A tulip for Easter

     Bulb flowers are among my favorites, and a tulip nearly bloomed beneath my bedroom window last week. With perfect spring days followed by blustery winter ones, I felt cautiously optimist about having an Easter tulip. Saturday morning a beautiful yellow blossom greeted me. The flower, and the warm sunny day, were a promise that spring follows winter. On Easter, we celebrate new life through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Flowers are a beautiful reminder of hope. Seeds or bulbs are "dead" unground, yet miraculously bring forth new life in the springtime.
     I once had a miniature rose bush which I dubbed a "holiday rose" since it seemed to bloom only on holidays. Perfect thumb-sized roses opened on Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, Memorial Day, etc. The tiny flowers seemed to celebrate with me, proclaiming, "There is hope." Life is full of hidden treasures. Why not seek one out today?

April Fools!

     Yikes! The weather is playing a mean April Fools joke. Friday was so gorgeous, yet today the nasty cold wind makes it feels like winter again. I wore my winter coat with the hood to church, and was glad of it. Hopefully spring will return in time for Easter. I pray blessings on my readers, and advise you to hold on to your hats!

Out like a lamb?

     March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb, right? Seems March is confused by its own rule, or maybe fickle. We've had too many different weather conditions this month to list. This morning started cool and calm, and my husband and I tackled the yard work. Good thing we got an early start, because by midmorning the increasing wind caused us to stop and retreat indoors.
     Life can be like March. Things go along smoothly for a while, and then, Whoa! One thing I know is that God is never surprised by bumps in the road, or even road blocks--sometimes He puts them there Himself. He is the author and finisher of our faith. Nothing can thwart His plans. When things seem to spin out of control, the first thing I should ask myself is, "What is Your plan in this, God?" Somehow He will guide me through, over, under, or around the situation.

Spring is here 2

     Although the first day of spring started out nippy, by midday the sun had warmed the air. The cold wind moved on, and I enjoyed a walk around the neighborhood. I even allowed myself some pleasure reading while soaking up the sun, between long stretches of research. Today's weather promises to be a repeat of yesterday.

Spring is here!

     My calendar says today is the first day of spring, although, the past few months felt more like spring than the past few days have. Beginnings are exciting: new seasons, the start of a new school year, a new job, house, baby. A fresh beginning. I'm excited about the prospect of my first book being published. I know the characters so well, they seem like dear friends. I've lived in Jeannie Miller's world, spending the last three years in the summer of 1965 on an Ohio farm with her dear aunt and uncle. I've seen that world through the eyes of an adventuresome ten-year-old. I've traveled Back Home Again in Indiana and attended sixth grade with Jeannie. Together, we've experienced the excitement of Christmas, of a new snowfall, and ringing in a brand new year.
     The 60s were idyllic in many ways; a simpler time. Yet, ever-growing technology helped send man to the moon. The Vietnam War raged, and Jeannie's cousin, Brian, experienced it first-hand in 1966. The Jeannie Miller Adventure Series is wholesome entertainment--and historically accurate--presenting readers with a looking-glass back through time. They are faith-based books, offering hope in various situations of life. My hope is to entertain, educate, and inspire--not necessarily in that order.
     Springtime awakens life, so stretch, walk in the sunshine, and breathe the fresh air. Read a book. Spend time with a friend. Thank the Lord for His goodness.  

Winter's last hurrah

     Saturday's weather blew in icy rain, belying Wednesday's balmy day. The Little Critter stood at the window, repeating his grandpa's words, "Cold and blowy!" Despite having dozens of toys, the little boy moved restlessly from one thing to another. His wails of protest at naptime drown out even the fierce winds outside. Trying to get some nutrition down him at dinnertime met with little success.
     What we needed was a walk at the mall, and playtime at the large area set aside for children to run, jump, climb, and expend energy. We had an angel boy from the moment we entered the car. The spitting rain turned to snow as we hurried inside the mall, though it didn't last long. An hour and a half later, we returned home with our sweet boy. The crabface did not return.
     Sunday mimicked Saturday, but mixed in brief periods of sunshine and less rain for variety. That evening, our grandson returned home with his mommy. We built a fire and snuggled before its warmth. Cold, rainy days make me appreciate our fireplace even more. To everything there is a season. Spring will be here soon, but reclining next to a toasty fire has it own merit.

Discoveries

     My grandson is visiting for a few days. He and his mother drew pictures on our back patio with sidewalk chalk. Later, the colors blended in a rainbow when we watered the plants. He splashed in a small puddle of water from the garden hose. I showed him how wet bare feet become little boy footprints.
     Inside the house, we discovered the marvels of Color Wonder markers and paper. The markers only show up on special paper, but that didn't stop the little Picasso from experimenting on his skin and the table top. He quickly mastered pulling off the marker lids and snapping them back on. Nana marveled at the dexterity of one so young.
     In the evening, our old dog, Andy, joined us in the living room for playtime. Little Critter put his foot next to the dog's--toes touching toes. He giggled at the comparison. Andy has never liked his feet touched, and flinched, which caused the little boy to laugh harder. Touch, flinch, laugh!
     This morning we will have more adventures and discoveries, and I'll relive life through the eyes of a two-year-old.

Spring is on the way

     Although winter in California is much milder than the winters of my childhood growing up in Indiana, I still eagerly anticipate the coming of spring. I love seeing trees blossoming in shades of pink, white, lavender, and green. The peach tree in my backyard was clothed in gorgeous orange and yellow leaves last fall. It looked particularly magnificent just before sunset. I spent a few minutes most evenings gazing out on its beauty. Even after the leaves dropped, I still enjoyed seeing them on the otherwise drab lawn. The bare branches are sporting green again, and soon pink blossoms will appear.
     My houseplants provide me with something green and living all year long. Near the sunniest window in my house, 18 tiny tomato plants are poking their heads up through the soil of small plastic "apartments." Beside them, 18 corn plants tower over them at a height of six inches. They will all find a new home in my garden once the weather warms up sufficiently. For now, the tiny plants make me smile. Growing things declare the promise of God--springtime and harvest--that the seasons will not fail to come again in their time.
     There is a time for everything, and I think the time has come for me to publish the books I've been working on for three years. My passion is writing. It will be exciting to see what this new season of my life brings.

Jeannie Miller

   Last evening huge pink feathery clouds lit up the sky like gigantic angel's wings. I remember thinking I'd love to capture the scene on film. Chris at serendipity (blog) is a gifted photographer. I paint with words.
   Today, just for fun, I'll share some excerpts from Little House in the Cornfield, my first Jeannie Miller book.
   Adventurous ten-year-old Jeannie is spending the summer of 1965 on her great-aunt and uncle's Ohio farm. Uncle Harry is showing Jeannie around.

   He showed her the four stalls for the two horses and two cows. The cows were as alike as the Dr. Seuss creatures, Thing One and Thing Two. Cow One and Cow Two. Jeannie giggled to herself. Her uncle said these were work horses, but they were not opposed to being saddled and ridden, he'd show her how. "Heck, you can even ride the cows, if you wanna try. Don't know if they'll take to the saddles though," he said with a wink.
   Uncle Harry showed her a bicycle, painted red, with a long silver fender covering the back tire, a basket and bell in front. "You might want to make use of this old contraption while you're here. It belonged to the boys, but I cleaned it up, greased it, and got new tires when we heard you were comin'. Town's only two miles away. You might wanna shop, or go to the picture show, or just explore."

   Uncle Harry takes Jeannie on a tour on the town, but later that week she takes the bike and explores on her own.

   The glorious library filled with fresh adventures just waiting to be explored was only a short ride away. She decided to ride into town and have a look around for herself. After letting her aunt know where she was headed, Jeannie went to the barn for Big Red. She had named the bike two days earlier.
   Jeannie enjoyed the ride, kicking her feet out to her sides and leaning back as far as she dared. She closed her eyes and let the breeze rush over her. She didn't pass another soul on Miller Road. She imagined the cornfields were waves on the ocean as she was sailing along. Fresh sea air tousled First Mate Jeannie's hair, as she stood on the deck of the clipper. Suddenly the captain cried out, "Land Ho!" Jeannie approached First Street, placed her feet back firmly on the bike's pedals, maneuvered into town, then looked carefully around her.

   Tomorrow I might write a bit about Jeannie's adventures in Miriah and the Evil Sea-Witch.

Reflections

   I occasionally watch an episode of The Waltons. In the 1970s it was among my favorite shows. Watching the show then, I identified with the children. I, also, came from a large family and we often struggled financially. Yet the love and caring triumphed over family squabbles. Now I find myself identifying with Olivia Walton. Watching her with her baby grandson, John Curtis, makes me think of my own precious grandson.
   I'm no longer the child. My parents are no longer living. I'm the wife, mother, and now grandmother. It still seems strange to me. How did that happen? How did someday become today?
   Reflecting on life often means reminiscing, looking back fondly, yet a reflection in the mirror shows only today.
   Interesting.

X marks the spot

     Sitting at my computer, I often gaze out the window. The neighbor's tree changes with the seasons, the sky changes with the sun making its daily journey across it. Today I looked out and saw a gigantic white X streaking across the sky. Two jet lines had intersected creating this unusual sight. X marks the spot, just like on a treasure map. I was reminded to store my treasures in heaven.
     I wish I was a photographer and could capture what I see and post it here. As a new blogger, I don't even know how to post pictures. My words will have to do for now.
     The lines have faded now, but the memory remains. Reminders of God's grace are everywhere. I need only open my eyes and heart to them.

I Have A Dream

   Today is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday. He was a visionary, a peace-loving, godly man. He had a dream of a better world. Many share his dream.
   I had a dream - an actual vision while I was sleeping at night dream - a few nights into the new year. In it my "boss" told me I would soon have time to pursue a new interest/activity. He made it sound like a challenge, an adventure. I didn't want to leave my job, but he was so kind and gentle, I sensed I wasn't being fired but given an opportunity. I woke wondering what the Lord was saying to me. He was obviously my "boss." Is this new year the beginning of a new chapter in my life?
   I have a dream. I pray with millions of others that God's will be done on earth as it is in heaven. I have more personal dreams, too - dreams the Lord has put in my heart. I have faith He will fulfill those dreams in His good time.
   As you honor and celebrate King's birthday and accomplishments this weekend, remember to honor and celebrate the One who put those dreams in the man's heart. Praise be to God who both gives and fulfills dreams.

Dr. Oz

   I rarely watch TV during the day, but have tuned in to Doctor Oz. this week. He and his guests have lots of sensible solutions to all kinds of health problems. The best part is they are very simple to implement into daily life. Make any new year's resolutions? Are you keeping them? The best way to do this is to keep things simple. 

Abandoned in the desert

     I walked in the desert today and found a block wall. The wall was built a few years ago during the building boom. For a while it seemed new neighborhoods sprouted up everywhere overnight. I considered the Biblical passage about "counting the cost" as I strolled past the enclosure. Inside are paved streets and street lights. The construction stopped there. No houses. No yards. No people to occupy the land.
   Was the builder shortsighted? Maybe. The economic downturn was certainly a factor in the abandoned housing tract. It struck me as rather sad--the burgeoning neighborhood aborted before it even came to life.
   Though no one can predict the future, there is One who knows all things. A wise person knows whom to call on for help and advice. I pray I never be as that empty shell, full of potential but void of life and purpose.
   Walking farther I noticed someone had dumped their garbage. I never understood why people left furniture, broken appliances, and the like in the desert. Why leave your garbage for others to deal with? Upon closer inspection, however, the abandonment of these items was both sad and puzzling. Among the items were photographs, video tapes of family moments, and personal mail.
   I treasure photos and videos of my children when they were small, and am amazed that someone considered "Randy's 2nd birthday" rubbish. I also would not have left mail with personal information for all to see, I would have shredded it. Why invite identity theft?
   Is there a lesson here? Although we are told to store up treasure in heaven where it will not rust, rot, or be stolen, I believe we should care for our earthly resources. Have we become such a throwaway society that even our memories are thoughtlessly discarded in the desert?