Welcome Back to the School Year

I work for the school district and I must say they are accommodating!  I so appreciate that 

our school district entertains us for our welcome back. I would have shared these 

photos of Lincoln's stage and the Blues Brothers Theme earlier but

it has been so very busy! 

I'm grateful for so many things about my job. I work with an excellent teacher and 

the staff at Lincoln is supportive too. The students know that the GED 02 Program

is there last chance for a high school diploma, so many of them who would

have dropped out end up graduating instead. We have around at least 80% or more

success rate! 

It is wonderful to work with such great people and to have fun while we are revving up

to go back to school each year. It puts a good spin on the challenges and 

opportunities that the new year will present. 

I'm grateful for my job and those who surround me. I hope that you are also! 

Gratitude makes life sweeter....

wouldn't you agree? 

SIDEWALK VACATION BIBLE CLUB

This summer event lasted for a week. We enjoyed skits, prayer walks, 

bible stories, songs and crafts! I was impressed by

the kids. They are talented and precious.

They also really enjoyed the interaction with 

grateful hearts! 

We lavished love on this friendly puppy for one day. And praised the Lord each day!

Have you ever heard about the Flipper Flapper? Well, this was my

first experience with learning and using it. I don't have it 

pictured here so no--you are not crazy or blind! :)

What a lively group and I'm so thankful for Patty B. and her help! All the 

helpers were so amazing! We needed each helper and

their special talents and smiles.

When it was all said and done...Jesus was there. He was there the whole time.

The Lord granted us great weather. In spite of the rain last week,

we didn't have the deluge during our events. Every time we 

had a need for a person, a craft item, water or batteries...

they were supplied. 

Also, physical healing and emotional encouragement took place.

All in His name... the name of Jesus!

Volunteering - What's So Good About It?

Volunteering ..could it be for you or me?

Do you have some extra time on your hands lately? Are you feeling lonely,

purposeless and adrift?

Let's think about volunteering for a moment.

 Their is a list of reasons scrolling across my mind that support finding that 'special 

something' you can do and that matches your very own interests. Considering the possibilities...

how would you feel about investing your time in the lives of children or elderly

in your community? How about historical places or the library? 

You have a special talent or interest that makes your heart sing. 

What would that be? Cooking, artwork or crafts?

How about writing, singing, music or maybe you have the gift of gab? Okay, that 

is enough already...you know what interest you have pursued during

your day to day... or maybe it has been hidden away dormant 

and it waits to be expressed and developed. 

Volunteering isn't just for the other guy...I believe you will find fulfillment and your

interests and the skills that you enjoy will be beautified and

most importantly...shared with grateful hearts.

I challenge you this day to find someplace new..

a place that will encourage your

heart to sing a new tune!

Volunteer and strengthen and connect with your community!

And I dare you to tell me about it! 

Car Show in Manitowoc!

 

I just love a good car show! I was told that these cars started in

Manitowoc and drove to Two Rivers for this event. When you consider the

time and expertise that went into fixing these beauties... 

 

When I was in high school my father bought me  a Grand Sport Convertible for $300.00.

 That car was like a Sherman Tank and could drive anywhere. I never had trouble

cruising on Pennsylvania roads in the winter...potholes and all!

Until I got a regular car -- the newer and improved version-- I didn't understand why

people spun off the side of the road or couldn't climb an icy hill.

Or drive down one without sliding...

 

But, I'd not want to pay for the gas that car would eat up these days. What a shame when

it was rear-ended and the back was crushed. This happened when I was parked

in a parking lot and it was the first dusting of snow.

But that is another story!

 

 

I really love older cars. The style and class and workmanship

they put into these modes of transportation is amazing!

 

If I could have my pick of all of these, it would be this green car!

I'm sorry I don't know what it's called...I just like it!

 

 

My son-in-law and Aria like this one!

 

But I think Aria and I would settle for this one!

Enjoy your family, make some memories and laugh a lot!

Green Bay's New Zoo

We enjoyed a wonderful time at Green Bay's New Zoo! The family shared laughter and

made some good memories too. Isn't that what it's all about!

This isn't a huge zoo, but we were entertained by every creature. The goats

really enjoyed the food Aria gave them! 

We'd never met a giraffe before so up-close and personal! How fun to feed them also. God has 

quite the sense of humor when He made such diverse creations!

I love the small pool areas they have here and there. Very calming! 

I didn't think my grandsons would enjoy the New Zoo as much as they 

did. If you're looking for something relaxing and fun for your family and friends to do-- visit your local zoo and feed a few residents! They won't mind you stopping in at all! 

Treasure family times together!

At the first inkling of spring I stopped at the Michigan lake shore to snap a few photos

that would encourage me as the days bounced from cold to slightly warm to 

cold to colder and colder yet!

Different groups of wonderful souls take time out of their lives to

add touches of beauty to our shores.

I applaud them!

I don't know them by name, but their 

handiwork is easy to admire. 

I will be adding more shots from the stunning shores of Lake Michigan 

and I hope you will find them as beautiful and inspiring as I do.

These are just the beginning!

Those who go down to the sea in ships, who do business on great waters, 

they see the works of the Lord, and His wonders in the deep. For He commands and

 raises the stormy wind, which lifts up the waves of the sea. Psalm 107:23 -  25

Going For a Walk One Day!

We were making some memories and taking some exercise together recently. Porschea our perfect 

dog--though I love to call her a puppy--really enjoys interacting with children. Her size and exuberance with greeting sometimes causes children to want to back off. 

Recently we were at a public event with our granddaughter and family. She wanted to pet some

dogs that were there. They were so uninterested in being pet by a baby. 

That made me appreciate our Porschea all the more!

She is such a love...

Do you have a special pet or a memory of some extraordinary attention from an animal? 

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!