Thursday, October 30, 2014

Gay's Days, October 30, 2014


This statue is a new addition in my doctor's office.
 
 
The statue is almost as tall as I am, and I usually sit in the chair next to the wall.  Now that the gold thing stands there, I sit somewhere else.
 
Not that I'm afraid of it, mind you. The object has no powers. I simply believe in my God, and He doesn't approve of images representing one.
 
Perhaps this item is art, and has no religious significance.  I meant to ask, but after three hours to see the doctor last Monday, I forgot.
 
He's a very good physician, and I'm pleased to find him. His office staff provides professional and friendly service, and his reputation notable. That's one reason I wait for him.
 
I took two of my books to his office the other day. I signed them and asked the ladies to share. I hope the staff will read them. My books are inspirational and God is mentioned often. I've been told my books aren't too preachy, so that's good.  I give away books as a witnessing tool of who I am and the God I serve.
 
One of the ladies I gave a book to lives in Sugar Land, so I brought her a copy of Sarah: Laney's Angel.  The other woman lives in the Houston area. I gave her Sarah: A Mission of Love.  Perhaps they will pass the novels around and others will have an opportunity to read Sarah's story.
 
I'm guessing that most of you who read my blog are Christians.  What do you do to share your faith? Other faiths share. Perhaps in ways we don't like. I wish our radical Islam friends weren't so drastic. Threatening people to convert to a faith is extreme, in my opinion.
 
God gives us free will and choice, so we are welcome to choose any faith we want. Of course, there are major consequences if we don't choose the One and Only True God.
 
Perhaps the physician shares his faith through the art work. I communicate mine through books as well as other ways.  Anyone want to comment on the ways they share their faith? I love comments.
 
 
 
 
 


Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Gay's Days, October 28, 2014


DiAnn Mills, our FHL President, (Faith, Hope and Love) sent an email to members this week. When we travel, she wanted to know if we found a story when we came upon "the beauty, the downtrodden, the victorious, and the beaten?"
 
I responded that I did, and I've used what I've seen in my travels in several books. But then, I began to laugh as I remembered the photo I'd taken recently while hubby and I traveled in a nearby country town. I've seen lots of items for sale in a yard, but this was the first for a toilet.
 
Let's make up a story about this one, shall we?
 
Well, let's see. This item isn't a thing of beauty, but maybe we could go with the victorious theme.
 
The dialogue could go similar to this.
 
Wife:     "I want a new toilet."
Hubby:  "Why? This one is perfectly good. No need to spend money."
Wife:     "This one is hard to clean and the lid is broken. You threw it away, remember?"
Hubby:  "Yeah, but it still flushes."
Wife:     "Water sprays out the top when we pull the handle."
Hubby:  "Who cares?" 
Wife:     "I care. Did you ever think about the way you fill up the thing? No telling what other mess spews into the bathroom."
Hubby:   "Okay. I'll make a deal with you. You can have a new one if I sell the old one."
Wife:      "Deal."
 
The wife became the triumphant winner. Voila! I just wrote a short story. The Toilet in the Yard.
 
Thanks DiAnn for the suggestion. I think most authors write about what they see, hear, and what (or who) they know. Our imaginations are always at work. So is my outrageous sense of humor.
 
DiAnn Mills is a Christy Award Winner. You can find her and her books on these sites.
 
 
Have you gotten your copy yet of my latest book?
 
Sarah and a Dad for Mandy.
 
A novella, available in eBook


 
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Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Gay's Days, October 22, 2014


Columbus Texas
 

One day last week, hubby and I drove through Columbus Texas. This county seat town lies about forty-five minutes from our home. When we travel to Austin or San Antonio, we often stop for lunch in this quaint little city.  Many of the houses are historic landmarks, and the founders of the city had enough sense to leave gigantic, old trees and build roads around them. You'll find several roads such as the one in the picture in Columbus.

I once kept a diary of books I read with snippets about the novels and whether I would read them a second time. In my entry dated August, 2005, I reviewed My Mother's Daughter by Judith Henry Wall.  Perhaps the book has been updated because Amazon says it was published by Simon & Schuster (January 4, 2014),  and I read it in 2005. The book is not available on eBook.

I had to look up the title in my journal....I'm bad about remembering titles. Are you?

Never-the-less, I've never forgotten the story. Two sisters...one sister, a photographer, makes photos of war zones in 1942. The other sister stays in Columbus. When the photographing sister returns to Columbus, she expects a child, but refuses to say who the father is. The sister who stayed in Columbus takes the child as her own. And the mystery begins.

In my notes, I've written, "This is an okay read, but I don't want to read it again." Having said that, let me hasten to say that I've never forgotten the story. When we drive though Columbus, I think of these two fictional sisters. The picture on the cover of the book resembles many of the homes in Columbus.

Product Details
 
 
Do you keep a book journal? For years I did, and I plan to go back doing so again. Finding forgotten books is easy with one, and knowing which ones you want to read a second time is priceless.
 
 
I'd love to hear the names of your favorite books. Do you read them over and over?  If so, why?
 
 
I love Janette Oke's book, Love Comes Softly. I read it from time to time. The sequels aren't as good to me as the original. I also loved the movie, but the book is better.
 
A splendid compliment came my way from a reader. She said she reads my books a second time. I think there's no better accolade than for a reader to tell an author that. I also think the author did a good job if a reader remembers a story.
 
 
I hope you will read my Sarah series, and please leave reviews. Readers are often afraid of reviews because they think they must recap the story. That's not necessary.  A simple, "I liked this book" will do.
 
Keep your smile handy! Pick up a book and read today!


 
 

Friday, October 17, 2014

Gay's Days, October 17, 2014


 
If you've read Sarah and a Dad for Mandy, You will know that all the characters in the three novellas come together for Karen and Jeremy's wedding.  The couple planned their honeymoon in Quebec City, Quebec Canada.

 
 
Hubby and I traveled there about this time last year, and it became one of my favorite places.  Check this YouTube video out. If you haven't been there, this city makes a grand get-away. You can't believe how romantic it is.

 
Here's an excerpt from Sarah and a Dad for Mandy.


Sarah breezed down into a corner of the bedroom where Karen and Brittany sorted various articles of clothing and placed them into an open bag on the bed.

“I expect Quebec City to be cooler this time of year—certainly more so than Houston right now. I’m taking a lightweight jacket, just in case I need it for night time.”

“How did you and Jeremy decide on Quebec City for a wedding trip?” Brittany folded a long sleeved t-shirt and placed it in the suitcase.

“Do you remember me telling you about that rather unusual woman I met at Gio’s Deli? Those tables at the place butt together. Anyway, I was alone and a stranger sat at a spot next to mine. She started a conversation—said she was in the connection business, and often forgot where she was.”

“Oh, yeah, I recall you talking about her.”

“A very nice person—evidently she traveled a lot. She mentioned Quebec City as a honeymoon site—said it was a romantic place. After Jeremy and I researched it, we chose to go there. The ancient section of Quebec is walled and quite romantic with its French atmosphere. I love old stone buildings and winding cobblestone streets. The area has many things to do and see, and I’ve read the food is fantastic.”

From her position at the ceiling, Sarah nodded. Although she hadn’t savored the delicacies in that location, she’d seen them from The Heavenlies, and they looked yummy. Would the Superiors be pleased? Karen and Jeremy had followed her suggestion regarding a wedding trip.

Karen folded a black pair of slacks and placed them into the bag. “Another comment the lady made was one of the reasons I determined to stay connected with the Internet Dating Service.” Karen picked up a shirt. “Her name was Sarah Wingspand. I remember because it was unusual—kind of like her. Anyway, out-of-the-blue, she told me that a near disaster might make people think twice, but God had ordained matrimony from the get-go, and sometimes a relationship required taking a chance.”
As authors, we write about what we've experienced.
 
I'd go back to Quebec City in a heartbeat.
 
I hope you'll have an opportunity to travel to Quebec,
but if you can't, read about the city in my books.
 

 


 

Thursday, October 16, 2014

Gay's Days, October 16, 2014



Released and ready to read
.99
 
Here's and excerpt.
 
This is a conversation taking place between Christian and Sarah.
 
 
“It is beautiful country our Creator designed just north of here. My assignment was to bring together a man and woman who had been sweethearts in high school. If they’d become husband and wife when they first considered wedded bliss, they would be celebrating fifty years together. Instead they married other people, but they never forgot their first love. After their spouses died, they looked each other up on social media.”
 
“Never heard of social media.” Sarah frowned.
 
“It’s a cyberspace tool. I helped them find each other on Facebook.”
 
“What in the world could that gizmo be? Is it some kind of doohickey where people stand at a computer and make silly faces at the screen?”
 
Christian laughed. “Not exactly. It’s a public forum where individuals post attractive personal, profile pictures and those images spin around the world on the Internet.”
 
“Oh, my stars!" Sarah cringed.  "I hope the Superiors never ask me to tangle with that thingy. No telling what kind of mess I’d make. I had enough trouble getting Karen and Jeremy together on an Internet Dating Service. Can you imagine what I’d do if I had a bunch of photos staring back at me?” Sarah squeezed one eye shut. “On the other hand, if their semblances had been on that service they used, I might not have had as much confusion.” She shuddered. “I don’t want to use computers.”
 
“But you did, and you are now more familiar with mankind’s toys. It was good for you. Facebook is an excellent place to learn new things about people. You should set up a page. Call yourself Sarah Wingspand and invite friends to like you.”
 
“My friends reside in The Heavenlies. I don’t have any down here.”
 
“Oh, you don’t need to know people. Just publish an image and request the public to friend you.”
 
“Huh? People who don’t know each other get in touch with other strangers and become buddies?”
 
“Yes. Often that is the case. They may never meet in this life, only in the one to come, but they visit over the Internet.”
 
 
“That’s the weirdest thing I’ve ever heard of. Whoever came up with that idea must be making tons money."
 
 


Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Gay's Days, October 15

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Gay's Days, October 14, 2014

Good morning friends,

I'm so happy to be on Penelope Marzec's blog today. Please stop by and say hello. http://penelopemarzec.blogspot.com/

Penny writes lovely novels, and I recommend them. One of my favorites is Patriot's Heart.
 
You'll find a heartwarming story that takes place during the Revolutionary War on the pages of this entertaining book..
 
Product Details


Today is one of God's diamond days down here in Houston. Times of low humidity and a high of 75 F are rare. Oh sure, we get mild temps during the fall and winter, but the skies are usually filled with sticky moisture. I'm going out for a walk as soon as the dawn begins to break.

I have lots to do today, and I'm afraid I won't get it all done.  Do you have mornings where you wonder the same thing?  After exercise, I'm going to work on my post for efictionfinds.  http://www.efictionfinds.com/ My post is due tomorrow, and I still haven't learned how to connect links to pictures. Sigh.

After I make my selections for eFF, I'll work on my new release. Sarah and a Dad for Mandy. The new novella comes out tomorrow. You can't imagine my anticipation and eagerness. Sleep will not come tonight. So pumped!

While I drove about recently, I found these steps. Oh the stories I could create about them. How about you?  What kind of images do they bring to your mind?

The "Stairway to No Where" is a few miles from my home and are surrounded by lovely houses.  Did the family who once lived here have a happy life? Did they survive a fire? A storm? Were they left totally homeless? On the other hand, perhaps the occupants are glad the house is gone. Maybe a lonely person roamed among the rooms.

 Secrets live behind closed doors.

Grass has grown where the house once stood. Stairs and mysteries are all that's left on this patch of land.

Don't be surprised if Sarah doesn't find these stairs. She may know the story behind them.

   
 
 
Have a blessed day, and I'll catch you tomorrow!



Friday, October 10, 2014

Gay's Days, October 10, 2014

Guess what I found yesterday?

My blender.  Can you believe I forgot I had one?  Well, if you read my ramblings, you know I'm not a good cook, and you'd realize I don't use appliances often. 

Poor hubby. He eats whatever I offer and never complains. I cooked breakfast for dinner last night and thought I'd add a pancake to go with the eggs, bacon, and potatoes. While I was rummaging around in my cabinets, I found a waffle iron.  Forgot I had that too.  I decided to make waffles instead of pancakes.  That wasn't possible...I couldn't find the electric cord to the waffle gadget.  Wonder where that doodad is?

I used the blender this morning to make a smoothie.  I had banana/strawberry juice, yogurt, carrots and blueberries, so I liquefied them, put the mixture into a pretty glass, and I'm drinking this creation for breakfast as I tell you my tales. I'd like to lose a pound this week, but I say that to myself every week and never do. I doubt this smoothie will stay with me long. I'll be hungry again in an hour. After I go to the gym, I'll do my best to stay away from the fast food burgers.



I bought a new Bible. My current one is wearing out.  But you know what? I find I keep using the old one. I love my timeworn friend the best. I've written in it, added sticky notes, and placed a few important pictures in there...one of my mom and dad who are now in heaven. Do you have a time-honored friend? There's no better companion than your Bible. God's word speaks to us through this great book.

 
Just as we eat food everyday, we need His Word regularly.
 
My forever friend in blue is the NIV translation. Since hubby preaches from the NKJV, I bought that version. Both my Bibles are study Bibles, but my old friend has better notes regarding hard-to-understand Scripture. Perhaps one reason that people don't read the truth in these pages is because the Word of God is difficult at times to understand.  A good study Bible helps with that.
 
 
I was happy to see two of my Sarah books on Amazon's Best Seller List this morning. I'm looking forward to next Wednesday when the next edition comes out. Sarah and a Dad for Mandy. I hope you will read Sarah and leave a review. You can't imagine how much authors appreciate reviews.
 
 
Got to run. Ya'll keep that smile.
 

Thursday, October 9, 2014

Gay's Days, October 9, 2014

While I spoke to a friend on the phone yesterday, I glanced at my front door and found a critter of some kind at the top on the facing. Now I hate to kill varmints of any kind. They scare me and give me the willies, but I didn't want to leave the room and allow that thing to do whatever it planned.

I finally decided to open the door, hit the "bug" with a towel and hope the thingy would fall outside. I didn't have a plan "B."  So if the creepy-crawly decided to attract me in self defense, I might have fainted.

The insect left my door and flew out, but I don't know if it left my house because I hit it with a towel or because I screamed like a banshee.

Here's a picture.  Anyone know what this creature was?  I named it Unwanted.


Our front yard has eight trees, so I imagine Unwanted might have come from one of them. I hope he/she never returns to the inside of the house. Unwanted is unwelcome.

I'm planning on buying either a new Kindle Fire HDX 8.9  or an iPad. I'm told the iPad does more, and it has a bigger reading screen, but it wouldn't be as easy to carry around. Which one should I purchase?  I hate making tech decisions. We just bought a Smart Bar for the TV, and hubby had no problems setting it up.  The young salesman told me it that I can hear my audio books if I set it to do so.  I haven't done that yet. Critters are not the only things that make me cringe.

The salesman at the store showed me an iPad and recommended it over the Kindle. I had him type in Gay N. Lewis and he was amazed when Amazon brought up my books. He said, "I've met a celebrity." I smiled and said, "Not really, but thanks for thinking so." He said the iPad would be familiar since I have an iPhone and I might find it easier to use.  Leave a comment with your thoughts. Which one? iPad or Kindle?   If you know what Unwanted is, let me know that too.

My coffee is cold. Time for a fresh cup. Ya'll have a good one!

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Gay's Days, October 7, 2014

Good morning friends,

While I ran errands yesterday, I stopped at the hardware store to shop for Christmas gifts.

Did I hear you say, "huh? Hardware store? Did she buy hammers to use as stocking stuffers?"

The Ace Hardware store where I shop has the Trendz Boutique located in the front half of the store, and they have unique items for the home. I drool over the costume jewelry and clothing items. They even have gourmet coffee and foods. I sampled the Snickerdoodle blend. Delicious.

I found a large supply of angels, and you know how I love angels. Here's a picture of three--they had many more of various shapes and sizes.  I'm trying to decide which one of the trio I want.  Let me know the one you like best. I'm looking for one that doesn't look too much like Christmas. I plan to leave out it out all year.

 
The tallest angel stands 21 inches and the second tallest is 17 inches. Her wings are metal.
I'm leaning toward the middle one.
 
How about this Santa?
 
 
Santa stood in my way, and he's as tall as I am.
 
If you are ever in Katy, Texas, stop by the Ace Hardware. Address: 1720 S Mason Rd, You'll like the store.
 
I found two Christmas gifts while I browsed. Have you started yet? I'm planning to finish in a timely manner this year, and this is really early for me. Perhaps there is hope. My family will be amazed.

The store also had fall decorations, but I thought Christmas when I saw all the displays.

I wrote almost five hundred Sarah words yesterday. She's having an amazing experience out there on the deep blue sea.



Now I'm thinking about the book about to come out...Sarah and a Dad for Mandy. That book will be officially released a week from today! I can hardly wait!

Let me know which angel you like best. And I hope you are planning to read Mandy!

Until tomorrow............


Monday, October 6, 2014

Gay's Days, October 6, 2014

 
 
When we traveled to New England last fall, we loved the yard decorations, panorama of color, and crisp air. Some of us in Houston decorate our yards, but we don't have those luscious hues that appear in northern climes. 
 
Do you enjoy Halloween? I'm not a fan, but many are--even adults. I do enjoy the holiday season and I can't believe the busy days are almost here.
 
I'll be setting up my tree soon. I decorate it with fall colors and then change to Christmas. I enjoy it once the thing is done. Stay tuned for pictures and maybe a few decorating tips.
 
This picture was taken last October in New England when we stopped for lunch.
 
Do you decorate your yard? Send pictures to gaynlewis@gmail.com. If I use them on this blog, I'll gift you with one of Sarah's eBooks.

 
 
Another restaurant provided décor.
 
 
And speaking of eating establishments, I'm hungry this morning, but I'm fasting for the annual blood work. Don't you hate that? My doctor's office is a good 45 minutes away. I'll stop for brunch after the "vampire" does her thing.
 
When I return, I hope to spend some time with Sarah. That little angel from The Heavenlies is on a ship sailing toward Mexico, and oh the things she's done.  In so many ways, she's innocent. She means good, but like many of us, her actions turn out questionable.
 
Okay, now it's time to head east. Ya'll have a good one!

Friday, October 3, 2014

Gay's Day, October 3, 2014

Hello again,

Guess what? My white chili turned out delicious. I'll try that one again. A simple, hearty, and easy dish. I served it with salad, garlic-cheese bread, and ice cream with strawberries for dessert.  Even hubby said it was good.  He usually says, "not bad." There are several recipes on the Internet. Choose one that sounds good to you. My white beans were navy beans, and I used 2 cans of chopped green chilies. I read all the labels on chicken stock at the market and chose the one with the lowest amount of sodium.

I should have taken a picture to show you, but the dish didn't look all that pretty. In fact, with the brown chicken broth, it didn't look white, but the recipe called it 'white chili.'

We have lovely temps today and the humidity is lower. Nice, huh?  I enjoy looking at the weather report and seeing what other parts of the world experience for the day. A few of you may have snow today.

I'm going to walk in the neighborhood. A jaunt around the blocks are nice where I live. People seem to outdo each other with landscaping. We don't have fall color yet, and I see that many of you do. I'd love to visit your area to see those lovely hues again. God is an awesome artist.

Can you believe the weekend is here? I hope you'll escape the ugly that's in the news and read one of my fun books. If I watch too much of the bad stuff, it gets me down.  Not only is our world in turmoil, but sometimes we experience personal stress. An escape is a healthy thing to do.

People often ask me which of my books is my favorite, and my answer changes from day to day. I like the one I'm working on right now, and I especially favor the one I just finished. Sarah and a Dad for Mandy.  Sarah realizes she can't help all the needy children in the world, and she is thrilled to help at least one.

I often wonder what I do to help. One by one by one by one by one...................

Two days ago, I saw an oriental young woman holding a cardboard sign. It read, "Money for rent. Two children." Before I could dig out money, the light changed, and I had to drive on. When I went back, the lady wasn't there.

The next day, at another location, I saw two more young women with the same signs.  Now I wonder if it was a scam. Could these women be slaves to some guy who forces them to beg? It happens. Just because there is evil in the world doesn't mean we shouldn't be generous to the needy, but it is wise to give to reputable charities...or people you truly know.

Put your happy face on.


 
I like this one too. It's the first of the three novellas that will be grouped together.
All the stories coordinate.
 


Thursday, October 2, 2014

Gay's Days, October 2, 2014

Hello my unseen friends,

The day will be another hot one, and it's October, but hope for tomorrow is on the way. A cold front arrives and will drop our high temp back down to the 80's.

I suppose some people who live in Houston like the heat and humidity, but I don't. If I'd ever lived in snow and ice, I might appreciate our weather more. Texas friends of mine once lived close to the Canadian border. They woke up one morning to find snow had covered the windows...no chance to see and no way to open the front or back entrances. Jim said to Pearl, "Honey, when we can get out the door, are you ready to go back to Texas?"  And of course they did.

The windows and door in my house look as though we are in the midst of a downpour of rain, but the sun shines. The temp has started out at 80 degree Fahrenheit at six AM, and we are at 96% humidity. Here's picture of my front door.

 
And here's a picture of the kitchen door that opens to the covered screened sunroom.
 

See? We look as though sheets of rain pour, but it's just the water in the air.  Makes for a sticky day.

But....I can open the door and walk out, even if I don't want to. Have any of you been snowed in to the point you had to dig out?  Did you feel claustrophobic? That's an experience I wouldn't welcome.

My arm is a bit sore. Got my flu shot yesterday. Have you had yours? All these new diseases we are combating now are rather scary.  Ebola. Some paralyzing various that attacks kids. Such things remind us to pray.

I'm cooking dinner tonight for friends. I found a new recipe for "White Chili." I know you aren't supposed to try new stuff on guests, but this is a low carb dish and I have the ingredients on hand. Two people who are coming have diabetes and I try to accommodate them. I'll let you know how it turns out. The dish sounds simple, and since my cooking skills are limited, I like easy dishes.

I checked Amazon this morning to see how Sarah was doing. I'm thrilled to say that Sarah and a Dad for Mandy is once again on the best seller's list, and it's not even out yet!  Thank you everyone!  I'm happy you like Sarah.  She's a loveable angel with a good heart who makes many bungles.



        Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #63,370 Paid in Kindle Store
*   #47 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Religious & Inspirational Fiction > Christian > Fantasy


Amazon changes these numbers every hour, but at this moment, these are the ones they show for my book to be released on October 15.  This novella only takes about 2 hours to read, it's funny and heartwarming, even if I do say so myself. I hope you will read it and leave a review.  Reviews are important to an author. I wish people weren't afraid to leave them.

Smile! It makes people wonder what your secrets are!
 



PBG Insider: Gay N. Lewis Introduces her "Sarah" series

Sarah at Christmas