Zombie Chicken Award

What an honor! Thank You. I received the Zombie Chicken award from Rebecca Emrich at Living a Life of Writing. Rebecca always has interesting posts on many aspects of writing. I always leave her site with something new.

The Details:

"The blogger who receives this award believes in the Tao of the Zombie Chicken – excellence, grace and persistence in all situations, even in the midst of a zombie apocalypse. These amazing bloggers regularly produce content so remarkable that their readers would brave a raving pack of zombie chickens just to be able to read their inspiring words."

Some of my favorite blogs are:

Victoria Gaines' -- Light for the Writer's Soul

Prill Boyle's -- Defying Gravity (a blog of and for Late Bloomers)

Ginia Oehlschlager's -- Home on the Farm (from Ginia's columns in our local newspaper)

Mark David Gerson's -- The Voice of Your Muse

Chris Guillebeau -- The Art of Non-Conformity

Each of these writers offer a unique perspective on living life to the fullest. Each is a joy and a delight to read.

Driving Time

Last Sunday night I met my son in Mansfield. I picked up my almost 14-year-old grand-daughter from her mother's and delivered her to her dad. No one asked me to do this; I offered.

I haven't spent as much time as I might have liked with my grand-daughters this summer. My part-time, work from home job is taking up W-a-a-ay too much of my play time. So, I took this beautiful summer evening to enjoy her company.

We drove about an hour and talked as she flipped through radio stations. As she listened about 3 seconds to each station, she filled me in on her summer. Or, she would exclaim, "That's my favorite song!" and turn the sound up as loud as I could stand. She sang along and chair danced, her face shining with smiles. I laughed with her and marveled at her happy abandonment.

After we talked with her dad, step-mom-to-be, and sister and I got hugs & kisses from everyone, I started back home. The radio still sang in my ears but stayed on one station and the speakers no longer rattled the windows. Even with the music, though, my truck seemed empty and lonesome. Soon enough, I won't need to drive for her.

Driving together means Family Time for us. The closeness of the car invites intimate conversations. We discuss anything and everything as we drive. Our family has always done this. It doesn't matter if it is a long drive or a shorter one, riding in the car is the time for discussion; the time for revealing secrets. We talk about why we are moving, what friends are doing, what homework needs to be done, the Bible lesson at church, hopes & dreams, goals & plans. It is the time for questions and answers.

These days, those conversations are few and far between. Both my sons are grown and have been driving themselves for a long time. Now they drive their own families and have their own conversations. This is as it should be. It makes the times we drive together all the sweeter and more precious to my heart.


I wonder: Will the conversation be as sweet when I am old and some one is driving me to where ever it is we are going?

Anniversary Thoughts

August 7, 2009 marked 38 years since I walked down the church aisle and joined my life to another. I gave myself to him; we two became one.


We argued (a lot!) in those first few years as we adjusted to each other and learned how to fit together. But, we also laughed (a lot more!). We spent as much time as possible with each other and simply enjoyed being together.


We had children. Those years brought a house full of children: our own, friends, family. A home full of noisy laughter. Our sons grew into men; sure evidence of time passing.


The house grew quiet again. We spent time together and enjoyed our empty nest.


Grandchildren arrived. No longer babies now, but young teens who delight us with all they do. They allow us to be an important part of their lives and give us the opportunity to share what wisdom and knowledge we have accumulated over the years. Grandchildren are a wonderful gift. They give much more to us as grandparents than seems possible.


I don't know why I am surprised each year that we have been married so long; we vowed to be together until death parted us. I guess I'm more surprised at how much time has actually passed. In many ways it doesn't feel like 38 years but I can barely recall life before marriage.


We've been married all my life. He is still my best friend. I trust him completely.


The years have brought many challenges: life style adjustments, children, extended family, jobs and more. Through it all, our faith in Christ has been the glue that bound us. I've matured as a woman, grown as a Christian, watched in wonder as God worked in and through my husband, saw my children and then my grandchildren give their hears to the Lord. Blessing upon blessing.



God has been with us every step of the way. Going before us to prepare the way. Holding our hands as we search to stay in the way.


I may wonder what life will bring in the coming years, but I know God will always be there.

Guest Blogger: Rebecca Anne Emrich from Living a Life of Writing

Today I have a guest: Rebecca Anne Emlich from Living a Life of Writing. Rebecca posts daily about various aspects of writing and publishing. She shares her insights through series of articles covering different subjects and always has some interesting thoughts. She is hosting me at her site today, so click here to check out her site.

Please welcome Rebecca.

Think Small, There's Always Someone Else who Can Help

I would like to thank Karen for allowing me to guest blog on her site. She is an inspirational writer who is always giving me a new perspective. This is something, though, I'd like to share with you.

As writers we need to think small. When we don't have time we can always come up with 15 minutes.Yes, 15 minutes. Of course you must be thinking, one: she's nuts, and two: I can't write each day!!

Okay, deep breath. God gave us all 365 days a year, 12 months, 52 weeks, and most importantly 24 hours. I could go on, but the vital thing here is everyone has this time. Writers, anyone.

So before you decide to comment how dumb it sounds to write for only 15 minutes a day, think of it this way, we all have to begin somewhere, right? I'm not Hemingway or Terry Brooks, so I can't write the way they did or do. I have other pieces to my life, my family and my church. Everyone one of us has commitments and time is at a premium. I can, however write about 400 words in 15 minutes. Of course if I didn't look to check on other things it would be more!

So, think small, 15 minutes a day where you just pick up the pen and write, or go to the computer and type. Don't worry about spelling or anything else. Just write. you can always do more, but by starting small you can create something amazing.

If you like pray before, or listen to music and then, write. Think small. You'll get a novel out of you.

Thank you so much Karen to allowing me to share some of my thoughts about writing. This is such a wonderful blog. Karen is at my blog today, so please take a look at her wonderful post at living a writers life.

Thank you, for sharing your thoughts on the writing life with us today. I look forward to reading more of your work.

I'll be back next week to share what God is showing me through My View from My Window.