Blog Posts

Merry Christmas

12/18/2012

In some places it's snowing, in others...rain...still others it's warm. Wherever you are - "Merry Christmas!"

For me it's been a busy month of Christmas gatherings, book signings and meeting many new people. I've enjoyed every minute while listening to the variety of 'life' stories. Sadly though many people are going through difficult times and have needed an encouraging word. For anyone who reads this, I do hope all is well with you and that this Christmas won't be a lonely time. As I've shared before, reaching out to help others can often ease the pain within.

As January approaches I will be intensely finishing Book II, "Soil" and having it published in soft cover sometime around April 2013. For those who have a Kindle, (others can download the Kindle App) I will be having special offers for Book I, "Tiny Seedlings" - just check online. Wishing you all a very safe, healthy and prosperous Christmas - and New Year 2013!

Thanksgiving is a Daily Event

11/16/2012

During the Thanksgiving and Christmas Holidays, we are especially reminded to be thankful for what we have. In some cases many people have lost loved ones and it's a painful time. There is no quick cure for that pain...only time.   I have found that when I reach out to others during my most painful moments...it helps to take my mind away from trying to change things I can never change.

Regrets also drift through minds during this season and the words, "if only, if only, if only." A good thought to remember is from the Serenity Prayer:


God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change;
                courage to change the things I can;
                                    and wisdom to know the difference.

Yesterday I had a wonderful time at an assisted living center during their holiday festivities. Seeing people of all ages chattering, laughing and sharing their stories was delightful! Giving time to (really) listen to another person is a great gift you can give. Money and positions come and go...but you can't replace moments of time. Once used up...they are gone. Sure, another opportunity will come through, but not in the same way. No two moments are the same. So as these days approach, think about ways you can give to others...and maybe, just maybe ~ it will add a little peace to your heart.

The Leaves are Falling Asleep

10/25/2012

Fall in Arkansas (c) JSI

I took this photo last year in Arkansas. I never grow tired of looking at the leaves when they are the most beautiful - in the fall. They are dying, preparing to drop to the ground. Yet in their most colorful state of death, they are giving life to the soil...replenishing it...preparing it for the next year of growth.

Sometimes without realizing it, in our most difficult, trying and 'deathlike' experiences in our lives, we are actually producing vital life-giving strength within our souls. Of course, it doesn't feel like we could ever help anyone during the time of our struggles.

But, when the dust settles and time helps to heal our wounds...
we are often able to give out encouraging thoughts to others.

Like the leaves, we live through seasons of our lives. Each season and event - good or not so good - affects the next season. Our struggle at times is letting go of the season that is over. Mentally challenging thoughts of the past often interfere with moving forward. Yet, many of those thoughts must die...so we can continue to replenish our minds and hearts. So we can enjoy life once again - looking for beauty in the dying places of the soil within our hearts.

Moving into Fall

9/6/2012

Believe it or not, September 22 is the first day of Fall. Those of us in Texas are especially ready for some cooler weather, along with some rain. As we move into Fall, there's the thought of Thanksgiving and Christmas not too far behind. The retail stores are especially consistent in reminding us of how 'soon' these events are approaching.

Although there is a commercial 'rush' to move us through each season, I believe it is important in our careers and personal lives - not to be too quick to race through certain 'life' seasons.

Sometimes the outer circumstances that we encounter and/or inner soul activity that we go through, might need a little more time in order to adjust and become well-balanced. Life isn't always fair and traumatic things do happen to us. Taking time to work through the 'season of pain' is important to our sense of well-being.

Then again, wonderful and good things happen in our lives. Rushing through events, stressing to make sure all is perfect, can hinder our overall enjoyment of the good season's.

So as we move into fall and watch some of the leaves fall from the trees - let's be reminded of how important various seasons in our lives are and not rush the beauty that will come.

"Colors on the Mississippi" (c) June at JSI

Relax

8/8/2012

Well, summer is almost over and school is about to begin. I hope you all found time to get away and relax. If not, there is no rule that says you can only get away during the summer. Fall is a wonderful time to take a week-end break. Point being, make sure you take time for you. Stress is all around us and the less stress we carry on the inside, the healthier we will be for ourselves and others that we care about. The key word is 'Relax' on the inside, regardless of what is going on around you. Stress is a key factor in many illnesses and diseases. There is only one of you and you are worth taking care of. Take a moment or take several days to just take a deep breath and reassess your life. Eliminate stress wherever possible in order to be a healthier and happier you.

relax · v. 1 make or become less tense or anxious. Ø cause (a limb or muscle) to become less rigid. 2 rest from work or engage in a recreational activity. 3 make (a rule or restriction) less strict. – DERIVATIVES relaxed adj. relaxedly adv. relaxedness n. relaxer n. – ORIGIN ME: from L. relaxare, from re- (expressing intensive force) + laxus ‘lax, loose’.

Just Write Your Book!

7/12/2012

Had a great time at the Gallery teaching a 'mini' workshop on how to begin publishing your book. The main thing for anyone to remember is to just begin writing. If you let the fear of copyright, wrong grammar, having to be neat and orderly get in the way, you'll never finish. First get the information out of your head onto paper. Then re-read and re-read again. Along the way think of yourself as an explorer and look at other books and talk to other authors and learn from them. Don't be discouraged. Some of the best books took years to write. Oh, and about rejection - yes, you will encounter rejections. What else is new? Most successful people will tell you there were hundreds of rejections along the way. Focus on what you want to do and then begin to refine it.

Your Future is Now

6/21/2012

"GOING UP!" Corpus Christi, Texas (c) Jsi

I enjoyed speaking to a special group of business women last night. I shared about how our thoughts and perceptions affect our 'now' moments which in turn affect our future. Being a teacher at heart, I was thrilled to see the positive responses. Several 'Seedling' Books went home with some of them as well as the cards I write and design. Over the years I have found many people have put their dreams and goals on a shelf (or hidden them) because of the fear of failure or rejection. I shared how our thought life can be our worst enemy if we keep focusing on the negative things people say about us or that we say to ourselves.

In most households we dump the garbage outside of the house so the 'stench' doesn't smell up our environment. Shouldn't we also 'trash' the garbage thoughts that go through our minds? Therefore, freeing our minds to focus on what really matters in the 'now' times of our lives. When we free our thought life up - we can begin to 'really' focus on our giftings, or at the very least, re-discover what our giftings are. Every individual is unique and has a brand new future of increasing value. Taking time in the 'now' moments of your life to reflect and re-evaluate what is important - can help you move forward with your own special gifts.

Summer Writing, writing, writing...

6/10/2012

"H-mmm...let's see..."

Hello Seedling Followers!
Hope you are enjoying the beginnings of Summer!
I have been busy writing the final pages of Book Two, "SOIL" and it is very exciting! The discipline of writing is often necessary...setting the timer and making myself sit down and write. Then again there are moments when the words and ideas just flow. That's my favorite time to write.
Aya's life is taking many turns as she continues to search for her siblings.
You will be excited and amazed at what happens.
The book will be in print form first (paperback) and then as an ebook on Kindle, Nook, Smashwords and more. Book One, "Tiny Seedlings...their journey" is doing well and we still have a few first editions left. For those who have already finished the book -
I'll enjoy reading some of your comments.

Wisdom

5/13/2012

"It's not just the size of this tree that makes it so spectacular, although it
certainly is huge and breathtaking. It is the Wisdom that this tree carries that
makes it so special." (Tiny Seedlings...their journey (c) 2009 p.154)

As children, we often look at the people who dress well, are attractive and
make good money as successful. We usually don't explore the inner workings of
people...we just mainly focus on what is on the outside. But then, when a form
of adulthood arrives (or we stumble into it) we realize there is more to a
'book' so to speak, than it's cover. Point being...what is the value of
material possessions, position and money if we don't have the wisdom on how to
use them? How many times have we seen people win or inherit wealth and then
watch them squander it away because of the lack of wisdom?

Today in this 'instant' and 'fast paced' society, people often react quickly
without taking the time to ponder and evaluate certain situations - therefore
making decisions that have lasting negative effects. Although the pressures
around you may be pushing and pulling you - be sure to seek out someone who has
wisdom to help you along the way. Learn from other truly internally
successful people. Ask them how they attained wisdom and seek it out for
youself...so one day when another comes into your life seeking wisdom...you'll
be able to give it.

A Day in the Park

4/1/2012

I so enjoyed meeting several people and signing some of my books in an "Art in the Park" event. So many of you are like me, enjoying the journey of reading a good book. The day was sunny and bright with vendors all around. For those who bought the book, be sure to come back here and comment. It will be posted once I read it.

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The Author

"Essays in school were my favorite test questions. Little did I know that one day I would be writing poems, self-help books and now a fantasy trilogy.
Sometimes if we just take a quick look back in time, we'll find a lost or stolen dream that was so hidden, even we didn't see it."

Photo in Paris (c) JSi 2010