Mommy Failed-it/Mommy Nailed-it

My five-year-old told me last Friday he hadn't received a Christmas candy-gram at school (parents and friends can buy a candy-cane and send it to a student) while one of his friends got three. I'd forgotten about the candy-grams and told him we'd see if they were still doing it this week. Unfortunately we learned Monday the candy gram event was over. My son ran to his room, heartbroken. We tried consoling him by telling him that they do the same thing at Valentine's Day, but he said that was too far away. Mommy Failed-it.

That same night, out of the blue, my seven-year-old asked me, "So how's your book going?" I told him what I'd been working on lately. "Are you going to publish it?" he asked. "That's what Mom's trying to do," I said. He replied, "That'd be cool to get the book." Then he asked this insightful question, "Has anybody said 'yes, it's good?'" Mommy Nailed-it.

Okay, so I can't really take credit for this, but I appreciated his excitement and was pleasantly surprised at his grasp of the situation. Where I feel like I nailed it as a mom is I didn't have to tell him I'd quit or I wasn't doing that anymore. I was able to tell him I was still working toward my dreams.

After a conversation with my hubby earlier that day, I realized how often I site my Mommy Fail moments - or the other things I'm not doing or getting right - but that's easy. Anybody can write a list a mile long of the things they aren't doing or getting wrong. It's much harder to think of and REMEMBER the Mommy Nailed-it moments, the things I do right. And that is what I am going to focus on - now and this coming year.

What are some of your Mommy Nailed-it moments? What do you do to avoid focusing on what you haven't accomplished? Do you think the toddler in the photo above is trying to say,"Mom, you failed it" or "Mom, you nailed it"?

Curing My Stress

Last week was crazy - the flu bug we had a couple weeks ago made a slight return along with a dose of coughs/colds. All adding up to STRESS for this mom. But no worries, I found me some great stress cures over the weekend.

First, I got to hang out with my good friend and critique partner Ali Cross at the launch of her YA novel BECOME. And since I brought my second son along, I got a mini-date too. The party was incredibly fun. Ali's main character Desi rocks in the ninja-moves department and so there were karate shows and a sweet bow-staff demonstration at the launch. My son and I had a great time.

Second, I went shopping by myself that night. What made this even more blissful, besides being in my own little cocoon of quiet as I roamed the store at will, was I told myself I wasn't going to get all the Christmas shopping done in one night so I just needed to enjoy the time to myself and do what I could/felt like. And I did.

Third, I bought myself a chocolate treat - the good Swiss kind. These Toblerone chocolates with nuts are delicious and can be found at most grocery stores.


All in all, positive outlook was restored, stress levels were contained, and thankfully the sickies are all on the mend!

What do you do to turn around a bad day/week? What keeps your stress levels down?

Keepin the Season Simple

I love the Christmas season - the decorations, the anticipation, the magic, the remembrance of the birth of Christ. But I do tend to get overwhelmed with all the preparations. Here's a few tricks I've picked up over the years that help simplify the season for me:

1. I put up my Christmas decorations the day after Thanksgiving. Since the kids are out of school and the hubby's off work, it's a great time to deck the halls and put up the tree (yes, it's artificial - and I'm okay with that). That way this part of the season is completed early and we can enjoy it longer.

2. I try to purchase gifts (with some exceptions) in the order they're needed. If my husband's family's party isn't until after Christmas, then I don't need to stress about those gifts right now.

3. We have several holiday activities that have become tradition for our family. But some of these, like going to see Christmas lights, can actually be done early on in the month to free up time later for other fun things.

4. I don't mail out Christmas cards - I know, shame on me. Instead I digitally scrapbook a card with our pictures and e-mail it to those on our list.

5. Since it's sometimes hard to feel the holiday spirit during all the prep, I try to make time for things that sweeten the season for me, like watching holiday movies, playing Christmas music on the piano, and finding ways to reach outside myself.

What things do you do to simplify the busyness of the season? What holiday traditions do you and your family have? What is one of your favorite things about this time of year?

Grateful for the Ride

Two weeks ago I blogged about some of the things I'm grateful for here - like family and electricity. But I thought of one I didn't mention. Today I'm grateful for my writing journey.

Over the weekend I decided to document my experiences since I started seriously writing seven years ago. As I wrote down the things I've done in that time, I realized how much I've grown as a writer and as a person. I'm thankful for this journey thus far, even though I still have dreams/goals I haven't yet accomplished.

Some people say this business is like riding a roller coaster, but I think being on a Ferris wheel is more apt of a comparison. In the past seven years, there have been times of soaring height, times of plummeting lows, and times of waiting - either at the top or the bottom of the ride.

One of my favorite songs - The Middle by Jimmy Eat World - says it best. Here are some of the lyrics:

Hey, don't write yourself off yet
It's only in your head you feel left out
Or looked down on
Just do your best, do everything you can.
And don't you worry what the bitter hearts, are gonna say

It just takes some time, little girl in the middle of the ride
Everything, everything will be just fine
Everything, everything it'll be alright

This year, in addition to all the other things I'm grateful for, I'm also thankful for this ride - and that I chose to hop on. Happy Thanksgiving!

What are you most grateful for as a writer - whatever stage you're in? What would you tell yourself if you could go back to when you started seriously writing? What have you learned along the way?

Giveaway Winner!

Thanks to everyone who entered the BECOME giveaway yesterday. The winner is . . . Vivien! Congrats.

If you didn't win, you can still purchase BECOME - either the paperback or Kindle version - at Amazon here.  The weekend's just around the corner - have a great one!

Ali Cross and a BECOME giveaway!

Last week my husband was out of town for four days, which meant holding down the fort here solo. For me that's tough, but to complicate things further, my youngest son got the flu - around midnight the first night my DH was gone. While the next day was tough, dealing with a sick child and very little sleep on top of everything else, I was reminded once again that I can do hard stuff. I made it through the week and came out stronger for it.

A lovely woman who's gone through tough stuff and come out on the other side stronger than ever is my good friend and critique partner Ali Cross. I met Ali three and a half years ago when our critique group formed and I've had the chance to watch her journey to publication. It hasn't been an easy road - she's had to keep going when open doors have suddenly closed. But I've seen firsthand how Ali chose to use these experiences to better herself and her writing.

Not only is Ali a phenomenal writer - often lyrical in style - she is also multi-talented. She's been an opera singer and runs the writing dojo at her blog with lots of information and help for writers. She's also a loyal friend and has a snappy wit.

Last but not least, her YA novel BECOME released last week! It is well-written and is a fabulous story about choice and not letting one's past dictate the future. To celebrate, I'm giving away the e-version of her book today. To win, leave a comment on this post. The giveaway will close at 10:00 p.m. MST tonight and I'll announce the winner tomorrow.

Sixteen-year old Desolation Black wants nothing more than to stay in Hell where it’s cold and lonely and totally predictable. Instead, she’s sent back to Earth where she must face the evil she despises and the good she always feared. When Desi is forced to embrace her inner demon, she assumes her choice has been made—that she has no hope of being anything other than what her father, Lucifer, has created her to be. What she doesn’t count on, is finding a reason to change—something she’s never had before—a friend.

How have your friends inspired you? What tough things in your life have shown you that you are stronger than you think?

Feelin' Thankful

Last week Abby Fowers over at Something to Write About awarded me the Versatile Blogger award. Thanks, Abby! I need to share seven things, and being November and a few weeks before Thanksgiving, I thought I'd share seven things I'm grateful for today.

1. I'm grateful for my DH. Though he's not a writer or even a real reader (I joke that of the two books he reads annually, one is usually a manuscript of mine), he's got a sharp eye for what works and his help has been invaluable.

2. I'm grateful for the three little people who call me "Mom."

3. I'm grateful for heat and electricity. My thoughts and prayers go out to those who've been without both recently.

4. I'm grateful my favorite TV show Chuck is on again and that my famine from reading will soon be quenched by the pile of books on my bedside table.

5. I'm grateful my sister-in-law sees to it that we have some sort of chocolate dessert at the family Thanksgiving.

6. I'm grateful some radio stations have chosen NOT to start playing Christmas music yet.

7. Lastly, I'm grateful for friends who get where I'm coming from.

Speaking of friends, a good friend of mine Ali Cross is launching the release of her YA novel BECOME this Friday! Check out her blog for all sorts of cool things associated with the launch.

What are you feeling grateful for today? What good things are happening in your life? Are you a fan of Christmas music before December 1st?

I'm passing the Versatile blog award on to:
Kim at Confessions of a Bibliophile
The gals (Angela, Sara, and Amy) over at Live to Write . . . Edit When Necessary
Loree Huebner

Never Too Old to Try

My third year of college I signed up for a beginning ballet class. I took ballet when I was ten or so and enjoyed it. Then my family moved and I never did start up again. During the ensuing years, I wondered if it was a talent I should have pursued. Hence the college class ten years later.

Dreams of being a prima ballerina were quickly dashed. It's one thing to parade around in a leotard at ten and something ENTIRELY different to do so at age 20 in a room full of my peers. Needless to say, after the class was over, I shelved that dream. But it was okay. If I hadn't tried it again, I might have always wondered.

After the birth of my first child, I decided to try my hand at another dream - writing a novel. I learned as I wrote, so that first book took me a year and a half to write. That's a lot of time to devote to a dream, but unlike my college ballet experience, I realized I could be a writer and I loved it!

My DH and I have been watching The X Factor USA. One of the 12 finalists is a 60-year-old man named Leroy Bell. He has an amazing voice, but he's always been the opening act for other popular singers. Now he's trying to make a name for himself. Watching him find success on this show has been a great reminder to me that you're never too old to pursue your dreams and don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

Some dreams may not end up being the right fit for you, like ballet for me, but at least you tried and won't always wonder. Other dreams, though, might just surprise you, if given a chance.

What dreams have you pursued in adulthood? What things did you do as a kid that you wouldn't dare do as an adult? Have you watched The X Factor? If so, who are you rooting for?

Life Unplugged

We drove to Bear Lake this weekend for the kids' fall break. My DH's grandma has a cabin up there. The weather was cool but pleasant and the view was gorgeous - can't beat azure blue water surrounded by red and gold fall leaves.

I'm always interested to see how the kids, and us as a family, do sans computer, Wii, and Internet, since the cabin doesn't have any of these. While we did watch TV together, we also played Monopoly and hide-and-go-seek, went for walks and to the park, and had fun outside and by the water. My hubby and the boys also went golfing and on mini-adventures while my daughter slept and I revised one of my manuscripts. It was a nice break.

Now that we're back to "normal life" with all its technology, homework, housework, jobs, church responsibilities etc., I want to find ways to incorporate that simpler, unplugged time at the cabin into our lives here. [My kids apparently had this down yesterday :) - as I wrote this, they'd clogged the stairs with pillows, blankets and couch cushions and were having a hey-day riding down it!] Ah - the simple things.

What's your favorite thing to do on family vacations? How do you maintain balance between all those technological devices and living life? What tricks do you have for keeping things simple? 

What's on Your Nightstand?

The books on my nightstand tend to be inspirational historicals since that's what I write. But every so often, I get in the mood for a funny, contemporary romance. I recently discovered Beth Pattillo's Jane Austen-based novels and they totally fit the bill!

I've read Mr. Darcy Broke My Heart and The Dashwood Sisters Tell All. If I had to choose, I'd say the latter was my favorite. Each book is based around one of Jane Austen's books and some aspect of her life. The characters are flawed but lovable, the romance is clean but exciting, and the conflict is superb. And of course, you've got the underlying humor throughout.

What books are on your nightstand? What genre(s) do you tend to read most? What book or author have you recently discovered that you're excited about?

*Pictures are from here.

Life Lessons Learned Abroad

After completing junior college in Idaho, I signed up for a study abroad that would travel to Ireland, Scotland, England, Wales, Belgium and France. I was so excited - I'd wanted to visit England for so long.

Then I lost my passport - right before I was supposed to leave. We looked everywhere but couldn't find it. I went to the airport on the day the group was to depart (without me) and talked to the directors. Once I got my new passport, I would fly alone to Ireland, and the group would pick me up at the airport in Dublin. But I would miss the first three days of the trip.

I was very anxious about flying alone and getting where I needed to. There was a moment of panic in the Atlanta airport when I came to the tram that takes you to the other terminals and I didn't know where to go. Thankfully I made it to Dublin and the group picked me up right on time. The only parts of Ireland I saw, beyond the airport, were from the bus window, but I also missed the trip's worst accommodations by coming late.

Even though the start of the trip went much differently than I'd expected, I had an incredible time and made new friends. Best of all, that experience of traveling alone, helped prepare me for later opportunities when I would have to get out of my comfort zone and figure things out. In that way, losing that passport was a blessing in disguise.

Life is all about rolling with the punches, finding the good in spite of things not meeting our expectations, discovering those less-than-obvious blessings among the challenges.

Would traveling to a new place by yourself excite or frighten you? What are some of your vacation mishaps? What helps you remember the goodness in your life, despite the craziness or the missed expectations?

*This post is similar to one I shared last year.

A Few of My Favorite Things (the autumn version)

I love fall - not just because of the changing leaves or the relief from scorching summer - but because we have some great autumn memories and traditions that make this time of year my favorite.

1. My DH and I were married at the end of September and I really wanted a bridal picture with the fall leaves as background. So in order to get said picture, I hiked - in my wedding dress - up this mountain trail where the leaves had changed sooner than those in the valley. It was so worth it!

2. We love going as a family to one of the fall festivals in the area where the kids can ride on rides, shoot a corncob cannon, see farm animals or do a corn maze.

3. This past weekend we went up the canyon to have some family pictures taken. The mountain air was the perfect temperature, the gold and green colors were gorgeous, and the pizza we brought along for dinner tasted better than normal.

4. While I am not a Halloween-enthusiast, I do enjoy carving pumpkins and seeing my kids dressed up in their costumes.

5. My husband typically does some sort of canning or jam in the fall and I love to see the fruits of his labors (pictured above). He did peaches this year, and not only do they look amazing - they remind me of Autumn sunshine trapped in jars - but they taste terrific.

What are your favorite fall memories? What traditions do you celebrate this time of year?

Back Again!

I'm guest bloggging for amazing writer, dear friend and crit partner Ali Cross for her Narley Ninja Thursday. Hop over there to read about how I stay grounded in life and writing! Have a great Fall day.

Perfectly Flawed

I've realized the last while that I struggle with writing flawed male characters. I guess the reason may have something to do with my DH, who is a very easy-going guy. And while that is a fabulous combination for my high-strung personality, it doesn't translate well into fiction, where we want to see both the hero and heroine struggle. So I've been analyzing the male characters I've run across in books and movies and trying to determine what male character flaws I like best. 

One of my favorites, portrayed so well by the character Mr. Thornton in the BBC adaptation of Elizabeth Gaskell's North and South, is the hardened hero. The man who's past circumstances or rejections or both have made him a bit hard towards love, but over the course of the story, he softens toward love, toward the heroine (and in this movie that leads to one of the best kissing scenes ever!).

What are your favorite male character flaws (in books or movies)? What things are overdone? What would you like to see more of in fictional heroes?

For Love of the Game

I'm sort of known around our house - at least to my husband - as the game hater. As a kid and teenager, I dutifully played board games with friends and family (and even enjoyed it, for the most part). As an adult, though, I discovered I could actually say "no, thanks" when it came to games. I could opt out of playing and the world didn't careen out of control, nor did anyone hate me (I think). I still like to wield this particular tactic when it comes to strategy games - soooo not my favorite.

However, I am pleased to report that my anti-game phase is wearing off - a product of reluctantly joining in and then having a great time (the story of my life, for sure). While I still wouldn't choose playing a game over other activities like reading or watching a movie or going out to eat, I have rediscovered the fun of board games. My newest favorites are Apples to Apples, Telestrations, and the dice game Farkles.

What about you? Do you like playing board games? What are your favorites?

Growing Up

In the Redwoods National Forest, my husband and I saw some amazing trees. Coastal redwoods are the tallest living thing on earth - the tallest being more than 360 feet. They live about 500-700 years on average, and some even live to be 2,000 years old.

While I'm in awe of these tree giants, if I were a tree, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be a Redwood. I'm a let's just hurry up and grow a couple hundred feet in a week kind of girl, not a let's work and grow a little at a time for the next 1,000 years!

I want my book written and done by the weekend, I want to change for the better over night., I want to learn that new skill or concept in an hour. Slow, almost imperceptible growth is tough for me.

So I've decided instead of gazing up at the 100 feet or so of growth ahead of me, I'm going to pay more attention to how far I've come and trust the Master Gardener that inch by inch, year by year, I'll grow to His liking.

Do you find waiting easy? What have you done to learn patience? How do you look at your own growth?

Makes Me Smile!

1. Homemade loaves of wheat bread (courtesy of my husband)

2. Reading Little House in the Big Woods to my boys (they actually seem to enjoy it, while I'm reminded each time of why I love historicals)

3. Fixing my bike (I liked riding my bike pre-kids, so I'm excited to get back to doing it - now it's just figuring out when)

4. Seeing the word count go up even faster on my current manuscript now that I have a consistent time to write

5. Sunshine and nice breezes

6. Watching Phineas and Ferb with my kids (Every time I watch an episode, I can't help but either laugh or smile. One of my favorite lines is "Ferb and I wrote a twenty-eight volume science fiction swashbuckling historical romance tell-all potboiler mystery satire buddy cop adventure tragedy how-to action novel!")

What makes you smile lately? What do you do for exercise and how do you squeeze it in?

Battling the GPS

My husband loves to use the GPS device on his phone, so when we went to the Oregon coast the other week, he opted to use that instead of paying for one in our rental car.

As we left the car place, the GPS lady began navigating our way. Though neither of us had been to Portland before, I was SURE Miss GPS had no idea what she was doing. She had us driving up small streets and through residential areas. I kept thinking we just need to get to the freeway - that would be the fastest way to get out of Portland and on our way to the coast.

After what seemed like a crazy list of directions, we eventually did reach the freeway and were on our way.
But that wasn't the only time the GPS lady led us through what I knew had to be the wrong way. Each time we ended up where we wanted to be, despite what felt like a series of odd turns and roads. (One time she was off by a quarter of a mile - and boy, did I gloat about that!)

So often in life and on this journey to publication, I feel like I did in the car listening to the GPS. I'm doing my best to follow God's will, but sometimes I think, "this can't be the right way. Isn't there a faster road, God, a more direct route to get me where I want to go, to what I want to be?"

But if I can stop and put aside that impatience, I realize no matter the twists and turns, the odd side roads, the detours, in the end I'll be right where I'm supposed to be - as long as I keep listening and moving forward.

Do use a GPS device for directions, stop and ask someone or just wing it?  What detours or side roads in your life have brought about surprising success?  

*Jenilyn M. Tolley awarded me the Liebster Award the other week (thanks so much, Jenilyn)! This award is meant to connect us even more and spotlight new bloggers who, at the moment, have less than 200 followers. The rules are:

1. Show your thanks to the blogger who gave you the award by linking back to them.

2.Reveal your top 5 picks and let them know by leaving a comment on their blog.
3.Post the award on your blog.
4.Bask in the love from the most supportive people on the Internet – other writers.
5.And best of all – have fun and spread the karma!

So here's five blogs I've enjoyed reading for a while or newly discovered:

Mark Noce
Peggy Eddleman
Rosslyn Elliott
Canda Mortensen
Kym McNabney

Hit the Road!

My hubby and I have spent A LOT of time in the car the last while. Between our vacation to South Dakota, a funeral in Nevada, and another in Idaho, I think we've driven something like 40 hours in the past five weeks!

With all this driving I've realized there are a few things I need to manage long car trips. The two things I must have are the IPOD and gum, specifically Trident spearmint gum. Runners up would be snacks - not any particular kind, just something yummy to munch on - and occasionally Dramamine (Did I mention I get carsick riding passenger to the store?). I'm looking forward to sticking close to home this week - with no drives over 10 minutes!

What things are essential for you on a long drive? What's the most time you've ever spent in the car?

Great Expectations

During Sunday dinner at my parents' house, my mom announced to my kids that she had a game for them. Clearly with high expectations for what the game might be, my oldest son said, "I hope you don't disappoint us!"

Subconsciously I think the same thing when I start reading a book. I have expectations (sometimes high ones) and I'm hoping the book won't disappoint.

Recently I started a new book with high hopes - loved the cover, the concept, the characters - but sadly I was disappointed after the first chapter. The more I read the more I became aware of the author's device for avoiding overused actions like stared or smiled. While this can be a good thing, in this case, it led to overwriting. Because the actions were so well described or lengthy, I found myself constantly being pulled out of the story.

On the flip side, I recently re-read Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson. This book doesn't disappoint - even the second time around. The writing is concise and powerful. The historical details lend to the story, not overshadow it. And best of all, there's a little romance. My favorite books are ones like this - ones where I fall effortlessly into the story.

What do love about the books you love? What disappoints you in a book?

Flash Fiction Blogfest

The rules for Ali's flash fiction blogfest were to write 250 words or less about something unexpected that occurs on Independence Day. Since I can't write short stories to save my life, I resorted to my PR background and wrote a very cheesy, "fictional" news article. It even has a picture. For those familiar with The Onion, this is the kind of article you might find there. Enjoy!

“UTTER” CATASTROPHE MARS MOUNT RUSHMORE

MYSTERY COW HEAD APPEARS OVERNIGHT

Rapid City, South Dakota, July 4, 2011 – Workers at Mount Rushmore National Monument were startled Monday morning to discover a giant cow head carved into the rock beside the four presidents. No one can account for how the gaffe came to be.

“I’ve never seen anything so bovine in my life,” an unnamed night guard said. “Who wants to watch Fourth of July fireworks coming up over the head of a cow?”

Local cattle spokesman, Hugh Heifer, defended the position of the mystery sculptors. “I don’t know who they are,” Heifer said. “But if I did, I would applaud their expression of patriotism. Cattle have played an integral role in the history of this great country and the artists clearly felt this would best show that.”

Much debate has been sparked regarding what to do with the cow head. Some argue for blasting it off, though there is concern of how that might affect the rest of the monument. Others believe the new addition should stay, a tribute to the bullheadedness and hard work of unknown artists.

“In the end, being Independence Day,” Heifer said, “whether you’re a cattle lover or not, there's no reason not to celebrate until the cows come home!”

Flecks of Gold

There's a story of a young man who sold all his possessions and left Boston in 1849 to join the California gold rush. He worked hard, but all he ever found were rocks. One day an old prospector came by and commented on the large pile of rocks the young man had collected.

The man complained that he hadn't found any gold. To this the old prospector took two of the rocks and smashed them together. He showed the young man the flecks of gold inside.

"But I want the big nuggets like the ones in that pouch of yours," the young man said.

The prospector handed over his pouch. When the young man looked inside, he found it was full of gold flecks. The old prospector had made a fortune out of the small, seemingly insignificant flakes of gold.

Too often in my efforts to parent and publish and serve and grow, I discount the little flecks of gold because I'm looking for the big nuggets. I forget that the patient accumulation of hundreds of gold flecks - a moment of laughter with my kids, getting a full manuscript request, bringing a smile to some one's face, adjusting a negative attitude - amounts to quite a fortune indeed.

What are the gold flecks in your life this week? Why do we disregard our small efforts/accomplishments for something bigger? What "fortunes" have you discovered in your life from seemingly small efforts?

Just to Make You Laugh

We were at a barbecue last night and one of the guys there had some Chinese candy from work. My boys tried some, and then my second son came over and quietly asked me: "Does eating that candy make you speak in Chinese?" I laughed and laughed!

What funny things have your kids said or done lately? What's been a LOL moment for you? What ethnic candy/food would you love to eat and instantly be able to speak that language (me: a tie between French and Italian)?

Better With Age

In one of the book clubs I'm in, we're reading Gone With the Wind this month. I tried to read it in high school, and due to procrastination, I only made it about 800 pages. I almost wasn't going to attempt to read the book again - I LOVE the movie and have seen it enough times to know the story and characters.

However, I decided to give the book a second chance, and I'm glad I did. I don't know if I'm enjoying it more because it's not an assignment this time or because I started well in advance of the book club deadline. Or maybe I appreciate the writing and storycrafting more because I'm writer too. Or maybe I like the book better because I'm older and wiser, with more life experience, than as a teen. Whatever the reason I'm glad I'm giving this book another shot.

What book(s) did you struggle reading as a teen, but now you enjoy as an adult? Or vice versa? What have you read recently that you surprisingly enjoyed?

Too Excited to Wait

I was going to share my news on Thursday, but I can't wait! I entered a pitch contest through eHarlequin for their Love Inspired Historical line (I pitched my Pistols and Petticoats book) and I found out tonight I'm one of the six winners!!!

On Thursday I'll have a chance to chat online with one of the editors about my book. I'm a little nervous, but mostly just excited. Thanks, eHarlequin.

Wish You Were Here

With spring in the air (and spring break on the horizon), I'm feeling a familiar itch to travel. And while one of these destinations may not end up on the itinerary this year, I love to look at these pictures and dream.

Scotland

I've visited just a tiny portion of this country and loved it, but I want to see so much more.

Ireland

Most of what I saw of this country was from the bus heading north.

So again, I want to go back and really explore!

 Mackinac (Mackinaw) Island, MI

I lived in Michigan for a year and half but never got up to the upper peninsula. The Grand Hotel (above) was built in 1887 and featured in the movie Somewhere In Time. No one is allowed to drive a car on the island. 

Prince Edward Island

Anne of Green Gable's home - need I say more?

Do you love to travel? Is there a place you visit often? If you could go anywhere this year, where would it be?

Slowing Down

I hate driving in the snow or heavy rain and last Saturday I did just that. I was driving with my boys to a store about twenty minutes from our house. It was raining and I was nervous to traverse the wet, busy, and construction-clogged freeway. Because we didn't have to be anywhere at a certain time, though, I reminded myself I didn't need to hurry. And guess what? My confidence increased as I allowed myself to take things at a slower but steady pace.

How many times in life do we get moving at breakneck speed and all sorts of stress, worry, or fear set in as a result? Of course there are things we have to do and places we have to be. But if we could slow down and proceed through life at a less rushed pace, I think our confidence in ourselves and what we can do would increase and so would our enjoyment of life.

What do you do to slow life down a bit?

Quantity or Quality?

[This is one of my absolute favorite writing quotes.] Ray Bradbury once said: "I believe that eventually quantity will make up for quality. How so? Michelangelo's, da Vinci's, Tintoretto's billion sketches, the quantitative, prepared them for the qualitative, single sketches further down the line, single portraits, single landscapes of incredible control and beauty. Quantity gives experience. From experience alone can come quality."

Do you agree? Why or why not?

Also, be sure to check out my guest post over at Ali Cross's blog today and find out the five things you need to have a successful critique group!

Setbacks or Stepping Stones?

Two years ago, I submitted one of my novels to a small publishing house. They'd requested the manuscript after the first chapter won in a local contest. I REALLY, REALLY wanted them to publish it. That seemed like the best, the most important thing for my manuscript at the time. But in the end, they declined, and of course, I was heartbroken.

The other day I realized I'm now grateful for that rejection. I wouldn't have discovered what I really wanted to do with my writing and what industry I wanted to pursue if that publisher had agreed to take on my manuscript.

It brings to mind that quote about when God closes a door, somewhere He opens a window. Our struggles, rejections, and detours can ultimately bring us to achieve something greater than we might have imagined. As long as we keep working and believing and reaching.

What setbacks in your writing journey have become stepping stones?

K-I-S-S-I-N-G

In honor of Valentine's Day next week, I thought I'd post about kissing. I enjoy sharing kisses (with my DH, of course), reading about kisses, and watching kisses. But I am NOT a fan of writing kisses. And yes, this is ironic, given that I write historical romances.

I like writing the scene the kiss takes place in, but for some reason, I dread/stumble through penning the actual kiss itself. If only I could convey the emotion and sweet passion of my favorite of all fictional kisses from the BBC miniseries North and South, based on the book by Elizabeth Gaskell.

The hero and the heroine are very much opposed to each other throughout the story. Then, at the very end, they are reunited at a train station - he's just been to her old house and she's on her way to go see him about a business proposition. They sit down on a train bench and talk, while the hero stares tenderly at the heroine. Filled with equal tenderness, the heroine lifts his hand to her lips and kisses it. Then the hero leans in, cups her face between his hands, and hallelujah, they kiss at last.


So what's your favorite fictional kiss? What makes it good? Is it the emotion, the actual words, the characters or something else?