Even though I had to pick up my meds–this is something I THOUGHT I had to do personally but, thank heaven, I was wrong–I got some writing done!
Back home, I went straight into my wonderful new office and finished a chapter ! Yeehaw! I’m loving this book. My health hasn’t been the best lately but, praise the Lord, I’m feeling SO MUCH better.
When the work was finished, I made more soap. I love making soap–though I give it away like mad. After all, how much can one person use??? Even though my new bathroom is almost finished, and the tub is in working order (hallelujah!), I pour far more soap than I need. Just made a batch for my sister, Sally, and I’ve given tons to the local AIDS network and our battered women’s shelter, and I’m systematically swamping my friends with the stuff! (If you haven’t received any yet, hold on. Your turn is coming!) I continually receive new molds and, well, that moment when I pop the bar out and get that first look at the finished product is absolutely magical. Although my favorite hobby is still making and swapping artist trading cards, I’m really into this. It’s downright theraputic!
I have received my copies of “Writing Down Your Soul”, and I’m ready to give one away on this blog, along with a signed copy of one of my own books. Today, I received copies of the new one, “Big Sky Summer”, which will be out the last Tuesday of May, and I’ll be awarding one to our winner along with “Writing Down Your Soul”. Just make a comment by Friday. We’ll choose a winner and my trusty assistant, Jen, will be in touch.
Do any of you keep journals? If so, why? It’s a vital process for me, and you’ll be seeing lots more about it on the blog.
Right now, though, it’s time to head upstairs for a recorded book and an 8-hour snooze.
See you tomorrow!
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I would love to win a signed copy of the new book. I had fallen behind with my reading (have had tons of financial problems, almost loosing my house and having to file bankruptcy which leaves me only 1/4 of my pay to pay my bills) so the last book I purchased was was soft cover christmas book with the mckettricks. I wanted to order the hard cover but it is out of my leage right now. will have to wait on that. But anyway, also wanted to tell you I got my MBA last june and had to go back to college one last time for human resource management certification. It is so hard to find new employment. I drive a school bus still. 19 years and i want to start my own busines selling chicken eggs and duck eggs. I do it really small scale now.. only have 25 hens and 8 ducks. but it helps but a few dollars in the gas tank.
Thank you ..
Tina
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I didn’t think I kept a journal, but according to Sam, all these long E’s I write and send are like a journal or diary, so…I guess I do and just didn’t know it.
I always keep a copy of what I wrote. They’re not very interesting, but it is my life day by day.
Thanks to Hilda for The Man From Stone Creek and Wanted Man, and to Sam for The Rustler, Bridegroom, and Holiday in Stone Creek, I have enjoyed the last couple of weeks reading.
Thanks Sam and Hilda, for making it possible and thank you, Linda, for writing them.
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I keep a journal sometimes to remember things. If I use a new skin care product, or take and vitamins , what I eat, etc. I find that it helps. So excited about the new books! Hope you feel better soon.
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I do keep a journal. I started when I was 12, and now I’m 55. It’s a way for me to unwind every evening before bed. Also I get to relive those funny moments of the day or realize that something that upset me wasn’t as bad as I thought. As my children had great achievements I started recording those and now I have a grandson that I can now write about. Like the catalog I received that had roses on the cover and he was sniffing them. Just finished writing about today when I received Linda’s blog. I had a good day today even at our rehearsal for Prelude to a Kiss.
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As I was reading your blog, I began to wonder if the fumes from the soap making might be making you ill or aggravating an illness from which you are not fully recovered. I am assuming that your house is closed up at least at night. Also, with all the remodeling there must be sawdust and regular dust and dirt. You might want to consider letting the soap making go until all the other dust, etc. is finished and you can leave your windows open for at least 72 hours straight. You do so many other things like your writing and art, I think that you can fill your days. Please consider taking my suggestion since we all care for you and want you to recover fully. Take care of yourself.
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I am looking forward to Big Sky Summer!! I keep looking up the release date. (hoping that it’ll move in, I guess! LOL) Your Big Sky series is one of my favorites!! I keep a rather unusual journal. Its “memories” for my granddaughter. Each page is a memory from my childhood, of my family, of family history, or things that my granddaughter and I have done together….. including colic-y floor walking with her as an infant. Its sort of conversations with her that I won’t be around for when she is older and more likely to be asking these questions. I hope she likes it.
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So glad you are feeling better. I love your books and how strong you make your characters. Also enjoy how you have such strong men fall in love and how deeply they love. I am a widow and my husband was a wonderful man and I am reminded of him through some of your characters. Keep the books coming and stay healthy.
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Yes I write in a journal every day and I have since I was in high school. Not as regular then as it has been the last 45 – 50 years. I write at the beginning of the day starting with a scripture and how it ministers to my spirit and why I hope to accomplish through out the day, the weather and anything else that comes to me. Then just before I go to bed I write down at least 3 things that have been a blessing to/for me. And whatever I am thinking at the moment. I also include things that interest me like obits of people I know, the bulliten from church, notes from people etc. I do it because partly its routine now but it keeps me centered and grounded and aimed to better things each day. I hope when I am gone those left behind will be able to read them and know me and what I was thinking and doing. It is not all pleasant but its me at the time.
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Yes, I keep a journal Linda – have done so for many, many years. I call it ‘defragging’ my brain as I try to sort out my jumbled thoughts enough to put them down on paper, especially when things are not going so well. Journaling is the what saved my sanity when my marriage broke up and now that I have traveled through the valley, journaling lets me see how far I have come.
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Sounds like you had a really good day, that’s great. I’m getting ready for vacation so doing alot of last minute things. I don’t keep a journal but felt I should have at times. Is it too late to start???
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I keep a journal when I go on holiday otherwise I seem to forget what I did each day.
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Reading is therapeutic for me, and gives me a chance to unwind and relax. I also learn to listen with my heart and count my blessings. I have an amazing husband and 6 sons whom keep us very busy. I work full time with special needs children and gain so much from these blessings. Thanks for the happy endings, string women and hunky cowboys!
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I’ve made a few attempts at trying to keep a journal, but stop early on into it. It starts with me trying to get a clearer picture of what’s going on with my thoughts and visions. I have read that it’s good to write it down because it is a good way to visualize goals. But I like to go back to thinking things through and doing things that way.
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i’ve never really been one to keep a journal. but just wanted to say that i finally read MOONFIRE; wonderful book…
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Looking forward to reading Big Sky Summer! Would be so cool to win a copy, especially if it was signed.
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Yay! A new book to look forward to and only a few weeks away!
I have journaled before but not for a long time. I find that I need to journal when my life is in turmoil but have no need when things are going well.
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Can’t wait for “Big Sky Summer” to come out. I just recently found your blog and it’s my first time posting. I’ve considered journaling but have found it hard to fit in the “me time” required to do it…have two teenage boys that have kept me pretty busy over the years. Maybe I will add it to my list of things to fill my time once I become an empty-nester in a few years.
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So looking forward tillthe end of May when “Big Sky County” will be available.
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Linda,
I am so glad you are feeling better….I can’t believe how many other hobbies and interest you have besides writing…I just think you are awesome…with all you do
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I haven’t kept a journal since I was a teenager. At the the time it was a good way to work through my feelings.
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Hello Linda,
I’m glad you are feeling better.
I keep a journal so that I can read about the person I was, sometime in the future. I especially like to look back and read what I was thinking, what seemed important to me, etc. when some significant event occurred—like when my granddaughter was born or when the big snow came to Knoxville on my birthday in 1993.
Also sometimes a journal is helpful for legal reasons when you need to locate people on a given day sometime in the past.
Looking forward to “Big Sky Summer”. Billiesue
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Be healthy Linda. Cant wait for new book. No time for journals
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You are so right– making soap is a terrific activity. There are so many gorgeous molds and wonderful scent possibilities (or none if you prefer). Handmade soap has always been a well received Christmas gift. Enjoy!!
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Yes I keep a journal. It’srelaxing, ttherapeutic and fun. I have one me and my mom shared. She’d keep it a year, then giveit to me Christmas then I keep it a year and give it back Love to read it.
WendyK
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So glad to hear you are feeling better. We love your books but would rather have you healthy. Continuing to pray for your health issues and a finished redecorating of your home. Don’t you just love soaking in a big deep tub!-one of life’s simple pleasures, oh yes!
Can’t wait for Big Sky Wedding and will be anxious for our local Wal-mart to have Big Sky Summer on the shelf at the end of May. How about posting a shot of your different soaps! My sister and I enjoyed making candy and all the different candy molds. Bet soap making is even more fun and not nearly as calorie intensive.
I journal everyday if possible. It is my time to put my hopes,worries, dreams and frustrations in writing to God our Father.
Have a great day and a blessed week.
Anne-Marie Olka
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Wow I always wonder how you get so much done and write too?? Love to hear the weather reports as well, since I am in the midwest and spring is here finally. I found 3 yellow morel mushrooms last night – best sign that I know of. Keep up the good work!! Can hardly wait until the new book is out!!
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I keep a journal, although I do not write in it as much as I should. Sometimes it’s a funny thing that happend that day, a dream I may have had, a television show I love or hate, or anything pertaining to my kids.
I think journaling is important to my sanity most days.
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I do not keep a journal per se but have been keeping a gratitude journal this year along with reading Simple Abundance. I am going through a really tough time, really tough. My whole life is changing and it’s not by my choice so sometimes it’s hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. But I do see my many blessings and that helps. I need something therepudic, so journaling is interesting. I like the idea of your soapmaking hobby, too! I keep being drawn to candlemaking so maybe that will be my new hobby. It also helps that I rediscovered your books and your stories and characters help me to quiet my mind and go to a happier, wholesome place. I need that respite and entertainment these days! It is difficult to concentrate sometimes so I am just now starting Big Sky River. So thank you Linda. You make a difference to many people! I also had the opportunity to meet you when you came to Treasure Island FL and that has been a real bright spot for me. My MIL says thank you for the signed book I got for her and it is going in a place of honor on her bookshelf among all your other books!
Hope you have a wonderful day!
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Morning Linda! This will be my 3rd attempt to send this.
If it shows up twice, you’ll know why. I made a comment last night as soon as your Blog came in and I read it, but it did like your week and vanished. It wasn’t there this morning, although it was in it’s normal place last night.
I didn’t think I kept a journal, but according to Sam, I do. I write long and detailed E’s and send them to my 3 special friends, and since it is about my day to day stuff and my thoughts, hopes and dreams, it is a journal/diary.
I’d never thought of it that way till Sam pointed it out to me…Thanks Sam!
I do it because I like to write and the only thing I know to write about is what I do and am. It keeps me sane.
Have a good and Godly day, EVERYONE!
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And then…there were two!!!!
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Wow, you are right, Gloria. All of our emails to each other are like journals! But we share! You have a wonderful day, too, and the Lord’s blessings! H.
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I love all of your books. I am 43 years old with 2 almost grown kids and single. I keep a journal to write about the stress of the day with work and home and trying to balance it all. I read to escape into another world away from mine for awhile. Thank You for writing those books that helps me believe in love and friendship that last.
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So glad your feeling better.Writing Down Your Soul sounds wonderful.I have kept a journal off and on for years and loved it.My mother has been gone for awhile but I have her journals and I read them over and over again.It always makes me feel so close to her.
Hearing about your soap making sounds like so much fun.If you have time take some pictures of your soap for us. Have a great week.
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I started keeping a journal when I was in my teens, I needed the emotional outlet and discovered it helped me work thru problems, ideas for short stories, paintings I wanted to do, or just finding my balance everyday. I still keep a journal and have found that it allows me to center myself and stay in touch with inner voice.
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Can’t wait for BigSky Summer to come out. Love all of your books.
Just glad spring has come to your part of the world. Nice just to look at all the flowers that God has given us. Spring is always a new beging of life.
Take care stay in good health.
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Linda,
I do hope and pray you start feeling much MUCH better. Nice to hear you are writing and still making soap. I am in need of a weekend trip, Washington is a little too far I think can we throw something together for a meet and greet?? LOL Life is so busy these days as I’m sure it is with all of us. I kept a jornal as a teenager and everynow and then i re-read it just to hold on to my childhood. I have several now but one is Letters to God i guess it’s basically for prayers, and then i keep one with bible scriptures in it, then i have one with memorable dates such as baptisms and miracles I have witnessed. God is truly amazing! I don’t know what i’d do or where I would be without him. I hope you all have a wonderful and Blessed day!
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Yes, I keep a journal of love letters I write to my husband each day. I include a sentence stating his most endearing quality that day along with a description of a specific event or feeling during the day. We exchange love letters before retiring each evening.
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Loretta, that is so neat. How many years have you been married?
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Praying for you. I love journals. I am excited about your new book!!! Can’t wait. God Bless you. xoxo
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I am waiting anxiously for Big Sky Summer. I love all your books. They are in my book shelves and sometimes I go back and read them again. I am also waiting for Big Sky Wedding and Big Sky Secrets.
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i have never been one to keep a journal. i’d probably start one & forget about it so it wouldn’t be consistant.
i can’t wait to read big sky summer – i already have it pre-ordered at literary guild.
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Would love to get a copy of latest Big Sky series. Have read the others – twice! Even if I don’t get a free copy, I’ll be first in line to buy it. Be well and keep writing.
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I can hardly wait for Big Sky Summer. I so want to see what is going on with the characters! Yummmmmmm!
I kept a journal when our son died, but have since quit doing that. I was so blue and sad that I had to write things down. Now however, I know that a Happy Face, positive feelings, my faith that God knows what he is doing, and my love of life is what keeps me smiling and going even tho there are other struggles in my life!
I think it is neat that other people keep a journal, it is just not for me.
Hope your med’s are working and that you are feeling much better. Your good health is important to all of us!
Can’t wait for the new book (as I said before). Stay Well!
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Dear Linda, What a great prize. This way we get on a little more personal level with our favorite author. I hope I am the recipient of one. I’m too, am praying that you continue to become healthy again. What woukd we do without your books. Have a wonderful week, Sincerely, Bonnie Pruett
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I am so glad you are feeling better, Linda! I am excited about the give-away. Like you, I love to journal, and I have dozens collected over the years. From regular writings to prayer journals and gratitude journals, these writing capture the days of my life, my thoughts, and my heart!
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I LOVE MAKING HOMEMADE SOAPS!!! I PRAY YOUR HEALTH WILL IMPROVE SOON AND THAT YOU’LL KNOW GOD’S PEACE AND COMFORT IN ANY DISCOMFORT YOU ARE EXPERIENCING!!!!
sincerely yours in Christ’s love,
Sybel ♪
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Writing a comment is a first for me! I don’t journal; wish I had. I’m one of your biggest fans and love all your books. I just reread (for the umpteenth time) Deadly Deceptions. I keep waiting for the next Mojo story-it’s been WAY too long. I’ve read the Bg Sky series and look forward to the next one. I have a bunch of new books on my Nook, but I still have to pick up one of your paperbacks and reread them. I don’t know how many times I’ve read the “Look” series; I just enjoyed Tony and Claire so much. Thanks for years of good reading, the McKettricks and the Creeds, etc. I hope your help improves and you can keep writing for years to come. Shirley
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The highlight of my day is reading your blog, keep it up and I love you books.
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Hope you are feeling better soon. Can’t wait for the new book. I don’t journal but I enjoy meditation. Quiet time just for me.
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no i dont keep journals , i used to as a teenager and it was read by a foster parent and they disliked the contents and i got in trouble . so i dont even though that was years ago i just dont see the need.
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Linda,
Hubby and I are planning to drive over.
Only 18 days left before Ellensburg! You promised details on where and what time.
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I’ll find out exactly and post it on the blog, I promise. I would LOVE to see you there!
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I used to keep a journal but over the years I’ve come away from it. I love your books and can’t wait for big sky summer. It will be perfect unwinding book after finishing my half marathon
Thank You for your hard work for my time away.
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You’re running a half marathon?? Girl, you rock!
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I simply love your books , when I run across one any where that I don’t already have I’m thrilled .reading is my hobby and right now I have almost all of your books . So sorry that you have been ill Praying you are completely well soon .
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Tina, I know how you feel. Just keep praying for some good to come from all of this. It’s hard, I know, and I’ll say a prayer for you.
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Linda, have you changed anything on your comment section? I now how to put in 2 words and one of them is very hard to see, just to be able to submit a comment.
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I am sooo addicted to Linda’s books that I find myself reading them two or more times. Can’t get enough. I so admire her spunk and the swiftness with which she writes them. I am like a sponge when it comes to her books. I have read the Library dry of her books and resported to a used book store and got 12 there have read most of them. Not sure where to turn next. Can’t wait for the one in late May.
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I do not keep a journel, but I have started to keep track of what books I read and how many. This year I am at over 60 books.
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Linda, i don’t keep a journal about my health were i wrote down my medicine, what time i took all of my medicine and how i was feeling, but i stop doing that now if i am have some problems i will write that down. I do keep a record of the books i read and what the book is about. God bless each and everyone of you.
As always your friend
Norma S.
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I sorry i meant to say (i did keep) for some reason my mind thinks one thing but i put down something else. Sorry.
Norma S,
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I sometimes journal but not like in a book. I have a picture of something and scrapbook it. I then write how I feel about it. Whether it is a person, place or something that happened, that is how I journal. Glad to hear you are doing better. It is rough not feeling good. I deal with pain on occasion.
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Loved reading what you’re up to.
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I love this new series and can’t wait for Big Sky Summer!