Bookstore Spotlight: Brused Books

Once we left the Artisans of the Dahmen Barn, we drove to Pullman. We parked in a lot not far from Brused Books. Before we visited the bookstore, I had lunch at Rancho Viejo (it was good). We walked out of it and headed to the bookstore. I had heard of this bookstore from a customer that came to where I work (which is ...And Books, Too!) I knew I had to see it, so I was excited when my friend mentioned going there. It's no surprise that I really love bookstores. I find that each one is always unique. With my eagerness brewing, we stopped outside the building where I took pictures of its exterior. With that, we then stepped in.

Brused Books has a variety of books. It's packed with them. I felt lost within the vortex with so many choices to pick out. I didn't know where to start. I stopped at a shelf that had manga, but didn't find anything there so I preceded on. My friend had a section that she was interested in, so I ventured past the bookcases. I halted before one lone bookshelf. It was children's or youth's classics. I browsed them and found two that I was immediately drawn to. But at first, I wasn't sure if I wanted them. I turned around and asked my friend if they had Christian fiction. She said that they should, so I searched for that.

Once I found my target, I walked in between the bookshelves to find Christian fiction. They had many books, but two caught my eye. First, was The Carousel Painter by Judith Miller. It happens to be one of my favorite books, but surprisingly I didn't have a copy. So, yes, I gladly grabbed it. The other one was The Water Keeper (in hardback) by Charles Martin. I had wanted a copy so badly, so naturally that found its place with my arms, as well. I then returned to the classics where I pulled out those same two books I had spotted earlier. They just had to join my other two books. They were both Marguerite Henry books.

One of them by her was Misty of Chincoteague. It was one of my favorite books growing up. I was at that point obsessed with horses. I did have a copy, but I don't know where it went. I also had a copy of King of the Wind somewhere. Since I didn't know where they were at, I couldn't resist getting these two hardcover copies from the bookstore. With the four books in my arms, I was satisfied with my selections. My friend had found something, too. We both then headed to the front desk. I paid for my four books, and my friend did for hers. After purchasing, we left the store, but not before I took one last photo. It was fun.

The bookstore marked our end to the wonderful day we had together. My friend has such a beautiful soul, and I enjoy going on these little adventures with her. I hope to do more in the days ahead. At the time, I said goodbye to her and drove back to town. There was one thing missing, however. It happened to be the first day of Autumn, so I had to pick up some pumpkins for me and my Mom. I plan on carving one of them for Halloween. All in all, it was such an awesome day, and it was the perfect way to welcome Autumn. I don't know what my plans for Moscow and Pullman will be next time, but I look forward to them.

I definitely recommend checking out Brused Books if you're in Pullman. 

Many blessings,
- Grace Thorson

Photo Quests: Searching For Flowers

 Photo Quests: Searching For Flowers

Intro: It's now Autumn. I started off searching for leaves, but I found flowers, as well.
From the few flowers still in bloom, I captured what I could. I knew that soon most
will be gone as the weather cools. I'll miss them as they say their goodbyes.

Quest Ending: My favorite season is Autumn, however, I'm always sad to see the flowers
leave. I love taking photos of them to preserve their beauty that they give us. I'm sure
as they disappear, we'll be offered another beauty in the turning of the leaves.

Author Interview: Carmen Peone

Carmen Peone is an award-winning author of Young Adult Adventure and Contemporary Western Romance. Her newest book, Renewed Hope, is available on Amazon and at the bookstore ...And Books, Too! She's currently working on a rodeo queen/cowboy series.

Author Carmen Peone stopped by my blog to do an interview with me today.

Welcome, Carmen!

Thank you for having me on your blog, Grace! It’s an honor.

How did you start writing? What drew you to it?

I began writing after about fifteen years of living on the Colville Indian Reservation in Northeast Washington State. I worked with youth at the time in the Inchelium K-12 school system and started writing young adult adventure stories rich in the Native culture and our Christian faith. The beauty of the traditions drew me in, as did the Spupaleena character that would not leave me alone.

I think it’s cool you incorporate horses into your stories. Do you have any of your own?

I do have horses. We’ve had up to ten on the ranch, but now we are down to two. Cash is my sorrel half-Morgan, half-Quarter Horse gelding, and Buck is my black-and-white Paint. He’s 24 and a gem.

I love your photography and haiku on Facebook. What inspired that?

Thank you so much! While working at the Inchelium school, Japanese University students came and taught my after-school program the traditional 757 structure. I hadn’t thought about posting them on social media until I saw a writer friend post her non-traditional haiku poems. So I decided, why not? I’ve been posting them for almost ten years now.

With your latest book, Renewed Hope, what do you hope readers will take away from it?

I hope readers will take an awareness of domestic violence and abuse and murdered and missing Indigenous people for Renewed Hope and the other two books in the Seven Tine Ranch Romance series. It’s such an epidemic, even in the Christian community. God never wanted us to be abused in any way. His love is powerful. I can only hope and pray women will know that love is never abusive. It’s patient, kind, considerate, selfless. I want women to know how precious they are to God and to know they can get help and get out of the abusive relationships if necessary. 

Are you currently working on another book?

I sure am. My agent is working on selling Book 1 of my rodeo queen/cowboy series and I’m still in the pre-write stages of Book 2. I’m super excited about this series and needed fun, happy stories after writing the Seven Tine Ranch Romance series. Especially because it had personal ties.

Can you share anything about your newest projects? What does the future hold?

I will soon release my first Christmas novella to my newsletter subscribes within the next three months. It is tied to the Seven Tine Ranch Romance series. Here’s a sneak peek...

She’s a dissatisfied guest ranch cook who wants to be the event planner.

He’s a frustrated lawyer who wants a new job . . . on the other side of the state.

Will their careers and a potential move tear them apart?

When job opportunities emulsify, there’s hope for a combined menu.

Mandie Sellars is a single mom who is thankful for the job as a guest ranch cook at Seven Tine. But her dream is event planning. She has one shot to prove she can handle prepping a last-minute Christmas Eve wedding while planning her own.

Hudson Piccolo is a successful attorney in an unfulfilling job for a small-town farm lending firm. His hope rises when a prominent lawyer from a prestigious firm in Seattle offers him a job. The only problem is that once married, he and his fiancée, Mandie Sellars, would have to move from one side of the state to the other, uprooting Mandie’s and her five-year-old daughter's lives.

Can their engagement survive the heat? Find out in this sweet, Western holiday romance novella full of charm, grit, and holiday magic.

There are many great Bible verses and quotes out there, but which of these apply to your journey in life?

My journey wraps around two verses:

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11

And

"God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day." - Psalms 46:5

Both of these verses remind me to lean on God, that He holds my days in his hands, He is my hope, and He will always be there to help me.

Carmen, have any closing thoughts, writing tips, or advice to share with us?

Please, please, please, take care of you. Follow God’s leading, study your writing craft, and know that He goes before you and will never leave you or forsake you.

Randomly Fun Questions:

What’s some of your most-loved types of flowers?

Daisies, Morning Glory, Day Lilies, Sun Flowers.

How do you like to start your mornings?

I start my morning haiku and pair it with a photo I’ve taken, which wakes me up for my time with the Lord and a cup of tea, then I play a worship song on the piano, and exercise before I head to the computer.

Do you have a favorite holiday? And why?

I love Christmas because it honors the birth of Jesus. I enjoy the music, decoration, and family time.
 

How can my readers best get in contact with you or follow you on social media?

Connect with Carmen on:

Website and Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | BookBub | Goodreads

Thank you for doing this interview with me, Carmen.

Thank you for hosting me!


Many blessings,
- Grace Thorson

Wordless Wednesday: A Pop of Color

Art Gallery Spotlight: Artisans At The Dahmen Barn

It was Sunday. I picked up an iced coffee from Starbucks. Recently, I've been asking for my coffee to have almond milk instead of the other. Getting used to the taste. It's good, it's just not what I'm used to. But I digress, it was Sunday. After I picked up my coffee, I then headed to Moscow. When I arrived, I joined my good friend, Jolene. Our first stop was at the Artisans at the Dahmen Barn. The weather was perfect. It was sunny with clouds. There was also a nice coolness to the morning. It was supposed to warm up. The first thing we did was walk around the place. I took pictures as we followed the fence down the road.

We both admired the fence and barn. Before we stepped into the building, I took some shots of the cow. After getting some outside shots, I walked into the barn with Jolene. We entered the gift shop and looked around. There were so many amazing things to shop for. I knew we'd most likely be back from viewing the galleries. I wasn't allowed to take pictures of the art - which I understood. I can only describe what I saw. For the rest of this post, it'll only be photos of the outside. I hadn't been to the Dahmen Barn, so I was really excited.

They had many galleries set up with art by various people. There were so many different kinds of designs. Some of my favorites were the black and white photography. Throughout the barn, there were many items for sale. From pottery to weaves, there was a lot to look at and take in. I was in awe. I know I couldn't have enough patience and perseverance to make anything even close to what some can do. The woodwork was especially interesting. My Dad is a carpenter, so I enjoy seeing any kind of work done on wood. In fact, my parents plan to visit the Dahmen Barn this year at some point. I'm sure they'll like it all.

After walking through the galleries, we headed down to the gift shop. I picked out a hand-made pumpkin, a wood bookmark, a bowl cloth, and a really cool card (it has a cat on it, of course). My friend picked out some neat hand-made towels. I didn't get a keychain for my keychain collection this time around, but maybe when I stop by again. The whole thing was a wonderful experience. I love that the barn doesn't just show art but tries to include the community. There seems to be many events and even maybe workshops. We actually grabbed a flyer for one that we're considering doing. Looked like fun.

I highly recommend stopping by and exploring this whole place. 

To be continued... (Part 2 next week)

Many blessings,
- Grace Thorson

Book Review: Leora's Letters

Book: Leora's Letters
Author: Joy Neal Kidney

Book Synopsis:

The day the second atomic bomb was dropped, Clabe and Leora Wilson's postman brought a telegram to their acreage near Perry, Iowa. One son was already in the U.S. Navy before Pearl Harbor had been attacked. Four more sons worked with their father, tenant farmers near Minburn until, one by one, all five sons were serving their country in the military. The oldest son re-enlisted in the Navy. The younger three became U.S. Army Air Force pilots. As the family optimist, Leora wrote hundreds of letters, among all her regular chores, dispensing news and keeping up the morale of the whole family, which included the brothers' two sisters. Her fondest wishes were to have a home of her own and family nearby. Leora's Letters is the compelling true account of a woman whose most tender hopes were disrupted by great losses. Yet she lived out four more decades with hope and resilience. 


Book Review:

Joy Neal Kidney contacted me about reading Leora's Letters. I had put out a blog post looking for authors who were interested in me reviewing their book. I'm so glad she contacted me. At first, I didn't know what to expect reading Leora's Letters. I just knew that there had to have been some loss within it somewhere. It's a true story weaved together of letters from family members. This is Joy's family.

The family sent letters between each other during World War II. I don't usually read much about World War II, but this book was engrossing. I had been pulled into their lives. It was hard to read at times, but it was eye-opening to what the soldiers and family members went through. I truly can't imagine what they were feeling during everything. It must have been so challenging for all involved. I'm glad Joy shared this.

Every soldier was brave and courageous that fought. Five of the men in the family joined. Their parents must have been both so proud and worried. Joy did such a wonderful job of compiling all the letters and her family's history into this book. She also wrote a few more, I believe. I have a companion book that I'd like to read and review at a later date. It's called What Leora Never Knew. I'm sure it adds more to this Leora's Letters.

I recommend Leora's Letters to those that like history, World War II, and just an intriguing true story. You can find this book on amazon here. You can also find more info here on Joy's website. I would like to thank Joy for providing me with this copy. It was really good.

Would you like me to read and review your book? Let me know!

Many blessings,
- Grace Thorson

Wordless Wednesday: Up Close

Blog Update: A Season of Change

With Autum coming within a few days, I thought it would be a good time to give a blog and life update. The most important update is that a family member of mine is at the hospital. It's been so hard on him and my family. Since my concern is for my family during this time, my posts may be sporadic. I usually try to post on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Once in a while, I'll do more, but this is often my blogging schedule. But for the rest of September, my posts will be determined on what's happening.

The other update is that I'm changing my lifestyle. I have mental and physical health problems, and I've come to a point that I need to get serious about my health. Each day is a struggle for me, so I know that if I did make changes, I would most likely feel better. It hasn't been easy, however. I've lost a few pounds before but gained it back. I'm more serious about it this time. I'll be taking on an anti-inflammatory diet but doing it slowly. I'm also exercising each day and finding ways to stay active. 

As the season changes, I want to reflect on Summer. It was one of the hardest my family's ever experienced. With family health issues, a fire that threatened our home, and getting sick myself, it hasn't been good. But many of our family members and friends helped us during this time, and I'm so thankful for the assistance. We couldn't have made it without you. The generosity and encouragement we received was much-needed during this time. Thank you so much. We greatly appreciate the love.

I've learned from this Summer that no matter what happens, God is always by our side. We may face challenges, but we're never alone. God is with us. He's also there to make sure our needs are met. I'm still so thankful that our home survived the fire. I thought for sure it would be destroyed. While Summer transitions into Autumn, I pray it's better. I hope it's filled with hope. Hope is what we need, what this world needs. I feel like many are looking for it. It's there. I know it is. May we all find it.

My book writing is going slow. I plan on finishing the first chapter this evening. I feel the need to write faster, however. I hope to finish the first draft before Christmas, but I don't know if that's going to happen. I'm telling myself that it will get finished and not worry about time. But I can't help it, I have so many other books I want to write, so time is important here. I just have to trust God's timing. It'll get it finished when it's time. Haha. All I can think about and worry about is time. Worry wart, here.

December is going to be a special month for blogging. My plan is to blog each day in December as an advent calendar. You just don't know what the blog post is going to be on that day. It's something I've wanted to try for a while, but didn't know if I could. My goal for this is huge, but if everything else is okay, I'm going to attempt it. There'll even be a giveaway, so be sure to drop by in December. I'm eager to get started on it, because I think it'll be fun for everyone. It'll be really festive.

When September 22nd comes, may it be a beautiful day for you. I pray Autumn is a blessed season for you, your family, and your friends. I know it's a new season, so there's hope for some type of beginning. For something that's good for all of us. I have a request. Please pray for my family, and that Autumn will be less challenging for us than Summer. I'm waiting for things to be calmer. I know it can, so I hold out hope for it. Thank you for your support and prayers. It's much appreciated by everyone.

I sometimes forget to mention, but if you enjoy my blog, be sure to like it on Facebook here. You can also follow my blog using Google - which is on the right sidebar of my blog. I don't know if you can see it on a phone, but it's there. Also, if you'd like to contact me, leave a comment, or email me (contact form is also on the right sidebar of my blog).

Many blessings,
- Grace Thorson

Photo Quests: Changing Seasons

 Photo Quests: Changing Seasons

Intro: Since Autumn is right around the corner here, I thought it would be good to take a few photos outside. I was especially interested in the leaves. They already seem to be changing. Each leaf is different and unique, so it was enjoyable to take one by one in.

Quest Ending: Because the leaves haven't changed completely, I'll be taking more as they turn. I can't wait to see the many colors that will burst in the weeks ahead. It's always so beautiful, and it's one of my favorite things about nature during this time of the season.

Wordless Wednesday: We Remember

Artist Spotlight: A Touch of Autumn

I knew of Autumn Cole from Facebook. I had seen some of her art and met her at Art Under the Elms in Lewiston during spring. Her paintings and sketches are amazing. I had to get a keychain from her to add to my keychain collection. The keychain has a little picture of an art sketch hooked to it. I recently connected with her to do a portrait of my cat (Kenji). It turned out awesome, and I hope to frame it. She's so good at what she does. I highly recommend checking out her art. Thanks, Autumn, for my piece. I love it.

About a Touch of Autumn: Autumn Cole is a full-time professional artist from Lewiston, Idaho. She specializes in black and white acrylic realism painting of local and magical places. At the beginning of this September, she marked a 2-year anniversary of doing art full time. She travels to around thirty art shows and craft fairs in Washington and Idaho each year. She's also painted multiple murals in northern Idaho. 

About her: Autum Cole was trained by Disney to be an Ornament Personalization Artist. She does a pop-up live ornament personalization during the holidays. She's also been featured in multiple art galleries. She's currently the feature artist at the Bea You Yoga Studio in Lewiston and one of the select artists at the Conspiracy of Artists Gallery at the Jacklin Center in Post Falls, Idaho. In her free time, she enjoys sculpting, drawing, participating in church activities, and enjoying tea parties at home with her cat.

Some of her art:

Her services: Autum offers custom murals, art pieces, and prints. You can find more info about her on the touch of autumn website at: atouchofautumnart.com. You can also find her on Facebook and Instagram. She's on Etsy, too. You can find many of her items there. I would like to thank Autumn Cole for sharing with me about her life and in what she all creates. Be sure to check out her stuff. She's wonderful! Once again, thank you, Autumn!

Many blessings,
- Grace Thorson

Music Spotlight: Dinner At Elks Lodge

My Mom and I were invited by my friend, Judi, and her husband, Gary, to join them for dinner at the Elks Lodge. She's also the wonderful owner of ...And Books, Too! (where I work). I had been to the lodge only a few times, but never like this for both music and dinner. It was a delight as I walked in with my Mom. I also had my camera with me, of course. Couldn't forget that. We met two other really close friends that were there to play the music that evening. We've known Sherry and Marty for many years. I've not had the chance to hear them play recently, so I was excited to be there that night.

I found our table where Gary and Judi were sitting. We both sat down and talked. After a bit, I got up and took a few photos of the place. It's huge inside. There's many chairs and tables. I heard that there was a great view from the windows, so I went to investigate. Looking out the large window, I could see the beautiful river. The sun was gleaming bright that day, its rays reflecting against the water. It was a warm summer day. The perfect setting for a fun night. People were coming in to claim their seats. Everyone was chatting around us, content to enjoy the atmosphere. I got a few photos of Judi and Gary, and of my Mom, too. I'm so glad that she got to come along with me for this.

I sat down next to them and selected my order for dinner. I chose a hamburger with fries, and a lemonade to drink. My Mom also got some fried mushrooms to try (mushrooms are the best). We took in everything while waiting for dinner. It didn't take long for the food to come. I bit into the hamburger. It was so good. I also gobbled up the fries (dipped in fry sauce). My Mom and I shared the fried mushrooms. I could've had lots more of those. Mushrooms are one of my favorite foods. Everyone else really enjoyed their food that was brought to them. The lemonade was yummy, too. I would gladly eat there again.

Marty and Sherry started playing their music. They did many songs, some that I recognized. Most of them were familiar with my Mom and Judi and Gary. I don't know a lot of older tracks, but I had heard a few. One of my favorites that they did was "Take Me Home, Country Roads" by John Denver. They both have awesome voices, and Marty is so good at playing guitar. People that were there got up and headed to the dance floor. We all watched them dance along to the tunes. Some were pretty good at it. I didn't get up to dance myself. I'm not good. But the music was so enjoyable. I loved hearing them play.

The Lukenbills often play at the Elks Lodge, so you can hear them there. I recommend it. Also try the Elks' food. It's delicious. *Note* You can go if you're a member of the lodge, or if you're invited by someone that is. After a while, it was getting late, so we got up from our chairs. My Mom and I said our goodbyes to Sherry and Marty. Giving them hugs, we also thanked Judi and Gary for such a pleasant evening.

My Mom and I walked out to the parking lot where a serene darkness had descended down across the valley. It was a lovely summer night. We then headed home. I want to thank Judi and Gary for everything that day. I hope to go more often. Thank you also to Sherry and Marty for their music. I was so content to relax and hear such good friends play. And for Mom. I'm glad she could come with me. I love you all. Must see everyone soon again. Thank you so much.

Many blessings,
- Grace Thorson

Devotional: Laugh At Fear

 
Most of us face fear. Our circumstances could be different, but the same feeling is shared. It's that sinking feeling in the pit of our stomachs. Even our heartbeats speed rapidly, not slowing down. We can also pace because our minds are frantic with worry. I've experienced fear, too. Too great, actually. Fear is unfortunately powerful and can make us act so desperate. Once it grabs hold of your mind, it's hard to shake off. And when fear takes over, anxiety begins to grow within us. It can cause stress, and even health problems. Our fears begin to take its toll on our bodies and heart, actually weighing us down.

What's the antidote? I wish I knew what the ultimate cure was. Fear is something that probably can't be taken out of our lives completely. It'll probably always be there, deep within us. I know. That doesn't sound too encouraging. There are, however, some things we can do to fight it. Instead of allowing fear complete control of our lives, we can find solace, bravery, and love. But the most ultimate way to fight it, is to laugh. Yes, laugh. If you can stand tall and laugh in the face of fear, you've eased some of its hold on you. Just show fear that it has now power over you. That, it has no say in your life.

Laugh. Laugh because you know that Jesus is with you. Fear can't defeat Him. And it won't defeat you. Yes, fear will always be there. It won't forever leave, but you've got what you need to fight it. You've got Christ, and He's your safe place amidst those dark storms. In fact, with Him, you can challenge anything. Fear might be right in your face, and you know what you can do? You can laugh at it. Whether it be a little chuckle, or a hearty one, it doesn't matter. It has the same freedom either way. You'll see. Laughter will loosen those chains that fear has restrained us in. I promise you'll feel lighter.

I still deal with fear. I know it's there, and it's a struggle. I remember. Jesus is with me, and I can laugh at it with Him. Honestly, though, fear is a huge struggle for me, so I suffer from it daily. To combat this, I got a bracelet that has a cross beaded within it. It's my reminder to laugh at fear. I wear it as often as I can. If you deal with fear, too, I suggest doing the same thing. I love that Jesus gives us His Word, and tools to use for the fear in our lives. Laughter just happens to be one of them. I know that when fear comes around, I'm going to keep laughing, because I know that Christ has me. And He has you, as well, my friend.

Laugh at the future, and what may come of it.

"She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future." - Proverbs 31:25 NLT

Do you need prayer? Leave a comment, and I'll pray for you.

Many blessings,
- Grace Thorson

Photo Quests: Looking For Textures

 Photo Quests: Looking For Textures

Intro: I took photos of textures with the idea of keeping them colorized. Failed miserably.
After examining them, I turned all five into black and white photos. I couldn't help it.
They just looked better, and I liked how striking they come across as.

Quest Ending: I've always enjoyed taking photos of textures. I don't know, I find them
intriguing, and it's fun to turn them black and white. This probably won't be the last 
of these kinds of photos. As I find more of them, I'll probably share what I've found.