I received a gentle reminder today wrapped in a random sort of packaging. Just a quip reminding me of something I have known for some time, as an author and beyond.

The fact is people don't really care about my baggage, erroneous life errors, bad habits, weight, goals, dreams or accomplishments other than how it relates to them.

I knew this well enough when I was writing my book "A Love Beyond Time" as I wrote it in a way that I hoped to achieve bringing some sort of reality to the reader. I wanted my readers to personally relate to it at some level or some point in its journey. My efforts apparently worked as I have received miscl reviews all of which those who read it related it to themselves or someone close to them.

I have found the same true in this blog... The most impacting blogs with the highest comments are those that create some sort of emotion for the reader that they can apply or relate to their own lives.

Isn't that after all why "The Secret" is so abundantly popular? Beside the fact that it offers the viewer/reader hope in their own trying times; it is written from so many vastly different points of view that it will affect and relate to everyone if they are willing to consider what it offers.

I realize that many of my more recent blogs have failed to create any suspense let alone hope. When we were awaiting word on "The Big House on the Hill" the readership was better in that I think many who were not able to maintain close communication with me were able to follow along on the journey. They had a sense of suspense in finding out if we would or if we would not end up on "The Hill".

The funny thing is that we even had a second option to renew this vision/dream but opted not to as many realities of the state of our economy and cost of living hit us square between the eyes. It made us wonder if it was really the right thing to do. Specifically with only the hope of being able to buy surrounding land around the limited acres that we would have initially secured in the house deal. So, as the culmination of the suspense of my writing about it seemed to evaporate before my readers eyes, it never occurred to me it also took with it the factor of suspense.

But more than suspense I suspect it also took away a breath of hope for those who seen the potential. What potential you ask? The potential that says; if it could happen for us, it could happen for them as well. It slipped my attention that I really dropped the ball here!

I have to say, it probably could have happened for us if we had really continued to pursue it, and it can happen for you in whatever it is you’re believing in and for. We chose to shut a door and consider opening other doors of which I simply haven’t opted to write about. Too date, until I have a bit better sense of what it is that we are shooting for I can't put words to something I'm not even sure of myself...

Therefore, I want to take this moment to remind myself that what those of you out there no doubt are looking for in inspiration and encouragement I realize is really not my "stuff", but my belief in the unforeseen and the unknown. I have enough to go around and I will attempt to focus a bit more on sharing that with those of you out there in cyber space reading my blog with any consistency.

I will attempt to remember what I knew and still know from writing a book and a movie script that I need to remember to relate what I have to say to the viewer/reader. I will try to make my moments as a foster parent and such exploits something that other parents can relate to. I will try to remember that as I share my dreams, hopes, and aspirations and realized goals that I do so in a way that someone somewhere may find a source of encouragement... After all, if I can do it, so can you!

When you wish for someone to listen and engage with you, try to be the person you want the other party to be as well. Listen, invest and care about the other person. As you share your own life and times, remember not to shut out their life and times. Remember, no one really cares about your baggage as to how they judge you as a person.... They more than likely have enough of their own to carry around to be worrying about carrying yours. Your baggage really only concerns them as much as they can relate to it.

That does not mean you should shut down and carry your own burden all through life... As it is, most of us have a lot to share and that includes the baggage... It's not what we share but how we share it that really counts. We are all given a story to tell, a testimony that can make someone else's burden easier to bear if we take the time to relate our own knowledge and experience to those who are carrying something in kind.

Therefore, today I'm going to try to forget what my high school class mates might think if they see a picture of me looking vastly different than thirty ago... I'm not going to sweat if my horses are good enough by someone else’s standards... I'm not going to concern myself if the Christian opinion of my new book is over the top.... I'm not going to fall victim to the considerations and thoughts of an unknowing and unscrupulous world beyond, which wants nothing more than to find fault in any person's success as big or meager as it may be... I am going to realize the fact that most people who focus their energy on finding fault and pointing out the obviously negative aspects of any life well spent is doing so in a shallow attempt to make themselves feel better about their own limited existence.

I am going to believe that even those people, with the right words of encouragement can move past this point in life and expand as humans with something great to give the world beyond them!

I am going to continue to believe as a wise woman once told me... "God is in the Process... Therefore Trust the Process!"

Yes, it was a great inspirational message for sure... But can you believe that I got hit full barrel with a double duty dose of the flu? Yes, I no sooner got done encouraging everyone in cyberspace to grab the moment and run with it and it hit!

As much as I attempted to visualize myself well and energized it simply didn't come to pass until this morning and even that was questionable. However, I am glad to announce that the symptoms have dissipated and I am nearly as good as new... Maybe better as I seldom get ill like this which means I'm good to go for awhile... Right?

I'm wondering, did any one go out and grab the day and run with it? I hope so! I hope that dreams were dreamed, goals were set and rainbows were envisioned.

In the meantime, I believe I'm calling it in early tonight. It couldn't hurt to insure a good night sleep on the tail end of this bug that took its toll on me. I resent the fact that I was under the weather for two reasons... One I'm not a very good sick person; and two, because it robbed me of the one time shot at yesterday.

I'll try to check in sometime tomorrow - it's the boy’s appointment day of the week, which as you know by now, finds me in pro-foster parent mode all day long.

Have a great night, sleep well and make tomorrow count!

And as desperate as the world we live in seems to be of recent weeks, remember, "God is still in the process, therefore trust the process!"

I have no real good excuse for my lax approach to the world of my blog the past week. Oh sure, I can sit here typing about how busy I've been, but that isn't anything new. I know I have a lot of folks ask me how I find time to ever write anything, let alone a fairly regular blog, least a lone a book! That very consideration brings me to the point of today's considerations.

In opening and reading my mail today I received an inspiration that perhaps many of you out there in the world of blogging have also received. However, for me today this blog hit home and perhaps came with divine intervention to try to kick me off the log of complacency.

Something to the effect that "Today" is a one time offer and it expires at midnight. How profoundly true this consideration is! Yes, it's so true. I hate the consideration of losing a day to waste and haste. And I have to admit that I have lost a few too many in this lifetime in such ways. Not just in life, but in the past week or so.

I have several things to accomplish today and even this week. With spring upon us there is so much more to get on top of with the yard and outdoor projects. However, it doesn't excuse the lack of motivation I have been experiencing of late. Yes, I've been in the lack column for several days now. I've felt a bit drained and with little to no good reason or excuse.

I suppose I wanted to share this with you because so often it is easy to see someone who in some way represents success to our own perception and have unrealistic ideas of what such success looks like. Many perceive me as just that - successful. Personally, I think I have a long way to go before I see it in the same light as some of those who have followed my progress. Yet, this is only in the light of the professional realm... I believe success is truly defined in those we love and those who in turn love us as well. If we are measuring this commodity, than I am the first to stand and be counted as one of the most profoundly successful people in the world!

On the other hand, in what the world often considers successful, we have to look at the window that see things through. I have mentioned these things before, but for the sake of those who have not been checked in earlier on; I've been married for 27 years, more amazing that that, to the same man! lol I have many writing awards to my credit, most of all in such accomplishments is the publishing of my first book "A Love Beyond Time". In addition, though I have not come close to reaching the pinnacle of achievement I would aspire to with the world of horses, many see simply owning horses as a success/status implication. You have the idea of what I'm getting at here.

However, again I say that perception is nine tenths of everything. My perception of such success in these realms is much different than what many others may see it as. Those who are higher and mightier in the world of professional influence see me as a nobody; and those who aspire to do some of the same things as what I have done see me as successful. I am sure you get the idea here.

But the point of today's blog is to simply share in the reminder I received this morning. We all need to remember "Today" is a one time offer that will never be available to anyone regardless of wealth, status, power or humility. At mid-night the offer expires and in the meantime we are on a count down. The longer we wait to cash in on today's offers, the less we are likely to gain in returns. Tomorrow will be a whole new one day offer.... But for today, this is it! The blue light special is in the May Store Front and located on aisle 13 with a product code 2008! Don't miss out on this deal, it could be the opportunity you have waited a life time for and the benefits of investing in it could pay dividends long beyond itself.

Going once, going twice, gone! Don't miss out... Get going and embrace the opportunity of "TODAY!"

Have a great one and be happy!

Though I am so glad that it's Friday and the week is behind me, I am amazed at the reality the year is nearly at mid-point and has passed so quickly!

We are knocking at the last day of school in our district and that means the first June is right around the corner. There are so many projects I would like to accomplish over the summer since we have determined that moving at this point is probably not a good idea with regard to the economy, gas and all other things considered. We could have pursued a few other options on the big house one the hill, but there were some realities we finally had enough time to really mull over and then with the financing being so tough to come by right now it just didn't make sense to be doing anything so radical right now.

On the other hand, we have not ruled out staying where we are at.... But as I stated, there are many projects that really need to be started and accomplished over the coming months. So, a meeting with the land owners and some further contemplations need to be entered into in the near, very near future.

I've been pretty concerned over my stud horse who I mentioned earlier this week getting kicked by the ill intending mare... He is still in pretty rough shape. I've been soaking him daily which is helping and started on anti-biotics and still using pain/anti-inflammatory medication. Poor guy! Today the progress was the best, but I have to say he was in a really bad mood tonight. No, he didn't kick... In fact, he really is one of the nicest stallions I've ever been around over all... But he was just not his loveable, huggable self that we have all come to adore. Nope, he was in a more or less, leave me alone sort of mind set. I suppose when I don't feel good or have the flu or significant injury the first couple days or so I cope fairly well.. Then by the day three or four and beyond I am just sick of it and ready to be whole again. I think that is where he is at this point in time.

We have received a bit of those showers I have been praying for and visualizing. And best yet, they say more is on the way tomorrow! Yes, "tomorrow's a day away"! So, things appear to be turning green right before our very eyes! How sweet a thing spring really is!

Speaking of such things...I think one of the most precious things of spring in our region is driving around the area and seeing all the new life. There are babies everywhere, from calves to foals and beyond. I hear the baby birds in the trees outside the window, which at times I admit can get annoying, but all in all it is such a grand reminder of God's promise of forever and his incredible workmanship! I wish I could create as he did, but then again maybe not. I wouldn't ever want to take the beauty and splendor of all surrounds me for granted and as long as I can only look on with admiration, inspiration and awe I cannot take any of it for granted!

I realize the blogs this week may be a bit weak, but we are all entitled to our human times. I don't think it is totally a lack of inspiration. No, I think it's more about just being tired. Between the kids, the yard work, the horse issues and the appointments and more I'm just a bit over extended emotionally and physically leaving very little remaining for the blog or writing projects.

It's okay, Monday begins a whole new week and with any good fortune I have most of the running done this week and can focus a bit more on some more pages to my next writing project - Moonlights story and promoting the book, ie; signings and visits etc. I really want to schedule a trip to Wyoming and Montana before the summer is over. I was thinking June, but it's looking more like mid-July or perhaps the first part of August at this point in time. I am all about road trips and can hardly wait!

On that note, I think it's time to call it a night and a week... I'm going upstairs for the night.

Good Night and God Bless!

Hey everyone... I know I've been a bit out of cognito of recent. The weather being warm and the yard coming into season has found us working away on several on-going projects that require our attention. There were too many leaves left unchecked in the fall and now we reap the consequences of procratination.

Then add breeding season and an early kick injury to one of our studs which has required some time, attention and TLC.

If this isn't enough, I have two kids home from school full time. One due to disciplinary matters and the other because he's new and the school doesn't know what to do with him with only less than two weeks of school remaining.

I know, sounds like excuses to me too, but it's the best I can do for now.

That pretty much brings everyone up to date... Or not???? Chad has decided to go gang busters on his yard next the little house. He has roped Nick into helping and gee it looks good! He terraced the sloped walk way with flag stone steps, put in a grassy area with cute little edging fence, lots of decor mulch and walk way lights too boot! I think he comes by it naturally as my Mom and I have over the years found any number of projects for every space that didn't necessarily need anything added or subtracted to be acceptable. Such as the ponds in the front yard that resulted in a severed phone line and a large hole put in the leach field piping. We do tend to take care of our own screw ups, such as the leach field pipe incident. I didn't think I would ever really want to admit to what occured that day, but in hind sight many years later the ponds are beautiful and the memory is really rather funny!

We are discussing our demolition projects beginning soon. I am a bit nervous to start taking everything apart without having a back up plan in place. As horrible as they may look, they do still serve as some sort of weather break to date. However, I fear we won't get anything restored if we don't just go for it and remove all of the eye sore in the first place. I suppose most know what I mean here.
After all, The Secret would have me visualizing what all I want done and seeing it through...

It is my go to Denver and sit around all afternoon waiting on appointments to be over. Therefore I best be signing off for now.

Have a great day and God Bless!