Just when it seems like a bit of good news would be exceedingly welcomed, comes this true story (I’ve checked it with Snopes) about a woman hand feeding hummingbirds.

Isn’t it great that with the Internet we have a way to easily share these experiences that we might never hear about otherwise?!

Thanks to Cathy for sharing with me in the first place!

It’s a reminder to me that “God’s in his heaven; all’s right with the world.”

from “Pippa Passes”

The year’s at the spring
And day’s at the morn;
Morning’s at seven;
The hill-side’s dew-pearled
The lark’s on the wing;
The snail’s on the thorn;
God’s in his Heaven -
All’s right with the world!

Robert Browning (1812-1889)

Is it possible that in these difficult times we could trust more deeply that God will feed and clothe us, as he does the birds and the lilies? Whether we are literally in need of food, shelter, clothing, water, health, employment or any of a myriad of other needs, the most basic need is for the ideas that will lead us in the right direction and out of limitation.

Ideas are always limitless! (This goes along with the short movie I posted earlier.)

Not too long ago while pondering how I should schedule my day, though my first inclination the night before had been to get on down the road and back home, I felt it was all right to meander a bit. In doing so, I had a number of interesting conversations with strangers, some welcome time with a friend, and a bit of fashion enjoyment, including some time with perfumes.

After I’d been back on the highway for a while, an electronic sign informed me of an accident 26 miles down the road. One lane was closed. (I learned later that it had only cleared about an hour before I got there.) If I had hurried my way home, I would have been stuck for hours while they cleared the road. I was able to get past it without any lost time.

Sometimes we do not know what we or others are protected from, but this time it was apparent. And it could have been far worse, but thankfully wasn’t. On this busy stretch of road, many more could have been involved in this accident but were not.

That’s just a small example of how ideas will clear our day for us. Expect ideas today and always that will help you!

Karin

• Adoption Corruption 6) Hold non-profit adoption agencies accountable

• Free dictionary

• Can someone explain why…

• Thursday, Holy Week, part 5

• Living by song titles or lyrics

• Internet Businesses Websites Businesses for Sale Opportunities

• Hand Tools Tools Home Improvement

• Hand Tools Parts Tools Clocks Collectibles

• Hand Mirrors Vanity, Perfume Shaving Collectibles

• Hammers Hand Tools Tools Home Improvement

Imagine the possibilities!

Here’s a 3 minute short movie on flying outside the box.

When we think we’ve run out of opportunities, we need to shake that box and see what else we can shake out!

Karin

• Thinking about life

• Talkin’ about circuitous thinking

• Creative thinking part 2

• Adoption Corruption 7) Encourage agencies to hold foreign partners responsible

• On the subject of what the hell are they thinking

• Real Estate Opportunities

• Businesses for Sale Opportunities

• Tydol, Veedol, Flying A Gas Oil Companies Gas Oil Advertising Collectibles

• Life Savers Candy Nuts Advertising Collectibles

• Commercial Real Estate Opportunities

The Frog Prince is a modern day fairy tale. Because I liked Flirting with Forty so well, I had high expectations for this one.

In a mere 371 pages Holly goes from being a devastated, whiny, soon-to-be divorcee to a sense of personal empowerment. Shortly after Holly marries, she finds her husband evidently never loved her, but felt railroaded into marriage. And he chooses the venue of desire (or lack of) to make his point in a harsh way. Holly is unable to accept what a complete jerk he is. She calls him when she is low and demeans herself more than once, until he basically tells her not to get in touch with him again.

And she thought he was in love with her? I wondered if she was only a field for his homosexuality. She never considers that seriously. I would under the circumstances. Even though he ends up in another heterosexual relationship, I’m not convinced, and I think he would do something similar again with another woman. Not a good bet, for sure. OTOH, Holly was particularly needy. This would be an issue, except the new woman is even ‘needier’ and he is even more railroaded into marriage, though he is the one making the choice, evidently. Give me a break. He’s adult enough to say what he means without a sham marriage.

Meantime, Holly is challenged at work by her boss who ends up sabotaging her. But along the way Holly proves her meddle, makes modest friends, and determines that friendship might be better than having a lover.

In the end, she finds herself and gives a new definition to good girl. She’s good, but she’s no pushover. When she comes out on top, you think, ‘It’s about time!”

I’m not entirely sure that someone who is so far from being empowered could be empowered in a short period of time. Maybe. But in RL, it’s probably harder to move out beyond old habits.

It’s hard for me to relate to her, because I can’t imagine myself this whiny, though I have been devastated more than once in my life in other sorrows. Well, perhaps one person’s whine or rant is another’s deep sorrow. Maybe I was whiny too, but I doubt it. I was grieving, but so is she.

I give it a 2.5. It’s only fair to say there are a lot of positive comments about this book, but it seemed less adult to me than Flirting with Forty, not that I don’t like a good romp with the best of them. This tries to be serious, to have serious subjects, but the connecting points aren’t as well connected.

Karin

• The year of the frog(s)

• Flirting with Forty by Jane Porter

• Jane Porter speaking about life

• What grows in the garden of your heart?

• Meet the Robinsons, my review, no spoiler

• Frog Animals Collectibles

• Holly Hobbie By Brand, Company, Character Dolls Dolls Bears

• Apparel Frog Animals Collectibles

• Figurines Frog Animals Collectibles

• Jewelry, Pins Frog Animals Collectibles

I’m happy to share this online interview with Jane Porter. She was gracious to spend some time with us. I think you’ll agree that she is a voice we’d like to hear more of.

Jane, I so much enjoyed your book Flirting with 40, and I’m really looking forward to it being a movie! Thanks so much for joining us today.

I understand you have options on another book(s)? I have a friend who has had options also. It’s quite exciting to see it come to fruition on screen. Did you write the script or have any say in the script?

Hi Karin, thanks for inviting me! It’s a pleasure to chat with you. I didn’t write the script. Sony contracted a scriptwriter for the job and she did it beautifully. I was lucky enough to get a peek at it while it was in progress and it was really cool to be included, even briefly, in the process.

The whole book-to-movie experience is great. I spent a week on the set in Hawaii and had a lot of fun. I got to be an extra in beach scenes on two different days, and then wear a headset and sit behind the director and listen in as they filmed. I have to say that it’s been a bit surreal having a movie made of my book, especially starring Heather Locklear.

Were you able to give any input into the casting?

I was asked for suggestions so I got my readers who hang out on my board to help me. We had lots of fun coming up with possibilities but in the end, it was really up to the studio. I n the end it was great that Heather could take the role as she’s a Lifetime viewer favorite.

How did you find yourself writing in the genre that you write in? How did you become an author?

I wrote my first story in pre-school. I was four or five and I’ve written stories ever since. My father was a professor and he wrote-and my mother loved literature and was already reading to us-so writing seemed natural to me. I thought all kids sat down and made up stories, and growing up my favorite books featured girls who wrote as well like Jo from Little Women or Laura from the Little House on the Prairie.

I chose to write stories that appeal to women - that are about women and real life because it’s a topic that fascinates me the most. I love women. I think we women have to be compassionate towards each other, but also ourselves and being a teacher, I just found it easy to write stories that encourage and support each other.

What is your favorite type of romance to read? Is it the same as what you write?

I love historical and paranormal romances! I was on a Mary Balogh binge for a few months, and because I go on binges I’ll read as much as I can by a particular author and then rotate authors to get a new style. Some of my favorite authors this past year include JR Ward, Loretta Chase, Mary Balogh, and Anna Campbell. Outside romance I read everything I can by Marian Keyes, although Watermelon is probably still my favorite. One of my favorite books I’ve read this year is Seeing Me Naked by Liza Palmer. It’s wonderful and I highly recommend it.

I notice that you have a book title contest. That’s fun! Have you done this before? I often wondered whether it was the author that titles a book or the printing house.

They are fun! I’ve done them before and it’s always interesting to see what titles everyone comes up with for the same story. Unfortunately as an author, I don’t really have much say in the title but the publisher asks for input and that’s my purpose for hosting the title contest. I want ideas and suggestions and I send them all to my editor once they come in and after that, it’s out of my hands. Marketing has the final say on titles because they know exactly what has better chances o selling the book.

How do you decide character names?

Sometimes the names just pop into my head as I think of the story and I know it’s the right one. Other times, it takes some time and inventive research to find the right name to fit the right character.

What advice do you have for others who are interested in writing?

As with anything, don’t give up. Don’t accept defeat. Keep learning, keep applying what you learn about the craft, about the world, about you to the story. Writing is a muscle and requires muscle. Learning to write well takes time. It’s like hitting the gym to build a bicep. You only get a better, stronger muscle by working it. Well, the same is true for writing. Of course good writers make it look easier than it is so don’t be discouraged if you have to write and rewrite.

What are some challenges in writing romance? Any particular genre of romance more difficult to pull off? What kind of research do you do, if any? Is there anything you wish you’ve seen in a romance novel — and are you writing it for us?

I love writing romance and find it very rewarding as love really does make the world go round. I don’t know if one genre is harder than another to pull off. I’m fascinated by them all and enjoy researching for my Harlequin Presents. I tend to read lots of historical accounts, biographies, travel logues, travel books, cook books, and magazine articles when outlining and planning a new book. I want to know as much as I can about a country and culture and the conflicts between men and women in that culture. Obviously a sheikh from Dubai will have a different way on interacting with women than an American or an Italian. The climate is different in every country, as are the foods and customs and I don’t just want to write a ‘romance’, I want to write a rich layered fantasy that seduces the reader and the senses.

I prefer personally to read a more emotional, intense romance. I love deep conflict and angst and sensual love scenes but those love scenes must come out of the character’s emotion and conflict, not just stuck on top. Great writers are writing these books and I’m just lucky I’m able to read them!

Do you ever get writer’s block? If so, how do you handle it? What do you find difficult, if anything, about writing? And what do you like the best?

I don’t believe in writer’s block. I see difficulties in writing related more to craft or knowledge, or sometimes physical fatigue. Sometimes I make a mistake writing a story which leads me to a dead-end. I won’t know I’ve taken a wrong turn until I can’t seem to move the story forward, or if I’ve begun to make a series of wrong decisions. Then I just end up in a muddle and I won’t write for awhile until I figure out where I went wrong.

The most difficult part of writing for me is the time alone, and also the wear and tear on the body from sitting in one place so long and typing like mad for hours. I have to be sure to get lots of exercise when I’m writing hard as the days tend to be long and it’s easy to get carpal tunnel like symptons in my wrist and elbow.

Was it difficult to get published? How did you find your agent?

It was hard. Lots of hard work – but totally worth it. It took me fifteen years to sell my first book. I had over twelve rejected manuscripts before I finally sold my first book in January 2000. I actually write for two publishers–very different stuff–and since January 2000 I have written and sold 30 novels. It’s been an a lot of work but I’m living my dream. I’m read around the world. I’m published in over twenty-five countries and nineteen languages. I even have Sony and Lifetime making a movie out of one of my books (Flirting with Forty). This is why I didn’t quit. I wanted to see if I could do it. I wanted to know I could achieve it. I wanted to prove that anything is possible.

Do you work on deadlines now? How long does it usually take you to write a book?

Yes. I think every writer’s life revolves around deadlines. We just have to develop a system to handle them as works best for us.

I try to plan in advance as much as possible and then block out time. If I know I’m on deadline for a book, the last 4-6 weeks will be grueling with 10-18 hour days at the computer so before and after I block out dedicated mom time, time where I don’t need the sitter over, and I plan a fun trip or weekend activity with the boys. Same thing for my social life. Once I’ve been freed from my deadline, I try to catch up with girl friends and have coffees and lunch as when I’m writing hardcore I literally only leave my house to take kids to school and sport events. When the pressure is on me, everything falls away but work and kids.

What about bedroom scenes? What makes a good one? (I know I’ve been turned away from books where it was crude.)

These can be tricky and I can read things I can’t write, but I’m writing fewer love scenes than I used to. I think we all know what sex is and in a book where there isn’t a lot of emotion a love scene reminds me of a game of Twister–right hand on yellow dot, left foot on blue–so for me, the love scene must not just be about physical desire and physical pleasure but the emotional, psychological and spiritual connection between the two.

How do you define love?

Love validates the self. Love makes one feel important and valued and real. Which is why I like to write about all kinds of love in my books–not just romance, but love between friends, sisters, parents and children. Love really does make the world go round.

What do you hope your readers will gain from your books?

As I touched on above , I write about women, for women. If we want the world different for our daughters we have to be the ones to demand change and although I have boys not girls, I want the world different for all the little girls coming after me. I want to be strong, powerful, courageous and encourage children to be the same. We should teach our girls to be brave and encourage them to face discrimination and talk about what makes us hurt and what makes us hope and make sure that we’re part of the decision making. It’s important girls understand that life’s hard, sometimes very hard, but it’s also gorgeous and fascinating, challenging, rewarding and complex and that there will be times life is going to smack you and hurt you and knock you to your knees but you can get up. Falling down won’t break you. Falling down is just part of getting stronger and smarter and more compassionate. Falling and failing happen to all of us. And this is why I write. I want women to know what it’s taken my forty years to figure out–that life is only as good as you give, and you have to fight hard for what you want, including fighting for happiness. We all deserve love, joy, freedom, peace and respect. We all deserve the good stuff but the good stuff doesn’t just fall into our laps. We’re going to have to work for it.

What do you do to relax and get away from writing? I’m sure you find ideas all around you! Is there something that really gets you away from it all?

When not writing, I read, and travel. Love to travel, be with my kids, love new places and new experiences. I am always looking for a new adventure!

What are your hopes for the future?

More books, more time with friends, more travel, and hopefully, one more baby.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with us? When can we expect your next book?

I’m so glad you invited me to join you. This has been great fun. I always have lots of contests and conversations over on my website, www.janeporter.com, including info on my next book which is a July ‘09 release from 5 Spot. For the Harlequin fans, I’ll have another book out late in 2009 as well.

Thank you, Jane, for being here.

Jane has offered us a signed copy of Odd Mom Out, her September book which is the first of the two connected novels set in Bellevue. If you’d like to be included in this contest, leave a message here, and we will include you in this contest.

Karin

• The Frog Prince by Jane Porter

• Flirting with Forty by Jane Porter

• Speaking of libraries

• Speaking of interesting older women

• Speaking of spam

• Jane Iredale Foundation Makeup Store

• Jane Iredale Lipstick Makeup Store

• Time Travel Romance Books

• Time Travel Romance Audio Books

• Happy Bunny Animation Characters Animation Art, Characters Collectibles

The largest single gift to a secondary school has been made to the George School, a Quaker school in PA.

What I find particularly interesting about this is that it is a pay it forward kind of story. Because of being treated well…and then being treated well again…

Never underestimate the power in treating someone well.

Remember that if the opportunities for great deeds should never come, the opportunities for good deeds are renewed day by day. The thing for us to long for is the goodness, not the glory. F.W. Faber

It reminds me of the story of the hotel in NYC. Many years ago a man needed a room when there were no rooms available. The desk clerk, really the manager George C. Boldt, gave the man his own suite of rooms, moving his family out. A friendship developed out of this. Eventually he became the manager of the Waldorf-Astoria. The man who needed a room was William Waldorf Astor. Snopes has the full story.

Karin

• Capturing the imagination of millions

• A great website for the 60’s

• Ni hao, Kai-Lan IHappy

• Dream Girls

• Meet the Robinsons, my review, no spoiler

• High School Romance Books

• High School Romance Audio Books

• Toy Story Pixar Collectibles Contemporary 1968-Now Disneyana Collectibles

• George V UK Great Britain Stamps

• George VI UK Great Britain Stamps

Velvetsky put up a picture to my haiku on her blog. Thanks, Mary!

The moon hanging bright
like a silent companion
against the night sky.

Karin

• Scentiments (perfume store)

• Sammy Davis Jr Part 4 on Bruce F. show

• What are you reading?

• jay chou - Nocturnes (夜曲)

• Beading with buttons

• Hanging Chandeliers Home Lighting

• Hanging Lamps Home Lighting

• Hanging Lighting Fixtures Home Lighting

• Mary Frances Handbags

• Night Lights Lamps, Lighting Collectibles

I’ve been thinking about Owen Wilson lately with sadness, as I imagine many of us have been.

I think at one time or another in our life most of us have secret sorrows, where our public persona is different than/from our private persona. And our thoughts may be far different than most people observing us from outside would expect.

It’s so important to have a support team!

Sometimes it is not the folks we thought might help us who are the ones who actually do. That’s an interesting observation too.

Is there someone you can confide in? someone who is in your corner? who will keep your confidences? someone (maybe a different someone) for whom you are their support team or on it? is there someone you can encourage to have a support team (and maybe you are that someone — maybe you need to remind yourself that you are the one who is in need of a support team and that you should not delay?)

It’s hard to let down the mask sometimes, to let someone in, or find an activity that supports you, whether it is church or temple, Weight Watchers, Curves, the Internet, the gym, an exercise buddy, a book club, art lessons, a knitting shop, or etc.

What is it that stands in the way of reaching out? depression? feeling (wrongly) unworthy or unloved? feeling, at least for the moment, that it is hopeless, that there is no help, or that no one would or does understand?

Do you know what gives you comfort if you feel down? a cup of tea? convo with a friend? window shopping? having more quiet time? pacing your tasks at home better? getting help? realizing you can’t do it all and figuring out a better way to do it? doing something to lessen anxiety, stress or tension? getting out in nature? making sure you or your life doesn’t get out of balance with too much running around and not enough thought?

If you are a caregiver, it’s important to let others share some of the tasks. Do you have a someone? or several someones? are you able to let them do it their way, to give them the space to help, even if it is different than the way you might do it? (who cares, if it shares the burden?) do you feel people would judge you if you didn’t do it all?

Do you have someone who counsels you in some manner — and do you listen? (Not all counselors are equal — some we would do well not to listen to.) A pastor? a therapist? a peer? a coach? a spiritual adviser? someone who’s BTDT and is farther along the road than you are?

Do you have a book — or several books — that you turn to consistently for solace and support? (Would you share here?)

Do you notice if things don’t seem right around you? are you open to intuitively knowing if someone is hurting? how do you know when to speak up or just to support silently? at what point would you feel it is imperative to ‘interfere’ or even do an intervention? are you deepening your level of friendships (and your compassion) so that someone might confide in you if they were in need?

Do you have a support team? do you need one? (we all do)…are you ready if you suddenly had a need you weren’t expecting? is it already in place? could you strengthen it in some way?

Do you have a support team? have you ever had to call in your cards and use it?

Karin

• Love us, tell us, support us (blog entry on adoption)

• Underdog

• Seeing the inner world of adopted children

• Gaining an edge

• Having a good support system

• Private Aviation Transportation Collectibles

• Time Travel Romance Books

• Public Timetables Paper Railroadiana, Trains Transportation Collectibles

• Time Travel Romance Audio Books

• Wilson New Golf Balls Golf

I have a very good friend who lives about 1500 miles from me.

We were emailing while I was on my trip, only to find out she and her husband were flying to Denver the morning we were changing planes in Denver. We arrived in Denver within minutes of each other. She phoned me just as my plane had landed, then met me at our gate. We had a little more than an hour together before we went to our departure gate and she went to join her husband where he had picked up their baggage.

If we had planned this, it wouldn’t have meshed as well. Possibly the flights would not have synced…or they might have been delayed…or one or the other of us would not have been free at the same time.

It was a gift from the Universe, very much appreciated! There is a power in friendship and in staying in touch. We both were happily surprised by serendipity. We are part of the jet age where instead of getting together at our homes, we meet in an airport when visiting family. How wonderfully funny! I’m sure we both needed it.

Karin

• More than serendipity

• India

• Getting back in the groove

• Guerlain’s Plus que jamais

• Fires in Greece

• Deals Denver Colorodo Skiing Vacation

• Denver Nuggets Basketball-NBA Fan Apparel Souvenirs Sports Collectibles

• Denver Broncos Football-NFL Fan Apparel Souvenirs Sports Collectibles

• Jerseys Denver Nuggets Basketball-NBA Fan Apparel Souvenirs Sports Collectibles

• Bobbleheads Denver Broncos Football-NFL Fan Apparel Souvenirs Sports Collectibles

I learned through years of parenting that usually there is one of three things behind a child’s tantrum: either they need food, they need sleep or they need love.

That’s such a truism for life, really. When I have a hard day, it’s generally because I need some rest, but the other two factor in also.

It reminds me of the time Elijah was under the juniper tree. He’d just fled for his life after a seeming spiritual victory (but you note God didn’t tell him to do what he did). And there he was, exhausted, asking God to take away his life, he wasn’t any different than the others.

Did God do it?

Nope. First he had him sleep. Then he fed him. Then he appeared as the still, small voice and re-energized him. And he gave him a friend in the work, Elisha.

These three things are almost a spiritual law, and I bet the rabbis had a word for it.

What is there about food that represents all the good in life. Is it because it is such a basic need?

Not too long ago I watched a friend invite another to come over. I’ll fix you breakfast, she offered. In that simple offering was all the power of providing a few wings in a free fall.

The next time you have a hard day, ask yourself if you are missing one or all of these elements, then try to consciously give them to yourself.

And if you are dealing with a recalcitrant child or some other in your life, you’ll find these help also.

I laugh when I think of the truism: the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. There’s a reason for that adage, and it applies to more than men.

I think there’s something about food disorders that gets back to the base line of love. If you struggle with this, know that you are loved and that you can love. You can rest in that.

Karin

• What price beauty, cheating in life, or is it?

• Discussing hope by Joan Borysenko

• Chinese villagers riot over stricter population-control

• Blue October Calling you (accoustic)

• Thinking of an adoptee’s rejection by her APs

• Hard Rock Caf Restaurant Food Restaurant Advertising Collectibles

• Tiger Cat-Wild Animals Collectibles

• Max Factor Foundation Makeup Store

• Max Factor Lipstick Makeup Store

• Love Romance Books

Have you ever had an experience where friendship goes cold, or at least seems to, then comes around again?

I think it shows the power of love or the grace of friendship where (and when) the friendship is greater than the two parts.

It’s worth not blowing friendship out of the water, no matter how annoying the other one can be (has been) to have it come around again.

I watched a friendship come full circle again and be restored when a friend followed an angel thought.

And there you have it.

Chaya, give me the phrase again that tells us not to speak evil. I’m not where I can put my hands on it this morning. I love the concept behind the phrase. If we hush those voices that would destroy, there is space for restoration.

>>>>>

If you miss a friendship that once was rich, see if you can take a step, however small, and maybe if you fall a bit, you’ll be carried on eagle’s (angel) wings to resolution. It’s worth it to feel a bit of the divine in daily life.

Has this ever happened to you?

Karin

• Thinking about friendships

• When do you know a friendship is over?

• Friendship

• A little trip serendipity

• Gaining an edge

• Friends, Friendship Charming Tails Decorative Collectible Brands Decorative Collectibles Collectibles

• Hot Cold Water Dispensers Kitchen Plumbing Fixtures Home Improvement

• Parts Accessories Water Heaters Heating, Cooling Air Home Improvement

• Parts Accessories Water Features Garden D cor Yard, Garden Outdoor Living

• Love Romance Books