Book Review: To the Moon and Back by Kathi Macias

To the Moon and Back by Kathi Macias is a story of family, faith and forgiveness.

Rachel's life has changed drastically since the accident that made her husband a semi-invalid. Nothing, however, could have prepared her for the forgetfulness, fear and confusion that seem to happen more and more often. Their daughter, Lilly, lives hours away and is dealing with her own issues. As the darkness threatens to overwhelm them all, they must seek the unconditional love of the One who will never fail them. But how?

Macias has always been one of my favorite Christian authors. It's been way too long since I've read one of her books. When we reconnected on Facebook, she sent me a copy of her latest novel that deals with the effects of Alzheimer's on a small family already struggling with other issues.

The author has a way of writing the most heartwarming stories. It's rare I don't cry somewhere along the line. I've always loved how she writes in conversations with God and shows the characters' journeys back to Christ in realistic ways. One can't help but be uplifted right along with her characters. Reading To the Moon and Back made me realize how much I've missed Macias' writing. I'll definitely need to add more of her stories into my reading schedule this year.


Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (October 19, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1975940237
ISBN-13: 978-1975940232


I received a digital copy of this book from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Task It Tuesday - January 30

Originally created by The Geeky Blogger, Task It Tuesday is a weekly meme to help you--and me--get things done. The challenge is to post a a task or list of tasks you want to complete before next Tuesday. These tasks can help you with your blogging life, reading life, personal or professional life.

By next week, I hope to add a Linkup list, but for today just leave your comments in the comment box. If you decide to join in, then add a link to your blog and I'll pay you a visit.

This week I have two tasks I would like to accomplish before next Tuesday:

1. Finish cleaning out the cookbook cabinet I started on Sunday. Go through the rest of the recipes and toss what I don't want and organize the cookbooks and baking accessories. 
2. Make more headway on the Bonus Room clean up. My goal is to have all the trash gone and toys tucked where they belong. Then we can began the challenging task of donating what we no longer want. 

How about you? What would you like to accomplish this week? 

Mailbox Monday - January 29

Mailbox Monday is a meme started by Marcia of To Be Continued. Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came in their mailbox during the last week. It now has a permanent home at the Mailbox Monday blog.

Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles, and humongous wish lists.

Welcome to the last Monday in January. This month was a time of setting goals and business plans, achieving a goal, and making decisions. As I mentioned yesterday, we are in the process of clearing things out around here so we can move my mother-in-law in with us. So, there are a lot of good things going on right now.

I only found one book in my mailbox last week--actually 25 copies of the same book.

Amos is targeted by the town bully because he is so small. When word reaches Amos of his friend David’s battle with Goliath, he thinks back to what David told him about putting his faith in God’s protection. Perhaps the same God can help Amos face his bully, too.

I'm excited to say that all of these books are already sold, so I'll be ordering another batch soon. If you're interested in reviewing this one, please contact me at ccmal(at)charter(dot)net. I have a PDF available now or you can wait for the second batch of printed ones to arrive.

Thanks. I hope you have a blessed week.

Project De-Clutter Begins

Most of us have it. You know what it looks like. Somewhere in the house there is a closet or a cabinet or a drawer that is filled with all the stuff you don't feel like dealing with or think you might use one day. For some us, many of the closets, cabinets and drawers in the house are filled with things like that. For us, it's even our basement.

This year Project De-Clutter is my focus. While it is not on this year's goals list, it should be. By next quarter I'll add it. We are moving my mother-in-law in with us, so things need to get donated or tossed out. I'm in the process of moving my office downstairs. Maybe I had a premonition that this was going to happen when I began packing up my books last year and labeling all the boxes by genre.

Just like any big project, Project De-Clutter will be broken down into many steps. Today, the Lil' Diva and I started throwing trash and broken toys away in the bonus room above the garage. Then later on, I figured I needed to whack back my cooking magazine collection.

In that pile on the bottom left is years worth of various cooking magazines. I can count on one hand the number of times I've opened one of them for a recipe. Tonight, I went through every one and pulled out the few recipes I might actually make, so that I can scan them onto my PC later. Then I recycled the rest of each magazine. Here's what I ended up with...

Room for actual cookbooks. Wow! How did that happen.

This cabinet is still a work in progress. I'll go through all the cookbooks to see if there are any I can donate. Most of them are in a set, so probably not. After that, I'll go through the rest of the items in the cabinet and see if I can't trim it back some more. 

Next week's goal for the bonus room is to get most of the floor picked up. Not sure if I can do it with my work schedule, but I'll give it a shot. 

Are you tackling any large home projects right now? How are they going? 

Book Review: The Mayflower Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse

The Mayflower Bride  is a moving story of love, faith, and new beginnings.

Mary Chapman boards the Speedwell in 1620 along with her father and brother, David. They have plans to start over in the New World. It will be a good change for them after the loss of her mother. Looking for opportunity, William Lytton embarks on the Mayflower as a carpenter. He is also to keep a keen eye on the Virginia Company's interests in the new colony. Storms, hunger, and illness plague the weary travelers. Mary isn't certain they'll even make it to their destination. But she rises to the challenges before her, leaning staunchly on her strong faith. And once she meets William, her world is destined to change in ways she never expected.

What a fabulous story. Historical details, intriguing characters, faith and a touch of romance swirl together to create an emotional read. Author Kimberley Woodhouse's engrossing tale of these two people's journey to the New World and the obstacles they faced along the way will touch your heart. The reader is delighted to witness the evolution of Mary and William throughout the story, and the ending will not disappoint.

I'm eager to read the next book in The Daughters of the Mayflower series, The Pirate Bride by Kathleen Y’Barbo. I'll also be on the lookout for more of Woodhouse's work. The Mayflower Bride sets the bar high for this series. I'm eager to see what comes next.

Series: Daughters of the Mayflower (Book 1)
Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Barbour Books (February 1, 2018)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1683224191
ISBN-13: 978-1683224198

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Bookish (and not so Bookish) Thoughts - Jan 25

Bookish (and not so Bookish) Thoughts is hosted by Bookishly Boisterous. This is a chance for book bloggers to dabble in areas besides books (but those are welcome too). Share your plans for the weekend, a rant on people not using their turn signals in parking lots, or your love of Sunday morning mimosas.

Let's talk about pet peeves. I try not to be too much of a grump, but sometimes I can't help it. I'll share my top three pet peeves. Maybe these things bug you too. Maybe you have pet peeves of your own.

Rude kids

I feel like my mother when I say this but, honestly, I would never consider speaking to an adult the way some of today's kids do. If I did, my mother would take the strap out of the closet and bring it down across my bare legs. There is so little respect out there. We need to bring Aretha back...




Body Piercings

Can we please stop piercing our body parts? I don't mind a hole or two for earrings, but between eyebrow piercings, snake bites, belly button piercings and others I won't mention, hasn't the fascination worn off yet? And, please, someone explain the appeal of gauges to me.

People Who Think Rules Are for Everyone Else but Them

There is one simple rule when we drop off or pick up our kids at the high school: every parent needs to go through the drop off/pick up line. The majority manage it quite nicely. There always has to be a handful, though, that drop off in the student parking lot and block the kids driving in, or someone pulling alongside the road leading out who stops their car to drop off. Why must we make it so hard? Just follow the rules like the rest of us.

Okay, I'm done now. I'll go beg for forgiveness and read more Scripture to put me back in the right frame of mind. Feel free to share your pet peeves--family friendly ones. Maybe if we speak them out loud they will stop cluttering our minds.

Mailbox Monday - January 22

Mailbox Monday is a meme started by Marcia of To Be Continued. Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came in their mailbox during the last week. It now has a permanent home at the Mailbox Monday blog.

Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles, and humongous wish lists.

Here we are back to Monday. My, the weekend goes by so quickly. I'll be listing a new property today, so I might not respond to your comments right away...but I will get to them.

The girls had a couple of days off last week and then another day because of a snow storm. The Lil' Diva has been taking driving lessons, which is sure to add a few points to the blood pressure. Other than that it was the same old stuff around here.

Nothing new in my physical mailbox, but I did pick up two Kindle freebies and a bargain collection.

It is 1777. The Battle of Saratoga, a turning point of the Revolutionary War, encourages the American Continental Army with their first great victory. But there seemed little to celebrate for one patriotic woman forced to nurse wounded British soldiers right in their war camp. Thrust into deception by a cruel Loyalist uncle, Abigail is forced to lie in order to survive, all the while dealing with fears that challenge her faith. Danger stalks her everywhere, yet her salvation springs from an unexpected source.

Then …

Two hundred years later, on the anniversary of the Battle of Saratoga, thousands arrive from Europe and the United States to celebrate the event -- including descendants from the war. One young American, Abby, meets the offspring of a British soldier. When her life is threatened, Abby turns to the only person she knows at the event -- her British ally. Can she trust him with her life? Or will he betray her in the same way loyalist spies betrayed her ancestors? Perhaps letters from long ago will reveal the truth.

It's Christmastime in 1890s Meadowmead, and someone is venturing out at night to leave packages at the homes of the needy. Dubbed The Yuletide Angel, no one knows the identity of this mysterious benefactor.

No one, except Hugh Barnes, a confirmed bachelor who finds himself drawn to the outwardly shy but inwardly bold Violet Madison, a young woman who risks her safety to help others.

When Violet confesses her fear of eviction from her childhood home, Hugh longs to rescue her. His good intentions are thwarted, however, when Hugh's estranged brother shows up in town ... and in Violet's company.

But Violet faces an even bigger threat. A phantom figure lurks in the shadows, prepared to clip the wings of The Yuletide Angel.

The Tall Pines Mysteries Book Set includes the first four books in Aaron Paul Lazar's award-winning series featuring Marcella and Quinn “Black Eagle” Hollister. With strong Native American themes, the series takes place in the majestic Adirondack Mountains. This fresh, sexy series includes rich characters, essential oils, mystical elements, and plenty of twists and turns as Marcella is pitted against some of the nastiest villains of all time.

I feel like something else happened last week. Hmm...what could it be?

Oh, yeah...

My fourth children's book is now listed on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. I'm excited. My printed copies are on order and there are already numerous pre-orders from friends and family. I might need to order more if I hope to have some for reviewers. 

Let me know what was in your mailbox. I pray you all have a blessed week. 

Stitch Fix - My First Fix

Have you ever wanted a personal stylist? Never really thought it would be my thing, but after my first Fix, I am convinced it is right up my alley.

My personal stylist, Ashley, sent me five items hand selected for me to try. Here's how Stitch Fix® works.

1. After an online survey where you provide measurements, likes, price range, and other detailed information, a personal stylist chooses five items that are shipped to you. 
2. You pay a $20 stylist fee for your shipment.
3. When the box arrives, you have three days to decide what you want to keep and what you want to ship back. 
4. Included in the box is a postage paid envelope for returns. 
5. After you try on all your goodies and decide what stays and what--if anything--goes, you visit their website and provide feedback on the items and then feedback on the Fix overall. This feedback will be used to improve the selections for future Fixes. 
6. You pay for your order. If you keep all five items Stitch Fix gives you a discount. No matter how many items you decide to keep, the $20 stylist fee is deducted from your total cost. If you send everything back, the $20 stylist fee is all you pay.

Also included in your Fix box are tear out cards that include two outfit suggestions for each piece.

For my first Fix, I kept the Kut from the Kloth Rose Bootcut Pant. The price tag hurt a bit ($78), but I loved the fit and look of these pants and I will use them all the time for work.

The second item I kept is the Marc New York Stellana Puffer Vest. Loved the look of this vest. Again, more than I wish to spend on myself ($68), but I didn't have to wonder if it would look good after I bought it online somewhere else and I didn't have to go to the dreaded mall.

Total spent was $146 minus the $20 stylist fee = $126. I don't consider that a bad deal when I know I'll wear the pants every week and the vest can be used in spring and fall.

Now, the Stellana Puffer Vest is sold on Amazon in my size for $50, but my time is worth something. I didn't have to browse around the internet trying to find a vest I like, then wonder before it arrives what it will look like when it gets here. And Stitch Fix makes returns a breeze: simply toss it in your postage paid bag and drop it off. In addition, I rarely spend money on my own wardrobe, even though I work in a professional job. This forces me to expand my horizons and probably try styles and brands I never would have on my own.

I've already scheduled my February Fix. When you pay for your order, it automatically sets you up to receive your next Fix. The best thing--you can provide some information for your stylist about what you're looking for in your next Fix. I told Ashley what is hot on my list to find. I'm excited to see what the next box will look like.

Have you ever tried Stitch Fix? What did you think?

Bookish (and not so Bookish) Thoughts - Jan 18

Bookish (and not so Bookish) Thoughts is hosted by Bookishly Boisterous. This is a chance for book bloggers to dabble in areas besides books (but those are welcome too). Share your plans for the weekend, a rant on people not using their turn signals in parking lots, or your love of Sunday morning mimosas.

I try not to be controversial, but what is up with the way young people talk to each other these days? If you're friends you call one another *itch? How about the lovely word *hore? Is there ever really a need to use that? And, oh my gosh, if I hear one more young person use the F-word in every sentence, I might just scream.

Retired New York psychology professor Dr. Francis Compton spent over 30 years studying and understanding the social behaviors of adolescents. He says they mistakenly believe using such curse words, typically associated with adults, shows maturity. Freelance writer, Stef Daniels, a mother of four, stated in her article on the subject that the world seems to have become immune to bad language. Whether on prime time television, in music, or in books targeted to this age group, curse words are everywhere. She also mentions that some parents don't feel like cuss words are worthy of stiff punishments.

For me, the consistent use of strong curse words in regular interaction with each other is a sign of lack of respect--for the person you're speaking to and for yourself. It's one thing if you smash your knee on the corner of the desk and exclaim, "F***, that hurt!" It's totally different if your snap chats to your friends looking something like this...

"Listen, you *unt. I don't F'ing care if you like him, you *itch. He's my boyfriend and you better stay the F away from him!"

The girls and their friends read me some of their social media conversations. They just about make my eyes cross. Not in a million years would I have considered talking to anyone that way when I was a teenager. If my dad found out, it wouldn't have ended well.

Right now, I provide correction when I hear it, and pray a lot that they will grow out of it. How have you handled your kids swearing?

Book Review: The Song of Solomon Revealed by Owen Sypher

The Song of Solomon Revealed by Owen Sypher is the author's commentary on this book of the Bible, also known as "The Song of Songs."

It is the author's opinion through research that "The Song of Solomon" is an allegory dealing with the deep and loving relationship between Jesus and His bride. It's certainly one of the most poetic books of the Bible.

The book starts out with an introduction from the author, which includes a list of who is speaking during which songs, before the first chapter begins. Then verses and commentary appear throughout with some black and white photographs included.

Anytime an author desires to share God's Word in a meaningful way, he should be applauded. We were tasked by Jesus to make disciples of all nations. This is a task Sypher has taken seriously.

While I found this book interesting, the format wasn't my favorite. There was a Bible verse or two and then an explanation of the author's meaning: "What this verse is referring to is...," "what I mean by this is." The format made for a very choppy read. At the same time I was reading a different Bible study discussing what the Gospels teach us about Jesus' birth and the flow was so much better. I didn't feel distracted throughout it.

The other thing I would say is that the author's bio does not indicate any type of education or experience to show he has the skill set to teach on such a subject. Typically authors of this type of work are professors, theologians, or men of the cloth. There's nothing wrong with being self-taught and sharing your opinions. It would simply be good to know if the author has some credentials that go unstated.

The Song of Solomon Revealed is a book that each person will have to judge for himself. I'm glad to have read it and plan to pass it on.


Paperback
Publisher: Litfire Publishing, LLC (December 12, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1635244803
ISBN-13: 978-1635244809

I received a copy of this book from the author through Pump Up Your Book. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Mailbox Monday - January 15

Mailbox Monday is a meme started by Marcia of To Be Continued. Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came in their mailbox during the last week. It now has a permanent home at the Mailbox Monday blog.

Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles, and humongous wish lists.

Happy Monday. Hope you had a great week. After that cold snap, we had a ton of rain, so no more snow for now. Looks like a bit more on the way for Tuesday, but not enough to matter. Farmer's Almanac, however, has predicted a major storm for the week of the 20th.

Planning to start reading The Mayflower Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse this week.

Mary Elizabeth Chapman boards the Speedwell in 1620 as a Separatist seeking a better life in the New World. William Lytton embarks on the Mayflower as a carpenter looking for opportunities to succeed—and he may have found one when a man from the Virginia Company offers William a hefty sum to keep a stealth eye on company interests in the new colony. The season is far too late for good sailing and storms rage, but reaching land is no better as food is scarce and the people are weak. Will Mary Elizabeth survive to face the spring planting and unknown natives? Will William be branded a traitor and expelled?

Last week I was excited to receive the following:

Ask people who Kent McCray is and the question will draw a blank stare. Ask people if they remember Bonanza, The High Chaparral, Little House on the Prairie and Highway to Heaven, and a smile will invariably come to their faces as they recognize the titles and share how these beloved shows influenced their lives. In fact, all four series are still being broadcast 30 to 55 years after their original debuts. They are more than historic; they are iconic because they continue to reach out to new generations of viewers on a global scale.

It all started in 1951. The world was no longer at war; peace-time technology focused on the new medium of television; and AT&T connected the East and West Coasts via coaxial cable creating an explosion in television programming and broadcasting. This was the stage Kent McCray entered in that same year. A live stage. One that put the young NBC production specialist among the likes of Red Skelton, Milton Berle, Ralph Edwards, Groucho Marx, and Bob Hope. He became part of the history of television as it evolved from live TV to videotape to film, from black & white to color.

Kent McCray shares stories that span 50 years of television including production obstacles and solutions, his extraordinary collaboration with Michael Landon, and his legacy of philanthropy, all against the backdrop of current events that helped shape the television industry.

Join Kent McCray as he revisits his incredible life and works that live on to this day.


I also picked up these two Kindle freebies....

When out of work graphic designer Verity Long accidentally traps a ghost on her property, she’s saddled with more than a supernatural sidekick—she gains the ability to see spirits. It leads to an offer she can’t refuse from the town’s bad boy, the brother of her ex and the last man she should ever partner with.

Ellis Wydell is in possession of a stunning historic property haunted by some of Sugarland Tennessee’s finest former citizens. Only some of them are growing restless—and destructive. He hires Verity put an end to the disturbances. But soon Verity learns there’s more to the mysterious estate than floating specters, secret passageways, and hidden rooms.

There’s a modern day mystery afoot, one that hinges on a decades-old murder. Verity isn't above questioning the living, or the dead. But can she discover the truth before the killer finds her?

When celebrities need a crime solving quickly and discreetly they call in the experts – the CCIA, otherwise known as the Celebrity Crimes Investigation Agency…

Stalkers, shootings and sexy special agents. All part of being famous, right?

Well, they are for Oscar-winning actress Amelia Kingston when she starts getting deeply disturbing and threatening notes left by a stalker – in her bedroom!

When her boyfriend Ty is shot she calls in the CCIA. The agency sends their newest recruit Amber and her sexy special agent partner Charlie undercover to Amelia’s luxury mountain chalet to track down the person terrorising her.

But circumstances force the agency to pull Charlie off the case, meaning Amber has a new crime fighting partner to try and catch the stalker with – and he’s trouble with a capital T! He throws Amber’s life into chaos, making her question herself and her abilities as well as her relationship with Charlie.

When events in Los Angeles involving Charlie are splashed across newspapers around the globe Amber’s world comes crashing down.

But before she can even attempt to sort herself out she has to team up with her rogue co-worker and solve this case. Can the two of them manage to pull together and stop the stalker before anyone else gets shot?


What arrived in your mailbox? Anything you're looking forward to reading?  Hope you have a blessed week.

Book Review: Go for No! by Richard Fenton and Andrea Waltz

Looking for a way to change how you think about your business? Go for No! by Richard Fenton and Andrea Waltz is a step in the right direction.

Eric James Bratton goes to bed one night and awakens in a strange house with no idea how he got there. Strangely enough, this house belongs to his future self who has become wildly successful. Over one weekend, Eric is about to learn a philosophy that will change his life...if he lets it.

In this short inspirational book, Fenton and Waltz have used a format similar to The Seven Levels of Communication by Michael Maher to inspire readers to greatness: Go for No! features a fictional story teaching a true life lesson. Go for No! encourages readers to embrace failure instead of fear it. By seeking out more opportunities to be rejected, you're opening yourself up for greater success.

I love the idea behind this book. Not sure it's easy to implement without a coach or mentor nudging you along, but Go for No! will definitely change the way you think about life and your business.


Paperback: 80 pages
Publisher: Courage Crafters; 4th edition (April 4, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0966398130
ISBN-13: 978-0966398137


I received a copy of this book from a peer. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Start Where You Are by Meera Lee Patel for Inspiration and Positive Change

I subscribe to several book newsletters. In the recent Penguin Random House news came a list of self-help books. This one caught my eye because of its uniqueness and the cover art. I ended up taking a look at the inside of this journal on Amazon, but haven't bought it yet. The majority of the reviews have been positive, but it doesn't seem deep enough or driven enough for me. Have any of you used this journal? What were your thoughts?

Start Where You Are is an interactive journal designed to help readers nurture their creativity, mindfulness, and self-motivation. It helps readers navigate the confusion and chaos of daily life with a simple reminder: that by taking the time to know ourselves and what those dreams are, we can appreciate the world around us and achieve our dreams.

Featuring vibrant hand-lettering and images that have attracted a large following for her stationery and textile line in boutiques across the country, Meera Lee Patel's uplifting book presents supportive prompts and exercises along with inspirational quotes to encourage reflection through writing, drawing, chart-making, and more.

Featuring inspiring quotes from writers, artists, and other visionaries paired with open-ended questions and prompts, with plenty of room for writing and reflecting, this appealing full-color book will make a perfect gift and keepsake as well as being a powerful tool for positive change.

Journal: 128 pages
Publisher: TarcherPerigee (August 11, 2015)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0399174826
ISBN-13: 978-0399174827

Bookish (and not so Bookish) Thoughts - Jan 11

Bookish (and not so Bookish) Thoughts is hosted by Bookishly Boisterous. This is a chance for book bloggers to dabble in areas besides books (but those are welcome too). Share your plans for the weekend, a rant on people not using their turn signals in parking lots, or your love of Sunday morning mimosas.

Let's talk apps for a minute. I'm still a relatively new app user. Technology and I are not always friends. But especially in the world of real estate you need to use apps to be on top of things in such a fast-paced industry.

One app I think it's important for people--especially those who are on the road a lot--to have is React Mobile. It defaults to "I'm Fine," but if you're feeling unsafe you can push the "Follow Me" button and the GPS will track you. If you are in danger, there is an "SOS" button that will call for help and also notify the contacts you've loaded into the app as well.

The Rover app helps you locate boarding, house-sitting, doggy day care, dog walkers and more in your area. It will list the providers by name, how far away they are, and how much they cost. Users are able to leave reviews. One of our friends swears by this app.

Waze is a fabulous GPS app that alerts you when you're approaching police, accidents, road hazards or traffic jams. Their site says it will navigate you to the cheapest gas along your route too.

The Holy Bible app makes it easy to read on the go. I use it anywhere so I can get my daily Bible reading in. You can also search for plans that include short devotionals and verses. You can add friends and also create images with Bible verses on decorative backgrounds that you can post to social media.

What are some of  your favorite apps?

Business Planning

What is a business plan? Entrepreneur describes it as a written description of your business' future: a document that describes what you plan to do and how you plan to do it.

Each year at this time, I sit down with the brokerage and refine my goals and objectives for the year. I usually have a fairly good idea where I want to be or what I need to do, but it's good to get their input into those goals and objectives.

It's important to review the previous year to set the direction for the current year. This also is a great time to pat yourself on the back for all you've accomplished and consider the challenges you faced. When I did that for 2017, it reminded me that last year I listed more properties than ever before; I increased my volume; and I was elected to the Board of Directors of the REALTOR® ASSOCIATION OF PIONEER VALLEY. As for challenges, time constraints, tons of paperwork, and marketing costs are something I had to contend with.

Working without a business plan is kind of like trying to drive from Massachusetts to California without using a GPS--you might get there, but there will be a lot of wrong turns and detours along the way.

Entrepreneur has an article on writing a business plan if you are interested. If you search for them, you'll also find industry specific ones that can be helpful.

Anyone else writing a business plan this year?

Mailbox Monday - January 8

Mailbox Monday is a meme started by Marcia of To Be Continued. Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came in their mailbox during the last week. It now has a permanent home at the Mailbox Monday blog.

Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles, and humongous wish lists.

Happy Monday! I hope you had a great weekend. It's been a weekend of record-breaking low temperatures around here. A lot of people are dealing with frozen pipes and some communities have experienced water main breaks. We are due for a bit of snow tomorrow, but by the end of the week we should hit 40 or so.

This is the news from my book world:

I finished The Body in the Casket by Katherine Hall Page, which will be reviewed at The Book Connection on January 10.

On Friday, I shared my review of Too Big by Judy Dearborn Nill at Christian Children's Authors.

I also posted about my STORYSTORM progress at The Children's and Teens' Book Connection. I've been participating in this annual event for years. Authors agree to come up with 30 story ideas over the 31 days of January. This used to be Picture Book Idea Month in November. The founder, Tara Lazar, moved it to January and re-titled the event to include authors of all genres last year.

My mailbox was a bit skinny last week. That's okay, I'm focusing on writing at the moment. I finished Chapter 17 of Amelia's Mission. Hope to begin the next chapter at writing group tomorrow night.

I'm reviewing the following book:

Graylin Alexander is a model fourteen-year-old. When his adolescent curiosity gets the best of him, Graylin finds himself embroiled in a sexting scandal that threatens to ruin his life. Jenny Ungerman, the attorney hired to defend Graylin, is smart, confident and committed. She isn’t thrilled, however, when ex-prosecutor Angela Evans joins Graylin’s defense team. The two women instantly butt heads. Can they put aside their differences long enough to ensure Graylin gets justice?

Unbeknownst to Angela, her boyfriend Dre is wrestling with his own drama. Someone from his past wants him dead. For Dre, his response is simple—kill or be killed.

I picked up this one from the library:

There's a serial killer on the loose, bent on working his way through the alphabet. And as a macabre calling card he leaves beside each victim's corpe the ABC Railway Guide open at the name of the town where the murder has taken place. Having begun with Andover, Bexhill and then Churston, there seems little chance of the murderer being caught - until he makes the crucial and vain mistake of challenging Hercule Poirot to frustrate his plans.

I pray you have a great week and stay warm. Feel free to share what arrived in your mailbox last week.

Updated Blog Roll

Every once in a while I go through my blog roll to make sure the links are active and the sites are still being updated. I strive to have links to a good mix of blogs about books, eating healthy, fitness, gardening, and Christian living.

If there is a site you think I would enjoy, please share a link to it in the comments section so I can check it out.

Holy Bible App: The Invisible War Plan by Pastor Rick Warren

As part of my continuing goal to spend more time in the word I have gotten back into some of the reading plans on my Holy Bible app. The topic of spiritual warfare is covered in Pastor Rick Warren's The Invisible War plan featured on the app. This is the beginning of the first devotional I read today:

"You have an enemy--and it's not who you think it is. It isn't the person you're competing against at work. It isn't the difficult neighbor. It isn't your ex-spouse. It isn't the group in your community who are taking unbiblical positions against you.

Your enemy isn't flesh and blood at all. (Ephesians 6:12).

Your battle is with Satan."

Wow! Talk about hitting you right between the eyes. He also talks about finding victory in your life over what's dragging you down.

It's easy to feel dragged down when you're overwhelmed and tired or when life seems to be going every which way but right. This is just what I needed to refocus me on what matters and how best to battle what's bothering me.

Do you have a favorite devotional to read when you're feeling discouraged? Do you, like me, often come across verses that speak to you right where you are?

Bookish (and not so Bookish) Thoughts - Jan 4

Bookish (and not so Bookish) Thoughts is hosted by Bookishly Boisterous. This is a chance for book bloggers to dabble in areas besides books (but those are welcome too). Share your plans for the weekend, a rant on people not using their turn signals in parking lots, or your love of Sunday morning mimosas.

I'm sitting in my office catching up on paperwork and thrilled everyone is in hibernation during this wicked storm. This was when I went out a few hours ago and it's still coming down. Nobody enjoys this weather if they have a job requiring them to leave the house.

At least Theo is having fun.

This is my first time participating in Bookish (and not so Bookish) Thoughts. Even though this isn't a book blog, many books are featured here. I'm hoping this meme will discipline me into taking the time to share other things. 

Today's topic: Do you ever feel like no matter how hard you try you simply can't balance your personal and professional lives?

The past few years I am definitely wondering if it will be possible again before my girls leave for college. The business is growing, but the volume of my business isn't such that I need an assistant all year round. The care giving demands are growing and we need to make decisions about so many things. I'm tired all the time, but I really need to carve out exercise time--did that yesterday and planning to again tomorrow. I miss blogging regularly and having time to work on my ongoing projects. 

And yet, there are so many daily blessings that cannot be ignored. My family is healthy. God provides me at least enough strength to tackle what I'm doing. I have a wonderful church family on top of my biological family. I'm blessed with so many local and online friends. Who am I to complain?

Today I am focusing on this Bible verse:

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:9

Personal and Professional Goals 2018

My writing goals have been set. Why do I set those first? Because writing is like breathing for me: if I don't do it, I will die. Now it's time to consider personal and real estate goals for 2018. Since personal goals will always be more important than anything related to a career, I'll list them first.

PERSONAL GOALS

GOAL 1: Daily Bible verse reading and prayer

Might require getting up half an hour earlier, but this must come first every day. I have a Bible app on my phone, which should help, and I bought several devotionals last year. 

GOAL 2: Schedule days off in my calendar

I'm working on getting better about time blocking my calendar. The first thing that always goes when I get busy is a day off. Why is this a personal goal? Because it impacts family and my health more than anything else.

GOAL 3: Exercise three days a week

Another bad thing about being so busy last year is that I didn't work out the way I should. Three days a week--probably Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday--is manageable. The new workout DVD arrives tomorrow. I'm excited!

GOAL 4: Pamper myself once a quarter

I work hard. Why shouldn't I pamper myself? I have a gift certificate for a massage, which I plan to schedule soon. Maybe I'll get my nails done a few times. Maybe I'll just take a day to go off by myself and write. Who knows. I'll have to consider this more. 

REAL ESTATE GOALS

GOAL 1: Time block my calendar and add to Outlook (see above)

I'll admit I am a paper calendar kind of girl. The trouble with it this year is that I had so many appointments for work and family that I kind of lost track of things. So far I have scheduled my year's worth of several meeting dates, all the kids' days off of school and half days, our vacation, and even my blog tour duties into the calendar and in Outlook so it automatically goes to my iPhone. 

Next I want to plan one hour each day to contact people, followed by setting aside one day a month to work on marketing. 

GOAL 2: Review Class Options and Sign Up

As part of our licensing renewals, we need to have twelve continuing education classes every two years. In addition, there are classes for special designations that can be attended. I want to get as many of these scheduled within the first quarter before business gets really busy. My license expires this July, so I also need to make sure I have all the credits I need before then.

GOAL 3: List at least 5 more properties than I did in 2017

In 2017 I listed more properties than in the past. I want that trend to continue so that I can better manage my business. 

GOAL 4: Read at least one business-related book a quarter

I have several books here that will assist me in my business. Even if I have to get some of them on audio to listen to in my truck, I want to keep my mind focused on the positives and continue to grow. 

This list may change and be added to as the year progresses, but this is a good start.

Do you have any goals this year? How about any tips on how to effectively achieve your goals? Is there something on your list that has just been nagging at you? Let's support each other's goals and see what we can accomplish in 2018. 

Mailbox Monday - Happy New Year!

Mailbox Monday is a meme started by Marcia of To Be Continued. Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came in their mailbox during the last week. It now has a permanent home at the Mailbox Monday blog.

Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles, and humongous wish lists.

Happy new year, everyone! I pray you all had a safe and fun time last night. I hung out at home and accomplished what I wanted to: signing up for a few reading challenges for The Book Connection, putting my TBR pile spreadsheet in order and updating it with the new books, signing up for STORYSTORM 2018, and contemplating my personal, real estate and writing goals for 2018.

Nothing new in my mailbox, but I downloaded a few Kindle freebies (as if I need more of those).

Trouble, the Sherlock of black cat detective, finds himself in Turnout, MS on Christmas Eve. Teddy Adamson, that heart breaker, has just walked back into Billie Dean Bailey’s life. But more dire happenings are going on under the mistletoe. Who ends up dead and why? Was it the maraschino cherries in the Tizzington sisters’ fruit compote? Or was it something more sinister? Find out in this short story of Trouble’s latest escapade in the Familiar Legacy Mystery Series.

Golden Scroll Award, Book for the Year—CAN Book of the Year

Regardless of the storms of trials, temptations, worry, uncertainty, or regrets that you're facing, you can find peace in all kinds of weather. These short devotions will increase your faith and trust in God, allowing you to experience the peace you desire. Its conversational style, personal testimonies, practical illustrations, and solid biblical teaching provide the tools you need to overcome the devastating effects of worry.

When worry strikes, find strength and reassurance in God's arms.

The perfect follow-up to The Last Week, Borg and Crossan's The First Christmas is an account of the two nativity narratives in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. Borg and Crossan focus on discovering the actual literary story that the Gospels tell. Borg and Crossan feel that history has biased our readings of these texts; we are all so familiar with the nativity story that we don't really hear it anymore. The First Christmas will help us see the nativity story afresh and be able to appreciate the powerful message the Gospels contain.

I'm looking forward to a relaxing day at home before we are all back to our schedules tomorrow. Hope you have a blessed day.