Fall 2013 Bloggiesta

20 September 2013
Today I decided to do something about my Twitter which lead me to the daunting task of doing something about my blog. I was once so proud of my blogging, spending time writing and reading was a high point of my day. I'm not sure what happened along the way, life I suppose. Anyway, while hanging out on Twitter I saw a tweet about Bloggiesta and got all sorts of inspired. This was just the nudge I needed! Thank you Universe for the push! So, upon looking at what this place has become and frankly being quite disappointed with myself, I came up with a to do list. I'm not so sure how much I can cram into three days, but we shall see.

Bloggiesta To Do List:

  • Edit, edit, edit! Years ago I won a blog make over and used that template for ages. Upon logging on today I see my siggy has been removed from this person's Photobucket so I have all these posts with no signature. I need to start there with edits then move on to sidebar and page editing.
  • Schedule posts for the next month.
  • Decide if I'm truly happy with my lay out and do something about it if not.
  • Really think about the vision for my blog. when I started, life was in a very different place. Does the blog reflect that? If not, how can I change it? What do I want my focus to be?
  • Update my links. 
  • Complete at least 5 mini challenges. 
  • Blog hop to at least 10 other participating blogs. 
  • Encourage all the other participation by reading and commenting. 
There is so much to do and even more to think about. I am excited about participating in Bloggiesta! The great thing about the blogging community is how supportive and inspirational we all can be! 

Past Darkness by Laurel Woiwode

03 May 2013
Past darkness is appropriately titled, as the story is in no way light and fluffy. Gabrielle loses her parents as a teen and the novel is about how she deals with her grief over the coming years. She ends up on the Dakota plains, finding a connection with horses, but less and less of one with people. It is a touching tale of loss, grief, and coming out of the pain. The author is a beautiful storyteller, weaving words together in such a way that it pulls you in. The descriptions of Gabrielle's surroundings are so vivid, you feel you are right there with her. I enjoyed the book very much overall, but the pacing was very slow.This is a pet peeve for me, as a book has to move along to hold my interest. I did finish it though and very much enjoyed the story. Any fan of young adult fiction would likely enjoy Past Darkness.

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Past Darkness
Crossway (April 30, 2013)
by
Laurel Woiwode


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:



Laurel Woiwode graduated with honors from Jamestown College, earning a Bachelor of Arts in both English and History. She works with ESL students, writes movie reviews at reelquickie.areavoices.com, works on writing and editing projects, and is always ready for outdoor adventures. Laurel grew up in rural North Dakota, has had an avid interest in animals, nature, and literature since childhood, and she is the author of Past Darkness.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Gabrielle Larson is an average, 15 year old girl living in Chicago when tragedy strikes. In the aftermath, she is forced to relocate to rural North Dakota and henceforth spends the next chapter of her life learning to cope with trials involving everything from family to faith. Laurel Woiwode, daughter of critically acclaimed novelist Larry Woiwode, offers here a moving story that will be appreciated by female and male readers alike. Past Darkness is not preachy or heavy-handed, but rather a touching story about the importance of family, the power of music, and the ever-present mercy of God.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Past Darkness, go HERE,



I received a free copy of the novel in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

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JJ Heller's Loved Review and Giveaway

12 March 2013


Loved. It's a powerful word. Do you feel loved? Do you remember that no matter what, there is someone who loves us, there waiting with open arms? JJ Heller's new album, Loved, gives us all a little reminder. This CD hits stores today. I was lucky enough to get my copy a little early so I could share my thoughts with y'all.

About JJ Heller and Loved:
When JJ Heller and her husband/co-writer, Dave, began writing for their sixth studio album LOVED, life looked a few shades darker, more painful and confusing than it had during the work on their work of the recent past. Over the past few years, the duo steered much of their material toward the whimsical and simple joys of life, love and new parenthood. But, when confronted by illness, death and broken marriages within their community, the Hellers chose to stay true to the weight of their season of life when crafting lyrics this time around.
I was not familiar with JJ Heller's work until this album showed up, but I became a fan within minutes. I have listened to Loved time and again the past few days. JJ's voice is both soothing and uplifting all at once. The lyrics are powerful and uplifting. I found myself encouraged and at peace while listening to the words. I truly enjoyed this collection of songs.

JJ's style is unique. Quiet yet with a bit of a raw edge that I absolutely adore. Check out this video for Who You Are, one of my favorite songs on the disc.



Learn more about JJ here:
Websitehttp://www.jjheller.com
Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/pages/JJ-Heller/12004599945

Want a copy of Loved for yourself? I have one copy to give to a lucky reader! Enter via Rafflecopter below.




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So Much More Than Pancakes

05 March 2013

I love IHOP. There are many reasons why, but the biggest is you get a lot of good food at an exceptional value. That and the fact I am a complete fail at making pancakes. Seriously, for someone who can cook I can mess up pancakes like you wouldn't believe. So, I prefer to let IHOP make them for me. But, IHOP offers so many more options than just pancakes.



I stopped in there tonight to grab one of their new Griddle Melts sandwiches. These are technically a breakfast sandwich but it made an incredible dinner. IHOP's press release has this to say about these new sandwiches:
“Breakfast sandwiches are the largest selling breakfast items out of the home, with more than 55 billion servings consumed each year. Our new Griddle Melts bring our guests a breakfast sandwich that lives up to our high standards of excellence and value and they can only be found at IHOP,” said Natalia Franco, Senior Vice President, Marketing, International House of Pancakes, LLC. “Our culinary team has created three delicious varieties of Griddle Melts, each using the finest ingredients, and in a hearty size that requires both hands—even for the half sandwich.
“While others may offer guests breakfast sandwiches that are pre-made in advance, every single Griddle Melt sandwich is custom made for each guest,” Franco continued. “Bursting with flavor, Griddle Melts are a meal in themselves, a hearty breakfast sandwich that our guests will want to sit down and savor. And at $4.99 for a half sandwich it’s a great value and I encourage guests to try all three before choosing their favorite!”
Griddle Melt varieties include:
  • Spinach, Roasted Pepper & Cheese
    Sautéed fresh spinach in a fluffy egg omelet topped with roasted red peppers and onions, melted Provolone, Parmesan and Pepper Jack cheeses on grilled artisan sourdough bread. Served with your choice of hash browns, French fries or seasonal fruit.
  • Western
    Smoked ham and sautéed peppers and onions in a classic omelet, topped with sliced ham, melted American cheese and served on grilled artisan sourdough bread. Served with your choice of hash browns, French fries or seasonal fruit.
  • Ham & Egg Melt
    Sliced ham and melted Swiss and American cheeses over a fluffy egg omelet served on grilled artisan sourdough bread. Served with your choice of hash browns, French fries or seasonal fruit.
 I know that whet when it comes to a fast breakfast out, I often choose a breakfast sandwich. Admittedly, I would never think of going to IHOP to grab a quick bite, but after tonight I think it's a great option. I had a Western half sandwich with spicy fries. This cost $4.99. The sandwich was a Western omelet on tasty sourdough toast. The press release is correct, even the half sandwich took two hands. It was a delicious  hearty meal at a great price. I was very pleasantly surprised, $4.99 normally doesn't get you such a filling meal. Not only was it a savory, affordable meal, but I was in and out of the restaurant in half an hour! That's a quick meal! I could not have been happier with my dinner.




Not only was the food and value incredible, but so was the service. The place was fairly crowded with  dinner customers, but I was greeted promptly with a smile. My server, Tammie, was very friendly and attentive. I was super excited that a coupon for a free short stack of pancakes upon survey completion printed off on my receipt, but they kept my receipt at check out. When I asked I was told they keep the receipts. This didn't make much sense to me, but was the only hiccup in a delightful meal out.

So, I give the new Griddle Melts sandwiches two thumbs up! I am eager to go back and try the other two varieties! If you are looking for a savory meal and a great value I urge you to check these sandwiches out!

I received a gift card in order to visit IHOP and review the Griddle Melts sandwiches. No other compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own. 


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The Return of Cassandra Todd by Darrel Nelson

01 March 2013
This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
The Return of Cassandra Todd
Realms (February 5, 2013)
by
Darrel Nelson


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

I am a schoolteacher by profession and have taught school for (thir—ahem!) years. I grew up in Raymond, Alberta, and attended the University of Lethbridge after graduating from high school and serving a two-year mission to Japan. During university, I met and married Marsha Smith, and we are the parents of four children, which has grown to include their spouses and our ten grandchildren.

I have always loved to write. I started writing stories before I was old enough to realize I was writing stories. It seemed a natural thing to pick up a pencil and paper and create a world simply by using words—worlds of adventure in steaming jungles (Tarzan was an early influence on me) or realms of adventure in outer space (Buck Rogers). But as I have grown older, I have discovered that the real inspiration for me is exploring the theme of love and how it can make such a difference in the world.

I’ve had an article published in Lethbridge Magazine and have written several dramatic plays, two of which won provincial recognition and were showcased at a drama festival. I won the CJOC radio songwriting contest two years running, and have had one of my songs receive international airplay. I have written four novels intended for the juvenile market. They are unpublished as yet, but I read them annually to my fourth grade students and my students tell me they love them, the darlings.

ABOUT THE BOOK




When the girl he hated in high school suddenly reenters his life, little son in tow, and asks for his help, Turner must put the past behind him if they are to survive.

Turner Caldwell works at a local motel as a handyman while attending college full-time. On his way to class one day, he passes the bus depot just as Cassandra Todd and her young son arrive. He is shocked to see her, remembering how cruel she was to him in high school. She was the popular head cheerleader and he the target of her mean-spirited pranks. Turner could never have imagined that the outdoor training and survival skills he learned at Camp Kopawanee, a summer youth camp where he worked three years as a leader, would one day become so crucial. But when Cassandra and her son check into the motel where he works and she asks for his help in eluding her abusive husband, Turner finds himself entangled in a situation that will require every skill he has in order to survive.

If you'd like to read the first chapter of The Return of Cassandra Todd, go HERE.

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