Notes for a Monday

Good morning! I hope you had a peaceful, relaxing weekend.

Here on the farm we had one of those kick-back-and-chill weekends. Saturday's rain kept us indoors but yesterday we braved the cloudy day to take a long hike in the forest.

Now that the leaves are off the trees more light filters through to the forest floor. Even with its stark pre-winter bareness, the forest is alive and there are so many things to see and enjoy. Patches of irridescent green moss. An owl peering down at us from a Tamarac branch. The hint of movement near the stone outcroppings. A fox? Turkey? Maybe a deer? Walking in the forest is an adventure I always enjoy--even on gloomy, overcast days!

Today I plan to work on my NaNo novel, bake cookies (I know I baked cookies yesterday but Hubby requested fig cookies so I'll bake a batch for him this morning.), do laundry and watch the snow fall. Probably in that order, too. A pretty quiet day here at our house.

Before I begin writing, though, I wanted to share a few thoughts with you. It'll only take a moment, I promise. Well, maybe two moments...

First, I want to thank Amy for kindly awarding me an "I Love Your Blog" award. What a great way to start the week! The truth is, Amy's is one of the blogs I begin my day with. Her posts about her sons really are heartwarming. She's smart, funny and I feel like I'm visiting with a neighbor when I make my daily stop. I know the rules of the award state that I'm supposed to pass it on but since I passed it on last week I'll leave it at that. Amy, you've made my day! Thanks so much!

Just wanted to remind you that my short story, Press Pass Corfu, is available for free all month long from Whiskey Creek Press. Have you downloaded your copy yet? If you haven't, please do! Find it here.

Finally, I wanted to let you know that I posted a short excerpt from my NaNo novel, A Morning Glory Christmas. I hope you'll take a peek. My NaNo page is right here.

I think that's it. See? I told you I'd only take a few moments of your time this morning. :)

So what about you? How was your weekend? How's your Monday shaping up? Anything you'd care to share?

Whatever you do, wherever you go, I hope the day is a good one for you.

Nice way to...

end the week!

Yesterday I learned I'd received an "I Love Your Blog" award from author Diane Craver. I was tickled, and went to sleep with a wide grin on my face.

This morning I learned I'd received another "I Love Your Blog" award. This time I've been honored by Dru, a fellow reader and sewing companion.

It's rare that I'm without words but in this instance I am.

Wow!

Thank you very much, Dru and Diane. Your kindness overwhelms me. I'm so glad you enjoy spending time with me here.

The award comes with a couple of rules. They are:

1) Add the logo of the award to your blog

2) Add a link to the person who awarded it to you

3) Nominate at least 7 other blogs

4) Add links to those blogs on your blog

5) Leave a message for your nominees on their blogs

I noticed Diane and Dru read a lot of the same blogs I do, and have already awarded blogs I would have chosen. So, in order to spread the happiness around, I'm purposely not choosing any of the blogs these ladies have awarded.

So, in no particular order, some of the blogs I enjoy...

1. Rubber Slippers in Italy. Beautiful photos, fun posts. Rowena makes me smile...and I like to smile.

2. Nicole McCaffrey. Nicole's posts about home, family and writing are heartwarming. I read The Model Man when it first came out and loved it. If you like hunky heroes and lots of romance, I'd suggest giving this one a look.

3. Orchard Hill Highlights. The blog home of Kara Lynn Russell, author of the Orchard Hill Romance Series. I've read most of the Orchard Hill stories and can easily suggest them.

4. Panini Girl. Breathtaking photos and great recipes makes this blog a favorite.

5. Chickens in the Road. Author Suzanne McMinn never fails to amuse, teach or amaze me. Her door is wide open, and she encourages readers to come in and visit for a while each day. I like the way she makes strangers feel like friends.

6. Elizabeth Boyle. This bestselling author shares tips on writing and insights into her life.

7. Lucy's Kitchen Notebook. Take a look and you'll know why I enjoy visiting this blog. But be warned: the photos may make you hungry.

8. Viaggi & Sappori. Ever thought about making pumpkin gnocchi? You might, after you take a peek at this site. But don't go unless you've got time to spare...poking around at old posts is addicting!

There you have it. A couple of my favorite blogs. Now...do you have any favorites? Ones you visit regularly just because...well, just because?

Again, thanks so much for making my week end on such a high note, Dru and Diane. I sincerely appreciate your kindness. :)

Hope you have a wonderful Friday!