One Thousand Gifts-12

Captain’s Log, Stardate 11.29.2006

I’m participating in the “One Thousand Gifts” list from Christian Women Online. Click on the picture to find out more about it.

301. Powerpoint, because otherwise I wouldn’t have been able to put together a neat-o presentation for the awards banquet at the ACFW conference this past year.
302. my eucalyptus and lavender infusion, which I use in my candle aromatherapy diffuser, to help my sinuses
303. book weights—I use them for my Bible study, and for when I eat and read my books. My leather one from Levengers.com is especially nice with the heavy felt lining to protect the book.
304. Christian Fiction Blog Alliance—Free books, some terrific reads, a great way to support Christian fiction
305. FIRST (Fiction In Rather Short Takes)—another terrific way to support Christian fiction
306. colorful ribbons for making cards with—cheap, pretty, with lots of variety
307. Writing the Breakout Novel by Donald Maass—this book really boosted my writing to the next level
308. Writing the Breakout Novel Workbook by Donald Maass
309. Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne and Dave King—Jenny Baumgartner recommended this book to me when she was still editing for WestBow, and it showed me how little things can make my manuscript look more professional
310. The cute way my dog gives a little bark when she’s being ignored (usually deliberately) and wants my attention.
311. My fuzzy knitted scarf that I wear in the house to keep me warm so I don’t have to turn up the thermostat just for me when I’m home writing (cheapskate, thy name is Tang)
312. The amazing way my diamond wedding ring sparkles in direct sunlight (I think God must look like a billion diamonds)
313. The great way I can get interesting and completely random blog topics from magazines
314. AIR1 radio—I love the music (hip so I can keep up with the teenagers at church) and their ministry
315. KLOVE radio—their ministry is terrific and they’re a nice change once in a while, especially for worship music
316. eHarlequin Steeple Hill discussion boards—I love the people there and the authors who hang out to answer questions and chill
317. That my developmental editor Becky Shingledecker e-mailed me about the next stages for my book
318. That the Z Marketing Director Sherry Guzy e-mailed me about the series title, which I think will be “Single Sushi.” She said having the same word in the series and the title is fine, citing that Terri Blackstock’s “Cape Refuge” series started with the book Cape Refuge. I don’t care much—I think most readers in general don’t remember the series title. I think that writers remember the series title.
319. I exercised yesterday!
320. Despite my NaNoWriMo gorge-fest, I’ve only gained about 2 pounds. I hope I can lose those two pounds in the next two weeks.
321. My cough is finally getting better, thanks to lots of sleep and hot tea with honey
322. I remembered to order new aerobics shoes in my size, which is hard to find—7.5 narrow in street shoes, 8 narrow in New Balance
323. That eastbay.com has my shoe size
324. That I got more writing done yesterday!
325. For my warm bed, where I can write with the electric blanket turned out, all cozy and comfortable