It has been a While!

We acquired a new member in our family.  An Ober goat, 3 months old, still taking a bottle a day to help bond.  His name is "Coffee Bean" named because Goats first discovered coffee!  The story is on my website, marywrites.vpweb.com

Have great travels in both NM and TN.  I am so glad I was in NM before the fires in AZ and on the line!  I hear they are finally contained.  Tennessee was in all of its glory.  A few Cicadas tried to get in the way. but it was a great trip with great friends and relatives.

Larry just got back from a Rendezvous in N Idaho.  He enjoyed it and slept in a tent this time....that's why I didn't go! Ha!  Sadly, his friend from Estacada returned home to find her husband in the Intensive Care after falling and remaining out in the yard all night and being found by neighbors calling the ER.  He is still in a coma but the prognosis is a little better.

It is really summer now and some of our GREEN will begin to disappear...since it was so late in coming, maybe we will have a great Indian Summer....

Jolie and Damien leave next Monday for Croatia/Serbia on a Mission Trip, then will be in Idaho for Molly's wedding on August 7th.  It is hard to believe that my Baby girl is so grown-up.....

The Next Step

The next step was to see my mother (which I did on Mothers Day), see my daughters, I did see Molly today, and will see Jackie and grandchildren on Friday night and Saturday.  I am catching up on errands, house, laundry, mail, and packing for the next trip towards Tennessee.

It was hard to come back to cool weather, but the Lord has been gracious and it was partly sunny today with hopes of real Springtime!  I love seeing yellow daffodils waving in the wind.  I love seeing the grass so very green and plush again. (Although that means Larry and the goats must get busy soon!)

I am always reminded of how I cherish each and every friend of mine whether I see them often or not.  One of the great blessings of life for me has been special friends..... different places, different lives, different sizes and personalities...makes for a great learning experience!

Now I better finish up as it is getting late....good night to all and to all a good sleep.

Home Again, Jiggity Jig

Hours of driving can take a toll on anybody.  Well, I am not just anybody!  So, I am trying to catch up, and get ready for the next trip.  I wish I could have brought some of the sunshine home with me this time as I know Idahoans are getting tired of cool weather.  And with the Tornadoes and Floods in the East, I wonder what I will see next!

My little short contest story will be up for voting on May 8th, I believe.  I am starting on a new idea and hope I can get with it soon.  I would love to have something at least "put together nicely" for another writing conference.  Finding an agent would be a good thing.

Mothers Day is almost here.  I will attend church with my 93 1/2 year old mother this year.  I miss my grown-up kiddos, though also.  Moms never quit thinking about their children no matter how old they get.

Praise God for whom all blessing flow........

Resurrection Day

8 a.m. in a covered building in the a County Park.....about 100 people, children and young people doing a skit, keyboards and singing, the preaching telling about the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.  A lovely Easter potluck breakfast and friendly conversation.  Home to rest and work on some projects.  1:30 p.m., invited to an outdoor meal with friends and neighbors, the wind whipping up at intervels, large grey and white clouds and intermittent sun.  Then CRASH!

I reached over to touch a little dog, leaning to the left sitting in a very old half-broken aluminum yard chair and fell flat on the ground!  People ran to help me up.....my thigh hurts!   Oh, well, another silly story to tell.....another friend came to visit me at the trailer.  A wonderful Day.....HE AROSE.

The arrival of Doves

This year has been a special year in New Mexico.  They always have some Doves in the area, but this year an abundance of smaller Doves and more.  I witnessed some beautiful ones up on the mountain at Val and Bills' Adobe watering at the back door.....Hummers are just coming.....Spring is certainly here in NM.....There is not a cloud in the blue sky.

I have been busy still, writing publishers, here in the area currently.  I communicated with a magazine publisher yesterday in Silver, and she said she grew up here all of her young life in Glenwood, and that her Graphic Artist still lives here!  I'll have to look her up!

Well, better lift off to projects at hand...still working on another painted wallet and reading.....

Have a special Good Friday....Cantatta tonight!

Got a Set of Wheels

A wonderful friend loaned me a truck so I made a trip to Alma Grill, Udder Delight, and homes of 2 friends today!  I finally figured how to plug in the laptop outside so that I can write longer.  New Mexico becomes dearer and dearer to me.  Some of it is God's people here, some of it being the wonderful warm and sunny (low humidity) weather, landscapes, animals, you name it!  While Larry is cold at home, I am basking in the sun...lapping it up!

While Larry is cooking for himself, I have had offers the last 2 nights for supper.  Tomorrow I get back to Art projects, writing and walking, I hope.  Eating too much already....my hopes of losing weight are failing, but I can start over, I guess....too many good cooks around here.

Sunrise service will be just a walk across the road to the county park, at 8 a.m. and then breakfast there on Sunday morning.  This will be my first sunrise in a long time....brings back memories.....no white gloves or patent leather shoes, but the thought of HIS Resurrection......how Grand.

At times like these, however, I do miss my kids and when I was a kid, too, and my mother, siblings....Mike's Mom and I discussed calling Easter, Resurrection Day and I agree, I am going to try and do that more than ever before....I am not waiting for the Bunny to come.....I am waiting for Jesus Christ to come!!!!!!

Good NIght





, 

Saturday evening in NM

Well, howdy y'all.  I arrived in Glenwood (via Bonanza and then car, in time to flood and clean up the bathroom of the trailer, lassoed a Forest Service guy I know and he helped me hook up my electricity, get the fridge on, lights, etc.  Being the princess that I am, I ate a pecan pie for dinner, read very late, got up at 12:30 p.m., made coffee, ate a donut, took a shower and went to a great Community Choir Concert group from Silver City.

I have been DOG TIRED, but now I am under a tree with a wonderful breeze and picking up a neighbor's signal on Larry's MAC Pro.  Just a few things to share from today.

While I was in the shower this afternoon, the Holy Spirit laid some things on my heart.  This communication process from Him to my heart to my head is so blessed.  After I receive one of these messages, I compare it to the Word of God to make sure it did in fact come from Him as he commands
us to do.

I came out of Works/Rules Theology many years ago.  I wasn't steeped in it, but introduced to it, and now have cast it far.   BUT...God does expect us to be separate in some ways out in the world.  And when I say Us, I mean that He does speak individually to each one of us at times.  I do know from experience that preaching to someone, harassing someone, convincing someone of anything is futile, so I gave up on that totally after my first husband divorced me.

 I will simply share what I received today and if you do not agree or do not see it, then that is your decision.  I lived through the 1950's, the 1960's, the 1970's the 1980's, the 1990's, then 2000 came and my youngest daughter graduated from HS.  I had been waiting for that year all my life.  It came and went and it is 2011.  I attended the HIPPY Movement (didn't really mingle in it much) but I understood it.  Everybody was hollering Peace, Peace.  I knew in my heart that there was only one place to get that, but I had put that on hold.  I saw the "Peace sign",  and then Pegaseuses, and other signs.  Now it is 2011 and the Peace sign is all over clothes, purses, backpacks, books, you name it.  What does it mean?  It is the world saying Peace comes from another place except Jesus Christ.  If you are a believer, I want you to know that the Lord has laid it on my heart, twice, (including today) about us as Christians thinking that this is OK and following the world's message.  I am not telling you that you must follow rules, but I beg you to listen to that little voice that I am talking about if you are a Christian and thnk it over and make Godly decisions for your children and grandchildren and nieces and all of those who you have influence over and buy for.

End of Story

Leaving on a Jet Plane, then taking a Bonanza!

PHX, to Mesa, to Silver City, to Glenwood!  See you soon!

TUESDAY

I picked up my Mother from the Assisted Living and we headed for lunch at the old Skippers on Fairview and it was really good, not too greasy.  This was the second time when we leave somewhere and she is trying to get into the car, she fell in to car floor and I can't get her to be able to get up or move onto the sear.  Her ankles are too weak and she gets so flustered....a man came over and encouraged her to pull herself up and she finally came to a stand and then managed to get on the seat.  I am at a loss to do much but put my knee up to hold her from falling out because of my black.  After shopping for baby yarn at Joanne's big store, whe had a young lady that works there come out and help her in and things went fine.  We found some pretty pink, white and lavender for trim for a baby girl blanket for her Pastor's daughter.  She says she really doesn't feel like doing this, but she will try to crochet it as she does want to do something nice for his family.  I went to get my nails done after I dropped her off, then the grocery store where I stocked up on some things that Larry will need while I am gone.  Tomorrow I will finish packing and leave Thursday morning.....I haven't seen Molly or talked to Jackie.....Be in Mesa. AZ Thursday night, and NM on Friday afternoon.  My contest submission (1600 word story scene) will be posted on an authors website on Thursday.....more later about that.....

Gots lots done today...

Actually sent my manuscript to a CA Agent.  It took almost all day to do what they want, like they wanted it.  I am still pursuing a contract.  Listened to a few minutes of "My Book Therapy".

Did some more packing, laundry, e-mails, etc.  Tomorrow I take my mother shopping and to lunch.  I am running out of time.  Got my room more organized.

The herd of Lady Elk that used to come around our hill came to visit today and some are sleeping outside our back door!  It was so nice to see them back.  Smoky has been hysterical over them.  He finally went into his house a little bit ago.

I hope Spring will come again to Boise sometime before long.....I would hate to come home from NM to snow!  No, I will not go there...I will anticipate flowers of every color even if I do not have Red Geraniums this year.

I am on the last book of the Mitford series.  I have enjoyed all 8 of these books.

Thank you, Lord, for another day.

I'm Back!

Sorry to have shut down for a few days.  My mother-in-law moved out of state, my mother has needed me, I have been writing for a contest, and packing for a trip to AZ/NM.  I am off to the desert close to the National Forest in NM eventually.  How I crave the sunshine and light breeze there.  Some of the locals have shared with me that there has been a strong wind carrying the Cottonwood tree's dust.  It hasn't bothered me much in the past, so I hope that will be the case this time!

I am flying to PHX, then via a Bonanza flown by Larry's old Air Force buddy to Silver City, NM.  Friends will retrieve me and I will journey to Glenwood, a wonderful little town in the shadows of the bigger world, where you can still feel like you are in the 1950's.....almost.

I plan to be in our trailer at Double TT Homestead and work on writing, crafts, sunning, etc!!  I might even get a visit from a relative I haven't see in over 50 years!  I don't know if the Hummers are there yet.  One year, we had over 20 trying to get into our feeder.

I hope to have Internet access most of the time, but if I do not, know that I am on a retreat that is much needed........until then, Love, Mary

Saturday

Well, I got lost today and missed a baby tea!  Oh, well, I managed to get a few errands done and came home and Larry and I made Stir-Fry......he doesn't cook but he can chop!

I  am having some recurrent  back pain....the weather turned icky again and I suppose we are back to winter.....keeps me indoors way too much and no exercise except when I am shopping.....do not tell anyone that!  I know, I know, I should be down on the floor....anyhow, please pray for me so that I do not get real bad......

Gloomy, again?

Last night was a fun time with my oldest granddaughter at her 13th B'day party.  Although her real birthday is April 5 (born on Palm Sunday that year), we celebrated at Rockies in Boise on April Fools Day!  She seemed excited and enjoyed her night and the gifts.  Guests were:  Grandpa Mike and Joleen, Tiffany and daughter, GG Peggy and GGP Bernie, Grandma Dixie, Bruce, Grandpa Merlin and MeMaw Wendy, Molly and Alex, Hatty, JJ, Jackie and Jon, Grand Mary and Larry, Nicki, Dan & daughter.

Even though it is supposed to be gloomy today, I am off to a Baby Tea in town.  Maybe I can stay dry!  Larry and the cat will stay by the fire.....poor Smoky.....he can't take his coat off, so he has to stay outside.

Jiggity Jig and Away I Went

Met a friend for lunch and shopped on a beautiful sunny day!  It really perked me up today to see the sun and blue clouds and feel the warmish air, about 60 degrees.  We have had a long winter, so we have been waiting fairly patiently.

Larry is getting ready to send his new magazine, "Goat Tracks", to the printer.  I will contribute from time to time with human interest type stories.  I have been helping with proofing tonight.

Did a little shopping for oldest granddaughter turning 13 and new babies at the church.  I have a Baby Tea to go to on Saturday.  A nice day, a nice night......Thank you Lord for each and every day, and especially these sunny ones!

A BIG Day

Today I submitted my children's book manuscript to two publishers.  How exciting!  I at least feel good about finally doing it!  I tried to be as careful as I could and do what I was supposed to. 

We also said goodbye to Larry's mother as she moves to WA state.  She is 93 and I hope this will be a wonderful finish to her life.  My mother, also 93, still lives in Boise.  She seems happy right now, although fragile.

Now I need to keep researching marketing for later.  I need to keep writing and reading.  I need to get ready for my trip in April to NM.

Thank you Lord for all your bounty of wonderful gifts.

Another Day

Rainy, rainy, rainy, March is moving on.....Gently, gently, gently, sprinkles just upon; The roof, the deck,  the shed.....now sleep, now rest, crawl in the bed.......

Thank you for this day and everything accomplished in your name.

Monday in Town

Today was a day of going to the doctor, picking up RX, shopping at a thrift warehouse, fabric store, grocery, and visiting with my mother, and my mother-in-law, who is moving this week.

The sun was out and I enjoyed it tremendously!  40-50 degrees, but overall pretty nice. I saw some beautiful primroses at Fred Meyer and was tempted to get some.  This year will be hard to raise flowers as I am traveling on 2 trips, April in NM and May-June in TN.  If there are any RED geraniums left when I get back mid-June I will get some!  Most years I dream of them all winter.....this year I know it might not happen!

Tomorrow I am preparing the manuscript of the children's book to 2 more publishers.  I am still hoping for a contract.  Lord, help me not to be disappointed if this does not work out, but I really think there is a place for this book and at least 3 more in a series.  It is in your hands.

Writing Busy

I have been doing lots of researching.  Most of it about synopsis, submissions, e-books, etc!  I hope to soon have a contract of some kind within the next few months on my children's book.  I have a market area and background of information, so why not?  If I can get it published and they pay me, that will suit me fine without a layout of money myself....we will see....the Lord will have to reveal His plan for all of this.  I will continue to work on another project, but I can see a series develop out of this story.......

My mother had a BP up to 200 today and got fairly anxious.  They have given her something to help calm her and hope it goes back down.  I think she really thought she was "going out " today and I felt sorry for her anguish.  She is confident of where she is going, but not how she gets there!  Bless her heart.

I finally gave in to my cold and blew my nose all morning....maybe it will not stay long.....

Snow Melted

Well, last night's snow is gone and a drizzle or two has come down today.  I thought I was going to cook a yummy pork roast, but it was not meant to be.....it stunk!!  Back to the store it goes!  I guess it will lbe Chili tonight!  I am trying to cut back and lose a few pounds as I work up to being healthier and feel better.

If you do not know how to download free e-books to your MAC, you should look into it!  I have several now on board to read.  Mysteries, all kinds! when I was at the Writers Conference, we found out about the new readers coming out....even after the new Kindle.  The technology will continue to rev up and get better and better.  You cannot change this kind of progress.....Publishers are trying to get on board as well as authors.

Almost Sunday.  Almost April.

Ending the Week

Since I have been a little under the weather this week, I decided not to attend the Ladies Night Out group from our church tonight.  Larry did take me to town in the afternoon and I managed to get some shoes for the June wedding and a couple of other items that I needed.  We split a Honey Bourbon Chicken plate in the mall while we were there.

By the time we started east, blowing snow was chasing us home.  It never got too heavy and was finished by the time we arrived up the hilly driveway.  The animals were all glad to see us and be fed.

I keep wishing for warm weather.  At least for now, I must stay by the fire as much as possible and look forward to my trip to NM next month.....hoping to get some tan on my legs!  I guess a girl never gets too old to think about that!  At least Southern girls!  and keeping her toenails polished!  Ha Ha

Thank you Lord for today.

Where did the days go?

Wow!  This week has flown by.  I have been trying to get sick....how dumb, you say....well, I think it finally hit me and it is raining, damp and dreary, so I canceled my day's appts. and decided to stay home.

Thank you Lord for my wood stove.  How it keeps me going during these winter months.

Sometimes I think I am the most blessed person in the world with the friends I have.  Those in TN who so readily accept me back into their lives after so many years gone, my best friend in Portland, my other best friends from the past, my newer friends and people that I have met through writing.  What a privilege to have so much support.  Then there's my sister who has always been my cheerleader and my other family. People that take the time to really know me, (and Srgnt) know that my heart is open and very soft.  Sometimes a brusk exterior hides that, especially with health issues, emotional scars, etc.  But Praise the Lord for those who truly love in Christ!  And then finally, my 93 year old mother who has become sweeter to me in the last months.....I will treasure these times with her forever.

Quiet

It is quiet here now.  Outside it is very windy though.  The cat sleeps, the dog guards, and we live regularly.  It is Sunday night.  We went to church, I delivered the grands back to the parents.

I have some new books to read, I read some writing craft suggestions.  I blog and then I will relax for the night.  Monday morning is always slow.  It is time to make some solid decisions about travel and Spring.  Eileen moves to WA in about 9 days.

Saturday Night

Got to play Yahtzee and Boggle.....made cookies with Hatty.  Had Wings for supper.  Trying to finish Book 3, Mitford Series, to pass on to K.  Preparing for church tomorrow.

Lord, prepare my heart.  Please help me take in what you have for me.  Give me grace and forgiveness to all.  Help me make a plan for travel acceptable in your sight and for the good.  Bless my Mama who has been so sweet lately at 93.  Thank you for this relationship that has been mended.

Friday NIght

Picked up the kids for the weekend.  Jackie and Jon are going to the Marriage Seminar in Boise.  JJ is wild as usual.  We had spaghetti for supper and "Fireproof" is on.  The temperature went up today and it is a little warm for the fire in the stove.  Lord help me be a good grandma.  Prayed for D last night and today.  Goodnight.

Sun and Snow Together

Well, yesterday it rained, snowed, pelted, and the sun did shine.  This morning the sun is glistening on the snow.  The animals are as tired of winter as I am, but we do appreciate the moisture for later.

The grands are coming tomorrow for the weekend, so it will be a special time.  Got a menu planned for spaghetti, wings, etc.  Hailey almost 13, Hatty almost 10 and Jon Jackson (JJ) almost 4.  New play-do, even store bought!  Let's hope they can go outside at least some of the time.

Thanks for every day, whatever the weather, whatever the temperature, whatever the event, just whatever...help me to not be sooo moody, help me to think of others, help me to think of Lent, show me a world from your side of things, and help me not to worry about the world I see on the news, internet, etc., as you have it all in control according to your plan.   Thank you for being my comforter, my friend, my Lord.  AMEN!

Another Day in Snow/Rain Territory

The fire is raging and that is part of what keeeps my outlook bright during the cold and dreary days of March.  I think "Spring".  I think "Easter" and my Lord.  I think "Flowers sprouting".  I think "sunshine".  After all, all of this comes from our Heavenly Father.  His comfort comes in so many ways.

I am going out today and taking my 93 year old Mother to get her hair cut at a special salon....$6 cuts....works for me!  This lady works until 9 p.m., so she makes OK and keeps other people from paying $15-20....senior, low income, you name it.  We need to be thankful for people like this.

I listened to most of the Chat class last night.  Hook, POV character, storyworld, dialogue,  prologue....I am still on the journey.  I am still searching to see if this is what the Lord really wants from me.  If you do not work on it, you will never know for sure.  So, I listen to my best friend, and keep plugging along until He tells me to quit.  (My BF is AC and she is a brilliant light in my life)  I wish everyone could have a BF like mine.......but I know that she is a special blessing from the Lord.....just for me.

It's Monday Again

I am praying today to continue on my search of completing tasks and learning organization.  I may never fully get it, but I know I can get better at it.  I am overwhelmed so many times when I look around and remember what I need to do in my life.  I guess it has been hard for me to realize how my disability affects me in so many ways.  I start the day late, I have effects of medicines, I get stressed and nervous easily, and we live pretty far away from town and other family.  I will not, though, give into this and throw up my hands.  That is futile and I will not go there.  Lord, continue to teach me your peace and hope and inspire me to do what I need to do for  you and others and myself last.  You are my covering, my life, my friend.  Thank you for this season of renewal during Lent.

I missed some days this week

Well, I did hang some pictures for my 93 year old mother in her room yesterday.  She moved from one room to another in Assisted Living not long ago.  I had gotten her a mother and baby horse picture last year, finally got it framed and hung.  Then we had to put some back up that were moved from the other room.  Today was a stay at home day and get ready for the potluck tomorrow at church.  I made a decision on who I will write on for the BIO column in Heartbeatthemagazine for April.....but I am not telling!  You will have to check it our on April 1......heartbeatthemagazine.com......Set your clocks forward tonight and have a wonderful Sunday........

The Dentist and My Teeth

Why the dentist keeps calling is beyond me.  I keep trying to do what I am supposed to do and avoid seeing him, but it doesn't seem to be working!  Well, at least they are clean now!

Stopped by to see my mother and at 93 she was working on another scrapbook full of historical and family clippings, certificates, cards, etc.  She has always been so good at having a "life" no matter what the circumstances.  She is a great testimony to me in so many ways.  She has never been perfect and at times a real stumbling block, but she never fails to amaze me.  I can see God's hand in changes in people all along their life.  When He is in charge, things never stay the same....we can trust Him to keep shaping our clay, can't we?

The fire is burning and the cat is sleeping, what can I complain about?  I am loved.  I am warm.

A Blanket of Snow

Just when I think March winds might be much, a blanket of fresh snow appears.  I am ready for this to dissipate and for Spring to come marching in!  However, I am not in control of these things.  And even though Easter is a ways away, tomorrow is Ash Wednesday and I am ready to read a new devotional regarding this Lent time and starting a new sense anticipation of Easter and the Resurrection !  Praise God, for He Arose!  This is my hope, today, tomorrow and beyond.

Sunny Sunday

Still Winter, but at least it was sunny most of this Lord's Day.  Enjoyed worship and music was especially sweet today.  Visited moms and hung Mama's horse picture for her.  Home by the fire.  Kit Kat has a sore paw. 

Mentors are Important

It was so nice to receive a personal welcome from a care mentor with 'My Book Therapy" this morning.  As we so desperately need mentors in the Biblical Christian life, we so need mentors in our personal hobbies, vocations, every area of life!  Help us to remember that we can be a mentor to someone, there is always someone out there that may need a help or encouraging word.  Think about that today and pray about it.  Be willing to give and......be willing to take.

Today at Home

I got some things done today.  I went through some books, worked on one of my closets and made a beef stir fry for dinner.  I am already thinking of my 2 week vacation to NM just for me.  This will be a time to sunbathe, do crafts, write and see newer friends in NM.  Just thinking of the sunshine gives me a thrill....Thinking of what color and type of dress I need for Molly's wedding.  Cool, light, and breezy sounds good, tea length, ah, I can dream!

Joined "Goodreads" and set up shelves for some of my books.  I hope that we have a class on "My Book Therapy" next Monday night.  Have some ideas to change my novel in the beginning again.....

A Special Thursday

Today my youngest daughter told me she will be married on August 7, 2011.  You see her as a little girl and a grown  woman at the same time.  She tried on her dress at the shop and she was beautiful.  It was a sweet moment to be with her.  You dream all your parenting life about the best for your children.  I trust a Sovereign God to protect and care for her above even her husband's care.  My baby will be married.

TO WRITE OR NOT TO WRITE

This will be my official writing blog.  I will share some of my writings here with some people.