Generated by All in One SEO v5.0.0.1, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # Alison Treat Alison Treat ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://alisontreat.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [My Blog](https://alisontreat.com/blog/) - Alison Treat is an author of Historical Fiction featuring the Underground Railroad. In her blog she writes about marriage, parenting, and faith. - [The Forgotten Firebrand–with Cam Molineux](https://alisontreat.com/2021/09/23/the-forgotten-firebrand-with-cam-molineux/) - Award-winning author and speaker Cam Molineux wants to help Americans understand and fall in love with their history. With genealogical ties to and a shared patriotic spirit with her novel's protagonist, she is uniquely qualified to tell his story. If not for William Molineux, a man of determined spirit and rowdy imagination, the Boston Tea - [Joanna Davidson Politano—The Elusive Truth of Silent Films](https://alisontreat.com/2024/04/11/joanna-davidson-politano-the-elusive-truth-of-silent-films/) - On the final episode of Historical Fiction: Unpacked, I talk with Joanna Davidson Politano about her latest novel, The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple. We had a wonderful conversation about the silent film industry, the part gardens play in this story, and Joanna's research and writing process. Here's a description of the novel: In her - [A.D. Rhine—War and Friendship](https://alisontreat.com/2024/04/04/a-d-rhine-war-and-friendship/) - This week's episode features a fun conversation. Ashlee Cowles and Danielle Stinson make up A.D. Rhine. They met as military "brats" when they were kids and stayed close over the years. They've united to write a duology, Horses of Fire and Daughters of Bronze. I sat down with Ashley and Danielle to talk about their - [Erin Bartels—Recognizing Women Artists in History](https://alisontreat.com/2024/03/28/erin-bartels-recognizing-women-artists-in-history/) - Award-winning author Erin Bartels joins me on the show to talk about her latest novel, The Lady with the Dark Hair. We discuss the barriers women historically faced when they wanted to pursue a career as an artist as well as the recent emergence of female artists from history. Here is a description of the - [Allison Pataki—America's Forgotten Leading Lady](https://alisontreat.com/2024/03/21/allison-pataki-americas-forgotten-leading-lady/) - New York Times Bestselling author Allison Pataki joins me on the show today to talk about her latest release, Finding Margaret Fuller. We discussed Margaret's place in history, the many famous transcendentalist writers she was connected to, and her influence on the U.S. feminist movement. We also talked about Allison's research process, including her visit - [Jennifer Ryan—The Underground Library](https://alisontreat.com/2024/03/14/jennifer-ryan-the-underground-library/) - I had a wonderful conversation with Jennifer Ryan about her newly released novel, The Underground Library. It's based on the real Bethnal Green Library, which went underground to service the bomb shelters beneath the streets of London during the Second World War. Jennifer and I chatted about the roles women played during World War II, - [Joel H. Morris—Exploring Lady Macbeth](https://alisontreat.com/2024/03/07/joel-h-morris-exploring-lady-macbeth/) - This week's episode brings you a conversation with Joel H. Morris. His debut novel, All Our Yesterdays, releases next week, and it's the origin story of the famous lady featured in Shakespeare's play Macbeth. Joel and I discussed his love of Shakespeare and how he became fascinated with one of the most studied female literary - [Gail Lehrman—A Tale of New York City](https://alisontreat.com/2024/02/29/gail-lehrman-a-tale-of-new-york-city/) - I spoke with Gail Lehrman about her love for New York City, how she came to become a writer later in life, and what's so special about her debut novel, Across Seward Park. Here's a description of the novel: Unions. Strikes. War. Depression... Set in the crowded tenements and teeming streets of New York's Lower - [Eric Z. Weintraub—The Jewish Expulsion From Spain](https://alisontreat.com/2024/02/22/eric-z-weintraub-the-jewish-expulsion-from-spain/) - Eric Z. Weintraub spoke with me about his newly released novel, South of Sepharad: The 1492 Jewish Expulsion from Spain. Eric and I talked about what we're writing, the role of Eric's Jewish heritage in his decision to write about this topic, the research his project required, and how he found a publisher. Here's a - [The Apron Strings Series—with Amy Lynn Walsh](https://alisontreat.com/2024/02/15/the-apron-strings-series-with-amy-lynn-walsh/) - Amy Lynn Walsh joins me on the show today to talk about her new release, Nellie. It's part of the Apron Strings Series, a string of heartfelt inspirational stories by various authors featuring different women through the decades. Amy and I talked about the book's setting of Northeastern Pennsylvania, which is the area where we - [Dean Cycon—Life After Auschwitz](https://alisontreat.com/2024/02/08/dean-cycon-life-after-auschwitz/) - Dean Cycon is an author, lawyer, human rights advocate and internationally renowned social entrepreneur. His debut novel, Finding Home, released last June. We talked about this tale of survivors of Auschwitz returning to their former town following World War II, why Jews in Hungary had a slightly different experience from those in other European countries, - [Talia Carner—Unpacking What It Means To Be Jewish](https://alisontreat.com/2024/02/01/talia-carner-unpacking-what-it-means-to-be-jewish/) - Talia Carner's bio calls her an activist, a feminist, and a humanitarian who gives a voice to those without one. She's also a bestselling author. Today we talk about her latest novel, The Boy with the Star Tattoo, which released Tuesday. Here's a description of the novel: 1942: As the Vichy government hunts for Jews across - [Jamie Ogle—Challenged by the Story of Saint Valentine](https://alisontreat.com/2024/01/25/jamie-ogle-challenged-by-the-story-of-saint-valentine/) - Today's episode features debut author Jamie Ogle. Her novel, Of Love and Treason, released Tuesday! It's a compelling novelization of the story of Saint Valentine of Rome. Jamie and I discussed her research process, the years she spent writing this story, and what she learned from learning about the persecution faced by Roman Christians during - [Jenni L. Walsh—Telling the Stories of Strong Women in History](https://alisontreat.com/2024/01/18/jenni-l-walsh-telling-the-stories-of-strong-women-in-history/) - In today's episode, I'm talking with Jenni L. Walsh. Her latest novel, Unsinkable, tells the story of Violet Jessop, a stewardess who survived the sinking of the Titanic as well as maritime disasters aboard Titanic's two sister ships! We talked about Jenni's desire to tell Violet's story along with her decision to write a dual - [Laura Frantz—The Horrific Acadian Expulsion](https://alisontreat.com/2024/01/11/laura-frantz-the-horrific-acadian-expulsion/) - The first episode of season seven features well-known author Laura Frantz. This is her fourth time on the show! Today she shares about her latest novel, The Seamstress of Acadie, which released Tuesday and is the #1 New Release in Christian Historical Fiction on Amazon! Laura and I talk about everything from Prince Edward Island - [Katherine Howe—The Value of the Small Life](https://alisontreat.com/2023/12/07/katherine-howe-the-value-of-the-small-life/) - This last episode of the season features New York Times bestselling author Katherine Howe and her latest release, A True Account: Hannah Masury's Sojourn Amongst the Pyrates, Written by Herself. Katherine and I talked about the Golden Age of Piracy, how fiction tends to romanticize and sanitize piracy, and how we curate our own image - [Téa Cooper—An Australian Twisty Historical Mystery](https://alisontreat.com/2023/11/30/tea-cooper-an-australian-twisty-historical-mystery/) - Today's show features a conversation with international bestselling author Téa Cooper about her latest novel to release in North America, The Butterfly Collector. Téa and I talked about her fascinating life story, how she comes upon her story ideas, as well as the themes and historically accurate events in this novel. These include the sinking - [My Top Ten Reads of 2023—A Gift Guide!](https://alisontreat.com/2023/11/22/my-top-ten-reads-of-2023-a-gift-guide/) - Hey friends, I'm coming to you solo this week (and about 12 hours early) because I want to share with you my favorite books of the year! Many of these books released this year, but all of them I read this year. Listen to the episode to hear detailed explanations of why I loved each - [Henry O. Arnold—Bringing Old Testament Characters to Life](https://alisontreat.com/2023/11/16/henry-o-arnold-bringing-old-testament-characters-to-life/) - Henry O. Arnold is an actor and audiobook narrator as well as an author. In this delightful episode, we talk about his new book, The Fugitive King. It's the latest installment in his series "The Song of Prophets and Kings" and focuses on an exciting and trying time in the life of King David. We - [Amanda Barratt—Ordinary Heroes](https://alisontreat.com/2023/11/09/amanda-barratt-ordinary-heroes/) - Today's episode features my conversation with bestselling, Christy Award winning author Amanda Barratt. Her latest novel, The Warsaw Sisters, released on Tuesday. Along with the new book, Amanda and I discussed the Polish Underground, the Warsaw Uprising, the Wola Massacre, and the network of women that worked together to rescue Jewish children in Warsaw. There - [Tracie Peterson—Finding Peace With Who You Are](https://alisontreat.com/2023/11/02/tracie-peterson-finding-peace-with-who-you-are/) - Often called the “Queen of Historical Christian Fiction,” Tracie Peterson is an ECPA, CBA and USA Today best-selling author of more than 110 books, most of those historical. Her work in historical fiction has earned her a myriad of awards. On today's show, Tracie and I talk about her upcoming novel, Knowing You, which releases - [Carrie Turansky—Forgiveness and Healing in the Lake District of England](https://alisontreat.com/2023/10/26/carrie-turansky-forgiveness-and-healing-in-the-lake-district-of-england/) - Carrie Turansky is the award-winning author of more than twenty inspirational novels and novellas and a winner of the ACFW Carol Award, the International Digital Award, and the Holt Medallion. She loved traveling to England to research her latest Edwardian novels including the one we're discussing today, The Legacy of Longdale Manor. Here's a description: - [Patricia Raybon—Writing at the Intersection of Faith and Race](https://alisontreat.com/2023/10/19/patricia-raybon-writing-at-the-intersection-of-faith-and-race/) - Patricia Raybon was a journalist and journalism educator for most of her adult life. Now she writes historical mysteries! Her novel All That Is Secret won the Christy Award for Best First Novel in 2022. Patricia and I talked about the second in her mystery series, Double the Lies. We also discussed what it was - [Cindy K. Sproles—Promises to Keep](https://alisontreat.com/2023/10/12/cindy-k-sproles-promises-to-keep/) - Cindy K. Sproles is an author and speaker, a "mountain gal" who writes about her home country of rural Appalachia. She came on the show to talk about her latest novel, This Is Where It Ends, which was inspired both by her love of the Appalachian Mountains and by her love for the elderly. Here - [Roseanna M. White—The Masks We Wear](https://alisontreat.com/2023/10/05/roseanna-m-white-the-masks-we-wear/) - Today I'm sharing a conversation I had with bestselling, Christy Award winning author Roseanna M. White. We talked about her latest novel and the first in her Imposters series, A Beautiful Disguise. We also discussed the spy mania that took over England in the early 1900s and the creation of the United Kingdom's Military Intelligence, - [Gabrielle Meyer—Our Time in History](https://alisontreat.com/2023/09/21/gabrielle-meyer-our-time-in-history/) - There's been so much buzz about Gabrielle Meyer's new Timeless Series that I jumped at the chance to have her on the show! We had a great conversation about the first two installments of this series, When the Day Comes and In This Moment. We talked about God's sovereignty over our place in history, the - [Alina Adams—The Jewish Autonomous Region](https://alisontreat.com/2023/09/28/alina-adams-the-jewish-autonomous-region/) - I learned so much from this conversation with New York Times Bestselling Author Alina Adams about her latest novel, My Mother's Secret. We discussed the Jewish autonomous region of Birobidzhan established by Stalin in 1931 and Alina's own childhood and immigration story as well as her long and winding road to writing books in her - [Andrew Varga—Accuracy in Young Adult Historical Fiction](https://alisontreat.com/2023/09/14/andrew-varga-accuracy-in-young-adult-historical-fiction/) - Today's episode features Canadian author and historian Andrew Varga. His time hopping series is off to a smashing start with the first two installments, The Last Saxon King and The Celtic Deception. We talked about the importance of historical accuracy in books for young people and how pivotal the year 1066 (the setting for The - [I Remember.](https://alisontreat.com/2019/09/11/i-remember/) - Memories of 9/11 eighteen years later. - [Valerie Fraser Luesse—the Lost Art of Community](https://alisontreat.com/2023/09/07/valerie-fraser-luesse-the-lost-art-of-community/) - I'm back at long last with Season Six! Valerie Fraser Luesse joins me on the show today as we talk about her latest novel, Letters from My Sister. Here's the description from the publisher: Sisters Emmy and Callie Bullock are living a privileged life. As the only daughters of a wealthy Alabama cotton farmer, they - [Tosca Lee & Marcus Brotherton—the Bataan Death March](https://alisontreat.com/2023/05/25/tosca-lee-marcus-brotherton-the-bataan-death-march/) - After much anticipation, we are finally releasing our episode with Tosca Lee and Marcus Brotherton! I talked to Tosca and Marcus about their latest book, The Long March Home, which features three friends from Alabama fighting in the Philippines during World War II. This conversation makes a spectacular finale to season five. Here's a description - [REPLAY: Tracie Peterson—Nothing New Under the Sun](https://alisontreat.com/2023/05/18/replay-tracie-peterson-nothing-new-under-the-sun/) - Today I'm sharing one of my most popular episodes of all time! This one released last summer. Often called the “Queen of Historical Fiction,” Tracie Peterson is an ECPA, CBA and USA Today bestselling author of more than 100 books, most of them historical. In this episode, we talk about her series, Love on the - [Crystal Caudill—Working Together to Make the World a Better Place](https://alisontreat.com/2023/05/11/crystal-caudill-working-together-to-make-the-world-a-better-place/) - Today, Crystal Caudill joins me on the show for the second time! We discuss the third and final novel in her Hidden Hearts of the Gilded Age series. It's entitled Counterfeit Faith, deals with the Secret Service, and is set in Philadelphia. Crystal and I discuss this newest book (which releases on Tuesday, May 16), - [Coming Up on Historical Fiction: Unpacked](https://alisontreat.com/2023/05/05/coming-up-on-historical-fiction-unpacked/) - In the midst of technological difficulties and scheduling snafus, I bring you a solo episode a mere 32 hours late. This is something I would only notice in a podcast I listen to daily, so if any of you missed me, I am beyond flattered and grateful. I'm also grateful for the latest review, which - [Laura Frantz—the Scottish Lowlands and the Jacobites](https://alisontreat.com/2023/04/27/laura-frantz-the-scottish-lowlands-and-the-jacobites/) - Laura Frantz came back on the show to talk about her latest novel, The Rose and the Thistle. Inspired by her own family history, Laura wrote this story set in the Scottish Lowlands during the Jacobite uprising of 1715. Laura is a Christy Award winner and the ECPA bestselling author of more than a dozen - [Kim Vogel Sawyer—History Shows Us Where We Need to Go](https://alisontreat.com/2023/04/20/kim-vogel-sawyer-history-shows-us-where-we-need-to-go/) - Kim Vogel Sawyer is known for writing "gentle stories of hope." Her latest novel, The Tapestry of Grace, is a perfect example of that legacy. On this episode, we discuss this novel and Kim's use of her own Mennonite background in her characters, why she was compelled to include orphaned children in her story, and - [Karen Heenan—Coal Country and Family Relationships During the Great Depression](https://alisontreat.com/2023/04/13/karen-heenan-coal-country-and-family-relationships-during-the-great-depression/) - Karen Heenan's novel Coming Apart released in October, but the sequel, Coming Closer, is out next week! These books, set during the Great Depression, portray family relationships with such beautiful, raw honesty. They're also set in my home state of Pennsylvania, which adds to the appeal for me. However, any reader of historical fiction will - [Balancing the Redemptive with the Macabre in Historical Fiction—with Jaime Jo Wright](https://alisontreat.com/2023/04/06/balancing-the-redemptive-with-the-macabre-in-historical-fiction-with-jaime-jo-wright/) - Jaime Jo Wright is the queen of all things macabre in the Christian Historical Fiction world. Her latest book, The Vanishing at Castle Moreau, is no exception. It's set at a mysterious castle–which takes on a life of its own—in the midwestern United States. In this episode, Jaime and I discuss why she writes dark - [Telling the Truth About Enslaved Souls—with Brian C. Johnson](https://alisontreat.com/2023/03/30/telling-the-truth-about-enslaved-souls-with-brian-c-johnson/) - Brian C. Johnson honors the struggles and accomplishments of the ordinary citizens who launched the Civil Rights Movement by committing himself to the advancement of multicultural and inclusive education. On the show today, he shares his foray into writing historical fiction in his slave narrative Send Judah First, which was inspired when he took his - [Matchmaking During the Gilded Age—with Jen Turano](https://alisontreat.com/2023/03/23/matchmaking-during-the-gilded-age-with-jen-turano/) - Jen Turano has been called one of the funniest voices in the inspirational genre. She's a USA Today bestselling author of historical romantic comedies, set during the Gilded Age. They usually revolve around the New York Four Hundred. If you don't know what I'm talking about, listen to the episode! We discuss the Four Hundred, - [Ancient Egypt and 1920s New York—with Jocelyn Green](https://alisontreat.com/2023/03/16/ancient-egypt-and-1920s-new-york-with-jocelyn-green/) - Listen to the 100th episode of Historical Fiction: Unpacked! Scroll to the bottom of the show notes to enter a celebratory giveaway! This episode features Jocelyn Green's twentieth book, The Metropolitan Affair. Jocelyn and I talked about Egyptology, forgery, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the roaring twenties setting of her latest novel. Here's a - [The Allure of the Regency Era—with Julie Klassen](https://alisontreat.com/2023/03/09/the-allure-of-the-regency-era-with-julie-klassen/) - I so enjoyed this conversation with Julie Klassen. She loves all things Jane—Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. Her books have sold over a million copies, and she is a three-time recipient of the Christy Award for Historical Romance. The Secret of Pembrooke Park was honored with the Minnesota Book Award for Genre Fiction. Julie has - [Women's Suffrage in Wyoming—with Mary Connealy](https://alisontreat.com/2023/03/02/womens-suffrage-in-wyoming-with-mary-connealy/) - We titled this episode "Women's Suffrage in Wyoming" because that's what Mary's latest book, Forged in Love, deals with. But this conversation encapsulates so much more than that! Mary and I discussed marriage roles, memory loss, and other aspects of her new novel. And then we moved on to her career, how she became an - [Denmark's Role in the Second World War—with Sarah Sundin](https://alisontreat.com/2023/02/23/denmarks-role-in-the-second-world-war-with-sarah-sundin/) - Today's episode features an interview with Sarah Sundin about her newest book, The Sound of Light, set in Denmark during World War II. Don't miss this excellent conversation! - [The Importance of Community—with Amy Lynn Green](https://alisontreat.com/2023/02/16/the-importance-of-community-with-amy-lynn-green/) - I got to talk with Amy Lynn Green again today! Her wonderful book, The Blackout Book Club, released in November, and it's a great read! Amy and I talked about how wonderful book clubs are because of the community aspect, as well as what she learned about the Hooligan Navy and how writing this book - [The Strongest Woman in the World—with Kimberly Duffy](https://alisontreat.com/2023/02/09/the-strongest-woman-in-the-world-with-kimberly-duffy/) - Kimberly Duffy joins us again today to talk about her latest release, The Weight of Air. While Kim's first three books featured the mystical setting of India, a country near and dear to the author's heart, her fourth novel takes place mostly in her home state of New York. The story centers around a strong - [The Harvey Girls of the Grand Canyon—with Kimberley Woodhouse](https://alisontreat.com/2023/02/02/the-harvey-girls-of-the-grand-canyon-with-kimberley-woodhouse/) - Today's episode features a fantastic conversation that I know you're all going to love. Kimberley Woodhouse has been writing seriously for more than twenty years. She is a best-selling author of more than two dozen books. She has won the Carol Award, the Reader’s Choice Award, the Holt Medallion, and has finaled in the Selah - [Bringing Betty Gow to Life—with Mariah Fredericks](https://alisontreat.com/2023/01/26/bringing-betty-gow-to-life-with-mariah-fredericks/) - What a terrific kick-off to season five! This is a wonderful conversation with Mariah Fredericks about her latest novel, The Lindbergh Nanny. Here's a description from the publisher: When the most famous toddler in America, Charles Lindbergh, Jr., is kidnapped from his family home in New Jersey in 1932, the case makes international headlines. Already - [Bonus Episode: Our Top Ten Books of 2022—with Guest Cohost!](https://alisontreat.com/2022/12/09/bonus-episode-our-top-ten-books-of-2022-with-guest-cohost/) - We're bringing you a special Christmas episode today! My daughter Camilla joins me on the show as we talk about the best novels we've read this year. Just in time for any last minute Christmas gift purchases you may want to make. Listen to me talk with Kimberly Duffy about her novel Every Word Unsaid here. - [Two Year Anniversary Celebration—Featuring Guest Host Michelle Ule!](https://alisontreat.com/2022/09/01/two-year-anniversary-celebration-featuring-guest-host-michelle-ule/) - Today's episode is a very special one! It's been two years since I started Historical Fiction: Unpacked. To celebrate this milestone, Michelle Ule is hosting the show! I'm in the hot seat as she interviews me about my life, my writing, my favorites (and least favorites) when it comes to historical fiction, and what gave - [History Repeats Itself—with Elena Gorokhova](https://alisontreat.com/2022/08/18/history-repeats-itself-with-elena-gorokhova/) - Today's conversation is a perfect way to wrap up Season Four. I spoke with Elena Gorokhova about her debut novel, A Train to Moscow, which released in March. Elena's insight was enriching. We discussed how her own family's story inspired her novel, what it was like to grow up in Soviet Russia, her immigration story, - [Making History Relatable—with Owen Pataki](https://alisontreat.com/2022/08/11/making-history-relatable-with-owen-pataki/) - I'm thrilled to have author and screenwriter Owen Pataki on the show today. Last year, his Historical Fiction adventure novel Searchers in Winter released. It continues the story begun in the novel Where the Light Falls, which Owen wrote with his sister, Allison Pataki. In this conversation, we discuss his latest novel (set during the - [Quietly Unconventional—with Lisa E. Betz](https://alisontreat.com/2022/08/04/quietly-unconventional-with-lisa-e-betz/) - In today's episode, I'm happy to host engineer-turned-mystery-writer Lisa E. Betz for the second time. We're talking about the latest installment in her Livia Aemelia Mystery series, Fountains and Secrets, which released in January. We spoke about Rome's elaborate water system, Lisa's love of Ancient Rome, the roles of women in that time period, as well as the Roman concept - [Daughters of the King—with Kerry Chaput](https://alisontreat.com/2022/07/28/daughters-of-the-king-with-kerry-chaput/) - Today I'm sharing a conversation with Kerry Chaput. Her latest novel, Daughter of the King, released in December. It's about a fascinating little gem of Canadian history that I knew nothing about! Here's the description: La Rochelle France, 1661. Fierce Protestant Isabelle is desperate to escape persecution by the Catholic King. Every day she defies - [Nothing New Under the Sun—with Tracie Peterson](https://alisontreat.com/2022/07/21/nothing-new-under-the-sun-with-tracie-peterson/) - Tracie Peterson is on the show today! Often called the "Queen of Historical Fiction," she is an ECPA, CBA and USA Today bestselling author of more than 100 books, most of them historical. Today we talk about her new series, Love on the Santa Fe, and specifically the second installment, Beyond the Desert Sands, which - [Women's Voices Through History—with Fiona Davis](https://alisontreat.com/2022/07/14/womens-voices-through-history-with-fiona-davis/) - Today I’m excited to share a conversation I had with New York Times bestselling author Fiona Davis. Her most recent book, The Magnolia Palace, released in January. In this episode, we talk about the beautiful setting for the novel, The Frick Collection in New York City, as well as the Frick family and the unique - [Story Gives Us Truth—with Jody Hedlund](https://alisontreat.com/2022/07/07/story-gives-us-truth-with-jody-hedlund/) - Jody Hedlund is back on the show talking about the latest installment in her Waters of Time series. Never Leave Me was released in January and continues the story started in 2021's Come Back to Me. Jody and I discuss how she decided on the genetic disease that would play a role in this series, how - [The Power of Historical Fiction—with Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer](https://alisontreat.com/2022/06/30/the-power-of-historical-fiction-with-sarah-elisabeth-sawyer/) - Today I'm sharing a conversation I had with author Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer. Sarah and I discuss her novels, most of which feature American Indians. She is a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma herself. Not only did she speak to me in Choctaw, we talked about her story of surrendering everything to God, how - [Historical Fiction Gives Us Breathing Space—with Terry Roberts](https://alisontreat.com/2022/06/23/historical-fiction-gives-us-breathing-space-with-terry-roberts/) - Today I'm sharing a conversation with Terry Roberts about his book My Mistress' Eyes Are Raven Black, a hard-boiled detective story set on Ellis Island in the 1920s. Terry and I discuss the idea that lead him to write this novel: the human "need" to look down on or despise the "other." We also talk about - [Fiction Brings the Past to Life—with Scott Gates](https://alisontreat.com/2022/06/16/fiction-brings-the-past-to-life-with-scott-gates/) - Today I'm sharing a conversation I had with Scott Gates, whose latest novel, Gone, the Redeemer, just released June 15, 2022. We discuss the difficult task of acquiring an agent, how historical facts can derail the planned plot of a novel, and what it's like to write in different genres. Scott grew up in Montgomery, - [Learning From Those Who've Gone Before Us—with Rachel Fordham](https://alisontreat.com/2022/06/09/learning-from-those-whove-gone-before-us-with-rachel-fordham/) - Today's episode is a conversation with Rachel Fordham. Her latest novel, Where the Road Bends, released Tuesday, June 7. We discuss the lessons apparent in this book, what it's like to write contemporary after writing historical fiction, and how she uses the five love languages in her novels. Here's a description of the novel, from - [The Importance of Knowing History—with James A. Ross](https://alisontreat.com/2022/06/02/the-importance-of-knowing-history-with-james-a-ross/) - Today's episode is a unique and fascinating one! Jim and I discuss his historical novel, Hunting Teddy Roosevelt, about an attempt on Roosevelt's life orchestrated by J.P. Morgan. Jim had a lot to say about industrialists Morgan, Carnegie, and Hearst. We talked about the political climate of their day and how Jim tackled the tricky - [Learning a Better Way Forward—with Amanda Cox](https://alisontreat.com/2022/05/26/learning-a-better-way-forward-with-amanda-cox/) - Today I'm sharing a conversation with Amanda Cox. We discuss her latest book, The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery and how this novel brought out the dynamic between mothers and daughters. We also talk about her background in counseling and how that affects the development of characters in her books. Here's a description of - [Mystery and Intrigue Set in the Victorian Ballet—with Joanna Davidson Politano](https://alisontreat.com/2022/05/19/mystery-and-intrigue-set-in-the-victorian-ballet-with-joanna-davidson-politano/) - Today's episode is a long-overdue chat with Joanna Politano about her book A Midnight Dance. We discuss how Joanna comes up with the intricate mysteries in her books, what was going on in France during the Victorian era, and how she went from knowing nothing about dance to being able to write a book - [Illuminating Women in History—with Karin Tanabe](https://alisontreat.com/2022/05/12/illuminating-women-in-history-with-karin-tanabe/) - Karin Tanabe and I talked about her book, A Woman of Intelligence, which released last summer. In this episode, Karin shares that she wanted to write about the difficult aspects of motherhood. We also discuss the inspiration for her novel, the fact that the protagonist is based in part on American spy Elizabeth Bentley, and how - [Shining a Light on Historical Events—with Milree Latimer](https://alisontreat.com/2022/05/05/shining-a-light-on-historical-events-with-milree-latimer/) - Milree Latimer is a Canadian expat from Ontario who currently lives in central Oregon. On today's show, we talk about her latest book, Out of Place, which released last year. We discuss Irish Home Children, PTSD, and the importance of person-to-person research as well as Milree's own story of finding a second chance at love - [God Speaks Through Nature—with Regina Scott](https://alisontreat.com/2022/04/21/god-speaks-through-nature-with-regina-scott/) - Regina Scott is the author of more than 50 works of warm, witty historical romance. A lover of history, she has driven four-in-hand, sailed on a tall ship, and learned to fence. In today's conversation, we talk about her novel A View Most Glorious, which released last October, and was inspired by Fay Fuller, who - [Mental Health Awareness—with Janyre Tromp](https://alisontreat.com/2022/05/03/mental-health-awareness-with-janyre-tromp/) - Today's episode is a BONUS episode! I talked with debut author Janyre Tromp about her novel Shadows in the Mind's Eye. This book deals with combat PTSD after the Second World War, and Janyre is a fount of knowledge about PTSD, anxiety, and panic disorder. You don't want to miss this fantastic conversation, which I'm - [The Healing Power of Nature—with Ann H. Gabhart](https://alisontreat.com/2022/04/28/the-healing-power-of-nature-with-ann-h-gabhart/) - Like last week's episode, this episode focuses on nature. Ann H. Gabhart was a delight to speak with. Her sweet southern accent soothes the soul. Our discussion ranged from ravens delivering gifts to little girls to the way the Lord uses nature to heal our pain if we allow him to. Ann's newest book, When - [Drawing Lessons from History—with Todd M. Johnson](https://alisontreat.com/2022/04/14/drawing-lessons-from-history-with-todd-m-johnson/) - Today's conversation is with Todd M. Johnson. He has been a practicing attorney for over 30 years. Todd’s passion for writing blends well with his legal career, and his novels are drawn closely from his personal experiences as a trial lawyer. We talk about the real life inspiration for his novel, The Barrister and the - [Everyday Heroes—with Renee Ryan](https://alisontreat.com/2022/04/07/everyday-heroes-with-renee-ryan/) - Today I'm sharing a conversation with multi-published award-winning author Renee Ryan. Her novel The Widows of Champagne released last July. "For readers of Lilac Girls and The Lost Girls of Paris comes a captivating novel of resilience, as three generations of women battle to save their family’s vineyard during WWII." In this episode, we discuss - [The Importance of Speaking Truth—with Adele Myers](https://alisontreat.com/2022/03/31/the-importance-of-speaking-truth-with-adele-myers/) - Today's episode is a conversation with Adele Myers, author of The Tobacco Wives. We discuss the tobacco industry's deceitful ad campaign, along with Adele's family history, which inspired this novel. Adele Myers grew up in Asheville, North Carolina, and has a journalism degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She currently works - [Good & Evil in History—with Misty M. Beller](https://alisontreat.com/2022/03/24/good-evil-in-history-with-misty-m-beller/) - Today I'm bringing you a conversation with USA Today Bestselling author Misty M. Beller. The first installment in her Brides of Laurent Series, A Warrior's Heart, released last August. Misty and I talked about how this series was inspired by a podcast about Viking Shield Maidens as well as why she loves the Rocky Mountains - [Love, Loyalty, & Friendship—with Jennifer Deibel](https://alisontreat.com/2022/03/17/love-loyalty-friendship-with-jennifer-deibel/) - On this St. Patrick's Day, I bring you a conversation with Jennifer Deibel about her newest book, The Lady of Galway Manor, which released in February From the publisher (Revell): New to the historical romance genre, novelist Jennifer Deibel made her mark on readers in 2021 with A Dance in Donegal, a stunning debut full of romance - [A Sea Captain & A Chocolatier—with Laura Frantz](https://alisontreat.com/2022/03/03/a-sea-captain-a-chocolatier-with-laura-frantz/) - Today I share a conversation with historical fiction author Laura Frantz. I also had Laura on the show in late 2020. You can find that episode here. Today we discuss her newest book, A Heart Adrift. We also talk about the history of Acadia and how we can learn from our mistakes throughout history Here's - [Trusting God No Matter What—with Crystal Caudill](https://alisontreat.com/2022/03/10/trusting-god-no-matter-what-with-crystal-caudill/) - Today I'm sharing a conversation with debut author Crystal Caudill. Crystal and I met last year when we both decided to join Kimberly Duffy's Bible Recap group. Crystal's debut novel, Counterfeit Love, releases next Tuesday, so we talk about where she got the idea for her novel, what kind of research she did, and how she became - [Americans in the French Resistance—with Sarah Sundin](https://alisontreat.com/2022/02/24/americans-in-the-french-resistance-with-sarah-sundin/) - Today's conversation is a great one. I talked with Sarah Sundin about her latest release, Until Leaves Fall in Paris. The novel tells the story of American expat Lucie Girard during WWII. Lucie stays in Paris during the German occupation to run a bookstore for her Jewish friends who've wisely decided to find a safer - [Forgiveness & Reconciliation—with Jill Eileen Smith](https://alisontreat.com/2022/02/17/forgiveness-reconciliation-with-jill-eileen-smith/) - Today I'm bringing you a conversation with Jill Eileen Smith about her newest book, The Prince and the Prodigal. The novel focuses on Old Testament Joseph and his brother Judah. Jill and I talked about the story of Joseph (the prince) and Judah (the prodigal), why she chose to focus on Judah, her passion for - [Surviving Trauma—with Jocelyn Green](https://alisontreat.com/2022/02/10/surviving-trauma-with-jocelyn-green/) - Today I'm sharing a conversation with Jocelyn Green about her newest novel, Drawn by the Current, which is the #1 New Release in Religious Historical Fiction on Amazon. It's also the final installment of her fantastic Windy City Saga trilogy. Jocelyn Green inspires faith and courage as the award-winning and bestselling author of numerous fiction and nonfiction - [My Sister April](https://alisontreat.com/2022/02/03/my-sister-april/) - In a departure from my typical format, I explain why I haven't released an episode in eight weeks. My sister April suddenly passed away on December 13. If you'd like to know more about the person she was, the miracle that brought her into my family, and the day that she left this earth, listen - [Changing Hearts and Minds Through Story–with Elizabeth Camden](https://alisontreat.com/2021/12/09/changing-hearts-and-minds-through-story-with-elizabeth-camden/) - Elizabeth Camden is a research librarian at a small college in central Florida. Her novels have won the coveted RITA and Christy Awards. She has published several articles for academic publications and is the author of four nonfiction history books. Her ongoing fascination with history and love of literature have led her to write inspirational - [Learning About Ourselves Through History–with Candice Sue Patterson](https://alisontreat.com/2021/12/02/learning-about-ourselves-through-history-with-candice-sue-patterson/) - Candice Sue Patterson studied at the Institute of Children’s Literature and is an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She lives in Indiana with her husband and three sons in a restored farmhouse overtaken by books. When she’s not tending to her chickens, watching her kids play sports, or helping children discover a love - [Appreciating the Present–with V.E.H. Masters](https://alisontreat.com/2021/11/25/appreciating-the-present-with-v-e-h-masters/) - V.E.H. Masters was born and grew up on a farm just outside St. Andrews, Scotland. She's been fascinated by the 1546 siege of St Andrews Castle, ever since her history teacher took the class on a visit, which included going down the siege tunnel dug out of rock and peering into the bottle dungeon where - [Timeless Truths—with Karen Witemeyer](https://alisontreat.com/2021/11/18/timeless-truths-with-karen-witemeyer/) - For those who love to smile as they read, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. Voted #1 Readers' Favorite Christian Romance Author in 2019 by Family Fiction Magazine, Karen is a multiple award-winning author and a firm believer in the power of - [History Gives Us Courage–with Amanda Dykes](https://alisontreat.com/2021/11/11/history-gives-us-courage-with-amanda-dykes/) - In honor of veterans everywhere and specifically in recognition of the 100th anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, today I'm sharing a conversation with author Amanda Dykes. Her latest novel, Yours is the Night, commemorates soldiers from World War I and the establishment of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the end - [Story Brings History to Life–with Adrian Goldsworthy](https://alisontreat.com/2021/11/04/story-brings-history-to-life-with-adrian-goldsworthy/) - Adrian Goldsworthy is a respected historian of the ancient world. He studied at Oxford, where his doctoral thesis examined the Roman army, and he went on to write acclaimed works of non-fiction, including Ceasar, Hadrian's Wall, and Philip and Alexander. His fiction includes the authentic and action-packed Vindolanda Triology, set in Roman Britain. Today on - [History Teaches Us About Ourselves–with Kimberly Duffy](https://alisontreat.com/2021/10/28/history-teaches-us-about-ourselves-with-kimberly-duffy/) - I had a great time talking with Kimberly Duffy a second time! She writes beautiful historical fiction set mostly in India (so far). She's my first repeat guest, but that makes sense because we've kept in touch and become friends since she was on my show last year. In this episode, we talk about her - [Bringing the Bible to Life–with Naomi Craig](https://alisontreat.com/2021/10/21/bringing-the-bible-to-life-with-naomi-craig/) - Today's episode features Biblical fiction author Naomi Craig. Naomi is an avid reader, a pastor's wife, and a mother. Her debut novel, Rahab's Courage, released August 17, 2021. Naomi and I talk about the difficult themes in Rahab's Courage, including prostitution, rape, and post-traumatic stress. We also discuss why she loves writing Biblical fiction, though - [Emancipating the Past–with Patty Callahan](https://alisontreat.com/2021/10/14/emancipating-the-past-with-patty-callahan/) - Patti Callahan is the New York Times bestselling author of fifteen novels. In 2018, she dazzled readers and critics alike with her first historical novel, Becoming Mrs. Lewis, about the life of Joy Davidman, wife of C.S. Lewis. In today's episode, we talk about her recent novel Surviving Savannah and her upcoming novel Once Upon - [Hope and the Value of Human Life–with Liz Tolsma](https://alisontreat.com/2021/10/07/hope-and-the-value-of-human-life-with-liz-tolsma/) - Bestselling author Liz Tolsma loves writing, research, and editing. Her first novel was a double award finalist. On any given day, you might find her pulling weeds in her perennial garden, walking her hyperactive dog, or curled up with a good book. In this episode, we talked about her passion to share the joy that children - [Resting in Our Identity–with Pepper D. Basham](https://alisontreat.com/2021/09/30/resting-in-our-identity-with-pepper-d-basham/) - Pepper Basham is a wife, mom, writer, speaker, and speech-language pathologist! She writes historical and contemporary romance with a love for Britain and her native Appalachia. In this episode, Pepper and I talk about how she began writing and eventually got published, where she gets her inspiration, and the role the theme of identity plays - [Light in the Darkness–with Kristin Harmel](https://alisontreat.com/2021/08/05/light-in-the-darkness-with-kristin-harmel/) - Kristin Harmel is the New York Times bestselling, USA Today bestselling, and #1 international bestselling author of The Book of Lost Names, The Winemaker’s Wife, The Room on Rue Amelie, The Forest of Vanishing Stars, and more. Her novels that have been translated into 29 languages and are sold all over the world. She's also - [Southern Storytelling–with Valerie Fraser Luesse](https://alisontreat.com/2021/07/29/southern-storytelling-with-valerie-fraser-luesse/) - Valerie Fraser Luesse is the bestselling author of Missing Isaac, Almost Home, and The Key to Everything, as well as an award-winning magazine writer best known for her feature stories and essays in Southern Living, where she is currently senior travel editor. Specializing in stories about unique pockets of Southern culture, Luesse received the 2009 Writer of the Year - [The Midnight Ride of Anna Stone–with Tracy Lawson](https://alisontreat.com/2021/07/22/the-midnight-ride-of-anna-stone-with-tracy-lawson/) - Tracy Lawson's passion for storytelling led her first into the field of educational theater and dance, where she has enjoyed a career spanning nearly three decades. In the past ten years she's turned her hand to writing. In her debut historical novel, Answering Liberty's Call: Anna Stone's Daring Ride to Valley Forge, a family legend - [Surviving the Historic Destruction of Jerusalem–with Lori Banov Kaufmann](https://alisontreat.com/2021/07/15/surviving-the-historic-destruction-of-jerusalem-with-lori-banov-kaufmann/) - The annual fast day of the Jewish Calendar, Tisha B'Av, occurs this weekend. It's the saddest day in the Jewish calendar because it marks a number of disasters which occurred on this date. One of those was the destruction of the Second Temple when the Roman Empire destroyed Jerusalem in the year 70 AD. This - [The Strength of Italian Women–with Jennifer Anton](https://alisontreat.com/2021/07/08/the-strength-of-italian-women-with-jennifer-anton/) - Jennifer Anton is an American/Italian dual citizen born in Joliet, Illinois who now lives between London and Lake Como, Italy. A proud advocate for women's rights and equality, she hopes to rescue women's stories from history, starting with her Italian family. On the podcast today, we discuss her debut novel, Under the Light of the - [Looking for Hope in History–with Susie Finkbeiner](https://alisontreat.com/2021/07/01/looking-for-hope-in-history-with-susie-finkbeiner/) - Today I’m sharing my chat with Susie Finkbeiner. Her latest book, The Nature of Small Birds, releases July 6. This book centers around Operation Babylift, which was the name given to the mass evacuation of children from South Vietnam to the United States and other countries at the end of the United States’ involvement in - [Women in Western History–with Wendy Voorsanger](https://alisontreat.com/2021/06/24/women-in-western-history-with-wendy-voorsanger/) - Wendy Voorsanger's debut novel, Prospects of a Woman, released in October of 2020. On this episode, Wendy and I chat about women's roles in early California, real women in California history, how Wendy eventually got this novel published, and California culture. Purchase Prospects of a Woman from Amazon (affiliate). Purchase Prospects of a Woman from Bookshop - [Biblical Fiction of Prophets & Kings–with Henry O. Arnold](https://alisontreat.com/2021/06/17/biblical-fiction-of-prophets-kings-with-henry-o-arnold/) - Henry O. Arnold is an actor and audiobook narrator as well as an author. His Biblical Fiction novel, A Voice Within the Flame, released in December of 2020. It’s the first installment of his series The Song of Prophets and Kings. Purchase A Voice Within the Flame from Amazon (affiliate). Purchase A Voice Within the - [Telling the Story of the British Home Children–with Carrie Turansky](https://alisontreat.com/2021/06/10/telling-the-story-of-the-british-home-children-with-carrie-turansky/) - Carrie Turansky's latest book, No Journey Too Far, is the much anticipated sequel to No Ocean Too Wide and concludes her duology featuring the McAlister Family. Carrie is the award-winning author of more than twenty inspirational novels and novellas and a winner of the ACFW Carol Award, the International Digital Award, and the Holt Medallion. She - [The Packhorse Librarians & The Great Depression–with Ann H. Gabhart](https://alisontreat.com/2021/06/03/the-packhorse-librarians-the-great-depression-with-ann-h-gabhart/) - Ann H. Gabhart has had a long and successful novel writing career. Her 35th book, Along a Storied Trail, releases June 1. This novel features a packhorse librarian during the Great Depression. The Packhorse Library Program was a program introduced by Eleanor Roosevelt and the Works Progress Administration to provide jobs for women and books - [Forgiveness, Redemption, and the Importance of Story–with Rachel Fordham](https://alisontreat.com/2021/05/20/forgiveness-redemption-and-the-importance-of-story-with-rachel-fordham/) - Today's episode is an interview with Rachel Fordham. We talk about her newest book, A Lady in Attendance, which releases June 1. This novel is about a young woman employed as a dental assistant, but the secrets in this character's past make this story all about redemption, forgiveness, and love. Rachel and I talked about - [Time Crossing and Holy Water–with Jody Hedlund](https://alisontreat.com/2021/05/27/time-crossing-and-holy-water-with-jody-hedlund/) - Award-winning author Jody Hedlund has enticed readers with her intriguing and historically accurate novels. From the bride ships of Victorian England to the heart of the Wild West to the shores of Lake Michigan and beyond, Hedlund’s gift of storytelling has brought many time periods back to life. Now Hedlund takes readers on a journey - [Honor and the Resilience of Women–with Rebecca D'Harlingue](https://alisontreat.com/2021/05/13/honor-and-the-resilience-of-women-with-rebecca-dharlingue/) - Rebecca D’Harlingue has studied Spanish literature, worked as a hospital administrator, and taught English as a Second Language to adults from all over the world. She shares her love of story both with preschoolers at a Head Start program and with the members of the book club she has belonged to for decades. She lives in - [Nancy Drew Inspired Historical Mysteries–with Lisa Karon Richardson](https://alisontreat.com/2021/05/06/nancy-drew-inspired-historical-mysteries-with-lisa-karon-richardson/) - Today I'm sharing an interview with historical mystery author Lisa Karon Richardson. We talk about the Nosy Parker Mystery Series, inspired by Nancy Drew, as well as other books Lisa has written, her work as a missionary, and what it's like to write collaboratively with another author. As a special treat, Lisa is giving - [God's Goodness Shines in Dark Places–with Kristy Cambron](https://alisontreat.com/2021/02/18/gods-goodness-shines-in-dark-places-with-kristy-cambron/) - Today I'm sharing my conversation with bestselling, Christy-award winning Kristy Cambron. Kristy is a vintage-inspired storyteller, writing from the space where art, history, and faith intersect. Her eighth novel, The Paris Dressmaker, released this past Tuesday, February 16. We talked about her new novel, the research process, how she marries art with World War II - [History Is Beside Us–with Mark Sullivan](https://alisontreat.com/2021/04/29/history-is-beside-us-with-mark-sullivan/) - Mark Sullivan is the #1 bestselling author of eighteen novels, including Beneath a Scarlet Sky, which has been published in 37 languages and is being developed as a seven-part limited series. His newest book, The Last Green Valley, is releasing May 4. Pictured behind Mark in the photo is the green valley from his novel. - [Learning to Let Go–with Janalyn Voigt](https://alisontreat.com/2021/04/22/learning-to-let-go-with-janalyn-voigt/) - Janalyn Voigt fell in love with literature at an early age when her father read chapters from classics as bedtime stories. When Janalyn grew older, she put herself to sleep with tales "written" in her head. Today Janalyn is a storyteller who writes in several genres. Her Montana Gold historical romance series is based on - [Tales of a Conflicted Pirate–with Steve Goble](https://alisontreat.com/2021/04/15/tales-of-a-conflicted-pirate-with-steve-goble/) - Today I'm sharing my conversation with Steve Goble, author of The Spider John Series. In these historical mysteries, Steve combines his love of swords, pirates, and murder to follow a pirate detective on water and land. The latest installment in the series, Pieces of Eight, released March 16. Steve and I talk about pirates, the - [A Personal Holocaust Story–with Melissa W. Hunter](https://alisontreat.com/2021/04/08/a-personal-holocaust-story-with-melissa-w-hunter/) - In honor of Holocaust Remembrance Day, I'm sharing a conversation with Melissa W. Hunter today. Melissa's debut novel, What She Lost, tells the story of her grandmother, a holocaust survivor. Melissa is a writer and blogger from Cincinnati, Ohio. Her articles have been published on Kveller.com, LiteraryMama.com, Booksbywomen.org, and her short stories have appeared in - [A Murder Mystery Set in Ancient Rome–with Lisa E. Betz](https://alisontreat.com/2021/04/01/a-murder-mystery-set-in-ancient-rome-with-lisa-e-betz/) - Lisa E. Betz worked as an engineer, substitute teacher, and play director before becoming an award-winning mystery writer. She brings her analytical mind, quirky humor, and positive outlook to all she writes. She draws inspiration from thirty-five years of leading Bible studies to create entertaining mysteries set in the world of the early church, and - [Why did America close its eyes to the German American Bund?–with Leslie K. Barry](https://alisontreat.com/2021/03/25/why-did-america-close-its-eyes-to-the-german-american-bund-with-leslie-k-barry/) - In honor of Passover, I'm highlighting a piece of Jewish American history today by sharing my conversation with bestselling author and screenplay writer Leslie K. Barry. Leslie's novel, Newark Minutemen, released last fall. It's set in 1938. Here's the description: Millions are out of work and robbed of dignity. A shadow Hitler-Nazi party called the - [Portraying the Beauty and History of India–with Kimberly Duffy](https://alisontreat.com/2020/12/03/portraying-the-beauty-and-history-of-india-with-kimberly-duffy/) - Listen to Alison's chat with Kimberly Duffy, author of historical fiction, homeschooling momma of four, lover of travel, history, and food. We talk about Kim's debut novel, A Mosaic of Wings, which is set in India, the time Kim spent living and working in India herself, and her special love of this country. We also discuss - [Portraying the Beauty and History of India–with Kimberly Duffy](https://alisontreat.com/2020/12/03/portraying-the-beauty-and-history-of-india-with-kimberly-duffy/) - Listen to Alison's chat with Kimberly Duffy, author of historical fiction, homeschooling momma of four, lover of travel, history, and food. We talk about Kim's debut novel, A Mosaic of Wings, which is set in India, the time Kim spent living and working in India herself, and her special love of this country. We also discuss - [Learning Lessons from the Life of Oswald & Biddy Chambers–with Michelle Ule](https://alisontreat.com/2021/03/18/learning-lessons-from-the-life-of-oswald-biddy-chambers-with-michelle-ule/) - Today I'm sharing my interview with Michelle Ule. Michelle is the bestselling author of multiple novellas and the biographer of Mrs. Oswald (Biddy) Chambers. On the show today, we discuss her recent WWI coming-of-age novel, A Poppy in Remembrance. Purchase A Poppy in Remembrance on Bookshop (affiliate). Purchase A Poppy in Remembrance on Amazon (affiliate). - [Unpacking my Own Path to Publication–with Alison Treat](https://alisontreat.com/2021/03/11/unpacking-my-own-path-to-publication-with-alison-treat/) - It's just Alison this week! I wanted to share a solo episode discussing more of my own writing journey and how I landed the contract for my first book, One Traveler. I also answer the famous question I ask every guest: How do you think learning about history through story helps us approach life in - [Historical Romance in the Texas Hill Country–with Amanda Cabot](https://alisontreat.com/2021/03/04/historical-romance-in-the-texas-hill-country-with-amanda-cabot/) - Amanda Cabot is a bestselling author of Inspirational Historical Romance. Her latest novel, Dreams Rekindled, released on Tuesday, March 2. It's the second in her Mesquite Springs series and is set right before the Civil War began. I spoke with Amanda back in December, and today I'm sharing our conversation. We talked about the role - [Learning Patience through Miriam's Song–with Jill Eileen Smith](https://alisontreat.com/2021/02/25/learning-patience-through-miriams-song-with-jill-eileen-smith/) - Jill Eileen Smith is a bestselling and award-winning author of biblical fiction. Her research into the lives of biblical women has taken her from the Bible to Israel, and she particularly enjoys learning how women lived in Old Testament times. Jill's latest book, Miriam's Song, releases on Tuesday, March 2. In this episode, we talk - [The History and Mystery of Irish Culture–with Jennifer Deibel](https://alisontreat.com/2021/02/11/the-history-and-mystery-of-irish-culture-with-jennifer-deibel/) - Jennifer Deibel is a Middle school teacher, author, and former Expat to Ireland and Austria. Her debut novel, A Dance in Donegal, released last Tuesday, February 2. I talked to Jennifer about her inspiration for this lyrical historical romance novel, the time Jennifer spent living in Ireland, the ten years it took to write the - [History Offers Encouragement for Today–with Sarah Sundin](https://alisontreat.com/2021/02/04/history-offers-encouragement-for-today-with-sarah-sundin/) - Sarah Sundin's latest book, When Twilight Breaks, released this past Tuesday, February 2, 2021. This novel portrays Nazi Germany before WWII, and I absolutely loved it! Sarah Sundin enjoys writing about the adventure and romance of the World War II era. She is the bestselling author of historical novels, including When Twilight Breaks and the - [Shining Light on the Illiteracy Crisis–with Suzanne Woods Fisher](https://alisontreat.com/2021/01/28/shining-light-on-the-illiteracy-crisis-with-suzanne-woods-fisher/) - I'm back! We're starting the new season with a wonderful conversation with award-winning, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher. Her new novel, The Moonlight School releases on Tuesday, February 2. Here's the book description: In 1911, Cora Wilson Stewart was the first female superintendent of education for an Appalachian county in southeastern Kentucky, a corner of America with - [The Struggle is Real](https://alisontreat.com/2016/07/14/the-struggle-is-real/) - I started off the month of June in the Emergency Room. A panic attack or acid reflux sent me to the ER in the middle of the night. I had to make sure I wasn’t having a heart attack. I wasn’t. But Todd and I lost a night of sleep and started the summer groggy and - [Mourning and a Happy Birthday](https://alisontreat.com/2013/05/28/mourning-and-a-happy-birthday/) - Today is the day my baby was due. The one that surprised us in the fall. And then surprised us again by slipping away from this earth before we got to meet her. My belly never grew. I never felt her move. We didn’t give her a name. She surprises me still by quietly coming - [The Faith and Grit That Founded Our Nation–with Laura Frantz](https://alisontreat.com/2020/12/23/the-faith-and-grit-that-founded-our-nation-with-laura-frantz/) - This will be the last episode for a while, as I'm taking a five week break! Don't worry, I'll be back, and better than ever, on January 28. Today I'm sharing a conversation with Laura Frantz. I'm sure you can tell from my enthusiasm that I was super excited to chat with this wonderful author - [Following God's Dream for her Winter Years–with Starr Ayers](https://alisontreat.com/2020/12/17/following-gods-dream-for-her-winter-years-with-starr-ayers/) - Starr and I discuss how she got into writing later in life. Her debut novel, For the Love of Emma, released last week, on her 72nd birthday! This time-slip novel was inspired by love letters she found among her mother's possessions after she passed away. We talk about how to write fiction based on real life - [The Importance of Understanding History–with Linda Thompson](https://alisontreat.com/2020/12/10/the-importance-of-understanding-history-with-linda-thompson/) - Listen to my conversation with Award-winning WWII author Linda Thompson. We discuss Linda's debut novel, The Plum Blooms in Winter, as well as her upcoming release of The Mulberry Leaf Whispers on December 15! Linda's novels focus on WWII in the Japanese theater. We talk about the concerning trend of cancel culture and the unfortunate - [Bonus–My Top Historical Fiction Reads of 2020!](https://alisontreat.com/2020/12/04/bonus-my-top-historical-fiction-reads-of-2020/) - Sharing a quick episode with you. It's just yours truly, sharing my favorite historical fiction books of 2020! Find these books, and others, at my affiliate shop on Bookshop.org. https://bookshop.org/shop/unpacked The deadline for standard shipping in time for Christmas is December 5!!! Be sure to visit Alison’s Instagram, Facebook, and website. Disclosure: This post - [Where Do We Find Our Hope–with S. Daniel Smith](https://alisontreat.com/2020/11/24/where-do-we-find-our-hope-with-s-daniel-smith/) - Alison talks with S. Daniel Smith about his sequel to Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. His book is called Saving Ebenezer: The Continuing Saga of a Man Named Scrooge. - [Exploring our Past in the National Parks of the U.S.–with Regina Scott](https://alisontreat.com/2020/11/19/exploring-our-past-in-the-national-parks-of-the-u-s-with-regina-scott/) - In this episode, Alison and Regina Scott talk about Regina's latest book, a novel about Yellowstone National Park. - [The Rich History of Rural Appalachia–with Sarah Loudin Thomas](https://alisontreat.com/2020/11/12/the-rich-history-of-rural-appalachia-with-sarah-loudin-thomas/) - Alison Treat and Sarah Loudin Thomas talk about Sarah's new book, The Right Kind of Fool. - [Early Suffrage and Women's Rights–with Jane Kirkpatrick](https://alisontreat.com/2020/11/03/early-suffrage-and-womens-rights-with-jane-kirkpatrick/) - In this special Election Day episode, Alison discusses Women's suffrage with Jane Kirkpatrick. - [World War II on the Midwestern Home Front–with Amy Lynn Green](https://alisontreat.com/2020/11/05/world-war-ii-on-the-midwestern-homefront-with-amy-lynn-green/) - In this episode, Alison and Amy talk about the epistolary format of this book and Amy’s love of letter-writing. - [Bringing You Home: Amish Historical Fiction–with Jan Drexler](https://alisontreat.com/2020/10/29/bringing-you-home-amish-historical-fiction-with-jan-drexler/) - Alison talks with author Jan Drexler about her latest book, Softly Blows the Bugle. - [Success After Surrender–with Joanna Davidson Politano](https://alisontreat.com/2020/10/22/success-after-surrender-with-joanna-davidson-politano/) - Alison chats with author Joanna Davidson Politano about her new book, The Love Note. - [Bringing the Adventure of Ancient Rome to Life–with Bryan Litfin](https://alisontreat.com/2020/10/15/bringing-the-adventure-of-ancient-rome-to-life-with-bryan-litfin/) - Alison talks with author Bryan Litfin about his new book, The Conqueror. - [A Conversation with Barbara J. Taylor](https://alisontreat.com/2020/09/03/a-conversation-with-barbara-j-taylor/) - Alison talks with award-winning author Barbara J. Taylor. - [A Conversation with Mesu Andrews](https://alisontreat.com/2020/09/10/a-conversation-with-mesu-andrews/) - Alison chats with Christy Award-winning author Mesu Andrews about her Biblical Fiction. - [A Conversation with Naomi Musch](https://alisontreat.com/2020/09/17/a-conversation-with-naomi-musch-2/) - Alison talks with award-winning author Naomi Musch. - [On justice and turning dreams into books—with Bryan Davis](https://alisontreat.com/2020/09/24/a-conversation-about-justice-and-turning-dreams-into-books-with-bryan-davis/) - Alison talks with author Bryan Davis about justice, epistolary novels, and the dream that inspired his historical fantasy novel. - [Following God's Call to Write–with Miralee Ferrell](https://alisontreat.com/2020/10/01/following-gods-call-to-write-with-miralee-ferrell/) - Alison talks with author Miralee Ferrell about the unexpected call of God to the writing life. - [Regency Romance and the Definition of Success–with Kristi Ann Hunter](https://alisontreat.com/2020/10/08/regency-romance-and-the-definition-of-success-with-kristi-ann-hunter/) - Alison chats with award-winning author Kristi Ann Hunter about her Regency Romance books and how she defines success. - [A Conversation with Roseanna M. White](https://alisontreat.com/2020/09/03/episode-1-a-conversation-with-roseanna-m-white/) - Alison chats with bestselling and Christy-nominated author Roseanna M. White. - [Trailer: What to Expect](https://alisontreat.com/2020/08/18/trailer-what-to-expect/) - The trailer episode to Alison's new podcast. - [Hope for the Future](https://alisontreat.com/2016/11/10/hope-for-the-future/) - I’m a slow processor. So here I am, two days after the election, finally pulling my thoughts together. Heck, it took me until Monday night (or maybe Tuesday morning) to decide for whom to cast my vote. Although, soon after the primaries I was pretty certain it wasn’t going to be one of the major - [Ode to my Smooth-Surface Electric Range](https://alisontreat.com/2016/06/16/ode-to-my-smooth-surface-electric-range/) - Yesterday marked 16 years since the love of my life popped the question. I just realized this a moment ago. I was thinking about the date because I wondered just how old our range is. It was a wedding gift from Todd’s parents, so it's nearing sixteen years in our possession. And it is moving - [First Things First](https://alisontreat.com/2016/10/27/first-things-first/) - My life has been a bit off lately. Do you know what I mean? I’ve been complaining about being busy. Feeling overwhelmed. And I just couldn’t figure out why. Of course, I am busy. I am overwhelmed. That’s why I feel that way. But I’m supposed to be living the abundant Christian life. I’m supposed to be - [On Beauty](https://alisontreat.com/2011/05/24/on-beauty/) - Sometimes I observe the girl and think about how un-self-conscious it is. This age. Four-and-a-half and a little sprite. She never thinks, “How did that sound when I said it? How do I look? Is my butt too big? Does my mouth look normal when I talk? Does my breath smell okay?” She just - [Love in Every Color](https://alisontreat.com/2020/06/10/love-in-every-color/) - Raising children with intentional diversity. - [This is Social Distancing](https://alisontreat.com/2020/03/26/this-is-social-distancing/) - How we're coping with the isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic. - [Why We Don’t Homeschool (Right Now)](https://alisontreat.com/2016/09/22/why-we-dont-homeschool-right-now/) - I’ve come a long way in my schooling journey. Almost full circle. Years ago, when my oldest child was younger than school age, I fully intended to send her to school when the time came. I had a lot of reasons for this, but a big one was my desire to write for a living. - [On Crashing and Burning](https://alisontreat.com/2020/01/23/on-crashing-and-burning/) - The new year 2020 hasn't gone exactly the way I planned. - [Whispers](https://alisontreat.com/2019/08/01/whispers/) - The discouragement I've been dealing with regarding my writing career. - [Longing for More](https://alisontreat.com/2019/03/11/longing-for-more/) - When we feel dissatisfied, let it point us toward heaven. - [America's Great Sin](https://alisontreat.com/2019/02/22/americas-great-sin/) - Grieving over abortion and suggesting that the root of this sin is the same as the root of racism. - ["Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start all over again."](https://alisontreat.com/2018/11/01/pick-yourself-up-dust-yourself-off-and-start-all-over-again/) - What's happened in my writing life in 2017-18 and a description of my new book! - [It's been a while . . .](https://alisontreat.com/2018/09/26/its-been-a-while/) - What's been keeping me from the blog. - [A Grief Remembered](https://alisontreat.com/2018/10/11/a-grief-remembered/) - Looking back on my miscarriage six years ago. - [The Epic Road Trip: Part Two](https://alisontreat.com/2018/07/19/the-epic-road-trip-part-two/) - Travelogue Part Two of our road trip across the United States. - [The Epic Road Trip: Part One](https://alisontreat.com/2018/07/12/the-epic-road-trip-part-one/) - Travelogue Part One of our road trip across the United States. - [It Feels Like Home to Me](https://alisontreat.com/2018/05/24/it-feels-like-home-to-me/) - In six short months, Ventura has come to feel like home. - [Confessions of a (Closet) Terrible Housekeeper](https://alisontreat.com/2018/04/19/confessions-of-a-closet-terrible-housekeeper/) - The journey from perfectionism to letting things go a little bit. - [A Passionate Lenten Journey](https://alisontreat.com/2018/03/29/a-passionate-lenten-journey/) - My Lenten fasts through the years. - [The Spirit of Fear](https://alisontreat.com/2018/03/22/the-spirit-of-fear/) - Fighting Anxiety with Faith - [Be Kind to Yourself (A Non-Post)](https://alisontreat.com/2018/02/28/be-kind-to-yourself-a-non-post/) - Andrew Peterson's "Be Kind to Yourself" music video - [The Ten Best Posts from Joy in the Journey](https://alisontreat.com/2018/03/07/the-ten-best-posts-from-joy-in-the-journey/) - My personal favorite posts from my blog. - [Unpacking Motherhood](https://alisontreat.com/2016/10/13/unpacking-motherhood/) - “When we have kids, I hope they answer adults when they speak to them.” “Me, too.” I nodded. And I silently believed we would have complete control over this. I thought we would have well-behaved children. After all, we had been well-behaved children, ourselves. Hadn’t we? I would teach our children to pick up after - [Terror by Night](https://alisontreat.com/2016/03/29/terror-by-night/) - Friendly Warning: This post contains sensitive material. It’s a complex emotion. Fear. We all have a relationship with it. Lately I’ve been pondering it. Wrestling with it. Analyzing it. Trying various methods of combatting it. And sometimes giving in to it. Fear can be good. Adrenaline helps you react in threatening situations. It aids in - [A Day in the Life](https://alisontreat.com/2014/02/05/a-day-in-the-life/) - This week Tsh Oxenreider of The Art of Simple (formerly Simple Mom) released her latest book, Notes from a Blue Bike. The more I hear about this book, the more excited I am to read it, especially as I have embarked in the past few years on a quest to simplify, to take time to - [Back on the wagon . . . for the moment, anyway.](https://alisontreat.com/2011/04/25/back-on-the-wagon-for-the-moment-anyway/) - Okay, I'm not going to apologize anymore. One of my sisters-in-law said I shouldn't, so I'm taking her advice. I'm just busy. I have two little kids and a ginormous house to keep relatively clean, as well as a huge yard and garden, a penchant for cooking . . . okay, you get the idea. If you've - [This post has little to do with the pictures.](https://alisontreat.com/2010/06/03/this-post-has-little-to-do-with-the-pictures/) - In my last post I made the observation that "I don't know how anybody handles more than two children" but said that was a post for another day. I've been mulling over it ever since and now it is another day, so I'll just dive right in.I can get myself very worked up--into a - [A Foreign Land](https://alisontreat.com/2018/02/08/a-foreign-land/) - What it's like living on the West Coast, as opposed to rural northeastern Pennsylvania. - [The Promised Poem](https://alisontreat.com/2018/01/25/the-promised-poem/) - A poem. - [Still Fighting Mom Guilt: A Recycled Post](https://alisontreat.com/2018/01/11/still-fighting-mom-guilt-a-recycled-post/) - Examining the pressure mothers feel to parent perfectly. - [Happiness Touchstones (and a resolution to frequent them more)](https://alisontreat.com/2018/01/04/happiness-touchstones-and-a-resolution-to-frequent-them-more/) - Things that bring me joy. - [When You Think You Know God's Plan](https://alisontreat.com/2017/12/07/when-you-think-you-know-gods-plan/) - Moving to Ventura at the beginning of the Thomas Fire - [Building a Fine House](https://alisontreat.com/2017/11/30/building-a-fine-house/) - About my marriage. - [My Favorite Books of All Time](https://alisontreat.com/2017/11/17/my-favorite-books-of-all-time/) - The ten best books I've read. - [Buenaventura](https://alisontreat.com/2017/10/26/buenaventura/) - My trip to Cali to look for a house. - [I Dreamed a Dream in Time Gone By: Practicing Contentment](https://alisontreat.com/2017/10/19/i-dreamed-a-dream-in-time-gone-by-practicing-contentment/) - Practicing Contentment - [The Great Historical Fiction Giveaway!](https://alisontreat.com/2017/10/12/the-great-historical-fiction-giveaway/) - My dear, faithful readers, I feel I’ve been caught in some kind of vortex lately. It could be the horrible tragedies happening all over the United States in the last few months. From earthquakes, to hurricanes, to the horrific Las Vegas shooting, to the devastating fires in northern California, it seems we’re faced with another - [When it feels like your heart can't break anymore . . .](https://alisontreat.com/2017/10/03/when-it-feels-like-your-heart-cant-break-anymore/) - A response to the horrific Las Vegas shooting. - [Chasing Likes](https://alisontreat.com/2017/09/28/chasing-likes/) - Poem by Alison Treat - [Birthdays on the Plantation](https://alisontreat.com/2017/09/21/birthdays-on-the-plantation/) - Find out how slaves celebrated their birthdays. Or didn't. - [Beauty is in the Eye of the Creator](https://alisontreat.com/2017/07/27/beauty-is-in-the-eye-of-the-creator/) - Finding our self-worth in God's view of us. - [Grace in a Campfire](https://alisontreat.com/2017/09/13/grace-in-a-campfire/) - Parenting is tough. We need grace for our mothering sins. - [What I'm Into: July 2017](https://alisontreat.com/2017/08/03/what-im-into-july-2017/) - Our July was full of family, friends, and sunshine. - [What I'm Into: August 2017](https://alisontreat.com/2017/09/05/what-im-into-august-2017/) - August was a tough month for the U.S. Find out the best parts of this month in our corner of the world. - [Thoughts on Racism . . .](https://alisontreat.com/2017/08/18/thoughts-on-racism/) - Speaking out for love and against racism in the confusion following the Charlottesville riots. - [Loving the Life I'm Already Living](https://alisontreat.com/2017/07/13/loving-the-life-im-already-living/) - Inspired by Alexandra Kuykendall's book Loving My Actual Life - [On Turning Forty](https://alisontreat.com/2016/12/29/on-turning-forty/) - A poem highlighting a lifelong struggle. - [What I'm Into: The First Four Months of 2017](https://alisontreat.com/2017/05/04/what-im-into-the-first-four-months-of-2017/) - What I've been reading, watching, and doing lately. - [All Web Design All the Time](https://alisontreat.com/2017/07/07/all-web-design-all-the-time/) - Introducing my brand spanking new website! - [Here's to You and Here's to Me](https://alisontreat.com/2017/05/11/heres-to-you-and-heres-to-me/) - A poem about staying the course and keeping the faith. - [Christmas in New York](https://alisontreat.com/2007/12/06/christmas-in-new-york/) - Last Wednesday, November 28th, we went to New York City. It was Camilla's first time and I explained to her as we drove across the GWB that she was entering the best city in the world. The occassion was Madeleine L'Engle's memorial service at the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine. I'm so sad - [Our Tree](https://alisontreat.com/2007/12/07/our-tree/) - Here are some shots of the tree-trimming from last weekend. It never goes as planned, does it? I think we moms picture an idyllic setting with the whole family joyfully decorating a perfectly shaped Christmas tree. Obviously Camilla wasn't much help this year, though I did make sure she watched me put her special ornaments - [First Solo Steps!](https://alisontreat.com/2007/12/09/first-solo-steps/) - Yes, it has finally happened. Yesterday (Saturday, December 8th), Camilla took three steps by herself! We were so excited! But of course, she hasn't done it again. I don't think she even realized she did it. So today, I followed her around with the camera for a while trying to get her to take some - [Second Sunday of Advent--Justice](https://alisontreat.com/2007/12/09/second-sunday-of-advent-justice/) - One of the ways we remember Jesus at Christmastime in our household is through the tradition of the Advent Wreath. On the four Sundays before Christmas we read scripture, light the appropriate candle and sing a Christmas carol with Todd accompanying on the guitar. In my house growing up we followed this tradition, so it's - [Bible Study and a few other notes](https://alisontreat.com/2007/12/12/bible-study-and-a-few-other-notes/) - Last night our Bible Study finished a DVD series we've been doing called "Shepherding a Child's Heart". It's a fifteen-part series, but we crammed the last four sessions into two nights so we could finish up before Christmas. It ended up being a late night because we ordered pizza and it took an hour and - [Wintry Weekend](https://alisontreat.com/2007/12/16/wintry-weekend/) - The other day we had quite a snowstorm. The roads seemed unsafe, so I cancelled all our activities for the day and stayed home to bake Christmas cookies. I also took Camilla outside to play in the snow a little bit, which was so much fun--until she fell and scraped her cheek on the picnic - [Christmas Lunch](https://alisontreat.com/2007/12/19/christmas-lunch/) - Yesterday some friends I met through La Leche League came for lunch with their little ones. We shared a meal and our kids exchanged gifts. It was good to get together and relax in the midst of the Christmas rush. Mary and Matthias,who is 4 days older than Camilla!Brittany and Marylooking at my scrapbooks.Monica and - [Holiday Whirlwind](https://alisontreat.com/2008/01/02/holiday-whirlwind/) - Phew! It has been a busy two weeks! We had a wonderful Christmas, spending time with family and friends and enjoying Camilla. The best gift we received was Camilla learning to walk. It was so much fun to watch her expand her horizons this way during the Holiday Season.I just had to include this shot - [Stair Climbing](https://alisontreat.com/2008/01/12/stair-climbing/) - We have a little stair climber now! Up until last week, Camilla pretty much ignored the stairs--maybe because they're not in a central location in our house.Now we have to be careful. The other day, as I was cleaning up the kitchen after breakfast, I casually mentioned to Camilla that it was almost time for - [Our Little Peanut](https://alisontreat.com/2008/01/22/our-little-peanut/) - She finally topped 20 pounds! Yesterday Camilla and I headed to the pediatrician because she had a fever. It turned out to be the tail end of a cold--nothing serious. But the exciting news is that she weighed in at 20 lbs. 15 oz. (with her clothes and wet diaper, that is)! And at 2 - [Musings from last January](https://alisontreat.com/2008/01/24/musings-from-last-january/) - I love this shot from Saturday. I tried to upload it the other day when I posted, but the computer wasn't cooperating.Anyway, today as we walked in the lightly falling snow, I was reminded of some thoughts I wrote last year around this time. With a 3 month old baby, all I had time to - [Procrastinating!](https://alisontreat.com/2008/02/01/procrastinating/) - This one's for Seth and Mandy, since they gave Camilla this adorable hat. I post a lot of jammy pictures, don't I? Maybe Camilla is at her best after she's had breakfast and before she gets dressed for the day.I had to include this shot because I can't believe I actually captured the block tower - [Bunches](https://alisontreat.com/2008/02/15/bunches/) - A few weeks ago, I finally succeeded in getting Camilla to sit still long enough to put her hair in "bunches". That's right, bunches. According to Wikipedia,"Bunches (also called angel wings) describe a hairstyle in which the hairis parted down the middle and gathered into two symmetrical bundles, securednear the scalp. The remaining lengths of - [Sick Month!](https://alisontreat.com/2008/03/14/sick-month/) - Oy veh! What a month! Camilla has been sick twice! We still managed to squeeze in some fun, though, so I'll post pictures of that. Right now Camilla is getting over a stomach bug so it's been a rough week. Here's what we've been up to, besides cleaning up vomit. Dancing with Daddy at Mr. - [Easter](https://alisontreat.com/2008/03/28/easter/) - It's come and gone again, but in some moments I'm still celebrating. Today, for instance, as I listened to Casting Crowns singing "East to West". Unfortunately, on Sunday I was at the worst point of a terrible cold, and keeping Camilla quiet in church was no fun, so my celebration happened the night before as - [Rainy Day Thoughts](https://alisontreat.com/2008/04/04/rainy-day-thoughts/) - Here's a picture of us from this past weekend, at a 50th Anniversary Party. We don't often have someone take a picture of all three of us. Camilla has a funny look on her face, but Todd and I look fantastic, don't we?I've just been bopping around the internet this afternoon, reading blogs here and - [I've seen sunny days that I thought would never end . . .](https://alisontreat.com/2008/04/25/ive-seen-sunny-days-that-i-thought-would-never-end/) - We've been enjoying the beautiful weather these past few weeks. I know it can't last. The sweet old neighbor lady said to me the other day that she doesn't like it when everything blooms so early, because we might have a frost that kills the blooms. Hopefully, we'll avoid that. But we are definitely due - [Living Courageously in a Dangerous World](https://alisontreat.com/2008/05/22/living-courageously-in-a-dangerous-world/) - Most of you have probably heard by now about 5-year-old Maria Chapman's tragic death. If not, read about it here. I turned on national Christian radio station KLOVE (88.3 fm here in NEPA) as Camilla and I pulled out of our garage this morning and was shocked by the news. We were going to visit - [Birthday Season](https://alisontreat.com/2008/05/31/birthday-season/) - Between Mother's Day and Father's Day in Todd's and my families, we celebrate 6 birthdays. This is the busiest month of the year for us, except maybe December! But we end up with a lot of great pictures! Annie, Megan, Camilla, and me. Freddie, April, Anne, and Karla at April's 16th birthday party! Family picture - [Writing Retreat](https://alisontreat.com/2008/06/24/writing-retreat/) - June has been so crazy for us. I have a lot to catch up on, beginning with my Writing Retreat in early June. Every few weeks I get together with three wonderful women writers, Demery, Linda, and Pauline. I call them my "Writing Group" because we help each other by reading our work and offering - [This one's for Pauline](https://alisontreat.com/2008/06/25/this-ones-for-pauline/) - Just so you know Camilla is wearing the "Life is Good" sunsuit.And life is so good. - [More Birthdays!](https://alisontreat.com/2008/06/25/more-birthdays/) - My Mom's birthday is June 5th. I won't mention her age. Obviously, she received a new umbrella, with famous quotes on it. When I see this picture, I think of the little family routine we used to do to the song "Side by Side." Mom would step out with an umbrella to sing her solo, - [First trip to an amusement park!](https://alisontreat.com/2008/06/25/first-trip-to-an-amusement-park/) - On June 12th, Camilla and I went with my family to our truly wonderful, not-very-far-away amusement park, Knoebel's Grove. Now, it had been eight years since I had visited any amusement park, so I was not extremely hopeful. Much to my dismay, my stomach was not as strong as it used to be. I hope - [Wedding in Wisconsin](https://alisontreat.com/2008/06/26/wedding-in-wisconsin/) - Finally I'm bringing you all up to date on our lives. This past weekend, Todd and I had our first weekend away from Camilla. Todd's good friend, Chris, got married in northern Wisconsin. Most of the women attendants from our wedding are married by now, and at long last the guys are starting to find - [Strawberries](https://alisontreat.com/2008/07/04/strawberries/) - A picture is worth a thousand words. - [Independence Day](https://alisontreat.com/2008/07/14/independence-day/) - On the 4th of July, my cousin Andy and his girlfriend, Lenacinth, came to stay with us. Andy and Todd went mountain biking while Lena hung out with Camilla and me. Camilla just loved Lena (and so did I). She still hasn't stopped saying her name! That evening, we went to a Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees game. - [Family Reunion](https://alisontreat.com/2008/07/20/family-reunion/) - July 5th brought our biennial Roskos Family Reunion. My cousin Andy is the coordinator for the event. He does all the planning and delegation. It's a huge job, but one that everyone in the Roskos family appreciates. We all love getting together every two years and it wouldn't happen without Andy's hard work. Four years - [Camilla's Recent Favorite Things](https://alisontreat.com/2008/07/21/camillas-recent-favorite-things/) - Her Pink Shoes . . . Exploring Mommy's and Daddy's bathroom cupboards . . .Strawberries, obviously . . . Chocolate-coverered Strawberries . . . Mommy's shoes--or anybody's really! - [Anne's Graduation](https://alisontreat.com/2008/08/09/annes-graduation/) - I've been super busy and haven't had a chance to post for a while. So I'm finally going to put up some pictures from my sister Anne's graduation party, July 20th! Anne was homeschooled, so my parents held the actual ceremony at home just before the party. Here she is, receiving her diploma.With one of - [Fun with the cousins!](https://alisontreat.com/2008/08/10/fun-with-the-cousins/) - The entire week after Anne's graduation, my brother Steven, his wife Susan, and their four kids were in town visiting. They live in Michigan, so we don't get to spend a lot of time with them normally. It was great to see them! I took Camilla over to Grandma's and Grandpa's house a lot that - [Weekend at Crescent Lake](https://alisontreat.com/2008/09/03/weekend-at-crescent-lake/) - I have a lot to catch up on! The first weekend in August, we went camping at a lake with some of the members of our old Bible Study group. It was great to hang out with them again. We just don't get together like we used to anymore. Here are some highlights from our - [Trip to California: Part I, San Francisco](https://alisontreat.com/2008/09/04/trip-to-california-part-i-san-francisco/) - August 15th, the three of us began our big California vacation! I was really looking forward to visiting friends and family and seeing part of the country we'd never been to before. We flew to San Francisco first to visit Kristina, Cory, and Carter. I was nervous about how Camilla would do on the plane, - [Trip to California: Part II, Yosemite](https://alisontreat.com/2008/09/14/trip-to-california-part-ii-yosemite/) - As I uploaded the pictures for this post, I realized a good reason to update my blog more often. I think I remember the names of most of the places we explored in Yosemite National Park, but perhaps I would remember more clearly if I'd done this sooner! So, Kristina, please feel free to correct - [Trip to California: Part III, Back to San Francisco](https://alisontreat.com/2008/09/18/trip-to-california-part-iii-back-to-san-francisco/) - The drive from Yosemite back to the Graves' house seemed interminable. As we passed over the Bay Bridge, we had our best view so far of the Golden Gate Bridge. It would have been a perfect time to get a closer look, except for the fact that our rental vehicle had to be back to - [Trip to California: Part IV, Driving Down the Pacific Coast Highway](https://alisontreat.com/2008/09/27/trip-to-california-part-iv-driving-down-the-pacific-coast-highway/) - We had a great time with the Graves family in the Bay Area. A few things I forgot to mention: they took us to Buena Vista for Irish Coffee and they introduced us to Dim Sum! Yum! I'm probably forgetting something else, too. Thanks, Cory and Kristina, for being our tour guides and welcoming us - [Trip to California: Part V, Los Angeles](https://alisontreat.com/2008/09/27/trip-to-california-part-v-los-angeles/) - My brother, Seth, and his wife, Mandy, live close to LA. My little brother, Jonathan, lives with them, too. So we invaded their house from Thursday, August 21st, till Sunday, August 24th. On Thursday, we just hung out in their condo. Seth grilled on the roof of the condo complex. We had a great view - [Priceless Pictures](https://alisontreat.com/2008/10/02/priceless-pictures/) - In the month since we returned from California, Camilla has blossomed in so many ways. I'm in way over my head with birthday preparations, but I just had to post with some adorable pictures. A couple weeks ago on a Sunday afternoon, Camilla refused to go to sleep during naptime. When I checked on her, - [At long last . . .](https://alisontreat.com/2008/11/07/at-long-last-2/) - It took me a month to recover, but I'm finally getting around to posting pictures of our birthday celebration. I still can't believe my baby girl is two. Here are some photos from the actual day, October 3rd.I attempted to make Camilla a heart-shaped chocolate-chip pancake for breakfast! Then I received a phone call and - [Party Hardy!](https://alisontreat.com/2008/11/07/party-hardy/) - So last year, when Camilla turned one, we invited LOTS of friends and family for a big party at our house. I think we ended up with around fifty in attendance. This year, I decided to keep it small--we only had forty. Since our local family alone (and I mean, immediate family--Todd's and my brothers, - [I can't help it--I just think she's cute!](https://alisontreat.com/2008/11/23/i-cant-help-it-i-just-think-shes-cute/) - For some reason, Camilla thought this cupboard would make a good "boat".On Halloween, we went to a local church for their "Light the Night" program. Lots of fun activities for kids, and a great way to spread the light of Jesus to the neighborhood. Since Camilla loves Winnie the Pooh, I thought her costume was - [Fall Fun](https://alisontreat.com/2008/11/23/fall-fun/) - One day in October, Camilla's cousin Logan came to our house. Usually, Logan goes to Grammy and Grampy's, but since they were busy that day we got to play with Logan. Camilla had so much fun with her cousin and it was a gorgeous fall day, so I took the opportunity to snap lots of - [Happy Anniversary!](https://alisontreat.com/2008/12/02/happy-anniversary/) - [I just love these kids!](https://alisontreat.com/2008/12/16/i-just-love-these-kids/) - I had to post some pictures from last weekend--read that, December 7th. We had our old Bible Study group over for dinner. It was truly wonderful to be with all of them again. I miss our weekly gatherings. Our kids are growing up too fast. These pictures show how much fun it is to try - [Christmas Cookies!](https://alisontreat.com/2008/12/16/christmas-cookies/) - Last Wednesday, I decided to start baking Christmas cookies. I figured I would let Camilla help me a little bit, but it wouldn't last long. I popped my favorite Waltons Christmas movie, The Homecoming, into the DVD player to keep us entertained. My girl surprised me by being way more interested than I expected. We - [Our creative dresser](https://alisontreat.com/2009/05/13/our-creative-dresser/) - Camilla loves putting outfits together for herself now.Isn't she creative? - [Hatteras Island Adventures](https://alisontreat.com/2009/05/28/hatteras-island-adventures/) - We just got back from the Outer Banks where Todd, Camilla, and I had a much-needed time of togetherness and relaxation. We spent a weekend with Todd's sister in Jacksonville, NC, and then headed on to the town of Avon for a week. The day of our travels was windy, cold, and rainy. We had - [Happy Birthday, Todd!](https://alisontreat.com/2009/05/28/happy-birthday-todd/) - Today is Todd's 34th birthday. Since I'm now twenty weeks, we had our "Big" Ultrasound two days ago. Let me first say that I absolutely love having a girl. Girls are wonderful and Camilla is the sweetest, most precious girl ever and so much fun to be with. So, I knew it would be fine - [Tea and Sympathy](https://alisontreat.com/2009/06/13/tea-and-sympathy/) - "I'm having a picnic." - [It never rains but it pours . . .](https://alisontreat.com/2009/06/13/it-never-rains-but-it-pours/) - I love the fact that I can use cliches for blogpost titles . . . and no one can yell at me. Last week, I got home from a relaxing, mostly rainy, writing retreat with my wonderful writing buddies, who happen to know how lousy I am at coming up with titles. Unfortunately, our fourth - [Potpourri](https://alisontreat.com/2009/10/01/potpourri/) - It's been a while, but as you'll see, we've been very busy over the last few months. I spent a lot of the summer "nesting"--and now our house is perfect! Just kidding. But we accomplished some major tasks.Todd completed our dining room walls.Anne helped me put a fresh coat of paint on most of the - [Baby Bump--Watch it grow!](https://alisontreat.com/2009/10/02/baby-bump-watch-it-grow/) - July 4th--almost 26 weeksAugust 12th, 7 months pregnant, 31 weeksOctober 1st, 38 weeks, 3 days . . . and showing my exhaustion! - [Snowy Days](https://alisontreat.com/2010/01/23/snowy-days/) - Right now, we have very little snow. Unfortunately, the temperature has recently climbed to well over freezing during the day. But we had a few weeks of snow and then really bitter cold. Too cold even for this winter-lover. I got some shots of the kids in the snow. New camera--I'm still practicing. Is this - [Christmas Snapshot](https://alisontreat.com/2009/12/29/christmas-snapshot/) - I figure I will blog more often if I just write quick posts now and then instead of trying to keep the world up to speed on every development in our lives. On Christmas Eve, Camilla opened a pair of pajamas from her Aunt Linda. They were so cozy and inviting that she carried them - [Now THIS is a snowman!](https://alisontreat.com/2010/02/10/now-this-is-a-snowman/) - We're currently having a snowstorm and I'm loving it! Look what we did today! - [Smiles and Sunny Days](https://alisontreat.com/2010/04/02/smiles-and-sunny-days/) - [For the love of strawberries!](https://alisontreat.com/2010/07/11/for-the-love-of-strawberries/) - I finally uploaded these pictures from a few weeks ago and I just had to share them. We picked strawberries with one of my wonderful sisters-in-law and her four awesome kiddos, so Camilla and Adrian got some great cousin time as well as a whole lot of strawberries with the deal. Adrian got tired of - [Where Did Summer Go?](https://alisontreat.com/2010/10/05/where-did-summer-go/) - I know it's October 5th, but just a few weeks ago I was on the beach in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. It was 80 degrees and sunny. I love autumn. Really, I do. But today it's raining and dreary and I'm missing those summer days. So . . . a few pictures to - [Cool--a blog award!!!](https://alisontreat.com/2010/09/16/cool-a-blog-award/) - I am thrilled to accept this award given to me by my wonderful writer-and-now-blogger friend Demery. She blogs every day, so if you go to her blog, you won't find her post about this award unless you go back aways. I'll make it easy for you and give you a direct link here. But do - [Thoughts on The Shack](https://alisontreat.com/2010/07/31/thoughts-on-the-shack/) - I don't call this a book review, or anything official, but I did say in this post that I would try to follow up after I finished reading The Shack. Well, I finished it a long time ago--and what's worse is, I didn't buy it. I borrowed it from the library. This is unfortunate because - [The Food of October, Part I](https://alisontreat.com/2010/10/30/the-food-of-october-part-i/) - I don't know exactly what is required to be considered a "foodie" but I love food. Buying it, preparing it, and eating it. I don't consider myself an expert at all, but I do love good food and I have fun with it, so maybe I'm a foodie. Here are some of my creations this - [The Food of October, Part II](https://alisontreat.com/2010/10/30/the-food-of-october-part-ii/) - Camilla wanted to make a pumpkin pie--and not from a can. A real pumpkin pie. I hate to admit this, but it was my first time. I was a pumpkin virgin. But it was amazingly easy and delicious. Glad I just cleaned my oven! You can use the seeds, too! I think we started another - [Ten years down . . .](https://alisontreat.com/2010/12/02/ten-years-down/) - It seems like so long ago, yet at the same time it's hard to believe that ten years ago right now, I was standing at the altar, pledging my life to my beloved. I don't have time to write much today; at least not the time I would need to do justice to our ten - [Second Sunday (Weekend?) of Advent](https://alisontreat.com/2010/12/07/second-sunday-weekend-of-advent/) - Todd and I managed to escape our beloved children to celebrate our anniversary with one quick night at our favorite Bed and Breakfast, Bischwind. It's beautiful, to say the least, and we had a great time going out to dinner, snuggling up to a fire in our suite and savoring a four-course breakfast including a - [Happy Publication Day to Lena Roy!](https://alisontreat.com/2010/12/07/happy-publication-day-to-lena-roy/) - Just wanted to pass on a hearty congratulations to Lena Roy. Her debut novel, Edges, releases today! I cannot wait to read it and I hope this post generates some interest for her! - [Christmas is over now](https://alisontreat.com/2011/01/09/christmas-is-over-now/) - I just finished updating the Christmas card list. That is officially the final act in my post-Christmas tear-down. But it's not truly the final act. I still have to wash all the Holiday place mats and napkins we used this week when my brother and his family came for a belated Christmas visit. I am - [Ringing in 2011](https://alisontreat.com/2010/12/31/ringing-in-2011/) - Now I am officially sick of peppermint. No, really, the evening following my last post, Adrian decided to keep us up most of the night, insisting on sleeping in our bed. He was miserably ill with a bad cold. The next morning I woke from what little sleep I had with a fiery sore throat and was sick over - [The great outdoors](https://alisontreat.com/2011/01/14/the-great-outdoors/) - We've had a huge range in temperatures already this year. On New Years Day it was around 50 degrees, warm enough to go outside wearing just a fleece jacket. This morning around eight o'clock, it was a mere 11 above zero and I wondered if I should take the kids out in that kind of - [Happy Publication to Demery!](https://alisontreat.com/2011/01/18/happy-publication-to-demery/) - I am pleased to announce that my dear friend Demery Bader-Saye has just been published in the Rose and Thorn Journal. You can read her lovely short story here. Demery was is one of the members of my writing group. For six years, Demery, Pauline, Linda and I met every other week to read our work and - [This is what single-tasking looks like.](https://alisontreat.com/2011/02/08/this-is-what-single-tasking-looks-like/) - I've been working at "single-tasking" for two weeks. I am far from mastering it. I have my good days, like yesterday when I was telling my friend Tina how much single-tasking has helped me and how I feel more peaceful and focused and I think I'm actually accomplishing more this way (even though that's not the goal). Then there - [Ten Inches of Snow!](https://alisontreat.com/2011/02/22/ten-inches-of-snow/) - I love snow! The horrendous 60-degree weather we had on Friday (ridiculous for February, I think) redeemed itself by melting away all the horrific ice in our yard and proceeding to shower us with ten glorious inches of powder Monday morning! My only complaint is that I had a cold, so I really didn't feel like - [Musings regarding my Grandmother](https://alisontreat.com/2011/04/07/musings-regarding-my-grandmother/) - I've been bickering with myself about what to write, so I just decided to dive in. If it seems a little scattered, well, it's all the more authentic I suppose. My Grandma died last Wednesday. Not altogether a surprise, but still a shock. When someone you love is 95, you just know they're not realistically - [My Little Helpers](https://alisontreat.com/2011/05/02/my-little-helpers/) - We LOVE being outside. Playing outside makes us so happy! Especially on a sunny, beautiful day like last Tuesday. Ahh, the feel of sunshine . . . and mud. Did I ever mention that boys are really dirty?Camilla kept her outfit nice and clean, but thoroughly enjoyed using her new gardening tools and gloves! Yes, that is - [Rainy Day Ramblings](https://alisontreat.com/2011/05/19/rainy-day-ramblings/) - Ah! The hour or so after naptime and before dinner--not exactly my favorite time of day unless I remember to savor it. The boy usually needs a good long snuggle after he wakes from his nap. If I'm in the middle of making dinner, this does not work out well. Today, although I was hoping - [Imagine I am writing this with my tongue firmly planted inside my cheek](https://alisontreat.com/2011/06/27/imagine-i-am-writing-this-with-my-tongue-firmly-planted-inside-my-cheek/) - I’m a tough act to follow. Seriously. My last post was so poignant and breathtaking that ever since then each and every idea is blown out of the water when I look over that May 24th post. I might as well just give up now. I’ve written my best post. Better to quit while I’m - [A little summer fun](https://alisontreat.com/2011/07/26/a-little-summer-fun/) - My dear friend and fellow writer, Demery Bader-Saye, tagged me in a bloggy game! Thank you, Dem! Now I get to answer some fun questions and tag a few of you. What do you think of when you the hear the word tag?Playing flashlight tag at a summer sleepover when I was a kid. I - [I love camping!](https://alisontreat.com/2011/08/19/i-love-camping/) - A few weeks ago I said this to a friend. Actually, several friends, in several different conversations. Since Camilla was born, we have only camped a handful of times and every one of those times it was for one night in somebody's backyard. Breakfast was cooked in a real kitchen and when we were tired - [Elusive Serenity](https://alisontreat.com/2011/08/03/elusive-serenity/) - Some of you may remember my whole love-affair with single-tasking earlier this year. That was a great idea, wasn’t it? Well, obviously, I’ve gotten a little side-tracked. Allow me to explain . . .I still love the idea of single-tasking. Really, I do. I feel a little prick to my conscience whenever I (unnecessarily) multi-task. - [A whole new world!](https://alisontreat.com/2011/08/25/a-whole-new-world/) - Lately, riding in the car, going to the store, or even just hanging out around the house, Camilla and I have been accompanied by an eager new conversationalist. Camilla might be in the middle of telling me something she deems important. It doesn't matter. She will undoubtedly be interrupted by an insistent,"Mommy! Mommy! Mommy! Mommy!""Yes, - [Big Preschool Girl and Little Baker Man](https://alisontreat.com/2011/09/07/big-preschool-girl-and-little-baker-man/) - Today I sent my almost-five-year-old off to begin her second year of preschool. Realizing how quickly this past year has gone by, I'm reminded that my days as a pre-school mom are numbered. All too soon I will be a mother of school-age children. How did that happen? I honestly have loved the past five years - [Remember how I wanted to go on a missions trip?](https://alisontreat.com/2011/09/15/remember-how-i-wanted-to-go-on-a-missions-trip/) - Since January, or earlier maybe, I've been thinking this might be my year to dabble in missions. After talking with my brother, a seasoned missions-tripper, about how to be sure you're helping, not hurting, on a short-term missions trip, I concluded that disaster-relief was the way to go. And this summer left me with no shortage of ideas - [In the past twenty days . . .](https://alisontreat.com/2011/10/05/in-the-past-twenty-days/) - I haven't done much for flood victims. Helping out with the "flood buckets" my church is providing via the Red Cross has been the extent of my mission. The initial cleanup seems to be complete, but I'm sure more help will be needed in the future as people set up new homes and try to - [Birthday Boy](https://alisontreat.com/2011/10/21/birthday-boy/) - The birthday was last week, but I've been working on other projects so . . . here are pics of my favorite two-year-old at long last! The photos should speak for themselves. Photo by April Roskos - [Sweet Surrender](https://alisontreat.com/2011/11/09/sweet-surrender/) - Lately God’s been asking me to surrender. Last week, in Sunday School, our young adults pastor (and yes, I still qualify as a young adult!) made a comment about surrender. When we give things to God, He often hands them back to us in better shape than we could have imagined. Now, it’s not as - [Has it really come to this? Thoughts on being a writer in the Internet age.](https://alisontreat.com/2011/10/26/has-it-really-come-to-this-thoughts-on-being-a-writer-in-the-internet-age/) - I’ve been having a bit of writer’s block lately. Well, not exactly writer’s block. Just blogger’s block, I guess. I’ve written a poem, but it’s nothing I want to share yet. I’ve started and not finished a whole slew of posts. I'm basically "finished" with my current Novel-in-Progress and it's been tough to move on, - [It's Shoebox Time!](https://alisontreat.com/2011/11/17/its-shoebox-time/) - In true Alison form, I am waiting till the last minute to pack our shoeboxes for OCC. That's OCC, not OCD. Operation Christmas Child, a ministry of Samaritan's Purse.This is the third year that Camilla and I are filling shoeboxes with gifts for children in developing countries. We fill one box for a little girl - [Grow: My first attempt at participating in Five Minute Friday!](https://alisontreat.com/2011/11/18/grow-my-first-attempt-at-participating-in-five-minute-friday/) - It's unprecedented! A post two days in a row on Joy in the Journey? That never happens. Well, it's happening today. I mentioned a couple weeks ago that I was thinking about doing Five Minute Friday and here I am. I will write for five minutes, then I will post whatever I wrote. Aaaack! No - [Not just another post on Thankfulness](https://alisontreat.com/2011/11/23/not-just-another-post-on-thankfulness/) - Well, maybe it is. Everybody's posting on how grateful they are for this and that, but I just had to jump on the bandwagon. I am up to my elbows in pottytraining my two-year-old. That's rather early or a little late, depending on who you talk to. All I know is I was tired of fighting - [Grateful](https://alisontreat.com/2011/11/25/grateful-2/) - Time for my second attempt at Five Minute Friday. Five minutes of writing, no editing, just hit that publish button! And the prompt is "Grateful." Didn't I already cover this? Oh well, I'm sure I'll come up with something.Yesterday at the Thanksgiving table. It has nothing to do with my post, but so what? Begin - [Bedtime Hymns](https://alisontreat.com/2011/12/07/bedtime-hymns/) - Lately, at bedtime, when I ask Adrian what he wants to sing, he always answers, “Father.” So I sing, “Good Night my Father.” And I think of this post from three years ago when Camilla was his age. When each of my kids were infants, while they nursed at bedtime, I sang to them, lullaby - [It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year](https://alisontreat.com/2011/12/01/its-the-most-wonderful-time-of-the-year/) - Advent is upon us. It seemed to sneak up on me this year. Since Christmas falls on a Sunday, the first Sunday of Advent was as far from Christmas as it can be. The time of preparation lasts longer than usual this year. And that can only be a good thing! I’ve been searching for ideas on - [Five Minute Friday: Awake](https://alisontreat.com/2012/01/13/five-minute-friday-awake/) - It's Friday again. Glory be! I've had a horrid cold this week and it's finally getting better. Yes, I am a big whiner when I'm sick. I try not to whine, but I'm just ready for a weekend right now.And you know what happens on Fridays, right? Well . . . some Fridays, anyway. I - [In which I go into depth about my experience with the Daniel Fast thus far and explain what I was talking about in Friday’s post.](https://alisontreat.com/2012/01/18/in-which-i-go-into-depth-about-my-experience-with-the-daniel-fast-thus-far-and-explain-what-i-was-talking-about-in-fridays-post/) - The past two weeks and three days have been tough. I knew it would be difficult. Still I thought, I can do anything for three weeks. Anything. It’s only three weeks. And then it’s over.But I didn’t expect it to be like this. I’m not sure what I expected. Fireworks? Some kind of spiritual transcendence, - [My Newest Crazy Idea](https://alisontreat.com/2012/01/30/my-newest-crazy-idea/) - I signed up to run a half-marathon. Every Sunday morning I run about three easy miles with my friend, Ariana. And somehow I thought that qualified me to start training for a 13.1-mile race that’s only three months away. What was I thinking?I suppose I was thinking it would be fun. I haven’t challenged myself - [Oh no! It's Monday and I'm supposed to do an update.](https://alisontreat.com/2012/02/06/oh-no-its-monday-and-im-supposed-to-do-an-update/) - Yes, that's about how I feel. I just checked Facebook. Fail. Overall I've been doing better with that--checking Facebook less, usually just once a day. Saturday was a long day with the kids, though. Todd was gone all day and I allowed myself to be distracted by the computer at least five times. Ugh.But I've - [On becoming the Tooth Fairy](https://alisontreat.com/2012/02/08/on-becoming-the-tooth-fairy/) - My baby girl just lost her first tooth. That may not seem like a big deal to those of you without children, but I remember when that tooth first broke through her gums. If I close my eyes I can conjure up the drooling, the crabbiness, low grade fever. All of it. And then, there - [Sometimes I act like a five-year-old myself.](https://alisontreat.com/2012/02/15/sometimes-i-act-like-a-five-year-old-myself/) - I’ve had a few frustrating days recently. Pull-out-your-hair-and-scream kind of frustrating. No joke.We all have colds. We’re sick of being sick. We’re tired. Our patience is wearing thin. Photo by April RoskosAnd then Camilla pulled something on Sunday that she’s never done for anyone but her parents. The Sunday School teacher asked one of us to - [Five Minute Friday: Grit](https://alisontreat.com/2012/02/24/five-minute-friday-grit/) - It's Friday again. Woo hoo! I know I completely skipped last week's Five Minute Friday, but once again today I join The Gypsy Mama to write for five minutes on her weekly prompt. No editing or rewriting allowed. Click on the link to her site if you want to try it, too. The prompt this week is "Grit".GOI've always - [Scattered Thoughts](https://alisontreat.com/2012/02/22/scattered-thoughts/) - I’ve had trouble focusing lately . . . a million ideas for topics have come to me, but none of them solidifies into a complete post. In my next life (maybe after I’m finished with the half-marathon), I would like to have a blogging mentor and really take this blog somewhere. So in the absence - [A Sad Story](https://alisontreat.com/2012/02/29/a-sad-story/) - I am writing a post complaining about the weather. I never thought it would come to this. I know there are really sad things going on in the world. I do. But humor me people, okay?See that photo in my header at the top of my blog? Yes, the one with the two most beautiful - [Checking in rather late today](https://alisontreat.com/2012/02/27/checking-in-rather-late-today/) - I am very pleased to report that I made it to the gym last Tuesday. Of course, I did not also run on Tuesday. I ran Wednesday instead. I ran four miles and at a faster pace than I have run that route in recent history. Pause for victory dance.Thursday it was time for some - [Five Minute Friday: Ache](https://alisontreat.com/2012/03/02/five-minute-friday-ache/) - It's Friday again. Woo hoo! Once again I join The Gypsy Mama to write for five minutes on her weekly prompt. No editing or rewriting allowed. Click on the link to her site if you want to try it, too. The prompt this week is "Ache".GOIt comes and goes--at the sight of a sunset over Pikes Peak when I - [It was the best of times, it was the worst of times . . .](https://alisontreat.com/2012/03/07/it-was-the-best-of-times-it-was-the-worst-of-times/) - Last night as I was falling asleep, I was thinking about the friend I mentioned in this post. She’s my oldest longest friend. We met when she was born. I was 13 months old. Last night, I was thinking about what she’s going through now—the fear and the worry and the wondering if everything will - [Five Minute Friday: Brave](https://alisontreat.com/2012/03/16/five-minute-friday-brave/) - It's Friday again. Glory be! Today I join The Gypsy Mama to write for five minutes on her weekly prompt. No editing or rewriting allowed. Click on the link to her site if you want to try it, too. The prompt this week is "Brave".GOI sit on the porch, my laptop on my knees. The "Sid book" as I - [The aforementioned post regarding my writing retreat (with some other side notes)](https://alisontreat.com/2012/03/21/the-aforementioned-post-regarding-my-writing-retreat-with-some-other-side-notes/) - So, I didn’t write a running post on Monday.Yeah, I figured nobody noticed. It was actually the third Monday in a row that I didn’t write about training. A few weeks ago I was planning to post about it, but I had been working on so many other writing-related things that when I had the - [My attempt at decluttering with Simple Mom](https://alisontreat.com/2012/03/24/my-attempt-at-decluttering-with-simple-mom/) - Look to the right. No, not that far. Just to my sidebar where I have proudly displayed the logo of Project Simplify for the past three weeks and have not participated in any other way. Until this week. This week, Tsh Oxenreider of Simple Mom chose the hotspots “Closets, Countertops, and Drawers” and I decided I - [Five Minute Friday: Loud](https://alisontreat.com/2012/03/23/five-minute-friday-loud/) - It's Friday again. Woot woot! Today I join The Gypsy Mama to write for five minutes on her weekly prompt. No editing or rewriting allowed. Click on the link to her site if you want to try it, too. The prompt this week is "Loud".GOLast night they were especially loud. I didn't want to have an evening home with - [Spring Fever](https://alisontreat.com/2012/03/28/spring-fever/) - After bemoaning the lack of a real winter here in Pennsylvania, I have now turned a corner. Last week we saw temps in the 70's and I liked it. It felt so good to go outside in the sunshine and soak up the warmth. This week is much cooler, but in honor of the new - [The Holiest of Weeks](https://alisontreat.com/2012/04/04/the-holiest-of-weeks/) - It’s Holy Week. Tomorrow is what they call Maundy Thursday, or Holy Thursday. The day Jesus celebrated the Last Supper with his closest followers.Image CreditHis closest followers. To be in that circle of twelve. To be the disciple whom Jesus loved. That’s partly why I gave up Facebook for Lent. To get closer to Him. To - [Five Minute Friday: Gift](https://alisontreat.com/2012/03/30/five-minute-friday-gift/) - It's Friday again. Today I join The Gypsy Mama to write for five minutes on her weekly prompt. No editing or rewriting allowed. Click on the link to her site if you want to try it, too. The prompt this week is "Gift".GOI have called this a gift in the past. This feeling of pain over things that have - [It's Not Easy Being Green](https://alisontreat.com/2012/04/11/its-not-easy-being-green/) - A while ago someone commented on my blog saying that we sound green. I conceded that we do what we can, to some extent, as much as makes sense for our family. But I have friends, and know of people, who are much greener than we are.Straw Bale House Photo CreditBy S Woodside [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], - [Sometimes you just feeling like putting a bag over your head . . .](https://alisontreat.com/2012/04/11/sometimes-you-just-feeling-like-putting-a-bag-over-your-head/) - Yeah, that's how I'm feeling. Maybe I'll post later. - [Five Minute Friday: Good-Bye](https://alisontreat.com/2012/04/13/five-minute-friday-good-bye/) - It's Friday again. Can I get an Amen? Today I join The Gypsy Mama to write for five minutes on her weekly prompt. No editing or rewriting allowed. Click on the link to her site if you want to try it, too. The prompt this week is "Good-bye".GOWhen my baby sister was crying her head off, it hit me. - [Five Minute Friday: Together](https://alisontreat.com/2012/04/20/five-minute-friday-together/) - That's right. I haven't blogged all week. This is called blogging without obligation people. Someday I might feel more responsibility to blog regularly, but that day is not today. It just didn't happen this week. But here it is--Friday again! Another weekend. Nine days until the half marathon. And I feel like writing for five - [We did it! (And looked like big dorks, too!)](https://alisontreat.com/2012/05/02/we-did-it-and-looked-like-big-dorks-too/) - That's right. You guessed it. We actually finished the Half Marathon! For the last few weeks, I've been longing for the day when the race would be behind me. Now that day is here and I'm a little sad. The actual event turned out to be a lot more fun than I had anticipated. My - [Five Minute Friday: Identity](https://alisontreat.com/2012/05/11/five-minute-friday-identity/) - It's Friday. Hallelujah! I know it's been a while, but I'm joining The Gypsy Mama again to write for five minutes on her weekly prompt. No editing or rewriting allowed. Click on the link to her site if you want to try it, too. The prompt this week is "Identity".GOWho am I . . . REALLY? This question was posed - [Mending](https://alisontreat.com/2012/05/27/mending/) - Just so you know, this post has nothing to do with Memorial Day. I am beyond grateful for the service of our armed forces. That's just not what I was thinking about when I wrote this blog post.It’s been over two weeks (two weeks!) since I’ve blogged. That never happens! The sad thing is, I - [Five Minute Friday: See](https://alisontreat.com/2012/06/01/five-minute-friday-see/) - It's Friday. Hip hip hooray! Today I'm joining The Gypsy Mama again to write for five minutes on her weekly prompt. No editing or rewriting allowed. Click on the link to her site if you want to try it, too. The prompt this week is "See".GOIt’s something I’ve been thinking about. A lot. Whenever I answer, absent-mindedly “Umm hmmm . - [Writing and rewriting--just when you think it's finished, it's not!](https://alisontreat.com/2012/06/13/writing-and-rewriting-just-when-you-think-its-finished-its-not/) - Remember when I used to post every week?Wait. It was at least twice a week for a while there. Maybe I'll get back to that sometime. Not right now. Nope, this is the time of immersion in what I like to refer to as "the tumultuous year leading up to the Civil War". Catchy, right? Well, - [June is gone! And Happy Fourth, too!](https://alisontreat.com/2012/07/05/june-is-gone-and-happy-fourth-too/) - That was fast. I barely got the seeds (and seedlings plants that we bought at the nursery) into the beautiful rich dirt inside the garden fence . . . and then, June was gone.Well, that's not totally accurate. We did our major vacationing of the summer in June. Todd and I sneaked off without the - [Just jump . . . I got your back!](https://alisontreat.com/2012/07/18/just-jump-i-got-your-back/) - I know, I know, it’s poor grammar. And it follows a rather in-depth discussion I had with Todd about why grammar is important and how I want our children to hear English spoken correctly and speak it well themselves. I mean, since I’ve never even attempted to give them the gift of multilingualism, I should - [And then He reins me in.](https://alisontreat.com/2012/07/25/and-then-he-reins-me-in/) - I was talking to my sister about taking photographs for me. She’s a photographer and I need photos of myself for my blog, for my book cover, for the Facebook author page I’ll be setting up in the next few weeks . . . you know, now that I’m famous and everything. (Kidding!) So, I - [Five Minute Friday: Enough](https://alisontreat.com/2012/07/20/five-minute-friday-enough/) - It's Friday. Thank the Lord. It's been so long, that The Gypsy Mama actually changed her url! Today I'm finally joining her again to write for five minutes on her weekly prompt. No editing or rewriting allowed. Click on the link to her site if you want to try it, too. The prompt this week is "Enough".GOEnough already. I'm serious. When - [A New Resolution](https://alisontreat.com/2012/08/15/a-new-resolution/) - I’ve been working on a few different posts on various topics. Nothing has "gelled" in the past few weeks. But now I think I know what I want to write about.It’s something that I first thought about when Oprah Winfrey was lobbying for people to sign her “No Phone Zone” pledge. I knew it was - [A Letter to my (Favorite) Daughter](https://alisontreat.com/2012/08/29/a-letter-to-my-favorite-daughter/) - Today is the day. You’re at Kindergarten now. Mommy cried a lot yesterday—and this morning. And I’m sure I’ll shed some more tears before the day is over. But the truth is, I am happy and excited for you.Six years ago I was getting ready for your birth. I was painting your room. We were - [When I don't even understand myself . . .](https://alisontreat.com/2012/09/12/when-i-dont-even-understand-myself/) - I just took an online test and discovered my personality type. I think I’ve been given this kind of test before, but I forget what the results were. Last night I was super depressed. And no one seemed to understand me. Todd pointed out that Camilla understood me best, since she knew how to push - [Dear me,](https://alisontreat.com/2012/09/14/dear-me/) - Hello sixteen-year-old self, it’s me, your 35-year-old self. There are a few things I’d like to share with you. You’re living at a great time. 1993—entering your junior year and thinking that now you have to be serious. Yes, I remember. You were still having fun in 10th grade, goofing off with friends. This photo gives - [Five Minute Friday: Voice](https://alisontreat.com/2012/10/26/five-minute-friday-voice/) - Live from Allume, it's Thursday night! Well, actually it's Friday morning now . . . but I haven't gone to bed yet, so it seems like Thursday night. Two hours ago, I was sitting about ten feet from Lisa Jo Baker, the mastermind behind Five Minute Friday. We were having a Five Minute Friday Party! - [Hitting over the head sometimes required!](https://alisontreat.com/2012/09/26/hitting-over-the-head-sometimes-required/) - I’ve been meaning to write about this for quite some time. But as I tried to work out the technological aspects this post called for, the memory began to fade and slip beneath my radar. That’s how life goes sometimes. A conversation with my sister-in-law, a desire to share my excitement with the world outside - [Five Minute Friday: Roots](https://alisontreat.com/2012/11/02/five-minute-friday-roots/) - It's Friday again! This week has flown by. I know you are all waiting with bated breath for the next installment of my Allume story. Don't worry. That will come soon. Honestly, I didn't expect it to take this long, but there is so much to process and my week has been crazy. So wait - [Allume--Part One](https://alisontreat.com/2012/10/29/allume-part-one/) - Remember how last year I was all bent out of shape because I didn’t make it to Relevant? Well, this year I was there.Only it’s not called Relevant anymore. Now it’s called Allume.I think of it, affectionately, as “The Conference Formerly Known as Relevant.” (You know, like “The Artist Formerly Known as Prince”!)The point is, - [Allume--Part Two](https://alisontreat.com/2012/11/07/allume-part-two/) - To read the first installment of my Allume story click here.As I wrangled my luggage into the Hilton, I had an inkling that God had something up His sleeve for my weekend. I knew I would be a very small blogger in a sea of big bloggers and enormous bloggers. I’m not even sure I’m - [Five Minute Friday: Quiet](https://alisontreat.com/2012/11/09/five-minute-friday-quiet/) - Once again, the dawn of the weekend is here. In hunters-wife-land, though, we have no weekend in this season. Well, we do get Sundays. I am grateful for that--and for the freezer full of venison we're bound to get eventually.I'm trying to be consistent with Five Minute Fridays now (three weeks in a row), if - [Grateful](https://alisontreat.com/2012/11/20/grateful/) - I've had an off-week when it comes to writing. My usual writing hours have been swallowed up by other good things and I was away from my computer Friday through the weekend . . . hence the lack of posts. But I wanted to share this photo because it captures the joy that came crashing - [An excerpt . . . for your reading pleasure.](https://alisontreat.com/2012/11/12/an-excerpt-for-your-reading-pleasure/) - Last week I finished reading through the interior of my book. The release date is probably going to be February-ish. And here is the cover!Aaaaahhhhhh!!!!! I'm super excited, can you tell? My dear friend and mentor, Sue Hand, painted the lovely painting on the cover. I am beyond thrilled that she is a part of - [It's really happening!](https://alisontreat.com/2013/02/20/its-really-happening/) - I thought it was high time for an update! The book is out, more or less . . . March 1st was to be the official release date, but it is now on Amazon and available for order at Barnes and Noble. A few weeks ago I took part in a local author night at - [Winter Lull](https://alisontreat.com/2012/12/12/winter-lull/) - In case you haven’t noticed, I’m taking a bit of a break from blogging. I didn’t plan it. And for your sake, dear readers, I do not wantto take a break. But I have been learning the hard way that I cannot do it all. Even harder to swallow, I cannot do what many of the women - [Excuses, excuses . . .](https://alisontreat.com/2013/04/24/excuses-excuses/) - Well, hello there, blog-o-sphere! Nice to see you again! I’m sure you’re wondering what I've been doing with my time.Let’s see, where do I begin . . . You know about my book. That's the only thing I've been talking about, albeit infrequently, on this little blog of mine. Someday maybe I'll discuss the emotional - [Blog Tour: Day Two](https://alisontreat.com/2013/03/05/blog-tour-day-two/) - The second stop on my blog tour is Nancy Famolari's Place. I met Nancy years ago, before children, back when I thought I was hot stuff. We were both part of a wonderful group of writers which met monthly to encourage each other and critique one another's writing. Now Nancy is the author of six - [Gone-Away Lake](https://alisontreat.com/2013/06/26/gone-away-lake/) - Part of my story started over thirteen years ago, with a conversation my friends would have referred to as “DTR”—“Define the Relationship”. You know how it goes: girl likes boy, girl thinks boy likes her, but girl isn’t positive about that and sooner or later something must be said. Everyone was having DTRs around this - [What I'm Into: April 2016](https://alisontreat.com/2016/05/07/what-im-into-april-2016/) - Wow! I turn my back for a second and April is over? Just like that? What I’ve Been Doing . . . If we’re friends on Facebook or In Real Life, you already know that Todd and I joined a group from our church on a missions trip to Haiti from March 30-April 6. I can’t - [What I’m Into: September 2016](https://alisontreat.com/2016/10/06/what-im-into-september-2016/) - I’m linking up with Leigh Kramer today to share September happenings in the Treat family!What we’ve been doing . . .September began with adjusting to the new school year. I expected my middle child to have a hard time with this. Since he happened to have an eye appointment scheduled for the third day of - [Letting Go](https://alisontreat.com/2016/08/25/letting-go/) - The other day, I was in my garden tying up the tomato plants. This is something I shouldhave done in June. I looked around at the weeds and twisted vines and wished I had spent more time in the garden this summer. I get to this point every year towards the end of August. The - [On Birthdays, Blogs, and Books](https://alisontreat.com/2016/09/15/on-birthdays-blogs-and-books/) - The big kids started school two weeks ago and I have been neck-deep in computer world ever since. Okay, maybe that’s not completely accurate.I partied hard over the last two weekends, even squeezing in a trip to Kalahari.The kids at Kalahari!And today is Evangeline’s third birthday, so I’m baking a cake and doing other fun - [My Take on the Global Crisis](https://alisontreat.com/2015/11/19/my-take-on-the-global-crisis/) - I’m not a political writer. I hate politics. I hate debates. I can’t think on my feet and I mostly just want to ignore the kind of political fights I see on Facebook.But more than that, I hate so much of what I see in our world today. I hate that ISIS is killing and - [Puppy Love](https://alisontreat.com/2015/10/15/puppy-love/) - I mentioned, briefly, that we got a puppy August 1st. Prince Caspian. The Labradoodle. I haven’t mentioned him again, have I? If you judged my life by my blog (which is dangerously misleading in many areas), you’d have to assume that when Caspian joined our family, life carried on as it always had. You would - [What I'm Into: July 2015](https://alisontreat.com/2015/08/04/what-im-into-july-2015/) - It’s been way too long. I’ve had my reasons excuses for staying away, but now I’m back! I thought the best way to catch you all up on the Life of Treats would be to link up to “What I’m Into” with Leigh Kramer again. I promise (kind of) to go into more detail about - [What I’m into—March 2015](https://alisontreat.com/2015/04/01/what-im-into-march-2015/) - Today, I’m trying something new—linking up with Leigh Kramerto share what I’ve been doing in the month of March.What I’ve been reading:I’m always trying (or sometimes just wishing) to fit more reading of good books into my life. On Goodreads I made the lofty goal of reading 40 books this year! I also joined Modern - [The Middle Child](https://alisontreat.com/2014/04/29/the-middle-child/) - A few weeks ago, Adrian turned four-and-a-half and I realized I don’t write about him very much. Camilla is the one we’re homeschooling, the big first-grader. Evangeline is the baby, new and exciting and changing so fast you can see it happening. But Adrian, the boy, the middle one. Well, those middles always get overlooked, - [The tour continues . . .](https://alisontreat.com/2014/11/05/the-tour-continues/) - Just a quick post to let all my local readers know that I'll be speaking at the Hazleton Public Library tomorrow night, Thursday, November 6th, at 6pm. I'm excited and honored to take part in PA Forward's "Speak Up for PA Libraries" program. I'll be talking about the impact libraries have had on my life, as - [A Fresh Start](https://alisontreat.com/2016/01/15/a-fresh-start/) - The beginning of a new year is always a little anticlimactic for me. I don’t think I’m the only one who feels this way. The season I perceive as our busiest comes to a close. I spend the week between Christmas and New Year’s relaxing, reading, hanging out with family. We don’t have an externally - [Low in the grave He lay . . .](https://alisontreat.com/2014/04/19/low-in-the-grave-he-lay/) - I just finished reading Shauna Niequist’s book Bread & Wine. It was wonderful. When I read the description of blueberry crisp in her first chapter, I wanted to cry. Then I knew it was a good choice to read it now . . . that I craved some real crafting of words. I was afraid - [What I'm Into: November 2016](https://alisontreat.com/2016/12/02/what-im-into-november-2016/) - Once again it's time to link up with Leigh Kramer for What I'm Into. It’s been a rough few weeks in my world. I haven’t been blogging. In fact, I haven’t been writing at all. November was a veritable whirlwind and I’m ready to enter the calm of Advent with my whole heart and soul. - [Choosing Joy](https://alisontreat.com/2016/12/08/choosing-joy/) - This year has been quite a ride. I’ve written about my struggle with anxiety and about some of the peopleI’ve lost. With all the heartache in this crazy world, I want to write something joyful this Christmas season. Something that brings you peace and hope.Just bear with me. I’ll get there.Last night I was talking - [A Story from Haiti](https://alisontreat.com/2016/06/23/a-story-from-haiti/) - We slipped out of the gate and quietly made our way down the street. Following Richard, our host. Two black boys walked with us. They’d been playing at Richard’s house, but I didn’t know their names.“We’re going to your neighborhood,” Richard said to them, in his gentle Kentucky drawl. “You gonna show us your house?”The - [It's always darkest just before dawn - Part 1](https://alisontreat.com/2013/05/08/its-always-darkest-just-before-dawn-part-1/) - I’m trying to approach blogging with a more laid-back attitude than I have in the past. Last year I started to get “serious” about blogging, making sure I posted at least once (preferably twice) a week. Since we’re having another baby, we’ve switched to homeschooling, and marketing my book is making demands on my time, - [What I'm Into: February 2016](https://alisontreat.com/2016/03/06/what-im-into-february-2016/) - If you’ve been reading my blog, you know we had a rough start to 2016. I’m still struggling and grieving, but also making progress and embracing joy. It’s been a long time since I’ve linked up with Leigh Kramer for “What I’m Into.” February was a busy month for us, so it seemed like a good - [Saying Good-Bye . . .](https://alisontreat.com/2016/01/29/saying-good-bye/) - I have a memory of my friend Laurie . . . We are sitting on a set of bleachers together, warm sunshine pouring down on us. She tells me the story of her husband proposing. He’s out there in front of us, playing softball on the same team as my fiancé. I notice her engagement - [Kick that Guilty Habit!](https://alisontreat.com/2015/10/22/kick-that-guilty-habit/) - She arrived home from school and the badgering began. “When are you going to send that form in? There are only two other people in my class who haven’t sent it in yet. You have to do it by Friday, Mom!”“Honey, it’s only Tuesday. I’ll get to it.”We went back and forth for a minute - [What we're doing about school this year . . .](https://alisontreat.com/2015/09/24/what-were-doing-about-school-this-year/) - School has been in session for weeks now and my mind has been all over the place regarding our schooling decisions this year. Camilla started third grade at a small Christian school at the end of August. Adrian is staying home for Kindergarten. Evangeline is eating crayons and stickers, tormenting the puppy, and speaking full - [Much Ado About . . . Nothing!](https://alisontreat.com/2015/10/08/much-ado-about-nothing/) - I’ve noticed a refrain throughout the course of my adult life. So much to do. So little time.It echos and reverberates as life goes on, becoming more hurried and frantic at times. So much to do. So little time.I thought this school year would give me a chance to pull back and slow down a - [This job is for the birds . . .](https://alisontreat.com/2015/09/08/this-job-is-for-the-birds/) - “Don’t let them get away,” I cautioned as I walked back to the car. Adrian squatted by the box on our back porch, looking at the two nine-week-old chicks while Evangeline stood by, chattering excitedly. By the time I returned with the other box of chicks, Adrian’s charges were perched on the edge of the - [What I'm Into--April 2015](https://alisontreat.com/2015/05/06/what-im-into-april-2015/) - Spring is finally here in Northeastern Pennsylvania. I was beginning to wonder if it would ever come. I think that happens to me every year—at least when we’ve had a long, cold winter. It’s been so good to get outside this past month in the sunshine and green grass. There are even some flowers blooming!What - [A letter to my children . . .](https://alisontreat.com/2015/03/13/a-letter-to-my-children/) - Eight and a half years ago, when I was preparing to welcome Camilla into this world, my deepest prayer for her was that she would come to know and love Jesus as much as I do—more, even. I wanted to see all my children follow Him.I still want that—yes. But now there is more. Now - [On playing catch-up and trying to mother well](https://alisontreat.com/2014/07/09/on-playing-catch-up-and-trying-to-mother-well/) - We are immersed in summer mode in the Treat household. We finished up our homeschool year the week of my last blogpost, which means Camilla is finished with 1st grade. Now, I swore that we would do some math and a lot of reading over the summer . . . but have we opened up - [Trick or Treat!](https://alisontreat.com/2014/10/30/trick-or-treat/) - I may not be writing here on the blog much lately, but I have been thinking a lot. This time of the year, I always think about Halloween—and why our family chooses to celebrate it. Growing up, my Halloween roots were a bit of a mixed bag (pun intended). I remember actually trick-or-treating only once. - [We’ll always have Paris: A good-bye letter to Facebook](https://alisontreat.com/2014/06/04/well-always-have-paris-a-good-bye-letter-to-facebook/) - I cannot lie, Facebook. I have loved you. I have reveled in the boost to my ego when I post a photo of my child and it gets 57 “likes.” I have enjoyed the little game I’ve made of composing a witty description of noteworthy events and making it “Facebook Status” length. I know there - [Why I paid someone to stick a needle through my nostril . . .](https://alisontreat.com/2014/05/20/why-i-paid-someone-to-stick-a-needle-through-my-nostril/) - Do I really need to explain this?I’m beginning to fear that writing this blog post will prove to be counterproductive. Explaining why I did it might work against my purpose in doing it to begin with. But I’m always keeping an eye out for post topics. I might as well have some fun writing about - [Why We Homeschool: Part Three](https://alisontreat.com/2014/04/01/why-we-homeschool-part-three/) - Read part one hereand part two here.In my first post about homeschooling, I mentioned that before I had children, I thought I would send them to school.After I met my kids, however, I discovered that I loved being a mom. I loved being with my kids (most of the time) and I loved watching them - [Why We Homeschool: Part Four](https://alisontreat.com/2014/04/08/why-we-homeschool-part-four/) - Finally, today we have the last installment of this series!If you're interested read parts one, two, and three.As we neared the end of Camilla's preschool years and Kindergarten approached, Todd and I agreed that Christian School would be better for her than public. It was easy to settle on THE school—one that would provide a - [Why We Homeschool: Part Two](https://alisontreat.com/2014/03/18/why-we-homeschool-part-two/) - Wasn’t I writing a series or something? Yeah. I guess I’d better get on that. (Read the first installment here.)Two Three weeks ago, after I posted the first installment of my so-called series, I was talking to some friends. I expressed such doubt about my own path regarding homeschooling that one of the friends collapsed in - [Why We Homeschool: Part One](https://alisontreat.com/2014/02/25/why-we-homeschool-part-one/) - When we came to the decision to pull Camilla out of her wonderful little Christian school halfway through Kindergarten last year, I was pleasantly surprised to find that most of the people in my circle were very supportive of our decision. Even the teachers at Camilla’s school were understanding. Several had homeschooled their children for - [So, how's your book doing? Or, This is NOT a response to Amy Glass.](https://alisontreat.com/2014/01/30/so-hows-your-book-doing-or-this-is-not-a-response-to-amy-glass/) - A couple weeks ago, a rather misguided woman wrote a blogpost that went viral. (Please don't click on that link. It's already had enough hits!) I only (finally) heard about this post last week and I’m already sick of thinking about it and reading responses to it. So I won’t write another one. It doesn’t - [Snow Day!](https://alisontreat.com/2014/02/13/snow-day/) - I've looked forward to today all week. I love snow! It's beautiful. It makes for great skiing. The kids get to play in it (and so do I--sometimes). AND I have a good excuse to stay home. There's nothing like a good snow day for snuggling with my kids, baking, and drinking some kind of - [Of Books and Babies](https://alisontreat.com/2013/07/25/of-books-and-babies/) - I’m attending the Montrose Christian Writers’ Conferencethis week, enjoying a refreshing breeze after a week of sweltering humidity. I’ve carried babies for three summers of my life, and this is the hottest I remember. Four years ago, when I was pregnant with Adrian, we had a coolish, rainy summer. This summer—not so much.I could go - [A Birth Story: Version 3.0](https://alisontreat.com/2013/12/03/a-birth-story-version-3-0/) - I know these posts are coming sporadically now more than ever before, but that’s just the way it is. I have visions of revamping the blog, posting more regularly and making it work better some day. Next year, maybe. But I’m not the kind of woman who can take care of an infant and two - [At long last . . .](https://alisontreat.com/2013/09/20/at-long-last/) - We had the baby! Four days after my due date Evangeline Grace finally arrived! I felt like I would be pregnant forever. I started writing a blog post several times in that last week. I wanted to write what I like about being pregnant. I didn't get very far, though. The only thing I really - [Give it up for author Olivia Stocum!](https://alisontreat.com/2013/07/18/give-it-up-for-author-olivia-stocum/) - I have been scarce here on my own blog. I know. And today I'm popping in not to talk about my life, but to shine the spotlight on my friend Olivia Stocum. I met her last year at the Montrose Christian Writers' Conference (which, by the way, is next week again--can't wait!). Olivia writes historical - [It's always darkest just before dawn - Part 2](https://alisontreat.com/2013/05/14/its-always-darkest-just-before-dawn-part-2/) - To read the first part of this story, click here.We have a variety of oak tree in our back yard that doesn’t lose its leaves until spring. I don’t know what this oak is called. It could be a Pin Oak. An English Oak. A Live Oak. After spending entirely too much time trying to - [What I’m Into: June 2016](https://alisontreat.com/2016/07/06/what-im-into-june-2016/) - We are very much in summer mode here in the Treat household. June 1st was the last day of school for Camilla and it seems pointless to try to continue Adrian’s schooling while she’s home. So we’re sleeping in these days and following a very relaxed routine. Too relaxed, maybe . . . we’ll try - [What I'm Into: July 2016](https://alisontreat.com/2016/08/04/what-im-into-july-2016/) - Ya’ll, where did July even go? This was one crazy busy month for my family. Today I'm grateful for the opportunity to link up with Leigh Kramer for What I’m Into!Family and Friends . . .I think I spent at least half of July hanging out at my parents’ lake. July 2nd was the biennial reunion - [Today is the Day](https://alisontreat.com/2016/08/11/today-is-the-day/) - I’ve spent so much of my life looking ahead. Pressing on to the bend in the road—the next goal, the next project. In some ways, that’s okay. It’s good to plan for the future and look forward to the life ahead of us. But for me this has involved some faulty thinking. I’ve lived with - [What I’m Into: August 2016](https://alisontreat.com/2016/09/02/what-im-into-august-2016/) - And summer is gone. Just like that. I’m linking up with Leigh Kramer today to share what August looked like for the Treats.What we’ve been doing . . .We managed to pack a lot of fun into the last month of summer. We watched some of the Olympic Games. I used to spend a lot - [What I'm Into: October 2016](https://alisontreat.com/2016/11/04/what-im-into-october-2016/) - “I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”So said Anne to Marilla in Anne of Green Gables, and I quite agree with her. We had a beautiful October. The foliage was especially vibrant this year. Now the leaves are falling and the Holidays are just around the corner. My mom had heart - [From the Archives: It was a warm December . . .](https://alisontreat.com/2016/12/23/from-the-archives-it-was-a-warm-december/) - The true meaning of Christmas. - [Five Minute Friday: Relief](https://alisontreat.com/2015/04/10/five-minute-friday-relief/) - Remember Five Minute Friday? It's been so long the host has changed! But here I am, recovering as a writer, so I'm trying my hand at it again.The prompt this week is Relief.GOWe came together. I came together with them all for the first time in a long time. Old women and young women—girls, some - [Blocked](https://alisontreat.com/2015/02/06/blocked/) - The New Year is already over a month old. I thought by now I'd be cranking out the blog posts, deep into a manuscript, involved with characters who are (almost) as real to me as my own children.I'm not.I have ideas. Lots of ideas. I sit down to write. I start writing . . . - [Five Minute Friday: Tree](https://alisontreat.com/2013/11/15/five-minute-friday-tree/) - I haven't done Five Minute Friday in a loooong time! A year, I think. I already had a word in mind to write about. And then I looked at Lisa-Jo's prompt and it was "tree" and that made me think of this post. So I started writing and worked my way back to the other - [Blog Tour: Day Seven](https://alisontreat.com/2013/03/15/blog-tour-day-seven/) - Today we have the review of One Traveler from Lauren of Lauren's Crammed Bookshelf. Thanks for participating, Lauren! Here's the link. And this completes my first ever blog tour. Thank you so much to all my blogging friends who wrote about me and my book. - [Blog Tour: Day Six](https://alisontreat.com/2013/03/12/blog-tour-day-six/) - We have just two more stops on the blog tour—today and Friday. Today, Olivia Stocum posted an interview highlighting One Traveler. I met Olivia at the Montrose Christian Writers Conference last summer. She has a number of intriguing historical novels in the works and I can’t wait to read them in print! Here’s the link to - [Blog Tour: Day Five](https://alisontreat.com/2013/03/08/blog-tour-day-five/) - Today's post is a little different from the rest of the week. I'm a guest poster on Cindy Noonan's blog. Cindy was another member of the writing group that Nancy and I were both part of years ago. Cindy has just finished her own historical novel about the Underground Railroad. She has a spectacular website - [Blog Tour: Day Four](https://alisontreat.com/2013/03/07/blog-tour-day-four/) - I can't believe I got four people to participate in my first blog tour! (And there are more, too!) Sandy is in a writers group I joined on Facebook. As an author and educator, she graciously agreed to review One Traveler for her blog because she loves Pennsylvania history! You can find her review here. - [Blog Tour: Day Three](https://alisontreat.com/2013/03/06/blog-tour-day-three/) - And the fun continues with a post by Lauren of Lauren's Crammed Bookshelf! I met Lauren two years ago at a book signing for Lena Roy's Edges. I started following her blog and as the publication of One Traveler approached, I asked if she'd be interested in hosting me. Thank you, Lauren, for posting this - [This Week: Blog Tour!](https://alisontreat.com/2013/03/04/this-week-blog-tour/) - The date came and went quietly . . . March 1st. I'd thought of this date as One Traveler's release date. And then it came out early and everything seemed to move very quickly. But I still had the blog tour set up for this week. And I'm super excited about it.The first installment is - [The Big Announcement](https://alisontreat.com/2012/05/30/the-big-announcement/) - So, maybe I'm a dork but I wanted to make my big announcement in a video. I know I say "um" a lot and I need to enunciate better, but hey, it's good practice, right? I'm going to need it! And just in case you have the wrong idea, this announcement has nothing to do - [The Competition Continues . . .](https://alisontreat.com/2012/04/25/the-competition-continues/) - A few years ago I wrote an amazing essay about how moms compete with each other. We falsely view our children as extensions of ourselves and tend to put way too much stock in how their behavior reflects on us. I fight this tendency constantly, trying very hard not to make parenting decisions based on - [Another week gone . . .](https://alisontreat.com/2012/02/20/another-week-gone/) - Training went well this week. We didn't fit in a long run, but I ran 3+ miles on Tuesday, somewhere above 4 miles on Friday and 5 miles Sunday. When I look at the training plan from the race director every week, I think that we're way behind. But we still have ten weeks and - [Monday Check-In](https://alisontreat.com/2012/02/13/monday-check-in/) - Training has been going great! Three miles on Wednesday. Four miles on Friday and then on Saturday, Ariana and I ran six miles in the cold wind and snow. I even made it to the gym for a weight training class on Friday and felt great! The only downside to this is that it feels - [Five Minute Friday: Trust](https://alisontreat.com/2012/02/10/five-minute-friday-trust/) - It's Friday again. Woo hoo! Today I join The Gypsy Mama to write for five minutes on her weekly prompt. No editing or rewriting allowed. Click on the link to her site if you want to try it, too. The prompt this week is "Trust".GOHow can we trust? Why do I trust? How do I know that God is - [Five Minute Friday: Real](https://alisontreat.com/2012/02/03/five-minute-friday-real/) - It's Friday again. Woo hoo! Today I join The Gypsy Mama to write for five minutes on her weekly prompt. No editing or rewriting allowed. Click on the link to her site if you want to try it, too. The prompt this week is "Real".GOReal life is something you don't often see much of in the world of the - [Looking back at the past three weeks . . .](https://alisontreat.com/2012/01/23/looking-back-at-the-past-three-weeks/) - It’s over. I drank coffee. I ate a muffin and drank more coffee. To be precise, I drank a peppermint mocha at my new favorite coffee house. I celebrated, sort of. I am glad it’s over. My body did not like the Daniel Fast very much. My family did not like the meals of rice - [Five Minute Friday: Vivid](https://alisontreat.com/2012/01/20/five-minute-friday-vivid/) - TGIF! Today I join The Gypsy Mama again to write for five minutes on her weekly prompt. No editing or rewriting allowed. Click on the link to her site if you want to try it, too. The prompt this week is "Vivid". GOThis morning as I looked at the word "vivid" I drew a blank. I know what it means, - [I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For](https://alisontreat.com/2012/01/09/i-still-havent-found-what-im-looking-for/) - We were driving home from the Farm Show the other night (yes, we are hicks) and after the kids had fallen asleep and we'd driven out of range of WJTL, Todd turned to the CD player for music. That thing rarely gets used anymore. U2 started playing. Despite being country bumpkins, we do listen to - [Open](https://alisontreat.com/2011/12/30/open/) - I haven't done this in a month, but here I am again on a Friday, unleashing myself on the world for five minutes flat. No over thinking. Which is just what I need this week. The prompt is "Open".Go.I'm open. That is a fact. As I look forward to the weekend, to next week, to - [Becoming Relevant](https://alisontreat.com/2011/11/02/becoming-relevant/) - Last Friday I “almost” started a new thing called Five Minute Friday. I’d seen a few of these on other blogs. The blogger writes for five minutes straight on a given topic and then stops. That’s it. Blog post finished. Seems like a good way to fit another post into the week as well as - [Falling Short](https://alisontreat.com/2011/07/25/falling-short/) - I was a terrible mom today. Really. Short-tempered. Frustrated. Of course, Camilla was not a stellar daughter, but that’s not really her job. Adrian hung onto my leg and whined the entire morning while I tried to do laundry and change the sheets. Camilla ignored me or did the opposite of everything I asked her - [Breaking the Blog Blah's](https://alisontreat.com/2011/03/23/breaking-the-blog-blahs/) - I've been sitting here on our leather sectional, drinking decaffeinated tea and waiting for my laptop to reboot. I was also staring at the tv screen with its floating song title and thinking that Chopin's Piano Sonata No. 3 is very long . . . and then I realized it was only the first movement. All of that sounds - [Confessions](https://alisontreat.com/2011/03/06/confessions/) - I know, I know, it's been over a week. I was trying hard to blog at least every week, preferably twice a week, but in addition to having a busy seven days, working on my current work-in-progress and skiing twice to make up for the too-little skiing we did this winter, I came down with - [Thank a Mentor--Take Two](https://alisontreat.com/2011/02/26/thank-a-mentor-take-two/) - A few weeks ago, I wrote about one of my mentors, Sue Hand. Speaking of that, I stopped in at "The Studio" recently and Sue had printed out my blog post and tacked it to the wall there. She also had a super-big hug for me and, as always, it was wonderful to see her. - [The Honeymoon is Over](https://alisontreat.com/2011/02/17/the-honeymoon-is-over/) - I love single-tasking in theory. I think mindfulness is a great idea, but I've been really struggling to follow through today. Not that I ever do it perfectly. Well, maybe I did that day we made cookies (see the photo a few posts ago--or don't, because I look spectacular in that photo). It was a Saturday. - [Speaking of Single-Tasking . . .](https://alisontreat.com/2011/02/12/speaking-of-single-tasking/) - Last night we watched an episode of Frontline called "Digital Nation" It gave me more incentive to disconnect periodically and make sure I engage my brain in some longer-term activities. I feel an even greater responsibility to model this for my children. It's a long video (speaking of long-term engagement of the brain) but even if you only watch - [Thank a Mentor--Take One](https://alisontreat.com/2011/02/02/thank-a-mentor-take-one/) - Don't worry--I'll be addressing this whole single-tasking journey again soon! But I've had some unrelated thoughts. I am realizing how much other blog posts inspire me to write my own. This one, by my new cyber-friend Lena Roy (also the grandaughter of my favorite author, Madeleine L'Engle) challenged me to think about the individuals who've impacted my life over - [Joy in the Journey](https://alisontreat.com/2011/01/26/joy-in-the-journey/) - So I'm working on this single-tasking thing--and I remembered after I posted yesterday that this was the whole point of my blog. Joy in the Journey. Not "Joy in a Clean House" or "Joy in Finishing the Laundry" or even "Joy in the Rat Race". No. That's not it. I want to enjoy the journey, - [The Art of "Single-Tasking"](https://alisontreat.com/2011/01/25/the-art-of-single-tasking/) - Last night I read this post and it stuck with me. I've been thinking about it all day . . . and it led to a conversation which prompted me to make a decision. A really big decision for me.I always talk about wanting to simplify. I run around like a crazy woman, trying to accomplish one - [My recent love-affair with peppermint](https://alisontreat.com/2010/12/21/my-recent-love-affair-with-peppermint/) - I have been absolutely obsessed with peppermint this Christmas season. Obsessed, I tell you!It started a few years ago when I heard that a good, low-calorie option at the coffee shop is a peppermint latte. Maybe the syrup isn't as sugary as other flavors, and it's certainly lower in calories than a mocha. I will - [Writing takes time . . . and other brilliant revelations!](https://alisontreat.com/2010/12/14/writing-takes-time-and-other-brilliant-revelations/) - I'm going to ramble today. Just a warning. In September I went with my friend Amanda to a writers symposium where we heard several journalists, an agent, and an editor speak to a room full of writers about writing and publishing. It was invigorating, exciting, challenging. It lit a fire under me. There was a - ["Marriage is relentless" and other thoughts](https://alisontreat.com/2010/11/30/marriage-is-relentless-and-other-thoughts/) - I know, we look young, right? We were babies!When we were new to this whole marriage thing . . . wait a minute, I have a feeling that some of my readers may think we are still new to it. Okay, so when we were really new to this whole marriage thing, we started a - [A Grateful Heart](https://alisontreat.com/2010/11/25/a-grateful-heart/) - Sorry for the pictureless posts. I'm using my Sister-in-Law's computer and had a few moments, so I thought I'd grab my window of time to post on this Thanksgiving Day. I have so much to be grateful for. As Todd's and my tenth wedding anniversary approaches, I find myself reflecting on the past ten years. - [A rambling post on all things cyber.](https://alisontreat.com/2010/11/23/a-rambling-post-on-all-things-cyber/) - I hate Facebook. Don't get me wrong. I am on Facebook. All. The. Time. That's why I hate it. It's an addiction. I have to kick it every now and then. Last summer I went a whole week without it. And the world did not end.The whole of the Internet is this way for me. - [Fall Traditions](https://alisontreat.com/2010/10/30/fall-traditions/) - October has always been a busy month for us. This year, Camilla turned four! The other day I told her she'll always be my baby girl and she said, "But Mom, I have to grow up sometime." If statements like these weren't interspersed with pretending to be a two-year-old and to sleep in a crib, - [Truths from a 4-year-old](https://alisontreat.com/2010/10/19/truths-from-a-4-year-old/) - It happened first last week.Camilla was talking to me, rambling on as she sometimes does, and I was nodding and half-listening."Mm-hmmm . . ." I commented."Mom, don't say Mm-hmm!" she said. "Say, 'yes!'"She'd caught me. But I wanted to be sure. "Why, Sweetie?""I don't like it when you say mm-hmm.""Do you feel like I'm not - [My Story (or one of them, anyway)](https://alisontreat.com/2010/08/31/my-story-or-one-of-them-anyway/) - On a weekend in mid-August, I was blessed to be part of a reuniting of hearts in Colorado Springs. Twelve years ago, forty college students from all over the United States (with one from South Africa) became the 7th class of the little-known Focus on the Family Institute (now called Focus Leadership Institute). Now, a - [Summertime](https://alisontreat.com/2010/08/04/summertime/) - I love summer. Swimming. Playing at the park. Iced Lattes. Sunburn. Ice Cream Sandwiches. And of course, evening camp fires in the back yard, complete with S'mores. No, Adrian's not eating a S'more. So what if he was? - [Inspiration](https://alisontreat.com/2010/07/29/inspiration/) - Okay, I've come to the decision that I need to grab brief pockets of time when I have them and write like mad for the duration. A week or so ago, I watched the movie Motherhood. I loved it. I can't even remember who recommended it or where I heard about it, but it arrived - [Please pray for Baby Keefer!](https://alisontreat.com/2010/07/19/please-pray-for-baby-keefer/) - An old friend of mine went to the hospital last week with preeclampsia. She was only 26 weeks pregnant. On Saturday night the baby had to be delivered. He weighs only 1 lb. 1 oz. My heart just breaks at the thought of beginning motherhood this way. Every time I hear about premature babies, I - [On reading and writing.](https://alisontreat.com/2010/05/19/on-reading-and-writing/) - It’s been a while. I know. But the way my life works right now, I have to jump right in instead of bringing my readers (if I have any) up to speed. I honestly don’t know how anybody handles more than two children. But that’s a post for another day.I started reading The Shack by - [Speaking Out](https://alisontreat.com/2010/03/05/speaking-out/) - I don't have a lot of time these days, but I could not keep silent about this. I am just sick over the awful death of Lydia Schatz. Please pray for everyone involved. Here is a link to a blog post with a lot more links to help inform you. And I am stunned by - [Some pics of the kids, just because I love them.](https://alisontreat.com/2010/01/23/some-pics-of-the-kids-just-because-i-love-them/) - And they are really cute! You just have to love that face! Those dimples!Classic!Our "Fancy Nancy"!This photo makes me want to cry--my baby girl is growing up so fast. - [New Year's Resolutions . . .](https://alisontreat.com/2010/01/03/new-years-resolutions/) - I usually make some sort of New Year's Resolution . . . but generally it's a plan to actually do what I'm always striving for anyway so it's no different than any other day of the year. This year I found myself torn. One moment I'd try to devise a strategy for keeping the house - [Another Birth Story--at last!](https://alisontreat.com/2009/12/03/another-birth-story-at-last/) - I'm sitting at my laptop in my bedroom, with the baby in my trusted Moby wrap, surrounded by an unmade bed, laundry that has yet to be put away, papers that need to be filed, and bins of Christmas ornaments waiting to play their part in decking the halls. This is life with a three-year-old - [Sad News](https://alisontreat.com/2009/07/19/sad-news/) - Unfortunately, I have to share the sad news of Baby Vincenzo's passing. His family and I and many others were hoping and praying for a miracle. Today, life support was removed and Vincenzo went straight into the arms of Jesus. I pray the same arms will hold his parents and their loved ones during this - [Pray for Baby Vincenzo](https://alisontreat.com/2009/07/16/pray-for-baby-vincenzo/) - If you're my facebook friend, you may have already seen this prayer request, but I felt the need to possibly reach more with my blog . . . my dear friend's nephew, 5-month-old Vincenzo, is in the hospital on life support. His mom checked on him during a nap and he was glossy-eyed and lethargic. - [Recaro Carseat Giveaway!](https://alisontreat.com/2009/06/24/recaro-carseat-giveaway/) - No, I'm not starting giveaways on my blog. I don't have time for that sort of thing. I just want to up my chances of winning this awesome RECARO Signo convertible carseat by linking to the giveaway at CityMommy. The seat sounds pretty amazing, almost as great as the Britax Boulevard Camilla rides in now. - [A Birth Story](https://alisontreat.com/2009/06/14/a-birth-story/) - I was inspired by this post by MckMama of My Charming Kids, to share my own Bradley Birth story. Thank God, my experience was much less traumatic than MckMama's! During my pregnancy with Camilla, we drove an hour and a half each way, every week for twelve weeks to learn the Bradley Method of Husband - [Cake and Conversation](https://alisontreat.com/2009/06/12/cake-and-conversation/) - Camilla: Mommy, you making Annie's cake?Me: Yep!Camilla: You made Daddy's cake.Me: Yep. I'm the designated cake baker.Camilla: Why?Me: I like to think it's because I'm good at it! - [To answer the question . . .](https://alisontreat.com/2009/05/29/to-answer-the-question/) - I noticed a few of the commenters on my recent post Blogging Without Obligation said they had to google "patriocentricity". I know it's not a common term--and I'm curious what Andy and Beth found in their google searches. Some of the results on the web can be enlightening, frightening, or even downright petty. I'm probably - [Blogging without obligation . . .](https://alisontreat.com/2009/05/12/blogging-without-obligation/) - It's been four months since my last blog post. I've never gone this long before, but then I've never had a good reason to cease blogging. So far, the year 2009 has been one of the hardest of my life. It may be cliche, but I can't help adding that although it's been hard, it - [The Year the Christmas Tree Fell Over and Other Stories . . .](https://alisontreat.com/2009/01/12/the-year-the-christmas-tree-fell-over-and-other-stories/) - I just thought that would be a good title for a book. Our Christmas tree did fall over, five days before Christmas. Several cheap glass ornaments broke, but no serious damage was done. We set it back up and tied it to the window frame. Christmas seemed to go on and on this year. Perhaps - [Advent Conspiracy](https://alisontreat.com/2009/01/12/advent-conspiracy/) - I have a lot to catch up on--many, many pictures from our Christmas season. But I wanted to share something I learned from a few of my friends. Many of us are disillusioned with how commercial Christmas has become. We celebrate Jesus' birthday by buying, buying, buying--and stressing out. I want to make some changes - [Just call her Mozart](https://alisontreat.com/2008/11/23/just-call-her-mozart/) - Camilla has taken up some new pastimes. One of her favorites is piano.It's amazing to watch our girl learn and grow. Sometimes I look at her and wonder where this huge little kid came from. We have our moments of frustration--and seconds later sheer joy breaks through. I'm still in awe that this week she - [I've been tagged!](https://alisontreat.com/2008/07/01/ive-been-tagged/) - I'm excited! I've never been tagged before! At least not in the blogosphere. Thanks to my sweet and talented friend Rosemarie for roping me into this game. At least it's not too complicated. I just have to answer some questions.What were you doing 10 years ago?I had come home from the semester of a lifetime - [Camilla loves her swing!](https://alisontreat.com/2008/05/26/camilla-loves-her-swing/) - [Another Miracle](https://alisontreat.com/2008/05/22/another-miracle/) - I found this story so beautiful. Hope it encourages you as well! - [This is definitely one of my pet peeves!](https://alisontreat.com/2008/05/15/this-is-definitely-one-of-my-pet-peeves/) - We all have them. In some ways I hesitate to mention this, because I know I'm opening myself up to language experts who may find some flaws in my grammar or spelling. I am not above improving myself. You are now given permission to correct any true mistakes you find in my blog posts, as - [Article on Madeleine L'Engle](https://alisontreat.com/2008/05/06/article-on-madeleine-lengle/) - I just found this article on Madeleine L'Engle, by her close friend Luci Shaw. I wish I could convey how her work--and her life--inspires me. I've been feeling kind of dry, as though I need a break-through with writing. And reading about Madeleine reminds me of the first time I met her, when I told - [Every baby is a miracle--but especially this one!](https://alisontreat.com/2008/04/26/every-baby-is-a-miracle-but-especially-this-one/) - I meant to write about this in yesterday's post, but forgot after my struggle with video uploading! A while ago, I wrote about my friend Susan, who was 24 weeks pregnant when the doctors discovered that she'd had a small placental abruption at 13 weeks. (They'd initially made the wrong diagnosis.) Since the abruption presented - [Lenten Non-fast](https://alisontreat.com/2008/02/05/lenten-non-fast/) - I want to take this post to mention my plans for Lent and to encourage you to join me if you so desire. I've tried giving things up in the past--tv mostly. But I find it hard to replace the sacrificed object or food with prayer or meditation, so when I came across this http://www.jesuscreed.org/?p=3384 - [Free Rice](https://alisontreat.com/2008/02/03/free-rice/) - Try this out! Visit http://freerice.com/ and do a vocabulary quiz to help end world hunger! - [Prayer Request](https://alisontreat.com/2008/01/22/prayer-request/) - Please keep my friend, Susan, in your prayers. She's in her 25th week of pregnancy and currently on bedrest because placental abruption caused a large blood clot to form. Please pray for healing and protection for Susan and the baby, as well as peace for her whole family (husband Joe and almost-two-year-old Mason). I just - [Welcome to our blog!](https://alisontreat.com/2007/12/04/welcome-to-our-blog/) - I've never blogged before, but I think I've caught the bug by reading my friends' blogs. So here's the blog of the Treat family . . . happenings from the every day life of Todd, Alison, and Camilla. And maybe the occasional musing of my own. Hope every entry is a treat for you! Ha ## Pages - [Home](https://alisontreat.com/) - Alison Treat is an author of Historical Fiction, a freelance editor, and host of the podcast "Historical Fiction: Unpacked." - [About](https://alisontreat.com/about/) - Alison Treat is a writer, wife, and mother. She writes about Freedom. Her books are Historical YA Fiction. She loves outdoor living and chilling with her husband and three kids. - [Subscribe to Historical Fiction: Unpacked](https://alisontreat.com/unpacked/) - The Podcast, Historical Fiction: Unpacked. Interviews with authors of historical fiction. - [One Traveler](https://alisontreat.com/books/one-traveler/) - Alison Treat's Debut Young Adult Historical Novel, One Traveler tells the story of Sidney Judson, a boy from Roswell, Georgia, who finds himself living in Pennsylvania on the brink of the Civil War. - [Editorial Services](https://alisontreat.com/editorial-services/) - Alison Treat offers editing and proofreading to help you take your writing to the next level. - [My Account](https://alisontreat.com/account/) - [profilepress-my-account] - [My Profile](https://alisontreat.com/my-profile/) - [profilepress-user-profile id="1"] - [Member Directory](https://alisontreat.com/member-directory/) - [profilepress-member-directory id="1"] - [Log In](https://alisontreat.com/log-in/) - [profilepress-login id="1"] - [Sign Up](https://alisontreat.com/sign-up/) - [profilepress-registration id="1"] - [Reset Password](https://alisontreat.com/reset-password/) - [profilepress-password-reset id="1"] - [Contact](https://alisontreat.com/contact/) - Contact Alison Treat, author of Historical Fiction. Write her a message or sign up for her newsletter. - [Privacy Policy](https://alisontreat.com/privacy-policy/) - How this website may collect and use your data. - [Books](https://alisontreat.com/books/) - YA Historical Novel One Traveler was released in 2013. It tells the story of Sidney Judson, a boy from Roswell, Georgia, who finds himself on the brink of the Civil War. ## Portfolio - [Clash Mayhem TV](https://alisontreat.com/portfolio_page/clash-mayhem-tv/) - Clash Mayhem TV Sometimes the simplest things are the hardest to find. So we created a new line for everyday life, All Year Round. Sometimes the simplest things are the hardest to find you. Sometimes the simplest things are the hardest to find. So we created a new line for everyday life, All Year Round. - [Pale Skin Apparel](https://alisontreat.com/portfolio_page/pale-skin-apparel/) - Pale Skin Apparel Sometimes the simplest things are the hardest to find. So we created a new line for everyday life, All Year Round. Sometimes the simplest things are the hardest to find you. Sometimes the simplest things are the hardest to find. So we created a new line for everyday life, All Year Round. - [Art Week 2014 Malmö](https://alisontreat.com/portfolio_page/art-week-2014-malmo/) - Art Week 2014 Malmö Sometimes the simplest things are the hardest to find. So we created a new line for everyday life, All Year Round. Sometimes the simplest things are the hardest to find you. Sometimes the simplest things are the hardest to find. So we created a new line for everyday life, All Year - [Adventures In Zonderland](https://alisontreat.com/portfolio_page/adventures-in-zonderland/) - Adventures In Zonderland Sometimes the simplest things are the hardest to find. So we created a new line for everyday life, All Year Round. Sometimes the simplest things are the hardest to find you. Sometimes the simplest things are the hardest to find. So we created a new line for everyday life, All Year Round. - [Smash Pop Art Storm](https://alisontreat.com/portfolio_page/smash-pop-art-storm/) - Smash Pop Art Storm Sometimes the simplest things are the hardest to find. So we created a new line for everyday life, All Year Round. Sometimes the simplest things are the hardest to find you. Sometimes the simplest things are the hardest to find. So we created a new line for everyday life, All Year - [Video Performance Festival](https://alisontreat.com/portfolio_page/video-performance-festival/) - Video Performance Festival Sometimes the simplest things are the hardest to find. So we created a new line for everyday life, All Year Round. Sometimes the simplest things are the hardest to find you. Sometimes the simplest things are the hardest to find. So we created a new line for everyday life, All Year Round. - [Art Design BLVD](https://alisontreat.com/portfolio_page/art-design-blvd/) - Art Design BLVD Sometimes the simplest things are the hardest to find. So we created a new line for everyday life, All Year Round. Sometimes the simplest things are the hardest to find you. Sometimes the simplest things are the hardest to find. So we created a new line for everyday life, All Year Round. - [Der Spiegel Cover](https://alisontreat.com/portfolio_page/der-spiegel-cover/) - Der Spiegel Cover Sometimes the simplest things are the hardest to find. So we created a new line for everyday life, All Year Round. Sometimes the simplest things are the hardest to find you. Sometimes the simplest things are the hardest to find. So we created a new line for everyday life, All Year Round. - [Vimeo FX Showreel](https://alisontreat.com/portfolio_page/vimeo-fx-showreel/) - Vimeo FX Showreel Sometimes the simplest things are the hardest to find. So we created a new line for everyday life, All Year Round. Sometimes the simplest things are the hardest to find you. Sometimes the simplest things are the hardest to find. So we created a new line for everyday life, All Year Round. - [STV Music Awards 2013](https://alisontreat.com/portfolio_page/stv-music-awards-2013/) - STV Music Awards 2013 Sometimes the simplest things are the hardest to find. So we created a new line for everyday life, All Year Round. Sometimes the simplest things are the hardest to find you. Sometimes the simplest things are the hardest to find. So we created a new line for everyday life, All Year - [Design Of Total Mechanics](https://alisontreat.com/portfolio_page/design-of-total-mechanics/) - Design Of Total Mechanics Sometimes the simplest things are the hardest to find. So we created a new line for everyday life, All Year Round. Sometimes the simplest things are the hardest to find you. Sometimes the simplest things are the hardest to find. So we created a new line for everyday life, All Year - [Stockholm Fashion](https://alisontreat.com/portfolio_page/stockholm-fashion/) - Stockholm Fashion Destination Sometimes the simplest things are the hardest to find. So we created a new line for everyday life, All Year Round. Sometimes the simplest things are the hardest to find you. Sometimes the simplest things are the hardest to find. So we created a new line for everyday life, All Year Round. - [Stockholm Fashion](https://alisontreat.com/portfolio_page/stockholm-fashion-destination/) - Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Nam cursus. Morbi ut mi. Nullam enim leo, egestas id, condimentum at, laoreet mattis, massa. Sed eleifend nonummy diam. Praesent mauris ante, elementum et, bibendum at, posuere sit amet, nibh. Duis tincidunt lectus quis dui viverra vestibulum. Suspendisse vulputate aliquam dui.Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt - [Berlin Design Week](https://alisontreat.com/portfolio_page/berlin-design-week-poster/) - Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Nam cursus. Morbi ut mi. Nullam enim leo, egestas id, condimentum at, laoreet mattis, massa. Sed eleifend nonummy diam. Praesent mauris ante, elementum et, bibendum at, posuere sit amet, nibh. Duis tincidunt lectus quis dui viverra vestibulum. Suspendisse vulputate aliquam dui.Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt - [Venice Art Pavilion](https://alisontreat.com/portfolio_page/venice-art-pavilion/) - Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Nam cursus. Morbi ut mi. Nullam enim leo, egestas id, condimentum at, laoreet mattis, massa. Sed eleifend nonummy diam. Praesent mauris ante, elementum et, bibendum at, posuere sit amet, nibh. Duis tincidunt lectus quis dui viverra vestibulum. Suspendisse vulputate aliquam dui.Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt - [Vimeo FX Showreel](https://alisontreat.com/portfolio_page/vimeo-fx-showreel-2/) - Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Nam cursus. Morbi ut mi. Nullam enim leo, egestas id, condimentum at, laoreet mattis, massa. Sed eleifend nonummy diam. Praesent mauris ante, elementum et, bibendum at, posuere sit amet, nibh. Duis tincidunt lectus quis dui viverra vestibulum. Suspendisse vulputate aliquam dui.Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt - [Der Spiegel Cover Art](https://alisontreat.com/portfolio_page/der-spiegel-cover-art/) - Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Nam cursus. Morbi ut mi. Nullam enim leo, egestas id, condimentum at, laoreet mattis, massa. Sed eleifend nonummy diam. Praesent mauris ante, elementum et, bibendum at, posuere sit amet, nibh. Duis tincidunt lectus quis dui viverra vestibulum. Suspendisse vulputate aliquam dui.Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt - [Art & Design Blvd](https://alisontreat.com/portfolio_page/art-design-blvd-2/) - Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Nam cursus. Morbi ut mi. Nullam enim leo, egestas id, condimentum at, laoreet mattis, massa. Sed eleifend nonummy diam. Praesent mauris ante, elementum et, bibendum at, posuere sit amet, nibh. Duis tincidunt lectus quis dui viverra vestibulum. Suspendisse vulputate aliquam dui.Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt - [Festival 2014](https://alisontreat.com/portfolio_page/video-performance-festival-2014/) - Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Nam cursus. Morbi ut mi. Nullam enim leo, egestas id, condimentum at, laoreet mattis, massa. Sed eleifend nonummy diam. Praesent mauris ante, elementum et, bibendum at, posuere sit amet, nibh. Duis tincidunt lectus quis dui viverra vestibulum. Suspendisse vulputate aliquam dui.Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt - [Smash Pop Art Storm](https://alisontreat.com/portfolio_page/smash-pop-art-storm-2/) - Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Nam cursus. Morbi ut mi. Nullam enim leo, egestas id, condimentum at, laoreet mattis, massa. Sed eleifend nonummy diam. Praesent mauris ante, elementum et, bibendum at, posuere sit amet, nibh. Duis tincidunt lectus quis dui viverra vestibulum. - [Adventures in Zonderland](https://alisontreat.com/portfolio_page/adventures-in-zonderland-2/) - Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Nam cursus. Morbi ut mi. Nullam enim leo, egestas id, condimentum at, laoreet mattis, massa. Sed eleifend nonummy diam. Praesent mauris ante, elementum et, bibendum at, posuere sit amet, nibh. Duis tincidunt lectus quis dui viverra vestibulum. Suspendisse vulputate aliquam dui.Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt - [STV Music Awards 2013](https://alisontreat.com/portfolio_page/stv-music-awards-2013-2/) - Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Nam cursus. Morbi ut mi. Nullam enim leo, egestas id, condimentum at, laoreet mattis, massa. Sed eleifend nonummy diam. Praesent mauris ante, elementum et, bibendum at, posuere sit amet, nibh. Duis tincidunt lectus quis dui viverra vestibulum. Suspendisse vulputate aliquam dui.Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt - [Pale Skin Apparel](https://alisontreat.com/portfolio_page/pale-skin-apparel-2/) - Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Nam cursus. Morbi ut mi. Nullam enim leo, egestas id, condimentum at, laoreet mattis, massa. Sed eleifend nonummy diam. Praesent mauris ante, elementum et, bibendum at, posuere sit amet, nibh. Duis tincidunt lectus quis dui viverra vestibulum. Suspendisse vulputate aliquam dui.Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt - [Clash & Mayhem TV](https://alisontreat.com/portfolio_page/clash-mayhem-tv-2/) - Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Nam cursus. Morbi ut mi. Nullam enim leo, egestas id, condimentum at, laoreet mattis, massa. Sed eleifend nonummy diam. Praesent mauris ante, elementum et, bibendum at, posuere sit amet, nibh. Duis tincidunt lectus quis dui viverra vestibulum. - [Case Study](https://alisontreat.com/portfolio_page/case-study/) - About Our Company Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. What We Do Best Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non - [Blau Kunsthaus Identity](https://alisontreat.com/portfolio_page/blau-kunsthaus-identity/) - Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Nam cursus. Morbi ut mi. Nullam enim leo, egestas id, condimentum at, laoreet mattis, massa. Sed eleifend nonummy diam. Praesent mauris ante, elementum et, bibendum at, posuere sit amet, nibh. Duis tincidunt lectus quis dui viverra vestibulum. Suspendisse vulputate aliquam dui.Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt - [Abstract Style Of Handler](https://alisontreat.com/portfolio_page/abstract-style-of-handler/) - Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Nam cursus. Morbi ut mi. Nullam enim leo, egestas id, condimentum at, laoreet mattis, massa. Sed eleifend nonummy diam. Praesent mauris ante, elementum et, bibendum at, posuere sit amet, nibh. Duis tincidunt lectus quis dui viverra vestibulum. Suspendisse vulputate aliquam dui.Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt - [Single Portfolio Parallax](https://alisontreat.com/portfolio_page/single-portfolio-parallax/) - About Our Company Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. What We Do Best Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non - [Last Iceland Sunshine](https://alisontreat.com/portfolio_page/last-iceland-sunshine/) - Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Nam cursus. Morbi ut mi. Nullam enim leo, egestas id, condimentum at, laoreet mattis, massa. Sed eleifend nonummy diam. Praesent mauris ante, elementum et, bibendum at, posuere sit amet, nibh. Duis tincidunt lectus quis dui viverra vestibulum. Suspendisse vulputate aliquam dui.Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt - [Amsterdam Jazz Festival](https://alisontreat.com/portfolio_page/amsterdam-jazz-festival/) - Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Nam cursus. Morbi ut mi. Nullam enim leo, egestas id, condimentum at, laoreet mattis, massa. Sed eleifend nonummy diam. Praesent mauris ante, elementum et, bibendum at, posuere sit amet, nibh. Duis tincidunt lectus quis dui viverra vestibulum. - [Mother Volcano Artwork](https://alisontreat.com/portfolio_page/mother-volcano-artwork/) - Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Nam cursus. Morbi ut mi. Nullam enim leo, egestas id, condimentum at, laoreet mattis, massa. Sed eleifend nonummy diam. Praesent mauris ante, elementum et, bibendum at, posuere sit amet, nibh. Duis tincidunt lectus quis dui viverra vestibulum. Suspendisse vulputate aliquam dui.Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt - [SuperDollz Showroom](https://alisontreat.com/portfolio_page/superdollz-showroom/) - Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Nam cursus. Morbi ut mi. Nullam enim leo, egestas id, condimentum at, laoreet mattis, massa. Sed eleifend nonummy diam. Praesent mauris ante, elementum et, bibendum at, posuere sit amet, nibh. Duis tincidunt lectus quis dui viverra vestibulum. Suspendisse vulputate aliquam dui.Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt - [67B Construction Studio](https://alisontreat.com/portfolio_page/67b-construction-studio/) - Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Nam cursus. Morbi ut mi. Nullam enim leo, egestas id, condimentum at, laoreet mattis, massa. Sed eleifend nonummy diam. Praesent mauris ante, elementum et, bibendum at, posuere sit amet, nibh. Duis tincidunt lectus quis dui viverra vestibulum. Suspendisse vulputate aliquam dui.Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt - [Fast Vector Mobile](https://alisontreat.com/portfolio_page/fast-vector-mobile/) - Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Nam cursus. Morbi ut mi. Nullam enim leo, egestas id, condimentum at, laoreet mattis, massa. Sed eleifend nonummy diam. Praesent mauris ante, elementum et, bibendum at, posuere sit amet, nibh. Duis tincidunt lectus quis dui viverra vestibulum. Suspendisse vulputate aliquam dui.Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt - [Vintage Vinyl House](https://alisontreat.com/portfolio_page/vintage-vinyl-house/) - Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Nam cursus. Morbi ut mi. Nullam enim leo, egestas id, condimentum at, laoreet mattis, massa. Sed eleifend nonummy diam. Praesent mauris ante, elementum et, bibendum at, posuere sit amet, nibh. Duis tincidunt lectus quis dui viverra vestibulum. Suspendisse vulputate aliquam dui.Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt - [Art Week 2014 Malmö](https://alisontreat.com/portfolio_page/art-week-2014-malmo-2/) - Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Nam cursus. Morbi ut mi. Nullam enim leo, egestas id, condimentum at, laoreet mattis, massa. Sed eleifend nonummy diam. Praesent mauris ante, elementum et, bibendum at, posuere sit amet, nibh. 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