Community Coffee Snob

I think it's finally happened—I've turned into a coffee snob.

No, not the coffee of the green symbol with the lady's face on it.

But the coffee of my youth.

The coffee that created a bond between granddaughter and grandfather.

The coffee that I now have to order online because it's not available in Northern Colorado.

But worth it.

Because every morning's cup gives more than a caffeinated morning jolt. It takes me home.

Just the smell of Community's coffee and chicory brews the most delicious memories. Images of my late grandfather, who lived across the street, rising early to hand drip his coffee come to mind, and with the memory comes a smile.

I'd quickly dress for school then dash over to Paw Paw's house to have a cup of coffee and a couple of the small biscuits he cooked every morning.

Orange and brown curtains covering the old oak door's window were parted as a signal. The rousing aroma of strong coffee and steaming hot biscuits filled the air along with the Cajun French, chanky-chank music from the portable radio. And sometimes, the lingering scent of menthol. Evidence of an aging idol. The scene conveyed warmth, goodness, heritage.

He'd speak French and I'd answer in English. Both understanding the other, but comfortable speaking our own language. Two generations bridging the gap. A twelve year-old feeling grown-up, special. He'd "pass" a wink as he filled the demitasse that held my portion. More milk than coffee.

During the rare times when cold air crept into the South Louisiana swamps, those mornings have special meaning. Two pine rockers hugged the small gas heater in the kitchen/living room combination. Their worn wooden slats warmed and waiting for two different generations to share the space, to share the difference in experience and education and language. But to also share the same love of good coffee and hot biscuits. The music? Well, there are some things that younger generations don't appreciate until later...


He's been gone for almost ten years and our conversations wiggle through my brain as though they occurred just this morning. His voice and the way his prickly thin mustache moved when he spoke, continue to fill my thoughts with clear images.

Ones, I love.


Ones, I want to hold on to for as long as I can.


They comfort.


And when I think of the things I missed because I grew up in the southern most regions of Louisiana, I quickly remember those mornings with Paw Paw and nothing I missed really matters.

Housing Update

The unusal amounts of snowfall have stalled the house-building arena. Trying to pour cement for deck pilings and a driveway and sidewalks--well, let's just say--A major challenge.

Looking out the bedroom door...

The plumbing and electrical work starts this week so some progress continues.

We picked out cabinets this weekend, doors, and did a walk-through with the plumber and electrician. This helped pull me out of the doldrums. It's nice to see some forward progess and feel that there will be a day when we'll actually live in this house!

Your prayers for smooth building, protection for all the workers, and workable weather are so appreciated!!

Here are the latest inside pictures and a few outside ones. (although, the outside hasn't changed much!)

The loft - my future office.

Looking down on the great room from the loft. Yes, the white stuff is snow!

Facing west and the entry door into the kitchen. The framing on the right is the pantry and the left, a half-bath.

The stairs going up from the basement.

I'll have more pictures as developments happen.

Until then, we're enjoying the winter, staying warm, and wishing you could enjoy this winter with us!

Drop me a line and let me know what's happening with you!

Interview with Sharon K. Souza

AN INTERVIEW WITH SHARON K. SOUZA

Author of Every Good and Perfect Gift

1 . Your debut novel Every Good & Perfect Gift is releasing this month from Nav Press. Can you tell us a little about the book?

DeeDee and Gabby have been friends since the sixth grade, when headstrong and courageous DeeDee began mapping out their lives. But after twenty years with her husband DeeDee changes her plan. Nearing forty years old, she wants a baby - now! Two years of infertility, prayers, and outrageous behavior finally results in the birth of DeeDee's demand.
Gabby is present for all of it, noting the increasingly strange behavior of her lifelong friend after the baby's birth. Then comes a diagnosis that threatens to shatter their world. Gabby must find the strength and faith to carry DeeDee and herself through the dark unknown, but is she up for it?

2. What inspired you to write Every Good & Perfect Gift?

I wanted to write a book about a "Jonathan and David" type friendship between two women, knowing that I was ultimately going to tell the story of a young woman who is diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer's. I have a close friend who, at the age of 42, began to exhibit many of the symptoms portrayed in the book. Since completing the book I've learned that another close friend has been diagnosed with EOA. What are the odds? In determining what course the friendship between Gabby and DeeDee would take, I asked myself: What is the greatest way one woman can express friendship to another? The answer: By helping her have a child if she's unable to, which one character is willing to do if it comes to that.

3. You've incorporated two major issues in Every Good & Perfect Gift: infertility and Early Onset Alzheimer's. Why not focus on one or the other? Why both?

The theme of Gift is extraordinary friendship. The foundation for the friendship is established between the characters in their childhood, tested through the issue of infertility, and exemplified through catastrophic illness. Infertility was the catalyst to get to that level of friendship expressed because of the illness. One character's growth was accomplished because of infertility, while the other character's growth came as a result of the Alzheimer's.

4. Why did you use humor to tell a story with such serious issues?

It's exactly because the issues are so serious that I chose humor to tell the story. Our life experiences are heavy enough without adding to them as we read for pleasure. That's not to say there aren't serious moments in the book, but hopefully the reader is buoyed by the lighter sections, rather than overloaded with the weightier ones.

5. What are your feelings about egg donation and other modern solutions that help women overcome infertility?

There are some things I might not personally opt for, but infertility was never an issue with me. If it had been I might have been willing to try anything. As it stands, I'm not opposed to in vitro fertilization or sperm donation, things of that nature. I don't find anything in Scripture that would cause me to be against it.

6. What are your feelings about a couple's decision to intentionally not have children?

Again, that wasn't my experience. I had three babies in quick succession and would not have done anything differently. But not every adult is cut out to be a parent. If an individual or couple realizes that they aren't equipped for parenthood, or if they feel their lives are full as they are, I don't' believe it's a sin not to have children. In fact, I think it's wise. That's not to say a person's feelings may not change in time, like it did for DeeDee. Then it's up to the couple to make the choice that's right for them.

7. What do you want your readers to take away from this book?

I spent several years in my early adulthood without a close friend. When the first one came into my life, I realized what I had missed and truly saw her as a gift from the Lord. But beyond that, I've experienced the truth of Proverbs 18:24: ". . . there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." In her darkest moments, Gabby learned that the Lord reaches out to us in compassion, spanning the gap between our need and His provision. That's been the case in my life over and over.

8. Do you base any of your characters on real people?

The concept of the story was based on a real situation in regards to the Early Onset Alzheimer's. But the characters are not based on real people. I do typically use people I know/have known and then take their personality traits/quirks to extremes--almost like a caricature--in order to make the character as interesting as possible. Almost always my daughters will recognize something of themselves in my make-believe world. It makes for fun conversation.

9. If the characters are primarily fictional, what about the setting? Is that someplace known to you?

I actually wrote the entire story in a fictional setting, without ever naming it. I just placed the town in the San Joaquin valley. My editor suggested I nail down the location, even a fictitious one. As we talked back and forth, I decided to use my real "home town" of Lodi. I grew up in the Sacramento area, but have lived in or around Lodi since my husband and I got married. There's some debate about whether or not "our" Lodi is the subject of the 1969 Credence Clearwater Revival song, "Stuck in Lodi." Right or wrong, I choose to think it is. But not for a minute do I feel stuck. I love Lodi.

10. What is your purpose in writing inspirational fiction?

I've had well-meaning friends ask why I write fiction at all. If I want to share the Gospel, why not write "the truth." Two answers come to mind. First, that "burning fire shut up in my bones" (Jer. 20:9) finds its release in fiction. Second, when Jesus wanted to get a heavenly truth across, He didn't deliver a three-point sermon. He told stories. My desire in writing inspirational fiction is that women who read my books will find them easy to share with other women who haven't yet come into relationship with Jesus, and that those women will be directed to the One who loves them with an everlasting love.

I hope you enjoyed this interview with Sharon!

Just Write It!

It's official - I've just launched my new writer program: Just Write It!

Are you a writer who

has set goals for the new year, but struggling to get started.

hasn't set goals and seems to be "stuck" in a rut.

is writing, but struggling to get words on the page.

is Blocked!

just wants to make new friends in the writing world.

just wants someone to be accountable to.

If any of these describe you, then check out Just Write It! on my website.


www.marianmerritt.com

Let me know what you think!

Snowfall on Sage

Okay, it doesn't sound as intriguing as Snowfall on Cedars, but it certainly describes our last winter storm. Usually the Sage brush peeks through the snowfall, not this time. They're covered!

Over a foot overnight and our little town is back into it's covering of snow. Our recent heat wave, two days of above freezing weather had changed the pristine white to a mucky, brown slush. Not nearly as appealing. But now it's back.

On the housing front—

The builder is progressing. Most all the inside framing is complete. YAY! It's so nice to see where rooms and closets will be. Most of the roof is covered. The area where the porches tie-in are still exposed and the window openings. But I believe he'll be working on the windows sometime this week. It's exciting to see the house begin to resemble a real house! I'll have pictures on my next post.


On the writing front—

My first manuscript, Legacy of Grace, is being shopped by my agent. And while waiting for word on that one, I'm working diligently on my second novel, The Moon Has No Light. I'm close to finishing the first draft. About 10K words. Then the editing begins!

I'll leave you with a few photos from Meeker after the last snowfall.

Our backyard and the "infamous" utility trailer!











Our front porch.












Radar up?

"If only my legs were longer, my belly wouldn't be so cold!"



Blessing to you for a great day!

Housing Development - Update December

Well, Winter is in full swing here in Meeker.

A winter like I've never known. And guess what?

I'm loving it!

This is our back yard and that's Scott's utility trailer filled to the brim!

Many who've moved here from warmer climates tell me they, too loved their first winter. And even the second. But by the third, their love morphed into something quite different. So knowing that is a possibility. I have decided to love this winter with a child-like quality and take in all this winter-wonderland has to offer. Scott and I have explored many of the areas around town and I'm amazed at how differently things look covered in snow! We got a close-up of this bald eagle the other day. What a treat.

Our house continues to progress, albiet too slowly for me. But that's just me wanting to be in my own home. I don't think I'll be able to truly feel like I belong here until then.

Here are a few pictures of the lastest developments.

Yes that's snow INSIDE the house! In what will one day be my kitchen and pantry.

TA DA! A roof!

We had a wonderful Christmas--WHITE Christmas. The day was quiet and we spent time just being a family. We did miss Scotty and Barbara, but we're hoping next year to spend time with them. I hope each of you had a wonderful Christmas and spent time in quiet reflection for all God has done to enrich your life. He has been good to us...and we thank Him.

From our family to yours: Have a wonderful New Year!

Like Mary

Dec 25 2007


It's early Christmas morning, six a.m. and I sit and listen to the quiet of this blessed morning. Outside the window, snow droplets continue to fall as they've done most of the night. The landscape has donned a white coverlet. An answer to a small prayer. A smile automatically spreads my lips each time I glance out the window.

On my lap sits my Bible opened to the chapter of Luke. What else on this morning? But Luke 2 is not what captures my heart today, instead Luke 1:45 jumps from the page and wrestles me in. Makes me read it again and again.

"Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!" (Luke 1:45 NIV)

On these words, it's my turn to ponder and hold them in my heart. Not only did Mary have to hear the Angel of the Lord, she had to believe the message. Believe that what God said would truly come to pass.
What incredible faith.
Unwavering faith when all logic and reason of her circumstances would push her to say, "No, this can't be true. It's not possible." But not Mary she simply said, "I am the Lord's servant. May it be to me as you have said." She really believed that with God all things were possible.

This year—.

I want to hear clearer.

I want to believe deeper.

I want to be more…

Like Mary.

Understand or Amazement?

This time of year usually leads to reflective thought more than other times. And as I contemplate the amazing miracle of the birth of Christ, I wonder how God could have sacrificed that awesome Son for sinners like me.

And as I try to imagine what He was thinking and feeling, I come to understand that I never will understand.

And that's okay.

If I understood what God was thinking or feeling, I would lose the ability to look at His miracles with awe and amazement.

In things of God, sometimes I would much rather be amazed than understand…

Housing Update - 12/09/07

Last week we picked out our windows, siding, roofing, and stone. I thought it would be great and so easy, but the task was harder than I anticipated. So many choices!!!

We finally made our choices and settled on the colors and types. Hopefully the house will look halfway decent. But the funny thing about building--You never know what it will look like until it's finished. Which we're all ready to see...

Next week the daunting task of deciding on which appliances to choose.

Christmas Tree Shopping

This year our tree shopping took on a different tone. I simply purchased a permit from the National Forest Department then we trekked into the permitted areas and found a tree.

Of course, this sounds much easier than reality would prove…

First, we drove into the White River National Forest as far as our four-wheel drive truck could go. We soon discovered the roads were closed only allowing snow mobile traffic.

After we found a stand of suitable trees, our next step was to reach them.

We trekked up the path toward the stand and soon discovered the ridge was much steeper than it looked and the snow was much deeper.

Scott and Hope braved the climb to find the perfect, well almost perfect, tree.

A Giant Step Closer to The End

National Novel Writing Month officially ended November 30th at midnight and I skated in on the 29th with 50,140 words. Yay!! Although not quite finished my novel, participating in NaNoWriMo was an amazing time of writing and discipline. I'm thankful that I took the challenge. It taught me several things.

1. I can write when I don't "feel" like writing.
2. I'm able to work under a deadline.
3. Even if the words are not pure perfection, write anyway.
4. I can ignore the words that are not pure perfection and press on. Until the edit phase…
5. Amazing things happen when you let go and let the characters have their way. {grin}


Steps that helped me accomplish this feat.

1. Created daily achievable goals.
a. Decided on number of words – 50,000
b. Decided how many days of the month for writing. In my case, I used weekdays only.
c. Divided the number of days into the amount of words and came up with a daily word
count.
d. I created a spreadsheet with my daily cumulative goals and documented the numbers. Each morning I loaded the spreadsheet at the same time I loaded my manuscript. At any time, I could use the spreadsheet to quickly calculate how many words I needed to reach that day's goal.

2. Prayed
Each morning before I started writing, I prayed for God's words to flow from my fingers. Asked for His blessing on the writing.

3. Commitment
Committing each day to writing a specific number of words, helped me stay in the story and press through the "low" spots. Also committing to "finishing the race…"

4. Community
Knowing others were working as hard and under many of the same issues, made the journey easier.

5. Writing anyway—
Even when I knew the words were not the absolute best, when the dialogue lacked a little something, when I didn't feel like being creative, when I would have liked to do something else (like clean the bathroom), I learned to press on to meet the goals I'd set.

In other words, I gave myself permission to write.

To just write.

To open that vein and pour out the words. Sent my internal editor on an extended vacation where there were no communication lines! Let the story unfold. There's plenty of time later to bring the editor home and add or delete as needed.

To all of you who participated this year and met the 50K mark – A hearty Congratulations!!!

To those who didn't quite reach the mark -- Congratulations you've added to your story!

Housing Development - Update - Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Our Sleepy Little Town



Of course, today we remember all the blessings we've received and all the reasons we have to be thankful. If we said them all in prayer before our meal, our food would surely be cold before we've had a chance to name a small portion!

Here are more pictures of our new house.








Basement garage.







Peak facing the east.



Southern View




My Loft and peak facing the west!



Another shot of the northern part of Meeker. This is the southern view
from our lot.


I hope all of you have had a wonderful Thanksgiving and that you continue to find at least one thing to be thankful for each morning. See if you can come up with ten. It will change the course of your day!

Blessings,
Marian

Prayer for Kristy Dykes

How often do we get to witness God's amazing power and strength?

That's what I've seen as I've followed the recent journey of a fellow ACFW member.

Her name is Kristy Dykes and she's a Christian writer. Her current story will bring you to tears.

Please, would you pray with me for a miracle for her?

See her blog for the complete story--A story of enduring love, unwavering faith, and complete trust.

Scroll down to November 7th for the beginning of the story.

http://christianlovestories.blogspot.com/2007_11_01_archive.html

NaNoWriMo - Update

Well, we're past the half-way mark and I've been able to keep my writing goals so far.



My current word count is 30,805. The Goal is 50,000 by the end of the month.



It's been a great experience and I'm glad I made the commitment to do this. I pray that I can continue at the pace I've been able to work!



I'll keep you posted...

Housing Development - Update

Things are moving forward in our house-building. The Lord has blessed us with amazing weather and our builder took advantage of a couple of those days.

The slab was poured a couple of weeks ago and I was able to add something to our foundation.

Within the center of our foundation, I was able to place a Bible opened to Jeremiah 29:11.

Jeremiah 29:11 (King James Version) King James Version (KJV)
Public Domain
11For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

We've also been adding scripture within the walls.

God has blessed us beyond measure with his provision and we give Him the glory!

Sunset over Meeker...