It's a busy time for the Lit n Latte book club! We will be meeting for our monthly discussion on August 31st due to the Labor Day holiday landing on the first Monday in September. Next, September 26th will be our Lit n Latte Tea (what an oxymoron..latte Tea - coffee tea) We are meeting with the sister group to discuss this month's read "Dying to Decorate".
Please come to our first ever Lit n Latte Tea Party!
The evening and morning book clubs will meet together on Saturday, September 26. Tea and refreshments will be provided by the p.m. ladies. We ask that each person bring their own placesetting: cup, saucer, and salad plate. We will discuss the book "Dying to Decorate" by Cyndy Salzmann. If you feel brave, bring one of the recipes from the book and/or your high school yearbook so we can see you BK, before kids.
I found a couple of recipes for spreads to go with the scones that Lisa Roberts has graciously volunteered to make. They look easy and will be one of my contributions to the event. Wish me luck!
Lemon Curd
A classic scone spread. It's thick, tangy and very rich. You'll have to pay close attention while cooking, to keep whisking. Your curd will be wonderfully smooth that way.
Ingredients:
5 egg yolks
1 cup sugar
4 lemons, zest and juice
1 stick butter
Preparation:
In a medium saucepan, add a small amount of water (about an inch deep) Bring to a simmer In a small bowl, combine yolks and sugar. Blend until smooth Add zest and 1/3 cup of lemon juice to the egg mixture (add cold water if you don't have enough lemon juice) Whisk until smooth. Place a bowl on top of the simmering saucepan, or use a double-boiler. Reduce heat to low, and whisk the mixture until thickened (8 minutes) Mixture should be light yellow and coat a spoon. Remove from heat and stir in butter, one pat at a time. Let each melt before adding the next Pour lemon curd into a clean container, and refrigerate
Easy Devonshire Cream
Serves: 16
Hands-OnTime: 15 Minutes
Total Time: 15 Minutes
What you need:
1 (3 ounce) package cream cheese
1 tablespoon white sugar
1 pinch salt
1 cup heavy cream
What you do:
1
In a medium bowl, cream together cream cheese, sugar and salt. Beat in cream until stiff peaks form. Chill until serving.
This isn't a true clotted cream, but it's pretty close. An easy introduction to the fine world of clotted cream on scones.
Ingredients:
8 oz cream cheese
12 oz sour cream
Juice from 1 lemon
2 tsp vanilla
2 cups powdered sugar
Preparation:
Blend all ingredients until smooth.
Lastly, I am planning on taking a group to the Women of Faith Conference on Oct 2nd and 3rd third this year. Many thanks and kudos to Noelene for getting out the word to various groups of women from CCV that have never attended. Let me know if you are planning to come as I need to make the group reservation the first week of September.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Montana Rose Chapter Nine
This chapter submitted by Marla Hazelton
Chapter Nine
I Samuel 16:7 “For the Lord sees not as a man sees; for man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”
Even after sixteen years, Audrey Rose still is lonesome for the close relationship she had with her mother and father when they all lived together in Arizona.
Audrey Rose and Jamie have been talking and praying for some time on how they can close the chasm between Audrey Rose and her parents. After much prayer, they have decided to invite Dan and Lois Miller up to Montana for Easter.
The Easter celebration with Jamie, Audrey Rose and all the children is always a major event with the main focus on Jesus. So they are hoping that with this in mind their invitation will be accepted.
The children have never known that there was an issue between their parents and grandparents but thought that since it was such a distance and their grandparents were so involved in their church in Arizona and with their volunteer work that was why they could never find the right time to come visit.
So the invitation went out with a prayer and a hope that the invitation to come to Montana would be accepted.
Dan and Lois were surprised to get the invitation to come up and stay for several weeks to enjoy the Easter celebration with the Jamie and Audrey Rose and the family. They did not turn down the invitation but did not accept right away, they said they needed to pray about it.
So there were prayers in abundance from Arizona and Montana all about the Easter celebration, and all with different twists. My goodness, Heaven is being bombarded. What kind of answers will Dan, Lois, Audrey Rose and Jamie receive?
Jamie and Audrey Rose decided that they would plan as if Audrey Rose parents would be coming up to enjoy the Easter celebration. They did not tell the children about the invitation so as not to cause disappointment if they did not come.
Jamie and Audrey Rose were working on many projects trying to get a head start this year on this special day. It was hard not knowing if their prayers would be answered or not. But Jamie and Audrey Rose worked with a light hearted happiness that was infectious and their children soon joined in and were offering to help with little things and soon the list of things that they wanted to get completed before Easter was getting smaller and smaller.
Their hope for Audrey Rose parents coming to visit was still on their minds and in their prayers but in their anticipation, their happiness was growing each day and their children were seeing this joy in their parents, which made their home run smoother in all areas.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Phil 4:13
Chapter Nine
I Samuel 16:7 “For the Lord sees not as a man sees; for man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”
Even after sixteen years, Audrey Rose still is lonesome for the close relationship she had with her mother and father when they all lived together in Arizona.
Audrey Rose and Jamie have been talking and praying for some time on how they can close the chasm between Audrey Rose and her parents. After much prayer, they have decided to invite Dan and Lois Miller up to Montana for Easter.
The Easter celebration with Jamie, Audrey Rose and all the children is always a major event with the main focus on Jesus. So they are hoping that with this in mind their invitation will be accepted.
The children have never known that there was an issue between their parents and grandparents but thought that since it was such a distance and their grandparents were so involved in their church in Arizona and with their volunteer work that was why they could never find the right time to come visit.
So the invitation went out with a prayer and a hope that the invitation to come to Montana would be accepted.
Dan and Lois were surprised to get the invitation to come up and stay for several weeks to enjoy the Easter celebration with the Jamie and Audrey Rose and the family. They did not turn down the invitation but did not accept right away, they said they needed to pray about it.
So there were prayers in abundance from Arizona and Montana all about the Easter celebration, and all with different twists. My goodness, Heaven is being bombarded. What kind of answers will Dan, Lois, Audrey Rose and Jamie receive?
Jamie and Audrey Rose decided that they would plan as if Audrey Rose parents would be coming up to enjoy the Easter celebration. They did not tell the children about the invitation so as not to cause disappointment if they did not come.
Jamie and Audrey Rose were working on many projects trying to get a head start this year on this special day. It was hard not knowing if their prayers would be answered or not. But Jamie and Audrey Rose worked with a light hearted happiness that was infectious and their children soon joined in and were offering to help with little things and soon the list of things that they wanted to get completed before Easter was getting smaller and smaller.
Their hope for Audrey Rose parents coming to visit was still on their minds and in their prayers but in their anticipation, their happiness was growing each day and their children were seeing this joy in their parents, which made their home run smoother in all areas.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Phil 4:13
Sunday, July 19, 2009
NYC
I'm getting ready for my very first trip to NYC this summer! My son in law sent me an email to tell me what to expect. Being a wordsmith by his trade, he's a journalist for the Associated Press, he gave me such a poetic description of the city. This is the city through the eyes of a native Arizonan. I wanted to share this with you since we are trying our hand at "creative writing" this year. I hope to see you all at the August 3rd meeting and then I'll be leaving on a jet plane on the 8th. Enjoy the following excerpt from my daughter's husband as he paints a picture of the the big city....
As our first family visitor, you're going to get the royal treatment. And I'm not overstating it when I say it will be a cultural experience. In some ways, New York is the complete opposite of Phoenix. Everything is clustered together. There are skyscrapers on every block. In some areas it gets so dense that they blot out the sun. Downtown is basically a maze of man-made canyons, and even after six months I still catch myself gawking at the rooftops like a tourist, amazed at the size of this city. Down below, the sidewalks and subway cars are usually packed with people. We don't "walk" here. We push, squeeze, force our way through the city. The streets are usually crowded, but nobody lets it slow them down. At rush hour, traveling on the subway is an intimate experience. You're packed shoulder-to-shoulder, back-to-belly with hundreds of other people -- and some didn't shower that morning. I think this was the biggest adjustment for me. It took a long time to get comfortable with the daily assaults on my personal space. But it's no big deal here. In the subways, you'll find businessmen in suits, tramply little teens, homeless people, tourists and more all riding together underground. When the subway jostles left and right, we sway together, holding each other upright, like a family. New Yorkers have their own language too. For example, you never say you're going north or south. It's "uptown" or "downtown." East and west are both "crosstown." If you say you live "in the city," it almost always means Manhattan. People from Brooklyn say they're from Brooklyn. People from the Bronx say they live in the Bronx, etc. And a slice of cheese pizza isn't called "cheese." It's a "plain" slice.
We can't wait to show you around. We live in a quieter part of the city. I'm sure Steph has sent lots of pictures. She found us a cool apartment that's a block away from Central Park, which is so nice. It's the best park in the world. You'll see. There's a huge lake and a boathouse (with cheap beer!) and there are trails going everywhere. On the west side, there's an outdoor theatre where actors like Anne Hathaway stage Shakespeare plays, and during the summer the New York philharmonic and other music groups play on the Great Lawn. All around, dancers and guitar pickers and hot dog venders compete for your attention. It's a great place for a picnic. At night, you can hire a horse-drawn carriage to take you around the park.
If I were you, I'd make sure to bring comfortable shoes. We do a lot of walking here.
As our first family visitor, you're going to get the royal treatment. And I'm not overstating it when I say it will be a cultural experience. In some ways, New York is the complete opposite of Phoenix. Everything is clustered together. There are skyscrapers on every block. In some areas it gets so dense that they blot out the sun. Downtown is basically a maze of man-made canyons, and even after six months I still catch myself gawking at the rooftops like a tourist, amazed at the size of this city. Down below, the sidewalks and subway cars are usually packed with people. We don't "walk" here. We push, squeeze, force our way through the city. The streets are usually crowded, but nobody lets it slow them down. At rush hour, traveling on the subway is an intimate experience. You're packed shoulder-to-shoulder, back-to-belly with hundreds of other people -- and some didn't shower that morning. I think this was the biggest adjustment for me. It took a long time to get comfortable with the daily assaults on my personal space. But it's no big deal here. In the subways, you'll find businessmen in suits, tramply little teens, homeless people, tourists and more all riding together underground. When the subway jostles left and right, we sway together, holding each other upright, like a family. New Yorkers have their own language too. For example, you never say you're going north or south. It's "uptown" or "downtown." East and west are both "crosstown." If you say you live "in the city," it almost always means Manhattan. People from Brooklyn say they're from Brooklyn. People from the Bronx say they live in the Bronx, etc. And a slice of cheese pizza isn't called "cheese." It's a "plain" slice.
We can't wait to show you around. We live in a quieter part of the city. I'm sure Steph has sent lots of pictures. She found us a cool apartment that's a block away from Central Park, which is so nice. It's the best park in the world. You'll see. There's a huge lake and a boathouse (with cheap beer!) and there are trails going everywhere. On the west side, there's an outdoor theatre where actors like Anne Hathaway stage Shakespeare plays, and during the summer the New York philharmonic and other music groups play on the Great Lawn. All around, dancers and guitar pickers and hot dog venders compete for your attention. It's a great place for a picnic. At night, you can hire a horse-drawn carriage to take you around the park.
If I were you, I'd make sure to bring comfortable shoes. We do a lot of walking here.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Montana Rose Chapter Eight
Chapter Eight
Psa. 34:18 (NIV) “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Audrey walked quickly down the hall to her bedroom. On the way, she decided to change into a pair of gray slacks and a white short-sleeved dress shirt. There were many days living on the ranch she wore jeans. Thankfully, the wedding business gave her a reason to dress up. After changing clothes, she ran in her office to pick up a wedding catalog, sitting on the chair was the diary. She just could not resist reading the next entry.
Diary entry 17 July 1903
“Today I felt the first flutter of the baby inside of me. What a feeling knowing that mine and Marcus' baby is growing! Marcus says it does not matter whether the baby is a boy or girl. Thinking about all of this, reminds me of the secret my friend Alicia shared with me a few weeks ago. She had come over so the two of us could visit over a cup of coffee. I immediately knew something was wrong – her red rimmed eyes gave it away. She looked heartbroken and vulnerable. Nothing like what I thought of her a few years ago. After Alicia sat down at the dining room table, I urged her to talk to me. She looked hesitant at first, but then said, “I can't hold my secret inside any longer Abbey.” It was that day she shared with me a secret no one could ever know. Alicia told the story of what happened before we became friends and around the time Bradley Wellington left town.
That cloudy day in August, Alicia had asked Bradley to meet her at Bitterroot Creek which flowed on the east side of town. They were standing in the shade, under the massive tree where they shared their first kiss. Alicia grabbed both of Bradley's hands and shared the news – she was pregnant. Expecting that he would be happy and insist they get married immediately, but instead he instantly blamed her and yelled that he was leaving town. After all, he had plans – plans that did not involve sticking around here, in some small town. He had no desire to live in Montana, but instead had his sights set on moving far away, to a big city like Denver. He had never told his plans to his father or his brother. After all they wouldn't understand. They were content to stay here. He wasn't going to let anyone, even Alicia, stand in his way. He spouted off all of this and turned away from Alicia. Then hopped back on his horse, which he had rode there and galloped away. Alicia screamed after him, pleading for Bradley to come back. Later that day, she was feeling desperate and walked all the way to the Wellington home. When she got there she found that she was not the only one left crying – Bradley's mother answered the door only to inform her that he was gone.
Three weeks later, Alicia had lost at least ten pounds, she could not eat or sleep. Her mother and father thought she would eventually get over losing her longtime boyfriend. They meant well, both of them worried and prayed for their daughter, but neither one knew about the secret she carried inside of her. One cool summer night she was awakened by a horrific pain ripping through her body. That night she lost the baby. After falling into a deep sleep, Alicia woke up with plans of her own. Ever since she could remember, she had dreamt of becoming a nurse. But now the profession had taken on new meaning. Her hope was that one day she could save someone's baby to make up for the one she had lost.”
Just as she had finished reading that entry, Jamie walked into the room and nodded, “Oh, I see what's been keeping you.” as he spotted the diary in her hand. Audrey put down the diary, and as she did, spotted a slip of paper under her desk that looked like it had fallen there. She pushed it into the pocket of her pants to look at later, and walked down the hall ready to go. Ms. Conrad was famous for her peach pie, and she bet that was what she had made tonight for their little meeting.
By: Andrea Axness
Psa. 34:18 (NIV) “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Audrey walked quickly down the hall to her bedroom. On the way, she decided to change into a pair of gray slacks and a white short-sleeved dress shirt. There were many days living on the ranch she wore jeans. Thankfully, the wedding business gave her a reason to dress up. After changing clothes, she ran in her office to pick up a wedding catalog, sitting on the chair was the diary. She just could not resist reading the next entry.
Diary entry 17 July 1903
“Today I felt the first flutter of the baby inside of me. What a feeling knowing that mine and Marcus' baby is growing! Marcus says it does not matter whether the baby is a boy or girl. Thinking about all of this, reminds me of the secret my friend Alicia shared with me a few weeks ago. She had come over so the two of us could visit over a cup of coffee. I immediately knew something was wrong – her red rimmed eyes gave it away. She looked heartbroken and vulnerable. Nothing like what I thought of her a few years ago. After Alicia sat down at the dining room table, I urged her to talk to me. She looked hesitant at first, but then said, “I can't hold my secret inside any longer Abbey.” It was that day she shared with me a secret no one could ever know. Alicia told the story of what happened before we became friends and around the time Bradley Wellington left town.
That cloudy day in August, Alicia had asked Bradley to meet her at Bitterroot Creek which flowed on the east side of town. They were standing in the shade, under the massive tree where they shared their first kiss. Alicia grabbed both of Bradley's hands and shared the news – she was pregnant. Expecting that he would be happy and insist they get married immediately, but instead he instantly blamed her and yelled that he was leaving town. After all, he had plans – plans that did not involve sticking around here, in some small town. He had no desire to live in Montana, but instead had his sights set on moving far away, to a big city like Denver. He had never told his plans to his father or his brother. After all they wouldn't understand. They were content to stay here. He wasn't going to let anyone, even Alicia, stand in his way. He spouted off all of this and turned away from Alicia. Then hopped back on his horse, which he had rode there and galloped away. Alicia screamed after him, pleading for Bradley to come back. Later that day, she was feeling desperate and walked all the way to the Wellington home. When she got there she found that she was not the only one left crying – Bradley's mother answered the door only to inform her that he was gone.
Three weeks later, Alicia had lost at least ten pounds, she could not eat or sleep. Her mother and father thought she would eventually get over losing her longtime boyfriend. They meant well, both of them worried and prayed for their daughter, but neither one knew about the secret she carried inside of her. One cool summer night she was awakened by a horrific pain ripping through her body. That night she lost the baby. After falling into a deep sleep, Alicia woke up with plans of her own. Ever since she could remember, she had dreamt of becoming a nurse. But now the profession had taken on new meaning. Her hope was that one day she could save someone's baby to make up for the one she had lost.”
Just as she had finished reading that entry, Jamie walked into the room and nodded, “Oh, I see what's been keeping you.” as he spotted the diary in her hand. Audrey put down the diary, and as she did, spotted a slip of paper under her desk that looked like it had fallen there. She pushed it into the pocket of her pants to look at later, and walked down the hall ready to go. Ms. Conrad was famous for her peach pie, and she bet that was what she had made tonight for their little meeting.
By: Andrea Axness
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Moravian Sugar Cake
I am attempting the recipe for Moravian Sugar Cake and hope to bring to our meeting this month. Wish me luck!
Helen Bomberger's Moravian Sugar Cake
Sugar Cake:
1 package (or cake) yeast
1/4 cup lukewarm water
1/3 cup Crisco® shortening
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup mashed potatoes
1/2 cup scalded milk
3-1/2 cups flour
1 egg
Add yeast to lukewarm water, set aside. Cream shortening and sugar. Beat in egg. Add mashed potatoes and salt. Add yeast water to cooled milk and add that to mixture. Add flour and mix until it forms a solid dough. Knead the dough until smooth. Place dough in large greased bowl, cover with cloth, set in warm place. Let dough rise 3-4 hours, until it doubles in size. Pat out dough in 2 greased 9 x 13 pans and let rise again for another 1 1/2 hours. Punch holes across the top of the dough in 2-inch intervals. Fill holes with bits of butter and cover with crumb topping. Bake at 375 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Makes two 9x13 pans.
Crumb Topping:
1/2 pound brown sugar
1-1/2 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 cup butter in small bits
© 2000 Liz Curtis Higgs
Helen Bomberger's Moravian Sugar Cake
Sugar Cake:
1 package (or cake) yeast
1/4 cup lukewarm water
1/3 cup Crisco® shortening
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup mashed potatoes
1/2 cup scalded milk
3-1/2 cups flour
1 egg
Add yeast to lukewarm water, set aside. Cream shortening and sugar. Beat in egg. Add mashed potatoes and salt. Add yeast water to cooled milk and add that to mixture. Add flour and mix until it forms a solid dough. Knead the dough until smooth. Place dough in large greased bowl, cover with cloth, set in warm place. Let dough rise 3-4 hours, until it doubles in size. Pat out dough in 2 greased 9 x 13 pans and let rise again for another 1 1/2 hours. Punch holes across the top of the dough in 2-inch intervals. Fill holes with bits of butter and cover with crumb topping. Bake at 375 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Makes two 9x13 pans.
Crumb Topping:
1/2 pound brown sugar
1-1/2 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 cup butter in small bits
© 2000 Liz Curtis Higgs
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
July 6th Meeting
Hope you all are getting ready for the July meeting. We will be discussing: Bookends by Liz Curtis Higgs. Ladies who have read the book before, such as a few years ago: I encourage you to try to re-read. I forgot how wonderfully Liz Curtis Higgs wrote this story. The setting, characters, plot, Jonas :). Makes me smile all over again. Worth reading the second time through. The new choice for July, The Centurion's Wife by T. Davis Bunn and Janette Oake, will be available for purchase at the July 6 meeting. Our own Cathy Holmes read this and highly recommended it.
Until we meet have wonderful 4th of July.
Lit n Latte Book Club
Barnes and Noble Bookstore - Arrowhead
Monday, July 6th 7:00 p.m.
Until we meet have wonderful 4th of July.
Lit n Latte Book Club
Barnes and Noble Bookstore - Arrowhead
Monday, July 6th 7:00 p.m.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Golden In The Morning
June 10th marked the 13th anniversary of my brother John's passing. He loved playing his guitar, listening to fine music such as: The Beatles, The BeeGees, Simon and Garfunkel, karate, coaching his daughter's softball team, and growing up in Arizona. I also found out late in his life that he loved writing poetry. He describe it more as a calling he could not ignore. Words coming to him in the middle of the night. I love this poem he wrote about growing up in our neighborhood in north Phoenix and just growing up. He left behind a wife, two young children, and a multitude of family and friends who felt it was too soon to say goodbye. This year I'm remembering him for the things he loved.
GOLDEN IN THE MORNING
I remember waking to
The sounds of doves and mocking birds.
The smell of fruit trees in the summertime.
As sunlight sifted in the window I felt the words
Golden in the Morning.
I was up in the morning and running
The smell of grass and trees and all of us would play
With childhood friends I knew would never leave.
I played all day into the night and never lost my way
Still feeling Golden in the Morning.
My childhood friends have never crossed my way
As new feelings and adventures replaced child's play
Showing the world had changed as time passed.
I won't lament the changes in life, yet one I may,
The loss of being Golden in the Morning.
My life has swirled and whirled from here to there
With eddies too happy and painful to reveal
With anyone remote and distant to my thoughts.
Yet I find myself at times longing to recall and steal
The memory of being Golden in the Morning.
By John Archibald
July 25, 1952 - June 10, 1996
GOLDEN IN THE MORNING
I remember waking to
The sounds of doves and mocking birds.
The smell of fruit trees in the summertime.
As sunlight sifted in the window I felt the words
Golden in the Morning.
I was up in the morning and running
The smell of grass and trees and all of us would play
With childhood friends I knew would never leave.
I played all day into the night and never lost my way
Still feeling Golden in the Morning.
My childhood friends have never crossed my way
As new feelings and adventures replaced child's play
Showing the world had changed as time passed.
I won't lament the changes in life, yet one I may,
The loss of being Golden in the Morning.
My life has swirled and whirled from here to there
With eddies too happy and painful to reveal
With anyone remote and distant to my thoughts.
Yet I find myself at times longing to recall and steal
The memory of being Golden in the Morning.
By John Archibald
July 25, 1952 - June 10, 1996
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Montana Rose Chapter Seven
Chapter 7 – Respectfully submitted by Noelene Richards
Luke 15:32 “But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was lost and is found.”
Bridget fidgeted with the heritage linen tablecloth covering the antique table that she and her mom were sharing a pot of tea over while they waited to meet with Audrey to go over more wedding details.
“I wish I could fully grasp Matthew’s reasons for insisting that we get married out here. He’s been so sketchy with the details and his half answers are driving me to distraction,” Bridget harrumphed moodily.
Maggie laid her hand over her daughter’s in an attempt to calm her. “Isn’t it enough that it seems to be deeply important to him, regardless of his motivation?” Maggie queried. “I’m sure that once he’s gotten the answers he’s looking for, it will come together and make some sense. What has he shared so far?”
“Not much. All I know is that it has something to do with his mother’s side of the family and her connections to this particular ranch. Apparently somewhere in his lineage, this ranch played a part in his growing up. It influenced his family’s decision to settle out here before he was born. I guess all those years living in California had grown tiresome and a move to the fresh clean air of Montana was a step toward getting back to their roots.”
Bridget played with the spoon in her near empty teacup and gazed out the café window. “It’s not that I mind having the wedding here,” she admitted. “I think it’s absolutely beautiful here and I love what Cousin Audrey and Jamie have done to restore that big old house. I just wish I knew why it was so important to my groom-to-be that the ceremony takes place here, of all places. I didn’t even know he knew it existed, and honestly, when he came home with that newspaper clipping his old college roommate had given him, I was shocked to discover it was the same one that Cousin Audrey and Jamie had restored.” Bridget looked up at her mom and sheepishly said, “I think he was just as shocked to find out that my family had ties to it, too.”
Audrey was rushing around trying to find the pink organza fabric samples Bridget’s bridesmaid’s dresses were going to be made of. She was meeting with Bridget and Aunt Maggie in less than fifteen minutes to take a final look at the floral arrangements Jill had recommended. Bridget had originally said she wanted all pink roses for their bouquets, but Jill had found some arrangement photos that incorporated white calla lilies with soft pink roses that were just stunning. The flowers were meant to complement the pink frocks, Jill had pointed out, not compete with them. She was worried that the all-pink bouquets would just blend in with the dresses. Leave it to Jill to catch those little details.
Samples and floral arrangement catalogs in hand, Audrey reached for her car keys and fled her office in such a rush for her meeting at the café that she knocked Abigail’s diary off her desk and on to her chair. In her distracted state of mind, she never noticed the slip of paper escape from between its yellowed pages and flutter to rest under her desk.
When Audrey breezed into the café with her arms full and her face flushed, she caught the look that passed between Bridget and Maggie.
“What?” she asked as she unloaded all her wares. “I’m not late am I?” she asked a little out of breath. “I had to drop some mail at the post office on my way in to town, but I’m sure I gave myself plenty of time.”
Aunt Maggie stood and gave her a hug, “No, dear, you aren’t late. We were just sharing a pot of tea and talking about her husband-to-be’s reasons for getting married at your beautiful ranch.”
Audrey looked back at her aunt, thoroughly perplexed. “What do you mean? This was Matthew’s idea? I thought this was your idea, Bridget,” she said as she eyed her cousin and sat down heavily in the only open seat at their table.
Bridget rushed in with a hurried explanation before the look of hurt could fully over take Audrey’s handsomely aging face. “No…it was…I mean it wasn’t at first, but then Matthew brought home this article about how the place had been an icon of prosperity back in the late 1890’s but that over the years it had fallen in disarray from lack of care or interest. That was of course, until you and Jamie bought it and gave it a good old fashioned overhaul.”
“I’m still lost,” Audrey said, with just a hint of pain in her voice. She thought the plans to get married at her ranch were her cousin’s attempt at providing a plausible reason to get the families she and Jamie had both left behind to finally come together and see what they had built after all these years.
“Well, I had originally thought we’d get married someplace exotic, like the Bahamas or Hawaii. The brochure racks at our travel agency are full of advertising collateral displaying idyllic settings for weddings. But, Matthew had other plans. He brought home that article and then when he found out that the couple who were featured as the “dream rescuers” of the land were my cousins, his heart was set. This was where he wanted to share his wedding vows,” Bridget said brushing a curl behind her ear. “He was actually quite stubborn about it and to be truthful, I don’t know all the reasons behind his desire to be married here. He’s been antsy to get out here and meet you and Jamie, but he had to tie up loose ends at the school before he could come out and join me. He’s due to arrive here tomorrow afternoon.”
Audrey was still confused, but now curiosity was bubbling up and taking over her thoughts. “He didn’t say why he was so taken with our place? Is it the intrinsic historical value that intrigues him or does he have some other connection to it?” Audrey wondered allowed.
Bridget shifted in her chair. “I really don’t know how to answer that. He hasn’t given me a full explanation. I just know that he was really excited at the prospect of learning more about this homestead. He’s been doing some research on his family tree and somehow this place plays a part in it. However, since he’s a history teacher by trade, I’m sure the pure historical value of the ranch holds its own fascination for him.”
A thought dawned across Audrey’s face like the morning sun over her beloved Montana mountains. “You know, I hadn’t given it much thought before now, but I just bet Matthew would love to sit and chat with our resident historian, Alicia Conrad. Our little ranch is part of her family tree, too. I’ll set up a meeting for them once he gets here and is settled in.”
“That’s a great idea! I’m sure he’d appreciate an introduction and opportunity to sit down with someone who might be able to shed some light on his own research,” Aunt Maggie piped in.
“Do you think Ms. Conrad would be willing?” Bridget asked warily.
“You bet she would!” Audrey answered enthusiastically. “I just met with her earlier this week and as it turns out, this old ranch of mine is a favorite topic of hers. I’m sure she’d be thrilled to share her knowledge of the place with him.”
That settled, the ladies redirected their attention to the task at hand and eagerly sifted through the floral catalogs, comparing photos to fabric swatches. Audrey’s heart was in it, but her mind had already wandered toward setting up the meeting between Alicia Conrad and Matthew.
Late the following afternoon, Matthew called her at her office. “Hi, Audrey, it’s Matthew. Maggie and Bridget said you wanted to talk to me about meeting the local historian. I’d be deeply indebted to you for an introduction. I’ve waited a long time to set foot on this property and now that I’m here, I’m dying to know as much as I can about it. How soon can you set up the meeting with Ms. Conrad?” Matthew’s excitement was nearly palpable over the phone line.
Audrey laughed, saying, “Hold on cowboy! She’s invited us over for dessert tonight at 8 pm. Is that soon enough for you?”
Matthew let out a whoop and Audrey could just imagine him slapping his knee when he did it. “That would be prefect! Thanks so much, Audrey. You have no idea how much this means to me.”
“Glad I could be of assistance. You know it’s my goal to make this the best wedding ever and if this helps, well then, I’m happy to oblige. I’ll see you all here about 7:45 tonight and we’ll ride over to Alicia’s house together.”
At exactly 7:40 pm, Audrey and Jamie had just finished the dinner dishes when their doorbell rang. “I’ll get it,” Jamie offered. “I’ll buy you a few minutes so you can freshen up before we all head over to Alicia’s house.”
Audrey took her drying towel, looped it around the back of her husband’s tanned neck and pulled him close for a quick kiss. “You are a doll,” she murmured against his lips.
“Yeah, I know,” he said as he playfully swatted her fanny with his dishcloth as she headed for their bedroom. “Make it quick…I’m not very good at small talk, especially with people I’m related to, but hardly know,” Jamie said over his shoulder.
Jamie trotted to the front door and opened it to three very excited people. Bridget and Maggie stood on either side of a tall, handsome young man. Bridget was the first to speak, “Hi, Jamie. I’d like to introduce you to my fiancée, Matthew Bradley McAllister.”
Luke 15:32 “But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was lost and is found.”
Bridget fidgeted with the heritage linen tablecloth covering the antique table that she and her mom were sharing a pot of tea over while they waited to meet with Audrey to go over more wedding details.
“I wish I could fully grasp Matthew’s reasons for insisting that we get married out here. He’s been so sketchy with the details and his half answers are driving me to distraction,” Bridget harrumphed moodily.
Maggie laid her hand over her daughter’s in an attempt to calm her. “Isn’t it enough that it seems to be deeply important to him, regardless of his motivation?” Maggie queried. “I’m sure that once he’s gotten the answers he’s looking for, it will come together and make some sense. What has he shared so far?”
“Not much. All I know is that it has something to do with his mother’s side of the family and her connections to this particular ranch. Apparently somewhere in his lineage, this ranch played a part in his growing up. It influenced his family’s decision to settle out here before he was born. I guess all those years living in California had grown tiresome and a move to the fresh clean air of Montana was a step toward getting back to their roots.”
Bridget played with the spoon in her near empty teacup and gazed out the café window. “It’s not that I mind having the wedding here,” she admitted. “I think it’s absolutely beautiful here and I love what Cousin Audrey and Jamie have done to restore that big old house. I just wish I knew why it was so important to my groom-to-be that the ceremony takes place here, of all places. I didn’t even know he knew it existed, and honestly, when he came home with that newspaper clipping his old college roommate had given him, I was shocked to discover it was the same one that Cousin Audrey and Jamie had restored.” Bridget looked up at her mom and sheepishly said, “I think he was just as shocked to find out that my family had ties to it, too.”
Audrey was rushing around trying to find the pink organza fabric samples Bridget’s bridesmaid’s dresses were going to be made of. She was meeting with Bridget and Aunt Maggie in less than fifteen minutes to take a final look at the floral arrangements Jill had recommended. Bridget had originally said she wanted all pink roses for their bouquets, but Jill had found some arrangement photos that incorporated white calla lilies with soft pink roses that were just stunning. The flowers were meant to complement the pink frocks, Jill had pointed out, not compete with them. She was worried that the all-pink bouquets would just blend in with the dresses. Leave it to Jill to catch those little details.
Samples and floral arrangement catalogs in hand, Audrey reached for her car keys and fled her office in such a rush for her meeting at the café that she knocked Abigail’s diary off her desk and on to her chair. In her distracted state of mind, she never noticed the slip of paper escape from between its yellowed pages and flutter to rest under her desk.
When Audrey breezed into the café with her arms full and her face flushed, she caught the look that passed between Bridget and Maggie.
“What?” she asked as she unloaded all her wares. “I’m not late am I?” she asked a little out of breath. “I had to drop some mail at the post office on my way in to town, but I’m sure I gave myself plenty of time.”
Aunt Maggie stood and gave her a hug, “No, dear, you aren’t late. We were just sharing a pot of tea and talking about her husband-to-be’s reasons for getting married at your beautiful ranch.”
Audrey looked back at her aunt, thoroughly perplexed. “What do you mean? This was Matthew’s idea? I thought this was your idea, Bridget,” she said as she eyed her cousin and sat down heavily in the only open seat at their table.
Bridget rushed in with a hurried explanation before the look of hurt could fully over take Audrey’s handsomely aging face. “No…it was…I mean it wasn’t at first, but then Matthew brought home this article about how the place had been an icon of prosperity back in the late 1890’s but that over the years it had fallen in disarray from lack of care or interest. That was of course, until you and Jamie bought it and gave it a good old fashioned overhaul.”
“I’m still lost,” Audrey said, with just a hint of pain in her voice. She thought the plans to get married at her ranch were her cousin’s attempt at providing a plausible reason to get the families she and Jamie had both left behind to finally come together and see what they had built after all these years.
“Well, I had originally thought we’d get married someplace exotic, like the Bahamas or Hawaii. The brochure racks at our travel agency are full of advertising collateral displaying idyllic settings for weddings. But, Matthew had other plans. He brought home that article and then when he found out that the couple who were featured as the “dream rescuers” of the land were my cousins, his heart was set. This was where he wanted to share his wedding vows,” Bridget said brushing a curl behind her ear. “He was actually quite stubborn about it and to be truthful, I don’t know all the reasons behind his desire to be married here. He’s been antsy to get out here and meet you and Jamie, but he had to tie up loose ends at the school before he could come out and join me. He’s due to arrive here tomorrow afternoon.”
Audrey was still confused, but now curiosity was bubbling up and taking over her thoughts. “He didn’t say why he was so taken with our place? Is it the intrinsic historical value that intrigues him or does he have some other connection to it?” Audrey wondered allowed.
Bridget shifted in her chair. “I really don’t know how to answer that. He hasn’t given me a full explanation. I just know that he was really excited at the prospect of learning more about this homestead. He’s been doing some research on his family tree and somehow this place plays a part in it. However, since he’s a history teacher by trade, I’m sure the pure historical value of the ranch holds its own fascination for him.”
A thought dawned across Audrey’s face like the morning sun over her beloved Montana mountains. “You know, I hadn’t given it much thought before now, but I just bet Matthew would love to sit and chat with our resident historian, Alicia Conrad. Our little ranch is part of her family tree, too. I’ll set up a meeting for them once he gets here and is settled in.”
“That’s a great idea! I’m sure he’d appreciate an introduction and opportunity to sit down with someone who might be able to shed some light on his own research,” Aunt Maggie piped in.
“Do you think Ms. Conrad would be willing?” Bridget asked warily.
“You bet she would!” Audrey answered enthusiastically. “I just met with her earlier this week and as it turns out, this old ranch of mine is a favorite topic of hers. I’m sure she’d be thrilled to share her knowledge of the place with him.”
That settled, the ladies redirected their attention to the task at hand and eagerly sifted through the floral catalogs, comparing photos to fabric swatches. Audrey’s heart was in it, but her mind had already wandered toward setting up the meeting between Alicia Conrad and Matthew.
Late the following afternoon, Matthew called her at her office. “Hi, Audrey, it’s Matthew. Maggie and Bridget said you wanted to talk to me about meeting the local historian. I’d be deeply indebted to you for an introduction. I’ve waited a long time to set foot on this property and now that I’m here, I’m dying to know as much as I can about it. How soon can you set up the meeting with Ms. Conrad?” Matthew’s excitement was nearly palpable over the phone line.
Audrey laughed, saying, “Hold on cowboy! She’s invited us over for dessert tonight at 8 pm. Is that soon enough for you?”
Matthew let out a whoop and Audrey could just imagine him slapping his knee when he did it. “That would be prefect! Thanks so much, Audrey. You have no idea how much this means to me.”
“Glad I could be of assistance. You know it’s my goal to make this the best wedding ever and if this helps, well then, I’m happy to oblige. I’ll see you all here about 7:45 tonight and we’ll ride over to Alicia’s house together.”
At exactly 7:40 pm, Audrey and Jamie had just finished the dinner dishes when their doorbell rang. “I’ll get it,” Jamie offered. “I’ll buy you a few minutes so you can freshen up before we all head over to Alicia’s house.”
Audrey took her drying towel, looped it around the back of her husband’s tanned neck and pulled him close for a quick kiss. “You are a doll,” she murmured against his lips.
“Yeah, I know,” he said as he playfully swatted her fanny with his dishcloth as she headed for their bedroom. “Make it quick…I’m not very good at small talk, especially with people I’m related to, but hardly know,” Jamie said over his shoulder.
Jamie trotted to the front door and opened it to three very excited people. Bridget and Maggie stood on either side of a tall, handsome young man. Bridget was the first to speak, “Hi, Jamie. I’d like to introduce you to my fiancée, Matthew Bradley McAllister.”
Monday, June 8, 2009
Book Club Tonight!
It's time for our rescheduled meeting and we will be discussing: “Until We Reach Home” by Lynne Austin.
The new choice for June, “Bookends” by Liz Curtis Higgs, will be available for purchase. I'm expecting a visitor from Berean Bookstore to be attending. They are interested in starting a book club and would like to see how we do it. The word is out about our club. You ladies are an excellent example of what works in this type of group. See you tonight.
The new choice for June, “Bookends” by Liz Curtis Higgs, will be available for purchase. I'm expecting a visitor from Berean Bookstore to be attending. They are interested in starting a book club and would like to see how we do it. The word is out about our club. You ladies are an excellent example of what works in this type of group. See you tonight.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Chapter Six Montana Rose
Chapter Six
Psa. 32:8 (NIV) “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go. I will counsel you and watch over you.”
Diary entry 5 January 1899
“It has been years since I left my home in Montana. I was so young then and I am so lonely now. Now that's the truth, or my name isn't Abigail McAllister. I'll never forget dear Mama's face when I told her I was leaving. Even though Papa made the arrangements for me to come live with Aunt Tessa, I could tell how sad he was to see me go. What was I thinking? I was their only child. I always had these huge dreams of traveling and seeing the world – finding excitement and adventure – with Bradley at my side, of course. Now I have lived for almost nine years in the middle of Minnesota with an aunt that has no imagination whatsoever and I'm dying of boredom. I can't even describe all that has happened to me here, but I know that I miss my home and my mountains. I know I vowed never to go back to Montana but I miss Mama and Papa. I'm sure I can find a teaching job there also and (don't tell anyone, dear diary) I have been thinking about Marcus and how kind and gentle he was. So much more stable than the dashing and devious Bradley, I'm thinking. I feel like I have grown up in these years. My dreams have changed and I think going back to Helena is my dream now. Didn't I also say I would never get married? That seems like so much foolish talk now. There is nothing I would rather have than a true love and a family of my own. The men here all seem so shallow. I'm afraid Marcus has found someone after all this time – oh dear – I have been gone a long time, but I can't stop thinking about him. He has written me a few letters over the years. Somehow I just feel like the Lord has more for me than this humdrum existence.”
Audrey jumped as the front door banged shut. “Jamie, you scared me. Where have you been all evening?” “I've been working on that old tool shed out by the barn, but it finally got so dark I couldn't see any more. Think I'll hit the hay. Tomorrow is a big day. What is that book that has you so engrossed?” “Oh, it is the diary of Abigail McAllister that I found in the attic the other day,” Audrey replied. “Now that Alicia explained some of the history of this house and the McAllister family to me it is hard to put the diary down. I'll read just a little more before I turn in for the night.” Audrey curled up again in her favorite chair and tucked the afghan that her mother had made for her many years ago over her legs. “Oh, mom,” she thought in a moment of nostalgia, “I do miss you. I hope some day we can be close again.” As she opened the diary again, she also hoped that in those pages she would also find the reconciliation between Abigail and her parents.
Diary entry 14 December 1901
“Would you believe it? I went to the Wellington Christmas Social tonight with Marcus. Oh, believe me, coming home to Montana again was the right thing for me. Looking back on what all happened in Minnesota, how could I have ever thought otherwise? The school where I teach now is challenging – we don't always have all the supplies we need, but the children are so dear and I love it. I have so enjoyed spending time again with Mama and Papa. Papa says I'm still the apple of his eye, even though I am a grown woman. And Marcus – (can you believe this, dear diary) he says he has never forgotten me since that day he rescued me when Bradley hurt me so much at the Christmas social. I don't know why I thought he was so unexciting (is that a word?) then. Guess I was just a foolish young girl with stars in her eyes and no sense in her head. Now I think he is so good, so loving and kind – I do believe I am falling in love with him. Where is Bradley, you ask? I really don't know. He left home sometime in August and would you believe, he left Alicia high and dry after all those years together. I feel so sorry for her. I'm going to be extra nice to her from now on. Just think, it could have been me. I do think my grown up dreams are coming true.”
“Well,” thought Audrey as she closed the diary for the night. “That explains how Abigail got back to Montana and fell in love with Marcus.” She was tempted to read further, but reluctantly put the book on the table. “I have so much planning to do for Bridget's wedding that I can't afford to get sidetracked now,” she mused. As she turned out the lights and glanced out the window at the bright Montana moon hovering over the nearest mountains, she thought once again, “This really is the last best place – it was for Abigail and it is for me, too.”
The next morning Audrey woke early, and although she had an appointment with Bridget and Aunt Maggie at 10:00, her mind went back to the diary. She decided to take her coffee out to the lounge chair on the “morning” side of the porch and read just a few more excerpts before starting her day. The sun was just coming up over the eastern mountains and Audrey's heart did a little hand spring at seeing the beauty of a fresh morning in her little corner of the world. She opened the diary and started reading.
Diary entry 10 June 1903
“I've been neglecting you, dear diary, but my heart is full this morning and I just have to get my thoughts on paper. I'm sitting on the porch of the beautiful Wellington home – my home now – watching the sun rise over the mountains. It is so beautiful. My dear husband, Marcus, is still in bed. He works so hard here on the family ranch and his father has handed over the entire management of the ranch to him. My Marcus is so smart, so dependable, so dear and I love him with all my heart. The good Lord has given me so much and now I am with child. I have never been more happy.”
Audrey glanced at her watch and saw that she would never get everything done before her meeting unless she stopped reading, so she reluctantly closed the diary. Many questions flooded her mind as she fixed breakfast for Jamie and herself. Was the baby she just read about the one that died? Was that picture in the locket of that baby or the brother that came along later? How did Abigail and Alicia Conrad become such good friends that Abigail and Marcus named their firstborn for her? Then Audrey realized she needed to think about the pressing activities of the day. How had Bridget ended up in Montana when she had grown up in Minnesota? Who is she marrying and is he from Helena? Do I know his family? I am so happy to reconnect with my aunt and cousin – how can I make this wedding the most beautiful experience for Bridget?
by Rita Bleyeler
Psa. 32:8 (NIV) “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go. I will counsel you and watch over you.”
Diary entry 5 January 1899
“It has been years since I left my home in Montana. I was so young then and I am so lonely now. Now that's the truth, or my name isn't Abigail McAllister. I'll never forget dear Mama's face when I told her I was leaving. Even though Papa made the arrangements for me to come live with Aunt Tessa, I could tell how sad he was to see me go. What was I thinking? I was their only child. I always had these huge dreams of traveling and seeing the world – finding excitement and adventure – with Bradley at my side, of course. Now I have lived for almost nine years in the middle of Minnesota with an aunt that has no imagination whatsoever and I'm dying of boredom. I can't even describe all that has happened to me here, but I know that I miss my home and my mountains. I know I vowed never to go back to Montana but I miss Mama and Papa. I'm sure I can find a teaching job there also and (don't tell anyone, dear diary) I have been thinking about Marcus and how kind and gentle he was. So much more stable than the dashing and devious Bradley, I'm thinking. I feel like I have grown up in these years. My dreams have changed and I think going back to Helena is my dream now. Didn't I also say I would never get married? That seems like so much foolish talk now. There is nothing I would rather have than a true love and a family of my own. The men here all seem so shallow. I'm afraid Marcus has found someone after all this time – oh dear – I have been gone a long time, but I can't stop thinking about him. He has written me a few letters over the years. Somehow I just feel like the Lord has more for me than this humdrum existence.”
Audrey jumped as the front door banged shut. “Jamie, you scared me. Where have you been all evening?” “I've been working on that old tool shed out by the barn, but it finally got so dark I couldn't see any more. Think I'll hit the hay. Tomorrow is a big day. What is that book that has you so engrossed?” “Oh, it is the diary of Abigail McAllister that I found in the attic the other day,” Audrey replied. “Now that Alicia explained some of the history of this house and the McAllister family to me it is hard to put the diary down. I'll read just a little more before I turn in for the night.” Audrey curled up again in her favorite chair and tucked the afghan that her mother had made for her many years ago over her legs. “Oh, mom,” she thought in a moment of nostalgia, “I do miss you. I hope some day we can be close again.” As she opened the diary again, she also hoped that in those pages she would also find the reconciliation between Abigail and her parents.
Diary entry 14 December 1901
“Would you believe it? I went to the Wellington Christmas Social tonight with Marcus. Oh, believe me, coming home to Montana again was the right thing for me. Looking back on what all happened in Minnesota, how could I have ever thought otherwise? The school where I teach now is challenging – we don't always have all the supplies we need, but the children are so dear and I love it. I have so enjoyed spending time again with Mama and Papa. Papa says I'm still the apple of his eye, even though I am a grown woman. And Marcus – (can you believe this, dear diary) he says he has never forgotten me since that day he rescued me when Bradley hurt me so much at the Christmas social. I don't know why I thought he was so unexciting (is that a word?) then. Guess I was just a foolish young girl with stars in her eyes and no sense in her head. Now I think he is so good, so loving and kind – I do believe I am falling in love with him. Where is Bradley, you ask? I really don't know. He left home sometime in August and would you believe, he left Alicia high and dry after all those years together. I feel so sorry for her. I'm going to be extra nice to her from now on. Just think, it could have been me. I do think my grown up dreams are coming true.”
“Well,” thought Audrey as she closed the diary for the night. “That explains how Abigail got back to Montana and fell in love with Marcus.” She was tempted to read further, but reluctantly put the book on the table. “I have so much planning to do for Bridget's wedding that I can't afford to get sidetracked now,” she mused. As she turned out the lights and glanced out the window at the bright Montana moon hovering over the nearest mountains, she thought once again, “This really is the last best place – it was for Abigail and it is for me, too.”
The next morning Audrey woke early, and although she had an appointment with Bridget and Aunt Maggie at 10:00, her mind went back to the diary. She decided to take her coffee out to the lounge chair on the “morning” side of the porch and read just a few more excerpts before starting her day. The sun was just coming up over the eastern mountains and Audrey's heart did a little hand spring at seeing the beauty of a fresh morning in her little corner of the world. She opened the diary and started reading.
Diary entry 10 June 1903
“I've been neglecting you, dear diary, but my heart is full this morning and I just have to get my thoughts on paper. I'm sitting on the porch of the beautiful Wellington home – my home now – watching the sun rise over the mountains. It is so beautiful. My dear husband, Marcus, is still in bed. He works so hard here on the family ranch and his father has handed over the entire management of the ranch to him. My Marcus is so smart, so dependable, so dear and I love him with all my heart. The good Lord has given me so much and now I am with child. I have never been more happy.”
Audrey glanced at her watch and saw that she would never get everything done before her meeting unless she stopped reading, so she reluctantly closed the diary. Many questions flooded her mind as she fixed breakfast for Jamie and herself. Was the baby she just read about the one that died? Was that picture in the locket of that baby or the brother that came along later? How did Abigail and Alicia Conrad become such good friends that Abigail and Marcus named their firstborn for her? Then Audrey realized she needed to think about the pressing activities of the day. How had Bridget ended up in Montana when she had grown up in Minnesota? Who is she marrying and is he from Helena? Do I know his family? I am so happy to reconnect with my aunt and cousin – how can I make this wedding the most beautiful experience for Bridget?
by Rita Bleyeler
Saturday, May 2, 2009
The Wander List
I've added a blog list because I wanted you all to see my daughter's blog. She and her husband moved to NYC this year and she has created a blog. It's a view of the big city through the eyes of a journalist raised in Phoenix, Arizona. We can live vicariously through her. Needless to say I'm proud of her! See the link to the right or go to www.thewanderlist.com
Lit n Latte Book Club May 4th
I'm noticing a small reply to the upcoming meeting. Hope everyone is well and perhaps this is a busy time with summer almost here. How many think that Time Lottery would make a good TV series? I can even picture certain actors playing the parts. See the link for Lynne Austin, author of the May book selection.
It's time for another meeting and we will be discussing: “Time Lottery” by Nancy Moser.
The new choice for May, “Until We Reach Home” by Lynne Austin, is available for purchase now. Look on the shelf in the Christian book section and there are some on one of the center aisle tables marked Christian reading.
I'm looking forward to seeing you all. Let me know if you are enjoying the book this month.
It's time for another meeting and we will be discussing: “Time Lottery” by Nancy Moser.
The new choice for May, “Until We Reach Home” by Lynne Austin, is available for purchase now. Look on the shelf in the Christian book section and there are some on one of the center aisle tables marked Christian reading.
I'm looking forward to seeing you all. Let me know if you are enjoying the book this month.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Chapter Five with Editing :)
Chapter Five
Colossians 3:20 (NIV) "Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord."
Audrey should never have succumbed to that irresistible nap after lunch. As she rushed around to freshen up a bit before heading over to her appointment, she couldn't help but wonder what brought on her strange dream. Was it the mysterious questions about the attic artifacts that still remained after her lunch with Alicia Conrad Wellington Jackson a few days ago? Or perhaps, she subconsciously very nervous about being hired to help plan the wedding of her very first relative since she and Jamie left their families in Arizona for Montana almost 20 years ago?
Audrey's mom Lois was the eldest of the Johnson clan from L.A. Her Uncle Marc was the youngest and only brother, after a long line of sisters. Because of their big age difference, Audrey could even remember visiting her grandparent's home while Uncle Marc still lived there as a late teenager. How he had embarrassed her by making goo goo eyes and trying to steal a kiss from his girlfriend Maggie as he chased her around the pool table while they played billiards! They eventually fell truly in love, were happily married, and now it was their oldest daughter Bridget's turn to take the first step in the rest of her life.
As Audrey hopped off the eight sided porch and hurried towards her little Chapel office, she fondly remembered the first time she became aware of her young cousin's existence. When you're a small child, it's funny how the littlest of things can have a big impact on you. For example, Audrey remembered feeling so important when her kindergarten teacher asked her to be one of the two ends of a half-circle and help keep the kids in form while they grasped hands to sing the songs they had learned for their parents at the end of that first school year. Or, how her chest burst with pride that summer after 4th grade as she happened to be out playing over at another cousin's house, when Uncle Marc came bounding up the front walk with Aunt Maggie in hand to announce they were having a baby and she was the very first one the came to tell that day! It wasn't until she was an adult with her own first child on the way that Audrey realized it was impossible to keep such glorious news to oneself after it's discovered.
Bridget's impact on Audrey's life didn't stop there either. Three summers later, Uncle Marc had summoned all of the five Johnson sisters, their spouses, and children back to Minnesota for a bit of a family reunion. He and Aunt Maggie had had to relocate back there for work reasons not long after Bridget was born, and were missing their large family in a big way. Audrey's parents thought a road trip back to the Midwest for a summer vacation with the family sounded like a great idea! Dan requested time off from his job, and Lois spent many hours sewing cute short outfits for Audrey to wear that would keep her cool back in the humid weather.
Shortly after arriving at the big park where the reunion BBQ was to be held, Audrey sat playing cards for M&M's with one of her older cousins. She felt a tiny presence approaching, and turned around to see adorable little Bridget tottering up to her. Audrey bent down and said “Remember your cousin Audrey sweetie?” “Bet you didn't know that I was the first to find out that God was sending you down to earth to bless this family.” She was rewarded with a wet, toothy smile and swept Bridget up in her arms. How wonderful that toddler smelled! From the top of her head where her blond curls pressed upon her damp forehead above her big, blue eyes, down to where her chubby legs ended in a pair of tiny red Keds with the white rubber toe caps. They both giggled as Bridget stole almost every M&M Audrey won and popped it in her tiny mouth.
Now that Audrey comes to think of it, that's the very moment she fell in love with babies and realized she wanted to have a large family of her own. In fact, she spent the whole drive back to L.A. Daydreaming about having a dozen kids with her future husband, tooling around town in their VW bus with room for a playpen in the back, and trying to think up her favorite first and middle names for all of them!
Her first husband, may he rest in peace, had given her four of the best children a parent could hope for. Then Jamie brought three more loves into her life, and Audrey picked up the mantle from the women in his family who had lovingly taken over when their mother took off. With God's grace, Tyler made their family a perfect circle, just like his beloved basketball! She'd got two-thirds of the way to her dozen Audrey thought, as she laughed out loud and stepped over the office threshold.
Her laughter startled them because her partner Jill had done an excellent job, as usual, getting them engrossed in the plans at hand. Audrey could see both colorful and elegant samples of flower arrangements in the catalogs before them, as well several 8x10 photographs of Nina's scrumptious wedding cakes that had knocked the socks off of some of her previous couples and their guests. Jill had even thought to lay out a few pastries from the bakery to go with their afternoon tea. Simultaneously, her long lost cousin and aunt, and who she could only guess was the mother-in-law to be quickly turned around in their chairs to face Audrey.
Audrey's eyes began to water as she took in the beautiful woman Bridget had become, and felt the tentative warmth emanate from Aunt Maggie whose secret she'd shared, for just a moment, so long ago! Could she do a good enough job that this would be the kind of wedding to bring her back in touch with her family from out West, or would she remain seemingly estranged from her family like the Wellington brothers did as lunch guest Alicia had alleged just the other day? She could only hope. As Bridget and her stood to hug and greet her after such a long time, Audrey said, “Please tell me how I can make all your wedding dreams come true cousin!”
By Lisa Roberts
Colossians 3:20 (NIV) "Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord."
Audrey should never have succumbed to that irresistible nap after lunch. As she rushed around to freshen up a bit before heading over to her appointment, she couldn't help but wonder what brought on her strange dream. Was it the mysterious questions about the attic artifacts that still remained after her lunch with Alicia Conrad Wellington Jackson a few days ago? Or perhaps, she subconsciously very nervous about being hired to help plan the wedding of her very first relative since she and Jamie left their families in Arizona for Montana almost 20 years ago?
Audrey's mom Lois was the eldest of the Johnson clan from L.A. Her Uncle Marc was the youngest and only brother, after a long line of sisters. Because of their big age difference, Audrey could even remember visiting her grandparent's home while Uncle Marc still lived there as a late teenager. How he had embarrassed her by making goo goo eyes and trying to steal a kiss from his girlfriend Maggie as he chased her around the pool table while they played billiards! They eventually fell truly in love, were happily married, and now it was their oldest daughter Bridget's turn to take the first step in the rest of her life.
As Audrey hopped off the eight sided porch and hurried towards her little Chapel office, she fondly remembered the first time she became aware of her young cousin's existence. When you're a small child, it's funny how the littlest of things can have a big impact on you. For example, Audrey remembered feeling so important when her kindergarten teacher asked her to be one of the two ends of a half-circle and help keep the kids in form while they grasped hands to sing the songs they had learned for their parents at the end of that first school year. Or, how her chest burst with pride that summer after 4th grade as she happened to be out playing over at another cousin's house, when Uncle Marc came bounding up the front walk with Aunt Maggie in hand to announce they were having a baby and she was the very first one the came to tell that day! It wasn't until she was an adult with her own first child on the way that Audrey realized it was impossible to keep such glorious news to oneself after it's discovered.
Bridget's impact on Audrey's life didn't stop there either. Three summers later, Uncle Marc had summoned all of the five Johnson sisters, their spouses, and children back to Minnesota for a bit of a family reunion. He and Aunt Maggie had had to relocate back there for work reasons not long after Bridget was born, and were missing their large family in a big way. Audrey's parents thought a road trip back to the Midwest for a summer vacation with the family sounded like a great idea! Dan requested time off from his job, and Lois spent many hours sewing cute short outfits for Audrey to wear that would keep her cool back in the humid weather.
Shortly after arriving at the big park where the reunion BBQ was to be held, Audrey sat playing cards for M&M's with one of her older cousins. She felt a tiny presence approaching, and turned around to see adorable little Bridget tottering up to her. Audrey bent down and said “Remember your cousin Audrey sweetie?” “Bet you didn't know that I was the first to find out that God was sending you down to earth to bless this family.” She was rewarded with a wet, toothy smile and swept Bridget up in her arms. How wonderful that toddler smelled! From the top of her head where her blond curls pressed upon her damp forehead above her big, blue eyes, down to where her chubby legs ended in a pair of tiny red Keds with the white rubber toe caps. They both giggled as Bridget stole almost every M&M Audrey won and popped it in her tiny mouth.
Now that Audrey comes to think of it, that's the very moment she fell in love with babies and realized she wanted to have a large family of her own. In fact, she spent the whole drive back to L.A. Daydreaming about having a dozen kids with her future husband, tooling around town in their VW bus with room for a playpen in the back, and trying to think up her favorite first and middle names for all of them!
Her first husband, may he rest in peace, had given her four of the best children a parent could hope for. Then Jamie brought three more loves into her life, and Audrey picked up the mantle from the women in his family who had lovingly taken over when their mother took off. With God's grace, Tyler made their family a perfect circle, just like his beloved basketball! She'd got two-thirds of the way to her dozen Audrey thought, as she laughed out loud and stepped over the office threshold.
Her laughter startled them because her partner Jill had done an excellent job, as usual, getting them engrossed in the plans at hand. Audrey could see both colorful and elegant samples of flower arrangements in the catalogs before them, as well several 8x10 photographs of Nina's scrumptious wedding cakes that had knocked the socks off of some of her previous couples and their guests. Jill had even thought to lay out a few pastries from the bakery to go with their afternoon tea. Simultaneously, her long lost cousin and aunt, and who she could only guess was the mother-in-law to be quickly turned around in their chairs to face Audrey.
Audrey's eyes began to water as she took in the beautiful woman Bridget had become, and felt the tentative warmth emanate from Aunt Maggie whose secret she'd shared, for just a moment, so long ago! Could she do a good enough job that this would be the kind of wedding to bring her back in touch with her family from out West, or would she remain seemingly estranged from her family like the Wellington brothers did as lunch guest Alicia had alleged just the other day? She could only hope. As Bridget and her stood to hug and greet her after such a long time, Audrey said, “Please tell me how I can make all your wedding dreams come true cousin!”
By Lisa Roberts
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Time Lottery it will be!
Wonderful news! I received the shipment of books from Christianbook.com. We will be able to read Time Lottery by Nancy Moser. I will bring them to the meeting and you may purchase from me for the fantastic price of $2.00. If you will not be able to attend and want to purchase the book I'll try to make arrangements with you. Just give me a call or send me an email. I live in the area of 43rd Ave and Bell Rd. My phone is
602-573-1469. If you have a friend attending maybe they can get the book to you. We'll work it out. Can't wait to see you all on Monday! ;)
602-573-1469. If you have a friend attending maybe they can get the book to you. We'll work it out. Can't wait to see you all on Monday! ;)
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Book for April
Hey Ladies!
The book we will read in April is "Time Lottery" by Nancy Moser. The suggestions from Rita are for May or sometime in the future. Keep reading "Blue Heart Blessed"...stay focused. Thanks, Regena
The book we will read in April is "Time Lottery" by Nancy Moser. The suggestions from Rita are for May or sometime in the future. Keep reading "Blue Heart Blessed"...stay focused. Thanks, Regena
Happy Reading
We have an extra week of reading before the April book club meeting! Since we met on March 1st and the first Monday in April is April 6th that gives us five weeks of reading. We are currently reading "Blue Heart Blessed" by Susan Meissner. The group decided on "Time Lottery" by Nancy Moser for our April read. Kim Haar said she would like to read another daughter, mother, grandmother, somewhere in the past story. Along the lines of Lynne Austin. I asked one of my "super" readers, Rita, for some titles by perhaps a different author. Let me know what you all think. Here's what she suggested:
"The two authors I am suggesting do not write exactly like Lynn Austin, but each involves a grandmother & granddaughter and both tell of the grandmother's history. One is The Amethyst Heart by Penelope J. Stokes and the other is one I recommended before, Winter Passing by Cindy McCormick Martinusen I liked both a lot. I have also just finished This Side of Heaven by Karen Kingsbury and Where The River Ends by Charles Martin. I am struggling through John Adams now. It is quite interesting but detailed and LONG!"
"The two authors I am suggesting do not write exactly like Lynn Austin, but each involves a grandmother & granddaughter and both tell of the grandmother's history. One is The Amethyst Heart by Penelope J. Stokes and the other is one I recommended before, Winter Passing by Cindy McCormick Martinusen I liked both a lot. I have also just finished This Side of Heaven by Karen Kingsbury and Where The River Ends by Charles Martin. I am struggling through John Adams now. It is quite interesting but detailed and LONG!"
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Never Argue With A Woman
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Never Argue with a Woman ! ! !
One morning the husband returns after several hours of fishing and
decides to take a nap. Although not familiar with the lake, the wife
decides to take the boat out. She motors out a short distance,
anchors, and reads her book.
Along comes a Game Warden in his boat. He pulls up alongside the
woman and says, "Good morning, Ma'am.
What are you doing?"
"Reading a book," she replies, (thinking, "Isn't that obvious?")
"You're in a Restricted Fishing Area," he informs her
"I'm sorry, officer, but I'm not fishing.
I'm reading"
"Yes, but you have all the equipment. For all I know you could
start at any moment. I'll have to take you in and write you up."
"For reading a book," she replies,
"You're in a Restricted Fishing Area," he informs her again,
"I'm sorry, officer, but I'm not fishing.
I'm reading"
"Yes, but you have all the equipment. For all I know you could
start at any moment. I'll have to take you in and write you up."
"If you do that, I'll have to charge you with Sexual assault,"
says the woman.
"But I haven't even touched you," says the game warden.
"That's true, but you have all the equipment.
For all I know you could start at any moment."
"Have a nice day ma'am," and he left.
MORAL: Never argue with a woman who reads. It's likely she can
also think.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Never Argue with a Woman ! ! !
One morning the husband returns after several hours of fishing and
decides to take a nap. Although not familiar with the lake, the wife
decides to take the boat out. She motors out a short distance,
anchors, and reads her book.
Along comes a Game Warden in his boat. He pulls up alongside the
woman and says, "Good morning, Ma'am.
What are you doing?"
"Reading a book," she replies, (thinking, "Isn't that obvious?")
"You're in a Restricted Fishing Area," he informs her
"I'm sorry, officer, but I'm not fishing.
I'm reading"
"Yes, but you have all the equipment. For all I know you could
start at any moment. I'll have to take you in and write you up."
"For reading a book," she replies,
"You're in a Restricted Fishing Area," he informs her again,
"I'm sorry, officer, but I'm not fishing.
I'm reading"
"Yes, but you have all the equipment. For all I know you could
start at any moment. I'll have to take you in and write you up."
"If you do that, I'll have to charge you with Sexual assault,"
says the woman.
"But I haven't even touched you," says the game warden.
"That's true, but you have all the equipment.
For all I know you could start at any moment."
"Have a nice day ma'am," and he left.
MORAL: Never argue with a woman who reads. It's likely she can
also think.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Chapter Four
Mountain Rose
Dark brown timber, white aspens, rivets of flowers of a million types surrounding blue and forested mountains. There were 77 ranges in these rocky mountains, of which many small towns existed. Helena had special feeling, it can be called an aura about it. The town was on its way to being built by the entrepreneurs of the west, as you can call it or by those that had made excellent cash on their existing ranches. The old barn, octagon house, and young couple of citizens of the town were unusual stories. Many to be known as true and others that held a mystery to it all.
If you can imagine Audrey and Jaime in the Shining big Star planning the future and what it could bring. It was friendship for many years and as time passed they were looked upon as being the only lovers in Helena, unless other love relationships hidden the shadows. Their lives weren't to cross as Audrey's less fortunate parents and Jaime's family of high stature were not in agreement. Both felt that they needed to get away from the town gossip. Jaime dwelled on his work. Audrey disappeared. Her parents had hired investigators and the state and local police were on it right away with dogs. Not a broken twig or piece of clothing could not be found. Jaimie's 4 vehicles were searched and he wore a surly face upon him when questioned.
The townspeople always questioned what they call the accident or disappearance of Audrey, but the stories grew less and less as time went on. The blue sky mountains and springs offered a tempestuous setting for weddings. It offered many amenities in planning the weddings which Jill was able to do with the gracious gifts given to her by the Sinclair family. Advertising for the wedding planning as well as ads in newspapers everywhere from Montana to New York, Jill hired help and also put her energy into financing a new and used book store on the corner of the now up and raised town. Many people visited or bought books and newspapers from various cities. Several mountain men who came to the shop looked at picture book or magazines, many could not read. The store grew and Jill ran ads for a larger storefront. The candle and scent shop began as a rather small expense but flourished with advertising at first in the immediate area and then the state. They put on special displays for various holidays and birthdays.
Audrey never came back to Helena. Everyone spoke of the wind that rustled sometimes sounded as someone was calling her name. Everyone knew that Audrey had significantly talke3d about various towns and cities in Arizona and had 2 catalogs which she constantly browsed through. She said that one of the cities had a pumpkin festival far beyond her dreams and an amazing red rock area where she wanted to paint and hike. Of course she had many dreams of areas to visit and scads of travel brochures. One thing she had told her mother was "the deserts don't grow Mountain roses" that is the way she used her vocabulary.
Audrey Rose
Where did you go?
You ran away
I suppose
You cry or mourn
Your infectious smile
How many miles
Did you roam
Our Mountain Rose
By Jo Ann Pellini
The phone rings, startling Audrey from a deep troubled sleep.
"Hello?" she says sleepily.
"Audrey, it's Jill! Did you forget that we were meeting with the Johnson bridal party at 2:00?" said Jill frantically.
"Jill, I'm so sorry. Wow, did I just have a crazy wild dream. Your not thinking about taking over my Best Place for Weddings business are you?"
"Audrey, that's not funny. I would never do that." Jill said.
"Just kidding, I'll have to tell you about it later. Can you stall the Johnsons until I can get there? Show them some of the floral catalogs."
"Your the boss! I'll brew up a pot of tea also." Jill said with relief.
Audrey shook her head, too many murder mystery novels lately. Although, she did sometimes yearn to get away and not tell anyone where she was going. But Jamie, her sweet, wonderful man, suspect of foul play? Not on your life! She liked the poem though and wrote it down in her journal for later.
by Gena P.
Dark brown timber, white aspens, rivets of flowers of a million types surrounding blue and forested mountains. There were 77 ranges in these rocky mountains, of which many small towns existed. Helena had special feeling, it can be called an aura about it. The town was on its way to being built by the entrepreneurs of the west, as you can call it or by those that had made excellent cash on their existing ranches. The old barn, octagon house, and young couple of citizens of the town were unusual stories. Many to be known as true and others that held a mystery to it all.
If you can imagine Audrey and Jaime in the Shining big Star planning the future and what it could bring. It was friendship for many years and as time passed they were looked upon as being the only lovers in Helena, unless other love relationships hidden the shadows. Their lives weren't to cross as Audrey's less fortunate parents and Jaime's family of high stature were not in agreement. Both felt that they needed to get away from the town gossip. Jaime dwelled on his work. Audrey disappeared. Her parents had hired investigators and the state and local police were on it right away with dogs. Not a broken twig or piece of clothing could not be found. Jaimie's 4 vehicles were searched and he wore a surly face upon him when questioned.
The townspeople always questioned what they call the accident or disappearance of Audrey, but the stories grew less and less as time went on. The blue sky mountains and springs offered a tempestuous setting for weddings. It offered many amenities in planning the weddings which Jill was able to do with the gracious gifts given to her by the Sinclair family. Advertising for the wedding planning as well as ads in newspapers everywhere from Montana to New York, Jill hired help and also put her energy into financing a new and used book store on the corner of the now up and raised town. Many people visited or bought books and newspapers from various cities. Several mountain men who came to the shop looked at picture book or magazines, many could not read. The store grew and Jill ran ads for a larger storefront. The candle and scent shop began as a rather small expense but flourished with advertising at first in the immediate area and then the state. They put on special displays for various holidays and birthdays.
Audrey never came back to Helena. Everyone spoke of the wind that rustled sometimes sounded as someone was calling her name. Everyone knew that Audrey had significantly talke3d about various towns and cities in Arizona and had 2 catalogs which she constantly browsed through. She said that one of the cities had a pumpkin festival far beyond her dreams and an amazing red rock area where she wanted to paint and hike. Of course she had many dreams of areas to visit and scads of travel brochures. One thing she had told her mother was "the deserts don't grow Mountain roses" that is the way she used her vocabulary.
Audrey Rose
Where did you go?
You ran away
I suppose
You cry or mourn
Your infectious smile
How many miles
Did you roam
Our Mountain Rose
By Jo Ann Pellini
The phone rings, startling Audrey from a deep troubled sleep.
"Hello?" she says sleepily.
"Audrey, it's Jill! Did you forget that we were meeting with the Johnson bridal party at 2:00?" said Jill frantically.
"Jill, I'm so sorry. Wow, did I just have a crazy wild dream. Your not thinking about taking over my Best Place for Weddings business are you?"
"Audrey, that's not funny. I would never do that." Jill said.
"Just kidding, I'll have to tell you about it later. Can you stall the Johnsons until I can get there? Show them some of the floral catalogs."
"Your the boss! I'll brew up a pot of tea also." Jill said with relief.
Audrey shook her head, too many murder mystery novels lately. Although, she did sometimes yearn to get away and not tell anyone where she was going. But Jamie, her sweet, wonderful man, suspect of foul play? Not on your life! She liked the poem though and wrote it down in her journal for later.
by Gena P.
2nd Test
I'm working on some bugs here. This a test to see if I create an email list will the receiver be able to click on a link to this blog.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
This is a test....
This is a test to see if any of my book club ladies are reading our blog. This Monday, March 2nd is our meeting. If you have read this I want you to give me the password. The password is the answer to this question "Who is my favorite author that writes scary stories?" If you know me then you know that it is Frank Peretti. So when you come to the meeting ask me if I've read any Peretti books lately. A question I want to discuss with you all is what scares you in a book? Is it the unknown, the presence of evil, the demonic, death, being trapped, tortured, or confused? Do you find yourself talking to the characters, "Don't go in there alone! He's lying to you!"
In a movie is it the background music, a sudden bump or scream? Do you ever wonder how some of the authors can sleep at night? I'm looking forward to a great discussion because this book, "Dark Pursuit", was a good read!
In a movie is it the background music, a sudden bump or scream? Do you ever wonder how some of the authors can sleep at night? I'm looking forward to a great discussion because this book, "Dark Pursuit", was a good read!
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Quote from our March author's website
I added the link to Susan Meissner's website. She's the author of "Blue Heart Blessed" I love this quote she has on her site....
We write not to be understood, but to understand.
Think on this when you consider what you may add to our story journal
MONTANA ROSE
We write not to be understood, but to understand.
Think on this when you consider what you may add to our story journal
MONTANA ROSE
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
March Book Club Meeting
It's time for another meeting and we will be discussing: “Dark Pursuit” by Brandilyn Collins.
The new choice for March, “Blue Heart Blessed” by Susan Meissner, will be available for purchase. This is a tender story about losing love and finding yourself. A much different tempo, we will definitely be changing gears from February to March.
Join us on March 2nd at 7:00 p.m.
Arrowhead Barnes and Noble Bookstore
7685 West Bell Road
Peoria, AZ
We always have a great time sharing our love for books and building friendships with some mighty fine ladies.
Please check out the websites I have listed and catch up on some of our favorite authors.
The new choice for March, “Blue Heart Blessed” by Susan Meissner, will be available for purchase. This is a tender story about losing love and finding yourself. A much different tempo, we will definitely be changing gears from February to March.
Join us on March 2nd at 7:00 p.m.
Arrowhead Barnes and Noble Bookstore
7685 West Bell Road
Peoria, AZ
We always have a great time sharing our love for books and building friendships with some mighty fine ladies.
Please check out the websites I have listed and catch up on some of our favorite authors.
Monday, February 9, 2009
February's Book
We are reading "Dark Pursuit" by Brandilyn Collins and I have to say this is intense. A different type of "scary" than the club has read before. There is not a monster in the woods but someone in this story is a monster. I'm loving that it is about an author or shall we say authors trying to write a story. I can identify with that. For the squeamish, maybe you better read this with all of the lights on and as the author says "Don't forget to breath..." Notice her website link is to the right of this blog. Oh and, Happy Valentines day....
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Montana Rose Chapter Three
Chapter Three
Psalm 30:5 “...weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. “
I, Abigail R. McAllister, do solemnly swear that I will leave Montana and never return.
Diary entry 12 December, 1889
Tonight was the most humiliating night of my life! I despise Alicia Conrad and will never speak of her again! She has had designs on Bradley Wellington since we were ten years old. Everyone knows that Bradley’s heart belongs to me. Didn’t he ask me to the church picnic last Easter, walk me home from the school house every day, and most important of all…invite me as his guest to the Wellington Christmas Social? Now everything is ruined, how can I ever show my face again? Thanks to Bradley’s older brother, Marcus, I was able to leave the Wellington ranch with some dignity in tack.
The night began so magically, I in my new organza dress. Papa had the fabric sent from New York City. He let Mama hire a seamstress from Kalispell to make the dress. The same seamstress that Alisha Conrad uses…Oh dear, I mentioned her name again. That will be the last time, from henceforth I will refer to that girl as the flirt. Bradley in his waistcoat. I thought I would dance the night away with my dear handsome Bradley, but soon he disappeared and I, Abbey McAllister, was left alone to stand with the other wallflowers. Marcus Wellington rescued me after awhile and danced a few with me. Poor fellow, not as dashing and exciting as Bradley. A handsome man but so predictable, reliable, quiet, shy. He certainly surprised me to be so bold as to ask me to dance and how could I turn him down? What could we talk about? Marcus and his books and figures, with managing his family’s ranch, me with my grand ideas of traveling the world. Someday I would dance in Queen Victoria’s palace and meet the crown Princes of Europe. We managed somehow, and just as I was beginning to enjoy the night, it happened. Marcus offered me some punch and we stepped outside to look at the stars. I heard the familiar laughter of my sweet Bradley mixed with a female voice. Marcus grabbed my elbow and told me not to look and then he whisked me back into the foyer. I had just enough time to look at the couple and right away I recognized “the flirt’s” dress. A pink frock that looked almost identical to mine.
Diary entry 5 January, 1890
Today I'm leaving for Anoka Springs, Minnesota to live with my Aunt Tessa. I can never come back to Helena. Papa says it's for the best but I can tell that Mama has been crying. Dear sweet Mama, she is so hurt that I'm leaving. She thinks I am selfish and leaving for childish reasons. She can never know the truth. Papa helped me find a school for teachers and we told Mama that this is best for me because I never will marry. Wish that was not true but in my heart I know it is. Bradley does not know, not that he would care anymore. I wish I could say goodbye to Marcus and thank him for his kindness but there is too great of a risk in seeing anyone in Helena.
Audrey finished up the last of the mornings dishes and began to set the table for her lunch guest. She was meeting with Alicia Wellington Jackson today and needed things to be perfect. Alicia was the last surviving relative of the Wellington family, the original owners of the property that she and Jamie had purchased in East Helena. At eight five she had a sharp mind and had been the town historian. Audrey wanted to interview her about the history of the house and the Wellington family. She knew that the house was built in 1890 by Alicia's great grandfather, Marcus Bradley Wellington.
The house was unusual for it's time, an octagon shape with a porch that wrapped around the entire house. You could drink your coffee in the morning and watch the sunrise on one side and then move to the swing on the other side to see the sun set. Audrey had remodeled the interior and took great care to keep with the Victorian era decorating. Many days she would find a tourist at her door asking if they could take a tour of the house. Word had spread through the town of the amazing job she had done in restoring the old house to it's original splendor. The second floor had been the ballroom and still had the original hardwood floors. It had been quite the place for social events and she heard that there were many parties and balls held by the family. Montana was home to a great deal of the wealthiest people of the 1890's. Their money came from silver mining and the railroad industry.
Two bedrooms were added in the 1940's which Jamie decided to keep so that Tyler would have a recreation area for his friends. The ceiling was high so a basketball hoop now was at the center the floor. Audrey had discovered a trunk in the attic that looked to have been long forgotten. The lock had rusted and Jamie had to use great force to open it. Inside she found a wedding dress, some faded pictures, a locket with a baby picture in it and a diary. The diary of Abigail McAllister.
Alicia Conrad arrived and Audrey welcomed her into the house. She marveled at the transformation of the old run down house.
“Bless your heart Audrey! My papa would have been so happy to see this home like this again.” Alicia exclaimed.
“I'm glad you approve. It's been a very satisfying project. I wanted to ask you some more questions about the history of the house.” Audrey said.
“Ask away, it's one of my favorite things to talk about. I wish my son had been interested but the small town life was not for him. He's been in Los Angeles for 60 years. Went into real estate selling homes to the Hollywood stars.” Alicia said proudly.
Audrey smiled. “What was your great grandfather's name?”
“Marcus Bradley Wellington and he had two sons, Marcus and Bradley.”
“I found a diary in the house that has me puzzled Alicia. The person writing it was named Abigail R. McAllister. Who was Abigail?” Audrey asked.
“Abigail was my grandmother, she went by Rose. My grandfather loved her more than anything.” Alicia explained.
“So she came back and married Bradley after all, right?”
“Oh dear no. Bradley Wellington disappeared in 1901 and he was never spoken of in our family again. There are some that say he ran off with a good deal of his father's silver, others think he was killed by Indians. I'm a romantic and I like to think he went off to California to be a part of the Gold Rush.” said Alicia. “Rose married my grandfather, Marcus Wellington Jr.”
“Aw, Marcus won her heart. They had children of course.”
“Two children, only my father survived. There was a baby girl who died in infancy. My father didn't know much about her. They named her Alicia Rose. I'm named after her.” Alicia said.
“Alicia was a common name for that time? She mentions an Alicia Conrad in the diary.” Audrey wondered.
“It would seem that way, I never made that connection before. The Conrad family has had close ties to the Wellington's. They settled in Montana the same time that my great grandfather did. There is a mansion in Kalispell that you can tour now. I believe my grandmother was friends with Alicia. I suppose that could be why she named her baby the same.”
Now that would be something, Audrey thought. What happened in between running off to Anoka Springs, never to return, and coming back to Marcus and staying in Montana for the rest of her life? What about this baby that died, is that the baby in the locket?
Psalm 30:5 “...weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. “
I, Abigail R. McAllister, do solemnly swear that I will leave Montana and never return.
Diary entry 12 December, 1889
Tonight was the most humiliating night of my life! I despise Alicia Conrad and will never speak of her again! She has had designs on Bradley Wellington since we were ten years old. Everyone knows that Bradley’s heart belongs to me. Didn’t he ask me to the church picnic last Easter, walk me home from the school house every day, and most important of all…invite me as his guest to the Wellington Christmas Social? Now everything is ruined, how can I ever show my face again? Thanks to Bradley’s older brother, Marcus, I was able to leave the Wellington ranch with some dignity in tack.
The night began so magically, I in my new organza dress. Papa had the fabric sent from New York City. He let Mama hire a seamstress from Kalispell to make the dress. The same seamstress that Alisha Conrad uses…Oh dear, I mentioned her name again. That will be the last time, from henceforth I will refer to that girl as the flirt. Bradley in his waistcoat. I thought I would dance the night away with my dear handsome Bradley, but soon he disappeared and I, Abbey McAllister, was left alone to stand with the other wallflowers. Marcus Wellington rescued me after awhile and danced a few with me. Poor fellow, not as dashing and exciting as Bradley. A handsome man but so predictable, reliable, quiet, shy. He certainly surprised me to be so bold as to ask me to dance and how could I turn him down? What could we talk about? Marcus and his books and figures, with managing his family’s ranch, me with my grand ideas of traveling the world. Someday I would dance in Queen Victoria’s palace and meet the crown Princes of Europe. We managed somehow, and just as I was beginning to enjoy the night, it happened. Marcus offered me some punch and we stepped outside to look at the stars. I heard the familiar laughter of my sweet Bradley mixed with a female voice. Marcus grabbed my elbow and told me not to look and then he whisked me back into the foyer. I had just enough time to look at the couple and right away I recognized “the flirt’s” dress. A pink frock that looked almost identical to mine.
Diary entry 5 January, 1890
Today I'm leaving for Anoka Springs, Minnesota to live with my Aunt Tessa. I can never come back to Helena. Papa says it's for the best but I can tell that Mama has been crying. Dear sweet Mama, she is so hurt that I'm leaving. She thinks I am selfish and leaving for childish reasons. She can never know the truth. Papa helped me find a school for teachers and we told Mama that this is best for me because I never will marry. Wish that was not true but in my heart I know it is. Bradley does not know, not that he would care anymore. I wish I could say goodbye to Marcus and thank him for his kindness but there is too great of a risk in seeing anyone in Helena.
Audrey finished up the last of the mornings dishes and began to set the table for her lunch guest. She was meeting with Alicia Wellington Jackson today and needed things to be perfect. Alicia was the last surviving relative of the Wellington family, the original owners of the property that she and Jamie had purchased in East Helena. At eight five she had a sharp mind and had been the town historian. Audrey wanted to interview her about the history of the house and the Wellington family. She knew that the house was built in 1890 by Alicia's great grandfather, Marcus Bradley Wellington.
The house was unusual for it's time, an octagon shape with a porch that wrapped around the entire house. You could drink your coffee in the morning and watch the sunrise on one side and then move to the swing on the other side to see the sun set. Audrey had remodeled the interior and took great care to keep with the Victorian era decorating. Many days she would find a tourist at her door asking if they could take a tour of the house. Word had spread through the town of the amazing job she had done in restoring the old house to it's original splendor. The second floor had been the ballroom and still had the original hardwood floors. It had been quite the place for social events and she heard that there were many parties and balls held by the family. Montana was home to a great deal of the wealthiest people of the 1890's. Their money came from silver mining and the railroad industry.
Two bedrooms were added in the 1940's which Jamie decided to keep so that Tyler would have a recreation area for his friends. The ceiling was high so a basketball hoop now was at the center the floor. Audrey had discovered a trunk in the attic that looked to have been long forgotten. The lock had rusted and Jamie had to use great force to open it. Inside she found a wedding dress, some faded pictures, a locket with a baby picture in it and a diary. The diary of Abigail McAllister.
Alicia Conrad arrived and Audrey welcomed her into the house. She marveled at the transformation of the old run down house.
“Bless your heart Audrey! My papa would have been so happy to see this home like this again.” Alicia exclaimed.
“I'm glad you approve. It's been a very satisfying project. I wanted to ask you some more questions about the history of the house.” Audrey said.
“Ask away, it's one of my favorite things to talk about. I wish my son had been interested but the small town life was not for him. He's been in Los Angeles for 60 years. Went into real estate selling homes to the Hollywood stars.” Alicia said proudly.
Audrey smiled. “What was your great grandfather's name?”
“Marcus Bradley Wellington and he had two sons, Marcus and Bradley.”
“I found a diary in the house that has me puzzled Alicia. The person writing it was named Abigail R. McAllister. Who was Abigail?” Audrey asked.
“Abigail was my grandmother, she went by Rose. My grandfather loved her more than anything.” Alicia explained.
“So she came back and married Bradley after all, right?”
“Oh dear no. Bradley Wellington disappeared in 1901 and he was never spoken of in our family again. There are some that say he ran off with a good deal of his father's silver, others think he was killed by Indians. I'm a romantic and I like to think he went off to California to be a part of the Gold Rush.” said Alicia. “Rose married my grandfather, Marcus Wellington Jr.”
“Aw, Marcus won her heart. They had children of course.”
“Two children, only my father survived. There was a baby girl who died in infancy. My father didn't know much about her. They named her Alicia Rose. I'm named after her.” Alicia said.
“Alicia was a common name for that time? She mentions an Alicia Conrad in the diary.” Audrey wondered.
“It would seem that way, I never made that connection before. The Conrad family has had close ties to the Wellington's. They settled in Montana the same time that my great grandfather did. There is a mansion in Kalispell that you can tour now. I believe my grandmother was friends with Alicia. I suppose that could be why she named her baby the same.”
Now that would be something, Audrey thought. What happened in between running off to Anoka Springs, never to return, and coming back to Marcus and staying in Montana for the rest of her life? What about this baby that died, is that the baby in the locket?
Montana Rose Chapter Two
Chapter Two
I Samuel 16:7 “For the Lord sees not as a man sees; for man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”
Audrey Rose Hamilton was a young widow with four children when she moved to the small town of Youngstown, Arizona. With her late husband's life insurance she was able to buy a simple house and a life that would protect her children from the dangers of Los Angeles. Her parents, Lois and Dan Miller, came also and helped her cope with single parenthood. As a grandfather Dan brought that much needed safety and security for the children. Lois was always there with a ready prayer and wise words when Audrey and the children needed guidance. They vowed to always be there as long the family needed them.
The Hamilton family quickly settled into the small community. They were active in church and the boys played baseball with the neighborhood little league team. To occupy her time Audrey made quilts and gift baskets to sell at rummage sales and gift shops. It was the Sinclair Farm Pumpkin Festival that would change her life forever.
She was invited to display her wares in the antique gift shop year round at the Sinclair farm and that was when she first heard mention of Jamie Sinclair. He was the owner's son and the ladies did swoon for him. Audrey didn't see what all the talk was about. He was a tall, strong man, with a nice smile and a pleasant face but desperately in need of a woman's guidance in the area of fashion. She smiled now to think of it, the plaid shirts with striped pants, sandals with dark socks. The uneven haircut and long sideburns dated him to the late seventies. One of their first dates was a shopping trip to choose some new items for Jamie's wardrobe so they could go out for a nice dinner together.
James Michael Sinclair Jr was a divorced father of three. His wife of ten years one day decided she could no longer live the farm life and left him high and dry with three young children to care for. She had always been a melancholy sort and he never knew from one day to the next what to expect when he came home each evening. Most often it was an untidy home, unkept children, and an unprepared dinner. Her leaving wasn't too much of a shock because she already left the family emotionally many years ago. He did the best he could and depended on his mother and sisters in the care of his young sons and daughter. When Audrey came into the picture their world changed drastically. There were hot showers every night and she made them use soap! Best of all were the good hot meals with grace said at the table as a family. A blended family. Audrey's three sons, Joe, Jacob, and Tommy, and her daughter Stacey. Jamie's two sons, Brad and Mark and his daughter Janie. After they were married the Lord blessed them with one more son, Tyler James Sinclair.
Their very first date began with an unexpected phone call from Jamie.
“Audrey? This is Jamie Sinclair from Sinclair Farms.”, said the voice on the phone.
Audrey smiled at the sound of his voice. It had been seven years since she had received any calls from a man, for business or pleasure. She assumed he was calling about her quilts.
“Hello Jamie. I'm sorry I haven't been in the store lately. It's just that the children haven't been well and,” she hesitated.
“Well now Audrey, I wasn't calling about the store. It's just that it's my birthday today and I thought you'd like to come out to the farm for some cake with my family.” he said.
Cake with his family? The Sinclair family? The wealthiest family in the county, THE Sinclairs?
“This is a surprise Jamie, are you sure you want to invite me?” Audrey asked.
“I'm very sure.” he said emphatically.
They made arrangements for Jamie to pick her up. Audrey hung up the phone and shook her head. She had never exchanged more than a few words with this man and out of the blue he was inviting her for cake. A date no less. He was so calm and assured of himself, never doubting that she would accept his invitation. This took her back some but something about him intrigued her, he was a man with a quiet confidence in himself.
“Well Lord,” she thought, “Maybe you're bringing that new chapter into my life that I’ve been hoping for.”
Jamie informed his mother and sisters that he was inviting a friend over for cake tonight.
“Could they please have cake and ice cream ready for his birthday?” Jamie had requested.
“A friend?” his mother said.
“Who might this friend be my son?”
“I've invited the girl who brings quilts to the store. Audrey Hamilton is her name.” Jamie said.
His mother and sisters exchanged looks of disbelief. What good could come of this? Audrey was a beautiful girl, too beautiful for Jamie. A city girl couldn’t adapt to a life on the farm. Sinclair women were tough, they had to be able to jump on a tractor to help out their men when needed. Jamie's first wife had already run from the pressures and struggles. This girl would never make it. What could be Audrey's interest in seeing Jamie anyway? Could it be his money? They had heard that she was a widow, trying to raise four children on her own. This Audrey Rose had another thing coming if she thought she had found a ticket to an easy ride.
When Audrey returned home late that evening she was surprised to find her parents waiting up for her in the kitchen, their faces strained with worry.
“What’s wrong?” she asked.
“Was there a problem with the children?”
Her mother spoke first, “No, they were fine. Your father and I have been praying and we feel it’s time to have a talk with you.”
“Audrey Rose what are your plans with this man?” her father demanded.
“My plans? Dad, I just had cake at his parent’s house. It means nothing. What are you two so worried about?” she said.
“This Sinclair man has a wife doesn’t he?” he asked.
“He had a wife, they divorced five years ago,” Audrey explained.
“Audrey, you are playing with fire if you continue to see this man,” Dan Miller’s voice was shaking now.
“Times have changed Dad, we don’t live under the law now, this is New Testament times.” Audrey said with a shrug, “I’m turning in now, I love you both. Please don’t worry about me, I’m a big girl and can handle my own affairs.”
Her mother softly pleaded, “Please pray about this, you have your children to think about. The Lord won’t bless something that is not His will.”
The Lord won’t bless something that is not His will, those words still rang in her ears today. Sixteen years, a new child, seven teenagers and one thousand miles away and her mother’s voice still haunted Audrey. She and Jamie had fallen fast for each other and had truly felt that God had brought them together. Each had thought they would never love again and then suddenly they were in love and planning a life with each other. Surely their parents would come around and the children would adjust. They had even sought the counsel of their pastor before announcing their plans. He had warned them that it is not an easy road to blend two families together, but as long as God was the center of their lives He would see them through. Things had been difficult at times but the one constant was their love for each other and their faith in God. It seemed like God blessed and provided them everything but their relationship with each family was strained at best. Jamie and Audrey had finally decided to strike out on their own and leave the Sinclair family business. It meant being far away from their adult children and their growing families but the hope was to encourage them to visit often. As the grandchildren grew older they could spend summers on the ranch. Audrey and Jamie prayed that one day there would be a reconciliation with their parents. “Whatever it takes Lord” had been the cry of their hearts. Audrey wondered what it would take to move their hearts. She missed the close bond with her parents, the chats at the kitchen table with her mother. Sharing a scripture for the day..
“Whatever it takes Lord,” she whispered to herself.
I Samuel 16:7 “For the Lord sees not as a man sees; for man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”
Audrey Rose Hamilton was a young widow with four children when she moved to the small town of Youngstown, Arizona. With her late husband's life insurance she was able to buy a simple house and a life that would protect her children from the dangers of Los Angeles. Her parents, Lois and Dan Miller, came also and helped her cope with single parenthood. As a grandfather Dan brought that much needed safety and security for the children. Lois was always there with a ready prayer and wise words when Audrey and the children needed guidance. They vowed to always be there as long the family needed them.
The Hamilton family quickly settled into the small community. They were active in church and the boys played baseball with the neighborhood little league team. To occupy her time Audrey made quilts and gift baskets to sell at rummage sales and gift shops. It was the Sinclair Farm Pumpkin Festival that would change her life forever.
She was invited to display her wares in the antique gift shop year round at the Sinclair farm and that was when she first heard mention of Jamie Sinclair. He was the owner's son and the ladies did swoon for him. Audrey didn't see what all the talk was about. He was a tall, strong man, with a nice smile and a pleasant face but desperately in need of a woman's guidance in the area of fashion. She smiled now to think of it, the plaid shirts with striped pants, sandals with dark socks. The uneven haircut and long sideburns dated him to the late seventies. One of their first dates was a shopping trip to choose some new items for Jamie's wardrobe so they could go out for a nice dinner together.
James Michael Sinclair Jr was a divorced father of three. His wife of ten years one day decided she could no longer live the farm life and left him high and dry with three young children to care for. She had always been a melancholy sort and he never knew from one day to the next what to expect when he came home each evening. Most often it was an untidy home, unkept children, and an unprepared dinner. Her leaving wasn't too much of a shock because she already left the family emotionally many years ago. He did the best he could and depended on his mother and sisters in the care of his young sons and daughter. When Audrey came into the picture their world changed drastically. There were hot showers every night and she made them use soap! Best of all were the good hot meals with grace said at the table as a family. A blended family. Audrey's three sons, Joe, Jacob, and Tommy, and her daughter Stacey. Jamie's two sons, Brad and Mark and his daughter Janie. After they were married the Lord blessed them with one more son, Tyler James Sinclair.
Their very first date began with an unexpected phone call from Jamie.
“Audrey? This is Jamie Sinclair from Sinclair Farms.”, said the voice on the phone.
Audrey smiled at the sound of his voice. It had been seven years since she had received any calls from a man, for business or pleasure. She assumed he was calling about her quilts.
“Hello Jamie. I'm sorry I haven't been in the store lately. It's just that the children haven't been well and,” she hesitated.
“Well now Audrey, I wasn't calling about the store. It's just that it's my birthday today and I thought you'd like to come out to the farm for some cake with my family.” he said.
Cake with his family? The Sinclair family? The wealthiest family in the county, THE Sinclairs?
“This is a surprise Jamie, are you sure you want to invite me?” Audrey asked.
“I'm very sure.” he said emphatically.
They made arrangements for Jamie to pick her up. Audrey hung up the phone and shook her head. She had never exchanged more than a few words with this man and out of the blue he was inviting her for cake. A date no less. He was so calm and assured of himself, never doubting that she would accept his invitation. This took her back some but something about him intrigued her, he was a man with a quiet confidence in himself.
“Well Lord,” she thought, “Maybe you're bringing that new chapter into my life that I’ve been hoping for.”
Jamie informed his mother and sisters that he was inviting a friend over for cake tonight.
“Could they please have cake and ice cream ready for his birthday?” Jamie had requested.
“A friend?” his mother said.
“Who might this friend be my son?”
“I've invited the girl who brings quilts to the store. Audrey Hamilton is her name.” Jamie said.
His mother and sisters exchanged looks of disbelief. What good could come of this? Audrey was a beautiful girl, too beautiful for Jamie. A city girl couldn’t adapt to a life on the farm. Sinclair women were tough, they had to be able to jump on a tractor to help out their men when needed. Jamie's first wife had already run from the pressures and struggles. This girl would never make it. What could be Audrey's interest in seeing Jamie anyway? Could it be his money? They had heard that she was a widow, trying to raise four children on her own. This Audrey Rose had another thing coming if she thought she had found a ticket to an easy ride.
When Audrey returned home late that evening she was surprised to find her parents waiting up for her in the kitchen, their faces strained with worry.
“What’s wrong?” she asked.
“Was there a problem with the children?”
Her mother spoke first, “No, they were fine. Your father and I have been praying and we feel it’s time to have a talk with you.”
“Audrey Rose what are your plans with this man?” her father demanded.
“My plans? Dad, I just had cake at his parent’s house. It means nothing. What are you two so worried about?” she said.
“This Sinclair man has a wife doesn’t he?” he asked.
“He had a wife, they divorced five years ago,” Audrey explained.
“Audrey, you are playing with fire if you continue to see this man,” Dan Miller’s voice was shaking now.
“Times have changed Dad, we don’t live under the law now, this is New Testament times.” Audrey said with a shrug, “I’m turning in now, I love you both. Please don’t worry about me, I’m a big girl and can handle my own affairs.”
Her mother softly pleaded, “Please pray about this, you have your children to think about. The Lord won’t bless something that is not His will.”
The Lord won’t bless something that is not His will, those words still rang in her ears today. Sixteen years, a new child, seven teenagers and one thousand miles away and her mother’s voice still haunted Audrey. She and Jamie had fallen fast for each other and had truly felt that God had brought them together. Each had thought they would never love again and then suddenly they were in love and planning a life with each other. Surely their parents would come around and the children would adjust. They had even sought the counsel of their pastor before announcing their plans. He had warned them that it is not an easy road to blend two families together, but as long as God was the center of their lives He would see them through. Things had been difficult at times but the one constant was their love for each other and their faith in God. It seemed like God blessed and provided them everything but their relationship with each family was strained at best. Jamie and Audrey had finally decided to strike out on their own and leave the Sinclair family business. It meant being far away from their adult children and their growing families but the hope was to encourage them to visit often. As the grandchildren grew older they could spend summers on the ranch. Audrey and Jamie prayed that one day there would be a reconciliation with their parents. “Whatever it takes Lord” had been the cry of their hearts. Audrey wondered what it would take to move their hearts. She missed the close bond with her parents, the chats at the kitchen table with her mother. Sharing a scripture for the day..
“Whatever it takes Lord,” she whispered to herself.
Montana Rose...Story Journal Chapter One
Chapter One
Jer 29:11 (NIV) "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
The sun was rising and she could already see the farm hand hard at work in the field. Creating neat rows of hay in the distance, the sound of his tractor, two dogs chasing behind, and the Montana mountains in the background. Audrey watched this from her porch every morning, cup of coffee in hand, the Helena News spread out before her. This was life in Montana. “The last best place” her husband had read from the travel brochure. “The last best place for what?” she had wondered. “The last best place for dreams and our future!” he had replied. Jamie was a dreamer, he saw the potential in this property...a bakery, gift shop, museum, a thriving tourist attraction in the oldest big barn west of the Mississippi. Or was that the biggest old barn? When his father came to look his purchase over, the elder Sinclair said his son was a fool to buy ten acres of broken down buildings and a big old barn. Four years later the buildings were still in need of repair but the barn had indeed began to attract tours and events. Jamie had worked hard at refurbishing it and drumming up interest. They had held county fairs and car shows and eventually created a chapel for weddings. The buildings would be repaired one at a time and he worked tirelessly towards that goal. It was indeed the last best place for Jamie and Audrey to grow old together.
What Audrey saw was a place to hide, to start over. Run away from the small town gossips, the disapproval of both of their families. “Gold digger” had been the Sinclair family's assessment of her. “Adulterer” had been Audrey's parents' judgment on Jamie. The first year in Helena had been hard for her and she often thought of running back to Arizona but she had made it through the dark days living on Jamie's dreams. Now she was his business partner and recently had taken over the duties as Wedding Planner. She called the venture
The Last Best Place For Your Wedding.
There's no place like Big Sky Country to get married. Montana's beautiful locations and romance of the Old West provide the perfect setting for weddings, vow renewals and honeymoons. After the ceremony send the in-laws whitewater rafting and honeymoon in the mountains at an elegant resort or a rustic cabin.
Little by little she had recruited friends and acquaintances to help her with the business. They met each month to discuss the upcoming events and to plan. Each meeting began with a salad potluck and ended with an update on their successes and prayer requests. Her best friend Jill was her “right hand man”. She was talented with a glue gun and had an eye for floral arrangements and decorating. Audrey relied on Jill to keep an eye out for the latest trends in wedding receptions and ceremonies. At the Tuesday morning women's bible study she had met Nina and discovered that she baked cakes at home for birthdays and special events. Audrey had placed so many orders for wedding cakes from Nina that she was able to open a little shop in downtown Helena. She named the company The Sweetest Things and began to bake cookies and danish each morning to serve friends and locals who needed a place to stop and have a cup of coffee. Audrey and Jill came often when they were in town and needing a place to discuss their plans for the next wedding. They still needed a photographer and a caterer that would be available solely for The Last Best Place's clients. A florist would be good too, for now silk arrangements were used for the receptions. The bride would have to order from a flower shop in near by Missoula, an hours drive away. Things were falling into place for Audrey's business and she was finally feeling connected to her community in Montana. It was indeed the best place for her.
Jer 29:11 (NIV) "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
The sun was rising and she could already see the farm hand hard at work in the field. Creating neat rows of hay in the distance, the sound of his tractor, two dogs chasing behind, and the Montana mountains in the background. Audrey watched this from her porch every morning, cup of coffee in hand, the Helena News spread out before her. This was life in Montana. “The last best place” her husband had read from the travel brochure. “The last best place for what?” she had wondered. “The last best place for dreams and our future!” he had replied. Jamie was a dreamer, he saw the potential in this property...a bakery, gift shop, museum, a thriving tourist attraction in the oldest big barn west of the Mississippi. Or was that the biggest old barn? When his father came to look his purchase over, the elder Sinclair said his son was a fool to buy ten acres of broken down buildings and a big old barn. Four years later the buildings were still in need of repair but the barn had indeed began to attract tours and events. Jamie had worked hard at refurbishing it and drumming up interest. They had held county fairs and car shows and eventually created a chapel for weddings. The buildings would be repaired one at a time and he worked tirelessly towards that goal. It was indeed the last best place for Jamie and Audrey to grow old together.
What Audrey saw was a place to hide, to start over. Run away from the small town gossips, the disapproval of both of their families. “Gold digger” had been the Sinclair family's assessment of her. “Adulterer” had been Audrey's parents' judgment on Jamie. The first year in Helena had been hard for her and she often thought of running back to Arizona but she had made it through the dark days living on Jamie's dreams. Now she was his business partner and recently had taken over the duties as Wedding Planner. She called the venture
The Last Best Place For Your Wedding.
There's no place like Big Sky Country to get married. Montana's beautiful locations and romance of the Old West provide the perfect setting for weddings, vow renewals and honeymoons. After the ceremony send the in-laws whitewater rafting and honeymoon in the mountains at an elegant resort or a rustic cabin.
Little by little she had recruited friends and acquaintances to help her with the business. They met each month to discuss the upcoming events and to plan. Each meeting began with a salad potluck and ended with an update on their successes and prayer requests. Her best friend Jill was her “right hand man”. She was talented with a glue gun and had an eye for floral arrangements and decorating. Audrey relied on Jill to keep an eye out for the latest trends in wedding receptions and ceremonies. At the Tuesday morning women's bible study she had met Nina and discovered that she baked cakes at home for birthdays and special events. Audrey had placed so many orders for wedding cakes from Nina that she was able to open a little shop in downtown Helena. She named the company The Sweetest Things and began to bake cookies and danish each morning to serve friends and locals who needed a place to stop and have a cup of coffee. Audrey and Jill came often when they were in town and needing a place to discuss their plans for the next wedding. They still needed a photographer and a caterer that would be available solely for The Last Best Place's clients. A florist would be good too, for now silk arrangements were used for the receptions. The bride would have to order from a flower shop in near by Missoula, an hours drive away. Things were falling into place for Audrey's business and she was finally feeling connected to her community in Montana. It was indeed the best place for her.
Hey, Welcome to our book club blog. I'm so excited about it. We'll be able to follow our story journal, find out what book the group is currently reading, and what we may read in future. You will be able to post comments to the blog. Here's to you all, the best little book club a leader could hope for!
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