Allison Tebo's Blog, page 13
January 31, 2018
January In A Nutshell
WELL HOW ABOUT THAT, I MADE IT.
January is always a bit of a higgledy-piggledy month. For one thing, I have to get used to dating things with the right year – and just getting into the groove of starting over again, setting new plans, reevaluating old ones and basically preparing for the year ahead.
But as always, despite best efforts, I often spend January in a bit of a daze – I can’t believe another year has gone by! Consequently, I have a rather small nutshell for tonight’s offering.
January is always a bit of a higgledy-piggledy month. For one thing, I have to get used to dating things with the right year – and just getting into the groove of starting over again, setting new plans, reevaluating old ones and basically preparing for the year ahead.
But as always, despite best efforts, I often spend January in a bit of a daze – I can’t believe another year has gone by! Consequently, I have a rather small nutshell for tonight’s offering.
January 28, 2018
Allison’s Well’s 1st Birthday – Blog Party: Giveaway Winner’s Announced!
THE GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED. Yes, I did indeed stay up till midnight to click the magic button, but I was too tired to post this last night.
I wish I could give you ALL something, but the best I can do is give you all virtual hugs! *hugs* *hugs* *huggles*
ANYWAY – the winners ARE –
The winner of the international giveaway is: ROSALYN ROONEY! Congratulations, Rosalyn! You win an ebook copy of The Reluctant Godfather and an ebook edition of The Key To the Chains. You will also be the very first person to have a copy of the Key To the Chains brand-new, gorgeous edition!
And the winner of the US giveaway is: SENECA. *throws confetti* Congratulations, girl!! You win a great big beautiful box of my favorite things!!!
Thank you again to EVERYONE WHO ENTERED. You are all amazing!!
For anyone still looking for copies of The Reluctant Godfather and The Key To the Chains – you can find them here and ACTUALLY, SURPRISE – they are going to on sale starting tomorrow and the day after!
For all those that are new to Allison’s Well due to this giveaway, I hope you stick around! I have lots of fun posts planned for the next few months.
And I like to run quite a few giveaways, so stick around for more of that too!
I hope to see you all for Allison’s Well’s next birthday in November – because as you know, I’m a hobbit – and a hobbit always plans presents and parties for their friends!
THANK YOU AGAIN, GUYS! AND CONGRATULATIONS ONCE MORE TO THE WINNERS!
I wish I could give you ALL something, but the best I can do is give you all virtual hugs! *hugs* *hugs* *huggles*
ANYWAY – the winners ARE –
The winner of the international giveaway is: ROSALYN ROONEY! Congratulations, Rosalyn! You win an ebook copy of The Reluctant Godfather and an ebook edition of The Key To the Chains. You will also be the very first person to have a copy of the Key To the Chains brand-new, gorgeous edition!
And the winner of the US giveaway is: SENECA. *throws confetti* Congratulations, girl!! You win a great big beautiful box of my favorite things!!!
Thank you again to EVERYONE WHO ENTERED. You are all amazing!!
For anyone still looking for copies of The Reluctant Godfather and The Key To the Chains – you can find them here and ACTUALLY, SURPRISE – they are going to on sale starting tomorrow and the day after!
For all those that are new to Allison’s Well due to this giveaway, I hope you stick around! I have lots of fun posts planned for the next few months.
And I like to run quite a few giveaways, so stick around for more of that too!
I hope to see you all for Allison’s Well’s next birthday in November – because as you know, I’m a hobbit – and a hobbit always plans presents and parties for their friends!
THANK YOU AGAIN, GUYS! AND CONGRATULATIONS ONCE MORE TO THE WINNERS!
Love,
Alli
January 27, 2018
Allison’s Well 1st Birthday: Blog Party – Q&A.
Several months ago I asked all of you to ask me a question – any question, and I gathered those questions accordingly. Thus, we have this post.
Note – this one’s a whooper.
So – without further ado – unto the questions!
1) Have You Read Any L.M. Montgomery books. If So, Which Is Your Favorite?
Yes! I have read several books from the Anne of Green Gables series – but not all of them. I know, I know. *dodges vegetables and plugs ears against horrified wailing* The rest of them ARE on my TBR list . . . just like they were last year. *coughs* I WILL finish the series. And I want to finish it this year, because I do enjoy them. Rest easy on that point. They’re nice.
My favorite would be Anne of Windy Poplars, I think. I really felt that the letter format suited Anne’s over-dramatic personality much better than having the book written in third person. it was like putting a gem in a proper setting – having the melodramatic letters suited Anne and made more sense in a narrative to me, then third person.
I also remember there were some parts of that book that made me laugh out loud – and I always like a book that makes me do that.
2) Your Favorite Character Of All Time.
ARE YOU KIDDING ME?? What kind of question is that?
*pulls hair, bites lip*
A-HA. Some really good biblical fiction books I love featured amazing portrayals of Jesus Christ – so He’s my favorite “character” of all time.
3) Your Favorite Brand Of Chocolate.
Lindt. Definitely. Especially the truffles. #faints
4) Tell Us About One Of Your Early Writings.
Oh dear – it’s about to get ugly.
Okay, the first story I ever wrote, I was ten years old. It was about a young girl named Kate who was staying with her grandmother. Her grandmother’s golden necklace was stolen. Kate wandered into the woods and stumbled across some bootleggers on her grandmother’s property (yes, this was a contemporary story – and yes, these bootleggers were stupid). She eavesdrops and she realizes they stole her grandma’s necklace. she runs into their camp, grabs the necklace and runs. They chase her back to the house. The police have arrived to question the grandmother about the robbery and Kate runs between them. the bootleggers, who are apparently suffering from extreme target-fixation run right into the police. Kate is pronounced a little heroine – the end.
As a note, i was just as technically challenged then as I am now. I thought I had to type the whole thing on a single page, I didn’t realize that if I kept tying, I would go to another page. *face palms*
5) What’s The Most Dreadful Thing You’ve Ever Written?
I think I just answered that question.
6) Have You Read Any Jane Austen? Do You Enjoy Her Books? Which Is Your Favorite?
I read Pride and Prejudice. I didn’t like it. in fact, I intensely disliked it.
7) How Many Siblings Do You Have?
I have three amazing siblings! An older brother, an older sister, and a twin who is (technically) older than me. And no, we’re not identical.
8) What Is Your Favorite Type Of Food (i.e. Italian, Chinese, Mexican, etc . . . )?
Mexican! Definitely. Oh great . . . now my mouth is watering for guacamole and tacos. Thanks a ton! *folds arms*
9) Would You Rather Cook Or Bake?
Bake! Confession, I don’t really cook – but I’m a proficient baker and I really enjoy it. (who needs to cook when you can just eat doughnuts?)
I enjoy it so much, that it worked it’s way subconsciously into my book, The Reluctant Godfather.
10) Would You Rather Go Skydiving, Jump Off A 50 ft Cliff Into The Ocean, Or Walk Across A Tightrope At The Circus?
Um – should I be worried about any kind of ulterior motive behind this question? *blinks*
I would go skydiving. That already looked appealing to me before this loaded question was put to me. I think it looks extremely elating and adrenaline-packed. I’ve always enjoyed the sensation of falling. Of course, I don’t have the guts to DO IT – yet. And I have a family that loves me sooo . . . maybe some distant day when I’m tired of living.
11) Do You Have A Favorite Store? What Is It?
Ummmm. . . . Used bookstores? Or perhaps Goodwill? (not even embarrassed, I unabashedly proclaim my thrifty bargain-hunting). Barnes and Noble is wonderful simply for atmosphere, but I never really buy anything there. So, I guess I would have to say those wonderful, little used and dusty bookshops that I stumble across during vacations!
12) Would You Rather Live In The Amazon Jungle Or The Wilds of Africa?
Hmm – somebody keeps wanting to see me in life-threatening situations….
AFRICA. You are NOT getting my in the jungle, no way. Why? I’m claustrophobic. You are so . . . . hemmed in, in the jungle. You can’t see the sky, you’re pressed from all sides. *shudders* It’s creepy. Plus, I’ve read a lot about jungle diseases, pestilence, death-carrying bugs (let’s not even get into the snakes) – soooo, nope. And if I’m going to be attacked by a wild animal, I would like to SEE IT COMING TOWARDS ME (at least then I have time to scream) not have it jump on me out of the shadows. So – yes, definitely the African savanna for me.
Plus, I’ve always been more interested in Africa in general, and I think the idea of a safari sounds rather interesting. But if I went to Africa, it’s more likely I would be studying music – I absolutely love African music.
13) Do You prefer Fictional Character To Be Lively And Numerous, or Serious and Thoughtful?
As long as it’s an exceptionally well-written character, why wouldn’t I love them?
Note – this one’s a whooper.
So – without further ado – unto the questions!
1) Have You Read Any L.M. Montgomery books. If So, Which Is Your Favorite?
Yes! I have read several books from the Anne of Green Gables series – but not all of them. I know, I know. *dodges vegetables and plugs ears against horrified wailing* The rest of them ARE on my TBR list . . . just like they were last year. *coughs* I WILL finish the series. And I want to finish it this year, because I do enjoy them. Rest easy on that point. They’re nice.
My favorite would be Anne of Windy Poplars, I think. I really felt that the letter format suited Anne’s over-dramatic personality much better than having the book written in third person. it was like putting a gem in a proper setting – having the melodramatic letters suited Anne and made more sense in a narrative to me, then third person.
I also remember there were some parts of that book that made me laugh out loud – and I always like a book that makes me do that.
2) Your Favorite Character Of All Time.
ARE YOU KIDDING ME?? What kind of question is that?
*pulls hair, bites lip*
A-HA. Some really good biblical fiction books I love featured amazing portrayals of Jesus Christ – so He’s my favorite “character” of all time.
3) Your Favorite Brand Of Chocolate.
Lindt. Definitely. Especially the truffles. #faints
4) Tell Us About One Of Your Early Writings.
Oh dear – it’s about to get ugly.
Okay, the first story I ever wrote, I was ten years old. It was about a young girl named Kate who was staying with her grandmother. Her grandmother’s golden necklace was stolen. Kate wandered into the woods and stumbled across some bootleggers on her grandmother’s property (yes, this was a contemporary story – and yes, these bootleggers were stupid). She eavesdrops and she realizes they stole her grandma’s necklace. she runs into their camp, grabs the necklace and runs. They chase her back to the house. The police have arrived to question the grandmother about the robbery and Kate runs between them. the bootleggers, who are apparently suffering from extreme target-fixation run right into the police. Kate is pronounced a little heroine – the end.
As a note, i was just as technically challenged then as I am now. I thought I had to type the whole thing on a single page, I didn’t realize that if I kept tying, I would go to another page. *face palms*
5) What’s The Most Dreadful Thing You’ve Ever Written?
I think I just answered that question.
6) Have You Read Any Jane Austen? Do You Enjoy Her Books? Which Is Your Favorite?
I read Pride and Prejudice. I didn’t like it. in fact, I intensely disliked it.
7) How Many Siblings Do You Have?
I have three amazing siblings! An older brother, an older sister, and a twin who is (technically) older than me. And no, we’re not identical.
8) What Is Your Favorite Type Of Food (i.e. Italian, Chinese, Mexican, etc . . . )?
Mexican! Definitely. Oh great . . . now my mouth is watering for guacamole and tacos. Thanks a ton! *folds arms*
9) Would You Rather Cook Or Bake?
Bake! Confession, I don’t really cook – but I’m a proficient baker and I really enjoy it. (who needs to cook when you can just eat doughnuts?)
I enjoy it so much, that it worked it’s way subconsciously into my book, The Reluctant Godfather.
10) Would You Rather Go Skydiving, Jump Off A 50 ft Cliff Into The Ocean, Or Walk Across A Tightrope At The Circus?
Um – should I be worried about any kind of ulterior motive behind this question? *blinks*
I would go skydiving. That already looked appealing to me before this loaded question was put to me. I think it looks extremely elating and adrenaline-packed. I’ve always enjoyed the sensation of falling. Of course, I don’t have the guts to DO IT – yet. And I have a family that loves me sooo . . . maybe some distant day when I’m tired of living.
11) Do You Have A Favorite Store? What Is It?
Ummmm. . . . Used bookstores? Or perhaps Goodwill? (not even embarrassed, I unabashedly proclaim my thrifty bargain-hunting). Barnes and Noble is wonderful simply for atmosphere, but I never really buy anything there. So, I guess I would have to say those wonderful, little used and dusty bookshops that I stumble across during vacations!
12) Would You Rather Live In The Amazon Jungle Or The Wilds of Africa?
Hmm – somebody keeps wanting to see me in life-threatening situations….
AFRICA. You are NOT getting my in the jungle, no way. Why? I’m claustrophobic. You are so . . . . hemmed in, in the jungle. You can’t see the sky, you’re pressed from all sides. *shudders* It’s creepy. Plus, I’ve read a lot about jungle diseases, pestilence, death-carrying bugs (let’s not even get into the snakes) – soooo, nope. And if I’m going to be attacked by a wild animal, I would like to SEE IT COMING TOWARDS ME (at least then I have time to scream) not have it jump on me out of the shadows. So – yes, definitely the African savanna for me.
Plus, I’ve always been more interested in Africa in general, and I think the idea of a safari sounds rather interesting. But if I went to Africa, it’s more likely I would be studying music – I absolutely love African music.
13) Do You prefer Fictional Character To Be Lively And Numerous, or Serious and Thoughtful?
As long as it’s an exceptionally well-written character, why wouldn’t I love them?
Allison’s Well 1st Birthday: Blog Party – Q&A
Several months ago I asked you all to ask me a question – any question, and I gathered those questions accordingly. Thus, we have this post.
Note – this one’s a whooper.
So – without further ado – unto the questions!
1) Have You Read Any L.M. Montgomery books. If So, Which Is Your Favorite?
Yes! I have read several books from the Anne of Green Gables series – but not all of them. I know, I know. *dodges vegetables and plugs ears against horrified wailing* The rest of them ARE on my TBR list . . . just like they were last year. *coughs* I WILL finish the series. And I want to finish it this year, because I do enjoy them. Rest easy on that point. they’re nice.
My favorite would be Anne of Windy Poplars, I think. i really felt that the letter format suited Anne’s over-dramatic personality much better than having the book written in third person. it was like putting a gem in a proper setting – having the melodramatic letters suited Anne and made more sense in a narrative to me, then third person.
I also remember there were some parts of this book that made me laugh out loud – and I always like a book that makes me do that.
2) Your Favorite Character Of All Time.
ARE YOU KIDDING ME?? What kind of question is that?
*pulls hair, bites lip*
A-HA. Some really good biblical fiction books I love featured amazing portrayals of Jesus Christ – so He’s my favorite “character” of all time.
3) Your Favorite Brand Of Chocolate.
Lindt. Definitely. Especially the truffles. #faints
4) Tell Us About One Of Your Early Writings.
Oh dear – it’s about to get ugly.
Okay, the first story I ever wrote, I was ten years old. it was about a young girl named Kate who was staying with her grandmother. Her grandmother’s golden necklace was stolen. Kate wandered into the woods and stumbled across some bootleggers on her grandmother’s property (yes, this was a contemporary story – and yes, these bootleggers were stupid). She eavesdrops and she realizes they stole the grandma’s necklace. she runs into their camp, grabs the necklace and runs. They chase her back to the house. The police have arrived to question the grandmother about the robbery and Kate runs between them. the bootleggers, who are apparently suffering from extreme target-fixation run right into the police. Kate is pronounced a little heroine – the end.
As a note, i was just as technically challenged then as I am now. I thought I had to type the whole thing on a single page, I didn’t realize that if I kept tying, I would go to another page. *face palms*
5) What’s The Most Dreadful Thing You’ve Ever Written?
I think I just answered that question.
6) Have You Read Any Jane Austen? Do You Enjoy Her Books? Which Is Your Favorite?
I read Pride and Prejudice. I didn’t like it. in fact, I intensely disliked it.
7) How Many Siblings Do You Have?
I have three amazing siblings! An older brother, an older sister, and a twin who is (technically) older than me. And no, we’re not identical.
8) What Is Your Favorite Type Of Food (i.e. Italian, Chinese, Mexican, etc . . . )?
Mexican! Definitely. Oh great . . . now my mouth is watering for guacamole and tacos. Thanks a ton! *folds arms*
9) Would You Rather Cook Or Bake?
Bake! Confession, I don’t really cook – but I’m a proficient baker and I really enjoy it. (who needs to cook when you can just eat doughnuts?)
I enjoy it so much, that it worked it’s way subconsciously into my book, The Reluctant Godfather.
10) Would You Rather Go Skydiving, Jump Off A 50 ft Cliff Into The Ocean, Or Walk Across A Tightrope At The Circus?
Um – should I be worried about any kind of ulterior motive behind this question? *blinks*
I would go skydiving. That already looked appealing to me before this loaded question was put to me. I think it looks extremely elating and adrenaline-packed. I’ve always enjoyed the sensation of falling. Of course, I don’t have the guts to DO IT – yet. And I have a family that loves me sooo . . . maybe some distant day when I’m tired of living.
11) Do You Have A Favorite Store? What Is It?
Ummmm. . . . Used bookstores? Or perhaps Goodwill? (not even embarrassed, I unabashedly proclaim my thrifty bargain-hunting). Barnes and Noble is wonderful simply for atmosphere, but I never really buy anything there. So, I guess I would have to say those wonderful, little used and dusty bookshops that I stumble across during vacations!
12) Would You Rather Live In The Amazon Jungle Or The Wilds of Africa?
Hmm – somebody keeps wanting to see me in life-threatening situations….
AFRICA. You are NOT getting my in the jungle, no way. Why? I’m claustrophobic. You are so . . . . hemmed in, in the jungle. You can’t see the sky, you’re pressed from all sides. *shudders* It’s creepy. Plus, I’ve read a lot about jungle diseases, pestilence, death-carrying bugs (let’s not even get into the snakes) – soooo, nope. And if I’m going to be attacked by a wild animal, I would like to SEE IT COMING TOWARDS ME (at least then I have time to scream) not have it jump on me out of the shadows. So – yes, definitely the African savanna for me.
Plus, I’ve always been more interested in Africa in general, and I think the idea of a safari sounds rather interesting. But if I went to Africa, it’s more likely I would be studying music – I absolutely love African music.
13) Do You prefer Fictional Character To Be Lively And Numerous, or Serious and Thoughtful?
As long as it’s an exceptionally well-written character, why wouldn’t I love them?
Note – this one’s a whooper.
So – without further ado – unto the questions!
1) Have You Read Any L.M. Montgomery books. If So, Which Is Your Favorite?
Yes! I have read several books from the Anne of Green Gables series – but not all of them. I know, I know. *dodges vegetables and plugs ears against horrified wailing* The rest of them ARE on my TBR list . . . just like they were last year. *coughs* I WILL finish the series. And I want to finish it this year, because I do enjoy them. Rest easy on that point. they’re nice.
My favorite would be Anne of Windy Poplars, I think. i really felt that the letter format suited Anne’s over-dramatic personality much better than having the book written in third person. it was like putting a gem in a proper setting – having the melodramatic letters suited Anne and made more sense in a narrative to me, then third person.
I also remember there were some parts of this book that made me laugh out loud – and I always like a book that makes me do that.
2) Your Favorite Character Of All Time.
ARE YOU KIDDING ME?? What kind of question is that?
*pulls hair, bites lip*
A-HA. Some really good biblical fiction books I love featured amazing portrayals of Jesus Christ – so He’s my favorite “character” of all time.
3) Your Favorite Brand Of Chocolate.
Lindt. Definitely. Especially the truffles. #faints
4) Tell Us About One Of Your Early Writings.
Oh dear – it’s about to get ugly.
Okay, the first story I ever wrote, I was ten years old. it was about a young girl named Kate who was staying with her grandmother. Her grandmother’s golden necklace was stolen. Kate wandered into the woods and stumbled across some bootleggers on her grandmother’s property (yes, this was a contemporary story – and yes, these bootleggers were stupid). She eavesdrops and she realizes they stole the grandma’s necklace. she runs into their camp, grabs the necklace and runs. They chase her back to the house. The police have arrived to question the grandmother about the robbery and Kate runs between them. the bootleggers, who are apparently suffering from extreme target-fixation run right into the police. Kate is pronounced a little heroine – the end.
As a note, i was just as technically challenged then as I am now. I thought I had to type the whole thing on a single page, I didn’t realize that if I kept tying, I would go to another page. *face palms*
5) What’s The Most Dreadful Thing You’ve Ever Written?
I think I just answered that question.
6) Have You Read Any Jane Austen? Do You Enjoy Her Books? Which Is Your Favorite?
I read Pride and Prejudice. I didn’t like it. in fact, I intensely disliked it.
7) How Many Siblings Do You Have?
I have three amazing siblings! An older brother, an older sister, and a twin who is (technically) older than me. And no, we’re not identical.
8) What Is Your Favorite Type Of Food (i.e. Italian, Chinese, Mexican, etc . . . )?
Mexican! Definitely. Oh great . . . now my mouth is watering for guacamole and tacos. Thanks a ton! *folds arms*
9) Would You Rather Cook Or Bake?
Bake! Confession, I don’t really cook – but I’m a proficient baker and I really enjoy it. (who needs to cook when you can just eat doughnuts?)
I enjoy it so much, that it worked it’s way subconsciously into my book, The Reluctant Godfather.
10) Would You Rather Go Skydiving, Jump Off A 50 ft Cliff Into The Ocean, Or Walk Across A Tightrope At The Circus?
Um – should I be worried about any kind of ulterior motive behind this question? *blinks*
I would go skydiving. That already looked appealing to me before this loaded question was put to me. I think it looks extremely elating and adrenaline-packed. I’ve always enjoyed the sensation of falling. Of course, I don’t have the guts to DO IT – yet. And I have a family that loves me sooo . . . maybe some distant day when I’m tired of living.
11) Do You Have A Favorite Store? What Is It?
Ummmm. . . . Used bookstores? Or perhaps Goodwill? (not even embarrassed, I unabashedly proclaim my thrifty bargain-hunting). Barnes and Noble is wonderful simply for atmosphere, but I never really buy anything there. So, I guess I would have to say those wonderful, little used and dusty bookshops that I stumble across during vacations!
12) Would You Rather Live In The Amazon Jungle Or The Wilds of Africa?
Hmm – somebody keeps wanting to see me in life-threatening situations….
AFRICA. You are NOT getting my in the jungle, no way. Why? I’m claustrophobic. You are so . . . . hemmed in, in the jungle. You can’t see the sky, you’re pressed from all sides. *shudders* It’s creepy. Plus, I’ve read a lot about jungle diseases, pestilence, death-carrying bugs (let’s not even get into the snakes) – soooo, nope. And if I’m going to be attacked by a wild animal, I would like to SEE IT COMING TOWARDS ME (at least then I have time to scream) not have it jump on me out of the shadows. So – yes, definitely the African savanna for me.
Plus, I’ve always been more interested in Africa in general, and I think the idea of a safari sounds rather interesting. But if I went to Africa, it’s more likely I would be studying music – I absolutely love African music.
13) Do You prefer Fictional Character To Be Lively And Numerous, or Serious and Thoughtful?
As long as it’s an exceptionally well-written character, why wouldn’t I love them?
January 25, 2018
Allison’s Well’s 1st Birthday – Blog Party: Since I Started A Blog
It’s time to look back at the things that have happened since I started Allison’s Well! It’s been some ride – and just a few of the pit stops are below!
Started a blog (obviously). I actually built the first blog myself – *cue disaster music* It was ugly, but I am astonished now that I even had the guts to try it.
Self-published twice on Amazon.
Promoted and marketed my work.
Discovered I could write short stories. Who knew!
Not only returned to my writing roots by writing a fairy tale, but launched a whole series of fairy tale retellings.
Was traditionally published in a mainstream magazine.
Wrote over a 100 blog posts and honed my non-fiction writing.
Met dozens of amazing, incredible friends.
Connected with people from all over the world.
Submitted my art portfolio to an author. (she said “no” but hey, getting asked was cool).
Launched my illustrator website.
Launched an author website.
Got through an enormous learning curve, technically speaking. My first blogs and websites were pretty bad, but I DID IT. And I usually don’t give myself credit to be technical enough to use a calculator. So this was HUGE.
Launched a Zazzle store.
Started a Youtube Channel.
Joined social media – Facebook, Twitter and Goodreads. Believe me, this was huge – very intimidating and just a big change “plugging in.”
Met two amazing, beautiful online friends face to face. You know who you are! “tackle hugs”
Really started getting on track with the writing and started rethinking how I want to approach tradition publishing.
I sometimes get frustrated and impatient – feeling like I haven’t accomplished much in this past year. There’s still more I feel like I could have done – but looking back on this list, I see that I have been quite busy and successful.
God has blessed me with an amazing, fruitful year, incredible friends and open doors.
And I am truly grateful.
Started a blog (obviously). I actually built the first blog myself – *cue disaster music* It was ugly, but I am astonished now that I even had the guts to try it.
Self-published twice on Amazon.
Promoted and marketed my work.
Discovered I could write short stories. Who knew!
Not only returned to my writing roots by writing a fairy tale, but launched a whole series of fairy tale retellings.
Was traditionally published in a mainstream magazine.
Wrote over a 100 blog posts and honed my non-fiction writing.
Met dozens of amazing, incredible friends.
Connected with people from all over the world.
Submitted my art portfolio to an author. (she said “no” but hey, getting asked was cool).
Launched my illustrator website.
Launched an author website.
Got through an enormous learning curve, technically speaking. My first blogs and websites were pretty bad, but I DID IT. And I usually don’t give myself credit to be technical enough to use a calculator. So this was HUGE.
Launched a Zazzle store.
Started a Youtube Channel.
Joined social media – Facebook, Twitter and Goodreads. Believe me, this was huge – very intimidating and just a big change “plugging in.”
Met two amazing, beautiful online friends face to face. You know who you are! “tackle hugs”
Really started getting on track with the writing and started rethinking how I want to approach tradition publishing.
I sometimes get frustrated and impatient – feeling like I haven’t accomplished much in this past year. There’s still more I feel like I could have done – but looking back on this list, I see that I have been quite busy and successful.
God has blessed me with an amazing, fruitful year, incredible friends and open doors.
And I am truly grateful.
January 24, 2018
Allison’s Well 1st Birthday – Blog Party: Sneak Peek of The Frog Prince
It’s a birthday, right? So there must be presents. As a special surprise – I am happy to present several small scenes from my upcoming retelling of the Frog Prince!
The Synopsis –
A reformed Burndee tries to fix some of the mistakes he made years ago—one of which was turning Martin Dane into a frog.
And now, without further ado – the sneak peak!
“Excuse me, miss—are you quite all right?”
Gwen gasped and jumped to her feet, her hand flying instinctively for the knife at her belt as she looked wildly around the clearing. No one was there—no one she could see. Her skin crawled.
“Show yourself!” she demanded, drawing her knife and looking up at the trees.
“Not up there—down here.”
She looked down as a large frog hopped towards the hem of her dress, looked up at her, smiled and swept a bow. “How do you do?”
A startled squawk exploded from her lips and she leapt backwards, nearly tripping over a tree root.
“Whaaaaat?” her lips refused to form the words properly as she stared at the frog, still taking careful steps backwards.
“I said, ‘how do you do’. I am Lord Martin Carelston, formerly of Hollow Manor. And who are you, might I ask?”
“Gwen Everly of the House of Everly,” she answered automatically. You are talking to a frog, her brain formed the words slowly as if dealing with a small child but she couldn’t wrestle the vague thought into a manageable state. She was losing her mind.
“You? You are Gwen Everly of the House of Everly? You?” the frog spluttered his mobile face stretched in astonishment.
“Yes,” Gwen responded, glowering at him.
“You’re a merchant’s daughter?” the frog choked, eyeing her with what looked like a picture of surprise and discomfiture.
“I was, before the merchant died,” Gwen snapped, the old pain no more than a brief chill in the pit of her stomach, which was quickly warmed by annoyance. Even frogs apparently knew she wasn’t a Lord in her own right, just a helpless nobody hovering between daughter and heiress.
“I beg your pardon,” the frog murmured, obviously seeing that he had said something in bad taste. “I would have took you for a huntress, or even a soldier of some kind,”
Though the last suggestion was of course absurd, it was more gratifying than the ‘peasant’ she was positive had been poised on the tip of his tongue before he obviously corrected himself.
“That is to say,” the frog tried to dig himself out of the hole he was rapidly enlarging for himself. “You dress so practically and capably and handle weapons with such obvious skill.” He smiled; perfectly satisfied that he had turned the confusion into a compliment and eyed the weapon in her hand with more amusement than fear. “What are you going to do with that?”
She glanced at the knife she had drawn by instinct, twirling it by instinct and years of practice as she sheathed it. The frog looked impressed—not that she had been trying to impress him. “How do you know I’m not a frog hunter?” she asked dryly, getting vague amusement out of the sudden alarm on the frog’s face.
“You eat frogs?” he asked in horror.
“Never touch them,” Gwen said coolly, letting him off the hook.
The frog sighed and wiped his forehead delicately.
“My sister likes frog’s legs though,” Gwen added with a brief smile as she purposefully fiddled with her knife.
The frog backed away. “You’re not very well-mannered,”
Gwen suddenly realized what she was doing. Toying with a frog. How common. Wait, worse than that, she was talking to a frog. Had she lost her mind? No, she was absolutely certain she had not, but there had to be some other kind of explanation.
“Is this some kind of trick?” she demanded. “An illusion to distract me from an attacker?” She whirled and began walking the perimeter of the clearing, drawing her knife to swipe at the bushes.
“It’s no trick!” the frog protested, and Gwen noticed he winced every time her knife sliced through a branch. “At least not a trick on you,” he added. “It is rather a good trick on me, I suppose.” She turned and stared at him blankly and he blurted out. “I’m enchanted, you see.”
“Enchanted!” Gwen scoffed, with a sarcastic bark of laughter.
“Can you think of any other reason why an amphibian would be talking to you right now?” the frog said impressively.
That was a fair point. She acknowledged it with a slight nod and folded her arms, as she stared at him curiously, only just now remembering his introduction. “Wait . . . Lord Martin Carelston of Hollow Manor. Didn’t he disappear a while ago?”
“My circumstances had been altered slightly,” the frog said with a touch of wryness.
“Just supposing . . . that I’m not insane and that I believe you,” Gwen squinted at the frog. “Why were you turned into a toad?”
That was clearly not the question he wanted to be asked, but his smile was game and charming. “I’m a frog, actually. I ran into a bad-tempered fairy. I was minding my own business and somehow offended him and—poof!—here I am.” He wiggled a flipped wryly.
“I see,” said Gwen, feeling her forehead tighten as she squinted down at him.
“I must beg you for your assistance,” the frog’s voice quivered and he clutched his front flippers and held them out beseechingly. “As you can plainly see, this slimy skin hides a nobleman, I was not born a frog—nay—I am an enchanted being. Cursed to take on the form of a frog through no fault of my own.”
“Why can’t your fairy godparent help you?”
The frog gave an audible sniff. “Alas, I inhabit a fairy netherworld, and find myself without a magical keeper. The fairy that enchanted me was breaking some great rule and my previous godparent retired, so I am currently at a loss for help. Unless . . .” he snuck a quick glance at her.
Uh-huh. Here it comes . . .
“What was that?” Ella gabbled, leaping to her feet in a mad dance the pillow she had been playing with flying out of her hand and landing on Martin, flattening him to the floor.
He peeled his face off of the cold stones, faintly hearing Ella’s frantic tirade. “I saw something move across the floor, I know I did!”
“Probably a mouse,” Gwen said, sounding vaguely astounded by Ella’s uncharacteristic hysteria.
Martin pushed against the softness but the pillow merely sprang back at him, smothering him. He was going die because some girl had thrown a pillow on top of him. How ignominious.
“A mouse?” Ella gasped and there was a horrible screech of hinges; she must have leapt up onto the sofa. “Oh, where? Where, where?”
MOVE THE PILLOW, he thought. Move the pillow, move the pillow, move the pillow.
“I think I did see something,” Gwen was saying loudly, “Yes, I believe that pillow is moving.”
There was a wild screech and the sound of stampeding feet then the sound of a heavy wooden door swinging open.
“Out of my way!” Ella wailed, followed by the startled squawk of some newcomer, doubtless a servant, who had presumably been heading in the other direction from Ella and been bowled over.
Just when he thought he wouldn’t draw another breath, Martin felt the pillow being plucked carefully from him and Gwen leaned down in a swift motion, scooping him into her palm.
“Are you all right?” she asked and he chose to be touched by her question, even though her tone had the pinched sound of suppressed amusement.
Martin tried to raise a flipper but found that he couldn’t.
“I’ll just dispose of this,” Gwen said loudly enough for Ella to hear, agitation jumping in her voice as she scooped up Martin and moved swiftly into her bedroom, closing the door.
“Martin! Martin? Say something,” she demanded. “Are you all right?”
Martin opened his eyes and managed to smile at her. “Slightly crushed in mind and body but I shall survive,”
“I don’t like this,” he whined.
“You think I do?” Gwen snapped. “I just love have big, slimy lumps in my pocket.”
Martin bristled, trying to come up with an appropriate comeback but Gwen kept talking before he could muster a response. “But you know what I’ve decided? I’ve decided that I do love having thinking, talking toads in my pocket that can retrieve information I can’t in my pocket. So why don’t you decide that you love riding in pockets to accomplish the task that will return you to your original form?”
Martin took a moment sorting out the rapid fire, expressionless words and was just about to agree and compliment her positive attitude when Gwen added. “And while you’re thinking about how lucky you are, how about keeping your big mouth shut?”
“You are a very rude young woman,” Martin huffed into the folds of her pocket.
“I’m not wearing that,” she said flatly, glaring at the hat.
“Why not?”
“I don’t like it.”
“But you’ve never tried it,” Martin pleaded. “How can you know you might not discover some fabulous new fashion that you can’t live without?”
“I thought this was for spying purposes?”
“It is,” Martin said stiffly. “Surely you realize how much more practical this hat is.”
“It would look suspicious,” she said picking up her letter again. “Everyone knows I don’t dress like that.”
“Well, maybe you should!” Martin said, losing his temper.
Gwen blinked, stared at him then gave a loud laugh. “I hardly think a toad is any in position to give me fashion advice.”
“A frog,” Martin said with as much dignity as he could muster. “And I was considered one of the very princes of fashion before my transformation, not to mention, a bit of a connoisseur of women.”
“What is it you’re trying to say?”
“I hate riding in your pocket!” Martin exploded.
“It can’t be that uncomfortable,”
“It makes me feel small and ridiculous,” Martin blurted and wished he could suck the words back in as easily as he could nab a frog with his tongue.
“How appropriate,” said Gwen, “since man or frog, that’s precisely what you are, just as I am an unattractive, unpopular, old maid.” She rose to her feet. “It takes more than gold to transform some things, Martin—some things cannot ever be changed.”
Well, what did you think of the excerpts, dear readers? What do you think of Gwen and Martin? I’d love to hear all about it in the comments!
As a note – while The Frog Prince IS book two in the Tales of Ambia series – it will probably be released after book three – there are good reasons, I promise, and you’ll have to forgive me for the wait.
Hopefully, it will be worth it!
One last thing, while you’re here, don’t forget to enter the giveaway for a chance to win a copy of the first Tales of Ambia book, The Reluctant Godfather – as well as a bundle of other fun goodies!
The Synopsis –
A reformed Burndee tries to fix some of the mistakes he made years ago—one of which was turning Martin Dane into a frog.
The problem is, Martin deserved it—and the spell can only be altered, not reversed. Until a maiden kisses Martin out of the kindness of her heart, he will remain a frog.
Unfortunately Martin—a fast-talking conniver—is not interested in romance . . . but then neither is Gwen, the no-nonsense soldierly maiden that he finds himself an unlikely ally to in a turn of events that no one could have anticipated.
And now, without further ado – the sneak peak!
“Excuse me, miss—are you quite all right?”
Gwen gasped and jumped to her feet, her hand flying instinctively for the knife at her belt as she looked wildly around the clearing. No one was there—no one she could see. Her skin crawled.
“Show yourself!” she demanded, drawing her knife and looking up at the trees.
“Not up there—down here.”
She looked down as a large frog hopped towards the hem of her dress, looked up at her, smiled and swept a bow. “How do you do?”
A startled squawk exploded from her lips and she leapt backwards, nearly tripping over a tree root.
“Whaaaaat?” her lips refused to form the words properly as she stared at the frog, still taking careful steps backwards.
“I said, ‘how do you do’. I am Lord Martin Carelston, formerly of Hollow Manor. And who are you, might I ask?”
“Gwen Everly of the House of Everly,” she answered automatically. You are talking to a frog, her brain formed the words slowly as if dealing with a small child but she couldn’t wrestle the vague thought into a manageable state. She was losing her mind.
“You? You are Gwen Everly of the House of Everly? You?” the frog spluttered his mobile face stretched in astonishment.
“Yes,” Gwen responded, glowering at him.
“You’re a merchant’s daughter?” the frog choked, eyeing her with what looked like a picture of surprise and discomfiture.
“I was, before the merchant died,” Gwen snapped, the old pain no more than a brief chill in the pit of her stomach, which was quickly warmed by annoyance. Even frogs apparently knew she wasn’t a Lord in her own right, just a helpless nobody hovering between daughter and heiress.
“I beg your pardon,” the frog murmured, obviously seeing that he had said something in bad taste. “I would have took you for a huntress, or even a soldier of some kind,”
Though the last suggestion was of course absurd, it was more gratifying than the ‘peasant’ she was positive had been poised on the tip of his tongue before he obviously corrected himself.
“That is to say,” the frog tried to dig himself out of the hole he was rapidly enlarging for himself. “You dress so practically and capably and handle weapons with such obvious skill.” He smiled; perfectly satisfied that he had turned the confusion into a compliment and eyed the weapon in her hand with more amusement than fear. “What are you going to do with that?”
She glanced at the knife she had drawn by instinct, twirling it by instinct and years of practice as she sheathed it. The frog looked impressed—not that she had been trying to impress him. “How do you know I’m not a frog hunter?” she asked dryly, getting vague amusement out of the sudden alarm on the frog’s face.
“You eat frogs?” he asked in horror.
“Never touch them,” Gwen said coolly, letting him off the hook.
The frog sighed and wiped his forehead delicately.
“My sister likes frog’s legs though,” Gwen added with a brief smile as she purposefully fiddled with her knife.
The frog backed away. “You’re not very well-mannered,”
Gwen suddenly realized what she was doing. Toying with a frog. How common. Wait, worse than that, she was talking to a frog. Had she lost her mind? No, she was absolutely certain she had not, but there had to be some other kind of explanation.
“Is this some kind of trick?” she demanded. “An illusion to distract me from an attacker?” She whirled and began walking the perimeter of the clearing, drawing her knife to swipe at the bushes.
“It’s no trick!” the frog protested, and Gwen noticed he winced every time her knife sliced through a branch. “At least not a trick on you,” he added. “It is rather a good trick on me, I suppose.” She turned and stared at him blankly and he blurted out. “I’m enchanted, you see.”
“Enchanted!” Gwen scoffed, with a sarcastic bark of laughter.
“Can you think of any other reason why an amphibian would be talking to you right now?” the frog said impressively.
That was a fair point. She acknowledged it with a slight nod and folded her arms, as she stared at him curiously, only just now remembering his introduction. “Wait . . . Lord Martin Carelston of Hollow Manor. Didn’t he disappear a while ago?”
“My circumstances had been altered slightly,” the frog said with a touch of wryness.
“Just supposing . . . that I’m not insane and that I believe you,” Gwen squinted at the frog. “Why were you turned into a toad?”
That was clearly not the question he wanted to be asked, but his smile was game and charming. “I’m a frog, actually. I ran into a bad-tempered fairy. I was minding my own business and somehow offended him and—poof!—here I am.” He wiggled a flipped wryly.
“I see,” said Gwen, feeling her forehead tighten as she squinted down at him.
“I must beg you for your assistance,” the frog’s voice quivered and he clutched his front flippers and held them out beseechingly. “As you can plainly see, this slimy skin hides a nobleman, I was not born a frog—nay—I am an enchanted being. Cursed to take on the form of a frog through no fault of my own.”
“Why can’t your fairy godparent help you?”
The frog gave an audible sniff. “Alas, I inhabit a fairy netherworld, and find myself without a magical keeper. The fairy that enchanted me was breaking some great rule and my previous godparent retired, so I am currently at a loss for help. Unless . . .” he snuck a quick glance at her.
Uh-huh. Here it comes . . .
“What was that?” Ella gabbled, leaping to her feet in a mad dance the pillow she had been playing with flying out of her hand and landing on Martin, flattening him to the floor.
He peeled his face off of the cold stones, faintly hearing Ella’s frantic tirade. “I saw something move across the floor, I know I did!”
“Probably a mouse,” Gwen said, sounding vaguely astounded by Ella’s uncharacteristic hysteria.
Martin pushed against the softness but the pillow merely sprang back at him, smothering him. He was going die because some girl had thrown a pillow on top of him. How ignominious.
“A mouse?” Ella gasped and there was a horrible screech of hinges; she must have leapt up onto the sofa. “Oh, where? Where, where?”
MOVE THE PILLOW, he thought. Move the pillow, move the pillow, move the pillow.
“I think I did see something,” Gwen was saying loudly, “Yes, I believe that pillow is moving.”
There was a wild screech and the sound of stampeding feet then the sound of a heavy wooden door swinging open.
“Out of my way!” Ella wailed, followed by the startled squawk of some newcomer, doubtless a servant, who had presumably been heading in the other direction from Ella and been bowled over.
Just when he thought he wouldn’t draw another breath, Martin felt the pillow being plucked carefully from him and Gwen leaned down in a swift motion, scooping him into her palm.
“Are you all right?” she asked and he chose to be touched by her question, even though her tone had the pinched sound of suppressed amusement.
Martin tried to raise a flipper but found that he couldn’t.
“I’ll just dispose of this,” Gwen said loudly enough for Ella to hear, agitation jumping in her voice as she scooped up Martin and moved swiftly into her bedroom, closing the door.
“Martin! Martin? Say something,” she demanded. “Are you all right?”
Martin opened his eyes and managed to smile at her. “Slightly crushed in mind and body but I shall survive,”
“I don’t like this,” he whined.
“You think I do?” Gwen snapped. “I just love have big, slimy lumps in my pocket.”
Martin bristled, trying to come up with an appropriate comeback but Gwen kept talking before he could muster a response. “But you know what I’ve decided? I’ve decided that I do love having thinking, talking toads in my pocket that can retrieve information I can’t in my pocket. So why don’t you decide that you love riding in pockets to accomplish the task that will return you to your original form?”
Martin took a moment sorting out the rapid fire, expressionless words and was just about to agree and compliment her positive attitude when Gwen added. “And while you’re thinking about how lucky you are, how about keeping your big mouth shut?”
“You are a very rude young woman,” Martin huffed into the folds of her pocket.
“I’m not wearing that,” she said flatly, glaring at the hat.
“Why not?”
“I don’t like it.”
“But you’ve never tried it,” Martin pleaded. “How can you know you might not discover some fabulous new fashion that you can’t live without?”
“I thought this was for spying purposes?”
“It is,” Martin said stiffly. “Surely you realize how much more practical this hat is.”
“It would look suspicious,” she said picking up her letter again. “Everyone knows I don’t dress like that.”
“Well, maybe you should!” Martin said, losing his temper.
Gwen blinked, stared at him then gave a loud laugh. “I hardly think a toad is any in position to give me fashion advice.”
“A frog,” Martin said with as much dignity as he could muster. “And I was considered one of the very princes of fashion before my transformation, not to mention, a bit of a connoisseur of women.”
“What is it you’re trying to say?”
“I hate riding in your pocket!” Martin exploded.
“It can’t be that uncomfortable,”
“It makes me feel small and ridiculous,” Martin blurted and wished he could suck the words back in as easily as he could nab a frog with his tongue.
“How appropriate,” said Gwen, “since man or frog, that’s precisely what you are, just as I am an unattractive, unpopular, old maid.” She rose to her feet. “It takes more than gold to transform some things, Martin—some things cannot ever be changed.”
Well, what did you think of the excerpts, dear readers? What do you think of Gwen and Martin? I’d love to hear all about it in the comments!
As a note – while The Frog Prince IS book two in the Tales of Ambia series – it will probably be released after book three – there are good reasons, I promise, and you’ll have to forgive me for the wait.
Hopefully, it will be worth it!
One last thing, while you’re here, don’t forget to enter the giveaway for a chance to win a copy of the first Tales of Ambia book, The Reluctant Godfather – as well as a bundle of other fun goodies!
January 23, 2018
Allison’s Well 1st Birthday – Blog Party: A Round-Up Of My Favorite Posts
I have had so much fun and found so much joy in blogging. It’s been an amazing year!
It wasn’t easy to narrow down my list of favorite posts and in the end, I only whittled it down to thirteen. But thirteen is a good number. One post for every day in a year – and an extra one to grow on.
I hope you enjoy this bakers dozen of my favorite blog posts as you join me on a walk through Allison’s Well as I look back on my first happy year of blogging.
Book Sale Blitzkrieg
He Made Me Laughing
The Gif(t) of a Twin
Nutshells / Hiatus, And Saying Goodbye to Perfectionism
Camp Nano – When There Are No Words To Describe it
The Truth About Bartholomew
Williamsburg, VA – Xmas 2016
Not A Moment To Lose: Praising God in Times of Pain
September – Half a Nutshell
Summer Dog
God Is More Than Me.
A Baker’s Dozen of Tears: 13 Scenes In Movies That Made Me Cry
Magical Shops To Visit in Williamsburg
It wasn’t easy to narrow down my list of favorite posts and in the end, I only whittled it down to thirteen. But thirteen is a good number. One post for every day in a year – and an extra one to grow on.
I hope you enjoy this bakers dozen of my favorite blog posts as you join me on a walk through Allison’s Well as I look back on my first happy year of blogging.
Book Sale Blitzkrieg
He Made Me Laughing
The Gif(t) of a Twin
Nutshells / Hiatus, And Saying Goodbye to Perfectionism
Camp Nano – When There Are No Words To Describe it
The Truth About Bartholomew
Williamsburg, VA – Xmas 2016
Not A Moment To Lose: Praising God in Times of Pain
September – Half a Nutshell
Summer Dog
God Is More Than Me.
A Baker’s Dozen of Tears: 13 Scenes In Movies That Made Me Cry
Magical Shops To Visit in Williamsburg
January 22, 2018
Allison’s Well 1st Birthday – Blog Party: HACKED
LOOK WHAT HAPPENED – I GOT “HACKED.”
By the nicest hackers possible. Some of my sweet followers sent secret messages to put together this post for Allison’s Well 1st birthday. With the help of my twin – (thanks, Chum-Chum!) – these messages were a surprise to me!
Let’s read them now!
GABRIELLYN SAYS –
Hey, girl! Happy birthday to your lovely blog!
By the nicest hackers possible. Some of my sweet followers sent secret messages to put together this post for Allison’s Well 1st birthday. With the help of my twin – (thanks, Chum-Chum!) – these messages were a surprise to me!
Let’s read them now!
GABRIELLYN SAYS –
Hey, girl! Happy birthday to your lovely blog!
January 21, 2018
Allison’s Well 1st Birthday – Blog Party: A Prayer For My Followers
Allison’s Well has never been just about me – it’s been about you, and what I have to share with you. The best that I can give you, is prayer – and I would like to pray for you, right now.
Dear Lord, today – I come to lift up my followers to you – and to thank you for them.
I know many of the people following this blog – and they have been an incredible blessing in my life. Thank you for all that they have taught me – thank you for the beautiful friendships that they have brought. It has been a gift to know them and I thank you for them from the bottom of my heart.
And now – I lift every one of them up to You in prayer.
For all those that are hurting – physically, emotionally, mentally or spiritually – I ask that You would bind them up, touch then with Your power and Your love and quiet them and comfort them.
For all those that are grieving, I ask that You would give them a crown of beauty. That You would wipe away the tears and the ashes and fill them with life.
For all those struggling with illness, I ask Lord that You would speak to them, turn to them, rush to their aid, rush to their comfort. Be their shield, their portion, their anchor. I ask that You would rebuke the storm of grief, pain, sorrow and frustration that rides in the shadow of illness –that they would be full of Your grace and full of Your healing and that You would work mightily through everything that comes against them.
For all those that are fighting with You and against You, I ask that you would help them, woo them to You. May they lay down their arms and be released from the prison of resisting You, and step into the glorious peace of surrendering to You.
For all those that are angry, may You take away that anger and replace it with love.
For all those that are frustrated, may You take away that frustration and replace it with peace.
For all of those that are anxious, may You fill them with certainty—that You are our Protector, our Sovereign Lord, and that we rest in the palm of Your hand. You move all things according to your pleasure, and Your pleasure is good and can be trusted. May You give them a spirit of trust.
For those that are frightened, I thank you Lord that You did not give them a Spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind. I ask Lord that You would protect them by your power, fill them with Your love and speak to their minds that they might receive the strength that you promise.
For those that struggle with legalism, I ask Lord that You release them – that the powerlessness and joylessness of legalism would be stripped away and You would open their eyes to the might and freedom and power of living in Your grace.
For all those that could take living in Your grace lightly – I ask Holy Spirit that you would whisper to them and that they would listen. I ask that they would not exercise your freedom without restraint, but look to You and ask You about all things; that while living in your grace, they would never forget to be set apart. May they look to You to guide and direct every step and every decision that they make.
For all those that are struggling with guilt. I ask Lord that You would assure them that nothing, neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Jesus Christ died for ALL sins – there are no half measures. He is our High Priest that brings us whole into the throne room of God and presents us as holy because of His shed blood. The curtain has been torn down and Christ’s temple has been placed in us. We are clean and renewed daily by the power of Jesus Christ and we can rest in perfect peace in that knowledge.
For all those that are in need, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually – I ask that You will provide for them according to Your will – that You would shower Your riches upon them – and remind us that Your ways are better than our ways. May You provide us with exactly what we need, above what we want. But Lord – You see all the desires of everyone here. I ask Lord – if it be Your will – that You will grant the readers of this post the desires of their heart and bless them in ways they couldn’t even begin to guess or begin to ask for.
There is so much I have not prayed, so many needs that have not been touched upon – but Lord, you know every single person that follows this blog. You know them far better than I do. You see them right now and know exactly where they are, what they need, what is going on. I ask Holy Spirit that YOU would pray for them as the Bible tells us You do (Romans 8:26-27) – that You would intervene for them and keep them as the apple of Your eye. May You draw them ever closer and reveal Yourself to them in a mighty way.
I thank you Father that You have heard my prayer. I thank you that You love my readers with a love that we cannot even begin to fathom.
And Lord for myself – please use me and this blog to bless and refresh, to bring laughter to those that read it. May I always faithfully testify the great and wonderful things You have done for me. May I always share the love I have for You and the love You have for me. Grant me wisdom and grace and may I never lead a reader astray by my words. I ask that You will fill in the gaps of my human failings – and use what I give for good because only You are able to do such a thing.
You know we are needy – You know I am needy – we need You – We need You for every breath and for every step. Please come quickly to us, reveal Yourself to us, keep Your hand upon us and under us. May we always run after You.
I ask these things by the Grace of God, through the power of His Spirit and in the Name of His Son, Jesus Christ.
Amen
Dear Friends and Followers…
“I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.” Ephesians 1:16
Dear Lord, today – I come to lift up my followers to you – and to thank you for them.
I know many of the people following this blog – and they have been an incredible blessing in my life. Thank you for all that they have taught me – thank you for the beautiful friendships that they have brought. It has been a gift to know them and I thank you for them from the bottom of my heart.
And now – I lift every one of them up to You in prayer.
For all those that are hurting – physically, emotionally, mentally or spiritually – I ask that You would bind them up, touch then with Your power and Your love and quiet them and comfort them.
For all those that are grieving, I ask that You would give them a crown of beauty. That You would wipe away the tears and the ashes and fill them with life.
For all those struggling with illness, I ask Lord that You would speak to them, turn to them, rush to their aid, rush to their comfort. Be their shield, their portion, their anchor. I ask that You would rebuke the storm of grief, pain, sorrow and frustration that rides in the shadow of illness –that they would be full of Your grace and full of Your healing and that You would work mightily through everything that comes against them.
For all those that are fighting with You and against You, I ask that you would help them, woo them to You. May they lay down their arms and be released from the prison of resisting You, and step into the glorious peace of surrendering to You.
For all those that are angry, may You take away that anger and replace it with love.
For all those that are frustrated, may You take away that frustration and replace it with peace.
For all of those that are anxious, may You fill them with certainty—that You are our Protector, our Sovereign Lord, and that we rest in the palm of Your hand. You move all things according to your pleasure, and Your pleasure is good and can be trusted. May You give them a spirit of trust.
For those that are frightened, I thank you Lord that You did not give them a Spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind. I ask Lord that You would protect them by your power, fill them with Your love and speak to their minds that they might receive the strength that you promise.
For those that struggle with legalism, I ask Lord that You release them – that the powerlessness and joylessness of legalism would be stripped away and You would open their eyes to the might and freedom and power of living in Your grace.
For all those that could take living in Your grace lightly – I ask Holy Spirit that you would whisper to them and that they would listen. I ask that they would not exercise your freedom without restraint, but look to You and ask You about all things; that while living in your grace, they would never forget to be set apart. May they look to You to guide and direct every step and every decision that they make.
For all those that are struggling with guilt. I ask Lord that You would assure them that nothing, neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Jesus Christ died for ALL sins – there are no half measures. He is our High Priest that brings us whole into the throne room of God and presents us as holy because of His shed blood. The curtain has been torn down and Christ’s temple has been placed in us. We are clean and renewed daily by the power of Jesus Christ and we can rest in perfect peace in that knowledge.
For all those that are in need, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually – I ask that You will provide for them according to Your will – that You would shower Your riches upon them – and remind us that Your ways are better than our ways. May You provide us with exactly what we need, above what we want. But Lord – You see all the desires of everyone here. I ask Lord – if it be Your will – that You will grant the readers of this post the desires of their heart and bless them in ways they couldn’t even begin to guess or begin to ask for.
There is so much I have not prayed, so many needs that have not been touched upon – but Lord, you know every single person that follows this blog. You know them far better than I do. You see them right now and know exactly where they are, what they need, what is going on. I ask Holy Spirit that YOU would pray for them as the Bible tells us You do (Romans 8:26-27) – that You would intervene for them and keep them as the apple of Your eye. May You draw them ever closer and reveal Yourself to them in a mighty way.
I thank you Father that You have heard my prayer. I thank you that You love my readers with a love that we cannot even begin to fathom.
And Lord for myself – please use me and this blog to bless and refresh, to bring laughter to those that read it. May I always faithfully testify the great and wonderful things You have done for me. May I always share the love I have for You and the love You have for me. Grant me wisdom and grace and may I never lead a reader astray by my words. I ask that You will fill in the gaps of my human failings – and use what I give for good because only You are able to do such a thing.
You know we are needy – You know I am needy – we need You – We need You for every breath and for every step. Please come quickly to us, reveal Yourself to us, keep Your hand upon us and under us. May we always run after You.
I ask these things by the Grace of God, through the power of His Spirit and in the Name of His Son, Jesus Christ.
Amen
Dear Friends and Followers…
“I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.” Ephesians 1:16
January 19, 2018
Allison’s Well 1st Birthday Blog Party – GIVEAWAY
Last November was my blog’s one year anniversary!! *shoots off fireworks*
However, due to NaNoWriMo and Christmas, I thought it would be better to hold off the merrymaking until January – and now, the time has come! Get ready, starting next Monday for a weak of epic partying and lots of (hopefully) fun posts – but first A HUMONGOUS GIVEAWAY.
Like a good hobbit, I have a gift for YOU for my birthday celebration.
Do you hear free stuff calling your name? YES, YOU DO. But not just any free stuff – a carefully handpicked box full of goodies to commemorated Allison’s Well’s first birthday. Twelve items – one for each month of an amazing blogging year.
Welcome to the “My Favorite Things Giveaway.
1. Stuffed Dragon
This little guy is so irresistible, I bought one for myself (#noshame) and in honor of the occasion – I named him Blog. He speaks with a slight lisp, practices roaring and flying daily, and loves to read.
And even if you don’t want this adorable little stuffed dragon – (“is sorry for you”)
They would make a lovely gift for a friend or little sibling!
2. Wizard of Oz Charm Bracelet.
I have a real weakness for charm bracelets and collect them pretty avidly – the fact that this is a Wizard of Oz charm bracelet makes it even better. The Wizard of Oz series are some of the most delightful children’s books I’ve ever read and I really admire Frank Baum’s approach to writing. So this bracelet is a perfect marriage of two favorite things.
Again, I loved it so much I bought one for myself!
However, due to NaNoWriMo and Christmas, I thought it would be better to hold off the merrymaking until January – and now, the time has come! Get ready, starting next Monday for a weak of epic partying and lots of (hopefully) fun posts – but first A HUMONGOUS GIVEAWAY.
Like a good hobbit, I have a gift for YOU for my birthday celebration.
Do you hear free stuff calling your name? YES, YOU DO. But not just any free stuff – a carefully handpicked box full of goodies to commemorated Allison’s Well’s first birthday. Twelve items – one for each month of an amazing blogging year.
Welcome to the “My Favorite Things Giveaway.
s
1. Stuffed Dragon
This little guy is so irresistible, I bought one for myself (#noshame) and in honor of the occasion – I named him Blog. He speaks with a slight lisp, practices roaring and flying daily, and loves to read.
And even if you don’t want this adorable little stuffed dragon – (“is sorry for you”)
They would make a lovely gift for a friend or little sibling!
2. Wizard of Oz Charm Bracelet.
I have a real weakness for charm bracelets and collect them pretty avidly – the fact that this is a Wizard of Oz charm bracelet makes it even better. The Wizard of Oz series are some of the most delightful children’s books I’ve ever read and I really admire Frank Baum’s approach to writing. So this bracelet is a perfect marriage of two favorite things.
Again, I loved it so much I bought one for myself!
