Saturday, December 30, 2017

The Weekend Edition






  






If you are not familiar with our giveaway rules, take a minute to read them here. It keeps us all happy! All winners should send their name, address, and phone number to claim prizes. Our new email address is Seekerville2@gmail.com


Tuesday: Sandra Lee Smith chatted with folks about her decision to retire... and to save huts on the island for future retirees! Sandra, thank you so much for your years of writing, advising, laughing and blogging. You blessed us and so many others. Happy trails, friend!


Wednesday:  Ruth Douthitt was our special guest with her thought-provoking post, "Is It Just My Imagination?" Vince Mooney is the winner of an ecopy of First Christmas in Paris. 


Thursday:  Sherrinda Ketchersid visited with her post, "Resolutions and One Words for 2018." She brought along a little post-holiday merry!  Winner of a hand-decorated Moleskine journal and a $10 Amazon gift card is KayBee (Kathy B).











Whoa... "next week" in Seekerville begins on SUNDAY this week as we ring in a new year... and a new page as we end 2017 with our annual Rockin' It New Year's Eve Party... a poignant time as we wave goodbye to retirees who've served well and long and deserve their best hopes and dreams as they move on... 


And then we welcome a beautiful and delightful new staff to the mainland... 


Who will it be???


Who's coming on board???



What form of mischief is this???? :)


But that announcement is in Mary Connealy's competent hands as we sail into January 2, 2018...

A new year, a new calendar, some new staff, but the same dreams... of writing, laughing, loving, publishing, helping, aspiring, leading... And all beneath the banner of the Most High. Mark us blessed to be inspirational authors, and join us for our end-of-year celebration... which is also a New Year celebration! For while change is in the air, what hasn't changed is the love we have for our villagers, our readers, our colleagues and our God...  


Monday:  Closed for the holiday.

Tuesday: Mary Connealy--On TUESDAY we are talking about CHANGE. Don't just accept it, don't even embrace it grudgingly...instead SEEK IT! You might as well because it's coming anyway!!!
Come by on Tuesday and meet the Second Generation bloggers of SEEKERVILLE....There'll be prizes!

Wednesday: Amanda Barratt will be bringing us "Words are Light." Amanda will give you a chance to win a copy of My Heart Belongs in Niagara Falls New York, and since this is Seekerville, a chocolate treat! 

Thursday: Join award-winning author Cathy Gohlke when she primes us for a new year with a “Purpose Driven Fiction—God’s Calling on Your Pen," a truly inspirational post you will not want to miss! Giveaway included.

Friday: Audra Harders returns to kick off the new year with a message of encouragement to all who face "Word Blackout!"











Ruthy (Ruth Logan Herne)  will be talking smokin' hot cowboys and great heroines over at Petticoats & Pistols on Thursday, January 4th as she gives us a glimpse of her upcoming Shepherd's Crossing series from Love Inspired... and how much fun it is to bring three Southern Belles into the rugged hills of Western Idaho... and the heroes waiting for them there! Join Ruthy as she chats about the fun of writing strong heroes and the heroines who meet them step-for-step.



There's still time to win one of Julie's indie e-books during her last Facebook Live of 2017, so check it out, and you may be surprised how easy it is! Here's the video and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

And what an honor from our friends at Writer's Digest! Last spring they ranked Seekerville #11 in the 19 Most Excellent Websites for Writers!  and just gave a lovely shout-out in this blog post as they call for 2018 nominations. How sweet!Thank you to you, our villagers, for nominating us... and huge thanks to Writers' Digest for the recognition. It's our absolute pleasure to serve.


Today, December 30, 2017 marks a change for us in Seekerville... and changes always come with mixed emotions. We've got the coffee pot fired up, a selection of creamers, the tea leaves are fresh and aromatic and there are fresh Christmas cookies... nothing stale today! Stop in and chat... Grab a cookie (or two) and a cuppa... While we get ready for tomorrow's New Year's party! We might even put you to work hanging streamers!











142 comments :

  1. Thank you to the Seekers retiring for your time and sharing. Will miss you but God bless you on your endeavors. Excited to see the changes coming. I am so glad I've gotten to know each of you. Seekerville is a special place.

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    1. Sally, change is hard for me. And I was sad as soon as I woke on Friday. But we do have some exciting things to look forward to! And wow, how did 2018 get here so quickly?!

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    2. Sally, thank you! We feel the same way... but as I've gotten older, I've learned to embrace change. It makes us stronger. It makes us stretch. I know that sounds trite, but I truly believe it... And oh my stars, the enthusiasm coming on board with the new gals... Absolutely contagious!

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    3. You've really learned to embrace change, Ruthy? Wow, good for you. I'm trying!!!! Mostly failing!!!!

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    4. It tell ya what's hard... having babysitters/daycare workers call it quits. Try taking a 2 yo to a new sitter!!! :(

      All other change is a piece of cake.

      Pass the cookies!

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    5. Sally, your sweet words bless me. It's not like those retiring from the blog have crawled in a hole somewhere. We've just changed the side of the desk we sit on!

      Janet

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  2. I am feeling sad at seeing the Seekers who are retiring, but wish you all the best. I hope you will all still hang around with us! But I'm looking forward to seeing who else will join us. The beginning of a new year is always an exciting time full of hope and I look forward with hope to a new year and a new era of Seekerville.

    I am looking forward to a wonderful weekend. I have 3 days ahead of no work. The temperatures will be not only below freezing but also below zero for most of the weekend. I plan to hunker down and relax and keep warm. I hope everyone else does the same.

    See you all in two days on New Year's Eve!

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    1. Sandy, same here! We've got a nation that mostly in the "Deep Freeze" and we'll all be wearing slipper socks!

      And thank you for your excitement about the new era! We're excited, too!!! And the New Year's Eve party tomorrow will be a sweet end to the first ten years (who'd have thought we'd make it ten years????) and a new beginning for the next ten.

      Perfect timing, eh?

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    2. No worries, Sandy! Most of us retirees won't be THAT far away, just taking a little more time for ourselves and our writing. Seekerville will always be special to me, so I plan to pop in whenever I can.

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    3. Sandy, thanks for the good wishes. I'm excited to welcome those who'll be blogging in Seekerville!

      Janet

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  3. I'm going to miss chatting with Tina, Sandra, Janet, Julie, and Myra here on Seekerville. But I wish each of them success in whatever paths they choose to travel. I've learned from all of them and they are such gracious women.

    New Seekers? My mind will have to wrap itself around that one. Change and I aren't always the best of friends. lol. I look forward to meeting them.

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    1. Hahahahaha! Yes, I'm laughing at you, because you are going to love these gals... and you know most of them (I'm sure!) already... and as we're in the busy changeover of the weekend, keep your eyes peeled for FUN VISITORS to the party, Terri.... I'll give you a hint... the people who PICK ON ME TOMORROW might have keys to the castle! :)

      And each one of them would lovingly offer their coat... in the cold... to someone in need.

      That was the prerequisite. :)

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    2. Thakn you Terri, We will miss you also which is why I will stop in now and again. But isn't it exciting to welcome new folks? yay

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    3. Ruthy you told everyone to be ABSOLUTELY NICE AND SWEET TO ME DIDN'T YOU????????????????
      You know how I hate being TEASED!!!

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    4. I'm excited to see who the new Seeker bloggers are, too! Can't wait!

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    5. Terri, thanks for the lovely wishes! New bloggers will have new stuff to share.

      Janet

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  4. Good Morning Seekerville! I have to say that yesterday's post made me cry when I read of the wonderful ladies departing Seekerville. I fully understand that after ten years the Lord is moving you all in different directions. I wish you all the best and I pray you all are blessed.

    Blessings,
    Cindy W.

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    1. Cindy, I know... You know they say that 10,000 people are retiring every day right now, the baby boomer generation has entered the retirement pool, so it's understandable and normal... but still a big change!

      Wishing them all well as they join Sandra with more time to tuck those toes in the sand... but also looking forward to the blessings of a new page.

      Because as tough as change is, it's absolutely always going to happen...

      I BROUGHT TISSUES, DARLINGS!!!! PUFFS PLUS!!! I SPARED NO EXPENSE!

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    2. Tissues, chocolate and coffee are here! Plenty for everyone!

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    3. Made me so sad to see it, Cindy. Ladies I love and always good friends. And they are all promising to stop in often

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    4. Please don't talk about us "retirees" as if we're marching off into the sunset! We're just moving in new directions, that's all.

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    5. Cindy, Thanks for the lovely wishes. You and all the Villagers are a blessing!

      Janet

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  5. I'm excited, not only for the new ladies of Seekerville, but for the decisions and changes of those who are moving on. It's such a blessing to be able to make choices in our lives and I know none of the decisions were made without prayer. I've already peeked at Tina's website and I have a feeling that her good advice will still move us forward. And think of it- Grammar Queen with her own page! Whoa, Katie take the bar off that door! I love that horizons expand. Thanks for all you have done for writers. And for some really fun times.

    Ruthie- I've got my fuzzies out. My favorites go almost to the knees. I've also got my Carhart coveralls handy. Sigh. When you have livestock you just don't have the option of remaining close to the fire. Tomorrow we're scheduled for -8 degrees.

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    1. Barbara, truth on every page there! The coveralls, the animals and the fuzzy socks! :)

      And yes, it's A-Okay for folks to move on... and for new folks to man the lifelines! :) A ship without a crew doesn't go very far, and I think you guys are going to love this crew... But I'll wait until we can give them a proper introduction this week...

      UNLESS I CAVE AND SPILL THE BEANS AT THE PARTY!!!!! :)

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    2. Fuzzy socks? Yes, bring 'em on! It's cold even in Mississippi. Shocker!

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    3. Barbara, I would've guessed that Grammar Queen would NOT be silenced. LOL

      Janet

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  6. Thank you Tina, Sandra, Janet, Julie, and Myra. Each of you has touched everyone of us in your own special way...you'll be missed!

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    1. Thank you Jill. We will miss you all too which is why we will stop in now and then. Yay

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    2. Hey, you can't get rid of us THAT easily!!!

      👀
      👀
      👀

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    3. Jill, Seekerville has been such a blessing! Thanks for sharing your time with us!

      Janet

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  7. Many people choose the new year as a time for change and new beginnings and I am sure that the people who join us at Seekerville in 2018 will bring us much enjoyment. I've enjoyed getting to know all of my friends who are will be leaving Seekerville but I'm sure that i will be able to follow you in your new endeavors. And, in the words of Dolly Parton "I hope you have all you've dreamed of And I wish you joy and happiness But above all this I wish you love"
    May God bless you!

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    1. Oh, I love that song, and Dolly and all she's done for the folks who suffered from last year's fires... what a classy woman she is in all the right ways.

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    2. Connie, love Dolly and her song! Thanks for sharing its sentiment. We want that for everyone here in Seekerville!

      Janet

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  8. The word that comes to mind as I think of
    TINA, JULIE, MYRA, JANET and SANDRA is BRAVERY!

    To be willing to embrace the new possibilities God has for each of you makes me think of you as pioneers of a sort, forging a new trail that only you can travel.

    It makes me proud to know ladies of your caliber, willing to say yes to God and yes to the future! Like I said, Bravery!

    A verse comes to mind as I think about the ministry of the written word shared in all the books each of you've written,
    "God is not unjust, He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them".

    God will remember all you've done in His name and so will I! I applaud you all and am cheering you on from the sidelines.
    God's Best to all in 2018, those who are setting out "pioneering" and those you are staying back at the camp. In biblical times, those who stayed back at camp shared in the same reward as those who went off to war, but that's a story for another day!

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    1. Aww Tracey, That is so sweet. What wonderful wisdom and words. We are excited, but sad too so we will surely come visit. I'm excited too because I know that change can always be good. You will have new people from whom to glean wisdom .

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    2. Pioneering--love it, Tracey!!!! Thank you so much for your sweet words of encouragement!

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    3. Tracey, thanks for your support and lovely words! I feel called to serve God in other ways, but that doesn't mean I won't be visiting Camp with all our dear Seeker sisters and Villagers.

      Janet

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  9. Looking forward to Tuesday. You mean you're not going to send up smoke, like the cardinals? Or let us vote? I would have voted for Mary Jane Hathaway and Melissa Jagears for published writers and Josee Telfer for pre-pubbed (nice if we had some representation from New England). Let's see if I was right!
    I will be working a more disciplines writing schedule over the winter and can't wait to start. Seekerville will be a part of that.
    Change is hard, I'm 66, almost 67, and I've seen a great deal of loss this past year, from celebrity figures (Debbie Reynolds was ALWAYS there) to personal (older family members are gone). Seen other people in my wider community retire and move on, not just in Seekerville. Seen changes in the world and in my extended family. The only way to survive change, which rages all around us, is by clinging to The Rock. And I don't mean Dwayne Johnson.
    Thank you Tina, Myra, Julie, Janet and Sandra. Janet, hope you decide to stay in the game, LIH isn't everything. Sandra, enjoy your retirement! I still plan on using your devotional series as I do every October.
    Julie, Tina and Myra, the way I read it is you're still writing, you're just retiring from the Seekerville staff. God bless you, it looks like a LOT of work. Tina, thank you especially for your work with this website and the Weekend Edition. I will be in touch with all of you through your blogs.
    Excited and scared,
    Kathy Bailey

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    1. I burst out laughing at this!!! OH MY STARS, YES!!! We need to do the white smoke/black smoke test!!!! Let me consult the managers...

      Oh, KayBee, you know how to get to the heart of the matter, don't you?

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    2. KayBee, this had me laughing! "The only way to survive change, which rages all around us, is by clinging to The Rock. And I don't mean Dwayne Johnson."

      Love it. No Dwayne Johnson here!

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    3. Hi Kaybee, Thanks for the best wishes. I know that change is hard, but it is also exciting. I can hardly wait to see what the smoke rising brings.

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    4. Kathy, looks like we're about the same age--so I know you "get" why sometimes priorities have to shift and change is necessary. Yes, I still plan to write more books. And yes, the behind-the-scenes duties of managing a group blog take time and mental energy. Kudos upon kudos to TINA for keeping us all in line for 10 years!

      So I wish our remaining Seeker bloggers plus the new ones coming on board all the very best!

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    5. Kathy, I know LIH isn't the only publisher out there, though I loved writing stories for them. I feel the time has come to serve in a different way and I will be hanging out on the Villager side of Seekerville.

      Janet

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  10. Oh, and Ruthy, it is FREEZING HERE TOO! My husband and I trimmed back our post-Christmas plans to almost nothing. I wanted to run into Boston, but decided I didn't want to stand around on a subway platform in single-digit weather. That's okay, Boston isn't going anywhere.
    LOVE YOU ALL,
    KB

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    1. We love you, too...

      I'm not sure who's stopping in today to chat with you guys, but we've got cooking to do for tomorrow's big bash... KayBee, what can you bring to the party, darling???

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    2. kaybee I've only left the house ONCE since we got home on Christmas Day evening.
      I picked the balmiest day of the week...it got up to 27!!! And I went and just wandered around stores where I didn't need anything to keep from just diving back into my badger hole....uh....I mean to keep from just going home.

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    3. Baked Brie with Stonewall Kitchen Wild Maine Blueberry Jam. Instead of alcohol, a couple of cases of Golden Ginger Ale (diet and regular) bottled just down the road in Newfields, NH. You can TASTE the ginger! They use 100-year-old recipes.
      I will be in for a little while tomorrow.
      Kathy

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    4. I don't leave the house unless I have to. But since I left the day job in 2012 (talk about CHANGE after 28 years...HUGE decision that was a long time coming... no regrets, though), there have been a couple of times that I had to go somewhere IN THE ABSOLUTE WORST WEATHER EVER!!!

      That same year there was an ice storm (one of like TWO in 30 years here) and everything shut down, and I had to drive 50 miles for a radio show.

      And just last year, I arrived back at the airport to the 2nd ice-storm. I was 70 miles from home and the interstate was becoming impassable.

      Thankfully, my son & DIL lived about 4 miles from the airport at the time. I inched along to their apartment and came home the next day.

      I'm already nervous about my next out-of-town trip! lol

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  11. Gals - Please stay in touch. <3 We may never have met in person but you have become an awesome part of my daily thoughts and weekly life. I know the work involved with blogs and websites. You have been amazing stewards of Seekerville and I know God will always be with you guiding you and blessing the works of your hands. Thank you for all the investment throughout the years (sounds better than decade! Lol). Enjoy this new season...er...chapter? :) Maybe story. Just please, tuck my info/email/fb in your rolodex and if you want to talk or have a question, please feel free to say hello. Many blessings to you! Happy New Year!! WOOHOOO. Meg :)

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    1. Meg, how sweet! Thanks! I'm excited to see where God leads. One place I know my DH and I will be serving is to shut-ins in our church.

      Jane t

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  12. We're going through some huge changes with hubby's work - the kind of changes where someone loses their job, and that someone is usually my dear hubby (which is why we've moved so often!) But THIS TIME he gets to keep his job and we don't have to move! Or face early retirement! So I'm very thankful this Christmas season!

    And what does this have to do with Seekerville??? We don't often want change, and we rarely seek it, but God is in charge. I'll be praying that He will bless all of the retiring Seekers during the changes they are making in their lives. :-)

    And Seekerville...I know everyone is excited to hear that the doors aren't closing! Instead they're opening wide to embrace what the next ten years will bring!

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    1. Oh Jan, change is difficult. I so know. But looking back on other changes, they have always been for the better. Hang in there. And keep on seeking. You're great at that.

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    2. So were you just terrified he'd be transferred to somewhere WARM, Jan???

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    3. Alas, this time transferring was not an option. It would be job hunt time...or retirement. But now that the dust has settled, we're looking forward to some great years to end his career.

      And you know how I love the cold...0° is our projected high for today, and I love it! (As long as we have wood for the fire!)

      But terrified? No way. God is sovereign. He knows what He's doing, even if He would tell us to move to Mississippi...or Georgia...or somewhere else with hot, humid weather. :-)

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    4. You love 0°??????

      Something is seriously wrong with you!!!!

      No way, no how. Brrrrr!!! I can't imagine having to get out in that on a regular basis. I went to MN once and it was 3° I think. Granted, it was a different kind of cold than it is here when it's cold. It was like a ... dry cold ... and ours is usually a wet cold, and icy, and windy, and just plain out miserable. And we don't have the clothes or the equipment for it.

      Brrr! Turning up the heat as we speak! :)

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    5. Yes, Pam, it's a very different kind of cold! You can be comfortable without a hat and jacket if the sun is shining and there is no wind.

      Add the wind and it's just downright cold!

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    6. Jan, I'm praising God that your DH kept his job and you'll be happily remaining in cold country.

      Janet

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    7. I love that you tough out the cold... and that Floyd gets to stay where he is. It's hard to have to make major changes on a regular basis, and harder still when we get older. Jobs aren't easy to find in our forties!!!

      :)

      Glad to hear it, Jan!

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    8. LOL! In our forties? Oh, it was so much easier to pick up and move twenty years ago. And to find a new job? Hubby just turned 62. The job market just isn't there. He was beginning to practice his "Walmart greeter" skills!

      And thanks, Ruthy. We're feeling very blessed and thankful. :-)

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    9. And thank you, Janet! We really love living here, and know that God brought us here seven years ago. So thankful we get to stay!

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  13. TINA, JULIE, MYRA, JANET and SANDRA you will be missed! It has been a pleasure chatting with you here in Seekerville. Blessings to you as you go FORWARD in what the Lord has for you. ((((HUGS))))

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    1. Thanks Caryl. ((((((( hugs back)))))))

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    2. Caryl, thank you! I'm going to take the opportunity to ask about your lovely name. Is it a family name? I've never seen it before.

      Janet

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  14. Aww, this is a bittersweet season, but I'm sending loads of love and good wishes to all Seekerville retirees as each one moves forward to new and wonderful things. Life is a fabulous journey - I'm so blessed by those here who've made my journey sweeter! Thank you, ladies, and Seekerville! (Sending extra hugs to TINA, MYRA, JULIE, SANDRA, AND JANET!!!)

    I'm excited about the future, and like others, looking forward to another fantastic year in Seekerville. Thanks for ALL you do for the writing community! Love this bunch!

    Now... I need chocolate. AND coffee. Lots and lots of coffee.......

    *sniffle*

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    1. Pass me some of that chocolate, Cynthia! Hugs back to you and I do so enjoy your newsletter! So very uplifting!

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    2. I'm so glad ~ And I enjoy YOURS! *smoosh*

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    3. Cynthia, thank you for the hugs and sweet words! Being part of Seekerville has been a fabulous experience, one I'll always treasure. So much so I'll be visiting for sure.

      Janet

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  15. I'm sad to know that Tina, Cara, Sandra, Janet, and Julie (mostly) won't be blogging in Seekerville on a regular basis, but I am so excited to welcome the new kids.

    Does that make me an old goat? lol

    PS... you should see them jumping around like real kids. Sheesh. So much energy!

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    1. And MYRA! I knew I'd forget somebody in a lis of names.

      Now I'm an old senile goat.

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    2. Pam:

      Did you know 'goat' is now used in sports to mean: 'Greatest of All Time'? Now you're in the same category as Tom Brady!

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    3. That is so true! I heard something about that the other day and asked my husband what "GOAT" was. I googled it and read about GOAT and Tom Brady.

      So, now I will embrace my GOATness! :)

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    4. The nice thing is that now we can come back as GUEST BLOGGERS without all the daily pressure of blog management!!! WOOHOO!!!!

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    5. Myra, guest has a nice ring to it! Will they put out the good linens?? Snort.

      Janet

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    6. LOL--they'll probably make us sleep in the barn!

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    8. Lol, Pam, on embracing your "goatness"!!!

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  16. Sorry to see so many of you leaving, but I'm sure you'll find other fulfilling things to spend your old blogging time on.

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    1. Naomi, if they're anything like me, they'll wonder how they got everything done and blogged before.

      Where does the time go each day??? Ack!

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    2. I definitely wrote a LOT more prior to the age of the internet.

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    3. Naomi, isn't it amazing how we fill time, regardless?

      And different strokes for different folks.

      Like Pam said, the new gals coming on board are crazy with enthusiasm and warmth and skills and did I mention enthusiasm??? :)

      And they're a beautiful cross-section of peeps...

      Of course, I'll make fun of them in time, but for now I'm playing NICE.

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  17. Wishing the retirees and the new crew much joy in their journeys! Change, whether deliberate or unintentional, can be a time for allowing more of the Lord's direction in our lives. And, that's a good thing!

    The New Year holds much promise! Happy-happy to all!!

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    1. Amen! I'm excited to see what the Lord has in store for all of us in the new year.

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    2. Kathryn, thanks! I'm excited as I know Seekerville will continue to flourish.

      Janet

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    3. Kathryn, I couldn't agree more... I've seen this in so many walks of life, and the first time was at the direction of a principal who shuffled teachers around... and oh!

      Were they INDIGNANT!!! Not all, but a few...

      And she explained that she needed to do it and they needed to give it to God...

      And they did.

      And I never saw more dedicated teachers as they realized their new direction, new subject matter, developing new projects...

      So I see this as good on both spectrums. Great for the retirees who are ready to re-focus their energies on other things...

      And good for Seekerville as we work to change with the times, to roll as the industry rolls and to keep our goals in mind... to help others while writing great books.

      And Janet's been our BEST CHEERLEADER!!! :)

      And then she gets me all verklempt.... and then she cheers us on again!

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  18. "Insanity Is Doing the Same Thing Over and Over Again and Expecting Different Results." (Einstein)

    "Genius is doing the same thing over and over again and getting different results." (Vince)

    "As long as you're green you can grow but when you ripen you can only get rotten."

    "Is it really change when a caterpillar becomes a butterfly?"

    "Adding novitiates is not real change. Real change is who becomes the new mother superior!"

    "You can no more embrace change than you can embrace the wind. You can learn to tack and wear a wind breaker but the wind won't even notice."

    "It's not change. It's renewal. It's growth. It's survival. I just hope there is a Grammar Princess in there somewhere!!!"

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    1. Enlightening quotes, Vince.

      Pass me a wind breaker! :)

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    2. Pam, I can tell you're a southerner. We need far warmer coats to handle this weather here in the Midwest!

      Janet

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    3. Vince, you're so interesting and one of the many reasons I'll be stopping by the Village.

      Janet

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    4. Janet, we need more than wind breakers here this week, too. It's 47 right now and supposed to get to 14 Monday night. Yikes!

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  19. Tina, Sandra, Janet, Julie, and Myra: I am trying to be a big girl here. Can I just say that I am grateful for all the archives? I had so many months here in the frozen tundra (too harsh for Northern Michigan?) without internet and couldn't wait to finally get back here.
    Oh I will miss you all so. So be prepared as I subscribe and follow each one of you that I can (I already subscribe to a few). You are all so gifted, but my favorite thing is your collective generosity in the knowledge you have shared. Thank you.

    Looking forward to a fun New Year's Eve party, but I'll be honest...I'm kind of choked up here (grateful for the laughs I know Mary will bring).

    xoxo

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    1. Kelly, Mary can always be depended on for a laugh. Intentional or unintentional, that is the question. ;)

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    2. What sweet words, Kelly! Thank you so much!

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    3. Kelly, I enjoyed sharing my craft posts and am delighted that you'll be checking out the Archives.

      Stay warm cause yes, Northern Michigan is cold!

      Hugs, Janet

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    4. Wait...

      Wait...

      Wait....

      MARY BRINGS LAUGHS???? JUST MARY?????

      Ay yi yi, Kelly, Kelly, Kelly.

      My heart, my heart!

      It's BROKEN!!!!

      I was funny once, Kelly. It was a long, long time ago, but I did it.

      SIGH.......

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    5. EEP...stepped in it there. Ruth...one cannot compare. You always bring it! xoxo

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  20. Happy Weekend, Seekerville Friends!
    Oh my...I tend to get very emotional so I'll keep this fairly brief. I will MISS the 5 Seekers who are moving on very very much, but wish you all the BEST. Tina, Sandra, Janet, Myra, and Julie---you've touched countless lives here in Seekerville, and I pray that your future adventures will be overflowing with blessings.
    I echo what others have said about being relieved that Seekerville will continue! (Yes, I struggle with change...after 6 years of an "empty nest" I still haven't adjusted *sigh*).
    I'm praying that 2018 will be a wonderful year for all, and we'll each be ready to do what the Lord calls us to do! :)
    Sending warm hugs, love, and a Georgia peach cobbler, Patti Jo

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    1. Patti Jo, I suppose there are some that embrace change. But I think more of us resist it big time.

      But the new year is going to be so exciting with a great lineup of new folks! We can't wait to share what's in store with you and all the Villagers.

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    2. Thanks, Pam!! Your comments gave me a smile. :)

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    3. Patti Jo, you've touched my life here in Seekerville and in person at conferences. Thank you! And thanks for all the fantastic peach desserts you've shared all these years!

      Janet

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    4. And Patti Jo, that's the reason the rest of us hung on and reconfigured. Because we wanted Seekerville to go on... It's more than a group of authors... it's a mission to help... and maybe some will think helping aspiring authors or new authors isn't such a big deal, but anyone who looks at HOW MANY AUTHORS never get to book 3 or 4 or 5... well, that right there tells you this is a tough row to hoe.

      We wanted it to go on.

      Plain and simple.

      So here we are, old(er!!!) Seekers... and new ones, too!

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  21. Yesterday some of the Seekers were reminiscing about the 10 years we've blogged together (and hung out together for a few years before that) -- spent a little time remembering the too-numerous-to-count "coincidences" (NOT) that brought us together on our writing journey and to Forever Friendships.

    How quickly that time has passed! 10 years of Seekerville? Seems impossible. But God and Seeker Villagers made it happen, and we'll be forever grateful. Thank you! :)

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  22. When I read the post about Tina, Sandra, Janet, Myra and Julie becoming Seekerville Alumni it hit hard. You ladies have sown such incredible blessings and wisdom into all of us. Thank you for everything you've done. I will miss you incredibly and wish you all the very best and most abundant blessings in your new adventures.

    Excited to meet the new Seekers!

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    1. Sharee, you're a blessing! Thanks.

      Janet

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    2. Sharee, what nice words... and thank you for you. For being the loving, giving person you are.

      And... we're excited for you to meet the crew!!! I CAN'T WAIT!!!!

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  23. So many changes!

    As Ruthy said in a comment, " ... as I've gotten older, I've learned to embrace change. It makes us stronger. It makes us stretch ..."

    Thanks to all who have shared. Looking forward to another year of learning and fellowship here in the Village.

    Nancy C

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  24. I know God has wonderful plans for all of us--Seekers and Villagers alike--in 2018. I'm taking a deep breath in anticipation of the new stories that will be written, new contracts offered and accepted, new friendships made, and new lessons learned and incorporated into our writing! It's going to be a very good year for all!

    Thanks, Tina, Myra, Janet, Sandra and Julie, for being such an important part of my life these past ten years. Your place in my heart won't change.

    As they say in the South, "Don't be a stranger!"

    Hugs and love to all!

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    1. Debby, Forever friends for sure. I'll be back!

      Love ya,
      Janet

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    2. Are you kidding, Debby??? You can't get rid of us that easily!!!

      You are one very, VERY special lady, and I thank God always for our friendship.

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    3. I love that sentiment... "Don't be a stranger."

      Perfect.

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  25. As much as I will miss you ladies, I also understand change, and the need for it. Praying for a wonderful, blessed, productive year for you all. So very grateful that God provided me with an opportunity to learn from you, and to be inspired and encouraged by each you. Looking forward to getting to know the newest Seekers :-) Happy 2018 everyone!

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  26. Well, bah humbug, you're asking me to seek change? Argh! That's soooo hard to do. Praying blessings on all the Seekers -- those journeying on and those staying put and the new ones on the horizon (I have some ideas about that -- can't wait to see if I'm right!)

    This excerpt from Fiercehearted by Holley Gerth says defines the awesomesauceness that is Seekerville.

    "Let's be unexpected warriors, love ninjas, secret agents of grace in the kitchens and the boardrooms and by the swings in the playground (and in Seekerville!) They'll never see us coming."

    Love you all so much. Know that you have made a huge difference in my life and my reading! Hugs!

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    Replies
    1. Kav, thank you! I'll be checking in here and on Facebook to see how you're doing.

      Hugs,
      Janet

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    2. Oooh, Kav! I love that quote! I'm an unexpected warrior! "They'll never see us coming."

      And I think I have my One Word for 2018 - "unexpected." That seems to be my theme these days... :-)

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    3. Thank you, Kav! What a wonderful quote, too! We'll be seeing you around, have no doubt!

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  27. what a blessing Seekerville has been. It is that way because of team effort of everyone involved. I am sure it will move forward into the future because we can still make it what it needs to be for those of us who are still learning the art of writing. I am so overwhelmed with gratefulness for all Tina, Myra, Julie, Sandra, and Janet have contributed. I am so glad that due to social media we can stay in touch and I look forward to see what will be new.

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    1. Wilani, aren't we blessed to have social media, Facebook, blogs, smart phones, to keep up with everything. Our world has expanded so much the last 100 years or so (telephone) to live chats and Facetiming. So cool the times we live in!

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  28. Goodbye and Good Luck to those retiring! You will be missed! You have blessed many lives :) Looking forward to New Years Eve....is that really tomorrow? Can't believe it! Another year gone! Where does the time go? But then my oldest granddaughter is in Kindergarten and she was just born, I swear!

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    1. Hi, Valri! Yes indeed, the past year has just flown by! I can hardly believe we'll be ushering in a brand new one tomorrow night! Hope you'll join us tomorrow to share highlights of 2017 and memories of the past 10 years of Seekerville--and joyfully look forward to what God has in store for us in 2018!

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    2. IT IS REALLY TOMORROW AND I MUST MOP THE FLOORS!!!!!!!

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  29. Best wishes to all the retirees and newbies. Thank you for all the great advice over the years and for the advice that is to come.

    "Friends are friends forever if the Lord's the Lord of them." M.W. Smith

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    1. Aw, Bettie, thank you! The newbies will love the warm welcome here!!!!

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  30. Hello, Bettie! Thanks for stopping by and reminding us of that beautiful song. I haven't heard it in years and it's so very fitting right now! See you in 2018!

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  31. Hi, all! I'm sorry I've been absent today. My mom is sick, and after a visit to the doctor, we found out she has the flu. So I've been with her today. Prayers appreciated! She's as weak as a kitten.

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    1. Oh, Missy! So glad you took her to the doctor! Praying for complete and fast recovery!

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    2. So Sorry MIssy! :( Hope she gets better soon!

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    3. Missy, I'm so sorry to hear that! Sending up prayers for mom and dad...

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    4. Hi Missy. I'm so sorry to hear your Mom is sick. I'm sending prayers up for your Mom, Dad and you. Blessings.

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  32. I wish I could cut and paste every sentiment posted here today because that is how I really feel. Everyone said what is in my heart so beautifully. You five ladies and sisters of our hearts have been such an inspiration to this newbie writer. I will miss you all, but look forward to keeping in touch via your posted comments.

    Blessings to you all in the new year.

    Marcia

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    1. Marcia, agreed... and like Debbie told them, "Don't be a stranger!"... I love those Southern sayings. They fit the bill.

      And I'm busily baking for the NYE party today... so I must go put my apron on!!!

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