Appreciating Our Precious Gifts!

Hi Everyone!
 

Whoa…
 

What’s that smell?
 

Wait just a moment while I open up a window in here to let some fresh air in so that we can all breathe. There, that’s much better! Can you feel it? Can you feel that fresh salt infused ocean breeze from the Pacific rolling over the page?
 
 
 
Ah, yes…Refreshing!
 

Don’t mind the surfer. He’s just playing around in my backyard. 🙂
 

Now where was I?
 

Oh yes, that’s what happens when you get sick and leave a blog unattended. Things around here got mighty stagnant over the last couple weeks. Silence blazed through the pages of this ghost-like blog leaving it shattered in quiet desolation in the blogosphere. Why I’m still cleaning up all the cobwebs and dust bunnies.
 

Yet, with all the talk and the worry while I was away, life went on. You all kept connected, busy with your blogs, tweeting and posting on Facebook with others. I on the other hand felt like I was locked away in a cold dark dungeon and was finally set free to wreak havoc see the light. And what do I find? Myndi Shafer had her baby girl minus a gall bladder, August McLaughlin sang on her blog with a guitar (very nice by the way) and Tim L. O’Brien posted on his blog.
 

Say what? Tim’s blogging again? Is this still the year 2012? 🙂
 

When you’re forced into solitary confinement, a la infection, you make a choice as to how you might spend your days. At first you are too sick to care. Then as time wears on, you make a conscience choice: do you wallow in self-pity and depression or will you look at things in a more positive way.
 

I was inspired by all the wonderful encouraging posts that my dear WANA friends wrote while I was incarcerated. Because of weakness I left very few comments, but yes, be assured, I did read them. What a fine group of talented people who are willing to share a part of their lives, their world, their dreams or a splice of nature —a part of their many precious gifts.
 

Then I thought about how outstanding and versatile we all are and just how much our many differences make up the truly magnificent world that we live in. Some have a gift with an ear to hear and compose whimsical music. Some have a gift with an eye to see images capturing them in photos and canvasses. Some have a gift with a nose to smell and develop seductive scents and fragrances. Some have a gift of taste with a talent for preparing delectable dishes. Some have a gift with a mind able to calculate astonishing logical equations. And then there are those who have the unique capability to harness all those senses to create bright new worlds to share with the rest mankind.
 

Ah yes, the writer.
 

And for this, I am forever grateful. Grateful because if not for the writer and my new found love for my kindle, I would’ve completely lost my mind! Instead, I was able to indulge myself through the passage of wonderful stories. Stories that took me to another world, to far away places. First I spent time on a farm in northern Florida and then in a small country town in South Carolina. Then I found myself stranded on a deserted island to be finally rescued by helicopter after nearly drowning in a historical tsunami. Whew, that was a close call!
 

Not to mention all the new releases on Amazon over the past recent weeks from all my multi talented WANA friends. And I’m afraid that I may have missed some of them. So because I appreciate all your many precious gifts, here’s what I would like you to do. In the comment section below, please leave the name of your present novel and a brief description of your latest endeavor so that none of you will be missed. And just to even the score, let’s open this thing up to everyone, whether you’re writing a first draft or for those of you who have already published a novel.
 

Let’s have some fun with this. We’re all anxious to know what you’ve been working on! You all deserve the recognition! So bring it on and let’s appreciate our many precious gifts!
 

So what do you think? Did you miss me? It’s okay, lie if you have to! LOL! I missed all of you! 🙂
 
 

Would you like to see more great posts like you saw today? Then I encourage you to go now! Run up to the top right hand side of the page and click on the Follow button to receive your personal copy of future posts!!!!
 
 

Thank you everyone for dropping by and for all your wonderful comments! 🙂

Karen
 
 
 

57 thoughts on “Appreciating Our Precious Gifts!

    1. Karen Post author

      Oh how sweet of you Julia to come back and see me! I’m working on getting healthier. It’s been an ongoing thing around here. But I’m not giving up, although the fresh ocean air is working for me! Keep trying Julia, it is refreshing! Take care and I’ll see you soon! 🙂

      Reply
    1. Karen Post author

      GREAT to see you Lena! I appreciate your visit today. You’re one busy girl and you’ve been blogging your heart out! Take care Lena and have a great week! 🙂

      Reply
    1. Karen Post author

      Hi Mike! Great to see you! Hey, with so many blogs and people, I’m surprised that you wondered. Thank you Mike! I’ll be by soon to visit you too! Thanks for checking up on me! 🙂

      Reply
  1. Serena Dracis

    Welcome back, Karen, you’ve been missed! Glad you are feeling better! Love the surfer pic! For a few seconds I could smell the surf and beach fires of my younger years. Current novel is untitled and unpublished as yet, but keep your fingers crossed, the agents are working on it. Book #2 is in the early stage yet, and I am struggling to build my blog again. I also abandoned it for a while and am doing some re-vamping.
    Serena Dracis recently posted..Welcome to Weird WeekendMy Profile

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    1. Karen Post author

      Hi Serena! Aw, thank you! It’s good to know that I was missed. I’m glad you like the pic! I imagine it would bring back memories for you. And the fire pits are still there. Well it sounds like you snagged an agent my dear! That is great news indeed! And your blog is coming along. I love the animal pictures. You’re going to have some great fresh eggs and chicken I can see. Keep us udated on your book, okay? Take care and thanks for coming by Serena! 🙂

      Reply
    1. Karen Post author

      I see you, I see you Jenny! You were in spam, but I rescued you! Whew, that was close. Thanks for the heads up. And thank you for coming by to let me know I’ve been missed. Like a hole in the head is more like it! LOL! But I am regaining my sassiness Jenny so watch out! Oh, and we are going to need a post from you on Techie Tuesday on the WANAtribe social network okay? Thanks Jenny! Always great to see you busy girl! 🙂

      Reply
  2. Jennette Marie Powell

    Karen, your absence was certainly noticed! I was hoping you were just busy (hey, it happens to us all!) – sorry to see you weren’t feeling well, and hope you’re well on the way to recovery! The most important thing is to take care of you. The writing (and us, your readers!) will always be there.

    I released my second time travel novel, Time’s Fugitive, a couple weeks ago! It’s about a fugitive time traveler and a pregnant amnesiac who flee to prehistoric times to save their unborn child from killers from the future, unaware their progeny could destroy them all. Amazon
    Jennette Marie Powell recently posted..That’s My Spot, and Killer Geese – there’s an app for that (or there should be)My Profile

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    1. Karen Post author

      Aw Jennette, thank you for saying that! I wish I was just busy Jennette, but unfortunately that hasn’t been the case. And look at you girl! Your second novel release, congratulations! Wow, what a plot Jennette! Another on my TBW! I’m trying to keep up with all of you published WANAs out there. It’s a full time job! LOL! I am so happy for you! Thank you for your encouragement and for stopping by! 🙂

      Reply
  3. Sharon Clare

    Hi Karen, nice to hear you’re on the mend. It’s not nice to be sick, but it is nice to have a few days to do nothing other than read!

    I don’t have a novel to promote – yet – but I did receive a contract from Crimson Romance for my paranormal novel, so I’m excited about that! Hoping it will be out before the end of the year.

    Reply
    1. Karen Post author

      Well hello there Sharon! A contract from Crimson Romance for your novel is a very cool thing indeed girl! Congratulations on that score! And yes, I’ve been reading my brains out. But I love to read, so it’s all good! Thank you so much for coming by and leaving a comment. It’s so nice to meet you! 🙂

      Reply
  4. Louise Behiel

    I am so glad you’re back, Karen. I’ve missed you. Nice picture, by the way. While you were off I released Family Ties, my first romance, which is up on Amazon.

    this has been a terrible quarter for you – You had strep at Christmas, didn’t you? Please stay well. we need your wisdom, kindness and caring in our group.
    Louise Behiel recently posted..What Do You Think?My Profile

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    1. Karen Post author

      Hi Louise! I’m glad you like that picture. There’s plenty more surfers where that one came from! LOL! And yeah, I know I’ve been sick a lot lately. It’s just life Louise. But thank you for your kindness and I can’t wait to read your book. I started reading it last night! Congratulations! Thanks for stopping by Louise! 🙂

      Reply
  5. Eden Mabee

    Karen, it’s always good to know that someone I’ve known (even if it’s only via the screen and keyboard) is doing well. It may seem silly of me, but even in my one Facebook game I play, I try to keep little updates going with people I meet there and ask around when someone doesn’t show for a while…. People matter. YOU matter. And I’m glad you’re back, even if I have only lurked before.

    And glad you have such a good view from your window…. 🙂
    Eden Mabee recently posted..What to ROW AboutMy Profile

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    1. Karen Post author

      Eden, thank you so much for making your presence known girl! And thank you for coming by to check on me. It’s nice to know that you’ve been missed. And yes, I can’t complain about my view, that’s for sure. Thanks Eden for your encouragement Eden! 🙂

      Reply
  6. Marcy Kennedy

    I’m very glad to see you back 🙂 I think the thing that no one tells writers (and they should) is that your blog subscribers won’t disappear if you have to take a break because life interferes. I’ve never heard of anyone unsubscribing because a blogger didn’t post often enough, but I have personally unsubscribed if someone posted too often and took over my inbox. If once a week (or once every two weeks) is what you can manage, we’ll come by once a week and hang out with you when you’re able.
    Marcy Kennedy recently posted..Are You Going to Watch Marvel’s Avengers Assemble?My Profile

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    1. Karen Post author

      Oh Marcy, thank you so much for your healing words of kindness and support. It really means a lot to me. I’m trying. I just need to gain some strength and get better. I missed you and the WANA gang! Thanks for coming to see me! 🙂

      Reply
    1. Karen Post author

      Hi Debra! I’ve missed you too! You are so cute! Yeah, I love the view in my backyard too! If you bring the coffee, we’ll go watch those surfers some day. We do need to meet up, you and me. We live too close. And yes, I plan on resuming my blogging and because I need to take things a little slow I’m enlisting guest bloggers too. Thanks for your encouragement Debra and I hope your writing is going well! 🙂

      Reply
  7. Jennifer L. Oliver

    It is lovely to hear your voice again, Karen!
    (Yes I know its really only the voice I hear in my head when I read your blog, but I totally imagine you having a really lovely voice and I’m glad I get to hear it again!)
    Please do take things nice and slow so you don’t get sick again. Baby steps are just right for now! And all of us crazy WANAs will be here to help out whenever you need a break. Just ask and I’m sure a dozen or more of us will be happy to give your blog a guest post or two. 😉
    I’m still working on the first draft of an urban fantasy called The Unnamed. That one’s been kicking my butt lately. 🙁
    But I’ve also been tinkering with my YA fictional memoir, Kennan’s Diary, which is about a teenager struggling to deal with life after the collapse of the US economy.
    It is really nice to have you back, Karen. You are such a bright spot in our group and we’ve all missed you!
    Jennifer L. Oliver recently posted..Behind the Quill with Steven MontanoMy Profile

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    1. Karen Post author

      Oh Jennifer, you are so sweet! What a kind compliment! Thank you! And yes, I do plan on taking things slow for a while. I actually have been working from bed. I’ll holler if I need some help. You all are so supportive. I miss you guys too! Okay, I like the sound of your Urban fantasy, The Unnamed. Wow, what a title Jennifer. Very cool! And Kennan’s Diary deals with an interesting subject. You’re a good writer, so keep up the good work Jen! And I’ll try to brighten up, I promise! Thanks Jennifer for coming by! You brightened up my day as well! 🙂

      Reply
    1. Karen Post author

      Tim, thanks for being such a good sport with my blog today! I told you I would promote you, I just didn’t say how. LOL! You know I was kidding, right? We’ve all had various circumstances that have changed perhaps even more than just our blogging. But it’s good to see your blog up and running again. And even though you didn’t tell me here what you’ve been working on, I do know that you’ve just finished your first draft. Congratulations my friend! That’s great news! And I missed you and everyone too! Thank you so much for coming by and for all your well wishes Tim! 🙂

      Reply
  8. Julia Indigo

    Oh Karen, I’m glad you’re back!
    Sorry that you were so ill… I know the feeling… sometimes the blog/twitter/facebook thing is just to much. (and now we’re supposed to add WANA/Pinterest/Triberr. Oy)

    xoxox, you were MISSED.

    Reply
    1. Karen Post author

      LOL Julia, I know! Yes, you would understand how being ill can affect you socially. And I just couldn’t do the blog/twitter/facebook thing. It was too much energy and I didn’t have it. I still don’t have all my energy back yet. And I don’t want to even think about WANA/Pinterest or Triberr. HELP! Thanks Julia for coming to see me and I miss you too! Take care! 🙂

      Reply
  9. Kristy K. James

    Aww… I’m sorry to hear that you were so sick, Karen. And I’m glad that you’re well enough to be back here and blogging again. Now that things have settled down a bit for me, I’m trying to get back to my old blog schedule (the visiting and reading schedule). Yours is on the list.

    Keep feeling better, lady! And I’m jealous of your backyard. If the surfer is trespassing, send him my way. 🙂
    Kristy K. James recently posted..This Has Been An Exciting Week!My Profile

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    1. Karen Post author

      Hi Kristy, not to fear, I rescued you from the spam monster! Sorry about that! I always look forward to your visits! Aw, yes, being sick kinda stinks Kristy. But it is great to be back and good to know that your blog is doing well. I will be by soon! I’m taking baby steps here with my health. And yes, I will definitely send that sufer your way! There’s more where he came from! Thanks Kristy! 🙂

      Reply
  10. Rabia

    What a lovely post. You have such a sweet spirit, Karen. Glad you’re feeling better.

    I’m feeling good about my blogging (been keeping to my schedule!). Writing is—well, right now, it’s revising, which is by turns casting me either into raptures of delight or the dungeons of despair. I still soldier on. 🙂
    Rabia recently posted..tell someone you love them today…My Profile

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    1. Karen Post author

      Why thank you very much Rabia! I’m so glad that you stopped by! It’s good to know that your writing is going well. Revising can be a bit frustrating sometimes. I wish all the best for you! Yes, keep soldiering on! Thanks for stopping by and hope to see you soon! 🙂

      Reply
  11. Lynette M Burrows

    Karen, Welcome Home! So glad you’re feeling better.

    I’m not quite half-finished with a nearly-total re-write of My Soul To Keep. The story sentence is: In a retro-future America, a nightmare-haunted debutante must untangle lies from truth to stop an army of cloned assassins before they are unleashed by her power-hungry mother. Thanks for asking.

    Please take it easy, a three week illness is not something you can just jump back into full time activities afterward. We love having you here, but we sure don’t want you to have a relapse.
    Lynette M Burrows recently posted..So Bad It’s GoodMy Profile

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    1. Karen Post author

      Well it’s good to be home Lynette! And thank you so much for your thoughtfulness. Yeah, I’m gonna have to make this a slow process jumping back into social media. I’m still a little weak. Oh, and I know about re-writes. Just finished with one myself not too long ago. But don’t you think that the story just gets so much better? And you hanging with a bunch of assassins Lynette. Wow! Can’t wait to read that! Thanks for sharing your current WIP with us and for stopping by to see me! I missed you! 🙂

      Reply
  12. CC MacKenzie

    Hellooooo Karen,

    Of course we missed you, my darling. But then I suspect you know that already!

    There’s nothing worse than being under the weather and I sympathise with you and poor Myndi, it never rains but it pours.

    Imagine living with the salty tang of the Pacific? You lucky woman!

    My love story about a TDH brooding Italian who fought for survival as a child in the streets of Rome. He meets and falls in love with a blonde society darling who’s not having any of him came out last Monday. It was a white knuckle ride last week let me tell you.

    I’m over the moon to see you’re taking baby steps to get back into the saddle and I’ll be in touch.

    Big Big HUG
    Christine
    http://www.amazon.com/Reckless-Nights-in-Rome-ebook/dp/B007W7ZEK0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1335552059&sr=8-1
    CC MacKenzie recently posted..DESERT ORCHID – EPISODE THREE KHALID AND CHARISSE MEETMy Profile

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    1. Karen Post author

      Um, yes I do feel fortunate to live along the Pacific Christine. But now this love story of yours…it sound wonderful! What’s not to like about Rome, a handsome Italian man? Congratulations on your new release! It too is on my to be read list! On top as a matter of fact! And yes I am trying to take baby steps. It will be a slow process. Thank you for coming by to say hello and for sharing your novel with us! Talk to you soon! 🙂

      Reply
  13. Ginger Calem

    You were SO missed!! I’m thrilled your ‘back in action’ so we can spend time with your wonderful self. HUGS!!

    As for what I’m up to, writing-wise, because I’m always up to some sort of antics … I’m about to start a brandy-new YA (nicknamed Ninja-Chick), the 1st in a 3 book series. I’m having a blast with all my new characters.
    Ginger Calem recently posted..WritersButt Wednesday: Road Trip!!My Profile

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    1. Karen Post author

      Ooh, now that sounds really interesting Ginger! I like the title “Ninja-Chick”! See, that is so great. I’m glad your having a blast. That’s the way it’s supposed to be! And I missed you too girl! I’m working my way back into action. Big HUGS to you too and thanks for sharing your WIP with us! Take care and thanks for coming by! 🙂

      Reply
    1. Karen Post author

      Hi Amber! Thank you so much for coming by! Yeah, being sick is always a bummer. But I did get into some great reads! It helped pass the time and put my mind in a better place. Take care and thanks! 🙂

      Reply
  14. Lynn Kelley

    Yes, we sure did miss you, Karen. I’m so glad you’re feeling better. I missed August’s blog of her singing, so I’m heading over to her site to find it after I comment. I didn’t have internet on Monday and yesterday and it sure made it hard to keep up with everyone. I’m so glad I’m able to get it today! Have a good weekend, Karen.
    Lynn Kelley recently posted..Dancing X-Ray Skeleton – My YouTube Video!My Profile

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    1. Karen Post author

      Hi Lynn! Aw, thanks girl. I miss you all too! And yes, do go listen to August on her blog. She has a fantastic voice! Have a great weekend and thanks for coming by Lynn! 🙂

      Reply
    1. Karen Post author

      Hey Natalie! I saw that you had a wonderful time on your vacation! That’s awesome! Yes, I’m taking the slow approach to getting back into all things social. But it’s great to be back and to see you girl! Thanks for coming by! I missed you too! 🙂

      Reply
  15. August McLaughlin

    Did I ever miss you! So glad you’re back and feeling better. One of the best parts of getting sick is that fresh air, gratitude-filled feeling that follows. Thanks for sharing yours with us!

    Reply
    1. Karen Post author

      Thanks August! It’s good to be missed! I’m sorry that I missed that lunch yesterday. I really had wanted to go. I’m not totally on my feet yet. So I hope for the next opportunity. And yes, the fresh air along the ocean is so healing, isn’t it? I’m very grateful for that and for all of you! Thanks for your encouragement! 🙂

      Reply
  16. Fabio Bueno

    Oh, Karen, of course we missed you! How can you have any doubts?
    I was also off the grid, but for far happier reasons: vacation and writer’s conference. Now I’m just… working. It feels great 🙂
    Glad to have you back!
    Fabio Bueno recently posted..At a loss for words?My Profile

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    1. Karen Post author

      First of all, Fabio I couldn’t be more proud of your accomplishments! I am so happy that you were able to get away with your family. That is top priority in my book always. And the conference last weekend sounded very fruitful for you! It’s great to be back and missed Fabio. I’m not 100% yet, so I’m taking things slow for now. But it’s great to see you! Thanks for sharing all your good news with us! 🙂

      Reply
  17. KM Huber

    Like you, I am re-joining the blogosphere, Karen, from a recent illness incarceration. If I had only known that you, too, were near…. It is great to have you back and to be back myself.

    Right now, I am writing to see what happens, mostly nonfiction, to see where that takes me.

    Great post and great idea for comments.
    Karen
    KM Huber recently posted..The Night Circus: A ReviewMy Profile

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    1. Karen Post author

      Oh no, not you too Karen. I’m so sorry to hear that. You have Lupus if I remember correctly. That’s so hard to navigate through. Glad to hear the you are feeling better. So you’re a non-fiction writer. Very cool. I can’t wait to learn more about what you’re writing. Thanks for sharing that with us. Take care of yourself Karen and thanks for coming by! 🙂

      Reply
    1. Karen Post author

      Ah, thank you Diane! I’m glad you enjoyed the pic. It took place right here in Surf City. It’s good to be back my friend. I miss you all! 🙂

      Reply
    1. Karen Post author

      Hey Prudence, great to see you! Yes it is good to be back in action. And thanks. It’s good to be missed. I’m glad I could share a little of my world with you today! Enjoy! 🙂

      Reply

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