Regina Jennings's Blog, page 13

The Versatile Blogger

In case you didn't see the break-in news alert, I was awarded The Versatile Blogger Award by my friend LeAnne Hardy last week. Now, while I try to decide how to invest the winnings, I must comply with the stringent requirements accompanying this prestigious award:

1. List 7 things people may not know about you.

2. Pass the award on to 7 new bloggers and let them know that they won.

3. Don't forget to thank the blogger who gave the award to you.

Thank you, LeAnne. I spent some quality time with...

R.S.V.P.

You never know what you might find while doing research. It's like opening a plastic Easter egg that's been left on the lawn. It might be full of candy. It might be full of ants. No way of knowing.

Recently I visited the fabulous National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in OKC – a must-see when you're in town. I wasn't looking for anything in particular – just wanting to enjoy the ambiance and get a field trip in for the kids – when I found an absolute Reese peanut butter cup in my Easter E...

A Crafty Lady

[image error]On my bucket list between "Register a patent" and "Visit Athens" is "Sew a quilt." (Or is it "Quilt a quilt"? I should know, but who proofreads their bucket list?)

I collected my material, found a design I liked and even cut out pieces. I had enough for a few squares when I realized – I'm cutting fabric into tiny pieces, only to sew it back together again. If I needed a blanket wouldn't it be more practical to sew together the biggest pieces of material I can find? Or even better, go to...

The Potluck Militia

[image error]Potlucks have a long and esteemed history. When writing Sixty Acres and a Bride (which releases in February!) it was natural to set a few scenes on the church grounds, but potlucks go back further than the 1880s. In fact, I'm pretty sure the Treaty of Paris was hammered out over fried chicken and green bean casseroles. Maybe that's why I'm viewing them through Franklin bifocals. Hang around after church and you might see some of these folks.

The Minute Men – Their pantries are stocked with...

How about I pray for you?

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We often throw out promises to pray like they throw candy at a parade. You're having surgery? I'll pray for you. You're singing the solo this Sunday? I'll pray for you. You're trying a new recipe… well, maybe not.

But hopefully you know people who don't make that pledge flippantly. A few times I've received a note or a precious card from a prayer warrior telling me a verse or a promise  they prayed over a situation. I've kept every one.

And recently my dear friend and mentor JoAnne Butler...

What I Learned at the Writer's Conference

[image error]1. Stop talking long enough to get your picture taken. Nothing's worse than getting home and realizing you look TUFF (Too Ugly For Facebook) while posing with your heroes.

2. It takes a twelve page hand-out to teach us how to write kissing scenes. Not that I'm complaining. Most interesting notes ever.

3. People on the elevator don't care that you just realized Liz Curtis Higgs is standing next to you. They expect you to exit when the doors open.

4. Wearing a chicken costume and performing...

Worth the paper it's printed on?

[image error]"What was your favorite thing about Colonial Williamsburg?" I asked my children.

"When you let us leave the book binder's shop."

The blame falls on me. I could tell they were getting restless, but the book binder was fascinating. Not only did he demonstrate the process, but he also explained the value of his handiwork. See these two shelves of books in the photo? According to Ye Olde Book Binder, a poor 18th Century farmer would have to give up 20 years of profit for this book collection. A...

Worth the paper it's written on?

[image error]"What was your favorite thing about Colonial Williamsburg?" I asked my children.

"When you let us leave the book binder's shop."

The blame falls on me. I could tell they were getting restless, but the book binder was fascinating. Not only did he demonstrate the process, but he also explained the value of his handiwork. See these two shelves of books in the photo? According to Ye Olde Book Binder, a poor 18th Century farmer would have to give up 20 years of profit for this book collection. A...

To G. P. S. – A Love Letter

Dear G. P. S.,[image error]

How can I explain the changes you brought to my life? The freedom I feel because of you? You have broaden my horizons. You have broken my chains. You have freed me from the confines of Canadian County and exposed me to the wonders of the world.

Never again will I remain in my hotel room, afraid to venture forth. With you I can go anywhere. Never again will I drive in circles looking for the nearest bookstore. You make my path clear.

True, we've had our disagreements. You've...

10 Fictional Characters I'd Invite to Dinner

On this go-around let's limit ourselves to Christian novels. Next time we'll broaden the scope. And if we can pretend they're real, then we can pretend that I can cook, right?

10. Elsa Anders - The Captain's Bride by Lisa T. Bergren

Calm, brave and put to the test, Elsa is the backbone of The Northern Lights series. Her good-for-nothing sister, Tora, isn't invited – not until the third book. I'd serve fresh shark steaks marinated in lemon juice.

9. Captain Matthew Bryant - The Girl in the...