When there are no words

Do you see that look of adoration, even from my then four-month-old daughter? We all looked at him that way. And on the other side, nothing will change about that.

Things I learned from my grandpa...

*a little bit of humor goes a long way

*hard work pays off

*if you take care of things, they will take care of you

*blueberries are good any time, any day, and there are always more in the freezer in the cellar

*don't give up

*never stop learning

*the world is a beautiful place

I love you Grandpa. Thanks for giving me a glimpse of what beauty the world has to offer. Thanks for giving me your green eyes. And thanks for making me laugh. You may understand now better than ever how much you have meant to me all my life. You will always be in my heart.

Christy Dorrity's The Book Blogger's Cookbook

Okay, here it is again! MMMmmm... what could be a better combination than delicious books and delectable recipes?

If you miss this one, I'm telling you, I warned you not to. Not only will you find recipes that even a kitchen-impaired individual such as myself can master, but every single book represented in her cookbook is a must-read. You can't go wrong with this.

So, to inspire you all to hop over to this site we have a couple of carrots to dangle.

First is her grand prize of a kindle. Mega awesomeness here.

And second, I'm giving away my first copy of WINGS OF LIGHT from this blog...wiping tears of joy...my latest baby... yes, I'm finally going to give a copy away.

And, one lucky winner will get a kindle copy of The Blogger's Cookbook. You can download this onto your PC if you don't have a kindle.

Rules for winning my book....

*be a follower
*leave a comment telling me your favorite summer food or recipe


Okay... We'll give this a week. The winner will be announced June 30 using random.org.

Meanwhile, you need to go sign up for that kindle and get your hands on a copy of this amazing cookbook.

Book Review from the Lateiner Gang

How is it that an Idaho girl can end up with friends from New Jersey even thought she's never been there?

Books are amazing things.

Two years ago, Dave Lateiner walked into his local Barnes & Noble and walked out with a copy of Alvor. He read it, loved it, reviewed it, and the next thing I know I get an e-mail from him. But that wasn't all. He wanted to do an author interview.

I was kind of shocked that my book found its way into the hands of someone like him, but I've been so glad it did.

And here to share his magic touch with book reviews (ignore his grammar mistakes, he'll get those fixed later today when he has a little more time)....

I give you the Lateiner Gang.

He wants a popping water fountain installed in his backyard and a changing brooch that actually works. So do I.

But since I can't give anyone those things, I can offer some free books instead. And yes, this time we're giving away Alvor and Wings of Light. You'll have to hop over to his blog over the next week or so for the details.

Here is another giveaway for the series you should check out. Squeaky Clean Reads

The Blueberry Patch

I suppose it should come as no surprise that my family has a variety of artistic tendencies. I mean, I had to get it from somewhere. It's just that I hadn't ever really stopped to think about it that way before.

My older sister is a film maker. She specializes in documentaries (and doesn't read fiction, nope, not even if her sister wrote it.)

She has been lucky enough to spend a lot of time in one of my favorite places in the whole world- my grandparents' house in Pennsylvania. They live in a little village tucked away in the mountains. It feels like a miracle every time I visit- fresh air, green everything for as far as you can see, and of course, the miracle of having my grandparents there.

My grandpa is a cancer survivor. He's had it several times. Now he has Parkinson's disease too. He's been through a lot, but it never could take away his sense of humor. I wish this video showed a little of that side of him, but you're just going to have to take my word for it on that one. When I'm there that my grandma and grandpa have me laughing every day.

My grandpa has a gift with plants. The video shows off that the most. My grandma is an angel, but it's harder to capture that on film.

And what does any of this have to do with writing?

Everything.

The last time I was in Pennsylvania, it practically broke my heart to have to go back home to Idaho. I wanted to take it with me. I wanted to be able to live in both places. And that is how my first book found a home. I could see the magic anytime just by writing it down and making it permanent. Alvor was born in a little village tucked away in the Pennsylvania hills. Erin and Bain live in my grandparent's house (with the addition of an imaginary basketball court).

If you've read Alvor, check out the house in the video. Take a look around the yard and you will see where the main characters live. It's amazing. And yes, I miss Pennsylvania so much. I wish wish wish I could go there again soon.

Till then, enjoy the virtual tour.

Books + Food = Yummy Read

"Books you'll devour with recipes you can't put down."

Christy Dorrity has a brilliant eye for finding good books and a savvy skill at bringing the flavors to life. As she reviews her literary finds, she invents recipes that bring the foods of the story straight to your kitchen.

And it's amazing.

Super yummy.

Easy.

And I can't wait to taste the creations waiting in her recipe book.

The 2011 Book Blogger's Cookbook

Christy is having a two month blog tour you won't want to miss. And as the big bang giveaway at the end- a kindle is up for grabs. Oooh.... I want one!

Alvor and Wings of Light have recipes waiting for your taste buds- along with some other great novels....

Books were selected from the author’s book review blog and paired with delectable recipes like “Fairy Touched Calico Brownies” from the Fablehaven series by Brandon Mull, “7-Day Layer Dip” from Lauren Oliver’s Before I Fall, and “I Hate Chocolate Cake” from Amanda Hocking’s Switched. Mouthwatering photos complement every recipe.

This is not to be missed. Go check out the tour and go get an electronic copy.

And while you're at it, take some notes on Christy's book reviews. She picks good ones, and I know you'll need something to read this summer. (or winter should you be reading this from the land down under. A big wave to you mates.)

Write because you have something to say

It's a motto that I have lived by since I can remember. Before I considered it writing, I wrote only what meant something to me. I either let no one else read it or I threw it away.

Now I write things that mean something to me and give it to the world to see.

But I still try to only write when I have something to say. And today...

all I have is randomness.

Truly. I've been editing like it's my new favorite sport. Has this ever happened to you? All I want to do is sit and revise- edit- revise- change- oooh, and revise some more. It's like a disease.

And then my grandma sends me a random e-mail that makes me laugh so hard I can't breathe- so I'll share some of it with you in case you have my demented sense of humor...
Church Ladies With typewriters . . .

They're Back! Those wonderful Church Bulletins! These sentences (with all the BLOOPERS) actually appeared in church bulletins or were announced in church services:

The Fasting & Prayer Conference includes meals.
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The sermon this morning: 'Jesus Walks on the Water.' The sermon tonight: 'Searching for Jesus.'
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Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands.
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Don't let worry kill you off - let the Church help.
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For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery downstairs.
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At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be 'What Is Hell?' Come early and listen to our choir practice.
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Scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children.
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Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person you want remembered..
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Potluck supper Sunday at 5:00 PM - prayer and medication to follow.
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The ladies of the Church have cast off clothing of every kind. They may be seen in the basement on Friday afternoon.
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This evening at 7 PM there will be a hymn singing in the park across from the Church. Bring a blanket and come prepared to sin.
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Low Self Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 PM . Please use the back door.
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The eighth-graders will be presenting Shakespeare's Hamlet in the Church basement Friday at 7 PM . The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy.
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Weight Watchers will meet at 7 PM at the First Presbyterian Church. Please use large double door at the side entrance.
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The Associate Minister unveiled the church's new campaign slogan last Sunday: 'I Upped My Pledge - Up Yours.

So as you can see, I'm breaking my own rule. I don't really have anything to say... but I'm still laughing. Aaah. Okay, I'll come back and entertain with something more thought-provoking ...next time.