Maybe I'm Weird . . .

By Rebecca Talley

Years ago, I sat in a PTA meeting while we discussed changing the start time for our elementary school. I was pushing for it to begin later because kids, some as young as 3 years old, have to meet the bus at 6:30 am each morning because we are in a rural area and we start school at 7:40 am. That is very early, especially for young children. My own kids don’t start school until first grade so that I can teach them to read and can feel confident they are going to school with the ability to read, do simple math, and have a closer relationship with me. But, many parents send their children to pre-school and it seemed as though starting the school day a little later made sense. Last year, my first grader fell asleep on the afternoon bus everyday so I had to be sure to meet the bus at the end of my lane to make sure the bus driver didn’t forget my sleeping son and accidentally take him on her next route with the older school kids. As we discussed changing the start time, I was startled to hear a mother exclaim, “Start school later? Are you kidding? I’d rather have it start earlier so I can get rid of my kids sooner.”

Maybe I’m in the minority, but I always feel so sad when school starts and my children leave for most of the day. My older kids don’t come home on the bus until after 5:00 pm, which means they are away from me for over 10 hours each day. That makes me sad. I love being with my kids.

This summer was crazy busy with camps, a Youth Conference, Scout training, and my son returning home from his mission. The house was usually in disarray with all the kids playing games with each other, dressing up, and making crafts. We didn’t have a set schedule, though I did try to make sure we did some cleaning and watered and hoed the garden. It was a bit chaotic at times, but it was great. I loved watching the kids play together, especially with their younger siblings who don’t attend school yet. The summer ended far too fast for me.

Next week, will be even harder when my two oldest leave for college and the next step in their lives. They won’t be gone for 10 hours a day; they’ll be gone for days and weeks at a time. Yes, I understand that this is the normal cycle of life and that children grow up and leave home, but that doesn’t make it any easier. I often think of the song, “Sunrise, Sunset,” as I watch my children grow. Where does the time go? What happened to that little baby I held in my arms? I must’ve blinked.

And so here we are, another school year has begun and I’m sad to see my kids go. I miss having them around the house. I miss the hum of their voices. I miss the squeals and excitement while they spray each other with water. I wish summer break was 9 months and school was only 3 months.

Maybe I’m just weird . .

PS—Don’t forget to enter the contest on my blog for a chance to win a bottle of perfume http://rebeccatalleywrites.blogspot.com/2008/08/contest-win-perfume.html. All you have to do is tell 5 people about my book and leave a comment. It’s easy!

Win Perfume

By Rebecca Talley

I'm sponsoring a contest on my blog and the prize is a bottle of perfume that I designed to go with my book, Heaven Scent.

If you tell five people about my book, you can enter the contest. The perfume smells really good and who wouldn't want free perfume?

Come on over and leave a comment and you'll be eligible to win Hope (Heaven's Scent).

See you there :).

Hope (Heaven's Scent)

By Rebecca Talley

In my book Heaven Scent my main character's mother wears a certain fragrance. This perfume plays a pivotal role in the story so with the help of Karlene Browning at Urban Botanics I designed this fragrance to tie into my book.




Hope (Heaven's Scent)

Meet Liza, a lovely and talented young woman from the book Heaven Scent by Rebecca Talley. As Liza proves herself a basketball star, everyone—from college basketball recruiters to the gorgeous Kyle Reynolds—seems to take note of her. Everyone, that is, except her own father, who has buried himself in his law practice.

When yet another broken promise finally leads to tragedy, Liza doesn't know if she will ever be able to forgive her father. It will take a miracle straight from heaven to help Liza see that she still has hope.

Hope is the name of the perfume worn by Liza’s mother in Heaven Scent. It’s a soft floral blend of jasmine, freesia and mimosa. This fragrance is pivotal in convincing Liza that despite her new reality, her mother is never far from her. Hope reminds us that families are forever and we are constantly encircled by their love.


Full bath and body package includes pre-mixed Urban Botanic product—an 8 oz. shower gel or bubble bath (select option below), 8 oz. body lotion, 2 oz. parfum spray, lotion pump lid, and puff scrubby (color dependent upon stock at time of order).

If you're interested in learning more you can go here.