You have to love it when it comes to moving and living life in general. Not only am I'm sorting through and packing 17 yrs. worth of memories, I still have 2 jobs I'm working in addition to it being Christmas time. Couple that with promotion one book and retooling/proofing another, and you have a recipe for one BUSY kind of life!
My blessing for the day came with a reviewer's comments. The place that reviewed my first book is one of the reviewer's for the second book... first in the series of books. It SO made my day that this particular reviewer loved the second book. With all the hustle and bustle going on... it's nice to have that little surprise tucked under the edge of my heart to help it on it's journey today!
Have a great one!!
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Seventeen Years of Memories
Well, after living for seventeen years in the same apartment complex, I am finally moving to a new apartment. For twelve years mom and I lived in a second floor apartment before the necessity of a first floor unit. I am presently living in that first floor apartment and have since Aug., 2003. A jarring incident almost two weeks ago made me realize my safety wasn't as secure anymore, nor was Baby's. It seems someone decided to set the hallway of the apartment building on fire. Of four families, only one was home that day... thankfully... or the whole building would have went up in flames and everything a total loss. Goes to show just how much prayer can change things. Every night I pray a hedge of protection around myself and Baby, the room, the apartment, the building, et. al. Then I ask God to have His Hand upon us with secure and complete safety for all that we need to do.
As you can imagine, I'm in the process of going through seventeen years of memories. Since moving here, my grandparents (who showed us these apartments) and my brother and my mom have passed away. I just found out a few days ago how much I'm like mom (in not wanting to face going through item of someone deceased) as she had two drawers that need to be sorted through of dad's things. He died in Jan., 1986. Just like in the apartment safety and security issues, I'm having to trust God to help me make the right decision on what to keep and what to get rid of. There've been tears shed, but also a realization of just how good I've had it. The handcarved wooden clock that my brother gave my mom for Christmas (which doesn't work now, the endless mounds of video tapes mom did of her favorite shows, various books, my washer and dryer, one of the entertainment centers... all have to go. If not for lack of "hook ups", it's for lack of room.
I guess I'm learning that just like with God, there are times for keeping and times for letting go. Just as the tree needs pruning to grow even more than it already has, I'm pruning life so I can grow even more that I already have.
Have a great one!!
As you can imagine, I'm in the process of going through seventeen years of memories. Since moving here, my grandparents (who showed us these apartments) and my brother and my mom have passed away. I just found out a few days ago how much I'm like mom (in not wanting to face going through item of someone deceased) as she had two drawers that need to be sorted through of dad's things. He died in Jan., 1986. Just like in the apartment safety and security issues, I'm having to trust God to help me make the right decision on what to keep and what to get rid of. There've been tears shed, but also a realization of just how good I've had it. The handcarved wooden clock that my brother gave my mom for Christmas (which doesn't work now, the endless mounds of video tapes mom did of her favorite shows, various books, my washer and dryer, one of the entertainment centers... all have to go. If not for lack of "hook ups", it's for lack of room.
I guess I'm learning that just like with God, there are times for keeping and times for letting go. Just as the tree needs pruning to grow even more than it already has, I'm pruning life so I can grow even more that I already have.
Have a great one!!
Saturday, November 21, 2009
It Is Finished.... Sort Of
Well, it is finally finished. The rough draft of "The Heart Broken" was finished Thursday night, and I can say I'm pleased with it. The last chapter was a little difficult to write, as I knew what I wanted to say but didn't quite know how to say it. The last page or two was the most difficult as I had to go slowly so as to not lose the reader from the "speeding up of time". What I had intended to be a storyline in the next book was rather shortened and at the end of this particular book, meaning the storylines were bumped up a bit.
In this book there is the culmination of the 1849 tornado, the loss of several major characters, the rebuilding of many lives, and the introduction of several new characters. I've covered things regarding the Conner family and Alexandria Ford and their roles in this book. What I didn't cover was a few other characters. There was the expansion of the young Mabel Parker friend to Cora Gray. Mabel and Cora are roughly the same age. They attend school together and are best friends. Mabel eventually is called upon to help out, but will she be successful or not in her endeavors. Then there is the introduction of the stern stepfather Jacob Mercer. He could care less about his stepchildren, as his only desire is to sire children of his own. While he's a minor character and only in a brief section of the book, his impact will be felt throughout the next book in the series, "The Heart Mended".
The last set of characters briefly mentioned in "The Heart Broken" are Thomas and Emma Green. He from Virginia, she from Southeastern Kentucky, they arrive in Big Spring in late 1850 and are looking to fulfill their heart's desire and a new ministry in the area. What Emma fails to realize is that women preachers, or women as the head of a church, aren't well received in 1854 nor in rural Kentucky. What she endures will break your heart, but route for her and her family none the less.
All that said, I need to be getting ready for a baby shower for a cousin. Happy Reading!!
In this book there is the culmination of the 1849 tornado, the loss of several major characters, the rebuilding of many lives, and the introduction of several new characters. I've covered things regarding the Conner family and Alexandria Ford and their roles in this book. What I didn't cover was a few other characters. There was the expansion of the young Mabel Parker friend to Cora Gray. Mabel and Cora are roughly the same age. They attend school together and are best friends. Mabel eventually is called upon to help out, but will she be successful or not in her endeavors. Then there is the introduction of the stern stepfather Jacob Mercer. He could care less about his stepchildren, as his only desire is to sire children of his own. While he's a minor character and only in a brief section of the book, his impact will be felt throughout the next book in the series, "The Heart Mended".
The last set of characters briefly mentioned in "The Heart Broken" are Thomas and Emma Green. He from Virginia, she from Southeastern Kentucky, they arrive in Big Spring in late 1850 and are looking to fulfill their heart's desire and a new ministry in the area. What Emma fails to realize is that women preachers, or women as the head of a church, aren't well received in 1854 nor in rural Kentucky. What she endures will break your heart, but route for her and her family none the less.
All that said, I need to be getting ready for a baby shower for a cousin. Happy Reading!!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
In The Homestretch
Well, I'm on the last few pages before the rough draft will be considered finished. I can't wait. I had been pondering a few things the last week, mainly how I was going to end the book. I had already introduced the next two storylines within this book and still needed to move it forward, yet not too far. On the way home, I connected up and realized JUST how the end of the book should be. Once I started fleshing it out in my mind, the more things started rolling and fit into what I felt I was being led to do for the next book in the series.
Excited simply just doesn't do the word or emotion justice regarding what I felt last night. Things are running so smooth right now, I'm a little scared. I guess because I was taking things "oh so slow" to invoke the right emotions and feelings from the reader that I forgot what it was for my fingers to fly.
Proofing has already been completed for the first 3 chapters and very much on a roll right now. I can't believe it... it looks like it'll be ready for a stocking stuffer at Christmas!
Excited simply just doesn't do the word or emotion justice regarding what I felt last night. Things are running so smooth right now, I'm a little scared. I guess because I was taking things "oh so slow" to invoke the right emotions and feelings from the reader that I forgot what it was for my fingers to fly.
Proofing has already been completed for the first 3 chapters and very much on a roll right now. I can't believe it... it looks like it'll be ready for a stocking stuffer at Christmas!
Friday, November 13, 2009
Almost At The Finish Line
Well, it's been over a month since I posted to my blog, but life intruded yet once again. The downturn in the economy has been such that the daycare has seen a drop off in enrolled children which has resulted in combining classes as well as fluxuating hours. While in once sense it's not a good thing, in another sense it's not a bad thing.
With the fluxuation of hours, I'm taking on new and different responsibilities with the newly acquired title of assistant director (actually I'm one of two now). While I like the change in hours and duties, there are times I yearn for teaching again. Heheheee... but one day or afternoon in the a classroom shows me that I really do need a break. As a result, though, I stay in a "stressful" state because I'm not one that takes to change easily. I'm forever wondering if I'm getting everything done that needs be done, or if I'm forgetting that one little thing that makes my (or someone else's) job a little easier down the road. While some might look at this whole change as a "not so good thing", I'm looking at it as God's blessing to learn during a period when time is a little easier to find!
Writing has been unusually slow the past several weeks. I don't think it's so much that I don't have anything to say, I'm wrapping up the book... so there's lots to say! I think God's intentions were for me not to write during the last couple of weeks. It's been a "struggle" of sorts to get down what I want to say, but with good reason. I'm wrapping up the story of Alexandria (based on the last years of life for my cousin, Lieta); starting the new storyline of Mabel... which not only will be a main story in the next book, but serve to set a tone throughout all the books (honoring/remembering the midwives and medically inclined of my ancestors); and the culmination of one beloved character's life. It will be SO hard to write them out, but it has to be done for the advancement of storyline. I also will be introducing a set of characters, for the series' third book, that will be based on the lives of my g-grandmother's brother and wife, half brother and wife. I really get to explore the area of religion during the mid-nineteenth century through the latter two groups of characters, as well as that of a woman preacher in rural America. It should be VERY interesting.
All that said, now I must head off for work. While the hours are crazy, at least it's a paycheck doing one of the things I love... taking care of children!
Ciao
With the fluxuation of hours, I'm taking on new and different responsibilities with the newly acquired title of assistant director (actually I'm one of two now). While I like the change in hours and duties, there are times I yearn for teaching again. Heheheee... but one day or afternoon in the a classroom shows me that I really do need a break. As a result, though, I stay in a "stressful" state because I'm not one that takes to change easily. I'm forever wondering if I'm getting everything done that needs be done, or if I'm forgetting that one little thing that makes my (or someone else's) job a little easier down the road. While some might look at this whole change as a "not so good thing", I'm looking at it as God's blessing to learn during a period when time is a little easier to find!
Writing has been unusually slow the past several weeks. I don't think it's so much that I don't have anything to say, I'm wrapping up the book... so there's lots to say! I think God's intentions were for me not to write during the last couple of weeks. It's been a "struggle" of sorts to get down what I want to say, but with good reason. I'm wrapping up the story of Alexandria (based on the last years of life for my cousin, Lieta); starting the new storyline of Mabel... which not only will be a main story in the next book, but serve to set a tone throughout all the books (honoring/remembering the midwives and medically inclined of my ancestors); and the culmination of one beloved character's life. It will be SO hard to write them out, but it has to be done for the advancement of storyline. I also will be introducing a set of characters, for the series' third book, that will be based on the lives of my g-grandmother's brother and wife, half brother and wife. I really get to explore the area of religion during the mid-nineteenth century through the latter two groups of characters, as well as that of a woman preacher in rural America. It should be VERY interesting.
All that said, now I must head off for work. While the hours are crazy, at least it's a paycheck doing one of the things I love... taking care of children!
Ciao
Saturday, October 10, 2009
A Few Pies Finished!
In reference to my last posting, I finally have a few of the "pies" out of the oven and they "look" great. Chapters 4, 5, and most of 6 have been retooled and look much better. I must have been going through somewhat of a fog when I wrote them as I hit the delete button a LOT in the latter two chapters mentioned. It freed up some page space, which is what I wanted as I still have stories finish (and two to start). With the amount of pages left it, didn't seem to be enough. Now I can get back to writing and then return to the rough draft for further tweeking later!
Been a wild week, weather-wise around here. My grandparents old "stomping grounds" had an F-0 tornado that struck early yesterday morning. While I've traipsed in car and on foot over those hallowed grounds, it's nothing like hearing about it and pulling up the maps to see what you DO remember and want to go back and see. Several cousins still live in the general area, not to mention many an ancestor buried there, so am glad to know that everyone is doing okay and suffered no damage. Kinda odd, though, in reading and listening about the tornado and the area on the Breck. Co. radio station's online website and on the local Louisville news. Breck. Co. isn't "famous" in the Louisville area unless something major happens there. So while it was an F-0 tornado... it threw me to hear about the area I've been to, as well as have in my books... sorta. While set in an area that is in and around Big Spring.... the tiny towns of Custer and Dyer are a little piece away... locals term that it's "only as far as the crow flies". Hmmmmmmmm!!!!!
Off to do some researching for a cousin who is interested in a family connection concerning a good friend of his. Having a bit of an uncommon surname, my cousin and his friend wondered if they were related. While I can trace back the friend's family lines pretty well, I've not been as fortunate on my cousin's paternal side (which is the one I need to get info on). It's been almost 30 or so years since I've talked to or seen my former uncle. Am praying he's receptive to my phone call and will help... and not ask questions about his two sons. Long story that goes with all that, but I want to respect my cousin's wishes. Hope it's a good phone call. Hope it's an informative phone call. Hope it's a short one, in one sense!
Have a great Saturday! 6 days until "the day". Uggggghhhh!
Been a wild week, weather-wise around here. My grandparents old "stomping grounds" had an F-0 tornado that struck early yesterday morning. While I've traipsed in car and on foot over those hallowed grounds, it's nothing like hearing about it and pulling up the maps to see what you DO remember and want to go back and see. Several cousins still live in the general area, not to mention many an ancestor buried there, so am glad to know that everyone is doing okay and suffered no damage. Kinda odd, though, in reading and listening about the tornado and the area on the Breck. Co. radio station's online website and on the local Louisville news. Breck. Co. isn't "famous" in the Louisville area unless something major happens there. So while it was an F-0 tornado... it threw me to hear about the area I've been to, as well as have in my books... sorta. While set in an area that is in and around Big Spring.... the tiny towns of Custer and Dyer are a little piece away... locals term that it's "only as far as the crow flies". Hmmmmmmmm!!!!!
Off to do some researching for a cousin who is interested in a family connection concerning a good friend of his. Having a bit of an uncommon surname, my cousin and his friend wondered if they were related. While I can trace back the friend's family lines pretty well, I've not been as fortunate on my cousin's paternal side (which is the one I need to get info on). It's been almost 30 or so years since I've talked to or seen my former uncle. Am praying he's receptive to my phone call and will help... and not ask questions about his two sons. Long story that goes with all that, but I want to respect my cousin's wishes. Hope it's a good phone call. Hope it's an informative phone call. Hope it's a short one, in one sense!
Have a great Saturday! 6 days until "the day". Uggggghhhh!
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Too Many Pies, Not Enough Ovens
This one is going to be a short posting as I need to be at a Yard Sale VERY shortly. Chapter Ten proved to be not only a crucial chapter, but one that bogged me down. I wanted to make sure I got the pivotal items in place to begin wrapping up this particular book, but was finding it hard to get in my mind what I wanted to say and put it on paper. After two weeks of brooding over it in my head and making as much progess in that time as what I would in two days, I finally got past the "elephant in the room". Made a phone call to Hardinsburg, posed some situations to them, and Karen helped out tremendously in what began to flow in my head as the ending solution to the abuse/alcohol storyline that I've been working on. I think what slowed me up was trying to reconcile my mind that I was writing fiction beyond the family story that I was patterning Matthew Connor after. Once I came into realization of that, it really started to flow a little easier.
Never the less, it was all still so very slow. Now that I've eased around that elephant, I can finish it up as well as concentrate more on Alexandria and her situation, as well as the bump up of a minor character to a major character status. I still have the next book in which this minor character's complete assimilation into the main family will happen, but the ground work almost ready to be put in place.
If you're wondering about the title of this posting... think of someone that has so many things going on and not enough time in the day to do them all. I think "Too Many Pies, Not Enough Ovens" is very appropriate with what's going on in my life right now.
And with that, it's off to the Yard Sale.
Never the less, it was all still so very slow. Now that I've eased around that elephant, I can finish it up as well as concentrate more on Alexandria and her situation, as well as the bump up of a minor character to a major character status. I still have the next book in which this minor character's complete assimilation into the main family will happen, but the ground work almost ready to be put in place.
If you're wondering about the title of this posting... think of someone that has so many things going on and not enough time in the day to do them all. I think "Too Many Pies, Not Enough Ovens" is very appropriate with what's going on in my life right now.
And with that, it's off to the Yard Sale.
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