Austenland!

 Sometimes I just have to go against the grain.

I read Austenland by Shannon Hale a while back when a friend recommended it to me. I enjoyed it a lot, thinking it witty, fresh and fun. So, when I heard they were making it into a movie, I was excited.

Then it was released. I waited, hoping our local theater would receive it. After a week or two of it being a no-show, I called the cinema's manager. No. There was no way they were getting it. . . ever! Humph!!

In the end, my husband and I had to travel three hours to see it at the only theater showing it in Arizona. Can you imagine? (Good thing my sister-in-law was having her surprise 40th birthday party in the same area, the next day.)

So. . .what was my opinion of it you might be asking (after traveling three hours and hitting rush hour traffic in Phoenix/Scottdale area and witnessing a fender bender). Well. . .in two words--LOVED IT!

And that is how I am going against the grain. From what I can tell, Austenland's reviews aren't the best, and I don't care. I still loved it. It was witty, fresh and fun! I belly-laughed so many times I started to cry--literally. Heck, I wasn't the only one belly-laughing. The whole (almost packed) theater was having a great time, including the handful of men that braved the book clubs of the greater Phoenix area. Even my husband (good man that he is for indulging me in this) is scratching his head as to why all the negative reviews.

Sometimes, I want to say, "People, lighten up! It's supposed to be fun and silly, and a bit of spoof for all of us crazed Jane Austen fanatics. Relax and enjoy the clean humor."

If you are able to see Austenland, I hope it does for you what it did for me and my husband--a pleasant surprise that was well worth the three hour drive!

Sharing a Favorite. . .

Don't you just love that tingling, drop-from-the-top-of-roller-coaster-hill feeling you get when you watch a favorite scene from one of your favorite movies? I've admitted it before, and I'll admit it again, I love a good love story, whether it be in movie or book form. And, for me, North & South by Elizabeth Gaskell is a good as it gets.

For those of you who are obsessed with (or even like) watching period pieces (i.e., Austen books put to film, etc.), then North & South is an absolute must! Richard Armitage, alone, as John Thornton puts almost every other lead hero to shame. The story is one of overcoming the social divide of the 1850s in Northern England.

And, I don't want to ruin the ending, but the kiss. . .oh, my happy heart. . .the kiss at the end is one of my all-time favorites. That, along with the expression on Margaret Hale's face (played by Daniela Denby-Ashe) after the kiss, makes for a great ending. I can never watch it just once. Again, it's the simplicity of it all that just steals my breath away!

Added bonus: The music orchestrated for North & South by Martin Phipps is a masterpiece. Completely stunning!

So, quick! Go rent, buy, or borrow North & South. You won't regret it! :-D

It's a 5-star Review and a Giveaway! (What could be better?)

The lovely Diane at "Diane's Book Blog" has read my novel, The Scent of a Soul, and awarded it 5 stars in her review! And, to add to that honor, she is hosting a giveaway for The Scent of a Soul. So, please visit here, find out more about my story, and enter to win. I would love to gift my book...to YOU!

An Amazing Find!

When I studied abroad in St. Petersburg, Russia with my university, I had the privilege of meeting many different people from different countries. One girl I lived with in my Russian household was named Claudia; she had been born in East Germany (of course, it was no longer East Germany when we met---just Germany). I remember having many wonderful talks with her, but the one thing that stuck with me the most from our conversations was when she said, "Do you know how embarrassing it is to come from the country that caused two World Wars?"

I had never thought of that. I certainly never thought, Hmm, this Claudia girl comes from Germany, that wretched place that caused two World Wars. But, as I thought about it, I wondered if I would feel the same way if my country had been the cause of two World Wars, even before I was born.

I just finished an amazing novel called, Fireweed, by Terry Montague. It's an engaging, emotional, historical fiction that takes you on a journey with a girl named Lisel Spann and her family living in Germany during WWII. The trials and simply horrific experiences they endured at the hands of their leaders were eye-opening and heart-wrenching. I don't usually cry with books, but I was sobbing when I finished this story. I thought Terry Montague did a superb job at narrating this family's struggles through the hell that was World War II. And, as I read, Claudia's statement of embarrassment kept popping into my mind.

It was very interesting to read a book from the perspective of inside Germany during the war. The lies the German people were told, and the manipulation they endured, were evil and shocking. I'm not naive enough to say horrific things aren't still happening in the world today. But, after reading Fireweed, I certainly hope we can learn from the mistakes made during that terrifying time and never let history repeat itself---again.

This novel will be appreciated especially by those of the LDS faith, but can certainly be enjoyed by anyone. I recommend it without hesitation.

5/5 Stars!!

2013 HOLT Medallion Award of Merit Recipient

Not only am I completely honored that The Scent of a Soul was chosen as a 2013 HOLT Medallion Award of Merit Recipient "In Recognition of Excellence in Romance Writing," I am also thrilled to share with you that it is ready for the Kindle.

So, if Kindle reading is your favorite way to read, you can find The Scent of a Soul here, ready and waiting!

"The Scent of a Soul by Jennifer Thompson is an outstanding debut novel..." ~Dii, Amazon Reviewer, 5/5 stars (Tome Tender Book Blog)

P.S. If you get the chance to read The Scent of a Soul, I'd be very, very grateful for a review. ;-)

The SCENT of a SOUL Spotlight!

The Scent of  a Soul is getting a moment to shine as the spotlight on "Lost to Books" Blog today. A hearty thank you to the hostess of this wonderful blog for helping spread the word about my novel.

Please stop by for a visit by clicking here. (It's that easy.) :-) Thanks for your support!

Hey, hey! It's a Giveaway!!

I am so excited to share with you that "Penny For Them" Blog is hosting a Rafflecopter giveaway for my novel, The Scent of a Soul, along with a $10 Amazon gift card. So, click here to visit and enter to win!

A warm thank you to the hostess of "Penny For Them" Blog for hosting this giveaway. To read her review of The Scent of a Soul, please visit here.

Good luck to all that enter!!  :-)

Before He Was the "Man of Steel..."

When I finished writing my novel, The Scent of a Soul, a little over four years ago, I did what a lot of authors can't help but do...I mused about who would play the leading parts in the movie version. And way before I knew he'd been chosen to play Superman in Man of Steel, I pegged Henry Cavill to play Marek Jamison, lead hero in my story.

I was able to see Man of Steel, and there were many scenes that had me saying, "That is so Marek!" and I couldn't help but wish just a little bit that I was watching Henry Cavill play the role of  my character, Marek. I know I'm not the first author to think this way, nor the last, but it was a little bittersweet to experience.

As for the movie itself...I enjoyed it completely! I've heard some complaints that the slow parts are too slow, but I loved them, and didn't think them too slow. I love character building scenes that form the foundation for a solid story. I thought the writers did an excellent job. The fight scenes are tremendous---don't know that my eight-year-old is ready for them, but my fifteen-year-old will definitely love them.

Man of Steel is most certainly a popcorn worthy, summer blockbuster, but it's more than a thrill ride. It's a story about learning who you are and doing your best with what you've been given. I highly recommend it!

The Amazing "Croods"

Okay, I just can't help it...I must give a quick share about The Croods. I love it when I go into a movie with no (or in this case low) expectations and I come out more than pleasantly surprised. This movie's message is full of heart and is so much fun that my sister and I found ourselves laughing our heinies off on many occasions.

The writers of this movie infused it with wit, charm, heart, and a solid message about families. I liked it so much, I went back and saw it a second time with my children. It is perfect for every member of the family. I will be quoting from this movie for a long time to come.

One of my favorite quotes is when the Croods have to make a long family trip to get to safety on a distant mountain. Along the way they have the same angsts that we all face on long, family road trips. The youngest Crood, a feisty and fearless toddler named Sandy, attacks her older, and much bigger brother, Thunk. Mother Crood, Ugga, intervenes, ripping Sandy off of Thunk's head saying, "If you're not ready to challenge her, don't look her in the eye!"

I know that line is out of context for all of you, but it's hilarious. I highly recommend The Croods. Listen for the great "one liners" and enjoy the message along the way!

P.S. By way of update, I had some amazing suggestions for naming my fictional Boston high school. I am now in the process of trying to decide. I'll let you know when I do. Thx! :-)

Help Me Name My High School....Please!

So, I've finished writing the climax to my second novel, The Sound of a Silent Heart (Candice and Flynn's story.) It takes place in Boston, and I have Candice working at a high school there. I wanted it to be a fictional school, so when I started writing I researched the schools of Boston and came up with "Revere High School" home of the Patriots. Pretty cool, right?

Wrong! Feeling the need to do a little more research, I found out there is a Revere, MA, and that there is, of course, a "Revere High School" in their town, and guess what? Ta da...they are the Patriots. And, yes, they would more than likely, at some point, play Boston schools.

Some might say, "Big deal! It's just a book."

But, it is a big deal to me. So, please, I ask you...help me name my high school. I want it to be of some significance to both Boston and American history in both name and mascot. I would appreciate any and all input on this. Please leave a blog or email address if you give a suggestion, because I would love to send you my first novel, The Scent of a Soul, and use your name in The Sound of a Silent Heart (in some capacity) as a way to say "thank you" if I use your suggestion.

I eagerly look forward to hearing from you!!

Eternal by Chantelle Nay

"She hoped someday, someone would be able to break through her invisible brick wall, swim the moat of impossible expectations, and rescue her from herself. She didn't want to end up an old spinster."

Prepare for an emotional roller coaster ride while reading this book!!

Emma is a seventeen, soon to be eighteen, year-old girl who has pretty much been a loner her whole life. But, when she is saved by an angel and hears his voice, she no longer feels alone, especially as he begins to interact with her more and more. In fact, he begins to fill a void within Emma. Then enters Destry. He is the stuff dream guys are made of: smart, kind, witty, caring, and well...hot! This is where emotions begin to rise and fall like a fast moving roller coaster.

Chantelle Nay has created a story that is easy to read and where the reader becomes emotionally attached to both males in Emma's life. At times, I was rooting for the angel, Micah, others, it was all about Destry. The ending was a brilliant wrap up that left me saying, "Whew!" because for a while I wasn't sure we were going to get a "happy ending."

This story will appeal especially to the YA audience, but can be enjoyed by anyone that enjoys a sweet, paranormal romance. And, the teaser at the end for Nay's sequel will have you saying, "Where's the rest?!"

I give this book a solid four stars!!

Lovin' "42" (The movie, that is...)

By now it's no secret that I love a good movie, just as much as I love a good book. And, when you leave the movie theater wanting to be a better person, you know you've seen a great movie. So I can't keep quiet about the movie 42.  I believe I had heard the name "Jackie Robinson" before, but I never knew anything about him...until now.

This movie is inspirational and full of things I love about the human spirit: dedication, drive, self-control, humility, forgiveness, perseverance...to name a few. As you watch, you feel Jackie Robinson's passion for baseball and for the love of his wife. It's so easy to become his own personal cheerleader from your movie seat (with the added emotion of wanting to deck a few people along the way for him).

I love all kinds of "feel good" sports movies: The Natural, Hoosiers, The Rookie, Miracle, The Game of Their Lives, Invincible, Victory, Rudy (okay, the list is quite long).... And now, I've added 42. This is exactly the type of movie I will have my children sit down and watch (when they are age appropriate), because of all the beautiful messages it teaches. I'm a Christian and, as such, I loved the references to God and the Bible; Harrison Ford's character in this regard (and others) was endearing to me. He did a wonderful job portraying Branch Rickey.  

If you love a great movie, and don't mind it revolving around sports, then this is one not to be missed. Take a friend and have a good time!

An Interview with Me at "Jessabella Reads"

I had the fun opportunity to participate in an interview on "Jessabella Reads" Blog. Stop by and find out a little bit more about the methods to my madness. :-) She is also sweetly conducting a giveaway for my novel, The Scent of a Soul. Swing by for a visit!

Why Can't More Be Left To Our Imaginations?

I just finished watching Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, and I must say, my favorite part of that movie is the relationship between the mermaid, Syrena, and the missionary, Philip. When he places his shirt on her and carries her, I melt. When she comes back for him and simply wants him to ask for help so she can save him, I melt.

To me, there is just something so beautiful in the simplicity of expression.

In the Keira Knightley version of Pride and Prejudice, I absolutely adore the scene where Mr. Darcy helps Elizabeth Bennet into the carriage. The next shot we see is Mr. Darcy flexing his hand at having touched her. I have a tendency to multitask as I watch movies, but there are some scenes that draw me to the television, front and center, each time they come on. This is one of those scenes. Mr. Darcy's gesture is so simple, but speaks volumes about how he is beginning to feel about Elizabeth Bennet.

In the Emma Thompson version of Sense and Sensibility when Kate Winslet's character, Marianne Dashwood, thanks Alan Rickman's character, Colonel Brandon, for saving her when she became caught in a thunderstorm, I tear up. The look on his face is so moving. She has been less than sincere to him in her gratitude before, but this time she means it and he can feel her sincerity. It is so much more touching because he already loves her, body and soul.

The look on Gerard Butler's face in Dear Frankie when Emily Mortimer's character, Lizzie, is explaining why Frankie, her son, is deaf is almost indescribable. Even Emily herself in the extras on the DVD said that the look on Gerard Butler's face brought her to tears as they were filming. And, the kiss their characters share later on in the film is so incredibly perfect, but breathtakingly simple.

In a world where we are becoming oversexed and nothing is left to our imaginations in all avenues of media and literature, I welcome and cherish these quiet expressions of passion and feeling. There is so much more depth when all the intimate and private details are not spelled out for all to see.

I believe it's true what they say, "Sometimes less is more."

Do you have a favorite moment?

A New Look & A New Kind of Post

I want to start by saying congratulations to Kristia who won my book in the giveaway that was held during my book blog tour. Thanks for your support, Kristia! And, thank you to all who participated. It was a lot of fun.

As you can see, I changed the look of my blog. It needed updating. It was therapeutic. As I learn more, I'll do more. I'm happy with this...for now. :-)

My book is under some...construction. When it's done, I'll explain what that means. But, for now, I wanted to share my thoughts on the movie The Host. I am a huge movie buff. I love movies---good movies, that is. But, of course, I also love to read, and I read The Host like many did when it came out, so I was looking forward to the release of the movie. I know this won't make many fans, but I wasn't thrilled with the cast of the Twilight series. Sorry. Kristen Stewart and Rob Pattinson just didn't do it for me.

However, I really liked the cast for The Host. The lead actress, Saoirse (pronounced sear-shuh) Ronan, wouldn't have been my first pick for Melanie, but she did a respectable job, and by the end, I really liked her. I thought Max Irons was spot on for Jared. I swear he was who I pictured when I read the book (and such a cutie). Jake Abel as Ian, and William Hurt as Jeb were also excellent picks in my opinion. I thought they portrayed their characters very well.

The movie itself clipped along well. I had a hard time engaging in the book, and it wasn't until about the eighth chapter that I really became immersed. But, the movie does a good job at trying to say all that needs to be said without dragging. Like most movies that are adaptations of books there were some changes, but I thought they hit the highlights the best they could with their time allotment.

All-in-all, I thought The Host was a good movie. My mother, sister and I were laughing as we walked out of the theater; we bet Saoirse didn't mind all her "on screen" kissing time. One girl + two hotties = one very lucky girl.

If you liked the book, or you like movies in general, I recommend seeing The Host. It's a fun getaway with a beautiful message.

P.S. For what it's worth, The Hobbit was exceptional, Safe Haven was a sweet story, and Jack the Giant Slayer (yes, I know, some of you may be rolling your eyes) was just good, clean fun. :-) I recommend them all.

My First Blog Tour!

I know it's been a while since I last posted; what can I say, life dictated again. But here I am with exciting news. I'm thrilled (and I'll admit, a little nervous) to announce my first blog tour, ever! I know for some this is old hat, but for me, this is a first. I want to thank all of those wonderful bloggers who will be participating; they are amazing! Truly. Please checkout their sites throughout the week and enjoy what they have to offer, not just for my book, but for all they share on their outstanding blogs!

Here are my stops for the week:

March 18:  A Dream Within A Dream

March 19:  Le' Book Squirrel

March 20:  Nazish Reads

March 21:  Nick's Book Blog

March 22:  Leisure Reads

March 23:  Jessabella Reads

March 24:  Lost in Literature

March 25:  Kindred Dreamheart

I would like to send out a special thank you to Shane of Itching for Books for hosting this blog tour and for finding and coordinating all these incredible bloggers. Thank you so much. You are brilliant!

Oh...did I mention there's a giveaway going on for my book? :-) Visit a stop on the blog tour and enter to win!! Thanks, and good luck.

Double the Honor--Liebster Blog Award

A HUGE thank you to Mia Hoddell AND Lori Knowles of "The Book Knoll" Blog; they both nominated me for the Liebster Blog Award, and so I will go forward doing somethings twice and others once. :-)

So I can accept and participate there are steps I need to take.
1.  Tell 11 things about yourself.
2.  Answer 11 questions from the blogger who nominated you.
3.  Post 11 questions for those who will be nominated by you.
4.  Nominate 11 bloggers who have less than 200 followers.
5.  Get in contact with those 11 bloggers in order to inform them that you nominated them.

Eleven Things About Me:
1.  I have a hard time watching a movie without popcorn involved. I think I'm a little addicted to both.
2.  My husband and I planned on only having four children. God surprised us with a fifth--we are so glad.
3.  I cry like a baby at the end of both Meet the Robinsons and Toy Story 3.
4.  I think pink is the perfect color.
5.  I have lived in both Ukraine and Belarus, and had the wonderful privilege of visiting Russia.
6.  My dream vacation would include my husband, Scotland, England, Ireland, and two uninterrupted weeks (maybe three).
7.  I love to bake and find it as a way to unwind.
8.  I'm a bit of a neat freak and can't really relax until things are in order (drives my husband crazy).
9.  I think raw tomatoes are perhaps the grossest thing out there, but I love ketchup and salsa.
10.  I collect perfumes and can't leave the house without some on me (even to buy milk).
11.  My husband asked me to marry him three times--in the same night--it's a long story.

Eleven Questions from Mia Hoddell:
1. What's your favourite thing about writing/reviewing? Letting my creative juices flow. I love creating my characters and seeing where they will take my stories. It's quite amazing.
2. If you could be any supernatural creature what would you be and why? I don't know if this counts, but I love the gigantic eagles in The Lord of The Ring and The Hobbit. They're awesome; wouldn't mind being one.
3. Favourite leading male in a book? My first instinct is Marek Jamison from my book The Scent of a Soul, but I'll branch out and say John Thornton from North & South by Elizabeth Gaskell. :-)
4. Do you like it when your favourite books are made into movies? Yes, especially if they do a good job.
5. Favorite genre? Clean romance.
6. Paperback books or kindle ebooks? Since I don't own a Kindle, I'll go with paperback. :-)
7. Favourite food? I unabashedly love Mexican food, especially my mother's Sonoran style enchiladas.
8. Favourite author? Margaret Mitchell.
9. What is the most books you've read in a week? Sad as it sounds, just three, and only the other week when I was sick in bed for three days.
10. What super power would you want and what would you do with it? The ability to heal. It goes without saying what I would do with it. :-)
11. Favourite season? Autumn, when the leaves turn, the air chills, and people start using their fireplaces.

Eleven Questions from Lori Knowles:
1. Why did you start blogging? My friend, and self-publishing coach, said it was vital if I wanted people to learn about my book. She was right, and now I love blogging.
2. What is your favorite book of all time and why? Gone With the Wind. Scarlett O'Hara made my mouth drop open in awe every time I saw the movie as a child. Don't get me wrong, she could be witchy, but she got it done.
3. What format do you read? ebook, print, audio? Lol. No Kindle, so I paperback it. Although, I tried Eragon in audio once but had to stop because I hated the voice they'd picked for the dragon Saphira so much.
4. What book effected your life the most? This has to be a double: The Bible & The Book of Mormon.
5. Where are you from? Sierra Vista, Arizona.
6. Where would you live if you could live anywhere? I love where I'm at. :-)
7. Who is your favorite author and why? Margaret Mitchell, because she wrote Gone With the Wind. :-)
8. What do you look for when choosing a book? It has to hold my attention, I have to care about the characters, I strongly prefer a happy ending, and it must be at least PG-13 or milder in both language and romantic scenes.
9. How much time do you dedicate to reading and writing? With five children...not nearly as much as I would like. :-) But, my husband and I are working on mapping out more time for my writing. He gives me at least one full Saturday a month without interruptions, and I'm going to start taking at least a couple of nights a week.
10. Any goals for 2013? Absolutely! Finish my second novel, The Sound of a Silent Heart. :-)
11. What is your favorite book cover and why? Okay, once again, sorry if this sounds completely lame, but I have to say mine for The Scent of a Soul. Simply because of all the time, toil, and sweat my sister-in-law, Julie (my cover designer), and I spent on it. It was truly a labor of love. M.R. Merrick's covers are pretty fascinating, though.

Eleven Questions For My Nominees:
1.  If you could assume the role of any female heroine who would it be and from what book?
2.  Assuming you were single, what male protagonist would you go for, from which book?
3.  Would you prefer a months worth of free writing/reading time or $1000?
4.  What scares you the most (excluding death, or losing someone you love)?
5.  What do you do to unwind?
6.  Have you ever received good advice that stuck with you and you followed? What was it?
7.  Who is your best friend and what do you love most about him/her?
8.  If you could be a world famous actor or author which would it be?
9.  What's your favorite sweet treat?
10.  Do you prefer books that make you think, make you cry, or make you laugh?
11.  If you could invite someone famous to dinner (past or present), who would it be? (Added bonus: What would you serve?) :-)

My Nominations:
Emma Daley--Escape Into My World
Anita Buice--AnitaBook.com, Need a book? Take a Look!
Barbara Brown--Literary Quill Promotions
A. L. Jambor
Genilee Swope Parente--swopeparente
Eline Tack--Flavia
Sherrie Cronin--Face Painting for World Peace
Cristina Suarez--Cristina's Book Reviews
Chami and Ely--a book so fathomless
Marcia B--Book Muster Down Under
Jenna--A Novel Undertaking

Adriana Garcia--She's Got Books on Her Mind
Bhavna K.--BhavzParadise
Julie Cave
Allison Medina--Allison's Nook
Tugce Nida sevin
Veronica Sternberg--Veronica's Views
Joyce Davis--Beyond that Next Turning of the Canyon Walls
Sheri Dursin--Edge of Story
Kechell Jackson--K is for Kechell
C.S. Wimsey--Journey to the Limit of your Imagination
Liliana Soare--A new beginning





     
  

THE SCENT OF A SOUL Giveaway

Hello, all! I'm very happy to share with you that a Rafflecopter giveaway is being hosted on Clean Romance Reviews for my new novel, The Scent of a Soul. The winner will have their choice of either a paperback or Kindle version. Visit the site here and enter your chance to win. Thanks, and good luck!!

To read a review of The Scent of a Soul by Clean Romance Reviews, please click here.

Please Help Baby Cliff!

Today my post is not about me or my book, it's about Baby Cliff. This sweet little boy is the nephew of my cover design artist (and sister-in-law), Julie Thompson. Precious Cliff is nine-months-old and was born with a very rare syndrome; so rare there is only one other case exactly like it recorded. He suffers from a variant of Alagille Syndrome, which affected the growth of his organs. His kidneys and liver do not work properly, but they have responded well to medication. It is his pulmonary arteries that have everyone very concerned. His arteries haven't grown since he was born. Just trying to drink from a bottle was so exhausting to him, because of the exertion put on his heart, that they had to fit him with a tube that goes into his nose, down his esophagus and into his tummy to supply his food without him having to nurse from a bottle. However, even that is causing congestion and they hope to be able to fit him with a tube that goes directly into his stomach.

I am writing to ask all of you for your help. Baby Cliff's parents are in dire need of help with the medical costs that are accruing for Cliff's care. Many have expressed their desire to help in this regard, so Julie and her sister TeriDel (Cliff's mother) have compiled a cookbook with some of their families' favorite recipes. This is not just a spiral bound book with type-written recipes---they went all out! It is a beautiful cookbook with brief, insightful descriptions and beautiful pictures of the food they prepared themselves and photographed. The cover itself is a work of art. They worked incredibly hard to have something to be able to raise money to help this sweet baby get the medical attention he needs.

I'm asking you to visit their blog at www.babycliffnotes.blogspot.com to learn more about Cliff and perhaps purchase a cookbook to benefit him. (If you prefer, you can just donate to his cause on the blog site as well.) All funds go to help with his medical care.

Please give just a few moments to see how you can help Cliff, and feel free to pass this message and Cliff's blog address along to others you think may be interested in helping. My heartfelt thanks to you for your time.

The Proverbial "Resolution"

I know myself, and resolutions don't usually work out for me. But this year feels different. I want it to be different. So, my resolution is...diligence. I know exactly what I should be doing with my life, but sometimes I get sloppy, lazy, apathetic. What I need is a healthy dose of diligence. I want to do better, be better, so why not start with the good things in my life that I let sit by the wayside sometimes. It's time to pick up the good, no...great things in life that I have put off for far too long, dust them off and Just. Do. Them! From exercise, to spending more time with my children, to communing with God a little more each day, it's time to be diligent. Just a little more each day is my plan, but the results will be big!

Have a great year, everyone. I look forward to sharing on this blog in new ways, and I hope to hear from you in return.