I have been a part of a service called BookFunnel for almost a year. However, I am for the first time joining one of their promotions. This is what it does:
“The Promotions board on the BookFunnel dashboard can help you find new readers! When you cross-promote with other authors in your genre, your book is exposed to new readers that are searching for books just like yours.”
“Each author in a promo is asked to share the promo with their own mailing list and/or social media platforms, which sends lots of reader eyeballs to the promo. Your readers can discover new books that are right up their alley, and your book is seen by all of the lovely readers sent by the other participating authors.”
As I work through this new endeavor, I am looking for your support. I have needed to learn SO many things since I started as an indie author four years ago. Sometimes everything blurs into a messy watercolor painting, but I’m ready! All I want to do is write, but that is not possible in an author’s indie world.
Monday I will be part of a children’s promo. My last children’s book “ Let Them Rise” will be part of a group of books available to readers. I took a sneak peek of the other books and some look very interesting.
If I do everything correctly, I will be promoting other kid themed books which could be added to your ebook devices. If you see fit, feel free to repost this, or that, information. I will be sharing on my public FB site, on my private FB Scribbling Spiritual Sand and my WordPress Blog http://www.wolfsrosebud. com.
Thank you for coming along on this new endeavor. Have a great Friday.
Summer Has Begun“Such a wonderful book! Highly recommend! Biblically based truth is ingeniously and talentedly interwoven into a story that even has a little romance!”
In dabbling darkness, bleakness becomes bliss a crescendo climbs a full moon’s shadow across the World. A full moon in lunar phase iridescent, illuminates beyond shades of twilight Earth. ‘tween the shining sun, marvelous moon, appears as a generous circular disk against inky orb.
Rules Around Water & Kids
This is near and dear to my heart. Please, if there is only one thing you read today review these water rules for your children’s sake.
Adult Supervision
Always swim with others.
Set water safety rules.
Swim in areas with lifeguards.
Always provide constant attention to children you are supervising in or near water. Stay within arm’s reach of young children and inexperienced swimmers.
Watch all children and teens swimming or playing in or near water, even if they know how to swim.
Designate a water watcher when you are in or around water. Never use alcohol or other drugs during water-related activities.
Remember to supervise young children around water when water play or swimming is not part of your plan.
Wear a Life Jacket
When on a boat, raft, stand-up paddle board or inner tube
When swimming in open water like a lake, river or the ocean
When playing in or near the water and on docks (for young children)
Learn to Swim
If you don’t know how to swim well, find someone to teach you. Learn to float and to tread water for at least 10 minutes.
Make sure your child learns to swim. Upgrade their swimming skills each year.
Check about lessons at your local pool or life-guarded beach.
Know the Weather and Water Conditions
Always enter shallow and unknown water feet first.
Watch for uneven surfaces, river currents, ocean undertow and changing weather.
Cold water can kill, even on hot summer days. Stay close to shore. Rest if you are cold or tired.
Obey all safety signs and warning flags.
Know What to Do in an Emergency
Learn first aid and CPR.
Bring a cell phone with you or know where to find the nearest phone.
Dial 911 in an emergency.
Learn safe ways of rescuing others without putting yourself in danger. Reach out to someone in trouble in the water while holding on to something stable. If you can’t reach them, throw them something that floats.
Reposted from Seattle Children’s Foundation
What does it mean to shine your light for Jesus?
“According to Matthew 5:16, Jesus tells his followers to “let your light shine before others” so that they may see their good deeds and glorify God in heaven. “Shine” means to give off or reflect light.” Jesus is our example and the perfect Light to follow. How can you glorify God today? Find just one way to shine your light today. The world can be a dark place.Evening Path I love to meander down gravel path, as I ponder and pray; calls chirping frogs, echo night songs while fancy fragrant blooms cluster, cling to evening’s way. Barron feeder, abandon birdbath, vanishing sun ray, bustling bullfrog bogs last of day prolongs; I wandering vagrant so silently sing farewell to day. Stars seem to hum, a silent, sublime display of Northern Lights fame is this the sky’s wrath? Brilliant colors stoke a tremendous thing which God made before sunlight’s ray. Morning has come; long night’s away as I walk the same gravel country path. No frogs do croak, a chorus of birds sing, aromatic blooms fade on this a new day.
Note: Photo courtesy of my neighbor taken over my property last Saturday. I was fast asleep.My next kids series, “Teddy’s Tales, A Visit With the King”. A story of a boy, a dog and King David coming out later this summer.One cookbook connects them all… Joann ~ Book Five in a string of heartfelt inspirational stories, featuring different women throughout the decades from 1920 to 2020.
Twenty-four-year-old Joann Kincaid’s life ambition is to one day run the family’s general store in Pecan Grove, Louisiana. It’s 1965 and the times may be a-changing, but Joann’s father is stubbornly hanging on to old-fashioned views about what he wants for his daughter. She’s just as determined to prove she’s a capable businesswoman.Some Favorite May Photos
If I could paint a landscape of spring, to reveal the magic it can truly bring, it would be of forsythia’s brilliant show where yellow blooms abundantly grow! Of a carpet of green after months of tan; cool, curly blades of grass, budding leaf, and new flower bulbs deep in dirty sand. Warmth in the fresh air as if to know its lifeblood helps makes all things flow. A-flight of flocks of birds which sing, soar skies; oversees them as does a king.
If I could capture the blessings of spring, of a life lived in Christ and what it brings; it could take weeks or years to show, it would be glorious with fruits that grow, it would reflect on Jesus Christ the man, it would not be freed from trials or grief, though it is difficult to understand or know. There’s a godly peace that comes to flow; even in sorrow one can hope and sing praises to our returning Creator and King!
P. Wolf
THE WORD
Desert wind howls like a lost pup, sands of time fall like spring rain as my soul hungers for renewal, eagerly.
Dryness is good in the season of floods where earth is too saturated and foundations begin to crumble.
Damp garment hang in warm breeze flapping, fluttering, flirting in the wind, but the soul should not be tossed about.
Delightful it is to sip a glass of hope as a season of abundance arrives; this is what it is like reading the Word.
P. Wolf
SRING PINES
“In the mountain of the height of Israel will I plant it: and it shall bring forth boughs, and bear fruit, and be a goodly cedar: and under it shall dwell all fowl of every wing; in the shadow of the branches thereof shall they dwell.” Ezekiel 17:23
Wind whistles through stately pines, as a red-tailed hawk cautiously soars spring gusts, blowing from south winds.
Whistles a distance train trailing country rickety roads bound on southern paths; as spring peepers day-in-and-out whistle.
Pines sway, swing, sweep; perched hawk rest for a minuscule moment mesmerized by shadow dancing in solemn, stately pines.
As wild wind whistles through pines, the mountain in Israel will bring forth the throne of the anointed Son of God.
(One day, maybe soon.)
P. Wolf
Author Update
Here is a peek into my upcoming book, “Fearless, Fervent, Flourishing Faith”.
“In between years of homeschooling and feeling homelessness I found a deeper purpose for my life. I wasn’t literally without a home, but my flourishing home was empty. I didn’t get it. For years I had prayed regarding the up and coming years of “empty nest”. Yet, my nasty nesting materials were poking the life out of me.
I was lost and lonely. I had no purpose anymore. My husband was still employed and my children were on their way of making lives for themselves. For me, I was the rotten egg left in the woody nest with no one to incubate my stillborn life.”
Each of us have moments like I had where our faith is attacked. May I encourage you to look to God for direction. He has purpose for us through changing seasons.
Author news update:
I just started creating “Fearless, Fervent, Flourishing Faith”. I’m excited about writing a non-fiction book. Let see where God takes me as I share my spiritual journey.
For now, I travel an editing path. I will be working on the first book in my new children’s series “Teddy’s Tales, A Visit With the King”. This book is targeted towards ages 6-10. It’s a story of a dog and a boy who learn character building traits from the beloved King David.
“Beatrice” is touching the lives of readers. Reviews are slow. I found out from many people that they are uncomfortable leaving a book review or just don’t have the time. Authors appreciate input from their readers.
My first book released earlier this year “Abigail’s 40 Days” is feeling a bit lonely on the book shelf. It is such a wonderful story of a life transformed during moments of grief. Abigail finds herself walking with Jesus’ disciples who are on an exciting journey in search of their risen Savior. Will Abigail leave her sorrowful mission to seek true hope?
Enjoy the unveiling of spring. Have a great month.
Christian Author Patti Wolf here to share a bit about what’s happening in my world.
My First Children’s Series
In a few days, it will be 3 years since I published the first book of the series “Alexis Ann’s Amazing Adventures”! Happy Birthday “Stormy Seas”.
Alexis Ann’s Amazing Adventures
Most of you aren’t reading books for children anymore, but you may have a child, grandchild, niece, nephew or a neighborhood child who would be perfect for this my early reader series “Alexis Ann’s Amazing Adventures”!
Here’s a self-interview:
How did “Alexis Ann’s Amazing Adventures” happen?
I had just finished my adult debut book, “Jemi’s Noble Quest “, and my 9 year old granddaughter wanted to read it. Since she was a little too young for my new book I told her I would write a series with her as the main character. Isn’t that what an author who is a Nana would do?
What are the stories about?
Each of the three books have a different biblical theme and character quality which I tried to instill into the reader’s lives. There’s a lot of dramatic play. Kids love that. I included lessons from the Bible shared by Alexis to her younger brother, Ollie, and you. More to come about each book later this week.
Why write Christian Women’s Fiction and Christian based children’s books?
Well, it takes a lot for an author to create a book, even more for an indie author (self published). I just needed a breather between writing styles so I mixed up my audiences. I’ve worked with children for over 40 years and have a teacher’s heart. I hope to help them in their life journey and draw them to Jesus.
What’s next in my children’s world of books?
I just finished the first book in my new series “Teddy’s Tails”. We won’t meet Alexis, but will fall in love with an adorable dog. This series is also an early reader and best for children under 10. I expect it to be released this summer.
Also, Alexis will return in a four book series as a super sleuth! She will be much older, but her passion to live her faith will shine through each story. Since I’m new to writing a mystery, I would appreciate your prayers.
As a writer, I want to stretch my abilities despite my age. I just turned 70! Wow, that went fast. Come back to hear more about each Alexis Ann book!
Teddy’s Tales Children’s Series
Pondering Poetry
As promised, I will continue sharing my writing process this week. Today, I’d like to focus on poetry.
Poetry is an expression of emotions regarding the world around the writer. It can be inspired during joyful times or times of loss. As an artist paints a picture with a brush, a poet uses a toolbox filled with words to paint a different type of picture in the minds of their readers. Poetry can be free flowing or very structured. Though there are rules, a poet has the freedom of expression as they see the world.
Book One of Scribbling Spiritual Sand was released last autumn. My book “Nature Poetry” is written to reflect the created world. This book is a collection of my recent poems. It follows through the four seasons here in Wisconsin. Each poems strives to also bring encouragement from the Bible with a thoughtful verse.
Poetry comes to me at many times of the day, but usually while I’m in nature. The changing of seasons, a sunset in winter or critters in the woodland all help for words to emerge. I love to expand my vocabulary and find it fun working in rhythms. Poetry is a weekly exercise for me. I also love finding scripture to work with my poetry.
Below is an example of a photograph which inspires my poetic writing.
NEW DAY, NEW WAY
The owl’s hoot draws loooong, it fills chilled air with skillful song; for the hands of time are strong under darkness, nothing’s wrong.
His music drifts drowsily in morning air, sleepy eyes blink without a single care; new notes linger long with fussy flare. Now two, a handsome feathered pair.
Day’s arrived, advanced along its way, morning breeze stirs trees to sway, forest friends awake, it’s time to play for no longer it the owl a threat, it’s day.
as thoughts of day fill restless mind ponder ways to sacrifice, seek to find ways to hinder what you want; bind your desires and ambitions to be kind.
Spring in my backyard:
Still there’s a slice of ice encasing the marsh as glass; stiff, sharp becomes a screen protecting you from prey. Visions of rich, dense duck weed and brown, earthy tuffs of marsh grass huddle waiting for cloudless sky. But morning chill tells another story of early spring.
Buried deep you rest. While scent of spring plays a game of hide and seek; you find no aroma of wild rose only unscented seeds from brown, barefaced bundled of reeds and cat-tails spinning, dancing atop silvery layer of ice; your roof-top sky light. Your throaty call echoes beneath; stiff in the icy entrapment.
Yet, this is your woodland nest here life and death linger in stiff pools of decaying waters with microscopic bacteria; so minuscule even your bulgy protruding eyes unable to find them. Your passion overriding all, your mission drives you forward as your need to seek a mate becomes all; this is why you were created and it consumes your very existence.
A warning, when the ice melts cranes and geese are waiting to have you as a tasty meal. Sing quickly, call out rhythmic chips, chatter and chants; for somewhere she waits past all still danger to dance awhile as it has been written in the book of “Spring Peepers Logs of Love”; for now the image in ice is only you!
“These all wait for You, You may give them their food in due season. You give them they gather in; You open Your hand, they are filled with good. You hide Your face, they are troubled; You take away their breath, they die and return to their dust.” Psalm 104:27-29
Spring’s Night Call
Calling, calling chirps and whistles muffled in weeds, muffled in messy mud in stillness of night under a cloudless sky; sneaks passed a sly scarlet fox fixed on his next prey loitering under empty trees; hooty owl now speechless staring down thoughtlessly, drowsily as head bobs against prickly pine in still of murky night.
A single voice echos in kettled March marsh, knowing a choir of spring peepers will come to add vibrate voices in a springtime victory
P. Wolf
May we be vibrant for the Lord,
“The voice of the Lord is over the waters; The God of glory thunders; The Lord is over many waters. The voice of the Lord is powerful; The voice of the Lord is full of majesty Psalm 29:3-4
Update on Apron Strings Series
Our first four book lineup for “Apron Strings”!
Book three, “Priscilla”, came out in March. Here is my review: “Many might not be able to relate to growing up on a farm. In the story of Priscilla we experience the struggle of a farming family. A lot hasn’t changed since farming in the 1940’s, families still work together as they struggle against odds. Jenny has done a lovely job of presenting Priscilla in a real and believable way.”
Book four, “Beatrice”, will be released on April 9th. I loved writing this story which took me into 1950 to do my research. Much of it was from the memories of my mother’s recollection of those years. I hope each of you will enjoy the story of Beatrice.
Still there’s a slice of ice encasing the marsh as glass; stiff, sharp becomes a screen protecting you from prey. Visions of rich, dense duck weed and brown, earthy tuffs of marsh grass huddle waiting for cloudless sky. But morning chill tells another story of early spring.
Buried deep you rest. With scent of spring playing games of hide and seek; you find no aroma of wild rose only unscented seeds from brown, barefaced bundled of reeds and cat-tails spinning, dancing atop silvery layer of ice; your roof-top sky light. Your throaty call echoes beneath; stiff in the icy entrapment.
Yet, this is your woodland nest here life and death linger in stiff pools of decaying waters rich with microscopic bacteria; so minuscule even your bulgy protruding eyes unable to find them. Your passion overriding all, your mission drives you forward as your need to seek a mate becomes all; this is why you were created and it consumes your very existence.
A warning, when the ice melts cranes and geese are waiting to have you as a tasty meal. Sing quickly, call out rhythmic chips, chatter and chants; for somewhere she waits past all still danger to dance awhile as it has been written in the book of “Spring Peepers Logs of Love”; for now the image in ice is only you!
These all wait for You, That You may give them their food in due season.You give them they gather in; You open Your hand, they are filled with good. You hide Your face, they are troubled; You take away their breath, they die and return to their dust.
Pre-order your ebook copy of Beatrice today! Release date is set for April 9. Beatrice is the 4th book in The Apron Strings Book Series Readers Group (this link will take you to our group). Once there you will find wonderful posts regarding the time period between 1920-2020, 11 sweet stories, by 11 different authors, covering 11 decades. The third book Priscilla will be available on March 15. Happy reading ☺️.
The Redwing
Pilot of my pond’s prosperity returned to sternly protect crazy cattail marsh; red-winged guides, no leaf unturned.
Resident of wetlands where insects perch, a wealth of chatter in mushy, mucky marsh; a serene sheltered stead, a type of church.
Model of formal wearing, jet black coat attracting ladies in drab brown brittle marsh your scarlet feather flash, gigolo afloat.
Consumer of winged delights of butterflies, delicate damselflies scattered in marsh and conscientious chaser of dragonflies.
Singer of wetland, your call classic sound calling, ever calling in my cattail marsh songs of ‘conk-la-ree’ is secretly found.
My redwings have once again returned! What’s in your backyard?
NOTE: This was something new I learned regarding the male redwing blackbird…
they defend territories in which as many as 15 females (mainly brown) establish nesting areas.
Most male territories contain about 5 females.
Females mate mostly with the male in whose territory they live, but will also mate with other males.
In 1950, Beatrice would have been preparing for the season of Lent, a forty-day period of fasting before the celebration of Easter. That year Easter Sunday was on April 9, which is the day (this year) that my book “Beatrice” will be released. As we start our own Easter season, I would like to share some Polish traditions and recipes reflecting Beatrice’s traditions as we approach my release date.
For this week, we will take a look at Ash Wednesday. It is named after the practice of placing ashes on the foreheads of faithful (usually by a priest) as a reminder of human mortality and repentance to God. Ash Wednesday is observed by Catholics, Anglicans, many Lutherans and Methodists.
In 1950, Ash Wednesday occurred on February 22. Beatrice would have contemplated what type of fast she would attempt during the season of Lent. Having gotten comfortable in her mama’s kitchen, I doubt she would sacrificed her sweets. Sweets are commonly put aside until Easter Sunday for many who decide to fast.
The Tuesday before Ash Wednesday is a Polish celebration called Paczki Tuesday or Strove Tuesday. This Polish tradition is one in which many indulge in eating fried doughnuts (paczki) filled with jams, custards or other sweet surprises. Strove Tuesday can be traced back to the Middle Ages.
Paczki is pronounced, PUNCH-kee or POONCH-key or POOCH-key, and is a round Polish doughnut filled with fruit and then coated in sugar or icing. The dough is richer than the typical American filled doughnut. The most traditional Polish filling is one of dates. Beatrice uses dates in many of her recipes. Dates were used in savory and sweet dishes.
Mr. Rewolinski, the local Polish baker, is known in Beatrice’s world of 1950 as the the best paczki maker in their community. If you were able to visit his shop what favorite paczki would you purchase? Could you eat only one?
HOW TO MAKE DATE FILLING The Date Filling
8 ounces pitted dates, chopped
1/3 cups granulated sugar
1 tablespoons flour
1 cups water
To Prepare the Filling
Chop the dates with a sharp knife or kitchen shears and place in the bowl of a food processor. Add one tablespoon of flour to help keep the dates from sticking to the blades of the chopper.
Place the chopped dates and flour (from the food processor) in a 2-quart saucepan. Add the sugar and water, stir to combine.
Heat the mixture over medium heat and cook until thick, about 15 minutes. Set aside to cool to room temperature. Refrigerator your filling. Can be used as a jam.
Happy Strove Tuesday 1950 style!
I hope you can join me in this Community Event coming on March 8th. I will have a book table available for those purchasing locally at this event. My recently released book “Abigail’s 40 Days will be available. One dollar from each book sale will go to Operation Christmas Child shoe box shipping. Meet the author, and Alexis Ann inspiration to the “Alexis Ann’s Amazing Adventures” series, as we support OCC shoe boxes going around the world!
The Second Book in the Apron Strings Series released in February (available on Amazon)
Here are three of my five grandsons ice fishing in northern Wisconsin just a few weeks ago. After having weather in the 50’s, and 68 yesterday, the lake are beginning to open up. There are Sandhill Cranes, Canadian Geese and a few Redwing Blackbirds in my marsh. We are thrilled with a preview to a Wisconsin spring, but know there’s more winter in store for us. This morning it’s dropping down to 15! I think I’ll make some hot chocolate.
Winter Sunset
Trees stood still as the sky whispered.; shadowy silhouettes salute fading day.
Even roots buried under layers of snow, deep in frozen earth, aware of the Creator.
Trees stood still under a blazing sky. As if on fire, the heaven declares day’s farewell.
Shall our thanks be tucked in layers of worldly wares, or praises to God?
Trees stood still knowing day is done, straight and steady, seen from sky above.
P. Wolf
“The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork.” Psalms 19:1
Available on Amazon
That time has finally come. Seven decades have passed in the wink of an eye. What join I’ve had in serving the Lord Jesus for 42 years! It takes my breath away. Each of you are special in the sight of God.
I’m stuck inside today missing all the outside activities because I have the flu. To make the best of my circumstances I decided to undertake the challenge of this weeks prompt of “Inside, Out” over at “Project Quilting”.
I included some sewing techniques for this challenge from the prompt: rough edges of the fabric on the bottom of the umbrella. Rough edges are most often sewn on the inside of a quilt piece. There is some surging on the girl’s raincoat. Again an element usually seen on the inside of a project.
The little girl has her toes inside of her rain boots which have little hearts on to reflect Valentine’s Day just around the corner. She is also inside her umbrella protected from the rain. Yet, she is outside in the rain. Those viewing this quilt piece will notice that there’s an inside window pane looking outside.
Fun project when one is stuck inside watching life go by outside 💕
Patti Wolf 