I spent the entire day writing, except for a long and fascinating conversation with my new editor, Paula Ekelhoff. May I say, she is a remarkable woman? 
She recommended several books, which I am currently downloading: “In the Garden of Beasts” by Erik Larson, for one. And niece Jenni recommended “Timebound”, which is also in the transfer process.
I awoke, as usual, at 4 am, and I immediatedly decided this was just plain ridiculous–one thing if getting up so early was working, but it wasn’t. So I went back to sleep and arose at 7:30 and, guess what, the Earth didn’t stop turning. It didn’t even have a catch in its get-along, as we Westerners say. (Are you surprised?) As it turns out, sleep deprivation is NOT the answer to life’s problems, and I got MORE work done today, instead of less. Who knew?
Have I mentioned lately that I really enjoy your comments?? Well, I do. Keep posting them, please. Someone said Nora Roberts kills animals in her books–I certainly hadn’t noticed that. May I say, I have ENORMOUS respect for Nora, both as a writer and a person? She is INCREDIBLY generous, for one thing. Although she will never broadcast it, she’s helped innumerable people.
My brother Jerry and our mom, Hazel Bleecker Lael, share a birthday, which is January 31. (Dad and I shared June 10.) Happy birthday to both of you!
I received the most delightful letter from my niece, Sydney. Apparently, this was a school assignment, and Sydney demonstrated, among other things, her ability to translate fractions into decimals. I mean, REALLY? Believe me, I’m IMPRESSED. Math is definitely NOT Aunt Lindy’s strong-point! In any case, the letter closed with, “please write back.” You can bet I will.
This I know for sure, to steal a few words from the Divine Miss O–aka, Oprah.
There is a God, and He loves us.
Some things are well worth fighting for, and freedom is one of them–our own, and that of others.
No matter how bad things look or how overwhelming the odds, we must KEEP MOVING FORWARD, because if we don’t, the dark side wins. And we can’t let that happen.
Life is full of wonderful surprises and mysteries; it’s all about making discoveries, from day to day. That, my friends, is where the magic lives–in seemingly small and ordinary blessings.
There has NEVER been a better time, in the history of the Earth, to be alive. For all the problems, the 21st century is the place to be. If you don’t believe me, do a little historical research. The advances in medicine, technology, human and animal rights, among many other things, are HUGE. We’ve come a LONG way, and, yes, we still have a long, long way to go: the road ahead is a challenging one. But we’re cowgirls and cowboys, aren’t we? Quitting is not an option.
So, there it is. We keep going, no matter what, because that is who and what we are. We do what we can, where we are, with what we have, and we let that be good enough.
Because it is.
As my old daddy used to say, if you get up one more time than you’ve been knocked down, you’ve succeeded.
Be blessed
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I really love reading your blogs. I also like hearing about other books. Life is so rewarding. Nora Roberts books are also enjoyable.
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My mother`s birthday was the Jan. 31st too
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Good job on sleeping in! I bet you got more work done because you were well rested.
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Sounds like you had an action packed day…sleep until 7:30 AM tomorrow, it’s working!
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Love reading your blogs. They are refreshing and help me see things clearly.
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I like your dad’s wisdom :). I was wondering why you were getting up so early way, way before daylight, but then hey, some are very early risers (larks)! I’m an owl, but really 7:30 is a much more reasonable time
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I really like the quote from your daddy. Words to remember. I agree with you about Nora Roberts. She is great. I’ve read many of her books and I didn’t notice any animal deaths. Have a great week and get plenty of sleep. I love sleep. Lol
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I can’t remember reading anything like that either.
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That’s what we do, one step at a time, one day at a time. When the going is hard we remember the verse “all things work together for good for those who love God …..”. I also remember what my Mom used to say “this, too, will pass”. None of it is as easy as it sounds.
Thanks for your blog I enjoy reading it very much — almost as much as I enjoy your books. I’m ready for the next one!!
Mary Hostak
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I’m snuggled in my condo for the next couple of days. Tomorrow morning it will be around -30 here in Ohio. Yuck!! Went out to a little tavern (great burgers) across the street with my neighbor and stopped and grabbed a few things at the Supermarket. Thought I would freeze to death by the time we got home. Disappointed, I looked for Big Sky Secrets but they didn’t have it. I could have read it during the next few days while I’m shut in. I don’t like this cold weather. Everyone out there in this awful weather, keep warm All.
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I don’t remember Nora Roberts killing off animals, either.
Keep on doing whatever works best for you, Linda.
Take care!
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I really enjoyed this blog. The part you wrote “We do what we can, where we are, with what we have, and we let that be good enough.” Really moved me. I especially have to learn to let that be good enough. I’m a control freak and in the process of letting things go that I control. It’s really hard fro me to step back and let go. So for this year and all the years to follow I’m letting go and Let it up to God!.
It is good that you are letting yourself get the extra sleep. I hope you and your family have a wonderful day.
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Hi Linda,
I love your books and waiting for a new one but I do read other writers too.
The comment on Nora Roberts , I read alot of her books she is also a wonderful writer. I don’t remember her killing alot of animals in her books. Some have been hurt ,an healed. She is a great writer too. I have several writers I read and enjoy there books, all are of different but fun to read.
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I doubt I could get up at 4am especially when it’s cold outside! It’s 739 and I’m lying in bed…grabbed my iPhone and I usually read my email first! Haha.. Although I’d like to say the early bird gets the worm and I’d much rather have already had my work out in.
Jerry was a birthday gift to your mom and it seems you were one for your dad if I read that correctly! Amazing! I bet you “came out” smiling!!!! I never noticed Nora “killed” animals in her books either so glad u know her personally and love her writing!
Well it’s time to make the coffee!!! Good morning to you and once again u woke me up with a big fat smile on my face!! Glad to hear your neice is special to you!!!!
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Keep on going, keep on moving, keep on praying, just keep on!
Love your blogs! I too don’t remember Nora Roberts letting animals die. Guess I missed that one!
Busy week-lots of family coming in for a funeral.
Keep well and sleep lots!
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filing our lives with loved ones and remembering those who have passed connects us to both the past and the future and everyday brings a new surprise and experience that we pass on to those around us.
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Your blog posts are one of the best parts of my day. They are so positive and uplifting. Thank you.
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I’ve had a particularly rough morning today and your blog made me smile – thank you!
Just got my hands on Big Sky Secrets – can’t wait to start reading!
I have a book suggestion – I recently read “Unbroken” by Laura Hillenbrand (author of “Seabiscuit”). It is one of the best non-fiction books I’ve read. It was especially touching because my dad was a WWII vet. It is being made into a movie that will be released Christmas Day of this year.
Have a wonderful day!
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Hi Linda
Must tell you I started reading Blue Sky series and am up to book 4 and I am loving all of them. It is really important to start with book 1 and go forward. Keep the books coming I love all of them
Dotty
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Linda, You haven’t mentioned the weather in your area. Watching the Today show this morning they said the Northwest is getting much needed rain. Are you in that area? If so, I hope you get a sufficient amount of rain to avoid any fires. When I watch the weather all over the world in the last few years I can’t help but think our Lord is giving us a sign. I have to admit, living in Ohio can be a blessing. We’ve had our share of extremes but nowhere near as bad as the coasts. I say this as the temp is in the Minus. lol
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Glad you got more rest.
Nora Roberts loves animals. All you have to do is read her book The Search to hear her love of animals. Her descriptions of the puppies made me want to run out and get a puppy.
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I am also an early morning riser. I love getting up with an excitement for another day.
I am an artist and my most creative and productive time are morning hours. I’ve enjoyed this body-clock all my life.
The secret is to allow myself to get to bed early enough
Whatever works for your marvelous creativity. Looking forward to your new series
Be Well~ Deborah
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I think your body was trying to tell you that you were tired Linda sleeping until 7:30. Enjoy your blog’s so much and Nora Roberts is a good Author. Keep up the good work !!
Ruby
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Thanks for Blog letter!!! I LOVE your updates.I always feel like I know you better. The only thing I have trouble with, is the explicit sex written, but I just kinda skip over that! After all, I AM almost 81 !!! Blessing God for every minute of it! When I was a young girl, I lived in a small Texas town,where our law was an elderly City Marshall.He was a really nice guy,so when you speak of your dad, I sort of visualise Hank Crump!!You have great story lines, & I have especially enjoyed the Western series….Love “em all….Enjoy!!!
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My friend just visited Nora Roberts’ book store and absolutely loved it. I know you will have a fabulous time at that event. And I am not at all surprised to hear that Ms. Roberts has helped many people along the way. You two are surely kindred spirits as you both have kind hearts. Love reading your updates. It’s still cold here in Kansas City but at least no snow to contend with.
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Love to see your name in my inbox every day. I so enjoy our little ‘chats’. Happy Birthday to your mother and brother! Your blog makes me think every time. Thanks so much for the new perspective on life and things! Blessings to all.
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Hi Linda, Waiting for new book to come out .
The comment about Nora Roberts books. I enjoy her books and she is a wonderful writer as you. I don’t recall alot of aminals dieing in her books. Some hurt an healed. I enjoy her stories as well as a few other writes. Each are diffent but fun to read. Some books make you cry and laugh, some make you think you could really enjoy being there. It takes you away from your real life and gives you a change to recharge and go about your day. Books are fun. Thanks
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Just read your blog today and whoever wrote that Nora Roberts kills animals in her books is bonkers. I have read many of her books and there is no killing of animals. Montana skys is about a crazy person trying to ruin the ranch and he is slaughtering farm animals, but that is part of the story line. Not meant that she condones that kind of behavior. I guess it all about how the person views the book,and if they don’t like it then don’t read her books. Me I love her books as a lot of people do. Again I am looking forward to meeting youin July at ttp book store
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Hi! I’ve read almost all of Nora Roberts books and have never seen a written word on haring an animal in her books. Today is my daughter’s 20th birthday! Hope your mom and brother have a wonderful day on Jan. 31~! Gotta run and so have a bless day!
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I have read many of Nora Roberts books also. Many of her books have animals involved, dead and alive. They are always important parts of the story. Her writing is very enjoyable. I like that she involves animals, many wild ones. The nature parts are very interesting.
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I haven’t read any of Nora’s in years and I am not sure why. I always enjoyed her books. Happy Birthday to your mother and brother!
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Your Daddy sounds like a wise man. I love reading your posts also and you are so right, There is a God, He is alive and He does love us.
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There are so many messages in your blog that will be my motivation throughout the week! “Just keep moving…get up more times than you’re knocked down…do what you can with what you have and let that be enough…there is a God and He loves us!” Thank you for the reminder.
And tell your niece, when you write her back, that the skill of converting fractions to decimals will serve her well as she continues her mathematics education…former math coach/coordinator, present vice principal.
I’ll bet that she’s about a 4th grader. 
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Love your blog as always, Linda. Hope you’re getting the needed rest now. Have a good day. Blessings.
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Hi Linda, and Happy Birthday to your brother Jerry and you mom Hazel on January 31. My granddaughter has read every book of Nora Roberts she is a big fan of hers. I didn’t feel the earth ahake today! I hope everyone had a great day, blessings to everyone.
As always your friend,
Norma
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Some great quotes here. Thank you for continuing to share and reminding us all how human and divine we all are.
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Your old Daddy was a very wise man! My Momma’s favorite saying to us ( ELEVEN KIDS ) was anything worth having is worth working hard for. She had a lot of other sayings but that one stands out and we all seemed to have followed it.
As for Nora Roberts, I have a cabinet full of her booksand I cannot remember her killing any animals! Guess I’ll have to start rereading her again and give Linda Lael Miller’s books a short rest.
Be safe, God BLESS, and please keep writing.
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No 4:00 AM’s for me except to catch a plane to visit someone I love. 7:30 is the best time of the day. I journal, read scriptures, read the paper and get up to read whats on the computer.
I don’t remember any of Nora Roberts books killing animals and I think I have read many of her books. HMMMMMMMM.
Blessings and you write your way through your day.
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I am just thankful that I wake up every morning. There are some mornings I would just as soon stay there but I just can’t. I love to read your comments. They make me think.
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In the Garden of Beasts was one of the first books I downloaded to my Kindle. Very good, but you’ll need something a little lighter when you’re done with that!
I enjoy your books immensely!
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Your Daddy was so right. I’ve been knocked down many, many times in my lifetime and believe me, I may not have wanted to get up again, but I did and am so grateful to our good Lord above that He has seen me through everything. I am so blessed.
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Hi Linda,
I wanted to tell you that I loved the latest book. It actually had me with tears rolling down my face when Landry said he wanted to just lay next to her & hold her. What a wonderfully touching moment. I always read your books in one setting; once I start one I can’t put t down! I treasure them all.
Separately, how is your apnea? I have severe apnea and wanted to ask if you take your machines with you when you travel. I take mine with me where ever I go. I don’t sleep without them.
Also am very inspired by your WW stories. Where is a good place to learn about stones? I’ve loved Rose Quartz for years and not sure why.
A forever fan, Ange
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I’m still using my CPAP machine faithfully, and I do take it along when I travel. I just don’t rest as well without it.
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Your blogs and all the comments are so much fun! My Aunt Max, who celebrated her 96th birthday on the 20th, loves
Nora Roberts ( with the exception of the “witch stuff”) and
thinks it’s great that you are friends with her. The first book
of hers I read was “Montana Sky” and I thought it was a bit
rough on the animal side ( strange how I never get too upset
about the people), but I enjoyed it and the movie they made
of it later. My favorites were about the Irish horse trainers.
Get some rest and the world seems brighter.