A Stitch and a Prayer

I am pleased to introduce you to my Mom's newest book, A Stitch and a Prayer.  Over this past year, I had the astonishing privilege of helping Mumsie edit her manuscript.  Though likely I am biased, I loved the story.  Daddy, Mumsie's biggest fan, would have been incredibly proud of her. 

To hold her book in my hands for the first time, was wonderful.  I asked her to sign it, of course.  To read what she wrote to me brought tears to my eyes. I am so grateful to have been a small part of it all.

Mom has been writing since the late 1970's.  She's written both fiction and non-fiction and I adore her writing style.  The way she writes just fills my eyes, heart and my soul.  She is an amazing woman and I am fortunate to be her daughter. 

She wrote her first novel, Colleen (Bethany House Publishers, 1979), because at that time, books written for teen girls were few and far between.  Mumsie has been called one of the pioneers of contemporary Christian novels for teens. 

You can find A Stitch and a Prayer for sale at Abingdon Press!  She also has a wonderful blog at Everybody Loves a Story.  I am so proud of my darling Mumsie--I hope you all drop by for a visit.

Have a lovely day!

A Basket of Pansies for my Mumsie

Today is my darling Mumsie's birthday. What a wonderful lady she is! Some of you have had the joy of reading her blog. She is a talented writer, an author and a lovely person. Of course, if you'd like to read some of Mumsie's writings, you can find her blog in the sidebar of this blog under "Everybody Loves a Story." When you visit her, be sure to wish Mom a happy birthday!

On this day of Mumsie's birthday--I was remembering back over the years. Growing up, I did not realize the treasure she truly is. It took becoming an adult with children of my own before I understood her beauty and value.

Some of the happiest years of my life were when my family and I lived in Grammie's basement, next door to Dad and Mom. My husband made an office in the back of my parents home, and our two eldest children went to the school I attended as a child. It was a lovely two years. The children played in the canyons and fields where I played as a child. They found snakes beneath old boards. They made forts in the fruit trees. They loved the ponds with their flirty fish and numerous frogs.

Best of all, I got to spend every morning walking with my Mother. We shared daily quiet times, our hurts, joys and dreams. We laughed, prayed and cried together. What a wonderful time that was.

Mums is interesting and a LOT of fun. Her laughter is raucous, and unmistakable. I LOVE to hear her laugh. She is earthy, wise, compassionate and a little wacky. I treasure her insights. I enjoy hearing about her childhood. I deeply admire her ability to paint a story in words.

Though she has faced (and still faces) tremendous and terrible struggles, Mom rises above them with a beauty not often seen in this day and age.

When I was a little girl, Mumsie showed me the whimsical faces worn by pansies. Since then, I've always loved them.

So, here's a basket of happy pansies for my wonderful, wise, whimsical and wacky Mumsie! Happy Birthday Mums!