Saturday, September 28, 2019

Farewell to Summer. Welcome Autumn!

God has promised strength for the day, rest for the labor,
light for the way, grace for the trials, help from above,
unfailing sympathy, undying love.

Author Dorthea Benton Frank's service at The Cathedral in Charleston, SC

I ended my summer in Charleston
at the funeral service of low country NYT best-selling author
Dorthea Benton Frank.
Her death was a shock to all.
Gone at the young age of 67.

I was introduced to Dottie in 2004.
When Rob and I flew from California to the south to visit
family, we spent a few days in Georgetown, SC at a quaint B&B.
After dining at a seafood restaurant, we walked along the river walk
and of course I ended up in a small bookstore.
I was looking for a summer read so the first book I picked up was
Sullivan's Island by Dorthea Benton Frank.
Never heard of her, but I liked the cover. So I bought it.
(Side note: I returned home to California and told my daughter,
"You must read Sullivan's Island."
Jacquie answered, "Mom, I bought that book at Barnes and Noble last month."
Small world, huh?)

Since Dottie's first book, I've read many of her twenty novels, and had the pleasure of
meeting her at several book signings at Books-A-Million when I worked there.

DBF lived a brilliant life but her sudden death once again reminded me
of how short life can be.  We don't know when we'll be taken out of
this world and placed into the next.
Saying that, I'm here to remind us that life is precious.
Love those around you.  Give a hug where a hug is due. Or even when it isn't due.
Speak a kind word to someone.

Simple autumn decorations sprinkled around our cozy condo


I love my Fall mantle. Pumpkins and shells.


Boating as much as possible before the chilling weather blows our way.


I wish you oceans of Autumn blessings, and remember ...
Keep those bodies movin'!


Then I will lead the blind along a way they never knew...
I will make the darkness become light for them,
and the rough ground smooth.
Isaiah 42:16





Wednesday, September 4, 2019

New Discoveries...really?

Most new discoveries are suddenly-seen things that were always there.

I miss you, Tuscany!

I took a summer sabbatical break from blogging
and devoted more time to relaxing, reading, and boating.
And adding thousands of words to Lady on the Run

A little update:
As of April 2019 I needed to write 12,000 more words to transform 
Lady on the Run from a novella to a novel.
Here I thought I just wanted a novella.
God had a bigger plan.
As of August 2019 I added those 12,000 inspired words
and now have a little over 51,000 words!
Now I'm speaking words of faith, believing that
my novel will be published within a year.
As writers know, the publishing process can be stressful.

This is where I wrote my last inspired 13,000 words of Lady on the Run.

Through my writing journey I have learned a lot about myself.
I'm still in the process of learning to apply patience to my daily life.
This journey has been lots of fun,  
meeting writers, young and old.
Seasoned. Newbies. And all the in-betweens.
I'm in there somewhere.

I love taking our South Carolina road trips. Ya never know who you'll find along your journey!

I have a confession.
As a writer, there are moments when my insecurities outshine all the
confidence that I've tried to muster up over the years.
I'm a member of an awesome writers group that has many
successful authors, bloggers, speakers, etc.
Out of the blue, a feeling of jealousy comes over me when they speak of their success.
Then I shake myself! "Wait! What's wrong with me? I'm happy for them!"
Then, as I speak blessings over them, my negative, selfish feelings disappear! Yay!

I have another confession ... just being honest.
As a woman, I still go through the insecurities of being
the good wife and mother.
When certain circumstances arise, as they did recently,
I find myself asking, "what am I doing wrong now?"
I literally have to fight off the glooming darkness of depression.
Many call that 'feeling sorry for yourself.'
Yep, that's me.
I was tempted to write a post when I was in the middle of my selfishness,
but decided that no one would read it.
And besides, I choose not to dwell on the negative.
God has a much better way.
I run to His Word.

Giving more time to our church...feeding the poor,
encouragement to those who have lost a loved one,
and fun fellowship.

Since we sold our motor home, we have more time to spend with our
friends at Flourish Church.
I recently joined a women's Bible study where we are learning through scriptures
'who we are IN Christ.'
This is where our confidence lies.
Through the years I've been an insecure gal who literally has had to
jump in the ocean and leave my insecurities on the shore.
And that, my friend, is what I choose to do every day.
Fighting the good fight for Jesus!

I leave you with these positive words:

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His
lovingkindness is everlasting.
Who can speak of the mighty deeds of the Lord, 
or can show forth all His praise?
Psalm 106:1-2

Lady Traveler wishes you oceans of Autumn blessings!






On life's journey, whether traveling around the world or walking around your block, there's lots to learn about life, faith, friendship and fun! so lets dive into a new ocean together ... and lets keep that body movin'!