Rachel Stafford's Blog
January 16, 2018
Snow Drifting
If you live in the Heartland of America, then there's a good chance that you're experiencing snow and ice right now. As an Illinoisan, snow and ice are just a part of our everyday lives during the wintertime. Last winter was rather dry, and we only had a small dusting the entire season. This year, however, Mother Nature has decided to make up what she had missed.
This past Thursday was a balmy 61 degrees when I walked into work. Eight hours later, the temperature had dropped to 41, and by the time I made it home at around 10:30 PM, it had dropped an additional ten degrees. By 11:00 PM, it was sleeting. The sleet continued until early Friday morning and eventually turned to snow.
Personally, I LOVE snow! Fall and winter are my favorite times of the year, and snow is one of the few things in life that hasn't lost its magic as I've aged. I love sledding and snowboarding (even though I recently bruised my tailbone by pretending I'm still 17 and agile, not 27 and apparently frail.) And I enjoy NOTHING more than watching the snowfall as I cuddle up with a cup of hot coffee, a blankie, and a great book.
BUT...(and there's always a 'but...')
I can't stand the ice. I survived the 2009 Ice Storm that left us stranded at home with no power, no hot water, and trapped in our home for days while I suffered the worst flu I'd ever had.
I also lived through the next few Great Ice Storms that followed over the next few years. Each of them have been highly unpleasant and inconvenient.
Keeping warm is impossible, even inside sometimes. The cold during an ice storm always seems to permeate your bones. The wind cuts at your face, leaving burned cheeks and chapped lips. Driving is dangerous, but almost always necessary if you're going to get to work or if you happen to run out of groceries during the aftermath of the winter storms here. Everyone knows how to drive in this weather, but people seem to lose their capacity for common sense at times. It's very easy to do. School is out, obviously. Kids with runny noses are playing in chest high drifts of snow, digging their tunnels and trying to mold the driest snow into balls to hurl at each other. We moms and dads attempt to join in the fun, all the while wondering why the cold never felt so horrible when we were kids.
All of these things combined can make the icy days awful, for sure. But what tops the cupcake is when one, ultimately, ends up with car trouble at the worst possible time.
And, now.... T STORY TIME T
I have always considered myself to be a very cautious driver. But, in times like these my anxiety becomes even worse. For the last four days, I've been on edge while behind the wheel, mainly because people tend to drive faster when they feel more comfortable-- like when the snow and ice melt off a bit for a day, before the roads become covered again.
I drive a 2013 Malibu. I absolutely love my vehicle, but because of the terrain where I live, it's impractical during winter weather events. My husband, however, drives a huge GMC Sierra. It's a great truck! It's sturdy and tall, it has wide tires, and light bars mounted to the front. It's not the biggest truck I've ever seen, but compared to my Malibu, it's a beast. AND it has four-wheel drive, a priceless feature in times such as these.
The only issue that I have with driving Josh's truck, though, it that it always needs some kind of work done on it. This year alone, the battery, the rear end, the tie rods, and hubs have all needed replaced. It has an oil leak, and one of the doors doesn't close tightly enough, so it's always whistling. It's a great truck, but it's a farm truck. It's caked with mud (and currently road salt) constantly. But it's stable.
I've been driving this truck for four days now, feeling very safe in my big rig. But also, on my drives to and from work every day, I've prayed. I've prayed relentlessly, asking for "wisdom, patience, and safety" for myself and every other driver on the road. I pray a lot anyway, but it's the one thing that's helped calm my nerves from exploding into a full-blown panic attack every time I have to set a tire onto the pavement of the interstate for the last few days.
Last night, I was leaving work as normal. I went out and warmed up the truck while I waited for my relief, and all seemed just fine. When I came back outside about twenty minutes later, the truck was toasty warm and ready to go. I put on my seat belt, adjusted my mirrors, and got my Lore podcast started playing through the radio so I could listen as I drove. It had snowed all day, and my tire tracks from arriving earlier that day had all but disappeared. I backed out of the city parking lot, and turned on to the road. The plows had been through and, so far, the drive wasn't too terrible.
And then the battery light blinked on.
This had happened before. Josh had told me it was just a loose wire, and that he'd be looking into it when he had a chance. Last time, I turned down the heat and drove a little faster, and the battery gauge popped back to where it was supposed to stay and all was well. So, I turned down the heat and kept driving like normal.
As I approached the interstate, I noticed that my headlights were flickering a tad. Josh has those wonky blue lights that everyone hates to meet, and they have to have time to "warm up" when you change from brights to dims. They'd seemed dark before while they were working fine, so I kept on going, just wanting to be home after a long night at work.
I hopped on the interstate. It was roughly three miles from where I was to the bridge that crosses over from Kentucky to Illinois. I pressed the truck as fast as I felt comfortable with the ice, snow and slush (about 35 mph) and made my way toward the bridge and home.
And that's when things got bad. Quickly.
There is one other exit between the one I got on and the bridge. The moment I passed it, my headlights dimmed suddenly. I tried to swallow the panic that was quickly rising in me and I flipped my brights on. The brights, though, were darker than my dims. I flipped back over to my dims and slowed down further, fumbling for my phone even though I knew it was dangerous in this weather. This was an emergency though, and my phone wasn't plugged in for Siri to recognize me calling out to her. I called Josh on Bluetooth as I putted down the interstate. I tried to turn on my hazard lights, but they only weakly flickered in and out of existence. My calm demeanor was threatening to melt away, and I struggled to hang onto it.
When Josh answered, I blurted out my situation much more quickly than I had originally planned. So, of course, he probably didn't understand a single word I said. (Yelled?)
I calmed myself to slow down my speech. I explained what was happening all-too-fast for my liking, and he suggested I pick up speed and get myself home ASAP. I glanced down at the battery gauge, and to my horror, it was steadily falling. My lights were disappearing at an alarming rate, and the chances of a semi truck running over me were getting worse and worse with every second. It was late, but the road wasn't empty by any means.
I had three options before me: pull to the emergency lane, attempt the bridge, or roll through the next u-turn area and make my way to a well lit area where I could find help.
I began to choose the emergency lane, but my lack of hazard lights stopped me.
I briefly considered my husband's advice to chance the bridge, but quickly decided against that, as there is no emergency lane and no lights there.
My only option left was to u-turn and go back to the last exit.
I pulled the truck into the u-turn spot once a semi truck roared past me. With my foot on the brake, I tapped the gas just enough to keep the motor running. A few cars passed, and I took my chance. I pulled in front of a snow plow that was a safe distance back, but still afforded me some of the light from its headlights. I pushed the truck, prayers streaming out of my mouth, and my heart pounding. I was shaking from a mixture of the cold that was creeping into the truck and unrelenting adrenaline.
As I passed under the next safety light, the headlights blinked out completely, leaving me to drive in total darkness. On the interstate. In ice and snow.
My gauges were the next to go out as I puttered my way toward the off ramp. Cars that had passed the snow plow were quickly gaining on me as I passed under the next safety light. Thankfully, they saw and passed me. At this point, the next light was at the exit ramp, and the deep rumble of the truck was beginning to go quiet.
As I coasted onto the off ramp, the truck was nearly silent. I pressed the brakes, begging the truck to actually stop at the bottom. The brakes were getting harder and harder to press, and the steering wheel was getting harder to turn. There was a red light at the bottom of the ramp, and cars passing by on their green, so I had no choice but to pull off the road and come to a complete stop.
I didn't quite make it off the road, though, before the truck rolled to a stop and died there on the off ramp.
My hands were shaking, but I was parked right under a bright light. I had done it! I was within easy walking distance of a gas station, warmth, and safety. I tried a few times to start the truck again, but it was all over. It was dead, and going nowhere fast. I pulled the key out of the ignition and opened my door a crack, just as a truck pulled up to my side.
The white truck that pulled up next to me stopped. There was a middle aged man with a gray hoodie and yellow beanie behind the wheel. He leaned across the passenger seat and cranked his window down. I took that small opportunity to ask for help.
"Do you think you could help me?" I asked, my heart still pounding uncomfortably.
"Let me pull ahead of you, and I'll see what I can do," he replied. "Do you just need a jump?"
"Actually, it's completely dead. I don't think it's the battery though, it was replaced this year." I'd seen this before with our old Camry. And my hurried call to Josh confirmed my fear. The alternator had gone out while I was driving. Jumping the truck wouldn't do much good. I explained this to the kind man, and he nodded in agreement.
"I'll tow you then," he said as he jumped into the bed of his truck and grabbed a tow rope from the tool box in the back.
My teeth chattered uncomfortably as I shuffled to the front of the truck. A line of semis and cars were stating to back up on the ramp behind me. I shoved my hands into my pockets. "Is there anything I can help you do?"
"No, I've got this," he smiled. "Get back in the truck and warm up. Turn on the key, and get it into neutral, then keep your foot ready on the brake so you don't bump into me while I pull you, okay?"
I nodded and did what he said. I didn't even know his name, but this kind man was doing everything in his power to help me.
After a few minutes of pulling, we managed to get down the road and around into the parking lot of the Pilot. I thanked him profusely, and asked if there was anything I could do to repay him.
He shook his head and smiled, "You just get inside and get warm."
I thanked him again and he drove away. I walked into the gas station and called Josh right away. We were both relieved that I was not only safely off the interstate, but also somewhere I could keep out of the harsh weather. I suddenly realized that my toes were numb, and didn't know how long they'd been that way. Everything seemed to happen so quickly.
As I sat down in the attached Subway's empty dining area, I realized something. I had been praying relentlessly for four days for three things: wisdom, patience, and safety. And those things had been provided to me that night.
I was given the wisdom to make the choice to turn around, instead of trying to cross the bridge or stop on the side of the road.
I was given the patience to make the terrifying drive in the dark and not loose my cool, even though I was very close to panicking.
And I was given immediate safety, by the way of a stranger to jumped to assist me with no hesitation whatsoever.
Today, I am left feeling extremely blessed and thankful. My father-in-law was able to pick me up and get me home, and we were able to replace the alternator this morning. The truck is now safe to drive again and having no more issues. Everything last night could have been so much worse, but by the Grace, I was kept safe.
I'll leave you all with this: no matter where you are right now, I wish you wisdom, patience, and safety everywhere you go. Be safe, and...
Always Keep Adventuring
Rachel♥♥
This past Thursday was a balmy 61 degrees when I walked into work. Eight hours later, the temperature had dropped to 41, and by the time I made it home at around 10:30 PM, it had dropped an additional ten degrees. By 11:00 PM, it was sleeting. The sleet continued until early Friday morning and eventually turned to snow.
Personally, I LOVE snow! Fall and winter are my favorite times of the year, and snow is one of the few things in life that hasn't lost its magic as I've aged. I love sledding and snowboarding (even though I recently bruised my tailbone by pretending I'm still 17 and agile, not 27 and apparently frail.) And I enjoy NOTHING more than watching the snowfall as I cuddle up with a cup of hot coffee, a blankie, and a great book.
BUT...(and there's always a 'but...')
I can't stand the ice. I survived the 2009 Ice Storm that left us stranded at home with no power, no hot water, and trapped in our home for days while I suffered the worst flu I'd ever had.
I also lived through the next few Great Ice Storms that followed over the next few years. Each of them have been highly unpleasant and inconvenient.
Keeping warm is impossible, even inside sometimes. The cold during an ice storm always seems to permeate your bones. The wind cuts at your face, leaving burned cheeks and chapped lips. Driving is dangerous, but almost always necessary if you're going to get to work or if you happen to run out of groceries during the aftermath of the winter storms here. Everyone knows how to drive in this weather, but people seem to lose their capacity for common sense at times. It's very easy to do. School is out, obviously. Kids with runny noses are playing in chest high drifts of snow, digging their tunnels and trying to mold the driest snow into balls to hurl at each other. We moms and dads attempt to join in the fun, all the while wondering why the cold never felt so horrible when we were kids.
All of these things combined can make the icy days awful, for sure. But what tops the cupcake is when one, ultimately, ends up with car trouble at the worst possible time.
And, now.... T STORY TIME T
I have always considered myself to be a very cautious driver. But, in times like these my anxiety becomes even worse. For the last four days, I've been on edge while behind the wheel, mainly because people tend to drive faster when they feel more comfortable-- like when the snow and ice melt off a bit for a day, before the roads become covered again.
I drive a 2013 Malibu. I absolutely love my vehicle, but because of the terrain where I live, it's impractical during winter weather events. My husband, however, drives a huge GMC Sierra. It's a great truck! It's sturdy and tall, it has wide tires, and light bars mounted to the front. It's not the biggest truck I've ever seen, but compared to my Malibu, it's a beast. AND it has four-wheel drive, a priceless feature in times such as these.
The only issue that I have with driving Josh's truck, though, it that it always needs some kind of work done on it. This year alone, the battery, the rear end, the tie rods, and hubs have all needed replaced. It has an oil leak, and one of the doors doesn't close tightly enough, so it's always whistling. It's a great truck, but it's a farm truck. It's caked with mud (and currently road salt) constantly. But it's stable.
I've been driving this truck for four days now, feeling very safe in my big rig. But also, on my drives to and from work every day, I've prayed. I've prayed relentlessly, asking for "wisdom, patience, and safety" for myself and every other driver on the road. I pray a lot anyway, but it's the one thing that's helped calm my nerves from exploding into a full-blown panic attack every time I have to set a tire onto the pavement of the interstate for the last few days.
Last night, I was leaving work as normal. I went out and warmed up the truck while I waited for my relief, and all seemed just fine. When I came back outside about twenty minutes later, the truck was toasty warm and ready to go. I put on my seat belt, adjusted my mirrors, and got my Lore podcast started playing through the radio so I could listen as I drove. It had snowed all day, and my tire tracks from arriving earlier that day had all but disappeared. I backed out of the city parking lot, and turned on to the road. The plows had been through and, so far, the drive wasn't too terrible.
And then the battery light blinked on.
This had happened before. Josh had told me it was just a loose wire, and that he'd be looking into it when he had a chance. Last time, I turned down the heat and drove a little faster, and the battery gauge popped back to where it was supposed to stay and all was well. So, I turned down the heat and kept driving like normal.
As I approached the interstate, I noticed that my headlights were flickering a tad. Josh has those wonky blue lights that everyone hates to meet, and they have to have time to "warm up" when you change from brights to dims. They'd seemed dark before while they were working fine, so I kept on going, just wanting to be home after a long night at work.
I hopped on the interstate. It was roughly three miles from where I was to the bridge that crosses over from Kentucky to Illinois. I pressed the truck as fast as I felt comfortable with the ice, snow and slush (about 35 mph) and made my way toward the bridge and home.
And that's when things got bad. Quickly.
There is one other exit between the one I got on and the bridge. The moment I passed it, my headlights dimmed suddenly. I tried to swallow the panic that was quickly rising in me and I flipped my brights on. The brights, though, were darker than my dims. I flipped back over to my dims and slowed down further, fumbling for my phone even though I knew it was dangerous in this weather. This was an emergency though, and my phone wasn't plugged in for Siri to recognize me calling out to her. I called Josh on Bluetooth as I putted down the interstate. I tried to turn on my hazard lights, but they only weakly flickered in and out of existence. My calm demeanor was threatening to melt away, and I struggled to hang onto it.
When Josh answered, I blurted out my situation much more quickly than I had originally planned. So, of course, he probably didn't understand a single word I said. (Yelled?)
I calmed myself to slow down my speech. I explained what was happening all-too-fast for my liking, and he suggested I pick up speed and get myself home ASAP. I glanced down at the battery gauge, and to my horror, it was steadily falling. My lights were disappearing at an alarming rate, and the chances of a semi truck running over me were getting worse and worse with every second. It was late, but the road wasn't empty by any means.
I had three options before me: pull to the emergency lane, attempt the bridge, or roll through the next u-turn area and make my way to a well lit area where I could find help.
I began to choose the emergency lane, but my lack of hazard lights stopped me.
I briefly considered my husband's advice to chance the bridge, but quickly decided against that, as there is no emergency lane and no lights there.
My only option left was to u-turn and go back to the last exit.
I pulled the truck into the u-turn spot once a semi truck roared past me. With my foot on the brake, I tapped the gas just enough to keep the motor running. A few cars passed, and I took my chance. I pulled in front of a snow plow that was a safe distance back, but still afforded me some of the light from its headlights. I pushed the truck, prayers streaming out of my mouth, and my heart pounding. I was shaking from a mixture of the cold that was creeping into the truck and unrelenting adrenaline.
As I passed under the next safety light, the headlights blinked out completely, leaving me to drive in total darkness. On the interstate. In ice and snow.
My gauges were the next to go out as I puttered my way toward the off ramp. Cars that had passed the snow plow were quickly gaining on me as I passed under the next safety light. Thankfully, they saw and passed me. At this point, the next light was at the exit ramp, and the deep rumble of the truck was beginning to go quiet.
As I coasted onto the off ramp, the truck was nearly silent. I pressed the brakes, begging the truck to actually stop at the bottom. The brakes were getting harder and harder to press, and the steering wheel was getting harder to turn. There was a red light at the bottom of the ramp, and cars passing by on their green, so I had no choice but to pull off the road and come to a complete stop.
I didn't quite make it off the road, though, before the truck rolled to a stop and died there on the off ramp.
My hands were shaking, but I was parked right under a bright light. I had done it! I was within easy walking distance of a gas station, warmth, and safety. I tried a few times to start the truck again, but it was all over. It was dead, and going nowhere fast. I pulled the key out of the ignition and opened my door a crack, just as a truck pulled up to my side.
The white truck that pulled up next to me stopped. There was a middle aged man with a gray hoodie and yellow beanie behind the wheel. He leaned across the passenger seat and cranked his window down. I took that small opportunity to ask for help.
"Do you think you could help me?" I asked, my heart still pounding uncomfortably.
"Let me pull ahead of you, and I'll see what I can do," he replied. "Do you just need a jump?"
"Actually, it's completely dead. I don't think it's the battery though, it was replaced this year." I'd seen this before with our old Camry. And my hurried call to Josh confirmed my fear. The alternator had gone out while I was driving. Jumping the truck wouldn't do much good. I explained this to the kind man, and he nodded in agreement.
"I'll tow you then," he said as he jumped into the bed of his truck and grabbed a tow rope from the tool box in the back.
My teeth chattered uncomfortably as I shuffled to the front of the truck. A line of semis and cars were stating to back up on the ramp behind me. I shoved my hands into my pockets. "Is there anything I can help you do?"
"No, I've got this," he smiled. "Get back in the truck and warm up. Turn on the key, and get it into neutral, then keep your foot ready on the brake so you don't bump into me while I pull you, okay?"
I nodded and did what he said. I didn't even know his name, but this kind man was doing everything in his power to help me.
After a few minutes of pulling, we managed to get down the road and around into the parking lot of the Pilot. I thanked him profusely, and asked if there was anything I could do to repay him.
He shook his head and smiled, "You just get inside and get warm."
I thanked him again and he drove away. I walked into the gas station and called Josh right away. We were both relieved that I was not only safely off the interstate, but also somewhere I could keep out of the harsh weather. I suddenly realized that my toes were numb, and didn't know how long they'd been that way. Everything seemed to happen so quickly.
As I sat down in the attached Subway's empty dining area, I realized something. I had been praying relentlessly for four days for three things: wisdom, patience, and safety. And those things had been provided to me that night.
I was given the wisdom to make the choice to turn around, instead of trying to cross the bridge or stop on the side of the road.
I was given the patience to make the terrifying drive in the dark and not loose my cool, even though I was very close to panicking.
And I was given immediate safety, by the way of a stranger to jumped to assist me with no hesitation whatsoever.
Today, I am left feeling extremely blessed and thankful. My father-in-law was able to pick me up and get me home, and we were able to replace the alternator this morning. The truck is now safe to drive again and having no more issues. Everything last night could have been so much worse, but by the Grace, I was kept safe.
I'll leave you all with this: no matter where you are right now, I wish you wisdom, patience, and safety everywhere you go. Be safe, and...
Always Keep Adventuring
Rachel♥♥
January 11, 2018
Post-Holiday Post: Sneak Peeks and Sign-Ups!
Hello, my lovely readers! I sincerely hope you and yours had a magnificent Christmas and New Year's! Ours was very busy and fun. Noah and Jase were extremely pleased with Santa's appearance this year.
November 12, 2017
Quiet, Frustration, and Reflection
Okay, okay.. I've been kind of quiet lately. My blog posts haven't been as frequent, I haven't posted any new comics or drawings, no updates on books.
Quite frankly, I've been in a little bit of a frustrated slump lately. I've been working here and there on projects, trying to keep up with my boys, and get as much sleep as possible. I've been enjoying the beautiful fall weather. I've been trying to buy a house, and it's not really going as planned. I've been bingeing on Stranger Things with my husband.
I've got so many ideas, but I'm feeling uninspired and foggy all the time.
I've decided to take a little me time. I'll probably be a little quiet online, but I'm still going to be working toward finishing the projects I already have started before moving on to anything else. As updates are available, I will post them.
I have a radio interview coming up this Thursday, so that's pretty exciting! I'll let you guys know how it goes!
Always Keep AdventuringRachel ♥♥
Quite frankly, I've been in a little bit of a frustrated slump lately. I've been working here and there on projects, trying to keep up with my boys, and get as much sleep as possible. I've been enjoying the beautiful fall weather. I've been trying to buy a house, and it's not really going as planned. I've been bingeing on Stranger Things with my husband.
I've got so many ideas, but I'm feeling uninspired and foggy all the time.
I've decided to take a little me time. I'll probably be a little quiet online, but I'm still going to be working toward finishing the projects I already have started before moving on to anything else. As updates are available, I will post them.
I have a radio interview coming up this Thursday, so that's pretty exciting! I'll let you guys know how it goes!
Always Keep AdventuringRachel ♥♥
October 27, 2017
Busy, Busy, Busy
"Patience is a virtue."
This is a quote I've modeled a great deal of my life around. And though it's often my daily mantra, I've been finding it harder and harder lately to keep it at the forefront of my perspective.
I've got SO many things that I want to do: finish writing three books that are rattling around my head, illustrate two of those books, start new projects, buy a house, feel comfortable, lose the last twenty pounds that are hanging on.
But, not one of these things are simple.
Not one of these things happen over night or instantly.
And I'm struggling with this concept.
I've always considered myself a very patient person. But it's been so difficult lately. And I think I know why: I'm holding onto it. I'm pressuring myself when I shouldn't feel like I need to. I have had a very hard time of giving these things to God. Letting Him take the reigns and waiting patiently has been a struggle. It didn't used to be this hard, but these last few months have worn my patience down.
I'm going to let myself be patient with myself. To let go of the perfection seeking side, and let things roll.
Our family has always been blessed. We've never gone without even though there's times we were afraid we would. Right now, things are stacking up on us, but I'm not going to let it stress me out. I'm giving all of those worries over.
Shortly, I will be releasing another few books: two picture books, and one fantasy / adventure chapter book. I'm so very excited about these projects and have been putting a LOT of pressure on myself to work hard to get them out to you. I've decided to stop stressing, and take it slow. I'm not sure when they'll be ready, but I have a feeling it won't be too much longer.
Thank you all for staying patient with me. Thank you all for your constant love and support. I can't wait to share all of these new things with you soon!
Always Keep Adventuring
Rachel ♥♥
This is a quote I've modeled a great deal of my life around. And though it's often my daily mantra, I've been finding it harder and harder lately to keep it at the forefront of my perspective.
I've got SO many things that I want to do: finish writing three books that are rattling around my head, illustrate two of those books, start new projects, buy a house, feel comfortable, lose the last twenty pounds that are hanging on.
But, not one of these things are simple.
Not one of these things happen over night or instantly.
And I'm struggling with this concept.
I've always considered myself a very patient person. But it's been so difficult lately. And I think I know why: I'm holding onto it. I'm pressuring myself when I shouldn't feel like I need to. I have had a very hard time of giving these things to God. Letting Him take the reigns and waiting patiently has been a struggle. It didn't used to be this hard, but these last few months have worn my patience down.
I'm going to let myself be patient with myself. To let go of the perfection seeking side, and let things roll.
Our family has always been blessed. We've never gone without even though there's times we were afraid we would. Right now, things are stacking up on us, but I'm not going to let it stress me out. I'm giving all of those worries over.
Shortly, I will be releasing another few books: two picture books, and one fantasy / adventure chapter book. I'm so very excited about these projects and have been putting a LOT of pressure on myself to work hard to get them out to you. I've decided to stop stressing, and take it slow. I'm not sure when they'll be ready, but I have a feeling it won't be too much longer.
Thank you all for staying patient with me. Thank you all for your constant love and support. I can't wait to share all of these new things with you soon!
Always Keep Adventuring
Rachel ♥♥
October 16, 2017
I'm Back!
Hello, people of the internet! I've been on vacation this week, and LET ME TELL YOU WHAT:
It was glorious.
I have had such a wonderful week, that I don't even know what to say.
Monday was my birthday and I did absolutely NOTHING. Not a thing. I was lazy and didn't do a single chore that wasn't completely necessary. I went to my Ma Ma's house, ate chicken & dumplings and blueberry-lemon cheesecake, and had a super fun night with my family.
My dad thought it would be funny to swap my candles.
Tuesday was my 7th wedding anniversary. Josh, the kids, and I went to Metropolis Public Library's Fall Reading Program night. It was SO much fun! They had a taco bar, and coloring, and prizes. I read my books to the kids, met family members for the first time, and had an all around great time. After the Library, Josh and I dropped off the kiddos and went out to watch Kingsman: The Golden Circle. We were absolutely thrilled with the movie (and even happier to have a date ALONE.) By the time the movie got out, it was nearly 10pm on a Tuesday, so dinner was kind of cancelled. Instead of steak, we ended up getting Arby's, which was pretty dang good.
Wednesday was super busy. I visited my former elementary school, Pope County, for the day, and spoke with ten classes about my book. I read to each one, handing out my new bookmarks and stickers to the little ones. The kids were SO awesome to hang out with for the day! They are a super smart bunch of kiddos and had so many wonderful questions. My favorite part was asking them what they wanted to be when they grew up, and hearing all of their stories. They're so creative!
Thursday, Jason had an appointment with the ENT. Poor baby has had trouble with his tonsils since he was a tiny thing. This year alone, we've battled five cases of strep throat. So, it looks as if the big bad tonsils will be coming out in January. ☹
Friday, we had planned on going to the bowling alley, but Jase and I didn't feel very good. Sinus and tonsil problems run wild on my side of the family, and we were both really feeling the weather changes. So, we had a nice quiet day. Although, I did manage to finish repairing the wall the dogs had chewed up lol.
Saturday was a boy-filled free-for-all when Noah had a friend over to stay the night. It was nothing but Minecraft and Nerf gun wars. The boys had a blast! But overall, another nice, not-so-busy day.
Sunday, we had a nice family day trip. We made our way to Sikeston, MO, to go outlet shopping and eat dinner at Lambert's. It was a SUPER long and tiring day, but a very good one. I started on my Sunday comic when I got home, but I was too tired to finish it, so it'll probably be up tonight or tomorrow.
I'm feeling so very blessed to have had such a wonderful week! But, I'm also very glad to be getting back to a normal schedule. I'll be back with more updates ASAP, so stay tuned for more.
Always keep adventuring!
Rachel♥♥
It was glorious.
I have had such a wonderful week, that I don't even know what to say.
Monday was my birthday and I did absolutely NOTHING. Not a thing. I was lazy and didn't do a single chore that wasn't completely necessary. I went to my Ma Ma's house, ate chicken & dumplings and blueberry-lemon cheesecake, and had a super fun night with my family.
My dad thought it would be funny to swap my candles. Tuesday was my 7th wedding anniversary. Josh, the kids, and I went to Metropolis Public Library's Fall Reading Program night. It was SO much fun! They had a taco bar, and coloring, and prizes. I read my books to the kids, met family members for the first time, and had an all around great time. After the Library, Josh and I dropped off the kiddos and went out to watch Kingsman: The Golden Circle. We were absolutely thrilled with the movie (and even happier to have a date ALONE.) By the time the movie got out, it was nearly 10pm on a Tuesday, so dinner was kind of cancelled. Instead of steak, we ended up getting Arby's, which was pretty dang good.
Wednesday was super busy. I visited my former elementary school, Pope County, for the day, and spoke with ten classes about my book. I read to each one, handing out my new bookmarks and stickers to the little ones. The kids were SO awesome to hang out with for the day! They are a super smart bunch of kiddos and had so many wonderful questions. My favorite part was asking them what they wanted to be when they grew up, and hearing all of their stories. They're so creative!
Thursday, Jason had an appointment with the ENT. Poor baby has had trouble with his tonsils since he was a tiny thing. This year alone, we've battled five cases of strep throat. So, it looks as if the big bad tonsils will be coming out in January. ☹
Friday, we had planned on going to the bowling alley, but Jase and I didn't feel very good. Sinus and tonsil problems run wild on my side of the family, and we were both really feeling the weather changes. So, we had a nice quiet day. Although, I did manage to finish repairing the wall the dogs had chewed up lol.
Saturday was a boy-filled free-for-all when Noah had a friend over to stay the night. It was nothing but Minecraft and Nerf gun wars. The boys had a blast! But overall, another nice, not-so-busy day.
Sunday, we had a nice family day trip. We made our way to Sikeston, MO, to go outlet shopping and eat dinner at Lambert's. It was a SUPER long and tiring day, but a very good one. I started on my Sunday comic when I got home, but I was too tired to finish it, so it'll probably be up tonight or tomorrow.
I'm feeling so very blessed to have had such a wonderful week! But, I'm also very glad to be getting back to a normal schedule. I'll be back with more updates ASAP, so stay tuned for more.
Always keep adventuring!
Rachel♥♥
October 6, 2017
First Classroom Reading!
Hello, hello, hello again!
This week has been super hectic, so I'm sure you've noticed the diminished amounts of posts the last few days. Well, let's play catch up!
On Tuesday and Wednesday, I worked third shift, which I LOVE
This week has been super hectic, so I'm sure you've noticed the diminished amounts of posts the last few days. Well, let's play catch up!
On Tuesday and Wednesday, I worked third shift, which I LOVE
September 30, 2017
ALSO... Changes
SO, as you may have noticed, my blog looks quite a bit different.
I've separated my Blog from my website at this time. You, my beautiful and important followers, will still receive the same posts where you always do: Blogger, GoodReads, Amazon Author page, and NOW from www.rachelstaffordwrites.com (my so fresh, so clean new website.)
SO just in case you had to do a double take, that's the reason.
♥♥Rachel
I've separated my Blog from my website at this time. You, my beautiful and important followers, will still receive the same posts where you always do: Blogger, GoodReads, Amazon Author page, and NOW from www.rachelstaffordwrites.com (my so fresh, so clean new website.)
SO just in case you had to do a double take, that's the reason.
♥♥Rachel
SUCCESSSSS!!
HEY YOU GUYS! I can't even begin to express how excited I am about today's events!
The Chocolate Factory's 40th Anniversary was absolutely wonderful. Being home with people from the community I grew up in, not to mention being back at the first establishment I worked for, was a true blessing in itself.
Me with Linda, owner of The Chocolate Factory,
and a woman I admire and consider family.
This morning was hectic, of course, dragging two children and a groggy husband out of bed and forcing them into looking awake. We began our morning with a trip to McDonald's for breakfast... because, y'know... MCGRIDDLES. But also, we knew that this would be the only time today our paths would cross until after 2200 tonight.
From there, Josh and Noah split off to go with the Boy Scouts on their trip butterfly tagging at the Cache River Wetlands. It's been reported to me that not only was it a super fun and successful day, but also they finished it with pizza tonight.
While the big boys were Scouting, Jase and I made it over to my parents' house. Jase would be hanging out with Meme, Papa Jon, and Aunt Mic while Mommy worked the crowd. I dropped Jase off and headed over to the Chocolate Factory.
Set up went quickly, and by 0915, people were really starting to roll in. CF offered free hot dogs, popcorn, snowcones, and held door prizes.
A man from a local radio station interviewed me (my FIRST radio interview!!) and I'm hoping it went well, since I couldn't exactly listen to myself after the fact. Surprisingly, I wasn't as nervous as I thought I'd be, so hopefully I didn't sound like a dingle.
I started my day with thirty books. And, I sold ALL of them except TWO. I would have never dreamed that I could actually sell that many in just two and a half hours! It's been a long six months trying to get my books to sell, but I sold more today than I had the entire month of September in just two hours.
I am just feeling so overwhelmed and blessed today to be part of such a beautiful community. Soon, I'll be visiting local schools and libraries, and I'm praying my small business will continue to grow.
I will be going to bed tonight with many prayers of thanks, and a very happy and full heart.
Always Keep Adventuring!
-Rachel♥♥
The Chocolate Factory's 40th Anniversary was absolutely wonderful. Being home with people from the community I grew up in, not to mention being back at the first establishment I worked for, was a true blessing in itself.
Me with Linda, owner of The Chocolate Factory, and a woman I admire and consider family.
This morning was hectic, of course, dragging two children and a groggy husband out of bed and forcing them into looking awake. We began our morning with a trip to McDonald's for breakfast... because, y'know... MCGRIDDLES. But also, we knew that this would be the only time today our paths would cross until after 2200 tonight.
From there, Josh and Noah split off to go with the Boy Scouts on their trip butterfly tagging at the Cache River Wetlands. It's been reported to me that not only was it a super fun and successful day, but also they finished it with pizza tonight.
While the big boys were Scouting, Jase and I made it over to my parents' house. Jase would be hanging out with Meme, Papa Jon, and Aunt Mic while Mommy worked the crowd. I dropped Jase off and headed over to the Chocolate Factory.
Set up went quickly, and by 0915, people were really starting to roll in. CF offered free hot dogs, popcorn, snowcones, and held door prizes.
A man from a local radio station interviewed me (my FIRST radio interview!!) and I'm hoping it went well, since I couldn't exactly listen to myself after the fact. Surprisingly, I wasn't as nervous as I thought I'd be, so hopefully I didn't sound like a dingle.
I started my day with thirty books. And, I sold ALL of them except TWO. I would have never dreamed that I could actually sell that many in just two and a half hours! It's been a long six months trying to get my books to sell, but I sold more today than I had the entire month of September in just two hours.
I am just feeling so overwhelmed and blessed today to be part of such a beautiful community. Soon, I'll be visiting local schools and libraries, and I'm praying my small business will continue to grow.
I will be going to bed tonight with many prayers of thanks, and a very happy and full heart.
Always Keep Adventuring!
-Rachel♥♥
September 24, 2017
Let's Catch Up!
Hello, hello, hello!
I've been super duper busy since I last posted. Very exciting things are happening over at the Stafford household. Some good exciting, some not so good exciting... but exciting nonetheless.
This week has been a balance of plus and minus. Pros and cons. If's and but's.
We fixed the truck (again)! But the air conditioner broke.
The coil burned up! BUT, it didn't catch fire.
Cool weather is coming soon. But, it's 91 degrees in the house!
There's still a hole in the wall! But we have paneling to repair it with now.
It's been a whirlwind, to say the least.
But in this same, hectic week, so many NICE things have happened:
✓ I've been working on my secret project, and I have to say that it is going pretty darn well.
✓ I FINALLY GOT MY NEW DRYER!!
✓ I had time one morning to do some painting with Jase before work (which never happens!)
✓ Did I mention that I got my new dryer?!
✓ I made my first batch of candy for the fall ☺
✓ I finished setting up all my online stores.
✓ I scheduled another book reading with my son's school!
So, as you can see, it's been a little difficult for me to entertain you lately... but, I'm hoping things will slow down for me here in the next few weeks.
I still have to finish my secret project... although, I haven't set a time limit for myself on that one. Just letting it happen as it will.
And I still need to get my act together on these illustrations for Our Little House on the Great Big Hill. I'm hoping to have it at least mostly done by the end of the year. It'll happen eventually I guess haha.
Until next time!
Always Keep Adventuring -
Rachel ♥♥
I've been super duper busy since I last posted. Very exciting things are happening over at the Stafford household. Some good exciting, some not so good exciting... but exciting nonetheless.
This week has been a balance of plus and minus. Pros and cons. If's and but's.
We fixed the truck (again)! But the air conditioner broke.
The coil burned up! BUT, it didn't catch fire.
Cool weather is coming soon. But, it's 91 degrees in the house!
There's still a hole in the wall! But we have paneling to repair it with now.
It's been a whirlwind, to say the least.
But in this same, hectic week, so many NICE things have happened:
✓ I've been working on my secret project, and I have to say that it is going pretty darn well.
✓ I FINALLY GOT MY NEW DRYER!!
✓ I had time one morning to do some painting with Jase before work (which never happens!)
✓ Did I mention that I got my new dryer?!
✓ I made my first batch of candy for the fall ☺
✓ I finished setting up all my online stores.
✓ I scheduled another book reading with my son's school!
So, as you can see, it's been a little difficult for me to entertain you lately... but, I'm hoping things will slow down for me here in the next few weeks.
I still have to finish my secret project... although, I haven't set a time limit for myself on that one. Just letting it happen as it will.
And I still need to get my act together on these illustrations for Our Little House on the Great Big Hill. I'm hoping to have it at least mostly done by the end of the year. It'll happen eventually I guess haha.
Until next time!
Always Keep Adventuring -
Rachel ♥♥
September 16, 2017
A "Sweet" Day at the Chocolate Factory
So, for my first event, I'd say my helpers and I did pretty well!
My special helpers were (for the most part) well behaved, especially when their grandparents came out to help! We had a little table, sold a few books, and had chocolate and ice cream! It was a pretty slow morning, which was a little unexpected, but at least we weren't completely overwhelmed! I was feeling a little more than unprepared anyway, so everything worked out just fine.
September 30th, we'll be back at the Chocolate Factory for their BIG 40th Anniversary Event! I think we'll have a much bigger turnout that day, and I'll have books on hand that people can take home that day!
Feeling very blessed right now, and it seems like things are really starting to fall into place.
Always Keep Adventuring,
Rachel ♥♥
My special helpers were (for the most part) well behaved, especially when their grandparents came out to help! We had a little table, sold a few books, and had chocolate and ice cream! It was a pretty slow morning, which was a little unexpected, but at least we weren't completely overwhelmed! I was feeling a little more than unprepared anyway, so everything worked out just fine.
September 30th, we'll be back at the Chocolate Factory for their BIG 40th Anniversary Event! I think we'll have a much bigger turnout that day, and I'll have books on hand that people can take home that day!
Feeling very blessed right now, and it seems like things are really starting to fall into place.
Always Keep Adventuring,
Rachel ♥♥
