Patience, patience ...

By Sandra Wilkins

            Um…have I ever mentioned that I’m not a very patient person?   I mean, I’ve tried over the years to not get bent out of shape when things don’t go the way I wish they would.  So, I would say—in general—that I do a much better job at just “chillin’” than I did ten or twenty years ago.  Certainly, having children has had an obvious connection to a more understanding attitude.  It doesn’t do a person any good to get upset, worried or angry at every little problem.  Sometimes you just have to go with the flow.    

            Waiting on other people can seem impossible sometimes.  It doesn’t matter what the relationship is between two people, we don’t have the same agenda.  No one does.  We may have similar ideas, but the execution of them can come about in altered ways and in different time periods.  Oh, and there is always the chance it won’t happen at all.

            The other day, I heard this quote on the radio, “It’s better to go slowly in the right direction than quickly in the wrong direction.”  How true is that?!  I’m trying to embrace that thought.  I’ve hoped to build a house out in the country for more than twenty years but it hadn’t worked out in the past.  Now, as we’re on the verge of hiring a builder I can see where it’s much better to take baby steps toward a goal instead of falling headlong into a pile of manure.  It’s not always comfortable standing around twiddling your thumbs hoping that something will happen someday, but there will be a reward in the end for patience.  It may not be exactly what we planned or

envisioned in the beginning, but that meandering path could lead to a beautiful thing. 

    Sandra Wilkins is busy writing another series while home educating her two daughters.  Ada’s Heart, Rose’s Hope and Gwen’s Honor are her first three published wholesome historical romances. 

 Go to www.sandrawilkins.com to find out more about her and her books. 

We All Need a Little Help

By

Sandra Wilkins

          Are you the type of person that doesn’t mind asking for help?  I have to admit, I’m not geared that way.  I feel like I’m bothering someone, or that I should know how to do something, or that it’s easier to do it myself. 

          I’ve learned over the years to weigh each project and then decide if assistance is needed.  Painting the porch posts?  That was an easy one to accomplish on my own when I was ready to do it.  I didn’t have to wait around for someone to help.  Bulldozing untamed land for a house pad?  Better let a professional handle that one.  Spreading newly dumped gravel for a driveway?  That’s a tricky one.  My dad’s tractor wasn’t running, my uncle was out of town, and I hated to ask anyone else.  What a relief it was when my dad was able to repair his old tractor on one of the hottest days this year and spread the gravel.  Maybe any dad would do it for his “baby girl”, but is sure is wonderful to not have to ask for aid sometimes.  It can arrive in unexpected ways—like when a friend listens to you when you’re down, or your child does chores without complaining.  It can be simple things or big things—but we all need help once in a while. 

          Sandra Wilkins is busy writing another series while home educating her two daughters.  Ada’s Heart, Rose’s Hope and Gwen’s Honor are her first three published wholesome historical romances.  Go to www.sandrawilkins.com to find out more about her and her books.  

Ah! Weddings.

By

Sandra Wilkins

            The bride is blushing underneath her long filmy veil.  A bouquet of fragrant roses and baby’s breath tremors in her hands as she takes her father’s arm, and tentatively steps down the aisle to the romantic melody of Wagner’s “Bridal Chorus”.  Lovingly, she gazes at the confident, handsome groom as he awaits her arrival to be at her side forever…

            Ah!   Weddings.  They evoke thoughts of beauty for some and maybe angst for others—depending on your point of view.  Some young women go to extremes to have the “perfect” day.  Even to the extent of becoming a “bridezilla” and spending a fortune on that “hallowed” occasion.  Being the extremely practical person I am, I didn’t particularly want all that fuss and fluff when I got married twenty-something years ago.  In the age of big hair and shoulder pads I was going to be a rebel.    

            Simplicity was the key for me.  It began with the gown.  No fancy, frilly concoctions for me.  I wanted a restrained Edwardian style frock.  My mom helped me find a pattern and the creamy off-white material and then my great aunt Dorothy graciously made the dress for me.  I’ll treasure it always. 

            Next were the flowers.  Not one for expensive things, I opted for silk flowers and made the bouquet and boutonnieres myself.  The bouquet is still as pretty today.  My dad’s cousin played the wedding march, my aunt took the photographs, a neighbor made the elegant three-tiered wedding cake (with the topper from my parent’s cake) and my mom made the chocolate grooms cake. 

            It was a personal ceremony in our small church.  All of my grandparents and one great grandmother were still alive to witness the occasion.  The most special part for me was visiting with the friends and family who attended the modest reception.  Simplicity isn’t for everyone, so I’m curious—what kind of wedding did you have? 

     Sandra Wilkins is busy writing another series while home educating her two daughters.  Ada’s Heart, Rose’s Hope and Gwen’s Honor are her first three published wholesome historical romances.  Go to www.sandrawilkins.com to find out more about her and her books. 

  

The Electric Fences of Life

By

Sandra Wilkins

          Since my last entry on Classic and Cozy, I have typed the final word on the second book in my new series.  Excuse me while I clap my hands with glee and squeal like a little girl on Christmas morning!  I’m sure my fellow authors know the exhilaration of such a feat.  I was able to pull it off again.  I’m not a charlatan after all.  Yippee!

          But, the high is short-lived when I sit down to work on the next story in the series.  I’m a few chapters in and still getting a feel for the new characters—especially the male protagonist.  In my mind, I know what he looks like, yet, I need to know more.  What’s he like?  Does he have a temper or is he mild-mannered?  Funny or serious?

          As I’ve been pondering these details, I came across this quote from humorist and fellow Okie, Will Rogers:  “There are three kinds of men.  The ones that learn by reading.  The few who learn by observation.  The rest of them have to pee on the electric fence for themselves.”  I’ll even be so bold to add there is another type of man.  One who doesn’t even care to acquire more knowledge than he already thinks he possesses. 

          Now, I imagine Mr. Darcy from “Pride and Prejudice” gleaned all his wisdom from thick tomes.  Josh Flynn, the quick-witted carpenter in my last published book, “Gwen’s Honor”, would certainly have studied others around him.  I realize some people learn by doing, but, you know, I sure would hope a person would be smart enough not to get hurt in the process.  And, for those who don’t care to learn…Well, that’s more like villain material to me. 

          So, I’m curious as I stare at the blank pages before me.  What kind of male characters do you like to read about?

             Sandra Wilkins is busy writing another series while home educating her two daughters.  Ada’s Heart, Rose’s Hope and Gwen’s Honor are her first three published wholesome historical romances.  Go to www.sandrawilkins.com to find out more about her and her books. 

 

Determination and Gemstones

By

Sandra Wilkins

          Recently, a friend complimented me on having three published books.  I tried to blow it off—after all I’m only a home schooling mom without a college degree to my name—but she stopped me.  She was fascinated and even slightly daunted by the fact that I had actually begun a story and completed it.  That made me wonder what makes a published author different from a wanna-be author.  The only thing I could come up with is that I wasn’t afraid to try.  I wasn’t scared to write it.  And, I wasn’t put off by the rejections that came my way when I first tried to find a publisher. 

          The empty, white, first page of a book isn’t unnerving for me.  Instead, it’s a blank canvas on which I can create a new world.  I’m not one who has the entire story plotted out when I begin, but I know my characters and I have thought of scenes here and there.  As I try to connect the dots, more and more ideas surface.  I won’t say that every day these beautiful scenes unfold effortlessly.  There are times when I have to take a break from the story to regroup and get more ideas.  It does take determination and dedication to keep plugging along.  

          I want to encourage anyone who wants to be an author, to just get started.  It doesn’t have to be perfect.  It won’t be.  Get your ideas written down.  Edit later.  Add content and take away what doesn’t work.  You might be able to use it another time.  All you have to do is begin…and polish your little gem until it shines.

Sandra Wilkins is busy writing another series while home educating her two daughters.  Ada’s Heart, Rose’s Hope and Gwen’s Honor are her first three published wholesome historical romances.  Go to www.sandrawilkins.com to find out more about her and her books.