tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70237558909698667652024-03-06T13:01:20.044-07:00Tracie's JournalTraciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04310630351400500950noreply@blogger.comBlogger271125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7023755890969866765.post-64037330022102085072019-09-19T10:52:00.003-06:002019-09-19T10:52:50.952-06:00CATCHING UPIt's been way too long since I posted here. I apologize for being long absent, but life got in the way as it often does. Hopefully we can do a little catching up.<br />
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I just returned from a research trip to Duluth, MN. It was amazing and I learned a great deal on the trip. I also bought up enough research books to keep me busy for quite some time. And yes, there will be an upcoming series set in Duluth. More to come on that later.<br />
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The trip was pretty amazing because my daughter Julie and her husband surprised us by coming up to meet us in Minneapolis with my husband's cousin Jean. We had a great visit in between me meeting with the publishing folks. Here are some photos.<br />
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After my meetings at Bethany House, I was off to Duluth. It was blustery, rainy and cold. It made for great ambiance and fodder for my books. I enjoyed the people there, and as I mentioned, I managed to get a lot of research material. I very much enjoyed the Maritime Museum at Canal Park. Here's a shot of the aerial lift bridge and canal. There's some great stories behind the canal that I hope to incorporate into one of my books.</div>
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And of course we ate at Grandma's and had some yummy onion rings and chicken pot pie.</div>
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A couple of times during the trip we also got to see some dear friends. Waving to Brittany and Esther, and a shout out to Dirk and Gretchen (and Katie, Dirk Jr. and Bill, of course.)<br />
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Now I'm back home and sorting through all the materials for the Duluth series and writing on the Willamette Bride's series which will debut March 2020. Thanks for all the letters and comments and hopefully, I'll be better at keeping up now that I'm home. Next month the third book in the Brookstone Brides series will come out. Hope you get a chance to read it.<br />
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Soli Deo Gloria!<br />
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Traciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04310630351400500950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7023755890969866765.post-42441098059261660372018-06-26T11:38:00.002-06:002018-06-26T14:12:42.745-06:00Library Journal Q&A with Tracie Peterson<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You’ve written in the
CBA market for more than 25 years, acted as a managing editor for Heartsong
Presents and as a founding member of the American Christian Fiction Writers—a
front-row seat to many of the changes in the industry. What has stood out to
you the most since you started writing? </span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">One of the biggest things that stood out to me in the
beginning was the hesitation of the Christian community to accept fiction in
general, but especially romantic fiction. Romance had the reputation of being
nothing more than bodice rippers written solely to titillate. But as one of
those readers, I knew that wasn’t why I chose to read romance. I wanted to read
a story that ended well and left me smiling. Other genres couldn’t be trusted
to give you a “happily ever after” ending, but romance could. So why not take
it one step further and stress the positive spiritual “happily ever after”
ending?</span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It was a sort of love-hate relationship from the beginning. Many
Christians felt fiction was uncalled for in the Christian community because it
wasn’t a “true and factual story.” You had just a handful of authors who
actually tried to promote a strong Christian message, while others were just
shooting for “clean, wholesome” fiction. However, as people began to see the
positive encouragement that could be had from Christian fiction, attitudes
began to change. For me, I always saw my writing as a ministry that could be
used to share my faith and encourage others. When Barbour Publishing began its
Heartsong Presents line, I was there from the beginning and saw just how hungry
women were for romance that also had spiritual encouragement. As other
Christian publishers got on the bandwagon, it became evident that Christian
fiction, in general, was going to be tremendously successful.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Any predictions for
the future of where Christian fiction is going? </span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I think “happily ever after” endings are going to continue
to be desired, and so I think stories with romantic themes are going to
continue to be strong. However, today’s readers are also particular about
adventure and mystery. Romantic suspense – whether in the form of contemporary
or historical – is something readers will enjoy. But above all, I think there
are three main things readers are looking for today. One, the average reader
has tired of the negative and longs more and more for the positive – the theme
of good overcoming evil. You can look at books across any number of genres and
see that reoccurring theme. Second, I think the average reader is hopeful of
the idea that there is something bigger in the universe than just
themselves—that there truly is something more. Lastly, I think most readers
long for love, whether human or Divine. The popularity of various books and
series over the years proves this, whether you’re looking at <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pride and Prejudice</i>, the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Twilight</span> series, or my <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Golden Gate Secrets</span> series.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Currently you are
writing or co-writing 4 novels a year, and in all have produced nearly 120
novels in your career. How do you keep up a passion for writing and generating
new and original stories? </span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I read a lot. I love to read fiction and non-fiction,
whatever I can get my hands on. I particularly love to read history, and as I
do, I generally find settings and events that make me want to know more. I also
travel when time permits to explore new areas and learn about regional events
and peoples. As I dig into a topic, I begin to see all sorts of ideas and
possibilities for stories. I also pray a lot about the stories I write and seek
direction on what to write about. I find that there are so many topics and
events, settings and characters that fascinate me, and that drives me on to
create and write.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What captured you
about your current series, <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Golden Gate Secrets</span>?</span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">San Francisco has always been a fascinating city. It has a
rich history that offers a great many possibilities for stories. The great
earthquake of 1906 was an event that fascinated me for a long time. Not only
did you have this destructive earthquake, but then even more destruction and
devastating loss due to the fires that followed. However, the people there were
amazing. They fought back and rebuilt the city, literally out of the ashes and
on top of the rubble. As I read about the problems and complications of
political strife and vice, it further stirred my imagination. Then one night I
was watching a documentary, and someone said something about how everyone came
to San Francisco looking for something. And <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">voila</i>!
I thought, “That’s perfect. My story is going to be about three young women who
come to San Francisco, each looking for something.”</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What can librarians
tell their patrons is coming next from you? </span></b></div>
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The <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Golden Gate Secrets
</span>series will finish with Book 2, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">In
Dreams Forgotten </i>(July), and Book 3, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">In
Times Gone By (</i>September), this year. After that, we’ll back up just a few
years to 1900 for my next series. In March 2019, the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Brookstone Brides</span> series will debut. This is a series set
around the Brookstone Wild West Extravaganza, a fictional wild west show made
up of all-female performers who will trick ride, sharp shoot, and Roman ride
their way into the hearts of their audiences. It focuses on three young women
who find themselves unexpectedly tied together by a murder and the mystery
surrounding it, as well as the friendship and spiritual discovery that sees
them through their difficulties. There will of course be romance, as well as
adventure. I hope the readers will enjoy it as much as I have creating it.</div>
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-->Traciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04310630351400500950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7023755890969866765.post-13283925466715314702017-09-28T11:37:00.000-06:002017-09-28T11:37:01.682-06:00Heart of the Frontier<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Heart of the Frontier series is out in full. All three books are available!</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQLkObwDvIvzc7fs8qISwdjKgtzmHzw38QmBFm5MaQrOEYiqFEjINFTv51-4ErRLp4SJf1ozhIv6ZPRJzNZXtIunch4jkdSczycgmq2B94pa3d72uv0f_MnzXKTSqcYGJWz4_AiFNON_Iy/s1600/299968-NewRelease-final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="851" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQLkObwDvIvzc7fs8qISwdjKgtzmHzw38QmBFm5MaQrOEYiqFEjINFTv51-4ErRLp4SJf1ozhIv6ZPRJzNZXtIunch4jkdSczycgmq2B94pa3d72uv0f_MnzXKTSqcYGJWz4_AiFNON_Iy/s640/299968-NewRelease-final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This best-selling series (thanks to my dear readers) has been well-received and I really appreciate the encouraging letters I've received. The series touches on some difficult topics, most of which are all too familiar to our own time period.<br />
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Book one - Treasured Grace deals with the Whitman Mission massacre in 1847. The Mission has a National Park site just outside of present day Walla Walla, Washington and I encourage you to visit. The rangers there are so helpful and knowledgeable.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheukqe4IvuP8HMCWbLpmXkInz4KyFCbfN6QL0-60kZjScxkYl52xltL3qCpckZbDintJ782dxI5GZXZSXkjW84lhl3b7in9R8qteO6Bh5Q6Rbgq8SyVxhJ-FiEll7ObgnF7vzW_v0S1PLK/s1600/Whitman+mission+grounds+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheukqe4IvuP8HMCWbLpmXkInz4KyFCbfN6QL0-60kZjScxkYl52xltL3qCpckZbDintJ782dxI5GZXZSXkjW84lhl3b7in9R8qteO6Bh5Q6Rbgq8SyVxhJ-FiEll7ObgnF7vzW_v0S1PLK/s320/Whitman+mission+grounds+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Book two - Beloved Hope deals with the trial of the Cayuse accused of masterminding the attack on the Whitman Mission and the aftermath. It's set in Oregon City, in 1850.<br />
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Book three - Cherished Mercy completes the series and is set mostly around the Rogue River in Oregon. It deals with the on-going strife between the new white settlers and the native people.<br />
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ANNOUNCING MY NEXT SERIES<br />
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March 2018 will see the debut of a brand new series set in 1905-1906 San Francisco. It will deal with three young women who meet on a train headed to San Francisco. Each are on a mission to find something. Secrets will be revealed and dangers will lurk around every corner. And, of course, the stories will cover the 1906 earthquake and fire, as well as the political corruption issues that the city faced.<br />
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Here's the cover for book one in the Golden Gate Secrets series.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM8_7E1t0l_95bQcNWhxzLNRaK9Im-JZWM6AFgmfEu2-mIt4J7-Uxaew0iUKGnGqJCsuNz7bvYU9q5tG9TfuHucFNxlvRcDT3f_oZNbPuNaRBCZVFsPBjwR8bQVReR3IY_nEo408FRBzto/s1600/In+Places+Hidden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1036" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM8_7E1t0l_95bQcNWhxzLNRaK9Im-JZWM6AFgmfEu2-mIt4J7-Uxaew0iUKGnGqJCsuNz7bvYU9q5tG9TfuHucFNxlvRcDT3f_oZNbPuNaRBCZVFsPBjwR8bQVReR3IY_nEo408FRBzto/s640/In+Places+Hidden.jpg" width="414" /></a></div>
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I just love the artwork for my covers. Paul Higdon is the art director at Bethany House Publishers/Baker Publishing Group. They are amazing folks.</div>
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For free ebook deals offered by Baker go to:</div>
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Blessings!</div>
<br />Traciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04310630351400500950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7023755890969866765.post-33973622972394314492016-07-19T10:40:00.001-06:002016-07-19T10:40:14.187-06:00BOOK PARTY AND GIVING AWAY JEWELRYLitfuse is having an amazing give away and on-line party for me.<br />
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Would love to have everyone join us<br />
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We're going to chat about my latest book A BEAUTY REFINED and have lots of fun. Here's one of the websites to get hooked up for the party.<br />
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<a href="http://bit.ly/29KDZOX" style="background-color: white; color: blue; cursor: pointer; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/29KDZOX</a><br />
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<strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 14.4px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">What does it take to reveal the true beauty of a hidden gem?</strong></div>
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Phoebe Von Bergen, the daughter of a German count, is excited to visit America for the first time while her father purchases sapphires in Helena, Montana. Little does she know, however, that her father’s intentions—both for her and the gemstones—are not what she thinks.</div>
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Ian Harper, a lapidary working in Helena, finds the dignified young woman staying at the Broadwater Hotel more than a little intriguing. Yet the more he gets to know her, the more he realizes that her family story is based on a lie–a lie she has no knowledge of. And Ian believes he knows the only path that will lead her to freedom.</div>
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Meeting Ian has changed everything for Phoebe, and she begins to consider staying in America, regardless of her father’s plans. But she may not be prepared for the unexpected danger that results when her family’s deception begins to unravel.</div>
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We're giving away books and also this beautiful sapphire set since this series is about Yogo Sapphires. We won't be giving away Yogos, but these pretty sapphires should please just about anyone who loves gemstones.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn0TLb_5uMZi-HvxCHkf6qpYDzPbTq9S3q6lvfmb7DCAjvQLr33BZG4yPliTm71hIR8AVaPaaLBwKkTGs8-Q0QKsJm_vZ9EP-kie6qDwvoxHK-m5nxxuKR-cNZZzRGathjW3fHmd3Z_Mlw/s1600/pZALE1-19531905t400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn0TLb_5uMZi-HvxCHkf6qpYDzPbTq9S3q6lvfmb7DCAjvQLr33BZG4yPliTm71hIR8AVaPaaLBwKkTGs8-Q0QKsJm_vZ9EP-kie6qDwvoxHK-m5nxxuKR-cNZZzRGathjW3fHmd3Z_Mlw/s320/pZALE1-19531905t400.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Hope to see you at the party!</div>
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<br />Traciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04310630351400500950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7023755890969866765.post-10848020928746280182016-02-16T09:32:00.002-07:002016-02-16T09:32:43.675-07:00New Series - New BookI'm excited to let you know that I have a new series called The Sapphire Brides.<br />
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Book 1 - A Treasure Concealed comes out in March.<br />
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Book 2 - A Beauty Refined comes out in July<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFjPptgGqQaTsz3gU_O2tkGWpax5c4qYWwmsxh-KwLpqlQgHun8LkydD0uLTpVtxZTDI7wXCfOpeDt9QLBOstuRlXRZFvOfgIc5JIaONHlodK3nBcBbm9OrjU4PRuWKha1t3LPtHhIymxt/s1600/A+Beauty+Refined.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFjPptgGqQaTsz3gU_O2tkGWpax5c4qYWwmsxh-KwLpqlQgHun8LkydD0uLTpVtxZTDI7wXCfOpeDt9QLBOstuRlXRZFvOfgIc5JIaONHlodK3nBcBbm9OrjU4PRuWKha1t3LPtHhIymxt/s320/A+Beauty+Refined.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>
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Book 3 - A Love Transformed comes out in October<br />
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One of the really neat things about this series is all three are set in Montana and all three have Yogo sapphires as a point of interest. Otherwise - this is an independent series where all three books stand alone. I know some of you readers will love that as 3 book series tend to frustrate you until you have all three in hand. While others will hate this because you want that continuation of characters. But I hope you'll enjoy the series nevertheless.<br />
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The Yogo is only found in Montana. In the 1860's gold miners in Yogo Gulch (an area just south of Utica, MT) found their sluices were often clogged with these pesky blue stones. It wasn't until the 1890's however, that a man named Jake Hoover figured they must be some kind of gem stone and sent them off to be analyzed and sure enough--they were sapphires. A man from Tiffany's in New York declared them to be the "finest precious gemstones found in the United States."<br />
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An interesting side note on sapphires - the sapphire is made of corundum. When corundum is blue - it's a sapphire. When corrundum is red - it's a ruby. Neat huh?<br />
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Sapphires in the raw look like this. Sometimes they were found loose in the sluices or pans of the gold miners, but often they were attached to rock.<br />
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Through the process of refinement they were faceted, but not heat treated. Yogo's don't require heat treating to enrich their color. This made them very attractive to those working with them. Most of the time they are a beautiful cornflower blue, but they can be violet and various shades in between.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMGpWR8Y4h_sbgbLNjyHjJWohHSiHe-BEuZOce5yzwNgrHEuuMTwXp1sUJ3RD_BVOFAUoaLe6PptKVmL-tgtUxcIZsbzKvdtcgyUl809_TXICy0BRPdt9zL4UcDwhjMMwcy3LOc0NQNBRV/s1600/yogo_spectrum_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMGpWR8Y4h_sbgbLNjyHjJWohHSiHe-BEuZOce5yzwNgrHEuuMTwXp1sUJ3RD_BVOFAUoaLe6PptKVmL-tgtUxcIZsbzKvdtcgyUl809_TXICy0BRPdt9zL4UcDwhjMMwcy3LOc0NQNBRV/s320/yogo_spectrum_02.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Yogo debuted at the Paris Exhibition in 1900 and enthralled the folks there with it's beautiful cornflower blue. At that time, most prized sapphires came from Ceylon or Burma, but it wasn't long before the Yogo gained popularity and began to be much sought after.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoQLLm_AlmlIPJYXtKaJD61aVsUUHYTkdJFg6GF3INPpd-_7_nlput86JTKHeG1DEFw9F9_MBC5PWlb4NxTA4qg7NTziPgT-7CCW16AZUp1iV3WLgl1x7cnuOvsbLHWEbnrnlelpVitP7I/s1600/yogo_sapphires_history_08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoQLLm_AlmlIPJYXtKaJD61aVsUUHYTkdJFg6GF3INPpd-_7_nlput86JTKHeG1DEFw9F9_MBC5PWlb4NxTA4qg7NTziPgT-7CCW16AZUp1iV3WLgl1x7cnuOvsbLHWEbnrnlelpVitP7I/s320/yogo_sapphires_history_08.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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Mining for these pesky blue stones started in a gulch and today continue with mining that extends into the hillsides and underground. The Vortex Mine is one that operates underground and sadly in 2012 the owner was killed in a mining accident.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCm31VzQdQcrgiHaa_z4kDk1FmSqCTvmm46mn2BPc6dti1ebmsVEB3ueLLCbdvZZiAQFbNficK95tepMXfTR2hkXP_I_Ws3ZAoK_CZQBtkIGIsj_wrrNTGMsdRLfZtOq0TQOzHMnK7gpqe/s1600/yogo_sapphires_history_11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCm31VzQdQcrgiHaa_z4kDk1FmSqCTvmm46mn2BPc6dti1ebmsVEB3ueLLCbdvZZiAQFbNficK95tepMXfTR2hkXP_I_Ws3ZAoK_CZQBtkIGIsj_wrrNTGMsdRLfZtOq0TQOzHMnK7gpqe/s320/yogo_sapphires_history_11.jpg" width="246" /></a></div>
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I hope you'll enjoy this interesting bit of history woven within the Sapphire Bride's series. I had a lot of fun researching it and have met some amazing folks along the way.<br />
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Soli Deo Gloria<br />
<br />Traciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04310630351400500950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7023755890969866765.post-87859365822618069522015-10-01T14:22:00.002-06:002015-10-01T14:22:20.112-06:00Book Tour October 5-13th - see you there!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL8d6wcqIjs4NjniybatBOSM00aBGXPaOyCTGhUdf4GQ0u2hZMQX2BBAeEGEGEPTIbwke0k77IczoR19GzD_ghb6ZzBo9MVuTk9n-0p-xZsf9bE_yxbazTb3N-10zmGIYTPxCctaGSuKeV/s1600/Seattle+series+1-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL8d6wcqIjs4NjniybatBOSM00aBGXPaOyCTGhUdf4GQ0u2hZMQX2BBAeEGEGEPTIbwke0k77IczoR19GzD_ghb6ZzBo9MVuTk9n-0p-xZsf9bE_yxbazTb3N-10zmGIYTPxCctaGSuKeV/s320/Seattle+series+1-3.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
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I'm preparing to head out for a series of book signings and speaking events. Most will be in Minnesota, with one in Grand Forks, ND. Here is a complete list of dates and times.<br />
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<li style="line-height: 1.5em; list-style-image: url(http://www.traciepeterson.com/cmsimages/subnav_bullet.gif); margin: 0px 0px 0px 25px; padding: 0px 0px 0.25em 0.6em;"><strong>MONDAY, OCTOBER 5</strong><br />11:00 AM<br /><strong>Ferguson Books & More</strong><br />1720 S Washington<br />Grand Forks, ND 58201<br />(701) 738-5465<br /><br />6:00 PM<br /><strong>Godel Memorial Library</strong><br />314 Johnson Ave<br />Warren, MN 56762<br />(218) 745-5465<br /><br /></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.5em; list-style-image: url(http://www.traciepeterson.com/cmsimages/subnav_bullet.gif); margin: 0px 0px 0px 25px; padding: 0px 0px 0.25em 0.6em;"><strong>TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6</strong><br />6:00 PM<br /><strong>Warroad Public Library</strong><br />202 N Main Ave<br />Warroad, MN 56763<br />(218) 386-1283<br /><br /></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.5em; list-style-image: url(http://www.traciepeterson.com/cmsimages/subnav_bullet.gif); margin: 0px 0px 0px 25px; padding: 0px 0px 0.25em 0.6em;"><strong>WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7</strong><br />6:00 PM<br /><strong>Civic Center</strong><br />121 Center St E #202<br />Roseau, MN 56751<br />(218) 463-2825<br /><br /></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.5em; list-style-image: url(http://www.traciepeterson.com/cmsimages/subnav_bullet.gif); margin: 0px 0px 0px 25px; padding: 0px 0px 0.25em 0.6em;"><strong>THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8</strong><br />6:00 PM<br /><strong>Hallock City Hall</strong><br />163 Third Street<br />Hallock, MN 56728<br />(218) 843-2401<br /><br /></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.5em; list-style-image: url(http://www.traciepeterson.com/cmsimages/subnav_bullet.gif); margin: 0px 0px 0px 25px; padding: 0px 0px 0.25em 0.6em;"><strong>FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9</strong><br />2:00 PM<br />Greenbush Community Center<br />244 Main Street N<br />Greenbush, MN 56726<br />(218) 782-2218<br /><br /></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.5em; list-style-image: url(http://www.traciepeterson.com/cmsimages/subnav_bullet.gif); margin: 0px 0px 0px 25px; padding: 0px 0px 0.25em 0.6em;"><strong>SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10</strong><br />11:00 AM<br /><strong>Thief River Falls Public Library</strong><br />102 1st Street E<br />Thief River Falls, MN 56701<br />(218) 681-4325<br /><br />2:00 PM<br /><strong>Red Lake Falls Public Library</strong><br />105 Champagne Ave SW<br />Red Lake Falls, MN 56750<br />(218) 253-2992<br /><br /></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.5em; list-style-image: url(http://www.traciepeterson.com/cmsimages/subnav_bullet.gif); margin: 0px 0px 0px 25px; padding: 0px 0px 0.25em 0.6em;"><strong>MONDAY, OCTOBER 12</strong><br />7:00-8:00 PM<br /><strong>Burnsville LifeWay</strong><br />Cobblestone Court<br />14150 Nicollet Ave S<br />Burnsville, MN 55337<br />(952) 435-8600<br /><br /></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.5em; list-style-image: url(http://www.traciepeterson.com/cmsimages/subnav_bullet.gif); margin: 0px 0px 0px 25px; padding: 0px 0px 0.25em 0.6em;"><strong>TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13</strong><br />10:30 AM<br /><strong>North Mankato Taylor Library</strong><br />1001 Belgrade Ave<br />North Mankato, MN 56003<br />(507) 345-5120<br /><br />1:00 PM<br /><strong>Martin County Library</strong><br />110 N Park St<br />Fairmont, MN 56031<br />(507) 238-4207<br /><br />7:00 PM<br /><strong>Watonwan County Library</strong><br />125 5th St. S.<br />St. James, MN 56081<br />507-375-1278<br /></li>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 22px;">Hope I get to see you there.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Soli Deo Gloria!</b></span></span></div>
Traciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04310630351400500950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7023755890969866765.post-47140548495337289492015-09-20T18:26:00.000-06:002015-09-20T18:26:05.311-06:00Changes in the Seasons and New Books<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Fall has come to Montana. The mountains have received their first good dousing of snow and now as the temperatures get colder the snow capping will remain until next summer.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFd9ZwtSHDPPpLF3hh5mqGCeRiL-VSaWVXRauhzyBmKk9reQygWUypyJ0N1xqnAcW1lOL-cLKIWqxkROaLvnx3CuBBHd3sB5QfvfoVbbSTn9HnJ_L13xz8rwAyNsQGtrR6TSEyLCQMUAEt/s1600/030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFd9ZwtSHDPPpLF3hh5mqGCeRiL-VSaWVXRauhzyBmKk9reQygWUypyJ0N1xqnAcW1lOL-cLKIWqxkROaLvnx3CuBBHd3sB5QfvfoVbbSTn9HnJ_L13xz8rwAyNsQGtrR6TSEyLCQMUAEt/s320/030.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgsLBcTFFeHdKHSgz-54Kk07y2_CkU5D7jNDNP8Sslg9GvSQPqVryRmGT0whEku0cqQ7yXeli0NB1Fpskx74_UNsWtzJ0sU5omFDxby_D2ASFLFaF03Ls3eDFQ7bG35QUHS6tc-48rZBks/s1600/Various+photos+Jim+took+fall+2011+378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgsLBcTFFeHdKHSgz-54Kk07y2_CkU5D7jNDNP8Sslg9GvSQPqVryRmGT0whEku0cqQ7yXeli0NB1Fpskx74_UNsWtzJ0sU5omFDxby_D2ASFLFaF03Ls3eDFQ7bG35QUHS6tc-48rZBks/s320/Various+photos+Jim+took+fall+2011+378.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I love Montana and the colder weather. I've never done well in the heat and since learning about having MS - it's really no wonder. My body just doesn't regulate the temperature in my body properly, so warm weather, stuffy Walmarts, and hot, humid climates just don't agree with me. I thank God for such a wonderful place to live.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaXrktnk9rP_R39CdM7fDDPJ5gdBUuNLyTEtFoXcrry54enbSg8uTovQRfUIKDXuZZzS76crC4Wv74OAdYqVAZ5QXIyJDU8fmzYrapENCGECYSvCu3LYOVl5xfofow04PY1kfEkEr7Wlk_/s1600/Seattle+series+1-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaXrktnk9rP_R39CdM7fDDPJ5gdBUuNLyTEtFoXcrry54enbSg8uTovQRfUIKDXuZZzS76crC4Wv74OAdYqVAZ5QXIyJDU8fmzYrapENCGECYSvCu3LYOVl5xfofow04PY1kfEkEr7Wlk_/s640/Seattle+series+1-3.jpg" width="640" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The Brides of Seattle series is completed and all 3 books have been published and made available to the public. This was such a fun series for me to write and I hate to let go of the characters. According to some of the emails I've received, there are a great many readers out there who are also having trouble letting go. Who knows - maybe somewhere down the road we'll revisit those wonderful folks.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The Brides of Seattle series deals with the time period when almost all of Seattle's downtown was burned to the ground. Here are some photos that I found from that time period prior to the fire </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXrQ5z9kuSa0ryUCzdAWVyxC6QDq2uPM3YorhZQ4W9f-YzywOdGI2oa3Md1h68R1qGyvAtlIX8GtIp6Erf3bgD5xCIpS_EmmHYC-1j6Ig5w9TBDBYQ_Nkl3-AQFDfLpgBO6TDmCckKB98u/s1600/Seattle+prior+to+fire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXrQ5z9kuSa0ryUCzdAWVyxC6QDq2uPM3YorhZQ4W9f-YzywOdGI2oa3Md1h68R1qGyvAtlIX8GtIp6Erf3bgD5xCIpS_EmmHYC-1j6Ig5w9TBDBYQ_Nkl3-AQFDfLpgBO6TDmCckKB98u/s400/Seattle+prior+to+fire.jpg" width="400" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYire2LZDd5GtDGj44oBP1I1i25_qqgjlYgSdNe725YLyiSHuBSh6exke3qkjZXh8ZQNNhDUS-k2r-e2zjuUmXYXS2IqZtWXtB4P-65vdffQjWgFbfDWB5WqL9NnsbTMuX_erh_dxHMVNC/s1600/Seattle+prior+to+fire+1888.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYire2LZDd5GtDGj44oBP1I1i25_qqgjlYgSdNe725YLyiSHuBSh6exke3qkjZXh8ZQNNhDUS-k2r-e2zjuUmXYXS2IqZtWXtB4P-65vdffQjWgFbfDWB5WqL9NnsbTMuX_erh_dxHMVNC/s400/Seattle+prior+to+fire+1888.png" width="400" /></span></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyQYVTRbVDnjTWYwmk4MG7itY4CF7IJTkJfjrPiNpeZy5J3MmRxnT3GhSYJdzsSmb2_0d_uI5Q_u_3l7cNySTPro0_p6ph9E5eczZJOSc33RGqNLbALvkqsjtvxR1UhhVPVdnSWoYK5-OK/s1600/Seattle+Fire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyQYVTRbVDnjTWYwmk4MG7itY4CF7IJTkJfjrPiNpeZy5J3MmRxnT3GhSYJdzsSmb2_0d_uI5Q_u_3l7cNySTPro0_p6ph9E5eczZJOSc33RGqNLbALvkqsjtvxR1UhhVPVdnSWoYK5-OK/s320/Seattle+Fire.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Newspaper account of the fire</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf0mbliEIY91asGw_GUjV9PPhkDA_222i_KU3O0F6Ce-qt2WVZXTEQLx-JFQ5odel66pt1kYMAP5Gift3m2j84yUlIUNnjt-Jxk8cM6Sul53faHpjHDIcBNvFgVWa7oO3H3-vKawzro9Jr/s1600/Seattle+1889+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf0mbliEIY91asGw_GUjV9PPhkDA_222i_KU3O0F6Ce-qt2WVZXTEQLx-JFQ5odel66pt1kYMAP5Gift3m2j84yUlIUNnjt-Jxk8cM6Sul53faHpjHDIcBNvFgVWa7oO3H3-vKawzro9Jr/s400/Seattle+1889+1.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgecinKpG4H38A_ea0JoXkhl_6_Qen_KC9a-MMxgrnZFDgzYKy6Q4l-l9K8tCAX-qOYOsoQAfajjD9WCbg6Lu1mZmXxI6YRM8F86eCulq_Ebn14YZMpUEBvO9F1rNa3_f3eZYfzJxsVMxN9/s1600/Seattle+1889+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgecinKpG4H38A_ea0JoXkhl_6_Qen_KC9a-MMxgrnZFDgzYKy6Q4l-l9K8tCAX-qOYOsoQAfajjD9WCbg6Lu1mZmXxI6YRM8F86eCulq_Ebn14YZMpUEBvO9F1rNa3_f3eZYfzJxsVMxN9/s400/Seattle+1889+2.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ujopPWVyCWYh_MFK0dycIxP_d0YNQ1bkQcX37Gr62-ZhNgGiX0f-W-BOoinP1kpiF2IF0vEcgTDVWbCCqr7sgK6cRQ1vwJsGr1NYtlmXiy8FGZBlIGqUH3EhamgSdi9Pl0IogExtoUt0/s1600/Seattle+1889+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ujopPWVyCWYh_MFK0dycIxP_d0YNQ1bkQcX37Gr62-ZhNgGiX0f-W-BOoinP1kpiF2IF0vEcgTDVWbCCqr7sgK6cRQ1vwJsGr1NYtlmXiy8FGZBlIGqUH3EhamgSdi9Pl0IogExtoUt0/s400/Seattle+1889+3.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I think most amazing of all is that within a year, Seattle had remade itself. There was still work to be done, but so much had been accomplished in a very short time. Just goes to show what folks with that go-to spirit can accomplish.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I hope you get a chance to read the series, and if you do - drop me a note here and let me know what you enjoyed or didn't enjoy about the series.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Soli Deo Gloria!</span>Traciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04310630351400500950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7023755890969866765.post-72907277969659816092015-04-12T17:09:00.000-06:002015-04-12T17:09:58.883-06:00Ode to JoyJust got back from hearing the Bozeman Symphony perform Ode to Joy - Beethoven's 9th. <b>Amazing </b>is the only word that comes to mind.<br />
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Bozeman definitely has its share of talented people and the orchestra that perform is no exception. I've always been a great fan of Beethoven's 9th anyway and this was such a neat way to spend a Sunday afternoon.<br />
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What's even more remarkable is the fact that Beethoven wrote this when he was almost completely deaf. When it was first performed in Vienna in 1824 Beethoven had to be turned around at the end to see the applause and joy he'd given the audience. This is a photo of one page of the original manuscript.<br />
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I grew up singing Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee to the tune of Ode to Joy. I've always loved the words Henry Van Dyke wrote in 1907 to be sung to Ode to Joy. It starts out:<br />
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<span style="color: #555555;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee, God
of glory, Lord of love<br />
Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee, opening to the sun above.<br />
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness; drive the dark of doubt away<br />
Giver of immortal gladness, fill us with the light of day!</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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What a day of praise! I feel completely re-energized for the week to come.<br />
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I'll leave you with this wonderful flash mob video.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="510" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/87qT5BOl2XU" width="854"></iframe>Traciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04310630351400500950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7023755890969866765.post-58457592760118866272015-03-17T13:28:00.001-06:002015-03-17T13:28:16.861-06:00Joshua Bell and my trip to ColoradoFor those of you who have never heard the name Joshua Bell, I have to enlighten you.<br />
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Joshua Bell is an amazing violinist and I had the great opportunity to hear him play in Ft. Collins, CO last week.
I was not disappointed. Mr. Bell is considered a "classical music superstar." He was recently named the Music Director of the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields and has earned numerous awards and debuted when he was just 14.<br />
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Here's a little example of his amazing artistry on the violin - which by the way is a 1713 Huberman Stradivarius.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="510" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rKwmfkDQ_Ws" width="854"></iframe><br />
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I heard about Joshua Bell about 20 years ago and since then have wanted very much to see him in concert, but he was never in a place close enough for me to drop what I was doing and go.<br />
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This time he was and my friend and I were able to heard him play. Here we are dressed up for the occasion. Okay - we were really just playing around in a thrift store.<br />
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I wish everyone could attend one of his concerts as the man is pure poetry in motion.<br />
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Now I have to also give high praise for the pianist who accompanied Mr. Bell. Sam Haywood is a British pianist who has won many of his own accolades.<br />
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One of the most amazing things I read about him was that to celebrate Chopin's bicentennial year, he made the world premiere recording on Chopin's own Pleyel piano which is part of the Cobbe Collection at Hatchlands.<br />
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It was amazing the way these two performed together and it brought tears to my eyes and all I could do was praise God was giving such talent.
Thankfully I have a few CDs and continue to enjoy the music now that I'm back home. But, there was nothing quite so grand as hearing him play in person. Yes, that was a heavy sigh you just heard from a very contented heart.
Traciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04310630351400500950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7023755890969866765.post-34150877448369299112015-02-13T11:42:00.001-07:002015-02-13T11:42:33.205-07:00Blue Jeans FridayI don't know about you, but I love blue jeans. This was probably born out of my being a teenager in the 70's when jeans were the standard of living for most of us teens.<br />
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But, since I write historical novels, I thought it would be fun to share some of the history of blue jeans on this Friday - which for many offices is a casual dress day.<br />
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Levi Strauss is credited with the actual creation of what would become blue jeans.<br />
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His creation started in 1853 and by the 1870's Levi's were common fashion for men.<br />
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So why were jeans created? Strauss saw men, particular hardworking miners who were in need of heavy-duty work pants, Strauss took brown canvas tent material to make the first pairs of what he called "waist overalls". These were simple pants without belt loops or pockets. So how did the men keep them up? There was a cinch strap in the back.<br />
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Here are a couple of fellows sporting their jeans.<br />
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Using duck canvas material was gradually shifted to denim. Denim got its name from the French region where it was created - Nimes, France. Serge de' Nimes was a heavy twill cloth that Strauss dyed indigo for his workpants. Some sources say that calling this material "denim" goes all the way back to 1577.<br />
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Keep in mind also, that long before this, Genoa, Italy had sailors who wore blue pants and the French called these, "bleu de' Genes" with Genes being a version of Genoa.<br />
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Another interesting side note is that in the British colony of India there were similar pants called dungarees. These were a casual pants made from a heavy cloth the Hindi's called dungri. It was used for sales and tents, but when transformed into pants, it was often blue in color.<br />
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So while some called them denims, dungarees and bleu de' Genes, most sources say that the term of jeans in America wasn't really coined until about 1901. Other sources even stretch that to say that blue jeans is a term that was born out of the 1950's. No matter, they were popular pants that served workmen well.<br />
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Levi Strauss is definitely created with birthing this new fashion in America. As the father of "Levi's" this Bavarian immigrant continues to be highly regarded for his ingenious creation. For years he sold these pants in brown duck canvas or denim and after a time came to realize that the denim was far more popular.<br />
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Denim changed with age, making it softer and more conformed to the frame of the wearer and thus became the preferred material. As for the color, indigo was one of those dyes that was good for hiding stains and dirt. However, it was also a dye that didn't permeate the threads of the fabric like other dyes, so in time molecules chipped away and the jeans faded with use.<br />
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It's estimated today that over 450 million - yes million - pairs of jeans are sold each and every year and the average American owns seven pairs in a variety of styles and colors. <br />
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Prices range all over the board with designer jeans going for as much as $1.3 million due to having diamonds sewn onto them for decoration.<br />
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This page of antique Levi's sold for $60,000.00 <br />
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Maybe the most amazing thing is that Levi Strauss created a fashion that has lasted over 150 years and has no indication of ending any time soon. Now, if you'll excuse me - I'm off to go count my jeans and see if I really have 7 pairs.</div>
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Traciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04310630351400500950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7023755890969866765.post-26142652981052372102015-01-25T12:40:00.000-07:002015-01-25T12:40:03.400-07:00The Contagiousness of Complaining<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Years ago I worked in an office
with a lot of other women. In fact, I
worked in several such offices and one thing was always common. If one woman started complaining about
something—everyone else joined in with their complaints. It was as if the very act of complaining was
contagious.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Many was the time I would go to
work feeling quite content with the world and all that was in it. I would go to work determined to be a
positive influence and show a contented spirit.
Then break time would roll around and I would share the company of other
people and when the complaining started, my positive spirit took damage. Before I knew it, I was focusing on the
negative things of life – the hopeless things I could do nothing about – the terrible
and heartbreaking things that threatened all happiness and peace of mind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Don’t get me wrong, I wasn't perfect by any means. Often, I was the
one complaining first. Often I didn't go
to work with a positive attitude or a loving heart. The same was true for my attitude and spirit
at home. It only took a little of the
poison produced by complaining to spread the disease throughout my family.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">One person can wield a lot of power
and never even know it. They can set the
stage—the atmosphere for their surroundings with the simplest of negative
comments and before you realize it, the entire household or office has caught
the contagiousness of complaining and you have an epidemic on your hands.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">In Exodus you can read about the Israelites being freed from Egyptian slavery.
God did miraculous things in order to get them released from Pharaoh’s
control. He sent incredible plagues yet
protected them from the results and parted the Red Sea for them to pass safely. Yet in spite of this, just days out of Egypt
they started complaining. And that complaining spread quickly to make a most
unhappy whiny bunch of folks. They
complained about food, water, housing, health, their surroundings and the list
goes on and on. I like to think I would
have been one who wouldn't have complained…but I know better. I would no doubt have been right there with
the loudest – voicing my opinion.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">One of the worst places I've seen
for complaining—a place where it spreads terrible damage—is in the church. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyQ1hV0Iffwz5WenBHs1CW7MkK3ATJICuLiqKb3g3McqiSHCo42rMlqMG_tJkjT7rrMFf_U9rkydU8sGz3czu49JHQsnBlicUTIBCz7IEc183sQEKcGNrsifQzFNEt6wwp50JKXUyUuwz0/s1600/A+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyQ1hV0Iffwz5WenBHs1CW7MkK3ATJICuLiqKb3g3McqiSHCo42rMlqMG_tJkjT7rrMFf_U9rkydU8sGz3czu49JHQsnBlicUTIBCz7IEc183sQEKcGNrsifQzFNEt6wwp50JKXUyUuwz0/s1600/A+7.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> The people attending complain about the
sermon or the color of the carpet or the fact that pews have been replaced with
chairs. They complain about the lack of
classes and community outreach or they complain because there are too many
classes and too much focus on outreach. They complain about the music and the
translation of the Bible that the pastor uses. The pastor and teachers aren’t
immune to this disease either. They complain about the people and their lack of
understanding or interest. They complain
about the size of the congregation, the small amount in the offering plate, the
size of the building, and the list goes on and on. Sometimes they complain about the
complaining.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">The one place where complaining
should be absent is the very place where it breeds the most contempt. And why is that? Because that’s the very place Satan wants to
corrupt. God’s people, gathering to
worship and honor God, and draw closer to Him in praise and prayer. Satan hates
it when we do that and longs to tear us apart and destroy that fellowship. And with complaining—he does just that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Having caught this sickness more
than once, I can say without any doubt that there is only one cure and that is
a heart transplant. We need God to put
into us a new heart—a heart that is focused on Him—a heart that seeks to
separate us from the world and all its negativity. Complaining is a part of this life, just like
other disease and sickness, but just as we take precautions to avoid other
sickness—we need to take precautions against complaining. So I thought I would share with you, just a
few ideas for avoiding this contagion. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> Avoid contact with the sick. If you must deal with the sick as we all
inevitably must, take precautions. Cover
your ears to shut out those ugly comments. Cover your mouth to keep from
absorbing the disease and sharing it with others. Cover your heart in God’s Word.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> Take in plenty of nutrients to ward
off this sickness. Spend quality time
drinking heavily of God’s Word. Inhale
and exhale the praises and wonders of all God has done. Get plenty of rest in the Lord. Exercise the fruit of the Spirit. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjJ1o97I0qJ4Sh45i8LWYZZqcydw42GKrRrzU7eE3GJBX7gYX4E87fGYpKK6VOUA-_3x_zEbdiPGMfWQMG2ptwRssM4vj6kxWw9FTXTst-CpRRpTaFSuGwV1AgMzp2UfFohKirfz5uggT_/s1600/A+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjJ1o97I0qJ4Sh45i8LWYZZqcydw42GKrRrzU7eE3GJBX7gYX4E87fGYpKK6VOUA-_3x_zEbdiPGMfWQMG2ptwRssM4vj6kxWw9FTXTst-CpRRpTaFSuGwV1AgMzp2UfFohKirfz5uggT_/s1600/A+2.jpg" height="133" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVyF6eApjieEaDOTPelk7Xt1kuyAauao_WkYDL9ivFZWaM1gGhomUp0FLyUGz4H6SkyuD2ubnpb5J2qokBFoMqL1Fd-Sw7L8vlAk806M4mZbZsZxJivOpVcETPdryKOvtKcIZLsmrrW1ta/s1600/A+5.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVyF6eApjieEaDOTPelk7Xt1kuyAauao_WkYDL9ivFZWaM1gGhomUp0FLyUGz4H6SkyuD2ubnpb5J2qokBFoMqL1Fd-Sw7L8vlAk806M4mZbZsZxJivOpVcETPdryKOvtKcIZLsmrrW1ta/s1600/A+5.png" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> Be aware of your spiritual
condition. If you feel yourself coming
down with a complaint, seek immediate help from the Physician. Confess your ailment and wash your spirit
regularly. Eliminate all pollutants that
lend themselves to feeding the sickness.
Set yourself apart.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2j16whY1WfmcSiU3FByc2r2T10mZG-A6LqAoWxNch1ebDNTsqezNtCoko899I2jMLRUTIaJUwiY998Bpk76EyV3efLGyw0rvGXC6ptdJ_ecER84VJeqEc8eQCkkEnUr1iOxxgygmz93sa/s1600/A+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2j16whY1WfmcSiU3FByc2r2T10mZG-A6LqAoWxNch1ebDNTsqezNtCoko899I2jMLRUTIaJUwiY998Bpk76EyV3efLGyw0rvGXC6ptdJ_ecER84VJeqEc8eQCkkEnUr1iOxxgygmz93sa/s1600/A+6.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">We have to live in this world where
disease runs rampant and complaining isn't the only sickness we should take a
stand against. So the final word of
encouragement is…educate yourself.
Educate yourself about the various diseases that can damage, even kill
the spirit. Know what negative
influences are out there seeking to destroy you. You can’t avoid what you don’t know
exists. But once you do understand the
dangers then fight against them. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8vM3olxiQHGbmsLUcJuc0G3foF60KvyLaU_21XhLKm1rljyxtTa8rbO0WtsK4plznNysGbuM6JMEki-VQFWPK-FDGqplinuc3zvwxttGDAVUKiHajHoJ3aUqNZ6acwFgRma1ASKfVEPvS/s1600/A+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8vM3olxiQHGbmsLUcJuc0G3foF60KvyLaU_21XhLKm1rljyxtTa8rbO0WtsK4plznNysGbuM6JMEki-VQFWPK-FDGqplinuc3zvwxttGDAVUKiHajHoJ3aUqNZ6acwFgRma1ASKfVEPvS/s1600/A+4.jpg" height="83" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Remember, your “spiritual” health
is at risk, as well as those who are around you, and “an ounce of prevention is
worth a pound of cure.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Traciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04310630351400500950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7023755890969866765.post-77172173762706534492014-12-08T15:50:00.003-07:002014-12-08T15:50:32.417-07:00Handel's MessiahOh it's Christmas time and once again the beautiful strains of Handel's Messiah can be heard in some of the most unexpected places. I absolutely love Messiah. It's some of the most amazing music and of course the Scriptures are very dear to the heart. In researching about Messiah and Handel, I came across some interesting tidbits and wanted to share them with you.<br />
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<b><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">George Frideric Handel</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvmWK5JN6RG1Cv528jc2pQ4mAUK8T0I4y5Dxtlq2JdLKr2_1BVCKM0ICplYrbMN0iPyWeZfH1n9kwMCLPanluhUFAEtlFCZO5w5HQ2rZ3AQ47FI1uhJpcMf1zYzLlLym8gsamHRn7FJeY1/s1600/Handel+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvmWK5JN6RG1Cv528jc2pQ4mAUK8T0I4y5Dxtlq2JdLKr2_1BVCKM0ICplYrbMN0iPyWeZfH1n9kwMCLPanluhUFAEtlFCZO5w5HQ2rZ3AQ47FI1uhJpcMf1zYzLlLym8gsamHRn7FJeY1/s1600/Handel+2.jpg" /></a></span></b></div>
<b><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333333;">George Frideric Handel was born
in Germany in 1685. His father wanted him to study law, but George Fideric had
an aptitude for music. His mother bought him a harpsichord, which they kept up
in the attic, secret from his father and by the time he was twelve, Handel had
written his first work. Later, after his
father’s death, George Frideric tried to study law, but he had no interest.
Music was too important to him. </span><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 18pt;">In 1712, Handel moved to England
and never returned to Germany. It was here that Handel wrote the masterpiece he
would be remembered for – Messiah.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333333;">Amazingly, “Messiah” came at a
time in his life when the 56-year-old Handel was facing bankruptcy and complete
failure. He also had serious health problems. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">But 1741 proved to be
the turning point. A friend of his, Charles Jennens, gave him a libretto (a
text for an opera) for a sacred work. It contained 73 Bible verses, focused on
Jesus, Messiah and King of Kings, both from the Hebrew and the Christian Bible.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.1200008392334px;"><br /></span></span><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje5MvmxE01qieu2KFWSV6U2O5bmzkQmortRhYibXnOYVfDV9NVzAdI8itxjdMXuLpmAtRYVmDp0FEdzYB7ljEe1l4dX4djCJhdSHu0uR3dZUugevECR0UVI05YyTVY2vrBilaY5Jx3oVG5/s1600/Handel+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje5MvmxE01qieu2KFWSV6U2O5bmzkQmortRhYibXnOYVfDV9NVzAdI8itxjdMXuLpmAtRYVmDp0FEdzYB7ljEe1l4dX4djCJhdSHu0uR3dZUugevECR0UVI05YyTVY2vrBilaY5Jx3oVG5/s1600/Handel+3.jpg" /></a><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Handel began composing on
August 22. He grew so absorbed in the work that he rarely left his London home,
and barely even stopped to eat. Within six days Part One was complete. In nine
days more he had finished Part Two, and in another six, Part Three. The
orchestration was completed in another two days. In all, 260 pages of
manuscript were filled in the remarkably short time of 24 days.<span class="apple-converted-space"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Near the end of his
composition Handel’s manservant entered the room to find the composer had </span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">tears
in his eyes. Handel cried out, “I did think I did see all Heaven before me, and
the great God Himself.” He had just
finished writing the “Hallelujah” Chorus.</span><span style="background: white; color: #252525; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #252525; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">When Messiah was
completed Handel wrote the letters "SDG" at the end of the manuscript
—</span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soli_Deo_Gloria" title="Soli Deo Gloria"><i><span lang="LA" style="background: white; color: #0b0080; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: LA;">Soli Deo Gloria</span></i></a><i><span style="background: white; color: #252525; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> = To God Alone the
Glory</span></i><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span lang="LA" style="background: white; color: #252525; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: LA;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<i><span style="background: white; color: #252525; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333333;">“Messiah” was first performed in
Dublin in 1742 as benefit concert for charity. It was often performed for various charity
events that never failed to raise money for the poor, orphanages and hospitals.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333333;">The Church of England, however,
criticized Handel for using Scripture in his work. They believed Scripture
should remain in the Church. <span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"> </span></span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Even after<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><em>Messiah</em><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>was becoming well-known, as great a
religious figure John Newton, composer of the hymn "Amazing Grace,"
preached often against the "secular" performances of this biblical
oratorio.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333333;">However, a year later, King
George II was present at the first performance of “Messiah” in London. Some say
that the monarch fell asleep and at the opening of the “Hallelujah” Chorus, he
got up thinking it was for him. Others say that he was so moved by the grandeur
of the orchestration that he rose in awe. Whatever the reason, he stood, and
that has been the custom ever since—everyone is to stand during the
“Hallelujah” Chorus. </span><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 18pt;">About 100 years later, even the weak,
aged Queen Victoria, who sat in her wheelchair struggled to her feet as the
chorus began and the choir sang, “King of kings and Lord of lords.” She said,
“No way will I sit in the presence of the King of kings.”</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">At that first London performance, Lord Kinnoul congratulated Handel on
the “</span><b style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">excellent entertainment</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">”.
Handel replied, "My Lord, I should be sorry if I only entertain them. I
wish to make them better."</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA1ggzxKv7Q-HlKqt-YgDqSRuZmQWt8Szx4fObHsH5ujFU-Rv6Zw87TlcH2y9SQC1g31fbZ8ojC2SeUpv0zU0wa9K-heW9afE5NtO7LJpOCUbvHxni_pEjaCAMtZU4T0pAiKLQTKtQUVxe/s1600/Handel+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA1ggzxKv7Q-HlKqt-YgDqSRuZmQWt8Szx4fObHsH5ujFU-Rv6Zw87TlcH2y9SQC1g31fbZ8ojC2SeUpv0zU0wa9K-heW9afE5NtO7LJpOCUbvHxni_pEjaCAMtZU4T0pAiKLQTKtQUVxe/s1600/Handel+4.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">A few days before
Handel died, he expressed his desire to die on Good Friday. He wanted this he
said, "in the hopes of meeting his good God, his sweet Lord and Savior, on
the day of his Resurrection." He lived until the morning of Good Saturday,
April 14, 1759. </span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">His death came only eight days after his final performance, at
which he had conducted his masterpiece,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><em>Messiah. </em></span><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Handel was buried in
Westminster Abbey, with over 3,000 in attendance at his funeral. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">A statue there
shows him holding the manuscript for the solo that opens Part Three of</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><em style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Messiah</em><em style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">. On it, the words of Handel’s heart,</span> </em><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">"</span><b style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><i>I
know that my Redeemer liveth.</i></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">"</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXHg1BMImq2Zw7IGiA3hZFTAmYRJvrP71Zb55Q1rvcIZX_m0JoQ0BZ4EJuI61S1py0ncMtlt1bGKE4-j-9JvkTs-FnopCs_bSyTN4q8QlEZjZ49g0qXQCNnpLTFHMKRnnoWcm491mfYdnP/s1600/Handel+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXHg1BMImq2Zw7IGiA3hZFTAmYRJvrP71Zb55Q1rvcIZX_m0JoQ0BZ4EJuI61S1py0ncMtlt1bGKE4-j-9JvkTs-FnopCs_bSyTN4q8QlEZjZ49g0qXQCNnpLTFHMKRnnoWcm491mfYdnP/s1600/Handel+1.jpg" /></a></div>
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Traciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04310630351400500950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7023755890969866765.post-86647701494141457862014-11-01T16:41:00.003-06:002014-11-01T16:41:31.687-06:00Orange-Saffron Stamp Cookies and MeSo, I've never claimed to be a great cook. However, once in a while something comes to my attention and begs to be given a chance.<br />
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Such was the situation when I saw a recipe in Midwest Living Magazine for Orange-Saffron Stamp Cookies. Here's a picture that they showed. Now doesn't that just make you want to bake?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFbhhMMdiD6z3eRl9ziJvXxs3huN-TUqC0hqC7F7FLdrt_uCLGuq3cROf1gb3DBQp-yo0TmvAPJtdC0S41kADHWob60Rz2LSJ2H5GZkTMBc1F5CPA8KKbLTJ26zfEhhS05MJ1zQ5eMzOpz/s1600/cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFbhhMMdiD6z3eRl9ziJvXxs3huN-TUqC0hqC7F7FLdrt_uCLGuq3cROf1gb3DBQp-yo0TmvAPJtdC0S41kADHWob60Rz2LSJ2H5GZkTMBc1F5CPA8KKbLTJ26zfEhhS05MJ1zQ5eMzOpz/s1600/cookies.jpg" /></a></div>
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Furthermore, they had my attention by starting the entire recipe with a little bit of information on Saffron - clearly one of the most expensive seasonings you can buy - a 1/2 tsp was about $9.00<br />
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Saffron comes from the stamen of crocuses as pictured here.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAwIgfYF7T92X6thcZMTbs0aDj1D49Th3p-t4lQuWsiXgpS2AtFenu3R470az7Mg517mUfj2ZlKiXKh7vuhyphenhyphenwnFF_LAzDLP4aizSotdT2Y_d6JU6soFXAGZZuCokV1cnt5wBxj5UhjoGBa/s1600/saffron-crocus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAwIgfYF7T92X6thcZMTbs0aDj1D49Th3p-t4lQuWsiXgpS2AtFenu3R470az7Mg517mUfj2ZlKiXKh7vuhyphenhyphenwnFF_LAzDLP4aizSotdT2Y_d6JU6soFXAGZZuCokV1cnt5wBxj5UhjoGBa/s1600/saffron-crocus.jpg" /></a></div>
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That lovely little red strand is the saffron. When you have a pile of it - it looks like this.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia1Y5NAWSmuKBnIubdl-cEFmVYphV1QAPt8hBnPKZ5ACMX3xzISrTOJTyCrCu6jyZzZMYSBc7qVGhtYdYTGQCYEgkmN5vIqBnDtltjx6d74lUQDpnf9eQP77eTouKrlF3JMu-AcgJHRc-d/s1600/Saffron.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia1Y5NAWSmuKBnIubdl-cEFmVYphV1QAPt8hBnPKZ5ACMX3xzISrTOJTyCrCu6jyZzZMYSBc7qVGhtYdYTGQCYEgkmN5vIqBnDtltjx6d74lUQDpnf9eQP77eTouKrlF3JMu-AcgJHRc-d/s1600/Saffron.jpg" /></a></div>
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And when you combine it as in the recipe with 2 Tbsps of Milk - it turns everything an amazing yellow color. They actually used saffron as a dye. But I dye-gress. </div>
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So I purchased my ingredients and settled into making these wonderful cookies. The recipe has you mix up the dough and refrigerate it for ease in handling. Then you roll the dough into balls and press them down with a cookie stamp. I only had a couple of brand new craft stamps for ink and just fyi - those don't work with the cookie dough. So I just pressed my cookies down and away they went into the oven.</div>
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They came out all orangey like the above photo and looked amazing. But there was one important thing I learned. Something that I thought I had already established, but wanted to make sure because these cookies looked so amazing.</div>
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I DON'T LIKE SAFFRON.</div>
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Sigh. What a disappointment. I'd only ever used saffron before in dinner rolls - it was a Swedish recipe and I was sure I would love it - but I wasn't impressed and didn't care for the taste. I was sure, however, that cookies would be different. I really haven't met a cookie I didn't like. I suppose now I have and it was an expensive lesson to learn.</div>
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But in keeping with my mother and grandmother's advice of "You can always make something better by adding frosting" I coated those suckers with an powder sugar frosting with orange and it did improve them considerably. All of this to say - sometimes things just aren't what they appear to be and our expectations can be easily defeated. Oh well, live and learn. I saw another recipe for holiday cookies that bears some consideration so maybe I'll give that a shot next week.</div>
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However, if you've a hankering to tray this saffron recipe - here's the website:</div>
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http://www.midwestliving.com/recipe/orange-saffron-stamp-cookies/</div>
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God Bless You!</div>
Traciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04310630351400500950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7023755890969866765.post-25945219133044951682014-10-11T22:49:00.002-06:002014-10-11T22:51:16.923-06:00Libby MontanaIt's been a long time since I posted to this blog and for that I do apologize. I'm been traveling quite a bit for book signings and speaking events and have met so many wonderful people.<br />
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This weekend I was in Libby, Montana to speak at the the Libby Baptist Church.<br />
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Libby is in a beautiful area of Montana. Here are just a few photos.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf7peDWqirPJ5fF1GH3GpK_7qiO3S3QBXsKkAwx7UkTkCCs6luTrSCjyKqcHbP8mQxAQJSqUQxC9R9wVmHyN4_tzPxlgpmolnv7KtNBx_h4BSxXXdbSORE9nD4xN2GLZP_Po4fqOJoh-iS/s1600/October+2014+2+024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf7peDWqirPJ5fF1GH3GpK_7qiO3S3QBXsKkAwx7UkTkCCs6luTrSCjyKqcHbP8mQxAQJSqUQxC9R9wVmHyN4_tzPxlgpmolnv7KtNBx_h4BSxXXdbSORE9nD4xN2GLZP_Po4fqOJoh-iS/s1600/October+2014+2+024.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-d4pIXra4iVab6Uy49QE3rSzVImXNcTX3DUq2sDCH9GaumAlX72UidfBjim55uzRpdsFZ7L8ycR7F626StUtGOmNNzYw_odxGhasczkglMmROeuBWQViU_GCU18TB1QlRBJ1DpT7JXETX/s1600/October+2014+2+068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-d4pIXra4iVab6Uy49QE3rSzVImXNcTX3DUq2sDCH9GaumAlX72UidfBjim55uzRpdsFZ7L8ycR7F626StUtGOmNNzYw_odxGhasczkglMmROeuBWQViU_GCU18TB1QlRBJ1DpT7JXETX/s1600/October+2014+2+068.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw80qMkerYQtWNazx4ELP7OkANPbK-kPHNCk3dqaPHTP7ueGbwFIhWxhb5HIG8NAiMN0uw1H_uXxesgKTjNgUtds45gQbakNDZRve20SBUTS1tUEuNycir6yhkGlUHhcYSJKJYAxbtWrbs/s1600/October+2014+2+071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw80qMkerYQtWNazx4ELP7OkANPbK-kPHNCk3dqaPHTP7ueGbwFIhWxhb5HIG8NAiMN0uw1H_uXxesgKTjNgUtds45gQbakNDZRve20SBUTS1tUEuNycir6yhkGlUHhcYSJKJYAxbtWrbs/s1600/October+2014+2+071.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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The ladies of Libby were definitely welcoming. Gigi Scoffield headed up the events at the Libby Baptist Church. She invited me some months ago and today we had two speaking events at the church. Gigi made me the most amazing lap quilt and gifted me with it upon my arrival in Libby. She also gave me a book on the area and I'm looking forward to digging in and reading about this area's history.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixG87YPDnBPmLEcxNHxBZSXfvi8SoGsHlsWZQcIg9Ur07BnihnzB3SrLxiZ1K4a-8I02HhuAIqTvsZMTYt8PsMQmkFgpmqDN5IHZfZQaj-4g8MXAqR5pEBwnK7OmCTgaCCw2Ftsn7nIhcu/s1600/October+2014+2+097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixG87YPDnBPmLEcxNHxBZSXfvi8SoGsHlsWZQcIg9Ur07BnihnzB3SrLxiZ1K4a-8I02HhuAIqTvsZMTYt8PsMQmkFgpmqDN5IHZfZQaj-4g8MXAqR5pEBwnK7OmCTgaCCw2Ftsn7nIhcu/s1600/October+2014+2+097.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNwYkr94KwmbQr3VGjZjlIouE0I0AnPMkRD6aiXlxj7mxqumftWdCYYqbGtu-gf1dpG0L2Yv_-ZlwmBXZHtkoFTozi6WVSdJD6_Y1E9OEE_dlCJizaJyLUCNg4fVwHi3cX0mwNAAvOZzXl/s1600/Libby+speaking+049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNwYkr94KwmbQr3VGjZjlIouE0I0AnPMkRD6aiXlxj7mxqumftWdCYYqbGtu-gf1dpG0L2Yv_-ZlwmBXZHtkoFTozi6WVSdJD6_Y1E9OEE_dlCJizaJyLUCNg4fVwHi3cX0mwNAAvOZzXl/s1600/Libby+speaking+049.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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The book events were wonderful. I enjoyed talking to the ladies and hearing their stories as well. There was wonderful food and fellowship and it was such a blessing. It was very evident that God was in this place.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4PCBTDWYNlqOHsUGi7555G4OKKmtkEq47af5MyY3UTE7nFxo94DkQw2oN_aRRSdMICkEM6TPiRamkS1_uH6WESJz9hrL9OaHCgrq-rRuJlM3T-aGP_ehzYE_2h6TWlbKPvkMLMckA-cmz/s1600/Libby+speaking+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4PCBTDWYNlqOHsUGi7555G4OKKmtkEq47af5MyY3UTE7nFxo94DkQw2oN_aRRSdMICkEM6TPiRamkS1_uH6WESJz9hrL9OaHCgrq-rRuJlM3T-aGP_ehzYE_2h6TWlbKPvkMLMckA-cmz/s1600/Libby+speaking+006.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwBWogE-NDSgcYcSsawhwSStVJ2W09Ob11qnXjGccQAPXbzSGdtFPCLpSZ2JtbKvayVtjO1hC0aEw6RKE7AZe9Dr6kl-FYztXmIueHsJctZ_lxkFnvi6pMU1VvNj6pkYLNpdkzd1-h97b_/s1600/Libby+speaking+020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwBWogE-NDSgcYcSsawhwSStVJ2W09Ob11qnXjGccQAPXbzSGdtFPCLpSZ2JtbKvayVtjO1hC0aEw6RKE7AZe9Dr6kl-FYztXmIueHsJctZ_lxkFnvi6pMU1VvNj6pkYLNpdkzd1-h97b_/s1600/Libby+speaking+020.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKmsQi229HLlov_YGwLjsFR6MCPsHkZbCS8yRonImx_82XISCuy9NC5Vz44sfBygq6y1yYLB5oP5m6Ha6b-HrmhOEeX39mC-h12oEXjz_0uwWLP9F6nWO28Gg8Sf-criC2ydPkmgWtww1a/s1600/Libby+speaking+045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKmsQi229HLlov_YGwLjsFR6MCPsHkZbCS8yRonImx_82XISCuy9NC5Vz44sfBygq6y1yYLB5oP5m6Ha6b-HrmhOEeX39mC-h12oEXjz_0uwWLP9F6nWO28Gg8Sf-criC2ydPkmgWtww1a/s1600/Libby+speaking+045.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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So thank you Libby Ladies - you made me feel very special and it was wonderful spending time with you.Traciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04310630351400500950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7023755890969866765.post-35509202030365876932014-07-04T10:41:00.000-06:002014-07-04T10:41:09.679-06:00HAPPY 4th of JULY!Happy 4th of July to everyone out there.<br />
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I love this holiday and our freedom is something I don't take for granted.<br />
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We are super blessed despite all the nonsense that goes on in this country-world, God has given us so much and 4th of July seems like a great time to thank Him for such blessings.<br />
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So here's just a few things on my list to thank Him for.<br />
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Salvation<br />
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Family<br />
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My sister Karen and our mother</div>
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Our son Erik and my hubby Jim</div>
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Daughter Julie, grandkids and Grant</div>
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Daughter Jennifer</div>
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My beautiful African family - minus the latest addition of little Jim<br />
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Of course added to this list - Friends, Montana, writing ministry, pets, chocolate (who can leave that one off?), music, books and so much more.<br />
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So what's your top 3?<br />
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God Bless!<br />
Traciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04310630351400500950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7023755890969866765.post-50340440687029601622014-05-12T21:16:00.001-06:002014-05-12T21:16:27.077-06:00Still Winter in the West and celebrating book 100On the road again and heading to teach at the Colorado Christian Writer's Conference in beautiful Estes Park, CO. We had thought to have lovely spring/summerish weather, but alas it is still winter in the West. Actually - this is the norm for Springtime in the Rockies (hum the song if you know it)<br />
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So the weather and roads cooperated until we got about 60 miles north of Cheyenne, WY and then blizzard conditions set in with 35+ mph winds and snow. The visibility was pretty bad at times.<br />
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We saw a lot of accidents - including semi's in the ditches. We found ourselves praying a lot that the people were safe and that the rescue crews would remain likewise.<br />
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We were saddened as we took the drive up Big Thompson Canyon at the devastation left from the September 11, 2013 flood. Please pray for these folks. They have full lakes and rivers around here and spring melt hasn't begun in earnest. There is potential for additional flooding.<br />
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And just before we left home for the conference, the UPS guy showed up with a nifty gift for me from Bethany House. In celebration of my 100th book they sent this nifty gift. <br />
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On the back all my BHP family signed their names. What a precious gift. They also sent a most beautiful pen that I can definitely use.<br />
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So now I'm going to curl up with something hot to drink and read a good book.<br />
Blessings<br />
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Traciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04310630351400500950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7023755890969866765.post-43530543227680260292014-04-20T22:55:00.000-06:002014-04-20T22:55:24.989-06:00My new officeI'm in the process of redoing my office. Because of some of my physical issues, it's been important for us to downsize and declutter. My dear hubby and I used to share an office - but he's a pack rat and I needed more space so he moved his office to the shop. I love him for that.<br />
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Jim also moved out hundreds and hundreds of books from our built in bookshelves and dusted those and cleaned for me. After that we decided the floor - an old inexpensive pergo - had to go because of damage. So we got me a beautiful acacia hardwood floor.<br />
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The old set up I had for writing took up a lot of space and clutter so we cleared that all out and I decided to get a new desk. I love it, although it was a whole lot bigger than I thought it would be when I ordered it online. Even so, I'm starting to really love it.<br />
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It's not done yet - but hopefully next week I'll have a photo of the finished product. I know I'm gonna be a very productive author in this beautiful new setting.Traciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04310630351400500950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7023755890969866765.post-67607296213367232822014-04-12T19:59:00.001-06:002014-04-12T19:59:52.322-06:00Ohio Speaking EventHad a great time speaking at the Herbert Wescoat Memorial Library in McArthur, Ohio. Clint Walker the Library Director is pictured here with me. He was such an awesome host and the group that gathered to hear me speak were also wonderful.<br />
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I talked about Inspirational fiction and the changes it's had on the fiction world. Over the years we've been blessed to see a huge boost of sales and variety in Christian fiction and I'm so happy to be a part of it.<br />
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The day was beautiful and we took advantage of that to pay a brief visit to the PRAISES Christian bookstore in Chillicothe, OH. Here I am with Josh and Josh.<br />
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These young men gave me the royal treatment and I in turn signed a few books for them to have on hand for their patrons. So if you're in Chillicothe, Ohio - be sure and stop by to tell them hello.<br />
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God Bless You!Traciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04310630351400500950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7023755890969866765.post-74944079847469481892014-03-18T00:00:00.000-06:002014-03-27T09:04:06.029-06:00Liz Curtis Higgs New EBOOK<br />
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I'm super excited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Liz Curtis Higgs has a new E-Book only coming out Tuesday March 18th.</div>
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Here's the cover and a blurb about the book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope everyone will inundate the internet
ordering this for their readers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'm a
long-time fan of Liz's and I can tell you her writing will not disappoint.</div>
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<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Who Will Set Her Free from the Darkness Inside?</div>
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<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Mary Margaret Delaney hides in the shadows, her arms
scarred, her heart wounded by grief and weighed down with regret. Adrift on the
streets of Chicago, she is surrounded by strangers and hounded by demons, both
real and imagined. Her neighbors in Lincoln Park call her Mad Mary—until a
fearless young pastor dares to call Mary his friend.</div>
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<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Inspired by the biblical account of Mary Magdalene, this
touching contemporary novella first appeared in Liz's nonfiction book, Mad
Mary, later titled Unveiling Mary Magdalene. Now updated and released as an
eBook exclusive, Mercy Like Sunlight is a powerful tribute to God’s boundless
compassion and unending grace.</div>
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“I was deeply moved by the story of Pastor Jake and Mary
Margaret Delaney. So well written. So challenging to me. So Christlike. And so
Chicago!”</div>
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<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
—Neta Jackson, best-selling author of The Yada Yada Prayer
Group</div>
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</div>
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So get your copy at:</div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Amazon: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://tinyurl.com/MercyAMZ" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">http://tinyurl.com/MercyAMZ</span></a></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Christianbook.com:
<a href="http://tinyurl.com/MercyCBD" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">http://tinyurl.com/MercyCBD</span></a></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></div>
Traciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04310630351400500950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7023755890969866765.post-11701937605808722292014-02-22T01:30:00.000-07:002014-02-22T01:30:02.615-07:00Down South on Book TourSo we're still on the road and having a great time on book tour. <br />
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We were stranded for a time in Birmingham due to snow and ice. Now we're weathering the threat of thunderstorms in Louisiana.<br />
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Tonight we had a great time at Steamboat Bills in Lake Charles. I had Crawfish Etoufee - Yum! Here I am with Kim. Note the Alligator overhead. :)<br />
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We have had such neat things to see in the south. My favorite Live Oaks.<br />
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As well as some nifty old buildings. Here we were in an old post office in Albany, GA. Look at <br />
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this awesome plaster ceiling.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuIm4uAWsI98fh-EBUKdXZe5K2D6qSvDBZckaOFx-_qg6Ih_tddxgxxXXdrRkOOcmTQhjmsGhmqn-0Yc5K0u7tjyw-SdrTTCBwtIm4hGZdCv3OYj24XZMe5CulaAh0283TeyaITcm8jMtP/s1600/0218141409-00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuIm4uAWsI98fh-EBUKdXZe5K2D6qSvDBZckaOFx-_qg6Ih_tddxgxxXXdrRkOOcmTQhjmsGhmqn-0Yc5K0u7tjyw-SdrTTCBwtIm4hGZdCv3OYj24XZMe5CulaAh0283TeyaITcm8jMtP/s1600/0218141409-00.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicsjAKTEY4YEa2oNOPHnzxwVc7RnaAHeaOE2YqTTqZyj16pZz2oQeSkZteX-HeDZzSPrBU7hRYzgh9dvl47wIb6dFUGZPRq2EbDpb_VxDpU1v-8vxcCpgf2rafgCGVYoOEnbnOVz8pxuNW/s1600/0218141410-00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicsjAKTEY4YEa2oNOPHnzxwVc7RnaAHeaOE2YqTTqZyj16pZz2oQeSkZteX-HeDZzSPrBU7hRYzgh9dvl47wIb6dFUGZPRq2EbDpb_VxDpU1v-8vxcCpgf2rafgCGVYoOEnbnOVz8pxuNW/s1600/0218141410-00.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>One of my favorite things in this post office was this old shoe shine stand.<br />
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I remember as a little girl being in the train station where these were set up. There was always some nifty old man snapping the shoes and humming or singing. I always loved to watch them and recognize the artistry of their craft.<br />
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The South and I really don't agree, however. The humidity is straining my lungs and causing my asthma to kick in so it's probably good that I'm just a few days from heading home.<br />
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We're having a lot of fun, however and I'm blessed to get to know the Woodhouse family better and to experience RV travel. Tonight with thunderstorms threatening, I'm really not sure that RVing will be for me. :D<br />
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God Bless Ya'll as we say down here.<br />
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Traciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04310630351400500950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7023755890969866765.post-35346504439625203172014-02-20T18:47:00.001-07:002014-02-20T18:47:42.200-07:00Georgia HospitalityAs you know Kimberley Woodhouse and I are on book tour in the South. This last week we were on the road in Georgia and had a great time.<br />
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Kim and I spoke at the Gillionville Baptist Church. It was awesome to share our testimony with the folks at the church. Here's a shot of Kim Woodhouse speaking. <br />
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This is Albany, GA and one of the neat buildings there. <br />
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Albany is famous for the Sherwood movies like Flywheel, Facing the Giants, Fireproof and Courageous. Got a chance to see the famous used car lot from Flywheel. :)<br />
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If you haven't seen Flywheel - I highly recommend it. The Woodhouses borrowed a copy for us to watch in the RV. Here is an awesome clip.<br />
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So keep the prayers coming. Oh we're having an awesome Bible study with Kay Arthur's 40 minute study on Understanding the Spiritual Gifts.<br />
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God Bless You!Traciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04310630351400500950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7023755890969866765.post-90292591132541514202014-02-11T14:19:00.000-07:002014-02-11T14:19:25.905-07:00Living it up on book tourSo I'm living it up on book tour with Kimberley Woodhouse. She even let me wear her Alaska bear slippers - but so far I haven't had a chance to drive the RV.<br />
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We in the heart of Dixie - where amazingly enough - we have just come under a major winter storm warning. I'm not entirely sure if I should have left Montana. Maybe I brought the cold with me.<br />
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Still, we've met some really great folks at some booksignings, while other events have been cancelled because of the snow and ice that's due in.<br />
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Here we are with Rachel McRae book buyer at Lifeway Bookstores. This particular Lifeway store was in Hendersonville, TN. Rachel is so much fun. We did a lot of laughing with her and Christine (the bookstore manager).<br />
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Here is the lovely Kayla Woodhouse - an extraordinary author in her own right. Her little service dog Samson is seated on the couch - ever watchful.</div>
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Josh - her brother has been our major go-to guy. He has loaded and unloaded our books and hooked up the RV at night and has in general just been a super neat guy to hang with. Here he is clowning around. He's best controlled with bribes of Skittles.<br />
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And of course we wouldn't get anywhere without our fearless leader and driver of the Woodhouse RV (named Legolas) - Kimberley Woodhouse. Note the contented look on her face. That's cause I'm such a joy to travel with....<br />
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So now we're sitting in an RV park hunkering down for the winter blast of Snowstorm Pax. We'd definitely appreciate prayers for us - but especially for the folks of Alabama and Georgia. They aren't used to this kind of weather and have already suffered so much.</div>
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God Bless All Ya'll</div>
Traciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04310630351400500950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7023755890969866765.post-47673850471788230072014-02-02T18:17:00.003-07:002014-02-02T18:17:42.063-07:00ALASKA BASKET WINNERS - part 2<span style="background-color: yellow;">We had two winners who never responded to our tries at notifying them about winning the gift baskets, so we threw the names back into the hat and had another drawing for our big Alaska Gift Basket.</span><br />
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Congratulations to the following:<br />
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<a href="mailto:grams57@gmail.com"><span style="background-color: cyan; color: blue;">grams57@gmail.com</span></a><span style="background-color: cyan;"> </span></div>
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<a href="mailto:clSwalwell@gmail.com"><b><span style="background-color: cyan; color: blue;">clSwalwell@gmail.com</span></b></a></div>
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Please email your full names and addresses to me at <a href="mailto:tjpbooks@aol.com">tjpbooks@aol.com</a>.</div>
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Thanks and we hope you enjoy the basket.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><strong>Kim</strong></span> and </div>
<br />Traciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04310630351400500950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7023755890969866765.post-77437865754291823522014-01-20T23:20:00.000-07:002014-01-20T23:20:01.284-07:00AND THE WINNERS ARE....Congratulations to the Winners of the ALL THINGS HIDDEN basket contest.<br />
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Winners are:<br />
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<span style="line-height: 115%;">WINNERS</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; line-height: 115%;">Gwen<br /><a href="mailto:gwen_mallard@hotmail.com">gwen_mallard@hotmail.com</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Steve Myers</span><a href="http://www.stephenmmyers.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times New Roman;">http://www.stephenmmyers.com</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; line-height: 115%;">Anna Labno<br /><a href="mailto:annalabno2004@yahoo.com"><span style="color: blue;">annalabno2004@yahoo.com</span></a></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #111111; line-height: 115%;">Katherine Eaton - facebook</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #111111; line-height: 115%;">I will notify you each by email, but if you don't hear from me - please email your full name and address at <a href="mailto:tjpbooks@aol.com">tjpbooks@aol.com</a></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #111111; line-height: 115%;">Again - congratulations!</span></b></div>
Traciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04310630351400500950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7023755890969866765.post-34221747032068409612014-01-17T01:00:00.000-07:002014-01-17T01:00:20.232-07:00BOOK TOUR and LAST DAY FOR CONTESTDon't forget that today is the last day to get your name in the hat for one of the 4 gift baskets Kimberley Woodhouse and I are giving away to celebrate our new book ALL THINGS HIDDEN.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjMiJjtUXrfOKSM8sPanB3dbkRSB6i9IwTBzL49LDAQw7cshVLS7kUVtrFZlQ5DhYsnD0vFypjVnqdSVdMn2OZPi4eD79fglbqMKNQw5wvNtNrQzsx5JAxp4I1Ru8fCHA6SnhVdWuBkyQF/s1600/All_Things_Hidden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjMiJjtUXrfOKSM8sPanB3dbkRSB6i9IwTBzL49LDAQw7cshVLS7kUVtrFZlQ5DhYsnD0vFypjVnqdSVdMn2OZPi4eD79fglbqMKNQw5wvNtNrQzsx5JAxp4I1Ru8fCHA6SnhVdWuBkyQF/s1600/All_Things_Hidden.jpg" height="320" width="205" /></a></div>
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Just respond to this blog and you will be automatically entered - but the deadline is midnight tonight.<br />
Here's a little sample of the basket you might win.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-m1HDV1RDip8qIgy0BHwh-0aXW2ZG2LyVVDuG0d9ecppDwDa-Mi6SXE0Lu8NNIiHbZVrF235hhrqZifOuf0M1PYObnBGYAgTOxJdImeqCL6tgDdXXYFjtbWYIvwoix9aNNi6ntJQ9KIPs/s1600/DSCN2633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-m1HDV1RDip8qIgy0BHwh-0aXW2ZG2LyVVDuG0d9ecppDwDa-Mi6SXE0Lu8NNIiHbZVrF235hhrqZifOuf0M1PYObnBGYAgTOxJdImeqCL6tgDdXXYFjtbWYIvwoix9aNNi6ntJQ9KIPs/s1600/DSCN2633.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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With that I will also let you know that I won't be blogging in February. Our lovely Stephanie Whitson has agreed to blog for me. Why won't I be blogging? I'm going on book tour with Kim Woodhouse. We'll be heading into the deep south.<br />
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I face this with mixed emotions as I see the weather this week has been tornadoes. Having grown up in Kansas, I know a few things about tornadoes. In fact, the way they seem to follow me around the country I have jokingly said that I'm their queen. <br />
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But I'd rather not encounter them at all and would appreciate prayers from all of you for protection and safe travel, good health and that we would reach many people for Jesus.<br />
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If you live in Texas, Alabama, Georgia or Tennessee here's a list of the places where we will be speaking, signing, selling and praying with readers.<br />
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<li style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b>Saturday, February 8, 2014</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>- <b>10 am</b><br /> Union Hill Baptist<br /> 2919 County Highway 39<br /> Oneonta, AL 35121<br /> Women's brunch. Tracie and Kim Woodhouse guest speaking.</li>
<li style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b>Sunday, February 9, 2014</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>- <b>9:30 am and 10:45 am</b><br /> Calvary Bible Church<br /> 607 Drake Ave.<br /> Huntsville, AL<br /> Tracie & Kim will be speaking during Sunday School and the morning service. Kim will also be singing!</li>
<li style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b>Monday, February 10, 2014</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>- </li>
<li style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b>12:00-2:00 pm</b><br /> Linebaugh Library<br /> 105 W. Vine St.<br /> Murfreesboro, TN 37130<br /><br /><b>6:00-8:00 pm</b><br /> Hendersonville Lifeway<br /> 1050 Glenbrook Way, Suite 130<br /> Hendersonville, TN 37075</li>
<li style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b>Tuesday, February 11, 2014</b> <br /><b>11:00 am - 1:00 pm</b><br /> Providence Christian Bookstore<br /> One Public Square<br /> Lawrenceburg, TN 38464<br /><br /><b>5:00-7:00 pm</b><br /> Huntsville Lifeway<br /> Westside Centre<br /> 6275 University Drive NW Ste 42A<br /> Huntsville, AL 35806</li>
<li style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b>Wednesday, February 12, 2014</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b>- 1:00-3:00 pm</b><br /> Jacob's Well<br /> 455 Bellwood Road SE #74<br /> Calhoun, GA 30701</li>
<li style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b>Thursday, February 13, 2014</b> - <b>4:00-6:00 pm</b><br /> Buford Lifeway<br /> 3125 Woodward Crossing Boulevard Suite 200<br /> Buford, GA 30519</li>
<li style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b>Friday, February 14, 2014</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></li>
<li style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b>11:00am - 1:00pm</b><br /> The Carpenter's Shop<br /> 1880 Epps Bridge Road, Suite 108<br /> Athens, GA 30606<br /><br /><br /><b>4:00-6:00pm</b><br /> The Olive Branch<br /> 2036 Veterans Blvd<br /> Dublin, GA 31021</li>
<li style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b>Sunday, February 16, 2014</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>- <b>9:00-10:30am</b><br /> Gillionville Baptist Church<br /> 4614 Gillionville Rd.<br /> Albany, GA 31721<br /> Tracie & Kim will be sharing their testimonies during the Sunday School hour and speaking/singing during the morning service!<br /> (651) 345-4013 </li>
<li style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b>Tuesday, February 18, 2014</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>- <b>6:00-8:00 pm</b><br /> Billionville Baptist Church<br /> MOPS Group<br /> Albany, GA<br /> Kim and Tracie will speak.</li>
<li style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b>Sunday, February 23, 2014</b> <br /> Parkway Church<br /> Victoria, TX<br /> Tracie and Kim will be interviewed during the morning service.</li>
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I hope those of you in the area will load up your cars, buses, trucks, wagons or whatever and come have fun with us.<br />
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<br />Traciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04310630351400500950noreply@blogger.com0