May Happenings

Now that May is half over, here's a little overview of what all the goings on are:

~Free shipping seems to be a hit, so that's the name of the game for May! The option for free shipping through my website has been extended through the end of the month.

~I had a book signing at Sauder Village this past Saturday, which was a lot of fun! It was good to see all of my former co-workers on an exciting festival day!

~This coming Saturday, I am thrilled to be going to the Fort Wayne Area Home Schools annual resource expo! I'm sure it will bring back memories of all the years that I went out there with mom to help her pick out curriculum, and I'm excited to be going back with her this year to have a booth of my own! Details about the expo can be found at the FWAHS website: www.fwahs.org

~The Bryan Library offered to host a book signing for me this month. It will be held next Thursday, May 21st, from 5-6pm. More info about the book signing can be found on the Williams County Public Library website. 

If you are from the Northwest Ohio area and looking for a copy of my book, here is a list of local businesses where you can find it:

- Ace Hardware
1495 N. Shoop Ave.
Wauseon, OH 43567
www.acehardware.com
www.facebook.com/wauseonace

- All About Health
1244 N. Shoop Ave.
Wauseon, OH 43567
www.essentialoilshoppe.com
www.facebook.com/all.about.health.store

- Candy Cane Christmas Shoppe
22897 US 20 ALT
Archbold, OH 43502
www.candycanechristmas.com
www.facebook.com/candycanechristmasshoppe

- Sauder Village (gift shop)
22611 St. Rt. 2
Archbold, OH 43502
www.saudervillage.org
https://www.facebook.com/saudervillage?ref=nf

- Current Office Solutions
211 W. High Street
Bryan, OH 43506
www.currentofficesolutions.com
www.facebook.com/CurrentOfficeSolutions

Stories by Keri Nicole has almost reached 100 likes on Facebook! Once we hit that number, I'm going to do a giveaway, so if you have not yet liked the page, be sure to do that and then enter to win a free book!

And for those of you who are curious about another book, it is in the works. It's slow in coming, but what little I have written is better than nothing, right?! I'm praying for the time and focus to be able to make some serious progress on it this summer. I don't want this one to take 4 years like the first one did! :) 

Thoughts from the Tractor Seat // Words

Spring was long in coming this year, but thankfully it has decided to stay this time. The blue skies, sunshine and vibrant colors are enough to make a person smile. :) We've been busy in the fields for about a week, doing tillage and planting corn. A light rain this morning brought things to a bit of a halt, but hopefully just long enough for me to write this blog post. I've been concocting this one in my head for almost a week now, but haven't had the time to post it. So, welcome to the spring edition of "Thoughts from the Tractor Seat", for that is where our story comes from today!

I've been thinking a lot lately about words. I know that may seem like an obvious thing for a writer to say, but it's more than just words themselves--it's the way that words are used and the impact they have on people.

Last Tuesday evening I was field cultivating (and having quite a nice time of it) when I looked back and, much to my dismay, saw hydraulic oil spraying everywhere. Of course I immediately stopped the tractor, got out to assess the damages, and then called Dad to tell him that I had blown a hydraulic line. The hose got fixed first thing the next morning and it was back to the tractor seat for me, but that picture stuck in my mind--a blown hydraulic hose spewing an oily mess all over the place.

It's so easy to let words come gushing out of our mouths when we're frustrated, without thinking what effect those words will have on whoever they are being spoken to or about. I think when I called Dad to tell him what happened, my exact words were something like, "Hey, it's raining over here". But as a friend pointed out, it wasn't a very refreshing rain. :)

Are our words like a cool rain in the heat of summer, bringing life and refreshment? Or are they more like hydraulic oil--black, hot, greasy, and making a mess? Do I use my words to encourage, compliment, and build up those around me? Or do I use them in a way that only tears people down?

My challenge recently has been to speak positively, whether it's to someone, about someone, or just concerning anything in general. Life's problems are much easier to deal with when at least one person can point out the bright side, and I want to be that person.

I guess that's all for now. Dad just called and needs me back out in the field. 

Free shipping on books this week at my website: www.storiesbykerinicole.com

I have several exciting events coming up in May, so I hope to post again to share all of that with you!

Enjoy a beautiful week :)

Keri