Happy New Year!

I need to rename my blog -- "The Infrequent Blogger." It seems that I'm posting only on holidays...Christmas and New Year's Eve!

Where did this year go? Are you asking yourself the same question?

It's good that we have a moment of reflection each year to re-evaluate our purpose and maybe throw out some of the things in our agenda that don't fit with what God would have us to do.

I'm in the process of sifting through priorities and asking God for wisdom. This will be a life-changing year in so many ways: a son who is getting married on May 30, 2010; my husband who is retiring and entering a new phase of his life; a book coming out in the spring (Moms of Sons), and working on another one (Coffee Lover's Devotions to Go).



It's been a year of travel with my dear friend, Kathy Pride and her mom, Val. What memories we've had along the way (and Austria was by far the best part of the "world" tour!).

To see the snow-covered alps greet us each morning was breathtaking. It made me want to re-think my career and become a travel writer. Then my knee gave out and I thought, "Maybe I should just sit still for a while." And while I was "sitting" my hubby's back gave out (just as he was recovering from surgery #2 for his broken hip). Two days before that we discussed retiring in Quito, Ecuador! There's something in my spirit that screams "adventure," but then reality sets in...we're not getting any younger!

I'm excited for 2010, but I'm also pausing to be grateful for the opportunities that God has given me in 2009 to minister, to travel, to write, and to do the things that I love the most. What a joy, what a privilege, and what an honor to be able to wake up every morning and know that I'm doing exactly what I've always wanted to do!

I want to leave you with a bit of wisdom for 2010. Remember to always have a "Plan B" -- just in case!


















Wishing you a joyous and prosperous New Year!

Springtime and Snowstorms

Springtime in winter is highly unusual -- especially on the East Coast. In fact, I can't ever remember cherry blossoms in December!

During the past week, we have had near record temperatures (in the 60's) and then snow on Saturday, December 6th. A collision of two seasons occurred and the poor trees simply got confused -- just like people.

Do we get out our mittens or do we break out the short sleeves?

Nature is a lot like life -- the good and the bad! This week was exactly one of those weeks...a collision of "springtime and snowstorms." Since I returned from Austria, I've been having knee problems -- enough that caused me to limp (not occasionally), but all the time. I sought out two different orthopedists and they both agreed that a bone scan was necessary.

As a cancer survivor, I'm familiar with the unfamiliar; comfortable with the uncomfortable, but "nuclear medicine" is not my favorite type of test (it involves radiation!). Needless to say after spending almost the entire morning in a scanning room, I was ready to leave.

When I left the health campus and walked into the parking lot, I couldn't help but notice a gorgeous pink cherry tree in full bloom. In December -- a cherry tree? It was just the sign I needed from God that everything was going to be okay. He gave me a different kind of tree thirteen years ago when I was diagnosed with breast cancer -- a pink dogwood tree.

I don't believe there are coincidences, just divine opportunities to watch God at work in our lives if we're attentive to His whispers. I was actually grumbling when I came out of the procedure, but I smiled when I glanced up and saw the delicate pink cherry blossoms. It's not every December that we receive blossoms and snowflakes in the same week, but God knew that I needed a sign from Him.

It's a busy time of year for all of us and especially in the Pombo Household: wedding preparations, holiday preparations, and medical tests (that I don't even want to think about). But when I see springtime in the midst of snowstorms, I'm reminded of who really is in control...the Creator of all seasons!

Blessings to all of you as you enjoy the beauty of springtime in winter!

Living Life Passionately,

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,

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,

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!

Coffee Anyone?

Since today is my birthday, I'm giving away a copy of Chicken Soup for the Coffee-Lover's Soul to some fortunate person along with a ten-dollar gift card from Starbucks!

It's my way of saying thank you for tuning in and being as passionate about life as I am. Oh, and stay tuned for my next book due out in 2010: Coffee-Lover's Devotions to Go! So add a comment and you will also receive that book as well.

Enjoy a cup of java on me!

Living Life Passionately,








P.S. The winner will be pulled next Friday, August 21!

Copyrighted photo: Cards by Connie

Christmas in June!

I told you that I would let you know if I actually made it into the book. Well on Monday I found out! It was confirmed in the Cup of Comfort newsletter -- the official list of the authors and the way they will appear in the book. My story is titled, "The Case of the Missing Gifts." The book is a compilation of stories and devotions, which will make a great Christmas gift.

As soon as I'm able to order books, I will be offering an autographed copy as a gift. Just leave a comment and I'll have my hubby pick a name.

Living Life Passionately,

Writing Wednesday and Pic of the Day!

Today was a writing retreat day for me at Conestoga Gardens—Lancaster’s best kept secret. It’s open to the public on Wednesday from 1:00 to 8:00 p.m. (June to September), so I take full advantage of it.

My hubby contracted the stomach flu and for the last two days I have been listening to sounds of throw-up, so I took a break to indulge in the sound of trickling waterfalls. It was so peaceful; I actually got some writing done.

Someone e-mailed this week and asked me how to write a devotional, so here’s my answer to that question. Since I’m writing 30 of them for Moms of Sons, I thought this might be a good time to share with you something you might learn at a writer’s conference.

1. Start out your story with action; dialogue usually works for me. It gets your reader involved from the get-go. Opening with a story never fails to involve your reader (which is why you are writing it!).

2. The Scripture should highlight the main point of your story. Be sure to not make it a long verse (if so, just use only a portion of it) and be careful not to use Scripture out of context. There are a lot of good sites on the Web. I use www.Biblegateway.com.

3. This is the hardest part for some writers: Your last paragraph needs to tie in the story with the Scripture.

4. End on a positive note.


There you have it. I subscribe to Joni and Friends and receive a devotional a day via e-mail. Joni Eareckson Tada is the queen of short devotionals which is harder to do than longer ones because it is tight writing. An average devotional is anywhere from 500-700 words. The hardest ones to write are about 200 words.

Enjoy the picture of the day and have fun writing your devotional!

Living Life Passionately,

Christmas in June?

This is very dangerous what I'm about to do. As I explained before (many times), the publishing world works on its own terms. I am a finalist in this upcoming book, but this by no means assures me a spot in its pages.

Most authors think they are home free when the books is featured on www.amazon.com with a real book cover and you have signed the contract, stating that you are a finalist.

But at that point, it is not over...not at all. I have heard veteran authors say it is, but I'm here to tell you it is absolutely not true. The decision rests solely in the hands of the publisher at that point.

I thought we can follow the progress of this book together. It is now listed on Amazon for pre-order, due out in October 2009. Soon, there will be a search for option. At that point, if I search my name and it appears, I can "almost" be certain I'm in the book. But until I receive a copy in my hands (author copy), I am never thoroughly convinced.

This is how publishing works...hurry up and wait. If I'm actually in the book, I will be offering a free copy to the first one who comments.

If that does not come through, I will be offering a "Divas Devotions to Go Christmas Book" due out in October as well...covering the 30 days of Christmas and mine will be December 24, 2009.

Lots of fun things for Christmas in June. I'll keep you posted!

Living Life Passionately,




P.S. When you're tempted to give up in the writing world, check out what other people are saying about the stories you have written. Some say that writing for anthologies does not make an impact on people because you're not the "author." I have a different theory on that: You are the author -- your work was published even though your name may not be on the outside cover. Gary Chapman's Love is a Verb is doing very well on Amazon.com. Read what one person wrote about my story, "Pulling Weeds on Blossom Trail."

There is still a lot of love left in this world and the proof is in the pages of Love is a Verb by Gary Chapman. This book is a collection of 40 stories shared by a variety of people who have experienced acts of true love in their lives. These stories will warm your heart and lift your soul. At the end of each story, Mr. Chapman has written the key points of the story and how we can apply these practices of love in our lives. This is a great book to either read from beginning to end or to just pick up and read a story or two when you just need a little pick-me-up. As I read through the stories in this book, I was given extra hope that there are still loving people out there and the world isn't as bad as the evening news tries to tell us it is. I think my favorite story was the one called "Pulling Weeds on Blossom Trail". I think we have all been in a situation at least once in our lives like the one told about in this story. If we just practice unconditional love, our lives will be much fuller and more joyful. I highly recommend this book. It will put a smile on your face and tears in your eyes. ~C. Kendall

The Letter

I opened up the letter in my mailbox that read, “Tammy Reid wants to see you in her office this afternoon.”

It was my freshman year at Whitworth College in Spokane, Washington and I had just finished my first of many essays for English Lit 101. The essays returned with more red marks than black, but there was a paragraph at the end of each essay that made me believe that I would pass the class and maybe even get an “A.”

In 1973, I was all about grades—the higher the better—after all, I was an overachiever, and a “B” was never good enough; in fact, it seemed like a failing grade to me. So when Tammy wanted to see me in her office, I couldn’t imagine what it was about.

I slipped the letter back in the envelope and headed to the Arts and Letters building where I spoke to the department head secretary. She smiled warmly and said, “Oh, yes, Connie! Tammy is expecting you.” My knees started to buckle and my heart raced. What could she possibly want from me?

Tammy greeted me with a mug of coffee in her hand and invited me to sit down on the sofa next to her desk. There were books everywhere, on shelves, on her desk, on the floor, and papers—lots of papers—with red marks, just like the ones I was used to seeing. Tammy settled back in her chair and handed me the essay, “Motorcycle Papa.” I had written it the week before.

I sat perched on the edge of the sofa and waited for her to speak first, “Connie, I don’t know what to say…this essay is… (and she stopped). Tears formed in her eyes and she grabbed a Kleenex from her desk. The lump in my throat prevented me from swallowing. It stayed there until Tammy finished her sentence. “You know, I’ve read a lot of essays, but this; well…”

I stared at her, then my paper, and watched as her tear-filled eyes started to sparkle again. I heaved a sigh of relief. It was good news she had to share—not something terrible as I had expected.

“I’m recommending that you change your major from health information management to English or journalism; you don’t belong in the sciences…you belong in the arts,” Tammy said emphatically.

I guess at age 18 I was too young to understand the significance of her words, but I simply said, “Thank you, but I don’t want to change majors.” At that moment, I saw the joy dissolve from Tammy's face. She put down my paper, crossed her hands, and said, “I certainly hope you will reconsider your decision.“

I walked out of her office relieved, bewildered, and confused. I never considered writing as a career, but something I did for “fun.” I wrote in diaries, journals, and entered competitions in high school, but that was something I thought of as a “hobby,” and certainly nothing I wanted to do for the rest of my life.

Yesterday, I received “Whitworth Today” the publication that comes out four times a year from Whitworth College and in it were all the professors I had as a freshman: Tammy Reid, Leonard Oakland (Core 150 – Western Civ),and Clarence Simpson (who passed away on April 14; he was 93). The last of the greats have passed on or are retiring. Each had a special place in my life, but none more than Tammy Reid.

I wrote her a note today that started out, “I don’t think you will remember me, but…”

If I know Tammy, she will remember me. Certainly, after almost 36 years, I am beginning to understand what she meant about writing…it’s not a profession, it’s who you are. I think she will be happy to know that I found out who I am—finally!

Thanks, Tammy, for knowing me before I knew myself, and for instilling in me the passion for writing. Blessings on your retirement!

Living Life Passionately,






P.S. Is there someone from your past that you need to thank for the way they changed your life. It’s too late to thank Clarence Simpson (he passed away earlier this year), but I’m thankful I took the time today to write Tammy today. Don’t regret not taking the time!

Mother's Day Babies

I’ve become a mom (again!).

My baby robins hatched while we were away at Parents’ Weekend at Grove City College, and it’s been fun to watch “Mamma Robin” take care of her babies by fetching worms out of the front yard. We’ve had enough rain lately that she hasn’t had to do too much digging! Their nest resides in our door wreath, so I don't need an alarm clock in the morning (peep-peep!).


I have to say those birdies are something only a mother can love: they're bald, with bulging eyes, a tuft of feathers, and a beak as large as their body. I took several pictures, but they’re just too scary to post. I’ll show off my “babies" when they get a little "fluffier."

Speaking of “babies,” I have some books that I’ll be signing at Barnes & Nobles in Lancaster, Pennsylvania on Saturday May, 9, 2009 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. One of the books is The Ultimate Mom and contains three of my stories. So for those of you who are in the area, it will be a combined author signing and a chance to win another great book, A Cup of Comfort Women of the Bible Devotional.


On Monday, May 4th, Tracy Ruckman interviewed me regarding my life, my writing, and my "babies." You can catch both interviews at Pix-N-Pens and also at The National Christian Writing Examiner.

Anyone who posts a comment about their favorite Mother’s Day experience will be entered into a contest to win an autographed copy of The Ultimate Mom.

Thanks, Tracy, for the opportunity to do a Mother’s Day interview and congratulations on your new position with the Christian Writing Examiner. I’ve got you bookmarked!

Living Life Passionately,

I'm Back!

I woke up this morning at 5:30 a.m. (a rare thing!), and peeked up at the ceiling and watched as the fan whirled its white blades?

Where am I? I thought.

I had no clue where I was or what bed I was lying in. And then it came to me…

I’m back!

At home, that is. And I must say it has been a glorious ten days where I spent some time in “heaven” away from e-mail, phones, and “yes” the Internet (for the most part). I was totally disconnected (almost), and it was glorious.

The trip was a gift and the particulars are being kept “secret” for now, but each day I will post a picture of my travels. You may leave comments on where you think the picture was taken. Whoever is the closest in its proximity (I don’t mean country…I mean city), will receive a copy of The Ultimate Mom by Chicken Soup.

So go ahead and give it your best try.

Each day this week, I will post a different picture. Sorry, no hints!

Living Life Passionately,