Wow! It has been way too long since I've posted hasn't it? Let's say I took early holiday and stayed late.

Florida weather beats this -17 wind chill today. My husband and I are waffling on the 'snow bird thing' and today almost clinches our vote. Weather like this is good for getting to the things needing to be done (ie blogging!).

I have my Christian romance nearly 'polished'. Boy, has this been a journey-my first novel! I've written non-fiction, articles, poetry, grants, proposals, courses, but writing fiction is a hard blast. There, how's that? It's hard, real hard, but it's a blast too! I've learned so much with this book and have had help from so many generous writer friends. Thanks to each of you-you know who you are.

Late fall/early winter a local writer friend, River, had our illustrious group for her annual chautauqua. This was my first time to attend this favored event. We started by penning those things hindering our work, shared them and burned them, in the big bonfire in her back forty. Out there, we each painted a rock to signify what we wanted to accomplish in our writing. Our art work was wonderful-and hilarious. Next came an authentic Japanese meal served around the fire (River knows ALL things Japanese). Had we stopped here, our fun would have been sufficient, but the best was for last. The grand finale included gathering in the real, yes real, tepee in River's yard. Around a small fire in the tepee, we shared the stories painted on our rocks. (Just an FYI-5am everyday finds River in her tepee meditating, journaling and honing her writing craft. Awesome!) I loved being a part of this amazing group of women and my rock looks at me every day with expectancy. I won't disappoint.

Closing thought. On the Florida beach, I watched sea gulls feed. They take only one bite at a time. I pondered what would I do if after one bite, I never knew where the next bite was coming from? I thought of the children of Israel when they were fed manna from heaven. It was one meal at a time and faith for the rest. I felt I had learned a lesson from the sea gulls. They live.

I wish you enough . . .

Jude