a selection of Pat’s articles and short stories Love in Bloom Kate pulled her long, brown hair into a ponytail and looked out on the yard of her new home where robins hopped about, snatching up a meal. The sun shone brightly, announcing the approach of spring. Finally! She visualized a row of multicolored flowers bordering her driveway. Not Impossible — With God During the early years of our marriage, my husband, John, and I realized the chance of a pregnancy was small, since I was now 40 . . . Not Just Another Day Another week! For a moment Carol felt somewhat disheartened as she contemplated the day ahead and all the things that had to be done. She gazed at the calendar hanging on the wall. She’d bought one with a large box for each date so she could write down what had to be done on any particular day. But it seemed each day blurred into the next and wasn’t much different from yesterday or the day before. Put The Kettle On!  “When I ask my husband, ‘What do you want to drink?’ He will  always respond, ‘A hot cup of tea’” . . . Reconnecting With Family “How good it’d be to get my father’s family together,” was just a  chance remark . . . Secret Admirer Trudi crossed the living room to the window and pulled back the heavy drapes. She swiped the sleeve of her terry robe down the misty pane and gazed out. “Ray’s out of town for another day, but he’s already extended the deadline for my proposal. Snow or no snow, tomorrow is the deadline.” The Christmas Bazaar “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.” The words coming from a radio rang in Melanie’s ear. She walked toward her spot through a crowded room, hauling a large metal table. Today was the annual Christmas bazaar, and Mel was there to sign copies of a book series containing a few of her stories, but there was no “carol ringing within her heart.” published articles, essays, and short stories (print and/or online) A Woman Saved (U.S.) Running To Feel God’s Pleasure (Autumn-Winter, 2016- 17) Bethlehem Writers Roundtable (U.S.) A Fresh Start (Summer 2017) Bible Advocate (U.S.) Parental Guidance Required (Sept. 2009, p. 14, pdf) After the Storm (Nov.-Dec. 2016) Brave Hearts (U.S.) Mother’s Home – A Haven (Summer 2005) (print only) Carole Marie (U.S.) Guest Post: The Write Time is Now (Oct. 16, 2011) Christian Fiction Online Magazine (U.S.) Only Yards Apart I Can See Clearly Now (2010) Northwest Baby and Child (U.S.) Doubly Blessed (May 2004) (print only) A Baby For Me, Too (April 2006) (print only) Renewed and Ready (U.S.) Spread Your Wings – But Be Careful (May 2009) (print only) Ruby for Women (U.S.) Red Letter Day (Sept. 2017) Spread Your Wings (May 2017) Love in Bloom (April 2017) No Bells Ringing (Dec. 2016) The Lookout (U.S.) The Lookout Essay: A Deeper Appreciation of America (July 2016) Bring Back The Wonder Of Childhood (Feb. 2006) (print only) The Over 50 Writer (U.S.) It’s Never Too Late (Feb. 2016) Woman Alive (U.K.) Just Your Age Alone (March 2004) (print only) Woman’s Touch (U.S.) Using Parental Supervision (Oct. 2006) (print only)

Love in Bloom Kate pulled her long, brown hair into a ponytail and looked out on the yard of her new home where robins hopped about, snatching up a meal. The sun shone brightly, announcing the approach of spring. Finally! She visualized a row of multicolored flowers bordering her driveway. She squelched a sigh. Had she made the right decision to move so far away from family and friends? At the time, a new position seemed too good an opportunity to pass up. A change had been long overdue, Kate reasoned. And not having a special someone in her life provided further cause to accept the offer. Still, the cold winter had lasted far too long, and she missed the familiar faces back home. Kate stepped away from the window. With a full schedule next week, Saturday was the only time she had to return to Freddy’s Garden Center. Perhaps the promised shipment of flowers had arrived. She grabbed her car keys. When Kate entered the nursery, she spotted a figure working at a metal counter surrounded by plants and pots. As she approached, he turned and fixed his blue eyes on her for what seemed like minutes. “Back so soon?” he asked, grinning. “You’re the one I saw two weeks ago.” He rubbed his chin. “You came back just to see me.” Kate flashed a smile. “Can you help me choose flowers for my yard?” He laughed, revealing straight white teeth. “I’m your man.” He slapped his palms together to dislodge the dirt. “The name’s Fred.” She took his big hand in hers, intrigued by his friendly manner. “Kate.” “Let’s see. You told me you’d moved from the West Coast and wanted flowers that bloomed a long time and didn’t need much care.” “You remembered.” Fred gestured for her to follow him. “That’s my job,” he said over his shoulder. “Another supply came in yesterday. You’re in luck.” They moved down rows of wooden tables overflowing with tulips and daffodils. Kate felt like a schoolgirl on a field trip as she half-ran to keep up, then nearly crashed into him when he stopped and turned around. “I moved from the Midwest to be closer to my eleven- year-old son and opened this garden center a year ago,” he said. Surprised by Fred’s revelation, Kate’s eyes drifted to the bare space on his ring finger. Why hadn’t she done more with her hair and put on a little makeup before coming out this morning? She met his gaze. “It sounds like you’ve been transplanted like these flowers.” A ghost of a smile crept over his face. “Like yourself.” Kate nodded. “Came here six months ago after accepting a new position.” Hyacinths scattered blue, purple, and pink around her. She drew in the sweet fragrance and listened to chimes swaying in a warm breeze. Fred selected a tray of flowers with little faces. His hand caressed the petals as if they were friends. “Pansies provide a variety of colors that last for months.” He moved to the next table. “The lush blooms on these begonias are hardy as well.” “I’ll take both.” He picked up a large white bag. “You’ll need potting soil. I’ll get my son to take these to check-out and to your car. That’s him over there.” Fred motioned for his son. “Well, what do you know,” Kate said as the boy approached. “Billy is in my class!” Billy’s eyes widened in recognition. “Miss Haley!” Fred wiped his forehead with the back of his hand. “I finally get to meet the Miss Haley.” Billy kicked a stone with the toe of his shoe. A sheepish grin spread across his face. Kate scrambled for something to say to break the awkward silence. “Lucky you, working here with Dad.” He looked at his father before taking the flowers and bag. “Yep, I know.” Fred tousled his son’s blond hair. “I’m the lucky one.” After Billy left, Fred turned to Kate, pulling his baseball cap forward over his dark, curly hair. “He wasn’t exaggerating when he said you’re pretty.” Kate managed a smile and lowered her head, feeling her cheeks grow warm. “And he’s always going on about how you make science come alive.” “Happy to hear that.” She laughed. “I wish I had that much success with plants.” Or with men. Fred laughed too. “You’ll need these.” As he handed her a trowel and gardening gloves, their hands touched. Did he feel the same attraction? Fred shifted his feet. “Take this slip up front and tell them I said to give you a gardening book.” He cleared his threat before speaking again. “If you need any further help, I’m your man.” “Thanks.” Of course he was her man. Kate recalled her first trip here. Fred answered every question, even the ones she quickly thought up just so she could look into those captivating blue eyes while he answered. He started walking toward another customer. “I want to put in some other things,” Kate called after him. He headed back to where she stood. Her pulse quickened. “What do you have in mind?” Kate shrugged. “I need some suggestions.” “Maybe some shrubs,” he said. “If you like, I could stop by next Saturday, take a look at your yard and give you a few ideas.” “Sounds good. I’ll keep an eye out.” Kate’s casual tone masked the excitement within. Her heart surged with the wonder of spring and the prospect of a fresh start. “Write your address here. If you have no one to put them in, just remember, I’m your man. And don’t worry about not having a green thumb.” He winked. “I’ll teach you what you need to know.” Kate craned her neck to keep him in view as he walked off. Fred glanced back and their eyes met, leaving her with a promise of good things to come. __________ This short story appeared in the Splickety Magazine issue of Spring 2014.

EVENTS I will be speaking and/or signing copies of my novel, When Valleys Bloom Again, at the following locations. Saturday, June 22, 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Book Signing Only West Chester Public Library 415 North Church Road West Chester, PA 19380 610-696-1721 Photos from Event Saturday, July 27, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Signing copies of When Valleys Bloom Again ($10.00, cash or check) Annual Hospitalizd Veterans Tribute and Concert Gorgas Park (Roxborough Section of Philadelphia) 6300 Ridge Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19128 Photos from Event Saturday, September 7, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Rain Date - Sunday, September 8 Signing copies of When Valleys Bloom Again ($10.00, cash or check) Annual Freedoms Foundation Valley Forge Chapter Tribute to Veterans Car Show 1601 Valley Forge Road Phoenixville, PA 19460 Contact - Amy Braccia 267-767-9809 Photos from Event Saturday, September 14, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Signing copies of When Valleys Bloom Again Barnes&Noble Main Street at Exton 301 Main Street Exton, PA 19431 610-524-0103 Photos from Event Sunday, September 29, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Signing copies of When Valleys Bloom Again ($10.00, cash or check) Westtown Day Fair Oakbourne Mansion & Park 1014 South Concord Road West Chester, PA 19382 Photos from Event Saturday, October 5, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Signing copies of When Valleys Bloom Again ($10.00, cash or check) Collingswood Book Festival Downtown Collingswood 771 Haddon Avenue Collingswood, NJ 08108 Photos from Event Saturday, October 12, noon to dusk ($10.00, cash or check) Community Harvest Festival Curtis Arboretum 1250 W. Church Road Wyncote, PA 19095 Photos from Event Wednesday, October 16, 7:00 p.m. Lynn Trimborn, President of The Roxborough Manayunk Wissahickon Historical Society, cordially invites members, prospective members, and guests, when Pat Jeanne Davis will speak about her experience and research while writing her novel, When Valleys Bloom Again, at The Center of Journey’s Way, 403 Rector St. (between Mitchell and Pechin Sts.), Roxborough, Philadelphia Admission is free. Light refreshments will be served. Pat will be happy to sign a copy of her book (available at the meeting) for attendees. Photos from Event

Saturday, November 2, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

($10.00, cash or check)

Hockessin Art & Book Fair

Hockessin Community Recreation Center (PAL)

7259 Lancaster Pike

Hockessin, Delaware

Photos from Event Saturday, November 9, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

($10.00, cash or check)

Holiday Craft Fair West Whiteland Township Building 101 Commerce Drive Exton, PA 19341 Photos from Event Sunday, November 17, noon to 5:00 p.m. ($10.00, cash or check) Southeastern PA Veterans Center Craft Show 1 Veterans Drive Spring City, PA 19475 484-949-582 Photos from Event Monday, December 2, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

($10.00, cash or check)

Soroptomist International of Roxborough, PA

Monthly Meeting and Christmas Party The Center at Journey’s Way 403 Rector St. (between Mitchell and Pechin Sts.), Roxborough, PA 19128 Photos from Event Saturday, December 7, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

($10.00, cash or check)

Advent Lutheran Church Craft Fair

1601 Green Lane West Chester, PA 19382 610-436-0807 Details and Directions Sunday, December 15, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Signing books purchased at store counter Barnes&Noble The Metroplex Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462 610-567-2900 Details and Directions I would love to meet you! ARCHIVED BLOG APPEARANCES February 2019 2/1 - Lighthouse-Academy Blogspot 2/3 - Hope-Inspired Stories 2/5 - Among the Reads 2/6 – Reading is my SuperPower 2/14 – Stitches Thru Time 2/20 – Whispers in Purple 2/22 – Seekerville 2/26 – Julie Arduini Blog March 2019 3/4 – HiStory Thru the Ages 3/7 – Sara Foust Blog April 2019 4/1 – June Foster Blog 4/4 – History, Mystery and Faith Blog 4/12 – Inkslinger 4/12 – Snark & Sensibility Blog 4/24 – Catherine Castle Blog May 2019 5/10 – The Over 50 Writer June 6/6 - HIStory Thru The Ages 6/11 - Lena Nelson Dooley’s Blog July 7/12 - Linda Wood Rondeau’s Blog 7/17 - Kimberly Byrd’s Blog 7/18 - Candace West Posey’s Blog August 8/5 - Trish Perry’s Blog 8/6 - Liz Tolsma’s Blog 8/8 - Linda Shenton Matchett’s Blog 8/9 - Seriously Write Blogspot 8/23 - Shannon Taylor Vannatter’s Inkslinger Blog September 9/29 - Patti’s Porch October 10/2-16 - Let’s Chat November 11/11 - Anglotopia Magazine Website 11/12 Shannon Taylor Vannatter’s Inkslinger Blog 11/14 - History, Mystery and Faith Blog