tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26077970154979245152024-03-13T22:23:07.136-07:00LauraFrantz.netLaura Frantzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07067252948999879024noreply@blogger.comBlogger644125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607797015497924515.post-68258903988241929632012-06-20T07:50:00.001-07:002012-07-01T14:14:53.871-07:00surprise!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've moved! And I hope you like my new home:) For the last couple of years I've known I've needed an actual website with WordPress and at long last, it's here! I've moved to a softer, more vintage look though some of you might miss these misty woods! It's kind of bittersweet saying goodbye to Blogger and the memories made here...</div>
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Heartfelt thanks to <b><a href="http://www.hd-creative.com/">HDCreative</a></b> in Seattle for giving me a new place to land.</div>
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Just click on <a href="http://www.laurafrantz.net/">Laura Frantz</a> and we'll pick up where we left off...<br />
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Bless you!<br />
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<br /></div>Laura Frantzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07067252948999879024noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607797015497924515.post-77075058643735252812012-05-29T08:49:00.001-07:002012-05-30T10:59:09.258-07:00surprise coming...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D8ZF_KrFDK8/T8TusG9QuGI/AAAAAAAAD_Y/DAFZIFUWt2A/s1600/mason+jar+pink+lemonade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D8ZF_KrFDK8/T8TusG9QuGI/AAAAAAAAD_Y/DAFZIFUWt2A/s1600/mason+jar+pink+lemonade.jpg" /></a></div>
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I just wanted to say I have a surprise coming that I hope delights your heart like it does mine:) For now, till it appears, I'll be quietly working on that next novel and sipping out of my Mason jar. Summer is nearly here!</div>
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Back soon...</div>Laura Frantzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07067252948999879024noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607797015497924515.post-6796394346725116412012-05-27T18:41:00.001-07:002012-05-27T18:41:03.980-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d7y_hlwoh1A/T8LXboX4PDI/AAAAAAAAD9M/wK3dGtnrrQY/s1600/memorial+day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d7y_hlwoh1A/T8LXboX4PDI/AAAAAAAAD9M/wK3dGtnrrQY/s640/memorial+day.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Laura Frantzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07067252948999879024noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607797015497924515.post-4494604005546076422012-05-24T17:13:00.000-07:002012-05-24T17:15:59.800-07:00remembering<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vd7viPOcFPM/T76LLgnEhCI/AAAAAAAAD7Q/Xwxtp8DNuk4/s1600/elizabeth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vd7viPOcFPM/T76LLgnEhCI/AAAAAAAAD7Q/Xwxtp8DNuk4/s1600/elizabeth.jpg" /></a></div>
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In honor of Memorial Day, I thought I'd share something from my research concerning the Civil War and Gettysburg that I find very moving. </div>
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Elizabeth Thorn was the wife of the caretaker of Evergreen Cemetery in Gettysburg. He was also a soldier in the U.S. Army. The mother of three, Elizabeth was six months pregnant with her fourth child, when the battle of Gettysburg ended. In the three weeks following, she buried a hundred or more fallen soldiers in the July heat, sometimes assisted by her aged parents. Three months later her baby, Rose, was born. Her husband, Peter, eventually came home.<br />
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<i>For death is no more than a turning of us over from time to eternity.</i></div>
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~William Penn</div>Laura Frantzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07067252948999879024noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607797015497924515.post-91286795953203215772012-05-23T19:48:00.000-07:002012-05-24T10:53:32.132-07:00a true kentucky tale<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BSdrUIkcejo/T7vi-TPTTKI/AAAAAAAAD7E/1NJ145yu-Ys/s1600/hatfields+big.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BSdrUIkcejo/T7vi-TPTTKI/AAAAAAAAD7E/1NJ145yu-Ys/s400/hatfields+big.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Happy almost end of May!<br />
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I can't believe June is right around the corner. Lately with travel and a bunch of school and fiddle activities, I've been AWOL;)<br />
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But I'd be remiss as a Kentuckian and history lover if I didn't tell you about the History Channel's upcoming showing of the <span style="font-size: large;">Hatfields and McCoys</span>. The video trailer is absolutely mesmerizing but since it's quite dark given the subject matter, I'll just highlight a few pictures.<br />
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Since I grew up in Hatfield-McCoy territory, I've long been a student of their history and this is a must-see for me. The large cast includes Kevin Costner and Bill Paxton as clan leaders, Devil Anse Hatfield and Randall McCoy.<br />
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I've always been fascinated by the tragic Johnse-Roseanna love affair at the heart of the feud and the depths to which these families descended when driven by hatred and revenge. Sadly, the feud-mentality still exists in some parts of Appalachia. I'll be interested in seeing how true to life this miniseries is and what liberties are taken. I've already detected a difference in Roseanna. She was dark-headed, not a blonde!<br />
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On a lighter note, Devil Anse became a Christian in his later years and was baptized by a preacher who proudly boasted he'd "dunked the devil himself." He lived the remainder of his life at peace though no doubt haunted by his past.<br />
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Take a peek at the archaic but novel-worthy clan names - Ellison, Tolbert, Perry, Phamer, Selkirk, Wall, Parris, and poor Cotton Top. The women include Alifair and Levicy to name a few...<br />
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Over the long weekend, the Frantz clan is planning a BBQ on our deck, rain or shine (probably rain:) We often grill beneath an umbrella!<br />
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<b style="font-style: italic;">I'd love to know what you're doing for the long weekend:) Or if you've heard about this tragic part of Kentucky's past...?</b><br />
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<b style="font-style: italic;">Have a blessed end of May!</b>Laura Frantzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07067252948999879024noreply@blogger.com71tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607797015497924515.post-11323715998182374622012-05-21T07:05:00.001-07:002012-05-21T07:05:41.400-07:00all things<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A precious secret of Christian life is to have Jesus dwelling within the heart and conquering things we could never overcome. It is the only secret of power in our lives. Men cannot understand it nor will the world believe it is true that God will come to dwell within us and be the power, the purity, the victory and the joy of our lives.</div>
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Our attitude will no longer be, "What is the best that I can do?" but we will ask, "What is the best that Christ can do?"</div>
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<b><i>I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. </i></b></div>
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<b><i>~Philippians 4:13</i></b></div>
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<i>Days of Heaven on Earth</i></div>
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<i>A.B. Simpson</i></div>Laura Frantzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07067252948999879024noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607797015497924515.post-29461628853625678982012-05-14T07:17:00.001-07:002012-05-14T07:22:44.389-07:00see you in Seattle...or Portland!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'll be signing books in the Seattle and Portland area this week and would love to see you!</div>
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Please join fellow Revell authors Mesu Andrews, Ann Shorey, Bonnie Leon and myself. We'll have a giveaway basket, chocolate, bookmarks and more:</div>
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<b>Friday, May 18, 2012 ~ 5~7:00 p.m.</b></div>
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<b>Beaverton (Portland) LifeWay Christian Store</b></div>
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<b>2785 SW Cedar Hills Boulevard</b></div>
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<b>Beaverton, Oregon 97005</b></div>
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<b>Saturday, May 19, 2112 ~ 1~3:00 p.m.</b></div>
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<b>Tukwila LifeWay</b></div>
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<b>Parkway Super Center</b></div>
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<b>17326 South Center Parkway</b></div>
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<b>Tukwila, Washington 98188</b></div>
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And the winner of a signed copy of <i>The Ride of Her Life</i> is...<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">KIM</span></i></b><span style="font-size: large;">!</span></div>
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If you can email me at lauran@tfon.com, we'll mail the book to you:)</div>
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Congrats and happy reading, my friend!</div>
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Heartfelt thanks to Lorna for being such a wonderful guest!</div>
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See you next week...</div>Laura Frantzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07067252948999879024noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607797015497924515.post-46229312327999659632012-05-11T07:11:00.000-07:002012-05-11T11:27:40.502-07:00the ride of YOUR life;)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-znbeZ7sA-Cg/T6nUoTAbwGI/AAAAAAAAD5E/SeepayukeRk/s1600/the+ride+of+her+life.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-znbeZ7sA-Cg/T6nUoTAbwGI/AAAAAAAAD5E/SeepayukeRk/s400/the+ride+of+her+life.jpg" width="255" /></a></div>
Our final Friday giveaway features last but not least, Lorna Seilstad. She's a fellow author and friend at Revell who is giving away a signed, hot off the press copy of her new release, <i>The Ride of Her Life </i>here...which may just prove the ride of yours! <br />
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The first time I saw this cover I smiled:) The colors are wonderful and if you look closely, the roller coaster actually appears to be in motion as there's a delightful bit of blur...<br />
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Here's a bit about the book...<br />
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<i><b>The only man pragmatic Lilly Hart needs in her life is a six year old. Widowed two years, Lilly leaves the shelter of her intrusive in-law's home to stand on her own and provide for her young son by working for the summer as a cook at Lake Manawa.</b></i><br />
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<b><i>However, her in-laws find that life utterly unsuitable for their grandson, and when a row ensues, a handsome stranger - who designs roller coasters, of all things - intercedes on her behalf. Still, Lilly is not about to get involved with any man, especially this cocky (though charismatic) gentleman. Little does she know she is about to begin the ride of her life... </i> </b> <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UBLoB7UyQnk/T6nP971yjhI/AAAAAAAAD4o/VXkSL5m-iwQ/s1600/lorna+banner+seilstad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="448" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UBLoB7UyQnk/T6nP971yjhI/AAAAAAAAD4o/VXkSL5m-iwQ/s640/lorna+banner+seilstad.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's been such a blessing to know Lorna as we're both new Revell authors. Somehow she manages to juggle many hats besides author - wedding planner, mom and wife, and church ministry to name a few. With her new book releasing this month, she's been busy with radio interviews, book signings, and more - and she's here to answer any questions about the writing life or her books!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WAAf4l0n2sA/T6nQ49w3X6I/AAAAAAAAD4w/Mpq0WSK6H-g/s1600/lorna+seilstad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WAAf4l0n2sA/T6nQ49w3X6I/AAAAAAAAD4w/Mpq0WSK6H-g/s320/lorna+seilstad.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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<b>Please leave a comment or question for Lorna if you'd like to be included in the drawing.</b></div>
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<b>Winner announced this Monday, May 14.</b></div>
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<b>Join Lorna at her website ~ <a href="http://www.lornaseilstad.com/">http://www.lornaseilstad.com</a> and also her group blog at <a href="http://www.inkspirationalmessages.com/">http://www.inkspirationalmessages.com</a> where a great group of book-loving writers post a wonderful array of topics!</b></div>
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<b>Bless you!</b></div>
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<br /></div>Laura Frantzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07067252948999879024noreply@blogger.com59tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607797015497924515.post-73993916186941319442012-05-09T00:30:00.000-07:002012-05-09T16:56:22.404-07:00counting kissesI'm counting kisses in book 2 of <i>The Ballantyne Legacy</i>;) I'll never forget the reader who said she never gives a book a high rating if there are less than 3 kisses in it! While I chuckled at the time, I've given it serious thought since. Sometimes kisses count...<br />
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I've always considered myself a historical fiction author, not a historical romance author. There is a difference. Romances almost always have the hero arrive early and then he and the heroine dance around till the end of the book. In plain ol' historical fiction, the "rules" are a bit more lax. Heroes can pretty much come in whenever they please and the book doesn't follow the traditional romance pattern. The emphasis is usually more on history. There are always exceptions of course. But woe to the romance writer who violates the rules - or the reader who picks up a book thinking it's a romance and gets more history instead!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/uzlv3nuT8WM?fs=1" width="459"></iframe><br />
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This is the sweetest scene. Love the hesitancy between them - so true to life. Love that he's tender with her - and that she is somewhat sad when the kiss ends. Catch her longing look? His sudden confusion? Their silhouettes...the light behind them. Hear that violin? This is no peck on the cheek! Yet it's genuine and respectful and more. Hmmm... There's something about film that captures what few books can. This scene works on so many levels. At least for me...<br />
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I <i style="font-weight: bold;">love</i> writing such stuff:)<br />
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<i><b>Are you more a historical romance reader or a historical fiction reader? Ever count kisses? </b></i>Laura Frantzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07067252948999879024noreply@blogger.com64tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607797015497924515.post-70593830781944806382012-05-08T07:14:00.000-07:002012-05-08T07:14:17.388-07:00keep sweet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LBA74mYklJ0/T6RodLhJQlI/AAAAAAAAD3g/vx3HGniJRMI/s1600/blue+devo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LBA74mYklJ0/T6RodLhJQlI/AAAAAAAAD3g/vx3HGniJRMI/s1600/blue+devo.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i><b>Keep sweet...</b></i></div>
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How these words help us! Think of them when people rasp you, when the devil pricks you with his fiery darts, when your sensitive, self-willed spirit chafes or frets. Let a gentle voice be heard above the strife, whispering, "Keep sweet! Keep sweet!" And, if you will but heed it quickly, you will be saved from a thousand falls and kept in perfect peace.</div>
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True, we cannot keep ourselves sweet, but God will keep us if He sees that it is our fixed, determined purpose to be kept sweet, and to refuse to fret or bear a grudge, and sympathize with our hurt feelings and nurse our little grievance.</div>
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God will give us all the love we really want and honestly choose. We can have our grievance or we can have the peace that passeth all understanding, but we cannot have both. </div>
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There is a balm for a thousand heartaches, and a heaven of peace and power in these two little words - keep sweet. </div>
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A.B. Simpson</div>
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<i>Days of Heaven on Earth</i></div>
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<br /></div>Laura Frantzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07067252948999879024noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607797015497924515.post-51487384756771177912012-05-07T06:58:00.001-07:002012-05-07T06:58:33.598-07:00giveaway winner...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NMNI9jkiFqw/T6W4RmSbvWI/AAAAAAAAD3s/skAziGo_n48/s1600/the+shadow+catcher's+daughter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NMNI9jkiFqw/T6W4RmSbvWI/AAAAAAAAD3s/skAziGo_n48/s320/the+shadow+catcher's+daughter.jpg" width="196" /></a></div>
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Thanks to everyone for making Carla feel so welcome. Wish I could send a book to everyone! This time round the winner of <i><b>The Shadow Catcher's Daughter</b></i> is...<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Billie!</span><br />
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Congratulations ~ when I have your snail mail address I'll mail the book to you!<br />
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I have yet another friend releasing a book this month. Lorna Seilstad will join us soon to talk about <b style="font-style: italic;">The Ride of Her Life</b>, her third historical romance with Revell. Even the cover is fun and intriguing:)<br />
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Happy Monday!<br />
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<br />Laura Frantzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07067252948999879024noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607797015497924515.post-6471897293867923802012-05-05T16:28:00.000-07:002012-05-05T17:15:08.697-07:00happy anniversary!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's the one year anniversary of this great historical blog and we're drinking tea and giving away books!</div>
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Please join us if you can this coming Monday, May 7th:)</div>
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<a href="http://www.colonialquills.blogspot.com/">Colonial Quills</a><br />
Bless you!</div>
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<br /></div>Laura Frantzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07067252948999879024noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607797015497924515.post-45204220370094638692012-05-04T03:00:00.000-07:002012-05-04T03:00:09.444-07:00friday giveaway!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VrAfkUz4Nug/T6Hf6mRjk_I/AAAAAAAAD3M/zEFWSR9CS7Y/s1600/carla+olson+gade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VrAfkUz4Nug/T6Hf6mRjk_I/AAAAAAAAD3M/zEFWSR9CS7Y/s320/carla+olson+gade.jpg" width="249" /></a></div>
It's always exciting when a friend releases their very first novel. Carla Olson Gade is someone you may know as she has an active web presence and is a friend to many. I've been so intrigued with her book, <i>The Shadow Catcher's Daughter</i>, as it has a Red Shirt type hero, something not often seen in the CBA. Here's the back cover copy...<br />
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<b>ELIANA HAS SECRETS</b></div>
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Daring Eliana Van Horn aims to make her mark by joining her father as his photography assistant - disguised as a young man - on a survey expedition to the remote Four Corners.</div>
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Living in the shadows of his native heritage, trail guide Yiska Wilcox is thrown off course when the shadow catcher's daughter opens up the uncharted territory of his heart.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8RopkbwDrIo/T6Hf-x2d7uI/AAAAAAAAD3U/C-B7Bv-flhs/s1600/carla's+book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8RopkbwDrIo/T6Hf-x2d7uI/AAAAAAAAD3U/C-B7Bv-flhs/s1600/carla's+book.jpg" /></a></div>
As they travel through dangerous terrain in the mountains and deserts of Colorado and New Mexico, Eliana and Yiska must learn to overcome the barriers of culture, faith, and ideals to discover common ground. Though they are worlds apart, will they stake a chance on love?<br />
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<b>Some fun "history" about Carla:</b></div>
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She's a bonafide New Englander, born in Massachusetts and now living in Maine</div>
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Her ancestors were among the first settlers in Newbury, Massachusetts in 1636 ~ and included a few Plymouth pilgrims in 1620</div>
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She's a web designer and literacy advocate as well as author</div>
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She's married to her real-life hero, Brad, and has two grown sons</div>
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Her favorite historical period is the 18th-century though she loves history, period!</div>
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Learn more about her and upcoming books by visiting her beautiful blog/website, <a href="http://www.writingtodistraction.blogspot.com/">CarlaGade.com</a></div>
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<b>If you'd like to be in the drawing for <i>The Shadow Catcher's Daughter</i>, please leave a comment for Carla below. Winner announced this coming Monday, May 7!</b></div>
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<br />Laura Frantzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07067252948999879024noreply@blogger.com52tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607797015497924515.post-27689721904176682282012-05-01T13:13:00.003-07:002012-05-01T13:19:37.387-07:00why write?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-26juCz-w-7c/T6BD0BFCWdI/AAAAAAAAD2U/QB3ZOuwlf8o/s1600/we+write+to+taste+life+twice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-26juCz-w-7c/T6BD0BFCWdI/AAAAAAAAD2U/QB3ZOuwlf8o/s1600/we+write+to+taste+life+twice.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Laura Frantzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07067252948999879024noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607797015497924515.post-24919506863112660182012-04-29T13:28:00.000-07:002012-04-29T13:28:37.007-07:00first thing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xyLbli0FDO0/T5wY7hIlHYI/AAAAAAAAD2I/T1kEQrXsiyE/s1600/fence.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xyLbli0FDO0/T5wY7hIlHYI/AAAAAAAAD2I/T1kEQrXsiyE/s1600/fence.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><i>"...acknowledge the God of your father, and serve Him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts."</i></b></div>
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<b><i>1 Chronicles 28:9</i></b></div>
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Acknowledging God first thing every morning transforms our day. I try to begin my day by reconfirming His authority over me and submitting to Him as Lord in advance of my daily circumstances. When I begin my day without settling the matter of authority, I am usually a train wreck by noon. Remember, any day not surrendered to the Spirit of God will automatically default to the flesh. (Galatians 5:16-17). Spiritual living does not come naturally - sin does. The first step to victory is acknowledging the authority of God in our lives.</div>
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~Beth Moore</div>
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<i>David, Seeking a Heart Like His</i></div>Laura Frantzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07067252948999879024noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607797015497924515.post-21388452763507481462012-04-25T07:08:00.000-07:002012-04-25T07:08:31.353-07:00more romance...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Se0Dorhckfg/T5gElKRS_9I/AAAAAAAAD1E/OvtLbQW4c0c/s1600/posy+ring+time+shall+tell+i+love+you+well.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Se0Dorhckfg/T5gElKRS_9I/AAAAAAAAD1E/OvtLbQW4c0c/s320/posy+ring+time+shall+tell+i+love+you+well.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'm posting over at <a href="http://www.colonialquills.blogspot.com/">Colonial Quills</a> today, continuing the historic wedding theme and talking about posy rings. If you've never heard of them they're quite romantic! And I so wish I had one of my own:) Hope to see you there! If not, have a happy Wednesday!</div>Laura Frantzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07067252948999879024noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607797015497924515.post-58704371251981788752012-04-24T07:29:00.000-07:002012-04-24T07:30:34.991-07:00here comes the bride...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t9vdfyWLL38/T5ayl67RzYI/AAAAAAAAD0k/bXlMNfVgSfI/s1600/wedding+dress+best.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t9vdfyWLL38/T5ayl67RzYI/AAAAAAAAD0k/bXlMNfVgSfI/s400/wedding+dress+best.jpg" width="313" /></a></div>
I'm getting ready to write a wedding scene in Ballantyne Book 2 and can hardly wait! I so love a wedding whether on paper or in person:) Must be the romantic in me. Weddings in novels have waned over the last few years because it's considered too formulaic to end a book with a bride. Seems like most books, especially romances, of yesteryear did this so maybe it's true. But that's not gonna stop me!<br />
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I've had a lot of fun researching this wedding. At left is a gown, circa 1854. The bridal corset below is a bit later. And the wedding bonnet at the last is from 1830 or so. White wasn't always the most popular color for brides. That's more a modern invention. During colonial times the preferred color was yellow. In the scene I'm writing, my 1822 bride wears blue ~ <i>"Married in blue, ever true."</i> A bit of white heather in the bouquet was considered lucky. May was avoided as an unlucky month as was January. Superstitions abounded!<br />
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I have a wedding announcement of my great-grandparents framed and hanging on my bedroom wall. The wording is quaint and romantic...<br />
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<b><i>Mrs. Lindsey Duncan</i></b></div>
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<b><i>announces the marriage of her daughter</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Louise</i></b></div>
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<b><i>to</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Mr. Willie J. Blanton</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Thursday, June the twenty-second</i></b></div>
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<b><i>nineteen hundred eleven</i></b></div>
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<b><i>At home</i></b></div>
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<b><i>after July the fifteenth</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Berea, Kentucky</i></b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cX2lEGrXyqg/T5ayuGWG8xI/AAAAAAAAD00/YP1pVQrEzhE/s1600/wedding+bonnet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cX2lEGrXyqg/T5ayuGWG8xI/AAAAAAAAD00/YP1pVQrEzhE/s320/wedding+bonnet.jpg" width="282" /></a></div>
Some fun historical wedding trivia:<br />
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*The bride was dressed by her "best maid" and every article had to be new<br />
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*The bride's party had to reach the church first<br />
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*The groom could not see the bride the day of the wedding till the ceremony (that hasn't changed!)<br />
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*The present of a hat was often given to the minister<br />
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*Bride's cake was often hidden beneath the pillow of an unmarried girl in hopes they'd dream of their future husband<br />
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*Honeymoons, or wedding journeys, often lasted a month or more<br />
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<b><i>I'd love to hear about your wedding, whether in person or on paper or the one you're dreaming of! No doubt it will help my storybook nuptials:) Did you observe any traditions or hope to? </i></b>Laura Frantzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07067252948999879024noreply@blogger.com46tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607797015497924515.post-20269081103392693692012-04-23T06:48:00.001-07:002012-04-23T06:53:38.379-07:00giveaway winner!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y4oYUu-X3Us/T5INaq5OUvI/AAAAAAAAD0U/VotCK_iwK9c/s1600/sanctuary+for+a+lady.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y4oYUu-X3Us/T5INaq5OUvI/AAAAAAAAD0U/VotCK_iwK9c/s320/sanctuary+for+a+lady.jpg" width="200px" /></a></div>
The winner of <i>Sanctuary for a Lady</i> is...<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Andrea!</i></b></span><br />
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If you email me your snail mail address at lauran@tfon.com, I'll mail the book out:)<br />
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More giveaways are coming up with authors Lorna Seilstad ~ <i>The Ride of Her Life</i> ~ and Carla Gade ~ <i>The Shadow Catcher's Daughter ~ </i>as both have new releases to celebrate.<br />
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Heartfelt thanks to Naomi for being here and answering such great questions so very thoughtfully!<br />
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Bless you all!Laura Frantzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07067252948999879024noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607797015497924515.post-59696202484262017912012-04-19T19:25:00.001-07:002012-04-20T06:25:20.082-07:00Q and A ~ with giveaway!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_EsoEls_WU/T2aQI6spu1I/AAAAAAAADp0/kgBgT6LkZ8k/s1600/sanctuary+for+a+lady.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_EsoEls_WU/T2aQI6spu1I/AAAAAAAADp0/kgBgT6LkZ8k/s640/sanctuary+for+a+lady.jpg" width="401" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Author <a href="http://www.naomirawlings.com/">Naomi Rawlings</a> is here today! She's a debut author who has a passion for penning stories and answering questions about her writing journey...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Garamond;">"I write romance because I enjoy writing about family and love,
both human and divine. True love isn't easy. It brings about trials and
sacrifices, create obstacles that people must overcome if they want all the
benefits of a loving, romantic relationship. I enjoy diving into all the
different dimensions of love and exploring them, and I don't see myself ever
tiring of that. And I also find my characters need to find God’s love and a
right relationship with Him before they can fully embrace human love. So the
romance aspect of a novel fits together rather tightly for me, and feels fresh
every time I tackle a new story.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">"I write historical fiction because I
love being able to travel back to any time or place I choose. Perhaps I have too
active of an imagination, but I remember sitting in history classes in high
school and college. Whenever I'd learn about some tragedy or major historical
event, I'd think "What would it be like to live through that." With this story,
</span><i style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">Sanctuary for a Lady</i><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">, I wondered what it would be like to be born a French
aristocrat and have the world at your feet. Then one day, peasants raid your
house and kill your family. In a matter of a few days you'd go from having
everything to having nothing. So what would you do? How would you respond? Would
you be able to survive?</span><br /><br /><i style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">Sanctuary for a Lady</i><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"> answers those questions
through the character of Isabelle, a dukes daughter fleeing for her life. It's a
novel of love and survival and forgiveness. I hope people love reading it as
much as I loved writing it!"</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-epTWB1gouY0/T419SgcIZ8I/AAAAAAAADz0/zskwAKDlbj4/s1600/nrawlings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-epTWB1gouY0/T419SgcIZ8I/AAAAAAAADz0/zskwAKDlbj4/s320/nrawlings.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<b>I'd love to give away a copy of <i>Sanctuary for a Lady </i>to someone here! If you'd like to enter the drawing, please leave a comment and question for Naomi below. I'll start off with a question of my own...<i><br /></i></b></div>
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Bless you all - and a heartfelt thanks to Naomi for being here!</div>
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Winner announced Monday, April 23!</div>
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<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></span>Laura Frantzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07067252948999879024noreply@blogger.com41tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607797015497924515.post-66030455178390490012012-04-16T09:39:00.000-07:002012-04-16T09:40:36.942-07:00puritan praise<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q4ftnJGOF7E/T4doFug-3kI/AAAAAAAADy4/hvzFJXXnFfw/s1600/devo++best.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q4ftnJGOF7E/T4doFug-3kI/AAAAAAAADy4/hvzFJXXnFfw/s1600/devo++best.jpg" /></a></div>
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I thank Thee for the temporal blessings of this world - the refreshing air, the light of the sun, the food that renews strength, the raiment that clothes, the dwelling that shelters, the sleep that gives rest, the starry canopy of night, the summer breeze, the flowers' sweetness, the music of flowing streams, the happy endearments of family, kindred, friends. Things animate, things inanimate, minister to my comfort. My cup runs over. Suffer me not to be insensible to these daily mercies.</div>
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Amen.</div>
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~Puritan Prayer</div>Laura Frantzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07067252948999879024noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607797015497924515.post-9322445526287388432012-04-13T09:09:00.000-07:002012-04-13T09:09:08.196-07:00sanctuary<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z-OD82nO31Y/T4hLulB4wyI/AAAAAAAADzA/eph_Ir5A67E/s1600/beautiful-books-photos-Favim_com-179975.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z-OD82nO31Y/T4hLulB4wyI/AAAAAAAADzA/eph_Ir5A67E/s1600/beautiful-books-photos-Favim_com-179975.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Your job is to offer a sanctuary of beauty to an ugly world. </i></b></div>
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~Jeff Goins</div>
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Once in a while I come across writing that takes my breath away. Though I've never met <a href="http://www.goinswriter.com/">Jeff Goins</a>, he's a kindred spirit ~ or my new BFF, as Beth Moore likes to say;) </div>
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I particularly like the little wonder of an e-book he's created called <i>The Writer's Manifesto</i>. It's very freeing, even profound. </div>
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Today, on his blog, he talks about your job as an artist...</div>
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<i>"You must press into the work you've been given, stretch yourself further than you're meant to go, somehow believe in faith that something good will come. </i></div>
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<i>This is not an easy life, as we see exemplified by men like Van Gogh who mutilate themselves and women like Emily Dickinson who cut themselves off from the rest of the world.</i></div>
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<i>You must "think different" and go beyond expectations and norms, challenging the status quo. This is why we need your work. Because so few people are willing to do this - to truly be creative and accept the inherent risks of rejection that come along with it. And that's why the most important quality of an artist is simply this: courage. (With a splash of craziness, of course)." </i></div>
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Happy Friday!</div>Laura Frantzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07067252948999879024noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607797015497924515.post-29958641958269798932012-04-11T08:15:00.002-07:002012-04-11T08:18:14.461-07:00promises<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RciSRvcoPME/T4Wesg2BnVI/AAAAAAAADwo/7xaUYAd_wIk/s1600/shoes+best.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RciSRvcoPME/T4Wesg2BnVI/AAAAAAAADwo/7xaUYAd_wIk/s640/shoes+best.jpg" width="449" /></a></div>
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<i><b>He has given us His very great and precious promises. </b></i></div>
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<i><b>2 Peter 1:4</b></i></div>
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There is nothing Christ dislikes more than for His people to publicly profess Him and then not use Him. He loves for us to make use of Him, for His covenant blessings are not simply meant to be looked at but should be appropriated. Our Lord Jesus has been given to us for our present use. Are you making use of Him as you should?</div>
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O beloved, I plead with you not to treat God's promises as something to be displayed in a museum but to use them as everyday sources of comfort. And whenever you have a time of need, trust in the Lord.</div>
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~Charles H. Spurgeon</div>Laura Frantzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07067252948999879024noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607797015497924515.post-74657961452387442642012-04-09T08:05:00.000-07:002012-04-09T08:25:20.437-07:00pages and pages!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Whew! Can you believe we're into April already? The days are flying...the pages are flying! All 428 of them! </div>
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I've been busy reading through the typeset <i>Love's Reckoning</i>. At this stage, the pages are an author's last chance to prayerfully make a few changes (very few) to a manuscript before it goes to print. Thankfully, I've only found a few things to highlight in red. Pretty soon you'll hold the book in hand and I'm praying about that, too!</div>
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Over spring break, Randy and I drove down to Oregon and the beautiful Willamette Valley. The sun was shining and we enjoyed Mt. Hood and all the history in the region. Oregon is very different than Washington as there's no sales tax and you don't pump your own gas. Nice! We discovered Oregonians are very fond of their pets. They even have water fountains at ground level for dogs and such at the parks!</div>
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While there I was able to meet with one of the most delightful book clubs anywhere. They're a group of godly women with a heart for Christian fiction who get together regularly despite their busy schedules. We shared a wonderful luncheon and spent the afternoon talking books:) Heartfelt thanks to all the women for making me so welcome. Our hostess, Alissa (third from left) is a nurse with a heart for medical missions who hopes to go to India or the Philippines. Her mom, Elena, second from left, has the gift of hospitality and hosted this at her lovely home. Love these book clubs and the women who give them so much zest!!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Speaking of books, what page are you on? Any great reads to rave about? </b></i></span><br />
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<br /></div>Laura Frantzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07067252948999879024noreply@blogger.com58tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607797015497924515.post-29479442126391457032012-04-05T12:08:00.000-07:002012-04-05T12:08:42.122-07:00Easter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Laura Frantzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07067252948999879024noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607797015497924515.post-42529890717100605272012-04-01T18:30:00.003-07:002012-04-08T17:41:08.495-07:00spring break!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm on the road this week but will be back soon with news of velvet bookmarks and book trips:)</div>
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Happy spring!</div>Laura Frantzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07067252948999879024noreply@blogger.com