Tinkerbell Collection #1

 I had a blast working on these background layouts for "Tinkerbell Hidden Treasures" by HitPoint Studios. Enjoy!

The Chastity Project!

It's out: The Chastity Project
I'm so thankful for these amazing people and the message that they've been sharing for so many years. If you are struggling with sex, purity, self-image, relationships and love I highly recommend this resource. Thanks especially to Sarah Swafford, Jason Evert and Crystalina Evert who have given me a kick in the teeth many a time.

7 Quick Takes Friday (Now Saturday)

- 1 -

Alright, so it ISN'T friday anymore, but to me it is because I haven't gone to sleep and I still have 25 minutes of Anne of Green Gables The Sequel to watch. That to me warrants this irresponsible conduct, despite the fact that two of my good friends are tying the knot tomorrow.

(I'm afraid I don't know who designed this little quote. 

It's very lovely both in form and content!)

- 2 - 

Oi, it has been the weirdest week. Most of the editing of my book went on this week and it felt like the limbs of my child were being taken by woodland elves. My limbless child is now at least readable for the age group intended and I'm sure in a month or two it really won't seem so bad. But most of my lovely similes and metaphors are now a thing of the past. This being my first book I shouldn't complain, but here I am complaining.

- 3 -

I've also been indulging in lattes and Jane Austen inspired literature. Not to mention sunshine and all the pretty light tricks it does with the tree leaves, it makes for very nice runs.

This beautiful poster design was made my Kristen Smith! 

To find out more about her designs go to link

- 4 -

My prayer life... I've been getting to daily Mass surprisingly often and praying the Rosary oftener still. Daily Mass is one of those gifts that sustains you in such a miraculous way. In my own human insanity I forget that when I am lukewarm. Then when I start up the practice again and I find myself in that intimate setting with Jesus I am so grateful I took the time out to go! All the spiritual food that brings you back to sanity is there, including Jesus himself saying, "You are mine!"

- 5 -

Oh! look I have a new header. The next few months will bring many changes to the blog, so that when my book is out it will be nestled here comfortably. Also, please buy it when it does come out :)

 (very deep Jim Rohn, very deep)

- 6 -

And heck, I forgot to tell you all that I met Lino Rulli at World Youth Day in Rio. Here's a link to the his HI-larious talk show. LINO RULLI

He also wrote this book that I listened to on audio book. 

What a humble guy. 

I'd never have the guts to write about all of my failings and then ask other to read about them!

- 7 -

And here is my favorite resource for a daily quotation/excerpt from the writings of St. Francis de Sales.

St. Francis de Sales Daily

~

I clearly need to get some art on this blog. Once I get it together there will be soooo much of it! Be ready!

Some Wisdom From Lucy Maud Montgomery

Lucy Maud Montgomery is most famous for her book, Anne of Green Gables and all the sequels that ensued. She taught me a lot about life and a lot about me. Really, classic children's books carry more wisdom than most pop literature out there right now. Enjoy, and do go read her books!


“It's been my experience that you can nearly always enjoy things if you make up your mind firmly that you will.” ― L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

“It's not what the world holds for you. It's what you bring to it.” ― L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

 “I'd like to add some beauty to life," said Anne dreamily. "I don't exactly want to make people KNOW more... though I know that IS the noblest ambition... but I'd love to make them have a pleasanter time because of me... to have some little joy or happy thought that would never have existed if I hadn't been born.” ― L.M. Montgomery, Anne's House of Dreams

 “Oh, sometimes I think it is of no use to make friends. They only go out of your life after awhile and leave a hurt that is worse than the emptiness before they came.” ― L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Avonlea

“That doesn't sound very attractive," laughed Anne. "I like people to have a little nonsense about them.” ― L.M. Montgomery, Anne of the Island

“I can't help flying up on the wings of anticipation. It's as glorious as soaring through a sunset... almost pays for the thud.” ― L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

“We pay a price for everything we get or take in this world; and although ambitions are well worth having, they are not to be cheaply won, but exact their dues of work and self denial, anxiety and discouragement.” ― L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

“Next to trying and winning, the best thing is trying and failing.” ― L.M. Montgomery

“Those who can soar to the highest heights can also plunge to the deepest depths and the natures which enjoy most keenly are those which also suffer most sharply.” ― L.M. Montgomery

“I do know my own mind,' protested Anne. 'The trouble is, my mind changes and then I have to get acquainted with it all over again.” ― L.M. Montgomery, Anne of the Island

“It's not vanity to know your own good points. It would just be stupidity if you didn't; It's only vanity when you get puffed up about them.” ― L.M. Montgomery, The Story Girl

“Fairyland is the loveliest word because it means everything the human heart desires.” ― L.M. Montgomery, The Selected Journals Of L.M. Montgomery, Vol. 3: 1921-1929

“The world calls them its singers and poets and artists and storytellers; but they are just people who have never forgotten the way to fairyland.” ― L.M. Montgomery “Having adventures comes natural to some people", said Anne serenely. "You just have a gift for them or you haven't.” ― L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Avonlea

NEWS: Book Contract

After pitching my kids book three years ago, having it turned down, then coming back to it two years later rewriting and re-illustrating it, sending out queries and searching for agents I finally, finally have a publisher!

APPLAUSE AND MAJOR FREAK OUT

Okay, now for the catch. The deadline is scary tight. I'm doing all the praying and mental prep work I can do right now so that I can endure my coming hermitage with courage and limited whining. Honestly, these next few months are a "Jesus I trust in you" gamble because I don't know how I'm going to do this. I mean I'll do it, but I really do want the finished product to be really good. I figure too since the story I'm working on about Pope John Paul II's early life has so much to do with trusting and loving God's will above our own I can literally use those moments when I have nothing left and somehow it'll make the book so much more genuine and from the heart. At least I'm banking on that happening.

I'm not sure how much I'll be able to show you guys as I go along, hopefully some promotional pictures at least!

~

I was really tempted, actually no I was pretty mad at God when the making of my book wasn't going be as I pictured it (as in leisurely). But again, while I can only see the moment, He sees my past, present and future, and this is His book ultimately. That's why I'm making it, so it can be published whenever He wants to. Which is apparently... sorry can't tell you! Hehe.

Thank you friends & family for all your support over the years, months and days it has taken me to get to this point!