Liberty & Mr. Pickup's Problem

 Good morning!

I'm going to keep this short as I have a lot of things to do today. For one, it's the first official day of camp. That means it's July! Wait, what? I need to clean the house, and send emails, and write, and prepare to teach Children's Church on Sunday since we're heading to a church family picnic tomorrow and I'll be too busy to prepare then.

This week has been good. We had lovely weather at least in the morning since Monday! So nice that we had the windows open and went and walked. Not much writing at all done, but I did reach the end of Don Wood and got it sent off for a synopsis. Yay! One step closer to publishing this story.

I searched and searched for some patriotic story to post, but I had either posted it only a few years ago, or had published it. So I'm giving you a patriotic poem and a short story. Enjoy!

 

 

Liberty

In this great land where Old Glory does fly
Have you ever stopped to ask yourself why?
Not even a thought to why we are free
In this great land with all our liberty?

Go ask your neighbors, the man on the street,
Ask your relations, whoever you meet,
Over our heads where Old Glory does wave,
Why does it fly o’re the land of the brave?
Does it display with its red, blue and white,
True freedom and liberty, honor and right?

Watch as our flag bravely snaps in the breeze,
Its colors show best when its not at its ease.
Even in this we can learn a great thing,
From the midst of our struggles bright freedom will ring.


True liberty comes, the price we must pay,
Say thanks to the soldier who fought in the fray.
Remember this price, blood won’t pay it all
For to you and me sweet Liberty calls.
“Unto you I’ve given a charge don’t forget,
You’ll lose all your freedom unless you repent.
Stand on your honor, remember to pray,
God heard us before, He’ll hear us today.
Turn to righteousness, dishonor defy,
And with God’s Liberty, Old Glory shall fly!” 

Mr. Pickup’s Problem

Once upon a time, in a small town somewhere in the world, lived a man. His name was Mr. Pickup. Now Mr. Pickup owned a small store in the center of town where he sold many useful and some not so useful things.

One morning as Mr. Pickup walked to his store, he stopped to look at someone moving into the the shop next door. He paused for a few minutes to watch the men working.
“Hmm,” he said to himself, “they seem to have the same things that I sell.”

All during that day, Mr. Pickup wondered about the store next door.

The next morning as Mr. Pickup walked to his store, he stopped and his eyes opened wide as he looked at the shop next to his. It had a large sign over the door which read: “Best Buy.”
“Oh no,” Mr. Pickup thought, “what can I do?”

All that day he thought about that store beside his and wondered what to do.

The next morning as Mr. Pickup walked to his store, he stopped, his eyes opened wide, and he whistled as he looked at someone else moving into the shop on the other side of his store. On looking closely, he realized that they too had the same things he sold in his store.
“Oh no! What am I going to do now? Mr. Pickup thought.
All that day he thought about the new store and wondered what to do about the sign on the first store.

The next morning as Mr. Pickup walked to his store, he stopped, his eyes opened wide, he whistled and shook his head as he looked at the new store. The new store had an even larger sign over it’s door which read: “Lowest Prices.”

All that day Mr. Pickup sat alone in his store and wondered what he could do about the first store. And he wondered what he could do about the second store. And he wondered what he could do about their signs. He thought and thought.

He was still thinking as he walked home to his house. He thought as he ate his dinner. He thought as he got into bed and turned out the light.
Suddenly, a wonderful idea came to him, and he bounced out of bed. Not waiting to get dressed, he ran out to his garage and started working. He worked hard.

In the morning Mr. Pickup walked to his store. He was earlier than he had ever been. He didn’t stop, his eyes didn’t open wide, he didn’t whistle and he didn’t shake his head, but he got out his ladder and put up his own sign. In letters larger than the other signs were the words: “Main Entrance.”
All that day Mr. Pickup didn’t have time to wonder and think about the two other stores. He was very busy all day long. Mr. Pickup had solved his problem.

The End

 

Do you have plans to celebrate the 4th?

Have you read any stories on here from 2019?

Have you had nice weather this week?

The Old Porch Swing

 Good morning!

I wasn't going to give you anything besides a life update today. I hadn't even really thought about trying to find something to post until last night. And then I only had a short time. So you get a short poem.

This week has been hot. We did get clouds on Wednesday and some yesterday. But they weren't thick, heavy clouds except some yesterday. But no rain. I'm glad I don't have to mow this week. The heat is supposed to break on Sunday and at least the beginning of next week is supposed to be in the 80ºs instead of 90ºs+. I'll go for that.

I have been writing pretty steadily this week on Don Wood. I jotted down the last scenes I needed and last night I started on what might be the final scene. So exciting to be almost done!!! Then it will have to be edited, formatted, cover designed, proof copy ordered, read and edited again all before it gets into your hands. But at least you shouldn't have to wait months for it. That's one thing I like about indie publishing instead of traditional. I can finish a story and don't have to wait a year before it becomes available.

Let's see, what else has happened this week? I've worked on getting girls registered for camp, and have gotten some other behind the scenes stuff done. Hard to believe the gates open on Monday! And I can't believe a week from today is July! Wow!

Well, I need to work on other things, so enjoy this short poem and I hope to see you next week.

 

 

The Old Porch Swing

Fondly I gaze
As I swing to and fro,
At the beauty before me
On the flowers that grow.

The warm summer breezes
How gently they blow,
And they sway the old porch swing
As if they did know,

That the memories they bring,
And that over me flow
Are the sweet days of childhood
I spent swinging to and fro.

So I sit here and dream
Of the times long ago
On the dear old porch swing
As I sway to and fro. 

 

Do you have a porch swing?

Have you had a hot week?

What do you enjoy doing on summer days?

A Writer's Regret

 Good morning and happy Friday!

    Today is my sister's birthday and my parents' anniversary. (Yep, they share the same day just like I share a birthday with my Mom.) It's a beautiful morning. The sun is shining and the birds are singing and chirping. It's in the 50s right now, but is supposed to warm up to the 70s today. Not sure if my sis and I will walk before breakfast or afterwards. We do need to clean the house.

We've had rain, and humidity and warmth, and are now enjoying the cooler temperatures. Lovely walking weather.

This week has been pretty normal. I taught my final writing class for the school year. I mowed the yard. I've been writing. I think I have at least 5k already this week. And I know what comes next, so I'm eager to write it. This version of "Don Wood" is so much better than the last one. Don actually cares about this mystery instead of not being interested.

I've been practicing the violin this week as we have ensemble practice right after church on Sunday. And the children are playing bells for church, so we'll have to run over our song between Sunday school and church. They love playing bells!

I really had no idea what to post this week. So I looked at some of my old poems I've posted and this one just seemed to fit. Enjoy! :D

 

 

A Writer’s Regret

Dear readers and critics, family and friend,
I jot these regrets on paper with pen.
I fear I am ailing, I must have a disease.
It comes suddenly upon me like some giant sneeze!
There’s nothing to do, I can’t stop it you know
For if I should try to a gasket might blow.
Perhaps it is useless to try and explain
I have some strange symptoms, but no fever or pain.
My brain races on full of stories and words
It won’t stop its spinning, it’s growing absurd!
My mind moves much faster than hand with a pen
Perhaps I’ll get NEO and try him instead.
It still doesn’t help much, oh what can I say
It’s no use, I’ve failed to write them today.
The words keep on coming, I’m trying to sleep
Forget what they said, it’s no use to count sheep.
The stories are waiting, piling up with great speed
I know you are longing, your story to read.
But alas I can’t help it, I’m very perplexed
What thing should I write first, and what should be next?
Confused and bewildered, I’m sure you can see
The serious trouble that now faces me.
So accept my apology, understand my regret
If your story is not written, don’t go off and fret.
Some day it will happen, I think, I believe,
But now it seems something hard to achieve.

 

Was your week normal or different?

Do you ever have more than one story wanting to be written at once?

Should I post another short scene next week or a poem or nothing?

Not Sure

 Hello Readers,

    It's a lovely Friday morning here. The sun is shining and it's in the 50s. The yard got mowed last evening by my 4 oldest nephews. One of them had been begging and begging me to let him mow the yard, but it just hadn't worked out. This time, however, they all came prepared. At one point we had 3 mowers going, a weed-eater, and a blower. (Yes, I did mow a little.) It didn't take long before the yard was all mowed. I wouldn't mind if they mowed the yard for me again. :)

    I'm sure you are wanting to have an update on my writing. Well, it's really not coming. I did get "Dancing with Fireflies" edited and sent to my synopsis writer, so I hope to get that published by the time the fireflies come out here. I tried to work on "Phil Wood" but it is so slow. I really want to reach the ending, but it's just not coming. And the story might be missing something else too. I don't know. I'm not sure why this story is causing me so much trouble, but it is. I may have to set it aside and write some other things first.

    Speaking of writing and stories, that brings me to this blog. For the last few weeks I've been wondering if I should keep this blog going. I've been posting every Friday for 12 1/2 years, so it's hard to think of ending it, but at the same time it has been a lot of writing and stories. I haven't been writing as many short stories that I'm not publishing, so it's harder to have new content for you all. And then I've re-posted almost all my old stories except things I've posted in the last six years or so. And some of those stories are hopefully going to end up published soon. If you haven't been a reader for more than 4 years, leave me a comment and let me know. Or if you have been a reader but don't mind re-reading the same stories again, let me know.

    I could do a few thoughts.

1. Only post when I have a new story
2. Keep posting every week even if I am re-re-posting a story.
3. Stop posting here at all and share new short stories on Read Another Page.
4. Only use this blog to post extra times like during December.
   
5. Quit this blog and share short stories in my Read Another Page newsletter.
6. Post on here every-other week.
7. Have on and off months when I post so I'm not doing it every week.
   
8. A mixture of more than one thing above.

So, what do you think I should do? 

While you think about it, here's a short poem.

My Speech

Lord, make my speech with Scripture a-line
And make my words to edify.
Lord, make my words be Your’s not mine
That You alone they glorify.

Lord, make my speech to minister
Your grace to all who hear me speak
And make me, Lord, a comforter
And give me words for those who seek.

Oh Lord, my words with wisdom fill
That they exhort my fellow men,
And use my words and speech until
You’re pleased to call me home, amen.

 

Do you try to read this blog every week?

Which option do you want me to do?

Would you be sad if this little blog comes to a stop?

Life

 Good morning Readers,

I realized that I didn't have a story for you today. Sorry. This week has been somewhat crazy and my brain feels crowded. Has your brain ever felt crowded? (Maybe it's just my brain.) Anyway, I didn't get a story picked out and I don't have any new ones written. But I will give you a poem after in a little bit.

What a week! It was one of those weeks that don't seem too busy and crazy at the time. If you don't want to see what's making my brain so full and crowded, you can skip to the poem or just run away. ;)

Friday– Last Friday my nieces and nephews were over most of the morning and through lunch. We had a good time playing and visiting. It was also one of my nephew's birthdays, so he got to open his presents on his birthday.

Saturday– It was a lovely day. I got some things done in the morning and went for a lovely walk in the afternoon. I wrote a bit and felt as though I was so close to finishing up "Phil Wood." Then my nieces and nephews all came over again. This time for supper while their parents attended a "fancy dinner" as my 3-year-old nephew informed my sister. I read stories, played duets on the piano with my oldest nephew, talked, played, enjoyed the baby, and wondered when my brother and sis-in-law would return. We were all wondering that because they normally arrive between 8:30-9:00, but this time they didn't get here until almost 9:45.

Sunday– Since my sister was teaching Sunday School for someone, she and I went to church a little early. I was able to copy some things for the widows' ministry, and then got to help in the nursery during Sunday School. That was fun since I finally got to hold a little guy. I got a few more people signed up to be secret sisters for the windows' ministry. In the afternoon I got to read. But the first book I tried I ended up quitting.

Monday– Sent emails, worked on this thing, that thing, and the other thing. It was so nice out and I got outside and trimmed some plants and pulled weeds in the flower garden. That evening I tried to write. But it just wasn't working. My editor had told me "Phil Wood" was missing something. Something vital for a good story. So I started rereading the book. She was right, and I could tell I'd gotten off track, but getting things straightened out again was hard.

Tuesday– I spent quite a bit of time trying to figure out "Phil Wood". I had all sorts of thoughts and questions, but nothing was working. So later I had a talk with my editor and we were able to figure something out. While I was excited to finally have the problem at least hopefully figured out, it mean I had to rearrange almost ALL my scenes, cut scenes, write new scenes, and put the story all back together again. Pulling out my dry-erase board, I began making a timeline and dropping the scenes into place where they belonged. That included the scenes I needed to write or rewrite. It felt like the story was actually going to work this time.

Wednesday– I got some things done and then started reorganizing the actual scenes in "Phil Wood". And I wrote. I wrote almost 700 words before lunch which is not usual since I write best late afternoon/evening. In fact, this story was coming along so well, that I was able to get 2k words written that day even though I couldn't write after supper since I was working nursery at church. But that wasn't the only thing going on. Nope. I was trying to get as much of the work for the Widows' Ministry as I could so I could hand out things that night at church. This meant sorting papers, printing cards, getting papers together and folded and names written on them. But I couldn't do all the papers yet, because I still needed one more secret sister. (I did get her that night.) And that's not all! I got asked by Sarah Holman if I'd be interested in jumping in and writing a story for the "A Very Bookish 4th of July" collection. Wow! I had wanted to write a story for this collection since I first heard they were doing one, but they already had all the authors. But after some had to drop out, I got to join! And yes, I'm writing one. :D

Thursday– Yesterday my mom, sister, and I traveled 2 1/2 hours to spend the day with my grandparents, and then drove home again. It was so nice to see them again. We got the rest of their pictures hung in their new apartment, so now it looks more like their house. It was a lovely day, and my sister and I took a stroll out in the sunshine with our grandpa after lunch. After we got home, I was able to write 600 words of "Phil Wood." And I decided on which book I'm going to be using for the "4th of July" collection. :) I'm eager to write it, but also really want to finish "Phil Wood" first.

Today– We have to clean the house this morning and I have a whole list of things to do. Then the kids are coming over this evening so their parents can have a date. Not sure how much time I'll have for writing, but I'm hoping to get some written. Oh, and I need to get the rest of the Widows' Ministry things together so I can hand out the last of the papers.

And that, my readers, is why my brain is feeling crowded.

This poem was birthed on a rainy evening in May of 2009. I had spent some time cleaning out a drawer and rereading cards from so many family and friends. If you have never sent a card to a friend, do it now. They might just need a bit of encouragement.

The Gift of Cards

Memories stirred while light spring rain
Falls gently on my window pane.
Cards I read again and see
The blessings God has given me.
Notes of birthday love and cheer,
And some o’er which I shed a tear.
Precious friends, your words still ring
With sweetest blessings that make me sing.
Cards of thanks for some kind deed
Returns to meet my own small need.
Remembering the things now past
Found in little notes that last
Long since the writer has forgot
And dreams no more that written thought.
How very dear these notes now seem
As I fondly read and stop to dream
Of days gone by and years now past
And know God’s love will always last.
Although my friends may go or stay,
They’ve left me sunshine to brighten the day.
And as the rain falls gently down,
Fresh and clean on thirsty ground,
I gather strength to onward press
Reading again these cards that bless.
Thank you Lord for each dear friend,
Who cheered this day with word and pen.

 

Has your brain ever felt crowded?

Do you keep cards and notes?

Are you excited to read my 4th of July story?

Bugs - A Poem

Good morning!

I don't know where this week went. I've written, I've worked on blog posts for Read Another Page, and I've even worked on my website. (It really needs updated!) And I am working on trying to make it easier to find stories that I posted on here a long time ago that I haven't posted since. To do this, I created some pages for my planner so I can write down the story titles and the date I first posted it, and any dates I posted after that. It just takes time to go through eleven years of blog posts! ;)

On other notes, we continue to get more campers signed up for the King's Daughters' Writing Camp and are now almost to 60 campers! That's almost double what I thought we might have!

Oh, there is something that I need some help on. I'm trying to make a list, well, actually 3 lists, of names I've used for bad guys, doctors, or ministers from all my published stories and books. If you want to help, you can either email me your lists, or leave them in comments. Share the book or story title, and then the names and who they are. (You can use abbreviations like: BG, Doc. Rev.)

Anyway, today's post won't be a story. Instead you get a poem. This was the very first thing I shared on this blog when I started it in January of 2009. I have always thought it would be fun to publish it as a kid's book with fun illustrations, but I haven't found anyone to do the illustrations for it. Anyone feel like drawing some cute or fun bugs? ;)

Next week I'll have a short story for you, and hopefully by the following week I'll have found a longer short story to share. :)

BUGS!
There are bugs upon the rooftops
There are bugs beneath the floors
There are bugs within the bedrooms
There are bugs behind the doors!

There are bugs inside each closet
There are bugs in every drawer
There are bugs all down the hallway
There are bugs and bugs galore!

There are bugs within the showers
There are bugs down in the sink
There are bugs that sting and bite me
There are even bugs that stink!

There are bugs when I am sleeping
There are bugs when I do dine
There are bugs when I am working
Of the creepy, crawly kind!

There are bugs with lots of colors
There are bugs with lots of legs
There are bugs that look quite ugly
And all of them lay eggs!

There are bugs that I can step on
There are bugs that I can smash
There are bugs I dread to look at
Like the ones within the trash!

Oh, I wish the bugs would leave me
That all would go away
That they would cease to bug me
All twenty-four hours a day!

Do you like bugs?

Have you had a productive week?

How long have you been reading this blog?

The Things I'm Going to Do

Good morning, FFFFs,

It's Friday once again and I didn't have much time to search through my archives and find a story for you. But I did find a poem that I think I've only posted once, so I hope you enjoy it. I'd love to turn it into a children's picture book, but I can't draw pictures for everything, or find photos. Maybe some day down the road I'll publish it.

This week had disappeared really quickly. I got some really good writing done on Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday's count was only 500, and yesterday . . .  Well, I got a whopping 20 words written. Yeah, it was pitiful! I tried every story and nothing would come. My mind was blank. It might have had something to do with the fact that I had just had a 2 hour training for working the polls and came home with a slight headache from the overly warm room. Whatever the reason, I decided to not try to force words to come. Sometimes that works, other times not so much.

But this has been a rather exciting week in some ways.

1. Book Brush took my suggestion and created a 4x6 cover template so now I can design my Christmas Collection books on there! And I can create other 4x6 books. *thinks of all the stories I want to have in paperback*

2. Book Brush was doing a promotional and giving away 5 credits for their new Background Removal Tool on their cover creator for the first 200 people who shared about it. I shared and got 5 credits!

3. I'm working on creating my first mini course. It will be a 6 week course walking you through the steps to self-publish your book on KDP. Lesson One is just about finished, and I have a good start on Lesson Two. I'm hoping to release it in mid to late April.

4. I designed a cover for "To Give Hope" and plan to publish it as a kindle story in the next few weeks.

And so that's what's been going on in my life.

The Things I’m Going to Do
by
Rebekah M.

I’m going to ski down a hill on skis,
Glide across the ice on skates;
I’m going to drive a great big tractor
and swing on a few old gates.

I’m going to shoot a rifle
And tote a pocket gun;
I’m going to hike a mountain
and lie out in the sun.

I’m going to ride on horse back,
I’m going to fly a plane;
Going to soar in an air balloon
And travel far by train.

I’m going to round up cattle,
Act in a Shakespeare play;
I’m going to visit the opera,
And I’m going to cut some hay.

I’m going to visit all fifty states,
And meet a president;
I’m going to explore a ghost town
And sleep out in a tent.

I’m going to teach in China,
Stop by Timbuktu;
I’m going to climb the Alps,
And visit Lafayette’s tomb.

I’m going to splash in an ocean,
Build a real igloo;
I’m going to feed an elephant,
And ride a camel or two.

I’m going to climb Sears tower,
Touch the Statue of Liberty;
I’m going to cross the Golden Gate Bridge
And tour Washington D. C.

I’m going to visit West Point,
Give Annapolis a look;
I’m going to run a newspaper
And publish many books.

I’m going to conduct a symphony,
Enter a county fair;
Give a rousing speech on Broadway
And find a bird that’s rare.

I’m going to visit some Indians,
Sing a solo on TV;
I’m going to nanny for quadruplets
And uncover a mystery.

I’m going to be awfully busy,
And awfully old for sure
Before I could ever do these things
I’ve never done before.

So, I think I’ll stick with dreaming,
And reading books instead;
At least I will for the present
And travel in my head.

What of these things have you already done?

Are you interested in a how to publish course?

Has anything exciting or fun happened to you this week?

I Don't Have a Story

Good morning, FFFs,

I don't have a story for you this morning. Sorry. I didn't have a new one, and I didn't have time to go find an old one to re-post. So you'll have to do without.

However, I have been getting some writing done. I've really been struggling to get into one of my dozen stories that I have started, so instead of trying to force the words (that may come later), I've been rereading some of my short stories that have had covers designed. One got a new opening paragraph. Another received a completely different ending. And I still have a couple other stories that I need to reread and see what I should do with them. I know "Hurray for Newsy Jones" needs almost rewritten, and I have to format the play part. Yes, I'm planning on publishing that as a story with a link to download the play.

This week has gone by quickly! I've gotten almost everything finished for the widows' ministry at church. My best friend came and took a photo for the cover of a new story. I just can't publish the story yet because it's a part of a title challenge. (Everyone had to write a story for the same title.) I got my taxes done, which is always a relief, and last night my grandparents were down and Grandpa and I went to a music concert. It was good. We heard the Horszowski Piano Trio. They played Schumann, Carter, and Shostakovich.

If I had a story for you, I'd post it right now, but I don't. Instead I'll share a poem I wrote and posted nine years ago. Enjoy!

Books
Books aplenty, books galore,
My favorite place is a used book store.

Books of world history,
Books of missions or mystery,

Books of travel, books of prose,
Books smell better than a fresh picked rose.

Books of ancient tales of yore,
Books more modern by the score.

Books in blue and books in red,
Books of animals long since dead.

Books for children, books for teens,
Books for old or the in-betweens.

Books in that room, books in this,
Books on those shelves belong to Sis.

Mom has her books here and there,
In fact, Mom's books are everywhere!

My shelves are crowded with most of my books,
The rest I squeeze in many odd nooks.

As I said before, there are books galore,
But still I love a used book store.

How was your week?

Do you love used book stores?

If you could pick one of my short stories to be published, which would it be?

The Battle of Life - A Poem

Good morning FFFs,

Sorry, once again I don't have a story for you. This week has been filled with lots of writing. Yesterday I managed to write 3k words! Yeah, my brain was tired after that. But now it's eager to get back to this story. I can see the end of "By Paths Unknown" so I really want to reach it! Can I do it before the end of the month? We'll see. I'm doubtful, but then I wasn't expecting to write 3k yesterday either.

I thought of just giving you an update on life, but I really don't have much for you. I corrected "Grandfather's Mug" but I don't know if I'll publish that on here or not. Mostly though, I've been working on "By Paths Unknown." After a brainstorm with my mom about some things that had to happen in the story, I've been writing, and writing. But normal life has also been happening. Like babysitting my nieces and nephews.

I did a quick search to see what I could find to post today, and I saw this. I wrote it when I attended a 3 week intensive music course. (We pretty much ate, slept, and breathed all things music.) One of our assignments was to write an original song. I can write words to songs, but forget the music! I'm not a composer. :) I trashed the tune I did compose because it was terrible. So you just get the words.

Only 5 days left of Camp NaNo! I reached my goal of 20k last week and am heading to 30k. I think I need 3k more to reach it. Can I go beyond 30k? We'll see. Anyway, here's the poem/song. If you compose music, feel free to try your hand with this one. :)

The Battle of Life

by

Rebekah M.

The enemy does seem so strong

Our thinning lines look grim

The ground we’re losing to the wrong

Our faith is weak and dim.

Our standard in the dust has lain

Then is this fight in vain?

Chorus

The Captain now is drawing near

He gives an order clear,

“Stand firm and fight and do not fear

The Lord thy God is near!”

The mighty men of valor rise

With all their armor on.

The foes sharp darts they now despise

The former fear is gone.

They raise the standard, wave it high

And shout the battle cry!

The ground surrendered to the foe

For Christ we’ll take it back

And though the battle’s full of woe

With courage we’ll attack.

March on with Christ, we’ll never flee

From certain victory!

Discouraged we will never be

Nor will we be dismayed

Now in God’s armor clad are we,

With shield and shining blade.

We fight and for the right contend

And stand until the end!

 

Did you like the poem?

Do you want to read "Grandfather's Mug" on here?

Do you think I can get more than 30k written?

What Am I?

Hello, FFFs,

How are you doing? I'm doing well. It's been a busy first part of the week, and then I've been trying to catch up on things, including sleep. ;)

Saturday– My dad, Sis, and I went out to help knock doors all Saturday morning with my brother, his family, and 7 others. It wasn't bad in the morning as there was a nice breeze, but it sure got hot later! We got a lot of doors knocked.

Sunday–A much needed day of rest! Usually I read all afternoon, but I was so tired that I had to take a few cat naps in the middle of my reading.

Monday–I spent the morning and afternoon working on projects. Then after supper I headed out to join my brother in knocking more doors. We worked until after 8:30. Then we met up with some others who were also knocking doors. Then it was time to put up some "Vote Today" signs. I put some up on the way home, but decided to get my dad before I went and put up the last signs at a polling place in a not so nice neighborhood.

Tuesday–Election Day! We started out by sign waving! Finally! A family joined us who had never done it before. The kids loved it! Even when it started raining. We just held umbrellas and our signs and kept on shouting. :D I went with my BF to vote. That was strange since I don't remember the last time when I actually voted on election day. Next my brother dropped two nephews off and the three of us headed to a polling place to hold signs. It rained off and on that morning. Then, after lunch, the sun came out. I now have a nice sunburn. We stayed there until 4:45. That evening we headed to my brother's watch party. It was late before the final results came in. He had lost by 46 votes. It was a bit of a shock at first, but then it really felt like the hand of God. He may have lost, but, as our sheriff told him, "You made a difference in the county. You and your family even if you didn't win." And it's okay. God has something different in store for him.

Wednesday–Trying to catch up on sleep, and different things. That night the church's puppet team (my oldest niece and nephew were a part this time) did their final performance for church, so we all went and watched. They did great!

Thursday–Trying to get more done, things worked on. I actually wrote last evening! I haven't written since the 2nd! You know what? It's rather fun to write. ;)

And that's a look at my week. How was your week?

I was looking through old stories trying to decide what to post when I came across this poem. I decided to share it today instead of a story. Leave a comment to tell me what you think the answer is.

What Am I?
by
Rebekah Morris

I have no wings, but I can fly,
Just close your eyes and I’ll slip by.
I use no fuel and eat no food,
I’m never late for that would be rude.
I never sleep yet am not awake,
And I’m sorry, you can’t toss me in the lake.
For love or money I can’t be bought,
Though more of me many have sought.
I race and I creep, I’m slow and I’m fast,
But I’m always the same as I’ve been in the past.
I’m certain to continue as when I began,
For though I am young, I’m older than man.
I’m tossed aside by the careless, looked down on with contempt,
Yet from my relentlessness no one is exempt.
I have no fear of danger,
To love I am a stranger,
You’ll use me every day until you die,
So tell me please, what am I?

A Writer's Regret

Good morning FFFs,

Friday. How did it come so quickly? There is still no new nephew so you would think I'd have gotten a lot done this week. I have. But not on writing. I've worked on many different projects, helped Mom with cleaning out and organizing. Lots of emails were written, I worked on the layout of my Christmas books, caught up with my best friend who just came back from a two week visit to her twin sister in Canada. And, well, life hasn't exactly been standing still.

This morning it's cloudy. It rained last night. And the night before. We needed rain! Things have cooled off some which is really nice. I think the next few nights are supposed to be in the 60's. I'm so ready for cooler weather!

This poem was first written and published back in August of 2009. I was going to give you something else, but I had a webinar to attend last evening and then never got a new story decided on and up, so . . . This poem seemed to fit my situation, so I hope you enjoy it. And hopefully next week I'll have some other story. (The Author story hasn't been finished yet.) Enjoy!

A Writer’s Regret

Dear readers and critics, family and friend,
I jot these regrets on paper with pen.
I fear I am ailing, I must have a disease.
It comes suddenly upon me like some giant sneeze!
There’s nothing to do, I can’t stop it you know
For if I should try to a gasket might blow.
Perhaps it is useless to try and explain
I have some strange symptoms, but no fever or pain.
My brain races on full of stories and words
It won’t stop its spinning, it’s growing absurd!
My mind moves much faster than hand with a pen
Perhaps I’ll get NEO and try him instead.
It still doesn’t help much, oh what can I say
It’s no use, I’ve failed to write them today.
The words keep on coming, I’m trying to sleep
Forget what they said, it’s no use to count sheep.
The stories are waiting, piling up with great speed
I know you are longing, your story to read.
But alas I can’t help it, I’m very perplexed
What thing should I write first, and what should be next?
Confused and bewildered, I’m sure you can see
The serious trouble that now faces me.
So accept my apology, understand my regret
If your story is not written, don’t go off and fret.
Some day it will happen, I think, I believe,
But now it seems something hard to achieve.

Do you ever feel this way?

What story would you like next week?

Has your week been busy?

Christmas Cookies

I originally posted this poem back in 2011, but it was so well liked, that I thought I'd share it again. Enjoy!

Cookie Day

Flour and sugar, chocolate and butter,

Ginger and spices and all cookie cutters.

Measuring, mixing, stir, pat and roll

With lots of small helpers the kitchen’s not dull!

Lively the Christmas tunes gaily we play

So many gathered for this Cookie Day.

Cooking and stirring the fudge is ‘most done.

Tasting and sampling, oh, this is quite fun!

All kinds of cookies we’re making today

For Christmas is coming we happily say.

Icing and sprinkles, chocolate kisses and more,

Fingers so sticky and messes galore.

Make room for these cookies, be careful they’re hot!

Pile that plate higher, we’ve got such a lot.

Flour on noses, sprinkles on floors;

I know that some tummies can’t hold any more.

Dishes are stacking, are we nearly through?

I’m tired of baking, what about you?

 

The last pan is cooling, they’ll be eaten so fast;

But we all so enjoyed it and made memories that last!

P.S. The little guy in the last picture is now 7! And he has three younger siblings. How quickly the time goes!

Independence Day!

Happy Independence Day!
What a glorious morning! Do you have big plans for today? Are you going to shoot of fireworks or watch a display of fireworks tonight? There are so many things I'd love to do today to celebrate the 4th, but I have too many grand ideas. :)

This week has been interesting in regards to my computer. It's gotten worse and worse. But, the good news is that I have another one on it's way to me right now! Well, I don't think it's moving on the 4th, but it should arrive in a day or so. Then maybe I can start working on catching up with everything.

Update on Triple Creek Ranch:
I have gotten back into writing book 4. Finally. I have 8 parts written and parts of two other scenes which come later on in the book. I don't normally write parts ahead of myself, but these two scenes just needed written before I thought about them too much. :)
Book 3 is getting close and closer to being finished. The illustrations are almost finished and once I get my new computer I'll be able to work on putting the book together! I can't wait. I'm sure some of you are eagerly waiting for it's publication too. :) I'll try to hurry.

And now, I'm going to give you a poem I wrote. It's been a long time since I wrote and posted a poem, but I didn't really have anything that fit with the day, so I hope you enjoy it. If you want a story to read, you can go read the Medford's 4th of July here and here.

Independence Day

If I lived in Philadelphia, my heart would swell with pride,
In 1776 I’d stand, with patriots at my side.

If I served at Ft. McHenry and the British came to fight,
In 1812 I’d wait to see Old Glory in the light.

If I traveled west by wagon, I would gladly stop and say
A prayer of thanks to God above on Independence Day.

If I flew a plane with Rickenbacker above the foreign skies,
I’d be fighting for our freedom and its glow would fill my eyes.

If I were on board the Missouri in 1945,
I’d thank the Lord that peace had come and I was still alive.

If I joined Neil Armstrong in his trip up to the moon,
I’d wear a grin because I’d know my flag was going too.

So many years of history, of battles, folks, and things,
Our flag still flies in freedom’s skies while my heart loudly sings.

This land of 50 states and stars, the land I call my own,
Is for the brave, the true, the free, where Liberty calls home.

Where should I then in this great land its birth to celebrate?
Two hundred thirty-eight years have gone, God bless the United States.

If I were east in Washington D.C. I’d watch the fireworks display.
If I were up in Boston, I’d hear the Boston Pops play.

If I were in west in California I’d see a dazzling sight.
If I were down south in Austin, I might celebrate all night!

But I am here with family, in the middle of the land,
No fireworks or speeches, and no military band.

But I’ll still give thanks for the U.S.A.
And celebrate Independence Day!

Happy Independence Day!

Cookie Day

This was last Wednesday's Cookie Day. Enjoy!
P.S. Everything was quite tasty. :)

Cookie Day

Flour and sugar, chocolate and butter,

Ginger and spices and all cookie cutters.

Measuring, mixing, stir, pat and roll

With lots of small helpers the kitchen’s not dull!

Lively the Christmas tunes gaily we play

So many gathered for this Cookie Day.

Cooking and stirring the fudge is ‘most done.

Tasting and sampling, oh, this is quite fun!

All kinds of cookies we’re making today

For Christmas is coming we happily say.

Icing and sprinkles, chocolate kisses and more,

Fingers so sticky and messes galore.

Make room for these cookies, be careful they’re hot!

Pile that plate higher, we’ve got such a lot.

Flour on noses, sprinkles on floors;

I know that some tummies can’t hold any more.

Dishes are stacking, are we nearly through?

I’m tired of baking, what about you?

 

The last pan is cooling, they’ll be eaten so fast;

But we all so enjoyed it and made memories that last!

The Battle of Life

Good Morning Faithful Fiction Fans,
The sun is shining, but it is cooler than it has been. And, we actually got rain this week!!! There was one day when the temperatures never got out of the 70s! That was wonderful! It is warmer now, but not in the triple digits.
Life seems to be a whirlwind right now. I've been trying to write, but for the most part my brain seems to have gone on vacation.:} I've written some, but it's not very interesting. :( But, this same sort of thing happened to me after I finished writing Home Fires. Making myself write something almost everyday has been a challenge, but I'm hoping that next week I'll be back into it again.


S & I will be babysitting the kiddos tonight.:) I'm sure we'll have fun, but that means I won't be writing. I've also been busy helping Priscilla De Silvosa ready for her big trip! By the way, there is new info at the bottom of the Traveling the U.S.A. page. I hope you find it interesting. Another thing that has kept me busy is editing my western and sending it to the proofer as well as other things I have to do to get this book ready for publication. Are any of you planing on buying this as soon as it comes off the press?


Now, I know you were all hoping I'd post a story, but I didn't feel like posting a story. I wanted to post a poem since it has been a while since I've done that. This poem was written years ago when I was at Sound Foundations. It was the song I had to write. I can compose the words to songs, but don't ask me to compose the music! I hope you enjoy this poem. And don't forget to go read the Traveling page!

The Battle of Life

by

Rebekah M.

The enemy does seem so strong

Our thinning lines look grim

The ground we’re losing to the wrong

Our faith is weak and dim.

Our standard in the dust has lain

Then is this fight in vain?

Chorus

The Captain now is drawing near

He gives an order clear,

“Stand firm and fight and do not fear

The Lord thy God is near!”

The mighty men of valor rise

With all their armor on.

The foes sharp darts they now despise

The former fear is gone.

They raise the standard, wave it high

And shout the battle cry!

The ground surrendered to the foe

For Christ we’ll take it back

And though the battle’s full of woe

With courage we’ll attack.

March on with Christ, we’ll never flee

From certain victory!

Discouraged we will never be

Nor will we be dismayed

Now in God’s armor clad are we,

With shield and shining blade.

We fight and for the right contend

And stand until the end!

The Things I'm Going To Do

Go play in the snow!
Well, FFFs, that is not exactly how I was going to start this post, but it sounds like fun, don't you think? Some friends are coming over to go sledding later this morning. Hopefully there will be snow, since the last time we tried to sled, the top of the hill was pretty much barren of snow.:(

This time there is lots of snow. Our official weather count said we got 16" and for a place that usually gets 2-5" that is a LOT. The few times we've gotten 12" of snow, it has nearly melted by evening or the next day. Not this time. When the storm hit us Tuesday morning, so did the cold. Our area was called to be in emergency state. People were told to stay home. Not everyone did though. There is still a car stuck in the snow in the road near us.

But be that as it may, I do have something to post. Didn't do a lot of writing this week, however, I did finish the longer short story, but I'm saving that until next week. I can tell I shouldn't post that many Westerns in a row. No one reads the second one. At least there aren't any comments. Maybe I should only post a Western every other week. Hmmm. I'll have to think about that.

This poem is one of the spur-of-the-moment poems. I started singing a slightly similar version one night with a chorus of "I'm going to do all the things I've never done before." Mom said I should write it into a poem. So I did. I sent it to a friend and Mrs. L said, "I LOVE it!!!!!!!"
I hope you do, too. Anyone want to go with me?

The Things I’m Going to Do
by
Rebekah M.

I’m going to ski down a hill on skis,
Glide across the ice on skates;
I’m going to drive a great big tractor
and swing on a few old gates.

I’m going to shoot a rifle
And tote a pocket gun;
I’m going to hike a mountain
and lie out in the sun.

I’m going to ride on horse back,
I’m going to fly a plane;
Going to soar in an air balloon
And travel far by train.

I’m going to round up cattle,
Act in a Shakespeare play;
I’m going to visit the opera,
And I’m going to cut some hay.

I’m going to visit all fifty states,
And meet a president;
I’m going to explore a ghost town
And sleep out in a tent.

I’m going to teach in China,
Stop by Timbuktu;
I’m going to climb the Alps,
And visit Lafayette’s tomb.

I’m going to splash in an ocean,
Build a real igloo;
I’m going to feed an elephant,
And ride a camel or two.

I’m going to climb Sears tower,
Touch the Statue of Liberty;
I’m going to cross the Golden Gate Bridge
And tour Washington D. C.

I’m going to visit West Point,
Give Annapolis a look;
I’m going to run a newspaper
And publish many books.

I’m going to conduct a symphony,
Enter a county fair;
Give a rousing speech on Broadway
And find a bird that’s rare.

I’m going to visit some Indians,
Sing a solo on TV;
I’m going to nanny for quadruplets
And uncover a mystery.

I’m going to be awfully busy,
And awfully old for sure
Before I could ever do these things
I’ve never done before.

So, I think I’ll stick with dreaming,
And reading books instead;
At least I will for the present
And travel in my head.

Books and Total

Good Morning Friday Fiction Fans,
Last Friday I was hoping for snow. We got some on Monday. It snowed almost all day though we only ended up with about 2 inches at the most. It has been so cold that we still have some on the ground, however, I heard it is supposed to warm up, so it will all melt.

I have written this week and enjoyed it. It is nice to get back into writing. And, this coming Wednesday starts Writing Classes again! I can't wait.
Also this week, Mom and I counted books. That is always fun and interesting. We had counted them in July and were shocked at the number. That is when Mom began going through and getting rid of some. Mostly the ones we got rid of were ones I skimmed and told her weren't worth saving, or ones she looked at and decided she would probably never read and I wasn't interested in. It seemed as though we were getting rid of books all the time. At one point, I remember saying, "Mom, if we keep getting rid of books, we will have the same number as last January when we count them." :)
Well, as I said, we counted them.
And the grand total, not counting cookbooks, hymn books or song books, was . . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
*Gulp*
. . .
. . .
*I didn't know it would be THIS many*
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
5,215!
I'm in shock! If you weren't counting, that is nearly 1,000 more books than last year! In July, when we counted, we had 5,000. That was 800 books in six months! After we counted them this time, Mom said to Dad, "I'm sorry, I tried. But it is really fun.":) And I agree. I love books. It's a good thing since I added about 90 book to my shelves.
Here are a few breakdowns for your enjoyment.
World History - 375
American History - 513
Christian Biographies - 206
Children's books - 548
And don't forget, these are not counting the 113 books that were checked out at the time.
No, we are not banning more books. In fact, we have three coming from PaperBack Swap.:)

Hannah, you are the closest, though you were about 400 off, so what should I post the next two weeks? Let me know soon so I can get it written.

Now for a poem I wrote last night just for you to enjoy today.

Books

Books aplenty, books galore,
My favorite place is a used book store.

Books of world history,
Books of missions or mystery,

Books of travel, books of prose,
Books smell better than a fresh picked rose.

Books of ancient tales of yore,
Books more modern by the score.

Books in blue and books in red,
Books of animals long since dead.

Books for children, books for teens,
Books for old or the in-betweens.

Books in that room, books in this,
Books on those shelves belong to Sis.

Mom has her books here and there,
In fact, Mom's books are everywhere!

My shelves are crowded with most of my books,
The rest I squeeze in many odd nooks.

As I said before, there are books galore,
But still I love a used book store.

Stop by to read some time.

A Message For You :) (if you can find it)

Welcome back Friday Fictions Fans,
I know this is a little later than usual. I am quite sorry for any inconvenience, but I was rather busy. We had a good time with family this week and this morning we were packing things up from the camp were we stay to head back to Grandma's. I did get this poem written this morning, though I started thinking about it last night.

If you can find the message in this poem, leave a comment telling me what it is. If you didn't find it, don't read the comments unless you are giving up.:)

A New Year's Poem

Hope you enjoy these words of a sage
Last minute poems are becoming the rage.
Sup with the family, take time to sing,
Happiness comes like a bird on the wing.
Make your tea taste of sugar and spice.
Pack in your pocket a few grains of rice.
Every bear that you meet, just charm with a grin,
And your winter pleasures will just begin.
Although your brain is spinning, don't give up and quit.
Just eat a peppermint, find a chair and sit.
I told you I was scrambling to make this rhyme for you,
So read this presentation and find my message, too.

And the message is? . . .

Christmas Wonders

Christmas Wonders

Christmas wonders, what are they?
Presents wrapped in colors gay,
Snowdrifts piled along the roads,
Wagons filled with Christmas loads,
Red bows or sleigh bells ringing,
Christmas trees or carols pealing,
Or is there something sweeter still
That all the world with joy fills?
Christmas wonders, there are many
but never could I think of any
Greater than my Savior's birth,
Death and life upon the earth.
So, Heavenly Father, I thank Thee
For the Christmas wonder You gave me!

What Am I?

Good Morning Friday Fiction Fans,
Thanks for commenting last week, Abigail. I know so many people are busy or don't remember it.:) I suppose if no one remembers it, I can post anything and no one would care. Hmmm, does that mean I can just forget about Meleah's western or just kill everyone off? I doubt the last will happen, at least at present.:) But I'm still waiting for that Indian to talk. He has been awfully quiet. Not that Ty or Sally have done any better.:}

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday I wrote in the evenings. I didn't get lots done, but some. One of the evenings I just had a thought for a new story, so what did I do, but start writing it. Of course it is another long story. (Not a book. At least I don't think so, but longer than a few thousand words.) Now I have six longer, unfinished stories on NEO. I have started making myself write at least one sentence in each story every time I write. It is forcing me to get past my "writer's block" in some of them. I said that if I ever get any of them finished, they will last me for a few weeks on my blog.:)

In case you are wondering (only those who read the last post might be), I did get my story for the contest finished and sent in. It was the seventh version that got sent. I have no clue what will happen. I don't think it will win anything. Is anyone interested in reading it? Let me know if you are and I'll post it some time. For now, I have a poem for you. This has a question for you to answer, so please answer it if you can.:)

What Am I?
by
Rebekah Morris

I have no wings, but I can fly,
Just close your eyes and I’ll slip by.
I use no fuel and eat no food,
I’m never late for that would be rude.
I never sleep yet am not awake,
And I’m sorry, you can’t toss me in the lake.
For love or money I can’t be bought,
Though more of me many have sought.
I race and I creep, I’m slow and I’m fast,
But I’m always the same as I’ve been in the past.
I’m certain to continue as when I began,
For though I am young, I’m older than man.
I’m tossed aside by the careless, looked down on with contempt,
Yet from my relentlessness no one is exempt.
I have no fear of danger,
To love I am a stranger,
You’ll use me every day until you die,
So tell me please, what am I?

Leave the answer in a comment.:)