Playing at "Leading Ladies" Play With Some Friends!

A wonderful lady friend of mine, Harriett, invited a bunch of our friends to a play called Leading Ladies with The Masquers! This event was held at the Capital Civic Center on 8^th Street in Manitowoc, Wisconsin on Wednesday, November 13. What a  chilly night it was and so like any other fall evening until it turned magical by the warm humor and companionship of friends.

Harriett had made reservations for us at the Courthouse Pub. This restaurant has a great reputation for providing terrific meals and a wonderful atmosphere!  We gathered around a huge table and chatted and enjoyed our dinners until it was time to walk over to the Civic Center.

Crowds gathered at the entrance and moved inside slowly. This place is so…old and classy and historic looking that it takes my breath away each time I come to an event here.

After we entered the auditorium we fussed over who was going to sit where and – where were those seats anyway! LOL! Once the lights dimmed and the  play began we found it was loaded with humor and the actors and actresses gave it their all.

At the close of the evening we all shared smiles and the “I’m so glad we got together – we need to do it again sometime!” comments. It's great to feel genuinely comfortable and safe with those you hang out with.  Are you taking time with your friends? And are you sharing a moment to be entertained by an event together or sipping coffee at a coffee shop or sitting  across from someone’s kitchen table?

We all need interaction, conversation, and hugs don't we? I hope you will meet with your cherished friends soon!  Don't let too much time slip by! Have any ideas?

LAKE MICHIGAN'S GLORIOUS SUNRISE

LAKE MICHIGAN'S GLORIOUS SUNRISE

I left early one morning and I drove past Lake Michigan on my way to pick up a student on 

our way to school. It was a beautiful morning, stunning really. Since I was early I stopped and took these photos. 

Somehow I knew that anyone who would stop in here to see these would appreciate them also. 

Oh the handiwork of the Lord! 

Thank you for stopping in... I hope these photos bring you encouragement

and make you grateful for the beauty and excellence that 

 can and is found on this beautiful earth.

Thank you for stopping by! I love to see you here! 

Kite Day at Neshotah Beach

My family and I stopped in at Neshotah Park's "Kite Day" at the beach. The crowds were relaxed and enjoying the many kites flying in the air as well as those flags decorating the beach.

Okay, I got creative here...you need only to turn your head a little to see these glorious wind-catching kites showing off for young and old!

The circle kite above was spinning...quite a site to enjoy! It was a cool day and Lake Michigan was very chilly. We were shocked that there were so many braving the frigged waters.

Then there were the land lovers who were building or just enjoying the sand models!

Here is the front view of these marvelous kites! Some I was told cost as much as $7,000.00! 

Some of these large flags were just exceptional!

I am notorious for cutting off heads...well this sea serpent didn't have a chance with my camera in hand! At least the turtle survived this shot!

Aren't these gorgeous!

Will the real Nemo stand up!!!!

As you can see is was a beautiful day and these bright kites were amazing. I'm sure that many were bought at our very own local shop called Unique Flying Objects which has a wonderful variety of kites. Thank you for stopping by. Let me know if you have a unique, colorful and annual event! I would love to hear about it!  

MY NEW WRITING BLOG
inkyquillbysuzie.blogspot.com

 

Greetings everyone!

I wanted to invite you to my new writing blog inkyquillbysuzie.blogspot.com! I have a wonderful book interview with Ruth Logan Herne concerning her book Loving the Lawman. This is also a book giveaway opportunity. Come and see what I thought about her book, what Ruthy has to say to her readers, and to sign-up for your chance at winning her book! As for myself I have been busy with my broken finger. I had an operation recently and now I’m in therapy to get my finger to bend. I’ve been working on getting my writers blog up. I have the name but no blog posts yet at my tailwagging friends blog. Hopefully that will be coming soon. I’m loving this summer but I’m wishing that it was warmer. Thank you for stopping in I look forward to hearing from you.

Blessings and joy to you,

Sue

Posting & Planning

Future posts…oh yes, I have so many in mind! Sometimes time is my opposition and challenge it seems.  Or, maybe my choices and lifestyle make ‘time’ my scapegoat for not getting more writing done?  I’m sure that some of you may relate to that also. I actually want to divvy up my subject matter though.  I wish to expand and contribute to one of my favorite subject passions….Leonbergers. Mine particularly. J  Porschea the Perfect Puppy has been such a loving distraction for my hubs and myself. I wish to add photos…experiences, and just plain old dog info for all my dog lovers out there!

Next ,I have to have a blog just for writing and devotions. I’d even like to include prayers that I pray or those I find that are inspired and inspiring. I’m also quite passionate about encouraging writers to write. You may have noticed this in my postings for our Pens of Praise Christian Writers Group. Discouragement is rife among the creative. But take heart….God smiles at our tenaciousness to follow that urge, dream, or some may call it their muse to express and encourage or entertain. For me, including a message with something the reader can take away is VIP.

And last but not least I wish to include a blog which is all about travels—mine and those I dream about. I’ll also include historical facts and important time periods that would be of interest to me... and who knows…maybe to you also. I certainly need to write more about our Disney trip and Williamsburg, VA! There are other places I can write about, come to think of it.

Those Tea Time Girl and sense of community events will also find their home here too.

The photo up above was taken yesterday when my hubby and I visited Calumet County Park in Hilbert, WI. I believe I will place this photo on my FB cover for all to see. Ha ha I just snuck away from this page and did that! I love to snatch some beauty to share with you when I’m on an outing!

Well, I’m feeling freer and more creatively inspired already. Having my blog being sooo dispersed among various subjects that I’m interested in has bound me up. Now, new ideas are popping inside my head…thoughts and views to share with you!!!!!!!!  I must pace myself though. My contemporary novel is almost completed with my last rewrites. I’m thrilled and always long to finish that precious-to-me work-in-progress or (WIP) as we writers call it! I’m chomping on the bit to organize and categorize my photos and information gleaned from the Williamsburg trip. Then it will be time to outline the historical I’ve had brooding in my heart! It will come in its time, as I live and work and write it all down. J I hope you will be patient with me as I orchestrate these changes. I’ve had you all in mind for so long …desiring to reorganize my blog into blogs that will allow you to find that take-away you came to find! 

Holy Tales ~Pens of Praise Devotion

Holy Tales ~Pens of Praise Devotion

By Susan Marlene Kinney

May 19, 2014

 

My heart is overflowing with a good theme; recite my composition concerning the King; My tongue is the pen of a ready writer. Psalm 45:1

 

It has been said that to copy someone is the highest form of a complement. By this, I believe, such attentiveness can show how much we esteem and venerate those we mimic. But sometimes we just miss the mark, get off track, and don’t copy well enough.

We are so much like God our Creator in our desire to spin out fabulous art and story. My goodness we were created in His image; but sometimes we copy what He expresses with a different emphasis in mind.

Fairy Tales, for instance, the few I’ve read, mimic the royalty and abundant, limitless riches many of us long for. These stories provide the impression that the damsel in distress is more beautiful, thus worth to be loved then the rest of those living in fairytale land. The prince views the incredible beautiful of Thumbelina or Sleeping Beauty or Cinderwench, {known as Cinderella.} and the prince is head-over-heals in LOVE with ‘her’ before their first conversation begins. Thumbelina even garners a marriage proposal from the King at their first meeting.

Thankfully, those tales gave the heroines nice personalities to match their uncommon beauty. I can’t get past thinking about the dirt caked under Cinderwench’s nails, calluses on her hands….But what about the rest of us? Where is my fairy god mother? Where is yours? Those lacking in the perfect completion, body shape, or favor…none of which we can be given any credit for or create—we can only alter a tad here or there and enhance by good grooming. Fairy Tales spark that awe in us and lead us right off track into carnal land. A land where those riches or favor are not obtainable, except for a few. These stories are not feasible or realistic. But the good news is that we have the call and the inspiration and the reality to write Holy Tales. They can inspire and make known the actual limitless love, forgiveness, grace, protection…..I believe you’re getting what I’m referring to now.

All these truths and qualities that relate others to our God.

Anyone up for writing a new genre?

Instead of locking insecurity and impossibilities inside our children’s minds with their early introduction to story, why don’t we inspire the realization of the obtainable excellence of growing in His grace, truth and relationship? Reward for being the person He destined us to be is real. He will watch over His word to perform it concerning us.  In God’s eyes everyone is important. We are loved and venerated by the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! We are made in His image! We need not settle for stories focused on carnal pleasures and unfulfilled dreams. We need only to fall in love with Him and follow His lead. The world looks for something tangible, materialistic, with strut-quality and don’t forget instant. Selfishness, greed, feeling entitled without working on a relationship with God or surrendering to Him seems to rule the day. Only when He rules our hearts will we know true and lasting joy. Are you willing to position your pen in the direction of Holy Tales to inspire young minds to follow Him into their true, obtainable

*HAPPY EVER AFTER*

?

Pens of Praise June Meeting

Pens of Praise

Christian Writers Group

Next meeting…

Monday, June, 16^th at 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

at

Faith Church

2201  42^nd Street, Manitowoc, WI  54220

§   Faith Church is located next to Festival Foods

§   Not far from the Manitowoc exit off Interstate 43

 

This month we are continuing to work on Holy Fairy Tales. We were challenged  last month to write our own short tale. We even learned something about fractured fairytales—thank you Kathy and Kate! Discussion ensued about writing a collection of our own Holy tales for children. If enough interest stirs up, we may even publish a book and give the money to charity.  So for the prompt why don’t you take a moment, brush off those pens, and take on this new challenge…use the words that follow to craft a unique-in your-own-genre Holy Tale…maybe even a Happily Ever After Tale!

• (a color of your choice)
• Intervention
• Attached
• Immediately
• Faith

 

You do NOT have to use these words in order. You do not have to use them at all, but it would be more fun to compare how differently our stories come out if we give these words a try. Remember what we’ve learned about short stories and tension and twists! Now, let’s have some fun!

Disclaimer: Warning you may end up loving to write!

SPLICKETY LOVE 1.2 & WELCOME

 

Greetings all! I’m pleased to show you the cover for the latest Splickety Love 1.2 magazine! I’ve read quotes from the stories in this addition and I was thrilled and impressed! There was not even one that I didn’t like. In fact, I’m happy to announce that I also have a story published in this magazine. The name of my short story is called Welcome. Here is the quote the editors shared on FB and Pinterest!

 

I’ve prayed for Christian media for years and now I’m excited to be a part of it! If you happen to desire to download a copy from Splickety magazine you may do so at http://splicketymagazine.com/subscribe/

Or

If you can order a hard copy—like old fashioned me—I would love for you to return and leave a comment about how you liked the Splickety experience!

Splickety * Splickety Love * Havoc

Are the magazines which are available for you….

Pens of Praise Christian Writer's Group

Pens of Praise

Christian Writer's Group

Next meeting…

Monday, May, 19^th at 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

at

Faith Church

2201  42^nd Street, Manitowoc, WI  54220

§   Faith Church is located next to Festival Foods

§   Not far from the Manitowoc exit off Interstate 43

 

Fairy Tales, fairy tales, and nursery rhymes galore...But what if there were tales with angel’s wings and wisdom born of holiness; as well as tales with moral fiber and intrigue that would demand courage? Okay you have convinced me—let’s do it Penzers! I will lead a teaching inspired not only by Rapunzel, Jack and the Beanstalk, Red Riding Hood, and Beauty and the Beast, but also from the vibrant, moral integrity and adventures found in the crisp pages of the Bible.

Prompt – Peek inside some childhood books and peruse a few of your favorite stories. Then bravely write one of your own.  Some of the Fairy Tales I found were only two pages long.  Let us aim for that length.  Or, if you prefer nursery rhymes and only need one page that is fine also.

Disclaimer: Warning you may end up loving to write!

Visit a local shop and bring your coffee or cappuccino with you.

Let us know if you’re attending so that we can save a seat just for you.

If you have questions or concerns leave a comment.

God’s blessings upon you as you write for His glory!

MAGNOLIA MANOR BED & BREAKFAST INN -- WILLIAMSBURG, VA

After my sister and I left the superb elegance of Monticello, Virginia we drove almost another two hours to a charming bed-and-breakfast called Magnolia Manor in Williamsburg, Virginia. With the Garmin as our navigator, we had no difficulty finding our bed-and-breakfast at the corner of Richmond Road and Dillard. We had driven all day, so both of us were weary and eager to relax in the comfort of our room.

We entered through the back door and we were immediately impressed by the charming décor. A fireplace rested to our right and an elongated table stretched out before us. A doorway opened to our left, which led into a public living room. There was another fireplace and cozy couches and refreshments of coffee, cookies, and water available to those visiting. Also, books lounged in bookcases for those thirsty of mind. We then followed the steps to our room, which was called the Gardenia Suite.

As we pushed open the door and could not have been more pleased!

I just experienced a victory sweet reader! Yes, I figured out how to get a photo from my email to the photo file, so that I could apply it to this blog post! If you knew me, you would realize what a grand victory that is indeed! Originally, I had planned to point you to the WEB  page where you could see the fireplace photo displayed. Magnolia Manor's webpage. http://www.magnoliamanorwmbg.com/



 

The bed was  huge and enviable since it was the type you hope to find at the end of a weary journey.   We've never experienced a more comfortable mattress on a vacation. There was an actual stepstool which could be used to climb onto that tall mattress and when we spied it we laughed out loud! Truth be told we both agreed that if we had only stayed in these rooms for the duration it would have been a very pleasant visit indeed!

Our host prepared wonderful breakfasts and all the visitors sat together at the long table in the dinning area. Each morning we met and  conversed with new visitors. People from California, New York, West Virginia, Virginia and maybe a couple of other locations also seemed quite happy with their rooms and care.

If I were asked if I would ever revisit the Magnolia Manor Bed and Breakfast Inn in Williamsburg, VA I would heartily agree!

Magnolia Manor Bed and Breakfast Inn

700 Richmond Road

Williamsburg, VA 23185

757-220-9600

http://www.magnoliamanorwmbg.com/

Scott and Jennifer

Inkeeper/owners

Thomas Jefferson's MONTICELLO

 

Gentle fresh air, birdsong and the green of spring welcomed us as my sister and I swung our car doors wide to begin our visit at Jefferson’s precious Monticello. No wonder he loved this haven, which still is unspoiled and tucked away from the world and strife. A place he and his lovely wife and family could enjoy and flourish. His love for studying new inventions and reading books thrilled my heart. In fact his, “I cannot live without books.” is the quote written on my new mouse pad. It is a worthy saying that I can relate to and appreciate all the days of my life!

We began our tour by watching the movie informing us about Jefferson’s life and facts about Monticello.

 

Then we climbed the steps to board the bus for the short drive to Monticello...



 

 



Our tour guide was patient, informative and quite interesting. He answered our questions and kept us moving along at a very pleasing pace.

 

   My very favorite rooms were the hall, the parlor, dining room and tea room. Monticello's cellar passage lead to a museum, which we enjoyed. What a wonderful step back into a time so different from our own. It was all glorious and well maintained. Truely lovely.

 

 

I had never considered what grief and troubles Jefferson and his family had suffered. Nor his intellegence and zest for life and inventions. Thomas Jefferson was not a perfect man, but he was an interesting one. He was inportant in the formation of the government that we enjoy now. The information provided via film and tour guide gripped my interest and altered my opinion of the Colonial era forever. I just about whistle when I think of how we almost missed this visit altogether.

 

Monticello was a stop off on our way to Williamsburg and not our main focus. I considered excluding this from my plans, but Terry and Cyndie Rhodes, friends of mine, urged me to include it in my agenda for studying Colonial times. If I had a choice of whether to visit again or not...I would and I'd include the visits to the gardens and the gravesites. I would linger longer and savor the peace and beauty of this wonderful piece of history preserved for our inspection.

 If your looking for a friendly, interesting and benificial place to visit I urge you to consider Monticello. www.monticello.org  I think you will be glad that you did. I know we were!

 

 

 



 

 

 

PENS OF PRAISE

CHRISTIAN WRITER’S GROUP

Next meeting – New Info       Monday 6:30 p.m.  April 21^st

at

FAITH CHURCH

2201 42^ND Street, Manitowoc, WI  54220

Faith Church is located next to Festival Foods

Not far from the Manitowoc exit off Interstate 43

This month’s teaching, “Your Writer’s Voice,” is taught by our very own Becky McLafferty. Becky writes at her blog. “Country Breezes” at http://www.countrymemoriesfarm.com/ and you can find her on FaceBook as Becky McLafferty. She is also Co-founder of Pens of Praise Christian Writer’s Group and she hosts the Country Memories Farm - Christian Writer’s Conference each year. Come and learn about this important topic…after all, no one can write like you can! Do you know what is unique about your writer’s voice?  The devotion will be given by our very own Debby Erdmann, who published the devotional called, “The Inside Scoop on God,” Not only can Debby provide a wonderful devotion, but she bakes as well. J She will bring treats to make a sweet meeting among writers--sweeter still!

 

The prompt is, “I couldn’t believe my eyes…”

Write poetry, short story, or memoire in any genre of your choice. You may share for around five minutes. Also, bring a page from your latest work in progress if you’d like some fresh ears and eyes for a gentle critique. We are a safe place to share, learn, and grow.

Let us know if you are attending, so that we will have a seat ready just for you! This allows us to set up enough seats before our meeting begins.

Visit a local coffee shop or bring some home brewed coffee or tea along with you.

Warning!!! You may end up LOVING to write!

 

God’s blessings upon you as you write for His glory!

 

 

 



In the End

 

Pens of Praise March 8, 2014

By Susan Marlene Kinney

 

The purposes of a man’s heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out.

Proverbs 20:14

Also, a writer of understanding draws out the timeworn cares and ambitions of men. Every form of fear, greed, and desire, written into our tales, snag the reader’s attention and take him on a mind bending adventure. We relate because our wounded hearts have concerns, which have given us pause. But there is a tantalizing hope that most of us endeavor to pursue. Rewards of joy, peace, unconditional love, faithfulness, even riches seem to beckon us to seek for them over the crest of the next hill. Sometimes we raced down the trail leading to thieves who would strip us of every shred of hope, if we would just lay down and give up. Sometimes we trudge a wayward pace because of impatience or misunderstandings, but all too often rebellious selfishness is guiding our fickle feet.

All a man’s ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the Lord.

Proverbs 16:1

Motives thicken plots and move the story along. Jesus spoke about men’s motives in his parables. He knew how powerful story could be to anyone listening. The life-changing qualities of story have influenced all of our lives at one time or another. But there have been far too many stories written or made into movies which use their influence negatively. These stories waste our time by sharing no real moral value or degrade and smudge virtue in any way that they can.

But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its creator.

Colossians 3:8 - 9

Come Holy Spirit, I need you. Come Sweet Spirit, I pray for your guidance to write stories that matter. To write stories which reveal the greatness of Father God’s virtue and his love and his power. Oh to write stories illustrating the salvation of our God!

The Lord works out everything for his own ends — even the wicked for a day of disaster.

 Proverbs 16:4

Though there are evil men with evil plans, the Lord has the last say. Everything that happens is under God’s control. Don’t we become stronger because of our trials? We’ve even become more courageous and loving in spite of the hardships and imperfections littering this world. But He equips us...

For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.

Luke 21:15

When all is said and done, it will be time for those characteristics of our Lord to pop out on our pages waving the victory flag. His incredible strength infuses unexpected beauty and hooks our emotions because He was the one we were searching for all along. He is the greatest love story. He is the greatest victor. He is the most powerful warrior. He creates all things holy and beautiful and divine. One fine day our feet will pad their way down the streets of gold. Let’s write stories that will aid others to find their way home to the Lover of Their Soul.

He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end…”

Revelation 21:6 a

PENS OF PRAISE March Meeting

 

PENS OF PRAISE

Christian Writers Group

Next meeting…

Saturday, March, 8   at 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

at

Faith Church

2201  42^nd Street, Manitowoc, WI  54220

§   Faith Church is located next to Festival Foods

§   Not far from the Manitowoc exit off Interstate 43

During our March meeting we will explore the topic of page turning chapter endings, taught by Susan Kinney.

Our featured author who inspired this lesson is Sharon Dunn. She taught an excellent class at an ACFW Conference on this very topic. Sharon Dunn writes romantic suspense and humorous mysteries. Please look Sharon up on sharondunnbooks.net. She shares links, her books, and a writer’s corner at this WEB address. Sharron is an award winning playwright and short story writer.

Our prompt for March is: Write your excellent ending. Whether you write poetry, a one page short story, or article, please experiment on your ending. Use surprise, a question, or vow or anything your imagination can run with, which makes your reader long for more!

Warning you may end up loving to write!

Pens of Praise Christian Writers Group sponsored the Bulamu Mama Children’s Village Essay Contest. These orphans from Uganda spilled their hearts on the pages  for the prompt, “How I Will Change the World.” These young men and women were such a blessing to those of us who read their generous thoughts. Thank you to all who participated with judging and or financing this contest. THANK YOU to all who were involved!

Visit a local shop and bring your coffee or cappuccino with you.

Let us know if you’re attending so we can save a seat just for you.

We look forward to seeing you there! May God bless you richly and always as you write for His glory!



PENS OF PRAISE February Meeting

Pens of Praise

Christian Writers Group

Next meeting…

Saturday, February 8th  at 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

at

Faith Church

2201  42^nd Street, Manitowoc, WI  54220

§   Faith Church is located next to Festival Foods

§   Not far from the Manitowoc exit off Interstate 43

 

Our prompt for February is:

Dreams of great deeds are only dreams unless you…

We invite you to share a five minute sample of your work in progress. Pens is a safe, friendly environment. You are not required to bring writings to attend the meeting.

We may share a book report on a novel or a “how to” for writing!

Warning you may end up loving to write!

Pens is sponsoring the Bulamu Mama Essay Contest for the youth who live in Bulamu Mama Children’s orphanage in Uganda. All who wish to participate with judging the twenty essays for the FEBRUARY MEETING will pre-read them and then pick out their top three favorites. At the meeting we will read the favored essays and then vote for first, second, and third prize winners.

For whatever time is left over we will allow those who want to share their work in progress with our group. This is a safe place to share and grow!

ATTENTION: Let Debby Erdmann know if you are interested in judging these essays at theerdmanns@msn.com .

Visit a local shop or bring your coffee or cappuccino with you.

Let us know if you’re attending so we can save a seat just for you.If you have questions or concerns call Becky McLafferty at (920)758-9196 or e-mail her at mclafferty@lakefield.net or call Susan Kinney at (920)242-3631 or e-mail her at susanmarlenekinney@gmail.com.

We look forward to seeing you there! May God bless you richly and always as you write for His glory!