Sheri L. Swift's Blog, page 2

The Old Chair In The Corner

When my husband and I bought our home I looked at the house plans for hours.  I imagined where each piece of furniture would go.
In the corner of the dining room I knew one day I would purchase a grandfather clock and place it there.
As time passed my husband came across this old solid redwood chair at a bargain.  I planned on placing it out on the front porch.
The richness of the redwood and my love for the Calaveras Big Trees from my former state of California kept me from putting it outdoors.
It soon became invaluable for another seat at the dining room table.
Our daughters and their friends played games or put together large puzzles.
As our family grew and our daughters married it was even more necessary for an extra seat so we could all sit down and eat together.
Now adding grandchildren to the mix it is still used for all the above.
No I never got a grandfather clock but what I have is so much more valuable  :)

A Summer Longing

The Sun decided to peek out today in the Blue Ridge Mountains and how I longed for the warmth of the Summer rays to shine down.
These photos were taken at Ocracoke Island, North Carolina.  One of my favorite places and inspiration for my Safe Harbor Island.
The Winter days always make me long for Summer.  That's why it's easy to write my Mer stories then.
I love to listen to Toby Mac's Hold On and my Mer Songs Playlist to help inspire me as I write.
I'm always out and about when Summer arrives so there's little time for writing with Grandchildren to play with and places to experience.
For now my mind drifts away with the sound of the North Atlantic Ocean crashing on the shore.
Things are getting pretty interesting with Will Prentis as he settles into his new home.
The Mer of Torbist may be going to war again with the Mer of Tiselius.  This gives King Titus and Queen Lana a lot to think about for their Kingdom and those they love.
Well I guess I better get back at it....  ;)

An Amazing Shot

This scene was captured by my youngest daughter I lovingly call Baby Girl though she has a baby girl of her own. This photo was taken atop Stone Mountain State Park in North Carolina.

She loves going for runs and hiking; when she does she can't help but take a pic of these amazing views. 
In the distance you can see the famed 'Mount Pilot' from the Andy Griffith series although it's name is actually Pilot Mountain.
I couldn't help but relate to this photo; how majestic it is.  It made me think of times when I've felt like I was in the deepest darkest place.
I've been there through cancer, sepsis, congestive heart failure and even kidney failure.
Somehow although I was at first frightened by these events, I felt a sense of peace come over me and the presence of a loving God holding my hand.
That's what this photo speaks to me.  :)

An Easter To Remember

I'm just now getting around to posting this.  It was such a special year.
I remember no matter what the weather was predicted, I prayed we would have a sunny day for our celebration on Palm Sunday which was the day our family celebrated.

A few days before wasn't looking so great, lol.



We were determined to celebrate no matter, lol.

Though everyone bundled up, they had the best hunt they'd ever had including a snowball fight or two.




Except for my oldest daughter Sarah from CA, all the girls and their families were able to join in.

God gave me even more than I asked for.  It was beautiful and sunny.  :)

Signs of Spring :)

Today was a beautiful spring-like day here on the Blue Ridge.
Got Sweetheart to take a selfie with me.
After a few days of strong winds the sky is blue and the birds are singing.
What a difference a year makes.  I'm feeling better than I have in a long time and eager to get back to my full writing goals.
Legend of the Mer IV is back in the works and Will Prentis is getting the chance to tell his story.
Hope you're all having signs of spring too and good health  ;)

A THANKFUL HEART ~ Why I took off a year from writing

Last Fall I became very ill with bronchitis, which became acute bronchitis. By Winter I had pneumonia and was eventually put in the hospital and given a diagnosis of congestive heart failure.
I was told I had a beating heart of 20% and went for a heart catheterization.
When I met the heart Dr. who would be doing the procedure, he asked if he could pray with me.  I said yes because I know all things are possible with God.
We prayed and I was so blessed he had.  When we began the procedure he smiled and told me I had 0% cholesterol or blockages.
I knew that was God, nothing I had done.  I could barely even walk at that time, let alone breathe.
The Dr. told me now I had to become stronger so my heart could catch up.
As hard as it was I knew I had to stop writing until I could get well.  I did however continue to read/edit, read/edit, etc.
For some that might seem silly, but for me I put myself completely into my characters minds and situations which is pretty much exhausting like running a few miles, not to mention the research.
I began light exercise again, walking more, but mostly taking time to rest.  I also made it a point to spend all the time I could with my family.
My mom, stepdad and even my oldest daughter came out from California to spend Easter with me.
A few months later my Dr. appointment showed an increase to my heart to 40% of a beating heart.
My last echo cardiogram showed a strong heart with over 55% of a beating heart which is in the 55-75% normal range.
Yes I believe I received a miracle that day even if I had to put in the effort to help. God doesn't always heal us instantly and most importantly we have to receive the healing in faith.
I plan to resume writing Legend of the Mer IV in January.  Thank you to my fans who have been so patient with me.
I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving.  There's always something to be thankful for.  :) 

Signs of Fall in the Blue Ridge Mtns

The leaves are turning and the temps are lowering here in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
This is a view of my backyard I took a few days ago. I love to watch it change from green to orange and then scarlet.

One of the first things on the menu is my Grandpa McLain's beef stew.  My mother always made it and now I make it to keep down the chill in the air.
Just add a piece of crusty sough dough bread and there you have it.
Hope wherever you are this Fall you have warmth, good food and the closeness of your family and friends.  ;)

Finding Joy in the Journey: LEGEND OF THE MER ~ Seahorse Lullaby (Re-post)

Reposting a poem for summer  ;)

Finding Joy in the Journey: LEGEND OF THE MER ~ Seahorse Lullaby: Within my book (Legend of the Mer) there are two songs that the Mermaids sing.  One of them is called the Seahorse Lullaby.  I was nearly r...

THE GOOD LIFE ;)

THE GOOD LIFE If you've ever read my Legend of the Mer book you will hear the above three words mentioned.
My character Lana has some challenges in her life, but all in all they have led her to The Good Life.
You might say that pretty much sums up my life as well.  Not only did my family move from CA to VA in 1995 giving up all we knew and many we loved.
I survived cancer in 2008/2009. Went through years of radiating and a few surgeries as well.  In some ways you might say I've become a warrior and have overcome many battles.
I'm still struggling with some of my health issues, but when I look back from where I've come to today I can truly say I have lived The Good Life.
What do those three words mean; a life filled with love, laughter, family, friends, sometimes tears, overcoming adversity, contentment in a life of mediocrity or even mountaintop living, and most of all faith in my Creator to see me through.
My husband John has also been right there beside me all the way.  My daughters and grandchildren have encouraged me as well as other family members.
I'm currently writing the fourth book in the Legend of the Mer series and you might say the Prentis family as well as extended members of the family are enjoying The Good Life as well.

An early Spring in Virginia

Many of our flowers and tree blossoms have been frozen and heated and frozen again for weeks here in Virginia this early spring.
I'm hoping my pink and white Dogwoods will have some bloom in the end.  If any of you have read my book The Hart of Telendaria you'll know I'm especially fond of them and the Wisteria around the property.
I suppose there is some metaphor in this; perhaps we are too eager for things and we need to take a pause now and again to make sure it's the right timing of a matter.
I am hopeful for Easter this year, perhaps because of the back and forth with the weather.  Somehow Easter for me is the beginning of spring and the renewal of all things.
Happy Spring  ;)