ive been asked if I'm working on another book. The answer is "most definitely". Hoping that the Prequel to the Revenge Series will be out in the fall. And there's two more in the making. One historical fiction and one set in modern times. I'll try to you up to date on the progress. (((HUGS))). Ann

I went for years not finishing anything. Because, of course, when you finish something you can be judged.
- Erica Jong

My personal quote to others when I had written my first book but dared not let anyone read it..."I don't want anyone to tell me my baby is ugly". Because, of course, my book was a byproduct of me... My baby!!!   (Ann Robbins Phillips).

The gift of a peek into your life... generations from now. Pass on a faith, a hope, a dream, Values.... Keep a journal.

Hugs

Ann

Let me say breakfast was a trip
through a typical Phillips reality.

I sat in the window with a fabulous view of the ocean and watched the tide race to the shore. As beautiful as it was, my attention was drawn to an "older" couple (characterized by me as anyone older than us LOL). They had not spoken a word to each other since we had been there. She picked at her napkin, he strummed his fingers on the tabletop. Were they simply not morning people, or had the years of their marriage and busyness robbed them of anything in common? I once thought they were talking. They had just gotten their food, but realized she was fussing at the items on her plate. :). She cut up a few bites and they lapsed back into common silence.

I joined back into the family conversation. We were entertained by 5 year old Sarah's imaginary friend, Millie the Mermaid, that had her own seat at the table. We were told she was doing flips because she was so happy!

Sam told about the scones from this bakery/tea room in January were better than the ones this past Sunday. He was sure they left out sugar. Holly says "you don't put sugar in scones." I assured her you put in a small amount. The bantering continued, she always finding a positive to any negative I spoke. I looked at Bruce (her husband) and asked, "Is she always like this?" He laughed. "Thank you. Finally someone else noticed !" We laughed. She is just like her Dad!

By the way, the couple left without saying a word. Obviously,the coffee didn't work! What a difference between them and the couple I talked about with the wife in the Bohemian clothes (see last week's blog). LOL.

Hugs.

Ann

Sam reminded me today of an obscure scripture in Ecclesiastes that says "Whoever watches the wind will not plan; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap." (11:4) We had ridden our bikes from Beverly Beach into Flagler to an ice cream shop, riding in light rain, and running onto people's porches to avoid the downpours. Whose idea was it to ride today? Don't ask. : ) He assured me sometimes you "just have to go for it", if you want to really do things.

Yesterday I was 61 years old (picture me swallowing hard and grimacing). When I was young, I loved to read. I rode quite a few miles during the summer to a woman's house in the Antioch area of our part of the world where she had a book-mobile-supplied library in a small room on the front of her home (I figured parlor). She tried to keep the type of books I liked...biographies of people that changed our world. My parents only let me do this every so often, so I learned to lay in my bed, close my eyes, and make up my own stories and live in a world beyond tiny Leoma, TN.

I married and raised 5 children. I read, dreamed, and hoped. Months turned into years and my dreams lay dormant waiting for a distant thunderous voice to signal it was time to do what I always wanted to do...WRITE.

My thoughts told me I had waited too long, that it might be too late. Who wants to hear the stories of an "older" woman. (LOL) But like the scripture Sam told me today, I knew that if I looked at the "proverbial skies", I would never start writing and, therefore, would never reap the rewards of satisfaction of realizing my dream. I prepared myself (and still am every chance I get) with writer's seminars and teaching. Stories bubbled up in thoughts, and I raced to put them on to paper.

You, too, need to quit looking at the winds and the clouds, and start doing whatever it is you feel you need to do, those things that you dream. Dream, but plant the seeds you need for reaping.

The couple arrived very late to the dinner theater in Jacksonville, FL. The waiter left to bring two of the three courses in anticipation of the show starting soon. They had to forgo the appetizers. Sam and I introduced ourselves to them. They were a young military couple on a date. She was from Arkansas. He hailed from New Mexico. We thanked them for their service to our country and continued with small talk.

They met in basic training in Virginia at Langley. She could hardly wait to be deployed and see the world. He had put in to follow her to Jacksonville. He said, "I'm glad I joined the service because I met her." He smiled at her.

They did not look old enough to be out of high school, much less trained to put their lives on the line for a country of people that do not always respect their blood-bought freedoms. The word "naive" came to mind.

We say naive like its a bad thing. This unaffected simplicity of nature or absence of artificiality. Unsophistication, if you please. The ability to look at the world with fresh eyes and hope. Those whose hearts have not become disillusioned by people. They have yet lived long enough to form an opinion on matters we discussed, and give a blank stare on occasion. LOL. There is a certain peace in naivety. You're not burdened with the need to form a position on every thought opined by those around you.

I long for the naive years of my life. When black was black, and white was white. When I thought you could live off love and be fully satisfied. When the world was gentle and not harsh. When friends could argue today and be back in the Sand box tomorrow and never remember the things they fought about. Give me the simple, long-since-lost pleasure of being naive.

He reached past her and pushed open the door. With a sweep of his wrinkled hand, he motioned her to enter. Her bohemian style dress fluttered against her slim features. Her once red hair had turned mostly gray and curled gently to her shoudlers. She looked around her with a smile and chose a small table near us with our view of the sailboats in the harbor. The gentleman pulled out her chair and than sat down beside rather than across. He looked our way and said. today is our anniversary. Sixty-three years." He smiled back at her. "I married her when she was three years old." He teased. Others around us heard him and laughed,.

She elaborated, 'The secret is having so many things in common. We sailed, dived, beekeepers, winemakers, fisherman.." The gentleman piped in. "and liars." She hit him playfully on the shoulder and laughed. "It's been a fun life, and it didnt hurt that he's so funny." He turned our way and barked like a tiny dog." She laughed and laid her hand on his.

I was in awe of this couple. We have been married almost 44 years ourselves (April 5). "A sense of humor is an important part of marriage, "I said.

"Oh yes!" She turned to the waittress awaiting their order.

I turned to Sam. "I want to be just like her when I grow up."

Now where is my Ipad. I need to look up Bohemian dresses to order.

I will be having a book signing at the Daisy Church of God, during Upward, from 10:00 - 12:00 in the Family Life Center on February 23, 2013.

I would love to have you come by and see me. Get a book if you like. If you have already purchased one from Amazon, bring it by and I will sign it.

Hugs,

Ann