Our “favorite book” contest winner has been chosen. Juanita, please respond to Jenni’s email asking for your snail info, and we’ll get your book and bracelet right out to you.
It sure is wintry today–cold and slippery and absolutely beautiful–in other words, a good day to stay in and work on “Big Sky Wedding”. 
The next story, coming in June, is called “Big Sky Summer”, and it’s Casey Elder and Walker Parrish’s story.
Not much excitement planned for this weekend–some art, some work, and trying out a new recipe or two. I have some Weight Watcher’s cookbooks that will work just fine for the purpose, because Food Lovers is mostly about eating healthy food in reasonable portions. It’s important to vary the food one eats, as boredom won’t lead me anywhere I want, or choose, to go.
Tomorrow is my big day–the end of the 3 week induction program and the beginning of the rest of my life. I’ll be weighing and measuring, as instructed, but the fact of the matter is, I already feel better!
So the numbers aren’t going to matter as much as they once would have.
That’s what it’s all about, as I see it. Feeling good. (And, no, I’m not talking about the old if-it-feels-good-do-it thing. That was dumb.)
Remember my question, “What will I wish I’d done for myself in five years?” Well, there are a number of answers to that one, of course, but for me one of the main ones is, “I’d wish I’d exercised, gotten more rest, and eaten healthy food.” So, I’m exercising, getting more rest, and–well, you get it. In five years, I want to be strong and active and most definitely writing books. I want to enjoy my friends and family and pets, travel, and learn new things.
Are you taking care of yourself, dear reader? Or are you putting everyone else first–and forgetting that you’ll be no good to the people and critters you love if you wear yourself out and/or get sick.
Enough preaching for one day.
Enjoy your weekend, be safe and well and warm, and go out of your way to lend somebody a helping hand. Nothing big, necessarily–a smile, opening a door for someone, deciding not to lay on your horn and shake your fist when somebody cuts you off in traffic. If you could see inside that person’s heart and mind, you’d probably feel sympathy, not anger and frustration.
You’re all in my prayers.
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Yes!!!!!!!! So excited to hear about Big Sky Books!!! Also congrats to the winner!
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Thank you, Linda!! I’m thrilled beyond words!
Have just sent my snail addy to Jenni.
This is wonderful!
Juanita
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Congratulations, Juanita!
Linda, are you able to post any pics of the horses frolicking in the snow? That would be fun to see! Have a good weekend, yourself, and thanks for the inspirational words about taking care of ourselves!
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Congrats to this weeks winner :-).
!! Have a wonderful weekend! Looking forward to these new episodes coming up in Parable!
We had a cold spell, & it’s still cool, so I’m gonna get some riding in now that the rain & ice are gone! I so miss being in the saddle, just me, my Maria Rosa (Mammasita) & God’s beautiful countryside !! I feel one with nature. My late husband said he understood, because he felt that way while flying. Great you’re doing so well, Linda, eating right & feeling good about it
Blessings,
SherryNan
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Thank you for the congrats, ladies. This just makes my day!
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Juanita, I just went back to see what book you won with and saw where you wrote a note to me. I must have the 1930’s version of Told Under The Green Umbrella, as I had it a long time before the 60’s.
I would never knowingly part with it because my daddy’s mom gave it to me, but I’d like to have one with all the pages intact…maybe someday. As old as I am, I still like to read fairy tales, and read them to my grandchildren when they were small.
Thank you for the information, and once again, congratulations.
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Gloria, favorite old books are to be treasured for sure! :>)
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You might check out Hungry Girl for recipe ideas. She’s loosely associated with Weight Watchers. Her recipes are healthy and alot of them for only a few servings. I get an email from her every day and she has lots of ideas. She used to be on the Cooking channel–maybe still is.This is her web site. http://www.hungry-girl.com/ Be sure to get that dash in. She keeps up with new products coming out.
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Congratulations Juanita!
Linda, I am glad you are doing so well with the exercise and healthy eating. Have a good week-end
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Thank you, Sam!
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Hi Juanita,
Congratulation to you on your win. God bless you.
Norma Stanforth
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Hi Linda,
you and so do I.
I smile at people when i see them and always ask them how are they doing and tell them what a beautiful day and hope they have one! But in five years i will wished i had traveled for my self because i will not be able too. Because now i have problems just riding 15 miles. God bless each and everyone of you.Jesus loves
Norma Stanforth
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I know I am not answering the contest questions, but just have to say how much I am enjoying my return to Haven and Stone Creek, Arizona Territory. These were some of the first books that got me hooked on Linda and I am loving reading them again. I started with Sam O’Ballivan’s story, The Man from Stone Creek, then went on to reread Rowdy and Lark’s story, A Wanted Man where I fell in love all over again with the Yarbro men. Now I am reading Wyatt Yarbro’s story, The Rustler. Next on my agenda is Gideon Yarbro’s story, The Bridegroom. As much as I enjoy the modern day stories, there is something so gritty and still romantic about the old west and no one tells those stories better than Linda Lael Miller. I imagine every one here has read these four books, but if not, they are some of the very best. So fun to read or reread while waiting for the next Big Sky book.
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Shari,
I totally agree with you on the old west romances that Linda has written, I love them too
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Congrats, Juanita! Enjoy your win!!
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Congratulations Juanita !! Enjoy your winnings… Linda just want to let you know I really enjoy the Big sky Books. I just finished Big Sky River. Can’t wait till the next one. Please think about doing a book about Kate Mckettrick. I think it would really be enjoyable. Especially with her Father and big brothers.
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Oh, I think the same things. I get almost enough exercise when the weather is decent but I really know I really don’t eat that well. Have cut portions down and that helps. I just got the first 2 “Parable” books. I am enjoying the first one. I would love anothe story featuring Willow. I loved her. Blessings.
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Congrats Juanita!
And congrats Linda on your accomplishments so far! WTG girl!
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I love your books, tey arewhat has helped me through sice my husband turnd ill and wa hospitaized Oct. 31. Can’t wait for a new one to arrive.
Ruth
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Congrats to the winner and Congrats to you Linda for following through with your new life…
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Congratulations Juanita
Linda,
I am looking forward to the next Big Sky book. And from what I read, it looks like it will be released this summer. The timing is wonderful for me. Tax season will be over, I am a tax accountant, and by then I will have some “me time” to be able to sit and read uninterrupted
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Linda – your last paragraph in todays blog is definitely words to live by everyday, not just once in awhile. We should all keep that in mind as be go about our lives.