On the Road With Karen and Sherry

My friend Sherry Kyle and I felt like a couple of Nancy Drews as we drove south over the weekend to two small towns along the coast of California––the settings of our novels-in-progress––and did a bit of sleuthing. The rain poured and the wind howled but nothing could stop us from completing our mission! We met people who supplied historical facts about the towns and took photos and long walks to ponder our plots. Our visit included some great eating, sight-seeing, and driving too. We came home refreshed and recharged to get back to the keyboard and put our imaginations into words. What better life can there be than that of a writer?

Welcome, Mr. President

What a day this has been. I've been in front of CNN on TV since early morning and I'm taking just a moment to note this historical event on my blog. I am so grateful to be alive to see this transformation in our country. I salute you, Mr. President and I look forward to supporting you as you lead our country--and our world. May God bless, keep, and direct you and your family.

Itsy Bitsy Spider!

A few days ago my husband covered the patio tables and chairs--now under wraps till spring. But before he did so I noticed one of our spider visitors (and they come by the droves) had spun its web between two chairs. It was perfect as near as I could tell. I thought it so beautiful I snapped a photo. What a beautiful work of art, using the tools and natural talent that are part of this creature's being. Later that day I returned to my home/office and thought more about what I had seen. I was inspired to sit down at my desk and create something beautiful with the tools and talent that God has given me. It was a very good day!

Happy New Year!

Today is the first day of the new year and I am reminded, thanks to a card I received from my friend Mary-Ellen for my birthday last year, that 'My life is writing itself'--writing in thought, in action at the keyboard, in prayer to God who gave me the gift of writing and in books and articles and e-mails and blogs. Words matter. Because this is true for me, I like to choose a word to focus on each year. For 2009 it is TRUST. In years past I've selected Joy, Praise, Gratitude, etc., but this year Trust feels right.

I wish each of you who read this entry a year of peace and joy and holy trust in the One who can do for us what we cannot do for ourselves.