His Harvard Daughter

Donnie Bailey

He told everyone his daughter was going to Harvard. I suppose it was truth in that I was going there every day - to work as a secretary in the Law School. I did get to take a couple of classes as a Harvard employee. The point is he was so proud. Whatever I did, he was always very proud of me. He told me many times that I could be whatever I wanted to be. 

He was a fighter. A WWII Veteran, he lived through the Depression, fought asthma, MS, a brain tumor,  alcoholism - and won. A man of faith later in life, his love of God's Word was an inspiration. He was a story teller, a comedian, and a cook. 

I remember when he promised that if I left for school without making my bed, he'd come fetch me. One school morning the intercom called for me to come to the office. There he was. I'd forgotten. He drove me home in silence. I made the bed. Smiles broke out all over his face. He was not one to hold a grudge. He cooked a breakfast for me and than took me back to school. One of his many lessons in responsibility. 

I remember the night before I started school. He sat me on his lap and told me the best advice he could give me, aside from doing my best, was to keep my mouth shut. I wish I'd listened to him.

He once gave one of my sisters, who was about to marry, a gift; a tiny pair of overalls, with a note that said, "Fill em up." We honor him still by giving that as a gift to his granddaughters on those kinds of occasions. He never met with grandchildren without a brown paper sack of candy for each one.

There was a whole lot more to my daddy, but suffice it to say that I love him and miss him. I wish he could be here to see my dream come true in a few days. He'd be so proud.

The Dreaded Hair Incident

Taking a little break to tell a funny that happened to me yesterday. Actually, it was something I dreaded, but when it actually happened, I had to laugh.

My close friends and family know I've lost a lot of my hair because of some health issues (not the life threatening kind) and so I wear wigs. I've gotten used to it and now I love the convenience and variety of it. But living in windy West Texas, I always feared the rig blowing off my head. It finally happened yesterday.

I left work and walked outside to a raging wind. Since both my hands were full I wasn't  holding on to my "hair" as usual in that situation. Off it came and blew away from me so fast I knew I'd never be able to retrieve it. I threw my purse and, Heaven be praised, it whacked that rug right down to the ground before it blew into the street. I couldn't put it back on fast enough. 

We Baby Boomers have to learn to laugh at these getting older issues. What are you dreading? It might not be as bad as you thought:)

P.S. Looking for a new style...these were interesting. What do you think?

Hitting Rock Bottom.

Did you ever have a day when everything just came crashing down on you at once? That's how my novel begins. The heroine loses everything in one fell swoop. 

How would you counsel Bailey Brown if she came to you with her sad story?

Wobbly Plates

Baby Boomers will remember the popular "plate spinning" acts on variety shows of our day. If plates could represent areas of our lives, then THIS USED TO BE ME:

However, now, THIS IS ME:

I'm glad I found this funny one that made me laugh. It helped put things in perspective. I've got a lot of wobbly plates these days, but I'm so grateful that the Father has said that I can cast all my cares on Him, for He cares for me (1 Peter 5:7). I'm grateful for my husband who still thinks I'm Wonder Woman even though he has to fend for himself a lot these days. I'm grateful for all my friends and family who've said "I want to help." I'm grateful that I have plates to spin!

Do you have wobbly plates right now? I'd love to pray for you. Jody

Oldie But Goodie (Not me, lol).

Still working on my workout playlist. I never paid much attention to the verses of this song, but I love the chorus. The dancing and fashion is a hoot. Yes, I'm dating myself. Enjoy!

"Nothin's gonna break my stride
Nobody's gonna hold me down, oh no,
I've got to keep on MOVIN'!" 

Still could use your inspiring music suggestions.

We're Givin' God All That!

Hellooooo, Monday! So inspired after our church gathering yesterday. God always gives me what I need. He's amazing that way, right? Full time job is gearing up for Spring events, Summer Reading Club, and Piano Recital. Gotta get a book finished by the end of April, and do a wedding in May, AND my debut novel releases June 28!! Plus, I'm tackling health issues with a vengeance and rockin' the Advocare 24 Day Challenge. 

Nothing is impossible with God.(Luke 1:37 NIV). We heard God's Word yesterday about being positioned to bless and be blessed. I was struck by Psalm 84:6 (NIV) As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools.

Ah, Baca means weeping so definitely a low place. But we make it a spring! Through Christ, we can turn anything into living water. Something about that reminded me of that Newsboys song Wherever We Go. That's my motivation this week. Hope it blesses you:)

HELP! Can you suggest some upbeat music to coast me along on my journey? Thank you!!! Jody

I usually listen to sermons, music, or audio Bible while I workout at the gym. Sometimes I listen to inspiring commencement speeches. I ran across one Dolly Parton did that was fun, and I love the song she sang at the end. Enjoy this sweet inspiration.

I've been listening to inspirational speaker Andy Andrews lately. He spoke at a church in Dallas and made this statement. "The power of our thoughts is so strong that we cannot act against it." I took that sentence to prayer. I realize that that is one of the reasons that I will still make a wrong choice, or a choice that takes me aside the path I'm traveling to my goals. What is it that I believe, or don't believe, that sabotages me, even after all my planning and prayer? I'm convinced that I need more washing of the Word in my mind and spirit. How wonderful that there is an answer!

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. Psalm 119:105 (NIV)

What derails you on your path to your goals?

My Piano Teacher

She wasn't my music teacher because we didn't move to Kirbyville until I was in high school. My younger siblings did have the honor of having her for an elementary music teacher. Mrs. Burres Bean was known to everyone in our small community for her love of teaching, her kindness, class and grace. She passed away last week at the age of 102.

One of those silly graduation rites of passage is the "Most Likely To..." print out at the end of the year. I believe mine was "Most likely to take Mrs. Bean's place at the elementary school." That prediction came true, although there were several before I taught music at Kirbyville Elementary. I took piano lessons from her when I was working on some personal music goals. Our lesson was the highlight of the week. 

Mrs. Bean had the ability to make you think you were the most important person in the world when she listened intently and gave you full attention with her beautiful eyes. Her comments were always kind. She had a delightful, amusing personality, and had a caring heart for everyone in her life. You could not leave her presence without feeling valued and encouraged. I smile as I think of how she is the only person I've ever known who could rock wearing white pants:) Beautiful inside and out, Mrs. Bean left a mark on all who knew her, and she will be missed. 

So long for now, Dear One, until we see you in Forever. Thank you for everything. Jody

Which is yes.

I thank God for this most
amazing day;
for the leaping greenly
spirits of trees
and a blue true dream of sky;
and for everything
which is natural, which is
infinite, which is yes.

e. e. cummings

2 Corinthians 1:20 
For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.

What YES are you looking for this week?

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss

I share my birthday (Jan. 19) with Robert E. Lee, which is fun for me since my husband and I are Civil War buffs. I discovered today an author who shares her birthday with none other than Dr. Seuss! How cool is that? I hope you enjoy Mari LaVell's birthday poem as much as I did.

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss (and me)

I like Dr Suess, I won’t tell a lie.

We share the same birthday, we’re tight him and I. 

A creative creature, a word maker is he

When I grow up, just like him I’ll be.

He has a funny way to make us all think

His thinker is funny, combined with some ink

But funnier still, ‘tween ink jot you read

Squeezed in by the tittle, you’ll see a great creed.

Go places, be someone,

Try something new.

Have a big heart.

Now that’s a good start.

Be a Who on a speck,

Save your people from heck.

Don’t think you’re too small,

Don’t think it at all.

There are things you can find,

If you don’t stay behind.

Think out of the box,

Be smart like a fox.

Here’s the moral that sticks in my heart when I read,

When my thinker has thunked, and I truly take heed:

God made only one you, with a purpose and plan

No one else can be you,  now isn’t that grand?

So with a tip of my hat, I’ll close with a smile,

As Seuss once said in his Seussian style:

 “Today you are You, that is truer than true.

There is no one alive who is Youer than You.”

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord..." Jeremiah 29:11 



Take a look at Mari's wonderful website:  http://www.marilavell.com/

Do you have a favorite Dr. Seuss book or quote? I'd love to hear it:)

Bella's Back!

 Bella’s Back!

Enjoy this fun interview with author Janice Thompson, where she shares the story-behind-the-story regarding Bella’s return.

Janice, welcome! I’m really enjoyed the Weddings by Bella series and am excited to read the spin-off series.

1. Can you tell us more about why you decided to write it?

Sure! (Thanks for hosting me, by the way!) When I wrote Fools Rush In (book one in the Weddings by Bella series) I knew I had something special on my hands. The characters really resonated with me, but there was more. I felt as if I’d created a world of real, wonderful, wacky people. Sure, I’d breathed life into them on the page, but they seemed to take it from there, springing to life and moving the story forward as they willed. I wrapped up the series with Swinging on a Star and It Had to be You, but my readers weren’t satisfied! At least once a week I got a letter from a fan saying, “Are there more? Please keep this story going!” I sent several of those letters to my editor, and before long she agreed that we should, indeed, keep the story going! That’s how the Weddings by Design story began. I’m so relieved to have more to offer. Since Fools Rush Inwent free on kindle, it has been downloaded nearly 300,000 times. Crazy! So, I have many, many new readers, aching for more!

2. How are these stories similar to the novels in the Weddings by Bellaseries?

This is a wedding-themed series, just like the first, and loaded with fun, quirky mishaps on the way to the altar! Readers will experience the same “feel” of Galveston Island and my ever-present humor, which drives the stories forward.  I truly hope that readers pick up the first book in this new series and sigh with relief as they catch up with their favorite characters from the last series: Bella, D.J., Aunt Rosa, Uncle Laz, the three ladies from Splendora, Brock Benson, and so on. Here’s what the publisher had to say about the new series: “With her contagious humor and cast of quirky characters, Janice Thompson gives readers more of the bridal business drama they want in a brand-new series all about those long-suffering people who make beautiful weddings happen. Readers are desperately waiting for more of Bella and this new series brings her back in a big way, while introducing new characters fans will love. Fans will laugh out loud as they experience this breezy and entertaining novel from a great storyteller.”

3. What sets this new series apart from the last one?

The Weddings by Design novels are told from the point of view of new characters. Book one, Picture Perfect, is about a wedding photographer named Hannah. Book two, The Icing on the Cake, is about a wedding cake designer named Scarlet. Book three, The Dream Dress, is about a dress designer named Gabi. Book four (yet unpublished) is about a wedding florist named Gina. Each of these ladies longs to work with the most fabulous wedding coordinator on the island—Bella (Rossi) Neeley, so everything loops back to Club Wed, just like the first series.

4. When does the new series release?

Book one, Picture Perfect, is already available on amazon. The kindle version will be ready for download on February 15^th. (Happy Valentine’s Day, y’all!) I received my author copies last week, so autographed copies are available for purchase ($12) if readers are interested in that. They can email me at booksbyjanice@aol.com for more information.

5. Can you tell us about Picture Perfect, the first book in the series?

Ooo, I’d love to! The synopsis should answer any questions:

She’s trying to focus on her future. How can one man make everything feel so . . . fuzzy?

Hannah McDermott has a successful photography studio. She’ll soon be featured in Texas Bride magazine. And she has a celebrity client whose Galveston ceremony will be her ticket to the top spot on wedding coordinator Bella Neeley’s list of recommended photographers. But it could all come crashing down around her because of one man: archrival and photographer extraordinaire Drew Kincaid.

As the competition between Hannah and Drew heats up, Hannah is surprised to find that it’s not the only thing getting more intense. She can’t get the handsome man out of her thoughts-or even out of her line of sight-and the job of her dreams is turning into a nightmare. Will everything she’s worked for slip out of her hands? And can she see past her pride to find a picture-perfect love?

6. How is the new series doing with readers so far?

Great! Folks who’ve read the book have already contacted me to say they love it! I’m also thrilled that Picture Perfect got a great Romantic Timesreview. . .four stars! Here’s what the reviewer had to say: "Fans of romantic comedies are in for a treat just in time for Valentine’s Day. Book one in the Weddings by Design series does not disappoint! Funny one-liners and absolutely lovable characters combine with just enough romantic tension to keep the pages turning at a brisk pace — but readers will want to slow down to savor this one."

7. How are you kicking off the new series?

I’m hosting an online party! I’m calling this my “Bing & Bob” party and it will be held on the night of February 18^th at 7:00 p.m. central time. These two funny fellas hold a special place in the heart of my characters and they will provide the entertainment at our gathering! This fun, interactive party will take place inside the “Bella’s Back” group on facebook. Join me for an interactive chat, video teasers, Bing Crosby music and giveaways! Some lucky reader/participant will win a free kindle fire! To be entered, you must join the Bella’s Back facebook group and attend the party. (i.e. “Must be present when your named is called.”)

For more information about the party, check out this video invitation.

8. Can you share a little bit from the novel?

Prologue

Going My Way

May your troubles be as few and as far apart as my grandmother’s teeth.

Irish proverb

My life has been a series of almosts.

Take, for instance, the time I almost made the cheerleading squad in high school but lost out to my archnemesis, Jacquie Practically-Perfect-in-Every-Way Goldfarb. Then there was the time Matt Hudson, the hunkiest football player at my high school, almost asked me to the prom but ended up going with Jacquie instead. Oh, and we can’t forget the time I almost got a photographer’s dream job, shooting superstar Brock Benson’s wedding. Yep. Another almost. That time, the opportunity of a lifetime slipped through my fingers and into the open palms of my chief competitor, Drew Kincaid of Kincaid Photography.

Some people are haunted by memories of things they’ve done. Me? I’m haunted by all of the things I nearly accomplished but missed by a quarter of an inch. That’s why, when faced with yet another unbelievable opportunity—a profile piece in Texas Bride magazine to promote my new Galveston-based photography business—I couldn’t blow it. No more almostsfor me. This time I would hit the finish line a winner. My meeting with the Texas Bride reporter would transform my career and propel me into the limelight, winning me the favor of the island’s top wedding planner, Bella Neeley. If I could just keep from messing it up.

Oh, but this time I wouldn’t! In fact, I could almost hear my Grandpa Aengus cheering me on from the great beyond: “Hannah Grace, if you’re lucky enough to be Irish, then you’re lucky enough.”

I didn’t happen to believe in luck, but if being Irish meant I stood a better chance at succeeding in business, I would embrace my heritage as never before. I would bathe with Irish Spring soap, dress in the vibrant colors of the family crest, skip through fields of shamrocks, and listen to my father’s nightly tales of Clan McDermott’s glory days. And I would do it all with a smile on my face and confidence in my stride.

From his mansion up in heaven, Grandpa Aengus smiled down on me, his gold-capped front tooth gleaming like the precious stones in the pearly gate. I could sense his pleasure as I made up my mind to do the McDermotts proud. Like my warring ancestors of yesteryear, I would fight to the finish, wielding my bloody sword—er, my two-thousand-dollar digital camera with stellar resolution and optical zoom—until I took the prize. I would come out a victor in the end, or make a fool of myself trying.

Either way, I wouldn’t go down without a fight. A true McDermott never did.

Thanks for visiting with us, Janice! Looking forward to the new series!

STAY CONNECTED WITH THE AUTHOR:

Visit Janice’s Website

Connect with Janice on Facebook

Join the “Bella’s Back”Facebook group

Watch the Bing & Bob party video invitation

Check out the Bella’s Back Video on youtube

Read Fools Rush In (the first Bella book) for free on your kindle

Highland Blessings by Jennifer Hudson Taylor

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I haven't read a historical novel in ages, but this one was well worth the time. I love the setting, the strong story, and Akira's courage. I love a story about a strong woman of faith.



View all my reviews