Multiple local authors gathered at a recent expo. Just as in your lives, I was thunderstruck with their fascinating experiences. A wellspring of wishes, wisdom, whimsical, “why did I do that?”, “what if’s”, “why not’s”, and wondrous words produced their stellar stories! Why write?
There are many reasons I write. It encourages me to focus, research, learn, love, and inspire. At times, it clears the cobwebs in my consciousness. Other times, it soothes my soul. Distractions cease. I’m intentional. I can: Think. Reflect. Learn. Understand. Praise.Inspire. Words are convincing, helpful, encouraging, and affirmative. At times, it’s entertaining! Some hurt. Journaling is my way of cleansing my clanging clutter. This year I’ve met my goal to journal daily. Do you journal? Do you make lists? I can easily type a recipe or a “to-do” paragraph. Write notes? My “black and white” brain automatically places Roman Numerals, letters, or bullets. Why do you write?
Allow me to introduce local Ozarks writers!
Thomas J. Carter, during the Covid lockdown, decided he would write a children’s book series about the National Parks after he and his wife bought an R.V. to travel. I’m sure you know why I loved this! Even better for ME? An 1800’s setting! You can find Thomas on IG @midwestiscoolbooks.Thomas is an excellent illustrator and writer!
LaDonna Greiner was 66 years old when she spent a miserable night on the top of Taum Sauk Mountain in Missouri (where many have sadly died in similar situations). A few days later, a horrible car accident left her and her husband without a vehicle, and THEN she was handed a felony charge (“leaving the scene of an accident”). LaDonna’s stories and photos will leave you on the edge of your seat. “I’m here for a purpose,” she says (yes you are, LaDonna!). As a certified facilitator, you can count on LaDonna to share wisdom on creating environments of gratitude.
Michelle Underwood grew up in Mansfield, MO. She authored a book about Laura Ingalls Wilder that is the most detailed I’ve ever read! Her passion for our local hero and author inspires me.
Paula Moore teaches biblical truths through the arts and Shawnda Walker wrote about cooperation and sharing through the eyes of a cute guinea pig, Peanut.
Jeanne Griener gripped my heart with a memoir about finding God’s goodness—despite losing, and never finding, her missing brother. You can feel her faith and love in her words.
C.A. (Candy) Simonson She is an award-winning author and writer of short stories, articles, and books. She is a frequent contributor to online publications and print magazines, now almost 400 pieces. Need self-publishing help? See C.A.! It’s like opening a treasure book.
Susie Kinslow Adams is a local author, writer, and speaker! Her turtle, Patches, will sing about how much Jesus loves you, too! Her story will inspire you!
Author Sage Hunter invites you to step into the dynamic universe of “The Black Bra Club,” an engaging narrative that charts the inception of a movement grounded in sisterhood, support, mentoring, and the profound essence of faith.
Check out today’s history and ANOTHER amazing hero story!
History today Phillis Wheatley born (1753); President Harry Truman born (1884); Boxing legend Sonny Liston born (1932); Germany surrenders, ending World War II in Europe (1945); Smallpox is eradicated (1980).
A war hero tells his story
Friends, meet Luciano “Louis” Charles Graziano. “It was January 1943 when twenty-year-old Louis Graziano received a letter from Uncle Sam ordering him to report to Fort Niagara, New York, for a physical. Although he knew the United States was at war, he had no idea what was ahead of him. After making a promise to dutifully defend his country, Louis never realized how much his military experience would change the course of his life.
In a memoir that reveals the good, bad, and ugly of war and beyond, Louis leads others through his life experiences via personal stories and historical photographs that provide a candid glimpse into what it was like to be a young soldier before, during, and after World War II.”
“After suffering frostbite during the successful effort to search and find the lost armored element, Louis returned to Reims to recover. Among the buildings in Reams there was a “Little Red Schoolhouse” where General Eisenhower had his headquarters. It was here that the unconditional surrender of Germany was signed in the early morning hours of Monday, May 7, 1945. Louis was there, in the room, as General Yodl of the German Army signed the articles of surrender. U.S. General Walter Bedell Smith signed on behalf of the Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force, General Eisenhower, and General Ivan Susloparov on behalf of the Soviet High Command. French Major-General François Sevez signed as the official witness.
Stories of war, survival, loss, and love. Your life may seem mundane. You may feel you DON’T have a story. But you do. There is ONE STORY I’ll keep telling of the ultimate sacrifice made for you and me. Do you know how loved you are?All of you encourage me. To feature each of you a day would take years. Keep telling your stories (besides, they’re not over YET). Uniquely and collectively, you impact me. I’ll say it louder to the people in the back–do you REALLY know how loved you are?
Let’s keep “elevating” one another! My encouragement to you is real; not just in words. It’s not fake news when I share about God’s love, grace, and mercy. I don’t have a hidden agenda for sharing my gratitude. And to write about it? Even better.
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8
“The world is a severe schoolmaster, for its frowns are less dangerous than its smiles and flatteries, and it is a difficult task to keep in the path of wisdom.”
Phillis Wheatley
“Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart.”
William Wordsworth
“The secret of it all is to write… without waiting for a fit time or place.”
Walt Whitman
“Then the Lord answered me and said: ‘Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it.”Habakkuk 2:2
The words are familiar. There’s a sense of comfort that keeps you reading it over and over again. It’s like watching your favorite movie, reflecting on the best moments of your life, visiting your favorite place, and being with the ones who give you comfort. You don’t want to turn the page-even if it means something greater. It’s scary-it’s unknown.
Paying attention in the back of the room was impossible. But being in the front of the room labeled you a class pet. Reading out loud in class, whether Bible class or at school, was sometimes stressful. Tracing the words I heard with my finger kept me on target-until a faster reader chimed in. It gave me comfort if the teacher used a pattern (I could count how many would read before me and no tricky stuff!). Fast forward to my own classroom and I never forced any student to read outloud. The class became my fearless family. Through mutual trust we would ALL read out loud at times (at the SAME TIME-it was music to my ears! Some might read 3 words and others 3 pages. Friends would buddy up to boost confidence and learn from one another (anyone remember popcorn reading when friends when “pop” the turns to other friends?). The fear of being stuck on a page while others were turning would never happen. Not with me.
Isn’t life simpler when everyone and everything is operating on the same page? There’s little conflict and harmony seems to flow. A sense of ease might even exist. Unfortunately, in my life, operating on the same page does not propel my progress. I’m not speaking of the daily routines and decisions that enhance the quality of my spiritual, physical, and emotional health.
If you’re stuck on the same page, chapter, or even book, I pray you find faith and hope. I know it’s not easy. Finding comfort is cemented coziness! Turning the page might hurt-fear might freeze any faith. Do you have an exciting chapter ahead? Is it one that you know will be difficult? How do you want your story to end? The chapters of your life will make a beautiful book. I don’t know how each chapter will end, but I know who does. Our Creator already knows. I’ll turn the page.
My family of friends, thank you. ❤🙏🤗 You’ve become my trusted tribe. I’ve curved again on my learning (wow, I should be dizzy!). Admittedly, it took me a year and 1/2 to realize the difference between FOLLOWING a blog and SUBSCRIBING to someone’s newsletter. But I know now! 😁 Many of you follow my blog- THANK YOU (you hit the FOLLOW button and receive e-mail notifications of new posts). But if you follow me, it doesn’t not mean you have subscribed. And maybe you’d rather not! I completely understand! If you are interested in subscribing to receive a monthly newsletter I would be so grateful and appreciative!💚 My newsletter/email sign-up are on any page EXCEPT my homepage.
Have faith💚
When I began writing again a page was turned. At times it feels as though I’ve skipped some important chapters. 😬 So I revisit my learning. Add new learning. Phone a friend. I’m sharing a video of a testimonial for Children’s Book Insider. Watching myself on video makes me cringe. Worry of the words coming out weakens me. Pausing and thinking causes me to stumble at times. Writing is easier. Writing for two genres is not. But I’ll keep turning pages. 💚
EEK! It was scary to be interviewed! But I was SO happy to do this for Children’s Book Insider! If you are a writer of children’s books I’d HIGHLY recommend this resource. I’ve enjoyed every course (at YOUR pace) and connecting with other writers (the courses are the Writing Blueprints).
The most frightening moment wasn’t standing on the edge looking down. The climb was terrifying. Sweaty palms on slick side rails were scary. Walking to the end of the board was undeniably a daredevil deed though.
Less than 10 feet above the water, the springy board sought to hold my confidence captive. My outstretched arms, like wings, kept me balanced as I tiptoed across the fiberglass.
I made it to the edge! The height didn’t bother me. Trusting my body, and the lessons learned from the swim lessons my parents insisted upon, I’d hop on one foot and jump (I HAD to leap on one bounce). Consecutive jumping would end tragically, I was certain.
Later in life I was introduced to the humorless high dive. The swimming “friends” above or below me on the ladder, tossing taunts, were terrifying. These “friends” would try to bounce the springboard while I was on the edge. It didn’t take long to learn to wait at the side of the pool until the “nice” kids headed towards the ladder.
With time my confidence grew. Jumping off the board became natural. Making a splash hitting the water was satisfying. Sometimes I’d gurgle because I left my mouth open. But most times I’d swim to the safe side with a huge smile. Ah, the valiant feeling of victory. Conquering that fear gave me the courage to climb even higher objects in life.
The last 5 years have felt like climbing thatladder for the first time again. I’ve been scared. It would have been easier to just sit on the side and admire the waters from a distance. Just like the gravel bar on the river.
A year and half ago, I grabbed the handrails and took a step up. This year I’ve continued the climb (beyond a doubt it’s a high dive). On-line classes-a step up. Coaches and fellow writers-a few more rungs. Faith, friends, and family support-I made it to the top. My legs are a bit shaky. But it’s time to jump again. I wonder if I’ll make a splash.
You can climb the ladder too (if you’re not afraid of heights). I will never taunt you. I’ll even jump in and help you if you struggle after the jump. There’s this lifeguard who knows exactly when to throw me a life preserver. He’ll throw one to you too.🤍
It’s time to SPRINGBOARD into something special and new. I want to thank Lisa Jochim (please visit https://blueberrypancakespublishing.wordpress.com/about/ to support Lisa). She had a huge following on WIX, she’s part of our family now. For 4 months she has coached me once on week. Thank you to Jon Bard and Laura Backes for the wonderful courses and resources https://writeforkids.org/come-join-the-insiders-2/?wlfrom=%2Fclubhouse%2Fthe-back-issues-archive-annual-members-only%2F. Jeff, Kim, Martha, Kristy, Vicki, Pam, Kate, Ashok, Kathy, Richard, Vicki, Mitch, Eddie, Kathy, Mark, Julie (both), Dawn, Dwight, Jane, Michelle, Nico, Brenda, Tangie, Vincent, and so many more…Thank you for your unending WordPress support!
Friends, If you have children, grandchildren, or just a fan of children’s’ books, I hope you peek at my new page (click on Faith and Finley at the top of my site).
Faith and Finley Tour the 50 is the beginning of a series designed for ages 7-11 (ALL AGES 😉).
Why support Faith and Finley? Readers can explore a few facts and meet friends as we journey across the state lines. What’s near your own back yard to explore? What makes YOUR state special? There’s history that can’t be forgotten and facts to uncover. There’s a world outside of the walls. It’s closer than you think. Feel the feelings but find the facts! Find your park. Enjoy Earth’s playground. Get out. Don’t lose faith. There’s beauty to behold when we seek it.
Or make a short story shorter. This week I may have bitten off more than I could chew. I’ve missed the boat on a few things, and yet, as we know, no pain, no gain. At times I felt I was on a wild goose chase. Yet, by the skin of my teeth, I made it.
For those of you that might be under the weather, I’m sorry. Tomorrow in SW MO it’s going to rain cats and dogs. Typically I like saving for a rainy day, but I know not to to put all my eggs in one basket.
It’s not rocket science, but I’ve gone back to the drawing board a few times. I try to hang in there and stay on the ball until it’s time to hit the sack. There really is a method to this madness. Sometimes you have to throw caution to the wind. Even if you can’t have your cake and eat it too.
I’m so glad I jumped on the bandwagon of writing again. I could let the sleeping dog lie, but this really is like riding a bicycle. My head might be in the clouds-but I see a beautiful horizon. And I’m able to weather the storm through thick and thin.
I’m going to keep making hay while the sun shines and leave no stone unturned. I know you can’t make an omelet without breaking some eggs, but remember you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar. Let’s talk about the elephant in the room. Let’s just spill the beans. Don’t take a raincheck. And take it with a grain of salt. We all live and learn and it’s not a piece of cake. Many times ignorance is bliss. But we know every cloud has a silver lining and good things come to those who wait. For me, slow and steady will win the race.
Have faith 💚
My dream has been to author children’s books. And this week I accomplished a huge step with my first one (with hope to be a series of many). There’s still a lot to accomplish; but my vision is 20/20. I’m thankful for all I’m learning and it’s a wonderful journey. My grandkids are my inspiration (they just don’t know it yet ;-).❣
I have to thank my fantastic coach (Lisa Jochim) http://americangirlinholland.blogspot.com/)https://www.blueberrypancakepublishing.com/ for helping me propel my passion. I understand why authors seclude themselves😏 . Seclusion is NOT loneliness if it’s something you choose and desire. There’s magic made in the quiet. My soul is strengthening. I’m gaining on goals and the fog of fear has lifted. Friends, stay true to you. Never give up. Have faith. I cherish you all. ❣
