I was walking Benen to bed late tonight and he says, "Know why I like you?"
"Why?"
"'Cause you're tough!"
"Am I?"
"Uh-huh. Show me your toughness."
I dramatically lifted my arm and put some umph behind it as I flexed my bicep for him.
IT DIDN'T MOVE! Not. One. Bit.
"Woooooah. You're super tough."
Gotta love that kid.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Sunday, July 13, 2008
What I learned
This past weekend, I learned it is NOT a good idea to accept the challenge of a foot race from my four-year-old son. I came to this conclusion after a series of mistakes on my part. The first mistake, I'm sad to say, was the result of my foolish pride.
We were at the church Saturday night and I was pulling song sheets for Sunday morning when, on the way to the photocopier, my son, Benen, asked, "You wanna race?" A strange feeling overtook me and I was struck with the desire to show my child just how fast his mother REALLY was. None of that let-them-win-you're-so-fast crap. I wanted to FLY; I wanted to see the unbridled awe and adoration in his little face. I was gonna win his admiration with my lightning fast speed and agility.
Mistake number two. I conveniently forgot that the last time I had sprinted was in junior high, when they force you to participate in Track and Field. I found out my four (and a half) year-old son is *almost* faster than me. I was REALLY having to work. What I thought would be simple, quickly turned into a fierce competition. I hate to lose.
We were at the church Saturday night and I was pulling song sheets for Sunday morning when, on the way to the photocopier, my son, Benen, asked, "You wanna race?" A strange feeling overtook me and I was struck with the desire to show my child just how fast his mother REALLY was. None of that let-them-win-you're-so-fast crap. I wanted to FLY; I wanted to see the unbridled awe and adoration in his little face. I was gonna win his admiration with my lightning fast speed and agility.
Mistake number two. I conveniently forgot that the last time I had sprinted was in junior high, when they force you to participate in Track and Field. I found out my four (and a half) year-old son is *almost* faster than me. I was REALLY having to work. What I thought would be simple, quickly turned into a fierce competition. I hate to lose.
Mistake number three. In our final race for the front doors I yelled out, "Quick Benen! Run down the stairs!" And then it hit me - that's not the kind of thing a *good* mother would say. So I quickly amended it with a follow up, "Be careful!" By this time he was half-way down and winning.
Mistake number four. Finding myself behind, I decided to show off a little and leaped down the remaining four steps, with a little side twist thrown in for flair. I landed with a solid thump.
Mistake number five. I planted my feet, completely forgetting that the upper half of my body was still being carried by my forward momentum. I was left in a mad scramble, trying to get my feet to catch up with the rest of me, which by then was headed for impact. I did a nice little slide-and-dive on the carpet in our church foyer. I have the rug burns on both knees to prove it.
Benen won the race.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Book Review & Giveaway and Guest Blogger - Amber Miller
It is my privilege today to be a stop on author Amber Miller's blog tour to help celebrate the publication of her first novel, Promises, Promises. If you haven't already "met" Amber/Tiff, let me introduce you.
Amber Miller is an author and freelance web site designer who lives with her husband in beautiful Colorado Springs. Amber has sold four books to the Heartsong Presents line of Barbour Publishing with the promise of two more before the end of the year. She is currently pursuing an expansion into trade-length historical fiction as well. Other writing credits include several writing articles for various publications, five short stories with Romancing the Christian Heart, and nine contributions to the book, 101 Ways to Romance Your Marriage. A born-again Christian since the age of seven, her faith in Christ has often sustained her through difficult experiences. She seeks to share that with others through her writing.
Read more about her at her web site: http://www.ambermiller.com/.
This amazing lady has agreed to share her own personal love story with us. It's quite the tale, but I'll let her tell you. Also, stick around (or scroll down) for my review of this book and leave a comment for the chance to win a FREE copy of Amber's book.
Hi, my name is Tiffany Stockton, but I publish under Amber Miller. The name is derived from my middle and maiden names. I was published before I married last year, and my wonderful husband doesn’t mind me having this “alter ego.” I’m thrilled to be here with Shauna on her blog. She’s been an avid supporter of my writing and my web site for over two years now. Of course, it’s been some time since I’ve seen a comment left by her, but hopefully with my appearance on *her* blog, she’ll again return. (hint, hint)
Anyway, this blog is one of the over 25 blogs and web sites I’m visiting during my 3-week blog tour. I’m promoting the arrival of my first book on Amazon.com, Christianbook.com, Parable sites, Barnes & Noble and other retailers, where available. As of right now, the links haven’t been activated, but stick with me on this tour, and you’ll be notified the moment they are live.
My first book actually released in February to the Heartsong Presents book club, but they wait a few months before releasing the titles to the general public. In fact, book 2 is now available. It released on July 1st. So, if you love what you see on this tour, you can actually order *both* books, not just one. There are also a variety of blogs and sites that are including a book giveaway. Visit all of the stops on this tour and you can enter more than once. Increase your chances.
Oh, and yes, these books are romances. It’s what I write. I don’t apologize for it, as our relationship with God is just like a true romance. The romances we experience on earth are supposed to be mirror reflections of the love God has for each one of us. It’s a pleasure to craft stories which demonstrate that truth. And today, I’m here to share a bit about my own personal love story.
As I mentioned above, I married the love of my life last year and moved to the beautiful mountains of Colorado. Shauna was hanging around my blog when the engagement announcement and wedding planning period was taking place. So, she asked me to drop by her blog and talk a little more about it. One of these days, I’ll write a book featuring it, but for now, here is a sneak preview.
Once upon a time, a red-haired princess sat alone at home, gazing at her computer screen and wishing she had some companionship from the outside world. She lived her life day in and day out, wondering when her turn would come. Her only relief came through the attendance of an annual writer’s conference each year in the Fall. This is where she met the dashing and compelling dragon in 2004.
That year, the dragon made quite an impression, and although they didn’t exchange many words, six months later on Valentine’s Day, they began an online conversation via email and instant message. This communication helped ease the loneliness and emptiness in the princess’ life. It entertained the dragon as well, but he didn’t want to admit it.
The distance between the princess and dragon proved beneficial, for they shared many things with each other that never would have passed their lips had they been meeting face to face. Through their chats, they learned a lot about each other. And at the next conference six months later in 2005, their friendship was sealed. A little shameless flirting took place, but at this conference, many of the married ladies spent all of their time attempting to find a girlfriend for the dragon and dropping hints that the princess might be the perfect match. Because neither the princess nor the dragon were ready for anything other than friendship, they parted ways and returned once again to their electronic communication.
However, once back home, something was different. A spark had begun to flicker in the hearts of both the princess and the dragon. Though they denied the attraction, they both secretly admitted it existed. At the conference in 2006, their friendship had become much more. But the dragon remained in denial. He had allowed the princess to persuade him into asking her out for dinner, and he later admitted that had he gotten out of his car to say goodbye, he wasn’t sure he would have been able to do so without a kiss.
The princess didn’t know this at the time, though. So, she went into the hotel and almost cried. Had it not been for the counsel and encouragement of a special friend both she and the dragon shared, as well as a handful of others, she might have given up. Armed with their reassurance and the belief in her heart that the dragon was the one for her, the princess continued to wear down the dragon. For three long months, the dragon continued to resist the pull of the princess. Finally, in December of 2006, the princess sold her first book, and the dragon was the only one online to be the recipient of her good news. It was late, and everyone else was in bed.
A few days later, the dragon admitted it was time to make a move. So, he told the princess to start planning for his visit. In March of 2007, the dragon flew to the princess and spent 4 fun-filled and entertaining days with her. With a single kiss, the dragon was transformed into a handsome, blue-eyed prince. By the end of their time together, they had admitted their feelings and agreed to take their relationship to the next step. Neither one expected that step to be engagement just 6 days later. But that’s what happened. And the dragon and princess accepted it.
Ten weeks later, the dragon swept her off her feet by surprising her with the engagement ring she knew he had, only he had chosen a beautiful way to give it to her. He’d planned a romantic moment with white Christmas lights strung on his screened-in porch, soft music, a flickering lighted fountain, and him down on one knee. It was there that he pledged his undying love and asked the princess to marry him. He told her she’d brought so much joy and laughter into his life, he couldn’t imagine life without her.
Ten weeks after that, they were married, and the princess joined the prince in Colorado, where they now live. They have yet to start a family, but as they approach the joyous celebration of their upcoming first anniversary at the end of July, a family is next on the agenda.
So, as you can see, I finally have my own real-life fairytale. Although my dreams and imaginations helped me write the stories I wrote before I met Stuart, having him in my life has added a much richer dimension to my books. I now know first hand what true love is all about. And yes, it’s just like what you read in those romance novels and fairytales. Of course, you have to work at it to keep the fairytale alive, but it’s more than worth it in the end.
I hope you’ve loved reading this little tale, and if you’d like to see evidence of the love we share, pick up one of my books, where I put a little of my real-life experiences into the stories of my characters.
Shauna will no doubt provide the rest of the content for this blog, so I’ll leave it in her capable hands. In the meantime, thanks for dropping by and I hope to see you at the other stops on this tour.
Take care.
Anyway, this blog is one of the over 25 blogs and web sites I’m visiting during my 3-week blog tour. I’m promoting the arrival of my first book on Amazon.com, Christianbook.com, Parable sites, Barnes & Noble and other retailers, where available. As of right now, the links haven’t been activated, but stick with me on this tour, and you’ll be notified the moment they are live.
My first book actually released in February to the Heartsong Presents book club, but they wait a few months before releasing the titles to the general public. In fact, book 2 is now available. It released on July 1st. So, if you love what you see on this tour, you can actually order *both* books, not just one. There are also a variety of blogs and sites that are including a book giveaway. Visit all of the stops on this tour and you can enter more than once. Increase your chances.
Oh, and yes, these books are romances. It’s what I write. I don’t apologize for it, as our relationship with God is just like a true romance. The romances we experience on earth are supposed to be mirror reflections of the love God has for each one of us. It’s a pleasure to craft stories which demonstrate that truth. And today, I’m here to share a bit about my own personal love story.
As I mentioned above, I married the love of my life last year and moved to the beautiful mountains of Colorado. Shauna was hanging around my blog when the engagement announcement and wedding planning period was taking place. So, she asked me to drop by her blog and talk a little more about it. One of these days, I’ll write a book featuring it, but for now, here is a sneak preview.
Once upon a time, a red-haired princess sat alone at home, gazing at her computer screen and wishing she had some companionship from the outside world. She lived her life day in and day out, wondering when her turn would come. Her only relief came through the attendance of an annual writer’s conference each year in the Fall. This is where she met the dashing and compelling dragon in 2004.
That year, the dragon made quite an impression, and although they didn’t exchange many words, six months later on Valentine’s Day, they began an online conversation via email and instant message. This communication helped ease the loneliness and emptiness in the princess’ life. It entertained the dragon as well, but he didn’t want to admit it.
The distance between the princess and dragon proved beneficial, for they shared many things with each other that never would have passed their lips had they been meeting face to face. Through their chats, they learned a lot about each other. And at the next conference six months later in 2005, their friendship was sealed. A little shameless flirting took place, but at this conference, many of the married ladies spent all of their time attempting to find a girlfriend for the dragon and dropping hints that the princess might be the perfect match. Because neither the princess nor the dragon were ready for anything other than friendship, they parted ways and returned once again to their electronic communication.
However, once back home, something was different. A spark had begun to flicker in the hearts of both the princess and the dragon. Though they denied the attraction, they both secretly admitted it existed. At the conference in 2006, their friendship had become much more. But the dragon remained in denial. He had allowed the princess to persuade him into asking her out for dinner, and he later admitted that had he gotten out of his car to say goodbye, he wasn’t sure he would have been able to do so without a kiss.
The princess didn’t know this at the time, though. So, she went into the hotel and almost cried. Had it not been for the counsel and encouragement of a special friend both she and the dragon shared, as well as a handful of others, she might have given up. Armed with their reassurance and the belief in her heart that the dragon was the one for her, the princess continued to wear down the dragon. For three long months, the dragon continued to resist the pull of the princess. Finally, in December of 2006, the princess sold her first book, and the dragon was the only one online to be the recipient of her good news. It was late, and everyone else was in bed.
A few days later, the dragon admitted it was time to make a move. So, he told the princess to start planning for his visit. In March of 2007, the dragon flew to the princess and spent 4 fun-filled and entertaining days with her. With a single kiss, the dragon was transformed into a handsome, blue-eyed prince. By the end of their time together, they had admitted their feelings and agreed to take their relationship to the next step. Neither one expected that step to be engagement just 6 days later. But that’s what happened. And the dragon and princess accepted it.
Ten weeks later, the dragon swept her off her feet by surprising her with the engagement ring she knew he had, only he had chosen a beautiful way to give it to her. He’d planned a romantic moment with white Christmas lights strung on his screened-in porch, soft music, a flickering lighted fountain, and him down on one knee. It was there that he pledged his undying love and asked the princess to marry him. He told her she’d brought so much joy and laughter into his life, he couldn’t imagine life without her.
Ten weeks after that, they were married, and the princess joined the prince in Colorado, where they now live. They have yet to start a family, but as they approach the joyous celebration of their upcoming first anniversary at the end of July, a family is next on the agenda.
So, as you can see, I finally have my own real-life fairytale. Although my dreams and imaginations helped me write the stories I wrote before I met Stuart, having him in my life has added a much richer dimension to my books. I now know first hand what true love is all about. And yes, it’s just like what you read in those romance novels and fairytales. Of course, you have to work at it to keep the fairytale alive, but it’s more than worth it in the end.
I hope you’ve loved reading this little tale, and if you’d like to see evidence of the love we share, pick up one of my books, where I put a little of my real-life experiences into the stories of my characters.
Shauna will no doubt provide the rest of the content for this blog, so I’ll leave it in her capable hands. In the meantime, thanks for dropping by and I hope to see you at the other stops on this tour.
Take care.
Tiff, thanks for sharing with us. Catching the original engagement announcement was so awesome and getting to follow the progress as the wedding was planned was a special front row seat to this romance.
And now, take a look at her book, Promises, Promises, the first in her historical romance series, Brides of Delaware.
Has God forsaken Raelene?
What kind of God would take a girl's family and leave her alone in a wild land where women have no voice? When Gustaf Hanssen promises Raelene's dying father that he will take care of her, he finds himself bound to her happiness, her success, and her well-being in ways he never imagined. To keep his word, must Gustaf really oversee all of Raelene's affairs, find her a husband, and maintain her farm, while she does nothing but scorn him? Can God reach through Raelene's pain and self-centeredness and give her the love that awaits, if only she will accept His will?
What kind of God would take a girl's family and leave her alone in a wild land where women have no voice? When Gustaf Hanssen promises Raelene's dying father that he will take care of her, he finds himself bound to her happiness, her success, and her well-being in ways he never imagined. To keep his word, must Gustaf really oversee all of Raelene's affairs, find her a husband, and maintain her farm, while she does nothing but scorn him? Can God reach through Raelene's pain and self-centeredness and give her the love that awaits, if only she will accept His will?
ISBN: 9781597899390
Ordering link: www.ambermiller.com/books.html
The second book of this series, Quills & Promises, was released July 2008.
ISBN: 9781602600492
Ordering link: www.ambermiller.com/books.html
Promises, Promises is an intense, emotional tale of struggle, heartache and pain, and the hope that can be found in faith and love. Raelene and Gustaf are both bound by promises made. Raelene is determined to keep her father's dream alive; Gustaf has promised to assist and watch over the woman who rejected him.
I loved watching Raelene and Gustaf wrestle with their untimely attraction. There is a delicious and tangible chemistry between these characters that keeps you reading, hoping and aching for them. There are laugh-out-loud moments and moments where you will catch your breath. It’s simply wonderful.
I found this story full of unexpected surprises that completely delighted me. It left me wanting more and excited for book two. I also have a review of this book up on LASR. Hop over to read the slightly longer version.
It has been a pleasure being a part of this blog tour. The rest of the stops are listed below, so be sure to follow for more chances to win a copy of this book. Also, don't forget to leave a comment for your chance to win one here. You can also leave a comment without entering the draw - just specify that in the comments - but why would you want to?? I'll leave the contest open until Friday, June 18 - one week - and then I'll put all the names in a hat, swirl it around, reach in and pick a winner. I'll announce it here as well as send the winner a note, so be sure to leave a working email address where you can be reached. Good luck everyone!
BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE
Shirley Connolly (July month-long feature) - http://apenforyourthoughts.blogspot.com/
July 7 - Margaret Daley (bio) http://margaretdaley.blogspot.com/
July 7 - Dawn Kinzer at From Dawn til Dusk, Musings of a Night Owl http://dawnkinzer.blogspot.com/
July 8 - Donna Moore at Write by Faith http://writebyfaith.blogspot.com/
July 8 - Kim Woodhouse at God's Grace, Love & Forgiveness http://www.kimberleywoodhouse.com/
July 9 - Margaret Daley (interview) http://margaretdaley.blogspot.com/
July 9 - Amy Riley at The Friendly Book Nook http://thefriendlybooknook.com/
July 10 - Jenny Blake at Come Meet AusJenny http://ausjenny.blogspot.com/
July 11 - Rose McCauley http://rosemccauley.blogspot.com/
July 11 - Shauna Sturge at The Coffee Stop http://shaunasturge.blogspot.com/; Long and Short Reviews http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.com/
July 12 - Carolyn Strawder at Quiet Time with Carolyn http://www.quiettimewithcarolyn.com/Serenity
July 14-19 - CAN! blog spotlight http://canblog.typepad.com/canbookmarketing
July 14 - Martha Rogers at Martha Writes http://marthasbooks.blogspot.com/
July 15 - Leslie Sowell at A Little Bit of Sunlight http://www.footprintsinthesand.us/blog
July 16 - CFBA blog tour date (various blogs) http:///
July 16 - Novel Journey / Novel Reviews http://noveljourney.blogspot.com/ / http://novelreviews.blogspot.com/
July 17 - CFBA blog tour date (various blogs) http:///
July 17 - Eileen Astels at A Christian Romance Writer's Journey http://eileenastels.blogspot.com/
July 17 - Cheryl Wyatt at Squirrel's Treehouse http://scrollsquirrel.blogspot.com/
July 18 - CFBA blog tour date (various blogs) http:///
July 18 - Cara Putman at Cara's Musings http://carasmusings.blogspot.com/
July 18 - Tyora Moody at CB Reviews http://www.faithwebbin.net/cbreviews
July 19 - Stacy Johnson at Vader's Mom http://jeffstacyandvader.blogspot.com
July 21 - Camy Tang at Camy's Loft http://camytang.blogspot.com/
July 21 - Jennifer AlLee at Musings on This, That & The Other Thing - http://jenniferallee.blogspot.com/
July 21 - Trish Perry (interview) at Reading, Writing and the Stuff In-Between http://www.trishperry.com/
July 22 - Cindy Woodsmall at the Plain Talk Blog http://www.cindywoodsmall.com/category/plain-talk/
July 23 - Delia Latham at The Melody Within (review/interview) http://themelodywithin.blogspot.com/
July 24 - Margaret Chind at Creative Madness http://cherryblossommj.blogspot.com/
July 25 - Delia Latham at The Melody Within (guest blogger) http://themelodywithin.blogspot.com/
July 25 - Christa Allan at Fictionary http://cballan.wordpress.com/
July 26 - Paula Moldenhauer at Grace Reign http://gracereign.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
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