What did I do today? 
Well, I got up early, as usual, and listened to the Daily Audio Bible podcast, again, as usual. As you know, I’m a big fan of the D.A.B., but I’d be less than honest if I didn’t admit that there are things in the Old Testament that bother me–a lot. Nevertheless, I listen on–nobody ever said faith was supposed to be easy. Plus, God is, after all, God. Therefore, He’s under no obligation to explain His actions to little ole me.
After the podcast, I fed the cats and the dog, let them out, then in, then out again–etc. I had a ham sandwich for breakfast, since I didn’t feel like cooking, and fooled around with some artist trading cards I wanted to finish for a swap on Artfortytwo.org–the theme was Alfred Hitchcock presents, and I chose his incredibly scary movie, THE BIRDS, as my subject. (I know some of you would like to see photos–I’m working on setting up a separate site over at SquareSpace.com to post pictures of my art, my growing collection of gemstones, the critters, etc.)
Once dressed, I took care of some detail work online, at the request of my valiant editor, Paula.
I’m skimming one of my older books, SNOWFLAKES ON THE SEA, and writing a short prologue and epilogue for the story’s re-release at the holidays. (I’m still going to finish CHRISTMAS IN MUSTANG CREEK, but we did have to postpone it because of scheduling and other factors.)
Today is Bernice-the-Yorkie’s 14th birthday. Jen took her to McDonald’s, where they shared a cheeseburger. (Jen has last 40, count ’em, 40 pounds in Weight Watchers–and she can still have the occasional cheeseburger. What’s not to love about a food plan like that?)
Speaking of food, I’ll be spending 4 of my bonus points on this afternoon’s snack–Cousin Mary Ann bought me a bag of black jelly beans, my very favorite kind of candy. I can have 14 jelly beans, and I plan to savor each and every one of them.
In closing, the new contest begins today, so be sure to comment.
Be well.
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Happy 14th Birthday Bernice,God Bless her.I went to Washington D.C. for the weekend and had a fantastic time,now i’m on the bus back to Philadelphia, Pa. Enjoy the rest of your day.
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You had a busy morning. Happy birthday Bernice. Hope you have a couple of more.
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I have a doxie/min pin mix that I rescued and he is now 11 but won’t go for a ride in the car even to mcdonald’s, I can bring him back French fries anytime though. I am on a weight loss journey also and have been on a 1200 calorie diet those treats are wonderful when you get them – so ENJOY
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How funny! I have been savoring a few jelly beans myself – not 14 though! Was short changing myself! lol
Will fix that tomorrow. 
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It’s great that you’re able to stick to your “diet.” I’ve tried and tried, but have failed each attempt over the past five years now. I have an extra forty pounds to lose which I put on since I turned fifty and it’s just been impossible to deal with. I’m hoping you’ll give me inspiration to get after it again! Great Job Linda!
It’s snowing here in Northern Illinois after an incredible 70 degree weekend! If you don’t like our weather, just wait a minute, it will change! Spring is struggling to take hold here but it will come eventually! I have faith in mother nature. She’s a little moody, but then again, so am I!
Sincerely,
Laurie
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Happy birthday to Bernice! It’s always wonderful to live life with pets at your side!
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Happy birthday Bernice. What an awesome birthday lunch. I have always enjoyed a good fast food burger on occasion. I must say that I spent the weekend working (I only have one day off a week). Looking forward to next week as I will get Easter Sunday off as well as my usual Wednesday off, and half a day for Patriots day on Monday. I do wish I could say I go into boston to watch the marathon but alas I do not. After last years attack there will be a lot more protection in place.
I hope everyone has a wonderful week.
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I love the black jelly beans also and have already had a bag. Also love the spice ones and can only find them this time of the year. Lucky for me Walmart has been out of them so they can’t fall into my cart that way so I want eat them if I can’t get them. I love it when things work out that way.
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Hoping you are well, Snowflakes is one of my favorites!!! I love and can’t begin to tell you how many times I’ve read it. Thank you for such great stories. I love all of your books!!! Have a great week!!!
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Happy Birthday Bernice and Congrats Maryann on the weight loss. Happy for everyone. Today I spent cleaning out a lot of old papers that I don’t need anymore. It feels good to open the windows and air out the apartment. The only thing is it is suppose to rain tomorrow and get colder. It has been in the 70’s now it will go down to the 30’s. Oh well it is spring and we are happy with what we are given. Enjoy you day and evening everyone.
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I can’t wait to see photos of the Artists trading cards. I’m super curious
I love the theme! Has anyone seen Rope by Hitchcock? Creeeepy.
I’m going to find Snowflakes & read it before the rerelease. How exciting to go back & revisit your characters.
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Happy birthday to your doggie! For both your sakes, I hope she has many, many more.
I pray you have a good and Godly week ahead.
I don’t remember if I’ve read SNOWFLAKES ON THE SEA, but the title sounds familiar.
How many of us will be up at almost 2 AM to see the moon? I’d like to see it, but as it is very cloudy here and raining, I don’t know how visible it’ll be. And, I can’t go out into the yard to look because of the neighbor, so I’m hoping it’ll clear long enough and be in a spot I can see through a window.
Congratulations, Jen, on your 40 lbs, and being able to eat a cheese burger.
Linda, take care.
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Thank you for the update, they are always entertaining.
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Ugh! My least favorite kind of jelly bean is the black one! I toss them in the trash rather than eat them.
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I haven’t heard of “Snowflakes on the Sea”/when did you write that? I love all of your stories…and think it is great fun when authors go back and write prologues and epilogues even after the first publishing. It adds so much to the story, especially if I get really hooked on the characters and want to know more. Thanks for doing that…I will be looking forward to it’s being published.
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Snowflakes was released way back in 1983 or 1984 as a Silhouette Intimate Moments.
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I love black jelly beans!
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Jen’s doing great too, didn’t realize she was on WW. You bringing up black jelly beans, they were my husband’s favorite. He liked all kinds of candy but black jelly beans and orange slices were his favorite. Never understood that, I thought the black ones were so icky! Hope you enjoy your snack!!!!! Have a wonderful day, Linda. Blessings.
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Happy birthday to your precious baby! Our 8 year old Mikey, who is Pat’s only child (Pom/Doxy/Mutt) and the lovely Lucy, the 8 year old Angolian Shepard we rescued from the Humane Society, started their day going to see Anna in Mead for much needed spring groomings… They are nome now acting like puppies with thier new sleek styles! Now that all their beautiful red hair will no longer be shedding all over my beige carpet I will begin shampooing and preparing for the upcoming Easter weekend when we will get to celebrate baby Dodson’s first Easter.
His daddy, Lyle Murphy will not be home to join the celebration, so Jess will be joining the rest of her siblings and nephews this year rather than going with Lyle up to Jack and Lois’ homestead overlooking the beautiful Columbia for his family’s Easter celebration which includes hiking up to the memorial/resting place that Jack and the kids set up for Lois, including the cherry tree planted after she passed and the fire pit and picnic area. I haven’t been up there yet, but Jessica says it is the most beautiful resting place for her ashes. They have a fun hot dog roast in the fire pit for their Easter feast and spend the day enjoying the family and the view in God’s Country.
I have been having a lot of homesickness for Northport, family and traditions lately. It helps that friends and family have been posting lovely pictures of the beautiful spring that they are having up there, but I am trying to get up there one day this week just to enjoy it myself!
I just downloaded several of your older books onto my Kindle today… I can’t wait to get up north and curl up on the porch swing and enjoy the view of the new hay growing in the field with the majestic Deep Creek rushing through on it’s way through the valley.
Have a wonderful week! Don’t forget the lovely full moon we are supposed to experience tonight!
Peg
Have a lovely week!
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Linda, I love to hear that you too love black jelly beans…only my mom & I are fans of them…same with the licorice prefer black over red! I wish you the best this week with whatever you do and look forward to your next blog post!
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Black jelly beans have been one of my favorites since childhood! Enjoy your 14. I’m not so sure that I would be able to stop at 14. But then that’s probably why I am over weight! ;o)
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Last week I thanked the angels for their visit. Two things that stood out were the apple was as filling as a full dinner and there was a wistfulness after sending them on to their next host.
Two odd things happened during their visit. The morning after I welcomed them, one of the window blinds was slightly parted as though someone had been peeking through it and this is a room that isn’t being used.
On the last morning of the visit, I heard footsteps run across the roof. My first thought was it was a squirrel from the tree outside my window, but the funny thing is, it has never happened before.
I’m glad to have participated in this. Things seem to be much lighter and not as intense.
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I love it! I felt sad after they left, too.
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Yeah for jelly beans!
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I love the jelly belly buttered popcorn jelly beans.
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Hope you had a good day. Black jelly beans are awesome. We had snow today. Go figure. Lol. Have a good week and looking forward to your next book.
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Happy birthday to Bernice and congrats to Jen on those 40lbs!!! I know it’s not easy but keep it up!
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I have just found your blog and love the glimpse into your life that you share. Have read many of your books and hope to catch up on the ones I missed. Thanks for gifts to your friends and readers. I love the idea!
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looks like Jen and Bernice had a good start to their day:) Way to Go!!!!
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Happy Birthday Bernice!!! Today I got up and went to work, came home and enjoyed the rain with a book with the tv off and silence. Love it when it works out that way.
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Woohoo you go Jenni! That is wonderful! Linda, the black jelly beans are my favorite! I am lucky no one else in my family likes them! Have a good week
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Happy Birthday Bernice. Sounds like a good way to start the day.
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Linda, I go to WWs also and really like all it has done for me….black jelly beans..yummo!
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Snowflakes On The Sea? Oh, my! I was so sure I’d read all your books! They’ve been part of my small circle of best friends for so long – and I’ve missed one? Well… that gives me something to eagerly anticipate.
Happy Birthday, Bernice! You’re celebrating fourteen years of being your own, inimitable self, a joy for everyone who loves you!
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Sounds like you had a good week-end. Busy but not too busy. Am anxious to read your new book.
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planting flower pots today as well as some painting while the sun shines brightly
…Now that you mention black jelly beans I’m inside for a tea break, licorice ♥
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I almost forgot to tell you how beautiful the photo at the bottom of this page is, I could linger here awhile and let my imagination flow, also thanks for the “western facts”
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Love all your books especially the McKetterick series which I re-read every few years. Haven’t read the snowflake book but will have to get it.
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Would love to see some pictures of your crafts…Happy Birthday to your “pup”….I love jelly beans…pure sugar…have a great week :
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I have a 5lb Yorkie that turned 8 this past Dec. my favorite dog breed. Don’t care for licorice anything but FYI, you have to walk the entire length of a football field just to burn off the calories in one M&M!
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Looking forward to Easter Sunday for two reasons: to celebrate Jesus’ rising from the dead and to celebrate the end of Lent, so I can have a piece of candy(I gave it up for Lent and only cheated once when our friend gave me a piece, I did not want to hurt his feelings). Happy 14th Birthday Bernice! Hope you enjoyed that cheeseburger! Miss Linda, enjoy your jelly beans! Happy Easter! God Bless!
Love, Cindy
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I need to start watching my diet again but I know I will wait until after Easter.
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I have a new 5 month old yorkie, Its hard to start over training , we are coming along, cant wait for a new book from you,thanks
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Happy Bday Bernice. I keep looking forward to your books. Have a blessed day
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Busy day!
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I like black jelly beans, just not my favorite. I’m more a red or orange kinda gal. But my grandpa loved them. And my best friend was so excited when they started selling bags of only black jelly beans!
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I LOVE LOVE LOVE black jelly beans too. My children used to yell at me for picking the black ones out before I gave them any. Tell Miss Bernice happy birthday for me. Love dogs too!!! God Bless.
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My day….not too exciting. My day off work, up way too late last.night before turning off lights…6:00 am. Slept till 11:00 am, watched soap operas while playing games on phone & reading FB. Took a short nap, missed most of 2nd Bridget Jones movie again. Time to find something to eat. I really need to get something done…like laundry, dishes…& read a fabulous book!!
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Sounds like a great day, great job Jennifer on your Weight Watchers journey, keep up the hard work. Linda I love reading your books, especially the western themes with horses. Glad Bernice had a special birthday lunch…burgers almost as big as she is. Have an awesome week!
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At last weeks WW meeting I loss 1.2 pounds. So happy as I thought I gain. Great blog as always.
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Yay! Good job!
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Happy Birthday to Bernice, and I am sure she enjoyed that cheese burger. Linda I am so excited that you are thinking about setting up a site at SquareSpace.com for some of your art and gemstones. I love those licorice jelly beans also.
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So today kickstarted spring break for the kids and spring cleaning out for me. Tina of clothes to go through, Laundry and hanging it out on the line (love doing that), going through and getting rid of toys. Getting stuff together for a yard sale. Cleaning bedrooms so we can paint and get new bedroom furniture. Had a awesome yet tiring day, morning spent at church and evening didn’t at the churches Easter egg hunt. Tomorrow it’s clean the car and go Easter clothes shopping.
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Linda
Hugs to you. I
sent you an email about what round my children’s book is in at the submission part.
look forward to reading your new books.
Karen Cotton
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Happy Birthday Bernice !! Linda have a great week
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That’s funny because I just read Snowflakes on the Sea back in January! I’ve been doing a tour of your older books for the past year and a half but sadly I’mrunning out of them. I stop with the old every time a new one comes out. Currently, I’m reading Fletcher’s Woman and just finished Wild About Harry. Happy Birthday Bernice!
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Happy Birthday Bernice…I love my furbabies, the newest puppy is a blast
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Way to go
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Happy birthday Bernice! Enjoy the day and the special surprises!
Black jelly beans are special—-enjoy them and keep up the great work!
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I Don’t like black jellybeans .don’t like the spicy either but I can put away the regular kind .I always buy a big bag, put them up to eat a few along . what my favorite candy is , the little cream pumpkins you can buy from Halloween to Thanksgiving, I always buy 2 or 3 bags , they last quiet a while . Happy Birthday to your little Lady .I don’t know how I missed Snowflakes on the Sea but I’ll be looking for it. Stay Well & have a good week ……..PS the days that you can’t Blog it’s like something is missing .
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I can’t definitely relate to letting the animals in and out and in and out . lol. oh, nice to see someone else is loving the black jellies
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Two words: Starburst jelly beans.
Go ahead, be a rebel. Have 14.
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Whoops, guess that’s three words!
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Happy birthday. My dad also loves black jelly beans. My niece buys him a whole bag just for him at Easter time.
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Happy Birthday to Berniece. Congrats to Jen on such wonderful weight loss. Enjoy your jelly beans. I don’t particularly like jelly beans. My step daughter used to say that my daughter had a jellybean shaped head. Funny. Anyway, I have been enjoying reading your books. I love them so much I cant put them down. Thank you for sharing your wonderful stories with the rest of us.
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You’re such an inspiration. You get so much done everyday. I am in awe!
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Interesting blog. I love The Birds. Like black jelly beans. Good luck
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Happy birthday to your precious dog! She has obviously received the best of care and lots of love to make it 14 years. So awesome!
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Just finished reading Wild about Harry.
Happy birthday to Bernice. My Shi-poo rescue dog turns 5 the 28th.
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Thanks for blogging I have read literally ( pun intended) everything you have had published. It’s been fun finding the older books. Truthfully I may have missed a few but not many. So I really enjoy seeing what your day is like. Thanks again!
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It is hard to understand some of the things that were in the old testament…I agree. Love love love your books
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A very busy day you had.
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When I make tuna sandwiches, I make sure I have extra can of tuna for my cats.
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Love the McKettrick series wish you had more. Love the Montana- Texas cowboys! Keep up the great writing!
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gosh, well belated happy birthday….my cat Hootie will be 19 on Monday. if you’d like i will start saving my black jelly beans for you. I hate them and always throw them away. there is a grocery store Haggens, that sells jelly bellies by the pound and have about 50 flavors…but it is about 50 miles from here and i don’t have a car and my handicapped scooter can only go 10 or so on a charge…enjoy your work and this is my first time on your blog. it is ok i guess…hope i am doing this right. i am very technically challenged. take care
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I love all flavors of jelly beans. I will be shopping for some this week to share with my grandkids at Easter.
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Love your books especially the historical westerns.
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Happy birthday to Berniece. Thats a ripe age for a gal. I am glad you like black jelly beans, I take them out and Bob gets a treat. Not for me. I am weird I know. Lots going on in my life right now, not all good. Getting ready to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord. Blessings to you.
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Linda I am glad you a re-releasing Snowflake. Love to read that book at Christmas time.
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Hi Linda, interested to read about your comment about “the Birds”. My daughter Candice is an actress and appeared in the HBO movie called “the Girl” which was about the making of the movie “The Birds” and it was filmed in our hometown Cape Town in South Africa. If you haven’t been you should really come and visit Cape Town some time, it is lovely and we’d love to have you stay here.
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Happy Birthday to Bernice and congrats on spending your points on jelly beans!!!
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Looking forward to new books. I don’t think I read the snowflakes book. Will have to get that. My mother and I share you as our favorite author. Mom waits for me to do the buying though.
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Morning, Went from 60 to snow today. Like 32 outside in Ohio. Got to love that spring weather. lol Hope have a wonderful day. Waiting for the new book to come out. Thanks for all the good stories.
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I love red jelly beans. My Mom loved the black ones. It finally warmed up here in NJ & the snow is gone. love your books – keep em coming.
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Sounds like God has blessed your house like mine with the animals.. I so know the make sure the door opens and closes thing!!!Animals are very much part of our lives,, Also just wanted to say I so enjoy reading your books, TY
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Have you had coconut jelly beans? They are the best!
It is snowing in East Tennessee this morning! Can you believe it?
Have a great day!
Billiesue
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Maybe this will help you with the bible. The Old Testament theme is an eye for an eye a tooth for a tooth. The New Testament and the Messiah’s ministry is loving your neighbor as your self-an agape love. If everyone practiced agape love there would be no need of an eye for an eye or a tooth for a tooth. Also there is no need for blood sacrifice to cover our sins as the Messiah was our sacrificial lamb and the sin baring goat(azrael). In the Old Testament God is teaching us what to do and not do. (the ten commandments) So that we can know how to love our neighbor (I Corinthians 13). I’m sorry for being so preachie, I just hoped to help you harmonize the Old and New Testaments. Please have a wonderful day.
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Thank you. I appreciate that.
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My mom loves jelly beans and I send her at least one bag a year at this time. Hope you have a wonderful week.
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My dad loved jelly beans, especially the black ones. Happy Birthday Bernice. Have a good day.
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My husband and father who has passed would fight over the black jelly bean in the easter eggs that the kids didn’t want. Happy birthday Bernice.
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I am glad I am not the only one to take my dog through the drive through ,I used to get an occasional treat for my beloved Doberman ,Hans, at MCDonalds. I am also looking forward to seeing the art.
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Black Jelly Beans YUM YUM
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I always look forward to your Christmas books.
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Sounds like you had a fun filled day so far. Looking forward to seeing your art and other pictures. I always take out the black jelly beans for my father. They are his favorite. Have a great day
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We had a Yorkie that we lost when she was 12; so I’m happy to read that your Bernice is celebrating her 14th birthday! I’m sure that shared cheeseburger made her a very happy pup!!
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My favorite jelly beans are the red.
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I want to wish Bernice a happy 14th birthday. I hope she enjoyed her McDonald’s cheeseburger. I love red jellybeans…they are my favorite. Cherry is one of my favorite flavors. I am so looking forward to CHRISTMAS IN MUSTANG CREEK. I can’t wait until it is finished and released. Have a great week.
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I need to get rid of 25 lbs an im tryin to stay away from all the grandkids Easter candy ,an its hard its everwhere…Camt wait to read Christmas im Mustang Creek….have a great day Linda….
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That’s so cool Linda!! Never meet anyone who likes Black Jelly Beans like I do!!! And for it to be my favorite author to boot.. Glad to hear that you can still eat some on you WW diet. Hope your weather is not getting bad again like some places are. It’s so nice down here in Central Florida (90 today) that I ten to forget how bad it is for other in the rest of the US. I agree with you about the old testament, but as you say, He is in charge. Love your writing. Keep it up as long as you can. I’ll be reading your books them as long as I can. Love to you and yours.
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Happy Birthday Bernice! Our two Himalayan litter mates would have been 16 today but we lost them both to cancer this year. I can’t wait for your next book Linda! Please keep on blogging!
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What a fun day! I live about 20 miles from Bodega Bay, and on a foggy morning, it is still really spooky. I also love the black jelly beans. When I got a bag of mixed beans when I was a kid, I always sorted the black ones from the rest, and saved them for last! I really liked Mojo, and hope you will write other novels featuring her.
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Would love to see your artwork, especially what you do with the beads.
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I love Snowflakes on the Sea, I have read it 3 times, will enjoy a prequill and epilogue.
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Hi! Sounds like you had a pretty nice day! It was a rainy morning here so I had to do some errands before I headed to work. I’m getting excited on getting away for a few days to see my dad who lives near the beach in Stuart fla. I sure miss the area since I moved about 19yrs. ago even though I’ve visit since they had that hurricane the town has changed a lot-its gotten to be bigger! I hope that you enjoy your jelly beans, I like my chocolate so I’m saving it for Easter sunday! Have a wonderful Easter!
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Hey Linda, can’t wait for pics of your artwork. Have a blessed week!
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Love that you share your life with me. I do feel as tho you’re a sister—and you make it so with your Blog
I’ve been reading your books since the 1st ones and still enjoy re-reading the older ones.
continue being Happy, Healthy, etc.
CLARE
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Hi Linda,
Would you explain the Artist Trading Cards? Perhaps you have in the past but if so I missed it. I hope you have a wonderful Easter. He Is Risen!
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Since you are a believer Happy Easter! On the western side of the state are enjoying the wet side of life. Congrat on weight loss my doctor put on Atkins diet.. So far so good but chocolate and black jelly beans are my kryptonite so is a wee bit hard. Shalo
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It should read Easter is wee bit hard
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I enjoy reading about your daily happenings. I want to start getting into the gemstones. Snowfkakes On The Sea is a book I haven’t read. I’m looking forward to it. Can’t believe I missed it. The McKettrick’s are one of my favorite families. Especially Rafe. Congrats in your Weight Watcher’s journey. My niece lost 100 pounds in 13 months by following the diet and looks and feels incredible.. God Bless.
Carol L
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I loved the male in Snowflakes on the Sea. He hung in there even though a lesser man would have walked.
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I am so excited cannot wait.
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Hello friend,
I just finished reading about the character Mojo Sheepshanks and my husband read them after I did. I was wondering if there was going to be a continuation of these characters?
Can you tell me if you have any up coming books that you
r writing now? You’re a wonderful author!!
I’ve never felt close to any authors of any books I’ve read, but since I’ve been commenting on your block, I feel a close connection. You’re an awesome writer and I’ve read them all!! I’m waiting for new upcoming books.
I feel a close kinship with you, like old friends, lol.
Take care and may God be by your side always!!
Always your friend,
Jean Burkacki