July 24, 2022

JJ & Max are on vacation, so they were not at Sunday School. It always feels strange when they aren’t there. Ben and Shanelle were there, though. Our lesson was about Paul & Silas in prison, and they made paper chains with wrist cuffs. They took up the challenge to do the right thing, even when it’s hard.

So – last night’s event. Everything went so well! We had just the right amount of food, a little too much Lemonade (last year we ran out!), and a room full of talented and engaging writers and readers. We had a table of snacks, a table of sandwiches and fruit, bowls of M&M’s (my contribution!), and coolers of bottled water.

Ruth (our editor-in-chief) started the program with announcements and introductions. I was the first reader, and read about a third of the story. Sort of to break the ice. I haven’t read all the stories yet, but the ones who read had great pieces, and Joe Potts always makes us laugh! He has a totally unique way with making common, ordinary words and events seem extraordinary! His wife Susan had photos included in the magazine. I have included one of her photos here.

I was very thankful for all the people who helped set up and tear down, and who packaged and distributed left-overs and helped carry things out to my car. Tom, Nancy, Joe, Susan, Ruth, Linda, Judith – thanks for your help! It made getting home and unloading the car easier since I didn’t get totally worn out tearing down.

There were several younger ones there, and once the event was over I had them pick their favorite star balloons to take home. Several adults (including me!) also took some. I have red, black, and purple balloons floating around my family room! It was a great night – lots of good comments on the book covers and first lines – and several people took the decoupage cans home! The evening was a little rocky getting started for me (I sliced my finger trying to open a box of Loyalhanna Reviews!) but everything else was 100% and I got nothing but appreciation and favorable comments. Whew! Another event on the books!

July 24 – Relate a memory of a tornado, hurricane, or destructive wind. “We had a very bad storm come through in 1939 or 1940. It took the tops out of all the trees on Sinktown Road. It missed our place but did take the roofs off the neighbors’ out buildings.”

Calendar inspiration – (but wrong year…)

Quote –

Scripture –

Random photo –

TOMORROW July 25th is:

• National Hire a Veteran Day
• National Hot Fudge Sundae Day
• National Merry-Go-Round Day
• National Threading the Needle Day
• National Wine and Cheese Day 

Tomorrow is also 5 months until Christmas day! I’m not done shopping yet, and haven’t even STARTED on my cards! Have a happy week. God bless…