On this day 159 years ago, the Union army in Tennessee under Gen. Ulysses S. Grant was surprised by an attack at dawn by Confederates coming up from Corinth Mississippi. The battle took place near a church called Shiloh, which means place of peace. I don't know now why I decided to write a book… Continue reading Place of Peace
A Long Awaited Update
I'm sitting at my kitchen table, and the window in here is open. I'm listening to the rain and wondering why March isn't going out like a lamb. It came in like a lion and appears to be going out the same way. Reminds me of a song I once heard that said, "I didn't… Continue reading A Long Awaited Update
My Review for “Sing in the Sunlight”
Spring is coming! Can you feel it in the air? Birds are tweeting and tantalizing my cat, breezes are warmer, the sunshine is brightening the skies. As we bid winter a happy ado, I want to tell you about a new book that just came out on March 2. Kathleen Denly is a new novelist… Continue reading My Review for “Sing in the Sunlight”
Happy New Year?
Are you glad 2020 is over? Do you feel different since the calendar changed to a new year? Have you made goals for 2021, or are you stuck in the thing you didn't finish from last year? "New Year, New You," the Bible app said. Meanwhile, some folks are just getting to celebrate Christmas with… Continue reading Happy New Year?
December Update and Bookish News
Do you like to read samples of books for free? There's a page on this site where I post the first chapter of one of my books. I change it up every few months or so. I just updated it today, and it's the first chapter of "Wild Heart", my very first book. If you… Continue reading December Update and Bookish News
Perspective
Dinner could not get done soon enough for me. I was hungry. All I'd had for lunch was a few bites of ice cream. But, the hamburger was thawing from frozen, so my husband couldn't hurry it. If I had eaten something more substancial for lunch, I wouldn't have been so anxious. My husband wasn't… Continue reading Perspective
The Real Issue
Have you ever seen a post on social media that you wanted to share but couldn't, because it had a bad word in it? Have you ever thought you were finished with a crochet project, only to see that you made a mistake and have to take out an entire row to fix your mistake?… Continue reading The Real Issue
Autumn Update
Is there anything more precious than listening to your children sleep? Even breaths, quiet snores, long moans. They are growing up on me, and I'm wishing I could slam on the brakes. Yesterday, I had to sit out in the waiting room while my 12 year old got a root canal. When she texted to… Continue reading Autumn Update
Don’t Faint, Pray
I didn’t want to get out of bed this morning. After pulling on my jeans, teeshirt and houseshoes, I poured a cup of coffee, wrapped up in a blanket on the couch and wished I could just read all day. “I don’t want to adult today,” I told the cat. He just crawled up onto… Continue reading Don’t Faint, Pray
We’ve Come A Long Way
A few weeks ago I read, “Rocket Boys: a Memoir” by Homer H. Hickam. It made me laugh, and it made me cry. It also made me ask myself, what kind of determination does it take to learn something difficult in order to achieve a dream? If I were failing algebra, would I want to… Continue reading We’ve Come A Long Way
Time for Something New
Summertime is the perfect time to try something new. Don’t you think? It has always been that way for me, whether intended or not. I rode a jetski for the first time during the summer of 1989. That was the same year I went out of state to a church camp for children who are… Continue reading Time for Something New
A Little Bit Stir-crazy
Hungry mamas are dangerous creatures when they see posts on FB about cakes. Dear weather system bringing all this heat to WV, iff I had wanted Florida weather, I would have went to live there. I did laundry and dishes and set my 12 and 14 year old to sweeping and cleaning the bathroom. Goes… Continue reading A Little Bit Stir-crazy
Masks, Sheep, and the Lamb
Yesterday was the first day I wore a mask in public for any length of time. It made my face too warm, and it made me feel as if I should keep my mouth shut. LOL That was not the strangest part of it, though. As a person who is totally blind, I rely on… Continue reading Masks, Sheep, and the Lamb
Are You Scared?
I am sick and tired of fear. I’m tired of being afraid, and angry at fearmongers. The worst of it all is we are playing into their hands and allowing ourselves to be controlled by fear. What scares you? The Dark? Snakes? Latex balloons? The wearing of masks? Guns? Terrorists highjacking airplanes? When the World… Continue reading Are You Scared?
Come Away, My Love
There is something special about sharing a hobbie with your child. Earlier this week my daughter picked up a pair of knitting needles, raided my yarn stash, pulled up a video on Youtube and taught herself to knit. A little while ago we searched through a box of knitting supplies that was given to me… Continue reading Come Away, My Love
Some Memories and a Parable
Sunshine. Blessed sunshine. I feel its warmth on my face through the kitchen window, and it reminds me of its brightness, which I have not seen for 20 years. The Amish Friendship bread I had for breakfast reminds me of my math teacher in high school. She used to make it and bring it in… Continue reading Some Memories and a Parable
A Time of Endurance
The other day, my husband did a Facebook live video for our church. A verse he highlighted was Matthew 24:13, “But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” Endure: Verb. suffer (something painful or difficult) patiently. A similar word, given when I googled the definition, was experience. He that shall… Continue reading A Time of Endurance
Corona Scare: My 2 Cents Worth
The emails have been pouring in. One from the grocery store where I shop, one from my credit card company, yet another from a clothing store that I sometimes frequent, and one from the guide dog school where I got my first dog. All of them are basically saying the same thing; they want to… Continue reading Corona Scare: My 2 Cents Worth
Bookish News and Cap’n Crunch
My husband and I like to watch cooking competitions. One thing these judges like to hear are personal stories showcasing the dish that the competing chefs have prepared. This passed Saturday evening, we ate bowls of Cap’n Crunch for dinner. I had not eaten a bowl of that cereal in ages. The first bite reminded… Continue reading Bookish News and Cap’n Crunch
My Review of “Waltz in the Wilderness” by Kathleen Denly
Dear Readers, Y'all know I'm a fan of Christian romance, right? I write Christian romance, after all. And, if it happens to be historical, I love it even more. So, I just finished reading "Waltz in the Wilderness" by debut author, Kathleen Denly. I gave it 5 stars and posted my review on… Continue reading My Review of “Waltz in the Wilderness” by Kathleen Denly
Happy Birthday, Caleb!
Someone has a birthday this month, and to celebrate, I have posted a portion of his story for you to read for free. It's on my "Free Reads" page, but here is the link to it, in case you'd like to share it. https://sjwellsauthor.com/free-reads/ The image above is of the cover for the… Continue reading Happy Birthday, Caleb!
Dear Readers
Have the winter blahs set in for you, yet? Has the dark and cold and staying indoors got you down? I would like to say that I’m doing well, but then, I realized, I’m excited about the fact that I get to go to Bible study and praise band practice tonight. Now, I should be… Continue reading Dear Readers
January Update
Tomorrow it will be two weeks into the new year, and I’m still writing 2019. Do you all do that? I guess old habits are hard to break, even though writing 2020 is much easier. Have you all read any good books so far this year? I read “The Way of the Brave” by Susan… Continue reading January Update
A New Year’s Message
It’s New Year’s Eve, and I’m not out partying with friends. I’m not even going to church to join with other believers to pray the old year out and the new year in. Instead, I’m safe at home with my family. I’m about to watch some TV with my husband and eat homemade chicken noodle… Continue reading A New Year’s Message
Mondays, Math, and Murmurings
On my first day of 7th grade, our science teacher asked us to fill out forms about ourselves. The questions were things like, what is your address, what are your hobbies, and what are your petpeeves. My friends and I had no idea what a petpeeve was and had to ask. I don’t remember my… Continue reading Mondays, Math, and Murmurings
A Thanksgiving Post
The rain is coming down out there this morning, providing a tune all its own. It’s soothing as I reach over and pet the cats, slide my fingers over the braille in my Bible, sip on a hot, cup of coffee, kiss my husband bye when he heads off to work. At this time 20… Continue reading A Thanksgiving Post
Secret Santa, Dill Pickle Soup, Cats, Teenagers, Bible and Writing
Now, wasn't that title original? I choose not to get involved in the secret Santa scam on Facebook. I choose not to taste dill pickle soup. Choose this day whom you will serve, either the gods your father’s served on the other side of the flood or the God who brought you out of… Continue reading Secret Santa, Dill Pickle Soup, Cats, Teenagers, Bible and Writing
A Veteran’s Day Post
Several years ago, a friend said to me, “Because, after all, the South should have won.” Astounded, I probably stood there with my mouth hanging open. Somehow the subject of the American Civil War came up, and her statement was so far from anything I had ever heard or been taught, I couldn’t say anything… Continue reading A Veteran’s Day Post
Busy and Blessed
Days are shorter, and the air is cooler. I’ve pulled out my moccasins, which really need replaced for a newer pair and my fuzzy, Christmas pants. The family is talking about shopping for Christmas and asking who is coming over for Thanksgiving. Yet, 4 days ago, most of WV was under a tornado watch. Crazy,… Continue reading Busy and Blessed
Life’s Mysteries, Story Questions
I am sitting here and listening to the sounds of a town waking up. Traffic is busy up on the highway, a car passes my house every little bit, a truck or big piece of machinery is beeping away, letting folks behind it know that it means business. Someone is using power tools down the… Continue reading Life’s Mysteries, Story Questions
Where Were You?
Where were you? Americans have been asking themselves and one another that question for seventeen years. Answers range from school to work, from vacation to home. Many can only say they remember hearing about it, as they were not even born, yet or were just babies. I was here in my kitchen. I had just… Continue reading Where Were You?
Busy Day Update
We have a new kitten in the house. The 14 year old and 11 year old are excited and rather distracted, and we haven’t even started our school work for the day. Our 2-year-old cat isn’t so sure about this meowing furball roaming around in her territory, but so far, no one has gotten hurt.… Continue reading Busy Day Update
Some Advice for the Novice Homeschooler
**Please note: The writer of this blog, me, S. J. Wells is a follower of Jesus Christ, and therefore, my opinions and advice reflect my beliefs. If you are looking for advice with a more worldly view, look elsewhere. Well, I survived week one of homeschool adventure number 10, and today I will keep my… Continue reading Some Advice for the Novice Homeschooler
Homeschool Adventure Number What??
Wow. This morning I created homeschool journals for my girls, as I have been doing for…10 years? Truly, this is homeschool adventure number 10? What happened to homeschool adventures 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9? I was a novice homeschooler for so long, I feel like a hypocrite saying I’ve been at… Continue reading Homeschool Adventure Number What??
Pray without ceasing
I dreamed last night that I was comforting a woman who is dying. I didn’t know her or her fiance, but his tears broke my heart. I held the woman and rocked her and wished I had something to say to lead them to comfort and salvation in Jesus Christ. In my spirit, the… Continue reading Pray without ceasing
If the Blind Follow the Blind…
Remember that game you used to play when you were a kid called Follow the Leader? Well, a few years ago, I took my Sunday school class outside to play that game. Round and round the parking lot we went, hands on each others’ shoulders, as I had the kids to follow me. Follow me.… Continue reading If the Blind Follow the Blind…
I’m A Youtuber Now LOL
Summer is a time to try something new. So, I decided to try Youtube to help promote myself. Here's a video I posted this morning. If I copied and pasted correctly. 🙂 Come on over, subscribe, and let me know what you think. Blessings.
The Drowning Scene
If you follow me on Facebook or Twitter, you might have picked up on the fact that I’m working on a story about a woman traveling the Oregon trail. You may even remember a post where I talked about researching what to do when someone is drowning. Well, below is a sample, uncut and unedited,… Continue reading The Drowning Scene
Oh, Those Instructions
I bought an ice cream maker from The Pampered Chef. As soon as I brought the box inside, I opened it and cleaned it up. My daughter read the print instructions to me, and they said to put the crock in the freezer for 24 hours before attempting to make the ice cream. But you… Continue reading Oh, Those Instructions
Avengers Endgame with Audio Description
Important note: No spoilers here. If you have not seen the movie, feel free to keep reading. I promise, I will not give anything away. This post is only about my experience at the theater. On Sunday we went to watch Avengers Endgame. How, you are asking, does a blind person watch a movie at… Continue reading Avengers Endgame with Audio Description
Some Rambling and a Few Updates
Ok, y’all, where did Spring go? It feels crazy cold in my house this morning. I had to turn off the ceiling fans, and I’m considering a second cup of hot caffeine and maybe a blanket. It’s Saturday, my kids are still inbed, we’ve no school today, and my husband has to work. I kind… Continue reading Some Rambling and a Few Updates
Announcing A New Book!
Well, ole March went out like a lion this year, didn’t it? But April has finally arrived. Spring. I don’t know about you, but I’ve been waiting all winter to say that. 🙂 That fresh, moist, earthy smell of dirt, the happy singing of the birds, the warm sunshine and milder temperatures all make… Continue reading Announcing A New Book!
From Idea to Book
My wind chimes are creating a melody all their own out there on my front porch. Guess the breeze is lively. Reminds me of the blustery March, two years ago when I was pondering a new story idea. I dove into some research, which proved to fuel my idea into a book that is soon… Continue reading From Idea to Book
Calendars, Dates and Research
A couple of nights ago I was hugging and kissing my girls goodnight…a practice, I’m sure an 11-year-old and 13-year-old wish I would drop…when my youngest asked for something. I can’t remember what it was, but she wanted to know if I would buy her something. “Sure,” I said, “as soon as I get the… Continue reading Calendars, Dates and Research
Announcing a New Book
Coming soon, a new novel by me! Featuring romance and redemption with a mix of characters thrown in, including pirates and preachers, slaves and servants, farmers and females on the frontier, “You Belong to Me” is set in Virginia, 1748. What’s it about? Well, here’s the tentative back cover blurb: She bought him to work… Continue reading Announcing a New Book
After the Polar Vortex
Social media took a backseat today. Between getting up late because I stayed up late to read, helping the 5th grader with long division containing decimals, helping the 8th grader understand multiplying and dividing negative and positive exponents, laundry, a call from a friend and writing a paragraph on my newest WIP, I just… Continue reading After the Polar Vortex
Blogging From My IPhone
Good Friday morning. Today I am trying something new. I am using the dictate feature on my iPhone to write this post. The interesting thing is that when dictating, it does not put a capital letter at the beginning of the sentence. Dictating causes one to stop and think before speaking each sentence aloud, too.… Continue reading Blogging From My IPhone
A Day in the Life
I had to have blood work done this morning to check my A1C and sugar. I knew it would be high, because I had a bowl of Cornflakes with sugar for breakfast. I needed to go to our local Walmart to grab a few groceries. Knowing I wanted to start eating healthier, I nabbed some… Continue reading A Day in the Life
Free for a Short Time
Hey friends, It's late, so I'll make this short and sweet. Tomorrow, Wed. Dec. 12, 2018 from 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM, my book, "His Yankee Wife" will be free on kindle. Set a reminder, set an alarm, mark your calendars, cause normally it's $7.99. I was trying to figure out what… Continue reading Free for a Short Time
Hope and Advent
Yesterday was the first Sunday of Advent. At church they lit the hope candle and talked about hope. I’ve mentioned hope before and even wrote a blog post about it, but it keeps popping up in my thoughts. Ask any child this time of year what they are hoping for, and you’ll get answers like… Continue reading Hope and Advent
