When the Crazy Day Gourmet Inspires...

Truly one of the great things about working with the public is that you get to meet all kinds of people. At Crazy Day Gourmet I get to see my family, friends, friends who've become like family, and I feel like on a daily basis fascinating people walk through our doors. Our guest blogger today is no exception... and she is definitely a gift to us at crazy day!:) Enjoy her post-k

When The-Crazy Day Gourmet Inspires...

I'm not sure if it is the pink and green decor or the ruffly apron that greets me at the door. Maybe it's the comfy vintage chair and fluffy pillows or the sign in the restroom that reminds me of Audrey Hepburn's words, "happy girls are the prettiest." I'd like to think that it is a tall glass of Iron Goddess of Mercy iced tea with a snickerdoodle cupcake that give me inspiration. In reality, though, it's all of this and more.

Simply stated, The Crazy-Day Gourmet inspires me... to write. This is where I come to find a few minutes of quiet, to share a word with Tracy, and to clear my mind to find the words I need. I come with friends and I come alone. The Crazy-Day Gourmet's main goal is to provide meals for those

who face days that are crazy and don't have time to make a nutritious meal for their family. However,

Tracy has also created a relaxing oasis for those who want a few minutes to escape the crazy with a

sweet treat. This is where I come to be inspired, and, when the stuff of life takes my time and energy

and I don't come... I find myself going crazy, indeed.

After spending many afternoons inspired within these walls, I'm thrilled to be able to say that

my first novel, The Secret of Counting Gifts and the accompanying The Secret of Counting Gifts

Gratitude Journal are now available in paperback through amazon.com. While The Secret of Counting Gifts is a novel, I wrote it from my life experiences. I am a wife of 18 years and a mom of 3. I've spent the past fifteen years at home washing dishes, folding clean laundry, blogging, and teaching my children. My days are full of counting grace gifts with gratitude and asking for grace and forgiveness. I am blessed with rich friendships and have prayed more friends than I care to count through the battle of breast cancer.

The Secret of Counting Gifts is a story about life, friendship, hardship, and gratitude. It is the story of Kris McClintock and Liz Bower and their friendship that spans twenty-eight years. Through marriage, babies, and infidelity they stand by each other and hold one another up... until breast cancer delivers the final blow. As she sits by Liz, Kris recounts the trials and blessings that made them who they are. She tells their story and recalls the many "gifts" they have been blessed with throughout the years. She shares of how Liz taught her to notice the gifts in each day and to live with a grateful heart. It is through the telling of their story that the secret of counting gifts is discovered....

I'm excited for the release of The Secret of Counting Gifts and The Secret of Counting Gifts Gratitude Journal. These books are a direct answer to prayer. I look forward to seeing how God will use them! Thorought this month, I am on a virtual book tour. You can see the stops along the way on my website www.heidikreider.com. While you are there, stop in and say "Hey!" and register for my giveaway... autographed copies of The Secret of Counting Gifts and The Secret of Counting Gifts Gratitude Journal in a hand-made basket.

I'd love to hear your story. Have you been to The Crazy-Day Gourmet? How has it inspired you?

** Heidi Kreider is a wife, mother, author and friend. She blogs about life, grace, and gratitude

at www.heidikreider.com.