tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62029743425244444082024-03-13T22:56:45.134-07:00The Country AuthorOfficial blog of Christian author, Linda Strawn ~ celebrating faith, small town life, and the wide open spacesLindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10742313107472665351noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202974342524444408.post-35850398604314528182020-02-17T14:48:00.000-08:002020-02-17T14:48:51.129-08:00State of the Muddled Mind, Part One<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EAcgwkUH56k/XksUp6hDToI/AAAAAAAAAuA/RJwmKQCfoRYwUHgYD7QvF148WbUspGDigCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/muddled%2Bmind%2Bpart%2Bone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1519" height="268" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EAcgwkUH56k/XksUp6hDToI/AAAAAAAAAuA/RJwmKQCfoRYwUHgYD7QvF148WbUspGDigCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/muddled%2Bmind%2Bpart%2Bone.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.5pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Look at the title of this blog. </span><span class="Heading2Char"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><i>The Country Author</i></span></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.5pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">.
One would think I have a multitude of published novels in my resume. I have
released one</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14.5pt;">…yep, just one…</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14.5pt;">novel over the last thirteen years and have been dealing with pangs of guilt for not
producing more. Am I living a lie? Does it matter? This blog doesn’t have a
large audience, so who cares?</span></div>
<div style="background: white; font-size: inherit !important; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; min-height: 1em;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.5pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I </span></i><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.5pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">care,
and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I</i> want to be transparent and
accountable.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.5pt;">I’m
sixty-two years old. Age is just a number, but sometimes I feel it’s more than
that. I catch myself dwelling on my own mortality, convinced I’m falling short
of my potential and don’t have a lot of time left to </span><span style="font-size: 19.3333px;">fulfill</span><span style="font-size: 14.5pt;"> it. Sure, I can
believe that statement or I can do something about it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; font-size: inherit !important; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; min-height: 1em;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.5pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Does
God want me obsessing over this? He wants us to have an abundant life, a
fulfilled life. If we spend our days worried about the future and don’t make
the most of today, we are falling short of who God created us to be. He doesn't want our minds muddled with things we don't have control over.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; font-size: inherit !important; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; min-height: 1em;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.5pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I’m
taking a step of faith right now by posting my whole self on this blog. My
worries, my obsessions, my dreams, and my faith. I’m done with the guilt over
what I haven’t accomplished, and I’m ready to rinse the chaos from the slate of
my life and start over. I'm ready to unmuddle my mind.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; font-size: inherit !important; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; min-height: 1em;">
<i style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14.5pt;">Heavenly
Father, guide me through this process and use it to bless others</i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14.5pt;">.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; font-size: inherit !important; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; min-height: 1em;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.5pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">To
all my family and loved ones: Bear with me. If you believe in the power of
prayer, lift me up. If you’re going through something similar, stand with me
and we’ll tackle this together. If you’ve got it all together and can lend a
hand, I’ll take it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; font-size: inherit !important; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; min-height: 1em;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.5pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Leave
a comment and let me know it’ll be okay, or tell me know how I can pray
for <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">you.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; font-size: inherit !important; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; min-height: 1em;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.5pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Stay
tuned for </span><span class="Heading2Char"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><i><b>State
of the Muddled Mind Part Two</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.5pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10742313107472665351noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202974342524444408.post-75774802223784542572019-07-09T00:34:00.000-07:002019-07-09T00:34:18.189-07:00Behold the wonderful layers of a scene<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aHyLJrQHDZM/XSQ8hdHm4GI/AAAAAAAAAqw/pAj9s2-7QfU8rxGHQrSkz3ID9GPYm0buACLcBGAs/s1600/layers-of-a-scene.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1219" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aHyLJrQHDZM/XSQ8hdHm4GI/AAAAAAAAAqw/pAj9s2-7QfU8rxGHQrSkz3ID9GPYm0buACLcBGAs/s640/layers-of-a-scene.png" width="419" /></a></div>
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I was inspired to create this infographic after reading an article posted in <a href="https://writershelpingwriters.net/2019/07/digging-deep-the-psychology-of-a-layered-story/" target="_blank">Writers Helping Writers</a>. Since I never produced an infographic before, I did some research online which led me to <a href="https://piktochart.com/" target="_blank">Piktochart</a>. Super fun and easy to do. It's like "Paint" on steroids, but without the brushes. </div>
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You can do a lot with the free account. Check it out and let me know what you think. Feel free to Pin the image, print it out for future reference, or share on your website/social media pages. </div>
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Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10742313107472665351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202974342524444408.post-85404747637471436562019-06-13T19:53:00.000-07:002019-06-13T19:56:19.178-07:00PTSD-Not All Wounds Are Visible<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZhmLinKWqMA/XQMIY4fdPlI/AAAAAAAAApY/jKyApg2SkbceFbF8LWLLxAq3j3qd_qMaQCLcBGAs/s1600/PTSD%2BAwareness%2BMonth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="558" data-original-width="780" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZhmLinKWqMA/XQMIY4fdPlI/AAAAAAAAApY/jKyApg2SkbceFbF8LWLLxAq3j3qd_qMaQCLcBGAs/s400/PTSD%2BAwareness%2BMonth.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal">
photo credit: <a href="https://www.mildenhall.af.mil/News/Photos/igphoto/2001558999/">https://www.mildenhall.af.mil/News/Photos/igphoto/2001558999/</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: 0in;">The
hero in the book I’d just written served three tours in the Middle East. He’s a
proud warrior and thankful for the privilege of serving his country. When an IED explosion ends </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: 0in;">his military career, </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0in;">this
</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0in;">twenty-seven-year-old</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0in;"> r</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: 0in;">eturns home to fight a new war: PTSD</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">I’ve
always considered myself patriotic. My father served during the Korean War, my brother was career Army, and
my father-in-law saw combat in Vietnam during his twenty plus years in the Air Force. Yours truly did a three-year hitch in the
Army and, fortunately, didn’t have to go to war. I stand with pride during the
National Anthem and get teary-eyed every time. When I see someone in
uniform or wearing a ball cap bearing the name of a military branch or the war
they fought in, I stop and thank them for their service. The glint in their
eyes and heart-felt “my pleasure” makes my heart sing.</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">While
doing research for my book, I discovered a new appreciation for the men and
women who left their comfortable homes to protect our freedom in foreign lands.
We’ll never fully know what they’ve gone through (unless you’ve been there too),
but we can do our part to make their lives easier here at home.</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Here are a
few resources to check out:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.usveteransmagazine.com/2019/06/public-resources-ptsd-awareness-month/">https://www.usveteransmagazine.com/2019/06/public-resources-ptsd-awareness-month/</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.ptsd.va.gov/">https://www.ptsd.va.gov/</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/veterans-charity-overview">https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/veterans-charity-overview</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><a href="https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/">https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/</a></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: 0in;">Remember,
not everyone suffering from PTSD is a veteran of war. It can affect anyone who had experienced trauma.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Thanks
for reading this article. The next time you see a soldier, first responder, law
enforcement, firefighter, or anyone in uniform who sacrifices his or her time
for the betterment of others; thank that person for their service. It will be
worth your time. They’ve already given theirs.</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10742313107472665351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202974342524444408.post-24007315839113809152019-05-24T22:32:00.002-07:002019-05-24T22:43:26.439-07:00It's Done and I'm Ready to Jump<br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For once I’m not here to apologize for not posting or to make lofty
promises of turning this blog into the most exciting thing on the web. I'm
here to dig in my heels and become more productive, such as taking my novel to
the next step.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My manuscript went through the critique process with other
writers going through each chapter, adding and deleting, and making
suggestions. Along the way, I used editing software to further refine the
piece. After I revised the final chapter, I ran the entire story back through
this software and ended up cutting about 9000 words.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I tell you, the accomplishment of typing “the end” and then
spending a few weeks fine-tuning a project is compelling me to want to do
more. So what is the next step?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I typed up a query letter and emailed it to a literary agent—an
agency I had my eye on for a long while. This is a huge step for me. Something
I’ve never done before, and it’s a little scary. They say to expect rejection
and consider it a learning experience. There are other agencies to submit to,
so all is not lost. If I don’t get a reply in thirty days, I’ll go to Plan B
and send a query to three more agencies I’ve researched. In the meantime, I'll rest in the knowledge God has the perfect place for my novel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bp81A-tbNro/XOjSVpN5XGI/AAAAAAAAAok/14mSS2cd1lALZ19NvkMdMM_apeR1fpF3QCLcBGAs/s1600/848785899-LEAP-OF-FAITH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="325" data-original-width="500" height="208" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bp81A-tbNro/XOjSVpN5XGI/AAAAAAAAAok/14mSS2cd1lALZ19NvkMdMM_apeR1fpF3QCLcBGAs/s320/848785899-LEAP-OF-FAITH.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I’d love to hear about your experiences with taking a leap
of faith and watching for a favorable outcome. It could be a job interview,
purchasing a raffle ticket to win a coveted prize, or even waiting for test
results from a doctor, hoping for good news. Was the wait agonizing or were you able to "let go and let God?" <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10742313107472665351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202974342524444408.post-58299859612693288042017-03-28T21:23:00.001-07:002017-09-01T22:56:09.753-07:00Never, ever apologize for not posting. <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I read an article not long ago about maintaining a presence on the internet. I get that you should post regularly to get noticed. If this were a subject in school, I'd get an F because my last post was a long, LONG, time ago. I filed two tax returns since I published an article.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I also read where you should never, ever apologize for not posting.</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vo3ZXRPDDuQ/WNs1eUl5UqI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/YYVBOTPQ1mwi2ChOdyCmVPOadTpIIINHgCLcB/s1600/Lassen%2Bmeadow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="157" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vo3ZXRPDDuQ/WNs1eUl5UqI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/YYVBOTPQ1mwi2ChOdyCmVPOadTpIIINHgCLcB/s400/Lassen%2Bmeadow.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A wide-open space where rambling people live</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Okay, I admit it, I'm rambling. But isn't this a common practice when you live in the wide-open spaces? Really, this is what happens when you have nothing concrete, useful, informative, SEO worthy, or smart to say. However, you want to say something because you're talking with people on Facebook, chatting with fellow authors in your critique groups, and bumping into friends. You tell each other about your websites and blogs. You exchange URLs and agree to follow each other. Next thing you know, your Facebook page got a few more likes and your blog a half dozen more followers. Pride dictates you need to post something to make those likes and follows worth your friends' troubles. You are also compelled to post because when you visit a page or website to follow or </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">like, you discover the author had made about a hundred posts in the past year. A hundred more than you made. </span>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10742313107472665351noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202974342524444408.post-85608970441958824662015-11-18T18:47:00.000-08:002015-11-18T20:09:44.116-08:00Lassen Peak-The crown jewel of Lassen Volcanic National Park<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xpAoF7bguMo/Vk0txgBCVZI/AAAAAAAAAbs/uKEdQ84cHZI/s1600/Lassen%2BPeak%2Bat%2Bdawn%2Bws.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xpAoF7bguMo/Vk0txgBCVZI/AAAAAAAAAbs/uKEdQ84cHZI/s400/Lassen%2BPeak%2Bat%2Bdawn%2Bws.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lassen Peak bathed in sunlight just before sunrise</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">One of the perks of getting up early to get my daughter to the bus stop is I get to see Lassen Peak in all its splendor at sunrise. I have a soft spot in my heart for mountains. They're beautiful, fierce, rugged, and a testament to God's magnificent creation. Watching the effects of light on Lassen and its granite neighbors at different times of the year makes me appreciate this beautiful mountain.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7qUsBJENvSA/Vk0twMXaKsI/AAAAAAAAAbc/ArTgu0lOtRk/s1600/Lassen%2BPeak%2BFresh%2BSnow%2Bws.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7qUsBJENvSA/Vk0twMXaKsI/AAAAAAAAAbc/ArTgu0lOtRk/s400/Lassen%2BPeak%2BFresh%2BSnow%2Bws.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lassen Peak with a fresh coat of snow just before sunrise</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If you haven't visited Lassen Volcanic National Park, you're missing out. It's one of my favorite places to b</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">e, and I don't get there as often as I'd like. I read somewhere that it's one of the most under visited of our national parks. I'm not sure why. It has four types of volcanoes: plug dome, shield, composite, and cinder cone. It's also an active volcanic area and a hot spot for scientists. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z-hYKbpnmg8/Vk0tzUWGSvI/AAAAAAAAAb0/ZhwXIUg4EUE/s1600/LassenPeak%2BButte%2BFire%2Bws.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z-hYKbpnmg8/Vk0tzUWGSvI/AAAAAAAAAb0/ZhwXIUg4EUE/s400/LassenPeak%2BButte%2BFire%2Bws.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lassen Peak shrouded in smoke from the Butte Fire burning in El Dorado County</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">From the road, you can get up close and personal (but stay at a safe distance) with boiling mud pits and steamy sul<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ph</span>ur vents. But if you don't mind a little exercise, you can take a hike and visit some of the more menacing features such as Bumpass Hell or Boiling Springs Lake. There's also lots of things for kids to do, such as the interactive area in the <a href="http://www.nps.gov/lavo/planyourvisit/hours.htm" target="_blank">Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center</a> and various ranger led programs. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I live within 45 minutes of this amazing park, but have yet to take advantage of all it has to offer. You can be sure, hiking to the top of Lassen Peak is on my bucket list. Just gaze at the photo above and <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">i<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">m</span>agine</span> yourself at the top of the mountain on a morning like this. Breath taking!</span><br />
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<br />Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10742313107472665351noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202974342524444408.post-50908795615521187572015-11-17T22:47:00.000-08:002015-11-17T22:47:10.100-08:00<img alt="http://www.alexandraresort.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/coffee.jpg" src="http://www.alexandraresort.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/coffee.jpg" />Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10742313107472665351noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202974342524444408.post-84507191067238344602015-04-30T22:26:00.000-07:002015-04-30T22:32:32.050-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well, I did it. 50,000 plus words in about 25 days. April was a busy month, busier than I expected, so I kicked myself a few times for signing up for <a href="http://campnanowrimo.org/campers/linda-strawn/novels/incident-on-digger-creek" target="_blank">Camp NaNoWriMo</a>. What did I get myself into when I already had enough on my plate?<br />
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But once I commit to something, I have to see it through.<br />
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It sure feels good to accomplish such a feat. 50,000 words. Wow! It's daunting, but not impossible. Though it took the first two weeks to get it together and build up steam, by the third week the words came like a freight train and I got to my destination well ahead of schedule.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vyRhJHopptw/VUMG7rZNWRI/AAAAAAAAAag/0RfW1NlWY2g/s1600/Incident%2Bon%2BDigger%2BCreek%2Bcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vyRhJHopptw/VUMG7rZNWRI/AAAAAAAAAag/0RfW1NlWY2g/s1600/Incident%2Bon%2BDigger%2BCreek%2Bcover.jpg" /></a>I love how the story turned out. I love the characters and I love the setting. It's hard not to love the fictional town of Rock Creek since I based it on the actual town I reside in. By the way, the name of the creek is very real.<br />
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Someday, I'll go through this "book" and begin the revision process, but not until I finish my current WIP. Isn't it just like us creative types to start one project, get bored, start a new one, and get bored again? To be honest, Camp NaNoWriMo was the change in pace I needed. It gave me a renewed appreciation and a surge of excitement for the story I've been working on for years (which I will finish). In the meantime, I'll continue to bask in the glory of my successful stay at <a href="http://campnanowrimo.org/" target="_blank">Camp NaNoWriMo</a>. Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10742313107472665351noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202974342524444408.post-78085967012328877772015-03-23T09:02:00.000-07:002015-03-23T09:02:14.401-07:00Book Review <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17257647-lighten-up" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Lighten Up" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1358520514m/17257647.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17257647-lighten-up">Lighten Up</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4746114.Angela_Ruth_Strong">Angela Ruth Strong</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1235014692">5 of 5 stars</a><br />
<br />
Bethany Light is a personal trainer. She's lonely, trying to fix her family, and struggles to forgive her dad for cheating on her mom. In an attempt to make sense of things, she seeks council from the pastor of her church and ends up falling in love with him. Too bad he's engaged to one of her clients. With plenty of wit, a bit of sarcasm, and soul-searching, Bethany learns it's up to the Lord, and not her, to repair the hearts of others. Angela Ruth Strong did an amazing job showing the results of too much judgement and not enough forgiveness. I loved all the characters in the book from the motor-mouth "dumb blonde" to the adorable UPS guy to the strong-silent-type-green-eyed pastor. Angela should give a workshop on character development, not to mention, writing in first-person. <br />
I recommend this book to anyone who desires a closer walk with the Lord and appreciates a no-nonsense Christian fiction that doesn't sugar-coat real life, all with a good dose of humor.
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/7578050-linda-strawn">View all my reviews</a>
Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10742313107472665351noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202974342524444408.post-1784689307341160932015-03-19T15:15:00.000-07:002015-03-19T16:12:23.318-07:00CAMP NANOWRIMO ANYONE?<h4>
I've participated in National Novel Writing month a few times over the years. Writing 50,000 words in a month really isn't hard for me once I buckle down and get to it. But in November with Thanksgiving taking up some of that time? Not so easy, especially since we usually go out of town for the holiday. I'm forced to squish 50,000 words into three weeks. That's 2,381 words a day. Not an easy task when you have a job and a family. But I did it! Yea!</h4>
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Then I heard about <a href="http://campnanowrimo.org/" target="_blank">Camp NaNoWriMo</a> which takes place in April. Oh, oh. Another month with a holiday, but it so happens we usually don't go away for Easter. I can do this. And I get to be in a virtual cabin with 12 cabin mates. I love camping, virtual and otherwise.</h4>
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I sign up and get this crazy idea about writing a fictional story loosely based on the history of the small town I live in. We've been residing there almost ten years and during this decade, I've heard some incredible stories. So much fodder, so much history, and a lot of interesting people. </h4>
<h4>
<a href="http://nanowrimo.org/" target="_blank">National Novel Writing Month</a> and <a href="http://campnanowrimo.org/" target="_blank">Camp NaNoWriMo</a> are both wonderful ways to focus on creating a first draft of a potentially great novel. I challenge other authors to check it out, if you haven't already. Cabin assignments will take place in six days, so it's not too late to sign up.</h4>
<br />Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10742313107472665351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202974342524444408.post-78614511871255873542015-03-16T20:19:00.000-07:002015-11-16T21:47:21.804-08:00Let's keep this between you and I...<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4PJKEHUiNZM/VQeXRuEjA_I/AAAAAAAAAZc/IlLDIurfFo8/s1600/Gossiping%2BHens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="[URL=http://media.photobucket.com/user/lynnaudrey/media/Buffs/100_0769.jpg.html][IMG]http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n225/lynnaudrey/Buffs/100_0769.jpg[/IMG][/URL]" border="0" height="237" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4PJKEHUiNZM/VQeXRuEjA_I/AAAAAAAAAZc/IlLDIurfFo8/s1600/Gossiping%2BHens.jpg" title="Gossiping Hens" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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The Bible mentions gossip so many times, it goes without saying God is pretty serious about it. We all know it's not right to talk about others behind their backs. But how often do we ignore this? And we can't be pious and point fingers at the unchurched and say it's their problem. Gossip is not limited to mean and worldly people. Stop and think about this. How many times do we, as Christians, talk about others with good intentions? If we add a disclaimer such as, "Keep this between you and I" and agree to pray for the poor person we're talking about, is it still gossip?<br />
I've been thinking a lot about this because I live in a very small town where the act of gossiping is not so well hidden as it might be in a larger town. Gossip doesn't seem to travel as fast when there's more people involved and it's easier for the instigators to go unnoticed. In a small town, you might as well get a bull horn. <br />
I have also been the brunt of gossip though I've done nothing to warrant it. It's a case of mistaken identity. Isn't this what usually happens? More often than not, gossip is spread without the facts to back it up. We take one person's word for it and pass it on. <br />
The Bible says, "A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends." Proverbs 16:28<br />
Gossip is never a good thing, no matter how innocent it may seem. Left unchecked, gossip can rage like a wildfire. Inevitably, people get hurt.<br />
<br />Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10742313107472665351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202974342524444408.post-85787490240641890802015-03-08T22:46:00.000-07:002015-03-08T22:46:03.929-07:00Today's Words of Wisdom<h3>
from this morning's Manton Community Church bulletin...</h3>
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Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10742313107472665351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202974342524444408.post-53001984518275802912015-03-01T14:09:00.000-08:002015-03-01T14:12:05.185-08:00Today's Words of Wisdom<h3>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="color: #073763;">from this morning's Manton Community Church bulletin~</span></b></span></i></h3>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="color: #073763;"> </span></b></span></i></h3>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IlBQfTMN2dk/VPOMu_FyzRI/AAAAAAAAAYk/-BHj1Mj_DFE/s1600/Life-Breath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="life breaths moments take our breath away" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IlBQfTMN2dk/VPOMu_FyzRI/AAAAAAAAAYk/-BHj1Mj_DFE/s1600/Life-Breath.jpg" height="287" title="Life is not measured by breaths " width="400" /></a></div>
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Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10742313107472665351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202974342524444408.post-12640816727976835632015-02-26T12:21:00.000-08:002015-02-26T12:35:05.837-08:00A New Look<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Yesterday I played around with blog designs and settled on one I really love. It goes with my title like real butter on cinnamon bread. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">The old header included a photo I took a few weeks ago of Lassen Peak against a gorgeous sunrise. I gave up the photo in favor of a new header design. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">I miss seeing this image every time I check my blog, so I decided to create something using one of my favorite Bible verses. I hope you like it.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nMgI-m201bY/VO-A7IPng2I/AAAAAAAAAYA/bUMrGsS-6sU/s1600/Lassen%2Bsunrise%2BProverbs%2B3-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nMgI-m201bY/VO-A7IPng2I/AAAAAAAAAYA/bUMrGsS-6sU/s1600/Lassen%2Bsunrise%2BProverbs%2B3-3.jpg" height="121" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Feel free to use this image for your blog or website. Please link back to me, http://www.lindastrawn.com, if you do. Thanks! </span></span></span><br />
<br />Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10742313107472665351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202974342524444408.post-77649323043678193022015-01-29T19:50:00.000-08:002015-02-21T22:54:40.553-08:00Kill Off Your Character With A Cow<br />
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<h1>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Gungsuh;">Writers are always looking for ways to kill off a character in their
books by accident or by foul play. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WjvgOrxy8Ys/VMr6GNyf8YI/AAAAAAAAAXI/7Xj9X098vJw/s1600/animal%2Bkill%2Bstats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WjvgOrxy8Ys/VMr6GNyf8YI/AAAAAAAAAXI/7Xj9X098vJw/s1600/animal%2Bkill%2Bstats.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
Pick up your favorite suspense or mystery
novel, or tune in to the latest episode of CSI or Criminal Minds and you’ll
find the most common life-ending causes are GSW’s (gunshot wounds), blunt force
trauma, </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">exsanguination (blood loss), or </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">asphyxiation
(loss of air). These conditions usually occur at the hands of a jealous lover,
serial killer, or someone under the influence of mind-altering drugs. In most
cases, the perps are human and occasionally your typical predatory animal.</span></span></h1>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<h1>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">A
cow is not a predator, nor is the backyard Bambi. </span></span></h1>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<h1>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">But
did you know these sweet-faced animals kill more people than the great white
shark gone rogue? <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span></span></h1>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<h1>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">I’ve
seen documentaries showing the dangers of hippos, I know a jellyfish’s sting
can be fatal, and I’ve seen videos about fatal attractions with deer. Still,
I’m surprised cows and horses commit murder so often. Certainly, we humans have
more contact with our favorite farm animals than we would have with, say, a
shark. I’m sure there are more farmers than surfers in the world, so this would
make sense. Still, it’s a hard pill to swallow. </span></span></h1>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<h1>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Now,
if golden retrievers and cats were included in this image, I would really have
to get on my soap box. </span></span></h1>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<h1>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Let’s
give Jaws and jealous lovers a break and change things up a bit. Wouldn’t it be
kinda cool to write a story where the character gets clobbered by a crazed cow
as opposed to a creature from the <span class="st">Cretaceous</span> period?</span></span></h1>
<h1>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Or a
flock of formidable ducks set Fargo on fire? </span></span></h1>
<h1>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Or better yet, a bunch of bunnies
blow up a building full of brigadier generals? </span></span></h1>
<h1>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Horses take hostages in a high
rise in Houston? </span></span></h1>
<h1>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Deer damage the infrastructure of Detroit and take over the
auto industry? </span></span></h1>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<h1>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The
possibilities are endless!</span></span></h1>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9BHVU1iBDR0/VMr5oVZoABI/AAAAAAAAAXA/vCGK6Z6ZzbE/s1600/comment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9BHVU1iBDR0/VMr5oVZoABI/AAAAAAAAAXA/vCGK6Z6ZzbE/s1600/comment.jpg" height="277" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<h1>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">I’d love to hear your
ideas, so do what the chimp says. </span></span></h1>
<h1>
<span style="font-size: small;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> </span></span></h1>
<h1>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> </span></h1>
<h1>
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span lang="EN"></span></span></h1>
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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]-->Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10742313107472665351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202974342524444408.post-6918201162309295722015-01-19T21:23:00.000-08:002015-02-21T22:54:14.449-08:001949 Advice from Singer and Writers of Old<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Eu7hv1MTM7c/VL2PnYDXmzI/AAAAAAAAAV8/4uE5P4JygVE/s1600/1949%2BSinger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Eu7hv1MTM7c/VL2PnYDXmzI/AAAAAAAAAV8/4uE5P4JygVE/s1600/1949%2BSinger.jpg" height="376" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">I saw this image on Facebook and just had
to laugh. People had such a different mindset, not to mention expectations,
back then. Remember those 1950’s TV shows such as Leave it to Beaver and I Love
Lucy? It seems no matter what the women were doing— vacuuming, dusting, or
preparing dinner—they were wearing nylon stockings, high heels, and their hair
was perfectly coiffed. Crazy.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">I prefer vacuuming in my pajamas or sweats,
thank you.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">After reading those words from the 1949 Singer
Sewing Manual, I got to thinking about authors from the old days. Things were
way different back then. They typed entire manuscripts on typewriters using actual
sheets of paper. Can you imagine what it would take to produce a full-length
novel? Did they type out a first draft, go back and revise it, and then re-type
the whole thing all over again? They must have gone through reams of paper and
typewriter ribbons in those days. I’m sure they pulled their hair out before “The
End” ever made it to paper. Maybe that’s why most of them wore hats.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">And what did writers do before the advent
of typewriters? Parchment and feathers dipped in ink? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">If you think long and hard about how rough those
authors of old had it before computers became main stream, with their delete
keys and back space buttons, you’ll have a whole new appreciation for writers
such as Edgar Allan Poe and Charles Dickens.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">We have so easy, don’t you think?</span></div>
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Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10742313107472665351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202974342524444408.post-10292941495060671422015-01-18T16:28:00.000-08:002015-01-18T16:30:32.155-08:00Today's Words of Wisdom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2MRsLiE1meA/VLxO4gTOX0I/AAAAAAAAAVs/pFxdv3JJJKg/s1600/DSC00082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2MRsLiE1meA/VLxO4gTOX0I/AAAAAAAAAVs/pFxdv3JJJKg/s1600/DSC00082.JPG" height="462" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10742313107472665351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202974342524444408.post-29631928878417800612014-07-18T16:17:00.001-07:002015-01-13T21:57:57.321-08:00My what is for sale?<span style="font-size: large;">I allowed myself to get too busy to keep up this blog. Literally neglected the poor thing. Then one day I decided to join a new writer's site. I uploaded a picture for my profile, wrote a bio, and provided my blog's URL. Since I hadn't posted in my blog in months, I decided to pay my blog a visit. Lo and behold, a glaring page came up announcing my domain was for sale. Gasp!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It turned out I let my domain expire.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Thinking all I had to do was renew it, I expected my blog to come up all nice and pretty like it had always done. Not so. I ended up having to go through the steps outlined in Blogger to use my own domain name. I felt like I was reinventing the wheel. After getting through a few glitches with the web host where my domain is parked, my blog finally came up.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Fortunately, my life doesn't depend on my blog being active, so to have it down for a few weeks didn't break me. But there are bloggers out there whose lively-hood is centered around their online presence. I can only imagine how awful it would be for them to lose even a day.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Now that I'm back online with my blog, I'm doing the happy dance. Maybe now I won't take it for granted. The day will come when I might really need it to promote my writing, not to mention retaining ownership of my domain so potential readers can find me.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Word to the wise, don't ever allow your domain name (URL) expire.</span>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10742313107472665351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202974342524444408.post-50550065841455626112013-09-22T16:32:00.000-07:002013-09-22T16:32:05.744-07:00The Pendleton Blanket<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gzK_s_5_Drs/Uj97V6j-PhI/AAAAAAAAASQ/jrHCWgnDRWg/s1600/pendleton+blanket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chief Joseph Blanket, PowWows.com" border="0" height="224" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gzK_s_5_Drs/Uj97V6j-PhI/AAAAAAAAASQ/jrHCWgnDRWg/s320/pendleton+blanket.jpg" title="Pendleton Blanket Giveaway" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
When you think of <a href="http://www.pendleton-usa.com/" target="_blank">Pendleton</a>, what comes to mind? Wool shirts? Plaid? Blankets?<br />
When I traveled to Montana last summer and visited the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, we went into Faught's Blackfeet Trading Post. The first thing that caught my attention was the row of Pendleton Blankets hanging just beneath the ceiling. I loved the colorful, geometric patterns and soon realized these blankets are very popular among the Native People.<br />
My Lakota friend, who escorted me around Montana, dances in pow wows. While I stayed in her home, she showed me her regalia--the outfits she wears while dancing--and pointed out a beautiful earthy red dress made from a Pendleton blanket. All of her regalia is special and ornately decorated with shell, bone, feathers, and other natural objects depending on the dance style. It didn't take long for me to realize Pendleton blankets offer warmth, function, durability, and beauty. If I had room in my suitcase, I would have purchased one. <br />
This morning, I opened an email from <a href="http://powwows.com/">PowWows.com</a>. They are holding a drawing and giving away a Chief Joseph Pendleton Blanket. It's absolutely beautiful (see the picture above). If you're interested in entering this contest, just click on this link: <a href="http://www.powwows.com/2013/09/11/pendleton-blanket-giveaway/" target="_blank">Pendleton Blanket Giveaway </a><br />
Leave a comment and let me know if you entered. If you end up winning, leave a comment. If you love Pendleton Woolen Mills (they're goods are made right here in the U.S.A.), leave a comment.<br />
Looking forward to reading your thoughts!<br />
Blessings!<br />
~Linda<br />
<br />
By the way, I hear it's going to be a long, cold winter. Hmm, maybe I better buy a Pendleton blanket. If I don't win one, that is.<br />
<br />Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10742313107472665351noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202974342524444408.post-63910337214832920062013-07-24T09:59:00.000-07:002013-07-24T09:59:06.322-07:00Feel Good About Your Writing<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For those of us who consider writing a ministry and the main
person we want to please is the Lord, staying humble while people rave about
our latest book can be a struggle. On the other hand, some of us are easily
discouraged when comparing ourselves to others or even comparing our first
novel to our latest one. When I wrote my debut novel, I knew very little about
creative writing. I also self-edited my book. I’ve educated myself since then
and find I’m often ashamed of my first publication.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">During my trip to Montana, my friend introduced me to a
woman who read my first novel. She was so excited to meet me and with great
enthusiasm, told me how much she loved my book. Needless to say, I was
encouraged. Her accolades took away my shame. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Lord wants us to be humble. All we have and all we are
is because of Him. Without Christ, we are nothing. But He also wants us to be
happy and content. Feeling sorry for ourselves, harboring guilt or shame, puts
the focus on us and not on God. If we live our life in a pity party, the world
will not see Jesus in us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KP-C17DyGrM/UfADNf6X5YI/AAAAAAAAARs/Rn0CPxgcXPw/s1600/Lake+McDonald+2+Cor+9.8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="alt="Lake McDonald"" border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KP-C17DyGrM/UfADNf6X5YI/AAAAAAAAARs/Rn0CPxgcXPw/s400/Lake+McDonald+2+Cor+9.8.jpg" title="Lake McDonald, Glacier National Park, Montana" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How can we be the best writer we can be while walking the
Jesus road as humble servants?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Pray each time you sit down to write, asking God
to give you the right words.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Join a critique group of like-minded people who
write for the Lord.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">N</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">ever stop learning. Read books and blogs about
writing. Attend workshops and conferences.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">R</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">ead other people’s books to get inspired.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">If y</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">ou get discouraged, take a break from
writing or write something silly, or try a different genre. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Net</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">work with positive people who share your
faith, in person or online. You’ll gain prayer warriors, make friends, and find
you’re not alone in your writing journey. </span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-indent: -24px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Fe</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">llow writers, what do you do when you get discouraged with your writing? Please share your experience and advice. </span></div>
<div style="text-indent: -24px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: -24px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10742313107472665351noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202974342524444408.post-3442875609777414012013-07-18T12:09:00.000-07:002013-07-25T10:41:55.728-07:00I Love Montana<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wBis2VPMIQc/Ueg3QDpRDAI/AAAAAAAAAQk/Rs1PT88dG3Y/s1600/McDonald+River+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wBis2VPMIQc/Ueg3QDpRDAI/AAAAAAAAAQk/Rs1PT88dG3Y/s320/McDonald+River+(2).JPG" title="McDonald Falls, Glacier National Park" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">McDonald Falls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’ve been in Montana for four full days now, but it only
took a few hours standing upon its soil for it to claim a permanent spot in my
heart. Choosing this beautiful state as a setting for a book and writing about
it for the past few years had already convinced me it’s a special place.
I’m blessed beyond measure God allowed me to come here. The mountains, the
plains, the rivers, and the people have proved more wonderful than I imagined.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks to the wonderful hospitality of friends, I
experienced firsthand what it may have felt like for my protagonist when she
arrived in Montana. I landed in Bozeman, she landed in Great Falls. There’s a
huge difference, so we drove by Great Falls International Airport. The modest
airport sits on a bluff that overlooks the city. Planes take off and land at
the north end where there’s quite a drop-off. I’m told it feels like the plane
will go over the cliff just before it lifts off the runway. Driving into and
around Great Falls helped me to see what my character saw when the kind Blackfoot
doctor chauffeured her from the airport to the reservation. The mountains are
further away than I envisioned, but I was right on about the grasslands.
Prairie as far as the eye can see. It’s not flat, but rolling. The bluffs,
coulees, cottonwood trees, and the winding Missouri River gives the eye plenty
to feast upon. </span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DgCZx6TFf9k/Ueg4NjMomKI/AAAAAAAAARM/nphgfm2aCPg/s1600/Glacier+Nat%2527l+Park+%252834%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DgCZx6TFf9k/Ueg4NjMomKI/AAAAAAAAARM/nphgfm2aCPg/s320/Glacier+Nat%2527l+Park+%252834%2529.JPG" title="Saint Mary Lake, Glacier National Park" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saint. Mary Lake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When we hit the road to take in the sights, we started in
the mountains. The Rockies are truly spectacular, as are the many mountain ranges
fingering out from the “backbone of the world”. There are the Big Belts, Little
Belts, Swan, Scape Goats, Elk Horn, and Garnet Range among many others. They
command attention as you drive by and though them, but you haven’t lived until
you hit the Going-To-The-Sun road through Glacier National Park. Wow!
Breathtaking is the best single word I can come up with. Really, there are no
words to fully describe the beauty and grandeur of the Rocky Mountains. It’s
one of those places you have to see for yourself and Glacier Park takes you up close
and personal to these majestic peaks.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q0hiDM245VI/Ueg4KXnBEVI/AAAAAAAAARE/h1gjiV8NYZc/s1600/Blackfeet+Indian+Rez+%252814%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q0hiDM245VI/Ueg4KXnBEVI/AAAAAAAAARE/h1gjiV8NYZc/s320/Blackfeet+Indian+Rez+%252814%2529.JPG" title="Blackfeet Indian Reservation, Montana" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have to say, the highlight of the trip so far was visiting
the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. This is the main setting of the book I’m
working on, so it was at the top of my list. I had some doubts about how I would
be received, but they were dashed in a heartbeat when we visited the eye clinic
in the hospital. The optician there, a young Blackfoot woman, invited me in to
see the clinic and seemed excited I’m writing a book about an optometry student
from California who serves as an intern on the rez. She even agreed to read the
manuscript before it’s published. The icing on the cake was when I was
introduced to two </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_NIlOuDCp0A/Ueg4IpKfpzI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/-hdFzFCGRko/s1600/Blackfeet+Indian+Rez+%252816%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_NIlOuDCp0A/Ueg4IpKfpzI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/-hdFzFCGRko/s320/Blackfeet+Indian+Rez+%252816%2529.JPG" title="Blackfeet Indian Reservation, Montana" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Blackfoot women who are in the ministry. One is also an
optician in the eye clinic and both women worked with TJ and my “new friend”
Sandy (she traveled with us for two days) when they were part of AGLOW. I was
warmly accepted by them, which was a great honor for me.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yesterday, we saw a part of Blackfeet history: the First Peoples
Buffalo Jump located near Great Falls. When we think of a buffalo hunt, most of
us envision Indians on horseback speeding over the grasslands, bows drawn and
arrows aimed at the massive buffalo. <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EDyZgOxggqg/Ueg4CFTPjbI/AAAAAAAAAQw/2I4A6hyW7UQ/s1600/First+Peoples+Baffolo+Jump+%252817%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EDyZgOxggqg/Ueg4CFTPjbI/AAAAAAAAAQw/2I4A6hyW7UQ/s320/First+Peoples+Baffolo+Jump+%252817%2529.JPG" title="First Peoples Buffalo Jump, Ulm, Montana" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Peoples Buffalo Jump</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sure, this happened after the plains
Indians were introduced to horses, but before that they employed the ingenious
and efficient method of herding the great beasts over cliffs to meet their
death. Waiting below is the tribe ready to harvest the meat, bones, hide, and
other parts to use for food, tools, blankets, shelter, and even toys. What an
interesting part of our American history.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nKNeHCysmXo/Ueg4Ofy9QnI/AAAAAAAAARc/MKqaXwi2MzE/s1600/Lake+McDonald+%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nKNeHCysmXo/Ueg4Ofy9QnI/AAAAAAAAARc/MKqaXwi2MzE/s320/Lake+McDonald+%25283%2529.JPG" title="McDonald Lake, Glacier National Park" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake McDonald</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All the hours spent reading books and blogs, pouring over internet sites, or talking with people who have been there gives you just a glimpse of what a place is like. You have to go and see for yourself to truly appreciate the land and the people who live on it. I’m so glad I did.</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10742313107472665351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202974342524444408.post-17068292814175973362013-06-21T12:32:00.001-07:002013-06-21T12:32:54.068-07:00Montana on My Mind<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zb69refhikc/UcSm1RifDsI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/GtCbl7YCzxM/s1600/medium_5944620973+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Glacier National Park, Montana" border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zb69refhikc/UcSm1RifDsI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/GtCbl7YCzxM/s320/medium_5944620973+(1).jpg" title="Just outside of Glacier National Park on US Hwy 89" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
http://www.flickr.com/photos/fritzmb/5944620973/<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In 2007, not long after I published my debut novel, I
started a story about an optometry intern who found herself—in more ways than
one—serving the people of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation in Montana. I’ve
been asked, “Why Montana, and why the Blackfoot?” Sometimes stories come to me
in the strangest ways. But before I get to the root of why I choose this
particular setting, I must disclose the dream that prompted me to write this
story in the first place. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Don’t laugh, but remember that Expedia commercial a few
years back showing the couple planning a trip to Hawaii? The husband searched
the Internet and came across surfing lessons. His excitement about learning the
sport dwindled as soon as he imagined a rather handsome Hawaiian coaching his
wife in the fine art of balancing belly down on a surf board. The husband
didn’t like the insinuation his mind presented, so he suggested an alternate
trip: horseback riding. Here’s the link to jog your memory: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tpRVAf3Rwk" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tpRVAf3Rwk</a>.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For some reason, I dreamt about that surfing instructor,
only in my dream he was laying shirtless in a hospital bed. When I awoke, the
first thing to enter my mind was, “that was weird”, but that weirdness was
enough for me to create a hero based on that one scene. I laugh about it now
because my hero doesn’t teach surfing lessons and doesn’t really look like that
instructor. He was, however, recovering from surgery when the main
character—the optometry intern—first meets him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The fun thing about writing is you never know where the
story will take you. Characters take a life of their own and settings develop before
your eyes despite your most detailed plotting. But how does this answer the two
questions of why Montana and why the Blackfoot? All my life, I’ve had a passion for the
history and culture of the American Indian. It’s never been just a passing
fancy, but a deep interest and desire to know more. God put this yearning in my
heart and has used my penning fiction to bring it to life. When the idea of
this story first hit me, I knew it had to involve people indigenous to this
country. After some thought and prayer, God led me to write about the Blackfoot
people. Naturally, the setting would be Montana, the location of the Blackfeet
Indian Reservation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yes, you never know where your writing will take you and
it’s never been more apparent than now when God has given me the opportunity to
visit the very place and people I’ve been excited to write about. Thanks to my
brother-in-law who offered to pay the airfare, I’m heading to Big Sky Country
in three weeks. To make this trip even sweeter, I finally get to meet my
“sister” who has mentored and guided me through this journey of writing about
and learning what it means to serve and walk beside the Native People. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Through the coming weeks, I plan to share this journey with
you. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Where has God taken you in your writing journey? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10742313107472665351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202974342524444408.post-29367306795329731752013-06-09T15:44:00.000-07:002013-06-09T15:44:16.071-07:00Today's Wisdom Blurb<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RZBRf4QlPRU/UbUFC2J7vxI/AAAAAAAAAQA/sdILF67fxTQ/s1600/Aviary+Photo_130152913039704326.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RZBRf4QlPRU/UbUFC2J7vxI/AAAAAAAAAQA/sdILF67fxTQ/s1600/Aviary+Photo_130152913039704326.png" height="290" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10742313107472665351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202974342524444408.post-22556360699414231812013-05-12T15:18:00.000-07:002013-05-12T15:19:59.058-07:00Sunday Afternoon Wisdom Blurb<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-czh820PpgxE/UZATSScNz9I/AAAAAAAAAPo/kZ-E8Zl8fFE/s1600/medium_4590471048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-czh820PpgxE/UZATSScNz9I/AAAAAAAAAPo/kZ-E8Zl8fFE/s320/medium_4590471048.jpg" height="400" width="365" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pareeerica/4590471048/">pareeerica</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com/">photopin</a> <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/">cc</a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Happy Mother's Day!</i></b></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today's wisdom blurb may not seem like it has anything to do with Mother's Day, but it was in our church bulletin this morning and is applicable no matter what day we are celebrating.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Maybe God wanted us to meet the </i></span><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">wrong people </span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">before meeting the right </span></i><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">one </span></i><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">so that when we </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">finally meet the right person, </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>we will know how to be grateful for that gift.</i></span></div>
Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10742313107472665351noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6202974342524444408.post-75595482678729556632013-04-30T19:50:00.000-07:002013-04-30T20:01:55.933-07:00Manton Monday on Tuesday ~ The Bee Got Me!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OpK6Z-HmX1g/UYCBoKx5MqI/AAAAAAAAAPE/O74lPNMQB9A/s1600/Bee.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OpK6Z-HmX1g/UYCBoKx5MqI/AAAAAAAAAPE/O74lPNMQB9A/s1600/Bee.JPG" height="301" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/aussiegall/421866373/">aussiegall</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com/">photopin</a> <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">cc</a>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I struggled over what to write today. With less than six
weeks of school left, there’s a lot going on, not to mention a big fundraiser
I’m involved with that’s scheduled for June 15.
On top of that, I’m doing the yearbook again and am facing a deadline.
The thought of putting my blog posting on hold crossed by mind, but I really
don’t want to wait over seven weeks for the dust to settle. Still, I needed a subject to write about. So, last night I
pulled a book from the shelf written by Alice Wilson called <i>Manton
Yesteryears.</i> It talks about some of the families that settled here in the
1800’s, the Indians they encountered, and the businesses some of the residents
owned over the decades. Apparently, it took Mrs. Wilson over thirty years to
write the book. After looking it over, I got inspired. Maybe I'll use it to write Manton Monday next week.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Today I had no intentions of writing a blog post, yet here I am. Thanks—or no
thanks—to a rather large insect, I’m sitting here typing away with a swollen
finger. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Yes, the bee got me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After my daughter and I arrived home about an hour ago, she
settled down to do homework and I tackled the kitchen. After emptying the
dishwasher and putting all the clean dishes away, I started to fill it back up
again with the few plates and cups from breakfast. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Loading a dishwasher is mindless work. You tend not to look
at what you’re grabbing, which is what happened tonight. I went for the last
coffee mug on the counter when I felt an intense sting. Yow! By some miracle I didn't drop the cup, but carefully placed it in the rack. That’s when I noticed
the little bugger (it was actually a pretty big bee) crawling on the dishwasher
door. He (or she) seemed lethargic, but I tell you, there was nothing lackluster about its sting.
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My daughter tells me to put ice on it, and I assured her I
will after I finish cleaning up the kitchen. I’m not going to let a bee keep me
from my chores—or from blogging for that matter. I’m just tickled I have
something to blog about. My finger is swollen and my hand itches, but I can
still type. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It’s the little, unexpected things in life God uses to rouse
our creativity. Okay, so a painful bee sting may not be the most desirable
method of inspiration, but I’m still thankful. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In case you’re curious about what happened to the bee: I
scooped it up in a cup and released it outside. Don’t tell my husband. He
believes in squishing six and eight-legged offenders.</span></div>
Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10742313107472665351noreply@blogger.com0