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Friday, January 31, 2014

A Video For Friday


This was filmed last May. I received the final version of it a while back but didn't share it because 1) I hate to see myself on film and 2) I kinda forgot to do it. But on Wednesday we had a snow day and, with everyone home, I wasn't getting much writing done. So I designated it as "take care of emails I have ignored day." It's a little known holiday.

So, here is the video interview I did for ATMCTV, the cable carrier for the Sunset Beach NC area (where many of my novels are set).



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Wednesday, January 29, 2014

On Reading Historical Fiction


Yesterday I posted about my friend Ariel's new novel, THE WIFE, THE MAID AND THE MISTRESS, a historical novel set in the late 20's in New York City. The novel is absorbing and gritty and spot-on in its portrayal of the world of gangsters and speakeasies and dancers and corrupt politicians. But it's also a look at something deeper-- a look at what drives us to do the things we do-- even things we never thought we'd do. This involves keeping secrets and making concessions and hiding things and keeping our chin held high when what we really want to do is crumple on the floor.

And who among us hasn't felt all those things at one point or another? When I was teaching ninth graders the other day I challenged them to take the things they feel-- whatever they are-- and use those feelings in their writing. It doesn't have to be the same situation as long as you're tapping into the feelings involved. Feelings will always resonate. I can attest that Ariel has never been a political figure on the take or a showgirl making concessions or a bitter wife who's become something of a recluse because of her bad choices. But she's felt feelings akin to what those characters feel. And she used them in this novel.

I used to never-- and I do mean never-- read historical fiction. Because here's what I told myself: "I don't like history. I never did. So when I get a chance to read for pleasure, I'm not going to read history, for crying out loud. BOR-ing."

But Ariel wasn't satisfied with that answer. She pointed out that there is some good stuff to be taken from history, something satisfying about seeing that, no matter how much time passes and how much the situations change, people still make mistakes and hurt each other and cry and doubt and want and all the things we feel. Somehow in looking back, we get a better take on how to go forward.

I started out by reading dual historical and contemporary novels, easing myself into a historical novel by balancing it with a healthy dose of contemporary action. But what I found was I really wanted to get back to the historical part. In the history I could get swept away, but in the contemporary it was more of the same. I gave history a chance, and as I did I started remembering the parts of history I did like. I loved the French Revolution. And World War II. The Pioneer Days will always interest me thanks to Laura Ingalls Wilder. And certain people and legends rooted in historical events have always fascinated and intrigued me. All of history, I realized, is not boring. In fact, some of it is more interesting than current day ever thought about being.

What I'm trying to say is... I grew up. And I realized that a lot about history got lost in the boring lectures I equated it with. There is much to be gained from reading historical fiction, most of all a chance to see it anew, and to see people who once were mere figureheads on a timeline take on depth and dimension so that they are living and breathing and so hauntingly familiar. You might find, as I did, that they look a lot like you.

Want to take a look at some historical fiction that's coming out this year? I like this list over at Goodreads.
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Tuesday, January 28, 2014

The Day Is Finally Here


I remember the day she called to say that her book had sold. Her book-- that book-- had found a publisher and her dream was being fulfilled! The book had sold to Doubleday and would be released in a year and a few months.

"That seems so far away," I said.

And she said, "I know."

But then life, as it does, filled in the time between that day and this one. She moved and adjusted to a new life, put her children in school after homeschooling for years, schlepped children to swim team practice and doctor appointments, delved into edits, and ran She Reads with me. We saw each other when we could and talked by phone and online chat when we couldn't. And when we talked, we inevitably reminisced over the highs and lows of that book. I marveled over her belief that this story-- and only this story-- was the one she was supposed to be writing. When even her best friend was telling her, "Give up. Move onto one of your other great ideas."

I think I am proudest of her for not listening to me.



A tantalizing reimagining of a scandalous mystery that rocked the nation in 1930—Justice Joseph Crater's infamous disappearance—as seen through the eyes of the three women who knew him best.

They say behind every great man, there's a woman. In this case, there are three. Stella Crater, the judge's wife, is the picture of propriety draped in long pearls and the latest Chanel. Ritzi, a leggy showgirl with Broadway aspirations, thinks moonlighting in the judge's bed is the quickest way off the chorus line. Maria Simon, the dutiful maid, has the judge to thank for her husband's recent promotion to detective in the NYPD. Meanwhile, Crater is equally indebted to Tammany Hall leaders and the city's most notorious gangster, Owney "The Killer" Madden.

On a sultry summer night, as rumors circulate about the judge's involvement in wide-scale political corruption, the Honorable Joseph Crater steps into a cab and disappears without a trace. Or does he?

After 39 years of necessary duplicity, Stella Crater is finally ready to reveal what she knows. Sliding into a plush leather banquette at Club Abbey, the site of many absinthe-soaked affairs and the judge's favorite watering hole back in the day, Stella orders two whiskeys on the rocks—one for her and one in honor of her missing husband. Stirring the ice cubes in the lowball glass, Stella begins to tell a tale—of greed, lust, and deceit. As the novel unfolds and the women slyly break out of their prescribed roles, it becomes clear that each knows more than she has initially let on.

With a layered intensity and prose as effervescent as the bubbly that flows every night, The Wife, the Maid, and the Mistress is a wickedly entertaining historical mystery that will transport readers to a bygone era with tipsy spins through subterranean jazz clubs and backstage dressing rooms. But beneath the Art Deco skyline and amid the intoxicating smell of smoke and whiskey, the question of why Judge Crater disappeared lingers seductively until a twist in the very last pages.



Here's her Pinterest board dedicated to the book.


And so today I celebrate the release of that book-- the one I shook my head over, and wondered where her tenacity came from, her sheer devotion to this story. It was-- it had to be-- God given. And it paid off. If you're in a book club. If you just love to lose yourself in a great story. If you've ever wanted to try a historical novel-- a reimagining of what did happen, and what could've happened, then please choose your favorite way to purchase a book and do so today. (I've listed helpful links below.) I've read the book and it's a great romp through New York in the late 20's, a creative take on one of the most famous missing cases in the US. You'll find yourself reading quickly, just to find out what these women know-- and why each one has chosen to keep silent.

The best place to get the book is at your local independent bookstore. Here's a link to help you find the book that way. And if they don't have it? Ask for it. Don't have an indie near you?

Buy it on Amazon here.

Buy it at Barnes and Noble here.

The day is finally here-- help her celebrate by buying this long-awaited book!
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Monday, January 27, 2014

Intentional Mondays


Quote of the week... "Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure you are. Let me learn from you, love you, bless you before you depart. Let me not pass you by in quest of some rare and perfect tomorrow." Mary Jean Irion (read in HANDS FREE MAMA)

This quote really captures what I'm trying to do with my new "One Amazing Thing" journal. I'm finding it a worthwhile effort to determine one amazing thing that happened each day.

Write Every Day... Sigh. Didn't happen this week. I missed Monday and Tuesday because I was out of town and Wednesday, Thursday and Friday got swallowed up by... life. This week doesn't promise to be much better as I teach twice this week and have several other commitments besides. So far my lofty ambitions are getting bulldozed by living.

My One Word... Seeing AFFIRM at play in my life in so many ways. Am still so tickled by this word and its impact in my life. It was a word worth waiting for.

Listening To... this week in 1985 top 40 countdown. 1985 was, in my humble opinion, the best year in music, ever.

Sharing Stories... Reading two as yet unreleased books to consider as She Reads selections. Can't tell you what they are but they are both, in their own way, a tribute to reading, and books, and story-- all passions of mine, so of course I'm enjoying them. I finished listening to Joshilyn Jackson's SOMEONE ELSE'S LOVE STORY and I loved it ever so much. The writing is so strong and the faith elements she weaves throughout the story just awed me. I have said before that listening to her books on audio, with her reading them, are my favorite way to experience her books. This one did not disappoint. If your library has the book on audio, do not wait to GO AND GET IT!! Or look for it on iTunes or Audible.

Randomness... I'm working on a new publishing venture that I'm super excited about. Some friends of mine invited me to join them in creating a fictional SC lowcountry town and developing stories that all take place there. These novellas will start coming out soon as ebooks and you know I'll be telling more about it as we get closer. Suffice it to say they're going to be quick reads that will vary from sweet to spicy. The authors involved are all talented and we are having a blast creating a town, and all its citizens. It's a place where we'd all like to live and we hope that you will too!

In The Kitchen... Sometimes I find something I stuck in the freezer for someday and am so thankful to past me for doing this kindness for future me, who is feeling uninspired and unmotivated in the kitchen. This happened today when I found frozen chicken pot pie filling just waiting for a Bisquick crust. Voila! Dinner! Other meals planned for this week are Vegetable Soup, Shredded Pork Burritos, Breakfast for dinner... winter comfort food.

Plans...  Busy week ahead with only two days I'm able to be at home. I need my days at home to get stuff done-- blog posts, responding to emails, and writing. It's only Monday and I'm already feeling behind. That doesn't bode well for my attitude and outlook. I suspect I'll be combatting that defeatist perspective most of the week.

Loveliness... trying to appreciate the starkness of winter light, the short days, a fire in the fireplace, and the feeling of crisp air. Because with the polar vortex that decided to make a return visit, I don't have much choice!

Photo of the Week... This is a view of what I was doing one week ago tonight as I attended an event at Foxtale Books in Woodstock GA. I got to spend an amazing day with my best friend and She Reads partner, Ariel Lawhon. We live in two different states so any time we can get together is a gift.

The authors featured at the "Susanna and Friends" event, from left to right:
Karen White, Susanna Kearsley, Kimberly Brock, and Ariel Lawhon
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Monday, January 20, 2014

Intentional Mondays


Quote of the week... “Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.”  — Ralph Waldo Emerson. I think this is a lovely quote to think on in January, don't you?

Write Every Day... I didn't write every day this past week, but I did somehow manage to reach my word count goal I had set for myself. Thanks goes to my husband who picked up the kids from school one day so I could keep on writing til dinnertime. I love when I get in a groove and the words just flow. This doesn't happen all the time, but just often enough that it keeps me motivated for the next time it will! Not sure I will get much writing done this week, seeing as how I'm going to be out of town half the week. I plan to use some time instead to do what I call "the work of the story," the stuff I do at the beginning to make sure the story has a firm foundation. The writing tends to go smoother if I do this work on the front end.

My One Word... I FINALLY got mine. And this is the ONE. All the others before were forced and just didn't feel right. This is the one I was waiting on-- the one that didn't come from my little pea brain because it was what *I* wanted. What is the word? AFFIRM. (More about this below, see pic.)

Listening To... beach music, to get in the spirit of writing another Sunset Beach story. Pandora has a great beach music channel and I'm totally loving the songs. It just makes me a little sad to listen to them-- and pine for the sand and sun and waves-- in January.

Sharing Stories... My 8yo daughter just finished her last Kylie Jean book and we are very sad she's read them all. We are hoping Marci Peschke will write more! She's also enjoying Gooney Bird Green and is about to finish that series as well. Keeping this child in books is challenging because she races through stories. Ahem... just like her mama used to.

Randomness... I love planners, notebooks, pens, and all manner of stationery items. The other day I had my youngest with me at the grocery store and stopped to find a notebook for a new story and, after standing there while I looked and looked over each possible notebook, she observed that this was taking an awfully long time. I can still lose myself in school supplies, even though I am no longer in school.

In The Kitchen...  Crockpot meals are the name of the game at our house. We had herbed beef sandwiches last week that my family loved. My husband said it was the best flavored meat I'd ever made. Basically you put a roast in the crockpot, mix 2 Tbsp of Italian seasoning with 1.5 cups water, pour it over the roast and sprinkle a package of onion soup mix over the top of the roast. Cook all day (at least 8-10 hours, I'd say), shred and serve on buns with the juice in a dish for dipping. Some of my kids also put swiss cheese on their sandwiches. We served this meal with frozen French fries and sliced apples. Simple! Delicious!

Plans... I have a couple of busy weeks coming up-- lots of things out of the house. I don't like having to leave the house a lot because that means not a lot of writing gets done. I'm trying not to get worked up about it and looking towards February for more concentrated time at home to get writing done. January is flying by!

Loveliness... a new tradition I'm doing this year-- I write down "one amazing thing" from each day. The way I remember to do it is to keep the little notebook I'm using (I told you I love notebooks) by my bed. When I get in bed at night I make sure to write down my one amazing thing for that day. It's helping me to be more intentional about noticing loveliness, and capturing the little things that delight me lest I forget.

Photo of the Week...


This is a little thing I made to help me be mindful of my word. It's in my bathroom near where I get ready. I have my word, the definition of the word, and a couple of verses that mention the word. To find the verses I cheated a little bit and went on Bible Gateway and used the search bar to enter my word. I had to go through several different translations of the Bible to find what I was looking for, ultimately finding it in The Message. I am hoping this idea will keep me focused on this word all year long, and see it at work in my life.
Thanks goes out to Connie Thompson for inspiring me to do this through a post she wrote!

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Friday, January 17, 2014

Wearing My Priorities


This picture was harder to take than you might think. It's not easy to snap a photo one-handed, take my word for it.

I've been wearing my priorities since Christmas, a thing that just fell together but has come to be a great reminder to me. These bracelets are part of my "errand running, mom about town" look. They're not my dressed up, date night look. But they have become a fun part of my wardrobe-- and a meaningful one.

The first bracelet is a Christmas gift I actually ordered for myself. A narrow silver cuff, it has all my kids' names on it. I ordered it on a lark, and then was delighted with the end result when I received it. Along about that time, my 8yo, who received one of those looms that are all the rage, made me the lovely middle bracelet featuring All The Colors So It Will Go With Everything. And the blue bracelet says, if you can't tell, "Live Hands Free." I ordered it here based on a book I've been reading, which I will be reviewing in the near future. I saw the bracelets when I visited the site and knew that wearing a daily reminder might be a really smart move.

I need reminding.

I need reminding what my priorities are. I need reminding that my priorities are worthwhile pursuits-- the only ones that really and truly matter. These kids of mine? These people I live with? They're worth my best. And lest I start thinking that being busy and running ragged and keeping up with the crazy are more important?? Well, I just glance down at my arm and I see... their names, their efforts, and a sweet reminder to free my hands from all the stuff that distracts. By wearing my priorities I'm inspired to actually live them. And it's the living them out-- not being able to list off what they should be-- that matters. This year I want to do a better job at that. These bracelets, it turns out, have been a very good step in helping me remember to do so.
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Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Back To Ordinary


 
There is something about the days after Christmas, when you finally pack all of the red and green and silver and gold back into the boxes and put them back in the attic for another year.
 
At first the house seems strangely bare.
 

But then your eyes adjust... and you start to think that maybe the absence of color is just what you need.

 
 Everything looks so... ordinary.

 
 
 But maybe ordinary is just what we need right now. Maybe routine and commitment with all its beige and neutral tones, is a welcome contrast to festive and unexpected and its bright colors.
 

 
 
 Maybe the winter light slanting across the table needs to be celebrated for just what it is. Maybe it doesn't need our help to be anything more. Ordinary light, it turns out, is rather pretty.  
 

 
 
And ordinary days can be worth something too. It feels good to be back to ordinary... to start the year in neutral, because neutral goes with everything. And who knows what this new year will bring?
 


And for the days when we need a little glimmer of the festive and fun? Well, there's always Valentine's Day-- little pops of red-- lurking just around the corner.
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Monday, January 13, 2014

Intentional Mondays


This is the new series I mentioned last week. In an attempt to live more intentionally and mindfully of what's important, I thought I'd be transparent here and tell you how I'm living the things I say matter. Below you'll see some prompts that will stay the same, with me filling in my answers according to what we have going on at our house. I think this will be a nice consistent go-to post and hope you all enjoy a little glimpse into what's happening inside and outside our home from week to week.

Quote of the week...This will be something I've read or run across that has stuck with me.

Write Every Day... My promise to myself, I'll jot down any thoughts on what I'm dealing with in my efforts to write every day, M-F, at least 500 words per day. I'm hoping that this will be a habit that builds on itself and gets easier as the year progresses.

My One Word... My intention (ha! get it?) will be to write about how my word is cropping up in my life. This will help me stay on track as I seek to stick to my word for the year all year long.

Listening To... This will be what music I'm favoring currently.

Sharing Stories... This will be a spot to share the stories I'm loving, both in what I'm reading and what my kids are reading. If it's a story, it belongs here.

Randomness... This will be a spot for anything that doesn't fit anywhere else.

In The Kitchen... This will be menu plans, new recipes or skills I want to try out in the kitchen.

Plans... This will be about plans I'm making-- daily plans, vacation plans, writing plans, whatever schemes I'm coming up with and systems that are working to keep us all straight.

Loveliness... This is an effort to find loveliness-- just something simple and beautiful and worth noticing each week. By making a spot for it here, I'm more apt to train my brain to find it.

Photo of the Week... The photo may very well tie into the "loveliness" aspect. I'm thinking many times, it will. Or it may just be a captured moment from our family life. Something silly or noteworthy or just fun.

This will start next Monday, so I hope you'll come back. If you're like me and not apt to remember, there's a handy "subscribe" button in the sidebar so the post will come to you!
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Friday, January 10, 2014

My One Word For 2014


I have never struggled over choosing a word like I have this year. Each year in the past, the word has just come to me and I knew deep in my heart that that one word was mine for that year. I usually "got" said word long about November.

Not so, this year.

This will be the fourth year I've chosen a word. My past words have been JOY (2011), DELVE (2012), and LOVE (2013).

I've been all over the map with my word choices for this year, and if you've talked to me in the past several weeks chances are you've heard different words depending on when you spoke to me. So writing this post? Committing to one word, in writing, in a public forum? Pressure indeed. I've enjoyed the waffling and flip-flopping and want the freedom to continue to do so. I expect to arrive at one soon. And if I don't... well then I might have three.

Here are some tips for arriving at your one word for this year. Even if I haven't managed to, they just might help you.

1. Look at themes in your life. What is something that seems to keep coming up for you-- in your conversations, your thought life, your journals? Pay attention to this.

2. If you're thinking about a word, go look it up in a Bible concordance and see what verses go with it. See if one in particular speaks to you, then note it. I think it's good to have a focus verse for the year.

3. Tell some close friends what word you're considering. Get their reactions. I had one word I was thinking about and, based on my friends' reactions, could tell that, while they would support whatever I chose, this particular word wasn't the best one for me to choose. I appreciated their candor and it helped me switch gears.

4. Ask those same friends to hold you accountable. Maybe get together once a month with your friends and update each other on how that word is playing out in your life. Pray that word for each other and see how it manifests and grows in each person's life.

5. Start journaling about the word. Write down any confirmations you receive that indicate you picked the right word. Jot down any quotes or verses you run across. Then keep jotting things down throughout the year that you learn about the word, and how it plays into your life.





Want to know more about choosing your word for the year? I can't recommend my friend Rachel Olsen and her pastor Mike Ashcraft's book enough. MY ONE WORD  will inspire and inform you. If you're looking to start the year off right, this is a great way to do it.
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Wednesday, January 08, 2014

My Reading Year, A Look Back


So, last year (2012) I set a personal record with the number of books I read, finishing with 72 books read-- roughly 6 books a month. I was quite proud of myself for all the reading, but began 2013 secretly nursing a desire to read more books than that this year. What if, I mused, I increased my reading to SEVEN books a month?? Could I?? Always up for a good challenge, I started 2013 with big ambitions.

It didn't take long for me to realize that my lofty ambitions?? They were too lofty.

Six books a month was my max. To push myself any further took all the joy out of reading. And reading is something I hold far too dear to suck the joy out of. So I relaxed and resigned myself to having a year much like 2012.

Except... except. I actually did read TWO more books than last year. Making my reading list come in at 74 books read this year. And also? That means I officially made my goal. It wasn't 12 more books read this year, but it was more books than last year. So yay. Challenge met. Goal achieved.

Yes, I'm a total firstborn child.

So I thought I'd share my faves from this past year, in case you're looking for some excellent reads or you have a gift card you need to spend. Books are a lovely (and virtuous) way to spend your money. And don't think you have to read 60 or 74 or even 24 books a year. Read what you can. Read 12-- one book per month. But read. Because if you don't, you're missing out. Take my word for it.



ME BEFORE YOU by Jojo Moyes. This was a moving, gripping book. It was the first book I read of the year, and, I have to say, hard to top.

 




WHY WE WRITE, edited by Meredith Maran. This book inspired me so much in the area of writing, with contributions from some of my faves. Come to think of it, I may have to read it all over again this year. So good. So rich with literary insight.


ORPHAN TRAIN by Christina Baker Kline. This book was one of our She Reads picks, and for a good reason. I loved the relationship between the old lady and the teen girl, both broken, both abandoned. And yet, in each other, they both find hope and perspective.



TAPESTRY OF FORTUNES by Elizabeth Berg. One of my consistently fave authors, I wept my way through the end of this one. This is Berg in top form.



THE FAIREST OF THEM ALL by Carolyn Turgeon. A fairy tale for grownups? I didn't know how much I needed to immerse myself in this mashup of Rapunzel and Snow White until I did. I read this one in one day, the ultimate compliment of a book in my opinion.



STORIES I ONLY TELL MY FRIENDS by Rob Lowe. Not sure I would've loved this book quite like I did if I'd read it. I actually listened to it on cd's from the library and he was the narrator. I loved hearing him tell his story. There was so much I didn't know about him. And his impressions of the people he writes about are hilarious and dead-on. Oh, Soda Pop who knew you were capable of such deep reflections and led such an interesting life?



DARING GREATLY by Brene Brown. Loved this book and recommend it to all. It's one that needs to be read every year because there is way too much in it to get in just the one time.



THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES by Sue Monk Kidd. I was late to this party but better late than never. My friend Kimberly Brock found out I'd never read the book and mistakenly thought that the movie was good enough to get the gist. "Oh honey," she chided, "You're missing out." She was right and I'm so glad she insisted I read the book. If you haven't, do yourself a favor. Sue Monk Kidd also has a new book out, THE INVENTION OF WINGS, which has already been named an Oprah book club pick. For good reason, I'm sure.



BREAD AND WINE by Shauna Niequist. This book made me like being in the kitchen during a time I was struggling with the mundane aspects of cooking. If a book can do that? It's worth reading.



THE HUSBAND'S SECRET by Liane Moriarty. You have to have been living under a rock to not have seen this book somewhere recently. For that reason I'm hesitant to jump in and tout it too, when there are so many unsung books out there that need to be touted instead. But it really was riveting. As good (better?) as WHAT ALICE FORGOT, which was another one by her that I just loved.



THE CASTAWAYS by Elin Hildebrand. She is a gifted writer and this story of the aftermath of the death of a beloved couple and how their lives affected those who loved them was well done. I haven't read all her books (yet!) but the ones I have read I have enjoyed. Perfect beach read in case you're thinking ahead! (You know I always am.)

 


JUST WHAT KIND OF MOTHER ARE YOU? Paula Daly. Loved this twisty suburban thriller that takes place in an English village. The action may take place across the ocean but the thoughts and actions of the characters are highly recognizable. I listened to this one and the veddy veddy British narrator was positively perfect.



WHISTLING PAST THE GRAVEYARD by Susan Crandall. Another one I listened to. The narration was great and the writing superb. I will not forget these characters; they will stay with me for sure. I still find myself thinking of them and wondering how they turned out, which says a lot about the writer.



WHERE'D YOU GO BERNADETTE by Maria Semple. This is another book that was all over the place this year, all with raves attached to it. Well they were definitely earned. My friend Rachel Olsen lent me the audio book and assured me I'd love it. But I'm embarrassed to admit it took me far too long to get around to listening. Once I did, I was hooked. And so sad when it was over. Funny, smart, original, poignant. All apply.
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Monday, January 06, 2014

Christmas Recap


Christmas is over. A new year has settled in. For most of us, I imagine today is the real beginning of the new year-- a time to put our resolutions into action and get serious now that the kids are tucked away in school.

It is for me. Today is "get serious about eating healthy" day and "get your butt to the gym day" and "really think about your word for the year" day. (More about my word for the year on Friday.)

One of the few pictures I took this season.
Here's all six of them, a rare moment of having them all together.
This is at our church on Christmas Eve.


But first I'll share about our break, and how we spent it. My oldest was home for 8 days. My college girl was home, too. Her boyfriend was around a lot as well. It was a lot of togetherness. The house was filled with people and, for the most part, I have to say we did really well. There was one moment I had to go to my husband and cry "uncle." Mostly because of all the cooking. It's no small thing to feed 9 people every night, night after night. I burned my hand one night and cut my hand another night. I literally had battle scars!

I also fell while running and was sore like I'd been in a car wreck for several days afterwards. I'd heard tales of runners falling and am usually hyper aware of any divots or cracks or limbs or other impairments jeopardizing my sure-footedness. But on that day I just plumb forgot to look where I was going. I'm feeling better now, but I haven't run on the street again, and every time I pass the spot where I fell I shudder. It was ugly. And embarrassing. And downright painful. My palm was cut up pretty bad as it took most of the impact. (Had to use the other hand to save the ipod!)

Are you noticing a theme with my hands being battered?? I am.


Here's me and my husband on Christmas Eve as well. We weren't in the kids shot so we took our own.
And for those of you who keep track of such things, yes, I did have five inches cut off my hair. It was time.


Now my son is back in TX finishing his training, but will return home very soon. And my daughter will be back in college before this week is over. She is excited to start a new semester with a new part time job and possibly a new roommate so I'm excited for her. My other 4 are all back in school and swim and jobs and the routine of life. My husband is back to work. And I'm trying to get back into a routine as well-- one that makes time DAILY for writing and exercise. One that is more productive and grateful and intentional and All The Things we say at the beginning of a new year.

What about you? What are you hoping will happen every day in your new year? What are you trying to be more intentional about? I'll be sharing a way that I'm going to work to live more intentionally through a posting series I'm beginning next Monday, the 13th. I hope you will tune in. And come back Wednesday and Friday for some other "new year's" posts!


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Saturday, January 04, 2014

2013: The Year That Was (In Blog Posts)


I thought it would be fun to come back from my blogging break with a little look at the year that was, revisiting posts that encapsulate my year.

My One Word for the year was LOVE. More about my struggle to choose a word this year-- and tips for those of you who would like to choose a word-- coming this week.

I tried my hand at poetry. The Noise Symphony won't win any awards, but it's still true.

I hit upon a faster and easier way to make baked potato soup.  I also shared recipes for marinated pork tenderloin, Moravian chicken pie and Delicious Chicken in the crockpot (recipe at the end of the post).

I was inspired by the book BREAD AND WINE, which is, right now, only $2.99 as an ebook download. I was also inspired by A MILLION LITTLE WAYS. It is not $2.99 right now, but it's still worth reading.

I celebrated "So Much More Than Happy Birthday" when my third child turned 17. This post seemed to hit home with a lot of you.

I mused over what the neighbors would say... does your real life match your online persona?

I discovered that my kids are all the ages... and so am I.

I started a God Box.

I suggested things to do with a rotisserie chicken. You might snicker at this but it's gotten a good many repins on Pinterest, so someone out there needed it.

I shared how journaling helps get me out of the blues.

These weren't necessarily my top posts of the year, but they were the ones that stood out to me personally-- the ones that best reflected my state of mind, and heart, in 2013.

2013, my husband and I decided the other day, wasn't a bad year. There were some good things that happened for sure. But it isn't a year we're sad to see go either. We're anticipating an amazing 2014.

I hope you are too.
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