02.10.09
Red Lion Amaryllis
My son gave me a Red Lion Amaryllis for Christmas. On the box it said I’d have spectacular blooms in just a few weeks. Well, I thought some how I’d managed to kill the poor thing. It sat there in it’s bright location and did nothing. Then, in just a week, it shot that tall stalk toward heaven and the most beautiful red flowers bloomed all around the top. The box said spectacular and it wasn’t lying. 
These photos in no way capture the true beauty. The colors are much richer and deeper.
Elizabeth
12.26.08
Happy New Year!
It’s that time again…seeing the old year out and the new one in. Have you made your New Year’s resolutions yet or have you given them up, as I have? I can remember a time when I wouldn’t dream of welcoming in the new year without making a list of resolutions that I was of course, resolved to keep. You know the old standards…lose a few pounds, eat healthier, exercise more, be kinder, have more patience…….and keep a few I did. Unfortunately most went by the wayside, as life got in the way of good intentions.
Several years ago I made the resolution to finally sit down and write that novel I’d scribbled notes about some time ago and stuffed under my bed. That Monday morning after New Year’s day rolled around and I pulled those hand written notes out, dusted them off and sat down determinedly in front of my pc. Ten minutes later I still sat there…staring at that blank page, wondering whatever possesed me to make such a stupid resolution. Having made it though, I felt obligated to at least try. After a day of much deep sighing and a cramped finger from pushing the backspace key continuously… I had, to my surprise, a good five pages of my novel written. I felt proud. I’d done it.
Fast forward to the next morning. I couldn’t wait to get to that lighted screen and get to work. To my utter dismay, what I’d thought was absolutely brilliant the day before, now seemed so much LESS brilliant. I deleted the entire five pages and doggedly began again, the light of battle shinning brightly in my eyes. No way would this defeat me. I pounded out ten pages, the first chapter. I didn’t read these pages over the next day, simply starting where I’d left off and writing two more chapters, and so it went until I had a first draft. This time I knew it wasn’t going to be brilliant when reading it back. I knew there would be slashing and rewriting and editing, but I’d done it. I’d actually written my first book. And oh, what a feeling of euphoria I had. But I don’t make New Year’s resolutions anymore. They’re probably a good thing for some, but for me–I’m too afraid I’ll have to keep them. Instead I offer a prayer for the heath and happiness of all my friends and family.
This coming New Year’s Eve, I will offer that same prayer for all people far and wide. Have a very safe and happy New Year’s Eve and a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year.
Elizabeth
12.22.08
Country Christmas
Country Christmas
Christmas tree lights sparkling
The smell of cookies baking
jingling of the bells
A child’s joyful yells
The singing of carols
and good cheer by the barrel
Christmas is a time to express goodwill to men
A time to share love with family and friends
Peace and joy for fellow man
Offering love with an open hand
So to all my friends so dear
I send to you love and good cheer
Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year
Elizabeth
If you’d like to read this poem with music and graphics, you may view it here:
http://egparsons.com/country_christmas.htm
11.26.08
Poem: Thanksgiving at Grandma’s
Thanksgiving at Grandma’s
Grandma’s pumpkin pies
Cinnamon, ginger, all spice…
the scents of heaven.
The old farm house…
filled with family,
filled with love.
Grandpa saying grace…
Giving thanks for family, friends…life.
The crackling of logs on the fire
bringing warmth to the chill of Autumn.
Grandma’s smile…
bringing warmth to our hearts.
Bowing my head with the others
I give thanks…
For Thanksgiving at Grandma’s.
Have a very happy Thanksgiving…Elizabeth
11.06.08
Winner – Halloween Blog Party Gift
I hope everyone had a spooktacular Halloween and enjoyed the haunted blog tour.. Thanks to all of you who visited and now it’s time to announce the winner of the $20 Amazon gift card. Remember you must send me an email with your valid email address, so I can have Amazon email you the card.
So without futher ado…Drum roll, please…….Congratulations, LadyVampire2u!!!!
Send me an email: HERE so I can get your prize out to you asap.
Elizabeth
10.31.08
Happy Halloween ~ Legend Of Jack-O’-Lantern
Jack was a lazy farmer and spent more time at the local pub drinking and betting than tending his crops. He was a prankster and all his mischief making did nothing to endear him to his friends and neighbors. Jack felt sure this was the devil’s doing and if Satan would stop putting so many temptations in his path, he could make a turn for the better.
Now Jack figured the devil was as fond of betting as he was and devised a plan to trap him. He’d met Satan at the pub on many a dark night and it was always the same with the devil offering riches and fame in return for Jack’s soul. Jack of course refused such offers, not wanting riches and having no use for fame. He did, however, want to be less of a sorrowful burden to his family and stop all his evil shenanigans.
Although his wife argued vehemently against his scheme, Jack decided to proceed. He was confident the plan would succeed, not to mention, it allowed him to go to the pub every night with a legitimate excuse. He didn’t have long to wait. A few nights passed and Satan once again joined him at his table, buying him ale and making the usual offers in return for his soul.
“You truly want my soul, Devil?”
Satan laughed. “You know I’ll have you sooner or later, Jack. Why not take my offer and enjoy what’s left of your wretched life?”
“I’ll make a wager with you. There’s a tree on the south end of my land. It grows straight and tall with limbs only at the top. Now, many a man has tried to climb the tree, but none has made it to the top. Even with you being the devil and all, I don’t think you can do it. If you can climb to the top without slipping back down or falling, I’ll take your offer and you can have my soul.”
Satan loved a good bet, but he was slightly irritated that this miserable mortal doubted his ability to accomplish such a simple task. “I can climb your tree, Jack, never fear. Lead the way.”
The two left the pub and walked the short distance to the tree. Satan removed his hooded cape and shimmied up the tree without any problems at all. “I made it, Jack, and now you’re mine.” His laugh echoed hollowly from the top branches.
Jack hurriedly removed his hunting knife and carved a cross on the trunk, as high up as he could reach. “Think again, Devil. I’ve trapped you. You can’t come down unless I remove the cross.”
Satan howled in anger when realizing he’d been tricked. He was trapped in the blasted tree and would have to bargain with the man to gain his freedom. “What is it you want, Jack?”
“I’ll carve out the cross and set you free if you promise to never again set temptation before me.”
“Agreed! Let me down.”
Jack’s plan had worked. He could now go about his life without the danger of falling to temptation. Unfortunately he was never allowed to reap the benefits. The very next day, the same tree was felled in a storm and came crashing down on poor Jack, taking his life. Having been involved in more than a few evil misdeeds, Jack was denied entrance to Heaven. It would seem the devil would have his soul after all.
But Satan was still angry at having been tricked and would not allow him into Hell. Jack was doomed to walk the earth in the cold darkness for all eternity. He begged the devil to have pity and Satan relented by giving him a single glowing coal. Jack found a large turnip and carved out the middle and front. He placed the burning ember inside and used it to light his way.
Many have claimed to see the swaying of Jack’s lantern on dark nights and most especially on All Hollows Eve. Perhaps you will, too.
I hope you enjoyed my version of this old Irish folktale. For more fun and free treats, Visit the blogs below—if you dare!
Any ghoul or goblin leaving a comment will be put in a drawing for a $20 Amazon gift certificate. Come back next week to see the winner, if there is one…(cackles with glee). Elizabeth
http://alishapaige.blogspot.com
http://www.myspace.com/betty_hanawa
http://michelehart.blogspot.com/
http://www.marlymathews.blogspot.com/
http://elizabethmeltonparsons.wordpress.com/
http://alienplaces.blogspot.com/
http://sherilewiswohl.wordpress.com
http://sisterwriters.blogspot.com/
http://www.skypuringtonwrites.blogspot.com
http://barbaraedwards.net/blog/blog.asp
http://bethcaudill.blogspot.com/
http://MyBlog.SusanneSaville.com
http://tarahscott.tarahscott.com
10.23.08
Halloween Blog Party ~ Free Gifts
Along with several other paranormal romance authors, I’ll be having a Halloween blog party all day on Halloween, October 31. I’ll have a list of other blogs and visitors can hop from blog to blog. All the posts will have a Halloween/spooky theme and myself and others will be offering free gifts. So come on by and join the fun.
By the way, there’s still plenty of time to get in on the free Sony E-Reader contest. Just click the link in the sidebar and it’ll take you to the contest information page. Good Luck!
Elizabeth
