— 1 —

Under the “too cool not to share” heading: Ellen Gable is giving away Kindle copies of Emily’s Hope from today through Sunday, February 12. If you’re looking for a good novel, give it a try. You can read it virtually anywhere–there are Kindle apps for every device and even a way to read using the Amazon Cloud Reader.

A bit about it:

Emily’s Hope is the fictionalized, parallel true stories of Ellen and her great-grandmother. Damon Owens said: “Compelling…a real page turner.” Lisa Hendey said: “…great storytelling that teaches some important messages, but they are wrapped in a plot that will pull you in and leave you wanting more.”

So what are you waiting for? Free books = good February.

— 2 —

Speaking of free books…have you entered my contest yet?

— 3 —

My audio reflections on Mary this week:

• Our Lady of Lourdes and the lessons she teaches me in the Mary Moment segment on iPadre
• The reminder Mary gives me that my kitchen is the heart of my home, especially during the hunker-down days of winter in the Mary in the Kitchen segment on Catholic Foodie (text version here)

— 4 —

Over at CatholicMom.com this week, I’m considering how I can better understand art using a great app and I also share about some Lenten devotionals that have crossed my desk in the last few weeks.

— 5 —

I first discovered the Catholic Writers Guild during their first online conference a few years ago. (You should sign up to participate!)

I participated in that conference on a whim and because of the price (free). It was mostly a lark, but I have to look back with some amusement. I ended up helping with some behind-the-scenes things and then joining the Guild. I learned a lot about writing and, even better, made some connections with real people.

I didn’t even consider myself a writer then, though I had been blogging for a while (and blogging is writing) and I was dabbling in a few other writerly things.

That conference shifted my perspective of myself and, between their other conferences I’ve attended over the years and my involvement with the Guild, I’ve found a great network of resources and people who share my faith and my craft.

Beyond all that, it’s fun. It’s a change of pace. It’s educational.

And you can’t argue with the price: it’s FREE!

This year, it’s two weeks, March 17-31, with one week dedicated to forums and one week dedicated to chats. I’m going to be helping out again as a presenter and probably as a chat moderator, and I’d love to see you there!

— 6 —

If you’re interested in being in other places, the Catholic Writers Guild blog is looking for either regular or one-time guest posts from members. (You do have to be a member of the CWG to write for the blog.) If you’re interested, check out the blog guidelines and get involved!

I was over at the CWG blog this week with a post talking about being a Small Fry Blogger.

I was in a couple of other places too.

Ginny Moyer, the hostess over at Random Acts of Momness, invited me to share the greatest gift my mother gave me, and the Patheos Book Club ran my review of Christopher West’s new book.

And then, over at Amazing Catechists, I share my experience with the seven deadly sins and a room full of fifth graders.

— 7 —

You know what I’m looking forward to this Lent? Hearing the special Among Women podcast that Pat Gohn is putting together.

Could you spare a few minutes to share your favorite and most meaningful Lenten practices? Pat’s collecting them at amongwomenpodcast@me.com or 206-203-2024 until February 20.

I’ve done my part…now, you do yours and we’ll have a wonderful little Lenten gift.

Visit our lovely guest hostess Betty Beguiles for more Quick Takes!

— 1 —

Lent is coming and I have a book that’s hot off the presses.

And guess what? It’s only $1.99.

So go to your local Catholic bookstore (or one of the many other places you’ll find it, if you don’t have a store locally). Parishes receive bulk discounts, depending on the quantity they order, and can call 800-325-9521 to speak to the sales department at Liguori about that.

— 2 —

Mary Moments are back! Thanks to Fr. Jay Finelli’s support, I’ll be producing a weekly Mary Moment segment on the iPadre show. This week: 3 reasons I love Our Lady of Lourdes. Listen to the whole show for a fabulous summary of the story of Our Lady of Lourdes, too.

— 3 —

What’s your favorite game app? I share three of my kids’ favorites in this week’s Tech Talk.

— 4 —

Remember how I promised a full review of Strategies for a Tech-Savvy Classroom? It’s up over at CatholicMom.com.

— 5 —

It’s hard to believe that Daria Sockey has been blogging at Coffee & Canticles for a year already!

In honor of her one year anniversary, she has a pile of giveaways related to the Liturgy of the Hours. Go on over and enter.

While you’re there, be sure to wish her well!

— 6 —

In case you missed it the other day, I’m giving away a ton of books. You can enter as many times as you qualify for until February 21.

There are new titles by Christopher West, Mark Shea, Lisa Hendey, and Anthony DeStefano, among others.

So what are you waiting for? Enter!

— 7 —

Been a big week for the Tooth Fairy around here:

Visit Betty Beguiles, our lovely sub hostess, for more Quick Takes!

— 1 —

This week, I have stepped beyond. I have walked in dangerous areas. I have said yes and opened myself up to a whole new world of opportunity.

I am “babysitting” CatholicMom.com while Lisa Hendey traverses the Holy Lands with her perky, happy, lovely self.

Folks, I’m having so much fun! Who knew?

— 2 —

Are you a writer? Interested in writing? Looking for a way to spend two weeks in March?

DO NOT MISS THIS!

The Catholic Writers Conference Online is March 17-31. We’ve extended the dates thanks to feedback from attendees who say there’s too much to balance in one week.

From March 17-24, the forums will be open so that you can read, do assignments and get feedback from our fantastic presenters at your own leisure. (Forums are open 24 hours a day, and presenters will be visiting them frequently.) The forums will remain up, but presenters do not need to reply to posts after March 24.

From March 24-31, we will have only chats. These are scheduled one-hour moderated chats on a variety of topics. We will also be holding pitch sessions and prayer time this week.

We’re signing up presenters as we speak. If you are a presenter and would like to participate, please register athttp://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SXJVLJW.

If you have already attended an online conference, then you are registered–you just need to use last year’s username and password. If not, you can register now where it says REGISTER on this site.

DO NOT MISS THIS! (Did I say that already? Do you believe me yet?)

Yours truly is presenting on blogging again (unless they tell me I’m not), and I’d love to “see” you there.

— 3 —

Now, a word or two about Facebook and Twitter and how they’re useful for promoting your blog. What do you think?

— 4 —

And how about an app that will let you access all sorts of great Catholic programming without cable? Yes, you read that right. Isn’t it cool?!?

— 5 —

Last week, I shared my favorite fiction from 2011. This week, I’m sharing my favorite nonfiction from 2011. Be sure to stop over and share YOUR favorites!

— 6 —

This week, I’ve been embroiled with editing my pregnancy book.

Let me sum up the week: I’m glad it’s done.

— 7 —

And with that, I’m outta takes. Just. Plain. Out.

Hope you have yourself a great Friday.

Visit Conversion Diary for more Quick Takes!

— 1 —

So last week, as I was jumping up and down about the cover of my newest book, I neglected to mention one key thing:

It’s not available for pre-order yet.

Don’t you worry. I will let you know when it is!

— 2 —

I have a whole pile of Lenten books to review, and the first of them, Simplifying the Soul: Lenten Practices to Renew Your Spirit, by Paula Huston, blew me away. (I reviewed it earlier this week.)

So if you can buy only one Lenten book, buy that one.

If you have room for another book or you’re looking for something for your family to use during Lent, could I suggest Welcome Risen Jesus?

It’s available at your local Catholic retailer or in a number of other places.

— 3 —

I’ve been thinking already about my Lenten plans. For whatever reason, my New Year didn’t ring in with any resolutions. I still feel sort of flat about it.

But Lent, LENT! I am formulating a plan.

(A plan, it should be noted, is almost always destined to fail. I know this. And yet I continue to persist, because it helps me to have a starting point, at least. Or that’s what I tell my planning-obsessive self.)

— 4 —

The crazy idea came to me to go offline during all of Lent.

It’s made even more crazy by the fact that the work I do means I have to be online at least some almost every day.

AND I have a book I’ll be promoting.

AND…well. You see where this is going, right?

Was that the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit?

So being a bit more conscious of my online time is definitely part of the plan.

— 5 —

Do you have Lent reflections to share? I was thinking of doing a series of guest posts here on my blog, and if you’re interested, feel free to email me your ideas at blog -a-t- snoringscholar .d.o.t. com.

— 6 —

In the “too cool not to share” category: My husband came home from work the other day and shared this with me. It’s a video of a baby’s reaction to hearing his mother’s voice for the first time. We watched it about four times in a row, and our almost 14-month-old just loved it. And so did I. (I’m going to go watch it just one more time…)

— 7 —

Here’s my pick of the week (an idea shamelessly stolen from Catholic Weekend, where, rumor has it, I’ll be appearing tomorrow morning!): Catholic Family Night.com. The idea is that you spend some time each week with your family studying the upcoming Mass readings.

From their website:

Want a fun and simple way to bring the Sunday mass readings alive? With just a few minutes’ preparation, your family can enjoy fun activities, discussion time and even a creative snack, but best of all, your family will remember the time spent together learning more about God.

After hearing the interview with Jeff Cavins on The Catholics Next Door podcast for January 3, I think this is something my family can actually handle. Maybe we’ll start it during Lent…

Visit Conversion Diary for more Quick Takes!

— 1 —

In my inbox this week:

— 2 —

That, my friends, is the long-awaited, much-anticipated cover art for my upcoming book, Catholic Family Fun: A Guide for the Adventurous, Overwhelmed, Creative, or Clueless.

It is the first book I ever wrote (not counting the book on taking care of your Cabbage Patch Kid from about second grade).

It has not been the first book to be published. But it remains my first book, at least in my mind.

Thanks to Jim Hunt, who not only captured exactly how I feel about this book. That cover prepares you, I think, for what’s inside. (The title does, too, really.)

— 3 —

I am surprised at just how emotional I felt when I look at this cover.

The book…it’s a reality.

It’s really happening.

People are really going to buy it and read it.

Wow.

— 4 —

The official “street date” isn’t until April 1, no foolin. (Couldn’t resist, sorry.)

I’ll admit, it was a project that had me laughing. I still laugh about this book.

Me? Write a book like this?

Not only does God have a sense of humor, so do those Pauline sisters.

— 5 —

I’ve seen some of the endorsements and let me pause right here.

Folks, I am humbled. Period.

Downright humbled.

— 6 —

It seems appropriate that this work I do, which puts me out in front of everyone, reminds me, again and again, of how I am not doing any of it alone.

I have, first and foremost, God to thank. And, in close second, my husband, who has never doubted or hesitated to support me and encourage me and make me laugh.

Any of y’all who are my “fan”? Thank you.

For those of you who have graciously endured my ranting and railing, thank you.

And, last but NOT least, those of you who keep me supplied in things chocolate, coffee, and humor, DON’T STOP.

— 7 —

You okay with seeing it one more time?

Visit Conversion Diary for more Quick Takes!

— 1 —

Good news! I’m going to be attending the Behold Conference in East Peoria, IL, on March 10! It’s quite a line-up going on over there: Kate Wicker‘s the keynote speaker and Jennifer Fulwiler, Hallie Lord, and a host of other people I stalk follow enthusiastically will be in attendance.

I’d love to meet you if you’re going–let me know! You can register at their site and if you’re in my neighborhood, let me know and we’ll carpool. :)

— 2 —

I haven’t set any resolutions for 2012, though I’m reminded that Lent is coming at the end of February. That’s always a good time to resolve and succeed (or fail, as the case may be), so I think I’ll play copycat to Danielle and wait.

One thing I did do, though, as I have for quite a few years, is select a patron for 2012. Thanks to the Saints Name Generator, I was given…St. Matthias the Apostle.

He’s the patron of alcoholics (current and reformed), carpenters, and tailors. His feast is May 14.

And what’s his tie to me this year? I’m not completely sure, but I’ll be incorporating him into my conversations this year.

— 3 —

Speaking of Lent…my newest book is out and available!

Welcome Risen Jesus: Lent and Easter Reflections for Families has one page for each day of Lent and the first week of Easter. Every day features sections for Think, Act, Fast, and Pray, designed to help your family work together to embrace the spirit of Lent to lead you to the joy of Easter.

Find it from your local Catholic retailer, your favorite Catholic online retailer (Aquinas & More and the Catholic Company are two of my favorites, though they don’t have it available just yet), Liguori, Barnes & Noble, or Amazon.

— 4 —

And, while we’re on the topic of writing, exciting news: Welcome Baby Jesus and Welcome Risen Jesus are being released in Spanish!

Pardon me for being a wee bit excited.

And very, very humbled.

— 5 —

Have you seen ImmaculataArt.com? Here’s a little sample of a piece I really love:

I first “met” the artist, Nellie Edwards, a few years ago through some work we both did over at Catholic Exchange.

You can purchase prints on canvas or on paper and there are also greeting cards available.

— 6 —

I’m a big fan of good fiction, and that makes me a huge fan of the Catholic Writers Guild‘s Catholic Arts & Letters Award. This is the second year for awarding it, and I’m looking forward to it.

If you’re interested in applying, do check it out — you only have until January 31! Update: You have until February 29 to apply (thanks to Ellen Gable Hrkach for correcting me).

— 7 —

The other day, I was reading about no-poo, which is basically using baking soda and apple cider vinegar in place of commercial shampoo. I found myself, in the midst of my reading, forwarding it to a friend (who will laugh when she reads this) and suggesting that I might try it.

My husband thinks I’m a little crazy.

In the category of not-so-crazy, I am barely restraining myself from buying My Family Table: A Passionate Plea for Home Cooking, by John Besh. After hearing all about it on Catholic Foodie episode 126 and thinking about the clips he played, I’m thisclose to breaking my standing “no buying books” resolution to buy it. Because, after all, it’s a cookbook. Which is different than a novel or a nonfiction book. Right?

Visit Conversion Diary for more Quick Takes!

— Books + Lists = Win! —

This post started forming in my mind when I read Julie’s reading goals for 2012. Believe it or not, I’ve never thought of making a book list of goals for my yearly reading.

Maybe this will help me wade through some of the books that have been collecting dust on my shelves. (We’ll see.)

I do have plenty of piles around here, and though there are review books that will need my attention (and a whole pile of books at the beginning of the year for a special project I’m doing), I thought I could set a modest goal of three books in each of these areas.

And besides, I love lists. :)

— Classics —

East of Eden, by John Steinbeck

Walden and Other Writings, by Henry David Thoreau

— Catholic Classics —

The Reed of God, by Caryll Houselander

The Seven Storey Mountain, by Thomas Merton

The Confessions of St. Augustine

— Delightful Rereads —

Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott

Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Bronte

— Nonfiction —

Common Sense 101: Lessons from G.K. Chesterton, by Dale Ahlquist

The End and the Beginning: Pope John Paul II–The Victory of Freedom, the Last Years, the Legacy, by George Weigel

My Life with the Saints, by James Martin, SJ

The Bad Catholic’s Guide to Good Living, by John Zmirak & Denise Matychowiak

Echoing Silence: Thomas Merton on the Vocation of Writing, edited by Robert Inchausti

Journal of a Novel: The East of Eden Letters, by John Steinbeck

— “Been Meaning To” & Now Will —

The Drunkard’s Walk: How Randomness Rules Our Lives, by Leonard Mlodinow

A Meaningful World: How the Arts and Sciences Reveal the Genius of Nature, by Benjamin Wiker & Jonathan Witt

A Short History of Nearly Everything, by Bill Bryson

One Man’s Wilderness: An Alaskan Odyssey, by Sam Keith from the journals and photographs of Richard Proenneke

— Fiction —

Till We Have Faces, by C.S. Lewis

Fatherless, by Brian Gail

Motherless, by Brian Gail

Swimming with Scapulars, by Matthew Lickona

What’s on YOUR 2012 reading list?

Visit Conversion Diary for more Quick Takes!

— 1 —

I have a special intention for the Christmas Novena, which begins today. Will you join in? Pray More Novenas has a handy site and will even send you emails, if that helps you remember to pray.

— 2 —

Now that I’ve been Catholic for ten years (ten years! ten years?), I find myself recognizing things, and it’s a great delight. I talk more about it, and tie it into Chesterton and the Blessed Mother, during my Mary Minute with Chesterton on the latest episode of Uncommon Sense.

— 3 —

This week, I finished Fatima for Today, by Fr. Andrew Apostoli. I had done quite a bit of research about Our Lady of Fatima previously for various writing I’ve done, but I hadn’t ever read a full-length book about her. This book made me want to read more. It also made me feel a personal call to Our Lady’s requests at Fatima: it made them real to me in a way that reading about the apparitions before hadn’t. Highly recommended!

— 4 —

In the “playing on Youtube for hours at a time” category, my husband introduced me to some commercials that made me go into Marketing Mode.

First, I found everything by this company.

Second, I watched a few of them over and over and over, laughing hysterically.

Third, I went to the company website and spent at least an hour (maybe more like two) tooling around.

— 5 —

Are you wondering what the company is? Duluth Trading.

I’ve seen their ads on the hunting programming my husband and his stepdad watch in my father-in-law’s basement, but it wasn’t until I spent all that time on Youtube, wiping tears from my eyes as I laughed and roared, that I really started investigating them.

Says my husband, who rarely laughs out loud at anything on TV but who starts positively giggling when I reference this or this in any fashion, the company got its start by inventing the little tool-thingy that contractors use in five gallon buckets. (More company lore, with pictures, here.)

Now, from what I can tell, they specialize in making high-quality and ingenious clothing. For example, their Longtail Ts have an extra three inches, so that when you bend over, there’s shirt to spare. And, get this, they make them for women, too! In pretty styles! (Or maybe I just need a new belt? I did order a pretty cool-looking belt from them, though I haven’t gotten it yet.)

— 6 —

I’m not getting anything from Duluth for posting all this about them. I’m just so stinkin’ amused and maybe impressed that I can’t help but go on and on and on.

So, here three of my favorites, though they require a two-fold warning. First, DO NOT drink while you watch these. Your computer may not appreciate the shower that may result if you have the same laughing response that I did. Second, you might want to watch them first before you let your young children watch them.

This is the video that got our evening of Duluth entertainment started:

This audio (though it’s a video, the image doesn’t change) is something I may end up memorizing from listening to it so often. It’s like that speech Chevy Chase gives in Christmas vacation (which I once found and printed and hung in my office, back in the days of working in marketing–and yes, there’s a language warning with that link).

And finally, here’s another radio ad promoting their Longtail Ts:

— 7 —

And, if you missed it, be sure to visit the Advent Wreath Carnival. I’ve had some late entries that I’ve posted at the end. I’ve gotten a lot of good ideas from next year and, even better, inspiration and encouragement to continue my Advent!

Here’s hoping you enjoy the rest of YOUR Advent! Have a great weekend!

Visit Conversion Diary for more Quick Takes!

— 1 —

Not only did I find my Advent wreath this week, but I set it up.

AND we have USED it.

— 2 —

In case I’m not the only person just getting started on Advent halfway through, I thought I’d host something fun next week…a link-up (or “carnival” to those of us who remember the days of such bloggy fun) of Advent wreaths.

This is inspired, in part, by the people who keep sending me messages with pictures of their Advent wreaths and my book.

For example, I received this from Larissa Hoffman this week:

Know what that book at the end of the table is?

Welcome Baby Jesus, by yours truly.

Talk about humbled.

So I was inspired: let’s have an Advent Wreath Carnival! We’ll exchange links, post pictures, and have all sorts of fun.

Let’s CELEBRATE Advent, shall we? Hope you can participate!

— 3 —

Part of what inspired me to actually find my wreath (which involved a special trip to the attic of our old house) was the encouragement of Greg and Jennifer Willits.

I had a chance to talk to them on Tuesday afternoon during their radio show, The Catholics Next Door.

It was great fun and yes, I’m feeling a lot like this about it (still):

— 4 —

Speaking of things that excite me, check THIS out:

That’s my newest book, Welcome Risen Jesus: Lent and Easter Reflections for Families. I don’t even have blurbs for it yet, but I have my author copies in hand. (The marketing of pamphlets/booklets is far different than what’s done for “real” books, I’m finding.)

Best place to buy it? Your local Catholic retailer. If you don’t have one, consider Liguori (the publisher), Aquinas and More, or The Catholic Company (though, admittedly, they don’t have it for pre-order). Or, yes, Amazon. But let’s keep our Catholic friends in business first, shall we?

— 5 —

Want a free book? OF COURSE you do!

And it’s not just any book…it’s Ellen Gable’s new book, Stealing Jenny, one that should come with a warning label. You still have today to enter to win one of the five Kindle copies we’re giving away at CatholicMom.com.

But wait…there’s more! Over at Amazing Catechists, the amazing Lisa Mladinich has organized a giveaway that lasts for ten days, and we’re only halfway through. Be sure to enter each day!

— 6 —

Speaking of Amazing Catechists, my latest column is up: Immacu-what?

I was standing at the front of the class, fresh out of Mass. I’d like to say it was a room of fresh-faced fifth graders, but the truth was, we were all tired.

I asked them who had been at Mass.

A few hands went up.

“And why were you at Mass? What were we celebrating?”

“Advent!” They were triumphant. They were confident. They were sure.

And they were WRONG.

Read the rest at Amazing Catechists.

— 7 —

And this post wouldn’t be complete without the obligatory mancub picture:

He’s trying to walk and he’s almost succeeding (with or without something to push). Maybe I should quit pushing him down every time he stands up: it’s just making him stronger and more determined (and goodness, we don’t need any more strong wills in this house!).

Visit Conversion Diary for more Quick Takes!

— 1 —

I wasn’t going to do a post.

Again.

Because…well, the why doesn’t matter.

— 2 —

I’m hearing great feedback from people who are using Welcome Baby Jesus for their families at Advent. I’m so glad!

— 3 —

And that leads, naturally, to the question that seems to be first on everyone’s list for me: How is MY Advent going?

— 4 —

Did I mention that I almost didn’t do a post?

Advent’s not going bad, mind you, it’s just…well, I’m glad to hear about how Welcome Baby Jesus is helpful and useful and inspiring for other families. I am unmotivated and uninspired this year. December is stacked with gift-giving and all the responsibilities that has behind it. Then there’s the ongoing discussion of when we decorate, whether I am faking this bah-humbug thing, and what else needs done.

— 5 —

All of this has led me to reflect, this first week of Advent, on the fact that feelings are not reality. How I feel, the reality inside my head, doesn’t matter.

— 6 —

It’s especially humbling to know that a book I wrote is leading people closer to Christ and helping them prepare for Christmas when I’m struggling in what feels like a special way.

Being an instrument of the Holy Spirit isn’t what I thought it would be, in other words.

I should have known there wouldn’t be trumpets blaring and fireworks exploding…there usually aren’t for me.

All the same, I’m humbled. Again and again.

— 7 —

In other news, I wrote about a great app (it’s free!), about a wonderful novel that you have a chance to win in Kindle version, and about holiday hangover as it relates to blogging. Phew. Now, to go try to wrestle some stuff done before the coffee runs out…

Visit Conversion Diary for more Quick Takes!