Category Archives: Travel

France…a spiritually uplifting trip

10 Saturday Jan 2015

Posted by in Books, Christianity, Holy Catholic Church - Anglican Rite, Inspiration, Journeys: In Writing and Life, Photography, Travel

≈ 21 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Sad to hear the news of the terrorism in France. My husband and I were just there in November–in Lourdes, a few days stop-over our way to India. The visit was amazing and spiritually refreshing.

Given the sadness of the muslim extremist’s attacks on Paris, thought it would be a good time to share some photos of the beauty and spirituality of France, in Lourdes, about a seven hour drive south of Paris.

A view from the top of Chateau fort de Lourdes

A view from the top of Chateau fort de Lourdes and below, looking up at the castle.

IMG_0179

IMG_0369

More views from the top of the castle

More views from the top of the castle

climbing a steep staircase to the top of the castle

climbing a steep staircase to the top of the castle

Love the narrow, quiet streets. Me and My husband, Bishop Leo Michael

Love the narrow, quiet streets. Me and My husband, Anglican Bishop Leo Michael

Our wonderful friends, Elisa Amati and her husband Father Don Luca drove all the way from Northern Italy to join us. We had a blast!

Our wonderful friends, Elisa Amati and her husband Father Luca de Pero drove all the way from Northern Italy – about 15 hours drive – to join us. We had a blast!

Streets of France

Streets of France. Elisa had a map. We would find our restaurant!

My husband, Bishop Leo Michael, Me, Father Don Luca, and his wife, Elisa Amati at the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto

My husband, Bishop Leo Michael, Me, Father Luca de Pero, and his wife, Elisa Amati at the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto

Our Lady of Lourdes grotto was our planned destination and it was an incredible spiritual experience. More photos:

In 1858 Bernadette Soubirous, a 14-year-old peasant girl said that a "lady" spoke to her in the cave of Massabielle (a mile from the town) while she was gathering firewood with her sister and a friend. Similar apparitions of the alleged "Lady" were reported on seventeen occasions that year, until the climax revelation of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception took place. Bernadette Soubirous was later canonized as a Saint, and many believe her apparitions have been validated by the overwhelming popularity and testament of healings claimed to have taken place at the Lourdes water spring.

In 1858 Bernadette Soubirous, a 14-year-old peasant girl said that a “lady” spoke to her in the cave of Massabielle (a mile from the town) while she was gathering firewood with her sister and a friend. Similar apparitions of the alleged “Lady” were reported on seventeen occasions that year, until the climax revelation of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception took place. Bernadette Soubirous was later canonized as a Saint, and many believe her apparitions have been validated by the overwhelming testament of healings claimed to have taken place at the Lourdes water spring.

Bernadette

Bernadette Soubirous

Night at the grotto

Night at the grotto

An amazing blessing. Look to the left of the statue, considering the crevice a mouth. Do you see the face of Christ. We only saw this on our last night at the grotto

An amazing blessing. Look to the left of the statue, considering the crevice a mouth. Do you see the face of Christ? We only saw this on our last night at the grotto. Peace and Holy Spirit filled this beautiful holy place.

During one of the apparitions, Bernadette was told to by Our Lady "go drink at the spring and wash yourself there". Shortly after the first pilgrimages began Louis Bouriette was cured. He had lost his vision and washed in the miraculous water where he regained his vision.

During one of the apparitions, Bernadette was told to by Our Lady “go drink at the spring and wash yourself there”. At the time, the spot above place was nothing but a place in the dirt. Then, the spring miraculous bubbled up. Shortly after the first pilgrimages began Louis Bouriette was cured. He had lost his vision and washed in the miraculous water where he regained his vision. Through the years, many have been cured at the miraculous water of Lourdes. The water still runs and pilgrims can collect the water at faucets near the grotto.

The Basilica of Lourdes

The Basilica of Lourdes, built over the top of the grotto

IMG_0159

Where Bernadette was baptized

Where Bernadette was baptized

IMG_0291

My husband and Father Don Luca celebrating Mass.

My husband and Father Luca de Pero celebrating Mass

Father Don Luca and Elisa

Father Luca de Pero and Elisa

IMG_0354

IMG_0309

IMG_0286

IMG_0239

Saints everywhere :-)

Saints everywhere 🙂

IMG_0362

IMG_0366

IMG_0281

Father Don Luca and Bishop Leo Michael walking up the hills toward the stations of the cross

Father Luca de Pero and Bishop Leo Michael walking up the hills toward the stations of the cross

Speaking of the Stations of the Cross, I plan to write and publish a Stations of the Cross book using some of my photos from Lourdes. Really excited about that project.  I’m also working toward finishing my sequel to Crooked Lines. (below)

Beautiful beach and seaAfter we left Lourdes, we went to South India to visit the places and people we helped after the 2004 Tsunami. After returning home, I published my then and now book, Tsunami 2004 – Still Wading through Waves of Hope. Some fascinating stories and pictures from the time of the 2004 Tsunami and after. We’d helped more than two hundred orphans after a national fundraising event. It was really great to return ten years later and visit the people and places and write their stories. Tsunami 2004 is now available on Amazon in Kindle and in print.

While in India, on our follow-up trip, we faced a horrific experience when my husband contracted dengue fever from a mosquito bite and nearly died. But, then and now, we held onto those peaceful blessed days at Lourdes and the wonderful fellowship with Father Don Luca and Elisa. ***

bookFor this weekend Crooked Lines, my novel, is on sale for .99 CENTS. Here’s the blurb: On the shores of Lake Michigan, Rebecca Meyer seeks escape. Guilt-ridden over her little sister’s death, she sets her heart on India, a symbol of peace. Across the ocean in South India, Sagai Raj leaves his tranquil hill station home and impoverished family to answer a higher calling. Pushing through diverse cultural and religious milieus, he labors toward his goals, while wrong turns and bad choices block Rebecca from hers.
Traveling similar paths and bridged across oceans through a priest, the two desire peace and their divine destiny. But vows and blind obedience at all costs must be weighed…and buried memories, unearthed.

First newsletter…and guess what? Some BIG news!

13 Monday Oct 2014

Posted by in Books, Crooked Lines, India, Journeys: In Writing and Life, Travel

≈ 6 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , ,

Just published my very first Mail Chimp newsletter. Huge challenge for my non-techy-hate-learning-new-stuff-brain, but I got ‘er done! Still trying to figure out how to add a sign-up form on my blog and website, but, for now and for those who haven’t signed up for my newsletter, here’s my exciting news in old school cut and paste method from the newsletter (and a link below to get future issues of the real thing).

First, the banner of the newsletter. It doesn’t have a fancy newsletter name, but oh well.

Hollybanner (1) Ok…here’s the news:

Nagapattinam: Ten Years after the Tsunami

“Send us to the worst affected areas, the poorest, most remote villages, where there’s been no help.” ~ Bishop Leo Michael

My husband spoke those words nearly ten years ago when we landed in South India, just days after the 2004 tsunami. He had once lived and worked in the region and knew of the fisher-folk’s living conditions and the havoc a gigantic wave could wreak on a village with homes built of sticks and coconut-thatched roofs.

I mentally geared up for mission work, but had no idea how difficult, yet fulfilling, the experience would prove to be.

Holly2

Now, ten years later, we are preparing to leave for South India for a follow-up visit to the places and people helped from the generosity of America, after a 2004 major fundraising event. (I gotta pack soon).

Funds were used to help rebuild the villages and to provide many orphans with local bank CD’s (to mature in ten years).

Now, the children are ready to collect their money and begin their adult lives. I’m so excited to go back and meet these young people and write their stories. I’ll compile a “then and now” short book (with photos) and release it on the anniversary of the tsunami: December 26, 2014. (Tsunami 2004: Then and Now. Devastation from the Sea. Help from Beyond. – Working Title).

10388652_10154343931780635_7186550705922152135_n

Though both Crooked Lines and the sequel include experiences in the Nagapattinam seaside villages and some life experiences of mine and my husbands, both are works of fiction. Release date for the sequel is planned for February 2015, hopefully Valentines Day.

Here’s the first paragraph of the sequel to Crooked Lines. (Crossed Lines-working title…do you like that title? Let me know in the comments.): Like swirls of smoke from incense, smoldering heaps sent the remains of the dead up to God. I turned away from the distant piles of burning bodies. Nagapattinam, two weeks after the tsunami, wasn’t the India I’d been imagining for the past twenty years. Yet, every storm that swept into my life since I was a teenager had prepared me for this time and place. 

photo by Holly Michael

And in case you haven’t gotten Crooked Lines (reached #1 spot in inspirational fiction on Amazon) here’s the back-cover blurb: On the shores of Lake Michigan, Rebecca Meyer seeks escape. Guilt-ridden over her little sister’s death, she sets her heart on India, a symbol of peace. Across the ocean in South India, Sagai Raj leaves his tranquil hill station home and impoverished family to answer a higher calling. Pushing through diverse cultural and religious milieus, he labors toward his goals, while wrong turns and bad choices block Rebecca from hers. Traveling similar paths and bridged across oceans through a priest, the two desire peace and their divine destiny. But vows and blind obedience at all costs must be weighed…and buried memories, unearthed.

Crooked3 (1)So…for occasional brief and newsy updates about book release dates, sales, etc., here’s the link to sign up for my newsletter: CLICK HERE. Why not?

Thanks! AND, HERE’S HOW YOU CAN HELP: PURCHASE CROOKED LINES NOW AND PROCEEDS FROM SALES FOR THE REST OF OCTOBER AND ALL OF NOVEMBER WILL HELP FUND THE ONGOING PROJECT. THE NEED FOR HELP IS ALWAYS GREAT IN THE POOR FISHING VILLAGES IN NAGAPATTINAM. Click HERE to purchase Crooked Lines

Back on the Wagon and Learning to Lean

30 Thursday Aug 2012

Posted by in Books, Christianity, Family, Football, Inspiration, Jake Byrne, Travel

≈ 17 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

My days of wine whine are over. I am truly blessed and humbled by the many caring comments on my last post: Throwing Mountains into the Sea.

Back atcha dear friends with all that love, support, and prayers you showered me with. Now, prepare for a positive post after my previous pessimistic pondering. (I love alliteration).

My new attitude has nothing to do with any fantastic news. Still waiting for that call from my agent that my novel has been sold. Met with Jake. He returned home after being cut from the New Orleans Saints roster when the team acquired a veteran tight-end. We’re waiting to see what’s next for him. Nick is still wondering where he’s going to attend college in a few months. Betsy Boo left us to study in England for a semester. Here she is at 5:15 am at the Kansas City Airport. She Facebook messaged me today that she’s arrived and is enjoying lovely Bath, England.

And my husband and I are still coming and going between Kansas City and Northern Colorado, taking care of churches in both places. So, instead of whining, waiting, and worrying as we watch our wayfaring Prius’ reflection from the back of this semi…somewhere in Kansas…

…I chose to open Rich Maffeo’s: Learning to Lean, Volume 1. Within the pages of this contemplative companion,  Maffeo beautifully and faithfully reflects on the storms of life, the travails of faith, and the relationship Jesus wants to have with each of us through it all.

What a book! I give Learning to Lean two full thumbs up.  (Thanks for letting me use your thumbs, Betsy)

The author of Learning to Lean, Richard Maffeo, says he was raised in a Jewish home and careened into a life of careless living. Then, he read the 53rd chapter of Isaiah. The ancient Jewish prophet spoke of Jesus’ sacrificial death which paid the penalty for our sins. “But He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all” (NASB).

Maffeo, after delving deep into Scripture, committed himself to the Lord and joined the Evangelical Protestant church before his journey into Catholicism.

Learning to Lean (short meditations mixed with beautiful prose poems) answers the most profound life questions. What might it be like to meet our God on that first day in Heaven? Does Jesus walk with me along my journey? What might the Centurion have felt as he hammered the placard above Jesus’ head? Why do people of faith suffer? What can wash away my sins? What if it had been me lashed to the whipping post, instead of Christ? What does obedience to Jesus look like?

Maffeo’s humbleness in sharing his faith journey, his reverence to God, his knowledge of Scripture, and his well-crafted contemplations will lead readers to the throne of the Almighty, to discover a God of relationships who offers salvation for all through our Lord Jesus’ death on the cross.

I also enjoyed Maffeo’s method for contemplative prayers at the end of the book. He admits it’s more of a relationship than a method, though, and he explains how his maturing in that relationship translates into his prayer process.

I’ve been filled with hope, peace, and joy after reading Richard Maffeo’s Learning to Lean. Also, on my last post, I received many words of wisdom, including these from Doris… “I challenge you to shift the focus of your prayer. Don’t spend a lot of time describing your mountain to the Lord. He knows what it is. Instead, focus your attention on the mountain-mover: his glory, power and faithfulness. Then start walking in faith, following his leading, and watch that mountain step aside.”

Gotta love this support and inspiration we get from one another and from wonderful books, such as Learning to Lean.

So, after all the great advice, and miles of hope and humbling from the pages of Learning to Lean, my husband and I made our way to Northern Colorado, where I decided to quit whining, and you guessed it, learn to lean.

I’m also learning to let go and to not look back. And if I do, the Creator of the Universe, our God, who knows how to create, as well as move mountains, has it all covered.

 

rmaffeo@comcast.net

www.richmaffeobooks.com

http://tinyurl.com/mmbtr3 (Rich’s blog)

http://tinyurl.com/6mp9pu9 (Rich Maffeo’s Bible Study in Acts)

http://prayerstrategies.blogspot.com

 

Award Time! Yay!

13 Monday Aug 2012

Posted by in Award, Best Web Sites for Writers, India, Inspiration, Jake Byrne, Monday's Connections, Photography, Travel, Writing

≈ 37 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

I won a few awards! Just like the olympic athletes! Though I’m a writer, not an athlete, by any means. But if you read my blog, you might know my son is an athlete and a “saint.” (A New Orleans Saint and a saintly child, too). But, this post isn’t about him. It’s about ME and a few other fantastic bloggers. As part of my Monday Connections, time to connect with other bloggers. Come on in and join the fun!

Award Number One: I received a Sunshine Blogger Award….

Image

…from fellow writer, Maribeth Graham over at Writing Like Crazy

Thank you Maribeth. In accepting this award, I am required to answer a series of questions and then pass the torch (aka Sunshine Blogger Award) to other bloggers who I think deserve the award too, link my nominees to this post and comment on their blog letting them know of their nomination. Below are my answers and the blogs I have nominated.

1. What is your favorite Christmas movie?

The Nativity Story, because without the true “Christmas Story,” we couldn’t celebrate Christmas. The scenes and costumes appeared so authentic. The movie renewed my admiration for The Blessed Virgin Mary, a young girl from Nazareth and Joseph, her spouse. I appreciate his faith in God and his trust in the words of the angel from his dream.

2. What is your favorite flower?

White bell-shaped flowers, Lilly of the Valley, grew around the perimeter of our white farmhouse where I grew up in Northern Wisconsin. I used to pick them for my grandma and for my mom. Sweet memories and their intoxicating fragrance takes me back to my childhood and to Wisconsin in the springtime. Thinking about them, I can almost smell the fresh dew on the morning grass and can relive my delight in those perfectly crafted charming little bells. God is so creative!

Image

I also like sunflowers. My older brother Mark once planted fields of them on his acreage when I was a teenager. Recently, my husband and I discovered sunflower fields in the northeast corner of Kansas during a trip from Kansas City to Northern Colorado. Here’s a photo I shot:

Image

3. What is your favorite non-alcoholic beverage? Chocolate milk!

4. What is your passion? Living life fully and giving glory to God while appreciating all of His creation. And if God’s plan is for me to be writing, then it works for me.

5. What is your favorite time of year? Spring. This renewing, fragrant, colorful time of the year fills me with hope.

6. What is your favorite time of day? Nap time!

7. What is your favorite physical activity? Riding bicycle. As soon as I get on a bicycle and pedal, I smile!

8. What is your favorite vacation? So many…hmm…I loved Goa, India.

Image

It was magical. Walks along the Arabian Sea at night, hearing its mighty roar. We had such a nice time.

Loved the Isle of Iona, Scotland.

Image

So green and lush and lovely

Image

A recent get-away to Lily Lake in Estes Park, Colorado was also very refreshing.

Image

Now, these bloggers have earned gold for their wonderful blogs:

1. Lada Ray is one of my favorite bloggers. Her site, http://ladaray.wordpress.com/ is totally worth the click over there. Lada was born in Russia and is a writer, internationally certified feng shui master practitioner, world traveler, linguist, financial consultant & investor, nature/animal lover and spirituality & metaphysics researcher. She’s really awesome!

2. Judith Evans at http://innerhomestead.wordpress.com/. I loved her post about “thin places” on her blog, Among the Pots and Pans. Her blog features her favorite aspects of everyday life, such as recipes, crafts, and natural health.

3. Cindy Dwyer’s: A Reason To Write is full of humorous terrific writing about the ups and downs of working full-time while raising a family.

Award Number Two: The Beautiful Blogger Award…

Image

….from Daniela at Lantern Post. Her blog is full of lovely poetry, prose, quotes, reviews of books or movies, and reflections on the weird and wonderful art of living in our time. You’ll love it. Go check it out.

Here’s the rules of this award: Post seven interesting things about myself and nominate other bloggers who I feel deserve the award, and let them know about nomination.

So…about me:

  1. I’m left-handed.
  2. I have a novel with an agent that’s being shopped around to publishers. Please say a little prayer that one grabs it soon because…
  3. I’m impatient.
  4. I’m crazy about a big-hearted guy who sticks a white band in his shirt collar every day and dresses in vestments on Sunday. (My husband! He’s an Anglican Bishop in the Holy Catholic Church – Anglican Rite)
  5. I’m very proud of our kids and their accomplishments (The dynamic and cute diabetic NFL player, the beautiful darling who’s going off to study in London for a semester, and the sweet handsome boy (also an awesome football player) who will graduate before the year is over. They’ve been great kids and I’m one totally blessed mom.
  6. Both my husband and I are the seventh child in our families
  7. Um….I like chocolate

And for the winners. These bloggers also deserve gold:

1. Meri at ourdiabeticlife.com is my hero. She is the mom of four boys, three of which have Type 1 Diabetes. She is courageously and amazingly managing life with her sons’ diabetes and her husband’s cancer diagnosis. She’s a true hero who inspires. Her blog says: Through this blog I hope to share our ongoing story, to help others see that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. Like you, I have muddled through all the emotional phases diabetes has to offer a parent. I know of the worry that sits with you like an old friend, because he is my friend too. I just try not to make him the life of the party. Take the ride with me. Visit her site, offer a prayer for her and her family, and come away a better person.

2. Melody Lowes at Melody Muses is full of beautiful prose and pictures. One of my fav sites and sure to be yours, too.

3. Becky Doughty deserves all the awards for her inspiring blog, Braveheart: Tales From the Front Line. She’s awesome and so is her blog!

4. Check out Brother Jon’s blog at http://ldsconvertblog.com/. He’s got great stuff going on over there!

5. Don’t miss Hugh Curtler’s blog

Ok, Next award: Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award.

Doesn’t it look cool?

Image

Thanks Ashley over at Author Ashley. She’s a teenager who writes about life and writing and everything in between.

First I’ll list the rules, and then I’ll follow through with what I was asked to do…

1) All recipients need to thank the giver 2) Post 7 things about yourself 3) Pass the award on to 7 other bloggers of their choice and let them know that they have been nominated. 4) Include the logo of the award in a post or on your blog

***

It is my pleasure to nominate the following blogs:

1. Liza at http://mylifeisapictureshow.wordpress.com/ deserves this award. She’s an amazing writer and blogger who invites us to come along for the ride (if you dare). I took the dare and am so glad I did. She’s a wonderful person and very creative blogger.

2. All Things Boys is an awesome blog. Arnel’s humorous and inspiring blog is loaded with great reads and beautiful photography. She’s someone you want to get to know and check out her other blogs, too. I’m so glad I found Arnel and her blogs! You will be too. I promise!

3. I’ve been bragging about Glenda Mills in other awards I’ve given, so if you haven’t already checked out http://glendamills.com/, you need to. It’s so inspiring and beautiful!

4. Gracie Hill at Gracie’s Quest is full of Biblical, faith-filled messages. Check it out if you want your spirit to be renewed in the Lord

5. PT Bradley honors God with her stories

6. Emma Moore’s Blog deserves every blog award out there, dipped in gold!

7. And another great blog: http://pauletteharper.com/

And last but not least, the Lovely Blog Award…

Image

…given to me by Julie at The Read Room, a reading, writing, and word-related blog that catalogs the journey of a struggling writer.

The rules of this award are:

  • Give credit to the awesome person who nominated you,
  • Describe seven things about yourself,
  • Nominate 15 other bloggers.

Seven things about myself:

1. When I was fifteen, I purchased a solid little blue notebook and in it, I recorded funny and heartwarming stories about my little sister who had Downs Syndrome. I wrote about her every day and expressed my love for her and what a gift she was to our family. A week later, she unexpectedly died. I still have the notebook and used the basis of this story for my first novel, Crooked Lines.

2. I love coffee, but only with flavored cream in it.

3. On a long car ride recently, I had a Rollo Flurry from McDonalds and enjoyed every last bite with no regrets. It was awesome! And something good came out of that ice cream dream delight. I got inspired to…

4. …begin the “Couch to 5K” app run/walk program. I just finished day two. Gotta get in shape.

5. My current novel, I’ll Be Seeing You, centers around the American Indian people, in particular the Shoshone and Arapaho in Wyoming.

6. When I was in Kindergarten, at a small consolidated school in Northern Wisconsin, Mrs. King, my teacher wouldn’t let me be the princess. She said, “You’re too shy.” I remember being really mad at her because I wanted the part and I knew I wasn’t shy. How dare she judge me like that! Those words labeled me and affected me and I became somewhat shy after that. If I’d had that part, I probably would have been a much more outgoing child. But perhaps everything happens for a reason. Maybe I needed some humbling from the beginning. I grew up to be fairly outgoing after all.

7. I like this Bible Verse: Romans 8:28 King James Version (KJV) 28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

And last, but not least, Guilie, over at Quiet Laughter, nominated me for the Kreativ Blogger Award. Guilie has a lovely site where she blogs about: Musings and stories on blurred cultural boundaries.

There are rules, four hoops that I must jump through. The first, most important, is to thank my awarders and link to them (check). Then I must answer these ten questions: (if your sick of me, scroll down and check out the cool blogs at the bottom.)

What’s your favorite song? I love most all music and can’t say I have a favorite, but this morning, while walk/jogging, I heard, “I’ll fly away,” done in a southern gospel/jazzy rendition and I totally got into it.

What’s your favorite dessert? Well, that Rollo McFlurry I had the other day was pretty awesome.

What ticks you off? When I’m writing and my computer gets stuck and I lose stuff.

What do you do when you’re upset? Probably Cry, pout, or something like that. But mostly, I don’t have much that upsets me.

Which is your favorite pet? I grew up on a farm, loved animals. We must have had about 30 dogs during my growing up years, puppies galore, hundreds of cats. How could I have a favorite? The kids had pets, too. Now, I avoid pets because we are never home.

Which do you prefer, black or white? Black for clothes that slim, white for iPhone color

What’s your biggest fear? Being out of God’s will and grace.

What’s your attitude, mostly? Happy! Grateful!

What is perfection? God is perfection. I fall way short.

What’s your guilty pleasure? Sleeping late

Hoop #3: I need to share 10 random facts about myself. Hmm…I think we are all done with this Holly Michael show. Let’s move on.

Hoop #4: PASS IT ON! These are my seven nominees for the Kreativ Blogger award, because they’re so wonderful:
Now, those who accepted the award must: thank the awarder, link back to them — answer the ten questions above — share ten random facts about yourself — pass it on to seven other bloggers. It’s all right if you don’t–no pressure, just a small token of my admiration, and a thank-you for being a part of my blogging community.

1. Wanda at the Watered Soul where she offers short, sweet nuggets of inspiration on Bible, Books, and Blogging.
2. OneEarthUnited has a great blog post up now. Don’t miss it. (heehee)
3. Love this blog. While I’m “Writing Straight” Barbara is Scribbling Outside the Lines. Lol!
4. Another great blog. Just click. I promise you’ll like it!
5. Damyanti @ Daily (W)rite blogs about writing on her fantastic site!
6. 4 AM Writer balances writing and life beautifully. 4 AM? Really? You go girl. You deserve this award.
7. Steven W. Watkins has a fantastic blog: OBSERVE. THINK. PLAN. WRITE. PURSUE. EXECUTE……… INSPIRE.. He delivers on all of these points. You can get lost in his posts. Wonderful professional writer.
8. Ms.Nine, a writer and a teacher, has a great blog going on over at her site.
9. Life on the Farmlet, my new life in Northern Alabama is another great blog site. Lynda’s got some great reads and photos over there. Entertaining for sure!
10. Want to be inspired by beautiful prose. Check out Lori Lipsky @ Poetry Patio
11. Check out Marney McNall at the http://volunteerfringe.com/. Another great blog site!
12. Diane at http://hometogo232.wordpress.com/ has a wonderful blog. She’s really a sweet inspirational writer.
13. Alex at Martian Sunrise has a fascinating blog about “the Expression of the Cross within Culture.” Be sure to visit his unique blog.

14. Bill Jones ponders life through the eyes and heart of a Christian man here.

15. And check out Dawn at Since You Asked. Great stuff going on over there.

Thanks everyone. If you’ve read this far you’re committed. No click those links and have some fun!

Imagination

19 Thursday Jul 2012

Posted by in Christianity, Inspiration, Photography, Travel, Writing

≈ 33 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , ,

Saw this public art on a downtown building in Greeley, Colorado. Einstein is right. Imagination is more important than knowledge.

What precedes imagination also counts: stopping to look, listen, think. My life has been hectic and fast-paced lately. I can’t get to the service stations for oil changes soon enough between the thousands of miles logged on our poor abused Prius…

While driving, one of us (my husband or I) will often say, “stop!”

We both understand that this word means inspiration has hit. Recently, somewhere in Kansas, my husband said, “stop!” I braked, pulled over and he shot this:

Imagination at work. He’s got some cool inspiring thoughts about this scene and wanted a photograph.

Imagination also involves another aspect: The Holy Spirit. God. I believe that where we lack creatively, the Holy Spirit fills in. A small prayer often guides my imagination, infuses something more grand and excellent than my puny brain can conjure up on its own.

So, if you’re not feeling inspired, do this: Stop, look, listen, think. And pray. The Creator of the Universe is awesome and can always guide our imaginations into greater realms than we can imagine.

Traveling, Making Friends & Playing Tag

13 Friday Jul 2012

Posted by in Inspiration, Photography, Travel

≈ 28 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Traveled to Estes Park, Colorado and everyone there was so friendly. Met a new friend right away.  

We both enjoyed the beautiful view around Lily Lake…

 

And my other really good friend (husband) enjoyed the day, too…

And so did Christine, our friend and teenage fellow traveler and parish member from St. James Anglican Church in Kansas City.

Then, we headed back into town…

…saw a beautiful church built on rocks.

Had lunch. This was the view across the sidewalk from the restaurant patio where we ate:

…beautiful place…shops on one side of the walk, river on the other, surrounded by mountains.

Got back home and discovered my blogger friend, Virginia, over at Poeta officium, tagged me in her blog. Thanks Virginia. I’ll answer your questions below, then tag some other friends. Traveling, friends, playing tag. It’s all good!

These are Virginia’s questions (it’s all part of the game):

1/ If you could change your name, what would you change it to and why? I like my name. Holly. It’s me. I was born around Christmas so it fits, but I also appreciate Christian names and like my grandmother’s name: Celeste.

2/ Name 3 things you couldn’t live without (not people or animals): I might not die without coffee & chocolate (but not willing to give them up and take the chance) but I might come close to death without my laptop, kindle, and iPhone. 

3/ Which do you prefer – beach or forest? Why? Easy, forest. Take a look at the pictures above. I love the serenity of the forest. Trees are my friends. They make me happy. 

4/ Do you have a ‘I need to do this by the time I am ……‘ age? Which one is it? Though I’m published, I’d like to get my first novel published before I turn another year older. (see how I avoided mentioning my age.) 

5/ Laptop or desktop? Which one do you prefer? Absolutely lap top. It has to be willing to go where ever I go. 

6/ Are you still friends with your best friend from childhood? Does Facebook friend count? Then, yes.

7/ If you could critique any book, which one would it be? Gone With the Wind. Why? First one that popped into my mind and one of my favs.

8/ Describe your perfect day? I just showed my photos of it above.

9/ Where in the world do you feel most at home? Since I travel around quite a bit, I’m home when I’m with my husband and kids.  

10/ Do you talk with your hands (ie do you gesture wildly when you talk?) Yes, I must often sit on my hands to stop from hurting people. 

11/ How well do you know the history of your country of birth? Interesting question because when my husband opened the book to study for his citizenship test several years ago, he already knew more about the United States than I did. I learned a few things. 

And now my turn to tag. Since Victoria’s questions were good, I’ll pass the same one’s along and ask the tagees to answer them and to tag others. (Though feel free to make up questions for their tagees.) Here are some friends with wonderful blogs:

1. Christian Mihai at http://cristianmihai.net/

2. Kate @ 40 is the new 30

3. Staci @ Spirit Light Books

4. Enjoyed this inspirational post today from Eddie Poole’s blog

5. Terry 1954: Inspirational stories that touch your heart

6. Gracie’s Quest: Awe inspiring

7. Rachelle Ayala’s blog

8. This Corner of the Woods: Wonderful Photo Blog

9. I was thinking the other day about

10. Lynn Dove’s Journey Thoughts

11. The Squirrel Nutwork

12. New Friend. Author Sherri Wilson Johnson Great blogger

13. See My Travels, another new friend and great blog site

Enjoy all of my friends, even the fuzzy one at the beginning of the blog. Thanks for coming by!

Baaaaa….I’m Still Journeying….

27 Wednesday Jun 2012

Posted by in Guest Blogging, Inspiration, Journeys: In Writing and Life, Photography, Travel

≈ 11 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , ,

…at baaaaa.com: Bleats From God’s Sheep. It’s such a cool site. Don’t miss it! I love sheep. When we journeyed in Iona, Scotland, I took these sheep photos:

ImageImageImage

And, found these sheep while journeying to Casper, Wyoming

Image

Hope you liked the photos, now check out baaaaa.com, for bleats from God’s sheep (the human ones).

Journeys: In Writing and Life

26 Tuesday Jun 2012

Posted by in Guest Blogging, Inspiration, Journeys: In Writing and Life, Travel, Writing

≈ 5 Comments

Tags

, , , , , ,

Today, I’m journeying over to baaaaa.com (bleats from God’s Sheep) for a guest blog gig. Come on over and check out baaaaa.com‘s lovely web site. It’s one of my favorites. You will not be disappointed. I promise! C’mon. Click it! You’ll be so glad you did.

A couple of days ago, we took these photos from inside the car, journeying through Southwest Nebraska. (I was driving, but my husband took the pictures).

Still here? Go on now, over to baaaaa.com

This is your last chance to click on baaaaa.com, for the best web journey you’ll discover today! Do it!!