Joplin Journal Volume 9-10, Issue 2

From the Editor's Desk:

Yep, it's me again just hoping into your inbox with the latest from Joplin. I'm sitting here at my desk with long sleeves and a sweater on with cozy slippers on my feet. It's 41º outside! Almost cold enough to kill the chiggers. I love the colder weather except . . . all our coats and jackets and warm blankets are packed away in storage. We packed them up back in July, and we don't have room for them here yet.

Weather Report:

Most days have been in the 70s. We had rain this week. Clouds, rain, chilly weather. Today is supposed to be sunny and in the 60s. The grass should get mowed again. At least in part of the yard. The leaves are starting to turn and fall.

"Genius Burns":

Nope. I've had time to write the last two nights, but it feels as though my brain has gone on strike. At least in the creative writing department. I think part of that is because of everything else that's going on. I want to write. Maybe soon I can do it again.

Project Prognosis:

Not sure what all I have to report on.

• Prep for KDWC – I got my verses for the devotionals I'll be sharing picked and the graphics done.
• Blog posts written – I have worked on these some. I just have to read and write a review for one book. And I do have a start on some posts for November.
• Work on the house – More on this project in On the House.

Nature Corner:

I found a katydid on our backdoor the other day. The crows and bluejays have been busy around here. And we've had flocks of starlings holding some sort of convention in the trees where they all talk at once.

On the House:

We are still waiting for the guys to come and hang the Sheetrock. They had said last weekend, then they said the end of this week. Hasn't happened. The Sheetrock is sitting here waiting. And we're waiting. Dad has done everything he can do. I put up the insulation on the outside walls, the floor is covered with brown paper, and we wait.

We have guys lined up to do the mudding, taping, and texturing, but we have to have Sheetrock up.

Today Dad and I are going to go down to the storage building and work on painting the trim and the doors.

Babysitting:

No babysitting. Hopefully soon Jimmy & Megan can leave the kids here and can do something for their anniversary.

The Music Stand:

The ladies ensemble sang at church last Sunday. I've been practicing violin for Thanksgiving.

Travel Log:

On Tuesday Mom, Sarah, and I drove up to KC. With Grandma now living in a nursing home with dementia and possibly cancer, Grandpa wanted our help cleaning out some things that he wasn't going to use in the kitchen, and Grandma's sewing stuff. We got it all done, and Grandpa was able to bring Grandma out to spend some time with us before we went home. It was a good visit even if it was different.

KDWC:

We are gearing up for the last writing camp of this year. Registration opens on Monday. We have 7 Aunties for this camp which is the most we've had yet, but we think we're going to need us all because we have a team of girls getting ready to promote camp, and who knows how many they will bring in. :)

Sewing Room:

I saw some flannel nightgowns being made. They looked cozy and cute. And Sarah was digging in boxes of fabric to find some for an order for someone. She's staying busy, but she's not swamped.

Read Another Page:

I have 4 new pocket books available! I gave you the titles last time, but here are the covers and synopses. They are all available in paperback and in kindle. And all can be read for free if you have Kindle Unlimited.

Beyond Comfort

(cover designed by Krista)

What will she find beyond the border?

When Jessica signs up for a mission trip to work with orphans in China, she knows the experience will stretch her beyond the limits of anything she's experienced before. But she has no idea of the lasting impact the trip will leave for more than just herself. How many lives will be touched when one girl dares to reach beyond comfort?

Keeping Up Hope

Does hope have a price tag?

Jolie and Elliana have a problem. Or at least, Mama and Stephen do, and that’s just as bad. The little girls don’t quite understand why talking about “more gages” makes Mama so sad and Stephen so worried, but they’re determined to find a way to help. Can a handful of change and a heart full of hope somehow spark the miracle they need?

Because of a Christmas Tree

(Cover drawn by a friend at church)

What difference can one little tree make?

Old Marley is determined to make a proper celebration for young Sonny, Christmas tree and all, but new problems seem to rise at every turn. When the boy takes matters into his own hands, will their plans end in disaster? Or will the elusive tree finally open the door to a true Christmas blessing?

A Little Christmas Gift

What can I give him, poor as I am...

Brianna wants nothing more than to give Jesus a gift for Christmas, but what does a wheelchair-bound girl have to offer when she's already given her heart? Her little recorder provides a sudden inspiration, but surely cheering up one passerby isn't much of a gift.

But the ripples of her song stretch farther than she knows, reaching neighbors, friends, and strangers alike. How many lives will be touched by the echo of a simple Christmas tune?

Teacher's Lounge:

Closed until January. There's no place to teach.

Book Nook:

I have certainly been doing more reading lately. Of course most of these books are on the shorter side, but still, they count, right? Here's my list. With Wings as Eagles, Nathanael Greene: Independent Boy, Stand By, Boys, Stubby, Brave Soldier Dog, When the Dikes Broke, The Opportunity Circle, and then I've been reading the Emily Abbott series. If enjoy exciting, fun stories that make you laugh one minute and sit on the edge of your seat the next, go read these books. Red Rover, Red Rover, Plan to Fail, Bad Things, Small Packages, Tutor, Nanny, Spit-up, Spy, A-Spying We Will Go. There are three more books in the series but I haven't reread them yet. :D

Farewell:

That wraps up this Joplin Journal. Dad is a Lowe's picking up some paint. Mom's eating breakfast, and I'm guessing Sarah will be heading into the sewing room soon. And me? Well, I'll try to get a few other things done and then when Dad comes with the paint, I'll get started on that. Maybe it will help me feel like something is getting done.

Have a wonderful weekend!