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.