Hey Reader!

It's Autumn. Simultaneously the best and worst time of the year, melding the joy and anticipation of the holidays with the dread and weariness of green sinusy snot that should clear up on its own in a week or two but always manages to linger at least five. Aaaah! Tis good to be alive, isn't it? :)

If you're local or local-ish, I wanted to extend a warm invitation to you to come and see me at the Jingle Bell Shop craft show in Negaunee on Saturday, November 21. I'll have a table there with some knit and crochet items as well as my books and some of Momma Heidi's infamous Veggie Dip Mix, which is perfect for gifting, but trust me - once you dip a carrot into this stuff you will not want to part with it. I'd love to see you there!

Seed Planting Party

As mentioned in my last newsletter (which was the end of July - oh my, my, my, I'm sorry!), I had the opportunity to visit my friend Miriam's classroom and have a Seed Planting Party with her students. What an amazing time! I don't know whether I or Little Lady enjoyed it more! The Littles painted their own small clay pots, filled them with soil, and planted seeds. As an aside, I learned that kids don't know how to plant "3 seeds." What they hear is "handful," so I'm sure Miriam has marigold BUSHES in her classroom right now. We opted for marigolds because they're fairly easy to grow, relatively hardy, and have nice autumnal coloring. I have to give a huge "Well done" to Miriam and her class. They were so respectful and engaged - and I think every single one of them sang with me as we read the book together. I'll never not want to do that again; what a blast. What a great bunch of kiddos! What fun to see the planting and the singing and the ideas come together in young hearts who need to know that with a little Seed Song blessing, we can all become what we're made to become.

We will certainly do more Seed Planting Parties down the road. If you'd like to host one for a small-ish group of kiddos, please reach out!

WIP Updates

Rudy the Broom Bristle Reindeer

Rudy is officially not in my hands at the moment. Whew! What a feeling! He has gone off to spend some time with the amazing Hiruni Kariyawasam (the illustrator from The Seed Song). Currently planned for release in Fall of 2027. Tuck that in the back of your minds - I'm starting to plan a Launch and would love to have you join me on the Launch Team.

Jerry the Giraffe

"Jerry" is his name-in-progress; I'm not convinced it'll stick. I'd love suggestions. Looking for a two-syllable name that flows nicely with "the Giraffe." Based on the idea of a true story. Well. Basically, I heard these folks in Texas lost their giraffe, and I immediately questioned my friend Heidi in Texas as to, A, who just has a giraffe, and B, how does one legit lose a giraffe? It birthed a story that will be part of the Momma Heidi Series. Free Giraffe to anyone who suggests the eventual chosen name for "Jerry."

From Seaforth Lane

A chapbook collection of poetry featuring the Little Lady. Most of the pieces have been penned while visiting CW's sister in Indiana, so I've been eager to visit her again and do some "putting together" in terms of order and format. We've not been able to visit her this year, however, and now she's moving to Kentucky (lame-o), which means I'll have to adjust to a whole different writing atmosphere at her new place when we visit (woe is me!). I'm being dramatic, of course, but writing is tricky. Finding "the mood" or "the muse" or "the melody" can be difficult. It's like everything has to settle into a perfect balance before you can find words. (Hm. The Mood, the Muse, and the Melody.) Anyway, I'm still plugging forward on this project. It will likely be home-printed and hand-stitched (like - a legit chapbook), so copies will be limited.

Hope in the Dark

I know, right? You thought I'd forgotten? Nope. Still in progress. I recently scrapped a handful of pieces from 2 Peter that just didn't work and will be trying to re-write them from a different mindset. I'm not sure how many years in a row I can get away with saying, "I hope I can release this next year." At least one more? :)

G2G

The project you didn't know was happening. Long story short, CW and I are collaborating on a [sort of] biography of someone close to us who founded and has led an incredible ministry organization for more than three decades now. We're not ready to spill the beans, but I thought you might enjoy one tiny little bean-tease just to know it's in progress. We're incredibly excited about this project and the ideas and dreams it has given us for future projects. If you'd like, we'd love your prayers specifically on this project. It's an important one!

What I'm Reading

My reading pile is HUGE right now, to be honest. I've been reading several biographies (new to me and repeats) just to ensure CW and I bring our best form in the G2G project. Aside from that, the only pleasure reading I've done is two new releases from one of my favorite authors, Karen Brough. Never mind that they're kid's books - they minister to me just as much as they minister to my Little Lady.

​I Can't Believe They're Gone (Faith Edition)​

​One Nest or Two​

If you have kids or work with kids, I cannot recommend Karen's books strongly enough. She cuts through the difficulties of life and addresses them in ways that truly minister to kids (and child-heart wounded adults) and helps them process their emotions. I'm so in love with these books. I'm so in love with the character of Wise Old Bear. These are a necessary addition to any children's library, and an excellent option for Christmas gifting.

What I'm Singing

All things Christmas, yo. C'mon, folks... it's time. Let your guard down and get the Christmas spirit moving. :)

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Merry early Christmas, everyone. :)

Let this be your invitation: If you'd like an actual, postage-stamped Christmas Letter from CW, Little Lady, and me, send me an email with your mailing address.

From my heart to yours,

Sarah