Up, Up, and Away...

Kaleidoscopic balloons paraded past our home Sunday afternoon, but none surpassed the height of my imagination—or desire—to one day have a cozy, i.e. tiny, weekend cabin in the NC mountains.


Care to join me as we float stroll through the sleepy town of Saluda NC, this weekend's destination?



Yes, it's my imagination in overdrive, but when I see abandoned cottages such as these, the dreaming begins—and two words usually follow: What if...

Iron gates, lupines, regal hostas, crunchy gravel, and winding paths canopied by dogwoods and mellowed oak trees. It's no secret...this garden is dreamy!

Once an ancient church, a prim and proper residence now sits atop one of the oldest and most narrow streets in town.

A bunny. (Okay, not everything required an imagination, but it was fun nevertheless!)


Community personified. Family names proudly written on the white stakes reveal the caretakers who tend to their particular garden plot. Is that "Baker" I see written on the back left stake?

Hey, a girl can dream, can't she?

My Friday Fave

"Blackberry Cottage" nestled in the NC mountains.

Okay, any cottage nestled in the NC mountains.

Now What?

Attend conference ✓
Arrive home primed to write ✓
Reality hits ✓

Now what?

"The Productive Writer" by Sage Cohen to the rescue!

One of my favorite tips in this small practical to-the-point guide:

Keep a separate file for each of the following categories that pertain to your writing and publishing goals. Every day, be on the lookout for inspiring examples that may inform or inspire a step you see yourself taking along your productive writing journey.

• Publishing possibilities: The names of presses, magazines, journals, or publishers whose published work feels familial with yours.
  
• Inspiring Samples: Pieces of writing that you admire.
  
• Kindreds: Names of writers (and examples of their writing) woe work feels in some way related to yours.
• Lessons Learned
• Books to Read: Reviews, recommendations from friends, and blog posts about books you intend to read.
• Things to Try: Lessons to learn; classes to take; experiments to try with craft, form, or process---wherever YES takes you.
  

My favorite chapter hands-down is "Putting Vision Into Action". Simple productive ways to get the writing gears in motion.

"Vision without action is a daydream.
Action without vision is a nightmare." -Japanese proverb

Post a (hopefully) helpful blog ✓

Today's Fleeting Moment

Windows down
Beach-like breezes
Pasture-lined roads

Volume up
Folk-pop Fleet Foxes


Thanks to something Aaron Keyes shared awhile back, I not only sensed God's presence in that moment, I invited it.

You see, somewhere along the journey, I'd decided to "uninvite" God when choosing to listen to anything but Christian music. But why? If the lyrics aren't offensive to Him, can He not enjoy those moments with His daughter? He absolutely can and does.

That realization came when Aaron shared how he and the Lord sang while making their way down I-85 to a gig. When he mentioned the song (which I honestly don't remember, but it was secular) I was taken back at first -- and then he expounded on the relationship between the Father and His children.

My view had become skewed --- but the Lord pulled back the curtain, allowing me to see Him afresh, and I've not looked in the rear-view mirror since.


(Aaron will be leading worship at the Heritage Park Amphitheater this Sunday, May 29th, 10:30 a.m. and will be in concert there at 1:00 p.m. If you're in the area, you don't want to miss it!)

Upon What Soft Places Do You Fall?

Do you want on the pink blankie?

With that one question, Rupert, our Lhasa wastes no time in finding his way onto the vintage velvety soft blanket that he's known since a pup. There, he finds his soft place to land -- the place where he can exhale fully, rest free from fear, and feel that all is right with the world.

I hear Rupert taking deep slumberful breaths. We all need soft places like that to land, don't we? For me, some of those places include, but are not limited to:

• My heavenly Father's lap. Isn't that where children often feel most comfortable? This daughter is no different.
• Anywhere with Brian. Even in difficult circumstances there's no one I feel more at rest with than my husband.
  
• With family. Time with them is pure joy.
• With friends. "Perfection" is not only frowned upon, it's dismissed altogether.
  
• Okay, just about any place with my favorite coffee mug in hand.
  

Upon what soft places do you fall?

"You get us ready for life: you probe for our soft spots, you knock off our rough edges. And I'm feeling so fit, so safe: made right, kept right." Psalm 7:9 The Message

Conversations Overheard

Where would you expect to hear these conversations within one hour's time?

• a son leaving for Marines
• a book deal due by Friday
• sheep being sheared
• an engineer teaching the Word to autistic children in a horse stable
• how to refresh a cottage with a hint of "lime"
  
• fiction ideas based on hot flashes
• questions on creating a blog
• the hike up to Mt. Laurel
  
• and finally, the "excuses" some make to go to the library (you know who you are)

If you guessed this morning's Upstate Fellowship of Christian Writer's breakfast, you're right!

Some came to breakfast having only slept a few hours the night before, one woman joined us immediately following lab work, and another had just rowed, burning a gazillion calories (so glad she sat next to me - she deserved to have her creamy grits drooled upon!). A few had deadlines to meet, and at least one woman's alarm clock had rebelled against her, but the award goes to Ms. Liz, who drove for over one hour to be with us. She had no other business in town but felt the trip was worth it because she longed for fellowship. Wow. We need each other!

Hope to see you all in June...

Truths Gleaned, Time Redeemed

One doctor's appointment + two hour wait = one entire book read via Kindle.

The nurse apologized several times for the wait, but I barely noticed while reading the classic Practicing the Presence of God, by Brother Lawrence much like one excavating a mine for gold:

• "That in order to form a habit of conversing with God continually, and referring all we do to Him; we must at first apply to Him with some diligence: but that after a little care we should find his love inwardly excite us to it without any difficulty."
• "There is not in the world a kind of life more sweet and delightful, than that of a continual conversation with God."
• "When He finds a soul penetrated with a lively faith, He pours into it His graces and favours plentifully."
• "That we ought to act with God in the greatest simplicity, speaking to Him frankly and plainly, and imploring His assistance in our affairs, just as they happen."
  

One Kindle + two hour wait = truths gleaned, time redeemed.

My Friday Fave

It seems only appropriate to close out this week in the same I way I closed out each day at Blue Ridge.

After a full day of walking, meeting, learning, sipping, praising, and talking, I’d come back to my quiet room, prepare for bed, turn off the lights, sit on my bed, put in my earbuds and sing along with my favorite David Crowder’s song, “Only You”:

Take my heart, I Lay it down

At the feet
of you whose crowned

Take my life, I’m letting go

I lift it up to You who’s throned

And I will worship
You, Lord,
 Only You, Lord

And I will bow down before You

Only You Lord

Take my fret, take my fear

All I have, I’m leaving here

Be all my hopes, be all my dreams

Be all my delights, be my everything

And It’s just you and me here now

Only you and me here now
You should see the view

When it’s only You

As I sang this song to the Author of all my hopes and dreams each night, my soul rejoiced in knowing that mine and His were one in the same.

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness,
and all these things will be given to you as well." Matthew 6:33

My Blue Ridge Barista

We all had our goals last week...
and this was one of mine!

After a delectable breakfast, Latan and I would inevitably find our way to the on-site Cloud Cafe for some hot java -- and being the goal oriented person that I am, I did the honorable thing each day by making my way back to the cafe for another card punch -- and, um... a Java Chip Frappe Freeze, whipped up by my favorite BRMCWC barista, Ms. Barbara.

As you can see, my goal was met by departure time on Friday.

I love it when a plan comes together. :)

An Aerial View from Cloud 9 Continues...

Vonda & Edie

In Sunday's post, several highlights were shared from last week's conference. Today is all about our fearless leaders:

• During Vonda's key note speech last week, she shared the number of rejections she'd received before being published (60+). She could've given up at least 60 times -- but she didn't. Vonda continued pursuing her God-given calling, and as a result of her persistence, many others were motivated to do the same and were sitting in the audience that night. Many conferees shared how Vonda and Edie have made (and continue to make) an impact on their lives.
  

• Barnabas Edie reminds me of a generous man found in the book of Acts. His name stands for "son of encouragement" (or in this case, "daughter of encouragement"). As busy as she is -- and that's putting it mildly -- she always finds time to help and encourage other writers, especially newbies. This year, she was asked to help co-lead BRMCWC and she did an amazing job! I was proud to know her... but especially proud to call her my friend.

• Lori, the truly fearless leader of our online group, "The Light Brigade", has the heart of a shepherdess. She not only created this group, but she also leads it with strength and transparency, laced with much grace. We are not only better writers as a result of her leadership -- we are better Christ followers.

• And last, but certainly not least, I can't close this post without mentioning Beth. She has been my greatest cheerleader (after Brian, of course!) and has helped me to keep the big picture in mind while having the time of my life. She is also responsible for introducing me to two women last week (Dee Dee and Latan) that are sure to be lifetime friends. This adventure wouldn't be nearly as much fun without you, my friend.

Writers are often told to "show not tell" -- and that's exactly how these ladies live and lead. They live out what they believe to the best of their ability and as a result, many lives like mine have been changed forever.

Thank you, ladies.

No Tissues Necessary!

Dr. and Mrs. Donn Taylor

I'd met Dee Dee only minutes prior to her asking how she could pray for me during the week of our conference. (I knew we'd be friends for life at that moment.) My response? Confirmation.

Although my writer's group had graciously affirmed my writing efforts, the Lord knew I was seeking His affirmation above all in hopes of redeeming His time and energy in the best possible way.

An hour prior to my critique session with Dr. Donn Taylor, I spoke to a friend who'd just finished meeting with him. The feedback she'd received left her feeling a bit flustered and disappointed. So I did what any positive thinker would do and made the hike (and I do mean hike!) back to my room for tissues in preparation for my appointment with him.

Thankfully, there was but one moment my tissues were necessary during my time with Dr. Taylor, and that was the moment the Lord confirmed my calling to write. The win on awards night was an unexpected -- but an oh-so-delightful cherry on top!

My heavenly Father not only affirmed this daughter's desire to write -- He also did it in a way she would never forget.

Are you asking God to confirm something in your life today? If so, I encourage you to stay open to His ways and to His timing -- neither will come a moment too soon... or too late.

"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
I will be found by you," declares the LORD. Jeremiah 29:13

The Bunch from Blue Ridge

While gathering hydrangeas this morning, I was reminded of a few similarities between this beautiful bunch of flowers and the friendships cultivated at Blue Ridge last week.

• Some flowers take root quickly while others require more time. I had the joy of experiencing both while at Blue Ridge. Newly forged friendships with Dee Dee and Latan were effortless. Meeting my online writer's group in person was much like a family reunion and existing friendships with Beth, Ellen, Celeste, etc., plunged deeper and grew stronger as a result of our time together. Still others, whom I met while waiting for an appointment or around the dinner table, may require more time. God creates them all.
  

• Flowers don't actually bloom where they're planted (as the saying goes) -- they bloom if they're planted properly. Don't believe me? Try planting a day lily in a heavily shady spot and you'll find a wimpy plant with few blooms or vivid color. Last week, I was able to see our two fearless leaders, Vonda and Edie, in their element -- blooming in the sunny spots where God has placed them -- and their group is forever grateful.
  

• Without fertilization, flowers may survive but they'll rarely thrive. Enter our Upstate Fellowship of Christian Writers group and the amazing online group, The Light Brigade, led by Lori Roeleveld. Words of affirmation, nurturing hugs, and fervent prayers describe this group of people who have enriched my life beyond measure.
  

At the banquet last Thursday night, hundreds clapped after my name was read for the award, but none as loudly or more sincerely as those sitting around our table that evening. They were my greatest cheerleaders and I was theirs.

Each flower
immersed in its own unique aroma of Christ
can saturate an entire field
when mingled among one another.


Ellen, Latan, and Celeste

I look forward to reading Dee Dee's books to my grandchildren.
She is one amazing woman.

Lori and Julie -- Light Brigade!

A night to remember...

Clinging to Cloud 9

I don't want to let go of my cumulonimbus cloud!

I'd been forewarned of the tiredness to expect upon my return from my Christian Writer's Conference this past week, but no one could have prepared me for the joyride to Cloud 9 and back.

Below are some of the highlights from the week:

• Newly-forged friendships and a renewed appreciation for existing ones were the greatest perks of the entire week.
  

• My prayer was for specific confirmation this week -- and God gave it to me. First, directly through Poet Extraordinaire, Dr. Donn Taylor, and secondly, via my 3rd place award for the poem, "Soft Clover"! :)

• Awe-inspiring leadership, faculty, and key-note speakers.

• Yummy Java Chip Frappe Freezes at the Cloud Coffee Shop on site and delicious meals in the cafeteria.

• Nightly gatherings after the evening sessions.

More details on all of the above... after a two day nap!

One Thing's For Sure...

Someone is going to miss me next week.


I'll attempt to blog at least once while at the conference, but if that doesn't happen, I'll touch base next Saturday. Thank you in advance for your prayers!

Friday Faves

Two faves for the price of one!

Favorite Color: Green (especially chartreuse)
My new laptop bag is courtesy of my amazing hubby who surprised me with it for Mother's Day! You'll also find a few other green faves leaving with me Monday morning:

• I couldn't resist the green jelly wrap carrier for Purell Hand Sanitizer.
• Zig-zag makeup bag.
  
• The green stapler? I have no clue what I'll use it for at the conference, but don't you love the color? Me too!

Favorite Flower: It's definitely peonies (at least this week) I've literally waited years to enjoy blooms this beautimous. (I'm aware this word is found only in a dictionary of my own making -- but it fits perfectly, don't you think?)

I love Fridays.

Have Notebook...Will Travel

Leave it to my Four Corners group (Beth, Cynthia & Carolyn) to come up with the idea of using a picture of my storyboard as the front cover for my conference notebook (aka my "one sheet").

I searched high and low for the 3-hole row of o' post it notes.

Looks like someone is planning to take scads of notes (that would be me!)

Next, the business cards. Thanks to Edie, this is a breeze. Business card holders include not only my cards, but also empty sheets waiting to be filled with new friends & faces.

And finally, the back of my notebook consists of some examples of my writing -- poetry, devotions, and blogging -- along with notebook paper for additional notes.

The saying "It takes a group to raise a writer" certainly rings true for me. God has used Edie, Vonda, my Four Corners, the Upstate Fellowship of Christian Writers, and my online writer's group, The Light Brigade, to speak truth, encouragement, and much hope into my life.

All that and a notebook too. :) Thank You, Lord.

"Therefore, if you extract the precious from the worthless you will become My spokesman."
Jeremiah 15:19

Beauty in the Brevity of Life

This morning, I was informed that a brother in Christ and father to an adorable five-year old daughter, had but a few days to live.

It was an incredibly busy day, but I noticed...

the sun's rays sparkled brighter

the flowers smelled fresher

the gate appeared wider

Blues bluer

and textures more defined.

Respecting the brevity of life heightens ones awareness to the beauty of it all.

Your life is like the morning fog—
it’s here a little while, then it’s gone.
James 4:14b

Monday's Morsels of Gratitude

I am grateful for...

• The Spirit's living and active power in the lives of His people. He moved specifically in group time yesterday and a faithful servant followed through in obedience
  
• Friends who aren't afraid of idiosyncrasies (mine in particular)
• Friends who tuck meaningful surprises in yellow bags (you know who you are)
• A hubby who goes far above and beyond what I deserve
• Two sons and daughter-in-laws who I like as much as I love
• Blog posts that make me giggle -- and panic at the same time (thanks Lynn!)
• The creativity that oozes forth from my "Four Corners" writing group. Thanks to them, I have a sensational cover for my writer's notebook.
  

Visit Ann Voskamp's blog today for a FREE downloadable gratitude journal for May (thanks for the heads up, Cathy)