Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Spring Rains, Inspiration and a Giveaway


Hi y'all, Winnie Griggs here.

Recently I was procrastinating getting to my writing and looking for inspiration.  It had rained earlier that day so I got my camera out and decided to take a stroll around my yard and snap a few pictures.

I'm not a particularly talented photographer, but the point was not to take great pictures, but to observe my surroundings in new ways.

Today I thought I'd share with you some of the pictures I took that day.

This first one is of a wet leaf that had fallen onto my driveway.  I thought it was interesting, not only because of the sharp color contrast, but also because of the juxtaposition of the actual leaf with the imprints left by fallen leaves when the concrete was first poured.



This next one is of my magnolia tree.  It was the first time this spring I'd actually paused and noticed that there were blooms on the tree.  Aren't they lovely?



Just past my magnolia tree is the street that passes in front of my house.  When I glanced that way, I noticed a bird just standing there looking around.  I'm not really certain what kind this is but I thought it was very polite of him to hold still long enough for me to snap the picture.

Circling to the other side of the house, I saw this lone mushroom growing near a patch of clover.  Nothing really special about it except it caught my eye.


And here is a picture of an old stump hunkered down near the small creek that runs behind my house. It caught my eye as I remembered that its been holding its own there for many, many years and it never seems to change much.


I took many more pictures but these were the best of the lot.  And I will admit that by the time I went back inside my house I did feel refreshed, inspired and ready to write again.

So what about you.  Where do you go, or what do you do, when you're looking for a way to 'refill the well' or find fresh inspiration?

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And since I have a new book out this month, I'm planning to give away a copy to one person who leaves a comment on this post today.

LONE STAR HEIRESS (Book 4 of the Texas Grooms series)



       Awarded a 4 ½ Star review from Romantic Times 


Rescuer Turned Husband? 

Plucky Ivy Feagan is headed to Turnabout, Texas, to claim an inheritance, not a widower's heart. That all changes when strapping schoolteacher Mitch Parker rescues her in the wilderness. Straightlaced Mitch has never met a woman like Ivy—beautiful, adventurous and good-hearted—but he already lost love once and doesn't dare try again. 

When Turnabout's gossips target Mitch and Ivy's friendship, he proposes to save her reputation. But Ivy doesn't want to marry for honor, and she doesn't need to marry for money. Ivy will only agree to a proposal made for love's sake—but will Mitch make his heart part of the marriage offer? 

Texas Grooms: In search of their brides…

23 comments:

Leann Harris said...

I used to go out and weed my garden, but right now I can't bend over for any length of time. Also, taking a walk helps work out kinks in the plot.

Unknown said...

I love working in my gardens they are very small about the size of our van but, it is very colourful, we, Harry and I enjoy sitting outside with our coffee sipping and pondering on the day and what else we could plant.

Winnie Griggs said...

Hi Leann. I'm not big on doing yard work, but I do enjoy a nice walk, especially in the spring and fall.

Winnie Griggs said...

Juanita, those sound like very lovely, peaceful ways to renew your spirit.

Winnie Griggs said...

Brittany - that all sounds lovely! I've always enjoyed watching birds in our trees and yard. Right now there is a nest in the eaves under our carport and I hear the birds who built it singing every morning.

Winnie Griggs said...

AmyC - you're lucky to have such glorious inspiration right in your back yard!

Nancy said...

I either go for a walk, take a long bubble bath or have some quiet time and reflect.

Winnie Griggs said...

Nancy, very nice. Bubble baths are an especially great way to both pamper yourself and have some quiet reflection time.

Barb D said...

I like playing w/ my 2 young grandsons, reading, playing keyboard, playing w/ my dog, sewing, and taking pictures!

Susan Johnson said...

I love your pictures. They look so refreshing. We don't get very much rain where I live, so I really enjoyed looking at yours.

Winnie Griggs said...

Hi Barb - thanks for stopping by. Those all sound like fun activities and I'm glad to see you share my enjoyment of taking pictures!

Winnie Griggs said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Winnie Griggs said...

Susan - Hi! So glad you enjoyed the pictures. I'm really taking time to enjoy the occasional showers we get this time of year because once we get into the midst of the summer season things usually dry up pretty fast.

moodymolly said...

When I need to refresh myself I either read or cuddle with my cats.

Winnie Griggs said...

Sharon - you're entered!

Molly - reading is ALWAYS a good choice :)

Emily McClure said...

The bird is my favorite!

Winnie Griggs said...

Kelly O - love me some bookstore time as well!

Sharma - Oh that sounds so nice and peaceful.

Emily - glad you enjoyed the pictures!

Kai said...

I usually go walking in the neighborhood or head down to the park or beach to take a break from life.

Winnie Griggs said...

Cheril - glad the post gave you something to think about. Hope it works for you as well.

Kai - Beaches are a nice place to find inspiration. Alas I am very far from any such landscape.

Winnie Griggs said...

AND THE WINNER IS....

Susan Johnson!

Congratulations Susan. If you'll contact me via my website with your mailing info I'll get a copy of the book right off to you.

And thanks to everyone who left comments today. I really enjoyed reading about your own special ways to 'refresh your well'

Keli Gwyn said...

A walk re-energizes me and fuels my creativity. Glad you were able to fuel yours after the storm. Hope the words flowed and are flowing still.

Winnie Griggs said...

Thanks Keli. The words are a bit sluggish in the coming today but hopefully it will get better as I sink deeper into the story.

Jennifer said...

I like to have a hot cup of tea and a good book to help me to refresh!