Saturday, June 30, 2012

Leonbergers a Breed Apart




Leonbergers are intelligent, large, loving companions. If you want a dog who desires spending time with you and needs to take long walks— this is the dog for you. I’m amazed at the graceful stride our puppy uses during our adventures. It’s true she lumbers along when running but her walk is a class act. She is exceptionally friendly and yet there is already a protectiveness shining through. When a Leonberger barks anyone will stop and take notice. They do not bark often but when they do it counts. The deep grumblely grow of our Leonberger, when she is ‘talking’ to us, is enormously entertaining for my husband and myself. She knows she pleases us when she talks that way and does it more for our sakes.

If you’re in the market for a canine companion and you don’t mind a huge, harry, playful, intelligent, somewhat messy puppy I would highly recommend a Leonberger. They are AKC listed if that is important to you also.

About the photos…  

This is Porschea, our young Leonberger. She turned a year old last February 2012 and is now in the neighborhood of 125 pounds. The first photo represented here shows Porschea's playful nature. If there is nothing around to play with, she will create fun on her own.  The towel she stole from my kitchen countertop was her lure to get my attention and play the Bandit Game. Porschea’s goal is to capture my attention and then run a wild chase around and under the dining room table as she keeps an object, I deeply desire, out of my reach. This time I ignored her and she followed me into the living room just to make sure that I saw her treasure and that I would recognize it as my own.



The second photo is Porschea tired out and enjoying the afternoon sunshine sparkling through the trees just before she dropped off to sleep. Dreaming about chasing rabbits and squirrels is another favorite pass time. I do maintain a secure hold on her leash when we walk because she has  a quick eye and would love to take up hunting as a pastime.  


Super Fiction Book Report


Chasing Sunsets by Eva Marie Everson
I just finished an excellent novel by a gifted writer. Eva Marie Everson’s choice of words and pacing keeps the reader enthralled with what is happening to her characters. She touches on some deeply painful issues with feather soft brush strokes. These issues do not overwhelm the main thread of the story, but certainly add depth, which pulls at the heartstrings of the reader. This is a novel I would recommend for any reader who would enjoy a romantic escape of second chances and who can handle the painful experiences of secondary characters as well as a painful revelation for the main character. These secondary characters add zest to this plot as they influence the main character in various ways. I rate this book as a…

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED READ

Thank you for stopping by!

Monday, June 25, 2012

Cucumber Ice Water and Porschea


Porschea the perfect puppy and I took a walk around 6:30 A.M. this morining. She seemed needy when we got back and I KNOW she alwasy loves a dip in her baby pool. So I brought out the sprinkler and let her play. After that she got a tad whiny. So I  made myself some cucumber ice water (no sugar! ) and place my computer on our table so that I could enjoy the great outdoors with her. She is soaked from playing and content now that I'm near. I got some more writing and research done on my new novel. A very satisfying day...

Relax and make yourself some cucumber ice water and enjoy the sunshine!

Saturday, June 23, 2012

A Quality Writers Conference – WRITE TO PUBLISH



What do you look for in a Christian writer’s conference? Are numbers of attendees and professional staff important? There are other elements of a conference to consider such as: the teaching offered, agent or editor appointments available, and worship.  How about the location?

Well I’m happy to report that the Write To Publish conference, held on the Wheaton College campus in Illinois, is a fabulous place to learn, connect, and be inspired. The staff is exceptional; the personal touch is heartfelt, and motivating. If anyone wants to become a published author this is the conference, which will assist them to take the necessary steps leading to larger goals and dreams.

Almost two hundred writers of different genres attended. The campus atmosphere was warm and welcoming. Professional staff and fellow published writers were truly interested in aiding newer writers with an unhurried and generous attitude. The teachings were informative, encouraging and professional. I couldn’t have asked for more. I took advantage of the agent appointments and was so pleased at the relaxed, friendly, yet professional time spent.

One powerful message I heard at this conference will always stick with me. “If God has giving you something to write, how dare you keep it to yourself.” If you have a burning desire to write, then do so with His leading, with skill, and excellence! 

Always write for His Glory!!  


Saturday, June 16, 2012

Treasure


Pens of Praise Prompt

May 8, 2010   © Susan Marlene Kinney  & June  9, 2012

Treasure.  What comes to mind when you hear that word?  Could it be buried treasure from pirate lore?  Stacks of gold and precious jewelry piled in an ornate trunk and hidden in a cave on some unknown island, which has been cloaked with mystery for decades. Could your specific treasure be a nice fat bank account in Switzerland or the Cayman Islands where our government cannot tax the total?  As I contemplated what I could consider my treasure to be, I was struck with the simplicity and splendor of my ideal treasure.

At first numerous ideas poured through my mind as I dug through the unlocked volts of remembered treasures—there were many to consider.  Maybe it was not such a wonderful trait to be so grateful for everything since it complicated my life at the moment. I needed just one treasure to write about for this prompt. My heart pounded when I realized the time was past 7:30 this morning already and I needed to be at our writers group at 10:00.  Then I landed on the perfect treasure to share with you.

The treasure of “Moments Shared “seemed to bear a common thread throughout all the people, places, and memories I’ve valued so dearly. Yes, memories shared with God, family, friends, and pets.  There have been priceless quiet moments while I studied Gods word or saw impossible situations changed by prayer.  Loving moments with a dog, cat or bird who had wormed their way into my heart. Encouraging friends who told me they prayed for me and mine when I had never told them my great need. Family who live with me and love me still. Treasures, yes one and all were treasures and I didn’t know which one to pick until I realized that they were all moments shared.  Fabulous moments shared with those who have passed from this life and those who are very constant in my life now.  The day to day attention and love the Lord shares with others and with me.  Yes my valued treasure is moments shared and I’m grateful for the ones I’ve shared with you!