Stopping by to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. Even if you don’t celebrate Christmas it’s always nice to use any excuse to enjoy and appreciate family and friends.

I was thinking about this last night as I was in the grocery store picking up salad ingredients for tomorrow’s dinner. It was busy and many of the shoppers were from other countries. It’s impossible to say if they were on a regular grocery run or something more. The frenetic pace of the shoppers seemed to suggest more. It’s easy to get caught up in the seasonal vibe.

Our town is turning into something much bigger with the influx of new people. Heavy traffic not seen in this sleepy town nine years ago. Then there is construction of six or eight new apartment blocks just down the street from me. Watching them go up I’ve wondered how they would fill them. It doesn’t appear to be a problem. The latest two buildings have a gigantic sign advertising occupancy as October 15th. By the looks of it they are about full already.

This town (they call it a city but I’m from somewhere with many more people and it’s hard to relate) had about 20 thousand people when I moved here. Stats say this is the third largest city in the province. You can tell there is plenty of room for more, that’s why the city has been actively promoting immigration.

As I’m out and about I’ve observed that many seem to be from Nigeria, Asia, and maybe even South America. The next thing I wonder is how they are managing with the cold climate in this part of the world. They don’t seemed to be bundled up and shivering so I’m guessing they are coping.

So, back to the break…

I had been doing pretty well with posting everyday and made it to 105 before missing a day. Since it’s Christmas I expect to miss another one or two days before getting back on track. I’m off to enjoy Christmas Eve with my family.

Covid has picked up again so I won’t spend as much time out as planned but it will still be more than the nothing we had in the lock downs last year.

Enjoy the season.

I’ll see you when I see you next.

Do some reading, I will be too.

My current read is different, which is always good, and enjoyable. There is also a bargain book we first saw in January 2020, almost two years ago. Time flies by.

As I was reading this book I was struck by the sense that something seemed odd about the writing. It just seemed different, not like the usual we are used to. I chalked it up to different life experiences, different views on whatever touches life. As I looked for the blurb to share on this book I realized the truth. The author is a man. It’s not bad, just different. It’s interesting, similar scenes, different descriptions. Maybe I could say this time the men are more authentic in their actions and reactions. It wasn’t outright bothering me, it was more like a sliver that you can’t find but it keeps poking you. Now that’s been cleared up I can enjoy the rest of the story.

Manchester Christmas: A Novel (Paraclete Fiction) 

A young writer is drawn to a small New England town in search of meaning for her life. Soon, she encounters kindness, romance, and is pulled into a mystery centered on an old, abandoned church and the death of a special girl. Are the images that only she can see in the church’s stained-glass windows a warning, or is someone trying to reach her, to help heal this broken community? Manchester Christmas illustrates how God often uses the most unlikely among us to spread grace and healing in a wounded world. Full of love, hope, and forgiveness, this debut novel from an Emmy-winning writer will touch your heart and have you longing for Christmas in Manchester.

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Now the bargain book, read and enjoyed. Also written by a man.

Willow Falls (The Matt Bannister Series Book 1)

Welcome to Willow Falls. The town young Matthew Bannister ran away from fifteen years before. Now famed U.S. Deputy Marshal Matt Bannister is coming home to reconcile with his family. He prayed he wouldn’t see his ex-best friend Tom Smith nor the only girl he ever loved, Tom’s wife, Elizabeth. However, old feuds unsettled never die and spark a powder keg of action when the desperate Moskin Gang kidnap Elizabeth and leave a murderous trail behind them. In anguish, Tom, the Willow Falls sheriff, turns to his despised old-friend to help get the woman they both love back alive, if they can.

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I’m going back to enjoying my read.

I hope you’ve found something as enjoyable read too.

Happy Reading !

Who am I reading? The other day I mentioned my favorite recent read. Unscripted by Davis Bunn. There was a fuzzy moment in the middle of the book where I sat up straight and asked myself who I was reading. In that moment I could have sworn I was reading Charles Martin, another top tier favorite author. This mix up is actually a compliment to both authors, they are that good.

I meant to mention this Charles Martin event in my review of Unscripted, the thought of the oversight and the need to do something about it has not left me alone. Maybe now I can move on!

The trouble with reading books of this caliber, it spoils me for reading regular books. I’m still searching for my next read. The path behind me if littered with rejects and I’m no closer to finding something to catch my interest enough to settle in for the duration.

I suppose it doesn’t help that my thoughts are taken up with Christmas, shopping, work deadlines, and the non-fiction book that is calling to my name.

Originally, I was planning to read a book on Boundaries but…

Years ago I read another book on the subject and I have wholeheartedly embraced the need for boundaries. That may have contributed to my procrastination. Recently another book on the shelf caught my eye, it’s one I’ve not read nor have I read any others like it. Maybe this would be a better way to go.

I have heard similar ideas expressed. If I think I can – if I think I can’t, I’m right. Another thought often heard, especially in regard to anger, is – no one can make you feel angry without your permission. I’ve found both of these expressions to be true.

The book I’m considering is written by Dr Gary Smalley, a family counselor with decades of ministry in relationships. The Five Love Languages is probably the most well known among the many books he’s written over the course of his lifetime.

Change Your Heart, Change Your Life is the name the one under consideration.

Today I was thinking about something similar to his idea.

I choose. I choose to trust, love, be tolerant and understanding. I don’t always do a good job. Sometimes my triggers short circuit my good intentions.

Anyway I’ve had this book for a number of years, it’s about time I read it.

If it gels, I will share nuggets that touch my heart as important.

Change Your Heart, Change Your Life: How Changing What You Believe Will Give You the Great Life You’ve Always Wanted

Out of your heart flow your words and actions. Change your heart, and you’ll change your life.

According to best-selling author Dr. Gary Smalley, nobody has to live by the destructive subtle lies or believe the distortions of truth this world holds out to us. There are steps, strategies, and beliefs people can bring to their lives to either totally transform them or quietly improve them-and it all starts with hiding God’s Word in their hearts.

Hiding God’s Word in his heart radically changed the life of Smalley himself, and he is seeing it revolutionize the lives of people around him as well-from lust, materialism, selfishness, anger, stress, overeating, anxiety, and guilt, just to name a few. No matter a person’s age, experiences, or previous patterns, this book will guide readers to the whys and hows of orchestrating their beliefs to forever change their lives and relationships.

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Written by Dr. Eric Perry “I encourage people to remember that “No” is a complete sentence.” ~ Gavin de Becker 1. Identify current boundary crossers The first step in setting healthy boundaries is identifying who it is that is the boundary crosser. How does this person make you feel? Most likely, telling this person how you […]

How to Set Healthy Boundaries — Dr. Eric Perry

I love this Christmas video. These guys are really good.

The music starts about 10 minutes in

I have a confession to make, WordPress. Brace yourself for I have been hiding a terrible secret all these years that I now feel compelled to bring into the light. This revelation might disappoint some of you, horrify others, but I can conceal it no more. So prepare yourself as the truth is finally know. […]

I’m Useless, How About You? — Fractured Faith Blog

Great story, Pat.

By the time we were in fourth grade, my classmates and I thought we’d really arrived on the academic scene. Best of all, we were allowed to use real fountain pens!  At the start of the school, new copy books (Ok, we called them scribblers back then, but I liked the new name better!) awaited. […]

Perfectly recorded — patgwriter

Why bother. I’m the biggest basket case ever.

It’s been an interesting morning.

So, I woke up the first time convinced that I might as well quit writing this blog. I have to work at having things to say and, really, what do I have to say that anyone wants to hear anyway. Or, maybe, instead of trying to make sure I post everyday, maybe I should go back to skipping a few times a week.

I fell back to sleep thinking hard about that whole idea and more. I must have only been dreaming I was thinking because when I looked at the clock the next time it was two and a half hours later. This time I was convinced I was the biggest basket case ever. It didn’t take long to be slammed with the wake up question. What makes you think you’re so special that you are the biggest basket case ever? (this is not the first time I’ve heard this question, by the way) You are just dealing with all the same kinds of things other people face through the course of life. Get over yourself.

Alrighty then!

So, back to the original question of write or not to write?

I’ve been reading a book called The Power of Writing it Down by Allison Fallon. One of the points she makes centers around research showing positive side effects. Writing daily for 20 minutes or more has positive results both physical and emotional. It has also been shown that the changes are long lasting. Writing for two weeks in a row, say, would have a difference lasting months.

I haven’t been writing because of what I’ve read in this book, I’ve just been rising to the challenge of unbroken posting days. Today will make 45 in a row, with this post.

I’ve noticed my outlook on life has been more positive lately and I’ve wondered why. Maybe writing everyday has been responsible. If that’s the case I’d better not quit posting. I need all the emotional help I can get.

Honestly, I can see that the lack of inspiration I’m feeling these days is pretty much what every other writer out there faces at one time or another. I’m not all that special that I am the only one.

The basket case question, however, could go either way. It’s all a matter of opinion. The jury is still out on that.

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I see there are four emails from the usual suggestion sources. I’ll take a look and if there is anything good, I’ll get back to you.

Here is the book mentioned above. It is well worth the read. Personally, I’ve found writing, even before I found this book, has helped me figure things out in a way nothing else has. It seems to be a bit like organizing a drawer, suddenly things make sense.

Discover the power of (finally) getting unstuck, claiming your clarity, and becoming the person whose life you want to live–all through a simple self-care practice you can build into your daily routine. 

For anyone who’s trying to make sense of their life, who wants to get unstuck from the patterns that hold them back, hear this incredible news: everything you need for the freedom you want is entirely within reach. This practice and pathway is free, it’s readily available every day of your life, it takes just minutes of your time, and anyone can do it. 

Author, writing coach, and speaker Allison Fallon’s life transformed when she discovered the power of a daily writing practice. As it turns out, using your words is one of the most powerful means you have for unlocking your life. The Power of Writing It Down is your guide to this transformative tool available to us all. In as little as five to twenty minutes a day, scientific research shows this daily practice can help you: 

• Identify your ruts and create new neurological grooves toward better habits
• Find fresh motivation and take ownership of your life
• Heal from past pain and trauma
• Relieve anxiety and depression
• Contextualize life’s setbacks and minor frustrations
• Live a more confident, balanced, and healthy life
• …and so much more 

Happy Independence Day to all my American friends, relatives, and fellow bloggers.

It’s a warm one today and has been for a number of days already. The humidity makes it feel like a warm bath out there. The forecast says the heat will be hanging around for several more days and I’m savoring it as much as possible. It sure beats the cold.

My favorite thing about warm is not having to wear layers upon layers.

I like washing my own car and today was the day. I waited for evening and shade for the car and then made sure to accidentally splash a little water my way every once in a while. Lookin’ much better.

Other than that it has been a quiet weekend, too warm to spend much time working in the yard. It was perfect for an afternoon nap yesterday out on the deck. Reading was on the agenda but the eyes just would not stay open.

Actually, this week I have been out and about, off the property, more than I have in many months. Shopping and running errands mostly, catching up on back burner things. The highlight of the weekend shopping spree was two new t-shirts. The first since before covid.

I’m thinking after two years without new clothes, some of my things will need to be retired. Actually truth be known, it’s probably closer to four years since the last new clothes entered my closet. How can you tell shopping is not one of my favorite activities.

I think my last pre-covid purchase was a pair of winter boots with retractable studs for those unexpected slippery places. They have low heels on them too so they have taken over as my go-to winter boots. Haven’t had to use the studs yet though. Thankfully.

It’s time for a late small meal before lights out. Maybe I will settle on a new read as I enjoy a nice warm bowl of oatmeal. I do have a current read that will probably be rushed through. I’m not thrilled about it and can’t decide if I should bother finishing.

I am tempted to check out yesterday’s mystery download.

Amazing, it is still at the bargain price.

Oath of Honor (Blue Justice Book #1)

Police officer Isabelle St. John loves her crazy, loud, law-enforcement family. With three brothers and two sisters, she’s never without someone to hang out with–or fight with. And she knows they’ll be there for her when things get tough. Like when her partner is murdered and she barely escapes with her own life.

Determined to discover exactly what happened, Izzy’s investigation sends her headfirst into a criminal organization, possibly with cops on the payroll–including someone from her own family. With her dead partner’s handsome homicide detective brother Ryan shadowing her every move, Izzy’s head is spinning. How can she secure justice for her partner when doing so could mean sending someone she loves to prison? And how will she guard her heart when the man she’s had a secret crush on for years won’t leave her side?

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I hope your weekend was as restful as mine and that you’ve found some good books to read.

Have a great week.

There are just a few hours left for this FREE book, we have to move quickly. This was mentioned on Facebook and I’m slow in seeing it. This is a favorite author and I’m grabbing it quick before it disappears at midnight.

Beyond the Waves: A Contemporary Christian Small Beach Town Romance (Pacific Shores Book 1)

Amazon quote:

Her high school sweetheart wants another chance at love.

Taysia Green nearly chokes on the water she’s drinking when Officer Kylen Sumner steps into her office claiming he’s back in town because he loves her. Since he’s broken her heart more than once, and she recently started dating youth pastor Blaine Pittman, she wants absolutely nothing to do with Kylen. But he’s been asked to stand in as the mediator between Taysia and wannabe model Sophia Clinesmith, who twisted her ankle in the parking lot of Taysia’s business and is threatening a lawsuit.

If she didn’t need him to help save her gym, Taysia would tell Kylen to take a long midnight walk on a short cliffside trail.

She’s perfectly happy with her life just the way it is.

So why is it that just the sight of Kylen Sumner sets her traitorous heart to dancing faster than it did the time Blaine kissed her?

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