Becky Wade's Blog, page 87

Inspired by Scripture

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My Social Media Ad Purchases — Hits and Misses

Do you ever fall victim to the ads that infiltrate your social media feed? I scroll right past most of them, but every once in awhile, an ad will catch my eye. I’ll click over to the product’s web site, read about it, look at pictures and reviews. Ponder. Then, if I’m in a shopping type of mood and sufficiently hopeful that I’ll love the product, I’ll hit “buy”.

Here’s a wrap-up of my ad-generated purchases of the past few years. (FYI, this post is just for fun. I’m not an “influencer” for any of the below, more’s the pity.)

Purchases that were HITS

Spanx Clothing

We’re probably all familiar with Spanx’s shapewear — which I do admit to shimmying my way into when wearing certain dresses. The company took the idea of supporting and flattering a woman’s curves and rolled out a clothing line.

I started with these camo leggings…

My sister and me with my mom and dad

I loved them SO MUCH that I’ve gone on to buy several items from Spanx: jean leggings, white flare jeans, and twill shorts. (p.s. Spanx items are pricey so here’s a 15% off coupon you can use if you want to try something from them.)

Make-up

I’ve been really happy with all of these items. From Jones Road: miracle cream (I use this as a cream blush that also has a highlighter effect to it), liquid eye shadow, concealer stick. From Perbelle: CC cream with 43 SPF. From Thrive: Eye brightener eye shadow stick.

A no-filter picture of me wearing all of the above make-up products.

Avara Clothing

I started with this top…

With author Rebekah Millet

And have since bought several more tops and dresses from them. Avara has a shop here in Dallas, so I pop into their boutique whenever I’m in the market for a piece that’s fun and unique.

Earrings

I’m a big fan of this lightweight, sparkly pair from Sarah Cornwell.

Purchases that were MISSES

These Shoes

They don’t bend at all. They weren’t a complete waste of money because they are cute and I do wear them from time to time. However, when I wear them, I can’t do much actual walking, since these feel like wooden boards strapped to my soles.

This Dress

This dress looked adorable on the model in the ad and was priced at less than $40, so I took the plunge. When it came, it was very flimsy and too small. I attempted to return it and found that there was no possible way to do so. So… that’s $40 I’ll never see again.

“Why do you still have it?” you ask. Because the penny pincher in me is hoping my 13 year old daughter will want to wear it. Which, to be honest, is probably highly unlikely.

As you can see, I’ve been burned a few times. But I’ve been really happy with my purchases many more times.

Have you bought anything because of an ad that turned out to be a hit or miss?

Finding Hope in the Waiting

This week I’m in St. Louis for the ACFW conference and board meetings…It’s been three years since we’ve been able to meet face to face and this is so fun. It’s so good to be in the same space as my writing friends and able to meet so many new ones. There is an energy and power that comes from sharing space with other creatives. I love what I do in my day job, but it’s different from hanging with writers who get this life.

I’m also very excited to spend time with readers at Storyfest, which is running at the same time as ACFW. I’ll meet myself coming and going but it will be the best possible time. There is so much that fills me up with joy and energy when I’m here. If you love books or write, you should plan now to join us next year.

One of the challenges that comes with an event like this is to avoid the comparison game. There is always someone who is further down the road than you are or has the contract you wish for. Publishing is a long ballgame. It’s important to stay focused on doing the next best thing. Plant the seed. Write the words. Invest in the growth. Do the work. Keep the faith.

My encouragement to you is the above: Don’t waste your energy on things you cannot control. We are called to be faithful to the call. And then let God handle the rest. Trust Him with the process. Whether you’re a writer or have a different call, trust Him with the process. Focus on what you can control and leave the rest to Him.

Hurry Up and Wait

Once I make a decision to do something, I’m ready to get it done. As in ASAP. Which is near realistic, of course. Especially in our post-pandemic world where things seem to be constantly behind. So I’m in “hurry up and wait” mode on several projects at the moment and it’s driving me crazy!

Our new ceiling fan.The new one is a little sleeker, has LED lighting, and is adjustable for brightness and speed from the switch on the wall.

Our ceiling fan in the living room randomly turns off and on. At one point, we changed the speed and it continued to work for several months. Then the random thing started happening again. Since the fan and light were likely installed when the house was built almost 15 years ago, we decided it might be time for a change. I really didn’t think it would be that big of a deal. Just by and new fan and have it installed, right? 

Except while I wanted something a little different than what is there now, I didn’t want to go to a radical new style. And that in-between was a bit difficult to find. But I did, with the help of my local lightning specialty store. So we ordered the fan—and the down rod for it, because it attaches to our sloped ceiling at around the sixteen foot mark. Still, all got ordered. 

Only the down rod was backordered. And of course it doesn’t matter when the fan arrives because I can’t have it installed without that rod. And I can’t schedule the electrician until I know all the parts are for sure here. And a month after I ordered them, they still aren’t. 

Hurry up and wait. 

2. Our new backyard deck.

Hoping to about double our deck space to accommodate two large tables!

We’ve been wanting to expand the living area in our backyard since we moved in. The current deck is very small and I have a big family when we are all here! Not to mention that we always host at least one summer party for the interns at Jeff’s work and for family and friends on the 4th of July since we can watch the city fireworks from our backyard. Easy, peasy, right?

Wrong! First, we had a heck of a time even getting anyone out to measure for an estimate. Then even those who measured often didn’t get back with us! When we finally decided on a company, we went to the HOA for approval and found we first needed the city approval and permits—and there might be a snag to that with the utility easement which basically runs through the center of our backyard!

Thankfully, the company we chose made a quick phone call to the city and got some initial answers to the questions. Then they submitted the forms for the permit. But of course the city is backed up in approving permits. And until that permit is issued, I can’t submit the plans to the HOA. And only after their approval can we begin work. 

I guess the good news is that by the time it is finished the weather should be perfect for enjoying outdoor living. But for now . . . 

Hurry up and wait. 

3. Our new puppy. 

Mama Fida is a full sized bernadoodle. Her puppies will be mini bernadoodles.

Yes, you read that right. We are getting a puppy. But why? Why would you do that at your stage of life? so many of you have asked. Because Jeff wants a puppy. And he doesn’t ask for much of anything for himself. I tell people it’s his mid-life crisis–and it could be so much worse than a puppy! 

A friend of ours breeds mini bernadoodles, so that is what we are getting. We’ve been committed to this puppy for well over a year. People keep asking when she’s coming. At least now we can saw she’s been conceived! 

Fida, the mama, took forever to go into heat. We were first told the puppies would be ready for their new homes around July. Then August or September. Now that’s she’s finally pregnant, we know it will be somewhere around Thanksgiving. The puppies are due in twoish weeks, then we’ll bring our girl home eight or so weeks later. 

Hurry up and wait. 

That’s my life these days. At least I have writing and editing to do while I wait, and I’m grateful for that! 

What is your “hurry up and wait” situation?  

Another novel finished and in

Since 2005, I’ve had this story inside me—and now it’s finally on the page.

Yep, finally! ; )

The stories that have lived inside me the longest are often the most difficult to write, and A Million Little Pieces was certainly that. Not only because of the subject matter—marriage and infidelity—but because these characters are all so real to me and the settings so tangible, that “first words on the page” often felt frustratingly inadequate and painfully thin compared to the living, breathing movie inside me.

Thankfully, I thrive on rewriting and honing (aka: editing and being edited), and I never want to offer God something that has cost me nothing (2 Samuel 24:24). Still, I am beyond grateful to have this book written, edited, and back to my editor. Major whew!

Tentatively titled A Million Little Pieces, this novel is my first contemporary, first novel written in first person POV (point-of-view), and it’s also my first dual-story novel, meaning it’s got both a contemporary and historical story line. But historical will always be my first love. : )

November 2023 is the scheduled release date and I’ll share more once that date is confirmed and the cover finalized, etc…

But it is good to be on the “finished” side of this novel!

Speaking of upcoming releases, to celebrate crossing this finish line—and the luscious taste of fall in the air—I’m giving away a soon-to-release novel today from our own Deb Raney!

Read more about & PRE-ORDER O Little Town

The only stipulation for the winner is that they read the novel by September 27th and post an online review THAT DAY to help spread the word.

I read an advanced copy of O Little Town—and read Deb’s story as she was writing it since we’re writing critique partners—and it’s so good! The perfect holiday read as we turn the page from summer to fall.

So . . .

1) if you have time to read O Little Town by September 27, and

2) will agree to leave an online review that day

Please LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW BY 9PM CENTRAL TODAY sharing your favorite way to usher in fall, and you’ll be entered to win!

Me? I bake pumpkin bread and start decorating! Even now I’m looking out the window at the first falling leaves (and already baked pumpkin bread—recipe below—this past weekend). Delicious.

Much love from my corner of Tennessee,

Tammy

No lie. This recipe is legit!

Make BEST EVER Pumpkin Bread today

See you on Instagram!

Time Machine

Lawrence Welk

The other night I came into the bedroom, dropped onto the bed, and started clicking the TV remote, looking for something to watch while I rested. I don’t even remember what channel I clicked, but suddenly there was the Lawrence Welk show, and the familiar walls of my bedroom seemed to melt. I felt as though I was being swept into a time machine and transported back to 1960 or so, when life was so much simpler. While I watched the beautiful/handsome Lawrence Welk Singers, dressed in period costumes, began to sing about their little town, where people were kind and would stop to pray for one another . . . I almost wept. Maybe it’s because I’m over sixty, but I remember living in a different kind of America–one where neighbors knew each other, and brought out the lawn chairs to sit and talk after supper, when the kids played together on the lawns, and where neighbors were always quick to offer help whenever it was needed.

I don’t see that America in many places today. I don’t even know my current neighbors, though I have spoken to them and tried to be friendly. Sometimes they don’t even answer the door if I knock.

I know times are different now, but I don’t think we’ve changed for the better. But just for a moment, it was wonderful to see those beautiful singers and dancers, and to hear those lovely voices singing about community and caring and concern.

I don’t know where or when the Lawrence Welk Show plays in your town, but do yourself a favor–no matter what your age–and search for it. Watch an episode with your family, and take a trip back to a kinder, simpler time.

By the way, Lawrence Welk was an immigrant, who came to this country speaking very little English, but he thrived here and celebrated America as often as he could. Wonderful man, wonderful show. Enjoy!

~~Angie

Inspired by Scripture

This Sunday feature is brought to you by ClashVerseoftheDay.com. You may sign up to receive a beautiful photo with Scripture in your inbox each morning or view the verse each day online.

The Beauty of Weddings

As many of you know, this was a busy summer for our family with our first wedding among our children. One of my daughters got married in July, and we celebrated with a lovely wedding with friends and family in central Ohio (where my daughter went to school, where she met the love of her life, and where his family lives).

Though the weather was rainy (and by rainy I mean down-pouring with blowing wind and flood warnings), it was still a beautiful day! We didn’t get to have the wedding outside as we’d originally planned, but the venue had plenty of space inside to accommodate the ceremony.

And the photos! We just got them back this past week, and I’m amazed that in spite of the rain dripping down the photographer’s umbrella, she managed to make each picture look perfect! She also managed to tone down my nineteen-year-old son’s hair that he decided to dye pink one week before the wedding! Gotta love when our kids do crazy things like that before a momentous occasion, right?

Here are just a few pictures to give you a glimpse of the special day!

Having brunch and getting ready together

Before-the-wedding pictures

The wedding ceremony

The reception and dance

The bride with her sisters and her brothers

The wedding party and the family photos

The beautiful bride and her handsome groom!

Books from My Childhood

Do you need a guaranteed smile today? Just think back to your favorite children’s books. There is something about remembering the utter delight of being a child diving into a favorite picture book that never fails to lighten my heart. Even at the ripe old age of 51 (Yikes! How did I get to be so old?), I can still vividly recall some of the picture books I fell in love with as a child.

Not many little girls like spiders, and I was no exception. Still don’t particularly care for them. But I loved this book. It’s not religious in nature, but it taught me that I don’t always see the whole picture, and that God often has bigger plans in mind than what effects just me. It is slightly reminiscent of Charlotte’s Web, though this spider’s name is Helen and it takes place at a zoo instead of a farm. It wouldn’t surprise me if the author was influenced by E.B. White’s story. Charlotte’s Web was published in 1952. Be Nice to Spiders was published in 1967.

I adored all of Richard Scarry’s books when I was a kid. His animal characters were adorable, and he had the best sense of humor. Lowly Worm was my absolute favorite. You can see him on the cover helping Hilda Hippo into her chair. Scarry created an entire community (Busytown, USA), and the characters appeared in many of his books, making them feel like instant friends. You can get an idea about his humor in the names of some of his characters. The three little pigs who served as firefighters named Sparky, Smokey, and Snozzle. Able Baker Charlie, the mouse who runs the local bakery. Pig Will and Pig Won’t who live up to their names. Miss Honey, a bear teacher who is a sweet as her name. Of all the Richard Scarry books I read, and there were MANY, his Please and Thank You book was my favorite. The book was filled with characters being kind to each other. Yet it never came across as a book about manners as I read it. To me, it was just a fun jaunt through Busytown, seeing what catastrophes happened and how the friends help each other get through.

As I started getting a little older, I fell in love with Frog and Toad. The stories were a little longer and the pictures were fewer. This particular book had four stories in one, each covering a different season. I’m not sure what charmed me about these stories so well, but I do remember how Toad was always grumpy and Frog was always so patient with his friend. I think the compassion and friendship inherit in their relationship really tugged on my heart. That and the crazy mishaps that poor Toad constantly seemed to encounter.

As a child of the Sesame Street era, I couldn’t conclude this post without paying homage to the funniest book of my childhood. This book was a work of literary genius! Written by Jon Stone, who was the first head writer for Sesame Street, this book never failed to send me into fits of giggles. Grover notices the title and begins to freak out about the monster. He does everything in his power to keep the reader from turning pages, not wanting to reach the end of the book. He begs, he pleads, he even builds a brick wall, but as you can imagine, the reader somehow manages to keep turning pages. It is such a fun book, and a great way to instill a love of page turning into young readers.

I made sure my kids had access to all these favorites of mine, but I don’t think they latched onto them as strongly as I did. That’s OK, though. They have they own favorites, many of whom still sit on my shelf at home waiting for grandkids to share them.

What are some of your favorite books from childhood?

Inspired by Scripture

This Sunday feature is brought to you by ClashVerseoftheDay.com. You may sign up to receive a beautiful photo with Scripture in your inbox each morning or view the verse each day online.