Congratulations to Linda Kroesche and Dennis–you’re our winners for last week. 
There’s a brand new contest running now, so if you’d like to enter, simply comment on this blog and you’re in.
Sadly, my brother-in-law’s mom, Betty Lang, passed away. She was a wonderful woman, and she will be missed.
As for me, I had a lovely, restful weekend, some art-making, some reading, some shopping, some listening to podcasts and audiobooks and, yes, even some music. Favorite podcasts, as many of you already know, are: Real Ghost Stories Online, Jim Harold’s Campfire, the Paranormal Podcast, Anything Ghost, This American Life, A Prairie Home Companion, the Moth, Darkness Radio, and Bob Bain’s The Far Side. I sometimes listen to Coast to Coast AM on iHeartRadio–when it’s not too violent or too political. (I get more politics than I need from the news.) I listened to several books, including Diane Chamberlain’s “The Silent Sister” and V.C. Andrews’ “Christopher’s Diary.” (The latter was good, and very well written–a cute trick since V.C. Andrews has been dead for years–but obviously one of those To Be Continued kind of stories. Mind you, I don’t mind series–I write them myself, after all :)…BUT this book left a lot of questions unanswered, and that annoyed me.
While we’re on the subject, I mentioned a book called “The Miniaturist” on this blog a while back, and I was pretty into the story–until somebody killed a dog. That’s a dealbreaker for me; I never finished the story.
Halloween was quiet, as I knew it would be. We never get trick-or-treaters out here, but I decorate and have candy on hand anyway, just in case. (And because it’s fun.) The ranch crew is more than happy to help me out with the Butterfingers bars.
We’re having rainy weather here in Spokane today–yesterday was absolutely beautiful. Bernice and I took TWO afternoon walks instead of the usual one, and it was lovely.
I’m exercising faithfully–love that bike of mine. This morning, I listened to spiritual music while I was pedaling–Taize. I’d never heard of Taize until I listened to Cynthia Bourgealt’s (mss?) WONDERFUL book, “The Wisdom Way of Knowing.” I recommend it highly–the book AND the music. Both are very inspiring. I’ve read most of the text part of “A Course in Miracles”–it safe to say that studying this book has literally changed my life. Powerful stuff, my friends.
That’s a wrap for today, everybody. Be kind.
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Sorry for yor loss.
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Thank you, Laura.
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Congratulations to Linda Kroesche and Dennis! Enjoy your win.
I’m so sorry about the loss of Betty Lang. I don’t know her, but I know she will be missed.
It sounds like you had a great weekend.
I pray you have a great week.
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I have never entered, but ĹOVE reading your books!
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SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS AND HOPE YOU ENJOY THE FALL WEATHER!
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Keep up the exercise Linda! Good for the body and soul.
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I’m with you Linda, I cannot tolerate cruelty to any animal. Glad you did not finish the story.
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I’m so very sorry about Betty. My deep and sincere condolences to you and the family. God Bless you
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Thanks, sweetie. Sure looking forward to your visit.
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By the way Ive been inspired by you’re exercising Im going to start!
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Its raining here in the Fraser Valley as well and supposed to rain for a couple more days. Do you have any idea when your next book will be coming out ? I Am sorry to hear about the sorrow in your family it is never easy !!
Take care !
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I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. It’s always hard to lose a special person.
Thank you, thank you, thank you a million times for the warning about The Miniaturist! I had it on my to-read list and was planning to pick it up from the library soon. You saved me a lot of heartache and frustration. That’s a deal breaker for me, too.
I’ve been meaning to read Christopher’s Diary. There was a time when I was addicted to V.C. Andrews and the Flowers in the Attic series. I recently found them amongst several stored books, so I’m planning to read them again. I wonder how they’ll hold up now that I’m older?
Halloween was quiet here too. There were a couple groups of Trick-or-Treaters, but the kids around here mostly stick to some local attractions and community parties. It’s a suburban area with lots of families, but the holiday seems to have changed a bit, at least around here. Maybe it’s a sign of the times, but I can’t help thinking that more’s the pity. Trick or treating was one of the highlights of childhood!
I hope that you’re enjoying a great day.
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Sorry about Betty. Keep up the exercising.
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No one can replace V. C. Andrews.I don’t know who is writing the books now but they are not as good.
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Congratulations to the winners, I am enjoying the book I won, my MOm is waiting for it next. I am like you I only had 6 trick or treaters but work is always glad to have candy.
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So sorry for your loss Linda, we didn’t have that many kids this year either. The students@ the university were very creative this year with their costumes, I always look forward to what they come up with every year.:-)
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My condolences to you and your family.
Tammy
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sorry for your lose.
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Sympathy to you and the family in the loss of Mrs.Lang.A loss is never easy.
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Sorry to hear about your brother in law’s mother. My condolences to the family. Sounds like you had a busy weekend. Have a great week.
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Sorry to hear about your brother-in-law’s mother. My sympathies to everyone. Glad you had such a relaxing weekend. It’s always good to recharge your batteries. Congrats to the winners. Hope everybody has a great night. Blessed be everyone.
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I know how you feel about the dog in the book you read. I had a similar experience with a Minette Walters book where someone was torturing and then killing cats in detail and needless to say I didn’t finish it, binned it and often warn people about it. Trouble is I can’t forget it, it was so sick.
Keep up the good work on your exercise bike. :
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Sorry for your Loss Linda!!
I won?? Whoopi!!!! :)) What did I win? Can I donate it to your charity?
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Congrats to the winners. Sorry for the loss of Betty. I will pray for God’s peace & comfort for the family .
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Congratlations to the winners. Sorry to hear of Betty’s passing.
Sounds like your weekend went well, I don’t get any trick or treaters at my condo either. I’m having cataract surgery tomorrow, the first went well but I’d appreciate a prayer that all goes well with this one. Thanks and blessings.
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Sending healing prayers your way.
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Sending prayers and good thoughts for your procedure and fast recovery, Diana.
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Diana, I hope and pray your surgery went well today. God’s Blessings to you.
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Diana, I do hope and pray your surgery went well today. God’s Blessings to you.
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Sorry about the repeat. Don’t worry, you’re not seeing double.
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Sounds like you’ve had an enjoyable weekend. You’re having rain and on Saturday, we had an appreciable amount of snow on the ground. Glad to say most of it has gone now, except where the sun can’t reach it. Your reading is quite varied. I should try switching genres like you do. Have a wonderful week and congrats to the winners. Be well everyone!
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Sorry for your loss; prayers still coming your way. We had snow and very cold temps today here in Western NE.keep up the goodworks physically and spiritually!
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So sorry for your family’s loss. I love reading about your days. I don’t blame you for not finishing the book with the dog’s death. I do not enjoy any kind of animal cruelty. I love your books though!!!!
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Congrats!! To the winners!! I’m sorry to hear about Betty. We actually had snow here in South Carolina on Saturday, first time they said in 125 years this early in the year.
Have a good week everyone !!
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Taize music is lovely. Someday you should visit the Taize music in France. We have a Taize prayer service every Wednesday here at my church. I love the gentle repetition of the music. Thank you for mentioning this.
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Linda your family has my prayers. We had a very busy Halloween which was fun. There was a time i didn’t like or celebrate All Hallows eve but I am more comfortable with it now.
It sounds as though you are having fun and finding outlets for your innate creativity!
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Sorry for your loss. Keep up the good work with the walks and the bike.
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Congratulations to the winners. And I am sorry for your lost.
Wish I can get back to exercising but just can’t seem to get back into it.
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I used to read V.C.Andrews when I was younger! Another book to put on my “to read” list…. Thanks for letting us know what you’re reading! Always looking for suggestions!
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So sorry for your loss, my prayers to you and your family! Congrats to the 2 winners!
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Hi, Linda. I hope your family finds great comfort in some good memories of Mrs. Lang.
I have to ask because since you have been blogging less lately, it seems I’m checking in less and maybe missing some information. Are you currently working on a book or taking a break? Also, there are several books of yours on the shelves right now, I think mostly reprints. I recognize some of your GREATS, like the Orphan Train girls and the McKettricks. (Everybody, if you haven’t read either of those series, do so soon! Wonderful series-es (is that plural?)) Anyway, there was one, with “Snowflake” in the title, I wonder is that a reprint or a new one that you just put out?
Take care,
Hilda
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You are soooo right Hilda!! Everyone has to read the McKettricks series!! I’m hoping for TV movie or film or something! Bring them to life!!
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I am so sorry to hear of your brother’s in law’s mother. Sending healing vibes to your family.
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Thank you, so excited for the WIN! Sorry to hear about Betty. enjoy the rain we are dry here in Texas. Most chops are harvested and hays in the barn, so ready for winter. Thanks again for the win! Love all your books!
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I enjoy reading your books. I would love to win.
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Thanks for the opportunity to win.
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Sorry for your family’s loss and praying for some comfort to come your way. Hope you have the best week and can’t wait to read the next charm book!
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I’m sorry for your family’s loss. Know that you and family are in my prayers. I love that you mention what books your reading. I have many books by V.C Andrews, have not bought a new book in some years. I will not read a book out of series, including your books. I love to hear about your weekends. There’s so much you get accomplished. My weekends are Wednesday and Thursday, for I work weekends. I hope you have a great week. Congrats to the winner’s.
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We don’t get trick or treaters either as we are also in the country, but it is fun to go to town and see a witch walking down the street. My husband and I joked that maybe she lot the keys to her broom. lol Sorry about Betty.
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I’m so sorry for your loss. Take care.
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Sorry for the loss of Betty Lang …Losing someone is always tough to deal with .
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Spent all day Sat. at a book signing. Great fun!
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Love your books.My baby sister Shirley( now passed)got me into reading
your books.Have been a fan about 16 years.Have a great day.
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Sounds like a great weekend. We had cold an rain. Today is nice a sunny. Makes up for it. But in Ohio it can change in a second. lol Have a wonderful weekend. Rereading some old favorites! McKettricks and Creeks
Thanks for such wonderful books!
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You are an inspiration for weight watchers. I recently got back to it as well. I enjoy following your journey.
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Sorry for your loss.
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Sounds like a perfect weekend
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Sorry for your loss
The rest of your weekend sounds wonderful
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I never get trick or treaters out here in the middle of the walnut orchard but still had candy ready. I don’t have ranch hands to help me eat it so I have to eat it myself. I will need to do many miles on an exercise bike once I finish all of it
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I truly . Do not understand how you fit in all the reading listening and doing into the hours you have, what the heck am I doing wrong. I know you probably speed read, but speed listen?
I would love to figure it out, probably the answer is that I waste time. Would love some insight.
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Thank You Thank You Thank You!! Looking forward to my gift! :))))
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We had 6 Trick or Treaters! Our usual, but it was so cold, windy, rainy & some snow mixed in. We still have lots of leftovers!
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I am with you Linda, I can’t and won’t finish a book when animals are killed for sport or just because. It is different if within the storyline aan animal has to be put down, but even that make me cry. Sorry to hear of your family lost. Take care and have a blessed day!
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So sorry for your loss!
Thank you for your years of writing! I’ve been reading all of your works for a long time! Great stuff!
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I am sorry for your brother-in-law! It is tough to lose anyone, especially a parent. It sounds as if you had a wonderful weekend, though.
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Hi Linda, Sorry for your loss, prayers to you & family, keep up with your exercises as its so easy to get out of your routine . The best to you & family !
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Keep pedaling it keeps the spirits up.
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I just want to say hi to all and have a nice one.
It looks like we just might have some good winter weather which i will love cause we have had some hot summer days here.
Bye for now, Mary D Wornick
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Linda,
So you like ghost movies and books. Well i like them too but get scare as all get out after seeing one. Laughing ,but still watch them. Okay y’all have a good one bye for now
God bless keep safe
Mary D.Wornick
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I think of you as one of my spiritual teachers – suggesting books to read – giving me ideas to ponder
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It’s good to hear you had a quiet and restful Halloween and weekend.
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Sorry for your loss. It’s so hard to give them up.
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I bought Halloween candy even though I had to work that night. The hubby enjoyed it when I got home that night.
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Taize – a way to pray!
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Love your books–can’t wait until the next one comes out.
It sounds like your ranch is just beautiful. There is no prettier place to visit than the western United States.
My prayers are with you and your family in the loss of Betty
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Sorry to hear about Betty Lang passing. Will still keep her in my prayers.
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Congratulations to the winners , it is always fun to win something …. Sorry to hear of your family’s loss . I’ve always loved old ghost stories, my friends used to come to our house hoping that my Mama would tell us some, wish that I could remember some of the tales .at the time the stories sounded so realistic . stay Happy, healthy & hope you like writing as much as we- all enjoy reading your books !!!!