There’s a lot about Mondays that I’m celebrating at the moment: it’s a fresh start, and I’m all about starting over. 
I am one of those annoying people who truly believe in the old saying, “try, try again.”
Just recently, I realized I was on a slippery slope, headed for another cycle of depression. The signs were always there, I suppose, but I’ve just begun learning to read them. Here’s what happens:
One by one, I stop doing things that I KNOW are good for me–exercising, reading my devotionals in the morning, meditating–all these things are indications that I’m shutting down, retreating into that little room in my head. It’s a dark and lonely place that room,–no windows, no fresh air.
Am I going to let that happen?
HECK, no!!!!
I’ve received a God-memo, you see. DEAR LINDA, it reads, YOU HAVE CHOICES.
Today, the sky is benediction-blue, and the trees the greenest green, and I’m here to see it. Hallelujah!
I can walk, talk and breathe. I get to write stories for a living! How amazing is that???
Speaking of stories, my new book, “Big Sky Wedding” is coming out tomorrow, and I’m so excited!
Also, there’s a new contest beginning today–two winners will receive signed copies of “Big Sky Wedding”. Just comment, that’s all you have to do to enter. Jenni will contact the winners on Thursday, and I’ll announce their names on Friday.
The weekend was a quiet one–just what I needed. Hope yours was wonderful, too.
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Linda, you are wise to have learned those signs and make different choices. Bless you . . .
I am soooo excited about the new book coming out!
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LINDA!!!!
You can’t be depressed! It’s only 101 days to NFR!! I just got my trip all booked last week. Maybe a wild Rodeo Vegas 24/10 after party is in order!! Let’s hear about your signings there that week!! See you there my Friend!! 101 days and counting!
Hee-ha!
Jim (your cowboy Friend from WNFR 2011)
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Linda ny wifehas read all of ur books atleast 4 times she is just waitting for big sky wedding she just loves ur work keep it up
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I just love reading Linda Lael Miller’s books. She is a very good author and I always look forward to reading her other books. I hope I am able to win*** Thanks.
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Good Morning Linda,
I am soooooo happy Big Sky Wedding is coming out. I just re-read Big Sky Summer for the 4th time, I love the Series and gotta love Walker! I hope it will continue a while longer after Big Sky Wedding.
Darlene
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WOW good thing I just finished a book last nigth and did not start another one – I thought is was coming out next Tuesday!! YAY!!
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I am so ready to read the ‘Big Sky Wedding’.
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Linda:
Glad you got “the memo” and that you are feeling better. Will keep you in our prayers and can’t wait for the rest of the “Big Sky” series to be released!
Happy Day to all!
Andrea
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My daughter and I picked up Big Sky Wedding at the grocery store yesterday. They just happened to have it out and we couldn’t wait to get our hands on it. What better way to spend a glorious Sunday evening sitting on the porch reading with my child. Even though she is grown we both love to read and we have a passion about cowboys. We read together every chance we get. Thank you Linda for giving us our “cowboy” fix. You are absolutely our most favorite author in the world!!!!
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Hello Linda…. I totally understand the whole depression thing. I have been battling with it since my early 20s and since I’m in my early 50s now, that seems like a long time. ( That’s why I included it as a chapter in my book.) And it can sneak up on you slowly. The positive attitude you have in your blogs is refreshing… thanks!
Terry R.
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Would love to have a signed copy of the new book. I just love all your books and I’m working on all the ones I haven’t found yet. Thank goodness for your website! !! Wonderful blessings to you.
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Love your books! Hope I am a winner!!
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Love your books! Hope I am a winner!
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Darn, new book coming our TOMORROW, I was at Sam’s Club yesterday looking for it, knew it was due out soon, just missed it by a couple of days. Another trip to Sam’s, and I always spend money there, can’t get out under $100.00. Oh well, I want that book!!!!!! Wishing you and yours “Happy Trails”
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P.S. Big Sky Wedding was awesome… your fans won’t be disappointed!
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OOOPS!! That’s supposed to be “coming OUT tomorrow”. Fingers don’t work fast enough to keep up with my mind, lol.
Have a good one!!
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Happy you won’t let yourself slide down, Linda. I’ve been there, too, & never want to return! Looking forward to Big Sky Wedding, & then Secrets! Tell us of the new series you’re writing about? Set in WY, you said, but what’s the name of the first book? Well, maybe you don’t decide that until you’re into writing it? It’s gonna be a great week, y’all
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Yay for you! I cycle in and out of that dark room in depression, so I understand! That’s very encouraging that you are overcoming it!
Congrats on the new release!!
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Wishing you all the best with tomorrow’s release! I love this series!!
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As far as I can tell, I may be one of the few men who read your books. So far in the past two years I have read 28 of them and enjoyed them all very much. Right now reading the one about the Christmas brides. Wish you the best and many more years of fine novels.
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Been reading you like forever, not going to stop either. Back to it Lady.
♥
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I am waiting anxiously for tomorrow so I can get Big Sky Wedding.
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I’m still waiting for something good to happen on a Monday, Linda! Maybe next week — going to a street fair near my hometown with my hubby!
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I am counting the hours till Brylee’s story. I am sure we all go through depression but knowing it is another thing. Glad you know what triggers can be changed.
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How amazing would a signed book be!!!! Thanks for the chance to win
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So looking forward to Big Sky Wedding!!!!!!
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Linda-
I’m so looking forward to Big Sky wedding. Love all your books.
I’m a huge fan!! Keep the books coming. I get so involved with the people, I can’t wait to see what happens next.
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Dear Linda, I just want to let you know that you are not alone. I can so identify with you. I am only 58 yrs old and disabled. I find that when I forget to read my bible and talk to God I get so down because of my disabilities. But then I remember my Al Anon devotions and my bible. And I get up and am able to move with The Grace of God. I will not allow my disabilities to hold me back I am going to be ok and so will you. Just know that you are not alone in your fight with depression. We are in this together in God’s eyes and we are always in His Hands. I love you and all that you do for me and others. Liz
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I am looking forward to the new book–Big Sky Wedding. I have all your books. You have been my favorite author for 20 years or so. I would really like to win something . Thank you.
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Excited for this new book!
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Looking forward to you new book. I still think on some of your classics like Banner O’Brian….They got me hooked.
God bless you and keep on, keeping on.
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Can’t type I see. Busy weekend at our county fair showing my horse. lol
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Thank you for your honest and uplifting blogs! They always provide me with a chuckle, and hope for a good day! I so enjoy your writing and am looking forward to so many more stories!
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I’ll be checking the store shelves for Big Sky Wedding tomorrow. Everyone you see on Fridays is always telling each other “Have a good weekend”. I do remember those days of almost living for the weekends, but I guess age makes you appreciate the whole week (every day) more. So, hope you and everyone reading this blog has a good, happy week.
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Seeing Mondays as a fresh start is a wonderful way to look at the week ahead…until the weekend comes at least. Only if my Mondays wouldn’t start out with having to look back at what happened last week, then it could truly be a fresh start. Great words of encouragement.
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Linda, I just love your outlook on life! You’re such a positive person. May God bless you today!
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Thanks so much for ur books. I love them and look forward to ur new book. I love cowboys.
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Thank you for being real, it offers encouragement to many of us fans! Fan from Texas that counts my blessings every day!
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So glad you’re looking on the bright side of things Linda! The dark side is not for us and hooray your book is finally coming out! Onwards and upwards!! All the best.
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Love your books !! Can hardly to read your new one. So very glad you received that memo from God. He really dose have all the answers. He always helps me make it through the day. Sending love and Good thoughts.
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Each day you can get up and take a breath and look outside is another day of blessings. Hope the depression fades and the light shines on you. Have a wonderful week! Can’t wait to read the new book.
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Oh Linda, I am glad you can tell the signs on going into depression. We can’t have that because we need your books to read. Take care of yourself because you and the Good Lord are the only ones that can.
Can’t wait till tomorrow to get your book if our book store has it out on the shelves. some times it takes them a couple of days to put them out. Also, enjoy reading your blog each day also.
Take care
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Linda,
I love reading all your books. You can’t write them fast enough for me….Keep writing and I will keep waiting for them to come out.
“Blue Skies”
~Laska Bull
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I like reading Linda Lael Miller’s books. “Big Sky Wedding”sounds wonderful. Please enter me in contest. Thank you for the opportunity to win.
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Love the series! Can’t wait to read this new book! I have been reading your books for years! Thanks for the stories!
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Love your books! Sorry to hear you fight depression, my husband does,but all the things you mentioned helps plus his medicine. I don’t care if I win, already pre-ordered ” Big Shy Wedding” on my Kindles. I cannot wait to read it! Thanks
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so excited for Big Sky Wedding!
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I can not wait until tomorrow. I am on pins and neddles waiting. I sure enjoyed the first 4 books.
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I have read all of the Mckettricks and all of the generations that followed I loved them all. I can’t wait for Big Sky Wedding.
I have enjoyed reading the Big Sky series.
Have a great week.
Linda
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Just finished reading the other Big Sky series books; just knew there had to be a conclusion – Brylee couldn’t be left all alone!!
snail mail: 7243 Hunters Run
Eden Prairie, MN 55346
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I love your books. Have a good day and remember God is in your corner. Don’t let the devil win.
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How right you are. It is a beautiful week. I too feel truly blessed. I have my health, my family and my love of nature to get me through. The fall I feel is my favorite time of year. The leaves changing color and apple picking. Then the aromas from all the baking of pies and crisps and applesauce. Then the crisp air in the evening, to sit by a fire read a wonderful book. Looking so forward to your new book as well. Have a wonderful week.
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Dear Linda: We have to be ever vigilant don’t we? Sometimes its really hard. I’m so looking forwared to Big Sky Wedding coming out.
Granddaughters wedding was beautiful, glad to be home though. Sending you my love and blessings.
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I love reading your books! I look forward to Big Sky Wedding.
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Yes going down the slope is not good. I like that saying ” if you done succeed try, try again” that is a good saying to go by. “The Big Sky Wedding” sounds like it is a great book just like all of your books.Everyone have a great day. God bless each of you.
As always your friend,
Norma
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I just bought “Big Sky Wedding” this past Friday and I am already half-way through it. Your books are so good I just have a problem putting them down. I am really surprised you have a problem with depression because your books are so up-lifting and happy. Hang in there, we love you and God does too!
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I started to say things that are wrong in my life but that is stupid there is always someone worst off but they say God never gives you more than you can handle. I believe that, some times it is hard to believe. Really all I can say is have heart and keep writing because you have me and a whole bunch of other people who care about you plus we really love your books. (Sorry so Long)
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Love your optimism!! Excited for the book tomorrow can’t wait!
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Love your books and love your blog, thank you for sharing. Glad you recognize the signs, that is always the most important thing.
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Looking forward to the book & hope you continue to see blue skies.
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I know where I’m going in the morning!!! (You must imagine music with that sentence) Couldn’t remember when the book is coming out so I’ve been looking for it for two weeks. I’m Through re-reading two shelves of your books and ready for the new one. Of course I will have to re-read the first of the series as soon as I read the new one——- and I could go on for an hour.
I suffer from depression in the winter if I’m not careful. Like you, I have extra long talks with God, and start a big project like a quilt or crocheting besides reading. Plus this year I will have my great- granddaughters . God
bless!
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love your books. can’t wait for Big Sky Wedding. love your blogs. sorry you suffer from depression, I also suffer from that. have a wonderful week. Dottie C
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Linda you are such an amazing lady. But like you said it is a beautiful Monday. I have been outside off and on all day walking. I am also going by Barnes & Noble tomorrow and pick up a copy of Big Sky Wedding.
Ruby
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I have a family member in that room-not a fun place at all! Hooray for you for standing up to it! My husband and I love your books-so glad you are writing them!
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Linda, so glad you know you have a choice! Can’t wait to read your next book in the series. “Starting over” is a great gift to yourself.
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I understand the feeling of that nasty slope! But we are strong enough to conquer it. Congrats on the new book.
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As I take my son to school every weekday. We say a prayer & We begin by giving thanks that we’ve been given another day to live & serve him God & to help us be the best Christian example we can be. So I like your memo from God it reminded me of our morning routine. To pray & be thankful. Praying that God give you courage and strength in all your battles!
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Hi Linda,
I love reading your books. I recently read Big Sky Country and enjoyed it.
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I love your series.
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I love getting “notes” and “letters” from God. Mine usually come in the form of 2×4’s. Lol. Sometimes it takes a lot to get our attention!!! “Hello, McFly! You in there, McFly?!?!?”
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I can’t wait until tomorrow! I was ready to start a new book! Love this series!
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Linda,
Great for you. Not only did you get a GOD message, but you saw it and are doing something about it. If you can see the depression as it starts you have a life line. I am a registered nurse who works, or worked with Dual Diagnosis patients. (Addictions and a psychiatric diagnosis.) No jobs available where I lived now. I had a psychologist tell me many years ago that depression was like going into a drainage ditch pipe. Both ends there is light, but total darkness in the middle. You either catch it at the beginning and go back out the way you came in, get stuck in the middle as you travel threw and if you are lucky find one of the open ends or go from one end straight threw with to the other no long lasting problems. It appears that you a re at the beginning and know how to get out. A depression can happen because of changes, good or bad; births, deaths, moving a new job etc within the past six months to a year. You had renovations to your home and the death of death of buckaroo, just to name a few and writing a new book. Linda please continue to blog how you are doing.
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I fell in love with the Creed Cowbody and have enjoyed all the books! I can’t wait to read Big Sky Wedding! Keep your chin up!
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Menopause brought on my depression but you’re right recognition is key to turning it around. James Patterson started me on the path to avid reading but Linda Lael Miller started me collecting books. Right now I’m re-reading Shotgun Bride. I have all the Mckettricks, Creeds,Corbins, etc. Never stop writing! God Bless
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I would love to win your new book and not have to wit to read the library”s copy.
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Hope you have a great week and congrats at the new book!
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I can relate to that place you do not wantvto go. Isn’t great we have a choice. Look forward to the new book. Any new book you write. Thanks for the news letters look forward to them. Have a wonderful week. Keep smiling. Barbara
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I am so excited Big Sky Wedding is coming out tomorrow. Thank You for all your great work.
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Hey Momiki,
We are all so proud of you. I think some depression comes from the fact that you don’t see yourself the way EVERYONE else does. If only you could see yourself through my eyes.
I love you.
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Linda….I’m so glad you’ve recognized the signs and jumped off that slippery slope! Hurrah for you!!
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I’m sorry to hear you were a little down. Chin up!!! You make all of us feel good..so maybe our posts will make u feel better???
Gosh darn it…I am a bad diet yo- yo too….today is a new day!!!
You are loved!!!!!! You are a rare breed, and a wonderful fun lady!!! See you in Sonoma and the NFR!!!!!
Renae and Bill
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Linda, my friend, please don’t retreat into that dark room. We need you. I look forward to your blogs daily. I feel you are a friend and I want you to know you need to listen to that small voice of our God. He loves you, no matter what! Take care of you, you are very important to quite a few people. Hugs to you.
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I have found you to be very inspirational. First I love your books. I have read them for years. I always look forward to the next new book. But one of the most influential thing you have done for me was telling about the Daily Audio Bible. I have been listening to Brian about one month now. Thank you for telling us about him in one of your newsletters. It has been a soul saver for me. (I hope you can understand what I mean.)
I too deal with depression. It is nothing to take lightly. Thank goodness you recognized the symptoms before they got worse. You have had some major losses this summer and a lot of changes within your house. Maybe everything is now catching up with you. Please make sure you take time for yourself! Get yourself back on the road to good health. I’m looking forward to Big Sky Wedding. Take care and God Bless you and your loved ones!
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I have so been waiting for this book!
Thanks, Linda.
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I’ve been counting the days until your book is out and have had it pre-ordered for weeks. I’m sure by the end of the week the girls in the office will have a meeting and discuss our favorite parts. Take care! Bless you!
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I too have been feeling blue lately but I went with my parents who have been married 56 years to an oldies concert in out small town and watched as they held hands throughout the show. My blessings need to be counted over and over for the wonderful Mom and Dad I have been given by God.
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I love your great outlook- God will handle it! Just give it all to him! I’m not afraid to express my feelings on God..so glad your having a good day! I keep praying that everything is going well with you and you’ll be cancer free! I sure hope I win your book for I need a good book to read but if not I’ll go out and buy it..your always on the top of my book list! Have a wonderful evening!
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As one who has fought depression my whole life, I applaud your attitude. I haven’t exercised for years because of my knees. But I’m finally going to have the surgery in November. I’m taking my life off hold and doing something about it. Sending prayers your way!
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Hello Linda,
It is so cool to write something and know that the lady who developed the McKettricks will read it! Love you.
Beautiful day in the Smokies!
Billiesue
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I am so looking forward to read the new book!!
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Dear Linda, Anytime you’re low just look at the cowboys on your covers!! Always cheers me up! LOL I absolutely love all your books. I don’t part with them after I read them. They are so special to me. It’s so hard to pick a favorite, I adore them all. There and now and Here and then (did I get that right? it’s been awhile since I read them, but those stories have stayed with me) I saw they were re-released. I need to pull them out again. Thanks for all the wonderful hours spent living in your words. Can’t wait to get the wedding book tommorrow. I really miss the characters when the series ends, but I know you’ll send me more hunky cowboys!! Thanks again, Diane
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Can’t wait for this new book!
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Hi Linda. I to have had some bouts with depression. It’s caused from extreme pain from back injuries, Rheumatoid Arthritis. I also have my old (friend), I’ve had anxiety so long that I don’t remember being without it. The strange thing is that it started in my childhood after losing my Daddy and my brother 4 years apart. But I didn’t know wat it was until aboutv10 years ago and now I’m finding out more and more how unpleasant anxiety that’s gone untreated for years due to not knowing I have it can do . I’m not looking for sympathy, I have God who takes very good care of me as well as a sweet, wonderful husband who loves me more than I ever imagined possible and I ferl the same about him. I wake up every morning with my love of my life beside me. I’m alive, I’m loved, I have two sons and three grandsons I wouldnt trade for anything. Life is to short to let my health isdues steal my joy. You, Linda are in my prayers. God Be With You.
Your Friend, Bonnie Pruett
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Hi Linda, Good for you nipping that depression in the bud! I’ve had serious bouts of depression which I think were brought on by hormonal changes, ie: puberty, postpartum 3 times and menopause. I used to fear it returning, but since becoming a Christian I know that Jesus is with me and will see me through it. You are an amazing woman and I don’t see anything getting you down for long! Thank You so much for providing me with hours of reading pleasure and an escape when I just need a break from life. I also lose myself in your books to get through my exercise time! You touch so many lives in such wonderful ways! God Bless You!
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I think I have read just about all of your books & enjoyed them all. Can’t wait to get this one.
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Oh honey, I know the depression thing and just finding I have Congested Heart Failure, I understand the wanting to shut down and just crawl in a hole. But then I told myself. “If I can go thru and live thru a brain tumor I CAN do this” My thoughts & prayers are with you girlfriend.
P.S. I can’t wait to read Big Sky Wedding
Your the Best hun.
WE ALL LOVE YOU!
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I cannot wait for Big Sky Wedding! I will be sad to see it end with Big Sky Secrets, but I know your next series will be great.
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Can’t wait for the new book. I love the people of Parable. will be sorry to see the last of all the characters.
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So glad you are able to recognize some symptoms and take measures to stave off the depression. My husband has anxiety issues, and it’s hard living day to day and not knowing how the day will finish out. It has to be so much harder for the person living with it. Pray that you will be feeling better soon, and living your life to it’s fullest! Love your books, and so looking forward to Big Sky Wedding!
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Love your books. I have Big Sky Wedding reordered for my Kindle so I can’t wait to start reading it. God’s hands is the perfect place to be. Bless you and keep you.
Hope you never stop writing. You are truly gifted.
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I fight depression also, so am glad that you are reading the signs and helping yourself! It is tough, but we can do it! I’m looking forward to latest book! I will probably put aside the one I’m reading and read yours!
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Hope you never stop writing. You are truly gifted.
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once would have been enough.
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Linda,
I known that dark room also. I have visited it a lot in the past few years, but like you I am trying very hard not to go there. As for your books everyone should read a least one. Because if they did they would be like the rest of us that read them they would never put it down until they had finished the entire book. I think you are a great writer I read all your books. Keep writing Linda!!!!!
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Hooray! A new book! I certainly need to get lost in a wonderful story!
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I have fought depression and I held on to this thought…a busy mind is a happy mind…..as long as I am busy with those who love me I don’t have time to think about being depressed……a cup of tea/coffee and conversations filled with laughter goes a long way.
don’t sweat the small stuff…at the end of the day we rarely remember them.
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Linda!
You’re a wonderful author. I’ve read a bunch of your books, I love them. The characters become family and I loose myself in the story. I am so excited that the next book is finally out.
As far as the depression goes… learning and recognizing the signs has been the biggest part of my battle. I always try to stay busy. Enjoying my horse has been my greatest method of treatment. When your with your horse everything in the world is good. Find what makes you happy!
Take care, God bless,
Sherina
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I’m so excited about the new Big Sky book. Yay. Depression hurts keep Your chin up! We love you and God Bless
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I got my Kindle copy of Big Sky Wedding this morning. I’m looking forward to reading it!
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For some reason, your blog did not make it to my e-mail. Not sure why. Anyway, I am so happy you can figure out the “triggers” that can cause depression. So many people can’t, and they get into trouble. Bless you!
I got “Big Sky Wedding” yesterday and will start reading it tonight. Can’t wait.
Stay well and keep good care of yourself! We all love your books.
Hugs…………………………
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Congrats on all your success!!! Can’t wait for big sky wedding
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Well Linda, I don’t know where this Blog has been, but it just showed up on my computer about 30 minutes ago. I’d already read the one for today.
I could almost join you in that dark room, but you have the door closed too tightly…Thank God!!!! Today, the 27th, would have been my oldest son’s 47th birthday, and my Daddly’s 95th. Whew, that would have been a lot of years!
And, my old store building in GA was broken into. I guess they figure they’ve gotten everything from the house, so they’d start on the store building.
And, I have had no A/C since the middle of July, but…it was finally fixed today, and I’m thankful for that. Maybe I won’t try to go into your dark room, after all.
Keep feeling better and keep writing as you want to, not as others want you to. If I had a dead line, it would take all the fun out of it for me.
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Linda, we could be twins! Downloaded Big Sky Wedding to my Kindle today. However, won’t read it until after October 2. I am presenting One Thousand White Women by Jim Fergus to my book club and reading your book is my reward for a “Job done – well or not”!
Would love to talk to you about your journeys to taking care and feeding self and the darkness sliding in so slowly that it takes a while to notice. I’m struggling with many of the things you mentioned in yesterday’s blog and have noticed over the past year that we are interested in feeding ourselves with our faith and spirituality thru Bible study. I’m interested in your experience with acupuncture and would like to share some of the things I am doing. Joan
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Someone once said “Any day above the dirt is a great day!” I so agree.
Thanks for your books and this blog.
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Now my sweet great granny would say ”put you’re big girl bloomers on, saddle up the horse and get back to doing what the good Lord wanted.” All silliness aside, you’re only human. It’s okay to have a blue day, maybe it’s just you’re body and brain needing a little down time, a mini vacation from everyday stress. I too suffer with depression, it comes and goes just like the revolving doors open and close on an old pair of salon doors, hell it gives me whiplash! But you know what, I breathe every morning and I give thanks for God and all that’s good in this life of mine and the world around me. You are a smart woman, and a very talented one.
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Linda, I have episodes of depression also. I also have a strong faith like you do. If I didn’t have my faith in God and Jesus Christ, I know I wouldn’t have survived these years. I will be 67 in about another week and 1/2. I have always wanted to be a cowgirl and marry a genuine cowboy…so far no luck in that department.
Sooooo…that’s one reason I love to read your cowboy/girl stories so much. I just get to pretend and that’s good enough for now!! I especially like the Montana stories because that’s where my dad was born and raised…in the beautiful Mission Valley!! Take good care of yourself.
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Dear Linda:
I also suffer from depression and I agree. We do have choices. this summer I have been choosing to exercise by treading water. Usually when my body is engaged my mind reaches out to God . By the end of the combined physical and spiritual exercise I feel positive about the future, loved and strengthened.