Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Merry Christmas

As the Christmas season is upon us, I just want to wish everyone a beautiful holiday season. I know this is a very busy time of year with parties, shopping, visiting family and friends, and it has definitely taken its toll on my writing time. But I think it's worth it. It's a beautiful time of year and I so enjoy the bright lights, the wonderful feeling of giving, helping others, and spending time with my family. I'm giving myself some leeway to do something for me with the goal that I'll spend more time catching up on my writing once the season is over.

If you love Christmas stories, do check out S.A. Couman's story, Mary's Christmas Wish. I have a sweet love story titled, My Guardian Angel, and I think you will enjoy the story as two older people find a way to go on with their life after the loss of their spouses. Both stories are available through www.thewildrosepress.com

However you spend your holiday season, take some time for you. Relax. Read a good book. Spend time sitting in a warm bubble bath. Go shopping and buy something fun for yourself. Take some time to say hello to friends or family members you haven't seen for awhile. Remember why we celebrate the Christmas Season and find a way to make it your very best yet.

Merry Christmas! May 2011 bring you much happiness and be your best year yet.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

A Great Christmas Read

Are you interested in a very sweet Christmas Story?
You need to purchase "Mary's Christmas Wish" by Sheryl Coumans.

At 92, Sister Mary Grace Cantrell was dying. It was Christmas Eve and the festive decorations failed to cheer her...she was afraid to die. Would all the good she'd done wipe out that one sin ...Will Mary be granted her one Christmas wish?

This is an endearing short story of love and hope, and I know you will enjoy it. You can download your copy through The Wild Rose Press. Their web site is: http://www.thewildrosepress.com/

You won't be sorry. I guarantee you'll enjoy this special Christmas story.

Sunday, November 14, 2010

A Fun Recipe

Ever want a quick, easy recipe to wake up to something different? Or perhaps something a little unique to serve for brunch? A friend gave this to me and I'm sorry I can't remember who, but I'd like to share it.

Butterscotch Pull Apart Rolls

Ingredients:
18 frozen rolls (like Rhodes bake n serve)
1 small pkg butterscotch pudding (not instant)
1 Teasp cinnamon
3/4 Cup brown sugar
1/2 Cup chopped nuts
1 stick margarine (melted)

Directions:
Arrange frozen rolls in greased bundt pan. Sprinkle with dry pudding mix.
Mix cinnamon, brown sugar and nuts together. Sprinkle over pudding.
Pour melted margarine on top.
Cover with foil tent so raised rolls won't touch it.
Let stand overnight (I put it in a cold oven overnight) Do not refrigerate
Next morning, bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
Invert onto a plate while still warm.

Enjoy!

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Are You Moving In The Right Direction?

Where you stand is not important -- its in what direction you are moving that counts.
------Unknown

I love that thought. Too often I think people worry that they haven't accomplished their goal, they aren't where they want to be in life, or that they may not be successful. But I think this thought says it all. It doesn't matter where you are. You just have to take small steps each day and one day you'll accomplish your goal and reach your dream. Don't have any? Then take time today and set some goals, identify your dream. The small steps will add up. Believe me, they will.

If you talk to various authors, they have a goal of writing a small number of words or pages each day. They know that eventually they'll complete that story or novel. Christine Feehan says her goal is writing seven pages a day. RaeAnn Thayne strives for three short period a day to write. They aren't all at once, but throughout her day, she tries to find small increments of time to put words on pages. They are moving in the right direction. I strive to find at least an hour each day on my computer to write and I admit alot of the time it is at midnight after my husband goes to sleep. Another thing that I find helps is to always have a notbeook with me. I am constantly playing with story ideas, developing characters, or plotting my story wherever I'm at. For me it works.

Someone on a diet knows they must lose a pound or two a week and over time it adds up to ten, twenty or more pounds lost. They know small steps lead them to success.

You can accomplish anything as long as you do it a piece at a time. Don't let disappointment or stumbling blocks cause you to slide backward.

Remember: If it is to be, it's up to me!

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Book Legacy of Lies by Cindy A. Christiansen

I just finished Legacy of Lies by my good friend and fellow author, Cindy A. Christiansen. If you want a book to keep you turning the pages, you've got to get this book. Her heroine is a sassy, determined woman seeking answers about her father and takes you to a small town in Utah where intrigue, secrets, deserted mines and a hunky hero play out an amazing tale.

I highly recommend you get this book if you love romantic suspense. Way to go Cindy for a great book.

Check out her blog at http://cadragonfly.blogspot.com.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Utah RWA Conference - Out Out Damned Plot

Last weekend was our Utah Romance Writers Conference in beautiful Park City, Utah. The conference was at The Grant Summit Hotel at the Canyons Resort in Park City - beautiful facility and we just happened to be there when the Porsche Club was there so we saw some awesome cars too!

The leaves were in color, the weather was cool and nice. We had a great time. Christine Feehan was our luncheon speaker, along with agents Steven Axelrod, Laurie McLean and Amy Moore-Benson. We had editors Candace Salima from Valor Publishing Group and Heather Osborn of Tor/MacMillan, and Sue Grimshaw, book buyer for Borders. Marketing specials, Shahar and Mashlah Boyayan from Buzz Boosters gave us some great tips on marketing. All fantastic people with so much knowledge about the publishing business.

One of the perks to our conference this year was having Erin Summerill -- a professional photographer from Orem, Utah, take pictures not only of the conference but also head shots for each of the authors there. She is so good at what she does.

What a great way to spend a weekend. Only bummer was when I got home my internet was down and I had to spend three days waiting to get a new modem -- E. E. Cummings said, "The most wasted of all days is one without laughter." Guess the only thing I can say is I got to laugh at my predicament.

But the conference was worth all the headache when I got home.

Keep smiling.

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Thought For the Day -- Friends

Friendship isn't about who you have known the longest...but about who came and never left your side.

I'm so lucky to have some great friends, many who have been by my side for years. My hope for you is that you also have friends who will stay by your side, through thick and thin, who will love you, listen to you and support you in your travels through life.

Monday, September 20, 2010

The Baldpate Inn

I love getting away for a few days, don't you? I just got back from a weeklong visit with my sister in Colorado. We spent most of our week in Estes Park and it is so beautiful up there this time of year. The days were warm, the nights cool. We had the opportunity to eat at a couple of fun restaurants and see the wildlife -- majestic elk and magnificent deer.

On our way down the mountain, we stopped at a lovely old inn called The Baldpate Inn. It's about seven miles south of Estes Park on the way to Lyons. What a beautiful bed and breakfast. It's nestled in the mountains with wonderful views of the aspens turning yellow amidst the tall pines and red mountains. They offer a lunch of crisp salad, delicious homemade soup and hot muffins. If you're lucky, you'll get seated on the covered porch and can enjoy the mountain views while you dine. Our waiter was a young man from Turkey, here on a visit for three months to learn the language, visit the United States, and work for most of the summer.

The Baldpate Inn is home to one of the largest key collections and it was so interesting to see. In the old days, they used to give out keys to their guests but that became unpractical so now people bring them keys -- safe keys, keys to cities, boat keys, house keys, keys of all shapes and sizes. You could spend hours reading about the keys on display.

I love visiting places like this that are unique. I have to admit it got my writing juices flowing, ideas started being crafted for a new storyYou might even recognize some of the sights I saw while in the mountains of Colorado, Estes Park and who knows, even the Baldpate Inn.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Chocolate Ice Cream -- Please!

A friend of mine sent me this story and I wanted to pass it on. I think it's pretty profound. Too many times we get bogged down with worrying about money, diets, what we should do and forget to live life and do the things we enjoy. The story is kind of long, but it's worth it:


CHOCOLATE ICE CREAM – PLEASE!

One day I had lunch with some friends. Jim, a tall, balding golfer type about 80 years old, came along with them---all in all, a pleasant bunch. When the menus were presented, we ordered salads, sandwiches, and soups, except for Jim who said, "Ice Cream, please. Two scoops, chocolate.

I wasn't sure my ears heard right, and the others were aghast. "Along with heated apple pie," Jim added, completely unabashed.

We tried to act quite nonchalant, as if people did this all the time.. But when our orders were brought out, I didn't enjoy mine. I couldn't take my eyes off Jim as his pie a-la-mode went down. The other guys couldn’t believe it. They ate their lunches silently and grinned.

The next time I went out to eat, I called and invited Jim. I lunched on white meat tuna. He ordered a parfait. I smiled. He asked if he amused me.

I answered, "Yes, you do, but also you confuse me. How come you order rich desserts, while I feel I must be sensible?

He laughed and said "I'm tasting all that is Possible. I try to eat the food I need, and do the things I should. But life's so short, my friend, I hate missing out on something good. This year I realized how old I was. (He grinned) I haven't been this old before. ""So, before I die, I've got to try those things that for years I had ignored. I haven't smelled all the flowers yet. There are too many trout streams I haven’t fished. There's more fudge sundaes to wolf down and kites to be flown overhead. There are too many golf courses I haven’t played. I've not laughed at all the jokes. I've missed a lot of sporting events and potato chips and cokes. I want to wade again in water and feel ocean spray on my face. I want to sit in a country church once more and thank God for His grace. I want peanut butter every day spread on my morning toast. I want un-timed long distance calls to the folks I love the most. I haven't cried at all the movies yet, or walked in the morning rain. I need to feel wind on my face. I want to be in love again. So, if I choose to have dessert, instead of having dinner, then should I die before night fall, I'd say I died a winner, because I missed out on nothing. I filled my heart's desire. I had that final chocolate mousse before my life expired..

"With that, I called the waitress over.. "I've changed my mind, " I said. "I want what he is having, only add some more whipped cream!"


Isn't this great?
Live well, love much & laugh often - Be happy.

Be mindful that happiness isn't based on possessions, power, or prestige, but on relationships with people we like and respect. Remember that while money talks, CHOCOLATE ICE CREAM SINGS!

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Thought For August

A friend sent me an e-mail and had the following thought in it. I loved it and wanted to share it.

When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling.
Live your life so at the end, you're the one who is smiling and
everyone around you will be crying.

I don't know who wrote it. Wish I could take the credit, but I can't. I can only say it made me stop and think about my life and how important it is to be the best you can be. Take time to be a friend and help others. Love and be sure to let those you love know how you feel. Stick to your values. When you strive to accomplish your goals, be sure you don't compromise who you are.

Wouldn't it be great to know that when you reach the end of your life, everyone you know will be sad to see you go?

Have a great day.

Thursday, July 29, 2010

I Read A Great Story

Stranger In A Small Town by Kerry Connor

I just finished her book and loved it. It's a Harlequin Intrigue romantic suspense and it definitely kept me reading, wanting more. Her hero is handsome, but is consumed with a past he needs to find answers about. Her heroine is a strong woman, determined to succeed in remodeling her grandfather's old house. But strange things begin happening that theaten to keep him from finding the truth and her from accomplishing what she is determined to do.

It's a great read. If you're looking for a book that will keep you turning the pages, easy reading, with alot of twists and turns, pick up Kerry Connor's book, Stranger In A Small Town.

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Thought For the Day

Life is an adventure --
Enjoy good things!

Don't know who wrote this but I love it! Every day life gives us new challenges and then we have to make the decision to enjoy the path or let every challenge be something we complain about.

Have you ever met anyone who never finds anything good about their life? I feel almost sorry for them because life is too good not to enjoy. Look up at the sky and isn't it amazing how pretty the sky can be. Listen to a small child giggle and doesn't it bring a smile to your face? Eat a delicious meal or savor a rich chocolate and what's not to be happy about?

Take a long drive up into the mountains and watch the wildlife. Spend time at the ocean and enjoy the salty moist feeling on your skin. There's so much to enjoy. I challenge everyone to find those things that make you happy. Enjoy every day!

Friday, July 9, 2010

Can You Trust A Cowboy


Here's my first review of Can You Trust A Cowboy?
Can you Trust A Cowboy? has it all ...Ms Bailey raises the stakes in Can You Trust A Cowboy? and ups the ante on love. This sassy, sexy tale is rife with suspense, innuendo, and danger. If you love romantic suspense, this is a read you won't want to miss.
Rose, Romance at Heart Magazine
I'm pretty excited. My story is available at: http://www.bookstrand.com/can-you-trust-a-cowboy
It's available in many electronic formats. I'd love to hear how you liked it.

Friday, June 25, 2010

Yellowstone National Park

We just returned from a wonderful family vacation to my favorite places, Henry's Lake in Idaho and Yellowstone National Park. We spent time doing some fishing, eating yummy food (sometimes too much) and lots of sightseeing. We lucked out and got to see so many animals -- eleven bears including grizzley and cubs, elk, coyotes, buffalo, bald eagles -- too many animals to mention. Yellowstone National Park is a beautiful place to enjoy nature. This time of year it was so green and pretty.

On our way home, we stopped at a fun park - Yellowstone Bear World. It's located out of Rexburg, Idaho, and is a perfect way to see bears, wolves, elk and other wild animals up close while in the comfort of your own automobile. As I read about their vision, it brought back memories of the old days when you could easily see bears every day while in Yellowstone. That has changed some, and so the owners of Yellowstone Bear World have created a place where that is possible. You can drive through the park and see all types of wildlife. For the kids, there is a petting zoo where children can actually interact with deer, chickens, pigs, etc, as well as watch bear cubs being bottle fed. It's a great place, and if you haven't had the opportunity to visit, you might want to. Their web site is http://www.yellowstonebearworld.com/

I have to admit, though, that I spent alot of time watching people, looking for new and interesting characteristics for my hero and heroine in an upcoming story. Can't seem to turn my author mind off -- guess that's all right because it's what makes things interesting as I write -- right?

It's always fun to go on vacation, but it's nice to be home. At least it will be when our air conditioning gets fixed!

Thursday, June 3, 2010

What's My Inspiration?

As an author I'm often asked what I use for inspiration as I develop my characters, build their worlds, and pull the story together. The only answer I have is everything!

I grew up around Morgan horses and even today, my father still has registered Morgan horses. They were beautiful animals, trustworthy companions, and I still miss my wonderful friend, my registered Morgan Horse whose name was Rascal. We spent many hours riding, enjoying the outdoors, and I guess he understood what I talked about. Each time we had a conversation -- one-sided of course -- his ears would move and I knew he was listening. Even though he has been gone for many years now, I still use him and his mother and some of the others horses we had as the basis for so many of my characters being horse lovers.

I've been lucky to have been able to travel alot around this country as well as visit places in Europe, Mexico and South America. One of my favorite places is a little place outside of Glenwood Springs, Colorado. My sister lives in Colorado and we often meet in Glenwood Springs to enjoy the surrounding area of Redstone and Marble, Aspen and Carbondale. It's funny how so many of my characters just seem to be from places I've visited in Colorado.

Each character takes on its own personality, but often those personalities are pulled from bits and pieces of people I know, their likes, actions, individualness. For instance, Tricia, in my new romantic suspense, Can You Trust A Cowboy? is based around my daughter who is a commercial truck driver and a really good one. She loves cowboys. She was my inspiration and I hope some of her uniqueness comes through in Tricia as Tricia runs her trucking business and solves the mysteries surrounding it.

We have a lovable yellow lab named Max and I think everyone should have a loving pet. You'll find that many of my characters have a pet -- usually a dog because I'm a dog lover. Pets add so much to our world and I hope they add to my stories too.

As an author, I try hard to create interesting stories with characters you can fall in love with. Each have a little bit of me and my world woven into them, and I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I enjoy writing them.

Have a great day.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

My New Book Cover!


I just received the cover for my story, Can You Trust A Cowboy? It should be released June 15, 2010 from Bookstrand Publishing.
This is my first romantic suspense and I'm really excited about it. It' a bit spicier than my other story, but if you like romantic suspense, you'll want to pick this up.
Here's a brief blurb:
Can Tricia learn to trust the man in the black Steton amidst deception and half-truths when violence threatens to destroy her world?
Watch for its release this summer!

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

I went Ghost Hunting!

It was a stormy night with unusual energy in the skies, a perfect night for lots of paranormal activity. And I spent the night wandering through the old Tooele Hospital with only my flashlight looking for ghosts!

The hospital is reputed to be one of the most active places for paranormal activity in Utah. They have a team of psychics and paranormal specialists who meet weekly and have recorded some very interesting voices and sightings. They're dedicated ghost hunters who have developed new tools to enable them to record very unusual things.

Our guide was great. She'd personally experienced many unexplained voices, smells, and visitors while she's been in the hospital. She says there's even a cat spirit that has been seen. There's also a room that she refuses to go back into because of the weird things that have happened. Needless to say, I'm a chicken and I didn't go into that room either.

My daughter in law took some random pictures with her digital camera and at first glance, two of them have clear orbs in them. Orbs, we were told, are energy bursts that the spirits use to move around our world with. We showed her pictures to one of the specialists and were warned that we may have had a spirit following us -- definitely unnerving! Later, as we were looking at some of her other pictures, we found one that appears to have the form of a woman standing between two beds in the nursery. Can't wait to see them once they're blown up on the computer.

In the old conference room they've identified three small kids who hang out there. The little spirits play pranks and don't appear to be threatening, but they do like to surprise you by going home with you. We're told they'll talk and move things in your home and drive you crazy teasing you until you get them back at the hospital where they belong (that's what we're told any way.) The night we were there the paranormal specialists actually recorded some activity in the conference room and we got to watch it happen. Unreal.

It's reported that several of the spirits like to follow you home from the tour. Needless to say we definitely let them know they weren't wanted and they were not to go home with us. So far I think that did the trick because I haven't experienced anything unusual at my house. Relief.

Check out their website at http://www.asylum49.com/

Most cities have "haunted" places. Here's an interesting web site you might want to visit. Type in your state and city and see what comes up. http://theshadowlands.net/places

I really enjoyed the tour. Great fodder for a new story -- maybe a hero spirit who follows his heroine home, hmm, have to think about that.

Do you live in a city that's haunted????

Friday, April 23, 2010

Spring is Here???

It's April, the tulips and daffodils are starting to bloom. Our grass is greening up, the snow is melting, excitement for warm afternoons and barbeques on the patio is in the air. And yesterday it snowed, today it snowed, and now I wonder, is it really spring or are we still in winter?

I'm being facetious. We need the moisture. We're way behind our water levels here in Northern Utah and with the rainy weather, I'm on my computer which is where I need to be. Writing. Answering e-mails, working. After all, I'm a writer. I have edits to do. I have stories to write. So instead of sitting here moping about the weather, I'm enjoying the time I do have indoors with my computer. I don't feel the pull of warm weather and sunshine. I'm working.
,
Happy reading -- if you're not working on writing a new story, then pull out a good book and let it take you away. If you'd like some suggestions, pick up a Rachel Gibson or Phyllis Campbell story. If you like spice and erotic, pick up a story by KyAnn Waters. Whatever you decide to do, enjoy the afternoon.

Saturday, April 10, 2010

What makes you different?

I heard the saying: What makes you different may also be your greatest strength.

It made me realize how nice it is that we are all different. What a boring world this would be if we didn't each have our own strengths, weaknesses and idiosyncracies.

As a reader, I'm so glad that each author is different. Each creates a story in their own unique way. The stories they weave are different from others, the characters they create are unique based on the author's background, beliefs, and knowledge. The settings they describe takes us to worlds we've never known. Thank heavens every place is different.

As an author, I find myself bringing in my own background into my stories. I was raised around Morgan horses and so many of mystories will have horses, ranches, and cowboys in them. I have a yellow lab and he is a loving part of our family and you'll also see that many of my stories will have a dog who adds a new dimension to my characters. I enjoy spending time in the outdoors, enjoying the mountain in northern Utah so you'll see many of my stories are set in or around the mountains.

Even if you are different, don't let it bother you. In fact, enjoy your uniqueness -- celebrate your differences. That's what makes you - you. It also keeps the world a fun, interesting place to be.

Saturday, April 3, 2010

Happy Easter

Just spent the morning with some of my little grandkids and they were all excited to show me the prizes they got from an easter egg hunt this morning. I smile because they are so full of excitement, energy and happiness. After they left and the house got a little quiet, it made me stop and think about Easter and the special day it is.

I just wanted to wish you all a very special Easter whether you are going to a religious service, enjoying family and friends, or playing easter bunny to your children. Life is so great - enjoy it to the fullest.

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Enjoy Good Things

Life is a journey---
Enjoy good things!

I saw this saying on a T-shirt today and it started me thinking of the things I enjoy:

The first blooms of spring in their beautiful pastel colors
The giggles from my grandchildren when they are playing
A warm fuzzy feeling when I hold my husband's hand
Seeing how happy and loving my dog, Max, is when I've just come home
The warmth of the sun on my face just after a rain storm
Reading a good book

What types of things do you enjoy?

Sunday, March 7, 2010

What Is Love?

I got an e-mail from a friend and loved it. A group of youngsters, ages 4 to 8, were asked what love means. The depth of their understanding of love was so great.

Rebecca, age 8, said:
When my grandmother got arthritis and couldn't paint her toenails any more, my grandfather does it all the time even though his hands have arthritis too.

Billy, age 4 said,
When someone loves you, they say your name different. You just know that your name is safe in their mouth.

Tommy, age 6 said:
Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who still love each other even though they know each other so well.

Elaine, age 5 said:
Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken.

Chris, age 7 said:
Love is when Mommy sees daddy sweaty and smelly and still says he is more handsomer than Robert Redford.

Ah, the words from the mouths of babes. I thought these words were so touching. As I write some of my romance stories, I hope I can bring this type of emotion and understanding into my characters. Sometimes I think we forget, as adults, what that fuzzy feeling of love is. Life's chores seem to get in the way. Things that irritate us take over and we speak with words we don't mean.

My challenge is to try to remember the little things that I love about the most important people in my life. I challenge you to do the same.

As you read a new romance novel, let that loving, fuzzy feeling fill your heart.

Have a great day.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Banished Scoundrel


I'm excited to give you a brief preview of a fellow author's book Banished Scoundrel.
Here's an Excerpt of Banished Scoundrel by Anita Philmar:

"Have you dropped off your stipend for the game tomorrow?" She laid her finely, manicured hand on his arm. The dainty touch sent sparks of awareness through him, and his cock swelled. "The governor likes to put all the money in his strongbox for safekeeping before the party begins."

Jack reined in his desire and reminded himself of his primary objective—to transport the lady back to Ardenia. However, he liked Sloan’s clever rule. If a man didn’t contribute the required gold coins to the game, the governor shouldn’t waste resources entertaining him. "No, I can’t say that I have. I arrived just a few moments ago."

"Then let me show you to the study, and I’ll fetch you a drink." She touched his arm again and
stepped into the foyer.

He bowed his head slightly and played the unfamiliar part of a refined gentleman. "And you
are?"

She fluttered her hand over her face and brushed a wisp of light brown hair from her brow.
"The governor calls me Kitty. It’d probably be best if you did, too."

"What an alluring name? It makes me think of a cat with its lips covered by a luscious coat of cream." Jack stared at Kitty’s mouth, and his tongue tingled at the idea of tasting her rich, flavorful lust.

She giggled and wove her hand through the crook in his arm. The soft swell of her breast
bumped against his arm. "Oh, you’re naughty, but I love the alluring image."

"Then, I hope you’ll let me have a taste later." He didn’t crowd her but allowed her to step back.
She led him across the entranceway to a door on the other side. Remember she’s a princess.

Blurb:
Known scoundrel Jack Avery must earn the queen's forgiveness by rescuing her missing daughter from the human world. His sources reveal the Princess Noelani is being held by a powerful man who likes a good game of chance. So with twenty borrowed pieces of gold Jack enters the high-stakes game. Only the lady he encounters is no princess. This pretty Kitty makes him want to hear her purr.

Under a memory spell, Kitty recalls nothing before the governor bought her from her parents and offered her protection from those he claims would kill her kind. So what if, in order to control her, he forces Kitty to morph then deprives her of sexual release after transformation. But the crafty card player she is assigned to "entertain" reveals himself as a kindred spirit—a shape shifter—and unravels the lie she’s been forced to live.

Together Jack and Kitty risk it all, for the stakes are high and the prize is worth it...freedom, forgiveness, love.
Enjoy!

Monday, February 15, 2010

Do What You Love

I can't believe that February is halfway over. It's been a hectic month for me, but things are finally settling down. I'm a little late to wish everyone a Happy Valentine's Day, but I do wish everyone love in their life. Take time to appreciate everything there is to love.

I came across another saying and I love it and wanted to share it with you:

When it comes to going after what you love in life
Don't take no for an answer!

Isn't that a neat idea, and so true. I remember my sister telling me once that if you do what you love, the money will follow. She's a perfect example. She loves sewing and quilting, and has finally gotten a free-arm quilting machine and is making money doing exactly what she loves.

I love writing. I get so excited when someone tells me they've enjoyed one of my stories. Even though I may never get rich, I made up my mind after I retired from my regular day job that I am going to write and get published. I'm not going to take no for an answer. I'm doing what I love. I hope all of you can find that place in your lives too.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

It's a Great Life!

I remember my Mom saying to me, "It' a great life if you can survive it!" This has been such a busy couple of weeks for me that I know now exactly what she meant.

We've been in and out of doctor's offices and hospitals trying to decide what is going on with my husband. It's amazing what a time draw that has been. Luckily, the only thing they've found wrong with him is he needs his gall bladder removed. After all the tests they put him through, I'm really thankful that nothing worse is wrong.

I have found a few minutes to do some writing. I was able to add another chapter to a new story I've been tossing around in my head for awhile, and I also took the time to rewrite a novella that I finished in the fall. I've had some interest expressed in that story, and so I'm really close to resubmitting it. Cross your fingers for me. It has a kick-ass truck driving lady who owns her own trucking company, and a tall, handsome Cowboy who causes sparks to fly when they meet. It has alot of twists and turns. I'll let you know more later.

In the meantime, I hope everyone is doing well as January comes to a close. Take time to enjoy each day, and by all means, find the time to accomplish what you love!

Sunday, January 10, 2010

The Little Things In Life

Enjoy the little things in life...
For one day you'll look back and
realize they were the big things!

I loved this thought. It definitely made me sit and think about the little mundane things that I often took for granted. Let me list a few that came to mind. Maybe you'll find several that come to yours.

The smell of baking bread. When I was a girl, my mom made homemade bread several times a week. I loved coming home to the smell of her fresh bread right out of the oven. Mom's been gone now nearly eight years, but the smell of hot bread still takes me back to some wonderful memories of my childhood and my special mom.

A brilliant blue sky. Twinkling stars in a clear night sky. When I moved to Washington, D.C. that was one of the things I missed the most. Most days there the sky was kind of a fuzzy gray and at night just a darker fuzz. I soon realized how much I love the Utah Rocky Mountain area with its beautiful clear days and inky black skies full of millions of tiny twinkling stars.

Sloppy kisses from my grandkids. I've been very blessed to have four wonderful grandkids. But they're growing up so fast that sometimes I kind of miss the little chubby hands giving me a hug and a fat sloppy kiss on my cheek.

Time spent with a loved one. My husband said one of the things he took for granted was the time he was able to sit and talk with his mother. He lost her when he was nineteen and he'd give anything to be able to spend a little time with her again.

Sleeping in a tent hunting. Today we have a nice motorhome and I just love it. My husband does too, but he still likes to talk about the times his whole family got together hunting, sleeping in a huge tent, laughing and talking, just being together. Today his parents are gone, he's lost a sister, and those little things are such special things to him now.

As I write my stories, I try to draw from these special memories. Whether it be a clear, night sky or a flitting hummingbird, they're things I enjoy and hopefully they'll enhance your enjoyment of my stories.

What little things come to your mind?

Friday, January 1, 2010

Happy New Year 2010

As the new year approaches everyone starts to think of things they want to do or change in their lives. Goals seem to be made and sadly, very shortly are broken.

I sat here watching it snow and thought about my journey to becoming a published author and realized I, too, mentally made some goals. But instead of calling these things goals, I call them dreams because I seem to always let my goals go out the window. Let's give ourselves the okay to dream. A dream is easier to think about, even if what we're dreaming of isn't fanciful. The word dream makes me feel good. For some reason when I think of making goals, it puts me on edge and I soon push it from my mind. I hate it when someone asks me to write down my goals. I'll write things down because, like everyone else, I have things I want to achieve or "goals" I want to reach, but it doesn't take me long to push the thoughts away.

Instead of setting a goal, I'm dreaming about where I want to be next year. I know I have to take steps to accomplish my dreams and to strive to make 2010 a success. I'm not going to list all the things I'm dreaming of, but instead urging you to dream your own dreams. Do what you need to do and accomplish your dreams. Be kind to yourself even if all your dreams don't come true. Take small steps and most of all, be happy for your accomplishments.

May the new year bring you the very best and put you closer to making all your dreams come true.