I recently went to Hawaii with my husband for a quick get away.  Well, it was a get away for me, he had to work a little bit while we were there.  I posted a few pictures on my Facebook page but thought I'd add a few here too.
We stayed at the Hilton Hawaiian Village on the island of Oahu.

Looking at the hotel from the other side.  All of those buildings make up the Hilton.  They have that cool pond for guests.  The ocean is at my back here.  As I turned around I saw a bride and groom having their pictures taken. How cool is that!

This is facing the other direction.  Diamond Head is at the far end.  In between is Waikiki Beach.

This is where I spent a great deal of time.

We took an evening cruise on this catamaran.

 We saw this Duck Tour bus.  Very cool.  Not sure I'd want to go in the ocean in it though.

We were serenaded in the airport as we waited for our plane to take us home.

We arrived home to freezing weather.  But it was so fun to get a way for a few days.

I wanted to show you all a craft project I did.
I made Christmas ornaments out of the covers from three of my Christmas Love Inspired Suspense Books.

These are for a Christmas display at the Pittock Mansion in Portland Oregon.  A historic home that sits on a hill overlooking the valley floor.  Every year they decorate the inside with themed rooms.  This year one of the rooms has to do with local authors.  My ornaments will hang from a decorated tree in the room.

Falling into Fall

I hope fall is finding you all well.  I love fall!  The rain, the cooler weather, wearing sweaters and boots.
Fall is a time of renewal for me.  I find I have more energy this time of year.  I think because we play so hard during the summer when fall hits its such a relief to move into a slow pace that I actually get more done.  What is your fall like?

I recently attended a one-day conference with Oregon Christian Writers in here in Portland.  The featured author was Brandilyn Collins.  She is known for her fast-paced suspense novels.

 I'd met Brandilyn back in 2000 at a Romance Writers of America conference. It was good to see her again and to hear her inspiring journey to publication.

She also spoke on character development and the colors of emotion, both topics are covered in her non-fiction craft book for writers Getting into Character.










After the workshop I immediately ordered this book as well as downloaded one of her earlier suspense books Gone to Ground.

 

I was also blessed to win a door prize.  

I've never read Julie Klassen so I was thrilled to have a new to me author. I opened the book and was immediately hooked.   Plus I love historical romances.  I don't read them often anymore because I will find myself writing in a historical tone in my own work while deep in a historical book.  

I have a new book hitting the shelves on November 1st.
Texas K-9 Christmas

This 2 in 1 novella collection features stories of the Texas K-9 Unit featured in the Texas K-9 series earlier in the year.  

A Gingerfest 2013

Yesterday I joined 1600 red head haired people from all over to break the Guinness Book of records.  The event took place at the Pioneer Courthouse Square in downtown Portland.  I've never seen so many different shades of red in my life.  For it to be official, we all had to been counted.  So they roped off the center portion of the square, made a gate and then we filed in as they counted.  Then once everyone was inside the square, we had to stay in the middle for ten minutes.  We did it.  We broke the record held by Breda, Netherlands last year with 1200 redheads.  It qualify to be counted, participants had to bring a childhood picture showing they are truly a natural redhead.   Here I am at age three.

Christmas in July

I have an upcoming Christmas novella.  My editor, Emily Rodmell, just posted the cover on her twitter feed.  Click on the link below to get sneak peak at the cover.  Its beautiful!  The red Border Collie is the dog in my story.
http://twitpic.com/d0lj87

Helvetia Lavender Festival July 12, 13 and 14th.

Those of you who live in Oregon this Lavender farm is a beautiful retreat in the country.  The upcoming festival is a fun time with crafts, tea house, zip line and more.  My family will be helping out on July 13th. Stop in and say hello.  I'm sure you'll enjoy the day and the smell of lavender in the air.

http://www.helvetialavenderfarm.com

The Fight Against Alzheimers

One of my favorite authors Tess Gerritsen has declared war on Alzheimers.  http://www.gofundme.com/War-on-Alzheimers
I'm joining the fight by donating to the cause.  In Tess' blog http://www.tessgerritsen.com/blog/  she talks about her father having died with the disease.
I have experienced the disease in my family, as well.  My grandmother and her siblings died with Alzheimers.  My mother has the early stages of the disease.   I'm prayerful that a cure will be found.
Please consider giving to this important cause.

Shoes Needed!

On of the ministries that our family supports is having a shoe drive to benefit developing nations.  For more information please check it out this link.

http://goodsamaritanministries.org/blog/good-sam-shoe-drive/

Teachers Wanted!

Do you love teenagers?  Do you have a passion to teach?   Westside Christian High School needs you!

For those of you in the Portland area or want to be in the Portland area, Westside Christian High School has opening for teachers this coming fall.    

            Positions available:

Health and PE Teacher

            Physics and Math Teacher

            Spanish Teacher

            Bible Teacher (grades 10 & 11) - Life & Works of Jesus/Christian Theology, World Religion & World Views/Apologetics & Evangelism


Qualifications include:

    Minimum Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in an appropriate discipline (see job posting)

    Teacher Certification in the State of Oregon, preferred (if applicable)

    Current teaching license (if applicable)

    Minimum of 3 years demonstrated teaching experience


Because Westside is a Christian school, employment requires a Christian commitment and a lifestyle consistent with the school’s mission and doctrinal statement of faith. Applications can be found on our website www.wchsonline.org under the employment tab on the left side of our web page.  Applications, resumes and cover letters should be sent to Scott Ball at ball@wchsonline.org by Friday, May 24, 2013.

What would you do?

Tonight we saw a victory after a horrible tragedy earlier in the week.  I've been watching the coverage in little snippets.  I can't take in too much or I start feel overwhelmed.  I write suspense but I certainly don't live it.
The reporters said that one of the ways the authorities zeroed in on the suspects is the nonchalant way they walked away as the bombs went off.
The reporter said people either run from danger or run to it.
My husband would run to it. I didn't even have to ask him.  He's like that.
My knee-jerk answer when my husband asked me what I would do was -- run from danger.  Though I'd like to say I'd run to the danger or at least try to help those around me.
But honestly I think my first reaction would be to freeze in shock.
What would you do?

Westside Christian High school's Spring Drama production, "NOISES OFF!"

For my Portland friends:Westside is pleased to present the student version of the award winning comedy Noises Off!, considered by some to be the funniest play in the English language. Performances will be held at the Alpenrose Opera House located at 6149 SW Shattuck Road. Pre-sale tickets are available online at the Westside website: www.wchsonline.org, or you can purchase them at the Alpenrose box office beginning one hour prior to each performance. Tickets are $10.50 adults, $8.50 seniors, and $6.50 students with student ID card. Performance dates: Fri. - Sat.  April 26-27 & May 3-4 at 7 p.m. Sun.  April 28 & May 5 at 2:30 p.m. Hope to see you at the theater!

Let Freedom Ring

Love Inspired Historical author Louise Gouge has a post over on the Craftie Ladies of Romance blog regarding freedom and Boston and the cowards who perpetrated the horrible bombing on Monday.

http://craftieladiesofromance.blogspot.com

The KUZA Story

My friend Sara and her husband started this ministry.  It's inspiring.

http://youtu.be/NPMyjluDc3I

Techdirt article

More interesting reading from the old-man-yells-at-cloud dept.

http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20130408/01345422620/authors-guilds-scott-turow-supreme-court-google-ebooks-libraries-amazon-are-all-destroying-authors.shtml

Scott Turow's opinion piece

This is an interesting article worth reading.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/08/opinion/the-slow-death-of-the-american-author.html?pagewanted=1&_r=2&hp

Being a Samaritan

Two summers ago my family traveled to the Ukraine to help Samaritan Ministries Ukraine.  We spent a week with the kind and welcoming people and with Peace Corps volunteer Ben Fresquez.  We were impressed with Ben and his passion for giving.  Here's a letter from Ben on the work he and Samaritan Ministries Ukraine is doing.



http://us5.campaign-archive2.com/?u=adcefd8094d11a7175064ca2a&id=b8d73d8977&e=9a2077d345

 

NOTHING IS SWEETER THAN THAT! April 7, 2013      My name is Ben Fresquez and I am a Peace Corps volunteer working with Samaritan Ministries in Ukraine. I have been living in Ukraine for nearly two years and have had the greatest experience of my life. As a community development volunteer, I have the opportunity to work in many different areas, both within the Pulin community and throughout the country.    One of these includes my interest and passion for business. In this regard, I have been working with SMU Director, Alex Brzhezytskyy on our regional Social Enterprise Development program centralized in the Zhytomyrska Oblast. Working with the SMU micro-financing program and watching the businesses grow in the short years I have been here, has been so completely fulfilling and inspiring.    I recently spent an interesting day working with Ivan Prokopchuk on his farm last week in the village of Skolobiv. Ivan is a small agricultural business owner who specializes in dairy and meat production. Two years ago, Ivan received his first SMU business loan of $5,000 needed to purchase equipment to prepare land for his operation. Once repayment was complete in the summer of last year, he then received a second loan to grow the operation and boost production. Ivan now operates a large farming operation of pigs, sheep, poultry, and over 100 cattle! It is amazing to see how much growth and success that can be achieved through something as simple as a loan.      In Ukraine, aspiring business owners face many obstacles in starting their businesses and contributing to the local economy. Businesses find it exceedingly difficult to develop their operation due to the high interest rates chrged by banks, and the challenges of getting the initial capital. According to research statistics, Ukraine’s small and medium businesses contribute only around 10–15 percent of GDP, which pales in comparison to the U.S. (50.7) and Canada (54.2) percent contribution. For many Ukrainian business owners, securing bank loans can prove to be impossible for most. It is difficult to find good credit conditions that will allow borrowers to pay the principal on a loan, while at the same time generating sufficient income.     SMU micro-financing program offers short-term, low-interest rates (approximately 8-10 percent per annum) as compared to 25-40 percent offered by banks. Our program is focused on building strong, trusting and robust relationships with clients by teaching people how to operate their business more efficiently, write a business plan, and market their products or services. We offer the necessary training, follow-up, and feedback for optimum success. The interest, which is sometimes paid back in-kind, is used to help sustain the Samaritan ministry, while the principle is returned to the general fund to make it available to another person or family. In this way, the program is revolving and self-sustaining.     Ivan’s success would not have been possible without the support from the SMU micro-loan. Over the last year, Ivan has been able to successfully grow his business and become a lead supplier of dairy and meat in the region. He is one of the largest suppliers for Рудь "Rud", one of Zhytomyr’s top ice-cream companies! Nothing is sweeter than that! On the behalf of SMU Ben Fresquez HELP THE CAUSE You can support SMU by making your checks payable to Good Samaritan Ministries or Amigo Relief Missions and sending to the following addresses: IN THE US Good Samaritan Ministries C/O Donald N. Miller 12814 NW Bishop Rd Hillsboro, OR 97124 IN CANADA Amigo Relief Missions C/O Dennis Scraba 23 Donnely Terrace Sherwood Park, AB T8H 2B3 Canada   Mark your check "Zhitomir" Widow's Home CONNECTIONS SHARE THIS EMAIL JOIN onFACEBOOK

Heartwarming Story

A friend sent me this link regarding an amazing group of young women and the love they poured out on their coach.
http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-plaschke-westmont-20130331,0,2860809,full.column

I see London, I see France...

 Well, I'm back from my trip to London and Paris.  Here a few pictures of my travels.
My friend Leah Vale came with me.

Getting ready to take off.

Author Leah Vale and I.

In front of Kensington Palace

Leah and my daughter.  It was cold but sunny

Tea at The Tea Box in Richmond Upon Thames.  I love tea.  

Parliament.  We sat in on the House of Lords while they debated a bill on child welfare.  Very interesting.

Headed to Paris for four days.  We took the Eurostar to France.

The view from our hotel room in Paris.  The Musee d'Orsay and the Tuileries gardens in the distance.
We went to the d'Orsay.  BEST MUSUEM EVER! 

I loved the elevator in the hotel.

We see it and are determined to get there. We walked.
It took a long time.    

The Eiffel Tower at Night

The Holy Crown Relic which is kept in Notre Dame. I was within arm's length
 as the priest carried this on a red velvet pillow.  

Waiting in line to go in.

Notre Dame

  

Back in London.  

The Thames River is behind me on our last day.  

Simba

I returned from my trip aboard to find Simba doing so much better.  He's up and around and barely limping.  He's still on some meds but I'm slowly weaning him off to see how he does.  Here he is fresh from the groomers, all clean and smelling nice.

Update on Simba

Well, after two hours with the animal neurologist, we're no closer to an answer as to why the little guys lame on his left front leg.  Doctor said it could be a bulging disks in his neck, however, he shows no signs of pain when palpating or manipulating his neck, leg or spine.  It could also be a cyst on the nerve or a tumor.  Only an MRI will give us more information.  Ugh!  He'll have to go under full sedation for it.

He's still on pain meds and restricted activity.  I just want the little guy to feel better.

Guest today at Fliterary

New Love Inspired Suspense author Lisa Phillips invited me to be a guest on her blog today.   Lisa's book The Ultimate Betrayal will be out in late 2013.  

http://fliterary.blogspot.com

Interview of The Cowboy

My March release was featured over on the Craftie Ladies of Romance website this weekend. Stop by if you have a moment to read a bit about my hero Wyatt Monroe.    http://www.craftieladiesofromance.blogspot.com/

Little Simba

Any dog lovers out there?

My(really he's my daughter's, but she not here right now) little dog, Simba, is in a bad way.  He has something going on in his neck. The vet things maybe a pinched nerve.  He won't put any weight on his front left paw, though there is nothing wrong with the paw or leg.  The vet did an X-ray and didn't see anything.  Its been two weeks tomorrow.  He's on pain meds and steroids.  Its helped a little.  Though if he's not sleeping, he's gimping around.  Now his back is sort of tweaking as he tries to compensate for his front leg issue.  Per the vets instructions he's been mostly living in his crate but during the day when I'm here I let him out.  He'll move to his bed and lay down to whine.  Its so sad and I feel so helpless.   Please pray for our little guy. Thanks.

Daylight-Maroon 5

Any Maroon 5 fans out there?
This is by far their best song.  It really shows off Adam Levine's voice well.
Of course I'm a bit biased as our family friend SAMM wrote this song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LD6GeAh4KPY

Blog Tour

Mini Blog tour for The Cowboy Target

2/6 Love Inspired Authors Blog   http://www.loveinspiredauthors.com

2/9 Author Noelle Marchand’s blog  http://www.noellemarchand.com/memoirs/

3/6 Love Inspired Authors Blog   http://www.loveinspiredauthors.com

3/13Author Patty Hall’s blog   http://www.pattysmithhall.com

3/13 American Christian Fiction Writers Featured Author Interview   http://www.acfw.com

3/18 Craftie Ladies of Romance craftieladiesofromance.blogspot.com/

3/16 Pink Hearts Society http://pinkheartsociety.blogspot.com

4/9 Craftie Ladies of Romance   craftieladiesofromance.blogspot.com/

Double Deception Reissue

So this showed up in my inbox this morning.  A new cover for a reissue of Double Deception.

This will only be available from the Harlequin website under their special releases in the month of April and offered to the Book Club members.  When I get the actual URL for the book I'll post it.                                

DISILLUSIONED...AND IN DANGER

Her faith had always been strong enough to see her through tragedy—until Kate Wheeler’s world turned deadly. Her husband had been murdered, and the discovery of his double life sent her on the run...into the protective custody of Sheriff Brody McClain.

Brody vowed to help Kate uncover the truth about her husband’s death. As Kate and Brody tried to outwit her enemies on a cross-country chase, the couple found themselves drawn to each other by more than mere circumstance. But the

unmasking of the criminal mastermind might just be the thing that destroys Kate’s trust—and faith—forever.

This book came out originally in 2007 with this cover.  Which do you prefer?