A favorite place from my late teen years. Although most of the places I frequented are gone (I worked in the Army Hospital there and it's been torn down), I still have fond memories of the year I spent there with my family. Someday, I may even dig out some of our old pictures, but today you'll have to be content with a few of the ones we took when we were there in 2007.

Below is the Heilig-Geist-Spital (Holy Ghost Hospital). It is no longer a hospital, but a very nice restaurant.

Nuremberg was an Imperial city during the Holy Roman Empire. Many Diets (similar to Congress or Parliament) were held in it's castle throughout the years. During WWII it was an important city to Hitler, so tt was also bombed extensively. After the war, it's castle had to be restored. Granted, it didn't suffer near as much damage as some other cities, but it did not come away unscathed.

The picture below was taken looking back down as we walked up to the castle. It is a very steep walk and gets steeper the closer you get to the castle itself. Note the green and white Police car.



Nuremberg is truly an Old World city at its center. The narrow, cobbled streets are picturesque, but murder on the foot. If you go, wear good walking shoes with excellent support. You will need it.





This picture was taken from near the top of the walkway up to the castle.

Did you note the low, half-timbered building built into the wall of the castle? I used to live in a small town that was famous for them. One of these days, when I find some pictures of that long-ago time (so long ago that my pictures are mostly black and white), I'll post them. In the meantime, below is another one with it's nice-looking shutters.

Labels: Germany, Nuremberg, Traveling Tuesday

I had a good weekend. It was too short (aren't they all?), but it was a good one. Of course, I got only a few things accomplished that I wanted to get done, but that's normal for me. I almost always plan more things than I can possibly get done. I suppose it's one way to insure I'll never be bored.

Saturday was beautiful. Sunshine and temps in the 50s. A gorgeous day all around.
Sunday, on the other hand, was pretty - for a December day. Temps in the 30s and snow. And, since I complained about the return of Winter in Friday's post, I won't do it again today.

So, this week, my goals are: (1) to write another Chapter on my current WIP. I think it's time to put up one of those little meter thingys. I'll see what I can find. (2) Work on some embroidered towels for a friend's newlywed son and daughter-in-law; and (3) make some bibs for a friend's new baby. I'll get back to you next Monday and let you know whether I accomplished them. And, if I did, I'll try and post pictures.

Labels: Mundane Monday, weekend, weekly goals

Well, it is today. Yesterday and the day before, it looked like Winter had come back. I know Spring weather is unsettled, but I'm used to rain, wind, and blustery days. Not snow!

The flower bulbs we planted last fall were coming up just a week ago - when we had balmy weather in the 60s. Now the poor crocuses and violets are shivering in the cold. It snowed two nights ago and yesterday morning it was in the 20s. I don't know how warm it actually got yesterday, but at least the roads were clear by the time I left work. Actually, the sun was shining and there was very little snow to be seen anywhere. It was not, however, warm by any stretch of the imagination.

I don't even remember if Phil actually saw his shadow back in February or not. Frankly, I don't care. But, I do know it's been longer than 6 weeks, so even if he did, Winter should be gone by now. I don't feel the need to issue a written invitation, but if that's what it takes, just tell me where to send it.

You can come back in November. By then, I'll be looking forward to the cold. For now, however, I'm with the 5th Dimension - Let the Sun Shine!!

Labels: Free-for-all Friday, Spring

A very big word -- for a very big person. Too bad there aren't many big people around these days. Today there is an excuse for everything. Unfortunately, it means no one is responsible for anything.

It occurs to me that we are allowing our children to be irresponsible. If they don't like what we serve for dinner, they go to the fridge and get something else. If they don't do their homework, well that's just how kids are. If they make promises and the break them, well we just can't expect that much of teenagers. And, when they are adults facing a judge for a crime--that's when they blame their upbringing for "making them do it."

Nothing is anyone's fault anymore. And, it's a shame.

Even companies get in on the act. If you have a car accident, heaven forbid that you should admit it was your fault and offer to pay for the damage to the other person's car. Your insurance company would drop you like a hot potato, or raise your rates so high that you'd drop them. It begs the question - why am I paying an insurance company to cover my little "oops" if, when I need an "oops" covered, they want me to say it wasn't my fault to keep them from paying? Isn't that what insurance is for? Apparently not to the company. From my perspective, having insurance is paying for something you pray you'll never need. Throwing good money to the wolves. (*steps off of soapbox*)

Are we really teaching our children responsibility these days, or are we allowing them to get away with anything and everything in the name of giving them freedom. Freedom doesn't come free, easy, or cheap. We need to stop selling our children short and teach them that some things in this world are their responsibility and it's time they stood up for it.

Labels: Responsibility, Teenagers, Thoughtful Thursday, Youth

I've often wondered what it must feel like to fly. To soar high above the ground with only the wind beneath wings spread wide. Regardless of the fact that I'm pretty sure I'll never actually fly, I am sure of some things. I'm assured of God's promises. This passage from Isaiah 40 (from the NIV) is one of my favorites because of the comfort it provides.

28 Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.

29 He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.

30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;

31 but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.

Powerful words. Powerful promises. We may not actually find ourselves flying, but God has given us the powerful imagery of feeling free. Soaring on eagles' wings. Finishing the race with vigor. God knows we can become tired and discouraged, but his promises remind us that he is ever present. He will not let us down.

Thank You, Lord, for your promises. Promises that you keep - even when we don't keep ours.

Labels: God's promises, Isaiah 40, Promises, Worship on Wednesday

Millcreek Canyon is one of many small canyons around Salt Lake City. Here are some pictures taken on a walk up the canyon late last Summer. Enjoy the quiet, restful beauty.

Labels: Millcreek Canyon, Traveling Tuesday, Utah

Mondays are not normally my favorite day. Like most people, getting up and heading off to my day job after a hectic weekend is not necessarily my favorite thing to do. And, not because I don't like my job. Actually, I love my job. But, my Sundays are full and by the time Sunday night rolls around I'm tired enough that I don't want to get up early on Monday morning.

Today, however, I'm savoring the experience of sleeping in. Having only gotten about 8 hours sleep total since Friday, I needed it. I have quite a few things to do today, but with a full night's sleep behind me, the day will go much smoother.

Labels: Mundane Monday, Sleep

I’ve been reading a lot lately. In between trying to finish my latest Regency, I’ve also been reading all of the new Love Inspired Historicals I can get my hands on. I’d love to write an Inspirational Historical, but. . .and here’s the problem. I haven’t liked many that I’ve read. I finish them because I want to know how the story ends and how the conflicts are resolved, but about 3/4 of the way through the book, I start skipping whole passages in an effort to get to the rest of the story. The most recent one I read. . .in the end I didn’t even like how the conflicts were resolved. So, why do I keep reading them?

Because I can learn even from something I don’t like. When I’m not invested in the story, I’m more likely to pay attention to the writing. I don’t feel bad dissecting it, analyzing the structure and style rather than the story. It also helps me to understand what it is about the book I don’t like. Sometimes, it’s not really the story I don’t like, but the writing style of the particular author. The story I finished today was the second one I’d read by this particular author. I’ve decided that as much as I’d like to know what happened to the rest of the family in the series, I won’t pick up any more of her books. It really wasn’t the story I didn’t like, it was the writing style.

Since I started writing, I've discovered that I'm impatient. Unfortunately, that doesn't translate into my own writing. Too often, my CP tells me that my middle is dragging just a bit and I need to pick up the pace. I have to shake my head when that happens, because I'm usually remembering that the reason I didn't like the last book I read was because the middle dragged. If I don't like it in someone else's book, I have to learn not to do it in my own.

I'm learning.

Labels: Books, Free-for-all Friday, Reading, Writing

I miss Thursday Thirteens. It used to be one of the few days I looked forward to blogging. Of course, figuring out what to blog about that had thirteen things attached was difficult sometimes, but I loved the challenge.

Right now, I'm deep in the middle of my latest WIP, tentatively titled "The Scarred Heir". I've spent a major part of the last few days researching poisons and antidotes throughout history. So, in memory of Thursday Thirteens and because I can, here's a list of thirteen poisons used throughout the ages (in no particular order).

1. arsenic - odorless, tasteless and, until 1836, difficult to detect
2. wolfbane - pretty flower, but poisonous even to the touch
3. foxglove - I used this one in Gypsy Legacy: The Duke; another silent killer
4. cyanide - from the descriptions this causes a very painful death
5. hemlock - Socrates probably died completely alert as his body just shut down
6. belladona - in Victorian times, women put this in their eyes; many eventually went blind, but it also killed
7. toadstools - these cause the shutdown of your liver and kidneys, then eventually the rest of your body, too
8. mercury - to think doctors prescribed solutions with mercury in it in the 19th century
9. nightshade - there are two types of nightshade, pick the wrong one and you die painfully
10. digitalis - distilled from the foxglove plant, in the right dosage it can be helpful, but during the Regency and Victorian periods, it most often killed
11. chloroform - sickly sweet smelling liquid used to render people unconscious, but as with many discoveries, can also be used to kill
12. laudanum - anesthetic distilled from the opium plant; it was used for every ailment under the sun during the 19th century, but also used to kill
13. peach pits - I haven't found much on what happens except that if you crack open the pit of a peach and dig out the stuff inside, it is extremely toxic; death is very painful as the poison works its way through the digestive system

Labels: Poisons, Thoughtful Thursday

Have you heard of World Vision? They are a Christian humanitarian organization working to eradicate hunger in our world. Every year they sponsor the 30 Hour Famine - a worldwide youth event where teenagers go without food for 30 hours and raise money to help end hunger. This year our youth group will be "doing the Famine" for the eighth year. Each year we have grown in the number of kids participating. We started eight years ago with only four kids. This year, there will be twenty-two.

As we learn about different areas in the world that the funds we raise help, we are reminded that everyone is a child of God. That we are to see people through God's eyes, not our own. For that reason, I love this song by Brandon Heath. It reminds me to cut through my own biases and prejudices and try to see people the way God does. When we can do that - and doing the 30 Hour Famine helps the youth to make the effort - we will see that we are all God's children and heirs of his promises.



If you would like to help World Vision, you can visit my daughter's 30 Hour Famine pages on Facebook or MySpace to learn more. Even if you don't donate to her, find another group that participates and "join in". It's an experience you will never forget.

God Bless

Labels: 30 Hour Famine, Youth

I've never been to Ireland, but my hubby has. Long before we met and married, he took a vacation to the Emerald Isle. And, since today is St. Patrick's Day I thought I'd post some pictures from his trip. Since I wasn't there, I don't really have anything to say about them, so you can do your own imagining. I will tell you, though, that he's not a "tourist trap" type of traveler. He tends to love the countryside.

Labels: Ireland, St. Patrick's Day, Traveling Tuesday

Well, life is sort of back to normal. My work schedule is back to normal hours and I should be able to get to the gym every day. I'm committed to working out and hopefully losing some weight this year. I don't have a particular goal. I just want my clothes to fit a little better.

The weather is looking up - I was in a short-sleeved t-shirt this weekend. It was very nice. Went out on Saturday and did some shopping. Bought the newest Nicole Jordan book and can't wait to dive into it. Probably this weekend when I'm hanging out with 20+ teenagers at the church for the weekend.

I have a lot of errands to run this week. My Youth group is doing the 30 Hour Famine this weekend. If you don't know what that is, go here. If you are interested in donating, check out my daughter's MySpace or Facebook pages. As for me, I have supplies to get in for the activities we will be doing, food to order for breaking our fast, a Bible Study to prepare, as well as just keeping the kids from exhausting themselves. It will be a fun, but tiring weekend. I'm taking next Monday off work.

I should also be starting on edits soon. And, I'm trying to finish up two different Regencies. One is further along than the other one, but I'd like to have both finished by the Summer. That's another "we'll see".

Labels: 30 Hour Famine, Life, Mundane Monday, Youth

That's the sound of me fast asleep. I was at work until midnight last night, so today I'm sleeping in.

Which also means, I have absolutely nothing to say.

I might be back later. . .but don't count on it. Just come back on Monday for more ramblings.

Labels: Free-for-all Friday, Nothing to say, Sleep

It's almost Spring. That's what my calendar says, anyway. If I went by what I see outside my window, however, I'd say Winter has just arrived. It was in the 20s this morning and only warmed up into the 40s for the day. Yesterday it snowed again and more is forecast for the next few days. So, where's my Spring?

Despite my complaining, there are benefits to all of this. All the skiers are having a great time. The longer the slopes are open the better as far as they are concerned. The snowboarders, too. That's great for them. It's just not for me.

We are having a great water year. Snowpack in the mountains is at levels we haven't seen in a long time. It's looking like it will be a good water year without worrying about rationing. Maybe some of the reservoirs will begin to refill to higher levels. Goodness knows we could use it.

We will probably have a glorious Spring -- once it gets here. With all this water, lawns will be lush, flowers and trees will bud and bloom. Of course, if you suffer from hay fever, you'll be hiding out inside for the next few months. And, when Summer arrives there may be a bumper crop of skeeters, bringing with them West Nile Virus and other fun ailments.

Do you think that with the economy the way it is this year, that counties will rank mosquito abatement high on their list of things to fund? No? Me, neither. We might be on our own when it comes to fighting off the little biters. So, I guess I won't move to Florida this year - or any place else too near the coast.

So, where was I going with this? Nowhere - except to remind myself that Spring is on its way. It will be here. . .soon. I hope.

Labels: Spring, Thoughtful Thursday

This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24



Just in case you want to sing along, I've included the lyrics. Go ahead and belt it out!!

Oh, oh, oh, Here we go! Oh, oh, oh Oh, oh, oh Oh, oh, oh

I`m casting my cares aside
I`m leaving my past behind
I`m setting my heart and mind on You
Jesus

I`m reaching my hand to Yours
Believing there`s so much more
Knowing that all You have in store for me is good
Is good

Chorus:
Today is the day You have made
I will rejoice and be glad in it
Today is the day You have made
I will rejoice and be glad in it
And I won`t worry about tomorrow
I`m trusting in what You say
Today is the day
Oh, oh, oh Oh, oh, oh
Today is the day
Oh, oh, oh Oh, oh, oh

I putting my fears aside
I`m leaving my doubts behind
I`m giving my hopes and dreams to You
Jesus

I`m reaching my hands to Yours
Believing there`s so much more
Knowing that all You have in store for me is good
Is good

Chorus

(Guitar interlude)

(2x`s)
I will stand upon Your truth.
(I will stand upon Your truth)
And all my days I`ll live for You
(And all my days I`ll live...)

Chorus:
Today is the day You have made
I will rejoice and be glad in it
Today is the day You have made
I will rejoice and be glad in it
And I won`t worry about tomorrow
I`m giving you my fears and sorrows
Where you lead me I will follow
I'm trusting in what you say
(2x`s)
Today is the day
Oh, oh, oh Oh, oh, oh
Today is the day
Oh, oh, oh Oh, oh, oh

Labels: Lincoln Brewster, Today is the Day, video, Worship on Wednesday

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is one of my favorite places to visit in Germany. We usually make the effort to visit it whenever we go. It is small and very old, its fortified walls being its primary attraction to visitors. On the left, you can see the main square. The large building with the flags is the Rathaus (City Hall). You can't really see it, but the other building has a clock above the row of windows that has two portals on either side. This building is the Ratstrinkstube (officials' drinking hall). The two portals open at certain times of the day to depict the re-enactment of the Meistertrunk of the Thirty Years War - when Mayor Nusch drank in one draught approximately a gallon of beer and saved the city from destruction.



The thick walls and fortified towers of the city are very picturesque from outside the walls, but when you walk around or through them, you realize that they were built for protection. During the Middle Ages, cities that were unprotected did not last long. During its heyday (in the 13th-14th centuries) it was one of the largest cities in the Holy Roman Empire -- with only approximately 19,000 people (about 5,000 inside the walls and another 14,000 outside).




The narrow cobblestone streets remind you that you are in a medieval town. Although there are now cars and even buses make their way through the streets, cobblestones take their toll on your feet. Wear comfortable shoes if you are planning to traipse around old cities in Europe. The small shops, bakeries, galleries, and museums will keep you busy exploring for days on end -- if you have that long.





Don't forget to explore the outlying areas around the city, too. This small enclave in the valley beyond the walls has a pretty little church. There are many such little spots in the road (I hesitate to call them villages when there are only two or three houses, but they make for beautiful pictures).

I will miss my annual stop in Rothenburg this year. We have decided to go explore the castles along the Rhine this year. Since I haven't had the chance to do that before, I'm looking forward to it.

Labels: Germany, Rothenburg, Traveling Tuesday

Last week I treated myself to a new look. Not for me - for my Kindle. Now, I know there are quite a few ebook readers out there, and some people swear by each one for different reasons. I will admit, though, that I bought my Kindle because it was the best deal going when I was looking - considering all it had to offer. And, now that I have it, I have fallen in love with it. So, when I found the Decal Girl site, I couldn't resist the urge to "dress it up" just a bit. The result is below.


Not only does the "skin" look gorgeous, but the accompanying screensaver is the icing on the cake and just looks great with it. And, it was easy to apply. I have to admit that I love the way the screensaver and the "skin" are continuous. I hope you can see how well the pattern continues off the screen and onto the Kindle. I'm enjoying its new look so well that I may start carrying it around without the case.

I can't wait until the same skin is available for my blackberry.

Labels: Kindle, Mundane Monday, Skin

Life has a way of throwing you curves. I've discovered, however, that no matter how sharp the curve, there's usually a straightaway on the other side - time to step back and regroup. Just remember not to step back off a cliff.

My straightaway for yesterday? It was the sunset. It was beautiful. I wish I'd thought to take a picture. But, of course, I didn't so the moment is gone forever. Such is life. A series of gorgeous moments, beautiful sunsets, glorious sunrises, and more that we flit through.

I don't have much to say today as I move into the weekend, but I hope that you spend this weekend cherishing the miracle we call life. Hug your spouse or best friend. Laugh with your children - or your friend's children.

Enjoy the straightaway for now. There are more curves ahead.

Labels: Curves, Free-for-all Friday, Life

I got a birth announcement today. It was for a friend's first grandchild. Now, I've never given much thought to what people name their children. I just assume that people have their own reasons for naming their children what they do. One can only hope that the child doesn't end up scarred for life by the moniker you attach to them at birth. So, what made me think about this today? My friend's grandchild.

I suppose his names aren't any more unusual than many other names out there, but as I read the string of names, I wondered whether that child will ever grow into them. Or, will he shed as many of them as he can and just go by his initials when he grows up? I suppose it will all depend on his parents and their attachment to the names.

As I read the list, I wondered if the names had some significance. Is one a grandparent's name, a beloved uncle, or other ancestor? Perhaps one or two have a special meaning in another language - I don't have a clue as to how to pronounce at least one of the names. Whatever the reason for this child's names, I hope his parents will provide him with the story behind each one, for there surely must be one. And, if that's the case, he may, indeed, grow to view his name (and himself) as unique as the person he is.

Isn't that what every parent wants for their child?

Labels: Children, Names, Thoughtful Thursday

We are now one week into Lent - the Season of 40 days before Easter. This is a time of reflection and renewal during the church year. It is a time when we look inside ourselves and take stock of our lives and our relationship with Christ. Are we growing? Are we serving? Are we just surviving?

As we watch Spring unfold around us at this time of the year, it should remind us that Easter is about life and as we move toward Good Friday and Easter, we can embrace the gift God has given us.

Monday's Devotional on A Slice of Infinity was particularly apt so I'm going to steal a paragraph, but I encourage you to click on the link and read the entire post.

In part, Jill Carattini wrote: . . .I am grateful for the season of Lent. The time leading up to the promise of Easter and the hope of resurrection is something like the early signs of spring. Indications of new life spring forth all around us, each with the shocking call that we must prepare ourselves for what is coming, reflect on the place of hope via the road of suffering, and face the forces and temptations that come at us along the way. It is not always easy to prepare our hearts for the Cross of Christ, but the changing of seasons is upon us, and God beckons us forward. Henri Nouwen describes the tension eloquently: “The season of Lent, during which winter and spring struggle with each other for dominance, helps us in a special way to cry out for God’s mercy.” For forty contemplative days, the season of Lent calls us to the wakeful awareness that we are human, we are dust, and we are falling short, but that there is a story reaching beyond our lifetimes, our deaths, and our shortcomings, speaking new life where death stings and tears flow.

Are you ready to greet the new life Christ has for you? You still have 33 days to get ready.

Labels: devotional, Lent, Worship on Wednesday

I love churches. Especially very old churches. Whenever I travel to Germany, I go into many places, but it's the churches I love the most - and not just because of my own faith. I think it's because I'm in awe of what people can do when they have a passion for something. In medieval and renaissance churches, I see the passion, the reverence, the bone-deep faith in God. I'm sure that not everyone who helped to build a church had such deep faith, but the detail and excitement for the finished product comes through regardless.



Many places in Germany were destroyed during WWII - among them churches. The amazing stained glass windows, the intricately detailed carvings, the flying buttresses, columns, etc. Many are lost for good, but those that remain are an inspiration and testament to the people who spent their life's blood creating such beautiful structures.






Some of the oldest places are the most beautiful in Europe. They are a living reminder of people whose spirit, determination, creativity, and inspiration pushed them to new heights in their times.



As a writer, I appreciate the legacy.

Labels: churches, Germany, Traveling Tuesday

So, yesterday was a pretty good day. Church went well. I had 20 kids at Youth Group. Nice weather. Nice day all around - except for the dead deer.

Last Sunday as I was arriving at the church for Youth Group, there was a mule deer munching on the grass near the door. I don't know who was more startled - me or it, but as it bounded away, I remembered thinking I hope it didn't end up in the street and get hit by a car. Well, I don't know if it was the same deer or not, but today there was a dead mule deer on the other side of the fence at the end of the church parking lot.

Now, to give you some perspective. Our church backs up to a cemetery. And, there is a small herd of deer that live in the cemetery - probably because it's a nice oasis of green in the middle of a busy city. During the winter, you see them more because they forage for food slightly further afield, but I don't think I'd ever seen one on the church property before last week.

Because of where the dead one was today, I have to wonder what happened to it. It wasn't anywhere near the road, so if it was hit by a car, it lived long enough to make it to where it was this morning. Either that or someone moved it - which I doubt. Regardless, I hope animal control gets out and removes it tomorrow. I'm sure it's not something that the parents dropping their children off at the day care center will want their children to see.

Labels: Chit-chat, Life, Mundane Monday