Travel or work? Which would you choose?

Some people enjoy hanging out on the beach in the summer, baking in the sun. 


Not us. We head to the mountains, where the temperature drops a solid twenty degrees.

Where we can kick up our feet and soak in the view.

Where there’s nothing on the agenda except sipping coffee, walking the dog and reading. 

Where the crows caw, and swans, ducks and geese share the same space without squabbling.

Where the soft breeze kisses my skin, the fog clings to the mountain tops, and lazy pewter clouds drift by. Where it’s green and lush, full of life and energy, yet whispers peace to my soul. 

Everybody needs a space that rejuvenates them, right? This is mine. 



Imagine the books I could crank out if I lived in this environment! Inspiration, peace, beauty, nature…what more could a writer ask for? It’s a romance writer’s dream!

I tried to sweet talk hubby into renting a cabin for an entire month next year. But, he’s not quite ready for thirty days with no radio, no pager, no fire calls, and no internet. 
After close to 40 years in the fire service, he still loves to work. He needs social interaction and thrives on…noise. Who’d have guessed? 🙂
What about you?
Travel or work? Beach or mountains?

Simple PLEASURES

Can you believe that we’re well into November already? Sheesh! Sneeze, and the holiday season will be upon us and we’ll be staring at this. 

Our Christmas tree last year

Nice, huh? But do you notice the pressure beginning to mount right about now? A lump that slides down your throat? Or a slight catch in your breath?

Yeah, me, too. Writing deadlines. Thinking of perfect gift ideas. Venturing out among the swarm of holiday shoppers and fighting traffic (I don’t do traffic well). Holiday parties. Baking. Cleaning the house…

You fill in the blank for your family. The never ending to-do list is enough to make a person want to crawl back under the covers and hide until the season’s over. Right?

He will keep in perfect peace all those who trust in him, 
whose thoughts turn often to the Lord! Isaiah 26:3 TLB


I kind of lose my balance on those days that I miss my sweet communion with Him, don’t you? I firmly believe that God knows how much I miss worshiping at His feet, and He gives me simple pleasures to dwell on His goodness throughout the day. Like these:

The soothing sound of a fountain or the peacefulness of a quick walk around the park

A comforting cup of hot chocolate


Warm, fuzzy slippers

A perfect, North Carolina blue sky

Crazy animal antics

A hug or smile from one of these sweeties

Simple pleasures that mean so much. Simple pleasures that take my mind off of insignificant details and the busyness of the season, and help me focus on Him and His love for us. 
What are the simple pleasures God plants in your path every day?
How do you destress during the holidays?


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