tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6328828226564784502024-03-05T15:31:21.404-05:00Blissful Life JourneyLife's journey...come discover life through the eyes of an author and hiker as well as through others.Lauralee Blisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11923463083025047230noreply@blogger.comBlogger216125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632882822656478450.post-555245807191685442019-12-09T21:02:00.000-05:002019-12-09T21:02:01.245-05:00Westminster Abbey – A Place of Kings and Queens and Great Importance in American History<br />
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A trip I made in the fall of 2019 to England yielded a wondrous lesson
in history and awe-inspiring events. Long ago I researched the founding of the American
Colonies for various written works, of which England is its natural birthright.
A visit here brought to light much in the area of historical
facts as well as awakening a desire to bring forth the history of our nation’s founding
after walking the grounds of the ones who began it all.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Westminster Abbey</td></tr>
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Foremost is <a href="https://www.westminster-abbey.org/"><b>Westminster Abbey</b></a> – England’s most famous cathedral
and home to coronations, <o:p></o:p></div>
weddings, and the final resting place of the famous including
17 British monarchs (such as all of the Tudors except Henry VIII), and other notables
like Sir Isaac Newton and Charles Dickens. This church was a must-see on my
list of historical sites in England and worth not only the admission but also
the extra cost to see the special exhibit in the upper halls of the cathedral
known as the Galleries. The audio tour provides historical insight into the many
places within the church and is included in the admission. But I recommend also picking
up a copy of the short tour guidebook just for the pictures (of which photography
inside the building is not allowed).<br />
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Famous sites within the cathedral include:<o:p></o:p></div>
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The Nave – Home to a memorial commemorating the unknown
warrior and the coronation chair used in every coronation since Henry IV, of which
one can imagine the great monarchs of old receiving the crown while occupying
this chair.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The Quire – a grand altar and exquisite Cosmati work of
paving, done from 1268, it is the place of coronations. It is also the place of
burial for several English kings including the notorious Edward Longshanks (of Braveheart
fame), Henry III, and Henry V. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The Lady Chapel – a side chamber houses the elaborate tomb
of Elizabeth I – the monarch who saw the rise of colonization in North America with
expeditions that included the <a href="https://www.firstcolonyfoundation.org/history/the-roanoke-colonies/">Lost Colony at Roanoke</a> (which I have brought to
life in my <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Journey-Carolina-Brides-Heartsong-Presents/dp/1597895881">writings</a>!). Buried with her is her half-sister, <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tomb of Elizabeth I</td></tr>
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Mary Tudor. A separate
chamber holds the tomb of Mary, Queen of Scots. <br />
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The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries – The highlight of the
visit required an extra ticket but ended up a must-see. The galleries above the
main floor of the cathedral where one can gaze down upon the various parts of
the church provided a fascinating vantage point. Within the galleries one gazes
upon effigies in wax and wood of the actual faces of monarchs of old. Without photography
and except for paintings, these are the only visuals one has of famous people
that lived so long ago. Documents such as the Magna Carta are on the display here
as well as the marriage license of Prince William and Kate Middleton. Simply amazing
history. See the <a href="https://youtu.bepyi45hz-ue/">Video</a> <o:p></o:p></div>
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Walking within these halls, one cannot help but be in awe as this houses those that saw the creation of what is now the United States of
America. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Lauralee Blisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11923463083025047230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632882822656478450.post-91868110178572873192019-11-24T20:40:00.001-05:002019-12-09T15:05:30.009-05:00The Hiking Adventure Series!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>National Scenic Trails Adventures! </b></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Get outside with the National Scenic Trails "Hiking Adventure Series" on the Appalachian Trail and the Florida Trail. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Journey with Blissful as she hikes over 5,000 miles of trail in all kinds of terrain and situations! </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Makes a great gift for the wanderer in all of us - and you don't have to be a hiker to enjoy adventure! </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mountains-Madness-Miracles-Miles-Appalachian/dp/1939023106"><b>Mountains, Madness and Miracles</b></a> - an Appalachian Trail adventure (paperback or Kindle)</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Gators-Guts-Glory-Adventures-Florida/dp/1946531707">Gators, Guts, and Glory</a></b>- wild times on the Florida Trail! (paperback or Kindle)</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Other formats, paperback, or to get a book signed! -<b> <a href="http://whitefire-publishing.com/read/non-fiction/">Click</a></b></span></span><br />
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Lauralee Blisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11923463083025047230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632882822656478450.post-31755874720479378502019-10-30T15:15:00.002-04:002019-10-30T15:15:39.552-04:00Honoring World War II with the Pumpkin<br />
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Celebrate
the Victory gardens of World War II and my novella, “Only Forever” in the historical
romance collection <b><i>Homefront Heroines</i></b> and a tasty pumpkin bread recipe with a
secret filling, passed down to me by my aunt. It became a tradition in the
Bliss house to receive a still warm and fragrant loaf every Christmas when we
came visiting and remains a treasured memory of the past. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Pumpkin
Swirl Bread<o:p></o:p></div>
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1 8oz cream
cheese, softened, combined with ¼ cup sugar and 1 beaten egg, set aside<o:p></o:p></div>
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1 ¾ cup
flour<o:p></o:p></div>
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1 ½ cups
sugar<o:p></o:p></div>
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1 tsp baking
soda<o:p></o:p></div>
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½ tsp salt<o:p></o:p></div>
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1 tsp
cinnamon<o:p></o:p></div>
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¼ tsp nutmeg<o:p></o:p></div>
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1 cup
pumpkin<o:p></o:p></div>
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½ cup melted
margarine (I like butter)<o:p></o:p></div>
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1 egg beaten<o:p></o:p></div>
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1/3 cup
water<o:p></o:p></div>
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Combine
pumpkin, melted margarine, egg, and water. Mix together dry ingredients, mix
with wet ingredients.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Reserve two
cups of batter. Pour the remaining batter into a greased and floured large loaf
pan. <o:p></o:p><br />
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Pour cream
cheese mixture over the batter. Pour the remaining two cups of batter over the cream
cheese filling.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Bake at 350
for 70 minutes – or until toothpick comes out clean.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><i>Homefront Heroines</i></b> – from Barbour Publishing in January
2020. <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Homefront-Heroines-Young-Victory-During/dp/164352254X">Preorder</a><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Join the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/529598677783832/"><b>Facebook group</b></a> celebrating the heroines and their
loved ones during World War II!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Love to hike in the beautiful woods? Check out <a href="http://www.blissfulhiking.com/"><b>Blissful Hiking</b></a>
for autumn adventures and the latest newsletter!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />Lauralee Blisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11923463083025047230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632882822656478450.post-1708075336999785452019-08-07T12:14:00.002-04:002019-08-07T12:14:28.445-04:00Gators, Guts, and Glory Florida Trail Adventure!<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What does the state of Florida give visions of?
Beaches? Ocean waves? Walt Disney World? What could it possibly give to the
interest of a hiker? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Blissful the Hiker takes you on a wild and
wonder-laden trek on the Florida Trail through pristine cathedral palms, thick
woods of palmettos, sky high scrub pine, Lord of the Rings forests of oak and
cypress knees, a lounging gator or two, exotic birds, vast prairies, and maybe
some swamps for fun. Not to mention the interest of assorted dogs who would
rather hike with Blissful than guard property and the joy of trail angels who
will do anything to help a hiker in need when the storms rise.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Welcome to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Gators, Guts, and Glory – Adventures Along the Florida Trail.</b> This humorous
and painfully realistic tale of an 1100 mile trail stretching from</span></div>
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Big Cypress
National Preserve to Gulf Islands National Seashore will inspire hikers with a
journey unlike any other to be found in the U.S. <o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 18.6667px;">Come immerse yourself in adventure beyond any expectation! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What popular authors and other hikers have said about <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Gators, Guts and Glory – Adventures Along
the Florida Trail</b>:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Lauralee paints a richly descriptive
and realistic picture of the unique challenges faced by long distance hikers
walking from the swamps to the seashore as they traverse the length of Florida
on the Florida Trail.”</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>–
Sandra Friend, Author of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Florida
Trail Guide</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Lauralee's inspired
writing provides us with a richly detailed account of hiking the Florida Trail.
Her writing is genuine and thorough and reveals to us the rigors, emotions and
ultimately the joy of long distance backpacking." - David Miller,
author of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The A.T. Guide</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">AWOL on the Appalachian Trail</i> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">"What a great book! I couldn't put it down." - Amazon review, Verified Purchase</span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">"This is a must read. Lauralee's writing style keeps you riveted to her every mile..." - Amazon review, Verified Purchase</span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Gators-Guts-Glory-Adventures-Florida/dp/1946531707/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1BPC4ZGV9HPNO&keywords=gators+guts+and+glory&qid=1565194059&s=books&sprefix=gators+%2Cstripbooks%2C139&sr=1-1">On Amazon<o:p></o:p></a></b></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Check out also Blissful’s
first book in the Hiking Adventure Series – <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mountains, Madness, and Miracles – 4000 Miles Along the Appalachian
Trail<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mountains-Madness-Miracles-Miles-Appalachian/dp/1939023106/ref=pd_sbs_14_1/137-0989125-9842205?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1939023106&pd_rd_r=117aa253-ce0e-43fc-b206-0707b5c17232&pd_rd_w=6hsS9&pd_rd_wg=ivljE&pf_rd_p=1c11b7ff-9ffb-4ba6-8036-be1b0afa79bb&pf_rd_r=5PNX5X945PRXWZ85Y6SD&psc=1&refRID=5PNX5X945PRXWZ85Y6SD"><b>On Amazon</b></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />Lauralee Blisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11923463083025047230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632882822656478450.post-34452695528262332532018-08-07T21:59:00.000-04:002018-08-07T21:59:57.196-04:00California Burning - One Family Caught in It<br />
California is burning up. And I just read today that a California mall is refusing billboard displays for a Christian outreach because of "Complaints." Do they not know that is it only God that can change California and bring it back to life? That He is the One Who can deliver from the deadly pestilence?<br />
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The fires have hurt so many and changed lives. Some friends I knew personally were caught up in it. I want to share a poignant message they have learned from their ordeal - when they had to quickly evacuate, not knowing if the flames would roar into Redding. It was a terrifying time for them. This is their update and reflection -<br />
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<span style="color: #1d2129;">"Our house is SAFE. Our
“stuff” is safe, even though when the fire started moving, we knew our little
family was all that mattered. We were safe. Our friends were saf<span class="textexposedshow">e. What else did I need when faced with that kind of
situation?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129;">Now that the fire is moving away
from Redding, we will head back soon. The air quality is really bad up there
and some people are still not allowed back to their homes and others have to
find new homes. It’s hard. Please keep praying for Redding and pray the fire
dies out completely and no other people and homes are affected. Pray for
CALIFORNIA as much of our state is ablaze right now.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129;">As I’m contemplating going
back, I’ve felt the relief of having my “stuff” back. I’m grateful. There’s a
joy and a grief because so many others had to move forward without their
things. I also feel so incredibly grateful for the gifts God has given me
through this. I’ve had more time with my extended family than I’ve had in
years. I spent the entire day with my nephews and niece yesterday and felt the
special opportunity I was given to connect with these amazing kids. My brother
and his family have housed us, fed us, spent late nights talking and early
mornings making coffee. I feel so blessed and filled with love. God has truly
comforted us through this strange and fierce tragedy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129;">I will be headed home soon
and I’ll start the conversations in the car with my kids. Redding will look
different. Smoke. Ash. Pain. Heartbreak. Survival. Courage. Fortitude.
Perseverance. We will all be making decisions about our future and the future
of the town. I pray God’s peace over our county and all its families."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129;">Now is the time to pray for these families, some who have suffered great loss, others dealing with the terrible smoke or other affects. And pray for California, for the hardness of hearts to turn to flesh, for the mall refusing to post Christian ads, the time to seek God is now. </span></div>
<br />Lauralee Blisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11923463083025047230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632882822656478450.post-36143428402559391362018-08-01T00:30:00.000-04:002018-08-01T00:30:00.233-04:00Celebrate the Healing of a Nation with a New Release<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Welcome to my new release – </span><i style="font-size: 12pt;">The Belle of the Congaree</i><span style="font-size: 12pt;">, one of seven
novellas in </span><b style="font-size: 12pt;"><u>The Southern Belle Brides Collection</u></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">
where seven sweet and sassy ladies of yesterday experience romance in the
southern states.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRD-yyJeRkHfpzU9yaSQ4iVTJ1uoRbFKhzBL4Pj_VxtiUi2RxvIjhv5odvbJ58xmfI7L5R9hr5fk62nJaA-xc6b7xMNm9SRsgapNE1lCgQ59742WPMfWyHcikx_nCAiBC7mlCS8SkBYcGU/s1600/civilwarmansion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="847" data-original-width="1080" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRD-yyJeRkHfpzU9yaSQ4iVTJ1uoRbFKhzBL4Pj_VxtiUi2RxvIjhv5odvbJ58xmfI7L5R9hr5fk62nJaA-xc6b7xMNm9SRsgapNE1lCgQ59742WPMfWyHcikx_nCAiBC7mlCS8SkBYcGU/s320/civilwarmansion.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">I chose to set my novella in the post-Civil War Reconstruction period in South Carolina. At times I feel we are still
reconstructing this land, some 150 years later. Brother is still pitted against brother
for rights they wish to protect. We fight the same war, never content, always trying
to outwit the other, never seeking true freedom and peace found in our Lord,
the Prince of Peace. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">With this conflict that still
rages today, I set my novella in another war-torn period to show God’s hand in bringing
together opposing sides for goodwill and for peace. It is not through selfish means
but selfless ideals of helping each other that will win the day. Of understanding
and listening and offering assistance. Of loving our neighbor as ourselves, even
if they may be an enemy. (see Luke 10: 25-37 and the parable of the Good
Samaritan) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">I hope you will celebrate the
idea of healing and a true Union of people and pick up a copy of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>The Southern Belle Brides Collection</u></b>. Be
a part of knitting together a nation through God’s love and the love we should have
for our neighbor, no matter the color, nationality, or differences. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwARS6f6tbX4jQzMgm-VTD_36v3aElA3Dl_rI8vPFb36SxjbTs6osXimzB1U4L5m8VddhbhntLqUf1JexL1G0uj_3SJXtAwkUYvQb6Xn0BTG1LGrndaLtBQsIPCpghie_sKmS_QERtNO-1/s1600/southernbelle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="267" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwARS6f6tbX4jQzMgm-VTD_36v3aElA3Dl_rI8vPFb36SxjbTs6osXimzB1U4L5m8VddhbhntLqUf1JexL1G0uj_3SJXtAwkUYvQb6Xn0BTG1LGrndaLtBQsIPCpghie_sKmS_QERtNO-1/s320/southernbelle.jpg" width="213" /></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Novella Blurb:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">In<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> The Belle of the Congaree</i>, Mason Bassinger reluctantly travels to
war-torn South Carolina, seeking lands his carpetbagger brother can buy. Elisa
Anderson barely survives after her family’s plantation is destroyed. She
welcomes visits by the handsome and wealthy Mason, who makes the cottage by the
Congaree feel like a home. But when Mason’s true purpose is revealed, will her
heart be broken by betrayal?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Find The Southern Belle Brides
Collection at:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Southern-Belle-Brides-Collection-Experience/dp/168322650X" style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>Amazon</b></a><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b><a href="https://www.christianbook.com/southern-collection-ladies-yesterday-experience-romance/lauralee-bliss/9781683226505/pd/226505?en=google&event=SHOP&kw=fiction-0-20%7C226505&p=1179710&dv=c&gclid=CjwKCAjwy_XaBRAWEiwApfjKHtjKb_znYKYvGjeNg09VNuFH6eMRLv8YwAHKMgunPFmahA0Z58fsShoCLkkQAvD_BwE">Christianbook.com</a></b></span><a href="https://www.christianbook.com/southern-collection-ladies-yesterday-experience-romance/lauralee-bliss/9781683226505/pd/226505?en=google&event=SHOP&kw=fiction-0-20%7C226505&p=1179710&dv=c&gclid=CjwKCAjwy_XaBRAWEiwApfjKHtjKb_znYKYvGjeNg09VNuFH6eMRLv8YwAHKMgunPFmahA0Z58fsShoCLkkQAvD_BwE" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </a></div>
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<br />Lauralee Blisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11923463083025047230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632882822656478450.post-71078478842365216852018-04-09T11:29:00.001-04:002018-04-09T11:29:46.074-04:00You are Beloved, even when…<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY8EOcTcDzqzyg2McxmVPdRFiob6cbFAdSb1l2uRPRj3dCk8vLN7iLekbSO4-3f2CfN60C4Fg4KGBBNiZT7BvoeWGhsO90GsqpG7bLmnYci8ZvtZN9OwEfE7ZKYnwmLlg2n1DAnPb6t1iR/s1600/28167947_10215879580330587_7996777030540577654_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY8EOcTcDzqzyg2McxmVPdRFiob6cbFAdSb1l2uRPRj3dCk8vLN7iLekbSO4-3f2CfN60C4Fg4KGBBNiZT7BvoeWGhsO90GsqpG7bLmnYci8ZvtZN9OwEfE7ZKYnwmLlg2n1DAnPb6t1iR/s320/28167947_10215879580330587_7996777030540577654_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Florida Trail finish, in the midst of testing and testing to come</td></tr>
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It had already been a wild six weeks hiking the Florida
Trail to finish all 1100 miles that started way back in December of 2016. I was
leaving all the excitement behind but ready to relish the peace of home. The
storms, the snakes, the palm trees, sand and floods, I was ready. Though now I
was minus a summer job promised me and suddenly taken away without warning a
mere two days before I was ready to finish the Florida Trail at Fort Pickens. I
was working through that or so I thought. Trying to let go of anger and hurt
and other things. It was enough to deal with. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I had that burden still on my heart but I knew God was strong
enough to carry it, as He carried me on my hike. I thought of other things. I had
the book on the Florida Trial to write and share in the moments of my journey with
my husband, whom I hadn’t seen in six weeks. <o:p></o:p></div>
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At the airport I decided to take a later flight and earn a
$500 credit—who knows, maybe to another distant adventure next year. The flight
went good. My luggage with my hiking gear had arrived earlier and was waiting
for me at the airport. I was happy to see my husband roll up to get me, in our multi-colored
vehicle of black and silver in the dark of the evening. <o:p></o:p></div>
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As we drove, he told me how the dog had escaped before he
left to pick me up. I got mad at that. We had a bit of a tiff. I thought to
myself—this is NOT the way I wanted to say hello to my husband after six weeks.
Now we’re at odds over a pooch. We stopped for Chinese food as we’d had no
dinner, and while waiting for moo goo gai pan and moo shu pork, I told him I was
sorry for getting uptight about the dog. I knew our lab would come home
eventually, he has before. We made up in the Chinese restaurant. And then a reunion
of sorts began in the car for the next ten minutes. I told him excitedly of the
new sister in the Lord I had made in Florida. How she took care of me. How I got
to take care of horses—a huge first. It was good. We were connecting again.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The arrow for the left turn to our road gleamed green in
pitch black as my husband made the turn.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Suddenly it came out of nowhere. A big thing in my window and
front windshield that wasn’t supposed to be there. Metal smashing. Glass
breaking. Screeching,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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I screamed.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Something came out of the night and hit us. <o:p></o:p></div>
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For an instant I thought I was supposed to be unconscious. Bleeding.
In bad pain. Something. Instead I was asking Steve if he could move the car out
of the middle of the road. I knew we had been in an accident. The car sounded horrible
as it creaked across the road with metal scraping the tires. The car was drawing
its last, mechanical breath. I couldn’t believe it. I felt like I was dying along
with it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We got out, stunned. I looked at the car, aghast. The other
driver of the Ford F150 that hit us asked if we were okay. I yelled, “No we
aren’t, you ran a red light and hit us!” Then I cried uncontrollably. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbXxh6ciKIukIs56LHf5t2y2HJKw77Db60DX9HDTCIXzy0qsoQv1jwb7k9PaKaGTjEk-z6Sx07qnmV8L4ZlbnqcvDL1gylcww04PIOZslZnC45ocgx6EgOLqi2kezXm3ukXnU6qSruZVKq/s1600/28379493_10215912617276490_6492988363054941208_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbXxh6ciKIukIs56LHf5t2y2HJKw77Db60DX9HDTCIXzy0qsoQv1jwb7k9PaKaGTjEk-z6Sx07qnmV8L4ZlbnqcvDL1gylcww04PIOZslZnC45ocgx6EgOLqi2kezXm3ukXnU6qSruZVKq/s320/28379493_10215912617276490_6492988363054941208_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Our car
was a mess. I knew then I was a mess. I couldn’t stop crying. My arm and shoulder
felt numb, hurting and out of place. I was stone cold from the chilly night, as
I was still in my hiking clothes from the Florida Trail, the Chinese food still
sitting upright on the car floor, my backpack in the back seat. I had been in a
car wreck out of nowhere. Then I realized I had to call 911. A first for
that, too. <br />
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I thought my life had changed enough in Florida, finishing a
major trail after lots of interesting and scary adventures. Then came the job removal
out of nowhere. And now this came, this accident, something I had not experienced
since I was a teenager. I was broken like the car. The only thing I was happy about
at that very moment—I had made up with my husband over the dog before it all happened.
That if God had decided my life on this earth would end, I was okay. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Instead God spared us. I am still in this world to live
another day. The only thing I heard that night as I stood there freezing by
the side of the road, is the song Beloved. It rang over and over in my mind. I
am beloved in God’s eyes. Especially when we realized that a truck going 45 MPH
had hit the best place it could to render more damage to the car than us. Which
could have resulted in death, me in particular as it hit the passenger side. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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We had been spared
for some reason. The story is still being written as we are still dealing with
the aftermath in injury mentally and physically. But God is still in control, we are still here, and life
goes on. Most of all, I am still Beloved. And neither death nor life can separate
us from God’s love... (Romans 8:38-39) </div>
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<b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgJFUW3VenY">Beloved
song</a></b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgJFUW3VenY"> </a></div>
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<br />Lauralee Blisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11923463083025047230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632882822656478450.post-36670044370256175412017-08-18T20:46:00.000-04:002017-08-18T20:46:10.532-04:00Research Means Fun Exploring!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglpJCALt13YES5n14Fw1_vaPR25-nRI3InkIWCqRx8bH37AKDXTo8Jq7gXr0mERyXL-fc3qD9yNdLNWKdmF_h42-8mvrqTaVrkvk3vZDPTUUN1Iub8s5gdVoVCSOAP06KrA-WslLshJerC/s1600/20643276_10155416013987203_2398711029944002434_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglpJCALt13YES5n14Fw1_vaPR25-nRI3InkIWCqRx8bH37AKDXTo8Jq7gXr0mERyXL-fc3qD9yNdLNWKdmF_h42-8mvrqTaVrkvk3vZDPTUUN1Iub8s5gdVoVCSOAP06KrA-WslLshJerC/s320/20643276_10155416013987203_2398711029944002434_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I had great fun and interest researching my latest novella "Love in the Crossfire" as part of the Second Chance Brides series. My travels in research brought me to Washington Crossing Park in upper Pennsylvania where Washington coordinated the Continental Army to cross the river on Christmas night, in freezing rain no less, in the hope of catching a Hessian garrison unaware. It was a daring move, and it paid off. My novella centers around this crucial moment in history, and I wanted a feel for the area and the river where this exciting event took place.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_gU8XAuO5jgRhFbnEmG8-v8pMQyYocdr9O2m5T5e3YDFnTBfAaOTlwKF1vOZJFpYLPpKpQp8hbCvBhfb8rwVLbZzOvE3bUbD9UZEDNZ42frjwN_6RVzWe8Qy9XmXPJHSFbUXMJAdWXGZR/s1600/89326418-144C-4A24-9391-35F88B962696.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_gU8XAuO5jgRhFbnEmG8-v8pMQyYocdr9O2m5T5e3YDFnTBfAaOTlwKF1vOZJFpYLPpKpQp8hbCvBhfb8rwVLbZzOvE3bUbD9UZEDNZ42frjwN_6RVzWe8Qy9XmXPJHSFbUXMJAdWXGZR/s320/89326418-144C-4A24-9391-35F88B962696.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The river that Washington crossed on his way to Trenton, New Jersey </td></tr>
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The historic park featured a museum, several outdoor exhibits including replicas of the boats used, and the house at McConkey's ferry where officers met to plan the crossing. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1JYg2clNPaQQbfaYBsA7zQzbUKzN33aonIjt5XukpqqYVUzXT_PfKi2iu6HVe9oPl7FaPVSSxkujlzxwDsuUB5BaYYulkq_ACqfYVIVfMngoWS53IvIh9642_MRgDFTScr4AjWJnN699n/s1600/EBD33D1B-417D-4BF2-B896-A6BB9D12EF16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1JYg2clNPaQQbfaYBsA7zQzbUKzN33aonIjt5XukpqqYVUzXT_PfKi2iu6HVe9oPl7FaPVSSxkujlzxwDsuUB5BaYYulkq_ACqfYVIVfMngoWS53IvIh9642_MRgDFTScr4AjWJnN699n/s320/EBD33D1B-417D-4BF2-B896-A6BB9D12EF16.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A modern day crossing via the bridge</td></tr>
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Afterward, I took my own stroll over the bridge to New Jersey.</div>
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The visit helped me visualize the area and add better authenticity to my retelling of historic events in the novella.</div>
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Check out <a href="https://toginet.com/shows/litup/articles/8961">Lit Up</a> where I talk about the importance of research in writing as well as my other adventures!</div>
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Additional information:</div>
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<a href="http://www.washingtoncrossingpark.org/">Washington Crossing Historic Park</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Second-Chance-Brides-Collection-Historical/dp/1683222466">The Second Chance Brides book</a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Second-Chance-Brides-Collection-Historical/dp/1683222466"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLSOzLwyqxy1stme5j4X1BiNJhzrUl6yVUSDYzEOScJpmlS-YZ7uti0q9PeIoPFAaz3uMOVxjMG8Ty0soJhpSUoUxd_B_xjoHc38Nz_sWMxbj6TjIEoEgZWvoxYnbb3ADXWnTwrMGcIttE/s1600/secondchancebridesjpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="334" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLSOzLwyqxy1stme5j4X1BiNJhzrUl6yVUSDYzEOScJpmlS-YZ7uti0q9PeIoPFAaz3uMOVxjMG8Ty0soJhpSUoUxd_B_xjoHc38Nz_sWMxbj6TjIEoEgZWvoxYnbb3ADXWnTwrMGcIttE/s320/secondchancebridesjpg.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
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Lauralee Blisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11923463083025047230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632882822656478450.post-73630573905504415662017-08-01T14:59:00.001-04:002017-08-01T14:59:38.227-04:00Love in the Crossfire<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwPBt30JX1LEtzQcI_NzJqrUdDPgai00cZuNMXKYiGliZfxPbToZ6TqMw1NoGp0_NgZjRSq6YwNuHl_g0ffYdHcmrfe3xOUfqEDhTn2Qu4jE5riQ4-erWGYf_VwJyAOybDY3fnyvVyIJNY/s1600/secondchancebridesjpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="334" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwPBt30JX1LEtzQcI_NzJqrUdDPgai00cZuNMXKYiGliZfxPbToZ6TqMw1NoGp0_NgZjRSq6YwNuHl_g0ffYdHcmrfe3xOUfqEDhTn2Qu4jE5riQ4-erWGYf_VwJyAOybDY3fnyvVyIJNY/s320/secondchancebridesjpg.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Love in the Crossfire” debuts in this collection of nine historical
romances by nine authors that reflect the essence of hope. Spanning 150 years
of history, the <b>Second Chance Brides Collection </b>sees heroines enduring the
sting of lost love but hope and faith are renewed when difficulties are overcome
by the reemergence of new relationships.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgApKkjzhXVX2N30YpB5It-Q3gYPOOn_aOn0XUTMvImMq48Gn4CeyITadWRGRykshmr5-cMq19kqhfHlO9ncfQWOQIfcCHjnwd7gXZe3FZWJp5hPcF-6S5xkPZtsFEX03eQhXuBx3786dc-/s1600/Battle_of_Trenton_by_Charles_McBarron.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1166" data-original-width="1600" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgApKkjzhXVX2N30YpB5It-Q3gYPOOn_aOn0XUTMvImMq48Gn4CeyITadWRGRykshmr5-cMq19kqhfHlO9ncfQWOQIfcCHjnwd7gXZe3FZWJp5hPcF-6S5xkPZtsFEX03eQhXuBx3786dc-/s320/Battle_of_Trenton_by_Charles_McBarron.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This novella, set during the Revolutionary War and Washington’s
famous crossing of the Delaware, finds a lonely German woman who lost her Hessian
beau to war suddenly attracted to an enemy scout who seeks out her aid in the midst
of winter’s fury. Only time will tell whether their new love can withstand the
testing of battle within as well as the battle for a new country. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Second-Chance-Brides-Collection-Historical/dp/1683222466">Amazon</a>, <a href="https://www.christianbook.com/second-chance-brides-collection-historical-romances/lauralee-bliss/9781683222460/pd/22246X">Christian Book Distributors</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">From <a href="http://www.barbourbooks.com/catalog/CategoryInfo.aspx?cid=152">Barbour Publishing </a> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Lauralee Blisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11923463083025047230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632882822656478450.post-46368671774903053192016-09-29T21:59:00.001-04:002016-09-29T21:59:13.658-04:00Journey Into the World of Book Tours (and Presentations) – Part 2<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve now had the privilege of conducting six presentations and
book signings at various libraries around the great state of Pennsylvania. Here
is a few things I have learned along the way – <o:p></o:p></div>
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Make sure you are well rested. Sometimes easier said than done,
but I made sure before my evening <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaW4ax8xGpp3iR3wR00RQ0VuaVrvZoyorKDU7BsPlpQ3bttm5aNb01lEObiROTRayAWaPt0ZNImfkVtXwO6k6pyAc7ZwPL5a4I6eI3Qpk4lK0jyT-jF79zHV0qMQNs6asLk-h8D_A_egqj/s1600/14433120_10210931909281903_2283464379668756263_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaW4ax8xGpp3iR3wR00RQ0VuaVrvZoyorKDU7BsPlpQ3bttm5aNb01lEObiROTRayAWaPt0ZNImfkVtXwO6k6pyAc7ZwPL5a4I6eI3Qpk4lK0jyT-jF79zHV0qMQNs6asLk-h8D_A_egqj/s320/14433120_10210931909281903_2283464379668756263_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
presentation I took a little nap or at least
had some down time. I never did any rehearsing either of my program. That tends
to make you nervous, etc. Trust in your prep (which you should have done beforehand!).
Which reminds me, make sure if you are staying overnight at a hotel, that you
pick a good one and in good proximity to your events. Do your research ahead of
time and check reviews for the place where you plan to stay. I also used Priceline to help with the cost
and find a reasonable place to stay. To make it work better, check out the hotels
in your price range ahead of time using Yelp or Trip Advisor for reviews. Then
go for a price point on a site like <a href="http://www.priceline.com/">Priceline</a>.<br />
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Try to stay organized. If you have requested tables for your
literature, handouts, books, make sure your boxes are packed for that particular
table, it goes quicker in set up. I also arrived a good 75 minutes early to
greet the librarian or whoever arranged for the program and got the lay of the land,
so to speak. In some libraries the program took place among the book stacks,
literally! Others had large meeting rooms. Don’t expect that everything will be
ready when you arrive. You will likely need to help set up the room. If you
plan to speak, make sure also that your PowerPoint presentation is up and running
early to avoid any issues. Most libraries do not have a clicker – bring one
(much better that way then having you stuck at the laptop advancing photos). <o:p></o:p></div>
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Try to get some book signings in BEFORE you begin your presentation. I said something like – </div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLnqN9SoQMXWLQDc_TRCgvCfBcOLzD7g29skMLF1mkrHBixx2Fu7xBPvPIqJj5OgAmw_v-zWMkmWqUB1860uDS6qpV3JqcSZ7RG0NWttr21j0crbbeB4QlZGFZ3wkTeXdb_WxAjrVMtEZk/s1600/14492314_10210914056915605_3215831514215126315_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLnqN9SoQMXWLQDc_TRCgvCfBcOLzD7g29skMLF1mkrHBixx2Fu7xBPvPIqJj5OgAmw_v-zWMkmWqUB1860uDS6qpV3JqcSZ7RG0NWttr21j0crbbeB4QlZGFZ3wkTeXdb_WxAjrVMtEZk/s320/14492314_10210914056915605_3215831514215126315_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I used an easel to advertise about my speaking</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
"I will be signing books before the program begins if
anyone wants to avoid the after meeting rush.” I took care of many book sales
at that time (have enough change, your <a href="https://squareup.com/">Square</a> credit card reader or other cc
card reader ready to go then). After the
program it can get quite hectic, esp with questions and conversation. If you can
have a buddy go with you to manage the actual sales, leaving you to sign books
and converse, all the better. <br />
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I did have to rush a bit at the end on occasion as the libraries
need to close by a certain time. Try to stay on schedule.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Make sure you have something to eat and have bottled water
with you before you speak. It helps with energy levels and helps your speaking voice.<o:p></o:p></div>
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After the program, make sure to communicate with the libraries
or other venues that hosted you. Ask for feedback, recommendations, and to encourage
them to ask others in their area if they would <o:p></o:p></div>
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like to have you speak.
Follow up is important.<br />
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By the way - </div>
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<o:p>If your library would like to have me speak about my 4000 mile AT adventure - go <a href="http://blissfulhiking.blogspot.com/p/my-speaking-events-and-guest-blogs.html">HERE</a> for more information. I am based in VA and can travel to the mid Atlantic region and PA. I would love to come!</o:p></div>
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<o:p>Related Blog:</o:p></div>
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<o:p><a href="http://blissfulwritingthoughts.blogspot.com/2016/09/journey-into-world-of-book-tours-part-1.html">Journey into the World of Book Tours and Presentations, Part 1</a></o:p></div>
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Lauralee Blisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11923463083025047230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632882822656478450.post-173969924316669872016-09-07T15:08:00.003-04:002016-09-29T21:09:57.074-04:00Journey into the World of Book Tours (and Presentations) - Part 1<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<b>Part 1 Setting Up Book Tours and Presentations</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Setting up and executing a book tour can seem daunting but is
actually a great way to get a book out there for all to see. Here is what I did and am doing to pull off a
nine-library tour around the state of Pennsylvania this fall - <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_5si37GbiUYXRm3O6VDyCyPwUGE0YzrVeS7zt76IhIL0YEv2LzO3Uo32ICkOV99QznQVwfufbjlC7oYIdP4_NhGnp6jKiGaMEASSIVYfGjDeYKc3x-x45Z7ZmIEfkJv_FVqj3eTLwr6eM/s1600/Mountains+Madness+Miracles+full.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_5si37GbiUYXRm3O6VDyCyPwUGE0YzrVeS7zt76IhIL0YEv2LzO3Uo32ICkOV99QznQVwfufbjlC7oYIdP4_NhGnp6jKiGaMEASSIVYfGjDeYKc3x-x45Z7ZmIEfkJv_FVqj3eTLwr6eM/s320/Mountains+Madness+Miracles+full.jpg" width="320" /></a>Make it a library tour. This tour is strictly done at libraries
that use speakers as ways to promote readership and interest. It’s an awesome place
to have them. Having a good platform to promote the book is important. Mine is 4000
Miles of Appalachian Trail stories and my nonfiction book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mountains-Madness-Miracles-Miles-Appalachian/dp/1939023106">“Mountains, Madness,Miracles – 4000 Miles Along the Appalachian Trail” </a>is featured. Discover the
libraries that might be interested and query them. Or start with a local library
and then ask them to do a small write-up to email via the library-serv as a recommended
speaker (or offer to send them a write-up for it). This is how the fall book
tour came about after I presented to two libraries in northern Philly this past
May (the librarian there had first watched me speak in <a href="https://www.nps.gov/shen/index.htm">Shenandoah National Park</a>.
One free event led to another then led to this book tour!). Recommendations go a long
way for future contacts. I then had different libraries asking for my program info.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAzCNzYrRHRNAGn7pAkcSB2-WpMTUaroXWOeNtAujaVz3WdxC5dxwHFyjhwbOjsw73ikd30U_8EBpqQWevNWNeegCYG4oz6KSAlpKTxRd30XM9N82TzOKXEVHTzN_IBj4-wINEW0Hc68xp/s1600/Shenandoah.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAzCNzYrRHRNAGn7pAkcSB2-WpMTUaroXWOeNtAujaVz3WdxC5dxwHFyjhwbOjsw73ikd30U_8EBpqQWevNWNeegCYG4oz6KSAlpKTxRd30XM9N82TzOKXEVHTzN_IBj4-wINEW0Hc68xp/s320/Shenandoah.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My book tour began long ago with speaking at Shenandoah</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<o:p></o:p><br />
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Construct a good contact letter. Tell the libraries your credentials,
your program blurb, the book, and what will be offered (I am offering a 1 hr.,
15 m presentation, a book signing, and tables with literature and sample gear from
my hike). Include the fee (if you are charging a fee) so they have an
idea. Email the letter along with your contact info to each interested library.
Be enthusiastic—they are hiring you to present! This is employment.</div>
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Negotiate on the fees. I had libraries team up with other libraries
to make my journey from VA to PA more cost effective for both them and me. I have
a few that had three libraries commit to a weekend or weekday arrangement. Work
out a figure, then present it to them. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Start Organizing. Develop a good PowerPoint for the talk. Gather
the materials needed (I sent away for literature from the <a href="http://www.appalachiantrail.org/">Appalachian Trail Conservancy</a>,
for instance, to put on the table. I also sent out <o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Jt-7u9Pa03UoiO88UFdQ0NjsZv6WPpW59qqjp4BHuJrsHeg4nYhza8HKQFCnVSRYEaktWmvWS1P5geqd2BgEVgbgxd1mHYhatXvXkqhiiuDZwoj8Xdx5O031UtrXewZ6vMVAnpmQXRyG/s1600/IMG_2776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Jt-7u9Pa03UoiO88UFdQ0NjsZv6WPpW59qqjp4BHuJrsHeg4nYhza8HKQFCnVSRYEaktWmvWS1P5geqd2BgEVgbgxd1mHYhatXvXkqhiiuDZwoj8Xdx5O031UtrXewZ6vMVAnpmQXRyG/s320/IMG_2776.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots to get ready for the tour. Materials, Poster, Props, Gear, etc</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
for little notepads to put
on my table). Make sure if it’s a book signing there are enough books and have ways for them to pay (a <a href="https://squareup.com/?gclid=Cj0KEQjw9b6-BRCq7YP34tvW_uUBEiQAkK3sveEYuxi1udmBJL83KxHlqcdmkxzeE5a3Dm8wCmcGX5MaAvxy8P8HAQ&pcrid=50792238097&pdv=c&pkw=square+reader&pmt=e">Square </a>reader is essential for credit cards). Have some
visuals to make things interesting (I hope to set up a small tent, etc.). Show
excellence. <br />
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Keep in contact with the libraries who are committed to a
program. Organize a spreadsheet and contact them four weeks before the event to
remind them of the event, the date, the agreed-on fee, any set-up you will need
like a laptop, projector, tables, etc. and include a program blurb and picture
so they can do up posters and put it on their website (important!). Ask if they
want an invoice for the fee as some libraries have to ask their budget
committees. I also sent out an email a week before to remind them of the time I
will be there (arrive at least an hour before) and any other info (like where I
should unload the day of the event. Obtain their cell number also in case of last minute issues). Make sure you also make hotel arrangements
in advance. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Get ready for the trip! (Stay tuned for Part 2 on how it
went and what I learned)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://blissfulhiking.blogspot.com/p/my-speaking-events-and-guest-blogs.html">My Fall 2016 Book Tour</a></div>
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Lauralee Blisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11923463083025047230noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632882822656478450.post-21833577999034314662016-09-02T22:12:00.001-04:002016-09-02T22:12:28.669-04:00The City of Country Music to the Ozarks to a Book Release - wow <div class="MsoNormal">
These last days have been busy – with a writing conference in
Nashville, a trip to Arkansas to see family and then back home to begin sorting
out my writing career and plan for my multi library book tour in PA this fall. And
in the midst of this, celebrating the release of a collection that features my
novella – “A Crossroad to Love”. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDj1VwtyQUNEgNPbGUdAF4JTJse9eZ_AEEqEn_6isgMjqQ6WrnWMqJwcTaGZPh6XqEz-VixkFXKiK6AGEJibAH4ZcFHRbU8f0pzR0yPrfeUTLoZNhWq-pWy2vGmSZZV6HqVPOzljC6S84l/s1600/IMG_2723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDj1VwtyQUNEgNPbGUdAF4JTJse9eZ_AEEqEn_6isgMjqQ6WrnWMqJwcTaGZPh6XqEz-VixkFXKiK6AGEJibAH4ZcFHRbU8f0pzR0yPrfeUTLoZNhWq-pWy2vGmSZZV6HqVPOzljC6S84l/s320/IMG_2723.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meeting friends</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The annual American Christian Fiction Writers (<a href="http://www.acfw.com/">ACFW</a>)Conference is
always a well-run machine to re-energize one’s writing career by kibitzing with authors,
attending workshops, and trying out ideas and projects with editors. This year’s
event in Nashville was no different. Besides the business part, there is also
some fun too, like dressing up as my Revolutionary War character to be featured
in the next collection I am proud to be a part of, Second Chance Brides</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzAx9UWt4XdvPr3V5ra13sE25qXRiUqQ7IQdIhahiue8krMnNRSiyie0SF3fUEqRfOWtmE54yQWYGN20Y7JQ0KPpIrs0XVrH6PBd6RbO1G6O2Se-tzVm-27OosqUFv16w9jlwFhIGgSrnH/s1600/IMG_2727.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzAx9UWt4XdvPr3V5ra13sE25qXRiUqQ7IQdIhahiue8krMnNRSiyie0SF3fUEqRfOWtmE54yQWYGN20Y7JQ0KPpIrs0XVrH6PBd6RbO1G6O2Se-tzVm-27OosqUFv16w9jlwFhIGgSrnH/s320/IMG_2727.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some genre character dressing fun</td></tr>
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<br />
<br />
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– as well
as ditching the conference wear to dress up, eat lots of steak and fancy
desserts, and watch authors win awards at the Gala. <br />
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The highlight for me was inspiration from well-known author
<a href="http://teddekker.com/">Ted Dekker</a> who advocated transformation and making sure we are changed along
with <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0TI0pNLVNDzjCn5ESbZggwg0sL7koFcHYp7jt4_0RKJNVShoGAJNbWt31XbK3FnEHyB8ftdG-OrFg-8XVzEHEnxpAy94yK4BbZs-8QqaW5u9ei99uZ4Qnz7PrK2AUxLjgBZCvf_kJzB23/s1600/IMG_2733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0TI0pNLVNDzjCn5ESbZggwg0sL7koFcHYp7jt4_0RKJNVShoGAJNbWt31XbK3FnEHyB8ftdG-OrFg-8XVzEHEnxpAy94yK4BbZs-8QqaW5u9ei99uZ4Qnz7PrK2AUxLjgBZCvf_kJzB23/s320/IMG_2733.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Author Ted Dekker</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxHmDaDFS9yxDjzDD_xYfF8wGbu58cd0QOhYLhwWMgz6354yvh-jtT6YXe_CiOi73zuEIVJrj9_SFABq8LqcpvRtdTAhVG47PvetkHoF7Itowm5W73wWCiDGlDfZf1qOA4jGTSpl-HtncD/s1600/IMG_2738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxHmDaDFS9yxDjzDD_xYfF8wGbu58cd0QOhYLhwWMgz6354yvh-jtT6YXe_CiOi73zuEIVJrj9_SFABq8LqcpvRtdTAhVG47PvetkHoF7Itowm5W73wWCiDGlDfZf1qOA4jGTSpl-HtncD/s320/IMG_2738.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wow fancy dessert awaits</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
the stories we create. Allen Arnold’s insightful workshop brought me to a
closer walk with God in everything, and to trust Him with whatever a writing career
brings – whether a bestselling novel or an unpublished manuscript that remains
hidden in my computer. Either way, the way of a writer is a continual communion
with God.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm_MoaH4vDVO-OtR65abTuDOMLZwb-DUbMErggCcrVuE8WgNl6mtJcNnrcEnIcEhF3BrHyW7K7zKPSLWVgzV659nsfmbVgds4ye7uuRqcSDUq8NHBW4elO4LRU6D1Ys4u_WFk06RoaKtql/s1600/IMG_2746.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm_MoaH4vDVO-OtR65abTuDOMLZwb-DUbMErggCcrVuE8WgNl6mtJcNnrcEnIcEhF3BrHyW7K7zKPSLWVgzV659nsfmbVgds4ye7uuRqcSDUq8NHBW4elO4LRU6D1Ys4u_WFk06RoaKtql/s320/IMG_2746.JPG" width="320" /></a>My travels then took me to Arkansas to visit my son for an early
birthday, including a trip to <a href="http://www.mountmagazinestatepark.com/">Mount Magazine State Park</a> – and Arkansas’ tallest peak – of which
we saw the beauty of the Ozarks up close and personal along with scenic vistas
and even sighting a roadrunner (Beep Beep!). I think we were both truly impressed with what
this state has to offer, and I was interested also that it does have a long
distance trail with shelters that I one day MUST explore.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_PgLXikgpifVrTfNNc6iH7EL33Xq8gETLlG68wUNnt8I8R76gcfIqWBbVqT_vNJBZrsbexPn_DNGKrN98FS164RAoVGM7hwbt3S1-sNrPM2aS7y0GRmKbX0w0_UeQLwG2YkO14S48z9kk/s1600/IMG_2753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_PgLXikgpifVrTfNNc6iH7EL33Xq8gETLlG68wUNnt8I8R76gcfIqWBbVqT_vNJBZrsbexPn_DNGKrN98FS164RAoVGM7hwbt3S1-sNrPM2aS7y0GRmKbX0w0_UeQLwG2YkO14S48z9kk/s320/IMG_2753.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Onward to drive nearly 1000 miles homeward to begin collecting
my thoughts after a whirlwind trip, to celebrate the release of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Plain-Sweet-Christmas-Romance-Collection/dp/1634097815/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1472868365&sr=1-1&keywords=a+plain+and+sweet+christmas">A Plain and Sweet Christmas </a>and prepare for my <a href="http://blissfulhiking.blogspot.com/p/my-speaking-events-and-guest-blogs.html">fall book tour</a> in Pennsylvania that begins September
9.<o:p></o:p><br />
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There is NEVER a dull moment!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Lauralee Blisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11923463083025047230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632882822656478450.post-82372312415598103702016-08-22T14:40:00.001-04:002016-08-22T14:40:18.536-04:00Trading a Backpack for a Suitcase<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVC2PLAq34nqIh8QgpA5psPiYErP0Lvvikx1OLn6Vy-L0CHSuP6rtBw9m4YpaM7wueJInLwxL0FaoBrCAvJUui1jDzbXwCJqdv6Mb4edXslnsbsgWFvYdrlQBNd8U6g8Q9fBAq6UO0b5QO/s1600/IMG_2627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVC2PLAq34nqIh8QgpA5psPiYErP0Lvvikx1OLn6Vy-L0CHSuP6rtBw9m4YpaM7wueJInLwxL0FaoBrCAvJUui1jDzbXwCJqdv6Mb4edXslnsbsgWFvYdrlQBNd8U6g8Q9fBAq6UO0b5QO/s320/IMG_2627.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On my last section hike. Trading in trail runners for high heels</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I’m getting ready for another trip – and this time it has nothing
to do with a backpack(!) Though I live out of a backpack several months of the
year, right now it is my suitcase I am carrying for my next great adventure.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This time I trade in the backpack and trail runners, the convertible
pants and rain hat for a suitcase, nice clothes, and the heart of a writer as I
prepare to attend the 15<sup>th</sup> annual <a href="http://www.acfw.com/">ACFW </a>conference in Nashville,
Tennessee.<o:p></o:p></div>
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After all, before I really began my backpacking adventures,
I was (and still am) a penman of the word.
In fact, 2017 will celebrate 20 years of being a published author that
has seen some twenty plus novels and novellas find the printed page to the eyes
of eager readers. I did do some day hikes in the old days and nursed a long
sought-after goal to one day complete the whole Appalachian Trail (which I did
in 2007 and again in 2010-11, both hikes chronicled in my first nonfiction book,
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DYIL81A/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1">Mountains, Madness and Miracles – 4000 Miles Along the Appalachian Trail</a>). But in the beginning came my fiction work – of
which there have been many titles of adventure and romance, but really, seeking
God in everyday life to life issues. I draw from experiences and personal
issues I have been through to create these stories. I like to weave a tale too
that will make readers keep turning the pages rather than close the book on
chapter two (which I dislike doing myself when I read a book!)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoD_zrzcC_Edl7aZchB17si6ZQ6Bm8PTYH4MR00uLoEE4Q-8G_PAP4cc5QTKYHzceCeeT9f-w1f5F7jSEhBplmPZdeh9TmVuYvS6xOoeDtZPw2K8Toi9oeEULI5Q8QLR6QveNtGYM5Ou5S/s1600/travel-suitcase.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoD_zrzcC_Edl7aZchB17si6ZQ6Bm8PTYH4MR00uLoEE4Q-8G_PAP4cc5QTKYHzceCeeT9f-w1f5F7jSEhBplmPZdeh9TmVuYvS6xOoeDtZPw2K8Toi9oeEULI5Q8QLR6QveNtGYM5Ou5S/s320/travel-suitcase.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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So this day finds me packing a suitcase as I venture to a writer’s
conference to network with fellow authors and talk to editors about future book
ideas (of which I always have many!). Just like hiking, <o:p></o:p></div>
the thrill of writing a
good story is a part of me. I don’t want to waste any moment of what I have been
given or learned in life’s journey. It’s in that mode of transporting through life’s
ups and downs that I can craft a story that speaks to a reader and makes a difference
in one’s life as it did in mine.<br />
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<br />Lauralee Blisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11923463083025047230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632882822656478450.post-74897425552735937292016-08-12T21:44:00.000-04:002016-08-12T21:44:06.012-04:00Hit With the UnexpectedWe just got bad news today.<br />
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Yes, many times the news comes when you least expect it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU6N2MDAtJeQPKmoJWJXckOt40Fuhupc4RreNoo7qSEdav3DmPXYABl2fo_IeXyRfdb4rN69gApcq4Hscs8jzpyqWf-bc4MUcT7IamzKsHoGpOxYkU5vzMKM3qZ3pIagcN7_C-LApgFpAq/s1600/13934909_10210441138452939_8684397111878601277_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU6N2MDAtJeQPKmoJWJXckOt40Fuhupc4RreNoo7qSEdav3DmPXYABl2fo_IeXyRfdb4rN69gApcq4Hscs8jzpyqWf-bc4MUcT7IamzKsHoGpOxYkU5vzMKM3qZ3pIagcN7_C-LApgFpAq/s320/13934909_10210441138452939_8684397111878601277_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Or maybe we should have been expecting it? Unsure. Our beloved Aussie Shepherd mix, Katie, has not been feeling that great for a few weeks now. She has lost weight and got finicky with her food. she didn't move very well. We thought it was just a phase, maybe old age as she is nearing 12. Things start to slow down.<br />
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Then she developed some kind of bad skin infection. We took her in to get it looked at. The vet also found a swollen abdomen.<br />
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Blood work followed. Wasn't too bad.<br />
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The vet was still concerned and thought we should x ray the abdomen to see what is going on. We had that done today.<br />
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The vet quietly ushered me to the very back of the clinic to see the picture. There was Katie's liver on one side, her spleen on the other, and wedged in between them, a large circular thing at least the size of a baseball.<br />
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Our dog Katie has a massive tumor encroaching on her liver.<br />
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I had a feeling all week Katie was not right, that the news wasn't good, despite the fact her skin was healing from the visit earlier in the week. She is rapidly turning into skin and bones. She has lost her vitality. And now the x ray confirmed it.<br />
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We have less than three months with her. Tonight we are very sad. We are going to lose our pup that we actually got off Craiglist back in 2012 from a family that could no longer care for her. When we got her she had full blown Lyme Disease and couldn't run.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIOlbjG54-GbxTB-5vWbz5FXHWIzQA5zo3gvKrrVw-QjgFdOIvswxnRL1rtHMsu2kLHxyzOePPoIvbUYvwRPChO68dpU2pR3_DJE6pAPeE_I49i2nSjjttQYpYxKjdX4uKBA6ZaoVhNIHW/s1600/070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIOlbjG54-GbxTB-5vWbz5FXHWIzQA5zo3gvKrrVw-QjgFdOIvswxnRL1rtHMsu2kLHxyzOePPoIvbUYvwRPChO68dpU2pR3_DJE6pAPeE_I49i2nSjjttQYpYxKjdX4uKBA6ZaoVhNIHW/s320/070.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Katie camping with us at Myron Glaser Cabin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We got her on treatment for it, and in a few weeks she was running and chasing our blue tick coon, Eve. She went to the beach with us for Christmas. She went camping and even hiked. She loved to sit in her "hole" she carved out of the bank to watch everything going on in the backyard. She likes to sit at my feet. She is ever faithful to be a good watchdog. She is a faithful companion and furry friend with gorgeous black eyes. <br />
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Now we are watching her waste away as the cancer eats her up.<br />
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But I'm glad we had this time with her, even for only 4 1/2 years. She is a temporary gift from heaven.<br />
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And I just know - all good dogs go to heaven.<br />
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<br />Lauralee Blisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11923463083025047230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632882822656478450.post-73281939356693480172016-08-09T13:56:00.001-04:002016-08-09T13:56:28.911-04:00The Miracle of a Wander<br /><div class="MsoNormal">
As an author, why don’t I just sit at my comfy desk and simply
write books? Why do I feel compelled to go backpacking, sometimes for days or weeks
on end? Enduring the hardship and pain of hiking with a backpack, day after day, sleeping on the hard ground, no
showers, with gnats in my ears and <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcekA8NYBuccFtWomYx3zHG9i-OGRi8NYocsWdupxJkJ28fwS0Rls664KQNRrBqZkRFHn4TTLjxmxjItoIJ6DvRC9D4w5p8WhmV1iojypRlRdy7Pr967dbZwSxd5st7K54n-VcOwhkwWTc/s1600/IMG_2663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcekA8NYBuccFtWomYx3zHG9i-OGRi8NYocsWdupxJkJ28fwS0Rls664KQNRrBqZkRFHn4TTLjxmxjItoIJ6DvRC9D4w5p8WhmV1iojypRlRdy7Pr967dbZwSxd5st7K54n-VcOwhkwWTc/s320/IMG_2663.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
the common things of life a challenge to
find. <br />
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Why do I do it? <o:p></o:p></div>
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To see miracles.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It’s tough for me sometimes to see the hand of God in my day
to day occurrences in my man-made surroundings of home. Oh, I know He is there.
I have seen it. But out on a trail, you are vulnerable to everything - from
weather to the ability to hike, to finding a space to set up your tent, to the
water you need to drink. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Which leads me to my latest miracle on the trip I took this
past week. It began with water, which became a challenge to find during a dry spell
of weather. I carried a guidebook that told me where the sources might be to
fill up my water bottles, but many were dry. We take for granted the water
that zooms out of faucets every day yet such a common need at home can get
scarce in the wild. And the scarcity of this needed commodity can turn dangerous
in hot conditions when heat exhaustion sets in. <o:p></o:p></div>
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So when I came upon a small spring, and not just any spring
but one where a hard-working trail <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx-R58CG9qsSf2vYo7UAvQfKI2jE2fpadcIUTzsgsqUZPCY8xAI-KbE-QVKvFvxCwF56uYIGNAIdn6LUwyF9fNhaUbDMDbgw89oEk33y0944OEuZQqGyNTZk32JQ1GuWf5bgk-G4QGrwpr/s1600/IMG_2643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx-R58CG9qsSf2vYo7UAvQfKI2jE2fpadcIUTzsgsqUZPCY8xAI-KbE-QVKvFvxCwF56uYIGNAIdn6LUwyF9fNhaUbDMDbgw89oEk33y0944OEuZQqGyNTZk32JQ1GuWf5bgk-G4QGrwpr/s320/IMG_2643.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pipe helped me collect water with ease</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
volunteer had hiked up a steep trail to
insert a pipe so I can get water, I was amazed. In another dry area I found the
needed water seeping down a cliff face. I had no idea how to collect it. Until
God reminded me of the simple leaf – of which there were many growing nearby, and
I used a large leaf as a funnel to shoot the water straight into my bottle. <br />
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Wow. <o:p></o:p></div>
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It’s all those things we take for granted that becomes much
clearer in the woods setting.<o:p></o:p></div>
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And then there is the rains. They came in abundance for two
days afterwards. I was soaked to the bone, sometimes cold even, but now there
was water gushing everywhere. I had no <o:p></o:p></div>
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want.
I just also had to dry things out and cope with issues that wearing wet
socks or wet clothes can bring.<br />
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Such is the life of a backpacker. But in these wanders, I
see the greatest miracles within the simple provisions in times of need. And it’s those
miracles I carry back to my man-made cave and my writing desk to enrich
the lives of others. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Lauralee Blisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11923463083025047230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632882822656478450.post-77407613819750250442016-07-27T21:57:00.002-04:002016-07-28T21:35:10.701-04:00I Refuse a Boring Life...Yes, so I am back. And life has NOT been boring while I've been away from here, to say the least....<br />
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I've had many adventures since last we spoke - both as a lover of our beautiful word and a lover of the written word!<br />
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I hiked 300 miles SOLO last fall through the wild and wonderful state of West Virginia along the Allegheny Trail. See my<a href="http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?id=515031"> trail journal</a> for the adventure. It was something else.<br />
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I work out in <a href="https://www.nps.gov/shen/index.htm">Shenandoah National Park</a> summers along the Appalachian Trail - helping hikers, picking up trash, and communing with bears and such. It's called ridgerunning. So what is that exactly? My boss says it best in his blog <a href="https://jfetig.com/2015/08/22/on-a-blissful-patrol/"><b>On A Blissful Patrol</b></a> after following me last summer.<br />
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I am blitzing Pennsylvania with eight talks at various libraries around the state about my nonfiction book - <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mountains-Madness-Miracles-Miles-Appalachian/dp/1939023106"><b>Mountains, Madness, Miracles - 4,000 Miles Along the Appalachian Trail</b></a>. I will share stories and pictures from my adventures. Stay tuned for the fall schedule!<br />
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I have written several book proposals that are currently being considered by publishers (one based on my love for Shenandoah) and have two novellas coming, a Christmas one for 2016 in A Plain And Sweet Christmas and in 2017 - <i>Love in the Crossfire</i> based on the events during the Battle of Trenton. <br />
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AND I will be in attendance at the <a href="http://www.acfw.com/">ACFW</a> conference in Nashville, TN in August dressed in Revolutionary War attire in honor of my release for 2017! Stay tuned for updates from that event.<br />
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My books are available to read both in print and electronic. Check out all the selection of titles at <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lauralee-Bliss/e/B001JPCEBI#">Amazon</a></b> both fiction and nonfiction!<br />
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<br />Lauralee Blisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11923463083025047230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632882822656478450.post-90057335828483444092014-12-31T20:33:00.001-05:002014-12-31T20:33:28.356-05:00The Bad and the Good – Stay Focused<br />
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been dealing with severe neck pain, cause unknown. But I think back to the year
and realize there has been good times and sad times. This year saw some accomplishments
for me, accomplishing several hiking goals, finding my <a href="http://blissfulhiking.blogspot.com/p/4000-mile-appalachian-trail-adventure.html"><b>Appalachian Trail adventure</b></a> landing in
several prestigious venues like the <b><a href="https://www.atctrailstore.org/catalog/iteminfo.cfm?atcmem=0&itemid=793&compid=1">Appalachian Trail Conservancy</a>.</b> Also, my novel set in the Outer Banks and honoring the lifesaving stations <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Ladys-Rescuer-Heartsong-Presents/dp/0373487649">The Lady’s Rescuer</a> </b>will be out in January for the New Year. But sadly the publishing line for this book, Heartsong Presents, will close as of June, 2015 (I’ve had many books published this line, including
my first one). So I will be on the lookout for other opportunities for my
writing in 2015. Stay tuned.</div>
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This past year saw me lose several loved ones in my family including
my aunt Charlotte and a lady from our church who was like a mother to me, Ceil.
We also saw a joyous celebration at the marriage of my son Joshua to his bride Veronica.
And with that, we gained a thirteen year old granddaughter!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We lost this sweet lady to heaven this year</td></tr>
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This year saw me quite busy on the Appalachian Trail ridgerunning,
and also with an extra month. Between that and writing a full length novel, it was
a busy summer. But we took out a few weeks to enjoy some late vacations, including
a cruise to the western Caribbean aboard the luxurious Celebrity<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk-H_WK2dwnZQGMMGoyuPQdQXpK59gbrFPziBf-p87_G2Uai5KoEx4q_ynPFqAVEH-UheR9y2_fe6F4ft0zsiXs6plWmV9bQlgI4CQ5RLyntf7epHaP0BooFPdT8gIj4HL80VRGvWA4vSq/s1600/DSC_0143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk-H_WK2dwnZQGMMGoyuPQdQXpK59gbrFPziBf-p87_G2Uai5KoEx4q_ynPFqAVEH-UheR9y2_fe6F4ft0zsiXs6plWmV9bQlgI4CQ5RLyntf7epHaP0BooFPdT8gIj4HL80VRGvWA4vSq/s1600/DSC_0143.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dancing with a dolphin!</td></tr>
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Silhouette and
then a nice week in the Outer Banks for Christmas. <br />
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Oh, I always wonder what a new year will hold. I do hope the
neck pain goes away as I hate to begin a new year in pain! But with pain comes
growth, and with growth comes new opportunities. So that’s good.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Hope your have a wonderful New Year.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Lauralee Blisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11923463083025047230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632882822656478450.post-74920499898046996742014-12-29T03:00:00.000-05:002014-12-19T19:55:55.245-05:00Choose to Soar like an Eagle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The journey of life has been dealing all kinds of wicked cards these days. Physically, emotionally, spiritually. I’ve seen people angry at each other. A nation angry at itself. Tough times. Disappointments. Loss. Things can look pretty dismal.</div>
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I've been out for morning runs nearing my home and often look upward to the sky. There above me was an eagle flying high above the trees. At first he appeared to dive downward as if to come closer to earth. He would begin his decent, scan this earth as if to consider to himself, “No, this is not where I’m supposed to be,” and take once more to the skies above. I thought how free that bird appeared. At peace, above the circumstances of this world that can bring it down. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Yes, we still must exist in this world. But the Bible speaks of being in the world, not of it. We can be like that eagle if we choose. To fly high above our circumstances and not allow them to make us fall. To drift along in God's air of mercy and grace, free, at peace.</div>
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Is life getting you down? Look to the eagle and fly above your situation, your troubles, even life itself which is fleeting. Look to a bright New Year with new expectations. </div>
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…but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is 40:31 NIV</div>
Lauralee Blisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11923463083025047230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632882822656478450.post-79157893564471456732014-12-23T03:00:00.000-05:002014-12-23T03:00:16.925-05:00Christmas Hope<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tis the season to reflect on that miraculous and perfect love born to us on a night long ago. I was thinking of an old Christmas carol I used to hear as a child, "Mary's Boy Child" and one of the lines that says - "And man will live forevermore, because of Christmas Day." How profound and how much hope that brings in days of uncertainty.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Wishing you a Merry Christmas! </span>Lauralee Blisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11923463083025047230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632882822656478450.post-50035208676098941632014-12-12T14:26:00.000-05:002014-12-12T15:23:44.565-05:00One of the Joys of AuthorshipThere it is again. A big huge box being delivered to my front door. Normally the boxes belong to my husband to does school fundraisers and is inevitably filled with brochures, prizes for kids, etc.<br />
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But this time it has my name on it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIu2-biAfPL3uUIoP7reGthH4KIytx_akdCYDixRqZwh4LBKlYCZL0NPVf8lv72FO5jnnhlnJRImTfAYEn9mb3sIk2_WmErtBl9R1LHl6sCNIsDZkNkU07LskndmAwsLWOWBmkjV8DX0BE/s1600/10393172_10205548201252567_3330328207213311330_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIu2-biAfPL3uUIoP7reGthH4KIytx_akdCYDixRqZwh4LBKlYCZL0NPVf8lv72FO5jnnhlnJRImTfAYEn9mb3sIk2_WmErtBl9R1LHl6sCNIsDZkNkU07LskndmAwsLWOWBmkjV8DX0BE/s1600/10393172_10205548201252567_3330328207213311330_n.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a>It is a box of books. My author copies for <b>The Lady's Rescuer</b> have arrived!<br />
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With books like those I receive in the mail, I can make up promotion packets for bookstores, reviewers, etc. That consists of a nice folder, usually with a small area for a business card (I get my cards made up at <a href="http://www.vistaprint.com/">Vistaprint</a>, along with regular postcards with the book info on them - easy to pass out! I get the folders at an office store like Staples). Inside the folder will go a press release, an author bio with a picture, and a buyer's sheet.<br />
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The books I also use as a promo to interested readers for their blogs, giveaways etc. <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/">Goodreads </a>runs giveaways. But I think the best way to use the books is to try and garner as many reviews as possible, and positive reviews at that. I know I am swayed as a buyer with good reviews of books. It's a great way for added advertising with minimal effort.<br />
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But honestly, I like seeing the books arrive just to know that maybe, just maybe, it will affect a reader in a positive way, whether by learning a bit of history or by the spiritual insights shared. That to me is the ultimate joy of authorship. <br />
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You can order the book at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ladys-Rescuer-Heartsong-Presents-ebook/dp/B00LZCTD96/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1418412114&sr=1-1&keywords=the+lady%27s+rescuer">Amazon</a><br />
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<a href="http://blissfulwritingthoughts.blogspot.com/p/books-new-releases.html">Recent releases</a><br />
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<br />Lauralee Blisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11923463083025047230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632882822656478450.post-3493586473391029782014-12-02T15:13:00.001-05:002014-12-02T15:17:53.222-05:00Can We Auto-Correct Humanity? Thought provoking...<br />
Take a look at this video below then feel free to share your thoughts. I must say it was relieving for a week that I did not have the means to check Facebook or other social media. That I could put my phone away and live. In the next blog, I'll show you pictures and some narration of how I lived during that week... :) <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dRl8EIhrQjQ" width="480"></iframe>Lauralee Blisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11923463083025047230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632882822656478450.post-21622629699930371882014-11-13T11:48:00.001-05:002014-11-13T11:56:52.589-05:00Farewell to an Old FriendIt is with great sadness that I say farewell to a great publishing line that bought my first book long ago, <b>Mountaintop</b> back in 1996 (and I was on a high peak of happiness that day!). After many years of publishing, first at Barbour Publishing and now at Harlequin, the Heartsong Presents line will be no more after June, 2015. They offered sweet, Christian romance for teens on up. Many, many where touched by their inspirational message as well as a sweet story that could brighten a dreary day.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8tI8gEWQoPooy36P4ru4EWZR_5AdwNh0-4JnuuexqLYLhflM2y4DSwnNZLiY96NR-EVj9YbnHG4KpQ4VAYDoL0TszW97YQHtfI97_TTUKuHWJ2ID3VXg_4OvHbe3CjwVFqCQg3ulwXp49/s1600/senecashadows.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8tI8gEWQoPooy36P4ru4EWZR_5AdwNh0-4JnuuexqLYLhflM2y4DSwnNZLiY96NR-EVj9YbnHG4KpQ4VAYDoL0TszW97YQHtfI97_TTUKuHWJ2ID3VXg_4OvHbe3CjwVFqCQg3ulwXp49/s1600/senecashadows.jpeg" /></a> These are but a few of the covers from my thirteen published books. I have two more coming out with Harlequin that will make a total of 15, <b>The Lady's Rescuer</b> in January and one of the final titles for the line, <b>Love's Daring Risk</b>, in June, 2015. Over the many years I published with them, I received great responses from the readers, many whose lives where touched by the stories. Maybe if I thought <b>Love's Daring Risk</b> would be the last one for Heartsong, I might have done something different. But I like what I did with the story as it pays tribute to those with dreams and those who work hard to make dreams come true. I can say with the wonderful editors I worked with in this line - Rebecca Germany, Tracie Peterson, JoAnne Simmons, and Kathy Davis - they truly brought my dreams of writing and publishing into reality. To them, I owe my writing career. Now where it goes from here, only God knows....<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the last two books I will write in the Heartsong line. Releases January, 2015 from Harlequin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Lauralee Blisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11923463083025047230noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632882822656478450.post-86743947676671173102014-11-10T14:51:00.000-05:002014-11-10T14:51:01.260-05:00I Am Shocked!<div class="MsoNormal">
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I start off a brand new era of this blog with shocking news....<o:p></o:p></div>
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My husband can’t believe it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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My dad was stunned.<o:p></o:p></div>
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My friends are probably wondering too.<o:p></o:p></div>
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And then there’s me. I can’t believe it either.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I took my very first scuba diving lesson.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc5XKSL_QyImmsemhuv3O4ck-2pgCmVaCfWPnssVUrumAa7id5I7SntrjtxR6x5k_5kOld70BLlQ8aBWhcB2ZH4vIHDXzA4ZdLq5hUex_3ExJJf_0t0DXHUlYaahpto_BGw6aJzTRTTJ8s/s1600/10687853_858518030855196_6731531085670195074_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc5XKSL_QyImmsemhuv3O4ck-2pgCmVaCfWPnssVUrumAa7id5I7SntrjtxR6x5k_5kOld70BLlQ8aBWhcB2ZH4vIHDXzA4ZdLq5hUex_3ExJJf_0t0DXHUlYaahpto_BGw6aJzTRTTJ8s/s1600/10687853_858518030855196_6731531085670195074_o.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Well, I've got the equipment on .</td></tr>
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<o:p></o:p><br />
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For many years I watched by brave husband on the scuba gear
and take for the waters. I’d be left on the sand wondering what he was seeing.
And really, if he would come back alive.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I did think about about the great things he was seeing in the
deep. Shipwrecks and cool fish, and brain corral and barracudas. But I was too scared
to do it. I tried to snorkel and that was a catastrophe, esp. because I couldn’t
see anything. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Fast forward to today. We are about ready to depart on our anniversary
cruise to the western Caribbean including Grand Cayman home to some great reefs
for viewing fish and critters. And for one excursion, called snuba, you don a regulator
and swim under the water. My husband really wanted to do it. I was scared. And
so he suggested an intro scuba course to get me used to being under water and
using a regulator.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I thought about it and decided to go along with it. At first
it was pretty tough just donning the neoprene suit that made me feel like I was
choking. I couldn’t see either as had yet to get a prescription mask made
(which has since arrived in time for our cruise, along with new fins and
snorkel). So I was blind, choking, and now bending my arm backwards to try and
get a huge heavy oxygen bottle on my back. And wearing a weight belt so I would
sink in the water (we did this at a pool). <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhojbnNBQfIUQOl0WmGWg-NGExHcmzBW15vQGtTIdCW92bnkYKKdHZLtWOF8e7LP8AssBZUaaxJJ5A-JeYfkinbxFJ8JnZqZJyKv7K1-O_Va8JA5eUh5A8Drpm2AOKEc1nHBqc3U54u_XeV/s1600/1502162_858518067521859_5745243982715233783_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhojbnNBQfIUQOl0WmGWg-NGExHcmzBW15vQGtTIdCW92bnkYKKdHZLtWOF8e7LP8AssBZUaaxJJ5A-JeYfkinbxFJ8JnZqZJyKv7K1-O_Va8JA5eUh5A8Drpm2AOKEc1nHBqc3U54u_XeV/s1600/1502162_858518067521859_5745243982715233783_o.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first time I'm breathing in a regulator.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Thankfully the instructor was as warm and calm as the pool
water. He guided me step by step. And after about a half hour of getting used
to all this gear and sitting under water with eyes open and lungs breathing, I
was actually able to swim after my husband under water. I felt for the first
time – hey, I might be able to do that snuba thing.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT3Yzqx-48KcEaMn5MviM0RN87LX8aFpS3u7w5BrorJE6IRgBFej9BML7y0rOjug6d5rKUKg_jeyYOCICbhS_P38T2JdDyyZSh6NnKHq4GpIv_qS64AaX3fr69HEop278zrOglvT7ecAVk/s1600/1614168_858518214188511_1533529489952396538_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT3Yzqx-48KcEaMn5MviM0RN87LX8aFpS3u7w5BrorJE6IRgBFej9BML7y0rOjug6d5rKUKg_jeyYOCICbhS_P38T2JdDyyZSh6NnKHq4GpIv_qS64AaX3fr69HEop278zrOglvT7ecAVk/s1600/1614168_858518214188511_1533529489952396538_o.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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…Until I got tired, and my feet cramped like crazy in the fins.<o:p></o:p></div>
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But I had hope. Hope that I might be able to see some
wonders in the deep without freaking out. Hope that the snuba will go ok, as we
signed up for the excursion.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’ll let you know….<o:p></o:p></div>
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Lauralee Blisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11923463083025047230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632882822656478450.post-65091303755850455532014-06-26T15:00:00.000-04:002014-06-26T15:00:00.395-04:00A Journey to a New Look for My Author Blog<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Atlantic Ocean of North Carolina, setting for a new series!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;">Over the next few weeks I am making changes to this blog <i><b>Blissful Life Journeys</b></i>. I wanted to make the blog more all-encompassing to take on a broader spectrum of life. This theme also coincides better with my other passion - hiking and helping hikers through my blog <b><a href="http://blissfulhiking.blogspot.com/">Blissful Hiking</a></b>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">There will still be special guests, book giveaways...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">and coming soon, interesting facts and fun to celebrate my upcoming new releases for 2015 on the Lifesaving Stations in the Outer Banks.</span><br />
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Lauralee Blisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11923463083025047230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632882822656478450.post-15290751756096506412012-10-02T16:24:00.002-04:002012-10-02T16:24:35.999-04:00Doing the Tough Things in Life<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUUww8mMVoEfSIy0Hq-oXyU-_BIkP91HaBA7oX82U3tJQID_Nuaj8kPdgapALylSWqvanrgCdlP6GbKcLtysdk_75MtmU6Yyctly4o_SXRUg5qJE7dcpw1ciPVaB30SUSw_q4uKwPW1OCU/s1600/071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUUww8mMVoEfSIy0Hq-oXyU-_BIkP91HaBA7oX82U3tJQID_Nuaj8kPdgapALylSWqvanrgCdlP6GbKcLtysdk_75MtmU6Yyctly4o_SXRUg5qJE7dcpw1ciPVaB30SUSw_q4uKwPW1OCU/s400/071.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rocks like this proved challenging on the Long Trail. Author Photo</td></tr>
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I found myself at a crossroad. Or rather, at a cross-trail, as
I was hiking the<a href="http://blissfulhiking.blogspot.com/2012/09/long-trail-exploits.html"> Long Trail</a> of Vermont this past September. I’d already come
well over half the journey. The day was rainy and windy. And I was stopped by
two huge ledges of rock, about eighteen inches apart. In order to continue the
hike, I had to cross one then the other. Narrow bands of rock, that if I slip,
I could see down a crevasse many feet below.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Wow the fear. Not a pleasant prospect. Yes, the rocks and
the weather were bad, but the crippling fear was worse. What to do? Where to
go? I had already been through so much. Tough stuff. Even Mt Mansfield, the
highest point in Vermont. If I turned around now, the hike was doomed. And all
my past effort wasted.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Then I heard it. A still, small voice. Authoritative but
kind. </div>
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<br /></div>
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"Sit down on the rock there.”</div>
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I did.</div>
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<br /></div>
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“Scoot yourself slowly across it.”</div>
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<br /></div>
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Hard to do, but I did, with a drenched backpack on my back. I
scooted across the narrow ledges of rock until I made it to a place where I could
haul myself up and continue on the trail. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNTcPhWv03eYBZ9ZFOy1XCtbbpwN51GTsGSD9EtpDyf0wfBIlmVoPum_RhLdVO1PG4ZyDvIfRB1Pf5y90cocQuyuvC0nCXhZLGtatqKNetlwPM977Pz5syIXXKT7xVJt1uRqeBbsj7DEZK/s1600/080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNTcPhWv03eYBZ9ZFOy1XCtbbpwN51GTsGSD9EtpDyf0wfBIlmVoPum_RhLdVO1PG4ZyDvIfRB1Pf5y90cocQuyuvC0nCXhZLGtatqKNetlwPM977Pz5syIXXKT7xVJt1uRqeBbsj7DEZK/s400/080.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Author photo</td></tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
That voice was there in the scariest of places. Telling me
what to do. Directing my path. It was a voice, not a light per say, but it
acted like a light. Shining comfort when it was darkest. Illuminating a place
that I could not see, but when I obeyed, I saw very clearly.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Perhaps you are in places like this. You need direction. It’s
looking really scary.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Listen to the still, small voice. He will tell you where to
go and what to do. And you’ll come forth like the sun, with more courage under your
belt and ears ripe to listen for any further directions along the path of life.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
Lauralee Blisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11923463083025047230noreply@blogger.com0