Book Review - a new flavor

Hi all!

I'm coming at you today with a very different sort of book review. Normally, I'm a fiction hound. I mean, if there's a story to disappear into, why would I stay in reality? OK, maybe that's a little extreme, but you understand.

Today I'm writing to tell you about an amazing book about to hit the shelves. Memory Making Mom by Jessica Smartt. (Yes, that's how she spells it, not a typo). Before you tune out because you don't have little kids, hear me out. This stuff matters even if you don't have kids. It matters for adult kids. It matters for grand kids. Yes, this author writes as a mother of young children, but she talks about making memories because memories hold the power to bind us together as families, friends, and neighbors. 

The prose is easy to read and the author is super vulnerable, describing her failures right along with her victories. And she's funny too. (You have to read about the Christmas tree, PVC pipe, and fishline. She does not make the reader feel like her life should be pinterest-y, but she does give us small things we can do to make a large impact on the people we love.

I hope you'll check this book out and scoot over to Amazon for preorder (here). Yes, it's not quite available (Mar 5! Less than 2 weeks!), but the pre-order is genius. It actually arrives at your door the day of release or sometimes a day early. :-)

This book is the PERFECT gift for any young mother you know . . . especially with Mother's Day coming up quicker than you think! It's an amazing gift for a grandmother of young kids. It's also a great book for anyone wanting to make memories with the ones they love, chock full of ideas, and backed up with the reasons why going the extra mile is worthwhile. For more info and pre-order bonuses, check out the website here.

So there you go. It's not fiction. But this book addresses the story you are living. What's your favorite family memory from the last year? Mine? Grilling pizzas on the back porch in the cold, with a fire going to keep us warm, with all my kids home, laughing our heads off together. 

Jennifer Fromke writes from North Carolina, where she pines for colder temperatures all year long. Northerners by upbringing, she and her husband of 26 years have raised three Southern-ish children despite their best efforts. Jennifer reviews books at www.Shetalksbooks.com and she offers a free story download on her website: https://www.jenniferfromke.com/contact/.

Earliest Author Memories with Special Guest, Linda Yezak

Joining us as a special guest for our Birthday Bash is Linda Yezak! Today she is sharing some of her earliest author memories, and how she discovered her calling to write. Linda's new book, Ride to the Altar is a part of our Grand Prize giveaway, so be sure to leave a comment to get your name in the drawing. 

Here's Linda:

As did so many other authors, I began writing at an early age—pudgy fingers fumbling with red crayons, probably something like “roses are red, violets are blue, I love Mom.” And, as was the same with many others, I improved with age and graduated to better poetry, song lyrics, short stories, flash fiction, all the good stuff (which I’d left in a paper bag when Billy and I moved. The cats shredded it and everything in it. We weren’t friends for a while).

When I was at Texas A&M, my English class followed my Algebra class. Switching from numerical logic to verbal logic, from practical to artistic, always took a few minutes beyond the stroll from one building on campus to the other. My creative writing professor at the time gave us a challenging warm-up exercise. Each session, she’d hand out index cards on which we had to write entire stories—beginning, middle, end—complete with viable characterization. At the top of the card, we were to write our “inspiration” for the story.

Mine usually went something like this:

(X + Y) x Z = AB/C

The stories would involve X and Y, who were military commanders of allied nations. They joined forces with Z to infiltrate the country of AB while it was being divided by C—also an ally of X and Y.

After a semester of reading my antics for ABC and XYZ, my prof confessed to me she looked forward to my notecards and encouraged me toward a career in writing. I wish I had heeded her advice. I would’ve had roughly thirty years of writing credits under my belt. Yes, I would’ve been plodding away on my IBM Selectric III, and my transition to a computer would’ve rivaled Jessica Fletcher’s in rebellion and refusal, but I would’ve been well along in my career by now.

But I think if my old professor could see me now, she’d be pleased with how far I’ve come. I still have a long way to go to meet my goals, but God has blessed me so much. All glory goes to Him.

About Linda:

Linda W. Yezak lives with her husband and their funky feline, PB, in a forest in deep East Texas, where tall tales abound and exaggeration is an art form. She has a deep and abiding love for her Lord, her family, and salted caramel. And coffee—with a caramel creamer. Author of award-winning books and short stories, she didn't begin writing professionally until she turned fifty. Taking on a new career every half century is a good thing.

Website: http://lindawyezak.com

Newsletter: http://dld.bz/CoffeewithLinda 

Facebook: Author Page

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/lyezak/

Twitter: @LindaYezak

Amazon Page: http://dld.bz/LWYAmazonPage

Goodreads: Linda W Yezak

Harvesting My Summer

What Have I Done With My Summer?

That is the question, is it not for all of us?

"The Joy of Harvest" from Isaiah

• Vacations: besides the fun and joy of being with family, did I do what I could to encourage my loved ones toward godliness? Did I lift up their spirits? Did I speak words of kindness rather than criticism? Did I show appreciation for the glorious scenery, the wonder of their smiles and the good times?

• Church Camps: Did I do my part in celebrating the spirit of revival in hearts? Did I take the time to speak to those fighting trials and disheartening times? Did I enthusiastically participate in events to encourage others to do the same? 

• Home Life: Did I keep up with devotions? Did I ask for help when needed, whether from my God or from others who were willing to do so? Did I accomplish what I planned on doing throughout these weeks? Have I grown spiritually, mentally, and even physically (by keeping up with the right training and eating for me?

• Ministry Work: Whether in weekly church services and/or events such as Vacation Bible School, etc., or special services of music or ministry, did I volunteer willingly? Did I put my all into the work, or begrudgingly complain that I was too busy; why couldn't someone else do something? Was my heart totally lifted up to HIM in obedience? 

Can I say positively "yes" to all these questions (and more)? Probably not. Have I learned lessons I needed through these past three months that have taught me to be more willing, less out-spoken, more encouraging, etc? I hope so. 

Whether we had a busy, constantly on-the-go summer or quiet, relaxing times alone, we need to be vigilant in keeping ourselves ready and obedient to harvest what God has for us. 

And it's never too late! :)  Autumn is coming--the time of reaping. Let us look forward to good times ahead. 

Abundant blessings!

About Carole:

Besides being an active participant of many writing groups, Carole is an award winning author and enjoys mentoring beginning writers. She loves to weave suspense, tough topics, romance and whimsy into her books, and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons? 

Personal blog: http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaroleBrown.author

Amazon Author Page:  http://www.amazon.com/Carole-Brown/e/B00EZV4RFY/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1427898838&sr=8-1

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/browncarole212

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sunnywrtr/boards/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5237997-carole-brown

Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/carole-brown-79b6951a?trk=nav_responsive_tab_profile

Google+:    https://plus.google.com/u/0/113068871986311965415/posts

Word Sharpeners: https://wordsharpeners.wordpress.com/

Stitches in Time:  http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/

Birthday Memories with #giveaway from Julie Arduini

Our birthday image from 2014

Maybe it's just me, but when my birthday rolls around, I find myself reminiscing about the years gone by. Especially about other birthdays of my past. Like the time I was turning 3 or 4 years old and we went to the White Fence Farm in Colorado and they put a sparkler on top of my cake and took me on a ride in a white carriage. Or the time my parents surprised me with a 3-story barbie doll house complete with elevator. Or the time I found half a dozen 4 leaf clovers on my 24th birthday.
*sigh* Good times.

So I thought that today it would be fun to share a few memories from Stitches Thru Time's previous birthday bash's.

Remember last year when Norma Gail brought us a devotional Don't End Up in a Whale?
http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/2016/08/dont-end-up-in-whale.html

When through the years authors have joined us in celebration of their birthday AND ours:

Nancy Bolton - http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/2015/03/birthday-interview-with-nancy-bolton.html

Rebecca Demarino - http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/2016/08/birthday-sit-down-with-presents-of.html

STT Author fun posts:

STT Author quiz - http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/2016/08/celebration-month-fun-quiz-coming-right.html

 Who am I Game - http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/2016/08/who-am-i-giveaway.html

 The Guess Who Gameshow from "way back" in 2013 - http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/2013/08/season-finale-of-guess-who-game.html

Reaching a Milestone Birthday - http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/2015/03/reaching-milestone-birthday.html 

Amusing Weapon Stories - http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/2013/08/amusing-weapon-stories.html

Oh, and remember when Julie Arduini visited us last year with her post on a crash-course in cosmetology? http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/2016/08/my-crash-course-in-cosmetology-with.html

Well, guess what!! Julie's back this year and offering us a giveaway today of her book Engaged! Winner's choice of Ebook or Paperback. 

Trish Maxwell’s back in Speculator Falls with egg on her face and a lot of apologies to make. She left the mountain town for her dream job in New York City, only to come back unemployed. With no prospects, she works at her family’s department store and makes amends as she finds a new passion creating window displays for Adirondack businesses. She works hard and tries to convince the people of Speculator Falls she’s changed for the better. As Trish pitches in with community events, she meets paramedic Wayne Peterson, the one man who doesn’t seem to judge her. She even makes friends with Jenna Regan, who helps Trish when people demand to know what’s next in Trish’s life. Living in New York City has been Trish's goal, but the more she’s around Wayne and the Adirondack area, the more she’s drawn to revising her plans. Just when Trish thinks the plan for her life’s coming together, a second chance comes her way that could give her every career goal she’s ever wanted, but threaten to tear her and Wayne apart. Can Trish surrender fears about her future and discover God’s plan for her?

Check it out on Amazon

Leave a comment today with one of your favorite birthday memories to get your name in the drawing!

One Isn't Enough -- Guest Post by Jamin Baldwin

ONE ISN'T ENOUGH

Of many things in life one is enough.

One love to last a lifetime.

One confidante with which to bare one's soul and confide one's secret fears.

One God to save our tortured souls from darkness.

But on the other hand . . .

One chubby, baby hand in mine.

One kiss goodnight while wrapped in my Mother arms.

One sunset that is followed by a dawn . . .

Of these things, one is never enough.

   

I stumbled across this scripture:

Philippians 1:3

   I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.

While reading these words I was immediately flooded with an ocean of wonderful memories:

 

Memories of my grandmothers, both gone from this life 11 months apart.

Accompanied by all the smells, tastes and sounds my brain archived away with them.

My emotions overwhelmed, I thought . . .

One sleep over was never enough. One game of Skip-bo. One Christmas decorating the tree in purple or drinking a cup of Red rose tea with homemade pancakes . . . not enough . . .

This got me to thinking of memories and the making thereof. And I wondered to myself am I making good memories? Someday, will someone think back and thank God for the moments that they shared with me?

Today, this is my goal, and every day that I live. You don't have to be extravagant to make a worthwhile memory. To change someone's life forever all you need is a kind word. A gentle touch. A smile. A joke or a listening ear.

Let it be said of me someday with all who knew me . . .

One just wasn't enough.

ABOUT JAMIN

Jamin Baldwin is a new, up-and-coming author whose writing interests span everything from historical romances to poetry and devotions. Along with home schooling her own children, she is also a volunteer in the children’s ministry at her church. The simplicity of country life is an insurmountable influence on all her writing endeavors. Connect with her at: https://www.facebook.com/jaycee.montana