This has been a family tradition for 18 years. Our first project was a massive castle, before grandkids. Then, as the children became involved, we added individual houses. I became weary of putting four sides together, so this year we each decorated a larger piece and displayed a ‘downtown area’. It’s not quite finished, but it’s getting there.
Through the Years
Happy Birthday Jemi
On December 8th, I will celebrate my first novel, Jemi’s Nobel Quest. That story was released five years ago, and I have since published 14 books. There is nothing quite like an author’s first published book—the excitement of creativity, the complex learning curve of publishing, and the sense of completion that comes with a project. To celebrate, I have lowered the price of my ebook to $0.99 from December 6th through December 13th. I have also dropped the paperback copy from $12.99 to $7.99 through the end of December. Come, celebrate with me. Merry Christmas!
Hymns to Stir the Heartstrings: I am looking forward to working with this group of Christian authors. Each title is the name of a hymn. I chose, My Jesus I Love Thee.
The Nanny’s Lost Legend
In October, this book was released. It is part of a multi-author series: Our House on Heather Wynd. I enjoyed the research on Scotland and the development of unique characters. Many readers have told me that the book is a ‘page turner’.
This little devotion is a year old. It reflects nature in glorifying and remembering the Christ Child’s birth. Ebooks are $2.99, and paperback books are $5.99.
This is my last publication for 2025: A Pea of Courage
Release Date is December 16th: I am so pleased to end the year with another group of authors from Apron Strings. This time, we are retelling fairy tales called Tea Tales. The settings are between WWI and WWII. The first two books are out. All books are available on Amazon. ‘A Pea of Courage’ can be pre-ordered in ebook format.
Here are the authors I have worked with this year. They have written such wonderful stories!
Authors from the Heather Wynd series, which I participated in last year.
Authors from the Apron Stings Tea Tales, three books were released this year, and many more are to come.
I’d like to close with a prayer.
Lord, I would like a special blessing for each of the authors who have dedicated their time and energy to You. Writing can be a lonely task. Grant these authors encouragement, wisdom, and creativity as they write. Bring others alongside them as they finish new stories. Thank you to people like Amy, Anna, and Caryl, who make multi-author series possible. Their tasks can be daunting at times. Give them an extra amount if organizational skills. I praise you, Lord, for each of these lovely authors. Amen 💕
Here I am with my daughter-in-law, who is one of my favorite editors. Merry Christmas🎶.
With the Holidays right around the corner and the year coming to and end, I would like to share my recent publications.
Here are my recent books. Three were published in 2025!
“A Pea of Courage” will be released this December. The reader will travel back to Poland in 1920. From a Polish teahouse to an American café, a near escape, a lost prince, a simple pea, and a courageous immigrant’s new life will be revealed. This story is part of the “Apron Strings Tea Tales.” There will be about fourteen books in this series, modern retellings of fairytales, one released monthly over the next year.
Paperback $12.99, ebook $2.99, and available free on KU
“The Nanny’s Lost Legend” is part of the “Our House on Heather Wynd.” The collection has 14 intriguing stories, all set in Scotland. “The Nanny’s Lost Legend”: Past Sins, Ancient Myths, and Hidden Secrets unite at Our House on Heather Wynd takes the reader back to 1850 to the Campbells’ Estate, where Lizzy will change the lives of one family.
Paperback $12.99, ebook $2.99, and available free on KU
“Crossway Christian Camp” is the continuing story from our hero Alexis Ann. In her first series, “Alexis Ann’s Amazing Adventures” Alexis is all about dramatic play at the age of eight. Now she is much older and us ready for a camp mystery.
Crossway Christian Camp: summer camp life, new friends, a mystery, and a thief on the loose can be found in this summer story. She’s sleuthing again, but it isn’t on her own turf this time! Alexis Ann, who once was an adventurer, has now turned into a novice investigator and is ready to solve any problems coming her way.
The holidays are upon us. Prepare your heart for the coming of the Savior. This book is a collection of prose related to the season of Christmas. It contains select Bible quotes to draw the reader into the time of Christ’s birth, hope for the season, and insight into Christian living. The poetry is based on emotions from nature and how they relate to moments surrounding the weeks of Advent prior to Christmas.
This month I’d like to reintroduce my garden of books, as I step away from gardening for a bit.
It’s been a busy several years, as you will see. Writing is therapy for me. God has given me the ability to share Him in my Bible based books. I don’t take that blessing lightly. Thank you Jesus for allowing me to serve You through the written word.
It’s A Kids World!
Books for kids by Patti Wolf
The birth of Alexis Ann’s books began in April of 2021. It was a story written for my granddaughter, Alexis. The first book, “Stormy Seas”, was a great achievement for me. It was my first published kids book. In this story we find Alexis telling her younger brother about Paul’s missionary journeys through dramatic play.
Later that same year, the second book was published in the “Alexis Ann’s Amazing Adventures” series. “Seriously a Splash” takes a serious look at a child’s anger. It also includes parts of the story of Jonah, from the Bible.
About a year later, in September of 2022, the final “Alexis Ann’s Amazing Adventures”book was released. “Let Them Rise” deals with a child’s loss. At the time it was a difficult story to write, since my sweet granddaughter actually lost her other grandmother. Death became real to Alexis and her siblings.
The three chapter books in “Alexis Ann’s Amazing Adventures” are written for early readers ages 5-9.
Last year I began a new series about a boy and a dog. Kids love pets. I kept the boy nameless so any reader could insert themselves into the story. The dog, Teddy, becomes one of the main characters. The readers will find themselves in Teddy’s thinking process. This was such a fun book to write. Specifically, for ages 6-10.
In May of 2025, just little over a month ago, I published the first book in the series “An Alexis Ann Mystery”. I love this series. “Crossway Christian Camp” is my first mystery. I nailed it, according to recent readers. Alexis is a young teen whose detective skills are on high alert. If there is a problem, she’ll solve it. But what could happen at a Christian camp? Reader’s ages 9-15 will enjoy this story.
Christian Fiction
My first series I ever wrote was the “I Am the Light”series. All three books will take the reader from the dawn of Creation to the sorrows of the Crucifixion. The characters are lovable, realistic, and struggle with sin just like we all do.
At the time of writing this series I was still adapting to the publishing world. Having limited connections with other authors and editors did cause some problems. One day I would like to republish these three books.
God has blessed me with abundant creativity, but grammar is my downfall. Blessed are those who have the gift of editing. They are our sidekicks who make authors look good! The good news is I found a wonderful editor, my writing skills have improved, and I’m more confident.
These would be my new covers if I were to rewrite the “I Am the Light” series
My book, “Beatrice”, was part of a MAPS (multi author published series) called “Apron Strings”.This project was so much fun. I was able to get to know a dozen new authors and learn things. They all were so helpful. “Beatrice” takes place in 1950 and is a fictional story based of my mother, Beatrice.
Here’s the Amazon blurb: It’s 1950. WWII has been over for almost five years but Beatrice is experiencing her own personal conflict. Ten hour working days at the hair salon have taken its toll on her, physically and spiritually. War years may have ended with daily life transitioning into a new normal, but normal can be a struggle for a 35 year old single working girl.
“Abigail’s 40 Days” has not received enough attention.
With this type of review one would think that the book would receive more readers. I’ve come to realize women prefer books with sweet romance. You won’t find that in this book. Instead, other raw emotions will drive my characters to Christ!
AMAZON REVIEW
“I enjoyed Abigail’s 40 Days– a wonderfully written novel by Patti Wolf. Set in Jerusalem during the time of Jesus Abigail goes on a journey to find answers for her brother’s death, and during her quest, she learns a lot about herself and her faith in God.”
“Patti Wolf takes her vibrant and interesting characters into an in-depth view of what it would have been like to live in that region during that time. From start to finish the book was interspersed with the Word of God making it an inspirational and faith-building read.”
Of course, Poetry
I’ve written poetry for six decades. Poetry has been a dear companion through times of great loss, months of depression, periods of doubt, and moments of great joy.
God’s great Creation has been my greatest inspiration in writing poetry. Many of my poems are open verse while others follow a format. In the end, there is usually a Bible verse to capture my poem’s meaning.
“Nature Poetry” is a collection of select poems throughout the years. It was compiled in September of 2023.
“The Advent of Christ” was released last year. It was meant to prepare the reader’s heart for the coming of the Savior. This book is a collection of prose and poetry related to the season of Christmas. It contains select Bible quotes to draw the reader into the time of Christ’s birth, hope for the season, and insight into Christian living. The poetry is based on emotions from nature and how it relates to moments which surround the weeks of Advent prior to Christmas.
New Books Coming this Year
Two new books will be released this year.
“The Nanny’s Lost Legend”: Past Sins, Ancient Myths, and Hidden Secrets unite at Our House on Heather Wynd.
Fleeing the sorrow of her Irish homeland, Lizzy Corby arrives in the Scottish Highlands searching for a brighter future. This historical romance is more than bagpipes and loch monsters—love itself may become the greatest monster of all.
“A Pea of Courage”: A near escape, a lost prince, and a new life to make the perfect Tea Tale.
What does one do when their memory vanishes? Apollonia will need to pick up the missing pieces, but she won’t travel this journey alone. How will she stay safe? Who will help her? Somewhere… her Polish prince is waiting for her.
“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”
Being still in the busy minutes of our days seems impossible; however, being still doesn’t mean to give up. Nor are we to give into our panic, frustration or doubt. Instead, let go of the weight which brings down your day and “let God” into your life. Find rest and give God the glory.
Soar the white dove, across slate grey sky freely it’s Master is calling.
P. Wolf
A Winter Place
There’s no place like it… stars twinkling in nightly sky, glistening powder like diamonds; quiet stretches in long moonlight shadows murmuring to and fro.
There’s no place like it… all sleepy, still and nearly nigh glistening powder like diamonds; trees nearly yawning with delight frigid, frosty, frozen deep below.
There’s no place like it… tree’s stiff, stately silhouettes high glistening powder like diamonds; breathtaking beauty’s restful sigh… winter’s fresh blanket of new snow.
P. Wolf
I Dance
I dance for joy, knowing love is more than one person, it exists for more than just a season; no need to look for an excuse or reason.
I dare dance for joy, finding pleasure around the bend, where more than Cupid’s arrow sends or lost and broken hearts are mend.
I dare dance for endless joy, seeing this world will one day fade; including every little thing we made, our riches and belongings we will trade.
I dare dance in endless joy today, for my soul will not settle in the grave because of the power of the cross saves from high in the holy heaves I’ll wave;
you see, the depths of the grave can’t touch the soul which is saved by Jesus the Christ of the cross!
P. Wolf
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” John 3:16-17
A team of authors I’m working with on a Scotland series: Our House on Heather Wynd.A team of authors from another series: Apron String’s Tea Tales.
Birds fluff feathers against raw wind which howls down white laden paths; across yards of stubbled corn fields though densely gathers pines groaning.
Deer huddle in small family packs warming earth with robust bodies under dollops of snow gathering above on lifeless, creaking branches.
Squirrels tunnel deeper in cozy dens wishing to rest the snowy day away in earthen home intricately designed around stacked and stored delicacies.
Children linger at closed doors breathing frosty designs on window waiting to pile into falling snows aroused with endless excitement… Of First Snow!
P. Wolf
This is a photo of a section of Turtle Creek which I walked to in between preparations of our Craft Making Weekend. It was mostly a relaxing stroll as cars whizzed by a little too fast.
“Turtle Creek is in the Lower Rock River Basin, flowing from Turtle Lake in Walworth County, Wisconsin to Rock River in South Beloit, IL. The Turtle Creek watershed’s 231 square miles are in eastern Walworth County (62%) and Rock County (38%).”
Turtle Creek is divided into three sections throughout its journey. This photo was taken near Delavan Wisconsin. In spring thousands of migratory birds stop along the Turtle Creek Wildlife Sanctuary. It’s a wonderful, but noisy experience.
“This 13-mile stretch of stream (plus Comus Lake) is buffered by more than 2,000 acres of adjacent wetlands in the nearby state-owned wildlife area.”
As each spring arrives, so do hungry birds. Their tradition is to stop at this fruitful wildlife buffet. I hope you make it a tradition to gather each Sunday with faithful believers of Jesus in churches teaching the Word of God. It’s food for the soul.
I’m so delighted in my grandkids. Their reading and stage appearance was outstanding at an Authors Event we had a few weeks ago at my local church. Proud Nana here 💕
One of the last Autumn trees I had the pleasure of viewing a few weeks ago in Wisconsin
STANDING
Standing alone amidst greenery, down country lane on last of Autumn aflame with passion.
We often stand alone amidst the tide, down dreary days; last of helpless hope flickers in the soul.
Gone are birds in greying skies; an emptiness in wood have taken flight alone once again.
We unable to fly into better days and brighter ways; have to consider our lonely plight.
The tree stands firm wind rushes by, rain pelts leaves; yet, it stands a sentinel on a hill.
Stand firm believer wind can stir, rain can cleanse; yet, stand firm be light upon a hill.
“You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem!’ Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the Lord is with you.” 2 Chronicles 20:17
(God’s promises to Judah and Jerusalem is true today for those who love Him. For whatever you go out against, look to God and be a light on that hill.)
My Next Book
… is at the editors now. It’ll go through the hands of four more readers before its publication date. I’m hoping it will be available late winter. This series will be for ages 10-14. It’s my first attempt at writing a mystery! I guess my readers will let me know if I did well.
Sandhills gather like Autumn leaves on woody branch a time of farewells…
Echoes their grand call, sad vibrations fill the air from wet, marshy pond.
Frost clings to morning October shakes its old head… thankful for a rest.
Until Spring, I say… to leaves, visiting birds and warmth wrapped in woolen coat.
P. Wolf
I’m looking forward to this event. Hope to see you there!
All Creatures Big & Small
I had the pleasure of having one of my grandsons go on my morning walk with me. I usually listen to an audio preacher, Pastor John is a favorite, but that morning my grandson and I walked and talked. Every once in a while he would stop to study something; an unusual stone alongside the shoulder of the road, a larger than life pine cone or a brightly colored leaf.
The conversation went on about his day and hopes for it. He manage my pup who walked between us. The dog adores him and lets out squeals of joy when he arrives.
Halfway through our walk he handed me the leash. I watched him wander a little ways off. He bent and tenderly gathered something in the palm of his hand. Then trotted to the shoulder of the road.
“What are you doing?” I questioned.
“Saving a wooly bear from being run over.”
I smiled at the small act of kindness. Remember in each day we have the opportunity to show kindness.
“Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” I John 3:8
Tale of Seasons (For those who have seen at least 70 springs.)
I heard a red wing this morning, he sat at top frosty cattail. It reminded me of spring. Here in the Northwood the red wing is one of the first birds to visit my pond.
Chill nipped at my nose, frothy swirls of smoke rose into the morning air. Woodsy swirls, almost bitter from dried wood, warming homes.
A cardinal sat in sunshine next to a fluff of milkweed. White frost lined my road, atop brittle grasses. My heart yearned for spring.
The red wing told me it was, but the comical cardinal told me a different story. One in which half the trees are bare, others fall like rain on dry dark pavement… the end of our autumn.
The air is quite chilled, growing season passed, winter’s around the corner. My life, autumn passed, winter has arrived with few years left on earth. But the promised spring … will come once again to the next generation.
P. Wolf
“One generation shall praise Your works to another, And shall declare Your mighty acts.” Psalm 145:4
My next release coming up around Valentine’s Day. The manuscript will be off to my editor next week and then a round of four others to fine tune the story. Its journey has begun for kids ages 10-14!
An early Happy Thanksgiving to all!Favorite Photos of October
I caught an arrow in the air, it fell in haste from nowhere. For, sluggishly it sliced daylight I grasped its rod with my might.
A melody drifted in morning air, a lovely tune so simple and fair. My ears heard the simple song, the day would bring no wrong.
The years have come and went, the song lingers from when sent. It remains like a majestic oak, strong, and still forever unbroken.
P. Wolf
Unbroken
“For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome, because everyone born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world: our faith.”
I John 5:3-4
I’m not alone
As prayers lift to heaven, my tears wash me clean. When unsure moments flutter like butterfly wings; I am reminded God carries each unsure thought… and every single tear. I am not alone!
“You number my wanderings; Put my tears into Your bottle; Are they not in Your book?”
Psalm 56:8
(I had a health situation this summer, but God surrounded me with His comfort.)
Now available on Amazon for kids ages 6-10 or anyone who has ever loved a dog! The story is about a boy, a dog and King David.Fall BloomsMy first novel.
Jemi felt a chill. She shivered. It was as if a damp shadow encased her. Frostiness, unlike anything she had known, seized her small frame. Even the chilly mornings of Dor could not match this sensation. The coolness of the recent rain did not come close to this frigid feeling. For the first time ever, fear of the unfamiliar filled Jemi. The air loomed with unknown gloom and darkness dropped about her.
Jemi’s head throbbed with pain. Worry filled her mind stealing away any peace God had for her. Hadn’t she just been walking along the coast of Dor staring out at TheGreat Sea on her way to collect water? She had hurried to the new well. It had been raining, raining hard. The merchant’s ships had arrived. Rezin asked her to see his camels. What had happened? Where was Dor?
She tried to lift her body from the ground. Pain seemed to flow like blood through her veins. She whimpered. Then with a slight moan prayed, “Dear God, I suffer and need your strength. Please, Lord, fill me with peace as you did for my ancestor Job.”
Jemi’s Noble Quest (Whispers of Messiah): on Amazon
On December 8, 2021 my first book was published through Amazon. I enjoyed the self-publishing process so much that I have published 10 books since that time. They are all Christian based, most are fiction except for a book of poetry and some are for children while most are for adults. If you have a story to tell, create it and publish it.
My inspiration for the series “Teddy’s Tales”, book one is “Visit with a King”. Isn’t he cute?We dot have color yet, but it’s coming soon! This photo is from a few years ago,
They change before my eyes: translucent, transparent telling of coming changes chanting their farewells across the sky.
If trees could talk what would be said of their transformation? Would willows weep or birches balk as their leaves are wisp away?
Maples seem to chatter in wind; while oaks remain stately and only rumble, rattle, roar as autumn exits clinging to their crisp leaves till spring.
My life could be as those sturdy oaks torn by stormy winds on darken days, as seasons change by hand of God I choose to cling to Him until spring again!
“When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in place; What is man that You think of him, and a son of man that You are concerned about him? Yet You have made him a little lower than God, And You crown him with glory and majesty!” Psalm 8:3-5
DREAMY MOON
Full robust moon, dreams of traveling far; Orville and Wilbur knew as they took flight.
Brilliant round moon, that lights my nightly path, I have dizzy daydreams to take the plight of flight.
Light of nighttime moon, created on day four God set you in the sky before dreams of flight.
Shine full moon in the great expanse over all the earth as man dreams of flight.
For all the moons that hung in the sky; it is man who’s crowned with glory and majesty.
P. Wolf
“On December 17, 1903, at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, aviators Orville and Wilbur Wright achieved the world’s first motor-powered airplane flight. On that historic flight, the Wright brothers’ aircraft, the Wright Flyer, reached an altitude of just 8 feet and traveled a distance of 120 feet. Little did anyone know that just 66 years later, parts of that very same plane would travel much higher and much farther — all the way to the moon.”
Things are hopping in my household. Grandkids are about three times a week, garden maintenance daily, )mostly trying to get rid of daily rain) and baseball (a lot of baseball with 4 grandkids playing). But the biggest news is, I am close to releasing my new children’s series “Teddy’s Tales”. As you can see from the photo above, he’s quite the pup. Watch for the new release, coming soon on Amazon.
If you want to keep up with my daily inspirational writing or know about my books following me on Facebook: Patti Wolf Scribbling Spiritual Sand.
Now for Poetry
WISCONSIN RAIN
Drip, drip, drip down the roof Sprinkle, spray, slush over summer blooms Dribble, dabble raindrops mixed with dew Splashes, slides, seeps in saturated earth Drizzle, drizzle, drizzle down my roof
(We are officially 7 inches above normal in rainfall here in Wisconsin. When it rains it pours. Farm fields have become ponds. Root-rot fills potted plants. The grass seems to grow hours after cutting it. Yet, we’ve seen few misquotes. I think they have drowned.)
POEM 2
I cherish a summer stroll as darkness settles in. What do you enjoys on a cool summer evening?
Chaotic chatter sung with glee, echoes summer’s forest plea; rowdy, restless rooks just jeer.
Cardinal, Towhee, Robin three; chaotic crows it’s time to flee leave our dear woods clear.
I need no eye to see the gay festivity and jubilee; of a clutter, flutter so dear.
I love listening to birds when I first wake up. They are God’s sweet alarm clock in the morning. However, yesterday as I napped the bird’s chorus was wonderful. I miss them during Wisconsin’s winter months.
“The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork.” Psalm 19:1
I enjoy an unexpected sky shot. As I took this photograph my focus was on my grandson and his fish. It wasn’t until after I was viewing yesterday’s photos I realized the power of those gathering clouds.
I recently read: “The heavens not only show God’s creation but actively declare His glory. The skies themselves speak to His craftsmanship, a daily, continual testimony of God’s power and splendor.”
Even in the sky, which is an umbrella over us, God’s sovereignty is seen. He who gathers the rain also collects our tears. From sunrise to sunset God is available to the searching soul. May the sky remind you that God is watching over all His Creation.
Patti Wolf 