Nature: A Window Into God's Creative Genius

How can anyone look at the beauty of nature



and doubt it came from anywhere but the hand of a loving Creator? Astonishes me. The intricacies, the interconnectedness, the simplicity...no way it came from a blob of ooze crawling out of a pond. And we see that Creator's heart reflected in people who create beauty as well. Be it classic or contemporary art, or a unique and playful way to bring beauty and imagination to life, the urge we feel to create stems not from some evolutionary development, but from the truth that we are made in God's image, inside and out.

My older brother sent me a video that illustrates this...well, beautifully. The beauty here is twofold: the nature of the surroundings, and the engineering brilliance that created a path through it. I don't generally mind heights, and I've got a bit of an adventurer's spirit, but I gotta say, couldn't pay me enough to walk this path.

Take a look, and be awed at the wonder of creativity, both from God's hand and the hand of His children.

Peace to you today--

Karen

Oh My Achin' Antlers!

I first saw this years ago when an agent accidentally sent it to me. I laughed so hard the other editors working with me came to my office to see what was going on. Needless to say, I sent the agent a thank you note. She was embarrassed, but I told her not to be. I'd needed a laugh that day. And she's one of the few people I never forget. All she has to do is say, "Remember me, I'm the antelope lady..."

If you haven't seen this before, you're in for a treat.

Antelope vs. tree

(By the way, if you're blonde, I didn't title this video...)

Here's to laughter!

Karen

Tips for Your Writing

In my browsing time on the internet (more about that in a second) I came across the following site: Daily Writing Tips.

Looks like some helpful and interesting tips here, so thought I'd share it with you all.

Now, back to browsing the internet. Since deciding to alternate the focus on my blog (see the blog entry for May 8), I've been taking more time to browse the internet looking for material or news on my 5 areas of focus. In the process, I've discovered some fascinating things. Okay, some disturbing or idiotic things, too, but the majority have been fascinating. Which led me to my iGoogle page, where I set it up to receive certain news, blogs, and other tidbits daily. Why do this? And more to the point, why should you care?

Because, as writers, we need to stay in touch with what's going on. In the world, in our country, in our communities, and with our own personal world of influence. And the internet is a great way to accomplish most of that. Are you writing historicals? If you use Google, set up Google Alerts to let you know when any articles, blogs, or news items about your time period show up. I have my alerts set to a number of topics, including Christian fiction. And you'd be amazed at the attitudes and thoughts people post every day on Christian fiction. Some are encouraging; some...not so much. But it helps me stay in touch with what readers and writers are thinking and saying.

To help you get started, if you're so inclined, here are some sites to check out:

Online Research Guidance
The Best Online Research Apps You've Never Heard Of
Research and Reference Tools
Zotero

So take a little time to find out what tools are available to you in your work as a writer.

Peace, friends!

Karen

Don't Miss Out!

Hey, I don't pitch a lot of stuff on this blog--that's not what it's about--but there's a pretty cool thing to sign up for is you're an avid reader. It's called Chapter-A-Week. When you sign up, you receive the opening chapter of a novel each week, along with with a link to the author's website for more information. It's a great, free sneak peek at upcoming and recent fiction releases. I know the folks running CAW, and have had my books listed on it as well. And now there's a new reason to sign up: book giveaways. And we're not just talking one or two books here. We're talking a 10-pound box of Christian novels! Yup, roughly four times a year a ten-pound box of Christian novels will be sent to a randomly drawn winner. The first drawing is set for June 13th, but you have to be signed up by June 6th to be included in the drawing. So sign up as soon as possible.

How? you may ask. Why, that's simple. Just go here. And tell 'em Karen sent ya.

Prayers for Steven Curtis Chapman and Family

I just read about the terrible loss suffered by Steven Curtis Chapman and his family. His little 5-year-old daughter, Maria, was run over in their driveway and killed. Her teenage brother was driving the car. This strikes especially close to home as my younger brother, Kirk, was almost injured this way when he was 7. My older brother, Kevin, was 16 at the time, and was backing a car out of our carport. Kirk was playing behind the car, and Kevin didn't see him. By God's grace, my dad glanced up just in time to see what was happening, and he ran to grab Kirk, hitting and breaking the tail light of the car in the process. It was a very close call, and one that gives my dad chills to this day.

Please keep this family in your prayers, especially Maria's brother. Tragedy like this is terribly hard to take, even for adults. For a teenager, it would be devastating.

Father God, we ask you to be close to this family, even in this very moment. Let Your healing touch rest upon each person, bringing peace and comfort even in the face of such loss. Wash over this young teenage boy, Most Holy God, with Your presence, letting him know he is not alone. That You are with him, loving him, ready to help him walk this difficult path. Thank you for godly parents who entrust their kids to you. May Your love surround this family, cushioning them, cloaking them, undergirding them. And may they know, without a doubt, that they will see this precious one again in eternity.

Thank You, Father, for Your grace and immeasurable mercy. And for the love that will sustain this family through this time.

Amen.

The Wonder of Wolves

As you may or may not know, I have a love for all things wolf. My first novel, Reunion, centered on the reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone. I did a lot of research, in part to make sure I depicted the wolves accurately, and in part because it was such fun to be immersed in these amazing, noble animals. Knowing how unwise it is to own a wolf or wolf-hybrid, I have the next best thing: Siberian huskies. In fact, here's my little girl, Dasha, who is all of 7 months old now:
And here, in my first effort to share a video (please let me know if you have any issues with it), Dasha is in action, with a cameo from Kodi (whom you may remember from my novel Kaleidoscope Eyes):

Anyway, I've made it point when possible to visit wolf sanctuaries. So on one of my trips to speak at the Glorieta Christian Writer's Conference in New Mexico, a friend and I took a side trip to visit Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary.

The drive took us to the middle of nowhere, but what we found there was wonderful. We were able to walk through the sanctuary and watch the wolves as they interacted with each other. Yes, they were in enclosures, but it was the closest I've ever been to a wolf. When we came to one enclosure, our guide told us the wolf housed there was Raven, who sometimes honors visitors with a howl. Now, one of my lifetime dreams has been to hear a wolf howl, so you can imagine how excited I was. I lifted my head and did my best howl...and without hesitation Raven followed suit. As did all the wolves and wolf-hybrids throughout the sanctuary! The sound was haunting, chilling, and exhilarating all at once. I closed my eyes and let the symphony wash over me. It is, to this day, one of my most treasured memories.

As you can imagine, I've sponsored a wolf from the sanctuary. The work they're doing there is invaluable. So I encourage you to check out their site. And even consider taking part in what they're doing. All you have to do is look into one of the wolves' eyes to know it's worthwhile.

Peace to you today.

Karen

God-frontation

Why is it, do you suppose, that we so often act and speak in the midst of emotions rather than taking time to stop, be silent, and...here's a concept...pray?

I had a tough week last week. For one thing, I fell while descending a six-foot ladder, taking the full impact on my right ribs. An ambulance ride and ER visit later, the word came down: broke the #7 rib. Now mind you, until Monday night I didn't even know I had a #7 rib, but now? I can show you right where that little fink is located.

It's where the excruciating pain begins just before it courses through my entire body.

Yeah, you know all the things you heard about broken ribs being painful. Well, they underplayed it. It's not just painful, it's PAINFUL. Mind you, I'm not complaining. Just reporting. If given the options to break a rib or not, trust me on this, go for not.

So I spent the week mostly prone, though couldn't stay down all the time because the main complication of broken ribs is pneumonia because THE PAIN keeps you from expanding your lungs. So I'd get up (OUCH! ARGH!), walk around (Ooch! Yipe!), sit (Ooooowwwwie!)...well, you get the idea. Happily, I'm doing better today. Got out of bed this morning without screaming. Makes for a far more relaxing advent of the day. Not screaming, that is. Made it through most of church, which was nice. Even got a little yard work done. Veeerrry little. Done veeerryy slowly. But hey, that's better than none.

Add to the physical issues work issues, which got me all riled up. Why can't people just do what I want them to do? Don't they know I know what I'm doing?? ArrrggHHH!!! Thursday it came to a head. So what do I do when all this comes down? Do I sit and ponder? Do I bow my head and listen for guidance? Do I turn to Scripture.

Of course not. I shoot off an email expressing my frustration and woundedness. Then gather my self righteousness, ease up out of my computer chair (ouch! Eeep!), and move at a geriatric tortoise pace back to my recliner--from which I can't escape without help.

Then comes today, and the church service. I was sitting there, all engrossed in the sermon, when Someone taps me on the shoulder.

"I'm listening to the pastor," I say.

Another tap.

Sigh. "You're not going away, are You?"

Tap. Tap. Taptaptaptap.

"Okay, Lord. I'm listening." This is said with great fear and trepidation, because of course I know what He's tapping me about. It's been bothering me ever since I hit send.

"Karen, child, have you forgotten?"

I lower my head. "Forgotten what?"

"That the heart of the king is in the hands of the LORD."

"Oh. That." Another sigh. I don't need Him to explain. I know exactly what He's saying. It doesn't matter that people's actions don't make sense to me. Or even, bottom line, that their actions may hurt me. Because God is the One in control. He's guiding the people leading the company I work for--and, for that matter, the company you work for. And those who lead the government. And the world. It may not look like it. Sure as spit may not feel like it. But facts are facts.

God is in control.

Either I believe that or I don't. Either I trust His promise to work all things for my ultimate good--meaning my refinement, to make me a more pure reflection of Christ--or I don't. And if I believe that promise, then I need to act like it.

I closed my eyes. "No, Lord. I didn't forget. I just...didn't care. Not in that moment. I was angry."

It's on the tip of my tongue to defend myself, to say I was in pain or on pain meds or just not able to take anything else. But I don't. Because I know it would just be a bunch of hooey. Because no matter how I'm feeling, and no matter what anyone else does or says, I know what's right and what's wrong. And what I did was wrong. Because following the living Christ isn't about demanding my rights, no matter how "right" that may seem. It's about laying those rights on the altar and walking in faith that He will take care of me. No matter what.

Even when I do what I shouldn't. "I'm sorry, Lord."

"I know, child."

"Please forgive me."

"Already done, beloved."

Even as the sweetness of forgiveness settles over me, I know. God's forgiven me, but my part isn't done. So I sent another email. An apology. And you know what? Sitting down at the computer to do so didn't hurt. Neither did getting up. Because I wasn't tense or worked up. I was relaxed. At peace.

That's what happens when you do what's right in HIS eyes rather than what's right in your own eyes.

So the next time you feel yourself tensing, feel those emotions churning and anger starting to roil...next time you open your mouth--or put fingers to keyboard--to deliver a much-deserved reprimand or outburst of righteous anger, consider doing what I didn't.

Stop.

Listen.

Find out what He wants you to say. Or write. Or feel.

And then...only then...act. Or speak.

I think you'll find what I did. That being at peace is way better than being "right."

Peace to you today.

Karen

Open Your Eyes

When's the last time you stopped and looked around you--really looked--at the beauty nature has ready and waiting for you? I was sitting in a hotel in the Seattle area not long ago, sipping my morning coffee, mind occupied with what I was going to say at the workshop I was teaching that day at a writer's conference. I glanced out the window, not really focusing, but a splash of vibrant color just reached out and grabbed me. I focused in on the flowers bobbing in the wind and rain--hey, it was Seattle--and discovered an entire ballet taking place. Huge, full tulips danced atop slender green stems, bowing and rising, tapping one another and backing away, all perfectly in step with each other and the weather.

It was beautiful.

I set down my coffee--a miracle, that, considering it was my first cup of the morning--and made a beeline for my room. And my camera. By the time I got back downstairs, the rain had passed, so I went out and shot the following to share with you.

Hope you enjoy them as much as I did. And that you open your eyes to whatever beauty there is around you today.

Peace, friends.

Karen

For Your Funny Bone

Laughter is good for the soul, yes? Well, check out this site with actual bloopers from church bulletins. Some of these are new, so have fun!

Here's to giggles today.

Karen

A Peek into The Editor's Mind

While I was at the Northwest Christian Writers' Renewal a week ago or so, I was struck, as I always am when in the company of writers, by the power of the right word used in the right way. On the first day of the conference, I had group meetings with the writers. This is where a group of writers come in, sit at a table together, and each takes a turn pitching his/her book to me to see if B & H Publishing Group would be interested in considering it for publication. I had six groups, each lasting a half hour, each with anywhere from 5-7 people each. So folks had a total of 3-5 minutes to engage me in their project.

How's that for pressure?

The cool thing is, a good number of those who came had such a strong understanding of their project, and of the market, that they were able to hook me in the first few words. Now that's doing your homework! For example, one woman told me right off the bat her book was romantic suspense, what the main story line was (in a sentence), and what the conflict and spiritual takeaway were. That took about 45 seconds of her 4 minutes, so from there I asked questions about the story and focus and she was able to relax and just talk. I ended up asking her to send me the proposal. Don't know if we'll pursue it--the writing is what tips the scales, of course. But I was impressed with her well chosen descriptions. And if I'm considering two manuscripts and all things are basically equal, I'll always go with an author who is, first and foremost, teachable, and then able to communicate the heart and soul of her story quickly and effectively.

So if you're a writer, spend some time thinking about the following:

What's the main theme (or themes) addressed in my story.
What's the nonfiction hook I could use to stir interest in media outlest (e.g. radio, where they generally don't have a clue what to do with novelists)
What genre is my book? Are there any best-sellers or movies that I can compare my book to that will position it quickly for ________ (fill in the blank. E.g., editor, reader, marketer, interviewer, retailer, reviewer)? For example, my book is Die Hard, Live Free meets Nancy Drew. (Okay, not a perfect example, but you get what I mean.)
Can I describe my book in:
* one sentence
*25 words
*50 words
*200 words
(At different stages in the process of seeking publication, you'll need to be able to do all of the above!)

That's enough to get you started. So hey, go for it! And if you want to try and pitch something to me here as a test, feel free. I'll let you know what I think.

Peace to you today.

Karen

What's In a Blog?

Blogging is fun, huh? Fun to do, fun to read. I like to visit other blogs, see what folks are thinking and saying, and as I've been doing so, I've wondered what brings visitors back? What keeps people interested and reading?

While I was at Mount Hermon Christian Writers' conference a few months ago, one of the speakers in the track I help lead (the Career Track for published authors) was John Olson. He was talking about something that hit me, square between the eyes. Was it blogging? No, but it made so much sense for the blogging I do that I wanted to jump up and cheer.

So here's the scoop: John was talking about the need to be focused on your passions. On the things God has planted within you, made a part of the fabric of who you are. As he talked, I thought about the blogs I visit and why I go back to some and not to others, and I realized it's all about that. Shared passion. So I sat down a little later and made up a list of what my true passions are:

1. The faith journey. Talking and hearing what God's doing in lives today.
2. Animals. Big time. Domestic, wild, those that run, crawl, slither, swim...if it's part of the animal kingdom, I'm drawn to it.
3. Writing and reading, especially fiction. Like the title of my blog says, the power of words, the magic of story.
4. Laughter. If there's one thing my family instilled in me, it's a sense of humor. The ability to see the funny in life and in myself and delight in it.
5. Nature. I love the beauty that surrounds us. The clear evidence of God's creative genius and of his desire to delight us.

So here's what I've decided. I'm going to alternate my blog entries so that they focus on these different passions. Why am I telling you? Because I want to know what you think! Let me know if the blog feels too fractured, or if you like one segment but don't care so much for another. Because this blog is about another of my passions: relationship. With you.

So please let me know what you think.

And to start us off, here's a wonderful little YouTube video I discovered, showing polar bears playing--yes, playing--with some huskies. Now, you all know how much I love Siberian huskies, so when I first saw the listing I thought, "Oh great. Some idiot let his dogs get chomped." But what I saw was absolutely delightful. Admittedly, one bear seems a little too affectionate with the cinnamon husky at the end, but I know this about huskies: if they don't want to play with you, they're gone. These guys are fast and strong and can slip out of the most powerful grip. So it seems the dogs are enjoying the encounter as much as the bears.

Man, I would love to be there and actually see something like this. Reminds me of the Scripture about the lion lying down with the lamb...someday, folks, we will get to see what it's like.

I can't wait.

His peace to you today.

Karen

The Sky is Falling, Part Deux

Okay, my thoughts on what's happening lately in the world of Christian publishing.

ICRS--It will go on. At least for awhile. The problem, though, is that it's EXPENSIVE for publishers to participate. And we've been finding that we're not seeing the kind of sales we used to see, which made it cost effective. So if that trend continues...well, who knows. CBA--the Christian Booksellers' Association--sent out a strong response to Nelson's decision.

Publisher shows: Frankly, though this would be a lot less expensive for the publishers, I'm not convinced it will happen. For one thing, the beauty of ICRS--which is geared to serving the retailers, remember--is that retailers get to meeting with all the publishers in one fell swoop. Are retailers going to want to attend half a dozen little shows? Hardly. And you can't bring all the retailers in. Nelson focused on their top 100 retailers, but that leaves out a boatload of stores.

Retailers: If ICRS dies, things will definitely be different. But retailers can order books whether there's an ICRS or not. That's what publishers' sales teams are for, right? The hard truth, though, is that Christian bookstores, especially the independently owned stores (those not a part of Family Christian Bookstores or other chains), are struggling. More stores close every year, and that's sad. Why? Lots of reasons. For one, places like B&N and Borders have forever changed the face of shopping for books. They've created havens for book buyers, where we can sit and soak in the wonder of all the words around us. And get great coffee to boot. For another, Christian bookstores, in general, can't buy in the volume places like CostCo can, so they have to charge more.

The good news is a number of stores throughout the country are making wonderful changes to keep up with the times, to create the same kind of atmosphere in their stores that you find in places like Barnes & Noble and Borders. They're even adding the coffee shops and soft, cushy chairs. And lots of stores are going the coupon route, to help offset the higher retails prices. All of which helps.

But here's the deal. When a Christian bookstore closes, it isn't just about the stores, its about the customers, too. Too many of us (and I admit I'm part of this camp at times) prefer to buy our books online or through places like WalMart or CostCo/Sams. The benefit? We get lower prices. The loss? NO ONE gives you the care and customer services of a Christian bookstore. I don't think you're going to find folks at CostCo listening as you talk about your struggles or joys. But at the Christian bookstore, that happens all the time. I know this because a good friend, Deb "DJ" Note, works in our local Christian bookstore. She listens, she cares, she prays for folks who come in. And she knows the products in her store inside and out. When you go into WalMart or online, you have to figure out what fits your needs best yourself. At the Christian bookstore, people are there to direct and help you.

So what am I saying? Does it make us rotten people if we don't shop at Christian bookstoes? Nah. It makes us normal. People are growing more and more frugal as our country takes more and more economic hits. But as with all consumers, we vote with our dollars. So all I'm saying is think about it next time you want to buy a book that you know will be on the shelves are your local Christian bookstore. And consider dropping in.

All of this, though, leaves things feeling...unsettled. For all concerned in the arena of Christian publishing. So am I worried. Nah. This is all a part of what makes publishing so fascinating and unpredictable. Publishing, like life, goes in waves. We've got flush years, and tight ones. We're up, we're down, we're doing the loop-de-loop. But through it all, we know Who is in control. So we need to just keep on keeping on, doing the tasks He's given us, and trusting Him for the outcome.

That, and learn to like riding rollercoasters.

Peace to you today.

Karen

The Sky is Falling!!

Well, the Northwest Christian Writers' Renewal is a wrap, and it was a lot of fun. (I've got some cool pix to share, but forgot to bring my card reader along, so will post them as soon as I can.) My workshop, on Demystifying Publishing, was a lot of fun. Had just under 50 in attendance (I now this because I printed 50 handouts and only two were left in the pile), and we spent a little over an hour immersed in fun, intense, honest discussion. I LOVE doing workshops like that, where folks just throw out questions and we all wrestle 'em (the question, not the people) to the ground. Cec Murphy was the keynote speaker and he was an entertaining and informative as always. Mostly, though, it was great just to talk with the people who were there.

Tell you what, If you live in the Northwest and are interested in writing, I highly recommend this conference. Shoot, I recommend it even in you don't live in God's country! (Yes, I'm just a little prejudiced about the Northwest. So sue me.) Great faculty and staff, and a good group of writers, ranging from beginners to those who've been around almost as long as I have.

Yeah. The reaaaaaally old ones.

I had a good time reconnecting with some of the faculty. Mick Silva, an editor for Waterbrook Multnomah Group, for example. I've always respected Mick. He's passionate about writing--fiction in particular. And about communicating Truth though story. We found a little time to sit down and just talk--something editors don't get to do very often--about what's been happening in the Christian bookselling/publishing industry, the changes and shifts, the worries and blessings. There's a lot happening now, what with all the technology changes and publishers changing the way they're doing business.

On the technology front, things like the Kindle have folks wondering if books are going the way of the Dodo. My vote is no, because I think readers will always want the feel of a book in their hands as they read. (Hey, remember on Star Trek Next Generation, how Captain Picard always read from a book when he was relaxing? Yeah, yeah, that's not real life. But I'm thinking we're not that far off these days...) Anyway, I've heard that people are buying electronic versions to read on the Kindle and other devices, but when they find books they LOVE, they go out and buy the actual book to keep. What do you guys think? Will books go away?

As for publishers, things have really been hopping in the last few years, and especially in the last few months. Which, in case you were wondering, is why I titled this blog entry what I did. Remember good ol' Chicken Little? Some in Christian publishing are looking at the changing landscape and fearing the worst. Understandably so.

So what's the problem? Well, for one thing, some publishers have been cutting their lists, meaning they're cutting back on the number and/or kinds of books they're going to publish. I've even heard of one publisher that's decided not to offer advances anymore. And one of the largest Christian publishers has had yet another wave of employee layoffs, and is among those cutting the number of books they're putting out. (The one list not affected? Their fiction line. Yet more confirmation that Christian fiction is still going strong and growing.) They've even said they're going to focus on publishing only midlist and higher authors, which means the newbies are out of luck, at least with this house. (Happily, there are a number of houses out there still determined to find new voices and work with new authors.) What's more, that same publisher pulled out of the two major trade shows, ICRS (the Christian bookseller's show, where publishers present books to retailers--used to be where publishers sold the majority of their books) and BEA, the trade show for the general market. So how are they reaching retailers, who, as you know, are publishers' first customers? This house, Thomas Nelson, brought in their top 100 retailers, all expenses paid, to their own little "convention." So questions abound. Is ICRS dying? Will other publishers follow Nelson's example and host their own little shows? What will retailers do if ICRS dies?

My vote on these questions? Well, you'll have to tune in to the next blog entry for that!

Talk with you soon.

Karen

If It's Friday, I Must Be In...

Seattle!

That beautiful Emerald City, that land of Starbucks (YUM!) ,
the Space Needle,
and a big, honkin' mountain everyone says is there. Somewhere. Behind the mist...

Why, you may ask, am I in Seattle? Wasn't this supposed to be my two-month stretch at home? Well, yes. But a funny thing happened on my way to staying home...

Before I get into that, though, let me tell you what my Dad and I are doing. Dad loves checking things out on the internet in the morning, seeing what fascinating tidbits of news and life have happened. A few weeks ago he came across the following site: www.acomplaintfreeworld.org. Seems a pastor got tired of hearing his church members complain about things that weren't important, so he started this campaign to eliminate complaining. He had these cool purple wrist bands made up and got his congregation to agree to go 21 days without complaining or using sarcasm.

That's right. Twenty-one days. In a row.

If you slip, you switch the band to the other wrist and start over. Took some folks TWO YEARS to go 21 days in a row, but they finally made it. Well, I've realized lately that I'm becoming more and more of a whiner, so Dad and I decided to give it a try. We ordered our wrist bands and waited anxiously for them to arrive.

And waited.

And waited.

Mind you, I wasn't complaining. But come on! How long is this going to take???

Okay, if I'd been wearing the band, it would have had to go to the other wrist. But the day finally came when the package showed up, and we happily slipped the bands on. Competitive soul that I am, I just knew I could do this. And I did!

For about a half hour. Until I had to wait for a customer service person on the phone. Service?? Hardly. They hire these people who can't even speak English and make you wait twelve hours...! Oh. Yeah. I guess that's a complaint.

Off went the band to the other wrist. And then, a few hours later, back to the wrist where it started. And back again another hour or so later...

Okay. I admit it. I had to switch the silly thing about a gazillion times in the first few days. But a cool thing started to happen. I started to pay more attention to my attitude, and found myself stopping the complaints or sarcasm before they launched. I made it a day without slipping. Then two. Then five. I've made it 11 days so far, and it's getting to be really fun. What's more, I've discovered I'm focusing more on the good things. I mean, why focus on the bad when you can't snark about it? What fun is that?

So, there I was, sitting in my office last Wednesday, when my phone rang. The frantic voice on the other end turned out to be Athena Dean. She was calling about the Northwest Christian Writers' Renewal conference. A speaker had backed out at the last moment, and would I, pretty please, consider filling in?

Oh, by the way, the conference starts in a week.

I told Athena I'd have to talk it over with my hubby, and hung up. I called him...and almost slipped again! It was on the tip of my tongue to complain about people who cancel things at the last minute and negatively impact others. But I caught a glimpse of the bright purple on my wrist (good thing that pastor chose a bright color!) and stopped my tongue in its tracks. Instead, I just discussed it with Don and we decided it would be a good thing to help out.

So one week later, here I am, sitting in yet another hotel room. But it's okay. I'm not complaining. I'm really not. My flight today was good. I even got a little writing done on my new series. And I had a nice dinner at Olive garden, conveniently located right across the street from my hotel. What's more, I'm looking forward to seeing the folks at the conference tomorrow.

So it's on to a new adventure, but lately with a far more positive outlook. Thanks to a pastor who had a great idea, and a bright purple band around my wrist. Tomorrow is day 12.

Wish me luck!

Karen