The Queen of blooms, at least here in Idaho, is the month of May! Every day, new petals unfold to delight our hearts and senses with their beauty. May has been a busy month here! Let me tell you all about it... and read to the end where I will share about a giveaway I am doing!
UPDATE! (June 10) WE HAVE A WINNER! I would like to announce that SHUG is the winner to LOVE, EMILY! I will email Shug and get the signed book on the way to her - thank you to each one who shared such wonderful comments and encouragement to Stacy! And if you want a copy of your own, you can find the book here! Blessings :)
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| Every time I walk into my garden, something new delights me. We have had lots of rain this May, which has been such a blessing for the garden! |
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On those rainy days, it is wonderful to have our wood stove to keep the chill away.
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| We always enjoy a good feed of Texas BBQ while we are there! |
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| We stopped by Dan's mom's grave as well. Dan lost his Mom in October 2023 and I lost my Dad in June 2023. |
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| Dan's mom is buried close to Uvalde, so we stopped to see the memorial for the precious souls who lost their lives in that school shooting. It was so hard to see each of the faces and know the loss their families have suffered. |
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| We celebrated my Dad's birthday on Sunday with a feast, and many of the family came to Mom's home to enjoy a meal together. |
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| I made my salsa as well as my Taco Cream Cheese dip. |
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| Mom made her amazing apple pie - all these recipes can be found in my cookbook :) |
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| All of us who could make it gathered together. |
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| We made sure to have Dairy Queen ice cream cake - a favorite of Dad's! |
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| After the meal, we traveled out to Dad's grave and put some more solar lights and flowers on the grave. |
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| Saying goodbye to Mom at the airport |
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| The girls were VERY busy while I was gone! My daughter-in-love kindly washed them all for me, as she took care of all the animals and the garden too! |
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| Oh, it was so good to get back home out of the Texas heat (it was over 100+ while we were there!) and walk again in the morning when the temp was 40 degrees, with brilliant sunshine! |
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| The mountain views never cease to bless my heart! |
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| Our shop concrete has been poured! My husband and son are overjoyed beyond words. We have to let it "cure" or finish drying for about a month before we can begin the rest of the construction. But it is a huge project that we are very grateful to have on its way to completion! |
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| Spending some time outside with little Danika - she and Ryan are enjoying some snuggle time. She is my precious grand-darling, and soon (this fall) Ryan will have his own precious one to cuddle with! We can't wait! Now on to the very exciting giveaway I have for you today! I want to introduce you to a dear friend of mine who is a writer and has just published her first book. Stacy and I are part of a writing group, and we also recently traveled to a writing conference together. I am so excited that she has published her first book, and want to bless one of you - my readers - with a copy of her book, so I will be giving away a copy of her book! Meet Stacy St. George...  |
I’m Stacy St. George, a writer from beautiful North Idaho.
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My writing journey started in grade school. Growing up, my
family moved frequently, and I found comfort in immersing myself in reading.
Anne Shirley of Green Gables, the Pevensey siblings of the Narnia series,
Trixie Belden, and Nancy Drew, were as real to me as my childhood friends. Now,
while I still love to read, I am involved in several writers’ groups where we
encourage and pray for one another in our writing journeys. Living on the Pend O'Reille River with my husband, we have
many opportunities to interact with nature. Hawaii is where we journey when we
need a bit of sunshine in the winter. Our three young adult children are now pursuing
their own dreams. Being grandparents to three busy grandchildren is life’s
special reward for surviving parenthood. Church fellowship, small groups, and mission work are
passions I pursue to feed my soul. I have a BA degree in Business/English from
Washington State University. I recently retired from Healthcare Administration
after 15 years in the field. Having served in the military, my husband now
assists couples and families in the process of purchasing their homes. He is my
number one fan. I wrote my
debut novel, Love Emily, over the course of 16 years. Balancing
duties as a wife and mother, I had limited time for writing. But when I
eventually found a chunk of time, the story poured out swiftly. Love,
Emily is a story
of God’s faithfulness in unlikely places, set in the tranquil and vibrant
setting of Hawaii, where Kaitlyn Mohr is healing from unimaginable tragedy. Her
path crosses with that of Nick Jordan, a father who is raising his daughter
alone after cancer steals his wife. Nick and Kaitlyn’s cautious foray into a
friendship that slowly turns to love has an unknown tie that binds their lives
together. Are they brave enough to explore it and let love bloom? I’ve always
held a deep appreciation for the men and women who serve our country. We have a
rich history of families who’ve been part of the armed forces, so it seemed
natural to write about what I know: the separation, the sacrifice, the loss,
the anxiety, and the deep pride. Throughout the book, I wanted to instill hope in the characters. Hope for the future, hope for love, hope for our salvation. Please enjoy this story. For more information, please visit www.wordsbystacy.com to sign up for my newsletter and biweekly blog. Or drop me a line at stacy@wordsbystacy.com. Visit often. My goal is to share words that will inspire and
bring hope to your day. You can purchase this book from Amazon or request a
signed copy from my website. May you
abound in hope. ~Stacy St.
George |
All you have to do to enter the giveaway is leave a comment below.
This giveaway is limited to USA residents only.
I will conclude the giveaway and announce the winner two weeks from today on Sunday June 8! The winner will receive a signed book from Stacy plus a bookmark. You can also find Stacy's book on Amazon at this link HERE.
If you read her book, be sure and leave a review, as reviews are very precious to us writers!
Many blessings to each of you (those in the US) on this Memorial Day weekend, as we celebrate, remember and honor those who gave their all for us. Stacy's book is a perfect giveaway for this weekend, as one of the characters in Stacy's book was in the military. Remember to be safe while you enjoy the weekend together - much love to all of you!
Happy Memorial Day! here!
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May is the queen of blooms in Michigan too. Such a joyful time for us!
ReplyDeleteMay 19 is my moms heavenly birthday too. I'm glad you were able to be with your mom on that day.
Little Danika is growing fast!
I enjoyed the video.
Only take a little of the TX heat to make us appreciate the cooler weather in Idaho and PNW! Stacy's book looks like such a good read - sound like her life has made a great basis for her writing, too!
ReplyDeleteAnother book giveaway is some weak tea, add some cash or free food coupons to the pot and more folks will enter.
ReplyDeleteThat Texas heat is something else! How nice that you could visit your dear mom and remember your dad together with loved ones. That does look like a great feast! How exciting for that footprint of the shop your guys are looking forward to. Sweet times ahead with another grand on the way. Such a special blessing from the LORD. That's a nice giveaway and great way to spread the word for a fellow author's work. Leave my name out of the drawing, though. My free reading at this time is challenging. :)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Stacy! Your debut book sounds fantastic, and I'm so glad Marilyn introduced you to us all. And Marilyn, as hot as Texas was, I know your visit with family was a rewarding reunion. So glad you had the chance to visit. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Martha. Marilyn is a dear friend who is a wonderful critique partner. I learn so much from her. I'm excited to finally share my book.
DeleteLook at all that food. Yum. Happy belated heavenly birthday to your dad.
ReplyDeleteBig congratulations to your friend Stacy. So happy for her to have written her first book. Happy heavenly birthday to your loved ones. I did not know that you had family in Texas...We are actually in East Texas, which mean that we are still 100's of miles from where you visited. You are right...the 100 degree days have already found their place here in our big state. All the food looks so good and what a fabulous Blessings for you all to be able to spend time together....Your mom looks great and I love the smiles on each of your faces. I must say, your garden area is looking very nice and wow...that is a whole bunch of eggs...how very nice. Wishing you all a wonderful week ahead.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Shug. Stay cool during those hot Texas days.
DeleteSounds all really touching and how nice to have those family times together! It all goes so fast! Made me miss all my family back East. Wow and those eggs!! That shop will be incredible, every mans dream (smiles) Happy almost Summer! May God continue to bless your growing family! Hugs, Roxy
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you got to go to see your mom and celebrate your dear dad's birthday. Such sad times of missing him, but such comfort in sharing the grief with others who loved him. Congratulations to your friend, Stacy! I hope God blesses her book! Sending love to you today, sweet friend!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the kind words, Cheryl. I know God uses Marilyn every day to bless all of us!
DeleteHappy Memorial Day!
ReplyDeleteDanika is precious and getting so big! As usual I love all of your photos and the video!
We just got back from Albuquerque which I absolutely LOVED. Perfect temps in the 70s and low 80s and desert hiking was something I had always wanted to do and now I have!! We just loved the Old Town and our little casita we rented via Air BnB.
That book sounds wonderful! I'm happy to enter your give away. Like the author, I too loved trixie Belden, (my oldest has all my books) Nancy Drew and Narnia!
I hope you continue to have a beautiful spring!
Faith, I still have all of the Narnia and Nancy Drew books in my library. My grandparents bought the Nancy Drew set when my cousins and I were young and we all passed them around and talked about them. Fun memories! I need to start looking for more Trixie Belden. I think my girls took those to their own homes when they moved out.
DeleteOh I just love books! Thank you for this giveaway! I read Trixie Belden books and Nancy Drew when I was a kid plus a few Hardy Boys.
ReplyDeleteAren't books the best friends! You can take them anywhere!
DeleteDear Marilyn 🥰
ReplyDeleteIt was nice to hear from you once again!
I loved your sharing about your May visit and Giveaway
How amazing you decided to visit your mom to celebrate the anniversary of your late dear father!
The graves of murderd students in school shoot are hard for face indeed!
You’re dishes and family gatherings look so wonderful 🤗
Your mom is still as pretty and sweet as you 🤗🥰
I love ,your love for mountains as I belong to hills surrounded village and can imagine it’s hard to leave them behind 😊
Your granddaughter is growing fast 🤗🙏
It’s sweet of your daughter in love to keep things in order while you were away.
Much more beauty and goodness to you and yours 🥰♥️
A lovely trip to remember your dad nod see your mom. Your garden looks wonderful. Danika is such a cutie. She is growing so fast. How special your friend Stacey has written a book. I wish her great success.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind wishes, Linda.
DeleteThis sounds like such a wonderful trip. Does anything beat family and time away, and then returning home. (Especially to somewhat better temperatures.) I'm sure your mom was thrilled to be with you. I'm sure Uvalde was very moving. And now a new shop to anticipate. I hope you had a lovely Memorial Day and thank you so much for stopping by to visit at Marmelade Gypsy!
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful that you could make that weekend trip to Texas! Your garden looks lovely and your sweet little granddaughter is precious. We've been having 40-degree mornings here in NH too ... this morning was 37º! Your friend's book sounds like a wonderful read.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind comment, Mrs. T. I hope you have a chance to read it.
DeleteWhat a wonderful way to honor your loved one. Such a blessing to be with family. I always enjoy your podsts with your beautiful pictures. Wish i had that garden!! Thanks for the chance to win the book which I am sure I would enjoy reading. Sounds very interesting! Helen
ReplyDeleteHello, I am so happy you were able to head to Texas to be with family.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the reminder about Uvalde, I am stopping to pray for the families.
Thank you for the fun photos of the garden and family too.
Carla
Marilyn, your post is beautiful. I know how comforting it can be to remember your dad surrounded by family. Visiting Dan's mom's resting place had to be special, too.
ReplyDeleteI'm so thankful that spring is finally here in North Idaho. It was lovely to not need my hat and mittens for my morning walk.
Thank you for sharing my book and a bit about myself with your readers. They are a beautiful group of people. Take care, sweet friend.
so glad to hear you were able to make the trip down to Texas to be with your mom and the rest of the family, I am sure she was thankful for all your company. Bet your hubby is excited to get the shop finished, hopefully before it gets too warm :). I am with you Texas is way too HOT.
ReplyDeleteyou don't have to put me in the give a way, i would much rather someone who loves to read to get the book.
Thank you for doing this giveaway. I'd love to enter.
ReplyDeleteAlso I love the pictures and the ones you put with the video. So beautiful.
~Ashley
Oh little Danika is growing so quickly ... what a sweetie! And all those eggs. Fresh and delicious ... REAL food, Marilyn!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a fantastic Memorial weekend with your family. Little Danika is darling! Congratulations to your friend on her book!
ReplyDeleteMarilyn, your pictures and words really make Idaho seem like the perfect place to live. I'm so happy you had the chance to spend time with your family; it looks like everyone enjoyed themselves immensely. I also want you and Stacy to know that I am currently reading "Love, Emily." I can’t wait to go to bed each night to find out what happens next. The book is a fantastic read, and I encourage everyone to get a copy.
ReplyDeleteLooks like you all have had a great month of May! Beautiful blooms!
ReplyDeleteThough I'm sure sad remembering your dad's passing (and your mother-in-law too), I'm glad that sweet memories were made as you visited your mom.
I didn't know about the memorial in Uvalde; it was devastating when we heard about that awful day.
The books looks like an interesting read! You're so sweet to do this giveaway for your friend! :)
God bless and keep you and your family, Marilyn!
Valentine
It was good that you were able to go and see your Mom.
ReplyDeleteThose temperatures were so hot though!
Sweet little Danika, she is growing so quickly.
Sending my good wishes across the miles, have a happy new month of June.
All the best Jan
https://thelowcarbdiabetic.blogspot.com/
How wonderful to be with your mom and to celebrate your dad’s heavenly birthday, Marilyn. I know that getting home was such a blessing to be in your gorgeous area. How thoughtful if your DIL to take care of the chores for you. Baby Danika is getting so big. Thank you for all the updates. Happy June tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteI am so excited to be a winner of this wonderful give-away!! Thank you so very much Marilyn.
ReplyDelete