Think About These Things: A Print Giveaway

20 May 2013 \ Leave a Comment \

philippians4_8

 

A new week.  Perhaps a heavy sigh accompanies you today.  For many, this day with a capital “M” arrives abruptly, uninvited.  The preceding Sunday night blues may creep in too early and with apprehension, you hit the pillow hoping you’ve prepared enough for the week ahead.

As hard as Monday is, she does offer a fresh start — a chance to kick-off a new project, healthy habit, or simply a renewed way of thinking.  I don’t know about you, but sometimes I need a Monday, a do-over, a mini New Year’s Day.

Monday is a screw-your-head-on-right day.  A day to take the bull by the horns and fill up with the good stuff.

Monday is the day I send out the Mug Message Devotional.  This week’s message is all about filling our hearts and minds with what the above picture describes.

WIN A PRINT.  I’ll be giving away one print of Think About These Things.  To enter, simply subscribe here and you will be entered into a random drawing and you will receive the devotional by email (2 times/month.)  It’s free!  You don’t have to do any tricks.  It’s just one girl’s thoughts and reflections all in the name of encouraging others.  The winning subscriber will be announced on Friday.

Current subscribers: your mug message is on its way.fill3

Posted in: faith, giveaway, mug message

TREES

8 May 2013 \ Leave a Comment \

tree_chalk

I posted this idea for Mother’s Day over on my literacy site but I just can’t get over the vivid spring pinks from these cards.

tree_tissue

Posted in: handmade, spring

MUG MESSAGE: RESTORE

6 May 2013 \ Leave a Comment \

restore

Thought I’d post an excerpt from The Mug Message today.   Continue Reading →

Posted in: faith, mug message

“I” is for Inspiration

22 April 2013 \ Leave a Comment \

snapshots

Currently reading: The Christian Imagination – The Practice of Faith in Literature and Writing

Current project(s): submission

for The Katherine Paterson Prize for Young Adult and Children’s Writing, updating the blog’s byline

Inspiration: county library book sale, vintage finds, paint colors, dummy books, the process of teaching my son how to hold and write with a pencil

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I’m a sucker for inspiration.  I’ve always been the one to scribble down quotes and cut out newspaper articles or magazine photographs.  One of the perks of social media is… Continue Reading →

Posted in: literature, story, writing

Look – On Bringing Childlike Awe to Life and Writing

13 April 2013 \ Leave a Comment \

look

“[The writer] is like a man walking with his family who suddenly sees ahead of him an unexpected mountain, a monkey in the branches of a tree, or comes upon a house in the woods where a little while ago there was only a glade.  His first impulse is to turn and say, ‘Look!’

And that impulse is the genesis of writing for children.  Each book is merely an enlargement of that exclamation, ‘Look!’

The writer has come upon something in life which has amused or delighted or surprised him…”  -Elizabeth Coatsworth, “Upon Writing for Children” (emphasis mine)

That impulse, that first curious and reverent moment is the beginning of something great.  As writers, we tuck these little moments away perhaps in the back of our mind or in a book of inspiration or even a sticky note on the edge of the desk.

Winnie-the-Pooh became Winnie-the-Pooh after a father-son trip to the zoo.

Your next blog post or book may be sparked by that ordinary walk to school, family reunion, or  speed bump you forget about EVERY. TIME.

It’s true:  Continue Reading →

Posted in: children's literature, writing