Sweet Baklava is Truly Sweet

I just finished reading the book, Sweet Baklava, by Debby Mayne. The contemporary romance takes place in Tarpon Springs, a city west of Tampa on the Gulf of Mexico. Tarpon is considered the sponge capitol of the world and is a large Greek community.

Mayne takes us into the lives of Paula Andrews and Nick Papadopoulos, two Tarpons Springs residents. Nick, now serving in the military, is from a large, loud, very involved Greek family. Paula, an only child, is determined to take care of herself. She owns a candle shop, a house and doesn't have anything standing in her way. Until now.

Nick, her one true love and high school sweetheart, comes back in to her life. Mayne weaves a love story so true, I caught myself praying for them once or twice. I had to remind myself it was only a story. Paul and Nick love each other so much they can't imagine being away from one another, yet real life stands in the way. Careers, a past, the military and future goals create bumps in the road, making it hard on Paula and Nick.

Throw into the mix a needy and irresponsible mother, a young teen in trouble and a Greek family determined to see Paula and Nick together and you have a story that comes off the pages. Mayne gives us real characters with real problems, and she doesn't throw a solution out there, just to make it happen. The characters work through the problems, creating a story that stays with you long after you put the book down.

Mayne has a knack for taking us right on to the page and in to Tarpon Springs, which comes alive in the book. It feels as though you are actually there in town . . . craving baklava, smothered in honey, pecans, walnuts and lots of sugar.

Sweet Baklava releases in March 2011. Published by Abingdon Press.

Fudge for Christmas

All these years I thought I loved Christmas more than any other holiday. I still do. But, it dawned on me that what I really love is everything that leads up to Christmas day.

Don't get me wrong. I still love everything about that day. Family, the fact that Christ was born on that day, opening gifts, and eating. Lots and lots of eating. I'm specifically thinking about fudge and mashed potatoes. No holiday would be complete without those two dishes.

For me, the season starts with one thing. The Charlie Brown Halloween special. That's right. Halloween. My mother tells me every year that Halloween should not be celebrated because of the implications. It celebrates evil. While I must agree with that, Halloween--to me--is all about candy. As Jerry Seinfeld put it, "get candy, get candy, get candy." What other day in the year can you run around, dressed like something you clearly are not, and beg for candy? Yummy.

Charlie Brown signals the beginning of the holiday season. After all, Thanksgiving is just around the corner. And we all know that Christmas right behind Thanksgiving. I love the hype, the build up, the shopping, the planning, the cooking, and all the anticipation of the day.

Every once in a while I have to be reminded of why we celebrate. Sad really that I have to remind myself. Christ doesn't have to remind himself to think of me. He has me on his mind all the time. That's right, all the time. He doesn't get distracted by lights, or whether or not he has all the fudge ingredients. He not only thinks of me throughout the season, but all year, day and night.

What an incredible thought. He loves each of us so much that he came to this earth, to this place of sin, to save us. If that's doesn't spell the meaning of love, I don't know anything else that does.

So, this season, I am planning on remembering what Christmas is really all about. Christ.

Finally Cold Weather

Well, the cold lasted for about one day. Actually, one morning if you want to be specific. I love the cold. These are the months I miss Colorado and the snow. I am going to make the most of it and wear sweaters, even if I get hot. I will read Christmas books, and drink hot chocolate with marshmallows floating on top. I will make my own kind of cold, even if I have to turn the air condition down in our sunny Florida home!

So, in the event you are ready to pick up a few books for Christmas, here are a couple suggestions:

Peace for His Children

Someone pushed my six-year-old yesterday. How can that happen? He's so sweet and loving. Gotta admit, my gut reaction is to follow my son to school, walk him in, and protect him all the way (and push the little kid off the swings on my way back out to the car). It's hard not to stress over it happening again.

I told my son to ignore the little boy and he would go away. My husband said, "It's not that easy. Bullies don't just go away. They keep it up, until you stand up for yourself. I'm speaking from experience." This, of course, didn't slow down my mothering instincts at all.

It's tough to stand back and let things happen to our children. They have to experience life just as we did. I dropped him off this morning, and drove out of the parking lot-after resisting the urge to walk behind him looking for the mean little boy. I know that's not the solution. So, I showered him with prayers. I've been doing it all day.

My little boy just wants to go to school and learn and have fun. As I prayed for him, it hit me that Jesus despises this type of behavior. Sure, it's pretty innocent pushing a little kid. But, his heart breaks when someone hurts us or gives us cause to worry. God not only understands my concern over my son, but he loves John so much more than I do (hard to imagine someone can love my child more than me) and wants to see him flourish and be a happy child.

God reminded me that He is always there waiting to hear our prayers. He cares about whether or not my son gets pushed. Bullies may not go away, but what a blessing that we can pray them away. Our God is bigger than any bully you might come across. He knows just how to deal with the difficulties in our lives. We can lay our worries at his feet, and He promises to wrap His arms of love around us and give us peace.

I know John might get pushed again. But I know with prayer John will learn how to deal with the other little boy. (My optimistic heart is hoping it could turn into a friendship). It doesn't always happen the way we want it to, but regardless, God is in the mix. He will see us through.

The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace.  Psalm 29:11

Back to School--And I Am Sad

Well, school is starting tomorrow, and my two young boys will be gone all day. My emotions are all over the place. I've been excited that I will have more quiet time during the day. But, as I shopped for last minute school supplies, I passed by the baby section in the grocery store. I had to work hard to keep from crying. My two little men are growing up.

Mind you, the younger one is still in Pre-K, but he will be in school longer throughout the day. All I could think about was how little they used to be, jumping in their jumperoos, crawling on the floor, and sitting in their highchair eating and smiling as babies. I wish they could be that small again.

I know this opens a new chapter in their life, and I am excited for them. They met their teachers today, and they are ready for a new year. Ethan wanted to stay in class and play with the toys longer. He didn't quite understand why we couldn't stay and eat lunch, even though the lunchroom wasn't open for business.

I'll get over this emotional time. But, it's moments like these that make me long for the days of little baby boys sitting in my lap, and bouncing on my knee.

School Starts Soon - I Already Miss Summer

School starts again in just a few short weeks. I've enjoyed having the boys at home for the summer. We've giggled, swam, read books, colored, and even played lots of video games (well they have). But, it's all about to come to a screeching halt.

I've loved every minute with my little guys. I'll miss them during the day, although it will be nice to have a little more quiet time.

Going back to school also means the onslaught of new television shows. Castle being my favorite. What is better than being a writer, watching a writer? The writers who write the show, know writers and their idiosyncrasies, and I love it. Say that five times fast.

The Office-yet another great show. Not too many shows get my attention these days, unless I am trying to scrape my jaw off the floor in disbelief at what I am watching. Thankfully, I have no problem walking away from those. But, the Office keeps me guessing. It's a fun show.

And of course, Dancing With the Stars. I'll never be able to dance like those people, but it's fun to try and live vicariously through them.

The summer went by too fast, but nonetheless, I enjoyed it. Here's to a wonderful new school year.

American Christian Fiction Writers 2010 Conference

It's hard to know where to start when talking about the 2009 ACFW Conference. Besides the fact that I would be traveling back to my hometown, visiting family, and meeting up with friends, I had many more reasons to be excited about going to my first conference.

As a newbie last year, I decided to head to Denver without expectations. That's right, none whatsoever.

I had appointments set up with an editor and an agent. While trying to still my nerves and keep my knees from knocking together all the way into the room, I was immediately put at ease by both women I met. They listened, gave me ideas, and took the time to answer my questions. I couldn't have asked for more. 

Along with meetings, I attended different classes offered throughout the weekend. I was so excited to learn more about the craft of writing. Some of the best writers, editors, and agents taught classes that were not only fun, but informative.

I saw friends from home and had a lot of laughs. I also met a multitude of new friends, which I immediately felt like I'd known for years. I was encouraged by Debbie Macomber's stories about her rise from unpublished writer, punching the keys on a rented typewriter, to becoming a New York Times bestseller. 

But, beyond the writing, the meetings, the classes, and the friends, I was astounded by the love of Christ filling the hotel. People prayed in the hallways with each other. Editors and agents prayed for the people they met. Competition was non-existent, and a genuine concern for each other's goals and dreams was evident. The music brought us all together to praise God at such a time. 

At the end of the conference I left feeling more empowered to share the love of Jesus with others. I came home on fire for Christ! I didn't expect it, but I got it. And I'm very thankful for it.

Here's a link to the conference: http://www.acfw.com/conference