Several days ago I composed a blog in my mind, but never got around to posting it. Now, I have the time and can't remember a thing I wanted to and it was so profound at the time that it scares me.
In our Sunday morning book group we were discussing the closing chapters of C.S.Lewis's Mere Christianity. If you read it, you must bear in mind that he was talking to people just after WWII in the mid-1940's. Despite the fact that it is written using the male pronoun throughout, much of what he has to say is relevant today. We ended up talking about the 'elect' and predestination. My view, and that of some other theological scholars, is that we are all elect or predestined for heaven---many people just don't know it. Those who don't have this perspective include the churched and well as the unchurched. What difference does it make--- knowing that one is predestined for heaven? I think it makes it possible for us to be open to God, Allah, All-that-Is or whatever term you use for the Ultimate. We don't have to worry about what others think, but how to live in sync with The All. We are never forgotten or discarded or too bad to be included---The All is always with us and able to help us through. I didn't plan to get theological, but the lingering conversations from the morning seem to be resonating through the day so I decided to share them with you. May the hole within you, which some call the "God Hole", be filled in a reassuring way.

You've gotta laugh

Sometimes you've got to laugh. I had composed a blog and was basically whining about a change in my physical abilities. Since I'm using my laptop, not my desktop to compose this post, I decided to see if I could access photos from my desktop files to insert here. I found the photo I wanted and inserted it into a blank space ---the previous blog had not been saved. Fortunately, you have avoided the annoying experience of reading my complaint. Cyberspace just wasn't up to it today.

The labyrinth shown here is at the Casa del Sol on Ghost Ranch just north of Abiquiu where I attended a retreat for women. Labyrinths are wonderful opportunities to address issues, search for peace and/or talk to God. I first walked a labyrinth when I was in a position with heavy responsibilites in Baltimore. Walking the labyrinth didn't always give me insights to solve work or life problems although that happened on occasion. The experience often gave me a sense of peace that carried me through the day. I hope that you have one near you. It's worth the time.

May your day be filled with joy,

May you find the strength you need to deal with life's challenges, and

May you find peace.

Human Connections

Over the last two weeks I've become much more aware of basic human connections. While there are heights and terrible lows inherent with these relationships, they are essential to us for growth and maturation.

I've pondered the joys of connections and rediscovered how integral they are for the affirmation of my sense of who I am. There is delight in recognizing myself as I hear others talk, regardless of age. It's not an age 'thing', but a state of being the person I am and finding a kind of unity with another.

There is also the opposite; the absolute rift in effective communication with another as if we're broadcasting on completely different frequencies and unable to receive messages from the other. There has to be a willingness on both sides to bridge the chasm. Alone, one person cannot build a bridge. As I reflect on these failures, I often gain new insights about why the communication doesn't and possibly can't work now. If I'm honest with myself, I often recognize something of my weaknesses in these failures because they also reveal my faults.

It is an element of relationship, not defined by blood, but by a desire to learn and understand more about the other. It entails risk and adventure because the very nature of true communication is that both will be changed in some way, even when the connection cannot be made.

Does this make sense to you? I hope so. And if not, maybe I did not write well, or I just have more to learn.

Discovering how to blog

Finally, I'm beginning to figure out this blog business. It took a retreat for women to connect with the friend who explained this to me. Of course, it helped to look at her blogspot too. Many thanks, Susan.

This photo is of a rock formation on Ghost Ranch; the one that greeted me every morning as I woke up. We were studying the desert mothers from the first centuries. While I'm not ready to write about the mothers yet, this was a very good experience for spiritual growth as many of their teachings resounded deep inside.

It also gave me courage to continue a writing project that I call Unheard Voices, about women in the Bible who's names may not be known and only fragments of their life experiences. Written by men, these stories focus on how the women affect male lives and leadership rather than what it was like to be the woman involved. Their voices beg to be heard and so I write their stories as they come to me.

What was it like to be that woman?

How did she manage to live through the dire situation that confronted her?

None of the stories are like what you may have heard previously from a pulpit or read in church literature. My hope is that eventually there will be a book for women from all walks of life to read and ponder. In the meantime, I'm trying to get some published and have sent them to short story contests.

If you are looking for a good book to read, I suggest The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery ISBN 978-1-933372-60-0 This is a wonderful work of fiction that explores social categories and communications from a concierge for an apartment/condo with the residents. It's also a coming of age story for a twelve year old girl. Beautifully written with surprises.

Although it's Halloween, we've had temperatures in the teens and a dusting of snow. For some, this is a 'thin' time of the year when communications with the spirit world is easier. Enjoy this season and pay careful attention to all that is around you.

Exploring New Options

The last few weeks have been difficult since I am still recovering from the latest flare-up of peripheral neuropathy. Since the nerves in my legs are affected, it's hard to rest them. I don't want to come to a full stop as there are so many things to do.

Autumn is always a busy time of year with our fruit trees and care of the pond and gardens. We're making apple butter and applesauce using winesap and golden delicious apples from our trees. Yesterday, a neighbor gave us peaches so we'll be freezing them, making pies and possibly peach butter. Preserving the fruit in various forms gives me a deep sense of satisfaction. Of course, there's always the fun of eating the sauces, jams and butters later.

At Outskirts Press's suggestion, I created an author center on Amazon. I'm not sure who benefits from this, but it is free for the authors who have books listed on their website. My writing projects are playing second fiddle to the autumn chores, but I hope to get going soon.

Until next time, enjoy the changes of the season --- we had snow on the mountains this morning.

Great Summer

Our pond in the spring.

The summer has been great withwonderful flowers and a tremendous yield from our fruit trees which will continue into the early autumn. Another factor was the open house that we held on July 25th to celebrate the release of my most recent book, Unpredictable Crossing. It has been getting some good reviews and some of them are posted on Amazon.com.

Now I'm taking some time to analyze other novels and study some of the books on writing that I have. My future projects challenge me to try new approaches in writing stories. In a few months, I hope to return to a more regular schedule of writing to get these works ready for publication.

Enjoy the change of seasons.

All Publishers Are Not Equal

Some one has asked about print-on-demand publishers. Using a POD publisher means that the author shares part of the risk in publishing her/his book by sharing the financial burden of its publication. I've had experiences with three POD publishers and a small independent press.

Of the three POD publishers,my best experience has been with Outskirts Press. They maintain a high level of contact with the author both during publication and after the book has been released. They first review the manuscript to see if it is one they want to publish and if it is ready for publication. They give the author comments on the manuscript and suggestions for improving it, if needed. I was very pleased with my experience, both during the approval process and getting the book printed and released.
My book, UNPREDICTABLE CROSSING has been out for a few weeks and I receive almost daily messages from Outskirts Press with suggestions for effective marketing. I read all of their messages and chose to pursue some of their suggestions very closely.
Some of you may be looking at Dog Ear Publishing. I have published two books with them. They are very hard to reach and have no support to guide you in selling your book post-publication. When I asked them questions, they generally responded to some, but not all. It's a difficult process.
I have worked with other POD and small independent publishers. My best advice is to research the business well before going with a small press. There is a website for Writers Beware and they will do the reasearch for you.
Similarly, all POD publishers are not equal. Order one of their books and look at the final product. Look at the publishing package they offer and compare it with others. Lastly, do as one of my readers did---he asked me about my experience. I wish all of you writers the very best and if you choose Outskirts Press, tell them I sent you.