31 Day of Five Minute Free Writes ~ October 2018

I've been following along with the FiveMinuteFriday Community for quite some time but haven't pulled the trigger and joined in.

Basically, each week a prompt is given to write about for five minutes flat.  You then can link up your FMF post and read other posts written about the same word.  It is amazing the different takes that there are on the same word.

For the whole month of October, we've been challenged to write for five minutes a day, every day.  I can't promise to write every day.  I've tried and failed at challenges like this before but I'm hoping to at least join in on the days that I'm able.

The prompt glist is below:

Want to join in?  Go to fiveminutefriday.com or the facebook page.

Happy almost-October!

Colletta

Scripture Memory Verse ~ 9/30/18

This Week's Memory Verse:

 

"But Thou knowest me, O Lord;

And Thou dost examine my heart's attitude toward Thee."

 

Jeremiah 12:3a

 

 

Colletta



Song I'm Loving ~ Even Then by Micah Tyler

This week, I'm loving Even Then by Micah Tyler.  It is a great reminder.  Enjoy :)






 

 Colletta

First Lines Friday And "56" ~ 9/28/18

Today's "First Lines" and "56" are from:

 

 

 It always surprised Zula Hopkins when her eyelids opened to another day.  She should be dead by now.

 

 

Page 56

With the Ns in FlyNN, her tongue catapulted the mint past her lips.  The tiny white cylinder arced through the air and landed on the detective's shoulder.
 

Colletta
 

Also linking up to:

 

Thankful Thursday ~ 9/27/18

~Last weekend instead of going out to a movie for Family Night (there just wasn't anything we wanted to see), we  instead got our go to snacks and stayed in for a rousing night of Skipbo!  If you've never played, it is a card game and the more people that play the harder it is to get a chance to play your cards.  When 2 people play it goes pretty fast.  With all four of us playing it took a bit longer and there were many times where everyone's play was covered up before they got a chance to play their top card!  We had a good time and are planning on playing again this weekend :)

~I finally finished reading a book!  I even took the time to write the review and post it.  I also wrote a post about the "Race to the Finish" of my Goodreads Challenge.  I now have 16 more books to read before the end of the year if I want to complete the challenge!  I think I need to start going to bed earlier and taking my book with me for an hour of reading before lights-out :)

~We're all taking our turn at coming down with a miserable cold.  Mine started Sunday night and is just getting bearable today.  That made for some down days and staying in my PJ's all day :)

~I am loving the new candles that are coming out in stores!  Anything pumpkin or spice are A-OK in my book :)  Right now I'm burning a Pumpkin Crumb Cake candle and it is smelling delicious in here  :)

~Laken is taking the Hunter's Safety Course in School this week!  I don't really know why because I don't think the child could ever shoot any animal.  She's such a softy.   But her friends were taking it and her Daddy was supportive so there it is.  The Hubby is more than excited to be talking hunting stats with his little girl.  The newest thing is looking through catalogs and picking out equipment and new guns to buy.  I really don't think it will happen, but it is making them happy :)

What are you thankful for today?

 

Colletta



What I Am Reading ~ 9/24/18

Today I'm reading:

When the chef of Sunset Paradise Retirement Village ends up dead, life for sisters Fern and Zula Hopkins is whipped into a froth. Their zany attempts to track down the killer land them in hot water with Detective Jared Flynn. Should he be concerned about their safety or the criminal's?

But there are deadly ingredients none of them expect. Drugs. Extortion. International cartels. And worst of all...broken hearts--especially when the Hopkins sisters’ niece KC arrives on the scene.

Before the snooping pair gain any headway with the case, it becomes crystal clear that the sisters share a mysterious secret that takes life from the frying pan and into the line of fire.     

What are you reading?

Colletta

Sctripture Memory Verse ~ 9/23/18

This Week's Memory Verse:

 

"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man.  And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.  But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it."

 

1 Corinthians 10:13

 

 

Colletta



Song I'm Loving ~ Live It Well by Switchfoot

Love this song :)

 

 

 Colletta

Book Review ~ Deadly Encounter by DiAnn Mills

 

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 Blurb:

 

 Airport Ranger volunteer Stacy Broussard expected a peaceful Saturday morning ride around the perimeter of Houston's airport. What she encounters instead is a brutal homicide and a baffling mystery. Next to the body is an injured dog, the dead man's motorcycle, and a drone armed with a laser capable of taking down a 747.

 

Though FBI Special Agent Alex LeBlanc sees a clear-cut case of terrorism, his past has taught him to be suspicious of everyone, even witnesses. Even bleeding-heart veterinarians like Stacy. But when her gruesome discovery is only the first in a string of incidences that throw her life into a tailspin, Alex begins to wonder if Stacy was targeted.

 

As a health emergency endangers Stacy's community, and the task force pulls in leads from all directions, Alex and Stacy must work together to prevent another deadly encounter. 

My Thoughts:

 

I can't quite believe I'm finally writing a book review!  I think the last one I wrote was in the beginning of August.  Close to 2 months ago!

 

Anyhoo...  This is the first book in the the FBI Task Force series by DiAnn Mills.  I always love getting my hands on the first book of series!

 

This book was an amazing read.  I was on the edge of my seat (or bed) the entire time, especially once the action really got going.  And the action was there in spades.

 

I loved how Alex and his partner Ric would "talk through" their discoveries and the ins and outs of all the people and work that goes on behind the scenes of an investigation.

 

At first, Stacy seemed a bit flaky.  I mean, she found a dead guy and was more worried about a dog's paw that needed stitches.  But, as I got to know her character more, she had really deep emotions and depth.

 

Whitt's character was outstanding!  I don't want to give too much away but he was absolutely brilliant for a 12 year old :)

 

There was just enough of a hint of romance that was to come.  I liked how the case took precedence over the romance.  It made for a great romantic suspense.

 

I hope to get my hands on the rest of the series soon!

 

  



Colletta

First Lines Friday and 56 ~ 9/21/18

Today's "First Lines" and "56" are from:

I'm still reading The Butterfly and the Violin but the lines are new:

 

 December 3, 1942

Vienna, Austria

 

"She is in shock."

 

The doctor had poked his head out into the cold, looked up and down the deserted city street, then tugged her into the house.

 

 

 

Page 56

And there he was.  Vladimir.  Smiling.  Urging her on.

 

Colletta
 

Also linking up to:

 

Race to the Finish ~ My 2018 Goodread Reading Challenge

 

 

According to the Goodreads 2018 Reading Challenge page there are exactly 103 days and 7 hours left until the Challenge is over.

 

That is just a little over 3 months!  Yikes!

 

If you're like me, you either are on schedule or a little behind schedule to finish.  Some of you may be ahead of schedule (GO YOU!). 

 

Me:  I'm 5 books behind schedule and that is even after knocking 12 books off my goal.  I had started out with a goal of 52 books but that just wasn't going to happen.  If I wanted even the smallest hope of finishing the Challenge, I had to cut back my goal.  I hated to do it but there you have it.

 

I have 17 books to read in 14 weeks.

 

The way I've been reading lately, it is going to take every. last. minute.

 

To hold myself accountable and try to get psyched for the final 17 books of the year, I decided to use this post to keep track of my "Race to the Finish".

 

 

 

I plan to link up reviews as I write them as I head to the finish line.

 

1.  Deadly Encounter by DiAnn Mills - 9/21/18

 

2.

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15.

16.

17.

 

 How are you doing on your Race to the Finish?  I'd love to know how many books you have left to reach your goal.  If you'd like to join in with me to finish strong, write a blog post and leave a link in the comments. 

 

 

Colletta

 

Thankful Thursday ~ 9/20/18

~Happy 18th Anniversary to the Hubby and me!  Monday was 18 years since we said our vows.  We didn't do anything special to celebrate.  We had dinner with the family, made a quick trip to Wal-Mart and did homework.  But the Hubby took the day off work and we spent the whole day together.  Wasn't that sweet?  It was a very good day!

~Laken finally got to cheer at her first Flag Football Game on Saturday!  The rain held off for a while and she had so much fun.  We always enjoy watching her cheer and it was interesting to watch my first ever Flag Football Game.  Laken also had a Pep Rally at school and got to watch the 7th and 8th grade Cheerleaders do a dance routine and cheer.  She is more in love with Cheering than ever and can't wait until  next year to be on the official school squad!

~The new Fall shows start next week!  There are so many new shows that I want to set up to DVR so that I don't miss any.  I'm also looking forward to watching some of the older shows that I love.  Speaking of TV, did anyone catch the Pittsburgh VS Kansas City Football game last Sunday?  I hope things start looking up soon!

~I wrote my 3000th blog post!  I've been blogging for 9 years and have written over 3000 posts.  Thanks for tagging along!

~Kaylee's is writing a new blog to journal through her Gap Year.  I'd love for you to check it out and give her a follow :)  Kay's Gap Year

~Finally, I need some advice!  For my long-time followers, you might remember that we built an addition with a Family Room and a Master Bedroom.  When we were painting the walls, I just wanted it done and we painted everything white with chocolate brown trim.  Now I'm thinking I want to paint our Bedroom an actual COLOR!  I'm debating between a pale yellow, a calm/cool/fresh gray or maybe something entirely different.  Any suggestions?

What are you thankful for today?

 

Colletta



Kay's Gap Year

I think I've mentioned that my oldest daughter, Kaylee, is taking a year off before starting College.  A Gap Year, if you will.

She graduated High School at 16 years old this Spring and turned 17 years old in June.

I've given her a "challenge" to blog about her Gap Year.

I'd love for you to check out her blog:

Kay's Gap Year

 

Please give her a follow to support and encourage her as she works on getting her Driver's License and decides what to go to College to study.

 

 

Colletta

 

Wordless Wednesday ~ 9/19/18

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Colletta



The Menu ~ 9/18/18

For the Week of 9/18/18-9/24/18

Tuesday:            Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Corn, Apples w PB

Wednesday:       Chinese, Rice, Broccoli, Oranges

Thursday:         Pork Chops, Buttered Noodles, Peas, Peaches

Friday:               Ham Pot Pie, Green Beans, Fruit Cocktail, Pudding Pie

Saturday:           Eating Out

Sunday:              Church Pot Luck

Monday:            Chicken Gravy and Biscuits, Green Beans, Pears


What are you eating this week?

Colletta

What I Am Reading ~ 9/17/18

Today I'm reading:

A Mysterious painting breathes hope and beauty into the darkest corners of Auschwitz--and the loneliest hearts of Manhattan.

Manhattan art dealer Sera James watched her world crumble at the altar two years ago, and her heart is still fragile. Her desire for distraction reignites a passion for a mysterious portrait she first saw as a young girl--a painting of a young violinist with piercing blue eyes.

In her search for the painting, Sera crosses paths with William Hanover--the grandson of a wealthy California real estate mogul--who may be the key to uncovering the hidden masterpiece. Together Sera and William slowly unravel the story behind the painting's subject: Austrian violinist Adele Von Bron.

A darling of the Austrian aristocracy of 1942, talented violinist, and daughter to a high-ranking member of the Third Reich, Adele risks everything when she begins smuggling Jews out of Vienna. In a heartbeat, her life of prosperity and privilege dissolves into a world of starvation and barbed wire.

As Sera untangles the secrets behind the painting, she finds beauty in the most unlikely of places: the grim camps of Auschwitz and the inner recesses of her own troubled heart.     

What are you reading?

Colletta

Scripture Memory Verse ~ 9/16/18

This Week's Memory Verse:

 

"You know my folly, O God;

my guilt is not hidden from You."

 

Psalm 69:5

 

 

Colletta



First Lines Friday and 56 ~ 9/14/18

Today's "First Lines" and "56" are from:

 Present Day, New York City

 

"Is this it?"

 

Sera James bounded through the front doors of the Manhattan gallery, so excited that she nearly flipped for running across the hardwood floor in her heels.

 

 

Page 56

Adele walked onstage.

She could feel the eyes of everyone in the auditorium boring into her.

 

Colletta
 

Also linking up to:

 

Thankful Thursday ~ 9/13/18

~Kaylee's driving is going rather well.  We've been out about 4 times so far and add little more difficulty each time.  We even let her drive on the highway!  We haven't let her drive in the rain or in the dark yet.  I think she needs some more practice steering before we go there.  Keep us in your prayers!  It is a bit nerve wracking to be sitting in the passenger seat while my DAUGHTER is in the driver's seat.  How did I get so old?

~We've had so much rain lately!  I know many people are experiencing flooding and am very thankful to live on a hill!  My brother and SIL live right along a creek in our old house so I'm still watching the water level.  We're supposed to get more rain from the current hurricane but hopefully water levels will have gone down a bit to accommodate even more to come.

~Sunday was the official start of the American Football Season.  My Steelers played the Cleveland Browns and ended up with a tie!  A tie!!  I really enjoyed watching the game though.  Mostly because the hubby and I snuggled up on the couch with an afghan and spent the whole 3 hours together with no interruptions.  It was a nice Sunday afternoon :)

~A few weeks ago, I had to take Laken to the pediatrician for a sore throat and a swollen gland.  She tested positive for Strep Throat and was put on an antibiotic.  Everything seemed to be resolving until she started complaining about a sore throat again.  I called the pediatrician and they wanted to retest for Strep to make sure that the original antibiotic took care of the infection.  Thankfully, the Strep test came back negative.  She does have a cold though.  It seems like as soon as they go back to school, the sicknesses start.  Lovely germs...

~I started a new blog to focus solely on my Weight Loss Journey.  I titled the blog "Colletta Is Losing It!"  Which is exactly what I hope to do.  I'd love for you to come follow along on my Journey and maybe be an encourager for me as well :)

What are you thankful for today?

 

Colletta



The Menu ~ 9/11/18

For the Week of 9/11/18-9/17/18

Tuesday:            Harvester's Class Potluck

Wednesday:       Chinese, Rice, Broccoli, Oranges

Thursday:         Chicken, Au gratins, Peas, Apples with PB

Friday:               Ham Pot Pie, Green Beans, Fruit Cocktail, Pudding Pie

Saturday:           Cheese Ravioli, Garlic Bread, Salad, Peaches

Sunday:              Church Pot Luck

Monday:            Pork Chops, Mashed Potatoes, Corn, Pears 


What are you eating this week?

Colletta

Colletta Is Losing It!

I started a new blog to focus solely on my Weight Loss Journey.

In more ways than one:

Colletta Is Losing It!

I hope!

So far, I've written a welcome post but will soon be posting about my goals and my "why".

I hope you'll come check it out and follow along there as well.

Colletta

What I'm Reading ~ 9/10/18

Today I'm reading:

I've been in a big, old reading slump lately.  So, I'm STILL reading:

Airport Ranger volunteer Stacy Broussard expected a peaceful Saturday morning ride around the perimeter of Houston's airport. What she encounters instead is a brutal homicide and a baffling mystery. Next to the body is an injured dog, the dead man's motorcycle, and a drone armed with a laser capable of taking down a 747.

 

Though FBI Special Agent Alex LeBlanc sees a clear-cut case of terrorism, his past has taught him to be suspicious of everyone, even witnesses. Even bleeding-heart veterinarians like Stacy. But when her gruesome discovery is only the first in a string of incidences that throw her life into a tailspin, Alex begins to wonder if Stacy was targeted.

 

As a health emergency endangers Stacy's community, and the task force pulls in leads from all directions, Alex and Stacy must work together to prevent another deadly encounter.  

What are you reading?

Colletta

Scripture Memory Verse ~ 9/9/18

This Week's Memory Verse:

 

"Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves Me.  He who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I too will love him and show Myself to him."

 

John 14:21

 

 

Colletta



Song I'm Loving ~ Broken Prayers by Riley Clemmons

I heard a special on Sirius XM The Message with Riley Clemmons.  I heard so many good songs that will be on her record!  Here is one of my favorites that has been playing lately:

 Colletta

First Lines Friday & 56 ~ 9/7/18

Today's "First Lines" and "56" are from:

 Saturday mornings were Stacy Broussard's escape, especially when life slapped her with stress.  No better way to unwind from the week than to ride her quarter horse on Houston's airport trail and enjoy nature.  This morning promised to be the perfect distraction from a truckload of problems, from the anniversary of the death of her sister to seeking custody of a twelve-year-old boy.  She looked forward to a lift in her spirit.

 

 

Page 56

"Look at it this way.  Your attorney can use it to our advantage.  The judge will think the parents can't be rehabilitated into the model mother and father."
 

Colletta
 

Also linking up to: