Thanksgiving Day!

This was an amazing day: our son arrived safely from Cleveland with a few little "take-off" difficulties with the friendly skies, and Kim picked him up at the Baltimore Washington Airport just in time for a fabulous dinner at Kim's parent's home. I have to say it was the most amazing Thanksgiving Day dinner I have ever had and Sally (Kim's mom) pulled out all the stops. And it was the first time we saw Jon and Kim as the "engaged couple."

As a mom, I prayed for both my boys that they would find a loving wife and family; God answered my prayer. The first time you hold your child you have glimpses of what it might be like when they grow up, get engaged, married, and eventually have a family of their own (if they choose). It's hard to believe that 23, almost 24 years, have passed and we are standing on the threshold of seeing that happen (May 30, 2010). This has to be the best Thanksgiving Day of all -- to be part of such an amazing family and to see our "kids" so happy.

I hope your day was as special as mine. Oh, and I haven't forgotten about the book giveaway. I will pick a winner tomorrow, so be sure to leave a comment. Since "Black Friday" will find many of you in the shopping malls, I thought it would be the perfect time to pick a winner!

Blessings and Joy,

Writing, Weddings and Surprises!

We celebrated our 34th wedding anniversary at the Hotel Hershey on Saturday (November 14) in the land of chocolate. We spent the day at the Hershey Spa and ate chocolate in between our various "procedures." It was fun to see my hubby all wrapped up in a fluffy robe and slippers.

When we returned home after our spa experience, there was a package on the doorstep. My hubby turned to me and said, "Did you order more books?"

I flashed a smile, "Not that I can remember!" That was the truth.

They were from the Incredible Prayer series by Guideposts. I contributed a story during the summer; however, I never received a contract so I assumed my story didn't make it in the book.
I'm always amazed -- shocked really -- at the surprises the publishing industry has in store for their authors, "Miracle on Route 30" is one of my favorite stories and it found a home.

Since I received two books, complete with a bookmark and matching tote bag, I will be picking a winner next week. Just leave a comment and I will have my hubby draw a name.

That wasn't the only surprise waiting for us when we returned. That evening at 7:35 p.m., our son, Jon, called and said, "We're engaged!" He proposed at Pier W Restaurant in Cleveland, Ohio (it has to go down as the most romantic proposal on record!). A May 30, 2010 wedding is planned. Kim and Jon have been dating for three years and we couldn't be more thrilled.

This past weekend held all of my favorite things and a few "unexpected" surprises. God is good and He does exceedingly more than we can think or imagine.

I will have a lot of great writing material in the next few months while I work on "Coffee Lover's Devotions to Go" -- I just might need a little more caffeine to keep me writing!

Living Life Passionately,

Apple Strudel

Someone recently asked me what my favorite part of the trip to Austria was and I blurted out, "Apple Strudel." No, it's not a place...it's something to eat. And if I'm truly honest...I ate my way through that country. Instead of losing five pounds like I normally do on trips, I think I gained five. But it was worth every bite.

You cannot go to that part of Europe and not eat this traditional delicacy -- apple strudel.



If you visit the Schonbrunn Palace, you can actually see a strudel demonstration as part of your "classic" ticket admission. Because it was a cold, damp, and dreary day, there's nothing like a warm Austrian tea house to perk up your spirits.



As we walked into the seating area, we were given a bite-size portion of strudel (not nearly enough!), and then the demonstration began. One of our very own ladies on the tour, Deb, was chosen to participate in the strudel show. Afterwards Deb was given a "Certificate of Achievement," and I'm sure her name is written somewhere in the strudel history books.



Believe it or not, there's a hotline number you can call in case your strudel flops!



It was one of the highlights of the trip to see Deb covered in pastry dough and making strudel dough history at the same time.

Of course, all of that is to get you to buy something -- right? Because I travel light and I do mean light (only a backpack on wheels), I resisted the temptation and instead copied the recipe for all of you!

Home from Austria

While traveling through Austria for the past couple of weeks, I have been "unplugged." I have not read e-mail, blogged, or otherwise been in contact with the computer, except for a few short e-mail blasts to my hubby.

When I returned back home, 3,556 e-mails, awaited me! I nearly passed out. When all the spam was cleared out and the junk mail deleted, there were just a handful of "important" e-mails that needed my attention. Writing is like breathing for me. I can't go a day without putting my thoughts on paper, yet I found a serenity in not being attached to the computer.

Austria was glorious with its old-world charm, quaint tea houses, decadent chocolate cakes, pastries, palaces and museums, but it's the way of life in Europe that beckons me back "home" where I spent six years of my life (without a computer!). How is it that the rest of the world knows how to pace their lives?

.

On the flight home, I thought about what would change if I unplugged several times during the week -- away from the computer -- and just slow down the pace, Well, it happened for me! My knee gave out and forced me to put up my feet and rest.

Home from Austria is a transition and I'm making it slowly. I want to incorporate a little of Europe back into my life and welcome it into my soul again. It's okay to take some things out of your life and replace them with "things" that make you feel warm, comfortable, and peaceful. Give yourself the luxury of just "being" at home!

Living Life Passionately,

Harvest Blessings

I love this time of year in Lancaster County when the crops are harvested, the pumpkins appear on everyone’s porch, the mums are in full bloom, and the October skies are filled with low-lying clouds. What a blessing to be able to take in the sights and smells of the earth before winter covers them up with a blanket of snow. It’s like springtime for just a little while before they begin the big sleep of winter.

On Sunday, I took in some of the harvest blessings, including a wedding that I happened on while walking around one of my favorite places – Donegal Presbyterian Church. The flower girls were making good use of their time while the others in the bridal party stood in line for their formal portrait. Children are good barometers of life; they grab at it every chance they get. Every day is a harvest blessing for them!

Take one day a week to enjoy your harvest blessings and learn to "play" again. If you have food, shelter, and work to do, you are blessed. Appreciate the little blessings of daily life and think about ways you can share harvest blessing with others.

“Happiness is not a possession…it is a state of mind.”

~ Daphne du Maurier

Living Life Passionately,

A Portrait for Life

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is here and with it comes “Think Pink Photography” which “celebrates life and the cause” by offering complimentary portrait sessions for cancer survivors. Think Pink Photographers donate their time, their resources, and valuable expertise to support those going through the breast cancer journey.

I recently spoke with one of the Think Pink Photographers, Beth Cardwell, who donates a portion of the “would-be-session” fee to Think Pink’s partner, The Eric R. Beverly Family Foundation, "dedicated to providing programs and activities that unite both men and women in promoting education, increasing awareness, and providing support and resources for families who have been touched by breast cancer."

Beth Cardwell has not personally been touched by breast cancer, but she recently did a portrait for a woman who was diagnosed as terminal. As she spoke about this woman with young children, she was moved to tears. Breast cancer became “personal” to Beth that day.

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Think Pink Photography, Beth Cardwell is offering breast cancer survivors a photo session and ten free prints. Cancer survivors must be within the first year of being diagnosed, which includes: those who are newly diagnosed, going through treatment, before mastectomy, those who are currently going through treatment, and those who have just finished treatment and have received a “clean bill of health.”

As a 13-year breast cancer survivor, I have to admit, the first year is the most difficult— filled with ups and downs, fears, frustrations, and wondering what the future holds. The closest I have come to describing that first year is like the poster of the kitten hanging by its claws on a tree limb. It’s a tenuous time. But time is the great healer and with each new day, you are one step closer to peace and healing.

Thankfully, Think Pink Photographers like Beth Cardwell are helping survivors heal by capturing that moment in a portrait for life!

Living Life Passionately,

Everything is Coming up "Pink"!

Everything is coming up pink? Have you noticed? It started last month with pink showing up in the form of soaps, brooms, shopping bags, combs, brushes, hairdryers, Kitchen Aid Appliances, candy, cereal, and -- of course -- roses!

Today is the official kick-off to Breast Cancer Awareness Month and my neighbor, Kim, did not forget. She e-mailed me and said, "I have something to bring over -- be sure you're home."

Ten minutes later, there she was standing in the doorway with a pink rose in her hand. Kim is like a daughter to me; in fact, she calls me her other "mama." It was just like her to remember the first day of PINK as well!

I have to admit, when I was diagnosed 13 years ago, I dreaded the month of October (the month of pink) because it was a painful reminder of the past. Today, it's a delightful reminder of the future...

Everything is coming up "pink"!

Living Life Passionately,






P.S. Anyone who leaves a comment to this post during the month of October, will be entered into a drawing to receive the book, Trading Ashes for Roses, Pink Ribbon Devotions to Go, and a pink rhinestone keychain!

Flying

Flying over the San Francisco Bay Area is one of my favorite treats -- especially from an aisle seat. The poor man sitting next to me -- by the window -- didn't stand a chance; in fact, I was waiting for him to switch seats with me because I kept leaning over to snap pictures while he was trying to sleep. The fog had rolled back revealing a panoramic view of the city; I even got a fuzzy picture of the Golden Gate Bridge (not pictured).

But as I eased back in my seat, I felt closer to the land than I did the sky...it blended into one until we were at a cruising altitude of 37,000 feet.

What is it about flying that makes me feel close to God? It certainly isn't the inattentive flight attendants or the sometimes rude passengers; it's that feeling that I'm so small compared to God's greatness. Climbing to that high altitude doesn't come without some rough spots -- turbulence! You see, when you're flying at lower altitudes you experience it a lot more than at higher altitudes. But once above the clouds, it's smooth "sailing" -- most of the time.

I had to laugh when the captain announced, "We're heading into some 'weather'!" What he really meant to say was, "We have scattered thunderstorms and it's going to be a rough flight." Thankfully, most passengers missed that part and went on reading the New York Times, USA today or books on Kindle. But I was keenly aware of what the captain meant. It was going to be a rough flight for the next five hours.

Yes, I spilled coffee all over me (twice); dropped my laptop on the floor, and have sinus congestion and popping ears today, but we landed safely and the flying incident is a faint memory.

Turbulent "flying" doesn't just happen on airplanes; it happens on the ground as well. It's our eternal perspective that keeps us focused.

A friend reminded me of that today -- each day has enough trouble of its own, so keep "flying" -- don't look back and keep focused on the prize that lays before all of us!

Living Life Passionately,

Less is More !

It's official... fall is here!

I placed the wreath on the door this morning, but it's only one of the "less is more" essentials I have instituted in my life. My thinking is if I have a beautiful door wreath, I have to do less gardening because the focus is on the door, not the weeds in my garden.

Yesterday I cleaned and cleaned...mainly my walk-in closet, so it can live up to its name! I found things I had held onto for years and realized, I could sell them on eBay, which I have done. I didn't realize it was so easy.

The wreath and closet are all part of my new attitude. Ask yourself, "Is this necessary, or is it clutter that hinders and hampers me?"

Having less of what you don't want frees you to concentrate more of what you do want.

Clear time in your calendar for planning, putting in lots of white space (another new attitude), and create space in your surroundings -- declutter your desk, office space, and make your bedroom a retreat area -- not grand central.

Let fall be a time of new beginnings of "less is more" by evaluating your possessions and activities.

To help in my efforts, I bought an essential tool of the trade -- a beautiful pink leather calendar (pink is my favorite color). It wasn't a want, it was a need. When I open up its clean white pages with leather binding, I'm very careful what I put in there (that's the purpose!).

Enjoy this new "less is more" season in your life!

Living Life Passionately,

Simplicity

Simplicity is the glory of expression. ~ Walt Whitman

Enjoy a Frugal Extravagance

It doesn't take much to make me happy -- tickled actually. So this morning, my hubby who is feeling so much better after hip surgery decided to take me to my favorite place: Bath and Body Works. I had a coupon, plus it was their Grand Labor Day Sale, so I treated myself to a frugal extravagance...Fresh Balsam candles, lotion, and liquid hand soap. It's such a yummy fragrance and makes me feel like I'm walking through a forest of pine trees.

When we arrived home, I lit the candles all over the house, set the decanter of hand lotion and liquid soap in the upstairs bathroom, and let the fragrance carry me to Whitworth College where my hubby and I first met (the college is nestled in a forest!). Today was such a frugal indulgence...$75 worth of products for only $20, yet it made me feel like a million bucks.

It was time for a nap. As I drifted off to sleep, there was a knock at the door. Kim, our neighbor, held a plastic container in her hands and said, "These are homemade potato chips from one of my Amish farms."

Can you believe it? These Amish folks make their own potato chips in all the varieties: BBQ, plain, and my personal favorite -- Ranch style. If you've never had a homemade potato chip, you have missed one of life's simple pleasures. I couldn't stop with just one (or two or three!).

It doesn't take much to make life feel abundant and rich. Simple things: a candle, homemade potato chips, fresh flowers from the garden, and an afternoon nap. Small but simple pleasures make you feel cared for and less deprived. When that happens, you'll be less likely to exceed your monthly budget and "binge" on expensive or wasteful extravagances.

So go ahead...enjoy one of life's "frugal" pleasures.

Living Life Passionately,

What I Will Miss About Summer

I woke up this morning and there was a crispness in the air instead of the hot and steamy mugginess that has plagued the East Coast for the last couple of weeks. As I glanced at the calendar a wave of nostalgia swept over me, summer is over! And then like a hiccup, I broke into song…”See you in September” – the classic by The Tempos (1959).

The truth is: I will miss summer. Here are a few reasons why:

Fruit stands. One on every corner. They bedazzle me with their colorful umbrellas that shade the fresh picked corn, tomatoes, green beans, and “yes” even hand-picked flowers from the garden. The sunflowers and bright zinnias beckon me to buy a bunch for $5.00 that last for weeks on the kitchen table.

Fireflies. The walks in the park at dusk mesmerize me. I conducted several symphonies with the help of my lightning bug friends. With my iPod blaring (do you think they could actually hear it?), “we” orchestrated a new version of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony.

Long Days. The evenings are shorter now and gone are the jogging runs at 9:00 p.m. The running shoes need to be put on at 7:30 p.m. in order to make it back home before all the street lights go on. Sigh.

Mt. Gretna. Although we only visited it once this year, it is a magical place of gnome-like cottages, the Jigger Shoppe with homemade ice cream (voted the best in Lancaster County), quaint gift shops, walking trails, the 1950’s big swing over the lake, and pine trees that wave back at you. Of course, it’s still there in the winter, but it's simply not the same.

Maggie Moos Ice Cream. I’m not really an ice cream fan, but this summer I discovered the “Better Batter” flavor. It’s America’s version of gelato and for a few extra cents, they will add any combination of “condiments” you prefer: toffee chips, Baby Ruth, Snickers, and “yes” even Swedish Fish (no thanks!). I always ask for the “Kiddie Kup” and indulge in one of life’s simple pleasures.

Writing Deadlines. What? Did I really say that? Yes, the summer is when I write uninterrupted. I stay up until 2:00 a.m. pounding out deadlines and get lost in the world of words. There’s nothing like a summer project that gets zipped up and put to “bed” before winter. I guess it’s like the summer “reading” list (writer’s version only!).

County Fairs: Big, big, big on the East Coast. Every town, municipality, and borough has its own. The E-Town fair starts this week and we will be going. Cotton candy. Ferris Wheels. Pie-Eating Contests. Tractor Pulls. Fireworks. And not to be missed, The York Fair, the oldest fair in the country is right in my backyard.

Lazy Days. There’s something about ice cold lemonade and the lazy days of summer that spell relief. Sipping lemonade on the back porch simply doesn’t feel the same in winter (try it!). Soon the hot chocolate and marshmallows will fill my cup and Jack Frost will be nipping at my toes! Ouch.

Back-to-School Shopping. Although the “boys” are all grown up, I still gaze at the store windows with bittersweetness. The fake fall leaves donning the store displays with bright orange, yellow, and red with back-to-school paraphernalia signals the end of one season and the beginning of another.

Flowers, flowers, flowers. This year, my calla lilies were not eaten up by the beetles for the first time in several years. Their simple elegance is a tribute to our Creator. I marvel at the way they open up gracefully and then close back up when they are ready to kiss the summer goodbye.

Vacations. We took one with some dear friends who let us enjoy a respite at their lake home at Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia. It was a much-needed getaway from a July meltdown. Memories of s’mores, Christmas Tree Island, boating, lounging on the deck, long walks, spotted fawns at dusk, drifting on an inner tube—soaking in the summer rays, and hot dogs on the grill are pleasures that will endure through the cold days of winter.

Goodbye summer…hello fall!


Living Life Passionately,









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The Winner is...

Thank you all for entering the "birthday surprise" drawing for Chicken Soup for the Coffee Lover's Soul and a ten-dollar gift card for Starbucks. I actually had to put the names in the bowl twice because my cat, Bianca, sat on one of the names! To make things fair, I had my hubby pull the name again after I mixed them up with a spaghetti tosser. And guess what? The same name was pulled. What is the likelihood of that?

Drum roll please...

The winner is Cheryl Barker!

Many thanks to Flea who passed on my link to her bloggy buddies which lessened her chance of winning. Because of Flea's servant heart, she receives a lifetime membership to my book club -- meaning anything I write that gets published, she gets a copy!

Okay, I must finish packing, I'm off to Camp Epachiseca.

Living Life Passionately,







P.S. Cheryl, please send me your mailing address to conniepombo@hotmail.com and I will mail your gift ASAP!

I almost forgot...Cheryl also wins a copy of Coffee Lover Devotions to Go! (It will be out in 2010!). Umm...that means Flea does too!