An Irresistible Story!

Have you ever read a book and began to mourn its ending because you were almost done reading it? The kind where there are no sequels, so it's as though you have to say goodbye to the new friends you've made...special friends that you became very attached to in a short period of time. When you read that last page you know it's over, and you grieve the loss of interesting, fun, and exciting people.

I just finished reading "In Her Shoes" by Jennifer Weiner, and that's exactly how I felt when I closed the book for good. I picked it up at a garage sale for a quarter thinking it would be nice to read books by authors unfamiliar to me. For only a quarter I figured I couldn't go wrong. Wow! And believe me, I didn't.

"In Her Shoes" was not an intellectual read I suppose, but in it Weiner packed it full of human emotion, real life tragedies, and issues like body image concerns that affect women and people every day.

The book has three main characters. The first two that we meet are sisters, Rose and Maggie, who lost their mother at a very young age. They appear to be completely opposite in every way, but as the story progresses we learn that they have a lot more in common than originally thought.

The third main character is Ella who had been estranged from her grandaughter's lives for many years. She is a gentle soul, who like Rose and Maggie did not live her life without pain and adversity.

The plot emphasizes life's troubles... troubled families, relationships, and the personal challenges everyone has to overcome. Life is not picture perfect. But when it comes right down to it families, troubled though they may be, tend to stick together through all the imperfections.

What I enjoyed the most about this book was the way Weiner was able to bring her characters to life, with their flaws and shortcomings, and she makes us fall in love with them. In "in Her Shoes" Jennifer Weiner creates realistic characters that people can relate to in one way or another - those who are hard to say goodbye to, and the kind of book that's hard to close for good! If you are looking for a fun summer read, be sure to check it out!

Free Software You've GOT to Try!

Usually, the conversion from the harsh cold months of winter to the much awaited warmer spring weather seems to happen suddenly - sometimes even over night. But this year, I really kept my eyes on things! I payed attention to the grass as it turned from dingy to the most lush shade of green that can only exist in the early weeks of spring. I have watched closely as trees have begun to bud and as the flowers have popped up in the cool, moist earth! I love it! When people ask me what my favorite season is, how can I tell them when I'm really not sure myself! Every season holds a special charm. Right now, my favorite season is Spring!

I've been doing a lot of rambling just to get to my point. With spring finally here, I've been doing some major spring cleaning, and I have to say that I am very thankful to a friend of mine. Mig from eWritings - Online Public Relations contacted me via email asking me to try out some awesome software that one of her clients recently developed. I've known Mig for a few years now and trust her explicitly. Her desire to keep children safe on the internet has been an ongoing crusade of hers for years. And honestly, it's a desire I share with her. Of course, I downloaded the software.

It's FREE and it's called KIDO'Z and believe me, it's a lifesaver, maybe even literally! It allows your children to play on the computer without having to worry that they might see or get into something that is inappropriate. Everything is parent filtered and it's ads-free, too! I can't tell you how many times one of my girls clicked on ads before using KIDO'Z, thinking it was something legitimate only to find out it wasn't.

I LOVE KIDO'Z and my children do too! Let me tell you one more thing. Several months ago, our family had a very scary incident involving my oldest daughter and a potential predator. Since that time, I have restricted all of their activity online. My oldest daughter still needs it for school, but I restricted my five-year-old completely. I simply didn't want to risk something horrible happening to them. Now, I don't have to worry. KIDO'Z is safe. My children can play all the games they enjoy and I don't have to worry - and I can do all the spring cleaning I want!

If you have children you should truly consider downloading KIDO'Z and give it a try! It was developed by a father - a loving parent, just like you, just like me - who wanted to keep his children safe on the internet. Spread the word and let all of your friends who have children know all about KIDO'Z. Let's keep our own "Kiddos" safe while they get to enjoy plaing games that enhance learning on the internet!

Download KIDO'Z for FREE here: http://kidoz.net/

Let the Creative Juices Flow!

A lot has happened since my last post - back in March! I have enjoyed this last year of just being a mom, wife, and homemaker. But now it's time to move on to other things. Oh I still have every intention of being a stay-at-home mama, but I'm ready to move into the "Work At Home Mama" role. I am ready to write again, and I'm also dabbling into the home business category, as well.

Some of you already know that I sell Avon. In fact, some of you have even shopped at my online Avon store - thank you so much for your business! I've actually been an Avon Independent Sales Representative for over five years, but it's really been just a hobby. Now that my children are older I am treating it as it really is: my business.

One month ago, I set the goal to become a Unit Leader and double my sales. I've already met those goals, and plan to keep forging ahead, looking for customers who are interested in great products at affordable prices, or for those who are interested in learning more about becoming a representative themselves. Please let me know if you might fit into either category, or take a moment to visit my store and see for yourself the great bargains you can find! There's even a men's line!

As I said earlier, I plan on writing again. It's a part of my life that I can't stay away from forever. It's difficult to find the time with three children, but you are all such great inspirations to me! Many of you have children of your own and blog on a very regular basis. I will work on being more efficient and productive with my time and I will keep you posted on that journey!

As for beauty blogging, don't worry, I will not be doing that here! This blog was created in order to be "A blog of encouragement, learning, and inpspiration for writers of all genres." That will not change, but I will be creating a blog especially for my Avon business. So if you are interested, there will be more information coming up on that soon!

I truly hope that you are all doing well! I have missed you and all of your wonderful comments! You have been as much if not more so of an encouragement to me than I could ever be to you - I thank you for that! Take care, and I will be back soon!

Housework Rules!

Here is just a quick update of what I am doing! As you all know, I haven't been doing too much writing lately...Well, ok, I haven't been doing any writing lately...Sorry. I promise more some day, but I have just been so busy in other creative avenues.

I have been scrapbooking, reading, reading, reading, raising three lovely girls, growing closer to the Lord, and working on home improvement projects. The pictures above are of the stenciling I have been doing on my kitchen. It's a time consuming project because I have a very large kitchen and the details take time, but it will be so worth it in the long run! I can't wait to see the finished product! But here is a peek at what I've done thus far!

Hope everyone is well! I miss you all! I truly do!

Oh Blessed and Bountiful Life!

I am a mother, wife, writer, knitter, singer, homemaker, exerciser and user of the creative gifts God has given me. I am healthy. I am not bored. I am greatly blessed and reveling in the good and bountiful life He has given me. I had to tell you this.

My very best friend and life partner!

Two of three pumpkins of my own!

The little gal who keeps me young at heart!

I love this one more than words can say! Isn't she sooo precious!

"Honestly, Mama, do you have to take a picture?"

Canning peaches is so rewarding!

Using and enjoying the fruit God gives us is a blessing unto itself!



What I have posted here is a mere drop in the bucket of the rich life I am experiencing right now. For those of you who have inquired as to my absence, all is well. All is better than well. Life and circumstances can change overnight. That's a reality that I am aware of, so I have simply been enjoying the abundent life I have been blessed with. You all are a part of that life and I truly hope and pray with all my heart that your lives are as full and blessed as mine.

Invigorate Your Writing - the Figurative Way!

Yesterday, over at Middle Zone Musings, Robert Hruzek announced the August What I Learned From... group writing project. He gives us a definition of a simile and metaphor, and offers great examples of each one. After taking care of that important matter, he tells us that this month he wants us to write about what life is to us in metaphor form.

Robert's writing prompt got me to thinking about how important using figurative language can be to your writing. Why should you use it and what purpose does it serve? Using figurative language, a simile or metaphor, has the potential to make abstract, general, or unfamiliar ideas easier to grasp. It breathes new life, meaning, and depth into a dying sentence.

What is a simile?

A simile is figurative language in which the writer says that two things are like each other - usually using the words like or as.

His eyes were as cold and stony as a piece of granite.

Her heart felt light like a feather.

What is a metaphor?

A metaphor is the use of figurative language in which the writer says or implies that one thing actually is another. The element of comparison that is present in a simile is not there in a metaphor.

My daughter is a real pistol when she is angry!

After running three miles, my body begged me to stop and rest.

You probably already know that my daughter is not literally a pistol, or that my body does not beg me to do or not do anything. Metaphors and similes give the reader something that you don't get by simply saying, "My daughter can get real angry," or "I was so tired I wanted to stop running." You get a real visual, a more intense and interesting feeling and a much better read.

Give it a whirl. Practice with your figurative language and watch it spice up your writing!

Until next time, have a blessed day!

Toadally Cool, Huh?

While my family and I were away on vacation, we visited a beautiful park in Warren, PA called Jake's Rocks. If you have a fear of heights, this is not the place for you. Its gorgeous views can be hundreds of feet up in the air in certain places. But it was truly spectacular--so spectacular, in fact, that my camera really didn't do it any justice.

I think the picture of the toad ranks up there as one of my favorite pictures ever. He was camouflaged so well, that I almost didn't see him. Really. My husband said, "Hey! Look at that toad," and I looked for a full minute before I spotted him hiding amongst the leaves.

We spent much of our vacation time outside this year--reconnecting with God, His gifts, and for me my creative side. I've decided to write a book. As many writers do, I have a fear that this is something I am not capable of doing. Give me an article topic to research, or a press release announcing a great new product--those I feel confident about, but a book? Fiction? Am I that creative? Is it possible that I can pull it off? I'm not sure, but I do know one thing for certain: I never will know unless I try. So wish me luck on this one, friends! I'm going to need it!

Take care and have a wonderful day!