The America We Once Knew

 

        Today, I listened to the news and wondered in my mind, “What has happened to the America we once knew? What happened to the patriotic celebrations, the standing for the flag as it was proudly carried by in a parade.  How about standing in respect for the military members who fought in past wars? They fought for our freedom and rights as a nation.

        I heard this morning that the unfurling of the American Flag at a game being played is next on the chopping block. I wonder about the lack of respect shown at a game of sport some  lovingly call Football, because they take a knee while the National Anthem  is being played and sung, honoring out nation, our flag, our military, our strength, our men and women.

        The days of apple pie and ice cream are gone. I mourn the passing. We talk every day about what is happening to our nation of people. We realize we are not alone. We realize that the majority of Americans feel the same way we do. However, the lesser amount of citizens has a loud clanging voice and they are unafraid to spew their vile hatred of things they often don’t know anything about.

        The students in high school and college are not taught of things of our past, our history, where we all came from, and what we had to do to become the strong nation we once were. I watched an interview of young college aged students who were asked if they agreed with the statement, “America was never that great.” They agreed.

However, are they educated enough to learn of the wars that were fought to keep this nation free, that were fought to establish and maintain their right to spew stupidity from their mouths and not have any repercussions for speaking it. They are not being required to learn these kinds of history facts. Are they required to learn our cultural history? Are they required to learn about our government? Do they know how it actually runs? I don’t think so.

Do they understand that all of the free stuff they want paid for by the government is actually paid for by tax dollars? Do they understand that tax dollars come from the working population of this country we live in? How could they understand this because many of them don’t work, nor have they ever worked. They are in college learning socialistic thinking from their college professors. Many throw chairs through windows or burn cars rather than hear other lines of thought.

        On the newscasts, we hear about the situation of the illegal population who manage to cross the borders into our country and slip through the cracks in our poorly legislated system of laws. I have heard so many left thinking persons spew that these people have rights to our American way of life. Give them state assistance. Give them medical and dental and a right to a good education, food stamps to eat, verification by identity cards, (and while we are at it, register them to vote as a Democrat.) Most do not even speak English and check boxes of verification they have no idea what it even says. Think about this people !

 

They are given freely the opportunities afforded to people in the United States of America. It is their right to obtain these wonderful privileges we have been able to take advantage of as citizens of the USA.

        The key word to this is CITIZENS OF THE USA. They are not citizens. They did not wait in line. They did not earn the right to become an American citizen. They stole that right. They did not earn it. In addition, NO, they do NOT have those rights automatically given to them. They BROKE THE LAW. They are here by SNEAKING across the border. THEY ARE HERE ILLEGALLY.

        Now, I ask you. What normally smart, logical, hard working, undemented, citizen of the USA can look at their paycheck and see the local taxes we are required to have deducted, the  amount deducted for our Social Security fund, the medical insurance portion deducted, these items we see on our paycheck accounting line. We understand those are the items that support our government, who support our military, which support our law enforcement, who support us in our retirement years, on and on. NOTHING IS FREE PEOPLE. We pay for them. And the benefits we have as AMERICAN CITIZENS should not be given freely to ILLEGAL ALIENS.  

        These folks with the loud voices screaming for freebies, someday, will have a job and look at their check and the light will dawn in their brains. Life is not free here folks. Somebody has got to put up the money to support these programs, and it is the working class, not the welfare recipient, nor the person living with Dad and Mom. WE THE PEOPLE support the government.

        We need to stand up for our earned rights and not give those rights away to those who are not legally here. If they want to sign up, enter our country legally, learn and respect our government, our flag, our democratic form of government, (Not referring to a political party!) and the price we have had to pay to live free in this country, then so be it. They too can enjoy the privileges we have and are welcome to do this.   

        And one of these privileges is going to a ball game and rooting for you team on a summers day in the bleachers, or a winters day in a cold stadium. And one of those privileges is standing in honor of our country, giving respect to our nations flag, not another nation’s flag, but our nation’s flag, and singing an anthem supporting our country to honor the privileges we are so proud to have.

GOD BLESS AMERICA

COMPROMISE OF YOUR OWN VALUES

                            

          I woke up this morning thinking about the topic of our bible study this week. It turned out that it all came down to the situation of your heart. More aptly said, ‘the condition of your heart.’

          We have been studying in Genesis, in Chapter 19 this week. It is the story of Lot and the visitors to Sodom and Gomorrah, the visitors being Angels from our Heavenly Father. Some even say that it was the foretold Son of God in the form of Jesus, but that is another bible study for another time.

          Before arriving at Sodom and Gomorrah, they stopped and chatted with Abraham. It is a very good read in Chapter 18, beginning with verse 22. Well, actually the entire Chapter is good but, for what we are discussing, let us begin with verse 22. Abraham was trying to convince the angels , or the two men, as the bible states, the business of finding just 50, 0r 40, or however many, working his way down to 10 good men left in Sodom and Gomorrah, asking or actually bargaining with the men, if they would spare ‘the place’ for 10 righteous men.

          An agreement was reached, and the Lord said, “for the sake of 10 I will not destroy it,” meaning the cities. Did I mention that some biblical scholars say that Lot was Abraham’s nephew? Lot’s family was Abraham’s family.

So we return to Lot. When the men reached the City, Lot was sitting in the Gate.

          First off, for Lot to be sitting in the Gate of the City speaks volumes about his character. In biblical days, for a citizen of the city to sit in the gate, gave him a sort of seat of honor. People would come to the man sitting in the gate, and discuss their problems, arguments with others, who stole whose goat. Whatever the situation, you could come to the man sitting in the gate and he was a judge or juror, would settle disputes. It was a seat of honor.

          In Lot’s case, the reason it spoke of his character is he had migrated from living outside of the city walls, and several moves later, inside of the city walls and became assimilated into their people and their culture. He had become totally accepted as one of them. Their culture was of a complete sinful nature. Scripture describes it as wicked and depraved. Homosexuality between the men of the city and sexual impurity was the culture of the city. What does that say about Lot?

          He was not involved with that sort of behavior himself. He was a righteous man who was ‘grieved by the behavior’, but lived among the depravity and accepted it in life. Acceptance in your life of the surrounding sin as a normal way of life is certainly something to ponder.

          You start to accept the behavior as the norm, and although you do not behave that way, your attitude is ‘well, it is just they way everyone does business, and that is my crowd. You agree or accept the behavior as the ‘norm’ and assimilate yourself to it.

          As in the case of Lot, there was a high price to be paid for that assimilation or compromise in his life.

          As was the custom, Lot invited the men to his home, to ‘wash up’ or for their feet to be washed and a meal shared, a bed provided. In the morning, they could go on their way well cared for. They declined his gracious offer and said they would sleep in the square. Their plan was to sit in the center of town, ‘to make a list and take down names.’

          Their job was not to sit in a comfy home, eat chicken, and drink ale.

          Lot was unusually insistent, and they returned to his home with him. It appears that Lot knew what they might find or experience in the City Center. Since the men did not go into town, the town men came to Lot’s home. They called out to Lot and to the men to come outside and join them. They wanted Lot to turn his guest over to their moral depravity. Lot refused, but offered his two daughters who were unknown by man, or virgins, to satisfy the lust demands.

          Now, these two women were betrothed to men. It was the custom that ‘betrothed men’ were called Sons in Law even before the marriage ceremony takes place. Women were held in such low esteem in that time that Lot was willing to offer up his daughters to spare his guests in his home. (That is also a topic for another bible study week, but not today.) He was willing to protect the safety for his guests in his own home before he would his own family.

          The scene became ugly, the men tried to rush the house, and the guest actually became the protectors. They blinded the outside men so they could not gain entry and encouraged Lot to gather his family and his Son’s in Law, and flee the city, do not look back, keep going. You know the rest of the story and if you do not, go read Chapter 19 of Genesis.

          The point I am writing about has to do with the compromise of this situation. The question we have to ask is our own society in a state of compromise. Is it not just isolated in one city or two, but our nation, our country and our world we live in? The answer is yes, we live in a compromised society as a whole. We live in a generation of political correctness. We live in a generation of general tolerance of immoral or bad behavior. Look at the criminal activity that surrounds us, as well as the political aspect we live in today. Money, power, and manipulation are the names of the game.

          Moreover, this is generally acceptable behavior. It includes Christians as well as other belief systems that surround us daily. We accept and assimilate. Moreover, just what does that mean, accept and assimilate? That is a tough question for us. Sexual immorality or impurity, lawless behavior, our children being submitted to illicit behavior and teachings in our own school systems up to and including college teaching.

          In addition, what about family structure and behavior among ourselves? What ‘rights’ do ‘we’ demand for ourselves that affect those around us, and we never think twice about that . "This is what I believe will work for me", and even though it is not an acceptable behavior in a relationship or marriage or family, it works for him or her.

          How have we all compromised? Have we become a Lot living in Sodom and Gomorrah? Do we offer up our unborn children to abortion?

          What if Mary had done an act of abortion to cover up her situation?

Has it become  acceptable today to murder unborn children that have become an inconvenience to what will ‘work for me’ today? This is not only about abortion, but other compromises as well.

  We have all compromised our values in one way or another. We do not want to listen to it, or read the reality of it. Why ? Because all of us have compromised, assimilated into our surroundings. What can we do about it?

          There are many good questions to ask ourselves. Can we change just one thing or stand up for just one ‘something’ as a start? Maybe we can. This is a great deal to discuss this week in our bible study. We might think about it next week as well.

SELECTIVE MEMORY

Recently, I have been thinking about Selective Memory. Interesting topic. It has many layers of things to think about.

What exactly is selective memory? 

Selective amnesia is a type of amnesia in which the victim loses certain parts of his/her memory. Common elements that may be forgotten: relationships, special talents (instrumental talents, etc.), or where he/she lives, abilities in certain areas (e.g.: a new gymnast forgetting she cannot cartwheel yet), and events such as concerts, shows, or traumatic events (e.g.: a death/suicide of a loved one or attempt on one's own life).

That is a very complex description of selective memory and not exactly what I was going for. All of these things are very true, but a little more dramatic than childhood selective memory. I would not call it 'amnesia' or 'losing one's memory', but I might call it a perspective of memory.

Now, that is REALLY the crux of my thoughts. How so many people can remember something that took place so long ago, or maybe just a few years ago, so differently. It may have been a few moments ago as in a crime committed or dramatic happening. Sometimes you can experience the same thing as the person next to you, and you both remember things differently. A good word for that is perspective. What is your perspective of what actually happened.

So, let's talk about perspective of what happened. Could be many years ago, or a few days ago, but each person, sees things in their own perspective. What could determine your own perspective of memories? Your age? Your feelings about the occurrence? Your personal relationship with what happened? There are so very many things that could determine your viewpoint of your memory. That is why it can be called selective memory.

Let's combine your age with the happening, and you have entered a completely new twilight zone. Is the memory connected with children's perspective? (Things are so exciting or magnified, or dramatic at that age.)  Or teenage hormonal perspective, (such wonderful dramatics at that age, everything is a soap opera, or drama queen perspective.) Or are you remembering it as an adult, just like it was yesterday perspective. (Childhood dramas are so out of whack!)

Each one of those perspectives are exactly correct to the person who is recollecting the happening or memory. We have all, at one time or another, recall having a huge laugh with a spouse, or a brother, sister, cousin, about something that happened when you were kids. "No, remember, so and so said and did this, or that". And someone else remembers it differently, and you all laugh and put your stories together and come up with a composite version of what actually happened. That can be such great fun, especially with siblings remembering this or that and the fun and remembering the experience is much better that the experience ever was.

EXCEPT when the happening was very painful, and it happened to someone who remembers it a specific way, and the other person remembers it a different way. And over the years it has a way of festering into a stumbling block that begets a chasm that can create damage lasting an entire lifetime. A memory for someone and the telling over the years takes on new dramatics with the continued telling. It can create something that becomes a part of the original description I quoted. This is serious business here.

I recently have heard of such a happening, repeated over a period of many  years, repeated to others, taking on newly created perspectives that did not even apply in the beginning, but it makes the edge of the event take on another added drama, in their favor of course. Then this 'selective memory' has become gossip, a poorly designed report of a different nature that happened so many years ago, that has altered the course of someone's life.

How can you ever regain the perspective or even recall the original occurrence with out dredging up the old pains and hurts. Well, in reality, you can't. The pain can be devastating for some, life altering for others, it can divide families, and become a divisive tool. And no one is guilty, ever, because their selective memory is infallible, and admitting a wrong doing or saying is completely out of the question, unthinkable.

FORGIVENESS of things is the answer. Not just lip service, but heart wrenching forgiveness, gut level forgiveness is the answer. How important are any of these things after 20, 30 maybe 40 years? Enough to carry this anger or hurt or guilt over what was done, or told again and again, embellished, ruining someone else's life. Is it really that important in your life? If it is, you might consider getting counseling about what is really at the root of your 'selective memory', get some perspective properly placed in your thinking. Ask Jesus to remove those hurtful thoughts, lay them at the foot of the cross, and DON'T go back and pick them up again. GOD does not need your help in taking care of this, He can solve your 'selective memory' problems all by Himself without supervision.

If you need to apologize, 'just do it.' If you think you are wrong, 'just say it.' That might be HIS way of starting to work in YOUR life which might be the core problem in the first place.

SELECTIVE MEMORY, not well placed, can be devastating.

WHAT IS GOING ON IN THIS WORLD?

Good morning my friends,

I am happy to be writing a few comments to you.  We have been occupied around this household with a variety of things, which includes two books published this year.

One new book, "ARIZONA RISING", which is centered around ranchers on the Mexican border.  It deals with not only ranching, but the problem of illegal entry into the USA by border crossings.  It is an interesting book, please pick it up on Amazon.  It is available not only as a book, but also on Kindle. 

 Then, I republished under Create Space my original children's book you might be familiar with called "THE FLY AWAY BALLOON." It is a very light story about a child's birthday balloon that came loose from her little girl's wrist string.  "Bitsy" as the balloon is called has an adventure in the park until she finds her little girl again.  It is a cute little story your children or grandchildren might like. Also available on Amazon.

 All of that is a time consuming endeavor, and it is so enjoyable.  Now that both are complete, I am working on a new book.  More news about that later.

 When I look around at what is going on in our world, and wonder why is this all happening?  When you study world politics, and follow the arguments going on between nations, you ask why!

You hear many opinions, ranging from political government differences, and environmental differences, religious differences and land possessions.  My personal opinion, which much of the time I am very happy to voice, is that all of the above apply.  Greed of land, resources as oil, minerals of all kinds, and power.  These things all enter into the struggles going on right now.

But, you can not discount that all of these things are predicted.  And they have been predicted for many years in the Bible.  From before the birth of Jesus, these events have all been predicted.  I know, some will say, "oh well, here we go, another Bible thumper".  I guess I am one! And glad to be one.  But not in the sense of Fire and Brimstone, although there is that lurking around many places is that book.  But the fact is, that book, the BIBLE has certainly been around a whole lot longer than the middle eastern crisis of the recent times.  The Words go back farther than Medieval times and further than much of the history you might read in schools.

The Words go back to what is referred to the "Old Testament".  Men were foretelling what was to come to pass from the days of Noah.  Now I am not telling you anything you don't already know about, from story books you learned from as a child.  PLEASE don't rely on  learning  any historical facts from the motion pictures that come out from time to time, because  many times they are dramatized , not  always with truth, but with "stuff" that will sell movies.  Nothing factual about many of those movies. BUT, many of the epics are wonderful portrayals , factual in many ways and can teach many of the biblical stories from the Bible. 

If you want to read an exciting book, full of plots,  intrigue,  wars,  battles,  love, romance, and greed , pick up the Bible and start reading in Genesis.  By the time you finish that first Book in the Bible you will be hungry for more.  Its Chapters and pages are full of prophesy or foretelling if you prefer that word, of exactly what is going on today in the Middle East.  Because, you see, it all began in the Book of Genesis. The rivalry between men and the desires of people to see their dreams fulfilled. 

Can I recommend that if you are not a reader, you can look for Bible sites online, and they will read the Books out loud to you on your computer.  And they read with all of the drama and excitement you can ever imagine getting out of a novel that plugs into your radio set up.

 (Of course, not my books.  My books have all of that excitement and drama , love and romance in them,  and I would love to have you read them as well.  Just sayin, just a plug)   

 What I am trying to say is, what is going on in the World today is not totally unexpected by those who have taken the time to read , (with a good commentary) the Bible.  The politics of today enter into the equation. You can see the greed for power, for control, for land, sometimes just a little tiny strip of land called Gaza. 

So, read and keep informed about today's politics.  If you wonder how that can really effect me, in the little town of Podunk, USA, not my business what is going on around the other side of the world. You are very incorrect.  What is going on around the world CAN AND WILL effect your everyday living , your buying power, your nation, your oil prices for your car, your heating, how about the new tile or vinyl you want to put in your kitchen, or bathroom.  Petroleum products people. That effects your lipstick? Makeup? Medical products?  Just look around and think.  And you can extend that in so many ways.

So, in our busy times, as I described mine earlier this year, we need to also watch and read the news.  Not just our local spin on things, but, if you have a computer, go for the headlines online.  Be informed, even if your not interested at first, LEARN ONE THING A DAY. Just read one article on world news today and tell someone.  (Not the article about the panda born in Australia !! LOL) But about something happening around the world that could have an impact on your life.

JUST SAYIN!

ANOTHER NEW BOOK IS PUBLISHED!

We have a brand new year and brand new opportunities.  Recently I took advantage of one of those opportunities available and published my completed novel called "NORTHWEST PROJECT".  Now, what a trip that is!  Fun to do, and another accomplishment for my "bucket list." 

I have found that I love to write.  The children's book, "The Fly Away Balloon" was a completely different kind of project because it involved a simple story and illustrations.  It also was color, bright and fun color.  It was such a challenge, and it was fun learning how to do that. 

With that being said, "NORTHWEST PROJECT" was a completely different kind of endeavor.  It is strictly dependent on your words.  No cute color graphic to describe what is going on.  You have to do that description with your own words.  That is another ballgame altogether.  I found that if I pictured things going on in my mind, I would try to write a description as I could see it.  I would visualize the scene, as if I was making a movie in my head.  As the movie scene takes place you write it as you see it, or hear it.  SO MUCH FUN!

There are many other things to consider .  Do you know how many different ways there are to say the exact same thing?  Words are such a strong tool.  I am just learning how to scratch the surface of using our wonderful language to express what is going on in this wild and crazy blob called my brain.  And that can be a very interesting experience in itself.

Another challenge is "keeping it clean" with keeping it interesting.  By that I mean,  the use of your words can challenge the mind to  see what is going on in their own "picture"  in their own BRAIN .  But how to keep THEIR image controlled is another issue.  Well, the answer is, you really can not.  But, what you can do is be mindful of what images your words can conjure up. 

I really don't feel you have to be descriptive about gore, or intimacy, or other strong emotions.  Your own mind can take you places with your own imagination.  I do not find I have to be graphic or descriptive beyond the suggestion of what is happening. You keep it interesting by intimating in the readers mind . And the level they personally go to is in their own heads.  It makes the reader be interactive with the story being portrayed.  They then see their own version of what you are saying.  Does that make sense? If you make it graphic, they see graphic.  If you don't, they don't, but they get the gist of what is going on. The rest is then up to them. 

A challenge was the process of creating a proper format to fit into the publishers guidelines or template.  There are many ways to go, and the easy way is to pay the publisher to do the work for you.  That is the  easy way to do this. It is also a bit spendy.  Well, those of you who know me also know that I don't always do things the easy way.  My learning curve is a little longer sometimes.  But, I do love a challenge and with a little help from my friends and guidance from articles on the various web sites  , the challenge of putting it all together was finally accomplished.  Remember, the justification of the length of sentences , of words, of phrases as well as the placement of your paragraphs, the type of font, the size of the font, and on and on and on. 

By the time you go over your book in this process you have re edited several more times.  And to get to the place of wanting to publish, you have already edited and re written, so, your manuscript is rolling around in your head again and again.  By the way, spell check is a great tool, but, don't rely totally on that because I discovered, the word But and the name Bud are both proper words, neither misspelled, and when you spellcheck, your character's name Bud has just become But all over the place.  Your fingers typing can make proper typo's and not be caught by spell check.  So, they recommend that you read your manuscript an additional three times, just to catch those common errors.

So, if reading this does not discourage you, I challenge you to try this.  Write down what you are feeling by writing a fiction book, a teaching book, a "How to" book.  The statement , "there is at least one good  book in everyone," is a true statement.  We all have a story, or a poem or a talent you can share by teaching someone else.  Just step outside of your own limitations within your self, and express and publish. 

Please, take a moment, go on Amazon.com and type in my name.  Find "NORTHWEST PROJECT", and give it a whirl.  Read my simple little story, or read the adventure of "THE FLY AWAY BALLOON." Take the time to Fly Fly away with "Bitsy".  Then be inspired to take the challenge for this new year.  It is so much fun!

By the way, I enjoy doing this so much I am half way through writing  another novel I will talk about in another blog down the line.  Gosh, I sure like being retired, but I think I work longer hours now. 

Blessings!

ANOTHER YEAR IN THE BOOKS !

          We are about to put another year into the pages of history in a few days.  We can easily turn on the news shows and they will pass your year in review , over and over and over  in the next few days.  It is always nice to see which show finds which event to feature as one of the "biggies" for the year.  Some events they feature we would almost rather forget ever happened.

           Whether you are interested in Politics or Religion or Local Events, World Events, you have to admit that this year had a lot going on.  No, don't worry, I am not going on a tirade on any particular event, although, I can think of several that might bring me to standing on a soap box and shaking my fist in the air.  And I know you out there....which ones of you would be standing on your soapbox right next door to mine!

            But what struck me this morning is more on a personal reflection time.  This is another year in the book for my life , personally, as well.  I don't believe you think or reflect much on that until you reach a certain age in your life.  But, after you do reach "the age" , what ever that might be in your thinking, each year that ends causes a time to review what you have accomplished, or did not accomplish in the passing year.  What is left over , undone, still unaccomplished this is worthy to bring forward and continue work in that area.

             Well, trust me when I say, we have had many changes this year in our life.  Some good, some even better.  Each of us have our own measuring tapes, but personally, each change that comes down the pike has its own value, and I cherish each change.  My husband was hurt at work, and that caused many different changes for us, and still is.  We are working through his physical problems caused by the injury, and what that has meant in his ability to do even the simplest of things.  Yet, we have been able to spend time together, almost like other retired couples, with the exception, we can not go places and travel at will.  There are so many doctor appointments, poking and prodding, there is not time to enjoy the fruits of his labors yet.  But, that time is eventually going to roll around.  So, you fill your time with other enjoyments .  You know, an afternoon matinee once in awhile is kind of fun.

             I published another book this year.  Wow, what fun is that? !!  NORTHWEST PROJECT is another major accomplishment in my life personally.  Another learning experience, another time of working mentally and sometimes physically, just to get another book in the books before year end.  That is so important in our personal reflection time.  Mentally being stimulated, keeping the grey matter working on things.    Have another book 12 chapters written. 

              Lund Creations is still sewing and selling items in the gift shop and around.  Keeps me on my toes and my chiropractor in business.  You know, he tells me my head weighs in about 9 pounds.  I wonder if those pounds are all bright grey matter.  LOL...  This sewing business also keeps a person going.  Buying fabric is a wonderful hobby, sewing and creating things to put in the gift shop is so much fun.  Another stimulation for someone.

               Guess what I am saying is, keep adding things to your personal "book" to go into the history for the year.  Be excited for what God has in store for you.  Every change is HIM opening another window in your life.  If you did not finish something, take that as encouragement to work on it again this year, not as discouragement of a failure.  We try to think on the positive and not the negative. Remember the fun times and be encouraged about the harder times, as we have been Blessed with another year to make the harder just a little easier. 

                I am ready to close the Chapter 2013 and move forward in 2014, to see what politically can happen, what adventures are going on around the world, and look up, look out side of myself, help others when I can, encourage others in what they are doing.  Give unselfishly of your time, your encouragement, in your family, in your church family.  Not that you won't make mistakes, because you will, but look at it as another opportunity to do something better this next time around.  Sing a new song, sing it daily, and love a lot. 

Blessings to you all in our Happy New Year !

            

SPRING HAS SPRUNG, FINALLY !

AIN'T IT GRAND!

You know, in the Pacific Northwest, we just wait, patiently, or not so patiently,  for that day in April,  or even as late as May, when the sun comes out and it is actually warm.  The weeds start growing along with the grass, and the lawn mowers start humming .     This is what keeps us in the Northwest.  And it has to be fairly fantastic for those long winter rainy months to keep us firmly rooted in that wet soggy mossy environment.  But when spring has sprung, there is NOTHING like the blue skies and equally blue water of the ocean beaches and the Puget Sound and so many lakes. 

Spring brings on Easter, our celebration that JESUS IS ALIVE!
It brings on tulips and "daffy dills", crocus.  Planting fever runs rampant, and vacations are anticipated.  All of the above is true for us in the Lund house hold as well.  We are shedding the old, cleaning out the weeds, and turning over the soil for a fresh planting.  But the fresh planting can mean many things to us. And it should to you as well.

It gives us a fresh start to look deep inside of our selves and plow up  the soil of your heart and mind.  Time to refresh your thinking, and stand firm on thoughts and convictions you have re visited for confirmation.  The Lund household does that as well.  We are changing some things, and revisiting and reconfirming some things.  The truth of the Word does not change, nor can we change .  The truth of the Word is for yesterday and today and certainly for tomorrow.  As you read, and reflect and study and ponder what is taught to you, remember that.

As we look into the happenings around the world, and wonder, sometimes in fear, about what is in the news headlines, we question  whether "is it time" and "I am scared!"  DON'T BE !
GOD IS IN CONTROL!  Every moment, every second, every happening!  HE is  in control of what happens to you, day by day.  You are most important to Him and He is in control of things even in your darkest moments.  Trust and rely on Him to make your fears subside, and your days go well. 

Yesterday?  Well,  ... that is in the past, you can not change it, you can reflect and learn from your yesterdays, and change your course for today. You can start fresh, ask forgiveness, and move forward in a positive manner.    Your tomorrows are not here yet.  Tomorrow can be lived much better than your yesterdays.  Just ask Jesus to help you do that, and it will be so. 

So, when you are enjoying the beautiful sunshine in the Northwest, or Southwest, or Midwest or East Coast...where ever the sun is shining, let the SONshine in your life today, and you will find all of the slog and rainy days and mush of life can be retilled , the weeds pulled and everyday becomes beautiful!

That's my story,  and I am stickin to it!  Cause its true!

"You know, I was thinkin"

This morning I listened to one of the teachers on some channel on t.v. that I can never seem to find again for a few weeks… I think God plans for you to “stumble on to something” that applies directly to what you need to hear, or learn, or listen to. Like the message the pastor in your church conveys on a given Sunday, and you know he wrote that message with you in mind. Now you know that it has happened to you. Those messages were not all designed for “so and so that you wish could hear this!” LOL.. You must remember that those messages are for you as well…not just for the other guy.


So, It has come to my attention that we all should love ourselves and each other. We are made and designed in the womb by GOD, and by disliking ourselves we are saying that GOD did not do HIS job well. In reality, HE did HIS job just fine. Maybe WE have not always done or said or behaved in a manner that would be pleasing to GOD, but, we all say and do things that might have been said or done differently, better, with more finesse. Remember, GOD still loves you and you should still love yourself.

Learning where we have or may have offended someone, at one point or another, and recognize that it may have been or was offensive, learn from it and move forward, is a vital part of life. Trying to not do something offensive to that person, in that manner, in the future, is the best lesson to learn. It is also important to recognize that not all people will be upset or offended by the same things, but continue to work on what and how you say things to all people.




With all of that being said, one should not dwell in the mire that can sometimes surround these circumstances. We must learn and we must move forward with the knowledge that we are a wonderful work in progress. None of us are exempt from this process. We all are different in what we say and do, how we are learning our lessons, and how we apply the lessons. It is our choice in how we learn and apply and move forward.


The import key is TO MOVE FORWARD. I want to impress the fact that we can and must move forward, and not stay stuck in the mire. If we stay in the mire, we will not learn nor be able to progress in our walk with God, in this area, with our relationships or our personal growth here on earth.




Our ability to move forward in our growth within ourselves as well with others can make or break your growth in your walk, and visa versa. If we can not listen to what God is teaching us here, how can we move on to the next lesson we are to learn? And trust me, there will be many lessons we will need to learn. This life we lead will be a big major rehearsal, and as in all rehearsals, you go over the material, again and again and again until you get it down. Now we have some of these life experiences that are more painful than others… and do you really want to go through them again and again? Certainly not… so, learn, apply, and move forward.


B-I-B-L-E, Basic Instruction Before Leaving Earth. This is why we learn so many lessons while we are here.


It is equally important to understand that everyone is made differently. And as we are made differently, not all lessons will be handled in the same manner by God. How HE might approach one set of people may not be the same way HE would teach someone else. As we are all different, but none the less perfection, we are all lovable by God. If each person is made and loved by God, what makes us think WE can do any less?


A wonderful Pastor taught a lesson about OFFENCES WILL COME. We can not go through life without offending each other at one time or another. Offenses will come… but, you DO HAVE A CHOICE to move forward. Carrying the burden of unhappiness, and staying stuck in the same mire, will only bring that person more grief and unhappiness. Judgement of others is a heavy burden to carry, and leads no where in life, certainly not on a path filled with joy and happiness.


Make the choice to move forward, grant grace and learn not go in that lesson circle over and over. Learn to love each other as
God has commanded. That, after all, is the greatest commandment given. You too have offended others, and you should pray that others grant you the grace you should show others.


Another great teaching has to do with showing your family and loved ones respect and grace. Many times you are more judgmental of your precious loved ones and show much less respect to your loved ones then you show and give to a stranger on the street, or a casual acquaintance. Respect and regard seems to be a lost teaching in today’s society. Respect shown to your elders, relatives and person’s in authority is vital in your growth and walk.







Segregate the problem, address it, or own it or what ever applies, recognize the difference, learn to love yourself and others, show respect and grace, and walk into a wonderful life that God has intended for you. Leave bitterness behind, bring in Joy, and prepared to be blessed.

WHAT'S COMING UP IN 2012 !! ARE YOU READY???

As I look back over 362 days of 2011, I realize that time has gone by so quickly. Many say that age does that to us. As we get older, time does go by more quickly. AND, that is true. I see projects left undone, with thoughts in my mind of the day I made mental plans for this or that . I will get started when spring is upon us, or, when the showers stop, or a little closer to summer. I remember thinking I need to thin the raspberries, and split the dahlia bulbs. I remember hearing the wood will be chopped , little by little, month by month. But other projects, and fun times, and vacations, and illness, and, and , and.... the list goes on and on, and all of a sudden, we are at the end of the year. The dahlia bulbs did not get split, seperated much less dug up. The raspberries will wait for next year. And part of the wood was split, the rest will wait for next year.

This is the same way we sometimes view many things in our lives. Some things just do not matter. Why stress yourself over something that is not an essential in daily lives. We have enough things like work, politics, relationships, children, ALWAYS CHILDREN. These things bring on enough stress. Holidays, meals, cost of living, gifts for children and grandchildren. Those stresses are always with us.

But what about our faith? Where are we in our faith? Have we seen what is going on around us? Oh oh, look at the politics! That comes creeping in because, these days, politics DO AFFECT our our Christian faith. And what about World News and Happenings. We sometimes just chuck it away, as what could affect us half way around the world. "There are always wars and rumors of wars, but it is over there, not here. When it is here, I will worry about it." Quick newflash folks, when it arrives here, it is too late to be informed ahead of time. We will learn about it the hard way, first hand experience.

CHILDREN AND PARENTS. Parents with adult children can be a problem. And it is a two way street. Many times adult children see parents as "out of touch", or "older and can not understand this day and age". Sometimes, wisdom of those who HAVE walked a mile in your shoes, is misunderstood, unwanted and not considered. Many times they feel that the shift of power and knowledge and expierences is being transistioned to the younger generation, but not realizing that the wisdom and knowledge and training that comes with being the "parents age" is exactly what should be reveared and respected and listened to. Instead, PARENTS recieve criticism, and are set aside and dismissed. Many times, adult parents dismiss the knowledge and training and wonderful minds of the adult children. They continue to see their kids as "the kids", not as adults, working and making their way in life, and starting to raise their children, facing the same but different trials and tribulations that we faced. What both sides are missing is REGARD FOR EACH OTHER.

Which leads me to this point. We are later in the year, later in our lives, and it is later than many might think. We might not have much time left to make certain choices in life that need to be made. Political happenings and world happenings are leading to a path that is certainly affecting all of our lives in a big way. Our faith and commitments we make to Jesus are going to make a difference in our lives as the time is starting to run out. That decision is a priority. You might have 30 days, or 3 years, or 30 years. OR, you might have another 30 seconds.

YOUNGER GENERATION, it is time to recognize and regard your parents, your elders and respect them for their experience and knowledge and widsom. OLDER GENERATION, it is time to celebrate the upcoming youth for all of their excitement and ambition , their ideas, their experiences yet to come to them , AND their ability to stay up past 10:00 . REGARD, we all need to REGARD , LOVE ONE ANOTHER ! That is not a choice, but a command. Don't believe me? Then read the Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. BIBLE !!!

The end of the year is upon us, and new beginings are just around the corner. Let us make our plans, finish our important tasks, help each other, love each other, and start the NEW TIMES out together, Because,.... in a twinkle of an eye, it will be here!

Blessings for New Year everyone.

MEMORIAL DAY 2011 JESUS IS MY HERO

Memorial Day, 2011 is here. It is a day for remembering fallen heros, remembering the military men and women currently serving overseas and at home. And remembering, of course, to reflect on the price our heros have paid for the freedom we experience. It comes at a very high cost.

SO.... Does that mean that we can remember JESUS on Memorial Day? YES!! HE is our fallen hero. HE died so our lives could be lived in freedom forever. The cost to HIM and HIS family has been spoken about for several thousand years, AND LONGER. We talk about the price HE paid every week, daily we remember the price HE paid for each and every one of us. BUT, not only did HE pay the price for all of us in the USA, but HE paid the price for everyone all over the world. HE did not limit HIS death to save just Americans, but for those who have believed, past, present and future, all around the world.

Yup, among many wonderful men and women have have gone before us, the leader of them all is OUR JESUS, OUR FALLEN HERO, WHO DIED FOR EVERYONE, WHO ROSE AGAIN, THAT WE ALL SHOULD HAVE FREEDOM FOR EVER.

REMEMBER THAT FACT when you eat your barbqued chicken and potato salad, corn on the cobb and strawberry shortcake. That is what we are going to have. Say a special blessing for Memorial Day, making JESUS YOUR BEST AND FOREVER FALLEN HERO!

DO YOU FRITTER?

Sometimes our lives get so busy, we forget what we have enjoyed doing. Do you ever get so hung up in the hustle and bustle of daily life, that you speed through the days without knowing if you have really accomplished what you wanted to do? I seem to do that all the time. And when you reflect on that, the realization that those moments you have frittered are gone forever.

This is not to say that frittering is not a good thing. Some of my best times have been frittering ...Just sitting and listening to the birds and feeling the sun on my face is not what I call frittering. Standing in my sewing room checking out my fabric stash with a smile on my face is not frittering. Sitting and looking out a window at the rain coming down with far away thoughts is definitely not frittering. So, what DOES constitute frittering. I am not sure I can say, but, I do know that those times looking out the window at the rain completely lost in your thoughts are reknewing times. And the feel of the sun on your face and listening to the beauty of the birds music is so relaxing and comfortable.

Maybe we loose moments we can not recover when we are angry for no good reason. (Is there ever a good reason to be angry?) Now that is a major waste of time. Or when we spend time trying too hard to please others and live up to others expectations. Maybe we loose valuable time being jealous or envious of others rather than be happy with what God has given to you. Maybe we spend entirely too much time in worry about our health or what could happen if this or that might happen, or, or , or... Those are not productive moments and we need to put those things away. Oh, trust me, I think of these things because I struggle with these frittered moments just as we all do.

So let us reflect on this... GOD IS IN CONTROL. HE does HIS job very well, and does not need our help running things. If we look around, listen, and appreciate our surroundings, we could realize that we are so well cared for. HE has provided us with a beautiful place to live, even with the rain. HE is in control of politics, even though we forget that frequently, especially at this time of the year. Hot cocoa, or tea, or steaming coffee, a good book or good music or a good movie on a rainy day , under a blanket, warm and cozy. That conjures up wonderful thoughts of warmth and security and happiness. No frittering there, just enjoying HIS creations for us.

Let us work on enjoying frittering .

THE FIRST BOOK SIGNING IS OVER

The first event at SAGE BOOK STORES in Shelton, Wa is now history. It was held last Saturday, and believe me, I was so nervous. So many things go through your mind when doing this kind of event, especially if it is a total unknown, walking in the dark kind of thing. You are not sure how to plan, prepare, do you have a theme, or just sit like a bump on a log. And it did not help that I was getting over a cold, and had recieved some discouragement during the week. So, my mind was especially working overtime.

But, as usual, if you LET GO and LET GOD, all things go well. My good friend Sue suggested balloons, as the name of the book is "THE FLY AWAY BALLOON". Up to "Walmarche", into the novelty department and I found a kit containing balloons, ribbon and the helium. I found some pinata candy with little toys, and a little purple trash can for wrappers. And off I went. You have heard of the expression, "brilliant minds think alike"? SAGE BOOK STORE puts out balloons when having a guest for book signings, which tied into the theme. Bless their hearts, it was all set up. I anchored my ballons I had blown up, put out the candy, set out the books and my "fine tipped sharpy" and I was ready for anything.

And "anything" did happen. There were flowers delivered, more balloons and cards delivered, and bunches of friend and supporters arriving to see the book, buy a book, have books signed, and support from good friends. There were no breaks to speak of. A short pause for a few minutes, and then more friend arrived with good cheer and cameras. We sold out all of the books quickly, had alot of laughter and some tears. Lots of hugs and lots of love.

The special key here is TRUST. You can always ALWAYS TRUST that if you allow GOD
control, it will always be the best for you. If He knows the hairs on your head,and HE does, and the amount of your heartbeats,and HE DOES, HE can certainly handle a book signing. I will never fear again. HE turned all things to good. That is what HE wants for you. That does not mean I won't fuss over things, as that is my nature. But fear... ah, not so much.

So, the time at SAGE BOOK STORE for the book signing went well. People had fun, and I had fun. The bookstore had fun, and I know that GOD HAD FUN. What more can I say.

Please join me for the next time, cause, we are certainly going to have fun again. I will keep you posted. Sept 14th I will be at the Hoodsport Library supporting them. I will have more books by then and hopefully, I won't run out this next time. Or.... whatever. Look forward to seeing you all, and so will GOD!

AND YET AGAIN, ANOTHER SEASON BEGINS

I love the different seasons of the years as they pass. Of course, every one's favorite time of the year is summer. The warm sun on your back, the beautiful blue skies, waters of the beautiful Puget Sound in the summer. It just does not get much better than that.

Well, maybe Spring and Summer. In the Spring we have the showers and the warmth, that brings on spring flowers, and the fragrance that goes with freshly tilled soil, and new plants in the garden.

Let's not forget the Fall season, when the sun is lazy in the sky, and in the warm sun the grasshoppers can be heard, the crickets in the evening , cool nights, crisp "football weather", bright lights in a stadium. Ah, those days , those warm colors of turning leaves. Thanksgiving is one of the favorite holidays, with good food, warm fires and family gatherings.

So that brings us to winter. Well, here are the rains , sometimes snow. It is cold and blustery , and the leaves fall away and we are left with bare trees that once showed the beautiful green buds of spring. But Winter also comes with Christmas lights, and decorations, and the hustle bustle of last minute shopping. You have choir and music rehearsals for our church celebrations of the birth of Christ. Now, again we can say, It just does not get any better than this.

The seasons we go through every year have their own value, their own special place in our hearts . Maybe we all like the coming seasons for their own special virtues, their own special meanings. I believe it is also like that in our personal lives. We have all read articles or poems that talk about the different turns of each season, the positive and the negatives. And I believe that each project we undertake has different seasons.

The beginning , or idea stage, or planning stage, call it what you might. The work stage, where you are putting into action the plans you have made. The harvest stage where you see the fruits of all your planning and hard work, and the cooling down stage, when you have completed your hard work, time to mellow out and chill, bask in the time of reflection of what you have accomplished.

I am in what I might call the "fall" of the book I have written. I planned, I accomplished, and now the marketing "season". You see, in the writing industry, for the most part, the author of the works has to do the majority of the promtion of the work. Not like the old days when the publisher schedules, sponsers, makes happen the magic of book signings, and tours. Now, with the age of compters, the internet, the close proximity of country to country, the work of promotion also falls on the shoulders of the author. Open the Facebook or Twitter or Linked account, talk about your book, (not hard to do) spread the interest of what is going on, schedule the book signings, fax or e mail the press releases, etc. And you know, I like this season of the book as much as the spring and summer of it. The excitement spreads to your family and friends, to your friends neighbors who are so supportive, and talk it up in their gatherings. It is a great time or so called season.

Now, I can't wait for the winter of this book, the time to sit back and reflect, and bask in front of the warm fire of accomplishments. Envision the birth of yet another season to come, another project for the spring, another book to write, another seed to plant.

I love all seasons! They each bring on such promise and hope and joy. Thank you Heavenly Father for the gift of each season to us. May we see them, enjoy them and bask in them as we do YOU.

I AM A BOOK AUTHOR

I have a book in hand. We have turned the pages of "The Fly Away Balloon". This is such a trip! It will be released within 10 days to two weeks for sale to bookstores, Amazon.com , and other bookstores. The press releases are prepared, and the web site is being built. When the site is finished, momentarily, the business of selling the book begins. The book process , begining to the end, is complete. OR IS IT?





Just like many things in life, we feel we have set a goal, worked hard to reach the goal, and we are now done. I have learned thru this process, and many other processes in life, that setting and reaching goals is just the begining for the next stage. I wanted to have a book published, and it is. But, now that this is completed, the next line of business is getting the book out there, letting people know it is there, not just locally, but nationally , internationally? The process changes... immediate goals reached, but the next "phase" begins. Only God can know how far this can go. Keep striving to do more.








I believe it is that way with our personal lives, in the interchange with other people, with your faith in God. You set a goal, you reach a goal, and then discover that God has yet another phase for you . Okay, so you attended a service, heard a good word, that was your goal for the morning. Goal reached, BUT, what are you going to do with the word . Do you apply what you heard? The next phase is just starting, and these lessons , unless put into practice, are just good words. Do the "Chevy Chase shoulder head bob", and move on. You must take action and enter the next phase. It is not enough to just hear the words, and walk away. Have you ever listened to something so profound, and said to someone, boy I wish "so and so" could hear this. It is "so for them"... and never apply the lesson to yourself?! We all have said or thought this.








Reach for the next stage of your goal! Apply what you have learned. Go forward to the next phase. Don't let it fall to the wayside. If I was doing that, only my family and friends would ever hear about the book. The immediate goal of publishing would be met, but spreading the news is the next phase.








Just as with our Faith, we must learn, listen, and spread the news. It is another wonderfilled phase of your life.

THEY'VE GOT ME COVERED!

WOW! THEY HAVE FINISHED THE FRONT AND BACK COVER...

Now, this is becoming a reality. I know, each stage is more and more of a reality, and I bet it is tiresome. It sure is not tiresome to me though. The adventure is still going. They have announced that I should have a copy of the book, "The Fly Away Balloon" from the printer in about 3 weeks. It is zippin right along .

I realize that I will not become a world famous author, nor shall I find great wealth. That is not the only goal in life, to be famous or have great wealth. (Although ample is good!) It is fun to have something that my grandchildren can look at. Maybe read to their children. But my son made a comment that I laughed at..."Tell that to Dr. Suess. Their family will never have to work again." And even though I laughed, it made me think about what plans are in store for all of this.



I know where my idenity is, I know that there is nothing that I could do that could change my destination in life. I have a wonderful husband, and wonderful children and grandchildren. Not to say that things are always a bed of roses, because they are not. There are bumps in the road occasionally. All in all, life is good. So, where does this desire come from , to have something in writing to be remembered by. As if my children or grandchildren might not remember me if they don't have a book to touch.



I believe that we are all seeking approval, seeking acknowledgement , looking for someone to say, "well done " or, " I am proud of you." We all enjoy a family member or friend smiling and supporting our accomplishments. A shy child will always beams when you point out how nice he or she looks, or how great of a hit that was on the ball field. Congradulations to a son or daughter on how well they did on a project, or a job, or a family dinner, or yard work, or how proud you are of how well they might be raising their child. We all seek approval. And if we remember to verbally give that approval, the return of love and respect, one to another, will make you a rich person indeed.



We all know that God loves us, no matter what. He approves of us, even when we make mistakes, He is smiling at our accomplishments, even when we fall. He will pick us up and encourage us when we have small setbacks in life, skin our knees emotionally or physically. He will set our paths right, and send us out to do things for Him. We are a great sucess in His eyes, always have been, always will be. We can take joy in that, and if you know that, in your heart, it will bring that smile to your face, that encouragement to your life, the same things we seem to search out.



Who knows, maybe the job given to you is to encourage someone, to think of someone's who has accomplished something wonderful, and tell them. Not just thinking it, but to verbalize it. Remembering to tell someone how well they have done, how nice they look, how nice their garden grows. Loving one another, lifting up one another, supporting each other. That is where your wealth is. That is where you can be remembered. I heard a son say once, at his grandfathers services, "My grampa was proud of me".



What wealth , such rememberance, posterity. I could only hope for the same.

WHAT A WONDERFUL MORNING!

When I was younger, early mornings were strictly designated for sleeping. As I am maturing, early mornings are changing in designation. It is wonderful getting up early, listening to the early birds "tweeting" their way into the day, loudly I might add. And in Washington State, a sunny early morning , with birds tweeting, and blue skies, well, it just does not get any better than that!

We wait all rainy year long for mornings like this. People wonder why we stay here. Why not move somewhere where the sun shines all the time. Washington State is so green and plush and beautiful, and it comes from the winter and spring rain. It is contrasting colors of blue green water, green trees , beautiful flowers and the glow that goes along with a sunny day. That is why we stay. These are the very things that God gives to us as a promise of what is yet to come. That is why we stay.

"The Fly Away Balloon" is in the final stages. I sometimes wonder how many final stages there really are, but , this is one of the final, final stages. We are working on the front cover, and it should head into printing shortly. Woo Hoo.. I have seen an online emailed copy of how it is going to run on the inside, story and illustrations, and it is exciting to see the work actually a reality. You also see the errors you have made, the thoughts of "I should have done " this or that. Or "I could have changed" this or that... All those things are in the past, and we are moving forward. Soon I will be able to share the final book with everyone. Keep watching as I will post an announcement when the book is out ready to read.


Don't you think we spend a lifetime looking back saying, "I should have done" this or that or "I could have done" this or that. Should've or could've. I am not sure those words should be in the dictionary that defines your life. And they should never be a way of guiding your life. Reflection is good , and learning from your mistakes goes hand in hand with reflection. But spending your days living in the past will not help you gain what God is holding in His hand for your future. We need to learn from our mistakes, or shortcomings, but our promises are in the future. Move forward, onward and upward , eyes to the promises made for our tomorrows. Start today! Look positively to your future, move forward, make the changes you need to make, sometimes a little bit at a time, and enjoy both the sun in your life AND the SON in your life. You just cannot go wrong if you do that.

When I stopped working outside of the home a few years ago, I was concerned about what I was going to do. I spent the first few weeks decompressing. Then the direction of my life started taking shape. Lund Creations came into being , giving an outlet for creativity, and the writing started with a possible direction toward publishing someday. I kept thinking that I needed to go back and start a company and do the things that I did for work , on a smaller basis. But, God had different plans for my life. The doors continued to quietly close on the past, and open to the future. We have trusted in that direction given to us, and we are moving forward . Reach for your goals, look for different directions in your life. See what HIS plans are for your life, and move in that direction. Be open to change, and follow your dreams.

Learn to "Fly Away" like the balloon...

ANOTHER PHASE ALMOST DONE!

I feel similar to a teenager. Not quite grown up yet, having all of the grown up emotions , but with a little different perspective and viewpoint.


That is the way I feel about the children's book I am writing, The Fly Away Balloon. We are almost done with the book layout phase of this adventure. There are a couple of layout typo's they need to correct, and one more illustration to put into the proper order, and we move on to the next phase. I am still not sure what the next phase is, but like a teenager, I am excited to see what is over the next hill. (Not to be confused with going "over the hill")


Life seems to be like that as well. We look back at different stages of our life and we see the simplest of times and the most difficult of times with a much different perspective. Depending on how old you are while going thru these times, you can see such a different viewpoint or perspective. I can remember my children going thru similar life experiences. Seeing that same "trauma" I experienced, but in a much different lite. Have you caught yourself thinking, or even saying, my situation was very different or, it was more serious. Ah, well, stop and think. It was much more serious or life altering, because it was you. The same seriousness applies to your child or grandchild , you just don't see it in the same way.


I think a valuable lesson in life is remembering what happened in your past and how you felt about it at the time. That might be the key to having wisdom in this area. Remember to put the same kind of perspective you had to the situation at hand, and have empathy .


That can go a long way to gapping the distance between different age groups. Actually, remembering those "trauma's" can bring back good and bad memories. Remembering the memories can be almost bitter sweet. I am glad that I can laugh, or maybe just chuckle, about some of those memories. And other than your closest friends from the past, no one is around to remember them.


We have a group of girl friends who meet regularly for lunch and we all graduated from high school together. It is kind of our version of "Ya Ya's". Between many of us, we have enough memories to hold each other hostage for a long time. But, we now laugh alot, and have those memories in perspective. What was so serious back then, is so funny and heartwarming now. Everytime we meet, someone usually has a tale or two that we all find hilarious , which of course brings to memory another tale, embellished a bit maybe, but making the telling all that much better.


Another pleasure is having friends for a long LONG time. There is such comfort in that. We all may not have run together all those years. Some of us did, some grew to be good friends later on in life. But, bonding is still there as we remember so many things no matter which "group" we all were in.


With all that being said, I am glad that I am almost past the teenager age with the book, although the experience I would not change for anything. And the memories I am making now, will last my lifetime, and I will remember, and chuckle and smile.


Life is good. Thank you Lord for the gift.

RAIN RAIN GO AWAY!

Here we are, almost summer, and I could swear it is still November. All the rain is making things green and beautiful, but I can not get out and work in my yard, plant summer flowers, or soak in natural sun. We want to have a barbque, but, not in the rain. Ah well, let me see, we CHOSE to live in Washington didn't we.

I was thinking that it is time to start the work on my next children's book. I have the book written, but, the hard work is about to begin. The editing, the second editing, the phrasing corrections, the illustrations. Then the formatting , etc etc etc. Writing the book is the easy part. And of course you can get help with all of these things listed above, at a price. The logic is, you sell the first book, you earn enough to have someone do all of these things for you on the next book. But, in reality, my first book is not out yet, almost, but not yet. So, we are still doing the work . But again, that is part of the creativity process. No whining going on, just facts. Maybe I will get another cup of coffee and continue to ponder . You know, there are not illustrations in a novel. Maybe that is the next consideration.

The comment , "there is a book in everyone" is very true, and I have one knocking on the door of my brain. Actually, there are several knocking on the door. I know, the question is, is anyone home to answer??? Well, there is someone home, and I am about to answer the door. Every family has enough "happenings" to author more than one book. Saga after saga could be put on paper and embellished a bit, change the names, and you are off and running. Of course, depending on the circumstances, in many cases, the same things happen in each and every other family we all know. So, what makes your story just a little different? Therein lies the quandry. The twist, the turn of events, the mystery of it all, the happy ending, the resouloution. I love the creativity process, the imagination of it all.

Now you can see what we all get when the rain won't go away. You sit with the extra cup of coffee, your coffee nerves are zippin around, and you think of what you could or should or might be doing. Ah, so, what do you do? Open your computer and write in your blog.

And with that, I wish you a great day.

Hurry up and wait!

Hurry up and wait is the key word for so many things in life. I am going through this phenomenon as this process proceeds.

The illustrations that go along with a children's book has been the biggest creative challenge. And the waiting to find out if they are all going to "make the cut" is the current challenge. It is not just the creative challenge, although, this is not my area of creativity. TRUST ME IN THIS! But, we learn our best lessons through struggles. What have I learned? I have learned, very clearly, what not to do. I am still learning WHAT to do. I suspect that is the story of our lives. We are all learning from day to day. And I suspect, I am not through making mistakes.



One thing I have learned, aside from the publishing events, is that we need to keep mentally challenged. I know, some of you will quickly point out that I am mentally challenged ! Some friends use various activities to keep the little neurons popping. Everything from travel, to gardening, to dexterity puzzles. Another area to keep yourself mentally stimulated is to learn computer skills. I know, many people claim that it is not for them. Can't do this"..."does not make sense", "I don't want to". If we plan to stay current in our daily living, we need to throw out the "I cant's," and move on to the "let's try" area of our lives. It is like the age of motor vehicles and riding a horse. If the roads are full of cars, you best not ride your horse on the freeways. We need to keep up with the times, move forward and stay current. It might take a little extra effort on your part, but, isn't that what we are talking about here? Mentally challenging yourself to keep up with the program, what ever that program might turn out to be.



With all of that being said, I learned different programs on my computer on how to create the illustrations. It was frustrating, tiring, and exciting. Learning how to make certain changes, but, now... how do I save the changes. It is hard to find out that the illustration, your latest "baby", is not the correct DPI, or the right kind of color to pass muster... I am chuckling now, but, it is a weak chuckle. I just have to thank God for giving me the directions and encouragement to continue this learning journey. It would have been very easy to give up.



I want to thank all of you for being so supportive. It has been so wonderful to hear encouraging words. Everyone needs that, no matter if it is a small project or a large project. Lift others up, be supportive of your friends, and keep moving and trust God to lead you . You can not go wrong if you do this.



Until the next time....

How Did This All Happen?

I have been asked, how did you start writing? When did you start writing? I didn't know you enjoyed writing!




Sometimes we all have little closet things we do that bring us relaxation. Some we can share, some we choose not to share. And, some we choose to keep as a private release of thoughts only for ourselves. I do not fall into any of those catagories. (If I was writing an e mail, I might type LOL right now) Actually, my husband loves to play video games on his computer, and I love to spend time with my husband. As he would be playing a game on his computer, winning the latest baseball or football games, I would be on my computer, writing away. Actually, I have a full length novel I have written, several children's books, a book about the funny and not so funny side of marriage and a short book on ushering, more a guideline than a book. Hummm...... This makes me think that my husband must play many computer games.


I find it interesting that so many people journal, and I have never been into journaling or a diary, or even keeping notes while on vacations. Not my thing. But, the blogging might change this as I find it easier to sit at a computer and type. After all, I did this very function for many years while I was working. It is a very comfortable thing... or at least , a familar thing to do. But, not all things that I might write about or journal about concern just writing books. So, I wonder if I might intermix thoughts. Does this mean I can actually admit to being a little scattered and rationlize the validity of it?


Back to the Children's book. I need to talk about the question, "How did this all begin?" questions. With all of these written gems, sitting in my computer, stored in various stages of completion, I had a challenge given to me by a friend. Why don't you go to one of the publisher's web sites, and see how you could have one of these books published?! After a few jokes back and forth, I finally started looking into that very process, stumbled along for awhile, and discovered a publisher that requested a short story line. I submitted, they read, and they wanted to pursue this. And here we are, 6 months later, blogging, waiting for the publication to hit the book shelves.

It has been a wonderful process, but, not always easy. I think that writing the book is the easy part. The rest of the process is what has been challenging. I have learned so much, some things I have enjoyed, some things not so much!!


As I go through this bloggin process, I will write about them. I hope you enjoy following this adventure and stay with me.




Blessings !




Wendy Lund