Two gardenia plants snuggle up against my home outside the window facing the patio. I can see them from where I write. Recently, the tips of their leaves turned a sickly brown and large areas of stem lost their foliage altogether. "What's wrong with these plants?" My husband muttered. "I don't know. Maybe they're getting …
On Dolphins, Boats, and Letting Go
Have you ever had one of those times when you know God sent you a message? Or at least the irony seems too obvious to ignore so you think just maybe He did? Now I'm not talking about one of those euphoric "Ah Ha" moments when the heavens open. I'm describing more like a punch in …
The Dance of Delight
The genre of memoir captivates me and the desire to push forward in exploring this style steadily grows. Yet, I have so much to learn about writing that at times my mind enters a temporary paralysis of thought: fiction techniques to enhance my nonfiction, writing a nonfiction book proposal…the list seems endless. I must resist the …
“Mental Monsters Crushed”
Once again, I want to thank Slam Dunks for his encouraging and memorable metaphor "...crush a few of those mental monsters lingering around." I did it! Last Tuesday evening I danced with my daughter in front of people.    For any new readers, you can read the original post at "Will Dance for Comments." I look …
In the Valley of Publishing Decision…
I'm in the Valley of Publishing Decision and this barren wasteland stretches out as far as my eyes can see. Back in March, I bought a self-publishing package from Createspace, Amazon.com's new self-publishing company.                  I've gone back and forth struggling between whether to draft a nonfiction book proposal and try to pitch my first book …
#57 Fame
"You can have me before my time…before I flower."                                                                                        -Selling out for Fame     Fame has a seductive allure. Perhaps the human need for validation drives the pursuit of this fickle lover.   "If I am popular, then I am worthy, and my life's work counts." We tell ourselves in hopes of eliciting reassurance.     While I …
Time Machine
I wish I had a time machine that could transport my precious children through time. When I miss the little boy who once skipped stones across the lake, I could send for his return.     The longing to see the impish little girl who pulled her pony tails would instantly bring her back.        We …
Book Review: A Million Miles in a Thousand Years by Donald Miller
I devoured Donald Miller's book, A Million Miles in a Thousand Years, while driving to Laughlin, Nevada this past Thursday. Barbie (my best friend) gave me several of his books as a birthday present and inspiration for us to continue our life stories. I kind of feel like my husband's travel goal for this summer …
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Treasures of the Soul
What if the treasures we seek reside within human souls? How amazing it would be if our rewards for a job well done came in terms of promoting faith, hope, and love in others. I doubt we would see all of the actual fruit of our labor this side of heaven but the concept enchants …
JoDee Luna Art 