Friday, May 16, 2014

Candace Calvert: Life Lessons From Hummmberto

Everyone's Story welcomes back the lovely and phenomenal Candace Calvert. I've had the pleasure of meeting Candace in the very beginning of my journey of writing Christian fiction and I will never forget her warm smile, reflective of her warm heart. This week Candace shares with us what an amazing, tiny bird had taught her this past winter. Can you relate? Check out her wonderful Book Giveaway offer, a bonus to please any book lover! Both Candace and I are looking forward to hearing from you!

Book Giveaway:
Candace wants to make 5 readers very happy! She is generously offering one autographed copy of her newest release, LIFE SUPPORT, to 5 randomly chosen commenters. The winners will be announced here on Friday, May 23, between 5-6 PM EST. To be eligible, please leave your contact information within your comment. Thanks!


                                 For a little extra delight:

 


My Friend, Hummmberto by Candace Calvert

But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
Romans 8:25 (NIV)

I’ve always had an issue with patience. Not in a way that makes me a grumpy curmudgeon in a DMV line, or road-rage scary on the freeway; no worries there, friends. My impatience is more like an over-eager, can’t wait to get started, little kid thing. You know, that whole backseat, road-trip, “Are we there yet?” syndrome. On steroids.

I will admit, right here and now, that I have dug up garden seeds just to see if they were beginning to sprout. Yes. Planted them, dug them back up.  Because waiting patiently for the first green leaf to emerge was way too hard. I needed to be assured it would happen. Can anyone relate? Am I alone here?

Unfortunately, a huge part of our lives is spent waiting—two to three YEARS in total, according to some sources. Writers know that frustration first hand:
·      Waiting for the “day job” to end (our baby to nap!) to grab some precious writing time
·      Waiting to hear back from a critique partner on our latest chapter
·      Waiting to hear if we are a finalist in a writing contest
·      Waiting (endlessly) for responses to agent queries
·      Waiting to hear from our new agent about a manuscript submitted to an editor
·      Waiting for news after the editor takes it to her publishing board
·      Waiting for that dreamed-for contract to arrive
·      Waiting (pacing, nearly popping) to announce a book sale on Facebook!
·      Waiting . . . months and months for that book’s release (while checking on Amazon several times a day, like we’re digging for sprouted seeds).

Waiting for Hummmberto
Patience. That thorn in my side. And exactly the lesson God has been trying to teach me. I’ve suspected it for a long time. And this past winter, He chose a very unique way of working on it. A way that wrapped me in a daily ritual—and strange attire: scarlet ski jacket over my PJ’s, red boa scarf around my neck—even a flashy crimson manicure. My “Hummingbird Outfit.”  I pulled it on just before dawn, leaving my cozy, warm bed (and incredulous husband), to stumble out into the backyard, yawning, in temperatures as low as 29 degrees (that is c-c-old for Californians). All because . . .


An Anna's Hummingbird
I’m a bird lover, an admitted bird nerd. And a single male hummingbird—a beautiful Anna’s—decided not to migrate this year, and stayed at my feeder. Hungry. Amazingly, he wasn’t shy when I first filled the feeder. It surprised and intrigued me. So I Googled a plan to encourage him to come close enough to feed from my hands. Slowly . . . slowly we worked at it.

 Hummingbird Boa
 (gift from a reade
r)
Some mornings—many mornings—I had to wait a long time for Hummmberto (his name, emphasis on the Hummm) to come from wherever it was that he slept. My hands would shake with cold, cramp, as I held the feeder. Sometimes he would perch on a branch and watch, talking and singing in hummer language. Other times he’d skim the top of my hair, stare into my face . . . before finally lighting on the feeder. Eventually hovered near enough to my fingers that I felt the breeze from his tiny wings. He perched, glanced up at me, and sipped. His beauty, his trust—our bond—  brought tears to my eyes. And a strong realization:

Waiting there each morning—shivering, and so tempted to give up—was God’s plan to teach me patience. His reward: a tiny and amazing miracle only He could create. 

Such a blessing!

Hummingbird nail polish
Hummmberto is still out there, though with the multitude of spring blossoms (and his adoring girlfriends) he finds the feeder—and the lady in the boa—far less attractive. But each time I see him, I think of those lessons. And I find more peace in waiting now; I’m no longer tempted to dig up the garden and check for sprouts. I look for more opportunities to hope for what I don’t yet have . . . and wait for it with patience.

How about you? Is patience hard? Are you ever tempted to “dig up the seeds?”


Check out Candace's previous visit on Everyone's Story


Candace's Ah-hahs To Tweet:
Combine amazing author @CandaceCalvert & a hummingbird for fun & insight. (Tweet This)

Like #MedicalFiction? Visit with author Candace Calvert on Everyone’s Story. #BookGiveaway (Tweet This)

How did author Candace Calvert learn patience? (Tweet This)

Candace Calvert offers dynamic #BookGiveaway to 5 lucky winners. Will you be one? (Tweet This)

Author's Bio:
Candace Calvert is a former ER nurse who believes love, laughter and faith are the best medicines. Her Mercy Hospital and Grace Medical series offer readers a chance to “scrub in” on the exciting world of emergency medicine—along with a soul-soothing prescription for hope. Wife, mother, and very proud grandmother, she makes her home in northern California.

Places to connect with Candace:


53 comments:

  1. What a evening brightener (I'd say day brightener except it's nighttime). When I asked for patience God gave me a book to write.

    I went back and read your first visit to Everyone's Story. You are truly a gifted writer. Off now to check out Life Support in case I don't win it.

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    1. As always, Pat, welcome back, you night owl. And I love that signature line of yours!

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  2. I have been tempted to dig up seeds, also. There have been times I replanted because I decided they weren't going to come up then I had a double crop.
    I would love to win a copy of this book.
    susanmsj at msn dot com.

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    1. Nice to see you, Susan. I haven't green-thumbed it since I was married (and that's years now!), but what I appreciate from Candace's post is that it's so applicable for all of life.

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  3. Candace and her sweet friend, Hummmberto, are delightful! Thank you for sharing this wonderful post and life lesson. Waiting can certainly be frustrating and patience can be difficult. There have been times when I wanted to see results or receive answers immediately. However, as Candace beautifully illustrates, there are many wonderful blessings to be found in waiting!

    texaggs2000 at gmail dot com

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    1. Britney, thanks for visiting Everyone's Story.

      One of the "themes" of life that God seems to be showing all of us is that there is significance in waiting. We wait, and wait, and wait, wondering why. And I agree with both you and Candace--it's the hidden treasures that are unearthed during the wait that are meaningful.

      Hope to see you again.

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  4. I'd love to win Candace's book! I've heard so many good things about her stories. susanjreinhardt AT gmail DOT com

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  5. Im still absolutely tempted to dig up the seeds patience is tough....
    Your story was neat God bless you
    Chris Granville
    granvilleATfrontiernetDOTnet

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    1. Welcome to Everyone's Story, Chris. I hear what you're saying: every day I need to re-learn how to master this thing called patience.

      Hope to see you again.

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  6. PATRICIA: (smile), Yes, God does indeed find ways to teach us. Thank you for stopping by. Always good to see another writer.

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  7. SUSAN: Ha, I knew I wasn't the only sproud inspector! It's great to see you here.

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  8. BRITNEY: absolutely, waiting can be golden . . . once we stop drumming our fingers and simply listen for the lesson. I so appreciate your stopping by to make me feel welcome.

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  9. (waving) SUSAN j: I'm delighted to meet you--thank you for your interest.

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  10. As a fellow hummingbird lover, this post is especially precious! I share the same impatient spirit, but have never been able to explain or understand it as clearly as you described in this post. However, after 54 years, I too have learned (and continue to learn) the value of the painstaking (at times) wait. Thank you for the beautiful reminder.

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    1. Cathy, I'm thanking you for your visit today, helping to brighten my world.

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  11. CHRIS: So good to "see" you here--your encouragement is such a blessing.

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  12. This is my third (is it the charm) time trying to post a comment!
    I am an impatient person also and this has greatly tried my patience! LOL.
    I won't bother you with everything else I said as my poor fingers are tired!
    Candace, I love your books and your red ensemble!
    robbyefaye AT gmail Dot com

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    1. Robbie, so sorry you've had previous trouble, but here you are and am I ever so thankful you honed your patience to try that third time because it worked. I appreciate you not giving up. Do check back tomorrow for Candace's reply--I'm sure she'll enjoy hearing from you.

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    2. Apologies once more, Robbye, for misspelling your lovely name.

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    3. No problem Elaine. I get your blog in my blogger dashboard and have intended to reply lots of times-guess that'll teach me not to wait!
      My name actually is Robbie Faye but I liked the semi-illiteriveness(?) and uniqueness of RobbyeFaye-so you didn't really misspell my name!
      Oh, and yesterday-for whatever reason-the comment section kept telling me I wasn't who I said I was and that's why I couldn't comment, but 3rd was the charm!

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    4. Robbye, both names are sweet! Wow--I'm honored that you've seen this blog several times… can you see me smiling right now?

      Had to grin about the comment section harassing you about who you were or were not. Sheesh. I've had days like that when the world wants to say one thing, aka insurance companies, for one. Just glad it worked out.

      Interestingly enough, today's Bible Study focused on the subject of patience. Hmm. God's got to be telling me something here.

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  13. What a wonderful way to learn patience! It seems we're always blessed when we stop to enjoy God's beautiful creation. Thanks for sharing your story, Candace! I could feel the refreshing chill of the early morning as I read it.

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    1. Always nice to see you here, Kathy. Sometimes its the simpler things in life that slow us always-in-a-hurry people enough to learn a meaningful lesson… my cat teaches me much!

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  14. So fun to watch all those videos of Candace and Hummberto on Facebook this winter. Yes, it was an exercise in patience, which I admired! I had to laugh about Candace digging up seeds to make sure they were sprouting. I've never thought of doing that.

    I am a pretty patient person, but haven't always been that way. As a mother of two young daughters and a new baby, I was really struggling to be patient. I asked God to give me patience. Then, it seemed like things went from bad to worse. I complained to my mother that God hadn't given me the patience I'd asked for. It was then that she explained to me that God was teaching me how to be patient. Oh...I had been hoping He was just going to gift it to me w/o the trials of learning. He did do a good job, and it was quite an experience.
    may_dayzee(at)yahoo(dot) com

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    1. It's always a pleasure to see your visits, Kay. I've been connecting the dots lately and it seems to me that you're so right: instead of God telling us how it is, He shows us and wants us to learn through these life lessons.

      Hmm. The writer in me says this is another fine example of why we must show and not tell

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  15. CATHY H: I'm so glad you stopped by--another hummingbird fan!
    ROBBYE: Impatient and persistent--I can relate. And I'm really glad you kept trying to post your comment because I'm delighted to meet you. :-)
    KATHY H: So good to "see" you here. Yes, I got some nippy fingers and toes waiting for Humberto (and God's lesson), but so worth it on all counts.
    KAY M: I'm so glad I was able to share little Humberto with you this winter, and I can well imagine your personal lesson in patience with your babes--what a wise and loving mother you have!

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  16. ELAINE: I feel blessed to be invited back to your wonderful blog. Always so inspiring, and you have such fabulous visitors--love them.
    Thank you!

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    1. Thanks for the smile, Candace. I enjoy hosting you… and all my guests. I'm looking forward to seeing which viewers will stop by the next few days.

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  17. Love hummingbirds! Hope to win!

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    1. Thanks for you visit, Joan. If you get a chance, please leave another comment that includes your contact info. Thanks!

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  18. AnonymousMay 20, 2014

    I love hummingbirds!! I have a friend who has numerous hummers visit her feeders each day and she has had them perch on her fingers as they feed. I'm amazed at the beauty of these tiny creatures each time I see one.

    Nita Heismann
    nita6463@aol.com

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    1. Nita, thanks for visiting. Birds of all kinds are amazing critters and I am thankful God created them.

      Hope to see you again.

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  19. What a beautiful story of patience -something a lot of us need a lot more of!

    mary-hart@att.net

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    1. Mary, I appreciate your visit. Patience is becoming my new daily vitamin!

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  20. Thanks for sharing your story. I always seem to need to work at being patient (especially with myself) as I feel impatience robs me of PEACE which I truly seek to have as much as possible. I have read several of your books (the Mercy Hospital series), Candace, and love them and I actually bought the Life Support, Kindle edition earlier this month. Looking forward to reading it. dawn.nicol at gmail dot com

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    1. Hello, Dawn. Thanks for brightening my day with your visit. I'm sure Candace will smile when she sees your comment as well.

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  21. Lovely post! I have a plant that is not showing any signs of life yet. I have a strong urge to pull it out of the pot and see what's up with the roots. But I'll wait... at least another week or so.

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    1. Linda,so glad that Candace has helped in the encouraging dept.!

      Have a great day.

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  22. Love the hummingbird comments. We have three feeders that will get busier as the summer progresses. Ours in the Midwest are ruby-throated hummers and I'll frequently get "buzzed" by them if I'm wearing a colorful shirt. We love to watch them.

    As for gardening, no, I'm not one to typically dig up a seed to see if it's sprouting. Although, this year, with my garden on regional tour in a month, I'm less patient than usual waiting for plants to emerge. If they don't look like they're about to, I have to consider filling their void with something else.

    Would love to read your books, Candace. Right now, I'm busy getting my own book #5 ready for publication. Have a blessed week.

    Braxton

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    1. Braxton, a warm welcome to Everyone's Story. Thanks for visiting. Between the world of medicine, writing, and your love of birds you and Candace have a lot in common! Does it count that I'm fascinated by all things health & medicine, and write?

      Hope to see you back here.

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  23. JOAN: I appreciate your stopping by.
    NITA: Amazing that your friend has had them perch on her finger--that's my goal someday. Thanks for visiting me here.

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  24. MARY: Absolutley, patience is such a tough thing.
    DAWN: I AM smiling--an honor to know you've "scrubbed in" with my hopeful medical fiction. Thank you.

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  25. LINDA M: You know I know that feeling. Thanks for stopping by!

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  26. BRAXTON: A delight to see you here! We do have much in common. :-) My husband and I once went to the Hummingbird Festival in the Davis Mtns, South Texas. One home had more than 100 feeders and the air was completely electric with beautiful hummers--we even had a glimpse of the Magnificent. Almost 9 inches in length. Amazing! All the best with your next book, friend. And thank you for stopping by to make me feel welcome.

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    1. I would have never known that there was such a thing as a Hummingbird Festival--must be something wonderful to see! Thanks for the tip, Candace!

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  27. Would love to read your books, Candace, I read Critical Care, and now I am starting to read Trauma Plan. The rest of your books are on my TBR list to read. Yes I would love to be a winner of your book Life Support. I would have to say that with age, I am a little more patience than I used to be. gmfuhlman27 AT gmail Dot com.

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    1. Hi, Gail. You're definitely entered in the drawing. Check back this evening for the winners.

      I hear you on gaining patience through the years--at least for me, a wee bit.

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  28. Oh I LOVE Candace's books. Would love to be entered in this contest. Imperfectlypamela@hotmail.com :)

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    1. Pamela, thanks for visiting. Candace is blessed to have you as a devoted fan.

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  29. GAIL: I so appreciate your stopping by, and that you've begun to read my hopeful stories. I agree that time/age does soften that eager-impatience some. I haven't dug up a seed in a long time . . . :-)

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  30. PAMELA: Thank you for the kind words--best of luck in the drawing!

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  31. Another week has ended on Everyone's Story, but what an exciting week it has been. Thank you, Candace, for your time and enthusiasm for appearing once again. It's always a pleasure to work with you. Again, you've received numerous viewer hits and I pray that this exposure will bless you with even more devoted fans.

    Thanks too for your generous Book Giveaway of LIFE SUPPORT. The lucky 5 winners are:

    Susan R.
    Pamela
    Susan J.
    Braxton
    Patricia B.

    Happy reading ladies and gentleman! Both Candace and I will contact all of you in direct emails shortly. Enjoy.

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