Skip to main content

Walk The Blue Ridge

I've been determined to work on the novel lately.  Convicted to edit the work that has laid before me for a few years now.  I've been reading lots of inspiring things to help push me along like Self Editing for the Fiction Writer and Notes to Aspiring Writers.  I've been coming to the realization that I need to change the title of my book and most importantly, I've been thinking way too small.  I have been focused on a book and what to do with that book.  But God has been revealing to me that the book is just a tool, something to spread a message, one that is deeply a part of the book, but can definitely have a life outside its pages. 

The story of Nate was created while I was in the midst of suffering from sever depression and if you've read the story, you know that Nate has depression that not only affects his family, but more specifically Nate himself. Last night, as I brainstormed words for a new title, I landed on one that struck a cord.  This morning as I walked around our neighborhood, I could see how this title can open the door to so much more growing from Nate's story.

It is amazing to see that God has not only created this story with me, but that there may be an entire world that opens up from Nate's story.  What I would like to share with you today is not only the new title, but an invitation to something beyond a book. 




Now a word or two about the title and how it is an invitation.  Walking the Blue Ridge is not just about hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains.  It is actually about the struggle that one goes through while battling depression.  Those of us who have suffered know that every day can be like walking the ridge of a mountain, unsure if we are going to slip down into the shadowy valley or if we are going to continue forward towards the peak.  

If you are following me on Twitter (@MamaTina) you will notice that I will be using a new hash tag on some of my posts #WalkTBR.  My hope is that this hash tag will generate a collection of encouragement in the midst of depression. The #WalkTBR is a great place to add how you are walking along that ridge, or ways that you have been spurred on towards the next peak. 

I will also be writing more often here on my blog about depression and how it relates o the family.  I am looking forward to not only finishing Walking The Blue Ridge, but I am also very excited how God will use all of us to support and encourage one another.  If none of this makes any sense to you, I apologize, it's hard to capture all that I am contemplating right now.

Comments

  1. I love the title! Can't wait to see what else is coming.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wow-that is very impressive! I love the new title and the cover-with YOUR name on it!!! It's such an important topic that many people can relate to.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thanks, ladies! It's exciting, but definitel a lot of work in my future. I think I'll have to give up napping or maybe evening television to compensate :D

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Stories from the Kitchen: Taste and See

I celebrated my birthday last weekend. It was wonderful and the leftovers left me with a question or two. Find out what they are and how I'm currently answering them in this week's podcast. Stories from the Kitchen Season 2, Episode 2: Taste and See Notes from the episode: Taste and See by Margaret Feinberg Dad’s New York Cheesecake (from the back of a Philidelphia Cream Cheese package) 1 ⅞ cups graham cracker crumbs ¼ to ½ cup butter, melted 1 cup sugar, divided 2 lbs cream cheese (4 packs) 2 large eggs (lightly beaten) 1 tsp vanilla 2 tbsp cornstarch 1 cup sour cream Preheat oven to 450F Mix well graham crackers, 2 tbsp sugar, and enough butter that the mixture holds together. Reserve 2 tbsp for garnish. Press mixture onto bottom and sides of a greased 9-inch springform pan. Chill in the freezer while preparing the filling. Mix cream cheese and sugar until smooth and light. Beat in eggs, vanilla, and cornstarch until just blended. S

Tasty Tuesday: Roasted Broccoli

I ran across this recipe on Pinterest the other day that was labeled " The Best Broccoli Of Your Life. " I normally either steam our broccoli in the microwave or saute it with olive oil and red pepper flakes on the stove top. I decided this would be something to try. I did the salt, pepper and olive oil part of the recipe. I didn't have the majority of the other ingredients. In fact, all I had was a little bit of Parmesan  It was wonderful. Not the best broccoli of my life, but honestly, it was pretty close. And if I had the lemon juice and all that jazz, it may very well be the best. What have you been eating lately?

Together is a Beautiful Place by Bailey T. Hurley

  Have you ever wanted to be a better friend or been stumped by how to make your friendships more meaningful? If so, you might want to pick up a copy of Together is a Beautiful Place. Hurley does an excellent job of sharing ways to connect with people that you know and how to easily take your relationships from surface level to deep and meaningful parts of your life. One of my favorite parts of the book is when Hurley incorporates surveys and other data to give insight into relationship building. She shares that it takes 90 hours of social interaction to consider someone a friend. When you’re only seeing each other in passing, it will take much longer than when you carve out time to specifically be with people.  Overall, Together is a Beautiful Place is an encouraging and helpful read. Exactly what I needed as I continue to make friends in life.  I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for the purpose of review. I’m never required to say nice things about books but I’m always