Pepper Basham's Blog, page 3
March 1, 2021
Inconventiently Loved
My daughter and I were having a conversation recently about relationships.
It’s not the first time we’ve had such a conversation, of course. She’s a young lady who is trying to navigate all the “new” stuff of life as an adult in a world of new relationships. But one thing she brought to my attention is that when someone really cares about you, then you’re important enough to be “inconvenient”.
Now, at first glance, that may sound a little selfish, but for the romantic I am, it made perfect sense. Loving someone and showing that love is often inconvenient. It requires extra time (sometimes, when we don’t feel like we have it). It may include making tough choices usually at our own expense. It is usually a dozen tiny decisions to say “no” to ourselves and “yes” to that person we care about.
I’ve known this concept for a long time, but never considered her wording of it before and it really hit home. We all want someone to care enough about us that we are (at least) a little inconvenient. To “distract” him/her within their daily activities by just a thought, to be worth a schedule readjustment or a surprise date even though they’re busy. Or to have someone take time to listen to us, or watch a movie WE like, even if it’s not their favorite, or go out of the way to bring us a special treat…or however that “caring” may look.
(now, I don’t mean being self-focused and requiring someone to consistently drop everything to be with you- I just mean those moments where you know someone took extra time, extra thought to show they care in tangible ways…especially when it wasn’t an easy choice to make).
Right now, while the world seems all topsy-turvy, and we’re tempted to draw inward and turn insular, the small, simple ways of showing we care for others leave a lasting touch and residual gratitude behind. We’ve had to learn to be extra creative in a Covid-world, but the heart of loving is still here and possible…and maybe even more beautiful in the middle of such times as these.
I know a couple where the woman left her job, home, and friends to be with a man she loved. She started over to begin with him. Her love for him wasn’t easy. It was terribly inconvenient, which made her now-husband, all the more grateful for her love. He responded by finding ways to show his appreciation for her display of love.
Hearts of gratitude and love are contagious.
So, of course, I am reminded of the most beautiful example of Inconvenient Love ever known. Christ, the king, left the splendor and beauty of Heaven where every creature worshipped and served him, to take on the frailty of human flesh. He struggled through childhood bumps and bruises, felt the pangs of hunger and chill of the evening air. He who had been adored was shunned, betrayed, and beaten. The Lord of glory was humiliated, scourged, and killed.
Love in practice became terribly inconvenient for Jesus (understatement of the century).
But, we were worth it to Him.
Think about that just a moment. Let it sink into your weary or lonely heart.
If you are looking for perfect love that outshines ANY romance movie or fairytale book, look no further than the Son of God.
And may the knowledge of his love fill our hearts with gratitude and teach us how to love others…even if it’s inconvenient.
February 17, 2021
Writerly Thoughts & a Giveaway
I’ve heard people often say that writing is a solitary experience. And, I can imagine that before the internet, in many ways it could have been! There are some who may prefer the isolation (and that is TOTALLY fine – we all create differently), but I’ve found that I thrive on the interaction both outside my own head and inside it
For me, this wonderful interaction comes in two different forms:
The marvelously supportive external group of authors and readers who cheer on me and my stories like the very best cheerleaders on the planet. There are so many amazing folks. From ones I’ve met online, to conferences, to in-person…and even those that started online and have become dear in-person friends. I’ve said this to my fabulous street team (The Pepper Shakers…they voted on their own name), I cannot imagine this writing journey without them!! The amount of encouragement, ideas, pick-me-ups, and, even being talked off figurative ledges at times (you know who you are), daily blesses and overwhelms me. It’s a remarkable byproduct of story creating and reaching out to folks beyond my little imaginary world. I have met SOOOO many wonderful people over the years!!!
2. Unlike my fabulous flesh-and-blood encouragers (who don’t overcrowd their welcomes), my internal visitors sometimes DO. (Has anyone watched The Man Who Invented Christmas? It gives a glimpse of this very specific sort of madness). My mind is full of more imaginary friends than I can count. I know plenty of authors who are constantly mulling around 2, 3, ….10 (or more) stories at the same time, all with characters who are determined to make it out of our heads and onto the page. (And those characters can be quite bossy and insistent too).
I think nowadays, the connections we can make through online formats such as social media outlets and Zoom, has broadened the world for many authors who may have felt more isolated and sought connectivity beyond their own worlds. I’ve been incredibly thankful for the connection in so many ways, but particularly in the way it helped me build relationships and community.
Have you enjoyed connecting with authors and/or other readers? What about this online ability to connect have you enjoyed most?
In the spirit of celebration and gratitude, I’m sharing this wonderful GIVEAWAY!!! This particular prize is a fun one! FIVE prizes, to be exact. Check out the link below!!
February 13, 2021
New and Improved!!
Hello WONDERFUL readers!!
I’m so excited to welcome you to my revamped site and I’m happy to be able to get back to blogging again!
Since it’s Valentine’s Weekend, I thought I’d introduce myself by chatting about a few things that I LOVE as well as a few books I’m currently reading.
REAL people that I love: My family, which means hubs, 5 kids, parents (who are adorable, btw), my bro and his fam, my huge Appalachian family, and some amazing author/reader/church/long-time friends God’s been so kind to bring into my life. (and, of course, I love God and am learning to love him (and others) betterIMAGINARY people that I love: It’s really hard to pick favorites from my characters. Super hard. But a FEW of my favs are Eisley Barrett, Alex Murdock, Titus Stewart, Catherine Dougall, Laurel McAdams, Reese Mitchell, and, from my upcoming September release, Frederick & Grace Childhood books I love: Again, it’s hard to pick favorites, but a few honorable mentions are the Nancy Drew series, The Secret Garden, Anne of Green Gables, Jane Eyre, and Frankenstein.Books I’ve read as an adult and loved: A few honorable mentions are…Kissing Adrien by Siri Mitchell, Petticoat Ranch by Mary Connealy, Courting Morrow Little by Laura Frantz, Gentleman Jim by Mimi Matthews, Wings of Devotion by Roseanna White, Lord of the Rings by Tolkein
Latest fiction book I LOVED: Beauty Among the Ruins by J’nell CiesielskiLatest nonfiction book I LOVED: Gentle and Lowly by Dane OrtlandCurrent books I’m enjoying: The Dress Shop on King Street by Ashley Clark, Clanlands by Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish, and Even Better than Eden by Nancy Guthrie.Dessert I love: Carrabbas’ Chocolate Dream (I could die happy having that as my last meal 
I’m also a big fan of Preacher Cookies.Places I love to visit: Can you guess? Anything UK!!! (but I love my #blueridgemountains (oh, and bookshops)Time period I love to write about: Contemporary or Edwardian!!!Your turn!
Tell me some of your newest bookish discoveries that you’ve LOVED!!
Do you have places you LOVE to visit?
Are there any of my books you’ve “loved” the best?
