Denise's Den

Happy Birthday!

2009-07-13T08:45:00.002-07:00

Today my baby is 20! How did that happen?

Like many mothers, I suppose I remember him as that toddler who had more energy than the sun and seemed to be everywhere at once. So, in honor of my baby boy, here's my version of "I remember. . ."

I remember the funny things - like the two year old who announced in church one Sunday that something was "impossible." What he said had nothing to do with church, but it garnered attention because of the size of the word and the size of the kid who said it. And there are the pictures of him: in the dishwasher, positioning a small chair near the sink and climbing up on the back of it to reach the faucet, "cleaning" the toilet at 18 months (cleaning is relative here - he had the brush and it was in the toilet and he was moving it around with all his might), and riding his first bike with training wheels at three (at breakneck speed down an uneven sidewalk).

I remember the sobering things. Being "kicked out" of two different daycares (he just had too much energy and was stubborn to boot), the kindergarten teacher who really "got" him and showed him that school and learning could be fun, but retired after his kindergarten year and was killed in a car accident a few years later; the first grade teacher who also retired after his first grade year; and the second grade teacher who "didn't get" him at all and caused us to remove him from school and homeschool him for the next four years.

I remember the heart-stopping things. The time I just happened to notice the back of a blood-soaked shirt on a two year old who wasn't crying, and couldn't tell me how he managed to hit his head and end up requiring three stitches; the one year old who had no fear, whether it was heights, stairs, or a swimming pool; and the one day old who nearly inched his way off a hospital bed while the doctor watched.

I remember the heart-warming things. The cuddler, who loved to crawl into bed with me and snuggle in the mornings; the five month old who took out two Christmas trees - with a big smile and could open the refrigerator from his walker ("No, I don't need any eggs right now."); and the four year old who went to a Halloween party as Thomas the Tank Engine (my sister made a cardboard cutout for him to wear over his overalls) and let an entranced two year old stranger wear the costume for most of the night.

So, to my amazing baby boy, I say Happy Birthday!! I love you and wish you all the best.

Mom

The Blurb. . .

2009-07-03T12:22:00.002-07:00

So, I've only been back for a couple of days and it has taken me this long to get into my blog to post the blurb - enjoy!

Gypsy Legacy, Book 3

A panther. A prince. A promise. Can destiny tie the knot?

During a magical childhood summer, a gypsy woman gave Lady Amanda Cookeson a black panther statuette, promising that the man who came to claim it would also claim her heart. Amanda believes the Earl of Wynton is the prince she has awaited. Yet his reluctance to declare them anything more than friends leaves her wondering if she waited in vain.

If he wasn’t the last of his line, Jon Kenton, Earl of Wynton, wouldn’t marry at all. Since leaving his inheritance to the Crown is out of the question, however, he is compelled to search for the statuette his great-grandmother promised him. His quest leaves him empty handed—and secretly relieved. Finding the statuette would mean embracing the gypsy roots he has long denied.

Amanda is perfect countess material: lovely, admirable and—he thinks—statueless. Their passion is unquenchable…until the gypsy magic Jon thought he’d buried nearly destroys his future with Amanda.

Houston. . .we have a cover!

2009-06-14T20:16:00.003-07:00

So, today I got final approval on the cover for The Earl. What do you think? I hope the blurb will be approved soon.

For those of you who have read the other books in this series, the article that is supposed to lead Jon to his destiny is a panther statuette made of black onyx.

Freising, Germany

2009-05-08T22:00:00.004-07:00

I'll be away for the next ten days or so on vacation in Germany, so I thought to leave you with a re-run of a previous post on one of our favorite smaller city in Germany. Freising sits outside of Munich and is the perfect place to spend the night before flying out of Munich's airport. Enjoy, and I'll see everyone in a couple of weeks.
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Freising is a city situated near two hills. Back in the Middle Ages, Freising was an important city as the seat of a bishopric and a major religious center. St. Corbinian settled at a shrine in Freising around 724. On the city's coat of arms is a saddled bear. This stems from the story of St. Corbinian in which it was said that while traveling a bear attacked and killed his packhorse. Corbinian is said to have told the bear that since he'd killed the horse, he would have to take its place. All over the city there are adorable statutes of bears painted in a variety of ways. It received city rights under Emperor Otto III in 996, but with the founding of nearby Munich in 1150, it gradually lost its economic power. Today it is a quaint city that is best known for the Abbey and church on one hill and the oldest brewery in the world situated on the other. Enjoy some pictures of this picturesque town.

Worship on Wednesday

2009-05-06T06:00:00.000-07:00

The following is a devotional from Words of Hope. I read it about a week ago and just loved its message, so I'm passing it on.

Philippians 3:1-16

No Confidence in the Flesh

¹Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you.

²Watch out for those dogs, those men who do evil, those mutilators of the flesh. ³For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh— ⁴though I myself have reasons for such confidence.
If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: ⁵circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; ⁶as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless.

⁷But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. ⁸What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ ⁹and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. ¹⁰I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, ¹¹and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.

Pressing on Toward the Goal

¹²Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. ¹³Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, ¹⁴I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

¹⁵All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. ¹⁶Only let us live up to what we have already attained. (NIV)

Joy from Having a Personal Relationship of Faith in Jesus Christ

Paul's testimony sounds different from the "gutter to Christ" stories we have often heard. Paul came to Christ as a high moral achiever. He was an Olympic gold medal winner in personal righteousness, a Mother Teresa or Albert Schweitzer of morality. Yet he regarded his trophies of self-righteousness as so much garbage compared to the glory of knowing Christ Jesus.

We work hard to accumulate credentials: degrees, honors, professional recognition, status, wealth. But when the Christ of the cross turns his gaze toward us the only thing we can cry is, "Lord, remember me when you enter your kingdom." As the gospel song has it, "Nothing in my hands I bring; only to thy cross I cling; wash me Savior or I die."

If God wanted to save us by adding up our achievements he would have sent a bookkeeper. Instead he sent a Savior. Laws, rules, regulations, rituals: they all have their value and place. But at the end of the day and the end of life they all fade away, while our relationship with Christ, by faith, shines as bright as the morning sun.

Prayer: Dear God, fill me and help me value the simple joy that comes from knowing Christ my Lord.

Slacking off

2009-05-03T20:58:00.003-07:00

Well, I got so busy last week that I slacked off my posting schedule. It wasn't that I forgot, I remembered, but usually not until it was so late and I was so tired that I just couldn't come up with anything to write.

This week probably won't be much better. As for last week's goals - how did I do? Well, I didn't finish my WIP. I'm still in the middle of Chapter 12 and I know I have at least two more chapters to go. We'll see what this week brings, but I'm pretty sure I won't get it done. But, I won't be for lack of trying.

I still have to finish off my friend's grandbaby's bibs and get them sent off before I leave for Germany on Saturday. I'm looking forward to the trip, but there's just so much to do before then.

I'll try to post on Saturday whether I got it all done.

Traveling Tuesday - Salzburg, Austria

2009-04-28T06:00:00.001-07:00

This city on the Salzach River in Austria is famous for two things: Mozart and The Sound of Music. Never mind the beautiful fortress that sits on the hill. Or the churches in the city. And a plethora of other beautiful places. If you didn't come to Salzburg to follow Mozart or see where The Sound of Music was filmed - why did you come? That's probably what we should have asked ourselves since that wasn't the reason we'd come. I have nothing against Mozart, and The Sound of Music is one of my top five all time favorite movies, but that's not why I visit Salzburg.

For me, it's the fortress. It has an impressive history and museum. The Hohensalzburg was begun in 1077, about 300 years after Salzburg was elevated to an archbishopric. It is the largest and best preserved fortress in Europe. As you walk up to the fortress, it is easy to see how it has remained intact. Even the fortress in Wurzburg, impressive as it is, is easier to get to.
As you walk up the steep path to get to it, you pass a number of places actually carved into the rock. It's easy to see these dwellings as being the homes of lookouts, who could warn the archbishop before anyone could get up there.

Enjoy these pictures of the walk up to the fortress, some of the views inside it, and of the city from its walls.

The little arched entry way (below) leads into the main courtyard. It is in one of the oldest parts of the fortress, near the place where they have excavated the footings and some of the walls of the very first church to be built on this particular mountain.

The linden tree has been growing in the large courtyard for hundreds of years, but I could find nothing that would tell me exactly how long. I think it is safe to say it wasn't growing there when the fortress was built, but might have been planted not long after it was finished.

And finally, a view of Salzburg from the walls of the fortress. Note how many steeples you can see. Salzburg, as the seat of an archbishopric for many years, has many churches.

Great Weekend

2009-04-27T06:00:00.001-07:00

So, even though I had a lot to do this weekend, it was a great one. Friday night I went to a dinner in honor of a local pastor who had been with his congregation for 35 years! Talk about longevity. The church I attend has been through three pastors in the last 18 years, and we are now looking for our fourth. It would be nice to have such stability.

On Saturday, my son and I went up to camp for a workday. He ended up helping to lay a floor in one of the cabins while I helped out in the main lodge washing walls and windows. We were there for about 5 hours, then headed home. Once home, I finished the embroidery projects I was working on for the dinner and auction on Sunday. And, I remembered to take some pictures, so here they are. The sets sparked a bidding war - especially the angels. And, while I love those angels, I'm actually partial to the fruit set.

I also created some with birds on them that we sold as singles. (below) They went fast, too. All in all it was a good day. But, I'm going to take a break from sewing for a bit and finish my current WIP. With everything else going on, I haven't worked on it in a few days, so it needs some attention.

I also learned that, due to some shifting in publication schedules, The Earl won't be out until August. So, I guess I'll have to change the banner now.

New goals for next week? Finish the next chapter of the WIP. I'm headed to Germany in two weeks and my original goal was to have the first draft finished before I went. I'm still hoping to have it done by then, but anything can happen between now and then and with me - it usually does.

Stay tuned.

Free-for-all Friday

2009-04-24T06:00:00.001-07:00

Once again, not much is happening in my life. Nothing worth writing about anyway.

I took today off work. I just needed some "me" time - and time to finish embroidering some towels for the dinner and auction fundraiser this Sunday at church. I have to admit that sometimes I wonder why I continue to contribute since I don't necessarily agree that the group the fundraising is for needs to go on a trip EVERY Summer. On the other hand, I like to support the different groups and causes in the church because I like helping people - period. So, I'll be embroidering two complete sets of kitchen towels (7), and a bunch of singles that will be sold separately. I'll post pictures on Monday if I remember to take them.

Changing tracks, I've been experimenting with creating banners. I finally found a place on the web that makes it easy to create them. It's called bannersketch.com. Check them out. They are easy - and free. Below is the most recent banner I created - and it took me less than an hour. What do you think?

Thoughtful Thursday - Reviews

2009-04-23T06:00:00.000-07:00

I have often wondered if book reviews really help sales. I know that I, and many others, love it when a review comes out on one of my books. Especially if that review is a good one. But, and this is the million dollar question, does it help sales? Because, after all, many authors would like to make a living on their writing. So the question is a valid one, I think.

It can't hurt, you might say. Maybe. I guess it all depends on the review/reviewer. I've heard it said that getting a bad review on some sites can make your sales soar because everyone wants to see what's so bad about it. On the other hand, I suspect there are people out there who do rely on reviews - especially when faced with an unknown author. And, face it, there are so many authors that we are all looking for a way to stick out in the crowd.

Well, I don't know if a bad review will help my sales, but I do know one thing. A good review can make my day/week/month. For me, it tells me that at least one person liked my writing. Whether that one person can influence the rest of the reading world remains to be seen, but for me, it was worth every minute I put into the book to have someone like it enough to give it a good rating.

So, why am I thinking about reviews lately? Because the June issue of Romantic Times is up on their website and there's a review of The Duke in it. And guess what? It's a GREAT one! 4½ stars. I've been smiling ever since I discovered it two days ago. This is what Ms. Brown had to say about The Duke:

Patrick's second entry in her Gypsy Legacy series is delightful. Her consummate storytelling runs the gamut with gripping plotlines, nonstop action and multifaceted characters. There's a wonderful love story and a conspiracy guaranteed to keep readers on their toes.

So, what do you think? Would that make you at least take a second (or third) look?

Wednesday Worship

2009-04-22T06:00:00.000-07:00

Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” Genesis 1:26

Today is Earth Day. Today is a day to remember that we are here to take care of God's creation. In Genesis when He created the Earth and all that is in it, He also gave man dominion over it all. That doesn't mean that we can just do what we want with it, however. Even a ruler is responsible for the well-being of his people. So should we be responsible for the well-being of the earth and the people that live on it.

When I was growing up in the 60s and 70s, conservationists were known as "tree huggers." This was not always a complimentary nickname, either. And, though I would never have considered myself one, I have always felt some responsibility to leave as small a footprint as possible wherever I have been. I think God expects that of us as well. We need to remember that we will not be the last generation to inhabit this Earth, so we must leave it for our children, our children's children, and so on. If we don't pay attention to it now, there will be very little left for our children and grandchildren to enjoy.

There are many ways to be good "rulers" of the earth. Recycling is an easy and simple one. If it is available in your area, recycling is a good way to begin. Using less energy is also good. Solar energy is abundant in some parts of the world and not so in others.

God has created a wonderful and beautiful world for us, but we cannot continue to take it for granted. On this Earth Day 2009, let us remember that leaving this world a better place than it was when we entered it is an admirable goal - then strive toward it.

Tuesday Tease

2009-04-21T08:25:00.002-07:00

So, today, I didn't have any place new to go, so I thought I'd tease you instead.

I've got news, but I can't post it yet. It was a great moment for me to learn and I'm still smiling over it. Unfortunately, it's not "public" yet, so I can't tell. But, as soon as it is, I will be out here to post it - even if it's on the weekend. So, stay tuned.

Oh, and my cover is ready for approval. I hope that means this week. I'll post it as soon as I get it released.

Marvelous Monday

2009-04-20T06:00:00.001-07:00

It was a great weekend. Not that I didn't have moments when I was thinking of tearing my hair out, but it was an otherwise AWESOME weekend. Why? Because yesterday was Youth Sunday at church and the Youth Group did a fabulous job! The kid who wrote and delivered the Sermon had the congregation alternately laughing and in tears. It was a blessed day!!

I'm also proud of myself for finishing the next chapter on Scarred. Altogether, I have added almost 1,000 words to my WIP since last week. For some that might not be much - for me that is a great accomplishment.

I was also able to finish the bibs for my friend's grandchild. After all the frustration of last weekend with breaking thread, I figured out it was the thread that was the problem. Changed the thread - and problem solved. Don't you wish all problems were solved that easily? I know I do.

So, I've finally gotten back and started posting in my forum on Coffee Time Romance, so click on the link in the sidebar and go check it out. I've posted the "working blurb" for The Scarred Heir out there in my Works in Progress thread.

So, now it's off to the salt mines. I love writing. I love seeing my book in print. But, I also love having the ability to write and all the comforts it takes to be able to write - so I work a day job. Thankfully, it's a job I love. See you tomorrow.

Free-for-all Friday

2009-04-17T06:00:00.000-07:00

I don't have much to say today. It's been a roller coaster of a week and I've got a lot to do before Sunday rolls around. I've been making steady progress on my current WIP, so at least this week hasn't been a total loss.

I hope sometime next week to have a cover for my next release. Gypsy Legacy: The Earl will be a July release, following the print release of my second Gypsy Legacy book, The Duke, in June. My editor and I have been going back and forth with the cover artist for the past couple of days, so I'm crossing my fingers that I'll have an approved cover sometime next week.

I'm also waiting for the approval of my blurb. When that happens, I'll post it here first. Stay tuned - and have a great weekend.

Thoughtful Thursday - The Shack

2009-04-16T06:00:00.000-07:00

I told you I'd let you know when I finished The Shack. I finished it last weekend. Overall it was an okay read. While I don't agree with much of the theology in the book, I think I kept expecting there to be more to the story. I also don't don't know who the audience for the book was supposed to be. I do know, it wasn't me. I didn't actively dislike it, but I would not recommend it to any of my friends.

There were some unique parts to the story, and some instances that made me stop and ponder for a bit, but overall, it left me pretty cold. I didn't appreciate the attempt to make it sound like a true story, but even so, I grieved with the characters for the loss of their child. As a parent, it would be my worst nightmare come true.

As a reader and writer of fiction, I prefer a happy ending and, if there's not a happy ending, at least some type of closure. The hurried ending that attempted to tie up all the loose threads in this one just didn't do it for me. If you're looking for a new idea of what the Trinity might be like, you can try this one on for size, but you should read it for what it is - a story.

Worship on Wednesday

2009-04-15T06:00:00.000-07:00

With Easter being last Sunday, I want to remind you that. . .

Our God is an AWESOME GOD!!

Traveling Tuesday - Grand Canyon

2009-04-14T06:00:00.000-07:00

It's been a number of years since I visited the Grand Canyon, but I have never forgotten the beauty and ruggedness of it. Since I can't find my own pictures - and they wouldn't be near as good as the quality of cameras has improved drastically since then - I found a Park Service site where all the pictures are in the public domain. Even though it said I didn't need to provide a link back, I'm doing so because there are so many beautiful pictures, that there was no way I could put them all on my blog, so go and check them out. Maybe this year is the year you can go out and experience the Grand Canyon for yourself.

Progress

2009-04-13T06:00:00.000-07:00

Well, I made some progress this week on my goals from last week. I added over 1,000 words to my current WIP. Unfortunately, that's still not an entire chapter. I seem to be working in starts and fits lately. I definitely plan to do better this week. My plan is to write "The End" before I head to Germany on May 9.

As for the other project - the bibs for my friend's new grandchild. Well, I got all but the last one embroidered, then my machine kept breaking the thread. So, I will see if I can figure out what's wrong and finish the last one this week. Then I discovered I didn't have all the colors of ribbing I needed to finish the neck openings. So, here are pictures of the finished towels - by next week I hope to get the necks done so I can mail them before I head to Germany, too.

This first picture is of all of them. I took them with my phone, so I don't know how well they will show up. The "I love mommy" one is a close-up of one of the patterns, as is the special one I made for my friend. I should have taken a close up of the one with the keys on it. That's the yellow towel and that pattern is one of my favorites. I make it with varying colors for every baby I make bibs for.

Have a great Monday!

Happy Easter!

2009-04-12T06:00:00.002-07:00

GospelGifs.com

Waiting

2009-04-11T09:13:00.002-07:00

Waiting

Good Friday

2009-04-10T06:00:00.004-07:00

Courtesy of Christian Graphics

Reading

2009-04-09T07:24:00.003-07:00

Reading is a great pleasure for me. I have read since I was a small child and my mother taught me. I was reading long before I entered school, which frustrated my teachers to no end. You see, I started school back in the days when children who walked into Kindergarten knew nothing. Nowadays, the teacher would just give me something a little more difficult to read, but not back then. Unfortunately, it turned me into a problem child. But, I digress.

I don't usually read whatever everyone else is reading. I have not read any of the Harry Potter books (although I have seen the movies) and I have not read any of The Twilight series (and haven't seen the movie, either). I haven't read any of the Oprah Book Club books. Why? Because I like to read for pleasure - and reading something designed to make me think is sometimes beyond me when I finally get a chance to settle down with a book. I read to escape.

So, why am I currently reading "The Shack"? Because we are about to do a 4-week Sunday School class on it - and because I read the back cover blurb and it sounded interesting. Well, I'm about halfway through it and, guess what? I don't like it. I haven't put my finger on what it is about it that is rubbing me the wrong way, but I'm having difficulty making myself finish it. But, finish it I will - if only to figure out why I'm having such trouble with it.

So, stay tuned. I'll try to finish it by next week and see if I can figure it out.

Holy Week

2009-04-08T06:00:00.001-07:00

The picture above is of the Kappele. It sits across a ravine from the Marienberg Fortress in Wurzburg, Germany. Built by Balthasar Neumann from 1747-1750, it contains beautiful frescoes by Matthias Gunter. It is very picturesque. So what has it to do with Holy Week, besides being a Pilgrimage Church?

You can't see it in the picture, but a very steep, shady path winds its way up the hillside to it, consisting of 352 steps. Along that path are full-size sculptures of the Stations of the Cross. Now, I'm not Catholic, but as you walk up to the chapel and pause to view these beautiful works that chronicle Christ's journey from Gethsemane through his trial and finally the long walk to Golgotha to be crucified, I don't think you cannot be touched by the beauty of the work and the faith and reverence that went into creating them.

I looked everywhere to see if I could find pictures of all of the stations (because, of course, I didn't take any when I was there many years ago), but I only found this one. The next time I go, I will remember to take pictures of each one.

This week, I hope everyone will reflect on the blessings of Easter. On the life and death of Jesus, and the hope it brings to a dying world. If you are one of those people who only darken the door of a church for weddings and funerals, get out of your rut and go this Sunday. Go, and soak up God's love and peace.

And remember that Christ died for all of us - not just a chosen few.

Die Wieskirche

2009-04-07T06:00:00.000-07:00

In the Alps of Southern Germany, outside the small town of Steingaden sits what is probably Germany's most beautiful chapel -- The Church in the Meadow (Wies=meadow, Kirche=church). It's official name is The Pilgrimage Church of the Scourged Savior, named after the small statue which had been set up as an icon on the side of a road, which is said to have wept real tears. When the story spread, pilgrims came from far and wide to witness the miracle and to be cured of their ailments. The local bishop realized quickly that a space needed to be built where the pilgrims could worship and pray, so the church was commissioned.

Built from 1745 to 1754 by Dominikus Zimmermann, it is decorated inside in the elaborate rococo style. Despite it's exterior being very plain and unassuming, the interior is a feast for the eyes. I visited it a very long time ago - I was probably about 10 - but have never forgotten its beauty. Below are some postcard pictures I still have. I scanned them so the quality isn't great.

For more information and pictures, check out the Wieskirche website, the Wikipedia entry, and another site I found with more pictures. Enjoy these beautiful pictures and I hope you will get a chance to go there someday, too.

Last week's goals. . .

2009-04-06T14:03:00.002-07:00

were (1) complete a new chapter in my WIP, (2) embroider some towels as a housewarming gift for a friend's son and DIL, and (3) embroider some towels to make baby bibs for another friend's new grandchild. So, how did I do?

(1) I didn't quite get a completely new chapter written, but I got about 2/3 of one done.
(2) Done and delivered!!
(3) I made a start but didn't finish them.

So, I guess I'll have to set the same goals again this week for #1 and #3. Check back next week to see how I did.