So here’s the thing. I’m sort of a homebody. I mean, in the way that a homebody likes to travel the world, but I when I’m home, I’m home. I don’t do a lot of book clubs or signings or things like that. Mostly because I’m really busy, but also, it required putting on makeup.
And getting dressed. (Okay, to be clear I do wear clothing on a daily basis. But usually it’s shorts on a tee shirt. And to just to be fun, this, recently, was my morning hair…)
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But, then my friend Mimi Noble emailed me. (she’s also a bookstagrammer @books.n.blossoms)
Mimi’s husband is a pastor, and she had this idea for a summer book club built around Minnesota authors. She asked if I’d come speak to her group, and she’s such a great reader, I had to say yes.
So I came out of hiding.
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Y’all. THESE WOMEN. Warm, funny, full of great questions — Mimi sat across from me on a barstool like we were filming a very low-budget morning show (I was the overcaffeinated guest) and we just…talked. About why I write. Why I teach others to write. Why stories that point to hope actually matter.
It was a blast. So worth trying on and discarding no less than 5 dresses. 
AND THEN.
Oh, my, THIS happened.
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Bethany, of @hilltop_art on Instagram (go follow her, I’ll wait), handed me a set of books and I was just…blown away.
Because she paints the edges of books. The pages themselves become this gorgeous amazing picture — in this case, the rescue chopper of Alaska Air One Rescue rendered in brushstrokes across the spine. I was absolutely undone.
Listen. If you have a book lover in your life — and you’re already thinking about Christmas, commission Bethany. A custom painted book is an amazing gift... Follow her, reach out, and prepare to be amazed. (You’re welcome.)
And then, because I already had clothes on, we drove to Wisconsin to hear my son preach. I always learn so much from the way he digs out the nuances of scripture. We went to lunch and had a great theological discussion.
Now, can we talk about the blizzard that is sweeping across Montana and Idaho right now? If there is ever a reason to stay inside, it’s a blizzard in JULY. Seriously.
And thematically, the next Blue Ox Boys book released today!!
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Don’t Cross the Blue Line — Book 2 in the Blue Ox Boys series I co-wrote with my daughter, Sarah — released TODAY. Which means today is the last day to grab it at the launch price!
If you haven’t met the Blue Ox Boys yet — what are you doing?? (I say this lovingly.) And if you have, then I think you’ll love this fun story. (And for those of you who wanted a little more suspense in your rom coms, this is for you. )
You can grab Don’t Cross the Blue Line right here.
Some weeks you come out of hiding and it turns out to be exactly worth it. New friends. Painted books. A son behind a pulpit. A book launching into the world.
Not bad. Not bad at all. (I don’t know why I wrote that, except I was thinking of Independence Day, the movie. Bill Pullman anyone?)
Anyway, have a good week. And if you’re getting snow, you have my permission to stay inside.
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P.S. Seriously — go follow Bethany at @hilltop_art. Her work will make your whole entire day.
P.P.S – The 4th of July Super Audiobook sale is one – all 5 MN Kingston Audiobooks on sale through Sunday! Enjoy!!
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