LeBlog--The Blog about life…writing, raising kids, chasing dogs, handling life and all its bit parts.

April 30, 2010

 

Some days...

There are some days that are just harder than others. For whatever reason, some days we simply feel down or discouraged. Maybe it’s been triggered by something happening, someone saying something to us, maybe it’s hormone induced, maybe it’s just a gloomy day. But this is one of my favorite hymns, written in 1905 by Civilla D. Martin:

Why should I feel discouraged,
Why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely,
And long for heav’n and home,
When Jesus is my portion?
My constant Friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.

I sing because I’m happy,
I sing because I’m free,
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.

“Let not your heart be troubled,”
His tender word I hear,
And resting on His goodness,
I lose my doubts and fears;
Though by the path He leadeth,
But one step I may see;
His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.

Whenever I am tempted,
Whenever clouds arise,
When songs give place to sighing,
When hope within me dies,
I draw the closer to Him,
From care He sets me free;
His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.

April 29, 2010

 

Calculated Revenge

Calculated Revenge by Jill Elizabeth Nelson
Steeple Hill Romantic Suspense
(c) 2010

ABOUT THE BOOK:

It’s been eighteen years since Laney Thompson’s sister was abducted and killed, but the pain Laney feels has never faded. And now the murderer is back, taunting Laney with mementos of her sister and threatening Laney’s young daughter. School principal Noah Ryder is her best hope for protecting her daughter—if she can convince the former investigator to take the case. As the threats accelerate, a string of clues leads Laney to uncover old secrets. Unless Noah steps in with his expertise, how can she piece together the puzzle before her child—like her sister—is lost to a killer’s revenge?

READER REVIEWS:

I just finished your book. I love Christian Suspense books and this one is the best one I have read in a while. I never figured out the solution until it was evident to all. Wonderful suspense weaving throughout the book. Thanks, I will look for more books by you. I could not put it down once I got started.

Excellent, excellent book! It caught my attention from the first page and was so hard to put down! Keep on sharing God's love and gospel thru your writing - it is important to those who need encouragement as well as need to know our precious Savior!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jill Elizabeth Nelson is an award-winning author of mystery and suspense. She writes what she likes to read—tales of adventure seasoned with romance, humor, and faith, earning her the tagline: Endless Adventure, Timeless Truth. Jill speaks at conferences, writer’s groups, library associations, and civic and church groups. She and her husband live in rural Minnesota where they raised four children and are currently enjoying their first grandchild.

Visit Jill Elizabeth Nelson’s website at http://www.jillelizabethnelson.com for excerpts, book giveaways, and contests.

You can order this book directly from your local bookstore, retail stores such as Walmart, or online here: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0373443900/jillelizabeth-20

April 28, 2010

 

Laurie Alice Eakes and Nick




Thanks, Laurie Alice for stopping by today! It's great to have you and Nick here today!

Le: What is your favorite kind of a pet? Dog, cat, guinea pig? And why?

LAE: This is difficult, as I love cats and dogs both for different reasons. Today, though I’ll focus on my dog.

Le: And your dog is Nick, right? How many pets do you have today?

LEA: Officially, two. Unofficially, ten.

Le: Oh, I hope you explain that! Have you ever rescued an animal?

LEA: Yes, I’m rescuing animals right now. It started out with one stray kitten someone threw over our fence into our backyard. We fed it. Then we had two cats, then four. Now we have four adults and five kittens and are awaiting an appointment at the not quite free, but inexpensive charity vet hospital to get them neutered and vaccinated to maybe find homes for them. The kittens are totally friendly with people and live on my porch, while we foster them. My two cats are also rescue kitties, though I didn’t do the rescuing.

Le: Love that! Do you ever incorporate animals into your novels?

LEA: Absolutely. In The Glassblower, the kittens play a significant symbolic role and are comic relief and a bond between the hero and heroine. Those cats’ descendants make an appearance in the second book in the series The Heiress. I have a cat in my current work, too, out next year from Revell.

Le: What was your favorite character animal?

LEA: In one of my books? Something that hasn’t been published yet. A dog. A golden retriever. In other people’s books, I’m not sure. I’ve read so many it’s hard to pinpoint them.

Le: Has one of your own pets been the inspiration for a pet/character in a novel?

LEA: Yes, again, though, not yet published. A golden retriever, who I made a female in the novel and named for my dog’s litter mate sister.

Le: What is the funniest thing you’ve seen one of your animals do?

LEA: I’d moved into a new neighborhood, so didn’t know my way around. One morning, I went for a walk quite early—and got lost. I stopped and looked at my dog and said, “Colin, I am clueless. How do we get home?” He glanced around then took off running. I followed until he came to a screeching halt and sat down. I glanced up…He’d taken me to a bus stop.

Le: Hilarious! Is there a secret that only our pet knows?

LEA: Many, but I’m not divulging it here, or it wouldn’t be a secret.

Le: What is your pet’s pet peeve about you?

LEA: I don’t let him play outside enough. He’d run all day if I’d let him.

Le: What is your pet peeve about your pet?

LEA: He’s a little hyper. I really don’t want 70 lbs of golden retriever jumping on me every five minutes.

Le: Thank you so much for taking the time to be with us! Now, I’d love to ask Nick a few questions. Hey, Nick! You are beautiful! Glad you’re here! What would be the title of your autobiography?

Nick: Naughty Nick—How I got away with Breaking the Rules

Le: I like that! If you were to write a novel, would your friend inspire one of the characters?

Nick: Definitely. She’d be the heroine.

Le: Ah, that’s sweet. What’s your favorite movie?

Nick: 101 Dalmatians. I love puppies.

Le: Me, too! What musical instrument would you like to play?

Nick: The drums. That way I could use all my paws at once and be awesome.

Le: Good thinking. You’re a smart one! What do you think about cats? Dogs?

Nick: I think cats are…the cat’s meow. We have so many around here and they are better than cartoons.

Le: That’s great! Where do you sleep at night?

Nick: On the floor on a rug next to my person’s bed.

Le: Forget the floor! Jump on the bed! Oops. Your friend may not appreciate me telling you that. What do you do when your friend is writing?

Nick: Sigh a great deal and try to bug her now and again. When she really ignores me, I do naughty things like get into the trash or the cat box. Mostly I sit at the window and watch the cats and birds in the yard.

Le: What is your idea of bliss?

Nick: Riding in the car forever with my person petting me.

Le: What is your friend’s idea of bliss?

Nick: Going to the beach, which is pretty all right with me.

Le: Thank you so much for being with us today! You take care of your friend now, ya hear?

April 27, 2010

 

Flush it!

Have you ever had the water turned off in your house? It affects your ability to flush your toilet. No duh! No kidding. Not fun. And well…we know what can build up, right? Ick! But that’s the same in our lives. Things build up…resentments, unforgiveness, frustrations, etc… and we need to flush them out. How do we do that? With the toilet, once the water has come back on, all we have to do is press a handle. But it’s not so easy to flush our heart. So what we need is living water to pour over us and wash away the debris. That living water is what Jesus talked about in Matthew when he said, …” So let Jesus’ living water pour over you daily by reading His Word. Remember ‘In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God.” Reading scripture will wash away those impurities. So if you haven’t read any scripture in a while, then I bet you’ve got a bowl full of ick in your life. Flush it with The Word.

April 26, 2010

 

Tech-no

Recently I was headed out to a conference. I had all my little electronic devices in my backpack—cell phone, iPod, Kindle and laptop. Everything was charged and ready to go. But when I sat on the plane and pulled out my trusty little iPod, the screen was frozen and I couldn’t do anything with it. I ended up having to let the battery completely die and then recharge it. Of course that took the whole conference. I did however get to listen to music on the return flight. But then there was my wonderful little Kindle, which I tend to lose the charger on a regular basis. I charged it before leaving, didn’t use it on the flight, didn’t use it all week, then wanted to read something on the return flight and…well, you probably guessed it—dead battery. Then there was my poor cell phone that had lousy reception because we were in the middle of the Redwoods in California and when I would call home, my best friend or my agent, they could only hear about every third word. And last but not least, my wonderful Mac. Sometimes wifi worked and sometimes it didn’t. So, I do love my little electronic devices…until they don’t work. Maybe I'm a bit too dependent on them. What about you?

April 23, 2010

 

Hummingbird Cake

As Mother's Day approaches, I always think about this special cake. This was often a very special treat on Mother's Day. Maybe you'll fix it for your mother this Mother's Day…or even for yourself. Enjoy!

Hummingbird Cake

3 cups flour
2 cups sugar
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
3 eggs, beaten
1 1/2 cup oil
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
1 (8 1/2 oz) can crushed pineapple
1 cup chopped pecans
2 cups mashed bananas

In a large mixing bowl, combine dry ingredients; add eggs and oil, stirring until dry ingredients are moistened, Do not beat. Stir in vanilla, pineapple, pecans and bananas. Spoon batter into 3 well greased and floured 9-inch cake pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes until cake tests done. Cool in pans 10 minutes; remove from pans and cool.

Frosting:

1 (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 (16 oz) package powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1 cup chopped pecans

In a small bowl, combine cream cheese and butter. Mix until smooth. Add powdered sugar. Stir in vanilla. Spread frosting between layers on tops and sides. Sprinkle with pecans.

This is soooooooooooooo good! Enjoy!

April 22, 2010

 

How are ya really?

“How are you?” “Just fine.” We hear that all the time. We say it. Everything’s fine. Everyone is smiles and sunshine. And that’s just wonderful. But what if you’re feeling like a dark cloud is hovering over your heart? What if everything for you isn’t ‘just fine.” What if you feel like you’re dying inside? I was recently in a situation where everyone was all smiles and I felt like I couldn’t reveal the tears that were welling up in my soul. Now maybe everyone was honestly happy go-lucky but I rather doubt it. And so often the church puts on this “Just fine” happy face that often puts a barrier between them and those who are hurting. Yes, we find joy in Christ. So when we walk through those dark days we aren’t hopeless. But some days aren’t “just fine.” So, really, truly, how are ya?

April 20, 2010

 

Janice Thompson, Sasha and Copper




Le: Hi, Janice and welcome! What is your favorite kind of a pet? Dog, cat, guinea pig? And why?

J: I’m a dachshund fanatic. I have two short-haired darlings, Sasha and Copper. They’re great lap dogs and love to “shadow” their owner, (meaning, they stick close). They’re so lovable!

Le: They look adorable! How many pets do you have today?

J: Two. I had a little Beagle mix several years ago, but she passed away.

Le: Oh, sorry about that. Have you ever rescued an animal?

J: I feel like I rescued my doxie, Copper, from sure fate. He was six months old and living in a (supposed) legitimate dog breeder’s yard with over 150 other dogs! The situation was not good and I know Copper was happy to get out of there! For the first year of his life, he was told a familiar night-night story: “Once upon a time, there was a dog named Copper who lived with some terrible people in the woods. Then a wonderful family swept in and saved him from a life of poverty and despair. . .” (etc.) It’s still his favorite bedtime story.

Le: Well, I can certainly understand why! I’m sure he feels very blessed. Do you ever incorporate animals into your novels?

J: Oh yes! Sasha and Copper are both key players in my “Wedding Caper” (Barbour Publishing) books. In fact, Sasha helps solve the crime. In my “Weddings by Bella” series, Bella (the heroine) has a little dog. And in my upcoming Hollywood-themed book, I’m adding a Greek dog!

Le: Gotta love that! What was your favorite character animal?

J: No doubt about it. . .Babe, the Gallant Pig. I still get excited, just thinking about that movie!

Le: Has one of your own pets been the inspiration for a pet/character in a novel?
J: Yes, in fact Sasha and I had a long talk before I added her as a character in the first “Wedding Caper” book. She insisted that her picture be on the cover of the book, and the folks at Barbour willingly played along!

Le: Wonderful! Now she’s a star! What is the funniest thing you’ve seen one of your animals do?

J: Just one? I actually wrote several devotions for dog-lovers last year, telling all sorts of stories about Sasha and Copper’s antics. One of the wackiest things I’ve ever seen Copper do is eat a jar of Vaseline. I called that devotion “Oil and Lube Job.” You can guess why. Copper likes to sit up on his hind legs to get my attention. Sometimes he’ll sit there for as long as fifteen minutes or more! His back is straight as an arrow, too. What talent!

Le: Oh, my little Belle does that! We call it her party trick. It’s her way of telling us to rub her belly. I bet The Hilo Monster and Copper would get along great. He must have a pretty stout tummy to have survived Vaseline. Is there a secret that only our pet knows?

J: Well, I live alone (with Sasha and Copper) so they see all sorts of things that others don’t. . .like, when I drink Diet Dr. Pepper for breakfast, or when I don’t change out of my nightgown till noon. They’re pretty good at not blabbing, though, so it’s all good.

Le: That’s great that they can be so trusted with your secrets! What is Copper and Sasha’s pet peeve about you?

J: They don’t think I spend enough time doting on them or giving them treats. (I’m sure my family members are rolling their eyes if they’re reading this because everyone is convinced I spend TOO much time with the dogs and give them far too many treats!)

Le: LOL! What is your pet peeve about your pet?

J: Hmm. I own a steam cleaner and use it regularly. Does that clue you in? Doxies are stubborn and have occasional accidents. Of course, I’m not sure they can still be called “accidents” when the dog is five year old. Ya know?

Le: LOL! I definitely know. We have one too. Because of our stubborn llasa. Believe me, I know what ya mean! Thank you so much for taking the time to be with us! Now, I’d love to ask Sasha and Copper a few questions. Don’t forget to give your sweet pet a treat afterwards. ☺

Le: Hi, Sasha and Copper! Y’all are way too cute! Thanks for coming by. It’s okay, we have time for both of you to speak. So let’s get started. What would be the title of your autobiography?
SASHA: “I Did It My Way”
COPPER: “To Dream the Impossible Dream”

Le: You both seem very sure of yourselves. Good job. And very different. If you were to write a novel, would your friend inspire one of the characters?
SASHA: If I were to write a novel using my owner/friend (Janice) as inspiration, it would have to be a romantic comedy, where a handsome fellow (a dog lover, of course) sweeps her off her feet.
COPPER: I’d rather have a treat than write a novel, but thanks for asking.

Le: Sasha, that’s very considerate of you. And Copper, I understand what you mean. Many days I feel the same way about my writing. What’s your favorite movie?

SASHA: It’s not actually a movie. It’s a TV show. I love watching “The Dog Whisperer.” Not that I ever plan on changing my evil ways, but it’s admirable to watch so many other dogs try.
COPPER: I’d rather have a treat than watch a movie, but thanks for asking.

Le: Sasha, I like that show too! I learn a lot. Copper, I’m detecting a theme in your life. What musical instrument would you like to play?

SASHA: I regularly play the keyboard. No, not a musical keyboard. I walk across Janice’s laptop keyboard and mess up what she’s writing. Hey, a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do to get attention.
COPPER: Playing an instrument takes energy. I’d rather eat a treat and take a nap. Then eat another treat.

Le: Sasha, I have a cat that does that too. Copper, here, have a treat. You’ve been working hard here. What do you think about cats? Dogs?

SASHA: Cats are evils and must be removed from the planet. Dogs (all but Copper) are a nuisance to be tolerated.
COPPER: Depends. Will they steal my treats?

Le: Copper, they definitely might. Be cautious. I think Sasha knows the score. Where do you sleep at night?

SASHA: Three guesses! It’s warm and cozy and I get to snuggle up next to the person I love most! (And I don’t mean Copper.)
COPPER: Ever since my owner got her CPAP machine, I’ve resorted to hiding under a blanket on the closet floor.

Le: Oh, I bet Janice would protect you, Copper! What do you do when your friend is writing?

SASHA: Serve as my master’s muse.
COPPER: Wonder when she’s going to stop writing so I can have another treat.

Le: I completely understand, Copper. When I finish my writing, I get a treat too. I think we think a lot alike. So, hat is your idea of bliss?

SASHA: My current life.
COPPER: My current life with an extra bag of treats in the pantry.

Le: What is your friend’s idea of bliss?

SASHA AND COPPER: Janice’s idea of bliss is a quiet writing day with her puppies snuggled up on either side of her on the sofa and a cup of Earl Grey tea nearby.

Le: That sounds perfect! And here are some treats for being such great sports here! Thank you so much for being with us today! You take care of your friend now, ya hear?

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Contest Epitaphs

Hi, y'all! Thanks for the wonderful posts yesterday and all the private emails! I really appreciate your support and I will keep you posted when Forsaken, the first of the Plain Fear series, is released. :)

Today, I thought I'd share some of the epitaphs I received in a recent contest on my e-newsletter. Seems like a weird contest, right? Well, it was for Once in a Blue Moon, my recent release. The heroine, Bryn, writes epitaphs about herself throughout the book. Writing an epitaph or obituary about yourself is actually a good way to focus on your long term goals. Long term, right? No need to use these epitaphs any time soon. :) Anyway, so here are a few of the entries. I'll post more later.

Linda wrote hers as a song:
My Jesus I Love Thee

Martha wrote:
She prayed.

Glendel wrote:
Here lies Glendel: She tried.

Lena wrote:
She came. She wrote. She left us in the dust.

April 18, 2010

 

New book contract!

It's true, I have accepted a contract for an Amish/vampire book. It's okay to laugh. Go ahead. Everyone usually does at first. You might be wondering how those two things go together very well…in my mind anything is possible. Actually, with God, all things are possible. You may have heard jokes about this type of book, but this is no joke and it's actually a more serious endeavor, without my usual humor. It's a serious book and I'm very excited about it. Here's the blurb:

Plain Fear Series:

1st book: Forsaken

Hannah Schmidt, a young Amish woman mourning the mysterious 'death' of her beloved Jacob, now a vampire, must choose between two brothers, between good and evil, between a lasting love and the damnation of her soul.

I'm not sure of the publication date, hopefully sometime in 2011.

I wanted to share with y'all a little about the conception of this book. Of course, I've heard for a long time the joke about combining these two very different genres, Amish fiction and vampire fiction, which both have been very popular. Well, it must have lodged somewhere in my brain because one day I realized this pairing could be an interesting revisit to the ever popular story and musical, The Phantom of the Opera. The story idea came to me about two years ago. I noodled around on it and played with it. I prayed a lot about it. A few Christian authors encouraged me. Then last year at the American Christian Fiction Writers conference, after I'd already written a proposal for it but had done nothing with it, not even tell my agent about it, I heard editors actually say they were interested in this kind of a novel. I was blown away. So not having planned to pitch that story idea, I made an appointment with an editor. Then I panicked. What was I going to say? So with the help of Rachel Hauck, I told her the story idea, and she helped me hone it down to its essence: a love triangle, the story of good versus evil, brother versus brother. Thanks, Rachel! Then I figured I better tell my agent. I was scared my agent would laugh me off the planet. But she didn't. She laughed but in a good way! She loved it. When I sent her my proposal after the conference, she again loved it.

With much prayer on her part and on mine, with my prayer partners praying as well as other writer friends, we began to submit this story. And I'm very delighted to say that Sourcebooks is going to publish this book. I've already had a nice long conversation with Peter, my new editor, and I'm very excited about beginning to write this book. Of course, I still have other obligations with B&H Publishing, and I pray that partnership continues and grows. I have a book coming out with them, FACELIFT, in October 2010, and then another book in Sept. 2011.

But I wanted y'all to hear this news from me first. And most importantly, I wanted you to know that this project has been bathed in prayer and will continue to be. I hope you will join me in praying for this project as I write it and hopefully as it reaches a wide audience, especially the audience outside of the Christian market. I believe it can be a powerful story that reveals the struggle everyone faces with the attraction of evil (because evil at first is attractive and alluring), and pray that God guides me as I write it.

Blessings,

Leanna

April 16, 2010

 

Be Still

My daddy always said I was a wiggle worm. "Ya got ants in your pants?" he'd say. To this day, I'm usually more often on the move than sitting still. My son is the same. Must be an inherited gene that way. I remember when he first went to school, starting in 4th grade, I really worried that the teacher might get irritated at him because he could barely stay in his chair without falling out of it or knocking it over throughout the day. Thankfully, he had a gracious, sweet teacher. And we have a gracious heavenly Father.

“Be still and know that I am God.” That’s one of my favorite verses, but it isn’t always easy to do in our hurry-up society. My days often feel like a mad dash to the finish line as I get my kids up and off to school (and hopefully fed) or onto their homework, then it’s writing and marketing and facebooking, twittering, blogging and all the things authors are supposed to do. Then it’s pick the children up from school, race to their activities – dancing, fencing, basketball, music, voice. About that time I’m trying to figure out what I’m going to fix for dinner (take-out is always good). By the time dinner is over, the kitchen clean, laundry folded (or not!), I fall into bed exhausted. So finding time to just be still, is not easy. When I find time to be still, I sometimes nod off. But it’s so important for me to carve out time when I first wake up and during my crazy days to be still…and know. He is God. When was the last time you were still?

April 15, 2010

 

On the Road Again

That is going to be my theme song for the next few weeks. A hodgepodge of things today:

I'll be in Houston this weekend for two signings. If you're in the area I hope you will come say hello! I'd love to give you a moon pie. Had a moon pie before? I'll be here:

Friday, April 16 at Barnes and Noble in The Woodlands from 7-9pm

Saturday, April 17 at Mardel's in Webster, TX (down by NASA) at noon. There will be a very cool CONTEST you don't want to miss!

Here's a fun interview of yours truly:
http://seasonsofhumility.blogspot.com/2010/04/first-author-interview-please-welcome.html

Blessings to each of you!

April 13, 2010

 

Robert Elmer and Farragut



Today, I'm welcoming author Robert Elmer and his adorable dog, Farragut, to LeBlog!

Le: Hi, Robert! Thanks so much for dropping by today! What is your favorite kind of a pet? Dog, cat, guinea pig? And why?

RE: I guess you’d have to call me a dog kind of guy, though I had cats as a kid, as well. Oh, and homing pigeons, lizards, chickens, ducks, a goat, snakes, frogs, hamsters, mice…

Le: Wow! That’s quite an assortment. How many pets do you have today?

RE: Just the one little guy, a malti-poo/mi-ki mix. (If you’ve never heard of a mi-ki, they’re a recognized toy breed.) Farragut is named for the naval hero (and state park near where we used to live), but he’s only about six pounds.

Le: Heroes can come in little packages too. Have you ever rescued an animal?

RE: Not technically. But we did get our wonderful sheltie from a family who couldn’t keep her, years ago. We had Freckles, a sheltie/cocker mix, while the kids were growing up.

Le: I love the name Freckles. Do you ever incorporate animals into your novels?

RE: Oh yes, all the time. You should read about the dogs and cats in my kids’ books.

Le: I’ll have to do that! What was your favorite character animal?

RE: The dog in my “AstroKids” series. He wore a collar that transferred his thoughts into pre-recorded words and phrases. So in a way, he could speak. Pretty fun.

Le: Sounds wonderful! I’d love to know what some of my animals are thinking. Well, maybe not the Hilo Monster. Has one of your own pets been the inspiration for a pet/character in a novel?

RE: Not directly. But everything I know about pets usually makes its way into the characters.

Le: What is the funniest thing you’ve seen one of your animals do?

RE: Freckles was a great tail-chaser. Farragut plays a funny game of hide-and-seek, and yelps as he’s looking for me in all the hiding places he remembers.

Le: I love it when they chase their tails. So cute. Is there a secret that only your pet knows?

RE: Maybe, but he’s not telling.
Le: Ahhh! What is your pet’s pet peeve about you?

RE: That I leave him to go to work.

Le: Pets don’t seem to understand that work has a direct correlation to their eating. What is your pet peeve about your pet?

RE: He steals my socks.

Le: Oh! We had a dog that did that, took my dad’s socks right off his feet! But Hilo steals them too. As well as other things. Thank you so much for taking the time to be with us! Now, I’d love to ask your pet a few questions. Don’t forget to give your sweet pet a treat afterwards. ☺

Le: Hi, Farragut! Welcome! Thanks for stopping by today. What would be the title of your autobiography?

F: Namesake of a Naval Hero.

Le: I like that. If you were to write a novel, would your friend inspire one of the characters?

F: I would be happy to include them as minor characters, if the story allowed.

Le: It’s all about the story, isn’t it? What’s your favorite movie?

F: Lassie Come Home.

Le: I like that one too. What musical instrument would you like to play?

F: I play a mean plastic squeaky bone.

Le: Awesome. What do you think about cats? Dogs?

F: I would love to chase a cat to see how fast they could run, but my owner won’t let go of my leash. Big dogs are scary, but I’m getting used to them in obedience school.

Le: Maybe Robert is scared you’ll get hurt. Oh, but I forgot…you’re named after a Naval hero! So, where do you sleep at night?

F: In my comfy bed in the bathroom. I’ve tried hiding under the people bed, but they always find me when I tell them about suspicious noises outside. How do they do that?

Le: I bet you’re a good watch dog, keeping your family safe. What do you do when your friend is writing?
F: I sit in his lap, of course. What else?

Le: Very good! The Hilo Monster is too big to sit in my lap. I think I’d like that if she were smaller. What is your idea of bliss?

F: Writing time.

Le: I can understand that. What is your friend’s idea of bliss?

F: Having me around, I’m sure.

Le: Of course! Thank you so much for being with us today! You take care of your friend now, ya hear?

April 12, 2010

 

Graffiti Rant

Driving the other day, I saw a truck or van, I’m really not sure of the classification, but it had boards along the sides and windows. Frankly, I was too busy reading all the hand painted signs that the driver had written on the white washed boards to notice the type of vehicle. “Don’t trample on my rights,” was just one of the many multi-colored messages. It made me think about how so many people in our society feel isolated and alone and unable to communicate their feelings and their beliefs. Do you think that may be why Twitter and Facebook have become some popular? Do you feel as if you’re shouting and no one is hearing?

April 8, 2010

 

New Trailer for FACELIFT


Hi, y'all! Wanted to give you a sneak peek at the new trailer for my upcoming book, FACELIFT, which comes out Oct. 2010! Check it out!

http://vimeo.com/10460467

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God Encounters

At the Mt. Hermon conference, it was wonderful getting to know folks and sometimes I could really sense that God introduced us. My first day, I was a bit disoriented, having never been to this particular conference, not to mention getting motion sickness on the shuttle ride from the airport to the conference center, and I was sitting on a bench. A woman walked up to me and asked if I was wanting to be alone. I invited her to sit down and we chatted. What a wonderful conversation. This woman was a mighty tower of strength and I learned much from her. Then there was another day when I was walking along and a woman stopped to tell me she had bought my book, and I signed it. As we spoke, I asked her about her conference. It was her first. And it was a bit overwhelming for her and she was feeling very small and insignificant. A very common occurrence at a big conference. But she told me how God had taken her to the end of Haggai and a verse that says, “You are chosen.” What a powerful statement, which triggered in me to share with the devotional I had shared the day before about feeling like a grasshopper, just like the Israelites who spied on Canaan, but that we are really ‘Chosen Soldiers.’ I love encounters where I am so aware of God’s hand in the introduction. Have you had one recently? If so, please share.

April 7, 2010

 

Tiffany Amber Stockton and Roxie!



This week, I'd like to welcome author, Tiffany Amber Stockton (writing as Amber Stockton) and Roxie to my blog. So let's get started!

LE: Hi, Tiffany! Welcome! Thanks for stopping by and answering a few questions for us. What is your favorite kind of a pet? Why?

TAS: A dog, primarily because they are so loyal, interactive, companionable and somewhat easy to train. I love their dispositions.

LE: How many pets do you have today?

TAS: As of last week, 2. We’ve had a dog since a few months after my husband and I got married, but a little over a week ago, we added a Beta fish to our family. ☺

LE: Ah, we had a Beta fish named Bob for a while. Have you ever rescued an animal?

TAS: Yes, the dog we have was rescued from the Humane Society. My husband picked her, and he made a fantastic choice! Every dog I ever had was rescued. Each and every one was a true delight and holds a special place in my heart.

LE: Do you ever incorporate animals into your novels?

TAS: When I can. Usually, they provide comic relief or become emotional support for one of my characters. But they are always portrayed in a positive light.

LE: What was your favorite character animal?

TAS: That’s easy. The horse, Braedon, that belonged to the heroine in my first novel. Not only was he an excellent work horse, but he knew my heroine inside and out, and he provided her with a listening ear when she needed it, as well as comfort and encouragement at just the right time. He truly had a personality all his own.

LE: Has one of your own pets been the inspiration for a pet/character in a novel?

TAS: Not yet, but I have some ideas and look forward to when I can utilize her.

LE: What is the funniest thing you’ve seen one of your animals do?

TAS: I’m guessing you mean one of my pets, as opposed to an animal in one of my books, so that would be eating the remains of an ice cream carton while the carton is stuck on her nose. ☺

LE: LOL! I assume that was your dog, not the Beta fish. ☺ Is there a secret that only our pet knows?

TAS: No, but only because I don’t keep any secrets from my husband.

LE: What is your pet’s pet peeve about you?

TAS: Probably that I don’t allow her to become a lap dog, like she’d prefer. But she’s a border collie and far too big for that.

LE: My lab is a lap dog, as is my labradoodle. It’s funny how they want to be close to us. What is your pet peeve about your pet?

TAS: Her need to be involved in everything so much. I do love pets, but there comes a time when they need to not be in your face.

LE: Thank you, Tiffany, for taking the time to be with us! Now, I’d love to ask your pet a few questions. Don’t forget to give your sweet pet a treat afterwards. ☺

LE: What would be the title of your autobiography?

R: Waggin’ It.

LE: If you were to write a novel, would your friend inspire one of the characters?

R: Definitely! She sometimes gets down on the floor on all 4’s and romps around with this little version of her. She also goes nose to nose with me and our favorite game is soccer when she’s cooking in the kitchen. I nose my ball to her and she kicks it toward me, then I block it.

LE: I bet that’s fun! What’s your favorite movie?

R: Any western that has cattle and horses, because I love to herd.

LE: Oh, of course! I bet you love John Wayne. What musical instrument would you like to play?

R: Drums, because my tail bangs a lot of things, and I’d love to be able to see what I’m striking all the time.

LE: LOL! I bet you have good waggin’ rhythm. My lab does too! What do you think about cats? Dogs?

R: Cats are a lot of fun to chase, especially when I can scare them up a tree or under a car.

LE: Where do you sleep at night?

R: In my own special chair, unless the weather is nice enough, and then I sleep on the deck on a comfy pillow bed.

LE: That sounds nice. What do you do when your friend is writing?

R: I either lie at her feet by her chair, or I sit and rest my head on her arm or lap. Until I hear another dog or people outside, and then I have to go investigate.

LE: What is your idea of bliss?

R: An open field full of other dogs to play with, or squirrels to chase. If there are horses and cattle, though, that’s great too!

LE: What is Tiffany’s idea of bliss?

R: She loves to sit outside and stare at these jagged things off in the distance. At certain times of year, they have white caps on them. I’m not sure what the appeal is, unless we actually drive to them and I can run up and down the hiking paths.

LE: Thank you so much, Roxie, for being with us today! You take care of your friend now, ya hear?

R: Oh, I will. She takes great care of me, so I want to do the same.

LE: And y’all don’t forget to pick up Tiffany’s latest book, Liberty’s Promise, (author name: Amber Stockton) so she can buy lots of treats for sweet Roxie…and that Beta fish.

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April 6, 2010

 

More Mt. Hermon photos





Here's Linda Kozar and me!

Then Colleen Coble and me.

And Becky, Deborah Raney and Colleen Coble.

What fun!

April 5, 2010

 

Mt. Hermon Writer's Conference




Here are some pictures of Mt. Hermon! First is Deborah Raney, Judy Gann, and me. Second, Julie Gwinn, the phenomenal wonder woman from B&H, and me. Then it's Deborah Raney, Judy Gann, and me. Then it's Becky, my agent's assistant and also an up and coming author herself!

April 1, 2010

 

Resurrection Cookies

This is a wonderful recipe used to explain the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus to children. I have done this with my kids and plan on doing it again this year. And it's also yummy!

Resurrection Cookies

1 cup whole pecans
1 tsp vinegar
3 egg whites
pinch of salt
1 cup sugar
zip-lock plastic bag
Wooden spoon
Tape Bible

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Place pecans in zip-lock bag and let children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested he was beaten by the Roman soldiers. Read John 19:1-3

Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 tsp. vinegar into mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross he was given vinegar to drink. Read John 19:28-30.

Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life. Read John 10:10-11.

Sprinkle a little salt into each child’s hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus’ followers and the bitterness of our own sin. Read Luke 23:27.

So far, the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1 cup sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because he loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him. Read Psalms 34:8 and John 3:16.

Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God’s eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3.

Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus’ body was laid. Read Matthew 27:57-60.

Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape and ‘seal’ the oven door. Explain that Jesus’ tomb was sealed. Read Matt. 27:65-66.

Go to bed! Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus’ followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed. Read John 16:20 and 22.

On Resurrection morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie! Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Resurrection day Jesus’ followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Read Matthew 28:1-9

He has risen!

(You can substitute a chocolate bar or chocolate chips for the pecans.)

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