Fabulous new read!

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Gone To Green
Abingdon Press (August 2009)
by
Judy Christie

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Judy Pace Christie, after working as a journalist for twenty-five years, left the daily news business to open a consulting firm that works with individuals, businesses, and churches on strategies for meaningful life and work, including goal-setting, living fully, and balancing personal and professional lives. She is the author of Hurry Less, Worry Less; Hurry Less, Worry Less at Christmastime; and co-author of Awesome Altars. Judy and her husband live in northwest Louisiana.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Lois goes from being a corporate journalist at a large paper in the Midwest to the owner of The Green News-Item, a small twice-weekly newspaper in rural North Louisiana. The paper was an unexpected inheritance from a close colleague, and Lois must keep it for at least a year, bringing a host of challenges, lessons, and blessings into her life.When Lois pulls into Green on New Year’s Day, she expects a charming little town full of smiling people. She quickly realizes her mistake. After settling into a loaned house out on Route 2, she finds herself battling town prejudices and inner doubts and making friends with the most surprising people: troubled teenager Katy, good-looking catfish farmer Chris, wise and feisty Aunt Helen, and a female African-American physician named Kevin.Whether fighting a greedy, deceitful politician or rescuing a dog she fears, Lois notices the headlines in her life have definitely improved. She learns how to provide small-town news in a big-hearted way and realizes that life is full of newsworthy moments. When she encounters racial prejudice and financial corruption, Lois also discovers more about the goodness of real people and the importance of being part of a community.While secretly preparing the paper for a sale, Lois begins to realize that God might indeed have a plan for her life and that perhaps the allure of city life and career ambition are not what she wants after all.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Gone To Green, go HERE


BUY THE BOOK HERE!

Deep thoughts and a winner...

I've been surrounded by realization lately of God's grace...and judgement.

In Sunday school this past week we were studying the book of Jonah, and got a detailed look at exactly how evil the people of Ninevah were. No wonder Jonah didn't want to go preach to them! I won't get into the details how nasty and violent and brutal they were. Its a day-dimmer, for sure.

I got another refresher of that this morning while reading from the book of Nahum. The Assyrians were some pretty bad people, yet God extended His grace toward them.

But check this out: (bold emphrasis mine)

The LORD is a jealous and avenging God; the LORD takes vengeance and is filled with wrath. The LORD takes vengeance on his foes and maintains his wrath against his enemies. The LORD is slow to anger and great in power; the LORD will not leave the guilty unpunished. His way is in the whirlwind and the storm, and clouds are the dust of his feet.

Hmmm. That kind of reminds me of Sodom and Gomorrah and how that turned out!

Which kinda reminds me of (gulp) America.

Throughout history, God has shown grace. The people of Ninevah repented. The people of Sodom and Gomorrah did not.

Ninevah survived, Sodom and Gomorrah did not.

See a pattern?

I'm concerned for our nation today. What started out as a strong, "under God" country has been reduced to a cesspool of sin. Our government today supports homosexuality and abortion. I believe that would have our founding fathers rolling in their graves! We've sunk so low, and so far, God has been merciful. But eventually, judgment will reign. If we don't repent as a nation, punishment is evident.

After Sept. 11th, 2001, Americans banded together. Flags were flown, souls were saved, God was put back into the country. It was a true miracle...

and it lasted for about 6 months.

I hope it doesn't take another national tragedy to bring people back to God. I hope God keeps giving America second chances. I hope Americans today will repent and turn their hearts and live over to God. If not, what will our beloved country look like in five years? Ten? Will God even allow it to continue that long?

I believe our country has become power hungry. We've crossed the line from proud to arrogant. From thankful to assuming. From grateful to greedy.

Wake up, people! The only way out of this mess we've created for ourselves in America is repentance, and humility. What can you do today to spread the gospel? To tell someone about Jesus? Look for opportunities to make America a better place today. Prayer might not be allowed in schools anymore, but its certainly allowed in your car with your child before they get out to start their day.

Exercise your freedoms. Before they're all completely gone.

Sigh.

Okay, so on a lighter note, we have a winner of the contest I was holding regarding my new author site (www.betsystamant.com) Thanks for the comments everyone, I'm glad to know my new website is liked by all! =)

And now, the winner of the free autographed copy of RETURN TO LOVE is....

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.



ELIZABETH YOUNTS!

Congrats! Please email me your mailing address and I will ship this book to you next week. =)

Thanks for playing everyone!

Don't forget...

Don't forget today is the last day to sign up on my author website to win a free autographed copy of RETURN TO LOVE!!

Just visit my site at http://www.betsystamant.com/ and leave a comment in the guestbook about the design. I'm trying to get feedback on the new site. A special thanks to my amazing web designer, Jason Walker, the husband of my dear friend and writing buddy Jenness Walker. (he did her site too, of course. Check it out here!)

This is Jason's contact info, if you're interested in hiring him (he has such great deals!) for your own website. He not only has the great designs and prices, he's great to work with and customize anything you need. And of course, he has a special interest in authors, since he's married to such a great one! =) (speaking of, be sure to watch for Jenness' debut novel with Steeple Hill this October!)

jasonwalker@websiteministries.com

Hope to see you on my guestbook!

Come visit me!

Come visit me today at Scribble Chicks!

A local artist...

Writing is definitely an art form. But I've always been so impressed with people who can express art through drawing, painting, sketching, sculpting, etc.

Therefore, I'm pleased to introduce to you today my friend Haley Reese McKeehan, who is a local artist and school teacher here in northern Louisiana. Haley and I go way back, and she's got so much talent! Who knows what God has planned for her future. =)

Check out this interview with Haley and if you're interested in her prices and projects, shoot her an email at haleymarie1130@bellsouth.net

Did you always know you wanted to be an artist?

Yes, I have always loved art! I enjoyed going to art class as a child, loved it as a college student, and find it absolutely fabulous as the teacher! Art allows you to come up with an idea, travel to a new place in your mind, and end up with a masterpiece all your own.

Beautifully said. So what is your specialty? painting? Sketching? Etc.

I am pretty good with painting and drawing/sketching. I must say, my true passion would be painting. I love the flow of the paint at the end of the brush. Painting allows you to make mistakes and then challenges you to find ways to correct them.

Tell us what its like to be an art teacher in todays schools. Fav parts? Least fav parts?

I need to start by stating that I completely and totally love my job! Being an art teacher in today’s schools is usually pretty interesting because you never know what kids are going to do. Many of my students have never had the opportunity to study art under a trained art teacher and this is very upsetting to me. Although, it does give me the chance to show them many things, which in return, is very rewarding. I find that most of the students love art and all the fun things that come with it.

My favorite parts: watching the students eyes light up when they realize they really can do it, seeing that excitement and pride fill their face knowing there are no mistakes and their work is beautiful!

My least favorite parts: the student that refuses to try because he/she has a bad attitude – this usually stems from a deeper problem which is also very upsetting. I can’t stand to see the hurt in their eyes knowing that home probably isn’t the most comforting place for them.

What inspires your creations?

I often just think of something I would like to hang in my home and run with the idea. I must admit, I have also seen something out and thought I can do that. Then I go home and try it just to see.

If you were to describe yourself as a color, which would you be?

I would totally be yellow! I would be yellow because I think of it as a happy color, a bright color, and a warming color. Yellow can brighten up your dark days like the rising sun after a storm and warm your cold days like the snow melting after winter. Yellow always seems to make me smile.

Do you have anything for sale right now you can share with us? What sort of prices do you offer?

Currently, I do not have any pieces ready for sale as I create them per request. I have recently done several monogrammed plaques for couples and a farm mural for a child’s room.

Prices vary per order – smaller signs/plaques usually start at $20 and go up according to how detailed. Larger pieces can be anywhere from $40 and up – it depends on the medium, subject matter, and size.

Thanks Haley! Best wishes with your career!

Booksigning Results!

The booksigning went well! We each sold several copies and had a blast visiting with each other. Lenora Worth and Winnie Griggs are so fun to be around! What talented ladies. It was a joy signing with them.

I'm also now officially going to be a part of a local event November 1st. Me along with several other authors (5 so far, probably even more as time draws nearer!) will be doing a signing and participating in a fundraiser for our local Community Renewal, which is a very neat organization. More details on that to come! http://www.sbcr.us/

Here are some pics from the event Saturday! =)

Look at all of Lenora's various books in her pile on the end!!! lol I hope to be there one day. She's written 40 so far! =)

Lil Miss came along to the end of the signing and ended up loving the cozy Barnes & Noble reading chair. What a little natural =)

Book signing!!

All my local friends and family - tomorrow I will be doing a book signing at Barnes & Noble on Youree Drive at 1:30, along with fellow Steeple Hill Love Inspired authors Lenora Worth and Winnie Griggs!

Come visit us! There is something for everyone. I'll have copies of my first release, RETURN TO LOVE, Winnie will be signing her new historical romance, and Lenora Worth writes both romance and romantic suspense. I'll be in the company of two amazing writers! Don't miss this chance to get autographs!

We'll have bookmarks and bookplates to sign, and of course, there will be chocolate. =)

Can't wait to see you there!

Proud Mama

Here's a quick update on the JC Penney photography situation I blogged about several posts ago. I did end up calling the manager and putting in a good word for our photographer, and the manager was so relieved to hear that. She said it was very nice of me to take the time to call, and she appreciated it especially because the other rude ladies really had upset them both and worried the poor photographer about her job. Man, I get so mad just remembering that!

Well, last night when we got home from revivial (another excellent service!) we had a message on our answering machine, and it was that sweet photographer saying that JCPenney had chosen one of Little Miss's photos to hang in their studio!!!

My Little Miss is a model!!

I've gotta go sign a release form when we pick up the pics Saturday. I can't wait to see it on their wall! How fun is this?? Proud Mama just had to brag... =)

New blog group!

Hey friends!

I've joined a group of fabulous authors, all of us in our 20's, called SCRIBBLE CHICKS. We post daily (weekdays) about various writing related topics and welcome questions!

So come visit me at SCRIBBLE CHICKS today and read my post on how I get started writing on a new WIP.

Revival

Our church this week is having a revival!

To many, the word "revival" brings to mind small country towns, small country chuches, and loud, sweaty preachers in pinstripe suits, pounding the pulpit and thumping Bibles while the congregation sits in white hats, waving bulletins as fans and shouting Amen...

Well, some of the above was true last Sunday, but not much of it. The preacher is big, and loud, but not in a yelling kind of way, just an "I have a booming voice and can't help it" kind of way - and his suit was pinstriped but very subtle and quite classy =) The auditorium was blessedly cool and no one was fanning or distracted at all because of the power of the Truth spoken.

We unfortunately weren't able to go back Sunday or Monday night, but we intend to go tonight and tomorrow. I'm very excited, because Sunday morning was so powerful!!

Most evanglists are obviously in the business of preaching heaven and hell. You can't talk about salvation without talking about each particular location, but this revival preacher did it in an honest way that didn't feel like "fire and brimstone preaching" that offends so many. He just shared his heart, shared the Truth of Jesus and was very open and honest with his own tesitmony and past.

And wow, the Holy Spirit moved and several were led to Christ. We have a small church, and often weeks and months can go by without anyone openly responding to the altar call. But God spoke through this humble man and reached many. It was an honor to watch.

Something that I don't think I'll ever forget was during the invitation, after a few minutes had passed and many were praying at the altar, the evangalist said "I don't care who you are, or who you're sitting next to, or how well you know them. Look your neighbor in the eye and ask them if they were to die today, would they know for sure they were going to Heaven?"

I asked my hubby and he asked me, and then when I tried back to face the front, I saw one of the associate ministers of our church asking the youth in the row behind him, a visitor, I think. Saw the minister's lips move, saw the teenage boy stiffen...and then crumble. Before my eyes I witnessed a battle between heaven and hell. The teen cried and shook his head and fell on the man's shoulder and they prayed and the boy received Christ that very minute. I was crying just watching!! What a blessing to see! I'll never forget the emotion of that moment.

I don't get into deep spiritual matters very often on my blog, as I respect that there are many different denominations represented in my readers and I truly do NOT wish to waste time arguing about dunking versus sprinkling or Saturday night vs Sunday morning services or any of the other "religious" hang ups that can divide brothers and sisters in Christ.

But I have to ask today, can you answer the question the evangalist asked us? Can you know in your heart 100% that if you were to draw your last breath this minute, would you go to Heaven?

There IS a way to know for sure...and salvation and eternity with Christ can be yours if you want it! Email me privately to ask how, if you're uncertain. Why risk something that important? I'd be happy to talk with you. =)

betsystamant@yahoo.com

HILARIOUS new read...

Mary Connealy is the only author I know who can write a story that covers almost every possible genre known to Christian fiction, and not only get away with it, but make it a must-read!

This new historical-romantic-comedy-suspense is no exception! And better yet, its a series, so get ready for more laughs in the future! =)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Mary's writing journey is similar to a lot of others. Boil it down to persistence, oh, go ahead and call it stubbornness. She just kept typing away. She think the reason she did it was because she was more or less a dunce around people—prone to sit silently when she really ought to speak up(or far worse, speak up when she ought to sit silently).

So, Mary had all these things, she want to say, in her head; the perfect zinger to the rude cashier, which you think of an hour after you’ve left the store, the perfect bit of wisdom when someone needs help, which doesn’t occur to you until they solve their problems themselves, the perfect guilt trip for the kids, which you don’t say because you’re not an idiot. She keep all this wit to herself, much to the relief of all who know her, and then wrote all her great ideas into books. It’s therapeutic if nothing else, and more affordable than a psychiatrist.So then a very nice, oh so nice publishing company like Barbour Heartsong comes along and says, “Hey, we’ll pay you money for this 45,000 word therapy session.” That’s as sweet as it gets.

Mary's journey to publication is the same as everyone’s except for a few geniuses out there who make it hard for all of us. And even they probably have an Ode to Roast Beef or two in their past.Mary has signed an exclusive contract with Barbour that will have her writing eighteen (18) books for them over the next four years! This book is the first in the Montana Marriage Series. The second book will be the Husband Tree, and the third will be Wildflower Bride

ABOUT THE BOOK

Fire up your love of romance with Montana Rose. When surrounded by a mob of ill-bred, foul-smelling, women-hungry men, the newly widowed and seemingly spoiled Cassie “China Doll” Griffin has no choice. Marrying handyman Red Dawson seems the only alternative to Cassie’s being hitched to a brutal rancher. But can this “China doll” bear exchanging smooth silk for coarse calico? Red was reluctant to be yoked to an unbeliever, but sometimes a man has no choice. Will Red change Cassie’s heart by changing her name? Wade Sawyer is obsessed with saving Cassie from a marriage of convenience. How far will he go make her his own?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Montana Rose, go HERE

Buy this fun story HERE!

A moment in time...

Yesterday we took Lil Miss to get her one year pics made - even though today is her 13 months birthday. Whoops! =)

We had an appointment at a local place nearby that has great specials and a big package deal for $9.99. Lil Miss has been there before at 3 months old for pics, and it was a great experience. I had my grandma and mom with me, and we headed out, everyone dressed and a bag packed with extra outfits for Lil Miss. (she wore a little pink tank and white mini skirt - SO cute!!!)

We get there and sign in and go into the photography room. The photographer comes in, all smiles and sweet voices, and Lil Miss freaks. Absolutely will not let the woman and the camara anywhere near her. Like, not in the same room. We were all stunned, since Lil Miss lately LOVES having her pic taken and cheeses for the camara.

Not yesterday. We tried various tricks - nothing worked. For some Lil Miss was just scared of that woman! Maybe it was the funky hair do or the giant camara, who knows. Regardless, we had to leave, with nothing, Lil Miss red faced and puffy and consoling herself with fruity Cheerios. I was pretty frustrated but its one of those things - what can you do? We did some errands and then decided to go to JCPenney and try their portrait studio, just for one more try.

We had to wait almost an hour because of being a walk in and an appt. ahead of us, but it was fine. Lil Miss played and ate snacks and watched the two hyper little kids try to get their picture taken. Finally, the previous appt. is over, and the two ladies come out with their two little kids. They looked exhausted and one of the women tells us "don't waste your time. that photographer is horrible" and other very rude things. We just kinda nodded, puzzled, not understanding what was wrong. Then they're rude to the photographer, who was young and sweet and very polite to them even though these customers surely didn't deserve it. They were threatening to bring in managers and file complaints.

Finally they all leave, and we step up to the counter. The photographer looks on the verge of tears and is apologizing and I said "no, they were hard on YOU. We're going to be nice." And she just looks so overwhelmed and says "they were just so rude..." and then has to excuse herself to the back room for a moment. It was heartbreaking! There is no excuse for customers to behave that way - bringing a young photographer to tears.

She came right back, composed, and we got right to work. It was a fun experience, Lil Miss LOVED the photographer, was very playful with her, and we got some great shots. I can't wait to post them later in the month when they come in!

We were paying and leaving and my mom and I both made a special effort to assure her how great she was and what a good job she did, and she almost cried again in relief just hearing that. I'm going to call JCPenney today and make sure a good report gets filed and try to ward off the bad one for her.

Once we got home, exhausted, Lil Miss cranky then because of missing her nap, I realized that everything yesterday very likely happened for a reason. Lil Miss's random episode at the first photographers, our randomly dropping in JCPenney (where we got a great package deal as well by the way!), being able to cheer up the young girl, etc. I really believe we were there for that moment in time for that reason. Who knows how much worse that poor photographer's day would have been or how much worse things could have gotten for her?

When I thought about that, my frustration disappeared completely at the turn of events and tiring day, and I was honored to be a part of a plan of God's at work - even if that plan was nothing more than just to encourage a sweet woman who needed some understanding words.

So next times things don't go your way or go as planned, look for an opportunity to find something better, something deeper. I know I will!

New contest...

Hey friends!

I've decided to do a book giveaway! All you have to do is check out my new author website http://www.betsystamant.com/ and tell me what you think in the guestbook about my new design. I'll do the drawing here on my blog on Friday, August 28th, to giveaway a free, autographed copy of RETURN TO LOVE.

Remember, you must sign up between yesterday's date and the 28th to be eligible!

I'm already so excited about the sequel, A VALENTINE'S WISH, releasing February 2010, but that's a blog for another day =)

Go sign up!!!

A super suspense!

I am pleased to introduce to you Camy Tang's first suspense novel with Steeple Hill Love Inspired, DEADLY INTENT.

Isn't the cover awesome?

Camy is a good friend and fellow ACFW member. She's a fantastic author and has a Asian lit series with Zondervan that I can't get enough of! Her suspense lived up to her excellent writing skills and left me with whiplash after all the twists and turns! =) This is a really fun, suspenseful read that you will enjoy. Camy's voice is very unique and I loved the setting - a spa! How cool is that? Although it did leave me wanting a pedicure...

Here's a quick summary of the story...

The Grant family's exclusive Sonoma spa is a place for rest and relaxation—not murder! When Naomi Grant finds her client Jessica Ortiz bleeding to death in her massage room, everything falls apart. The salon's reputation is at stake…and so is Naomi's freedom when she discovers that she is one of the main suspects! Her only solace is found with the other suspect—Dr. Devon Knightley, the victim's ex-husband. But Devon is hiding secrets of his own. When they come to light, where can Naomi turn…and whom can she trust?

You can buy your copy HERE and visit Camy's website HERE.

Also, stick around and leave a comment, because I'm giving away a free copy of DEADLY INTENT this Friday! Sign up by leaving a comment to this post.

You know you're a mommy when...

You wake up in the morning (okay, most mornings) with the Dora the Explorer theme song running through your head, and you're not even surprised.

You often hear yourself saying things like "We do NOT play in the trashcan!", "We do NOT unroll the toilet paper!" (which might come back to bite you during potty training time) "We do NOT eat off the floor", "We do not stash food in our diaper!" and think nothing of it.

You seriously don't even hear the myriad of tunes playing on full blast from various toys, walkers, push cars, and Baby Einstein books anymore.

You would rather stay home and eat a sandwich then eat free piza in a restaurant because its sipmly not worth the hassle of the car ride, the high chair, the reaching, the grabbing, the "no ma'ams", the dropped pacifiers, the squeals of protest, the sweat, the tears, and the piles of ripped, shredded paper napkins under the table.

You find yourself planning meals around what your child will actually eat and not around what you actually like anymore.

Any more to add to the list today? =)

A full time job

I've mentioned before how being a stay-at-home/work-at-home mom is a full time job, but I haven't mentioned that it's without sick days!

Earlier in the week, Hubby got sick. Head cold, congestion, nothing serious, just enough to feel BLAH. He went straight to the doc, got a pack of pills and a steriod shot, and felt better just in time for our anniversay celebration Thursday. Well by Friday, after the celebrating, I started feeling bad - a scratchy throat, the kind you notice just enough to annoy you and the kind that makes you realize and dread...sickness is on the way. Also, on Thursday night/Friday morning, Lil Miss started running a low grade fever and coughing and sneezing.

Saturday, I was sick. Hubby worked, and me and Lil Miss literally laid around all day and wallowed and watched cartoons and ate soup and just draped over the furniture in our PJs. She seemed fine except being tired and having a slight cough. Mine was all congestion and sore throat.

Sunday morning, I woke up feeling 10 times better, and so did Lil Miss. We went to church and lunch with friends, but by the time I got home that afternoon - BLAH x 100. I took a nap while Hubby watched Lil Miss, and woke up dazed and glazed. I had a 101.1 fever. Tylenol all around! I was so worried I'd get Lil Miss re-sick but Hubby said she should be fine since she already had it.

I popped a Nyquil, went to bed early, slept like a ROCK, and today - voila! So much better. Whew. So is Lil Miss. Hopefully the worst is over for all of us.

I'm just grateful the timing worked the way it did and I didn't miss out on our anniversay plans. Praise God!

So how are you today? Anyone else fighting a summer cold? Allergies?

Fairy-tale Romance

As a romance writer, its unbelievably refreshing to be able to step away from my computer and all the stories lurking in my head and get a taste of true romance in reality.

For our 5 year wedding anniversary, Hubby indeed swept me off my feet and into a fairytale. Man, I know how to pick 'em, huh? =)

He had everything planned this year and refused to tell me anything. All I knew was that I was to be at my parents house, dropping off Audrey, and ready to go, dressed fancy, by 6:00.

Well, he picked me up all right - in a stretch HUMMER! That's right. A giant white stretch hummer pulled up in my parent's driveway. The driver wished me a happy anniversary as we slid in, and were whisked away. (I have a pic of the outside my mom took, of us getting in, but will have to load later as its on her camara)

On the way to Superior Steakhouse, Hubby surprised me with my first gift - a diamond anniversary ring. We're going to sauter it to my wedding band. So touching! And beautiful! What I love even more about this ring is it has a story. An accomplice of his found the ring in an antique shop out of town and bought it for a super reasonable price. Then our local jeweler took it apart, cleaned the diamonds, and put them into a new white gold band. As an author, I can't stop wondering who wore those diamonds before me and what their story is!! That'll keep me up for a few nights =)

We ate dinner at the steakhouse, which was amazing, and I ordered the blueberry turnover with ice cream for dessert. The waitor brought it out, and look what they did - as well as gave it to me free!

Then we went to a super fancy hotel by the river and stayed on the 22nd floor. Gorgeous suite and view. But I had one more surprise waiting for me in the hotel room. To show his support for my writing and for my new venture into being a stay at home/work at home mom, my hubby got me a brand new laptop. A beautiful, steel gray, Gateway with a webcam, 15.5 inch screen and all the bells and whistles I could ever use. He said it wasn't so much an anniversary present because he was going to do that anyway but it seemed like good timing! I would agree! =)

View from our room

The next morning we slept in and ate breakfast at a favorite local diner. It was the perfect anniversary weekend, and I can't stop bragging about my generous, sweet, thoughtful hubby.

For his gift, I had bought an unfinished wooden box at Hobby Lobby (5 years is the "wooden" anniversary) and filled it with little mementos of things to represent our relationship. Scooby Doo stickers to represent our first date (the movies 7 years ago!), a wooden cut out of a sand pail/bucket to represent our beach honeymoon, etc. Little fun things. Then I got him a gift card to Home Depot to put toward tools, so he can "build us more memories" and a jigsaw tool =) Now that he has a workshop in our barn, he wants to start woodworking and making things for Little Miss.

So that completes my fairy tale romance! 5 years of marriage...and they lived happily ever after.

Happy Anniversary to me!

Today is our official anniversary - 5 years - and I've been told some of the details of what to expect. I have a bag packed, and I know we staying somewhere tonight -- just still no idea where. I'm supposed to be ready at 6, dressed fancy, for a nice dinner out - still no idea where! But I'm sure we'll have fun no matter what Hubby has cooked up. Figuratively or literally! lol

More good news is I'm getting my hair trimmed and high-lighted later today, which always makes me feel good. Gotta be fresh for anniversary pics! The best part though is my hubby has no idea my roots are bad and could care less even if he did notice. Now that's love =P

Details to come! I won't be blogging tomorrow as I'll be somewhere, I'm assuming away from my computer. But I'll give you all the fun info this weekend or Monday! Have a great Thursday and weekend =)

Just for mommies...

I feel this is a must-read for every Mommy...whether they be young or old, scared or confident, new or veterans...one kid, three kids, ten kids...this is for every Mommy, everywhere! =)

In the everyday stretch and squeeze of motherhood, Tricia Goyer often feels smooshed by the demands of life. In Blue Like Play Dough, she shares her unlikely journey from rebellious, pregnant teen to busy wife and mom with big dreams of her own. As her story unfolds, Tricia realizes that God has more in store for her than she has ever imagined possible.

Sure, life is messy and beset by doubts. But God keeps showing up in the most unlikely places–in a bowl of carrot soup, the umpteenth reading of Goodnight Moon, a woe-is me teen drama, or play dough in the hands of a child.

In Tricia’s transparent account, you’ll find understanding, laughter, and strength for your own story. And in the daily push and pull, you’ll learn to recognize the loving hands of God at work in your life… and know He has something beautiful in mind.

So many exciting things are happening with this book! Besides the blog tour, Tricia is also launching the Get One, Give One Campaign!

For every copy of Blue Like Play Dough purchased, she’ll donate a copy of My Life Unscripted or Generation NeXt Parenting to a pregnancy, teen or family support ministry (while supplies last).

All you have to do is buy a copy of Blue Like Play Dough on Christianbook, on Amazon, or at your local bookstore, and then go to Tricia's Go-Go page and fill out the form.

Read an excerpt: http://triciagoyer.com/cmsdocuments/Blue_Like_Play_Dough_Prologue_CH_1.pdf

Watch a video and read the endorsements HERE!

Here is the link to purchase the book yourself (or buy two to give one to a Mommy in need!): http://triciagoyer.com/store.html

Blog tour schedule! See who else is reviewing this novel! http://www.litfusegroup.com/latest/what-is-new/87-blue-like-play-dough-blog-tour

Tricia Goyer is the author of twenty books including From Dust and Ashes, My Life UnScripted, and the children's book, 10 Minutes to Showtime. She won Historical Novel of the Year in 2005 and 2006 from ACFW, and was honored with the Writer of the Year award from Mt. Hermon Writer's Conference in 2003. Tricia's book Life Interrupted was a finalist for the Gold Medallion in 2005. In addition to her novels, Tricia writes non-fiction books and magazine articles for publications like Today's Christian Woman and Focus on the Family. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences, and has been a workshop presenter at the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) International Conventions. She and her family make their home in the mountains of Montana.

WIPs

Okay, fellow writer buds. Spill it. What are you working on right now? What's your current Work In Progress? Let's encourage each other in the journey!

I'm concocting a new three book series proposal set on the beach that I will be submitting to my editor within the next several weeks, hopefully. I've never pitched a series before. Any advice from those who go before me? =)

Are you working on a suspense, historical, romance? Are you plotting or writing or researching or banging your head against your desk in despair? Are the words flowing, or are you stalling and searching for more Diet Coke and chocolate?

Love is in the air...

This week, my husband and I will celebrate our five year wedding anniversary! Pretty exciting, considering how I'm just now 25 and he's 24! We started young! =)

What a milestone. In 5 years times, we've learned and grown so much. We've owned two homes, the current home with 3 acres of land, had a daughter who is now almost 13 months old, have gone through and survived job changes, career changes, broken ankles, pregnancy, changing churches, making friends, losing friends. We've gone on several beach vacations and a cruise to Mexico. My writing career has developed and taken off while we've been married, and I must say I have the most supportive, excited husband in that regard. He's determined to retire early and drive my tour bus. haha!

So happy early anniversary, Hubby!

Here's a pic right after he proposed in New Orleans, aboard the Steamboat Natchez! Look how young we are =)

Here's an official engagement photo

And a pic from our honeymoon in Gulf Shores

Here's me trying on my wedding dress at our one year anniversary - still fits! =)

It did every year after except the year right before I was pregnant - it zipped, but barely! Then the next year I just had Little Miss weeks before, so I knew better than to even look at the dress! We'll see how this year goes =)

PS - He's planning some sort of anniversary surprise, and refuses to give me the details. I do know an overnight bag is required, so if I go MIA toward the end of the week, well, you'll know why! =)