Goals and Accomplishments

As well as a time for Thanksgiving, this is the time of year most people look back and review what they’ve accomplished and make goals for the New Year.

I’d like to take a moment to do that now…with an attitude of gratitude.

Some of you follow my career closely; you check my website for updates, read my blog, read everything I write…others drop by on occasion to see what’s new. Whether you’re a faithful follower or an occasional drop by, I am eternally grateful and I’d like to THANK each and every one of you, my reader friends, for your constant support.

Accomplishments for me may be nothing to others, but we each have to evaluate our life according to not only our abilities but take into consideration our limitations. You all know I work full time, so for me to get a full-length novel published, another edited, a short story released, and another written/accepted/edited and scheduled for publication are great accomplishments! I also secured the services of a literary agent this year – which is a huge accomplishment in this business.

Goals for next year include but are not limited to writing/editing/submitting at least 2 more short stories, editing full-length novels for publication (because my agent is going to get us a nice contract) :-) and possibly writing yet another novel and/or short story.

I also hope to attend at least one writer’s conference (besides Bayou Writers’) and to continue to hone my craft and work to get more exposure for my books.

What are your goals and accomplishments?

I’d love to hear from you!

Pamela S Thibodeaux"Inspirational with an Edge!" (TM)

Saturday Spotlight - Cheryl St John

Good Morning Folks!

Hope your Christmas was Merry and Bright.

Today's guest is Cheryl St John and her book, Her Montana Man. Enjoy!




READ CHAPTER ONE

Chapter One
Silver Bend, Montana, May 1885

Jonas Black looked up from his ledgers and flipped open his ornately engraved gold pocket watch. Nearly three already. In preparation to leave his desk, he blotted the numbers he'd just tallied, then rubbed his ink-stained fingers on his denim trousers. There was something he did every afternoon at this time.

"Gonna be trouble at the North Star!" The tall stoop-shouldered man who tended bar rapped on Jonas's open office door at the same time as he shouted.

The North Star was the three-story hotel a few doors down, where Jonas and most of his employees lived. Jonas owned the hotel as well as the Silver Star Saloon.

"Tall fella, but not beefy," Quay told him. "He's hollerin' for Mrs. Holmes."

Jonas didn't bother to grab his jacket. He might talk this man into leaving peaceably, but experience had taught him it might take more than a simple please to appeal to an abuser. No call to ruin a perfectly good coat.

He glanced at the holstered Colt hanging on a peg just inside the door, but deliberately walked past and locked the door behind him.

With the shutters open to the warm afternoon sun, the saloon was warm and bright. The freshly scrubbed floors, the two patrons and the woman polishing the top of the mahogany bar barely registered as he strode for the door and out onto the shaded boardwalk.

"Madeline, come out here now! Don't make me come in and get you."

The stranger stood in the street, a sweaty bay tethered to the post in front of the hotel. His tailored black suit was coated with a layer of dust as though he'd been pushing the mare for the better part of a day. In Jonas's book, men who abused horses ranked right up there with men who mistreated women. Jonas had heard Madeline Holmes's story and drew the easy conclusion that this was the man she'd run from before finding refuge in Silver Bend.

"Don't make me come in there and drag you out!" the man shouted.

"Looking for someone?" Jonas called easily.

"Stay outta this, mister. Ain't none of your concern."

Jonas walked several yards toward the hotel. "Well, seems it is my concern since you're standing there hollerin' at the front windows of my establishment. State your business, Mister…"

"Baslow. This your hotel?"

"That it is. Jonas Black's the name. And you are?"

"I'm lookin' to take a woman back with me. I want Madeline Holmes."

"Is she your wife?"

The angry man deepened the scowl on his already craggy face, and his complexion reddened. "Ain't none of your damned business what she is. All you need to know is that she's comin' with me."

"I guess we can leave that up to Maddie, now, can't we?"

At Jonas's familiar use of her name, Baslow turned his whole body toward Jonas and squinted. "What's she to you?"

"A good employee. I'll go tell her you're here and you can ask her directly what she'd like to do."

The man jerked his head toward the saloon Jonas had exited. Quay still stood just outside the doors.

"She's in there?" Baslow shouted. "Whoring?"

Jonas gestured to a brightly painted wooden sign that hung on the outside of the building. "No sportin' women in my establishment. Maddie's one of my housekeepers."

"The hell you say. Madeline!" he roared, stalking toward the saloon.

Jonas frowned at Baslow's belligerent tone and aggressive stance. Eagerness for the man to try to push past him so he'd have reason to restrain him made his fingers tingle and his blood pump.

Instead, Baslow gave him a wide berth, striding to face the open saloon doors.

Casually, Jonas turned and stepped past Quay into the dim interior. This time his gaze sought and found the dark-haired woman who'd stopped polishing the bar and stood in rigid fear, her eyes as wide as saucers, her face pale. "Frank," she said on a dry rasp.

Jonas thought she might have been pretty once, before abuse and fear had added the appearance of more years to her narrow face. Using intimidation, the man had held her in his home and his bed for eight years. Breaking away had taken courage. Following through with her decision to escape would take even more.

"You don't have to be afraid," Jonas assured her. "Quay and I are right here. The whole of Silver Bend would see if he tried to force you away in plain sight. You don't have to go back with him. He can't make you. Tell him you don't want to leave. Make it loud 'n clear so there are witnesses."

Her frightened gaze moved from Jonas to the doorway. He'd seen the same bleak dread on too many faces, and it made his blood boil. "You're free, Maddie. You have a job and can take care of yourself. You don't need him. He has no control over you except what you give him. From here on out you can live your life any way you see fit. It's up to you."

His words took effect, and her expression changed. Madeline Holmes placed the cloth she'd been holding on the bar and, with precise movements, removed her apron, folded it neatly and set it down. She ran her palms over her skirt in a nervous gesture, then straightened and raised her chin. "He can't make me do anything I don't want to, can he?"

"No, he can't."

She walked toward the doors. Jonas followed.

As she stepped out onto the boardwalk, Baslow's severe gaze narrowed on her. His attention sidled over Jonas and Quay before fixing back on her as though the men were irritating flies he intended to swat later. "If you want to bring anything with you, get it now."

Her hands trembled, but with obvious deliberation she hid them in the folds of her skirts. Jonas cheered silently for her brave front.

"I have a job now. And my own room at the hotel," she said, her voice louder than he'd expected, though a slight tremble betrayed her nervousness. "I'm content to stay right here."

Baslow's thunderous expression darkened even more noticeably.

A few citizens had gathered on the boardwalk across the street and were watching the goings-on with interest. Wouldn't be the first time a fight had erupted in front of his place, Jonas thought, his blood pounding with keen awareness, and it wouldn't be the last. He had never minded a good fight to clear the air.

"You choosing a life of whoring over comin' with me?" Baslow bit out between clenched teeth.

Jonas kept his mouth shut. He'd already told the man there weren't any sporting women at his place, and everyone in town knew it. This was Maddie's chance to speak her piece.

"That's what I felt like when I was with you," she said, coming straight to the heart of the matter. "I don't want to live that way anymore. I'm not your wife." Her voice and demeanor showed renewed strength in her decision. "Nobody hits me," she declared. "And I get a fair wage for a day's work. I can take care of myself just fine."

Baslow headed toward Maddie. "I don't know who fed you that hogwash," he said, "but you belong to me, and you'll do as I say."

She backed away.

Jonas met him before he could reach the shade of the boardwalk. "Remember the brother's war, Baslow? It's against the law to keep slaves."

They stood three feet apart. Baslow's right eye twitched with anger. Jonas's palms tingled.

"Get outta my way, mister, before you regret it."

"Can't do that. Maddie's my employee, and I take care of my people."

Baslow lunged toward Jonas. Jonas dodged his first attempt to reach him, spinning with hands locked together to land a blow on the back of the man's neck.

Caught off guard, Baslow fell to his hands and knees in the dirt, losing his hat. Slowly, he shook his head, and then scrambled to his feet to come after Jonas. The fight was on.

The growing crowd pushed forward for a better look.

Energized now, Jonas raised both fists and bent his knees in readiness. Baslow faced him and they squared off, circling in avid concentration. The man's eyes bored into Jonas's with contempt. Jonas studied his stance, his movements, waited to see how he hit. Faster than Jonas anticipated, Baslow landed a blow to Jonas's shoulder that forced him to catch his balance and got him mad. He retaliated with a quick right that landed on the man's jaw with a crack and drew a grunt from his opponent and a murmur from the crowd.

Jonas didn't feel the hits that came next, though he knew one landed against his ribs and another at his temple. Adrenaline lent him strength and numbed the pain. In the minutes that followed he used the reprieve to his advantage, skillfully finding opportunities to put down punches.

Half-a-dozen solid hits later Baslow's lip was bleeding. He had a cut over his left eye, and he was breathing hard. Jonas watched for and found an opportunity, hit his eye again, then positioned all his muscle into landing a blow to his gut.

The man moaned and doubled over, dropping to his knees in the dirt. He glared up at Jonas, one eye red from streaming blood. "You got no right to keep Madeline."

"You're finally right," Jonas answered. "Nobody's got a right to hold her. She's free to leave, she's free to stay." He turned to Maddie, who'd been watching with both hands clasped under her chin. "You want to go?"

She shook her head and released a pent-up breath. "No."

"You sure? 'Cause we don't want any misunder-standin's. You're free to leave any time you want."

"I want to stay."

"There you have it." Jonas's knuckles were stinging now. "Need any more convincing?"

Marshal Haglar parted the crowd and made his way to stand on the brick street a few feet away. He took in both men's appearances. "What in blazes is goin' on here?"

Maddie immediately ran forward to explain what had taken place. When she'd finished, the marshal turned to the spectators. "That how it happened? Anyone see the whole thing?"

Jonas couldn't remember if anyone had been there during the initial exchange of words. He scanned the faces nearby. People had an aversion to getting involved, especially when a dangerous-looking fellow like Baslow glared at them as though daring someone to speak against him.

The marshal eyed the crowd, and one after another, the bystanders glanced at the person beside them and then away. Jonas figured his reputation and position on the town council would have enough sway. He wasn't a troublemaker, but he never ran from a fight, either. He didn't want to put Warren Haglar in a bad position, and the indifference of the locals irritated him.

Townspeople turned as movement caught their attention, and Jonas looked, too. From the opposite boardwalk, a slender woman in a blue-and-white gingham dress and a straw hat held the hem of her skirts above her shoes and stepped down onto the paving bricks. She walked to within four feet of the law officer. An unexpected tremor stabbed at Jonas's belly.

"I saw the entire incident, Marshal," she said. "I saw that man ride up and shout for Mrs. Holmes."

Of course. Jonas's three o'clock obsession. She'd been on the boardwalk the whole time. Eliza Jane Sutherland was rather tall for a woman, and on the rare occasion that she'd been without a hat, he'd seen that her hair was black and glossy in the sunlight. Jonas had never heard her speak more than a one- or two-word greeting, so now her magnificent silky voice, more than the words she spoke, caught and held his attention.

"Mr. Black came out of his establishment and suggested that he—" she pointed to the scowling stranger "—leave." Her bright amber gaze moved to Jonas.

Something in his chest throbbed at the direct look, something ragged and weighty, something more alarming than facing a dozen angry men in the street.

The marshal asked her several questions and she replied directly. Jonas couldn't take his eyes from her.

Every afternoon, rain or shine, Eliza Jane walked to the small tea shop that was a red brick storefront nestled on the corner beside Earl Mobley's tailor shop on the opposite side of the street. Once inside, she seated herself at a table before the front window, where Bonnie Jacobson brought her a china cup and a pot of tea. Most days Jonas observed her ritual from just inside the door of the saloon where she couldn't see him, but occasionally he found a reason to run an errand to the hardware store across the street in time for her arrival.

Once or twice he'd paused on the boardwalk as she passed and tipped his hat. As soon as she'd raised those amber eyes, his heart thudded in his chest and he'd chastised himself. Nothing and no one intimidated Jonas Black.

Apparently the marshal had no problem accepting the true story now that Eliza Jane had verified it, because he turned to Baslow. "Time you moved on."

Baslow shot Maddie a look of seething rage. "You ain't seen the last of me, woman. Don't think your friends can protect you forever."

"Anything happens to Miss Holmes, and we'll know who to look for," the marshal told him. "I'll be wiring the county seat to let 'em know about this disturbance."

Baslow located his hat where it lay in the street. He snatched it up, whacked it against his thigh and settled it on his head before walking toward his horse and untying it. From the clumsy way he mounted, Jonas suspected he was masking a couple of cracked ribs.

Marshal Haglar watched as the man turned his mount away and galloped out of town. "Stay out of sight, but follow him a ways to make sure he's headed home," he told one of the young men who had a horse tethered across the street.

Once Baslow was out of sight and the man he'd sent was tailing him, the marshal approached Maddie.

"Thank you, Marshal," she said.

"I had the easy part," he replied. "Looks like Jonas got the worst of it."

Maddie looked Jonas over, but after noting the onlookers, a tinge of embarrassment stained her cheeks. "Sorry," she said low enough that only Jonas and the marshal could hear.

Well Friends, looks like that's it for today's Saturday Spotlight. Hope to see you next week!

IMW Happy New Year!

A Christmas Miracle

The ghost of Christmases past haunted our house again in 1993. To say that we were poor, would be an untruth, but to say that money was tight is an understatement. As in years before, funds seemed to vanish, leaving very little, if anything, for gifts. This year was one of the worst.

My husband, an outside salesman, hadn’t been paid since November, when his boss left town on an extended vacation from Thanksgiving through New Years without paying his employees, and we were trying to make it on my meager salary as a State Civil Service Employee at the local Charity Hospital.

Two days before Christmas Eve, I was in the Emergency Clinic picking up charts when the topic of being ready for Christmas was opened for discussion. When asked if I was ready, my reply was that I was waiting on my check which would be available on Christmas Eve and that we didn’t even have a tree yet.

Knowing that I had three children at home, everyone was shocked!

As things were brought out in the open about my husband’s check, or rather, lack of one, I was encouraged to scrounge the barrels of toys that had been collected for needy children who came to the hospital and see if there was anything I could use for mine. Not knowing that this was allowed, I hesitated. After all, we’d been through this before and the kids were old enough to understand our finances. Continued support as well as the knowledge that other hospital employees often did this as Christmas got closer and the barrels empty save for the less desirable gifts that children didn’t seem to want anyway, encouraged me to check it out. I found things like Uno cards, regular playing cards, puzzles and other small gift items that could be found at any Dollar store. Still, it was better than nothing and I was able to pick out a couple of things for each of my children.

But the greatest gift came from an unexpected source.

Psalm 34:15 says that “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears hear their cry.” As a newly recommitted Christian, I knew the Lord would provide something, though I never imagined how He would do it.

Upon leaving the clinic area, I returned to my desk in Admitting to finish up the necessary paperwork before returning the charts to Medical Records. I hadn’t been at my desk for more than a few minutes when I was called by a nurse to meet her in the nurses’ lounge.
Since this particular nurse was one of my favorite people to work with, I didn’t hesitate, not knowing that the incident would be one that would live in my heart forever.

Upon entering the lounge, I found her nearly in tears. “I hope I don’t embarrass or humiliate you,” she began. “But I’d like to give you something.” With that, she handed me a check. “When I was newly single, I needed tires for my car and a new friend, a stranger really, gave me fifty dollars to buy them,” she said, as I, too humbled and, yes, embarrassed to say anything, just looked at her; tears welling in my eyes.

“He told me not to pay him back,” she continued, “but to return the favor by doing something in kind for someone in need whenever I could.” By this time, the tears were flowing freely between us. “I was going to give you the fifty, but I found a little extra. I don’t want you to pay me back either, but do the same for someone whenever you can,” she concluded

Without even looking at the check, I put it in my pocket. We embraced and returned to our perspective work stations. The next morning over coffee with my husband, I told him the story and we opened the check to find it in the amount of one-hundred-dollars.

One-hundred-dollars doesn’t buy a lot, even in 1993, but it was more than enough to share the miracle of Christmas with our children and we were able to send a small gift to our daughter that lived out of state.

The very first thing I did was go out and buy a tree; a pitiful little display item that had been knocked over and kicked around but was the only one available anywhere. The kids and I strung popcorn and they made ornaments called The Eye of Jesus (or God’s Eye) that they’d learned to create in Catechism.

It was one of the most memorable Christmases I’ve ever had.

The gift this dear lady gave was more than money, it was affirmation…proof that my God shall supply all of my needs according to his riches in glory through Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:19).

Extra money is still a rare commodity in our house, but I’ve managed to pay the gesture back numerous times, and I will continue helping others in need every chance I get; for there is one Truth that can’t be denied….You CAN NOT out-give God!

Through all the years of change, I have only one Eye of Jesus ornament left and I still hang it on the tree. It is a physical reminder of the blessing and miracle of Christmas, of how God used this angel of mercy to impact the lives of a newly recommitted Christian and her family; and a spiritual reminder that the eye of the Lord is upon the righteous and His ears do hear their cry!

MERRY CHRISTMAS FRIENDS!!!

Pamela S Thibodeaux
"Inspirational with an Edge!"

Another Christmas Poem for You....

The Gift


No gift ever given, great or small can compare to greatest Treasure of all.


Born in a manger in the town of Bethlehem Christ the Lord, who died for all men.


Sometimes referred to as the ‘Pearl of Great Price’ God so loved the world that He sent His Son to die

- the perfect sacrifice.


So please remember in this season of cheer God is to be honored and praised each day of the year.


This simple poem is my humble gift to wish you Merry Christmas!

 Pamela S Thibodeaux                                                                                                  
(c) 2006

More Poems to Celebrate the TRUE Meaning of Christmas!

Holy Days
© 2006

As we journey through this special time of year
We give Thanks, share Joy and spread lots of Cheer
Let us keep in mind that life is a gift and offer God praise
And always remember to keep the holidays, Holy Days.


From My Heart to Yours
© 2004

In this season of giving and good cheer, I've a message for all to hear!
Good news and glad tidings sent to all men, for a Savior was born in the town of Bethlehem.

Christ the Lord came down to earth, born in a manger, from holy to lowly by birth.
Throughout His life He chose to live right, to be and example of God's power and might.

To die on a cross in just a few years, but never FEAR!
For in victory He rose from that awful grave.
To give Life to all those He came to save.

So in this time of giving and season of cheer...Remember, Christ is to be praised all through the year.

MERRY CHRISTMAS and Happy New Year!


The Gift
© 2003

No gift ever given, great or small
Can compare to greatest Treasure of all.

Born in a manger in the town of Bethlehem
Christ the Lord, who died for all men.

Sometimes referred to as the ‘Pearl of Great Price’
God so loved the world that He sent His Son to die
- The perfect sacrifice.

So please remember in this season of cheer
God is to be honored and praised
Each day of the year.

This simple poem is my humble gift
To wish you Merry Christmas!

Christmas Poems

If you read my post yesterday, you'll see that one year I made Christmas Ornaments for my family and friends.

Well, here are the poems I used......

The Blessing of Family
© 2002

As wise men once followed a bright, shining star
We gather together from near and from far.
A special bonding of hearts, of life and of blood
A sign, a wonder! A miracle from above.

Though our lives are far apart,
We come together; one Spirit, one Heart
We gather to celebrate the blessed day
When Jesus was born to light our way.
We gather as a family in joy and in love
To honor God’s perfect gift from above.

From our hearts to yours…May the
Blessings and miracles of this Holy Season
Be yours throughout the years to come.

Merry Christmas! We love you.
Pam and Terry Thibodeaux & Family
The Year of Our Lord; 2002


The Blessing of Friends
© 2002
Prov. 18:24

We've heard it all before but I'll say it again,
There's no greater blessing than that of a friend.
Dearer to us than a sister or a mother
God defines a friend as one closer than a brother.

Being a true friend, doesn't take much
A shoulder, an ear, a special touch.
You've been all of this to us and so much more
You're someone we love, cherish and adore.

God came to earth on the wings of a dove
To be a friend to man and to show us His love.
A true friend is One who will lay down His life
Christ was born for this purpose; the perfect Sacrifice.

As we count our blessings this Holiday Season,
We know God placed you in our lives for this reason.
Thank you for being our friend, we love you.

Merry Christmas!
Pam and Terry Thibodeaux & Family
The year of our Lord; 2002

Weeklong Christmas Celebration!

Hi Friends,

This week I'm only posting Christmas Related stuff - at least through Christmas Day. Today's post is an idea for Homemade Gifts.....

What do you give when money is tight? How about a piece of your heart?

As a writer I’ve found a way to do just that. I’ve written poems for new parents, anniversary, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Christmas.

You may be thinking that’s nice, but how do you give these poems as a gift?

The poem for new parents, color in pink and blue, add clipart, personalize, and put in a pretty frame and you have a wall plaque. Same goes for the anniversary, Mother’s Day or Father’s day poems – use a pretty font, add clipart, print on nice paper and frame.

But what about Christmas?

Make tree ornaments!

Create a document with 4 copies of the poem in red and green font on page one and a cute Christmas picture on page two – which is printed on the back. Laminate the pages and cut each individual poem out. You can use special scissors, Christmas cookie cutters (the large ones), or just your imagination to design each one. Lace, ribbon, colored pipe cleaners, tiny boxes, and stickers make cute accessories. And of course, you’ll need a small hole-puncher to add the hook.

Simple, inexpensive and a gift that will be treasured by family and friends for years to come!

Here's a picture of one I made years ago.

Front Back

Speaking of Christmas Ornaments, here's another great idea!

The Eye of Jesus or God’s Eye ornament is fashioned out Popsicle sticks and crochet thread. Make a cross with the sticks and loop the thread outward into a diamond shape. In the center of the design, where the sticks meet, the “eye” is formed.

Find our more here!

This is fun and easy and even your kids will enjoy making this special ornament....especially if you tell them the story of Jesus and His birth or sing Christmas songs and hymns while doing so!

Saturday Spotlight - Amber Polo

Well...Christmas is getting closer by the minute!

Today's guest is Amber Polo and her book Christmas on Wherever Island. Perfect for this time of year don't you think?

Bio: A recovering English major and librarian (two ways to make sure writing fiction is the last thing you’ll ever do) Amber turned to stories because she had no choice. Amber has lived more places than many people visit. From a career as a librarian to yoga teacher with a few stops in between, she most recently moved from Key Largo, Florida to Arizona near Sedona. She is a member of RWA and NARWA. You can find out more about Amber and her writing by visiting here website and/or blog.

Blurb: Marti Bell is facing the prospect of a very unmerry Christmas. Reluctantly leaving her married lover, she travels toward ice, snow, and judgmental family until a magic Santa sends her to a surprise destination in the warm waters of the Caribbean. Wherever Island would be paradise, except the only place to stay is the beachside cottage of gorgeous globetrotting photographer Cliff Holmes. Cliff wants to unwind and treat Marti to a little romantic Caribbean Christmas fun but she’s determined to stay in the warm ocean and out of hot water.

Christmas on Wherever Island is available now from The Wild Rose Press!

Well Friends, that wraps up another Saturday Spotlight - if you haven't finished your shopping or gift wrapping...time's a wastin!

Next week I'll be sharing Christmas poems and stories with you so drop by often!

Until later take care, God Bless and remember....Jesus is the reason for Every season!

PamT

The Shack

Well, I finally broke down and read The Shack by William P Young and must say I don't understand what all the controversy is about.

No, I would not call HIM "Papa" nor portray Him, Jesus or the Holy Spirit in the manner as Mr. Young did, but then again, who am I to say the author is wrong to do so?

Doesn't the bible state that we are children of the Most High God and that He meets us where we are...He not only pulls us out of the pit - He walks with us in the pit? Didn't Jesus say, "I call you friends" ?

Personally, I found the book to be a lovely example of the intimacy God wishes to share with us.

Though clothed in romance and weaved throughout a story of human emotions and sometimes human tragedy, I too try to show God's desire to share an intimate relationship with us.

If one person looks at Him in a new light and reaches out to Him with an open heart to know Him on a more intimate level as a result of reading this book, then Mr. Young has done what he set out to do....he drew someone to Jesus.

I only hope I can say the same of my writing.

If you haven't read it yet, read The Shack. Read it with an open mind and a searching heart and know how much the Blessed Trinity loves you.

Drop by Saturday for our Spotlight on Amber Polo and Don't Forget - the White Roses in Bloom authors are Celebrating Christmas all month long with poems, recipes, tips and stories to help you beat the holiday stress! I'm giving away one advance copy of Winter Madness to someone who drops by the blog and leaves a comment!

Pamela S Thibodeaux
"Inspirational with an Edge!" (TM)

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas.....

Everywhere we go....with lights, and trees, decorations and....SNOW!

Not a typo Friends, it SNOWED here in SW Louisiana on 12/11/2008!

Now for some of my northern friends, this is nothing new, but for us here in SW LA it's a rare treat. In fact, it's been nearly 20yrs since we had enough snow to measure - like this.

Here are a few photos for you to enjoy.

My Front Porch Rail
Along the sidewalk in the front yard

Hubby's Satsuma trees in the back yard.

Of course, all of the snow melted away by noon and the next day the temps were up in the high 60/low 70's - which is typical LOL, but this is one December we'll not see again for many years.

May your days be merry and bright....and filled with the LIGHT of Christ!

PamT

Saturday Spotlight - Wendy Davy!

Hello Friends!




Time for another Saturday Spotlight and today I'd like to introduce to you author and friend, Wendy Davy and her book, A Matter of Trust.

Bio: Wendy has been hooked on reading romance novels ever since she picked up the first one over twenty years ago. That's also when herimagination started to roll and it hasn't stopped since. When she finally realized that it was God who put it into my heart to write, I knew my dreams of becoming an author could turn into a reality. Wendy is a member of the Romance Writers of America and continues to be an avid reader. When not writing, she spends her energy chasing around beautiful young children, enjoying her own real-life hero, and watching movies with friends. Wendy by visiting her Website.


A Matter of Trust
An inspirational story of:
Faith… Forgiveness… and Second chances.

Blurb:
Federal Agent James Montgomery is used to getting what he wants. Right now, he wants to find out what Victoria Connor knows about her grandfather’s illegal activities. Prepared to do whatever it takes, he plunges into her life with single-minded determination, intent on gaining the trust she is so reluctant to give. But, when his compassionate suspect challenges him to face the past that still haunts him, he discovers he has much more to learn from her than he first assumed. You can find out more about

Excerpt:
"Am I under interrogation?" James stood and sauntered over to stand in front of her. He placed one hand on the post beside her head, leaned in close to her and said slowly, deeply, "Is it just me you don't trust or is it all men?" He met her eyes and held them captive.


Victoria found the sudden need to swallow. She wanted to turn and leap over the railing to get away. However, knowing how silly that would look, she stood her ground. "At the moment, just you."


"Well then, I'll have to give you a reason to trust me won't I?" He leaned forward a bit more, his lips inches from hers…


"I want to kiss you." His eyes trailed down the length of her face to land on her lips. "And…I always get what I want," he said in a low whisper.


A Matter of Trust is available in Ebook from The Wild Rose Press and will be available in print soon!

Wendy also has Free Reads up at TWRP!

Well Friends, that's about all for now!

Don't forget, the White Roses in Bloom authors are celebrating Christmas all month long so drop by for lots of fun!

Until later, take care, God Bless and remember...Jesus is the reason for every season so make sure your holidays are HOLY days!

PamT

Unexpected Blessings

I’m typing a series of sermons for my pastor in which he teaches that the love of God is eternally giving and is a daily, provisional covenant from which we should expect provision, favor and blessings. Psalm 68:19 tells us that God “daily loads us with benefits.”


Therefore, we should expect to receive good things from God – and I do!


But the unexpected blessings mean the most to me…a phone call or card from an old friend, a luncheon where I’m treated, finding money in the parking lot.


This week I received an unexpected blessing and not only did it make my whole week brighter, it made my whole Christmas brighter!


In August I switched jobs, new hours, same pay, new benefits package, but I NEVER expected to receive a Christmas bonus! When I was told to check my account and see if the funds were there – I got another surprise as it was far more than I ever imagined much less expected.
Many may know that I prayed for God to find me a “nice quiet office” somewhere and this job was all I asked for and even though I’d rather be home and not have to work, I KNOW He is providing for me and I’m right where I’m supposed to be.


Have you ever received an unexpected blessing?

I’d love to hear about it!


Remember – Dec. 15th is the deadline for the Sony E-Reader contest;
Cindy K Green’s Christmas Jubilee is this week only
The White Roses in Bloom are Celebrating Christmas ALL MONTH LONG and I'm giving away an ADVANCE copy of Winter Madness to one lucky commenter - so drop on by!


And don’t forget to come back Saturday when we’re Spotlighting Wendy Davy and her book A Matter of Trust.


Until later, take care, God Bless and remember….tis the Season to spread Joy!

Tempered Joy is available Now!

Pamela S Thibodeaux

"Inspirational with an Edge!" (TM)

The Countdown has Begun!

Well Friends, it's been a busy week already and Christmas is getting closer every day.

In the midst of the hustle and bustle of your holiday shopping and preparations, don't forget about these GREAT events going on.

#1) The Wild Rose Press Sony E-Reader Contest ends on Dec. 16th so if you haven't entered to win, run over NOW and do so!

#2) Cindy K Green's White Christmas Jubilee is for one week only! 14 Authors and 14 books up for grabs.

#3) The White Roses in Bloom authors are celebrating Christmas ALL MONTH LONG at their blog with holiday tips, recipes, stories and yes, gifts!

I'm participating in all of these events - AND - giving away ONE ADVANCE COPY of Winter Madness during the White Christmas Jubilee and White Roses in Bloom Christmas celebration (that's 2 advance copies up for grabs!)

So run over to those two blogs and leave a comment. I will collect the names of EVERY person who comments and draw for a FREE copy of Winter Madness so be sure and leave your email address in your comment.

Don't forget to drop back by for our Saturday Spotlight featuring Wendy Davy!

Have a Blessed week!

PamT

Saturday Spotlight - Sylvie Kaye!

Well Friends, time for another Saturday Spotlight and today I'd like to introduce to you Sylvie Kaye and her books, Banned in Texas, Wrong Side of Love and Devil in Cowboy Boots!

Born and raised in Northeastern Pennsylvania in the shadows of the Pocono Mountains and its honeymoon havens, Sylvie Kaye breathes the air of romance daily. After getting one short story published in 1994, she went from hooked on reading romances to hooked on writing them. Her years of work experience in manufacturing, as well as varied jobs in offices, retail, and a bank, to name a few, lent itself to writing contemporary romances. Road trips to exciting locations in our beautiful country inspire the settings for her stories.

BANNED IN TEXAS~ When the local bad boy meets a bad girl gone respectable, it’s anyone guess who will come out on top. Cole wants to add Angie to the notches on his bedpost, while she wants respectability. He’s the serial dating bad boy of the RFD singles while she’s new in town and seeking a fresh start. Will she tame the bad boy or will he shame her?

Or will the secret he’s deadest on hiding with his playboy image be revealed?

DEVIL IN COWBOY BOOTS~ When a sexually frustrated medical transcriber on vacation in Texas in search of a man to fulfill her fantasies meets a dark, devilishly handsome loner out to clear his name by finding the man who framed him for manslaughter, she finds more excitement than she bargained for.

When The Devil In Cowboy Boots stalks the man who framed him for manslaughter, his vengeance becomes tempered by Mercy, a woman as tantalizing as his most erotic fantasies.

WRONG SIDE OF LOVE~ Stop by Wayback, Texas where a cowboy falls in love every eight second! Lili Marlene is hell-bent to get out of Wayback. To anyplace where sports, music, and culture don’t center around cows or rodeos. Two things stand in her way, the down payment on a new business and Luc Fremont, the mayor of Wayback.

Luc has two birthday wishes. To stay aboard the meanest bull at the Wayback Rodeo for eight seconds and to make it with Lili. One of many generations of Wayback mayors, Luc loves the town, his homestead, and, to his exasperation, Lili. She won’t commit to stay and a mayor doesn’t live elsewhere.


BANNED IN TEXAS~In Print at Amazon.com & Barnes&Noble
WRONG SIDE OF LOVE,Wayback, Tx~The Wild Rose Press
DEVIL IN COWBOY BOOTS ~The Wild Rose Press

Contest and Excerpts at www.sylviekaye.com

Hope you enjoyed this week's issue of Saturday Spotlight, join me next week when we meet Wendy Davy.

IMW, don't forget, author Cindy K Green is having a White Christmas Jubilee on her blog and the White Rose in Bloom authors are celebrating Christmas all month long on theirs!

Both promise to be loads of fun with great gifts so drop by often!

Until later....take care, God Bless and remember....Jesus is the reason for every season.

PamT

White Christmas Book Jubilee!

Come one, Come all to a special Christmas Book Giveaway Event!

December 8th to the 14th --

Make sure to pop in everyday for a chance to win. There will be lots going on everyday--all day long.

White Christmas Book Jubilee
14 Authors ~ 14 Holiday Book Giveaways
December 8th to December 14th

Free Books, Holiday Recipes, and Excerpts to warm you to the tips of your toes

Don’t miss the celebration! http://cindykgreen.blogspot.com

Schedule:
Monday, December 8th – Rose Ross Zediker & Jan Scarbrough
Tuesday, December 9th – Pamela Thibodeaux & Linda Swift
Wednesday, December 10th – Cindy K. Green & Sarita Leone
Thursday, December 11th – Kara Lynn Russell & Anna Kathryn Lanier
Friday, December 12th – Marianne Arkins & Stacey Joy Netzel
Saturday, December 13th – Nan Jacobs & Teri Wilson
Sunday, December 14th – Stacy Dawn & Carla Rossi

Also: Your favorite White Rose Authors are celebrating Christmas all month long on the White Roses in Bloom Blog!

Drop by often to our celebration where you'll find stories, tips, recipes and more to help you get in the Holiday mood!

Who knows, you may even receive a gift for posting a comment :-)

Hope to see you there!

Don't forget....drop back by here Saturday for our Spotlight on Sylvie Kaye!
PamT

Confirmation and Validation

Hello Friends,

Whew, what a week! Hope everyone enjoyed a BLESSED and Happy Thanksgiving weekend...not too much food...didn't overspend on Black Friday.

Forgive me, I just can't imagine the chaos that goes on in the stores the day after Thanksgiving, but then, I'm not a shopper. I go in, get what I need, get out as fast as possible...usually on my lunch hour LOL!

Anyway....on to my topic.

Last week I had one of those days when I wonder if this writing business is worth the time, energy, and heartache we put into it. I prayed God would give me some kind of confirmation and validation.

We all need encouragement from time to time, but I needed more...I needed to know that what I'm doing is worth the effort and that my writing IS blessing someone.

Well our God is an awesome God!

Not only did at least 1 person tell me how much she loved my writing (while she bought 2 books), but I received a great review for Tempered Joy!

This reader/reviewer went so far as to email me and say...."I was truly blessed by the book. It is annointed."

She then said she'd emailed Christianbook.com and asked them to carry my books!

Now, if that's not confirmation and validation....what is?

God is SO Good!

Well friends, that's about all for now.

Until later....take care, God Bless and remember....sometimes all it takes is an encouraging word to change someone's perspective and validate their life.

Pamela S Thibodeaux
"Inspirational with an Edge!" (TM)