Monday, February 26, 2018

Good morning to you!

Hi everyone,

I just wanted to write a short blog to remind everyone, that all the novels and short stories which are listed here on my blog site, are for sale for electronic reading at Amazon. 

I also want to let you know that you don't have to outright purchase them, you can join KDP's lending program, which means you don't have to purchase them.  Check it out by going to www.amazon.com and putting my full name in the search section.  All of my novels and short stories will come up so you can check them out.  You also can read a small section of them for free to see if you want to read the novel. 

Or check out the Kindle Direct Publishing and join their lending program.  It's like going to the library and checking out novels to enjoy, but not purchasing them.  It's free, so check it out.

Just thought you may want to know.
Susan

Thursday, February 22, 2018

Happy Thursday!

Good morning to all,

I'm still reeling from last Wednesday's school shooting in Florida.  I was watching Dr Phil yesterday, and his show hosted the couple who gave the shooter a home after both of his adopted parents passed away.  I was surprised to hear that they never had any idea that he would do something like this.  In fact, they both said that he followed house rules and was polite to them and their son.  Dr. Phil also interviewed another young man who attended that same school, who said that when they were leaving the school, with their arms up in the air, that the shooter joined him and another boy.  They were so shocked to find out later, that he was the one they were all running from.

I have been thinking back to the time of my youth, which was many years ago, but I don't ever remember all these things happening.  Dr. Phil said that just this year, we have had 17 school shootings, which comes out to about one every three days.  That to me is horrific!

I can't help wandering if some of these situations developed because of the over-usage of the electronic era.  I realize that electronics has definitely brought us into a different time, but is it a better time?  In many ways, I think not!  Yes, we had some instances when I was in school, but nothing as bad or as violent as we have today.  Even when my children were still in school, things of this magnum weren't occurring.  So, I ask, why is this getting so out of hand? 

I agree that the age to purchase a weapon should be at least 21 years old.  But, why would anyone, other than a soldier, need an automatic weapon?  Certainly no child ever needs one and no parent should make one available to them, as well.  All guns should be kept in a locked gun case and no child under the age of 21, should have access to them, ever. 

This is just my opinion, mainly because this last shooting took the lives of fourteen, innocent  children, and three innocent adults.  Isn't that reason enough?  I don't know what I can do, individually, except to pray for these families and ask God to bring love and peace to our world, which I do on a daily basis.  Please pray for these seventeen families, so that they will find a way to live with the loose of a child, parent, son, brother or uncle. 

We all need to get down on our knees and ask God to surround us with His love and protection, for not only us, but for our families, as well.  May God keep you safe from harm and protect all those you love from danger.
Susan

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

What are you doing for this Lenten Season?

Hi folks,

Yes, today is Valentine's Day, but more importantly, it's Ash Wednesday, the first day of this Lenten Season.  My husband did surprise me with flowers this afternoon and we both had a Valentine's cards for one another, but what's more important to me is that it's Ash Wednesday.

I am walking the "Footsteps to Mercy" which started today, and ends on Divine Mercy Sunday, which is always the Sunday following Easter.  Each and every day, we either walk  with Christ, or we walk without Him.  As for me, I desire to walk with Him every day.  Some days it's harder, but we must persist in keeping on the path with Christ.

Here is the reading for today, Ash Wednesday:  "We can sometimes loose our sense of urgency to repent and turn once again to the Lord.  "Even now, says the Lord, return to me with you whole heart..."Blow the trumpet in Zion.  Proclaim a fast."

"Ask the Holy Spirit to breathe His spirit into your hearts this Lent;  ask for the gift of the fear of the Lord, that you not become tepid."  May Saint Faustina intercede for you. so that you might turn to the Lord, this Lenten Season, with your whole heart."

If you've never watched the Mass, which is broadcast from Stockbridge, MA, which takes place on Divine Mercy Sunday, the Sunday following Easter, you should tune in to EWTN Television Network around noon time that day.  The celebration is held outside at the outdoor pavilion, no matter what the weather. 

The first year my husband (who isn't Catholic), and I watched it, we were both so moved.  It was quite cold out that day and everyone was already gathered there at noontime.  The service didn't even start until 1:00 PM. and didn't end until about 2:50.  Each year as we watched this broadcast, the weather seemed to get worse,  one year it rained and the following year it snowed.  But, the pilgrims, as they refer to them, still came, bringing children and babies with them.  It truly amazed both of us.  We watch it every year and it always moves us both  If you want any more information you can go to:  www.TheDivineMercy.org

Please pray for all the families whose children were shot and either killed or wounded this afternoon in Florida, while attending high school.  The suspect was 18 years old and a former student at this school.  I sincerely can't even imagine what would make someone do something like this?   What is this world coming to?  We all need to pray for peace in our world.

Susan


Tuesday, February 6, 2018

How's the weather where you live?

Good evening everyone,

Well, how is the weather where you live?  It's very cold here, and we're expecting snow overnight and into tomorrow.  But, it's to change to rain before it leaves our area.  Hopefully, after it rains, the roads won't be too bad once again.  I'm just glad that I don't have to go out tomorrow.

Today my husband took me to my doctor's checkup.  The nurse took me quickly, but she was new and it took so long for her to get through my history.  Then I waited longer than usual for my doctor to come in to see me.  Of course, since it was just a routine checkup, it didn't take too long for her to check my blood work report and ask me some questions.  I was glad when I could be home once again.  I hated to ask my husband to drive me there, but he said he didn't mind.   Now next week, I have an appointment with the arrhythmia clinic so they can check my device to make sure that everything is okay.  That doesn't usually take too long because they are generally on time for their appointments.

How's your new year going thus far?  Mine's pretty much like last years, which is okay by me.  I've been thinking a lot lately about soon starting another novel, but I don't know what I'd like it to be about yet.  I'll have to spend some more time thinking about a good story line.  I was thinking along the lines of some good friends visiting some towns where paranormal activity has been recorded.  I've always been interested in these sightings, but I'm not sure how much I really believe in them. 
I'll keep thinking about it and then decide which route I'd like to take.  I will have to do a lot of research before I even begin the novel though. 

I am still working on my blankets with  an animal embroidered onto the center.   Almost everything is done by hand, so it takes me some time to finish one.  I will soon have all my hand created cards down for the year, except for my Christmas cards. 

I love creating, but I am restricted because of my health, in choosing certain things to do.  Mostly I need to create something that I can do while I'm on the sofa with my feet up.  That's why I do a lot of embroidery work.  How about you?  Are you working on anything that's hand made?

If any of you have a chronic illness, I do hope and pray that you don't let yourself fall into a deep depression.  As long as you are still alive, God has a plan for you.  It's up to you to figure out just what that plan is.  Talk with God and ask Him to somehow let you know what you can do to give back for all the many blessings that He has given to you.  If you are sincere, He will somehow let you know what He'd like you to do.  Keep an open mind and heart.  God does answer our prayers!

I hope the remainder of your week goes well.  May God bless each of you and keep you safe.
Susan