Tragic news causes me to stop and reflect on just how temporary our life on earth can be.
But to those who believe in the reason for the celebration of Christmas, we have faith that once our physical body no longer survives, our spirit lives on.
As Christians pause in our daily routines to honor the birth of Jesus, may we keep our faith strong.
From my nativity scene to yours,
Susan Ralph
Showing posts with label inspiration. Show all posts
Showing posts with label inspiration. Show all posts
Monday, December 17, 2012
Monday, September 20, 2010
Around the US
Last week my husband and I finished the quest we were on to visit every state capital. What a grand adventure it was. We started out in 2002 and then the end was delayed a year because of the closure of the capital builidings in Utah and Idaho for renovation and for bolstering their ability to withstand a severe earthquake. Both are grand buildings and the effort to restore them to historical accuracy (but with all the new technology) was well done. Our last of the fifty was Montana. It is also an interesting and grand building, but on a smaller scale.
The week started with a flight to my home state for my high school reunion. We then caught a flight to Salt Lake City. The following day, we flew to Boise and then back to Salt Lake where we were supposed to catch a flight to Helena. Due to a delay, we missed the connecting flight. The airline booked a room and gave us meal vouchers...holy wow...and booked our flight for the next day. This worked fine, and we had a free night's lodging (with breakfast) and an almost free dinner that night and lunch the next day.
We got to Helena in plenty of time to visit the capital and then get back to the airport for the connecting flight back to Salt Lake City. The following day, we caught our flight home.
Now we need to set another goal. Not sure what yet. But even goals that seem insurmontable may not be if you work toward fulfilling them and do not get discouraged along the way.
Utah, Idaho and Montana are interesting places. Much less populated then the eastern seaboard. They have a certain majesty that I found only in the upper tier of mid-western states. Maybe we will do a Lewis and Clark tour next which would take us back there.
I finished reading another great book. Prophecy by Heather McCollum. It is published by The Wild Rose Press and available for purchase at Amazon books. The plot and the characters and the settings will sweep you away.
From my book to yours,
Susan
The week started with a flight to my home state for my high school reunion. We then caught a flight to Salt Lake City. The following day, we flew to Boise and then back to Salt Lake where we were supposed to catch a flight to Helena. Due to a delay, we missed the connecting flight. The airline booked a room and gave us meal vouchers...holy wow...and booked our flight for the next day. This worked fine, and we had a free night's lodging (with breakfast) and an almost free dinner that night and lunch the next day.
We got to Helena in plenty of time to visit the capital and then get back to the airport for the connecting flight back to Salt Lake City. The following day, we caught our flight home.
Now we need to set another goal. Not sure what yet. But even goals that seem insurmontable may not be if you work toward fulfilling them and do not get discouraged along the way.
Utah, Idaho and Montana are interesting places. Much less populated then the eastern seaboard. They have a certain majesty that I found only in the upper tier of mid-western states. Maybe we will do a Lewis and Clark tour next which would take us back there.
I finished reading another great book. Prophecy by Heather McCollum. It is published by The Wild Rose Press and available for purchase at Amazon books. The plot and the characters and the settings will sweep you away.
From my book to yours,
Susan
Friday, August 27, 2010
New Recipe
I love easy and yummy recipes and found another featuring chocolate chips in the newspaper the other day that I thought I would share.
Baked Somemores
You will want to use some of the non-stick cooking spray on a 10 X 15 cookie sheet, the old kind with the rimmed sides, and preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Mix together 3 cups of graham cracker crumbs, 1 stick of unsalted butter, melted and 1/3 cup sugar. Pat this mixture on the bottom of the sprayed baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle the marshmellows on top. I haven't tried this but I would be inclined to put the oven on broil and toast the marshmellows a bit to get the flavor you get when roasting them over an open fire. Top the marshmellows with 12 oz broken up (6-8) chocolate bars or chocolate chips and bake 5 to 8 minutes. Remove and cool than take a pizza cutter and cut into desired size squares. Makes 35-40.
I am immersing this thought into my mind, "Let God sort it out." Whenever I want to holler not fair or why me over things I have no control over, I remind myself to let God sort it out.
Best wishes from my book to yours,
Susan
Baked Somemores
You will want to use some of the non-stick cooking spray on a 10 X 15 cookie sheet, the old kind with the rimmed sides, and preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Mix together 3 cups of graham cracker crumbs, 1 stick of unsalted butter, melted and 1/3 cup sugar. Pat this mixture on the bottom of the sprayed baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle the marshmellows on top. I haven't tried this but I would be inclined to put the oven on broil and toast the marshmellows a bit to get the flavor you get when roasting them over an open fire. Top the marshmellows with 12 oz broken up (6-8) chocolate bars or chocolate chips and bake 5 to 8 minutes. Remove and cool than take a pizza cutter and cut into desired size squares. Makes 35-40.
I am immersing this thought into my mind, "Let God sort it out." Whenever I want to holler not fair or why me over things I have no control over, I remind myself to let God sort it out.
Best wishes from my book to yours,
Susan
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
The Second Book
It is great to have a second book out. Unlike BROMPTON MANOR, a Regency historical, STARTING FROM SCRATCH is a contemporary chick-lit style story.
The love interest has a big role, he is a great guy--my kind of guy--but the story is about the heroine taking charge of her life and following her dream without losing the people she loves and who love her.
The past week was a wonderful time in Orlando where I attended the Romance Writer's annual conference. Like always, the conference was filled with wonderful people , great workshops, and inspiring speakers. But this year, I thought the conference hotel, The Swan and Dolphin, was superior to any of the previous conference hotels I have been to and this was my ninth conference.
And now I am back home and picking up my writing. Hoping all of the inspiration I got from being among fellow writers for a week will spur me to make a larger effort.
May you all find inspiration for the tasks you are faced with in a mother's group, a social club, church, working for a cause you believe in, or from a boss with excellent management skills and a heart of gold.
The love interest has a big role, he is a great guy--my kind of guy--but the story is about the heroine taking charge of her life and following her dream without losing the people she loves and who love her.
The past week was a wonderful time in Orlando where I attended the Romance Writer's annual conference. Like always, the conference was filled with wonderful people , great workshops, and inspiring speakers. But this year, I thought the conference hotel, The Swan and Dolphin, was superior to any of the previous conference hotels I have been to and this was my ninth conference.
And now I am back home and picking up my writing. Hoping all of the inspiration I got from being among fellow writers for a week will spur me to make a larger effort.
May you all find inspiration for the tasks you are faced with in a mother's group, a social club, church, working for a cause you believe in, or from a boss with excellent management skills and a heart of gold.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Recent News
POV check. Who sees? Who hears? Who smells? Who feels? Who tastes? And more subtle and more telling--Who reacts?
My second book for Avalon Books is on track for a June release. I received an e-mail preview of the cover and love it.
My December and January writing time got taken up by other things demanding a top spot on my to do lists. December was family and the holidays. Janurary was the planning for and making the trip to Hawaii. I hope to pick up the writing pace in February.
We lived on Oahu for three years. My husband, our daughter #3, and I enjoyed revisiting familiar places. We cruised past the two schools she attended, visited the house we lived in, visited the North Shore where the gigantic waves and surfers didn't disappoint. A shave ice refreshed another of her childhood memories. The taste of Zippy's zip pack sent us all back to the day. So much is the same as it was when we lived there. We had a great time and we each left another piece of our heart behind on the island. We would love to visit often, but the trip from the east coast is arduous. We left home at 7 am changed planes in Atlanta with only a little time on the ground, and then flew for ten hours. And the trip going wasn't near as bad as the return trip--which was an overnight flight--and sleeping in the cattle seat section on a plane is not easy.
Hawaii is not without the intractable problems one finds on the mainland, but Wakiki still glitters, the island of Oahu is still beautiful, and the Aloha spirit is still alive.
I'm grateful for being able to make the trip with our daughter and take the words below to heart.
It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness.
Charles Haddon Spurgeon
My second book for Avalon Books is on track for a June release. I received an e-mail preview of the cover and love it.
My December and January writing time got taken up by other things demanding a top spot on my to do lists. December was family and the holidays. Janurary was the planning for and making the trip to Hawaii. I hope to pick up the writing pace in February.
We lived on Oahu for three years. My husband, our daughter #3, and I enjoyed revisiting familiar places. We cruised past the two schools she attended, visited the house we lived in, visited the North Shore where the gigantic waves and surfers didn't disappoint. A shave ice refreshed another of her childhood memories. The taste of Zippy's zip pack sent us all back to the day. So much is the same as it was when we lived there. We had a great time and we each left another piece of our heart behind on the island. We would love to visit often, but the trip from the east coast is arduous. We left home at 7 am changed planes in Atlanta with only a little time on the ground, and then flew for ten hours. And the trip going wasn't near as bad as the return trip--which was an overnight flight--and sleeping in the cattle seat section on a plane is not easy.
Hawaii is not without the intractable problems one finds on the mainland, but Wakiki still glitters, the island of Oahu is still beautiful, and the Aloha spirit is still alive.
I'm grateful for being able to make the trip with our daughter and take the words below to heart.
It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness.
Charles Haddon Spurgeon
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Showing Up
Showing up is half the game. And so I'm back. And happy to be back. Not that I've been missing for any reason other than doing other things instead of posting to this blog.
Last week, I attended the Romance Writer's of America National Conference. The conference is always stiumlating. I never fail to learn something new, enjoy a new experience, and meet someone who inspires. This year, I was invited to a cocktail reception hosted by the editors of Avalon Books. A lovely occasion. The Avalon writers I spoke with at the reception are some of the warmest people I've ever met. In fact, all of the romance writers I've had the priviledge of meeting are giving and friendly. The Avalon editors are young, attractive, and talented. They are a pleasure to work with.
This year the national conference was held in Washington D.C. My hubby and I took advantage of the location to visit the Capitol and Mt. Vernon. Neither disappointed. However, visiting Mt. Vernon when the weather is cooler would have been smart. The grounds are extensive and interesting but require a bit of walking--not so enjoyable in the heat and humidity of July.
"We fight for freedom." The rallying cry of George Washington during the dire days of the Revolutionary War. And to this day, America continues to fight to bring freedom to others. Washington's "never give up" spirit and the sacrifice of many gave us this wonderful country. Can we keep it?
My plan for this blog is to begin a series of short posts of fiction writing tips.
Drop in next week to see if I actually got my act together. And laugh.
Living with a joyous spirit is the best revenge against those who would disparage all that is good.
Last week, I attended the Romance Writer's of America National Conference. The conference is always stiumlating. I never fail to learn something new, enjoy a new experience, and meet someone who inspires. This year, I was invited to a cocktail reception hosted by the editors of Avalon Books. A lovely occasion. The Avalon writers I spoke with at the reception are some of the warmest people I've ever met. In fact, all of the romance writers I've had the priviledge of meeting are giving and friendly. The Avalon editors are young, attractive, and talented. They are a pleasure to work with.
This year the national conference was held in Washington D.C. My hubby and I took advantage of the location to visit the Capitol and Mt. Vernon. Neither disappointed. However, visiting Mt. Vernon when the weather is cooler would have been smart. The grounds are extensive and interesting but require a bit of walking--not so enjoyable in the heat and humidity of July.
"We fight for freedom." The rallying cry of George Washington during the dire days of the Revolutionary War. And to this day, America continues to fight to bring freedom to others. Washington's "never give up" spirit and the sacrifice of many gave us this wonderful country. Can we keep it?
My plan for this blog is to begin a series of short posts of fiction writing tips.
Drop in next week to see if I actually got my act together. And laugh.
Living with a joyous spirit is the best revenge against those who would disparage all that is good.
Monday, October 13, 2008
A Little Inspiration Goes A Long Way
At the moment I write this, the world is experiencing the turmoil of war and a worldwide financial collapse.
To ease my path through this time, I replace all negative thoughts, with positive thoughts. Some days this becomes a constant exercise. But, if I open my eyes and look around me, it isn't difficult to find something to be thankful for.
And then there are worries over big and small issues, second guessing motives or making assumptions about things I have no clue about. These can take a bit longer to dispel--especially if they are constantly fueled by events over which I have no control.
When I was raising children, it took a lot of energy not to worry. School grades--worry. Daughters dating--worry. Driving a car--worry. Health issues--worry. And now there are the grandchildren. But I don't see them everyday, so out of sight, out of mind....for the most part. Besides, they are blessed with great parents to worry about them--leaving me free.
When I do find myself worrying, I turn to my faith to dispense with it. The quotation below is a good thought to remember.
Anxiety springs from the desire that things should happen as we wish rather than as God wills.
Anonymous
To ease my path through this time, I replace all negative thoughts, with positive thoughts. Some days this becomes a constant exercise. But, if I open my eyes and look around me, it isn't difficult to find something to be thankful for.
And then there are worries over big and small issues, second guessing motives or making assumptions about things I have no clue about. These can take a bit longer to dispel--especially if they are constantly fueled by events over which I have no control.
When I was raising children, it took a lot of energy not to worry. School grades--worry. Daughters dating--worry. Driving a car--worry. Health issues--worry. And now there are the grandchildren. But I don't see them everyday, so out of sight, out of mind....for the most part. Besides, they are blessed with great parents to worry about them--leaving me free.
When I do find myself worrying, I turn to my faith to dispense with it. The quotation below is a good thought to remember.
Anxiety springs from the desire that things should happen as we wish rather than as God wills.
Anonymous
Thursday, August 14, 2008
A Litte of This and That
Summer is rolling into fall. Every mother of school age children who are not home schooled sighs when school reconvenes. I marvel at families who chose to home school and who do so with great success.
My herb plants are scraggly from lack of attention. The harvested basil has been put to use as has the mint. I shall pluck what I can from my favorite herb, the lemon verbena that struggles to survive. Now that fresh herbs are available at the market, my natural tendency to avoid gardening has taken hold and keeps me inside where it is cool.
A few notes about the broad category of romance fiction: Romance was the biggest fiction category published in 2007. The number of men reading romance is increasing. Contemporary, Inspirational and Historical are the three top sub-genres. I have tried writing all three. My heart prefers writing what is known as the Regency historical.
Words of inspiration:
Hope and be happy that all's for the best!
Martin Farquahar Tupper: All's for the Best, st. 3
My herb plants are scraggly from lack of attention. The harvested basil has been put to use as has the mint. I shall pluck what I can from my favorite herb, the lemon verbena that struggles to survive. Now that fresh herbs are available at the market, my natural tendency to avoid gardening has taken hold and keeps me inside where it is cool.
A few notes about the broad category of romance fiction: Romance was the biggest fiction category published in 2007. The number of men reading romance is increasing. Contemporary, Inspirational and Historical are the three top sub-genres. I have tried writing all three. My heart prefers writing what is known as the Regency historical.
Words of inspiration:
Hope and be happy that all's for the best!
Martin Farquahar Tupper: All's for the Best, st. 3
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Adversity
Prayer is the burden of a sigh,
The falling of a tear,
The upward glancing of an eye
When none but God is near.
James Montgomery: What Is Prayer? st. 2
The falling of a tear,
The upward glancing of an eye
When none but God is near.
James Montgomery: What Is Prayer? st. 2
Monday, March 31, 2008
Happily Ever After
Sorrows remembered sweeten present joy.
Robert Polock: Course of Time, Bk. I
Joys are our wings, sorrows our spurs.
Jean Paul Richter
Romance fiction demands a promise of happily ever after before the writer ends the story. Every fairy tale ends with the promise of a happy ever after. But, in all of these stories, obstacles arise that must be overcome and resolutions to differences must be found.
Real life is full of obstacles, sorrows, differences, and grim news--things that detour us from obtaining the happiness we seek. But overcoming the pot holes of life leads to happiness.
Keep positive. Remember past woes, but don't let unhappy memories spoil today.
Robert Polock: Course of Time, Bk. I
Joys are our wings, sorrows our spurs.
Jean Paul Richter
Romance fiction demands a promise of happily ever after before the writer ends the story. Every fairy tale ends with the promise of a happy ever after. But, in all of these stories, obstacles arise that must be overcome and resolutions to differences must be found.
Real life is full of obstacles, sorrows, differences, and grim news--things that detour us from obtaining the happiness we seek. But overcoming the pot holes of life leads to happiness.
Keep positive. Remember past woes, but don't let unhappy memories spoil today.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
A Little Inspiration
My neglect of my blog is evident. But not posting here does not mean I have been idle. Family, the holidays, producing new pages and completing new stories have kept me busy.
Today I am posting two inspirational quotes about perseverance that speak to my own need for inspiration at the moment.
When the world says, "Give up," Hope whispers, "Try one more time." Author Unknown.
He conquers who endures. ~Persius
A writer's life is often filled with delay and with rejection. But, I know of more than one writer who succeeded after years of struggle. Their ability to persevere allowed them to keep writing in the face of rejection after rejection.
So if you have a dream, pursue it with every bit of determination you can muster. Increasing your knowledge, overcoming obstacles, and after each goal is met, set another.
Today I am posting two inspirational quotes about perseverance that speak to my own need for inspiration at the moment.
When the world says, "Give up," Hope whispers, "Try one more time." Author Unknown.
He conquers who endures. ~Persius
A writer's life is often filled with delay and with rejection. But, I know of more than one writer who succeeded after years of struggle. Their ability to persevere allowed them to keep writing in the face of rejection after rejection.
So if you have a dream, pursue it with every bit of determination you can muster. Increasing your knowledge, overcoming obstacles, and after each goal is met, set another.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Writing the Bones
You cannot dream yourself into a character; you must hammer and forge yourself into one.
Henry David Thoreau
Henry David Thoreau
Friday, July 20, 2007
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Warp Speed
When life speeds up, grab the steering wheel with two hands and enjoy the ride for a long as it lasts.
Friday, May 25, 2007
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Friday, December 1, 2006
What Really Matters
"We act as though comfort and luxury were the chief requirements of life, when all we need to make us really happy is something to be enthusiastic about." British wrtier Charles Kingsley (1819-1875)
Monday, November 20, 2006
Inspiration for Thanksgiving
"Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them is the true measure of our thanksgiving." W.T. Purkiser
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Inspiration - Hope
Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; my flesh also will rest in hope. Psalm 16:9
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