The Storyteller | Mary Vee

Photo Courtesy Party!! Celebrating 74 subscribers to my  Never Give Up Stories Newsletter  in only three months! Happy   New   Year ! How are those New Year's resolutions coming?  I didn't even try this year. Doesn't mean I don't have tasks I'd like to get done...I just have chosen a different way to set this goal. I will be selecting One-Word. Scroll down to the last post to see how this works. Starting a new year is like opening a gift. Yah never know what is going to be inside. I always hope for something amazing. Don't you? This year is no different. Those who have hung out here on Let's Talk know I love to travel.  Top. Top. Top on my to-do list is seeing God's world.  What travels are on my docket for this year? Eeeeeee, I am excited to say:  San Jose, California (I have never been to California! I'm attending a writer's conference),  Italy (oh, this is going to be a-mazing), and  Flori...

There is something thrilling about welcoming in a new year. I can hear Marilla Cuthbert telling young Anne Shirley, "Oh stuff and nonsense. Tomorrow is always fresh with no mistakes in it." Good advice that fits a new year, eh? 2016 is a New Year with no mistakes. Are you ready? It's this Friday!! I love celebrating a new year cresting the midnight hour. Thursday night I'll drink lots of coffee and stay up with the family to celebrate. Some years we read a book as a family to stay awake, a couple of years, my son has set up an elaborate firework display.  So exciting! One-Word Two years ago, I introduced the concept of choosing a one-word to my readers here on Let's Talk.  The directions:  c hoose one word to be your theme for the year. Post the word in a prominent place. Use this word as your goal word for the year.  For example: If I choose the word "trust"  *I might see my goal as learning to trust others  *or I might see my g...

The family is due to arrive any minute! You've planned the meals, have the China out, polished the silverware, and are excited for their arrival. While you wait, here is an idea to give that special touch to your table. My chefy daughter learned the art of napkin folding. She has made some for you. We've also given the standard names for these folds. If you see one you like, go to You Tube for instructions. We have found some great instructional videos. Chefy daughter used them to practice will while studying for the napkin folding portion of her exam. She received 180% out of 100% on her exam. Wahoo!!!! You know I only bring you the best. Without further ado, here is chefy daughter's napkin folding samples and their names. The Rose -  You Tube Link for The Rose fold The Candlestick  You Tube Link for The Candlestick Fold The Triangle You Tube Link for t...

Today we welcome author: Carol Moncado A commenter will win a kindle copy of Carol's book Scroll down to see how.  International Readers Are Invited to Enter! Mary here.  I'm so  happy to welcome Carol. She is an absolute blast to hang out with. You have got to  meet  her. Spoiler alert, Carol makes chocolate chip cookies and shares them with her friends!!  I asked my good friend Carol to tell us how God led her on her writing journey.  Here is what she said:   God Knows What We Need Mary – thank you so much for having me today! I appreciate you! I first met Mary when we were roommates at a conference a few years ago. She’s fabulous! (But I’m sure you readers already know that ;).) She asks such a simple question – how has God led you on your writing journey? – but it’s so complex! Such a nuanced thing. When did God lead me on my journey? As a kid when I spent more time in my room reading or makin...

Oooo We are in for a treat today. Since this is a virtual Christmas dining event, casual attire is allowed. Ready? I'd like to introduce my Chefy Daughter:  Good Day and welcome to our restaurant. I'll be your personal chef today for our International Christmas meal.  Last week, we set the table. If you missed it, here's the link:  New  Ideas for Setting the Christmas Table   Today, we'll serve a five course meal. I'll introduce our courses one by one. May I start you off with freshly baked Challah? All our breads and pastries are baked in house and braided by our  pâtissier. Challah is a Hebrew bread that can be made any time of the year, although it usually is made to celebrate Chanukah. This bread was prepared separately in order to remain Kosher and true to the traditions surrounding this rich culture.  Please enjoy.  Photo Courtesy To begin, we start with the soup course. This di...

Today we welcome author: Lisa Phillips Two commenters will win a copy of Lisa's book:  Easy Prey Scroll down to see how. International Readers Are Invited to Enter! Mary here.  I'm so  happy to welcome Lisa to Let's Talk this weekend. What I appreciate the most about her post was reading how God used two callings in her life to work together. I asked Lisa to tell us how God led her on her writing journey.  Here is what she said:   How to Write...Like a Worship Leader A few years back, right after the birth of my first child (who is now eight) I was struggling with my identity. Probably something a lot of new moms can identify with. All of a sudden, you aren’t just you—and your whole life is taken up with this tiny, helpless being. Except that was the time when I really felt God was telling me I was a writer. Fast forward five years. Summer 2012 I participated in a Speed Date Pitch for Love Inspired Suspen...