Thursday, January 29, 2015

Apology


I have to apologize to my friends and fans in Fresno, CA. I had planned a book signing event this week and a freak of nature mixed everything up. I started my week heading to Edmonton, Canada for work and ended up staying there for two whole days, stuck because of freezing rain.

Sometimes I really hate the weather and this is a wonderful reminder of why I chose to live and work out of Portland. Even though I grew up in the snow, I am not a fan. :(

Needless to say, I never made it to Fresno, much to my chagrin and worry. So I send out my apologies with a hope that when we reschedule you will be able to come again. Thank you to all my friends for spreading the word about the cancellation and a big thank you to Far West Books for being so gracious and willing to work with me.

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

The Empty Wall

My mind is blank, like an empty wall.
No stories, no inspiration, no thoughts no dialogue.
And then somewhere in an obscure corner
the tiniest hint of a plot breaks out.
The scene, the words, the characters grow
like the tendrils of a vine that seeps through the cracks and reaches out
to take hold of the empty space.
Suddenly the wall is no longer empty
as leaves unfurl and the vine spreads.
New characters are born with each flower
that bursts upon the scene.
The fruit grows, the story matures,
filling the empty spaces and delighting those who partake.
Now where once was an empty wall a vineyard stands,
serving generations to come.
Where once was an empty mind,
now a whole world is experienced.


For the original post see my HubPages account.

Sunday, January 11, 2015

The New Testament

I'm so excited to be studying the New Testament in Sunday School this year. After finishing the Old Testament institute manual, I'm even more eager. It's amazing to see just how completely everything in the Old Testament points to the Savior. Now we get to study Jesus Christ's life and his gospel. It makes me all happy and eager to read my scriptures.


Friday, January 9, 2015

Dear Editor

Dear Editor,

I'm so tired of editing. Aren't we done yet? When will the pain be over?

Sighing,
Author

Dear Editor,

Thank you!!! You're the best. This book is getting even better with every edit.
I can't wait to continue editing and making these awesome changes!
You Rock!

Joyfully,
Author

Dear Editor,

Haven't we done enough? How can you possibly expect me to add even more 
pain and suffering on these poor characters? Stop the madness!!!

Aggravated,
Author

Dear Editor,

You were so right, that character needed the growing experience. I can't believe
how much better this is with those changes. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Elated,
Author

Dear Editor,

Grrrrrrrrr!!!

Author

Dear Editor,

:D!!!!!!!

Author

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Car Shopping Stinks

So I've been out looking for a new used car and I have to say I'm sick of it. Long story short my wonderful 2002 Infinity G20 that I've driven for the last ten years said adieu. I put no blame on anyone for my car's untimely demise. The problems probably could have been fixed with the right mechanic, but they were beyond me and my pocketbook so I let the insurance company total out the car.

Since that painful day, yes I actually cried and then promptly forgot to grab my plates, I have been searching for a new mode of transportation. I've considered going the route of the train and bus users to get to work and then depending on friends to cart me everywhere else, but I can't say I'm quite ready to forge ahead on that route. I figure I'm either too entitled or too lazy, both of which are completely understandable when you have to drag all your flight bags, for a three day trip, half a mile in the rain to the train stop.

Needless to say my search hasn't gone too stupendously great. I did find a vehicle that I like a lot, in
fact I will go as far as to admit that I love it, but finding one with the right miles, in the right condition, and for the right price is nearly impossible. And why is it that every dealership out there has "the best prices" and "everything is negotiable" when it really isn't? A little honesty would be nice once in a while. (sigh)

My search continues and I hope to soon be driving in a new used car. Until then I am reliant on a wonderful best friend who is willing to take me to work or the train stop, depending on the day and I'm hoping and praying that the Lord will see it in his will to put me in the right place to find the car I need to be in.

Here's hoping and praying. :)


Monday, January 5, 2015

Thursday, January 1, 2015

The Penny Project by Betsy Love

WOW!!! There aren't too many books out there that can make me go through the whole gamut of emotions, but this one did the trick. This was a fantastic story about love, service, and what we can do to change other people's lives for the better. Well done, Betsy Love, well done.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who needs to get into the Christmas spirit or even a spirit of love and service.

As the prospective valedictorian, wide receiver and favored tenor in show choir, Jake knows he’s at the top of his game. He sets his sights on Lexi, the sweetest and hottest girl at Palmdale High and can’t miss. 
However, racing to class one morning, he plows into Penelope, the overweight new girl. Books and papers fly everywhere. He helps her with her things, even holds her hand so she can stand up. 
CLICK! 
Someone snaps a picture and sends the text all over school. Egged on by his friends and desperate to squash any rumors before Lexi gets back from Mexico, he pulls a juvenile prank. NOT his brightest idea. As punishment he must tutor Penelope three days a week. Her grade is now his grade. He sees his chance at a full ride scholarship disappearing faster than a missed field goal. And to make matters worse, Lexi sides with Penelope.


Jake is like any typical teenager that you want to hug and strangle all at the same time. He gets himself into mess after mess and in the end it seems like there is no way out. Penny you want so desperately to love and by the end of the book you realize that you have loved her all along. It is a story for all ages with lessons to learn from every point of view. Great Book!!!