I collect kitchen towels. I don't remember when it started really, only that I began picking them up here and there—and now I can't stop. I think it started because I realized I had way too much stuff sitting on tables and shelves, so when I went somewhere I didn't want to bring home something else "pretty" that would just take up space. I wanted something practical. So...kitchen … [Read more...]
Time to Breathe
My summers for the past 30 years have included deadlines. Often pressing deadlines, which meant I was writing every day, no matter what else was going on, no matter the beautiful weather, no matter family get-togethers, et al. My summer travel was more likely than not tied to a writer's conference rather than being a true vacation. Conferences are fun but they are also work. So I have to … [Read more...]
The Plot Thickens|Jane Kirkpatrick
Each Sunday "Inspired by Life...and Fiction" shares a Christian novelist's newest book and the garden spots where they find inspiration. After spending years clearing sagebrush and wrestling wind and rattlesnakes on their ranch in a remote part of Oregon, Willa Award-winning author Jane Kirkpatrick and her husband Jerry are back in central Oregon. Jane has brought some reminders of her … [Read more...]
The Plot Thickens|Nancy Jo Jenkins
Each Sunday "Inspired by Life...and Fiction" shares a Christian novelist's newest book and the garden spots where they find inspiration. Nancy Jo Jenkins' garden is a "hothouse" and featured below are the leaves of an ivy plant she "ditched" in the greenhouse several years ago. "The greenhouse is like a rain forest where our plants thrive, both wintertime and summer," Nancy says. Nancy Jo is a … [Read more...]
A Priceless Bridal Shower … on a budget!
My oldest daughter is getting married in May! (You may have seen a previous post.) And she was only home in Little Rock for a month, which means lots of wedding planning, picking out a dress, checking out the reception spot, and having a bridal shower. Talk about busy! (And that doesn't include Christmas, New Years, everyone in the family getting strep, book edits and deadlines on another book, … [Read more...]