Just re-read The Hobbit

I just finished re-reading The Hobbit the other day and am really excited to see the movie that's supposed to be out in December; that's one of the reasons I wanted to read it again.  I also like to see if they keep to the original story; I hope they will.

If you hadn't read it in awhile or at all, I hope you do.  There's just something about Tolkien's writings that take you outside of yourself and transport you to his world of Middle Earth.  If you enjoy Wizards, Dwarves, Elves, Dragons and of course Hobbits then you'll love it!  ;)

Christian Women's Voice ~ Autumn Reflections

My poem "Autumn Reflections" has been chosen for the September/October Christian Women's Voice magazine.  It's my first "official" publication in a magazine.  I am very honored and am excited to see how the magazine and Chief Editor, Debbie Dillon bring inspiration and encouragement to other women.

Here is the link:  http://www.magcloud.com/browse/issue/429163

Hope you'll all check it out!  ;) 

When all you can do is PRAY

I write a lot about choosing joy inspite of our circumstances and I always have before, even through battling cancer.  I've had several situations where I had no control of the situation and had to rely on God for help whether it be physical, financial, relational.

For the last two months I have had odd things going on, but didn't pay attention to them; I saw someone with a flashlight in our back woods and thought it a hunter who strayed into my property, on a July night I heard whispers in the woods and thought it some teens playing moon-doggy, one night after getting out of the shower I thought I saw a light pass under my locked bathroom door and that same evening my husband told me that I left the computer and light on in our office.  I had all the warnings, but paid little attention to them.

I'm originally from California where the crime rate was higher than the Blue Ridge mountains of Virginia, but I still lock my doors.  I always tell everyone I know, "Hey anyone can be living here, there are a lot of transplants, I'm one of them!"  Lol!  I also believe these are desperate times with the unemployment so high.

Wednesday was pretty much like any other, I had gone into my bedroom to read and I locked my door.  I was awake when I heard someone in my house.  I thought I had lost track of time and went to unlock the door for my husband.  Before I got to it the doorknob began to turn; my husband would never do that and I wondered if one of my kids were playing around (who by the way have homes of their own, but still have a key to mine).  I said, "Kock it off, who is that?"  No one answered, but now the lock began to turn.

I quickly grabbed onto the lock and held it firmly and turned on my bedroom light.  It didn't stop whoever it was, they kept trying to turn it.  In that moment fear began to rise, I couldn't get to my cell phone without letting go of the lock.

In that moment, I talked (prayed) to God.  I said, "Is this it?  If it is your will then I'm ready to go home."

God spoke to my spirit and said, "No."

"But I'm weak Lord."

"Fight for your children to have a mother, fight for your grandchildren to have a grandmother, fight for the book you haven't written that will touch someone's heart."

"Then give me the strength of David, give me the strength of Samson."

Then I felt this overwhelming peace and strength and anger that they were trying to rob those I love!  I thought about how I battled through cancer so that I would have more years with them.

I could hear someone else in the house quickly, but quietly looking through my things.  I know there was at least two of them.

I began to pretend like I was one the phone talking to one of my daughters and telling my sons-in-love (who are hunters) to bring it!  This went on for 25 minutes and then my husband came home and I heard them quickly running out the door.  I prayed that my husband would be safe and then I called the police.

I don't think anyone is prepared for a moment like that, I certainly wasn't.  At least seven police officers were at my home in minutes.  I don't think they took anything.  For now, the intruders have escaped.

Whenever I hear someone saying that they're going through a tough time I tell them that God is bigger.  I know how I held that lock, because my wrist is still sore.  I know it was God helping me to do it and I am so thankful.

I was raised by a hunter and taught how to shoot from a BB Gun, Rifle and Black Powder.  I didn't like having weapons in my home while I was raising my children, but I definitely have a new perspective.  God also teaches us to be wise as foxes and I am better prepared, but know that it is God who ultimately watches over my home and helps me to get through all of my battles.

Did this shake me up?  Definitely, but inspite of it, I am choosing joy!  ;)

Most Fascinating Blog of 2012 ~ Fascination Award nomination

Wow, my computer was down for a week with a power outage.  I came back to find that Matthew Pelletier had sent me an email stating that I've been nominated for the Most Fascinating Blog of 2012 ~ Fascination Award for Creative Writing.

It was for an article I shared in 2011 titled Finding Joy in the Journey ~ A POEM FOR FALL.  He said that the comments posted in response to my post proved that my content not only inspires my audience, but it also creates discussion around my posts, both of which are requirements for the nomination of a Fascination award.

I am very honored.  : )

Finding Joy in the Journey: THE HEART OF A PATRIOT

Finding Joy in the Journey: THE HEART OF A PATRIOT: What is it about this Great Nation of America that stirs our hearts and evokes parents to give up their sons and daughters in service of her...

I wrote this September 11, 2010, but always enjoy sharing it on the 4th of July.  I can't help but feel the same and it's one of my more popular reads on Scribd.  ;)

The POWER of a Substitute Teacher

I think I was in my freshman year of High School when I had a substitute Teacher by the name of Mr. Detar.  He was filling in for my poetry class while my Teacher was on leave.

After writing a few poems, Mr. Detar asked me if I would like to send them out for a contest.  I was extremely shy and told him that I didn't want to.  He told me that my poems were that good and that I might be able to make some money for them.  Again, I told him that I couldn't do that.  Even though I didn't know Mr. Detar that long, he made an impact in my life.  For the first time, I felt that I might have a gift in writing poetry.

My life took a turn and I later went to work as a Secretary right out of High School.  After my third daughter was born I chose to become a stay-at-home mom and also had one more daughter.

The desire for writing was planted deep in my soul, from Junior High and High School creative writing Teachers, to Mr. Detar.  I did dabble with poetry off and on throughout the years and sent a few out to various publications, but could not resist the temptation to include two poems within my book ~ Legend of the Mer.

So thank you Mr. Detar wherever you are!  ;)

If They Only Knew

Dreaming is easy; it's the writing that seems to take hours to convey what you have seen.  If your readers only knew all that was put into creating this work of art.

If you're feeling like your in the dungeon of creation, you're not alone!  Lol!  It's in these times that you are creating your Masterpiece!  Writing is another form of art and we can all make something beautiful if we keep on writing!

Sometimes I feel like a surgeon, cutting away all that is not necessary.  I will rewrite a sentence five different ways before I can believe what my character is saying.

Writing takes time, patience and practice.  In the end, it will all be worth it if we can make someone smile!  ;)