"Home For the Holidays"

Nestled in with family. The sugary film of affection covering each child. With a kiss on the cheek, and a tug of the sleeve, I look into my husbands eyes in wonder.

We have managed the perfect gift, being home for the holidays. Our lives feel like the perfect morsels of a gingerbread house. Sweet to smell, rich to eat, and perfect to look at. Fragrances of appreciation and warmth caress our noses.

Even amidst the waves of despair that have befallen us at interval times in our family this year, the sweetness of God's favor secure us as one. Two daughters, my husband, and me. Four imperfect souls haggling to find their place of love and contentment.

Looking one to other- all is well. It's safe to exhale, to rejoice, to hope, to believe. The best is yet to come!

Are you reaching for the new beginning of another year with anticipation or apprehension? What do you hope to do differently with your writing?

"Kissing Day Blogfest"

Thanks Sherrinda and Katie for pushing me past my comfort zone, but this is one challenge that I must take by the reins. Since I'm officially not a romance writer this will probably come across as more of a tease, bear with me. What I'm discovering in my current WIP is that there is a romance thread that has developed and I like the spin it's put on the story. This excerpt is from my current work in progress An Only Child.

Tucked away in the corner I sat grieving silently. The blades of morning sun weaving through my hair. Nan stood guard in front of me, recapping memories with approaching mourners. Steering the conversation when necessary. Her motherly presence is an added comfort.

“Do you want to wait in the study Grace? It seems to be less commotion.”

“Yes, can you tell Pastor Daniels that is where I want to have the prayer before we are escorted to the Church.”

Nan meandered through the crowd to reach Pastor Daniels and I escaped through the back door. The tall cedar tree looked inviting. Flashes of the picture with my mother spread across the trunk made me twinge. Smoothing the leaves from the base of the tree I tucked my skirt beneath me and sat facing away from the street.

Closing my eyes I tried to imagine my mother anchored beside me. This spot belonged to her.

“Can I join you?”

My lips parted and eyes opened to find James towering over me. His hands perched deep in the pockets of his jacket, head slanted and eyes soft. The clean smell of his cologne wafting over me. “What are you doing here?” I scoot to make room for him in the clearing of the leaves. He fell gracefully beside me. Close enough to touch.

“Dr. Ben would have joined me, but we still have a few months worth of work to tie up.” He picked up a leaf and ran his fingers across the surface, tracing each vein.

“I understand. Really, I'm surprised to see you.”

“You shouldn't be.” He looked at me intently. "I've been waiting for a long time to come to your rescue." His gaze fell to my lips and he traced them with his fingertips like the skin of the leaf. I waited, wanting him to touch every vein.

The rustle of a sleek black limousine eased into the driveway, freeing me from my desire. James helped me to my feet and we climbed the steps back into the house.

Phew! Thanks so much for indulging me. Today is my last post for the remainder of the week. I pray each of you have a wonderful Christmas! Praying that you remember the passion that God demonstrated to show He loves you.

"Game On"

I'm it! L.T. Elliot tagged me with a meme. If you haven't visited Dreams of Quill and Ink, please head over after you leave here!

Without further ado...
Five North American Cities I Would Consider Living In:

• Seattle
• Portland
• Boston
• San Diego
• Dallas

Five Songs to Which I know all the Words:

• It's So Hard To Say Goodbye (Boys II Men)
• Man in the Mirror (Michael Jackson)
• Crazy Love (Brian McKnight)
• Love (Musiq)
• Never Would Have Made It (Marvin Sapp)

Five Foods I'd Hope to have in Unlimited Quantities on a Desert:

• Mexican mashed potatoes
• Mustard greens
• Shrimp
• Salmon
• Cheesecake

Five Chores I Should be doing instead of Blogging:

• Vacuuming
• Dusting
• Scouring the bathrooms
• Laundry
• Pretty much everything

Five Childhood Friends I'd like to See Again:

• Kim (My first best friend)
• Kizzy (The bully- yeah I have some things to overcome)
• Jackie
• Trice
• Shawn

Now it's my turn to name five friends that I would like to answer the same questions. I hope you're loony enough to join in on the fun!

• Ellie King
• T. Anne
• Patti Lacy
• Jennifer Shirk
• Joanne

What's the most bizarre game your characters have ever played?

"The Gift"

I'm desperate. Usually when people are desperate they do desperate things. Clustered in a maze of toys I amble down the aisles of Toy R Us. The greatest children's wonderland this time of year. My eyes pluck past rows of barbies, baby dolls, and such. Careening for The Gift.

My lips twist in amusement because I'm not entirely sure what The Gift is suppose to be. In years past I've prided myself in finding the toy that glitters my children's Christmas morning. But today, I'm not so sure I will pull it off.

My horror is matched by the empty shelves, barren of all the toys I canvased on the Internet just hours before. Nothing. In my desperation, I pile miscellaneous items in my basket, to cover the gnawing anxiety settling in my stomach. These gifts will never do.

During this season I'm learning to cherish the gifts that have brought me joy all year. The perfectly wrapped treasures that cover my life. Gift wrapping my treasures would take all day. So instead I will say, thank you. For adorning my life with friendship, humor, commonality, for being The Gift.

I honor every blog I follow as a High Calling Blog. You can figure if I leave a comment- that means you! I thank you for sharing your journey and friendship. I revel at your talent! To all The Gifts that keep on giving- God bless you.

Name the gift you want this Christmas season? What are your characters gunning for?

"12 Days of Community- Day 3"

Writing can be a solitary existence. Remotely calmed by the constant stream of creating larger than life playmates. While existing in this community of bloggers allows us to draw close to other aspiring souls, other pilgrims.

Two bloggers made a transitional impact on me prior to creating my own haven here. One was my dream agent, and the other was Author Jody Hedlund. Her debut novel The Preacher's Bride is scheduled for release October 2010.


There are three benchmark reasons why Jody's site impacted me.


The writer's voice.
The writer's heart
The writer's message.


Captivating her audience for the inherent purpose of planting seeds of hope in our journey to publication draws me back to Jody's place three times a week. She has torn the veil for us to see the trudge up the rocky steep terrain. A gaping uphill climb.

Lurking around Jody's site brought the passion to dive head on into this business. Garnishing her drive instilled the hope of this business. Rejoicing in her successes secured the promise in the business. I am eternally grateful for what God did through you Jody, thanks for sharing your climb with us!

Where do you find your inspiration in blogging? Were there any sites that made the transition from dreamer to writer a reality?

"12 Days of Community- Day 2"

Alas, the season to give. L.L. Barkat is hosting a festive challenge to bloggers to engage in 12 days of community, featuring other bloggers on their personal sites throughout the month of December. I can't think of a better gift to give than letting others know that I appreciate what they bring to my journey.

Helen Ginger, is a freelance novel editor with an informative blog for writers, Straight from Hel, and a weekly e-newsletter that has been distributed to subscribers around the globe for over ten years. Helen is also the author of three books in the TSTC Publishing TechCareers series of books.

Navigating the publishing business can be a daunting notion, but Helen does a lot of the hard work for us. Her site delves into the latest news and changes that will impact our dreams of seeing that bestseller on the shelves. Every visit has taught me something I didn't even know I needed to know! We are forced to accept the reality that this is indeed a business, an intricate planet of rules and protocol.

Take advantage of the insight by stopping by and getting in the know! And be prepared to catch a glimpse of humor at it's finest. Thanks Helen for imparting your wealth of knowledge. We will be better for having been given the pieces to this publishing puzzle!


What advantages in being published do you hope to gain by blogging? Are you seeking out sites that cater to this area more than others?


(Keep dropping for the month of December, I may be spotlighting your place!)

"12 Days of Community- Day 1"

This is a wonderful season to show our appreciation for things that don't display a price tag. L.L. Barkat is hosting a challenge to encourage bloggers to engage in 12 days of community, featuring other bloggers on their personal sites throughout the month of December. I will do this for my remaining posting days for the month.


Author, Elizabeth Spann Craig is a woman of many talents. Aside from writing and publishing she graciously shares her journey in a very transparent, witty way. She has penned "Pretty is as Pretty Dies" and "A Dyeing Shame: Death at the Beauty Box." Today she is working on a three book series.

My first active role as a blogger was to make friends. And that has happened almost effortlessly with each of you. Elizabeth is a faithful blogger, writer, and supporter. I have both of her books on my Christmas Reading List that hubby has assured me will be delivered without fail. Elizabeth I can't wait to read your books!

The atmosphere of Mystery Writing is Murder leaves you anything but afraid. You will escape with a deeper appreciation for writing and a candid snapshot of how to get your work in progress in shape. With a finetooth comb Elizabeth prodes the mechanics of a great writing and flawless delivery. Stop by her place- often!

Awards time! This Heartfelt Award was given to me by two sweet ladies, that I'm grateful to call my friends- Julie Dao & Tabitha Bird! I'm bestowing this award to the following friends.

T. Anne- White Platonic Dreams
Lee- Tossing It Out
Jessica- Booking It
Wendy- All In A Day's Thought
Sarah- Every Woman's Journey
Girl in My Own World- The View From the Balcony in My Head




What helps you in your daily blog parade? Are there any fascinating sites you've stumbled upon lately?