THE SUMMER OF EMPTY FLOWERPOTS by BARBARA M. BRITTON

THE SUMMER OF EMPTY FLOWERPOTS by BARBARA M. BRITTON
Friday, October 6, 2023 by Patti Shene

FEATURED BOOK: Until June

AUTHOR: Barbara M. Britton

PUBLISHER: Pelican Book Group

GENRE: Historical Fiction

SERIES OR STAND ALONE: Stand alone

TARGET AGE: Women age 16-70

IT IS MY PLEASURE TO WELCOME AUTHOR BARBARA M. BRITTON TO THE OVER 50 WRITER. BARBARA SHARES ADVICE ON STAYING HEALTHY WHILE CAREGIVING

BARBARA IS OFFERING A GIVEAWAY! SIMPLY LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW TO ENTER THE DRAWING FOR A PRINT OR EBOOK COPY OF UNTIL JUNE.

THE SUMMER OF EMPTY FLOWERPOTS

Barbara M. Britton

When you live in a Midwest state that enjoys snow during the winter and temperatures that leave the landscape looking bleak, the planting of annual flowers and perennials is a colorful blessing come summer. This year while my perennials emerged to brighten my garden, I didn’t get around to planting my annuals. My flowerpots gracing the entry to my home stood empty.

I had good reason for the absence, I was taking care of my mom and in-laws, and helping my son when a disc decided to bulge in his back. I am one of those sandwich generation people who have aging parents and young adults who need a helping hand occasionally.

Being able to help others is a blessing. Jesus tells us the greatest commandments in Matthew 22:37:40. We are to love the Lord our God with all our heart, and with all our soul, and with all our mind. Jesus also says to love our neighbors as ourselves. How much more shall we love our family?

In Until June, my character Josephine is a caregiver to a WWI veteran who lost his legs in an explosion, is addicted to morphine, and is disgruntled with life. Josephine is away from home and staring at a caregiving mountain that is almost insurmountable.

If you find yourself in a season of caregiving, remember to take care of yourself first. Here are some things that helped me during my busy summer.

-Be honest when people ask how you are doing. Prayer support is foundational. I needed the texts from friends checking in because I was away from home and church.

-Stay connected to God through Bible reading, Bible study, listening to sermons, or enjoying Christian music.

-Do your best to get exercise. I parked my car far from the store so I could take a few extra steps and get my heart rate up.

-Stay hydrated. Try to eat fruit and vegetables. If you find yourself grabbing fast food, take a vitamin supplement.

-Focus on a hobby that you enjoy. Bring a book or a crocheting project with you to doctor appointments. Thankfully, I was able to finish my writing project in between the trips.

One of the biggest blessings in life is being able to spend time with people you care about. That blessing is worth a few empty flowerpots.

What are your tips for staying healthy in body and soul while caring for others?

Book blurb for Until June:

When seventeen-year-old seamstress Josephine Nimetz, agrees to take care of a WWI amputee in a remote Alaskan lodge, there's enough friction to melt the Mendenhall Glacier. Her position is only until June, and it pays well enough to overlook the hardship of managing a rustic home and a shell-shocked veteran.

Geoff Chambers makes it clear that he isn't too fond of the runt sent to take care of his needs, nor of her painful mistakes. Dealing with a depressed and addicted veteran, pushes Josephine to the brink of leaving, if not for the money her salary brings.

But Josephine is a perfectionist, determined to get Geoff back on his feet—figuratively. Although, sending a rich, handsome veteran back into society may cost Josephine the man she has grown to love.

Buy Link

DON’T FORGET TO LEAVE A COMMENT TO BE PLACED IN THE DRAWING TO WIN A PRINT OR EBOOK COPY OF UNTIL JUNE BETWEEN NOW AND MONDAY, OCTOBER 16TH AT MIDNIGHT MT. (U.S. residents only eligible for print copy).

BY LEAVING A COMMENT, YOU GRANT PERMISSION FOR YOUR EMAIL TO BE REVEALED TO THE AUTHOR IF YOU ARE THE WINNER TO FACILITATE RECEIPT OF YOUR BOOK.

Barbara M. Britton lives in Southeast Wisconsin and loves the snow—when it accumulates under three inches. She writes Christian Fiction from Bible Times to present day USA. Her Tribes of Israel series brings little-known Bible characters to light. Her novel “Christmas at Whispering Creek,” is a compelling, yet fun story, shining a light on breast cancer. Barbara has a nutrition degree from Baylor University but loves to dip healthy strawberries in chocolate. You can find out more about Barbara and her books on her website.

follow her on Twitter or Facebook.

SUBSCRIBE TO PATTI’S BLOGS HERE

Comments

Barbara M. Britton From Wisconsin At 10/17/2023 9:25:13 PM

Hi Jean. You are so right. Just hearing a friend's caring voice can make you feel better. Where would we be without our friends, family, or church family? I'm happy you joined us.

Jean Alfieri From CO At 10/17/2023 10:20:32 AM

Great tips on self-care, Barbara. I have found myself leaning heavily on a friend or two who are willing to pick up the phone for whatever odd reason I just want to hear their voices. Those people are precious and can turn around a sad mood in a quick minute!

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Jean. Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing with us. Friends can be such a strong support when we need some encouragement!

Barbara M. Britton From Wisconsin At 10/13/2023 5:50:14 PM

Hi Evelyn. Thank you for joining us. I like WWI and WWII stories, too.

Barbara M. Britton From Wisconsin At 10/13/2023 5:48:46 PM

Hi Linda. That is so true. I'll take a walk around our court to get some fresh air and stretch my legs. It's also a nice time to pray. Thanks for being here. Thank you for your kind words about my story.

Evelyn Foreman From Texas At 10/13/2023 7:24:41 AM

So many words of wisdom written here! And aside from the gorgeous cover, anything and everything WWll just grabs my heart!

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Evelyn. Thank you for stopping by and sharing with us.

Linda Shenton Matche From New Hampshire At 10/13/2023 6:17:27 AM

I’m not entering because I already own and have read this wonderful book, but it’s important to take time for one’s self, even if just a walk around the block.

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Linda. Thank you for stopping by and joining the discussion. You are right, even a short walk can be most helpful!

Barbara M. Britton From Wisconsin At 10/12/2023 3:58:16 PM

Thank you for joining us, Vera, and for your encouraging words. You're a blessing.

Vera Day From Texas At 10/12/2023 9:39:41 AM

Thank you for the wise advice, Barbara. Until June sounds like a wonderful book!

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Vera. Thank you for stopping by and letting us know you were here.

Barbara M. Britton From Wisconsin At 10/7/2023 8:10:56 PM

Hi Julie. Bless you for being a caregiver to patients with difficult diagnoses. Caregiving is draining work, but such an act of service. Thank you for joining us.

Barbara Britton From Wisconsin At 10/7/2023 8:07:57 PM

Thanks for joining us, Kathy. I appreciate you being here.

Kathy McKinsey From Ohio At 10/7/2023 12:35:48 PM

Thank you, Patti. Lovely.:)

Reply by: Patti Shene

Thank you for joining us, Kathy!

Barbara M. Britton From Wisconsin At 10/7/2023 9:28:13 AM

Hi Jean. You are so right. Family is forever. I never regret when I place family first in my life (After Jesus). Thanks for being here with us.

Barbara M. Britton From Wisconsin At 10/7/2023 9:26:05 AM

Hi Becky. Thank you for being with us. Caregiving is draining, but Jesus gives us strength. And exercise is something we set aside, and it needs to be done to keep us sharp. Thank you for joining us.

Barbara M. Britton From Wisconsin At 10/7/2023 9:23:42 AM

Hi Jerolyn. Prayer and helpful friends are key to staying well during caregiving. What a blessing both are to us. Thanks for being here.

Julie Grace From S.W. Missouri At 10/7/2023 1:55:25 AM

Thanks for sharing your experiences. Years ago I worked for a home health company as an aide and also as a supervisor. I took care of patients with dementia, Parkinson's, and other disabilities that kept them from a normal life. I prayed a lot for strength and patience. I received both.

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Julie! Thank you so much for sharing with us! God called you to a wonderful profession.

Jerolyn Lockhart From Colorado At 10/6/2023 11:01:03 PM

Thank you for sharing, Barbara. I understand how difficult care giving is, but what a blessing to those we care for. It's important that we stay connected with our friends and let them help us through it emotionally and as prayer support. I don't know what I'd do without them.

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Jerolyn! Thank you for joining us and sharing your thoughts on care giving. You are so right. Friends are so important!

Barbara M. Britton From Wisconsin At 10/6/2023 8:16:20 PM

Thank you for the condolences, Patti. The end is always difficult. I'm thankful for Jesus and His certain hope of eternity for believers.

Barbara M. Britton From Wisconsin At 10/6/2023 8:14:32 PM

Hi Gail. It's so good to see you here. You are so right that the caregiver needs to take care of themselves. It's very easy to get run down. I'm so glad you joined us.

Barbara M. Britton From Wisconsin At 10/6/2023 8:07:39 PM

Hi Diana. Thanks for joining us. My publisher did a nice job on my cover. I was very happy.

Becky Van Vleet From Colorado Springs At 10/6/2023 8:04:10 PM

Hi Barbara and Patti, When I'm in a caregiving situation, I agree with you--you have to take care of yourself. I stay in prayer, exercise, and eat well. Of course, I try to do these things anyway, but I ramp things up a bit during caregiving. Barbara, your book sounds great!

Reply by: Patti Shene

HI Becky! Thank you for stopping by and joining in the discussion. Caregiving can be rewarding but also taxing on our body and spirit.

M Jean Pike From Ohio At 10/6/2023 7:33:01 PM

What a wonderful post. Flowers will come and go, but family is forever! God bless you for all you do for others.

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hello M Jean! Thank you for stopping by and joining the conversation. You are so right about flowers and family.

Diana Hardt From California At 10/6/2023 5:24:39 PM

Pretty cover. It sounds like a really interesting book. Thank you for sharing.

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Diana. Thank you for stopping by and letting us know you were here.

Gail Pallotta From Georgia At 10/6/2023 8:57:18 AM

Ah, that sounds like such a good book with a great message. I understand about seeing those you love in need and being there for them as best one can. I agree with your tips for taking care of ourselves because we must be well enough emotionally and physically to take care of them.

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Gail. Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts with us. It seems so many people are in caregiving roles these days.

Barbara M. Britton From Wisconsin At 10/6/2023 6:44:38 AM

Thank you for having me back on the blog, Patti. I’m looking forward to reading reader’s tips. I will respond but it will be at night. I’m caregiving again as my brother-in-law passed away. My flowerpots remain a work in progress.

Reply by: Patti Shene

Oh,, Barbara, I am so sorry to hear of this loss to you and your family! My prayers are with you. May God lift you from the darkness of your sorrow to the joy and comfort of His loving light. Thank you for sharing with us.