Typing The End.

I've been working on a book to follow Orphaned Hearts, my inspirational historical to be released in September 2008 by Steeple Hill. Typing The End brought such a feeling of satisfaction and of relief and of hope. Satisfaction to have given Mary and Luke the happy ending they deserved. Relief that I've accomplished my goal without tearing out my hair. And hope that my editor at Steeple Hill will love and want to buy the book. I can't control the latter. All I can do is to write the best book I know how. Luckily, while I wait to hear, I have lots to keep me occupied.

My husband and I are taking a trip to Italy. I'm angsting over which clothes will fit in the suitcase without tipping the fifty pound limit. And how few shoes I will be able to take. And what liquids are permitted in my carry on. I'm a nervous flier whose never flown over the ocean, nor taken such a long flight so I'm saying my prayers and trying to ignore that part of the trip. Wish I could remember who said it, but somewhere I read: Courage--Fear that's said its prayers. Isn't that so true? Life has its scary moments. Sadly some are not "what ifs," but "what is." In the little and the big things we must cope with, aren't we thankful as believers to have the ear of God? To know He's with us through it all? That The End of our journey will be an eternal, happy one?

Until next time, God bless.
Janet

Easter

We arrived home from Florida the night before Easter Sunday to a bare refigerator and two months of stuff to put away. After two days on the road and unpacking and laundry to do, I knew I'd have no time or energy to prepare for Easter dinner, so we'd ordered a grocery store prepared meal. Sunday morning we received a huge blessing as we worshipped with our home church, sang the old hymns and focused on the greatest gift to man--Jesus, our Saviour. I left church full of gratitude, heading home to the meal my husband had picked up before church. Though I was skeptical, the food was good, but the menu was, well, different. We had enough spiral ham to feed 20. Enough baked beans and rolls to feed almost that many. (Is baked beans traditional Easter fare for someone?) Rice broccoli casserole to serve maybe eight. The mashed potatoes served four not-so-generous helpings. Oh, yes and gravy. Lots of gravy. And an apple pie for dessert. Now that makes four starches, an odd menu indeed, but I added a leafy salad and we all left the table with full bellies and light hearts, glad for the lack of preparation and cleanup. I usually knock myself out cooking for holidays. I may have to rethink that. :-) This Easter dinner taught me that it's not the food, but the family gathered around the table that fills my cup to overflowing. God bless.

Janet

My husband is retired and we spent two months in Florida. We had a wonderful, relaxing time with beautiful weather after the first two cool weeks. We played golf, ate lots of delicious seafood, walked the white sand and soaked up some rays, took in the Circus and played with Mickey and the grandkids. We watched the egrets and ibis fish and looked for "our" alligator in the pond out back. We witnessed dozens of vultures feasting on a dead gator floating in a nearby lake. Most days, with the doors thrown open to the balmy breezes, I managed to write. Then we came home to...well, not such beautiful weather--a mix of snow, sleet, drizzle and fog-- and mounds of dirty clothes, but oh, it's great to be home again! And spring is in the air. Honest. I can feel it.

Janet

Welcome to My Blog

This is my first post on my new blog. I hope to make it a warm and welcoming place, filled with tips about home and hearth, with a dose of faith. I'll also give you a peek at the fun I have creating people and their stories. I hope you come back soon!

Janet