Three generations of hard working women!

Good Monday morning! I hope you guys are doing well. I’m sore today after a long weekend of fence building. No rest for the weary, right? It’s been an experience to say the least. The best part is, my whole family was helping- so even though it was hard work, we worked together to accomplish a goal.

It was a lovely Saturday and while my husband went into town to purchase more supplies, I had the opportunity to get on the machinery and play around a bit. It was awesome! With a little practice, I think I could work side by side with my crewmen.

This was also a great opportunity for me to live out my latest book, Why the River Runs. Tina and Bo are construction workers and I use a few of my own experiences in this book. When it talks about Tina using a nail gun, rest assured, I’ve done first hand research.

When we remodeled our house last year, my husband and I did much of the work ourselves, which also helped inspire certain scenes of the book.

I can’t wait for you guys to read it! It comes out in April. If you’re not subscribed to my monthly newsletter, please sign up so you can get sneak peeks and the cover reveal!

On to the list!

Week 7!

After a hard week and a tiring weekend, today’s list is very appropriate. You see, my awesome business partners decided to give me my birthday presents early. It was the most wonderful way to start my day! Their timing is perfect for this week’s subject: List all the people who brighten your day. Let’s start with these two ladies:

1. Susan & Cheryl- my partners in crime and business and friendship. I cannot express how much these two ladies brighten my life. They are wise, funny, compassionate, intelligent, and dedicated. In my personal opinion, we make the perfect trio. I’m very “artsy-fartsy”, as they say, and welcome everyone with open arms. Cheryl is the great wall of China- strong, protective, and dependable. Susan is the perfect middle ground between us, being both artsy and business minded. Since I’m the Redneck of Y&R, Cheryl is the Yuppie, and Susan is the &- because she is a mixture. I love our triad of fun and business. They fill my life with light.
2. My husband- no doubt about it, this man makes the world a better place to live. Even after nearly 14 years together, he still says the unexpected and makes me laugh until I cry. He’s my best friend, a wonderful boss, and a phenomenal father. My children are lucky to have such a role model. Marriage isn’t easy, but he sure makes it worth it!
3. My children- these guys are a mess! I don’t know where they get half the things that come out of their mouthes, but man, they can crack me up! They are my joy.
4. Mama Fran- Y’all know, my mama is one amazing woman. If you had asked me when I was 13 if my mother would be one of my best friends when I grew up, I would’ve laughed. But through the years, our relationship has grown and morphed into something I treasure. She’s a blessing, a pillar of strength, and a woman who seeks the Lord. I want to be like her when I grow up…then again, she’s going to have to grow up first, and we all know that’s not going to happen! Woohoo!
5. My C3(church) family- this body of people have become my safe place. I’m blessed to have them beside me as we walk through this life.
6. My OWG Sisters- What a fabulous and diverse group of ladies! Wow! They never cease to amaze me with their support, their encouragement, and their devotion to one another. Shimmer on girls, shimmer on!
7. My East Texas writing group- if it were not for this small but mighty group of women, I’d be lost in my writing journey. They’ve been a huge help and it’s great to see others achieving their goals.

Your/My homework: The books says, “Write a sweet note to or do something thoughtful for one or some of these people who make your life easier, lighter and happier.”

Sounds like I need to bust out my cards! How about you? Who brightens your days?

Until next week, Hugs,

Jo