Connected Forever

 

Hello everyone. I hope there’s at least two or three people who still follow Intangible Hearts. My apologies for not posting on a regular basis but I have seriously good excuses. (I’ll leave out my sob stories for now.) Anyway—I hope we are true, lasting friends. The type you don’t hear from for years, and when you finally see each other it’s like you never left. The connection is there—or here—from my heart to yours. And yes, it’s intangible. When you know—you know.

We are slightly sentimental and nostalgic. True traditions are written on the borders of our hearts. We know what’s real and what’s not. We protest gently. With love. We send letters, cards and post pictures of flowers. We like pretty postage stamps and we don’t like lies. We would call it all out, but the world is out of balance, and we are few. We know that real perfume is in the middle of a gardenia, rose or honeysuckle vine. All the French perfume in the world cannot mask the truth. And spraying the television news with cologne or even bug spray won’t help. We pray. A lot.

With many types of faith, we pray to the same God. We beseech the help of saints, of guardian angels, and of wise spirits who have gone before us. We are tested and humbled daily, but--there is a thread that keeps us together and alive; it swirls around the earth, pulling us together as one throbbing link of something miraculous and amazing—beyond party lines or colors--it is our loving and gracious intangible hearts.

Until next time—stay focused—centered if you will-- on the fruits, and blossoms in your own garden—your beautiful soul—which has to come first-- because when the harvest produces--you will be able to share the bounty with those you love.

Protect Water!

 

We all know that gold is considered a precious natural resource. Even timber, coal, and of course oil are valuable natural resources. Some countries produce varying amounts of gemstones, cobalt, nickel, uranium, and iron, which help their countries prosper. Sadly, some of these mining operations can lead to pollution which threatens Earth’s most precious gift. The natural resource that gives us life—water. Without it, we wither and die, and even gold will mean nothing.

Water on our planet is unevenly distributed. Some places have rain to replenish; other places have continual droughts. Fresh groundwater is a rare commodity, because there’s a limited supply available for consumption.

From a certain perspective, my novel, The Happy War is a horror story. Although I am using water as a metaphor for The Living Water, which is the gospel of Jesus, and the characters are symbolic missionaries spreading the Word, it sounds more like a secular, Machiavellian plan for control. 

Which is what I intended. I wanted the reader to imagine a world where something everyone values and needs, is somehow at risk. Without preaching, I had to go to the outrageous depths of fear to make my point. Sure, I try to pass it off as a fairy tale for grownups or a romance, but once you read the entire story, you will not look at a glass of water the same way again.  And, for that, I’m sort of sorry, but for those who see my connection to faith, it will make sense. 

Every day there are Christians being persecuted for believing in Jesus. If you do an internet search you will be shocked. It’s happening right now. Churches sit empty, or are sold as real estate. Our faith is a valuable resource. Dwindling prayers are the platinum of our souls. People die without water, but what about a world without God? (Sigh-drop mic.)

Thank you for stopping by my blog—Intangible Hearts. You can also follow me on Facebook as Intangible Hearts. Please leave a review of The Happy War on Goodreads or on Amazon once you read my harrowing tale. If you have already taken the time to read my book, thank you from the bottom of my heart. 

A Sunny Stage Set for Confidence!

 

Imagine telling your motivational Life Coach friend you were shy in high school, until you tried out for the school musical, which happened to change your life. That’s exactly what transpired. Then, you explain to your friend, who is also an author, how the confidence you acquired from singing your heart out on stage inspired you to be bold in all your future endeavors. Every tough situation sort of whisked you back to that stage, reminding you of Shakespeare’s As You Like It:

As spoken by Jacques:

“All the world’s a stage,

And all the men and women merely players;

They have their exits and their entrances;

And one man in his time plays many parts,

His acts being seven ages.”

And that my friends, is how my tale ended up in Sunny Simon’s latest, phenomenal book titled:

Wisdom in Her Wake-Insights from Women Who Lead, Inspire and Uplift Others

It’s an honor to have my self-assurance-boosting message included among all this wonderful advice. This is an amazing collection of heartfelt situations, and defining moments that can help with physical, and spiritual health, by strengthening your life too! Get your copy today!

Illuminating Poetry!

I'm so excited to share with you a personal, memoir-style poem published in the Genesis issue of Luminaura Magazine. Many of you know about our move to the desert, and the blog I had for years called The Desert Rocks. The dry landscape inspired me every day, almost like a fountain erupting from parched ground in the middle of nowhere. Though a great place to write, I found family distancing themselves due to drought and immense heat. Maybe I should have been focusing  on family and friends, rather than writing. My get-togethers should have had more style, more panache, and memorable décor. The rock formations, the roadrunners, the cactus were gorgeous, but not everyone was excited about date palms, long freeway trips, and warm nights. 

My unapologetic behavior stemmed from the encouragement that those exact friends, and my dear family members, instilled in me. They had pushed me, motivated, even begged me to write, and yet, somehow, one by one they disappeared. I didn't notice any of this while feverishly finishing each novel, or perfecting a story. Finally, after moving back from the desert, I  noticed everyone was gone. The desert wasn't a place after all. The poem in Luminaura explains my regret.  

   

You can read my work here: https://luminauramag.com/vol1/poetry/eves-contrite-heart and read the rest of it here: https://luminauramag.com/

A Window of Time-Creating Your Legacy

 

Friends, it’s time to make your mark. Whether you’re a writer or illustrator, the next four years are crucial to our collective success. We all know that artificial intelligence can write essays, and draw cute pictures. We also know it is continuously feeding from the artists of today, and yesterday. Simply put, it’s growing like a fungus—sort of ballooning. It solves problems, makes deductions, and has even shown reasoning capabilities. But yesterday, from the television in the other room, I overheard famous scientific researcher Sir Demis Hassabis explain something that made goosebumps run up and down my spine. After a bit of checking, I realized the source is excellent. He gave me hope. Not just for myself, but for all my creative friends. The ones who draw, or write songs, and tender poets hiding behind figurative, but enormous brick walls.

Besides being an AI researcher and CEO of DeepMind, Hassabis was also awarded the Nobel Prize in chemistry. This brilliant man said something hopeful, that made me run to pen and paper. Something all my artistic friends need to know. Basically, here’s the kicker. He told the interviewer that artificial intelligence won’t have intuition and imagination for five years, or so. Though I believe what he said, I think it will be less than five years. Either way, if you, my imaginative friends have something you want to express, something you believe in, something the world needs to hear, this is your time. Don’t wait five years. (Of course, I’m good at giving advice--find me in five years.) In five years, everything will change.

Meanwhile, Microsoft came up with a list of forty jobs that artificial intelligence can’t take away from humans. The list is called --Bottom 40 Occupations with lowest AI applicability score. Roofers, painters, and embalmers seem to be safe, along with Massage Therapists, Ship Engineers and Ophthalmic Medical Technicians Even dentists, and dishwashers. But we all know there’s another list. The painful list which is called the Top 40 occupations with highest AI applicability scores. Of course, writers, reporters, editors, proofreaders, and historians were high on the list. My old occupation of Advertising is mentioned too.  Intuition tells me that the window is narrow, and we must create something lasting, now. Yes, like today!

Think escape room with a timer. The clock is ticking and your heart has ideas. There are fables only you can imagine. There are medical research papers only you can explain. And, once you have invented, patented, published, or copyrighted your creation, and are somewhat depleted, but thrilled you took the leap; only then, begin a plan for an entirely new future. One that’s safe, perhaps on a cruise vessel…as the ship’s engineer.    

Pray Louder!

 

Sorry I haven’t posted for a while, but so far this year, I’m trapped in a soap opera-style escape room and can’t get out. Every time I think there’s a silver lining, or that fake sense of calm tickles me with my forgotten sense of humor, some heart-wrenching drama unfolds like a plot twist in a mystery novel.

Adding to the chaos are the mundane disappointments. A garage door that breaks while we’re at the doctor; the gardener who replaced our grass watering-system but didn’t know how to set it, giving us an astronomical billing statement. Then there are thieves who break into the mailbox creating lasting issues with lost checks. And, our gorgeous Mesquite tree that had to be executed. Chopped down like it didn’t share ten years giving us shade, and holding onto chirping little birds.  

Fortunately, faith is carrying me through my trials and tribulations. When I’m overwhelmed, my prayers which used to be gentle mumblings, have become louder, more intense, and pleading. I feel like I’m shouting, screaming, and yelling at God. Even admitting this is embarrassing. I mean why would I want to be belligerent with the one who has answered all my prayers and protected me thus far? I must sound foolish, as well as desperate. 

Many have been through worse, and my perspective on everything could be wrong, because this pain comes from loving others. I am the servant to those affected. The one trying to learn wound care, while my suffering heart sobs for those I’ve cared for my entire life. Trauma bay aside, infections, boils, scars, become visible, literal evils that plague us, and yet, “we are not in the flesh; on the contrary, you are in the spirit…” -Romans 8:8-17

Job also cried out to God, but he was focused on his own darkness. I watch the news and cry. There’s a lot to cry about. Mostly for children who should never see bombs fall from the sky. Not in 2025, or ever.  My quiet voice needs to muster up courage so I can pray even louder! 

Finches and orioles loved watching the sunset from this tree.

Find my Intangible Hearts page on Facebook. 

Please Follow Intangible Hearts on Facebook

 Hello everyone! Now you can follow Intangible Hearts on Facebook!

The page is under my dog's name of Baba Chanel, but the page for Intangible Hearts will be all original content, and all me. Thank you for sticking with me! I appreciate my followers!

Happy New Year-Winners!

 

Happy New Year!

The Kindle edition of the Winner’s Anthology is now available, and we are seeking reviews to help catapult this wonderful selection of stories into the best Amazon rankings available!

If you preordered a print copy, then you should be receiving this winning collection by the end of the month, and for those who haven’t ordered yet, the Kindle version is available right now! From what I can see, there’s only one review on Amazon, and we need more! Please?

My story is about hope. Hospice nurse, Diane Bell is on duty and she’s ready to “entertain” patient Colleen Poole. While Diane engages Colleen, she begins to learn and question her own future. After all, she doesn’t crochet, knit or even sew. And, while Colleen will be busy as a bee, the more Diane talks, the more she realizes, she needs to prepare her own way too. Read my story, Crocheting in Heaven and please leave a short review on Amazon.

Click Here for Your Copy

Thank you in advance!!

Stay warm!

Revised Post for The New Year!

 Just a reworded reminder for the New Year-- taken from my previous blog--The Desert Rocks. Happy New Year to all my friends and family members! 

The Eleventh Commandment

 

 

On the Back of the Tablet

There are many different ideas about love, and most of them require following the golden rule of give and take. If I give on this particular thing; I'll be able to get some of what I need. In other words, most relationships are not based on unconditional love, but on a series of conditions. Then, after years of problems, couples wonder why they are having issues. They didn't meet any of the conditions, or maybe they did for a while, but things sort of fizzled out.

Most often the only suggestions are forgiveness and moving on. A modern couple might say they are ready to forgive and forget----maybe with someone new. Whoops. That defeats the whole purpose of this article.

Now, I propose a different approach.

The Eleventh Commandment is an entirely new way of thinking about all  our relationships. To achieve ultimate benefits, it should begin on the very first day, at the initial meeting. The Eleventh Commandment was scrawled on the reverse side of the stone that Moses brought down from the mountain. (a-hem—stay with me here.) At first it sounds easy, but implementing it into the daily routine of our lives makes for a hard commandment to follow. Following this commandment will help you in all your daily endeavors. It will help you make more money; it will help you with your friends and family, and, conditions or no conditions, it will help you hold onto the one you love.

What is it? You want to know, don't you? 

The secret to this commandment has aided multimillionaires like Bob Hope and George Burns live over a hundred years in solid, loving relationships. It has brought fame and fortune to countless individuals who use this as a tool, rather than a way of life. You don't have to be a performer. Anyone can use this and be very successful. There are countless books available to make the transition easier, but a daily internet search can assist you in the beginning.

Practice makes perfect. This is the one commandment that only you, and your personality can individualize to suit your personal needs. You can study various techniques, act things out in front of a mirror, or in front of friends, and receive immediate feedback regarding your improvement. Once you start, you can’t turn back. Used correctly, you can improve daily, even change the world for the better. Remember the butterfly effect? 

Your use of this commandment will create smiles in people's hearts, warming your friends and loved ones like a winter fire. It may even induce tears of joy!

Without this special commandment, life is a sterile hospital room filled with cold metal and florescent lighting. Without this particular commandment, we are bitter, lonely adults, racing around with rage-filled impatience, on packed freeways, in uncomfortable cars. If you have decided that you don’t like humans or people in general, you might want to take another look at how this commandment can help your attitude. It’s amazing how a smile can change your day. If you want to make a difference; if you want to give and receive the gift of smiles, you can easily implement this into your life today! Yes, you can make others laugh, just by taking on this message of hope, polishing your talent, embellishing your patter, all while administering tidbits of joy.

Turn over a new leaf. Start using one more commandment. And, while every commandment is important, this one is sure to change your life! Turn the Tablet over, and read it out loud in a voice that thunders from the sky....

Thou shalt be funny, and have a sense of humor.

Happy Holidays!!

 

I’ve never been one for excuses, but the holidays have kept me away from blogging. Hope you all had a lovely Thanksgiving and are planning a festive December. With everything going on, it’s a miracle I’m still saving a few minutes here and there to write.  

Did you see the Fall issue of In2uition Magazine? Subscribe to the magazine, or read my column called Apple Blossoms for free here:In2ition Magazine

How about the online article I wrote that touches on the Me too movement? Read it for free here:The Casting Couch Blues

Did you order your copy of the new anthology called Winners? Preordered books will be distributed sometime before the end of the year! Plus, the publisher is adding two extra eBooks from their catalog as gifts with each purchase. Your support means the world to me. Order here:Winners Anthology

Anyway, sorry for packing this with so much promotional hoopla, but I’m thawing something that needs to be roasted, our little dog just barked at the delivery guy, my email has too many sales notifications, there are coupons flying out of every drawer, the radio is playing Jingle Bells— (it’s still November), my poinsettia is still not blooming, but general holiday mania is taking over. Truthfully, all is good, and I’m blessed. Especially for having readers who read some of my stuff. Thank you. I am grateful, and hope your holidays are spectacular!

Author Interview with SOOP

The kind folks at Something or Other Publishing are not only preparing an anthology with my award winning, faith-based story titled, Crocheting in Heaven, but they also interviewed me for their blog. Thought I’d share it here, and if this upcoming book peaks your interest, please order it today!

August 24, 2022 By jesusb 

Author Profile: Eve Gaal

Something Or Other Publishing is proud to introduce Eve Gaal, an established writer and winner of the 1st Prize in the Religion & Spirituality Category of our 1st Annual Short Story Contest.

Eve Gaal

Over 25 years in advertising led Eve Gaal to write stories, poems, and novels. Her work has appeared in anthologies, magazines, and online. Born in Boston but a longtime Californian, Gaal currently lives in the Inland Empire with her husband and her dog named Baba, where she enjoys her time with hobbies including swimming, cooking, crocheting, and reading.

Her writing journey began as a freelance writer after several decades in the newspaper industry, frequenting The Los Angeles Times and The Daily Pilot, where she had an ongoing column. Today, you can appreciate her trademark humor and poetry among various journals such as “Writing for Peace” and books like her first romantic novel, Penniless Hearts.

1st Place in the Religion Category of SOOP’s 1st Annual Short Story Contest. (SOOP)

Her winning story, Crocheting in Heaven, is part of an upcoming anthology from SOOP currently titled SOOP’s Finest: a collection of award-winning short stories, and it follows the tale of Colleen Poole, an elderly hospital patient, and Diane, a hospice nurse. Diane wants to give the frail, dying woman hope by sharing her understanding of heaven. However, time is of the essence here, and she must convince Mrs. Poole there’s a beautiful place waiting on the other side before it’s too late. But how will she be able to make the older woman believe?

Jesus E. Bracho, SOOP’s Director of Marketing, sat down with Eve to engage in a fun Q&A session to learn more about her:

JB: What inspired you to write “Crocheting in Heaven”?

EG: While visiting friends or relatives in hospice, I was inspired by kind nurses.

JB: What was the most challenging part of writing the story?

EG: While I love writing faith-based fiction, I never want to sound “preachy”. 

JB: What genres do you personally like to read?

EG: Fables, fiction, humorous who-done-its, and romance, in that order. 

JB: Do you have any other writing projects in the works?

EG: I have a column at In2uition Magazine titled Apple Blossoms and I’m working on my fourth novel.

JB: Who is your target audience?

EG: I write fairy tales for grown-ups and faith-based fantasy with a twist of adventure. When truth becomes stranger than fiction, it’s time to indulge in a romantic comedy taking place on an island, Vegas or Panama. In this case, I’m taking readers to Heaven. 

JB: What do you hope readers take away from your story?

EG: If I can give one person hope, my story has made a difference. 

JB: Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?

EG: Yes! Read all the books you can get your hands on. Then, after you’ve read all the books your teachers and instructors gave you, read the ones you’ve heard about and always wanted to read. Read everything and don’t stop. Read the cereal box, the junk mail, and the newspaper. Read poems and read something wild on the internet. Go back and catch up on stuff you missed as a child. Read the classics, but if they bore you, that’s all right; read bestsellers. Rather than having an excuse, pick any book that looks good to you, and then do it again! Write reviews of every book, and post them on Goodreads. Share your reading journey. It’s your life, and your writing will benefit. No writer’s conference or book on writing can replace reading.

Readers can pre-order “Crocheting in Heaven” through her customized pre-order page right here. Learn more about Eve Gaal through the links below:

Website: evegaal.com

Twitter: @EveGaal

Facebook: Penniless Hearts

LinkedIn: Eve Gaal

Blog: Eve Gaal Blog 

 I think if you have an eye for art, or appreciate crafts like painting, crocheting, knitting, sewing, quilting, woodworking, basketmaking, mosaic tiles, stained glass, sculpting or drawing, you'll enjoy my story. I look forward to seeing your comments! 

Summer Issue

 I'm a bit late in posting the latest issue of In2uition Magazine, but here it is, in case you missed it. (The lady on the cover reminds me of  a fancier version of Penny, one of my characters.)

Read my column--Apple Blossoms by Eve

In2ition Magazine

Twenty Second Affirmation

 

This morning,

as the grogginess unfolds from your mind,

Before your feet touch the ground;

Prepare the prologue.

Give it twenty seconds.

Patiently.

Like those last few kernels of popcorn--

Think about the coming day, and all the letters, words and sentences you will use in a positive manner.

Plan your day like a story with a happy ending.

Remember there’s a beginning, a middle and an end to this unique day, and you are the main character.

Don’t even look toward the window, in case the weather influences your outlook.

Be it cloudy, rainy or windy, let your mind float into a place where your voice is heard, your smile appreciated, and your touch treasured, as if it were a blessing.

This is your day.

A short delightful chapter in the eloquent, exciting book of your life.

Focus on the Fun!

 

There’s not much to say when you’re having fun, and enjoying summer. Some folks sit around complaining about the heat, while others decide to jump in and forget all about complaining. This month we’ve dashed into air-conditioned buildings as if it were hailing golf balls. As if our flip-flops would melt and take a piece of our souls down into some fired up inferno.

And, still we laughed, splashed and forgot about those slick news anchors and their horrid predictions. We took each hour at a time, and dressed accordingly. We brought hats and sunscreen on our daily adventures. We sang and watched the sunset while enjoying cool drinks. We listened to a band, danced, and ate magnificent food. We froze at the movie theater while watching the Elvis movie. We ordered ice cream and everyone looked happy. No complaints. (Even our dog Baba, likes the heat.)

Of course, there’s more hot weather ahead.

So, I guess my point is, we need to focus on the good times. 

I’ll remember the laughter caused by messed up lyrics, twisted jokes, and crazy selfies. There was that ice-cube that slipped from my hand and traveled across the floor, soft breezes that tousled my hair, and colorful flowers that seemed to enjoy blasting sunshine mixed with giant dollops of  humidity. 

Here’s hoping incredible memories and awesome escapades outweigh any future discomfort.

Happy Fourth of July!

 

Happy

Please remember that fireworks are not allowed in Riverside County, California, but there are several spectacular shows planned around the area. Since we have a rescue puppy, we will probably hold her and try to keep her calm all evening. Unfortunately, many people forget there are also people suffering from PTSD who would rather not hear the loud explosions caused by fire-crackers. Even sparklers can be dangerous to small children, and the smoke can bother those with inhalation and respiratory issues. I've also noticed that birds, bees and butterflies are affected by the toxic fumes. Fortunately, there are many ways to remember our freedoms: music for example, dancing, singing, swimming, and of course eating are a few basic ideas. Lawn games like badminton, croquet, football and tag might be fun. Plus there are board games, puzzles, table tennis, and good old fetch with the pooch, or pooches. Either way, have fun, and celebrate responsibly. 

Summer Climates Among the Vines

 

Summer Heat

The wisteria might not bloom.

Months after sprouting curling branches,

temperamental vines know the weather is changing.

Perhaps she heard screeches from the

brazen bougainvillea that latched onto our window screens.

Thorns lacerating left and right—creating holes--

a magenta blur on windy days.

“Let me in! It’s coming,” she seems to scream.

Two hot days and the tender clematis surrenders.

Arrogant weeds are in their glory.

 

Meanwhile the frolicking jasmine,

holds a perfume competition with the roses.

Though most lemons are gone—

squeezed into winter recipes--

barely enough for a pitcher of lemonade--

their new blossoms add a joyful citrus scent,

luring us out—

into the shade,

where pale green matures into a bold,

 fragrant palette.

 

Until late summer—

when the desperate vines cling—

droop and wither with abandon.

When the parched grass fades to yellow,

and we now smell our neighbor’s barbecue,

tropical scented sunblock,

a floral fabric softener that reminds us of wisteria.

The time comes--

when even the dastardly weeds wither and die.

 

 

Eve Gaal

Timber

 

I love trees. I think trees know that I love them. Still, one had to be trimmed, and the tree fought back. Two chirping birds landed in the leaves above my head. It’s like the tree had lobbyists or flying spokes-feathers. Maybe they were sent to warn me. Or a nest?

I’m on a hill with a hand saw, the branch gives way, grazing my face, nicking my hand and bruising my chest. Of course, I saw stars for about an hour. My only excuse, “I thought it would fall the other direction.” The worse parts were tongue lashings from family and friends.

“NO”, they said. “You could have killed yourself. Never again”, they said. “What if you were knocked onto the cement at the bottom of the hill?” All right, I capitulate. A friend brought over hydrogen peroxide and Band-Aids. I’ve been through worse, and I’m sure I’ll live. I love trees. Let them grow. Sorry little birds. 

At Dusk-The Puppy Transformation

 

I’ve been calling our live-in rescue, Petunia Butt-Cakes, because she doesn’t like home remodeling. There are contractors setting tile upstairs, which inspires unprovoked barking tantrums. She refuses to learn the outside from the inside, hangs off of puppy pads to do her business, or goes for the larger pads-aka-rugs. She also forages for sticks in the yard, chews on them, which in turn gives her constipation, and that annoying itch under the tail.

Of course, she’s teething, chewing and destroying everything she can, even digging up plants, and turning over lamps. Her numerous toys don’t excite her as much as any form of trouble. You should see what she did with my yarn. And, she shouldn’t have separation anxiety, because we are here, babysitting, and trying to train this 13lbs of terror, with treats, all day long. I turn my back and she’s standing on the dinner table. Still, she doesn’t believe she’s not the Alpha dog. Somehow, she has determined that she can do as she pleases, and it’s none of our business.

Her dad has threatened to send her back to the rescue; even offered to sell her in front of Walmart. I think he was joking, but the scars on his hands just healed. We bought books on training puppies but those people/writers/doctors or whatever they call themselves, are crazy. One book, that ended up in the thrift-store box, suggests a choke-hold leash. Another famous dog guru said to use electrical shock collars. How are famous veterinarian’s able to offer such horrid advice?  In fact, I’m astounded, but I don’t want to dwell on it.

I’m hoping when the floor is finished, things will settle down a bit. Until then, I’m investing in odor eliminators and rolling up the rugs. Someday, I want to write about her sweetness. It happens after dusk. After the workers are gone. After running us ragged, after we threw the ball a hundred times, after the zoomies in the yard, after she’s too pooped to bark anymore, she finally, runs out of energy and wants to snuggle-up while we watch television. Adorable.

 A sleeping monster waiting for the sun to rise on a new day. Our Baba-Chanel, the cutest Jekyll-Hyde character you’ll ever see. Petunia Butt-Cakes.

Three Wonderful Reasons to Be Busy

 

The last few weeks have been busy weeks for several reasons.

1. I’m participating in a couple of online writing groups that offer prizes, and print the best stories in their anthologies. One of these groups is a critique group that meets with zoom. While it’s fun to read other stories, we’re supposed to critique them. This is where I’m having some trouble. You see, I don’t think of myself as an editor. In my opinion, writers are creative, and who am I to tell someone they shouldn’t use clichés, or they should think of a different word for ‘very’?

I say, let it flow, and if the story doesn’t jive with readers, then maybe they’ll write another one. ( I do). Eventually, they can pay an editor to fix mistakes and overused expressions, but honestly, I don’t think I’m cut out for critique groups. I’ve tried three different critique groups and felt uncomfortable in all of them. One was in Rancho Mirage, one was in La Quinta, and another in Temecula. All the writers were amazing.  Some wrote science fiction, memoir, steam-punk or mystery. One guy wrote poems. Seriously, I enjoyed hearing every story, but I write in different genres, mostly, romantic adventures, and faith-based fables, nevertheless, everyone has always given me wonderful, constructive advice.

On top of all that, if I missed one meeting, I’d lose the flow. Characters were introduced, and there were new twists in the plot. It was horrifying, for me anyway, trying to tell these artists, anything about their creation, since I had skipped a large chunk of valuable information. And yet, it was obvious the attendees would thirst for any input, or glimmer of feedback we could offer.😟

Anyway, I’m sticking to the online groups for a while, especially since a couple of my stories won a prize! Awesome group of writers, fabulous stories and I'm proud to be part of this incredible process called Bardsy. My story can be found in an anthology titled; Love is Blind, and you can order a copy here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09XZBNMK5

2. I also have a new column at In2ition Magazine!

Watch out world, because this gorgeous magazine is not your mother's coffee-table periodical.  It's about empowering women, so I shared a short bold scene from a day in my life. 

 It’s called Apple Blossoms and you can read it here: https://www.in2itionmagazine.com/issues

3. We are remodeling our bathroom. This idea of a safer, less slippery floor has grown into an immense project that has kicked us out of our bedroom. It’s like a colossal trilogy that never seems to end, may have a happy ending, but I'm ready to flush. 😊

Thank you for sticking with me on this long post. Have you ever joined a critique group? Did you enjoy it? Have you remodeled your bathroom? Is this really May?   

Collective Messages of Love

 

There’s a lady sheep farmer, or shepherd, on Facebook who writes lyrical posts about her sheep. Sometimes she mentions a llama, or the dog. In spring, she writes lovely prose about the newborn lambs. Every animal has a name and she describes their unique personalities. Later in the year, she hires shearers so the wool can be made into yarn.

 The photos alone are worth the visit. https://www.facebook.com/BlessEweSheepCo 

 I also follow a chihuahua rescue, and listen to the owner wax poetic about ninety little pups, their ailments, and how they get along. He shares long videos and personal techniques for giving these animals comfortable lives.  https://www.facebook.com/bigguylittlesworld 

 I have to admit, the two sites alone can pull me in for almost an hour, but there’s also a miniature horse rescue, https://www.facebook.com/SoCalMiniHorse a local duck sanctuary, and yes, I need to get a life. But it all leads me to this post. A necessary, Easter post about love.

I can’t help visiting, liking and commenting, because in each photo and post, I hear, and see, the voice of God. When the shepherd writes about how she wants to cuddle with her lambs, I find it remarkable, that even as exhausted as she must be, after a long day on a farm, with so much to do, she loves each animal, and wants to embrace her flock.

When the dog rescuer calls each of the dogs by name, and treats the blind, or disfigured dogs the same as the healthier dogs, again, I feel, and see the hand of Jesus.

The guy at the duck sanctuary had to move his entire operation, and is now digging a pond in a brand-new location, just for rescued fowl. Remember He can move mountains, so why not a lake?  https://www.facebook.com/theelsinoreduckpond 

That’s how He loves us. YOU. It doesn’t matter whether you’re blind, disfigured, or even cranky. He wants to snuggle with you every day. God loves you just the way you are. Always. We are not pets. We are humans made in His image. He thinks you are magnificent. Adorable. Perfect.