Odds and Ends

Happy Sunday!  It has been a busy week at the Vander Poel's.  I was able to work in the office full time this week--yippee!!  On Saturday, I was blessed to be able to attend a SCBWI conference in Sioux Falls.  The conference was very educational and inspirational.  On my way to the conference, I was so nervous: the butterflies were fluttering in my tummy... I was praying that God would direct my day and help me find some writer friends.  God amazes me in how He really cares about the little details in our life.  After I parked my car, I walked in with another attendee...as we were standing in line waiting at the registration table, I found out that Emily and I live within just a few miles of each other.  It was fun to be able to share this conference with someone so sweet and I look forward to watching her journey as an author.  Another big highlight of my day was meeting Roxanne Salone.  Roxanne is a mom of five kids, a published children's author and an inspiration.  To learn more about Roxanne check out her blog http://roxanesalonen.blogspot.com/.  One of the speakers of the conference was a local author, Rebecca Johnson.  She has written many non fiction books and made science sound like so much fun.  Here is her web page: http://www.rebeccajohnsonbooks.com/Home_Page.html.  In addition to learning more about writing and publishing, it was exciting to see so many taking steps towards their dreams!

This morning I found myself thinking about the conference and what role is writing going to have in my life.  Since it was such a beautiful and peaceful morning, my hubby set up this little retreat on my deck (along with a heater as it was a bit chilly)...I grabbed my bible, journal and cup of chia and spent the morning in prayer asking God for some direction.  Psalm 32:8-9 says "The Lord says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.  I will advise you and watch over you.  Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control."  Unfortunately, I wonder if I have been a bit like the senseless horse and trying to run ahead of God.  I, once again, am reminded to wait and TRUST!

CHEMO BLUE BAG.  When I was going through chemo a friend of me blessed me with a "blue bag".  She wrapped up little gifts and whenever I was sad, discouraged or a bit "blue", I was to open up a gift out of my blue bag.  These little gifts provided me encouragement.  Since I am in the process of making a bag for a freind who is going to be starting chemo, I thought I would share the idea with you.   

Planned area for new herb garden. (right)

Planned are for vegetable garden.

(left)

Herbs that were rescued from last years herb garden. (bottom)

Ever since we have been married (24yrs this summer) my husband and I have had a vegetable garden (along with our many flower gardens.)  A few years ago, I began to be interested in herbs, so I started a herb garden.  Since I was actively going through chemo last year, the herb garden got a little bit out of control.  My hubby says "NO MORE!" This year our project is to plant a useable and contained herb garden.  When I first started getting interested in herbs, I just thought they were fun.  Now, since doing research on health and nutrition, I have discovered how beneficial herbs are to our health.  As I learn more about the herbs, I will share with you all the health benefits.

Well, I have a mountain of paper work to try and conquer today, so I better get going. 

Remember:  Every step you take, you are once step closer to your DREAM!!