Hiking Zion

It’s time to explore. I’ve posted about Zion before (because it’s one of my favorite places on earth), and thought I’d explore this place some more with you (since it’s cold outside and I’d like to dream of warmer places).

I’ve hiked Zion before in the winter, but it can get a little bit of snow and always ice. That, combined with the slick red rock, can make hiking treacherous. It’s still doable…but I usually do the flatter trails (like the Temple of Sinawava trail) because it’s hard to climb upward when your feet can’t gain any traction.

These pictures are from early summer a few years ago. Aren’t they beautiful? Have I mentioned I LOVE Zion?

I’m not going to go into a travelogue of my hike to Observation Point. You can read about it by clicking the link if you’re interested and want to make plans to hike it someday. I’m just going to meander

Double Play

This sports update is brought to you by…Me. Just kidding. I’m the last person you’d want a sports update from since I’m clueless about anything other than soccer.

Billionaire Brides

No, this isn’t a book about the new winner of the PowerBall cash. It is, however, a new series based on a silly girl’s camp pact between several friends that they would marry rich or have to do something super embarrassing at their future wedding.

2015 Reading Summary

Reading is a huge part of my life. That, along with writing, is where a good portion of my time goes. As I looked over my Goodreads stats for 2015, I smiled as book images and memories came to mind. There are so many good books to read. I wish I had time to read even more than I did. There’s just a smorgasbord for my senses.

Year in Review

I read 117 books last year. That wasn’t as high as 2014, but I didn’t think it was half bad. Now before you feel bad about your reading compared to mine, I will admit that I’m a skimmer. That’s how I get

Return and Succeed

I’m reviewing a motivational book for returned missionaries today over at my other blog (since that caters more to the audience I see reading this book). It’s called Return and Succeed by Robert R. Shallenberger.

I absolutely loved this book (even though I’ve never gone on a mission). The author is the CEO of Becoming Your Best Global Leadership, a worldwide leader in corporate training and development, and Mr. Shallenberger’s tips for success were very motivating and inspiring. I took notes like crazy.

Hop on over to ThatWhichBringsJoy.com to read my detailed review and to enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for a chance to win a copy of the book and $25 Amazon cash. Good luck.

Broken Things to Mend

Excitement has been building in me for a couple months now to kick off this fun series of books all revolving around a timeless Chinese Matchmaker named Pearl (who was introduced in the novella last year). Each month in 2016, a new book will be released…and Broken Things to Mend (by one of my favorite authors) made for a delightful beginning.

Celia is in desperate need of a change–a change of scenery, a change of pace, and a complete redo of all relationships. Not knowing what else to do, she opens a map, closes her eyes, and lets fate decide her future. Then she packs her meager belongings and buys a one-way ticket to a little town on the fringes of Oregon’s Deschutes National Forest called Sisters. She’s wanted a family for years. Will she find one in Sisters?

Three Little Words

It’s time for a Sweet Story Review. During the holiday break, I received a paperback copy of Three Little Words. This cute anthology has three little stories in it that were stuffed full of sweetness (which is what this blog is all about. Pass me the Lindor truffles, please).

This book begins with Rescuing Bailey. Darling Bailey has been in love with her next door neighbor, Dieter, for years. When she gets home from college, she expects a marriage proposal since they have dated for so long, but instead she gets blindsided. Escaping to Chicago for a job opportunity, she nurses her broken heart for three years until her dad has a heart attack. Returning to Utah scares her, but she does what she must. Will her heart ever heal, or will she find love where she least expects it?

Blog Beginnings

I love new beginnings!

Every time a new year begins, I feel like I can make a fresh start as I think of ways to improve, things to learn, and actions to do.

Even though I’ve blogged for 4 years, I gravitated to the lazy side last year (for which I will hang my head in shame). But for the new year, I decided to get a wee bit crazy (and by a bit, I mean an itsy-bitsy millimeter or two on the wild side; I shoot BIG!).

To keep my blog well-rounded (like the scrumptious orange), I created some awesome new