The Chronicles of Janie

source There is an occasion for everything, and a time for every activity under heaven.  Ecclesiastes 3:1 Since I've started writing in earnest, I've begun a campaign to absorb information on how to write well (or at least, better ). There are definite patterns in the world of writing instruction, and I've gotten to the point where one person's piece of advice sounds suspiciously like that of the person before. I could spiel an enormous list of writing do's and don'ts at the drop of a hat. Seriously. Anyway, one thing everyone seems anxious to impress upon us young scribblers is the fact that Inspiration must frequently be pursued, snared, and dragged home by the hair. The experts waggle portentous forefingers and inform us that, if you sit about waiting for Inspiration to come find you, you could potentially wait forever . I do not pretend to be any sort of writing expert, and I am generally content to bow to the su...

My image 2013 This has been the year of beginnings. Of opening my clenched fists and letting go. I've spent a lot of time being scared, saying, 'I can't! I won't! I don't want to!' and hearing God reply, 'you can do all things through My strength.' It has been a time of cleansing. The bleakness of the winter landscape matches the bleakness of my soul. Delusions, fripperies and pleasing lies have been stripped away. I've been forced to view myself in the hard light of Truth. Nowhere to hide. No more excuses. I've done a lot of repenting. This has been the year of doggedly going on. And on, and on. This has been a year of great beauty. Of creativity, of growing things, of finding just the right words. This has been a year of struggling toward freedom. Of learning not to be ruled by the judgments of others. Of developing new friendships and strengthening old ones. I've been useful this year. Being useful makes me happy...

Source What better way to end a year than in a bookish post? One of my non-New Year's resolutions last year was to read more books. I didn't succeed as well as I'd have liked, but at least enough to justify swiping these questions from this blog: Wishful Thinking 1.  Your favourite book as a child?  I've been told that I'd listened to Black Beauty so many times as a child that I was able to recite it. 2.  What are you reading right now?   Man of the Family by Ralph Moody 3.  What books do you have on request at the library?   None. I don't like reading on a deadline, so looming library return dates have a way of stealing my pleasure in a story. 4.  Bad book habit.  Reading a book from back to front. 5.  What do you currently have checked out from your library? Ummm... 6.  Do you have an e-reader?   No. No. Nope! I refuse to own one of the dreadful things. 7.  Do you prefer to read one book at a time, or do y...

For me, this has probably been the best year, photographically speaking, to date. I thought it would be fun to choose my favorite shots from the year and showcase them here. Choosing just thirteen photos ended up being more work than I'd bargained for - there are just so many shots that I love - but here are the results of my (figurative) blood, sweat and tears. Tell's new brother Fun times with Poppers Lucy's smile Apple tree Wildflower Lucy again! Queen Anne's Lace on a blue plastic barrel Festival of Nations, Tower Grove Park, St. Louis Lavender on the wood-box North Rustico, Prince Edward Island, Canada Wedding preparations! Near Stanley Bridge, P.E.I., Canada Greta The photo quality diminished noticeably when I uploaded these to my blog. So I'll indulge my photographer pride by directing you to this album , where you can view these shots in...