Becoming the Bride of Christ: A Personal Journey

Becoming the Bride of Christ: A Personal Journey

Join me today as I welcome Marilynn Dawson the author of  Becoming the Bride of Christ: A Personal Journey. 

Please enjoy an excerpt from her book below and follow Marilynn's story-telling blog tour. For her schedule of upcoming posts, click here. 


In a Land, Far, Far away. . . But Closer than Any of Us Realize. . . the Following Story Continued. . .
Years passed, the Crown Prince was back on His throne by His Father's side. The great hall was filled as before, but those in black had been banished and were no longer welcome among the busy throngs. Outside palace walls and beyond the Capital City, the Realm was now a patchwork quilt of white and black, and even grey as groups of peasantry tried to live in both the white and black ways.

The Crown Prince would saddle up Swift Wind more often now to ride the paths and trails that wound among the hamlets and farms. Those in black would hide as He approached, busying themselves with tasks away from His piercing eyes. Those in grey would meet Him in the way, giving elaborate excuses for trying to live not just for the Great King, but for the Black Guard as well. The Crown Prince would move on in sorrow, shaking His head as He went. Those dressed in white would see Him coming and invite Him into their humble homes. They would celebrate with singing and dance. . . or at least they used to.

Times had changed. The white robes were now more important than the One who had supplied them. Looking after those robes became higher priority than spending time with the Crown Prince or the Great King! Father and Son pled with the people to come to them, to join them in the Great Hall, that arms were always open if they would but humble themselves and show gratitude for the sacrifice the Crown Prince had made for them. A new form of black had begun to creep in among those dressed in white. It was still white, but only white on the outside. This garment had to be put on carefully so that the black underside did not show, and the Crown Prince could see it. . .

One day as He rode through the countryside, He observed a commotion in the distance. A young lady dressed in white was being attacked by men in grey and black. One of the men in grey was trying to encourage the girl to put on grey so the attack would cease, but she wouldn't do it. She'd known in her heart it was wrong to court a man in grey, but she'd done it anyway and knew that she was paying the price for her poor judgement. Soon she was left lying in the ditch, her white garments torn and covered in blood and dirt.
She lay there, ashamed to get up, knowing that if she did so and was seen by her fellow countrymen, that she'd be banished from her village and forced to live alone. There was nowhere for her to go.

The Crown Prince had observed this from miles away and it would be many days before He would reach her region of the Realm. The young lady did what she could to clean herself up, trying to reintegrate with her townsfolk. Those who did not know of her past did not question, although eyebrows would be raised occasionally whenever a scar or a rip was revealed. The girl felt every stare acutely, and as much as she tried to fit back in, she still felt alone and hurting.

One day as she was out walking by the side of the very same road where she'd been attacked, she looked up and saw the most amazing sight! A man dressed in white was riding a white horse. White horses were unheard of in her part of the Realm for starters. But the man on the horse was no ordinary peasant! His clothing shone like the sun and glint of the metal clasps on the horse's bridle nearly blinded her. As He rode up, the gentleness of His gaze nearly had her run for cover behind a nearby bush, but her legs wouldn't carry her and she collapsed to the ground.

The Crown Prince dismounted his steed, admonishing Swift Wind to stay nearby. Swift Wind nickered softly as he found a patch of grass to nibble. The Prince walked over to the young lady and knelt beside her. Expecting judgement and berating, the girl hid her face in her hair, refusing to look up. Gently and tenderly, the Prince placed a finger under her chin and lifted her eyes to His. The girl's countenance turned from fear to amazement as she saw the most amazing love radiate from His face. The Prince brushed her hair from her face, revealing a festering wound on her cheek. She winced as a strand was removed. When the Prince moved to touch the wound, she recoiled, trying to pull away. But the Prince held her close, whispering in her ear, "Many daughters have done virtuously, but you excel them all."

She couldn't help blushing at those words, relaxing a little in spite of herself, but feeling incredible shame at having been found in such a state by one so amazingly gentle and kind. She did not yet know she was in the hands of the Crown Prince over all the Realm.

Ever so tenderly, the Crown Prince persuaded her to let Him touch the wound on her cheek. As soon as she allowed Him, the wound healed, leaving only a faint mark where it once was. The girl touched her cheek in astonishment! Who was this man?!

As the Crown Prince gazed into the beauty of the young lady's face, He knew deep within His heart. . . He had found His Bride!

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Enter for you chance to win a copy of Becoming the Bride of Christ: A Personal Journey
https://www.freecrm.com/form.cfm?id=6004&vc=KIANMLSEAO

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Marilynn grew up in a solid Christian home, coming to Christ at the age of 7. She has been actively involved in Church life since age 10, including activities such as joining her Mom and sister in singing special numbers, choir, teaching Sunday School, leading Sunday School open session, planning Sunday School lessons, and more. Marilynn attended both public and private schools growing up. She attended North Island Community College on Vancouver Island and Trend College in Kelowna, obtaining certificates in receptionist work and Comptia A+ computer repair.

Throughout her life, Marilynn has written poetry and published a few of them in the American Poetry Anthology(two issues). She currently does freelance work for a technical blog in Alberta. She's also written numerous unpublished articles on end-time eschatology and the news, written unpublished short stories, word studies and more.

Marilynn lives with her two teenagers, cat and gerbils, in Kelowna BC Canada. Her day job sees her fix computers, program cash registers, and engage in multimedia for her church. In the evenings and on weekends she's a soundtech helping with various events through the year from funerals to workshops to concerts and weddings. Marilynn sings in the choir, holding down the tenor section, and sang on her church's praise teams for several years as an alto or tenor substitute.

Marilynn can be contacted via her author page on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/Marilynn.Dawson.Author or by email: author@fa-ct.com

Still Terrified!

It's no secret that I'm terrified of birds. T-E-R-R-I-F-I-E-D! For a little history of how this terror came to be, click. HERE. I've even tried to overcome my fears. That's the Zombie Duck story, and you can laugh at me by clicking HERE.

Well, I live in the South and we have an abundance of black crows right now. Black crows.. not to be feared.... if there was one... but 10,000 plus one is enough to make you understand how Hitchcock found his inspiration.

It's not just the sight of them that makes the hair on my arms stand up, it's the horrible screeching. (shudder).

So, I stopped at my moms before going to the grocery store the other day. Her trees were covered with a bazillion birds. Her lawn was covered. Just gross. That's all I can say. Gross. I get in the van to leave and I saw the field was covered.

(Again...gross.)

I turn onto the road and slowed down to get a better picture for you, I even put my window down, but............

(yikes)

...................my van made too much noise and I caused a major exodus from the field. 

Remember that I'm scared of birds and these vicious things were flying all in front of, along side of, too close to my van .... which I had started moving forward slowly as I took this picture while trying to get my window up before any of them flew in while I'm yelling... "No! No! No! No! No!" 

I went on my way.... shaken.... wiser. Feeling just fine with my fear and deciding perhaps I'll keep my distance from all those feathered fiends from now on. On my way home, this band of scary had moved up the street just beyond my house, and off in the distance as far as  you could see... they peppered the sky.

No, I didn't stop, and yes my window was up. This is the stuff from which nightmares are made. 

Ongoing Online Christmas Cookie Swap Hop

This is one hop you will won't want to miss! We are spanning the social  networks to bring you the best Christmas Cookie swap ever! Link up and share your favorite cookie recipe now through December 16. Join the public event page on facebook HERE , and give a shout out "add me" if you'd like to.join the Christmas Cookie Swap board on Pinterest. Check out our board so far! To organize your own swap, check out some great ideas on my recipes.com.

To Be Filled With..... WONDER

Today's the day we venture to the land of Five Minute Fridays! Drop by Lisa-Jo Baker's blog, visit other blogs that participate, and then jump right in! These are the rules we follow:

We write for five minutes flat. All on the same prompt that are posted on Lisa-Jo's blog at 1 minute past midnight EST ever Friday. And we connect on Twitter with the hashtag#FiveMinuteFriday

No extreme editing; no worrying about perfect grammar, font, or punctuation.

Unscripted. Unedited. Real.

Our prompt for today..... WONDER.

Have you ever had that one person in your life you know was put there by the grace of God? Ever had that one person that seems to know how to tell you everything you need to hear just when you need to hear it? Yeah, I've got that person, but I'm fortunate to be able to call her friend and family. The greatest joy I have is watching her shine. Oh, how he loves and lives the theatre. Being the director of the children's theatre consumes her and she loves it. She's one of those people that have the honor of giving kids the ability to dream. For a moment she allows children of all ages to step into a world where all they do creates joy for others. For a moment she fills their lives with WONDER. She has taken my family into the world of theatre, and thank goodness we will never be the same.There's more to her than just being the director because when SHE takes the stage she can take an audience through every emotion and give us all a chance to remove ourselves from reality and into her world. I watched her on stage not long ago performing Always... Patsy Cline, and when I could hear the audience crying, I knew she had moved us all into a place of wonder and awe. I'm thankful to have her as family, as a friend, and as a light in my every day. Kelley, you truly have a gift of WONDER. 

Tis The Season

The holidays make us want to be in love. Romance seems to be easier with lights aglow in every store, every home. The cold makes us want to snuggle. Every Christmas song on the radio draws out the joy we want to share with another. If ever there was a time to take a chance on love, this is it. If ever there was a time to risk it all to make your story one of no regrets, the holiday season will give you that courage. So grab some mistletoe, hop a plane if necessary, find that special someone and decide it's time to make your happily ever after begin right now!

If you think I'm talking to you, then you're right. If that special someone in your life needs a hint... send them my post. :)

Ramblings... With An Ocean View.

I turned 43 on the 18th of November. How strange it was since something seemed different this year. Something in me has changed, I guess. There comes a time when you just feel stronger, more sure, and ready for whatever comes your way. I'm there.... so let's do this!

Recently I had the joy of standing at the edge of the ocean. I love going to the beach. I take a giant plastic table cloth, my writing notebook, my camera, a cooler of snacks for the kids, and a bazillion towels. We play all day and I write there with such inspiration that I'm sure that's where I should be living. But while I was standing there I felt all the stress in my life melt away. So I gave it all to the waters ebbing at my feet. 

I wrote it and watched it disappear.

Funny that I had to write this one four times before I could get the picture.

Nice to see THAT words taken away.

Stepping in the water I enjoyed the moment of feeling free, and then I had to readjust my footing. The sand was being pulled from underneath my feet. I laughed thinking about what I had written in the sand and what I knew in my heart. Letting go means moving on. The world is constant and ever changing. You have to find your place to stand. So many of us want to exist in a place of comfort, but comfort doesn't allow for progress. Just as the shape of the shore changes with each pull of the tide...

..... life is in constant motion. Existing in comfort creates stagnation. Consider stagnant water.. full of bacterial growth that contaminates the water source. Be a source where life flows continually. Comfort is nice for those who give up on life. Me, I'd rather ride the waves. 

Five Minute Friday...... STAY

It's time once again for Five Minute Friday. I'm trying so hard to stay awake until the prompt is given out. All the fun of gathering on twitter using the hashtag #FMFparty on Thursday evenings is such a great way to connect with some amazing women. You'll find yourself laughing, praying, smiling, getting lost in thought, and making friends. Plan to be a part of the fun next week

The idea comes from Lisa-Jo Baker. Visit her blog and find out more. These are the basics she gives us from her instructions:

We write for five minutes flat. All on the same prompt that I post here at 1 minute past midnight EST ever Friday. And we connect on Twitter with the hashtag#FiveMinuteFriday

No extreme editing; no worrying about perfect grammar, font, or punctuation.

Unscripted. Unedited. Real.

Our Five Minute Friday prompt this week is....... 

STAY

Have you ever been in a place you really didn't want to be but you knew it was where you were suppose to stay? This was me..... living back in the town I where I grew up. I moved away for college at eighteen and at thirty-nine I moved back with my four kids. I kept one foot just out of the city limits and kept packing boxes in the garage ready to go if the opportunity should arise. It was home in the sense that my extended family lives all around here, but I saw it as a stopping off place. A pause.

Until......

Recently I have seen my world through different eyes. Seeing the world from a heart ready to live with whatever comes next. No regrets and never looking back. That's the way I want my kids to see me living. Time to settle in, make life real, make here..... home. There will always be a road for me leading out of town simply because my heart belongs to missions in Africa, but it's time to be where I am. Time to make life mine. Time to "be still" since that's the word God's been giving me. Time to stay. 

Picture It & Write

Flash fiction has become my favorite thing to do. A picture can send the mind whirling and land you in a place you never intended to go, but can't seem to leave.

For those wanting to join the fun, come be a part of  picture it & write.

The picture of inspiration.

"Let me take that out of your way."

"Be careful, you wouldn't want to break that."

"Oh honey, let's not use these for our tea. I'm saving these for something special."

The dreaded tea cups that adorned my grandmother's counter. How proud she was of her flawless set of cups and saucers. Oh how I loved to trace the design with my fingertips, but only did it once in her presence. The wrath of a woman that loved her things more than me was swift and sure. I was never allowed to actually use the cups. I'm not sure she ever used them either, but they were cleaned daily, used or not. 

It seems strange now that she's gone.She was specific on leaving the tea set to me. It's been eight years now, and today I have tea ready. I pour it carefully into the beautiful cup. This is it. I'm really going to do it. Taking a deep breath I sigh heavily. Even the noise seems too much for the delicate cup. I sip my tea slowly, enjoying every last drop from the forbidden cup. I feel bold and daring. This is it. My final reward. The four place setting that will haunt me for fear of breaking it and upsetting the heavenly realm. 

I place the empty tea cup gently on the saucer. Finished, and no one died. Taking the hammer from the drawer, I raise it over my head and bring it down with a forceful blow. Shards fly. I breathe deeply. 

Fear released. 

I clean up the mess and then carefully clean the other three cups. I'll call my two daughters in soon and we'll have a grand tea party. As it should be with such a fine set. 

That Good Old Holiday Feeling

Don't you just love the month of November? It's extra fabulous for my crew because two of my four have birthdays this month, and I turn 43 in just a few days. That's right, 43..... and yet I don't feel a day over 25. Great to feel great even if the mirror mocks me.

This time of year seems to make everyone seem a little nicer. Who doesn't look forward to Thanksgiving? If nothing else it's a long weekend of rest and time with family.

This month is also the one year anniversary of the release of FRIDAY LUNCH! It is now reduced on amazon for the holiday season. Drop on by and get your copy. http://amzn.to/JvbIrH

Perhaps the greatest time so many of us look forward to is the Christmas season. I can't wait to decorate my house. 

(Not mine, but maybe someday)

My crew counts down to Christmas each year and we make the most of our time together. There's just never enough time to do all the fun things we plan, but it's always fun to know that fun is coming!

The holiday are such a wonderful time of love, friendship, and family. That's right, I still believe in love... no comment from the peanut gallery. 

What are some great traditions you have with your family? 

Plan to do something fun and new this holiday season! It's time to make some memories! 

Make A Vow, Do It Now!

With social media, our life is full of brief encounters.
- comment on a blog
- reply to a tweet
- like a post
- share a link
- endless texting

How many times today have you talked to someone? I love talking with my friends. I always have. I do believe I've broken more phones than anyone I know, but well worth it.

I don't like texting. I don't, but I do it because there are those friends that just will not talk on the phone. My talk on the phone friends are priceless. They know secrets I would never put down in words. They know the sound of my laughter. They know the voice of my tears. These are the few that I trust with truth.

Ever wonder what makes a true friend? Give someone your time. Give someone your laughter. Give someone the sound of your voice today to let that one person know, she was worth stopping in your day and sharing your world. Those true friends... well, with them I would even share my chocolate.

It's the beginning of a new month. Make a vow for the month of November to call or see your friends. Spend time with family. Face to face... that's where the heart grows.

Five Minute Friday.... VOICE

Hop on over to #FiveMinuteFriday and join Lisa-Jo Baker with all the fun she dishes out on Fridays. These are her rules for fabulous time we share...

"We write for five minutes flat. All on the same prompt that I post here at 1 minute past midnight EST every Friday. And we connect on Twitter with the hashtag#FiveMinuteFriday {and on Thursday night with #FMFParty}.

No extreme editing; no worrying about perfect grammar, font, or punctuation.

Unscripted. Unedited. Real."

Today's prompt...
VOICE......

You know the term you are what you eat, well I'll give you one better....  You are what you say.

There's so much information out there these days on what we should be, how we should see ourselves, and what we should expect from others. But the one thing that bothers me more than anything, is that for some reason women think they have to obtain a level of perfection to be accepted in this world, and if that level isn't reached then by all means, let's criticize everything we do.

Women never feel like they've done enough for their families or their friends. They think they never do enough for their husbands or their jobs. The only thing we have is right now. Today. It isn't going to make you or break you. Your best is in you just waiting to come out and all you have to really do is be you. Never try to become something you're not. Never settle for second best just because it makes someone else happy.

You have to the power within you to be all you want to be, but just be happy with who you are and the rest of the world will follow! Be the voice for all women around you. Let them see your strength by the things you say about YOU.

RACE.... #FiveMinuteFriday

Jump on board with Lisa-Jo Baker and her #FiveMinuteFriday. If you've never been a part, then make today your first time! Lots of fun and you'll enjoy every post you read! Come on now, you know you have five minutes. Link up!

Our prompt for today threw my mind into a whirlwind, so this post goes all over, but worked for me.

The word for today......

RACE.......



When I saw this word I drew a blank and then all these movie lines started flooding me. I began to laugh and realized this was my post. So bear with me. Want to know the first thing I thought of... Fred Flintstone's feet under that rock car of his. Then the coyote and road runner... okay.. I know that has nothing to do with RACE... it's just what popped in my head first.

Then I thought of RAT RACE.... have you seen that movie? It absolutely cracks me up, but one part... one guy says, "It's a race!"... and  now that line lives on in my mind as one of those laughable lines you just keep with you.

The one big RACE I think of in movies... you remember Cannon Ball Run? Burt Reynolds:? Too funny, but the theme song from Smokey and the Bandit came to mind. Now, that will be stuck all night!

How about the Oklahoma land race scene of Far and Away with Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman?.
Best scene. Best lines. My favorite..... someone says... "Let's pretend we're starting out instead of ending up."

Want to live like that? Get out of the everyday rat race and grab that love of your life. Make today count because we're not in a race to prove anything in this world... no really..... all you have is right now.

RACE...to live.

I'm out of time.
Whew!

WELCOME..... that says it all don't you think?

I was almost off to bed when I realized there's a party on twitter that I simply didn't want to miss. If you've never been a party of the waiting for #FiveMinuteFriday then you must post a reminder for next week and hop on twitter on Thursday nights and join the #FMFParty. So many sweet people just waiting to greet you and encourage. They chat all the way until 12 am EST when Lisa-Jo Baker posts the prompt for the Five Minute Friday. Drop by her blog and read about what Five Minute Friday means. It's great fun and it's pulling me out of the blogging mire I've been stuck in for too long. Get ready... this is the post written with 5 minutes on the timer.

Our prompt for this week is...... WELCOME

Have you ever been to a place where you feel unwelcome? Sure you have. Lots of times. Most houses, most churches (it's true and you know it's true), family events... sure, everyone feels on the outside looking in sometime. Well, I want my home to be a place where all feel welcome. You can show up and there will be laundry needing folding... join in.. I don't mind. There will always be toys in the floor or on the couch. I love it though because one day those toys will be gone and so will my  kids. There will always be coffee.. I drink it, I'll share it, and there's plenty more if we run out. There will always be music. We dance in our kitchen and we sing loud because we ARE loud.. most of the time There will always be chocolate. This I can promise. Chocolate is the one thing I indulge in... so hey, aren't you glad we're friends?

I want my home to be a place other kids feel welcome and have the freedom to play and be little. I've told my fabulous four to be little as long as you can because being big lasts forever.

So if you're ever out and about. Know you can always stop by here. Here is silly, here we pretend, here we laugh, here we love, here... you are WELCOME.

The Countdown Begins

That's right... October 1 is here and it's just one more month until NaNoWrMo. If you have no idea what this is you have to check it out! My daughter and I will be participating. Have you decided what YOU'RE doing for NaNoWriMo? Do you outline? Do you just jump in and allow creativity to take over? Have you ever finished? Tell me about your experience with NaNoWriMo, and what plans you are making to tackle November!

I think this year I'll make a page for my NaNo friends. I'll post a link to you if you're participating, Looking forward to a great month of preparation and an amazing November.

GRASP..... Five Minute Friday

It's time again for #FiveMinuteFriday.... and you won't want to miss it! What great fun to take five minutes, write freely with a one word prompt, post and start visiting! Come along and join this blogging flash mob of creativity. Visit Lisa-Jo Baker's site to find out more!

Our prompt this week is..... GRASP

When my 12 year old was two, or close to two, we were hanging out in the bookstore as a family. Just one of the places we would venture on our family fun days. There we were enjoying the quiet, the fun of the store when my little one climbed up on the little black stepping stool in the floor. It flipped. She landed one it. WHAM she landed on it with her chin and split it wide open! Blood was dripping from her little face. We soaked just about everything we had in that diaper bag with blood. Next we took off her shorts and held them under her little face. Soaked. We had to put a diaper under her chin. I was freaking out, but had to play super mom and sing to her on the way to the children's hospital while my husband drove.

Once in the room and her chin was numb from medication, she had to have stitches. Well, being so little they had to confine her. She was terrified. I told them let me hold her hand and buckle me in the straps with her. I grasped her hand..... they buckled us up and began to sew up her chin. I sang every introduction to every cartoon she loved, every Disney song, every church song, every nursery rhyme and in the end....when they set us free, she hugged me. I put her in her car seat and told her what a big girl she was. She was so sleepy. I closed the van door and sat down in the parking deck and cried. Grasp... I needed someone to take hold of me. :)  

WIDE.... as the African sky....

It's time again for #FiveMinuteFriday, and this time I stayed up for the #FMFParty on twitter. I must say, it's such fun that everyone should stay awake until 11 pm EST and be a part of the fun.

The Five Minute Friday comes from our host Lisa-Jo Baker. She posts a prompt and we write for 5 minutes and post the results. Great fun! Check out her site. Lots of great things going on over there.

Be sure to check out others participating in the flash mob fun and sign up.... there's always room for more fun in your Friday!

The prompt this week is WIDE.....

This is an easy one for me. Wide... wide open spaces. I've always longed for the feel of space around me. Growing up in the country, I've enjoyed being young and running in the fields when the ground was freshly turned by my Papa on his tractor. The joy of that feeling sticks and stays with you forever.

That's why when I lived in Nigeria for two years, and we would go out greeting and preaching, I would stand at the edge of the village and look out over the wide spaces and enjoy the feeling of free.

One of the greatest feelings of WIDE came when we traveled north in the country and preached in a village. There wasn't electricity at night and the night sky was thick with a blanket of stars. Want to feel what it means to exist... want to feel like you belong in the universe... spend one moment under an African sky and you'll know what it's like to experience a little bit of heaven.

Six Sentence Sunday

      Micah stepped forward taking her hand and kissing it gently. “How could I ever forget someone as beautiful as Queen Eliana.”

     Eliana snatched her hand away, “You would do good to stand your ground, sir. You did not ask permission to kiss my hand, nor do I need your flattery. Societal formalities have no place in my life you overgrown pompous brat.”   

Six Sentence Sunday. My first time to participate, and my post comes from a work in progress. It's 18.000 words in and I'm hoping to finish by October. Looking forward to sharing the rest of the story with everyone,  so keep watching! 

FOCUS... a lost art

#FiveMinuteFriday

Come join the fun with Lisa-Jo Baker. It's a Friday Flash Mob and there's always room for more. The prompt this week is....

FOCUS.....

Perhaps a lost art in this house. I'm the queen of random thoughts, the diva of daydreaming.... as a writer it's required in the secret handbook that daydreaming is mandatory. However... I am in great need of focus today and this morning I was shown what it means to pause, collect myself and focus for just a moment on the bigger picture. I had my “to do” list for the day. Kids were dropped off at school and I was full speed ahead.... phone is ringing as I write... FOCUS..... that's what the answering machine is for. :P

I was moving right along in my day and I felt the need to stop and pray. REALLY with all I had to do? I prayed already this morning. Couldn't he let me off the hook... just this once?

So I stopped. I walked out to the edge of the mountain and stood there. The fog had settled on the Tennessee river and I watched it's ghostly movement along the water. Peaceful. 

I was not quite that peaceful inside. I needed to slow down. I breathed deep. Breathing in Peace, and then I realized... it's Friday.. full of possibility and full of promise. Time to see the world through peace and get as much out of this day as I possibly can with joy before me.. … and FOCUS.

Share If You Dare Over There With Some Flair!

Today .... it begins.

I'm going to be plastering the link for the eBook of FRIDAY LUNCH all over the place, so friends don't let friends promote alone. Here's what's going on, so you can be a part of the fun!

My fabulously talented cousin, Kelleybrooke Brown is starring in Always...Patsy Cline at The Whole Backstage Theatre in Guntersville, AL beginning the 13th. With the selling of the eBook FRIDAY LUNCH during the performance dates, half the royalties will be donated to The Whole Backstage Children's  Theatre.  This theatre has not only blessed my family with friends and fun, but it has become a place so many go to be a part of something bigger, something special, something uniquely theirs. The stage awaits.....

Always...Patsy Cline performance dates are
  Sept 13, 14, 15, 16
  Sept 20, 21, 22, 23
You can call  (256) 582-7469 to purchase your tickets. These seats are going quick, so all you local family and friends need to make sure you have tickets soon! 


My goal is 1000 books sold in 8 days! I've got people lined up ready to run with this, and if you'd like to help you can share this blog post everywhere! 

This is the link to share. The eBook for FRIDAY LUNCH is at the bottom of that page. Download and enjoy! 

One thing I've discovered about the theatre, it's not that you chose to be a part of a show, it's that the show lives on as a part of you. 


Share! Share! Share! Comment if you share or if you purchase FRIDAY LUNCH, and I'll include you and your link in the post at the end of the promotion. That's about 2000 people seeing your name... so what are you waiting for? 

Thanks to those who are helping. You make this great fun! 

Follow That Author

The number of groups for authors on facebook is alarming. These are a few that actively encourage, promote, and build relationships within the group. We all have our favorites, and you'll find where you fit. Journey through the groups, read what they're about, and join a few. Feel free to add more in the comment section if you have a favorite author or writing group that isn't listed. A lot of these groups are for readers also, so you'll find some great deals on some great works. It's all about putting yourself out there, so writers... get to work. Marketing takes time, but..... it's time well spent when you make a few friends along the way. 

Writers of the South (USA)

Christian Authors Book Marketing Strategies

Supporting Authors One Read At A Time Magazine's Network

Encouragement for Authors

Renaissance Romance Publishing

Adopt an Indie Page

Fellow Writers

Authors with a Purpose

Crazy for books (readers and authors)

Authors, Agents, and Aspiring Writers

Author Friends

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Are You a Wordaholic?

I finally remembered to post as a part of the Insecure Writer's Support Group. So, here I sit, it's midnight when I'm writing this but I won't post it until around 4 am when I wake up from some crazy dream that I think... wouldn't that be a great story?

I have finished the first draft of  the manuscript for my second novel, and I'm finally editing.  Does anyone out there actually enjoy THIS part of the process? I'm not talking about the editing that goes along with finalizing the entire work. I mean, the first read through and making sure your book doesn't sound like the ramblings of a psychotic wordaholic.

Don't you like that... wordaholic. I am so guilty of overstating and overusing words. Here's the perfect example... my first novel, FRIDAY LUNCH is 368 pages. Well, the original manuscript is almost 500 pages with a completely different ending, and there are characters that you'll never meet.

I'm a work in progress, and in my second novel I have tried to create more story in less pages. I like the element of finishing strong and my manuscript not looking like I just purchased refill paper for the copier. I like to have it printed from the computer and in my hand for the final read, because there's just something about turning that last page and closing that notebook that gives me such finality that I instantly want to start creating again.

Are you a wordaholic? My mom reads through my book first before anyone and she has taken her red pen and marked out entire pages. Some would cringe, but not me. I'm all about the strength of the work, so when it's in your hands, it has the ability to hold you until the end.

Can I ever recover from my addiction to words? Not likely. But, what author do you know that can say anything without being a little flamboyant in their descriptions?

Are You Celebrating National Doughnut Day?

Some days shake you for all you're worth. Some days you can ignore and you simply exist. Some days you are the point man taking life by the throat. Some days... it's just all about the doughnuts.

Today, June 1st, is National Doughnut Day. I was reminded of this when Krispy Kreme followed me on twitter. I'm thinking that's a good thing. Everyone needs to be reminded there are free doughnuts out there.

The Kripsy Kreme Cruiser is on their Glaze The Nation Tour. Check it out and see if it's coming to a location near you. June 1st it will be enjoying the streets of NYC, so all you guys up there enjoy! 

We've all been tempted by the HOT NOW sign.

And, there are those moments that simple is best.

So, no matter what your choice... it's always right.

But, just so you know... THIS is my favorite. 

Writing comes easier, and children are happier when a day is filled with doughnuts, don't you think? Perhaps I'll include Krispy Kreme in book #3.... and ask to hold a book signing there. 

The question, however, remains.. which do you prefer... custard or cream filled?

Happy Star Wars Day

May the 4th be with you.... that's the theme of the day. Don't you just love a day when everyone plays along online and has some fun?

Am I a Star Wars geek? Perhaps, but I don't know every amazing detail about the movies. I don't know the names of everyone. I don't know details of all epic battles. However... one thing rings true... I'm of the generation that grew up seeing the very first movies, and yes I was Princess Leah when I was younger. 

It's not about knowing the movies in detail that makes us all Star Wars geeks. It's the feeling you get when you finish such an epic journey from the imagination of others. Lucas, Tolkien, Lewis... we've enjoyed the ride through every twist and turn in the recesses of  their minds. The books we read, the movies we see... they all become a part of our language, a part of our thoughts, a part of our writing. 

So, if it's been a while, make it a Star Wars Weekend! Pop enough popcorn to last, and enjoy! 

Now I like Pinterest, and the people on there are fabulously creative... so would you if you could? 

One last thing.... in the comment section, tell me your favorite Star Wars quote. I have so many, but this one is a favorite:

C3PO: Sir, the possibility of successfully navigating an asteroid field is approximately 3,720 to 1. 

Han Solo: Never tell me the odds.

I Am Defined By Chocolate

So, I didn't make it through the A-Z challenge which was really a giant disappointment. I have tons of chocolate I had collected to share, beautiful places to show, and that flash fiction I was writing would have been an epic adventure after 26 posts. I did write an A post, a B post, and a C post. :)

Well, April has come and gone, but the chocolate continues. In my search for the perfect recipes that would fit into an A-Z category I did come across a fabulous creation....

Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookie Oreo Brownie Bars. 

I intend to walk you through this process and for those on facebook, this is from the picture I posted. Oh, yes... it's just as fantastic as it looks. It will make your coffee stand at attention!

Chocolate chip cookie dough mix..... 

A single layer of oreos.....

One box of brownie mix....

Bake at 350 for 40 minutes....

Add chocolate icing while it's still warm....

Icing becomes fudge-like.....

Be sure to cut a giant piece!

Don't Miss It!

Remember when vampires were scary and didn't have girlfriends? Remember when you wondered if the phone would ring from a guy, and you didn't go check his facebook page? Remember when time together meant more than everyone being in the same room on their laptops? Remember when you could sit around talking with friends without all their iPhones on the table? Remember talking to someone without the interruption of text messages? Remember playing outside so late that even the lightening bugs seemed tired?

Life seems thick with stuff and no time to relax.

I've had some time lately to think about what's really important in my life and the lives of the fabulous four. I sat outside playing  my guitar and my son, covered in mud brought me the mud pie creation made by all. Proud he was, and so was I because we took advantage of a beautiful day and made it ours.

My son filled a cup with rose petals and came to pour it on my head saying he loved me. Sweet gesture, yes, except that the bottom of that cup had dirt in it. I didn't dare shake my hair out until he had walked away. His sentiment was appreciated and he was proud, so a little dirt never hurt.

I had a grand escape for just a short time down by the river. After grocery shopping, I bought a giant piece of chocolate cake, took my coffee and my writing, found a great table (without any sign of ducks) and wrote. Words came so fast that I can barely read what's on that paper. There was great freedom out there.

Wonderful weather has arrived! Make an effort to go outside and enjoy the laughter of your children, savor the splendid moments you can find alone, and take the time to enjoy those nights. There's beauty out there. Life is out there. Don't miss it!