“Dance above the surface of the world. Let your thoughts lift you into creativity that is not hampered by opinion.” 
― Red Haircrow

HAPPY BLOGIVERSARY TO ME

I love the month of August. In Boise, the heat of the whole year seems to intensify into this one month. A blazing hot inferno where temperatures soar, humidity rises and the air crackles like a powder keg just waiting to go off. The heat is not the reason why I enjoy August, the pleasure lies in knowing what comes next. The anticipation of cool nights, crisp air and the changing of the leaves from greens, to hues of gold and jeweled rubies is what excites me. I can’t stop smiling. I know that fall is surely on it’s way as soon as summer has had its say. 

I have a new reason to love August. This month marks the one year anniversary of Pure Grace Farms. During this past year connections have went from names to faces and from people to friends. I’m grateful for what God has been doing in me and through me in this small little space. I want to make this month a celebration for all that I’m thankful for.

I was asked several weeks back to participate in a question and answer session about why I do what I do. So today there will be no recipes, musings, or stories about camping. I have the privilege of sharing a little of myself with you. 

My Writing Process

About 5 weeks ago I was asked to participate in a blog tour that helps to put the spotlight on fellow food bloggers. I was nominated by Sandi, a gluten free mom and blogger whose blog Fearless Dining showcases amazing and beautifully photographed food. Sandi creates recipes that would make the most discriminating of foodies proud and shares great information and reviews about the gluten free lifestyle. As you can tell I enjoy her blog and appreciate her support. Fearless Dining: http://www.fearlessdining.com/

1. What am I working on?

Keeping with the theme on Pure Grace Farms one year anniversary, I must say I have seen many changes already since my first post was published last August. I am more focused on projects  I feel are important and provide help to others in the larger scheme of things. My Preserve the Harvest Series is an ongoing project that I’ll be continuing throughout the year as a regular feature. Other than that, I let inspiration from day to day life lead me.

2. How does my work differ from others of my genre?

While I enjoy gardening, cooking and sharing these special talents with my readers, I feel my real focus is on matters of the heart. It is important to me that those who come to Pure Grace Farms leave feeling better in spirit than when they arrived. This is no gimmick on my part, but a sincere appreciation of all that I have been given. My life hasn’t been a picnic by any means but I find that even in the difficult moments a little kindness and encouragement is what makes all the difference.

3. Why do I write what I do?

I write to encourage, to inspire and to share my story. There is a hope that I have deep within me that God is on His throne. I am deeply and powerfully loved and no one can ever take that away from me. It is my desire that all may know and experience this deep and abiding love. Not because of who you are or what you’ve accomplished; all those things fade and falter. It is because of who God is and how He loves us. A powerful message I feel compelled to live out in love and gratitude.

4. How does my writing process work?

I prefer not to think too much about what I will write until the moment I sit down to write it. I have a title or topic in mind and that’s about it. I write like I do just about everything else, squarely by the seat of my pants. I am an emotional writer and put my heart into every word that goes on the page. Sometimes it can get me into trouble, but for better or worse I want to be real.

So there you have it. Thank you for taking a moment to read a little about me.

MY NOMINATIONS

I now get to pass the torch to 3 of my favorite bloggers. I have chosen these particular three because of the support and encouragement they have shown me in the first year of Pure Grace Farms existence. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them and for this I am truly grateful. My three nominations are in no particular order.

1. Diane and her blog  Recipes for Our Daily Bread. A living breathing sweet Southern inspiration in everything she does. Her generous spirit and love for others is contagious and her pure Southern Cooking will bring you to your knees. Thanks Diane, I surely appreciate you! Recipes For Our Daily Bread: http://recipesforourdailybread.com/  

2. Kim from The Cookie Puzzle. My first contact with Kim was a comment she left on one of my posts. She left some very encouraging words for me at a moment when I was questioning what I was doing at Pure Grace Farms. She had no idea of my struggles or how deep her words penetrated my heart. Since then she has been a constant source of support, most likely without her even knowing it. I am thankful for the way God uses us to bless one another. Thank you for being a blessing Kim. The Cookie Puzzle: http://www.thecookiepuzzle.com/p/about-cookie-puzzle.html

3. Michelle and I have only recently become acquainted and I already know we will be good friends. A Dish of Daily Life offers just that. Life lived up and served as the main course with food the beautiful side dish. Michelle tirelessly esteems others highly and her servant’s heart  is evident in all she presents on her blog and throughout the social media world. A cheerleader, friend and confidant. I am honored to know her. A Dish of Daily Life: http://www.adishofdailylife.com/

Please take a moment and go by and say hello to all these wonderful ladies. Their blogs are all refreshingly different in nature but have in common something very important…a heart and soul.

Blessings, Shari  

My writing process blog tour shared with: *Crafty Allie: Worthwhile Wednesday’s *Smart Schoolhouse: Whimsy Wednesday *Juggling Real Food And Real Life: Let’s Get Real *The Diary of A Real Housewife: Foodie Friday’s

 Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”