Happy Sunday!
Some people look at the vast landscape of the desert and see pure beauty. Then there are the rest of us who look at it and see dangerous animals, dangerous plants, and the occasional heat stroke. The desert can be absolutely breathtaking – as long as I’m looking at it in pictures instead of in person. :)
What about you? Have you ever tried to pick a flower from an ocotillo only to find yourself impaled on the plant? Ever been attacked by a jumping cactus? Have you stood three feet from a coiled rattlesnake or been chased by a tarantula (which, by the way, can JUMP)? Have you ever admired an oleander only to be told it was poisonous or reached out to touch a furry-looking plant only to find your hand filled with spines too soft to be effectively pulled out? Have you called a halt to your stargazing because a pack of coyotes approached? Or been chased by a herd of wild javelinas?
Okay. For the sake of honesty, I should tell you the javelina story is my husband’s. The rest, however, are all mine.
I don’t regret my years in the Arizona, but it’s definitely a miracle I got out of there alive. Trouble always seemed to follow me. I’m not sure if the desert should have come with a warning label – or if I should have!
In any event – what about you? Have you ever been to the desert? Were you amazed by it, or was it more of an “eh” experience?
And don’t worry – I have lots of friends who love the desert. I won’t hold it against you if you’re in that camp. :)
Blessings!
Heather
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Monday: Independence Day
Tuesday: Deb Kastner talks about perspective
Wednesday: Narelle Atkins reviews Glasgow Grace
Thursday: Marion Ueckermann shares the story behind a hero
Friday: Jessica Keller introduces us to Kristen Ethridge
Saturday: Carol Moncado celebrates Christmas in July
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Tuesday: Lee Tobin McClain
Wednesday: Lindi Peterson
Thursday: Lynette Sowell
Friday: Kimberly Rose Johnson
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June 2016
Whispers of Love, a USA Today Bestselling box set, by Sally Bradley, Valerie Comer, JoAnn Durgin, Autumn Macarthur, Carol Moncado, Staci Stallings, Marion Ueckermann, Kimberly Rae Jordan, Leah Atwood, Christina Coryell, Lesley Ann McDaniel, and Jan Thompson
In Love and War by Kimberly Rose Johnson, Miralee Ferrell, Trish Perry, and Debby Mayne
Small-Town Nanny (Rescue River) by Lee Tobin McClain
Operation Fireworks (Operation Romance 3) by Elizabeth Maddrey
A Love to Treasure (Sunriver Dreams 1) by Kimberly Johnson
Abide (Lewis Legacy 7) by JoAnn Durgin
July 2016
A Bond of the Heart (Sacred Bond Guardians 6) by Lee Tobin McClain
Secrets of Sunbeams (Urban Farm Fresh Romance 1) by Valerie Comer
Teapots & Tiaras (Love in Store 5) by Autumn Macarthur
Gentle Like the Rain by JoAnn Durgin
August 2016
Small-Town Girl (Goose Harbor) by Jessica Keller
When I’m Weak (Grace 2) by Staci Stallings
Butterflies on Breezes (Urban Farm Fresh Romance 2) by Valerie Comer
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Heather Gray loves coffee, God, her family, and laughter – not necessarily in that order! She writes approachable characters who, through the highs and lows of life, find a way to love God, embrace each day, and laugh out loud right along with her. And, yeah, her books almost always have someone who's a coffee addict. Some things just can't be helped. Despite their different lives and situations, Heather’s characters have something in common. They're all flawed...but loved anyway.
Hi Heather! I am in your camp and not fond of the desert, especially rattlesnakes, coyotes, or cacti. Living in the Midwest we do have coyote. As child my mom had a potted oleander tree that she cherished. At a young age we were made aware that many of her house plants we had were poisonous and to admire them from afar. We were taught to have a respect for nature. Living near Lake Michigan with its pristine sandy beaches and breath taking sunsets, it is important to respect its power (the undertow). I have admired the beauty and power of God’s creation in Arizona’s National Parks – the Grand Canyon, Painted Desert, Petrified Forest, and Meteor Crater. Thanks for sharing and putting a smile on my fast.
Oh my goodness, Heather! I wouldn’t care much for the desert either if I were you. I’ve never been to what most people think of as a desert, unless driving through one counts.
I’ve been to a high desert many times. I once went to a location near the boarders of Montana and Wyoming. The landscape was unlike anyplace I had or have ever been. The locals dubbed it Rattlesnake state park. My friends and I did not want to encounter any snakes so we stayed relatively close to the picnic area. Well, that didn’t help. We got rattled at. I never saw the snake, but I darted up the steep rock landscape we were trying to traverse around because it was to steep to walk up. lol It’s amazing what adrenaline can do for a person.
I’m glad you lived to tell us about your desert experiences!
Not a fan of heat, and I’m definitely not a fan of snakes. Me and the desert? Not buddies.
So glad you could stop by today Renate! You’re right – the National Parks are fantastic. They capture the very best of what the desert have to offer. :)
Ha! I’d steer clear of ANY park with “rattlesnake” in the title! ^_^ But if I’d been there, I’d have either been right behind you up the rocks – or throwing you out of the way so I could get to the top first. If it’s any consolation, I would have felt bad about it afterward. ;)
I knew I liked you Valerie! :)
I just realized you had another blab this week and tried to check it out, but for some reason it is not working for me. I recall I had a similar problem last month. Is anyone having the same problem? I’m trying to login using FB (the only other option being Twitter).
Happy Sunday Heather! I can tell you I am NOT in the desert camp….yuck!
I lived in Arizona for a time and hated it! It was HOT, DRY and the landscape is BLAH! I guess I’m more of a water girl and am so happy to live on the coast of Oregon. I have both ocean and mountains surrounding us, and lots & lots of green pine trees :-)
Looking forward to another week (has it really gone by that fast?) here at Inspy Romance! Blessings everyone :-)
I am not a desert person. I live in Northern CA and that’s enough heat for me. Also, I am not of fan of snakes!! Have a great week!!