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Spring
Spring is bursting into life here on the little farm. We had a beautiful weekend, temperatures in the seventies. True to western Oregon springs, it is raining again and quite chilly. Regardless, I am inspired by the fragrant blossoms sprouting from many of my favorite plants.
I love the Flowering Red Current that my family gave me, years ago, for Mother’s Day. With little to no care it explodes with color every spring. What a blessing.
I also love the Camilla that grows half way up my towering old farmhouse. My grandfather grew Camillas. He would take me out before dinner to pick just the right blossoms. Then we would present them to my grandmother as she cooked away on one of her marvelous meals.
Another favorite is the Bleeding Heart. I’m not sure why I love this plant, the name makes me a little sad, but it’s so lovely. The heart-shaped blossoms hang down from their stems in neat little lines.
I sincerely hope that you all are finding time to enjoy your favorite gifts of spring. -
Writing Contests
Monday evening, I received my feedback from the Genesis Contest. Some good comments, some not so flattering. Overall, I loved it. Entering a contest has been one of the best things I have done on this writing journey. The comments from the three judges where like a series of light bulb moments. You know what I mean, your tripping along, doing what you think is your best, then, BAM, you realize there has been a simple problem holding you back. Now I am much more clear on my strengths and weakness. I know which areas I need to study more, and which areas I can have a measured amount of confidence in. Thanks judges! If any of you readers are also writers, I would encourage you to submit your work to a good contest.
So what does that mean for the book I’m working on now? After much thought, I have decided to go a different way with the first two chapters, starting the story in a different place, with slightly different circumstances. Wow, I like this new beginning so much better than the 1st or 2nd attempt.
I’m entering another contest in June. I’ll let you know how it goes.
Enjoy the weekend. It’s suppose to be sunny, and in the seventies here in Oregon.
Christina
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Busy Weekend
We had a busy weekend. Boy kiddo #1 (13) had his second beef weigh in for the year. He is raising two steers to show in the county fair. Joe weighed in at 776 pounds and Moe weighed 714 pounds. They are well on their way!Girl kiddo #3 (8) and girl kiddo #4 (6.9) are on the same soccer team. They had their first game of the spring season Saturday morning. The weather was yucky, but the girls didn’t mind a bit. Kiddo #3 scored two goals, and kiddo #4 loved being on defense. Kiddo #1 also had a game around noon.
Saturday evening we went out to Blodgett and participated in a community fundraiser. It was a potluck, each serving cost .10, followed by a desert auction. The proceeds went to the Bill Ayers Memorial Scholarship. It was great to see people we hadn’t seen for awhile and spend time with Grandma and Peepaw.
After a great sermon on Sunday, we took three of the kids to Paul’s Place for lunch (kiddo #1 was at a youth group activity). Sunday was the last day for Paul’s Place. After twenty-something years Paul decided to through in the towel. It was packed, like the entire town of Philomath had shown up for the event. It took over an hour to get our food, but we didn’t care. Brownies were passed out to the customers, making boy kiddo #2 (11) very happy. What a great time! Congratulations Paul!
Have a great week,
Christina
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The Other Daughter by Miralee Ferrell
Let’s start the book reviews out with the debut novel from Miralee Ferrell, The Other Daughter.
What a shock when a young girl shows up on the front porch of the Carson family home. It’s a bigger shock to Suzanne when the girl tells her that she is her husband, David’s daughter. Can you imagine that? I couldn’t.
David has been a follower of Jesus Christ while Suzanne has resisted the Lord. This new development brings another division into the home, and threatens Suzanne’s ever coming to trust in God for her life. I wont tell you anymore because I would hate to spoil the story for you.
Miralee Ferrell does a great job making her characters, and their emotions come to life. The plot is original and the ending leaves the reader satisfied. Being from the Pacific Northwest, I enjoyed the vivid pictures she creates of the natural surroundings to this story. The Other Daughter is published by Kregel Publications and can be purchased through their website and from Amazon.
