A Cup of Christmas Cheer

I finally changed my Blog Header to reflect the publication of my story, Riding on a Christmas Wish in A Cup of Christmas Cheer Volume 1 by Guideposts Books.

This publication is a dream fulfilled - a dream I've had since I was a child and enthused about books and where they came from.

All the events leading to publication (My Call Story) and anything to do with writing the story and the book's release, blog hops, prizes, etc, can be found by clicking the tab for My Writing Blog or at  Woven Under Western Skies.

A Cup of Christmas Cheer is a 2 volume set available only from Guideposts and it's October 2013 release has been so successful that the publisher has sold out of all copies. That was a surprise to me as I'd held a very successful Book Signing at the Montmartre Library and had requests for more books than I had on hand.

But with so many people trying to order the books from Guideposts Online Store and getting a "Sorry, we're sold out" notice, the publisher decided to go for a second print run. I'll be getting my order from this 2nd batch any day now although I'm not sure when it will be available to the general public. Soon, I hope.

Meanwhile, I'm thankful for Guideposts Books having faith in my writing and including me in this wonderful collection of Christmas stories.

Jessie's Blog from Indonesia

Back on June 22nd, I blogged about Jessie flying to Indonesia until January 2014.

Since then, she has Skyped with us several times, trying to hold up photographs to her laptop videocam so we can see where she lives. It was good, but not the best. Since then, she and the second Canadian team member have started a blog about their life and adventures...

Musings From Indonesia - the inner thoughts of two canadians adventuring, volunteering, and living, in beautiful indonesia

If the link doesn't work, try http://musingsfromindonesia.wordpress.com/

It made my day when I read the post of Jessie finally checking something off her bucket list - the chance to see and photograph primates in the wild! Wahoo!!!

And the current post is how 2 Canadians cope with a not-so-Canadian Thanksgiving.

If you get a chance, leave a comment. Being so far from home, I know they'd love to hear from you.

Slideshow Test

I made a Tribute to a Father slideshow as a Father's Day gift to Nelson this year, and although the day is long past, I can't seem to find the slideshow itself. However, I had posted it as an education in making a slideshow over on my Inkwell Inspirations group blog, so I have the html coding. I'm posting it here to see if it works.

If this doesn't work, I'm not sure how I can retrieve it. I had it on a flash drive, but JJ had it with him when he left for Street Invaders on Sunday and I'll be gone before he gets back. I'm trying to make a DVD of photos, etc to bring to Mom in Ontario. I guess this slideshow really is an education for me.

Jessie's Flying to Indonesia

Do you remember when we went to Calgary in April for Jessie's convocation?

Well, she's now been out of college for 2 months and by the time you read this she'll have left the country and be on her way to Indonesia - if not already there. I feel like bawling.

I'm thrilled for her - really, I am. And so proud of her. She applied for one of 16 internship positions with Samaritan's Purse for an overseas mission. So did 71 other applicants.

When we saw Jessie in Calgary, she'd made it to the short list and by the beginning of May she texted to say she got the internship. And in case you're wondering, yes, this is the same organization that collects for the Operation Christmas Child every November.

The last 6 weeks have been a whirlwind of preparations. Her passport wouldn't expire for 3 months after she got back, but they wanted her to get a new one before she left Canada. Just in case.

She needed a physical, shots, and lots of paperwork completed. Just when she thought she was done, she'd text that she had more stuff to do.

A couple hours ago she texted with the details:

• Leave Calgary tomorrow at 0700
• Fly to Vancouver
• Fly to LA
• Fly for 20 hrs to Singapore
• Fly to Indonesia
• Arrive Monday morning local time (not sure what time that is here)

And she won't be back until the new year.

Yes, that's right... she won't be back until January 2014 since the mission lasts 7 months. Minimum. *sniff

When we asked what she'll be doing, she texted, I'll be doing sustainable agriculture research including vermiculture and pig farming...

In case you're wondering, vermiculture is using earthworms to compost kitchen scraps into soil. We practiced it when we lived in Ontario and it works great. The worm casings help create a nutrient-rich compost that goes back into the garden. (Don't add add meat scraps, citrus or banana peels, though.) So it sounds like she'll be getting her hands dirty. Heh.

I just went to the Samaritan's Purse Canada website and Jessie is listed as an intern on their blog which talks about the 2013 interns and says in part:

These interns will support Samaritan's Purse and local partners by researching and applying sustainable agriculture and natural farming techniques, developing training materials for future community use, and helping our local partner develop results-based management skills.

And then it has her name listed like this:

Jessica Draper

Jessica is from Montmartre, Saskatchewan, and graduated with a Human Services degree from Rocky Mountain College in Calgary, Alberta. She has a passion for volunteering and non-profit work.

*sniff - I'm so proud of her. And I miss her already although she's still in Calgary as I write this. 

Please remember Jessie in your prayers - not only for a safe flight en route, but her well-being while she's away.

I'm going to miss texting her. I need a hug.

Calgary Tower: A Family Celebration

Today I'm over at Inkwell Inspirations talking about our adventures in the Calgary Tower, just one of the highlights of our trip to Calgary this past weekend to watch Jessie receive her Bachelor of Arts degree. Yay, Jessie!

Not only did we get a spectacular view from the Observation Deck, but some of us (heh) took that step of faith and stood on the glass floor of the Calgary Tower.

JJ and Nick looking down, Jessie and Nelson looking out.
Calgary Tower Observation Deck , Calgary, Alberta, April 20, 2013.

We then spent 2 hours sharing a fine dining experience in the revolving restaurant. A wonderful memory to share at future family get togethers.

The question up for today is:

What's the most memorable thing you've done to celebrate something special?

We're also discussing glass floors and faith.

So whether you want to look at the photos only, or join in the discussion, come on over to:

Calgary Tower: A Family Celebration