tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80635942024-03-13T23:07:51.430-07:00Linda Lael Miller's BlogDaily notes from a writerWebmasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18155588594159650714noreply@blogger.comBlogger1612125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8063594.post-25125600126581985092012-03-29T09:37:00.002-07:002012-03-29T09:37:57.432-07:00Moving to the New Blog Page<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can find my new blog at <a href="http://www.lindalaelmiller.com/blog">www.lindalaelmiller.com/blog</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Please join me there.</span>Linda Lael Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04560547656854833743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8063594.post-85256348930919593972012-03-28T07:46:00.000-07:002012-03-28T07:46:40.089-07:00Here's Hoping...<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That you're seeing this blog. :) The transition from old to new has been a little bumpy, but things are smoothing out. I'm so grateful to all of you who are trying to stay on the bull till the buzzer sounds, to use rodeo vernacular. It's been quite a ride and I hearby award you all a virtual belt buckle.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Yesterday was an excellent writing day, and I hope today will be, too. I am So Close to finishing "Big Sky Mountain"--just three chapters to go after this one. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I've received an exciting invitation to attend the rodeo in Reno, Nevada this June--very excited about that. I'll fill you in on all the details as we go along.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">In the evenings, I've been working on *artist trading cards. It just seems to unwind my busy brain, and I like trying out different mediums--this time, it's Adirondack Ink, the kind used by the inimitable Tim Holtz. I've made some interesting backgrounds just by dropping different colors of this ink (wear gloves if you use it. I had to do some serious scrubbing to get the colors off my fingers last night) onto plain white *ATC blanks and letting the colors spread into each other. Cool! Some of them were too dark--I'll paint or gesso over those because I can't bear to waste good paper. And these cards are illustration board, so they hold up well to transition.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">:) I sure hope I'll be able to say the same about myself.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Much love and enjoy your day. The sky over Spokane hasn't made up it's mind yet, it seems--sunshine or rain?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Either way, it's all good.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Be blessed. </span>Linda Lael Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04560547656854833743noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8063594.post-30686579019573839552012-03-27T09:40:00.000-07:002012-03-27T09:40:02.714-07:00Writing<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today I am totally focused on the book.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">More tomorrow.</span>Linda Lael Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04560547656854833743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8063594.post-33338580681540491152012-03-26T10:40:00.000-07:002012-03-26T10:40:50.408-07:00Rain/Snow Mix<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is the craziest spring weather. Yesterday, it was so sunny and beautiful, it looked like June. Today, we're back to the lion aspects of March. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I worked on Saturday, but Sunday was quieter. I watched "Oprah's Master Class"--Jon Bon Jovi has certainly held up well, hasn't he?--and several episodes of "Long Island Medium." I get a big kick out of Theresa Caputo's personality--I'd love to meet her some day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I'm so close to finishing this book--it should be done by the end of the week, Good Lord willin' and the creek don't rise. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">We're still going back and forth with the big switch to the new website, but I think the dust is finally beginning to settle. Like most trying things, it will be well worth the effort in the end.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">So, I'm off to spend the day in Parable with Hutch and Kendra and a host of fun characters I'm looking forward to introducing you to. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Be safe, be well, and be kind.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">We're all in the same boat.</span>Linda Lael Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04560547656854833743noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8063594.post-2923858330558167182012-03-23T09:44:00.001-07:002012-03-23T09:46:26.495-07:00I Sure Hope You're Seeing This<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Confusion reigns, but I think we're almost over the rough spots, website-wise. Some of you are finding this blog--God bless you--and others are out there asking where the heck Linda went. I'd be among the latter, since I'm not computer savvy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">All I can say is, please hang in.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Very soon, my first ever vampire book, "Forever and the Night", will be available on Nook at a bargain price. After a month, it will also be on Amazon. The other three books in the series will eventually be offered as e-books, too. What an exciting time we live in--so many options!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I love my e-reader, especially on airplanes, but I've got to tell you, I still love, love, LOVE book stores--an electronic device cannot replace the tactile joys, like touching a book, feeling its heft in your hands, and even the scent of the paper. Browsing is more fun in a book store, too--all those colorful covers, all those rows and rows of delicious possibility, not to mention human contact with a friendly staff and other book lovers. I can't imagine a world without book stores, can you?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">We have snow on the ground today, here in Spokane, and the sky is overcast. Oh, well. I can make the sun shine in Parable. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">God bless you all, and have a great weekend.</span>Linda Lael Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04560547656854833743noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8063594.post-65949938991827368992012-03-22T09:53:00.000-07:002012-03-22T09:53:46.283-07:00Snow Again!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A beautiful snowfall happened in the night--it's especially lovely out here in the country, with all the trees draped in delicate lace. I'm as eager for spring as anybody, but I'm bound and determined to enjoy and appreciate what's happening Right Now.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Work on the book continues--I'm so near the end, and that's always a bittersweet feeling, wonderful, but also a parting of sorts, from these story people I have come to love. My characters always become intimate friends and somehow, when they go off into the world, like children starting college, it's never the same as when they lived at home, so to speak.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Alas, a new batch of characters are waiting in the works, and I know I'll fall madly in love with them, too. And there's the bright side--after every ending, there is a new beginning, in writing and in life. I'm a Square-one girl for sure; I love new beginnings--I've been reinventing myself on a regular basis all my life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I hope you've all checked out the new web and Facebook pages. They present a much more accurate view of who I am now, today, and that matters to me. They've been working out some bugs with the website, and I hope you'll all be patient while they smooth down the rough edges.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">That's the place to get information about this year's round of scholarships for women, and there will be lots of videos, photos and contests, too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">That's the news from my writing desk--time to turn on the happy lamp and head for Parable. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">May God bless you, now and always.</span>Linda Lael Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04560547656854833743noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8063594.post-31661059874010046762012-03-21T10:10:00.000-07:002012-03-21T10:10:30.448-07:00Lost Blogger Found<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What a crazy, wonderful week this has been. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The new website has been a bumpy road, but it's just beautiful and so much more "me". (How I wish I were as young and skinny as I am in those pictures on the old one. :))</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Things are hopping over on the new Facebook page, too. Soon, we'll be giving away signed books and other goodies. Stay tuned. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The first two days of this week were taken up by doctor appointments--don't worry, all the news is good--so I'm running a little behind on just about everything else in my life. It seems, as the old saying goes, the hurrier I go, the behinder I get. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Still, I am filled with hope. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The weather continues to be unpredictable--that's spring for you, I guess. Sunshine one minute, rain and/or snow the next. At least it isn't boring.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">That's the news for today, folks. Thanks for sticking with me while we jump a few hurdles with the new website, Facebook page, and this blog.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">You're the best.</span>Linda Lael Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04560547656854833743noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8063594.post-55047754014054415292012-03-19T11:00:00.000-07:002012-03-19T11:00:23.640-07:00"Big Sky Country" Cover Reveal<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For a look at the cover of my new book, "Big Sky Country", a June release from Harlequin's HQN imprint, click on: <a href="http://harlequinblog.com/">http://harlequinblog.com/</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I'd love to know what you think.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">We're undergoing some major transitions here, switching over to the new website--still <a href="http://www.lindlaelmiller.com/">http://www.lindlaelmiller.com/</a>. If you're having problems accessing it, please hang in--there have been some 'technical difficulties'. I personally love the site--it's so much more up-to-date, the Real Me, as of 2012, for better or for worse. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I've been working like crazy on the new book and have therefore neglected the blog in recent days. I will do better, I promise.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The weather can't seem to make up its mind today--storm or sunshine? At the moment, we're definitely enjoying the latter--I won't even need to switch on my happy lamp if this keeps up. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The flu is behind me at last--boy was that wicked. Hate to think what it would have been like if I hadn't had the shot.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Sister Sal has a new shop on Etsy, and she's doing some great things with recycled sweaters. Check out ThankfulRose at Etsy.com. Both my sisters are artists--Pam does polymer clay and mosaic--I'll find out the name of her shop.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Monday is always a crazy day around here. We've got one horse with foot trouble, and my CPAP machine needs to go in for repairs. Alas. It's all good.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">That's the news.</span>Linda Lael Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04560547656854833743noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8063594.post-28354505485627673272012-03-14T13:02:00.000-07:002012-03-14T13:02:40.249-07:00Writing and Writing!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm feeling so much better, and I'm really into the book, so this will be short. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Bernice and I went for a walk this morning--the sky is overcast, and we've had a few flurries of snow. I can't figure out if March came in like a lion or a lamb. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Mary Ann brought me a shamrock this morning--what fun. I have some orchids on the kitchen windowsill, and a plant my brother and his wife gave me several years ago is now so big that we had to move it from my room to the living room, where the ceiling is higher. It's thriving in the new place, so happy to be able to stand up straight.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">That's the news, my friends, such as it is.</span>Linda Lael Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04560547656854833743noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8063594.post-42254752088144356562012-03-12T09:27:00.000-07:002012-03-12T09:27:46.390-07:00Definitely On the UpSwing<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I rested all weekend, resisting the urge to dash all over Spokane doing this and that, in order to conserve my energy and strength. Now I'm pretty tired of resting. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">We've had very typical spring weather of late--rain alternating with brilliant sunshine--and the robins are back, so that's a good sign. The horses are probably looking forward to their summer schedule, when they can stay in the pasture all night or step into a stall, as they choose. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I'm listening to a Nicci French novel on my iPod--it's called "Blue Monday" and it is certainly intriguing. The setting is London, and there's a lot of suspense--I like those qualities in a book. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">It's back to the book today, and I am SO excited.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">That's the news, friends. Be well, and if you're sick--stay home. :)</span>Linda Lael Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04560547656854833743noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8063594.post-84787159927633199632012-03-09T10:14:00.000-07:002012-03-09T10:14:06.575-07:00Better--REALLY ;)<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's been a long week, friends. I'm feeling LOTS better today, but I plan to lay low because if I get over ambitious, as I am known to do, I might lose the ground I've gained. So, much as I would love to go out and enjoy this lovely sunshine, I'm staying close to home.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I'll be back on Monday.</span>Linda Lael Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04560547656854833743noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8063594.post-18628820089409616912012-03-08T09:41:00.000-07:002012-03-08T09:41:56.648-07:00Wicked Sick Yesterday<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just when I bragged about feeling better, I got slammed by this crazy flu bug. I was slathered with Vicks, dosed up on Advil, and flat on my back for most of the day. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I managed one brief walk with Bernicie because the weather was so fine and she was so hopeful, but I wasn't entirely sure I'd make it back to the house, I felt so weak. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Mostly, I caught up on Oprah's Master Class--episodes on Reba McIntire (a favorite of mine) and Morgan Freeman (ditto--and I once saw Mr. Freeman in person in Atlanta. He was getting out of the same elevator I was entering.) Very tall, very handsome, very dignified. His story, like Ms. McIntire's, is truly an inspiration. I also watched Oprah's visit with Paula Deen--that lady is a kick, angling for catfish in her nightgown. Thank heaven for TIVO, because without it, the TV pickin's are rather slim, to say the least.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Sam, I'm taking your recommendation and looking for "Call the Midwife". Love that English stuff. :) (Especially high tea at the Park Lane Hotel, the big red buses and the food hall at Harrod's.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Maybe I'm due for another trip to London. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Once I get well, of course. And finish the books on my docket.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Today, I plan to write. We'll see if God has the same plan. :) (He often overrules my 'great ideas'.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">That's the news, folks. Thank you so much for your kind comments and get well wishes.</span>Linda Lael Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04560547656854833743noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8063594.post-84616857430496014832012-03-06T09:47:00.000-07:002012-03-06T09:47:35.389-07:00Feeling Better<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But probably still contagious. Yikes. I was so determined to finish my Photoshop class, but I'd hate to make any of the others sick.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The weather is gloriously beautiful today. Bernice and I will definitely get in our walks--I'll just be moving a little more slowly than usual. :) I'm a great believer in fresh air and exercise being good for what ails me, so off I go.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I fully intended to write yesterday, but I just wasn't well enough when push came to shove. So I did the only reasonable thing--I watched the entire first season of "Downton Abbey" on my iPad, via Netflix. I am officially addicted to that show! Maggie Smith's performance alone is worth the time investment and the costumes are absolutely wonderful. The story is intelligent and makes you really care about the characters---I actually cried a couple of times, I was so moved. If there were more TV shows like this, I'd watch something besides "Who the Bleep Did I Marry?" and "Forensic Files"--the last series on a par with D.A. was "John Adams."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I am back to work today, but moving slowly. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">And that's the kitchen table news for today.</span>Linda Lael Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04560547656854833743noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8063594.post-82897329253051323222012-03-05T11:45:00.000-07:002012-03-05T11:45:09.799-07:00Back Tomorrow<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have a bad case of the flu and I wouldn't want you to catch it. :)</span>Linda Lael Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04560547656854833743noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8063594.post-23235223919419280182012-03-01T10:57:00.000-07:002012-03-01T10:57:17.125-07:00Spring is Coming<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Officially, the greening-and-blooming season arrives on March 20 this year--19 days from now. Looking out over fields of admittedly beautiful (sigh) snow, I find that hard to fathom. I'm ready to walk confidently around the pasture, instead of looking out for icy patches and mud puddles. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I had another excellent writing day yesterday--I'm sure loving this book, and sure eager to share it with you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The first of the new series, "Big Sky Country", will be available in June--the last Tuesday in May, actually--and I can't wait to introduce you to my Parable people--and the ones who live thirty miles away, in Three Trees, Montana. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I watched "Sliding Doors" on my iPad last night, using Netflix. I really enjoyed the innovative plot--a woman living two separate lives, simultaneously--it's the kind of story, along with time travel, that excites my imagination. Being on a Netflix roll, I watched a documentary after the Gweneth Paltrow film, followed by a biography of Jordan's Queen Noor. And then I slept--Bernice and the kitties had long since conked out--and woke refreshed and rested and very ready to write.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Which is what I'm going to do right now. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Make it a good day. Remember, it's a choice.</span>Linda Lael Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04560547656854833743noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8063594.post-53649680327952014252012-02-29T09:41:00.000-07:002012-02-29T09:41:11.171-07:00A Soft Blanket of Snow<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The snow is lovely this morning, as I look out my kitchen windows--not too deep, and marked only by the occasional set of deer or coyote tracks</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. Since the stuff probably reaches the middle of Bernicie's chest, we'll have to wait for either a thaw or a pass of the plow before we can take our walks.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had an excellent writing day yesterday, even with a dash to Walmart for in-case-of-snow things, and attended my second Photoshop class in the evening. Photoshop is, alas, still pretty much of a mystery to me, but I'm determined to stick with it. I'm certainly not looking to become an expert in four lessons; I just want to be able to navigate the program well enough to continue learning in my usual bumbling, trial-and-error fashion. (I'm not quite as thick as that statement makes me sound, but my firefly brain seems to have difficulty with complicated technical concepts--forget Soduku. I've tried.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I'll be writing again today, and happily, in the light of my happy lamp. Of course when the sun is shining, I don't need it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I'm waiting for "The Artist" to come to pay-per-view, and downloading the first season of "Downton Abbey" as we speak. For a cowgirl, I sure do love stories set in merry old England.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">As for listening to books, I've just finished Ali Wentworth's "Ali in Wonderland". It was funny and fascinating. Now I think I'm in the mood for a big, complicated novel. The question is, which one? Any suggestions?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">That's the news from my kitchen table, at least for this morning.</span>Linda Lael Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04560547656854833743noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8063594.post-29048689127064916362012-02-28T10:59:00.001-07:002012-02-29T09:44:50.169-07:00Winter Wonderland--Or Not :)<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Short blog today--I'm really into the book and I don't want to break my momentum. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The new website is coming soon, so please watch for it. Special thanks to all of you who 'liked' my new Facebook page.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">We've been living in a smooth, white, sparkly world for the last few days--it's lovely out here in the country; acres of diamonds glitter in the horse pasture and one memorable morning the fallen needles from the tall pines that stand all around us were laced with a fragile dusting of snow--an exquisite sight. Now, there's been a thaw and the sky is overcast again--more snow on its way. More beauty. (Hope I'm not snowed in before my Photoshop class tonight, though, and I MUST get to Walmart at some point.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Photoshop. What a challenge--but I'm determined to show up for all four classes, if I have to go by dog sled. (Bernicie is not up to the job of pulling, but we could round up some Huskies somewhere.) I'm not a person who learns technical processes easily, much as I love electronic gadgets and gizmos, so this effort requires some discipline. Failing discipline, I can fall back on my streak of good old-fashioned stubborn Lael-ness. (It's there to be done, so do it, that's our credo.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">And, of course, the book is there to be done, so I'm going to do it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Stay well. </span>Linda Lael Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04560547656854833743noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8063594.post-59494231213237837082012-02-24T12:41:00.002-07:002012-02-24T12:41:52.511-07:00Like Me Facebook--Please :)<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can find my new Facebook page at: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/lindalaelmiller">www.facebook.com/lindalaelmiller</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Thanks!</span>Linda Lael Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04560547656854833743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8063594.post-15730341702237703232012-02-24T11:03:00.000-07:002012-02-24T11:03:49.694-07:00AT LAST!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been trying to blog for several days, with no success. I was really getting worried that you'd all think I just up and vanished, and I'm right here. We're making some changes, with the new website coming up soon, and I sure hope you'll all stick with us until we iron out the rough spots. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Right now, you can find me on Facebook by going to the "Official Linda Lael Miller" page--pics of the animals are posted there, and we'll be adding fun stuff right along, so I hope you'll stay tuned.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">You'll always be able to find my blog by going to <a href="http://www.lindalaelmiller.com/">http://www.lindalaelmiller.com/</a>, but there'll be a short transition period between the old website and the new, and I don't want to lose a single one of you along the way.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">What I've been doing while I was invisible:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Walking Bernice and myself.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Writing the new book--which I LOVE.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Not much else. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Thanks for hanging in. More tomorrow, if Blogger doesn't go all weird on me again.</span>Linda Lael Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04560547656854833743noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8063594.post-34387153090529754692012-02-20T09:39:00.000-07:002012-02-20T09:39:17.898-07:00Changes<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Within a very short time, I'll have a new website and a new blog. My Facebook page has been altered, too--lots of pix of the pets there, and more to come. As I understand it, you won't have trouble making the transition--all very exciting. There will be contests and lots of fun things.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">My main focus these days is the book--I'm loving it, though I did take the weekend off to restore my energies. I had the house Feng Shui-ed on Saturday--very interesting process--and I'll keep you updated on that. I start a Photoshop class tomorrow night--long term goal, about to be fulfilled. I'm excited--I've tried repeatedly to get into one of these classes and I finally made it. YEEHAW! Again, I'll fill you in on the experience--I imagine it will be a challenge. Photoshop is not something I've been able to learn via books or internet stuff--I need a real person to point things out to me. :) Such is my learning style that I'll have some trouble mastering the process, but then I'll know it, solid. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Art, on the other hand, seems to lend itself well to online learning, at least for me. I watched a new video from Interweave.com, called "All About Faces". Julie F.F. Balzer, a very talented mixed media artist, is an excellent teacher. Love it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Bernicie and I took our walks over the weekend, as we will on this President's Day--we saw four white-tail deer dashing through the woods at one point, and that was so great. The horses sometimes put on a little show, too--especially my bad boys, Banjo and Traveler. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I'm writing today, going for 10,000 more steps, walking my dog, and generally being grateful to--and for--all of you.</span>Linda Lael Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04560547656854833743noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8063594.post-44296184524947748022012-02-16T17:50:00.000-07:002012-02-16T17:50:03.736-07:00Snow and Steps<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I continue to work toward my 10,000 steps a day goal, and so far, I'm doing great!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I wrote today--it's challenging, but I'm loving it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Bernice and I walked--she's not as committed to the Fitbit as I am :) so we stop a lot, so she can smell out the situation. :) Skiffs of snow were coming down all day--very pretty.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Yesterday, I had my hair cut and colored. I like to say, at this point, I needed emergency care. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Back tomorrow.</span>Linda Lael Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04560547656854833743noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8063594.post-10819418427174220352012-02-15T08:54:00.000-07:002012-02-15T08:54:13.553-07:00The Journey of 10,000 Steps<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You know how I love gadgets. Well, so does my friend, Debbie Macomber, and she just recommended a really fun--and healthy--one. It's called the Fitbit, and it's basically a wireless pedometer. Besides how many steps the wearer takes, it will also record how well that person sleeps, and a few other things as well. (I have yet to find one that records how many Randy Travis songs I listen to. :) ) It's tiny and plugs into the computer to charge, where it also records the data. Mary Ann, my practical cousin and the Trail Boss here on the Triple L, wanted to know what made it different from ordinary pedometers. She cracked up when I answered that this one sends me an congratulatory e-mail and awards virtual badges.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Hey, motivation is motivation. Whatever works.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">It looks a little slick out today, and I have a much-needed hairdresser's appointment, but I'm determined to go for 10,000 more steps, though it may be done mostly on my treadmill. You guessed it--I was one of those kids who work hard for gold stars. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Bernicie is back from the vet--she had a dental cleaning and <em>six </em>extractions, so she's got to stay in out of the cold for a day or two, eat soft food and take anti-biotics. Still, she's herself, and Yorkie energy is important to well-being, at least around here. Chacha, the kitty, who is Bernice's biggest fan, would certainly agree. She was waiting for me when I came in from one of my strolls around the pasture yesterday, and clearly disappointed to find me Bernice-less.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">So, the journey continues. It will be a partial writing day--appointments throw me off and I can't avoid this one. :) I'm feeling terrific and I hope you are, too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">God bless you, my friends.</span>Linda Lael Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04560547656854833743noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8063594.post-26563447800961514682012-02-14T15:51:00.000-07:002012-02-14T15:51:22.560-07:00Sisters<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GuxdRq9UUmk/TzrlaZcnftI/AAAAAAAAATc/SbVZtqX6WCE/s1600/IMG_0015.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GuxdRq9UUmk/TzrlaZcnftI/AAAAAAAAATc/SbVZtqX6WCE/s400/IMG_0015.JPG" /></a><div style='clear:both; text-align:NONE'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Linda Lael Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04560547656854833743noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8063594.post-37362582017091184442012-02-14T10:21:00.000-07:002012-02-14T10:21:57.683-07:00Hearts and Flowers<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A very happy Valentine's Day to one and all. Tell somebody you love them--you can't say it too often. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The book is just FLYING along--once I've finished blogging, I'll be sitting down at my other computer, the one with the magic happy-lamp beside it, to take up where I left off. This story really pulls me in--I'm feeling it very deeply, which sometimes makes me want to shy away a little. Instead, I just crank up the Randy Travis tunes and go for it. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Bernicie is getting her teeth cleaned today, so I went on the morning walk alone--she'll be with me for this afternoon's rounds. The walk is my time to talk with God--and listen to Him, too--and I treasure that. Plus, exercise helps keep the blues at bay, as does the happy-lamp. Also, I try to be at least as nice to myself as I am to my pets. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Sally and I are still texting each other in Randyese--in other words, lines from his songs. :) What a good time we had, whooping it up.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">And I'm off to Parable.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">See you tomorrow, pardners.</span>Linda Lael Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04560547656854833743noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8063594.post-17143745696378810342012-02-13T11:46:00.000-07:002012-02-13T11:46:16.867-07:00What a Weekend!!!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here I sit at my writing computer, with my happy light shining down on me, fixing to write a new chapter and bursting at the seams to tell you about my weekend.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">My sister Sally flew up from Oregon on Friday night, and on Saturday we did a lot of catching up, and a little shopping. Saturday NIGHT, now, that was the biggie--we went to the Randy Travis concert over at Northern Quest Casino. What a show, that's all I'm saying. What a singer! We just had more fun than the proverbial barrel of monkeys, tapping our feet, singing along, cheering every song. There wasn't an empty seat in the place, and Randy and his band put on an unforgetable performance. We left, exhausted, with music in our heads and our hearts, matching sounvenir T-shirts, and promises to do things like this together more often.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Sal went back on Sunday, and I missed her as soon as I drove away from the airport's departure lane. It was definitely a flying trip, all too brief, but these days, with all of us living such busy lives, we have to grab our chances to get together and hold on tight.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Bernice and I had our walk this morning--good for both of us. I do the praying, and she does the sniffing and turkey tracking. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I'm off to Parable, where things are definitely popping.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Be well, be happy, and be kind.</span>Linda Lael Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04560547656854833743noreply@blogger.com3