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!


Tuesday, May 22, 2012

April and May - Months to Remember


Greetings all!

April and May have been extremely busy! Debby Erdmann’s The Inside Scoop on God’s  book sighing was absolutely wonderful!  Debby was the perfect hostess and book signer! Jenn’s Java was filled with excitement and the hum of the cappuccino machines! One couple traveled from Marquette MI, to Manitowoc, WI to purchase some of her devotion books and they were not disappointed!  

I’ve been working on two WIP (Work in Progress) manuscripts and enjoying every moment of my writing adventures. Suzie May Warren’s and Rachel Hauck’s Deep and Wide and Inside Out as well as Michael Hauge & Christopher Vogler’s DVD’s on the Hero’s 2 Journeys have become my close companions. I’ve been applying the plotting techniques and enjoying the results. When I say it is an adventure to write – it really is! I’m even enjoying  the plotting and story in movies more because I can appreciate the plot strategies and twists and turns.

Porschea our—perfect Leonberger puppy— accomplished her bandit techniques and stole some dried out thistles I had placed on the table. She leaves the items on the table alone but of course had to go after the thistles! She was sick the next day throwing up and mopping around. As soon as I got off work I put her 125 pounds in the car and took off for the vet’s. He was gracious and available and was able to look her over. She was fine in his estimation but he gave her some pills and a shot and then recommended a mild dog food for a few days. She LOVED  the food because it was can food. Yep, she is spoiled now and kibble is the less desirable menu option. She and I are enjoying our walks and play once again. We are getting back on track day by day with TLC! 

Well I’ve run on long enough. I have two months worth of stories to tell and I would really rather hear about yours!! What say you?????






Thursday, May 10, 2012

Pens of Praise


Pens of Praise
Christian Writers Group

NEWS FLASH– OUR VERY OWN DEBBY ERDMANN IS HOSTING HER BOOK SIGNING FOR HER DEVOTIONAL THE INSIDE SCOOP ON GOD.

Come to Jenn’s Java to pick up a copy!

Great gift for Mom or ….for you!

Next meeting…

Saturday, May 12    10:00 am – 12:00 pm

at

Faith Church

2201  42nd Street, Manitowoc, WI  54220

§   Faith Church is located next to Festival Foods

§   Not far from the Manitowoc exit off Interstate 43
 

The teaching for May 12th is

See It Smell It”

By author Gail Sattler

Check out Gail Sattler’s books at-

http://www.mennoniteromancenovel.com/index.cfm/page/authornotes.html

We enjoyed the three quarters of her teaching from the ACFW Conference in April. We will continue this excellent teaching on how to write the five senses in May.

Bring a short sample of an excellent or poor use of the senses to share with Pens from a writing you have enjoyed recently. All genres welcome.

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

*WARNING LOOK OUT*

These teachings can sharpen and improve the skills needed for any genre.

You are welcome to bring your latest work in progress for a five-minute reading.

This is not required to attend the meeting.
 
Remember - 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!

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Hubby/ Trains/ Tranquility

My hubby and I’ve been shopping for train “stuff” this past weekend. Such items as greenery for foliage, buildings where trains off-load goods, an airbrush, and paint. I also purchased a package of non-painted people. These N –Scale people will be challenging to paint. I will defiantly make use of the magnifying glass and tailored points of paintbrushes in order to detail then with precision!

My hubby is developing various levels for the track to run. A boring flat scene with no distinction or variety of hills or mountains or valleys will not be in our design. He has much of the cork and track on the upper level placed and glued already. He will connect the wiring soon.  Once the electricity is connected it will be time to attend to the scenery. He has been reading about techniques and tips from train magazines and instructive short video clips on-line. This stage of our scenes construction will be time consuming. It will be fun to see our imaginary worlds develop and expand.

The airbrush is a wonderful tool. It has been literally decades since I’ve used one. Won’t it be interesting to see if I have lost my touch or not!  My husband has to look for a connecter for our airbrush and the air compressor we already own.  Then I suppose I will find out the answer to that question. In some ways it seems like this is pulling together quickly and in other ways it feels as though it is taking forever to assemble!! I’m proud of the efforts and attention my husband is giving toward this project.  Oh, to see our grandson’s eyes when they view the imaginary lands as the trains equipped with sound and smoke pull their weight up along the bends and gradual slopes from one level to the other. Hopefully, experiencing this miniature train world will help those viewing this display feel like they took a step back to quieter times almost making time stand still. We need to pause, take a breath, and be grateful for our blessings and spend quiet moments of restful repose. I think our train world could give us a taste of tranquil old time feelings!

Easter Victory Day

Good Easter Victory Day to all of you and here is wishing you a fabulous year filled with His presence and love!

To think of His blessings He poured down upon us by His unselfish act- He gave Himself for us. Only He could accomplish that. May you be blessed as He would want you to be. May you have great appreciation for His love and grace and favor in your life.

May you honor Him all the days of your life!

Mega blessings and joy!

Sue

Sunday, March 18, 2012

LAKE MICHIGAIN MARCH 2012

I admired Lake Michigan on my way to Pen’s Christian Writers Group in March. The wind kicked up clean and strong, its influence unhindered by invisibility.  It actually took my breath away.  The strapping power impossible to see yet especially impossible to ignore. The edge of its pathway could not be measured. Waters and trees moved under its presence.
The photo above this line is my favorite of the bunch. It was so bright, the wind so swift that I squinted and guessed at each shot. I have to give the camera full credit for the images seen here. The moods of Lake Michigan are wonderous and impressive!

Every angle I spied filled me with awe!
Our writers group attendees gathered early that day, all lined up and ready to go before my arrival. They good-naturedly accepted my apology and said ahhhh and oooh  at the right time as they viewed these photos!