Still Fighting the Battle!!

I was wrong and so was the pharmacist....the rash that has continued to crop up since my last post is not related to the x-rays that were taken at all....in fact, that would be extremely rare and highly unlikely. The following Monday I went to the doctor and he felt fairly confident in his diagnosis, but sent me on to a dermatologist to be sure. Yep...Shingles, of all things!

In case you don't know, it looks similar to poison oak, but nastier. Thankfully it doesn't ooze...I'll try not to gross you out with any more description, LOL...and it doesn't itch. But it is accompanied by deep muscle ache from my neck to my wrist and periodic small shooting pains in my skin and under the surface in my muscles. Uncomfortable, but bearable.

However, the doctor informed me I need to slow down and quite frankly, I think the Lord is trying to tell me the same thing. WAY too much going on in my life...a fairly new business that my husband is getting off the ground, with ups and downs and stress....a book deadline looming, our house for sale with no showings or offers yet, moving back to the old house that didn't sell when we built the new one, (we've chosen to sell the new one) and trying to do the bulk of the move with my daughter and son in laws help while my hubby was gone on a business trip. I've taken on too much (along with a huge yard to keep up with and church volunteer work as well) in too short a time period, and my body is screaming that it's time to STOP.

So, I'm trying to listen, but it's SO hard! I want to unpack all the boxes sitting around, clean out the drawers so and put in new liners, go back up and finish packing and moving the piddly stuff still at the other house, then clean it so it can be ready for a potential showing. I want to transplant a bunch of roses that the deer will eat now that they're unattended, and move them to the old house, I want to finish writing my book and start my next one....but don't have the energy to do much of any of it right now. I'm tired. That will pass, but in the meantime, I'm going to rest. At least for a day or two!!!

It's Been A Rough Two Weeks...

I have to admit, I've experienced better. I hope I don't have to go through another two weeks like the last two, for many years to come.

First, I woke with a slightly stiff neck. You know the feeling...can't rotate it quite all the way to either side, but not bad enough to go see a doctor or chiropractor? Two days later it hadn't changed much, but hadn't gotten worse. I took a long walk on a gravel road and started on a slight downhill grade. My feet decided they didn't want to stay on the ground and my bottom hit the dirt...hard. I didn't realize I'd injured my neck, as my rear end was protesting too loudly, LOL!

But the next day, I hurt. The next day, I hurt worse, and I didn't sleep. Finally my daughter convinced me to see her chiropractor. Six visits and a couple of hundred dollars later I was sleeping better (in bed, instead of my recliner) and back to being sore rather than in serious pain. Then pain started flaring up again, only this time in my shoulder and neck. Sigh. Time to see a doctor and get x-rays.

Nothing out of line, nothing damaged, but he confirmed what the Chiropractor told me. I'd given myself a good case of whiplash when I fell and it would take time to heal.
Now I have another problem. My arm, back of my neck and hand...all on my left side, have broken out in large splotches...red, bumpy, with little water blisters. Looks exactly like poison oak, but it doesn't itch or hurt. Had a pharmacist look at it today (two of them in fact) and they concurred with what I'd guessed. Radiation burns. I didn't know for sure you could have that happen from having x-rays taken, but yes you can. I had six shots taken all in my next, shoulder and upper left arm...and I'm erupting in large rash/red spots from the base of my thumb to the back of my neck. Unsightly, but thankfully not overly painful.

I know God is working on my behalf. I had been asked to speak on Sunday morning at our church on the subject of prayer. I'd had a rough night and didn't sleep well, and woke with pain in my arm yet again.

I decided I'd taken enough from the enemy to last me a good long time, and it was time to say "NO more!". I prayed for a while, and told him to take his pain and get lost, in the mighty name of Jesus. The pain left, and I spoke at church. Several people told me they learned and were blessed, so Satan didn't win the victory he'd hoped to that day. Is the rash gone? No. Is the pain better? Much. I'm trusting that God is going to care for the rest and heal this quickly. I'm ready to be well again!

Our Research Trip to Last Chance

Last Chance 1862--Main Street-------Last Chance Today

Our research trip for my new book, Love Finds You in Last Chance, California.... A romance set in a mining town that's no longer there.

My husband Allen and I arrived at the Sacramento airport early on Thursday afternoon, June 5th, then drove up I-80 to Auburn, across to the small historic town of Foresthill, and on another 13 miles up into the Sierra Nevada mountains to a wonderful B&B/lodge called The Christmas Tree Vineyard Lodge. Our hostess was Claudia, the owner and manager of the lodge and she made us feel welcome and went out of her way to be a help to my research.

Prior to my arrival she contacted people in the local historical group and was given the name of Nolan Smith, an archaeologist who works for Tahoe National Forest as a ranger. He offered to ride with us up to the old town site of Last Chance, but first we spent 30 minutes or so in his office going over forest service maps of Placer county and particularly the area between Foresthill and Last Chance.

Before we even got out the door, he’d armed me with several books that have short bits of information on the old town, and urged me to keep them during our stay at the lodge. At his suggestion we’d rented an SUV with a higher wheel base as he hadn’t been into the old town site this spring and wasn’t sure what the road might be like.

We drove 24 miles at 25 mph and less, down a steep canyon on serpentine roads, then back up the other side to the top of a high ridge. We topped out on the ridge and began to go down the other side another nine miles on a gravel road, losing about 1,000′ in elevation until arriving in the vicinity of Last Chance. On the ridge to the east of town is a flat forested area well over a mile in length. According to historical records it used to be a flat, grassy glade with little or no trees, about two miles outside of town…a perfect setting for the ranch where Alexia lives.

Unfortunately, there isn’t even a foundation still standing where any buildings used to be, but we were able to see several leveled areas, with at least 3 that had surfaces dug into the bank. It was apparent a building had resided in those spots…and one area not far from a beautiful spring had the remnants of what could have been a split rail corral. A few of the posts still had square nails protruding from the sides. According to Nolan, those nails would be pre-1890’s—and could easily have been a corral where my blacksmith/livery kept the horses.

We also visited the few remaining tombstones in the cemetery up on a rise above the town site. Ethan Allen Grosch, the man who first discovered the Comstock lode, died in a tragic accident and was buried there in the 1850’s. His tombstone is clearly marked, along with several others both earlier and later.

I’m thrilled to have had the opportunity to see the topography, the setting for the town and learn more detail about the time period and history my book takes place. Stay tuned for more updates as I happen to stumble upon them.

My book will release in February of 2009. Check back in a few days for a sneak peek at the cover and a brief summary of the story.

Someone Precious Is Gone Today

I lost my grandmother today, but I know she's in heaven with Jesus and with her husband who went ahead of her over 40 yrs ago. Grammie lived a full and very long life. She would have celebrated her 99th birthday in July.

She was so much more than my grandmother....she was a lover of children, a witty woman who didn't lose that sense of humor clear to the end. She was fiercely loyal to family and friends and known to everyone who loved her, as Grammie. She attended the small church in Lyle, Wa., for many years, where she and her husband moved (from Eastern Oregon) when just a few years before he passed away.

The picture at the top was taken just a few months ago with the kitty that resides at the home where she stayed. Her mind was sharp and she was still getting around in a wheelchair when a small stroke hit a couple of weeks ago. God was so merciful that He allowed her to slip into a gentle sleep in the small hours of this morning and she simply went on to be with Him.

I'm grateful for the many years I had with my grandmother....so many more than a lot of adults my age (I'm over 50 myself) ever get to experience. My grown kids knew her well, and she's seen great-grandchildren come into the world, as well. I'm celebrating her life today and cherishing the precious memories of a wonderful woman who loved me.

Win A Book AGAIN!!!

This is not typical for me, but I'm doing yet another book give-away to celebrate The Other Daughter being picked as the June book of the month selection for the ACFW book club.

But this contest has a twist....you MUST read the rules below and follow them, or you won't be entered.

I'm giving away THREE books this time, not one, but three. What must you do to win one? Just leave a comment you ask? Nope, Nada...not this time. You must leave a very creative comment along this line---

I'm giving these books away to pick up influencers. In other words, I need you to 'shout it from the roof-tops' if you enjoy the book, after you've read it. Please tell me in the comment section:

Why you want a book

What creative ideas you can offer that will help promote the book, after you've read it? (see a few suggestions below) Give me at least three, and more if you can.

Your email address disguised so the spam bots can't grab it...as in, miralee at gorge dot net

That's it....three simple rules....but all are critical and leaving out any of them will exclude you.

If I get only three comments, you'll all get a book. If I get multiple (as I hope and expect) then I'll pick the ones I feel will help influence the most. If there are a lot of you and I have a hard time deciding, it'll turn into a drawing. I'll keep this contest open for one week and post the winner a week from tomorrow, or May 12th. Thanks!

Now for the example I promised...you might offer to post a review on your blog or website, or drop glowing written reports off at your local bookstore and beg them to carry copies...Be creative, but don't get so crazy that it's not realistic. And above all, I'll be looking for follow through. I'll ask the winners to notify me after they've read the book and let me know what they DID do.

And the WINNER Is-----

We Have A Winner!!!

I was gone till 11:00 last night to our Portland chapter ACFW meeting, so couldn't do my drawing. I just picked a winner for a signed copy of my book and Stacey.... stacey_dale[at]yahoo[dot]com is the lucky winner. I've sent her an email to notify her.

Thank you ALL for taking the time to leave a comment. I hope you'll all be able to get a copy and take part in the ACFW book club discussion, as The Other Daughter did win the vote for June. I'm pumped!!

Win A Copy of The Other Daughter!

Hey everybody! My book has been nominated for the book club choice to read and discuss on the ACFW book club for June and is in the top three right now. I'm giving away ONE copy---so if you're interested in reading it and would like yours FREE, just leave a comment below. I'll be drawing the winners name and contacting the winner on Monday night. Be sure you leave a way to get in touch...you can do your email address like this....miralee at gorge dot net.

Here's a brief summary of the book in case you aren't familiar with it...and if you don't win, you can find it on Amazon, CBD or your local book store. Thanks and good luck!

The girl standing at the door took a deep breath, pulling her suitcase a
little closer to her trembling legs. "My mama's dead. He's my daddy."



Susanne Carson knew she could trust the love of her life-her husband,
David-until she discovered a strange, unkempt young girl on their doorstep,
claiming to be David's daughter.

Not that their marriage had ever been perfect-David's decision to embrace
the Christian faith had strained their relationship. Susanne may not have
agreed with his beliefs, but at least she trusted him. Had David been hiding
this not-so-little secret from his past? Her husband wanted Susanne to
believe in God, but believing hadn't done much to keep David out of another
woman's arms. What else could her husband be hiding?



As David confronts the truth of his past, Susanne must face her own moment
of truth as her marriage is taken to the breaking point and the life of one
young girl is left in her hands.

Trying To Get Life Right....

Ever just feel TIRED? I mean, don't want to do anything, can't seem to get moving type tired? A list a mile long, and you need to be writing two different books, and revising a third, and all you find yourself doing is staring at the screen, or playing solitaire?

That's where I'm at right now. I need to be three people, and I'm just not able to stretch to the extent I need to. I've always been able to before, so what's different now?

Hmm....let's see....maybe it has something to do with the fact that I'm over 50 and it's hard for me to admit I don't have the intensely high energy level I used to have?

I'm leaving for a church retreat tomorrow at 2:00 in the afternoon, and returning home about the same time, and I'm kicking myself for signing up. I look at my house that needs cleaning, the laundry that needs done, the mud patch in the front of the house that needs lawn seed spread, the flower bed that needs weeding, and the book projects piling up...and I wonder how I can possibly take the time to go.

But then I think...can I afford NOT to go? Maybe God has something planned in this 24 hrs away that I need to hear. Maybe He wants to meet me in a way He's been unable to do at home, at the pace I'm running. Maybe....well, maybe HE set this as a divine appointment and I need to quit kicking myself, and go with an attitude of expectation.

Okay...I can do that, I think. I'm going to put aside the stress for 24 hrs and allow God to speak to me in whatever way He needs to. I guess we all need times like this. Time to slow down and allow God to get our attention. There might not be any huge revelation while I'm gone. I might not hear the speaker say anything I haven't heard a dozen times before. But if I connect with my Lord at an intimate level, it will be worth it all.

On the RUN!

Oh my goodness.....life seems to be racing past me at lightening speed this week! I can't believe tomorrow is Thursday and I haven't posted my personal impressions yet of Generation NeXt Marriage! And I'm not going to be able to now, until this week-end. OK, so you may not be holding your breath in anticipation, but I did say I'd do it within a couple of days, and I've dropped the ball. But I'm scrambling with a schedule change and an unexpected trip out of town...and I won't return to my keyboard until sometime on Friday....then will need to play catch up at home the remainder of that day.

Is anyone else experiencing the rapid passing of this year...? I realize it's only the first of April, and we've even still been getting hit with the last remnants of winter....but it FEELS like it's blasting past me way too fast. Although I do admit, I'm hungry for spring and even more so for the summer heat to arrive. But then I have to remember...following the awesome summer sun, comes the beauty and coolness of fall, and right on its heels is winter. Ugh! Ok, I'm jumping the gun here, but I don't even want to think of winter again for a long time, and it's already April! Sigh. I'll quit now and get some things done that I must do before I hit the road.

See you back here in a few days!!! Blessings to you all as your life swirls around you....

Christian Priorities---How Do You Keep Them Straight?

Wow! What a hard subject this is, and one that's hitting me hard at the moment. As you can see if you've visited here much the past two weeks, I've not been posting. It's not been because I don't want to, or don't have anything to say, but rather, because life seems to be running over the top of me lately.

The problem is (and I'll bet you can relate to this)...some of what I found myself doing past two weeks was very necessary, and some seemed to simply sweep me along without my consent. Ten days of company off and on, book revisions and proposal deadlines, not feeling well, and trying to keep up with housework and doing remodel work on a house, have all taken their toll.

Tonight I'm thankful that I had a full day at home. I didn't get everything accomplished I'd hoped for, but I stayed in my pj's till 11 a.m. (shhh...don't tell!) and then puttered on a couple of projects and felt I made progress. Oh...and stared out my window at the blowing snow that's NOT supposed to be coming down a full week after the first day of spring!

But I think this was supposed to be about priorities, right? Like, knowing what our purpose in life is, and keeping fixed in that direction, rather than veering off on a dozen other tangents. That starts with keeping our heart and mind fixed on the Lord...and that takes time and commitment. Time that seems to get eaten up by all the 'necessary' things in life that come at you from all sides. Sure, some of them you can't help, but others can be delegated and even set aside. Some we don't have to say yes to, and some we need to simply use self discipline to avoid (like the internet and playing solitaire, LOL!) that eat up time.

I'm finding that I MUST spend more time with the Lord if I'm going to get through the craziness that seems to hit each day. I need His strength, wisdom and creativity, not to mention patience, to make each day count.