Cat Lovers!

I admit...my blog posts are little canine-biased and I could be accused of underestimating the value of a cat.

So today, I will change that.

Here is one cool cat:

Living with a Little Reyna

Reyna is 17 weeks old now! Mostly wonderful though she does have her moments! It is really hard to get a good picture of her...she's always in motion.

Look at how she's grown:

6 weeks...





Here she is at 8 weeks...




Here she is at 13 weeks....



Here she is at 16 weeks...

Life, Liberty...and the Pursuit of...

In the first draft of the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson wrote the words: "...life, liberty and the pursuit of possessions."



Later it was changed to "...life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."




To the colonists' way of thinking, materialism was driving the expansion of the New World. Possessions, to them, equaled happiness.


So...what do you think of that?

Trends in Christian Fiction

There's a very interesting article in the
Denver Post about the direction of Christian fiction and the health of the industry. Worth a read!

One direction...which I happen to know a little about...is Amish fiction. The other...which I know nothing about...is vampires.

Click here to read it.
>

Kerchoo! God Bless You!

One of the theories behind saying "God bless you" after a sneeze comes from the days of the Black Plague...when a sneeze was the first symptom to indicate someone had contracted the disease.

Another superstition is that when a person sneezes, they are expelling the devil.

Not sure what the story is with this little baby.

He's Back!!!!

Went out in the garden to check on the tomato plant I had planted the day before...after lovingly caring for it for a month in a pot...and the plant had "gone missing."

Vanished!

Without a trace.

The gopher has struck again.

No more Mrs. Nice Guy, gopher. This...is...war.

Moon Landing

On Monday of this week, we celebrated the historic first landing of the astronauts on the moon.

I grew up in New Jersey, so the landing took place about 11 at night and I was woken up by my mom (thank you, Mom!!! I remember being groggy but I still remember it!) to come downstairs on a hot and humid night to watch it.

Where were you?

Calling the Amish

A few days ago I called to make a reservation to stay at an Old Order Amish farm.



Amish teen answers phone (in barn...I hear cows mooing).

Me: So does that date work?

Amish teen: Yup.

Me: Do you want me to send a check?

Amish teen: Nope.

Me: You're sure? I mean, the reservation will be held and everything?

Amish teen: Yup. Bye. (Hangs up.)

I love it. Just love it! The implied trust, the simplicity of a transaction. It's like doing business the old-fashioned way. With a handshake and your word.

The Choice

Drumroll, please.

Here...at long last...is the cover for my novel due out on January 1st, The Choice. I love the cover--the photography is beautiful, as is the setting, and the look on the model's face really captures the book.




My 24-year-old son says he wants to meet the model!

This is the publisher's description of the book:

With a vibrant, fresh style Suzanne Woods Fisher brings readers into the world of a young Amish woman torn between following the man she loves--or joining the community of faith that sustains her, even as she questions some of the decisions of her elders. Her choice begins a torrent of change for her and her family, including a marriage of convenience to silent Daniel Miller. Both bring broken hearts into their arrangement--and secrets that have been held too long.

Filled with gentle romance, The Choice opens the world of the Amish--their strong communities, their simple life, and their willingness to put each other first. Combined with Fisher's exceptional gift for character development, this novel, the first in a series, is a welcome reminder that it is never too late to find your way back to God.

So all in one day (yesterday)...the cover is ready to show to you. It is up on Amazon here, and on the Baker (Revell) website here.

Two of the Greatest Virtues

This was sent to me by Dr. Ervin Stutzman, after a recent skunk mishap.

Ya Gotta Laugh

My friend Linda sent this to me a while ago. Her family has had a bout with Alzheimer's, too.

TGIF: Need a Laugh?

If you have a free minute or so for something that will make you smile...check out this link at The Laughter Movie.

Thanks to Tina for passing this on!

O Happy Day!

Some happy news!

Just found out that Copper Star, my first book, hit the publisher's #1 bestseller spot for the first quarter of 2009. It's bounced around on the number 1, 2or 3 spot on the bestseller list every single quarter since it came out...two years ago!

Louisa (the main character who had her share of spit & vinegar) would be so pleased.

Confessions

Have you seen Confessions of a Shopoholic? I saw it last Friday night, via Netflix, and was surprised at how much I enjoyed it!

I have at least three friends who are borderline shopaholics...they get an endorphin rush through shopping. It's their favorite recreational activity.

Confessions is a humorous look at a very serious problem...debt...and the main point is that she was loving something that couldn't love her back.

Afterwards, I realized there was nothing offensive in the movie. Not one swear word, no sex scenes, only one time when an engaged couple was in bed...trying to go to sleep. The book its based on is a little raunchy, so I was happily impressed with Hollywood for bringing up the standard. Definitely appropriate for girls 13 and up.

But it sure made me realize my wardrobe needs work.

Thanks, Amazon!

Ya gotta love Amazon. I have no idea why...but they lowered the pre-order price for Amish Peace: Simple Wisdom for a Complicated World to a little over $9. That's a bargain! Not far off from what an author's discount would be.

If you're at all inclined...and keep in mind this would be a great Christmas gift for moms, grandmas, young families starting out, anyone who loves the Amish, anyone who loves to read, etc....grab it now!

Hopefully, later this week I'll get the "all-clear" to post the new cover for The Choice (releasing January 1st). It is gorgeous. Excited to hear that the publisher has created a P.O.S. display for it...one of those self-standing cardboard thingamajigs that will have a spot for Amish Peace, too.

Hold Everything!

When you have a child who plays high school basketball, the school gym is a home away from home.

My son's high school had its gym knocked down this last year and his team has no home court advantage. They're visitors, every single week.

Inconvenient, but character building.

And the new gym is finally getting built.

That is...until last week, when workers digging for water lines at the site made the discovery of a human body, believed to be an American Indian male, over 200 years old.

An American Indian expert has been called to the scene to determine how to proceed.

All work on the gym has been stopped.

Stay tuned!

Friday's Simple Pleasures...continued

Looking at old pictures.

Finding a good old friend after way too long.

Finding an old friend on Facebook!

Biting into the first garden tomato of the summer.



Being somebody important in someone else's life.

Being recognized for the right thing.

Silly projects that you do because you want to.

The first sunflower in the garden.



Realizing you have done the right thing no matter how hard it is.

Finishing an article or writing project.

The comfortable silence between the closest of friends.

Watching snow fall.




Rising before sunrise to ride horses.

Soft pajamas.

What's in The Box?

At church last Sunday, the pastor was giving a talk on the temptation of Christ, when the Spirit led Him into the wilderness.

The pastor brought out a big box and placed it on the pulpit as a visual example of temptation.

We were seated far to the right...far, far, far to the right. About 100 or so feet away from the pulpit. Mind you, this is a big sanctuary, filled with people.

My husband, who has never fully grasped that he has a lifeguard voice, whispered to me, "What's in the box?"

The pastor stopped his sermon, turned to our area and said, "It's a box of doughnuts, Steve."

A Day of Days!

At five minutes and six seconds after 4 AM on the 8th of July this year, the time and date will be 04:05:06 07/08/09.


This will never happen again.

Tips to Remember

Carrying on from yesterday's post...here are a few more tips to help keep our brains as sharp as a tack.




Practice Peter Piper

Need to remember a name, a place or some important info? Try to create an alliteration around it, and you'll increase your chance of memory recall later. Mnemonic devices are a terrific way to engage your mind and studies have shown that alliterative devices work even better than imagery for memory recall. Think, "Hot Henry from HR" or "Stinky Sally." (Just, uh, don't say it out loud.)

Get Active!

More blood pumping means more blood flowing to your brain. Studies have shown that just 20 minutes of physical activity per day can markedly decrease memory deterioration. This doesn't mean you have to become a triathlete to keep your brain power, but walking, dancing (which has the double benefit of increasing memory through activity and social interaction), and even sex can help keep you mentally fit.


Go Herbal

You've probably heard that gingko biloba enhances and protects memory. But there's a new kid on the block as well: Pycnogenol, an antioxidant derived from tree bark, has been shown to improve memory in senior citizens. Though research on both supplements is still ongoing, they seem promising ... provided you can remember to take them regularly in the first place.

Watch the Partying

Guess what? Too much alcohol doesn't just lead to a hangover. It can actually impair your memory. In fact, a recent study from the University of Kentucky showed that hitting the bottle too hard for two months impairs memory for the next three months. In other words, party too hard for too long and you may not remember any of it later on (which is never a good thing).

Sleep on It

Got something you REALLY need to remember? Read it and sleep. Studies show that snoozing not only protects memories, but helps strengthen them. There's also evidence that a midday nap can help with long-term memory formation. As if we really needed another excuse to nap during the day, now we know it can help us win "Jeopardy." Score!

I Can't Remember!

When you have a parent who has Alzheimer's, getting forgetful is more than just a nuisance. It creates a mild panic within me.

The other day I was mailing letters and a package...got distracted with the package (automatic postal machine)...and I can not for the life of me remember what I did with the letters! I retraced my steps, looked in the car, even checked the garbage. No sign of them! I had no memory of mailing the letters...which, apparently, I did. Some were bills and I double-checked to see they had been delivered.

Those are the moments when multi-tasking gets a little scary.

Anyway...I found a great article on AOL news about memory tips. Simple to do and very helpful. I posted it quickly before I forgot!




Can't remember where you put your keys or what you had for breakfast? Before you panic, keep in mind that age-related memory loss is not totally inevitable! There are actually many things you can do to keep your brain sharp as a tack when you're 87.

Studies show that, as with your old laptop, the brain loses memory ability when there's a lack of storage space (i.e. why you can remember all the lyrics to Madonna's "Like a Virgin," but can't remember where you parked your car). Short of a mental spam folder, however, there are a few things you can do to make the memory space you've got left function more efficiently.

The Two-Word Trick

Turns out, if you believe you can remember something, you may actually have better memory recall. By saying "Remember this!" you're actually actively creating a memory with two little words. The next time you need to remind yourself of something, try saying "Remember this: The telephone bill is on the fridge," and the act itself will help remind you. Attitude really is everything -- studies show that adults who just accept memory loss as a part of aging have been shown to be more forgetful than those who don't.

Don't Worry, Be Happy!

Stressed? Chances are you're also forgetful. People who are chronically fried are more likely to develop cognitive impairment. Cortisol, the hormone produced in times of high stress, interferes with memory formation. So, taking time to breathe and relax when frantically searching for your earrings may actually help you find them next time. Proven stress-management techniques like exercise and yoga can keep your memories and your body healthy.

Try a Java Jolt


Do you find your performance and memory lag around 4 p.m.? You're not alone. Studies show that memory recall in the morning lags by late afternoon. The answer? Take a coffee break! A study from the University of Arizona has shown that not only is a nice afternoon latte a welcome change of pace, but it may also boost your memory.

Be Super-Social

Surround yourself with a vibrant social circle, and chances are your brain will stay vibrant, too. Studies from the Harvard School of Public Health found evidence that people who have an active social life may have a slower rate of memory decline. Make good friends now, and with any luck, you'll still remember their names when you're 90.


Tomorrow...a few more tips to jog the memory. Assuming I remember to post them.

More Simple Pleasures

More simple pleasures suggested from readers...once you get started...more come to mind! A great frame of mind to kick off the three-day weekend. Keep sending them in! They make my day.

Coffee with a friend.

A momma cow's moo.

Laughing til your cheeks hurt.

Fresh sheets.

Warm sun on a cold winter day.

High blue skies with no clouds.

Cooking with a friend...especially when her family does the dishes!


Puppy breath

I love to walk in the rain - and a good storm is always welcome!

Another great freebie is....a full moon...and a (rare) harvest moon.

Soft towels warm from the dryer.



Waking up when you want to.

A gentle rain.

An ice cream cone.

Sitting in the dark by the lighted Christmas tree.

A porch swing.

A cold slice of watermelon.

Licking the dasher from the ice cream maker.

Singing hymns in church.

The aroma of dinner cooking.finishing the last thank you note.



licking the beaters

sending/writing a card/note, just because

seeing your kid's smile and eyes light up over something simple

walking into a room and having a puppy jiggle all over, happy to see you



Looking out over Hong Kong Harbor from The peak at night.

Laying on a hammock on a nice sunny day in the shade with a breeze going.

Witnessing your first grandchild being born.

A baby's laugh

Reuniting with friends

A 2009 Version of "Who's On First?"

You have to be old enough to remember Abbott and Costello, and too old to REALLY understand computers, to fully appreciate this. For those of us who sometimes get flustered by our computers, please read on...

If Bud Abbott and Lou Costello were alive today, their infamous sketch, 'Who's on First?' might have turned out something like this:



COSTELLO CALLS TO BUY A COMPUTER FROM ABBOTT

ABBOTT: Super Duper computer store. Can I help you?

COSTELLO: Thanks. I'm setting up an office in my den and I'm thinking about buying a computer.

ABBOTT: Mac?

COSTELLO: No, the name's Lou.

ABBOTT : Your computer?

COSTELLO : I don't own a computer. I want to buy one.

ABBOTT : Mac?

COSTELLO: I told you, my name's Lou .

ABBOTT : What about Windows?

COSTELLO : Why? Will it get stuffy in here?

ABBOTT : Do you want a computer with Windows?

COSTELLO : I don't know. What will I see when I look at the windows?

ABBOTT : Wallpaper.



COSTELLO : Never mind the windows. I need a computer and software.

ABBOTT : Software for Windows?

COSTELLO : No. On the computer! I need something I can use to write proposals, track expenses and run my business. What do you have?

ABBOTT : Office.

COSTELLO: Yeah, for my office. Can you recommend anything?

ABBOTT : I just did.

COSTELLO : You just did what?

ABBOTT : Recommend something.

COSTELLO : You recommended something ?

ABBOTT : Yes.

COSTELLO : For my office?

ABBOTT : Yes.

COSTELLO : OK, what did you recommend for my office?

ABBOTT : Office.

COSTELLO : Yes, for my office!

ABBOTT : I recommend Office with Windows.

COSTELLO : I already have an office with windows! OK, let's just say I'm sitting at my computer and I want to type a proposal. What do I need?

ABBOTT : Word.



COSTELLO : What word?

ABBOTT : Word in Office.

COSTELLO : The only word in office is office.

ABBOTT : The Word in Office for Windows.

COSTELLO : Which word in office for windows?

ABBOTT : The Word you get when you click the blue 'W'.

COSTELLO : I'm going to click your blue 'w' if you don't start with some straight answers. What about financial bookkeeping? You have anything I can track my money with?

ABBOTT: Money.

COSTELLO : That's right. What do you have?

ABBOTT : Money.

COSTELLO : I need money to track my money?

ABBOTT : It comes bundled with your computer.

COSTELLO : What's bundled with my computer?

ABBOTT : Money.

COSTELLO : Money comes with my computer?

ABBOTT : Yes. No extra charge.

COSTELLO : I get a bundle of money with my computer? How much?

ABBOTT : One copy.

COSTELLO : Isn't it illegal to copy money?

ABBOTT : Microsoft gave us a license to copy Money.

COSTELLO : They can give you a license to copy money?

ABBOTT : Why not? THEY OWN IT!

(A few days later)

ABBOTT : Super Duper computer store. Can I help you?

COSTELLO : How do I turn my computer off?

ABBOTT : Click on 'START'.............

A Week at Boys State

My 17-year-old son spent last week in Sacramento at Boys State, run by the American Legion. Nine hundred boys, one chosen from each California high school, spent the week learning about how government works. They had to pass the bar, give speeches, run in primaries for elected offices, then run for the elected offices, debate in oral arguments, and visit the Capitol.

The elected Boys State governor and lieutenient governor met with the real California governor: Arnold Schwarzeneger. The Boys State governor thought it would be funny to push Schwarzeneger out of the center of the photograph.

Arnold was not amused. Not at all.

He was having a hard week, anyway. Then add to that, some kid with attitude.

The Boys State governor ended up resigning and was sent home. And it's possible that Boys State will not be invited to the state capitol next year.

Just goes to show you there is book smart, and then there is smart smart. Like...common sense smart. Which...that boy didn't have.

Anyway...two boys are elected from each state's Boys state to attend Boys Nation, held in Washington D.C.

This picture of Bill Clinton, who was one of those boys chosen to go to Boys Nation and shook hands with JFK.



All in all, it was a very positive and educational week for my son, who is now convinced he does not want to go into politics.