes I’ve seen God working in Him.

Our two oldest, growing up and away from us, but so happy for them and the lives they have ahead of them. The wise choices I see them making. THANK YOU!

Our three youngest, the incredible help they have been. The blessing of having them in my life daily.

Our home…still a matter of prayer and testing, but so thankful it is ours for now!

Our church.

Friends that share our beliefs concerning God and His word and the wonderful fellowship with them. They are truly family.

As I read the above for errors, I note that I said ‘the little things’. I guess I used that word because they are the things we usually take for granted. They are in no way ‘little’ in our lives, just over-looked at times. God, thank you so much for all those ‘LITTLE THINGS’!

Happy Thanksgiving to you all!