Curtiss Ann Matlock's Blog, page 29

Merry Christmas to all!

For the past weeks, I have taken a retreat from the internet, withdrawing to give myself space for personal writing and reflection. It’s been a time to heal from the great loss of my husband this year, a loss that brings fresh grief at the loss of other people before him. In these weeks, I’ve experienced comfort and a sense of getting my fee under me again. With Christmas I feel a sense of renewed energy, purpose, and faith in my life with Jesus Christ.

Something happens to the world at Christ...

Love and Humor–Two Christmas Romances on Kindle Sale!

Kindle sale!

Each of my two Christmas romances–Miracle on I-40andOnce Upon a Christmas– went on sale on Kindle at 99 cents each.

We’re down to the last shopping days! Things start to get a little harried at this time of year. You should have seen me pushing my buggy through Walmart early this morning. I had twenty minutes, and I was making the most of them. Thank goodness no one got in my way. It is a perfect time toget a cup of tea or hot cocoa, snuggle down in a blanket, and enjoy some pleasu...

Congratulations to MandolinSummer and Mary Lou Jameson! T...

Congratulations to MandolinSummer and Mary Lou Jameson! They are the two winners of the drawing for Once Upon A Christmas.A number of you have said you already bought the book. I am very honored that you chose it out of the millions available and hope it gives you pleasure.

Do let’s hear what everyone is reading. I was about to read Fannie Flagg’s latest, but this morning I saw a red bird stop on one of the pickets of the fence around the courtyard, and it reminded me of Flagg’s Redbird Christ...

Once Upon A Christmas — ebook giveaway!

Once Upon A Christmas. New in Kindle ebook!

My new Christmas romance has just released in Kindle!

I’m a little surprised, which is odd, since I’ve been working on the book process for two months. These months are bleary at best, in the new life of a widow. I have to say, I don’t have quite the gumption of Olivia Pritchett, the heroine of Once Upon A Christmas and a widow, too. I’ve little doubt that is one reason I love her so–I created her with attributes I would wish to have myself. I’ve litt...

Paying Attention

On the back screen porch this morning, and spoiled by the warmth. Another grey day. Rain was predicted last night, did not come. The hens were kicking up such a racket, I went out to see, but they were just greeting the morning. We’re also having flocks of black birds; so great a number that when they move, their wings make a wind sound.

Little Dude and I finally filled the bird feeder at the kitchen window, and right now little small birds are eating there–black capped chickadees and some sma...

Of Birds Singing, Repairing Roofs, and Reading

Good morning! #21 gratitude is that the weather is mild enough for me to enjoy being on the porch this morning. For the simple things, and eyes to see the joy in them.

Amazing how many birds–spring-sounding birds– were singing in the dim, gloomy morning well before sunrise. A reminder that it is a good thing to sing my own song, even well before I see light. I remember my mother-in-law used to do this precious humming of songs, most especially, I think, when she had heartache.

As for the leaky...

Changing Attitude

Warm but way too wet for me to sit on the porch. Rain coming heavily for the past half hour, pouring on the roof and splattering in puddles at the edges of the house. I think of the leaks in my roof and cringe, see the water in my mind’s eye soaking the rafters and running onto the plywood ceiling of the porch, where I wasn’t able to get plastic.

Yet I am reminded to give thanks for my roof. There are many this morning throughout the midwest waking up without homes after the tornadoes. On this...

Doing What I Can

On the porch! Soft, wet and foggy morning, bit of breeze from the north east, which doesn’t touch me here. Perfectly comfortable in my robe and feet snuggled in a throw, tea at hand. The potted begonias still have color, and so does my bottle tree against the green azaleas. The purple-leaved lorapetalums are decorated with diamond raindrops.

Well. That’s such a settling word. I am calmer this morning about the leaky roof situation this morning, and far, far more informed. (One can learn so ver...

Fireplaces and Ebooks

Good morning! Grateful #13 for the month is for my fireplace, my ability to start fires, and plenty of seasoned pecan wood, all taking the chill off the house and heart this cold, blustery morning. I don’t believe it got down to freezing, and no frost with this wind. The sun is bright–we need rain. Grateful, too, that this weather will pass quickly.

Okay, I better understand all the ebook popularity. Got my mother a Kindle Fire (lowest end) to be able to have good sound for Audible books. Mama...

To Get It Right

Good Sunday morning! Did you set your clocks back? I forgot, got up, made tea, sat with books, finally looked at the cellphone and was overjoyed! Whoot!– more reading time.

Fire in the fireplace, and it is burning lovely, because I had chimney cleaners out yesterday. What a difference! The day starts cool (not at all cold) and promises to warm up nicely. I’ve got tea and my books beside the fire. Life is good.

It all depends on where you put your focus. There is a lot to be said for hiding from...