nettie-fudges-world

JOY IN THE JOURNEY

2011-10-31T17:32:00.009-05:00

One of my favorite verses in the Bible is Psalm 118:24: “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” But on May 22, 2011, I didn’t want to rejoice or be glad in the day. The reason: I’d received an early morning phone call telling me my sister passed away. Linda lost her battle with breast cancer after 16 years. Through tears and laughter (and there were plenty of both) R and I reminisced about Linda.

One thing that kept coming up in our conversation was how Linda grabbed life with both hands the moment she learned of her diagnosis. Since she’d always loved to travel – now it became her way of life. And the minute she got home from one trip, she planned her next adventure to check off her Bucket List.

Whether she was trying her hand at tandem skydiving in Hawaii, hiking down into the Grand Canyon and rafting the Colorado River, or helping out at a soup kitchen in Kansas City – Linda embraced life to the fullest, milking every drop out of whatever time she had left on this earth. And entertaining family and friends along the way.

Linda experienced JOY IN THE JOURNEY.

Thanks, sis, for all the memories you left behind for us to cherish. We miss you so much!!!!

Love ya,
nettie

PS: Please click on the title (above) and listen to Tim McGraw's "Live Like You’re Dying.” This could have been Linda's theme song.

KINDNESS

2011-09-22T23:00:00.000-05:00

What was the first thing you thought of when you read the title? KINDNESS.

Did you think of a kind deed you’ve done for someone?

Did someone's name pop into your head that you've wanted to help?

Or, did you remember a special kindness shown to you?

Why I'm bringing up this subject is because this was the theme at my Toastmasters group last week. The theme was chosen after one of our members lost his home to the Texas wildfires. I thought it apropos.

Whenever someone was introduced at the meeting their introduction had something to do with the topic. It might be their kindness shown to others or received in their own life. Throughout the morning I was reminded of the benefits of benevolence.

How each one of us can lend a helping hand to a person in need. How we can pay it forward with an act of compassion, thoughtfulness, and/or generosity each and every day. How we can show another person the love of Christ in simple deeds we do.

KINDNESS

Let’s give it a try. Someone will be blessed when you do.

Love ya,
nettie

PS: Check back next month - more to come on the subject. :)

LESSONS LEARNED

2011-03-15T17:17:00.007-05:00

For those of you who have been sitting on pins and needles, waiting to hear how the contest went—I’m happy to report, it was a HUGE success. And, I didn’t die in the process of stepping out of my comfort zone.

Honestly, when I signed up to do the contest (please refer to my last blog if you don’t have a clue what I’m talking about), I wasn’t sure I would live through the experience. But, I did, and along this journey I learned some valuable lessons I want to share with you today.

Lesson #1:
Strength comes in numbers – I knew I couldn’t pull off this contest without a lot of help from my friends. I asked for volunteers and the minute I did, people stepped up to help me. In all, this contest needed 25 helpers. From Toastmaster to Video Person - every role was important in helping make this contest a success.

Lesson #2:
Knowledge is golden – Always remember to surround yourself with knowledgeable people. From the beginning, I gleaned from those who’d gone before me. Without their knowledge and expertise, I wouldn’t have known what to do and when to do it. Another important benefit I discovered – people are willing to share what they know. All you have to do is ask.

Lesson #3:
Ask questions - This is the only way a person learns how to do something they are unfamiliar with. Asking questions, concerning the contest, made me feel comfortable with moving forward with any task I needed to do. I’m sure you’ve heard this before - there is never a dumb question. I’ll add my two cents - But there are plenty of dumb mistakes if questions aren’t asked. I did myself a favor when I took on this challenge – I asked questions – lots of them.

Lesson #4:
Just do it - Step out of your comfort zone. Trust me, it won’t kill you. At any given time I thought it might, but each day I spent time doing something concerning the contest. For once I didn’t procrastinate. If I wasn’t emailing someone, I was checking out paperwork given to me to read. Anything to stay ahead of the game. Preparation is the key to success. Things will run smoother if you have all your ducks in a row.

Lesson #5:
Pray – When fear of the unknown coursed through my veins, I prayed. The verse, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight” popped into my head. Those comforting words calmed me down. And when I trusted Him and not my own understanding, I (with my team of volunteers) accomplished the task set before us.

Love ya,
nettie

PS: Thanks everyone for your help!!!!!!

Freaked Out

2011-02-12T14:57:00.002-06:00

Have you ever taken on something and know right away you’re not the man or woman for the job? Have you volunteered for a task only to discover it’s way over your grade level? Have you stepped forward, wishing minutes later that you’d stayed hidden in the crowd?

This very thing happened to me a few weeks ago when I took on an officer’s position in a club I belong to. The minute I answered YES to the email request, the red flags went off in my mind at a fever’s pitch.

The dialogue to myself and those around me went something like this:

I can’t plan a contest in less than a month.

I have no idea what I am doing.

I have gotten myself into something way over my head-AGAIN!!

As you can see, the “I’s” had me tied up in knots. And, if that wasn’t bad enough—someone referred to my way of handling things as freaking out. Those two simple words stopped me dead in my tracks (thanks MS for the wake-up call).

Is that how people see me? WOW! That’s not the picture I wanted to paint. Instead, I wanted others to see me as one who trusted in the Lord for everything – big or small. I bowed my head and prayed:

Lord, I am scared spitless about this contest and all that goes with it. I’m not sure I can do this. You are going to have to HELP me or I’m going to sink big time.

Not the most eloquent prayer I’ve ever prayed but the moment I spoke those words the verses in Proverbs 3:5-6 seemed to wash over me. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Thank You, Lord, for the exact words I needed to hear to calm my feelings of inadequacy. I do need to TRUST in You and lean not on my own understanding. When I do, there's no doubt the contest (and my life) will be headed in the right direction.

Love ya!!!
nettie

LOVE ME TENDER

2010-10-06T04:18:00.003-05:00

by Janice Hanna Thompson

I'll bet most of you thought I was going to write a blog about ELVIS today, didn't you? Well, I'm not, but my dear friend, Janice Hanna Thompson is going to tell us all about her lastest book - LOVE ME TENDER.

Hi everyone! Thanks for stopping by nettie's blog to share in the excitement of LOVE ME TENDER, my latest inspirational romance. When I heard about the new “When I Fall in Love” line at Summerside, I flipped! Why? Because I love the ‘50s, and I love music! (The line is based on song titles from the 1930s to the 1970s.) I happen to be a playwright with a really fun musical comedy titled JOHNNY BE GOOD, a story that’s near and dear to my heart. I decided to put a twist on that stage play and turn it into a rockin’ romantic novel! With that in mind, I hope you enjoy this “Hollywood Heartthrob” interview with four of the main characters from the novel.

Hollywood Heartthrob, “Man About Town” Column:

Welcome, readers! This is Sunset Sam, columnist for Hollywood Heartthrob magazine, here to interview several characters from LOVE ME TENDER, a new book by author Janice Hanna Thompson. I read the book in preparation for this interview and had a hip-hip hoppin’, be-be-boppin’ time reading about the characters down at Sweet Sal’s Soda Shoppe in Laguna Beach. I’ve been to Sweet Sal’s many times, of course. Everyone in Hollywood knows it’s all the rage. Where else can you get a big, thick cheeseburger, hot, salty fries and the thickest chocolate malts in the country? Now that I’ve enticed you with the food, let’s have a little chat with some of the key players in our story. We’ll start with Debbie Carmichael, daughter of the owners of Sweet Sal’s.

Debbie, could you tell us a little about what your day-to-day life is like?
Most of the girls my age are in college, but I decided to stay in Laguna Beach and help my parents out at our family run soda shop. I have the best life ever! I live across the street from the Pacific Ocean, and love spending time at the cliffs, watching the waves lap the shore. When I’m at the soda shop, the jukebox is always playing. I’m gaga over Elvis’s new song, “Love Me Tender.” It’s all the rage with teen girls right now. Of course, I’m also head over heels for Bobby Conrad, but don’t tell my friends, okay? They think I’m more mature than most of the other teen girls who hang out Sweet Sal’s. Of course, I’m a little distracted by that new guy, Johnny Hartman. He’s so sweet and handsome, and I hear he’s a great singer, too!

Johnny, I read in another article that you came all the way from Topeka Kansas to Hollywood to make it big. How does Hollywood compare to Topeka?

There’s really no way to compare Topeka to Los Angeles. People out here (in California) are more up on current styles, the hottest tunes and the hippest actors and actresses. Back home, folks are so grounded. That isn’t always the case here in L.A. I hope I don’t sound too stuck up when I say that back in Topeka, I was a big fish in a small pond. And because my dad’s a pastor, I had plenty of opportunities to sing in church. But out here in L.A. no one even knows who I am. My agent, Jim Jangles, is working hard to get me a gig on television. I’m auditioning for Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts soon. Say a little prayer for me!

Bobby, I understand you were slotted to sing at the fundraiser at Sweet Sal’s Soda Shoppe, but had to cancel. Could you explain your sudden departure?

Yes, I was scheduled to sing at the fundraiser, but just got word that I’ll be filming my new movie that same weekend. I was really disappointed to have to tell the Carmichaels the news, but hopefully they understand. I think it’s going to be okay, because my agent, Jim Jangles, is sending his latest prodigy—a kid from Topeka named Johnny Hartman—in my place. I hear he’s quite a singer.

Sal, could you tell our readers about some of the Hollywood stars you’ve met over the years?

First of all, thanks for including me in this interview! It’s been decades since I was a teen, but I still secretly read Hollywood Heartthrob magazine. (Shh! Don’t tell my husband, Frankie, or my daughter, Debbie!) I’m blessed to be the co-owner of Sweet Sal’s Soda Shoppe in Laguna Beach, and I’ve met a lot of stars who’ve come through on their way to places like Dana Point and San Diego. Here’s a list of some of my favorites: Doris Day, Gregory Peck, Frank Sinatra, Audrey Hepburn, Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Ozzie and Harriet. There are dozens more, of course. I want to personally invite all of your readers to stop by Sweet Sal’s Soda Shoppe so that they can see the photos on our walls! And while you’re here, why not enjoy a creamy chocolate malt?

Debbie, a little birdie told me that you and the other girls in Laguna Beach are gaga over Elvis, Pat Boone and Bobby Conrad. Now that you’ve gotten to know (and love) Johnny Hartman, what would you say sets him apart from the other great singers you’ve known?

Oh, no doubt about it. . .Johnny isn’t just a great singer, he’s got a heart of gold. I especially love his strong faith. Unlike so many of the other singers in town, he doesn’t put himself first. With Johnny, it’s God first. . .all the way! And when he sings. . .man! That voice! It’s a smooth as velvet. (And it doesn’t hurt that he’s so dreamy! Talk about handsome!)

Johnny, you’ve been asked to fill in for Bobby Conrad at the Laguna Beach fundraiser. Can you tell us how you’re feeling as you look forward to the big day?

I don’t mind admitting I’m a little nervous. Who wouldn’t be? Thousands of girls from Orange County and beyond are looking forward to seeing Bobby Conrad in person. Now I’ve been asked to fill in for him. I’ll be lucky if they don’t boo me off the stage or toss rotten tomatoes at me! Hopefully my new love song—the one I wrote for the gorgeous Debbie Carmichael—will win them over. I hope so, anyway!

Bobby, many Christians have a hard time hanging onto their faith once they achieve stardom. You seem so grounded. What’s your secret?

I always try to honor God in everything I do—whether it’s movies or songs for the radio. There’s a verse that I love, and it’s one I try to live by: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” The way I look at it, if I make a choice to put God first, He’s going to bless me above and beyond anything I could ever ask for, anyway. Even if He didn’t bless me, though, I would still serve Him. It’s really the only way to live a fulfilling life. (And trust me when I say that people out here in L.A. are looking for ways to live a fulfilling life!)

Sal, we were sorry to hear about your husband’s health problems. How is he doing now?

Praise the Lord, Frankie seems to be doing a little better. His heart attack several months ago really shook us up. And we got behind on the mortgage, which has made me a little nervous. Still, I choose to trust God. And now that everyone in town is banding together to put on the fundraiser to save the soda shop, I’m feeling more hopeful than ever!

Debbie, is there anything you’d like Hollywood Heartthrob readers to know as we end this interview?

Yes, I would like people to know that it is possible to live in Hollywood—to be a big star, even—and still be a person of faith. I’ve witnessed it in Bobby Conrad’s life, and in Johnny’s, too. I’d also like to share that putting your trust in God is really the only way to go. Some problems are just too big for us to handle on our own. When my dad got really sick, I made up my mind to try to “fix” the situation. What I’ve learned is this—only God can truly “fix” anything. And trust me when I say that His “fix” is far greater than anything we could ever dream up!

Well, there you have it, Hollywood Heartthrob fans. This is Sunset Sam, signing off for this week. See you next time!

Janice, as always, it's such a pleasure to have you on my blog. You entertain and enlighten us everytime you visit. You are welcome any time.

And for a special treat - for those who leave a comment (or email) me, I'll put your name in for a drawing on October 11 for a copy of Janice's book, LOVE ME TENDER.

Janice is hosting a GIVEAWAY too. Go to her facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/jhannathompson). To enter: leave a comment on her page with the name of your favorite ‘50s star (movies or music). Explain why you liked him/her. The drawing to win the Be-Boppin’ ‘50s Basket (filled with great ‘50s memorabilia) will take place on the weekend of Oct. 29th – 31st. Why? Because that’s the same weekend Janice is directing a local (Houston) production of JOHNNY BE GOOD the musical comedy that served as inspiration for LOVE ME TENDER.

To visit Janice’s webpage, go to: www.janicehannathompson.com.

Her Daughter's Dream

2010-09-29T04:47:00.006-05:00

by Francine Rivers
Tyndale House Publishers
September 2010

From the very first page of Her Daughter's Dream , Francine Rivers words captured me. I'm certain I lost sleep because I couldn't put her book down. As I neared the end, oh how I wanted the story to continue for another 200 pages. Well done, good and faithful servant.

In the dramatic conclusion to the New York Times best seller Her Mother’s Hope, Francine Rivers delivers a rich and deeply moving story about the silent sorrows that can tear a family apart and the grace and forgiveness that can heal even the deepest wounds.

Growing up isn’t easy for little Carolyn Arundel. With her mother, Hildemara, quarantined to her room with tuberculosis, Carolyn forms a special bond with her oma Marta, who moves in to care for the household. But as
tensions between Hildie and Marta escalate, Carolyn believes she is to blame. When Hildie returns to work and Marta leaves, Carolyn and her brother grow up as latchkey kids in a world gripped by the fear of the Cold War.

College offers Carolyn the chance to find herself, but a family tragedy shatters her newfound independence. Rather than return home, she cuts all ties and disappears into the heady counterculture of San Francisco. When she reemerges two years later, more lost than ever, she reluctantly turns to her family to help rebuild a life for her and her own daughter, May Flower Dawn.

Just like Carolyn, May Flower Dawn develops a closer bond with her grandmother, Hildie, than with her mother, causing yet another rift between generations. But as Dawn struggles to avoid the mistakes of those who went before her, she vows that somehow she will be a bridge between the women in her family rather than the wall that separates them forever.

Spanning from the 1950s to present day, Her Daughter’s Dream is the emotional final chapter of an unforgettable family saga about the sacrifices every mother makes for her daughter—and the very nature of unconditional love.

**********

Once again I have the privilege of featuring Francine Rivers on my blog. For a special treat she's stopped in to answer a few questions about her newest book and the writing life. Why don't we grab a cup of coffee and sit back and enjoy some time with Francine (and be sure to read to the end of my blog for a big announcement).

Writing a novel is not for the faint of heart. What was the most difficult part of writing this family saga? What came the most naturally to you?

The most difficult part of writing any novel is getting out of my own way. I have to get rid of preconceived notions about themes and characters and plot. The first draft of this novel came in at over 1000 pages and was too biographical. I wanted the story to shift back and forth from present to past, trying to show what happened to create the rifts and valleys between Hildemara, Carolyn and May Flower Dawn. I was too cautious, too afraid to harm to my grandmother and mother’s memory.

A wonderful editor wrote me an insightful letter in which she listed what she wanted to know about each the characters. Her letter got my creative juices flowing. She helped me look at the story in a new way. I set the first manuscript aside and started over. I found it better to move from one generation to the next in a linear story. This time the characters followed my grandmother and mother’s timeline, but took on a life of their own. They became unique individuals rather than the shadow of real people.

After readers finish this series what do you want them to remember? What questions and feelings do you want it to provoke on a spiritual and emotional level?

I hope and pray readers who have had difficult relationships with their mothers or daughters will let go of the pain and anger and allow God to work in their lives. God can work all things together for good for those who trust and love Him. Following Jesus’ example changes the way we see people. It changes the way we relate to one another. Even when the chasm is too deep to cross, we can decide to forgive. Some people wear grievances like a dirty coat. With God’s strength, we can strip it off and be free. When people finish reading Her Daughter’s Dream, I hope they will want to extend God’s grace and forgiveness. I hope they will tear down their walls and use their life experiences to begin building a bridge.

Who do you see as the audience for this story, and does that differ from your previous readership?

I am fortunate to work with Tyndale House. If a writer does well in one genre, publishers encourage the writer to continue in the same genre. Tyndale has given me the freedom to go wherever the story leads. I have done historical as well as contemporary. This two-part saga was intended to be one LONG book. Splitting the story into two parts made it more affordable for readers, and eliminated the need to delete entire sections. Hopefully, both women and men will enjoy Her Mother’s Hope and Her Daughter’s Dream. Men play a strong role in the lives of all four primary characters: Marta, Hildemara Rose, Carolyn and May Flower Dawn. And both books have much to do with faith, how it presents itself, how it grows, often under difficult circumstances and in unexpected ways.

Where may we connect with you further or to purchase a copy of HER DAUGHTER'S DREAM?

I would love for you to visit my web site at www.FrancineRivers.com, browse through the various events and other resources available, as well as sign up for my mailing list. You may also join me on my Facebook page, please click here.

Okay, now for the BIG ANNOUNCEMENT. Drum roll please!!! You can WIN a copy of Her Daughter's Dream. All you have to do is comment on my blog (or send me an email). On October 4, I will draw out a name and announce the winner of Francine's fabulous new book.

WHAT A DIFFERENCE A DAY MAKES

2010-08-30T16:19:00.002-05:00

Humor me for a moment - I need to sprinkle my vocabulary with some sunshiny clichés. Maybe then I’ll feel better.

No. 1: What a difference a day makes.
No. 2: Water off a duck’s back…
No. 3: The sun will come out tomorrow…

Okay, No. 3 isn’t a cliché, but it was the last thing that popped into my head. Anyway, I’m sure you’re seeing where I’m going with this blog. Yes, the new dawn does tend to temper the ills of yesterday.

And since I have your attention, let me tell you why I appreciate a fresh start every morning. In the last month I’ve received two rejections and they were DOOZERS.

The first one came inside the self-addressed stamped envelope I’d included with my contest entry. I already knew I didn’t win in the categories I’d submitted to, but expected a constructive critique of my work.

Imagine my surprise when the critiquer suggested I completely rewrite my devotional, changing the fragrance I wrote about (which reminded me of my mom and was the theme of the devotional). He/she also advised me to change the Bible verse I used.

Okay, people, where is the helpful critique I’d hoped for? I didn’t feel it was in any of the words written on the back of my devotional. I sat and contemplated the person’s assessment of my work and this thought hit me. I could rewrite the piece and use the verse the person suggested. I could even splash my mother with a hint of White Diamond instead of Jergen’s Lotion. But if I do-doesn't that make my work someone else's idea now?

Just a thought!!

My saga continued – my second rejection came in another self-addressed stamped envelope (I'm going to quit opening them-HA). I ripped it open and inside was my three sheets of paper I’d sent (my query and two-page article). I turned the pages over a couple of times. Nothing was written on them. Nothing was attached to them. Nothing…except a FOOTPRINT.

Yes, that’s what I said—a footprint on the right side of my query letter. I’m sure I don’t need to tell you that the faint marking revved up my thought process. For a moment I wanted to hunt down the person who two-stepped all over my submission. But instead, I prayed and took captive those wayward thoughts before they got out of hand.

Which is exactly what we need to do every time we receive a rejection. Don’t let a person’s words (or in my case—a footprint) ruin your day. Lay it aside because tomorrow is a new beginning. A fresh start.

And always remember…

“This is the day that the Lord has made, rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24 NIV)

Happy writing!!!
nettie

PS: Hey, now that I think about it--maybe the guy was leaving me a FOOTNOTE. I better go back and take another look at my query letter. HA!!!

BE STILL...

2010-05-03T08:48:00.005-05:00

On three different occasions, in the past two days, I've heard (or read) "Be still, and know I'm God." The first reference came yesterday morning during the sermon on Sacred Silence. Later in the day I heard it while watching a video. Today, I read a devotional, and there it was again. Do you think Someone is trying to tell me something?

YES! And I heard the words loud and clear.

I know there is too much noise around me. And it's not only the stuff blaring in my ears or me talking too much. I believe busyness is another noise interrupting my life.

Seems I must be doing something at all times. If I'm not working on the computer, I'm playing a game. When I tire of Mah Jongg, I flip on the boob tube and watch the shows I've taped.

Seldom do I take a quiet moment to be still. Reflect on His word. His creation. Listen for His voice. Instead, constant clatter keeps me from stillness.

Webster defines STILLNESS as: 1)not or hardly moving. 2) with little or no sound; calm and tranquil. 3) hushed; stilled.

Oh, how I crave stillness. Today, I think I'll give it a try. Does anyone want to come along?

Love ya,
nettie

PS: I'm curious - how do you find stillness in your busy life??

FINAL POETRY TIP - A HAPPY ENDING

2010-04-30T01:44:00.001-05:00

On my final post I thought I'd leave you with one of my favorite hobbies (or so it seems)

Revise, Revise, Revise. (Tip #10 from Kara Zeihl-UWEC Junior-2000)

The first completed draft of your poem is only the beginning. Poets often go through several drafts of a poem before considering the work "done."

To revise:

• Put your poem away for a few days, and then come back to it. When you re-read it, does anything seem confusing? Hard to follow? Do you see anything that needs improvement that you overlooked the first time? Often, when you are in the act of writing, you may leave out important details because you are so familiar with the topic. Re-reading a poem helps you to see it from the "outsider's perspective" of a reader.

• Show your poem to others and ask for criticism. Don't be content with a response like, "That's a nice poem." You won't learn anything from that kind of response. Instead, find people who will tell you specific things you need to improve in your poem.

Good advice Ms. Ziehl and thank you for your tips to insure our poetry comes to life.

And, thanks to those who came along with me on this poetry adventure. I do hope you’ve learned something through all the teaching (thank you Mr. Taylor). And, I hope one or more of the posts inspired you to write a piece of poetry.

Poetry begins as a tiny seed planted inside your soul and soon blossoms into a love you can’t quench until you write another magical poem.

Love ya,
nettie

PS: See you next year for another Poemapalooza!!!!!

POETRY TIPS - GOALS AND MORE

2010-04-29T01:28:00.000-05:00

Know Your Goal.

by
Kara Ziehl(UWEC Junior-2000)

If you don't know where you're going, how can you get there?

You need to know what you are trying to accomplish before you begin any project. Writing a poem is no exception.

Before you begin, ask yourself what you want your poem to "do." Do you want your poem to describe an event in your life, protest a social injustice, or describe the beauty of nature? Once your know the goal of your poem, you can conform your writing to that goal. Take each main element in your poem and make it serve the main purpose of the poem.

Yes, Ms. Ziehl, poems do come from life. The one I'm sharing today is the piece I wrote on the first anniversary of my father's death.

DAD
The day you died, we wondered if
the world would stop turning? We
knew we’d see it different somehow.
As this year passed without you, the
time hasn’t erased our deep sorrow.
You are missed more than you can
imagine. Our hearts overflow with
many happy memories spent with
you. We love you, Dad!
The Fudge family

Love ya,
nettie

PS: Come back tomorrow for the final day of Poetry Month.

POETRY - HAIKU

2010-04-28T01:59:00.001-05:00

Good Morning Everyone:

Throughout the month of April you've learned poetry comes in all kinds of forms and fashions. Today I want to share another fun way to write a poem.

HAIKU (hikoo is how it's pronounced) - 1. a Japanese three line poem of usually 17 syllables. 2. an English imitation of this.

Here are three examples of ones I've written. After you've finished reading mine - why not try your hand at writing a Haiku yourself. Not too many words, but in the end you've said so much.

#1
Waters flow downstream,
Cascading to meet the river.
Where does it ever end?

#2
At peace, the forest rests.
Creatures, life, nature.
Simple, yet profound.

#3
Our God, the Majestic One
in all the earth. Praise Him.
He is awesome.

Love ya,
nettie

PS: Be sure to check in on Thursday and Friday because they are the last two days of my month long Poemapalooza. I hope you've enjoyed this journey as much as I have.

OUTSIDE THE BOX OF SELF (PART II)

2010-04-27T02:00:00.001-05:00

by
Donn Taylor

Last week I wrote that too many poems today have the poet's self as both the subject and the speaking voice of the poem, and that this approach limits the poem's interest to a broader audience. I then described and illustrated two methods of writing poetry outside "the box of self": making the speaker of the poem someone other than the poet, and making the subject of the poem someone or something other than the poet.

Today I'll name and illustrate three other methods of writing outside the box. The first of these is a partial contradiction: to begin with the self, but then expand into a general principle. (This can also be done with a fictional narrator.)

This illustrative poem began sixteen years ago with a minor personal catastrophe: a blocked artery gave me a small blind spot in one eye just below the focal point. If I close the other eye and look at a white wall, the blind spot appears purple, and it is shaped like a lizard. This generated a poem that begins with that intensely personal experience but opens out into a subject of more general, perhaps universal, interest.

REPTILES (© 2008)

This purple lizard-shadow in my eye,
Where vision used to be
Till some intruder blocked an artery,
Implants a ragged scar to vilify
Each perfect pattern with its roughly fret
Reptilian silhouette.

Thus, once, another alien came to bate
Or mar our inner sight---
To blend, with all that's beautiful, a blight.
To canker every good we contemplate,
He left a loathsome gift, with hue of coal:
His cobra in our soul.

A second method is to develop metaphors that violate natural laws, as happens in the following poem:

HORIZON (© 2008)

In two dimensions, all agree:
This circle marks our boundary.
A third dimension coincides,
Yet simultaneously divides.

For some conceive the world a bowl
Centered on the acquisitive soul;
Whatever falls within the brim
Flows inward and accrues to them.

But others find the world a sphere,
Themselves at pole; and they, from there,
Flow outward toward the planet's girth
With gifts of self, enriching Earth.

A third method is to reach back into Medieval and Renaissance times for the mode of allegorical landscape, sometimes called psychological landscape. In allegory, many things that occur in the literal level of the poem also have figurative significance, and the figurative meanings connect with each other to form a systematic second level of meaning. Reading allegory requires a good bit of reflection and meditation. The title of this poem, "A Fair Field..." alludes to the Medieval Christian poem Piers Plowman, in which a tower represents heaven, a dungeon represents hell, and between the two lies "A faire feld ful of folk," which represents the world.

“A FAIR FIELD....” (© 2008)

“I don’t look that way often,” says my neighbor.
“This field demands attention. At my feet
So many wonders glitter that my eyes
Draw down to earth---each blade of grass
An emblem, life triumphant, and this trumpet vine
Circles its bush and vaults into the treetops,
Binding in gleaming green of symbiosis,
Blazing in orange bloom. That single squirrel
Scampering, arcing, leaping across the lawn---
Instinctive ecstacy and pride of life---
Is miracle enough to ground my thoughts
In duty here. What tragedy to lose
Even one species! Thus my day is filled
With deep concern to keep right ratios
Of worms, wolves, and woolies. So that strange
Enigma yonder can’t compete. That’s why
I don’t look that way often. When I do,
It seems a mirror where I see myself.”

He finds this path I journey on too narrow,
Hedged on either side by poisoned thorns
Of “Thou shalt not.” Yet from this place I see
His field entire, but in a different light
Revealing all its pleasures and much more
Beyond, above. And while these hedges guide,
My path lies clear before, inviting me
A few more reasoned steps before it turns
In ways I can’t yet see, or drops away
Though valleys of a depth I don’t yet know---
Perhaps, at times, to unimagined heights.
It’s mine to follow, confident, secure
In destination. Light is different here:
That’s not a mirror but a window there,
To show vague shapes and tantalizing forms
Of glorious things beyond, assurances
That there, all turnings done, at journey’s end
The mystic window will become a door.

To summarize these last three posts: Sound is an important structure of poetry, and should not be neglected. We can write poetry outside the box of self by making the speaker of the poem someone besides the poet, making the subject something besides the poet, beginning with the self and expanding into a general principle, using metaphors that violate natural laws, and asking a bit more of our readers by resurrecting Renaissance allegory. Other methods not discussed include writing narrative poems and building poems on dialogue between historical or fictional characters.

As mentioned in my first blog in this series, I would like to encourage aspiring poets to write to a general audience, as Robert Frost and Edwin Arlington Robinson did a century ago. Too much of contemporary poetry has little or no audience outside the graduate schools or other restricted groups. And too often, that avant has little or nothing to garde.

Many thanks also to Janetta for allowing me to visit on her blog. It has been a pleasure for me, and I hope it has been helpful to others.

You are SO welcome, sir. I enjoyed our Tuesday's together. And, I hope next April we can get together again to help inspire people to pen some poetry.

Love,
nettie

PS: Please go to Donn's website at www.donntaylor.com to find out more about his writing.

MONDAY MADNESS-PLETHORA OF PROMPTS

2010-04-26T02:03:00.001-05:00

I can’t think of a better way to start the week off than with a plethora of prompts (thanks to Robert Lee Brewer from Writer’s Digest Magazine).

And I do hope you've used some of Robert's ideas to write a poem or two in the last three weeks. If you haven’t, take a couple from this week and give poetry a try.

Happy writing!!!!

DAY 20: Two for Tuesday prompt

1. Write a looking back poem. There are a few ways to tackle this one, I guess. The narrator could be reflecting on the past or literally looking back (like over his or her shoulder).
2. Write a poem that doesn't look back. This poem would be kind of the opposite, I suppose. Narrator who refuses to look back or who is literally looking forward (or I suppose another option even is that the narrator is blind or something).

DAY 21: “According to (blank)”

For today's prompt, take the phrase "According to (blank)," replace the blank with a word or phrase, make the new phrase the title of your poem, and then, write the poem. Example titles might be: "According to Bob," "According to these instructions," "According to the government," "According to the sun," etc.

DAY 22: Earth poem

For today's prompt, write an Earth poem. You can decide what an Earth poem is. Maybe it's a poem about the planet; maybe it's actually the lowercase earth (a gardening or burial poem?); maybe it's just a poem that happens on (or to) Earth; maybe it's even written in the voice of extraterrestrials (that might be fun). No matter how you decide to roll with it, have a very poetic Earth Day!

DAY 23: Exhaust poem

For today's prompt, write an exhausted poem. The poem can be a first person account of your own exhaustion, or it can describe the exhaustion of someone (or something) else. Heck, I guess it even could be about exhaust, huh?

DAY 24: Evening poem

For today's prompt, write an evening poem. My initial thought is that this poem would somehow involve the night, but upon further reflection, I guess it could be about evening things up or something.

There you have it – another five prompts to help ignite your creativity. Oh, and if you want to read Robert Lee Brewer poems from these prompts and all the others he’s posted, go to www.writersdigest.com.

Love ya,
nettie

PS: Be sure to come back tomorrow for Tuesdays with Donn Taylor. You won't want to miss his valuable teaching!!!

POETRY - SUNDAY SONGS

2010-04-25T01:09:00.000-05:00

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus

O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s a light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!

Refrain

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

Through death into life everlasting
He passed, and we follow Him there;
Over us sin no more hath dominion—
For more than conquerors we are!

Refrain

His Word shall not fail you—He promised;
Believe Him, and all will be well:
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell!

Refrain

By now you know I love, love, love the old hymns. When I read these words, I realize how much they still relate to us still today. And the precious song tells a powerful story. Turn your eyes upon Jesus - your life will never be the same.

Love ya,
nettie

NOBLE POET

2010-04-24T01:52:00.001-05:00

JOY

The son I once cradled in my arms
Now cradles his own baby boy.
Brown eyes gaze into blue.
My son smiles, his son gurgles.
I lean close, inhale deeply;
My heart fills with the scent of joy.

Poem written by:
J. Smith

Such sweet words from a brand new grandparent. Thanks again to another Noble Poet for sharing one of your poems.

Love,
nettie

POETRY - TEACHING TIPS (Part 2)

2010-04-23T02:09:00.003-05:00

SUBVERT THE ORDINARY

Poets' strength is the ability to see what other people see everyday in a new way. You don't have to be special or a literary genius to write good poems--all you have to do is take an ordinary object, place, person, or idea, and come up with a new perception of it.

Example: People ride the bus everyday.

Poets' Interpretation: A poet looks at the people on the bus and imagines scenes from their lives. A poet sees a sixty-year old woman and imagines a grandmother who runs marathons. A poet sees a two-year old boy and imagines him painting with ruby nail polish on the toilet seat, and his mother struggling to not respond in anger.

Take the ordinary and turn it on its head. (The word "subvert" literally means "turn upside down".)

(Excerpt written by: Kara Zeihl-UWEC Junior-2000)

Writers, stretch your imagination. Think outside the box. Get out and experience the life God gave you. Okay, I'm done with the cliches. HA!!! But, imagine the world around you with different eyes. You might be surprised what you come up with.

Love ya,
nettie

PS: Be sure to visit the blog tomorrow - Saturday is the day I feature Noble Poets!!!

POETRY - TEACHING TIPS (Part 1)

2010-04-22T02:00:00.001-05:00

BE A PAINTER IN WORDS," says UWEC English professor emerita, poet, and songwriter Peg Lauber. She says poetry should stimulate six senses:

• sight
• hearing
• smell
• touch
• taste
• kinesiology (motion)

Examples.

• "Sunlight varnishes magnolia branches crimson" (sight)
• "Vacuum cleaner's whir and hum startles my ferret" (hearing)
• "Penguins lumber to their nests" (kinesiology)

Lauber advises her students to produce fresh, striking images ("imaginative"). Be a camera. Make the reader be there with the poet/speaker/narrator.

Yes, professor, as writers we hear this over and over again. We MUST incorporate the senses into our poetry, novels and short stories. This is how we make our words sing!!! Without them, they are simply dribble on a page.

The poem I'm sharing with you today encompasses sight, sound, touch. Enjoy!!

CHRISTMAS MORNING

by nettie (4/09)

Christmas morning looms ahead of me. Slumber
is certain to escape my reach. I know it’s down
there. It just has to be. Sleep must have finally
won 'cause the next thing I remember is my sister’s
voice and her knocking on my bedroom door. I jump
out of bed and charge past her and my other siblings,
bounding down the stairs I'm sure my bare feet never
touch a single step. Then I stop. I can't wait another
second. I have to see. I peer through the banister
and there stands my brand new blue Stingray bicycle.
The one I'd wished for, prayed for, begged unmerciful
for. My parents smile as I race over to touch the
special gift they gave me. Thanks Mom and Dad for your
love and making a little girl's dream come true on
Christmas morning 1966.

Love ya,
nettie

PS: Tomorrow is another tip to give your poetry a boost.

POETRY-ACROSTICS

2010-04-21T01:53:00.001-05:00

Here's another idea to help you create poetry. Acrostics. If by chance you're not familiar with the phrase, I've included the definition.

ACROSTIC - 1. a poem or other composition in which certain letters in each line form a word or words. 2. a word puzzle constructed in this way.

Today I've included a couple of my acrostics for your viewing pleasure.

SUBMIT (this is for all the writers reading this)

S - Sending off our work creates in us
U - Unbelievable stress and untold strain
B - But, if you hold on to them until they’re perfect
M - Masterpieces could go unread, unpublished, unloved
I - Instead of touching someone else’s heart.
T - Take a chance – SUBMIT – imagine what can happen.

DREAM

D - Don't forget to
R - Reach out and
E - Experience life.
A - Aspire to live
M - Masterfully.

Hope you give them a try. Trust me, they're a kick in the pants (right up there with prompts).

Love ya,
nettie

PS: Check out tomorrow - more teaching is on the way.

OUTSIDE THE BOX OF SELF (PART I)

2010-04-20T02:00:00.000-05:00

by

Donn Taylor

There is a certain sameness about much of the poetry I'm reading or hearing these days. That's because many of us are writing poems about ourselves, with the poet as both the subject and the speaking voice of the poem. That's okay if our objective in writing is self-expression, but less so if we want to interest a broader audience. Because there's no reason anyone else should be interested in me, writing about myself loses me much of that potential audience.

This is what I call "the box of the self," using the well-worn cliché to encourage writing poetry "outside the box." In my classes I teach six methods of doing this, and I'll illustrate two of these today.

The first is to let the speaking voice of the poem be someone besides the poet. The only limits here are the poet's imagination. The speaker of the poem might be a biblical or historical character, a fictional character, an animal, a space alien, a bacterium—whatever. (Yes, it might even be a whatever.) In this poem I let the raven from the biblical story of Noah's ark wonder why the dove gets all the favorable publicity. (The theologians among us will see doctrines of grace and works peeping through.)

THE RAVEN'S COMPLAINT (© 2008)

(Genesis 8)

I'm grateful, yes---he was a nice old guy---
The food and roost were fine, without a doubt
The best I'd known. And then he sent me out---
An honor: first bird back into the sky---
A chance to show my stuff---you bet I'd try
My best---I was grateful to him. ---What lout
Would do less? I flew my tailfeathers out,
Thought nothing of it, flew two weeks, kept dry
Above the flood, alone. But where's the credit
Good works and self-reliance ought to bring?
The dove flopped twice, came slinking back and took
The old guy's charity and then forsook
Him, yet he's made symbol of everything
Graceful, I of gloom---I just don't get it.

Part of the fun was putting the raven's low diction into the sonnet form.

A second method is simply to write about a subject other than the self, as I do in this sonnet about a pioneer woman:

PIONEER (© 2008)

No woods of Carolina ever bore
The weight of loneliness this prairie held.
She stood appalled: impossible to meld
This vastness to her finite flesh, ignore
Her sense of insignificance before
Such massive seas of grassy strangeness, quelled
In heart by brute immensity, repelled
That all she saw were sights she must abhor.
But then a lizard slithered in the dust
To gulp a bug and hide behind a stone.
A grackle pecked nearby, and both were sure
With instinct's certainty. She watched, alone,
And thought, "I guess I'm smart as them." She must,
She knew, if never thrive, at least endure.

One other point from this poem: Words do not have to be pleasant or pretty to be poetic. Those describing the lizard and grackle are distinctly unpleasant, as is the woman's experience that the words describe. For that reason, I would argue that the words are poetic.

Next week we will look at three other methods of writing outside the box of the self.

Donn, thank you so much for sharing your poems and expertise with us each week. See you next Tuesday for Part 2.

Love ya,
nettie

PS: To preview Donn's array of poetry and fiction books, please visit his website at www.donntaylor.com.

MONDAY MADNESS - Poetry Prompts

2010-04-19T09:01:00.004-05:00

Monday Madness is upon us once again. Today I’ve included six prompts (from Robert Lee Brewer at www.writersdigest.com) for your writing pleasure. You’ll notice Day 16 is a little over the top, but I thought the subject might produce some interesting poems.

And as always, have fun!!!!!!

Day 12: City Poem

For today's prompt, pick a city, make that the title of your poem, and write a poem. Your poem can praise or belittle the city. Your poem could be about the city or about the people of the city. Your poem could even have seemingly nothing to do with the city. But the simple act of picking a city will set the mood (to a certain degree), so choose wisely.

Day 13: Two for Tuesday

Here are today's two prompts:

1. Write a love poem
2. Write an anti-love poem

Day 14: (blank) Island

For today's prompt, take the phrase "(blank) Island," replace the blank with a word or phrase, make the new phrase the title of your poem, and then, write the poem. You could do a well-known island, such as "Treasure Island," "Ellis Island," or "Total Drama Island." Or you could make up the name of an island. Or you could even have a long drawn out title, such as "You'll never get me on an island" or "If I were on a deserted island."

Day 15: Deadline Poem

For today's prompt, write a deadline poem. You can interpret what a deadline poem is however you wish. Maybe it's a poem that laments the idea of deadlines. Maybe it's a poem about someone intentionally missing them or who never has problems with them (I wish I were that person). Regardless of how you take it, remember that you have until tomorrow before another prompt will be posted. Consider that your poetic deadline.

Day 16: Death Poem (yes, a little morbid, but could be very interesting)

Maybe it's a little too close to tax day, but today's prompt is to write a death poem. You can write about a specific death or consider death as an idea. In the tradition of Emily Dickinson (and other poets), you could even address Death as an entity. Or you can surprise us with a different spin on the subject.

Day 19: Poem about somebody

For today's prompt, write a poem about somebody and be sure to include the person's name in the title of your poem (no reason to hide the person's identity here). Write a poem about Abraham Lincoln, Emily Dickinson, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, your next door neighbor, your child, or the person standing behind you. I guess you could even technically write a poem about yourself (just make sure you include your name in the title).

Love ya,
nettie

PS: Remember - tomorrow is Tuesday with Donn Taylor. Be sure to tune in for more of his valuable teaching on poetry.

POETRY - SONGS OF YESTERDAY

2010-04-18T02:00:00.000-05:00

Songs truly are poetry set in motion. These old hymns bring back so many happy memories of my childhood in the church I grew up in. When I hear one of them now, I can't help but smile. And, later in the day I catch myself humming the refrain.

BLESSED ASSURANCE

Blessèd assurance, Jesus is mine!
O what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.

Refrain

This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior, all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior, all the day long.

Perfect submission, perfect delight,
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
Angels descending bring from above
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.

Refrain

Perfect submission, all is at rest
I in my Savior am happy and blest,
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.

Refrain

Words: Fanny Crosby (1873)

Love ya,
nettie

PS: Remember, tomorrow is Monday Madness!!!!

SHARE A POEM

2010-04-17T02:00:00.002-05:00

I don’t know about you, but I’m having fun, fun, fun with this poetry extravaganza. And as promised, today I’m featuring two more poems from fellow poets (who just happen to be my dear friends, too).

ENJOY!!!

PREPARING FOR ART CLASS

I give my penny-colored hair a final pat,
lean toward the mirror,
slick on my new lipstick, Burnished Copper.
I brush the shoulders of my blouse,
straighten the belt to my skirt,
check my front teeth
for lipstick smudges.

This is the night
I shed my role
of housewife
and mother,
hanging it up
as if it were
a favorite, old bathrobe
on a hook behind the door

and walk out an artist.

Written by: K. Franklin

HIDDEN

You may call me a fool.
I’m still learning.
Life’s a school.

When the world weighs heavy,
Where do I go?
How to escape so flawed a soul?

Hidden in Christ.
I am redeemed.
Halleluiah, I am Redeemed!

Written by R. Leverett

Thanks for helping me spread the word about poetry today. Now I'm off to write Sunday's blog, then I'll take the Lord's advice and rest.

Love ya and happy reading,

nettie

PS: If you're in the Houston, Texas area, come check out the Monday night writer's group I attend. Their website is www.writeingredients.com.

WRITING ADVICE FROM POETS

2010-04-16T02:00:00.002-05:00

February 11, 2008
by Peter Blocksom

Though the providers of thoughts listed below are primarily poets, their advice is universal to all writers.

We asked several poets two questions: "What is the one technique that makes your work stand out?" and "What is the best piece of writing advice you ever received?" Their answers follow.

Laurence Lieberman-Compass of the Dying(University of Arkansas Press)

The Technique: Some time after my first drafts are completed, months or even years, I come back to the material to look for the poems hidden in the handwritten scrawl. I turn to the typewriter when I begin experimenting with forms, usually stanzas employing syllabic or accentual count lines. I never use a computer in working on poems—I want to slow the process down, not speed it up.

The Advice: Marianne Moore wrote to me the following comment that has served me well ever since: "Protest is no match for ardor. . . . Your poems have the gift of praise."

Dana Gioia-Certain Solitudes: On the Poetry of Donald Justice (University of Arkansas Press)

The Technique: Approach revision with the same openness to inspiration with which you began writing the first draft.

Walt McDonald-Blessings the Body Gave (Ohio State University Press)

The Technique: I have the simple faith that words will show me the way. For a while, I feel totally ignorant; I have no idea what's coming. I like that silence: I can feel hair rise on the back of my neck when I type a phrase that intrigues me—a sense of immediate complicity, as if the words and I are up to something.

Karen Swenson-A Daughter's Latitude (Copper Canyon)

The Advice: I was told by Professor Kowenhaven to write 500 words a day; that quantity would lead to quality over time.

Lola Haskins-Extranjera (Story Line Press)

The Advice: My father said, when he saw me for the millionth time scrambling to please, that I needed to learn that no matter what I did, there would be people who just wouldn't like me. When I catch myself adjusting some line, not because I think the change improves the poem, but because I think some critic will like it, I remember Daddy and leave it alone.

Ronald Wallace-The Uses of Adversity (University of Pittsburgh Press)

The Advice: Henry James said, "Write only from experience but you must be one on whom nothing is lost." Dylan Thomas said that he wrote only when he was inspired. But the more he wrote, the inspireder he got. William Stafford, explaining how he managed to be so prolific, said, "Every day I get up and look out the window, and something occurs to me. Something always occurs to me. And if it doesn't, I just lower my standards." The third quote was especially useful to me when I decided to write a sonnet a day for a year.

Lyn Lifshin-Cold Comfort (Black Sparrow)

The Technique: In the Eskimo language, the words to breathe and to make a poem are the same. Remembering that has been wildly helpful to me. It means a freeness to plunge in, almost like doing a finger painting. It's a free flow, suspending fact, meaning, sanity, then seeing, in what pours out uncensored, what can be shaped, fashioned, pared down or enlarged to become a poem.

Carol Muske-Dukes-An Octave Above Thunder (Penguin)

The Technique: Random composition—I work whenever I can, at stoplights, in doctor's waiting rooms, at 3 a.m.

The Advice: During my first year in New York City Daniel Halpern told me that being a writer meant being serious about writing. I came to understand what serious meant—an absolute commitment to the art and craft.

Ruth Daigon-Between One Future and the Next (Papier-Mache Press)

The Advice: I worked with a group of English professors in Connecticut whose favorite expression was "When in doubt, throw it out."

Neal Bowers-Words for the Taking: The Hunt for a Plagiarist (Norton)

The Advice: "Trust the process and the reader." It didn't make a lot of sense to me when my first creative writing teacher, Malcolm Glass, uttered it in 1967. His colorful metaphor of grabbing the tail of a wild hog as it runs by and letting it drag you through the thicket didn't help much. These days, though, I often look back at those unplanned and unpredictable trails my writing makes through the brush, with me hanging on, and I think of Malcolm's wild hog.

Terese Svoboda-Cannibal (New York University Press)

The Advice: Gordon Lish told me, "Don't let what you know stand in your way."

Great advice, fellow poets. Hope everyone enjoyed this as much as I did. Tomorrow, April 16, two of my poet friends will share their poetry with us. Stop in and be inspired.

Love ya,
nettie

PS: For more writer's tips - go to www.writersdigest.com.

HER MOTHER'S HOPE

2010-04-15T02:00:00.003-05:00

by: Francine Rivers

From the beloved, best-selling author of Redeeming Love comes a powerful epic that spans continents and generations in an unforgettable story about family and faith, dreams and disappointments, and ultimately the resilience and tenacity of love.

And today, Francine Rivers is here to tell us about her newest book, Her Mother's Hope, and answer questions about her life, writing, and her journey with the Lord.

How did you get started as a writer?

From the time I was a child, I knew I would be a writer. Because I didn’t know what I would write, I majored in English (emphasis in literary writing) and minored in journalism (emphasis on who-what-when-where-why). My parents had always been non-fiction readers. Rick’s family loved all kinds of books – and lots of fiction. Mom Edith loaned me novels and I loved them. On a dare (from Rick) I decided to write a combination of my favorite genres and wrote a “western-gothic-romance”. Romance novels were booming in the general market, publishers were on the look-out for new writers. My first manuscript sold and was published. I was hooked! I followed with eight or nine more (of what I call my B.C. (before Christ) books). They are all now out of print, are never to be reprinted, and are not recommended.

When I turned my life over to Jesus, I couldn’t write for three years. I tried, but nothing worked. I struggled against God over that because writing was my “identity.” It took that period of suffering “writer’s block” to bring me to my senses. God was trying to open my eyes to how writing had become an idol in my life. It was the place I ran to escape, the one area of my life where I thought I was in complete control. (Hardly!) My priorities were all wrong and needed to be put right. God first, husband and children second (we had three children by then) and third-- work. I prayed God would change my heart. My love for writing and reading novels waned and my passion for reading and studying God’s Word grew.

Rick and I began hosting a home Bible study. I began working with Rick in his business. The children came along and played in the office, hiding in the shipping popcorn. Writing ceased to matter. I was in love with Jesus and my husband and children. God never stops with the transformation process. We began studying the book of Hosea, and I sensed God calling me to write again – this time a romance about Jesus’ love for each of us. Redeeming Love was the result. It is the retelling of the Hosea story, set in Gold Rush-era California. After I turned it in, I wasn’t sure whether I would write anything more. I had so many questions about what it means to be a Christian, how to live for God, different issues that still haunted me. I felt God nudging me toward using my writing as a tool to draw closer to Him. I would ask my question, create characters that would play out the different viewpoints and seek God’s perspective. I began work on A Voice in the Wind. Writing has become a way to worship the Lord through story – to show how intimately He wants to be involved in our lives.

Which is your favorite book of those you’ve written?

My favorite book is Redeeming Love. It was my first as a born-again Christian, my statement of faith, and the most exciting year I’ve spent writing anything. I felt God’s presence throughout the months of work, as though He were telling me His story through thousands of Scriptures as well as explaining the inner heart-ache and quest of each “my” characters.

Which book was the hardest to write and why?

The Atonement Child was the most personal and difficult to write because I had to face my own abortion experience. Added to the considerable research I did, and women who shared their experiences with me, I went through an intensive post-traumatic stress Bible study for post-abortive women at our local pregnancy counseling center. Reliving all aspects of my abortion decision and experience was excruciating – but healing. After twenty-six years of being imprisoned by guilt and shame, I was free through the power and love of God. Though the book was the most heart-wrenching to write, it also proved to be the most life changing. I’ve received countless letters from other post-abortive women and have learned my experience is not unique. Our nation is filled with wounded men and women. The character of Hannah is based on my story, Doug is based on Rick’s, and Evie is based on my mother’s.

Christian fiction continues to boom. What would you like to see happen in the field?

I want to see Christian fiction speak to the hard and real issues that tear people’s lives apart. We need writers who are willing to ask the hard questions and go through the soul-searching and agonizing to find answers – and present these stories with skill that surpasses the general market. Some of the greatest works or art and literature were rendered by Christians. I believe God is at work in these areas now. I would also love to see more Christian stories make it to the big screen and into the world of television, and to have the Christian worldview presented fairly. Much of what comes out of “Hollywood” appeals to the basest side of mankind and crushes the spirit. Right now, with war and a failing economy, people are hungry for stories that inspire them, lift them and give them hope. People need to know there are solutions and we can have peace and an abundant life -- even in the midst of trials.

What advice would you give to a new writer?

Write what you need to read. Write from your heart and. Write truth. Sometimes it hurts to peel away the layers of self-deception and see ourselves in the mirror, but it will also draw us closer to Jesus. And your work may minister to others struggling with the same issues. Read the Bible every day so that it will flow naturally into the story. Study the Bible from beginning to end. It is the most exciting reading in the world. It is also alive – and will help you recognize when you are entering into sin and need to realign yourself with the Lord. Keep your focus on Jesus.

Can you tell us something about your Christian testimony?

I was reared in a Christian home. My parents were active in church, my father an elder, my mother a deaconess. I attended Christian summer camps, youth group and said grace at every meal. I thought being born into a Christian family and raised in the faith made me a Christian. It didn’t. Each person makes their own choice, and it took me years to surrender to Jesus – not until after I’d gone through college, married, had children and started a writing career. Rick and I went to church, but came away dissatisfied and knowing there must be something more. We both had personal issues that brought us close to divorce several times. We wanted our own way and to have control over our own lives. Having control is an illusion. As a child, I’d asked Jesus to be my Savior. What I didn’t understand is I needed to surrender my life to Him and allow Him to be LORD of my life as well.

Our marriage was on the verge of collapse when Rick started his own business. We moved to northern California to be closer to family. We made many outer changes, but no change of the heart. As we moved into our rental house, a little boy came over to help and said, “Have I got a church for you!” We weren’t ready to listen. The lady on the other side of our fence also invited us to the same church. Out of desperation, I went a few weeks later. It was my first experience with “expository teaching.” The pastor taught straight out of the Bible, explaining the historical context, what the scriptures were saying, and what they had to do with me in the present. I drank it in! I took my three children to church. They loved it. Rick resisted (after having a somewhat disheartening experience with a denominational church in Southern California). I asked the pastor if he would be willing to teach a home Bible study. He agreed -- if Rick agreed, which he did. Studying the Bible changed our lives. Our hearts and minds opened to Christ. We both accepted Jesus as Savior and LORD and were baptized in May 1986. Since then, God has been changing our lives from the inside out. The Lord also healed our marriage. We celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary this year.

Tell us about your current work.

I have just completed the second in a set of two books about mother-daughter relationship over four generations. This was intended to be one long novel dealing with the different ways generations have lived out their faith – but became so long it needed to be divided. Her Mother’s Hope was released on March 16, 2010. Her Daughter’s Dream will follow in September. There are numerous family and personal details woven into both books and I plan to share those things on my blog. You may find out more about my new book and more by visiting my web site at www.FrancineRivers.com.

Francine, thank you so much for stopping to chat. You're welcome to come back anytime.

Love ya,
nettie

PS: PLEASE NOTE: A complimentary copy of this book was provided to the me as a blog tour host by Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for posting this interview on my blog. Please visit Christian Speaker Services at www.ChristianSpeakerServices.com for more information about blog tour management services.

POETRY-A GLIMPSE INTO A PERSON'S SOUL

2010-04-14T08:40:00.000-05:00

When something happens in my life, whether happy or sad, I write a poem. Poems help me express my true feelings about a situation. (YES,I’ve actually had to burn a few after reading them.) But in the end, I’ve learned something valuable about myself. And, if I allow others to read what I’ve penned, I believe the person has been given a glimpse into my soul.

But, before you think all of my poems are serious and soul searching. You are mistaken. Some tend toward humorous (surprise, surprise). My mother loved the one I wrote for her 80’s Birthday. “Elvis” did come and sing to her. Another one I wrote graced the wall in a little boy’s room. “Little Cowboy” came with a set of spurs. I even created a fun poem after my husband told me about his fantastic golf shot that day. “Pure Joy” brought a smile to R’s face.

Life brings us so much to write about. I’m beginning to wonder—do we need prompts? HA!!

PURE JOY

His family and friends call him Mr. Ray.
He prefers Tiger Jr., but he’ll answer to T.J.
Each and every week, he and his golfing buds at T.S.A.
head to yet another course. A round of golf they play.
Today, they reach the 10th hole – a complicated par three.
Just 100 yards separates the hole from their tee.
T.J. fires with his most powerful and mighty swing.
Twenty-five feet from the hole, the tiny golf ball did cling.
He pulled out his trusty pitching wedge and zeroes in on the hill.
Knowing if he makes the shot, it would be his greatest thrill.
He shoots and to his delight the ball gracefully lands in the hole.
WOW! Unbelievable! A birdie. He’s achieves one of his goals.
At the Wedgewood Golf Course on July 28, 2004,
T.J. hears his friends cheer and the mighty crowd roar.
He bows and picks up his now-prized ball.
Tiger Jr. wonders if the P.G.A. will ever give him a call.

Love ya,
nettie

PS: Drum roll please!!! Remember to check in tomorrow, I have another treat in store for my faithful readers.

THE IMPORTANCE OF SOUND IN POETRY

2010-04-13T07:42:00.000-05:00

TUESDAYS WITH DONN TAYLOR - PART 2

Mr. Taylor is visiting with us again today. He is going to help us add sounds to our poetry and I'll guarantee his tips will make your poems stand up and shout.

One of the greatest distinctions between poetry and prose is poetry’s emphasis on the sound of words and the accumulation of sounds in sentences. Paradoxically, though, sound is probably the most neglected aspect of poetry writing today. Consequently, many poets deprive their work of an entire demension of meaning. Poetry should either be read aloud or else the reader should pronounce each word in his mind as he reads through the poem. Only by those means can he experience the beauty of sound.

As Lawrence Perrine explains in his book Sound and Sense, some words actually imitate the sounds they represent (snap, bang, hiss), while the sounds of other words seem to suggest their meaning (flicker, whisper, moan, slush). And the rhythms of poetry can also suggest meaning. The poet can use all of these elements to achieve a dimension rarely found in prose.

Perrine points out the importance of sound in this short poem (“Upon Julia’s Voice”) by Robert Herrick (1591-1674):

So smooth, so sweet, so silv’ry is thy voice,
As, could they hear, the Damned would make no noise,
But listen to thee (walking in thy chamber)
Melting melodious words to Lutes of Amber.

Perrine also provides an example of words and rhythms reinforcing meaning in these lines from a longer poem (The Princess) by Tennyson:

Myriads of rivulets hurrying through the lawn,
The moan of doves in immemorial elms,
And murmuring of innumerable bees.

These sound-and-sense effects are usually momentary, but once in a while sound and rhythm can combine as prominent elements in poems of moderate length. This happens in "Panhandle Dust Storm," the lead poem of my book Dust and Diamond: Poems of Earth and Beyond (© 2008):

Barn-battering blast of wind and dirt, this three-day storm
Brings terror to tin-roofed sheds, scours paint from walls,
Makes kites of aluminum siding and leaves them bent,
Bow-tied on telephone poles. It stings our skin
With pellets flung in our faces, buries our eyes,
Turns trees into train-whistles mourning their loneliness
In a visible universe shrunken to fifty feet.

Our ears grow exhausted with sound, with skirling and crackle,
Scratch and spatter of gravel against our house--
A snapped antennae wire's whiplash, flaying the roof--
The stutter of fluttering shingles about to take flight.

This swirling of gray-brown dust has stolen the sky.
The stars are all fiction now, the planets extinguished--
Sun and moon dull silvery disks too feeble to glow.
The law of gravity's gone--the earth's in rebellion,
Dissolving itself into space as an ocean of dust-motes.

Sea-surging, this wind comes in waves, assaulting the house
With breakers that pound and recede, then hammer again–
This house now a ship lost at sea, and leaking all over
While dust-streams puddle in corners in every room.

No weapon at hand, no way to fight back at this wind--
We've nothing to do but wait it out inside.
How long? Who knows? Till God grows tired of it all,
This showing a bit of His strength--decides to rest--
Restore repose.

Then soon, in quiet dawn
With winds quiescent on the settled earth,
We'll wake to stillness and a tranquil sky.

To summarize: Sound is essential to the full meaning and value of poetry, so in the reading we should sound each word and line in our minds.

Thank you, Donn. Your contribution is much appreciated. See you next Tuesday for more helpful hints in the world of poetry.

And, as always, check in tomorrow for POETRY-A GLIMPSE INTO YOUR SOUL.

Love ya,
nettie

MONDAY MADNESS (TWO)

2010-04-12T07:30:00.000-05:00

Good Morning:

Another Monday and we all know what that means--PROMPTS. And lots of them.

Last week we ended with Day #4 from Robert Lee Brewer's list of writing prompts (you can also find his list on www.writersdigest.com). Let's see what Mr. Brewer has for us this week.

Day 5: TMI poem

For today's prompt, write a TMI poem (or too much information poem). As with all prompts, there are a number of ways to come at this one. You can make it about gossip or revealing too much personal information. You could write an information overload poem.

Day 7: Until (blank)

For today's prompt, take the phrase "Until (blank)," replace the blank with a word or phrase, make the new phrase the title of your poem, and write the poem. Possibilities include: "Until we meet again," "Until tomorrow," "Until monkeys fly out my butt," or even "Until blank" (why not?). Until we meet again...

Day 8: Tool poem

For today's prompt, pick a tool, make that the title of your poem, and write your poem. There are the more obvious tools, of course: hammer, screwdriver, wrench, etc. But there also less obvious tools and/or specialized tools available as well. Before attacking this poem, you may want to just think about the various possibilities first. Or just write.

Day 9: Self-portrait poem

For today's prompt, write a self-portrait poem. Other artists study themselves to create compositions (not all of them exactly flattering either), so it is only natural that poets, who are word artists, write self-portrait poems from time to time. In fact, some poets make self-portrait poetry "their main thing." For at least today, make it yours.

Day 11: "The Last (blank)" poem

For today's prompt, take the phrase "The Last (blank)," replace the blank with a word or phrase, make that the title of your poem, and then, write the poem. Some examples: "The Last Train," "The Last Kiss," "The Last Time I'll Give Directions to a Complete Stranger," "The Last Dance," etc.

There you have it. Another five prompts to get your heart racing, your palms sweating, and if you don't sit down right this very minute to write something, you'll explode prompts. Okay, maybe I exaggerate a little, but take one (or all) of them and have some fun. A masterpiece is waiting to happen.

Love ya,
nettie

PS: Yes, I do know how to count. I did leave out Day 6 and Day 10. The reason: I didn't want to overwhelm you with so many prompts in one day, so I picked out the best ones.

PSS: Also, remember to check in tomorrow - it's Tuesdays with Donn Taylor!!!

POETRY: FAVORITE SUNDAY SONGS

2010-04-11T08:28:00.000-05:00

On Sunday morning, as a young child at the First Baptist Church, I sang "What A Friend We Have In Jesus." Through each verse, I found out Jesus was my Friend. Even today, whenever I hear those precious words, I still remember He is my dearest Friend and is always there to carry my burdens. All I have to do is go to Him in prayer.

WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS

What a Friend we have in Jesus,
all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
everything to God in prayer.

Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged;
take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful
who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy laden,
cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge,
take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do your friends despise, forsake you?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield you;
you will find a solace there.

Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised
Thou wilt all our burdens bear
May we ever, Lord, be bringing all to
Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright unclouded there
will be no need for prayer
Rapture, praise and endless worship
will be our sweet portion there.

Words: Joseph Scriven (1857)

Love ya,
nettie

PS: Reminders: Tomorrow is Monday Madness. A week of prompts coming your way. Also, if you're out and about Monday night, come to Barnes and Noble in The Woodlands (with poem in hand) and share your poetry with The Write Ingredients Writers Workshop. We'd love to have you!!!

NOBLE POETS

2010-04-10T10:00:00.000-05:00

For the next three Saturdays, you’re in for a HUGE treat. I’m going to step aside to give you a chance to read poems from other people--poets who are also dear friends of mine. I hope you enjoy their work as much as I do.

This first ditty (untitled)came to me shortly after it was mentioned in my blog that centering and rhyming was a thing of the past.

So rhyming is out
She said with a shout
And centering is too
She cried out boo hoo.

Just let the words fly
Who cares about why
Or what we are saying
Duck quacks or mule braying.

This is poetry modern
The new art form that we can publish and put out in the world in any old fashion we choose, be it
Short
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOr long if we prefer.
Get it?
Got it
Want it?

Nope.

Written by: Al F.

MARY’S PLEA

“BROWN Edward. Reg. No. 12320. Rank: Private - Royal Dublin Fusilier 7th Batt. Died home 10th October, 1914. Born: Templemore, Co. Tipperary.”
www.fethard.com/research/soldiers.html

Da', come home, you've lain too long,
Beneath that cold green turf,
My champion, my dear bold man,
My loss in Ireland's earth.
Leave other heroes fill the graves
For King or England's glory,
You are the one, who sings my song,
Whose heartbeat is my story.

Da', come back, the music's fled
This sepulcher, our home.
Why don't you beat your big bass drum?
Why leave me dance alone?
Jack's fiddle hangs by Jimmy's flute
In silent testimony,
And Ned's too young to understand.
Da', come home and love me.

Written by: YMR

Thanks YMR and Al F. You are both stars in my book.
Love ya,
nettie

POETRY: CONCRETE POETRY - PART 2

2010-04-09T06:04:00.000-05:00

Michael J. Vaughn, a Writer's Digest contributor) continues today with more teaching and ideas for creating our own concrete poems. Hope you're learning as much as I am. And I don't know about you, but I can't wait to get started writing one.

CONCRETE POETRY - PART 2

In Hollander’s 1969 “Swan and Shadow,” he uses the text to create the silhouette of a swan, the surface of a lake and the swan’s upside-down shadow. Hollander relates the words of the poem to their physical location within the image. (The swan’s head, for example, describes “Dusk / Above the / water … ”).

“One certainly needs no artistic talent in order to draw a good bit, and certainly not to rough out a silhouette,” Hollander says. “It’s not a lack of talent, but an absolutely dreadful educational system that prevents everyone from being able to draw a little.”

Through laborious trial-and-error experiments, I’ve devised a process for creating a shape poem, with two inherent biases. First, my process gives precedence to preserving the integrity of the original poem, applying the visual image afterward. Second, my process takes advantage of two modern advances: the image reduction/enlargement capabilities of today’s copiers, and the conveniences offered by computer word-processing programs.

1. Write a poem. Try free verse or prose forms. For this article, I used “Papageno’s Complaint,” a free-verse poem I recently wrote. It was inspired by the bird catcher in Mozart’s opera The Magic Flute.

2. Imagine a shape. It doesn’t have to reflect the primary subject of the poem. Sometimes it’s more effective to choose a shape that reflects a small detail or provides a subtle comment on the discourse. I chose the object of my character’s occupation: a bird. Because Papageno is a catcher of exotic birds, I settled on a toucan.

3. Find an image. In addition to the Internet, you might try magazines, photo books, children’s coloring books or craft stores. In my case, I found a photo of a toucan at a zoo’s website.

4. Get the right size. Run the lines of your poem together, inserting punctuation as needed, and print it out as a single prose paragraph. Compare the area taken up by your poem and that provided by your image. Use a copy machine to reduce or enlarge the image accordingly.

5. Cut and paste. Cut your poem into one-line strips and paste them over your image with a glue stick, beginning each line at the left margin of the image, and ending it at or slightly past the right margin. If you run out of words before you run out of image—or vice versa—return to the copier, adjust your image size and cut and past again. This is the most arduous step, but it’ll make the final two steps much easier.

6. Head to your computer. Identify your most leftward line. Beginning at flush left, type the entire line; then work your way upward and downward, using your space bar to position each line’s first letter according to its relationship to adjoining letters. For the tip of the beak, “down,” for instance, the letter “d” is directly beneath the “n” in “and.”

7. Edit. Once you’ve typed out the poem, you may want to adjust or change words to polish the silhouette.

Thank you Mr. Vaughn for your knowledge on the subject of concrete poems. And I hope everyone is excited to try their hand at creating one for themselves.

Love ya,
nette

POETRY: CONCRETE POETRY - PART 1

2010-04-08T06:09:00.000-05:00

Have any of you heard of a concrete poems? If you haven't, today your day to learn all about them. I've chosen an article written by Michael J. Vaughn, a Writer's Digest contributor, to explain this different form of poetry to you.

CONCRETE POETRY - PART 1

In a shape poem, a poet uses the lines of his text to form the silhouette of an identifiable visual image—generally, an image that represents or comments upon the subject of the poem.

The shape poem goes back to Greek Alexandria of the third century B.C., when poems were written to be presented on objects such as an ax handle, a statue’s wings, an altar—even an egg. English poet George Herbert (1593-1633) led an Elizabethan movement using shape poems strictly for the page: two examples are “Easter Wings” and “The Altar,” written in the shape of, yes, wings and an altar. Lewis Carroll toyed with the notion in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, presenting “The Mouse’s Tale” in the shape of a mouse’s tail. The form continued into the 20th century through the typographical experiments of F.T. Marinetti and his anarchistic Futurism movement, Guillaume Apollinaire’s 1918 Calligrammes collection, the playful tinkering of e.e. cummings, the Chinese ideograms used by Ezra Pound, and various works by members of the Dadaist movement.

In the 1950s, a group of Brazilian poets led by Carlos Drummond de Andrade and Augusto de Campos sought to fully integrate the dual role of words as carriers of language and visual art. Using a phrase coined by European artists Max Bill and Öyvind Fahlström, the Brazilian group declared themselves the “concrete poetry” movement. In 1958, they issued a fiery manifesto lamenting the use of “words as mere indifferent vehicles, without life, without personality, without history—taboo-tombs in which convention insists on burying the idea.”

Concrete poetry was originally aimed at using words in an abstract manner, without an allusion to identifiable shapes. But as the movement reached the height of its popularity in the 1960s, it became less abstract and was adopted by conventional poets as a specific poetic form rather than a full visual/literary fusion. Many of them returned to the shape-based forms popular in the third century B.C.

Among the best of the ’60s shape poets was John Hollander, who created his works with a typewriter. As a scholar, editor and accomplished poet—working in many different forms—Hollander also provided a thorough explication of the process in his 1969 collection Types of Shape. Hollander described his process in a 2003 interview with the St. John’s University Humanities Review:

“I would think of the representation of some object in silhouette—a silhouette which wouldn’t have any holes in it—and then draw the outlines, fill in the outlines with typewriter type … and then contemplate the resulting image for anywhere from an hour to several months. The number of characters per line of typing would then give me a metrical form for the lines of verse, not syllabic but graphematic (as a linguist might put it). These numbers, plus the number of indents from flush left, determined the form of each line of the poem.”

WOW! I think that's plenty for today. But don't forget to come back tomorrow for Part 2.

Love ya,
nettie

POETRY - A JOURNEY

2010-04-07T08:24:00.000-05:00

I don’t know about you, but I believe poetry is a glimpse into a person’s soul. Also, for me, writing poetry takes me on a journey. Sometimes it’s for needed healing. Other times the poem I come up with makes me smile.

Take the first poem I’m sharing with you today. I wrote "ON STAGE" two years ago using a Writer’s Digest prompt. Robert Lee Brewer asked us to write about your past.

ON STAGE

Lights dim. The sanctuary came alive
with young children’s murmuring and
scurrying around the makeshift stage.
A voice announced the planned program.
Baton tapped to quiet the excited bunch.
Parents prayed for their own to shush up.
Rows of cherubs lined three or four high.
The smallest youngsters stood in front.
The chords of Jesus Loves Me rang out.
My parents said my hands fidgeted, playing
with the hem of my new frilly dress. At stanzas
end, I had bunched the hem almost to my chest.

"STORM" I penned from another WD prompt (write about a storm). Guess I took this one literally (HA!)

STORM

Raindrops begin to cascade,
Down in translucent sheets.
Much needed nourishment
Saturates the hardened earth.
Bright blossoms stand at attention,
Drinking in heaven’s pick-me-up.
Maple leaves move rhythmically,
With the storm’s steady stream.
God’s refreshment they receive
As each dance in perfect harmony.
Soon Glory’s light show moves away,
Leaving fragments of its fury behind.
But I’m safe, nestled in His loving arms.
Tranquility fills the evening breeze.

Hope you enjoyed my poems. I’ve got lots more where those came from. I do love poetry!!

Love ya,
nettie

TOWARD POETRY REVIVAL

2010-04-06T06:00:00.000-05:00

Did anyone fashion a poem from one of the prompts yesterday? I hope so. And, as promised, I'll share more prompts next Monday.

But today is TUESDAYS WITH DONN TAYLOR**.

A funny thing happened to poetry about a hundred years ago. Except that it wasn't very funny.

In really ancient times, several thousand years back, most of the important things written were written in poetry. The idea seems to have been that the most notable events or thoughts should be recorded in the most notable language. A lot has happened since then, and the prevalence of either poetry or prose has varied in different periods. The Renaissance gave us some of the most glorious poetry ever written, though it also brought the invention of the personal essay (Montaigne, Bacon). The creation of modern science in the seventeenth century gave rise to a new kind of prose that we now call technical writing. But, ironically, the writer most influential in its development was John Dryden, the premier English poet of the latter half of that century.

The novel as an art form had its beginnings in the eighteenth century and grew to full fruition in the nineteenth, though poetry (as practiced by writers like Pope, Wordsworth, Tennyson, and others) continued to have large audiences. Even in the early twentieth century, Robert Frost and Edward Arlington Robinson could actually make a living as poets.

But by WW I, the Imagists and other avant garde groups were moving poetry away from the general public and writing to smaller and smaller audiences, growing more esoteric and obscure, until most readers simply went somewhere else.

The result was, so to speak, a divorce of poetry from the audience that had sustained it through recent centuries. And that situation, for the most part, has prevailed through the twentieth century and into the twenty-first. In a rarified atmosphere with a significant element of narcissism, poets-as-conscious-artists write to other poets-as-conscious-artists, while potential readers in the general public turn to more rewarding media.

My message at Blue Ridge and other writers' conferences is that it doesn't have to be this way. I believe that what has been called a divorce is at worst a legal separation, and that reconciliation is possible. What we need is a phalanx of writers willing to study the elements of poetry, develop their craft, and write significant thoughts in beautiful language.

That's what I'm trying to do in my own poetry, and it's what I'm trying to teach others to do at writers' conferences. I've found that people respond well to readings of good-quality poetry aimed at a general audience. And who can read or hear a good poem without thinking, "I'd like to do that"? We won't make a lot of money with our poetry, but creating beautiful and inspiring things is its own reward. And well-written poems will endure and continue to teach and inspire long after our transient commercial prose is forgotten.

I'm hoping more and more writers will join the phalanx.

Yes, Donn, how can people read a good poem and not want to write one themselves? This is exactly why I'm featuring you (and other poets) this month. Thank you for your informative article today. I can't wait to hear more next Tuesday.

Love,
nettie

PS: FYI: The 2nd Monday of every month is POETRY night at The Write Ingredients Writing Workshop. We meet at 7:00 PM at Barnes and Noble at the The Woodlands Mall. Check it out and bring a poem or two to share.

**Mr. Donn Taylor is a poet and novelist who holds a PhD in Renaissance literature and has more than 20 years’ experience teaching poetry. His poetry has appeared in Christianity and Literature, The Lamp-Post (Journal of the California C. S. Lewis Society), and other journals, as well as general audience publications such as the Presbyterian Record (Canada). His poetry collection Dust and Diamond: Poems of Earth and Beyond was published in 2008. His fiction includes a suspense novel, The Lazarus File, and a light-hearted mystery, Rhapsody in Red. He has also published essays on writing, literary criticism, ethical issues, and U. S. foreign policy. In a prior incarnation, he served in two wars with the U. S. Army. His Web site is www.donntaylor.com.

MONDAY MADNESS

2010-04-05T08:29:00.000-05:00

Some of you have watched your favorite college basketball teams in March Madness. Today I'm going to begin Monday Madness. Every Monday I’ll send you some prompts (which are courtesy of Robert Lee Brewer of Writer’s Digest). They're sure to get your creative juices flowing.

Here's his list so far this month (you can also follow his blog on www.writersdigest.com):

Day 1: Lonely Poem

Write a lonely poem. The narrator could be lonely. Someone or something in the poem could be lonely. Or the poem itself could try to evoke a feeling of loneliness for the reader. Or, as in challenges past, you could take the poem in a completely unique direction.

Day 2: Water Poem

For today's prompt, write a water poem. The poem could be specifically about water or just include water somewhere within the poem. You could even write about water-based phenomenon, such as rainbows or water spouts.

Day 3: Last night

For today's prompt, I want you to take the phrase "Partly (blank)," replace the blank with a word or phrase, make that the title of your poem, and then write the poem. For instance, your poem might be titled "Partly Cloudy," "Partly Crazy," "Partly Out of Touch," or whatever.

Day 4: History Poem

For today's prompt, write a history poem. This could mean a poem about your country's history, the history of an event or a tool, or even your own personal history. Hey, you could even write about the history of a relationship. The history of everything is fair game. Have fun!

Robert, I couldn’t agree more. And I hope everyone reading this post has some fun with these prompts. You might find you DO enjoy writing poetry.

Love ya,
nettie

PS: Check in tomorrow for Tuesday with Donn Taylor. Donn will share with you his knowledge and love of poetry. You don’t want to miss it.

POETRY IN SONG

2010-04-04T04:06:00.000-05:00

Have you ever looked up the definition for the word poem? If you haven’t, here is the meaning of it from the Oxford American Dictionary and Thesaurus.

POEM: 1. a metrical composition, concerned with feeling or imaginative description. 2. an elevated composition in verse or prose. 3. something with poetic qualities.

1) Verse, lyric, rhyme, song, ode, ballad, sonnet

Some songs are written to convey a persuasive, passionate, and powerful message. For me, The Old Rugged Cross touches all three. Since today is Easter Sunday I wanted to include the words to the beloved hymn.

The Old Rugged Cross

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
The emblem of suffering and shame;
And I love that old cross where the dearest and best
For a world of lost sinners was slain.

Refrain

So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.

O that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
Has a wondrous attraction for me;
For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above
To bear it to dark Calvary.

Refrain

In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
A wondrous beauty I see,
For ’twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
To pardon and sanctify me.

Refrain

To the old rugged cross I will ever be true;
Its shame and reproach gladly bear;
Then He’ll call me some day to my home far away,
Where His glory forever I’ll share.

Refrain

Words & Music: by George Bennard

Love,
nettie

PS: Songs are poetry set to music.

POETRY--TO CENTER OR NOT

2010-04-03T05:38:00.000-05:00

April 3, 2010

In two days we've learned that centered and rhyming poems are obsolete. Who knew? I didn't. But, I found out centering was a no-no AFTER I sent one of my masterpieces to a contest. Trust me, I didn't win and I received quite a scolding for my apparent faux pas.

Since the woman's critique, I have left justified every poem I write. What a difference it's made in my poetry. Moving my words to the left has given me the freedom to express myself in ways I've never experienced before. I no longer worry so much about the mechanics. Now I sit down and write whatever pops into my head. Glory Hallelujah!!!

If you are one of those who centers their poems--I suggest you go to the dark--OH, I mean left side. You too will feel a new found freedom.

Love,
nettie

PS: And, as promised, here is one of my poems:

WHAT WOULD I DO DIFFERENTLY?

What would I do differently?
The writing prompt asked today.
Pondering the searching question.
Finally, the answer. Pray, pray, pray.
I’d spent the last five years grumbling.
Life’s unfair, everything’s out of whack.
Blaming others for my ineptness.
Always the one ready to attack.
Seeking the Lord at my lowest.
Sure everything would be solved.
Funny, my attitude didn’t change.
His refining fire needed to evolve.
Flames lapping at my backside.
Screaming out loud for any relief.
Heavenly Father, where are You?
I’m sinking in this man-made grief.
His answer came amid continued gripes.
The Lord’s words penned cleansed my soul.
The message, His gift, became clear.
Daughter, let go, I AM in control.

POINTS ON POETRY (PART 2)

2010-04-02T04:27:00.000-05:00

April 2, 2010

Here are more helpful hints from Writer's Relief. Hope they are getting your creative juices flowing.

PART 2: Poetry Turnoffs: Styles And Formatting That Make Editors Cringe

Thursday, 18 March 2010 09:17 by Writer's Relief Staff:

Poetry Format: Centering Lines

There is a perception among some newer poets (or at least, there is a perception among literary editors about newer poets) that centering the text of a poem somehow makes it look and feel more poetic. Few editors fall for that ruse, and some have been known to be dismissive of centered poems.

If your poem can be left justified without doing damage to the meaning of the poem, you may want to consider ditching the center justification if it helps your work get published in a well-known literary journal. That said, as with spacing, if there is a reason other than "it looks nice" that your poem must be centered, then by all means, stick to your guns. Hopefully, you’ll be able to connect with an editor who gets your work and will not dismiss your poem simply because of the center justification.

The Best Length For Poems

As the page count of your poems goes up, the chances of your seeing them published go down. One-page poems have the best shot at being placed. And poems that have long lines of text may not be eligible for publication in narrow literary magazines. For more on this issue, read Why Length Matters When Submitting Your Stories And Poems For Publication.

One Final Note About Poetry Format

The above tips are based on the experiences of Writer’s Relief in helping poets publish their poems in literary magazines since 1994. However, we do not advocate writing poetry only for the market. If the muse moves you to write a certain way, you should do what makes you happy, consequences be damned. Writing poetry is a very personal matter, and the decisions you make about your poems should be made with care and authority—regardless of the market.

If you find you are relying too heavily on any of the above, we recommend familiarizing yourself with the kinds of things that editors are publishing in your favorite literary journals. Being familiar with the work of contemporary poets is important to your craft, your muse, and your career. Read more: Seven Techniques You Must Know To Make Editors Notice Your Poetry (in a good way!).

"Writer's Relief, Inc. is a highly recommended author's submission service. Established in 1994, Writer's Relief will help you target the best markets for your creative writing. Visit their Web site at http://www.writersrelief.com to receive their FREE Writers' Newsflash (today, via e-mail) which contains valuable leads, guidelines, and deadlines for writing in all genres."

Love ya,
nettie

PS: FYI: I recommend signing up for their FREE newsletter. Lots of helpful grammer tips, places to submit our writing (fiction, poetry, etc.), and so much more.

POINTS ON POETRY (Part 1)

2010-04-01T06:29:00.000-05:00

April 1, 2010

Some of you know April is Poetry Month. And, you also know I've mentioned this fact on my blog for the past three years. I've pestered you to join me on this poetic journey, but feel your enthusiasm is lacking when it comes to writing poetry.

So, this year I decided to do things a little different. Every day this month I'm going to post something about the world of poetry. Some days will be helpful hints on how to write and submit a poem (from sources who know more about poetry than I do). Another day or two, I'll add a prompt you can use to jumpstart your verse. I might even share a poem I've written along the way.

What do you say--Let's get started.

Today's article comes from Writer's Relief. Enjoy!

Poetry Turnoffs: Styles And Formatting That Make Editors Cringe

Thursday, 18 March 2010 09:17 by Writer's Relief Staff - Part 1:

At Writer’s Relief we are very tuned in to trends in the publishing industry, and we’ve noticed that some poetry formatting choices act as red flags to editors of literary journals. These red flags tend to make editors view poets as new or amateur. If you’d like to get your poems published in literary magazines, consider these tips before making your submission.

Rhyming Poetry And Contemporary Publishing

As disappointing as the news may be for some poets, very few literary journals are accepting rhyming poems or formal verse poems. From the lack of popular interest in rhyming poetry, it seems that many modern readers have come to regard rhyme as naive, outdated, and contrived. Literary editors of well-known journals are simply not banging down poets’ doors to publish rhyming poetry.

That said, some editors love and publish rhyme. Poets who excel in traditional verse may well find an outlet in literary journals; however, the writing must be exceptional in order to overcome the apparent editorial disinterest in rhyme.

Poetry Format: Double-Spaced Lines

One of the tell tale signs that a writer is new to the craft is unnecessary double-spacing of free verse or rhyming poems. Many double-spaced poems can easily become single-spaced poems without doing significant damage. The new writer may feel uncomfortable changing from double spaces to single spaces, but if you leaf through the pages of a literary magazine, you’ll find that most poems are single-spaced.

That said, some poems simply must be double-spaced. The writer selects double-spacing not just because it “looks nice” but because that format supports the meaning of the poem in some way. You can double-space your poems; just be sure you’re doing it deliberately, with sensitivity and awareness. If you can remove the double spacing without doing damage to the poem, it might be a good idea to do so. The format change will also help you keep the page count down.

***

"Writer's Relief, Inc. is a highly recommended author's submission service. Established in 1994, Writer's Relief will help you target the best markets for your creative writing. Visit their Web site at http://www.writersrelief.com to receive their FREE Writers' Newsflash, which contains valuable leads, guidelines, and deadlines for writing in all genres."

Love ya,

nettie

PS: Hope everyone enjoyed today's teaching. Be sure to check back tomorrow for Part 2.

Release From the Prison my Father Built

2010-03-01T09:11:00.000-06:00

“Go home to your friends and tell them the great things the Lord has done for you.” (Mark 5:19)

Those words of Scripture burst alive in my heart almost 40 years ago as I knelt praying in my prison cell, asking the Lord if there was any way He could work things out for me to be released before finishing my entire sentence. I said “amen” and opened the Bible randomly to read this verse – “Go home to your friends and tell them the great things the Lord has done for you.”

I was stunned — and very excited. Somehow I knew that the Lord had heard my prayer and answered. I knew that I was going to get out of prison! And I knew what I was supposed to do once I got out — “go home to my friends and tell them.”

I also knew that there was nothing I could do to make this actually occur. If indeed it was the Lord speaking to me as I supposed, then He alone would be the One who would make what He had said happen.

And He did.

Less than two weeks later, on December 22, 1970, I was released from the Texas State Penitentiary. I went home to my friends and began telling them my story. And I have been doing just that for the past four decades. Now, I have the privilege to tell my story to you with the pubication of my new book, Released From the Prison My Father Built.

Beginning tomorrow I will post excerpts from the book to give you a first look at what the Lord has done, and how it can impact your own life as you follow after Jesus on your personal journey into freedom.

Enjoy!

Fresh off the press, Released From the Prison My Father Built is a riveting true story of one man’s personal journey from abandonment to love, from hopelessness to faith, and from incarceration to freedom. A fascinating read loaded with insights that help the reader find love, faith, and freedom for themselves. Get your copy today!

Available now online at www.truthworks.org . You can also click on rylisms under my LINKS to order.

Happy reading!!!
nettie

FRESH START - PART 2

2010-01-29T02:52:00.000-06:00

In my blogs this year I’m going to keep with the theme I started in the one I sent December 31. Some of you may remember from that entry I proclaimed, “The only way to get started is to BEGIN.” And that’s exactly what I did. . . on January 5.

Now you’re probably wondering what happened to the first four days of the New Year. Let’s just say I excluded them because I had other important things to do. First, I had to get ready to celebrate my birthday on January 3, and then it took me one whole day to get over the fact that I’m OLD.

Anyway, back to my theme for 2010. To begin I knew I needed something to jumpstart my writing. And PROMPTS (which you know I love) would do the trick. With them, the possibilities are endless. They give me the freedom to write whatever pops into my head.

Without delay I went to my bookshelf and picked up A Writer’s Book of Days (thanks SW) and found the prompt for January 5. The entry read: Write about a day moon. A day moon? Not exactly the subject I’d have chosen to inspire me, but if anything could get my creative juices flowing—this would. Only one problem, I couldn’t remember the last time I’d seen a day moon. Guess I’d have to make something up (oh, isn’t that what writers do? HA!).

Here’s the little snippet I came up with:

The bright morning revealed an unexpected surprise. The almost translucent moon sat high above me. Not yet settled in the western sky. Not ready to dip to its final resting place. Not visible unless one took the time to glance heavenward. . .

My fingers continued to type. In the end, I wrote a devotional about my Heavenly Father's handiwork. His creation we sometimes miss because we are in such a hurry to see what's next.

Well, gotta run and see where the next prompt leads me. Maybe another devotional. A poem. A short story. I don’t know, but whatever it is—the Lord never ceases to amaze me on this journey called writing.

Bon voyage,
nettie

PS: Take it from me - prompts can jumpstart your writing too. Why don't you give them a try today.

FRESH START - 2010

2010-01-01T00:26:00.000-06:00

I’ve finally figured it out. The only way to get started is to BEGIN. What a profound concept. And, January 1, 2010 seems the apropos time to kick my life in the rear end and do just that.

Yes, you’ve heard me say those same words a thousand times, but I’m serious this time. If I’m going to succeed at anything, I have to DO SOMETHING. So, here are the EIGHT things I’m going to do to make it happen in 2010:

1. Pray fervently and BE STILL (which will be difficult for me since I like to talk so much). But we do know the Lord God Almighty can do the impossible. Remember, He DID part the Red Sea. So I guess He can shut my mouth long enough so I can hear the plans He has for me.

2. Write, edit, submit. Write, edit, submit. Write, edit, submit. Without these three things going hand-in-hand, how can I expect to accomplish anything?

3. I’m going to quit procrastinating. Oh how I hate to even bring up that subject, but it’s a glaring problem in my life. I like what Edward Young (whoever he is) says, “Procrastination is the thief of time.” Amen and pass the potatoes, brothers and sisters. So, starting today, I’ll not put off until tomorrow what I can do today.

4. Decide someone else’s bad attitude is not always my fault. The only attitude I have control over is my own. When I realize this fact, then my mind will be free to pursue what the Lord intends.

5. Market myself (i.e. send out more queries, do extra speeches, offer to speak at Toastmaster contests and/or other functions, find more editing jobs, etc.).

6. Keep on learning, listening and letting the Lord have more control of my life.

7. Remind myself to only think of whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things…And the God of peace will be with me. (Philippians 4:8 NIV)

8. And above all – start my day with PRAYER! Only then can I get busy!!

Dear Family and friends:
As 2010 begins - May the Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. (Numbers 6:24-26).

Happy New Year,
nettie

PS: And anyone who wants to hold me accountable on the above mentioned items – BRING IT ON!!

FOOLS RUSH IN

2009-09-13T09:56:00.000-05:00

Are you looking for the perfect romantic comedy for your Christian reading group? Look no further than Fools Rush In, where Tex-Mex meets Italian for a boot scoot'n good time!

Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Revell (September 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800733428

Here's a synopsis:

Bella Rossi may be nearing thirty, but her life is just starting to get interesting. When her Italian-turned-Texan parents hand over the family wedding planning business, Bella is determined not to let them down. She quickly books a "Boot Scoot'n" wedding that would make any Texan proud. There's only one catch—she knows nothing about country music because her family only listens to Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. Where will she find a DJ on such short notice who knows his Alan Jackson from his Keith Urban?

When a misunderstanding leads her to the DJ (and man) of her dreams, things start falling into place. But with a family like hers, nothing is guaranteed.

Can the perfect Texan wedding survive a pizza-making uncle with mob ties, an aunt who is a lawsuit waiting to happen, and a massive delivery of 80 cowboy boots? And will Bella ever get to plan her own wedding? Book one in the Weddings by Bella series, Fools Rush In is fun, fresh, and full of surprises. Readers will love the flavorful combination of Italian and Tex-Mex, and the hilarity that ensues when cultures clash.

Here's what several readers had to say about the book:
REVIEWER: Carly
Carlybird’s Home
http://carlybirdshome.blogspot.com/

Do you need a laugh? I mean a really good laugh? Then you need to read Fools Rush In. This has got to be one of the funniest books I have ever read, perhaps even the funniest. The concept of these two very different cultures coming together is priceless. The author has obviously spent a lot of time with very large Italian families because she knows all of their funny little nuances, and I love that.

The characters in this story are so delightful and I loved all the different personalities that just seemed to blend well together without feeling contrived. I especially liked Guido; he was a great source of humor and hope. The story was fun and fast paced, but still had a good flow to it. It never felt rushed nor did it drag at any point.
At the heart of this very funny book is Bella, a young woman who has a lot of fears and insecurities. As she embarks on the challenge of running her family’s wedding planning business, she must learn to trust God for everything. That is a simple truth that we all need to hear as much as possible. I am so glad that Fools Rush In is the first in the Weddings by Bella series. I hope the author is hard at work on the next book because I am so excited to read it. Fools Rush In was such a pleasant surprise. I didn’t know what to expect, but I have to say, this book is a delight. I can’t recommend this book strongly enough. It will make you laugh and make you think. You will be glad you read it. I know I am.

From Author Trish Perry:
Mamma mia, let's escape! Let's fall in love! Let's eat chicken parmesan, fettuccini alfredo, and Bubba's down-home barbeque without gaining a pound. It's all possible when we hang out with Bella Rossi in Fools Rush In. Janice Thompson's first installment in the Weddings by Bella series is a fun, welcome distraction from life's boredom and stress. You'll fall for Bella's DJ even faster than she does. And you'll root for the Rossi and Neeley families as they break down cultural barriers and rush toward each other, arms wide open. No fools, they! - Trish Perry (www.trishperry.com)

From Ane Mulligan, editor, Novel Journey
“Janice Thompson is a master storyteller who draws her readers into the tale along with the characters. From page one of Fools Rush In, I felt as if I were Bella’s best friend, sitting down with her over cups of Italian cappuccino while she told me the latest happenings in her zany family. One of my top picks for 2009, Fools Rush In earns a permanent place in my library.”

MORE INFO ABOUT THE BOOK:
E-Blast:http://www.bakerpublishinggroup.com/thompson%5Feblast/

Book Trailer (YouTube): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TufSwOeXuoU

To read the first two chapters of the book online:http://www.revellbooks.com/Media/MediaManager/Excerpt
_9780800733421.pdf
Romantic Times Spotlight:http://www.rtbookreviews.com/stage/authors_spotprev.php?id=605

Janice's Website: www.janiceathompson (to purchase an autographed copy of the book)

Janice's Email: booksbyjanice@aol.com

Buy Fools Rush in at amazon.com here:http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0800733428/ref=s9_
simz_gw_s0_p14_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-
2&pf_rd_r=08AVC0VFEXKRNQTXT7DR&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=
470938631&pf_rd_i=507846

Thanks so much for your interest! Have a boot scoot'n day, y'all!

Janice Thompson lives in the Houston area and is thrilled to speak to local reading groups and/or women's groups. She can be reached at booksbyjanice@aol.com. You will find a copy of the book's discussion questions here: http://www.bakerbooks.com/Media/MediaManager/FoolsRushInDiscussion
Questions.pdf

Love ya,
nettie

PS: I've read Janice's wonderful book. From the beginning she had me laughing out loud. Her words transported me into her imagination. I felt as if the Rossi's (themselves) welcomed me into their home for a feast of Italian fare. Great read and very entertaining. LOVED IT!!!!

SIGN, SIGN, EVERYWHERE A SIGN

2009-07-27T10:42:00.000-05:00

Except in and around Washington, D.C.

R. and I find this is sooooooooo true when we’re on the road again to our nation’s capitol (via Arlington, Virginia). AND, this lack of signage AND/OR size of signs almost gets me thrown in the slammer (you think I’m kidding – I’m not). Let me explain. . .

Oh, but I have to tell you about our visit to the Arlington National Cemetery first.

Hallowed ground, the sign reads! Silence surrounds us as we walk among the white grave markers. Row after perfectly aligned row blankets the landscape and it’s so much bigger than I thought it would be. Again, I say “thank you” to the countless men and women who sacrificed their all for our freedom.

Next, R. and I go to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to watch the changing of the guard ceremony. Even though we read about it before we made the trip, it’s amazing to see. Unbelievable what these soldiers must go through to get one of the prestigious positions. To read more - go to www.arlingtonceremony.net.

Precision.........................................Pride.......................................Patriotism.

As we leave the cemetery in search of our next destination – the Pentagon Memorial - the signage problem starts to rear its ugly head (refer to first paragraph above). Try as we might, we can’t find the highway to take us to the 9-11 memorial, but we do locate (and take) the one leading us back to Herndon.
R. doesn’t let this little detour dissuade him. He turns around and we get on the road again and locate a honking sign announcing the Pentagon exit, which is a half mile in front of us. Praise the Lord, we’re almost there.

NOT SO FAST! What do my eyes behold but a teeny tiny sign telling unsuspecting tourists that the exit we’re about to pass is the one we want. I shout and point and POOF! Mario Andretti replaces R. in the driver’s seat (or so it seems). Somehow hubby’s able to maneuver the Hyundai down the ramp in time with no mishaps recorded.

Unfortunately, those are about to surface when we try to park at the Pentagon. Every sign in the large lot indicates that only cars with specific stickers can park there. Since we see others parking there, R. and I reason it’s o-ke-do-kie to do the same.

I get out of the car and decide it’s time to take a picture. But before I do that, please repeat this phrase after me – “For lack of knowledge, people perish.”

One minute I’m posed to take a photo of the Pentagon and the next thing I know two cops are vying for MY full attention. People, I’m torn as to which one of them to go to. Do I go to the one on my left who’s just jumped out of his car and is waving his arms at me? OR do I go to the one in front of me who is sitting in his patrol car with his index finger out his window motioning me to come on over?

Logic tells me I better do something before one of them decides to shoot me for evading arrest. With my heart a pounding, I look over to Officer #1 and point at Officer #2 and shout, “He wants to see me, too.”

It’s obvious by Officer #1’s expression he doesn’t know what I’m trying to say. Also, I realize he doesn't see Officer #2 and the fact he too is beckoning me. I repeat myself and point with more enthusiasm at Officer #2. Finally Officer #1 understands and turns and goes back to his patrol car. I can once again breathe.

We head over to Officer #2’s vehicle and before I can ask what all the fuss is about, the man says, “Put the camera away. It’s against the law to take pictures of the Pentagon.”

As quick as I can, I stuff my camera deep into my Capri pocket. “Sir, I’m so sorry. I didn’t see any signs.”

It’s obvious my answer isn’t the one he wants because the young man’s bald head begins to turn a pinkish color. Seems he’s struggling with what to say next. He takes a couple of breaths and with all the calm he can muster, he blurts out, "there are SIGNS posted everywhere stating that the taking of photographs is illegal.”

Before a sassy retort falls out of my mouth (like - where are they), R. jumps in and informs the policeman of the signage woes we’ve already experienced today. The officer seems to agree with our assessment and says so.

I’m thinking that we're getting somewhere and we’re almost done with this discussion. I really want to move on to see the memorial.

NOT SO FAST – R. isn’t finished. He adds, “And we aren’t supposed to park here, are we.” He point to our little car in the almost empty lot.

“No. You need to follow the signs to park at the mall. Turn on Red, White and blah, blah, blah…”

ALL I WANT TO DO IS SEE THE MEMORIAL! Please, don't tell me we have to find another SIGN!

I wait patiently as the officer finishes his directions, and then I thank him for his help. R. and I walk to the car and together we decide it’s time to move on. Today isn’t the day to see the Pentagon Memorial – maybe next trip.

R. finds his way out of the parking lot and is on the road again and I’m happy to report we locate our next stop - Capitol City Brewing Company – without any more incidents. And, I think you’ll agree I’ve had one too many of those already. People, it's not every day I’m in the middle of a stand-off and almost get thrown in jail.

Now you know why I’m a writer.

Love ya,
nettie

HAPPY 4th of JULY

2009-07-18T17:44:00.000-05:00

Today’s blog is our 4th of July/28th Anniversary adventure. Yes, I'm a tad behind, but sit back. It's a ride you're sure to enjoy. We’re on the road again -this time we visit Harpers Ferry, West Virginia.

We make our usual stop at the area’s Visitor’s Center. Then we head to the Appalachian Trail Visitor Center. This is the place where thru-hikers stop for supplies, hook up on the Internet, and rest up. A sign boasts it’s the halfway point between Georgia and Maine.

Since I’m a curious sort, I start talking to one of the thru-hikers. Kozemo tells us he started his trek on the AT in March, but got side-lined in mid-May. He slipped coming down a hill and broke his leg.

People, I know what you're thinking, but I stay put and calmly ask him if a helicopter was involved in his rescue.

“No, I’m trained as an EMT and I had my buddy wrap my leg real tight and we walked out.”

At that moment, I decide I am NUTS for even thinking about hiking any of the 2,178 miles. BUT when I thought it couldn't get worse, it did. After our chat with Kozemo, I pick up a book to read. Information inside seals the deal. I AM NUTS and I’m not sleeping in the shelters along the Appalachian Trail. They have MICE (did I mention I hate them more than going over huge bridges).

I've never hyperventilated before, but I am certain I was doing just that with this last bit of news. Then I realize (and start to smile), I don’t have to worry about the rodents. First, I have to train for the long journey. And, I’m thinking it’s going to take a whole lot longer to get into shape than I thought (wink, wink).

We head to our hotel and settle in. Oh, by the way, did I mention the reason it's a big day? R. is dragging me down a big nasty river in nothing but a little rubber boat. We're riding the rapids.

Oh, how I prayed for the Lord’s return, but the day dawns clear and bright. We arrive at River Riders with plenty of time to spare. R. assures me that we’ll face Category 1 and 2 (mild, with a few bumps) rapids. I’m okay with his explanation until I watch the safety film. The water and people flopping around in the rafts appear anything but tame. God help me.

Again, I bow my head in fervent prayer, but Jesus decides it still isn’t time for his triumphant return. I don’t have a choice but to go and get fitted with a helmet and life vest. We take a bus to the Shenandoah River and Ryan, our guide, loads us up and we’re off.

All (or most) of my fears disappear a few yards from shore. Ryan assures me if I pay attention, I won’t fall out of the raft. Whenever we come close to any rapids, he tells us exactly what we need to do. I’m out of my comfort zone and having a GREAT time. Who knew?

As our almost four hour voyage wraps up, I look back and ponder - it's amazing when I push the limits I’ve set for myself, I enjoy the experience. Am I ready for bigger and faster rapids? Not quite yet, but I’ll remember the great time R. and I had for years to come.

Both of us are tired pups, but there’s still daylight. We take off on the back roads and (as usual) find some interesting sites (see picture below).

We found this adorable house in Shepherdstown, WV. Wouldn’t this make a wonderful playhouse? Honestly, I’d love to go home right now and build one and call it my office. Since it seems almost magical, maybe I’d get some serious writing done. Just a thought!

Our eventful day ends and our heads hit the pillow early ‘cause tomorrow is another big day. It’s July 4th and our 28th anniversary. R. and I need to do some serious celebrating after the year we’ve had (I’ll leave it at that and go on) and what we decide to do is hike another stretch of the Appalachian Trail (no worry about mice today since I won’t be sleeping).

R. pulls into the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park and we grab our hiking sticks out of the trunk and take a bus. The driver drops us off in Harpers Ferry and within minutes we’re on the trail again.

Should we go to Maine or Georgia? Decisions, decisions, decisions.

We decide to head north and maybe a half mile into our excursion; I spot a man in a wheelchair coming toward us. This incredible sight puts any troubles I may have in the “quit grumbling, it could be so much worse” file in my heart. R. and I say hi and the gentleman asks if we want to buy some water. Since it’s early, we decline (stay tuned to the rest of the story).

As you can see we manage to clock a quite a few miles on our hike today (and if you believe that we walked 59 miles – I’ve got some land in Florida I’d like you to look at-HA!).

As much as we hate to end our hike, it’s time to go. We turn around and on our way, we run into the gentleman in the wheelchair. This time we’re ready to buy a bottle or two of water from him, but he’s sold out, but all is not lost. Craig goes on to share why he spends his time on the trail.

“I’ve got two choices. I can stay in a nursing home and die or I can be out here, bringing water to people who need it. I’d rather be among the living.”

Amen! And what a testimony, Craig. Thanks for putting things into perspective. May God richly bless you and your endeavors.

We head to Herndon for a dinner at Uno-Chicago Grill. What a delightful day and it ends with delicious food (dessert was on the house-what a surprise).

Love,
nettie

PS: And since we’re speaking of Uno – our wonderful waitress brought us our doggy bag in this brightly colored box. What a sweetheart.

BRIDGES, BOARDWALK, BEACH, BELL

2009-07-12T23:40:00.000-05:00

Mapquest is one of the best inventions, but I still have one BIG grumble about them and that is their last two directions. The streets don’t exist OR they moved them when they knew we were coming to town. Please tell me someone else has this problem?

The step-by-step instructions get us on the road again to Atlantic City, New Jersey this time. Today there’s no back roads for us – toll roads are calling R.’s name. He says they’ll save us an hour and a half in driving time. This sounds good to me (that is until he makes the eight stops at the toll booths and forks over a whopping $17.35). Thank goodness R. thought to get some cash before we left. God bless him.

Our travels take us over the Delaware River and did I ever mention I don’t like bridges? I’ve found in this area you don’t have a choice but to take them. Only other option - ferry a boat to get where you’re going.

I live through the traumatic ordeal and we make it to our destination on time (despite all the stops at the toll booths, breakfast/Starbucks/potty break AND (refer back up to first paragraph) not finding the last two street on our directions).

As usual, we didn’t make reservations. Thought we’d check out the area and then make our decision on where to stay. I’m so glad we did because we find a cozy bed and breakfast (The Carisbrook Inn) a block from the Boardwalk and beach.

Our room looks out over the Atlantic Ocean and the first thing we do is open all the windows and let the sea breeze in. Tiredness just evaporates and we’re ready for whatever the rest of our day has to offer.

Which is off to walk on the Boardwalk and visit some of the establishments (casinos) lining the beach. Lady luck smiles on me the first day, but leaves me high and dry the rest of the time. That’s okay, the stars align for R. and his winnings keep us in the black. No need to sell our gold to get home.

After dinner we head back to the bed and breakfast and open the windows again. We crawl into their king size bed and soon we’re fast asleep.

Early the next morning (before breakfast), we take a stroll along the beach. We don’t get very far before I stop and begin my ritual of collecting shells. I hear R. sigh deeply. The sure sign he wants me to walk faster (get a little exercise while we at it), but that’s not happening. Do I have to remind him (AGAIN) that there are treasures waiting for me to find? Anyway, I’m getting a workout – bend over, pick up shell, stand up, walk six inches and bend over. . .you get the drift.

Soon, my stomach starts to growl and I know breakfast is calling my name. We get back to the b&b and clean up and go downstairs. A couple is already sitting in the dining room. We chat with them while we wait for our fare of the day (fruit, scone, omelet, potatoes, juice – did I say we weren’t hungry after their feast?).

Another couple comes in and starts chatting with all of us. Laughter fills the room. I smile. THIS is why R. and I stay at b&b’s and why we owned one. In the matter of minutes you make friends and everyone has a tale to tell.

And, this morning, for some reason, our story seems to intrigue these people – especially the last couple. They have questions about opening up an auto repair shop. I know for a fact we spent over two hours talking to them about opening, running and maintaining a successful shop.

They listen to us and the bits of advice we give them, and then they shared their hearts with us. In the end we prayed for them. What a blessing and one we would have missed if we’d stayed at an ordinary hotel. Thank You, Lord.

We hate to leave our new friends, but need to get on the road again. Our next stop – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - and the home of the Liberty Bell.

Right in front of us is another bridge (which you know I love). This one is called the Ben Franklin Bridge. While R. drives across the monstrosity, I look for signs for the famous bell. There are none (or I didn’t see any that points us in the right direction).

But after reading the teeny-tiny map of downtown Philadelphia, I discover we’re going the WRONG direction. I tell R. to turn around and without another mishap (and my expert navigational skills-HA!) we find the Visitor’s Center.

Before we get very far inside, I see an interesting sign - Tickets for Independence Hall are SOLD-OUT! Oh my goodness, does this mean we don’t get to see the Liberty Bell? I scurry over to the counter and ask the young girl. She assures us that the bell is in another building and circles the location. We thank her and follow the map she gave us.

Liberty Bell and
Independence Hall in the background

After R. snaps a picture of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, I hear a man reading the first paragraph to his son. At first I chuckle to myself, but then realize how important this moment is. I’m witnessing a father trying to convey to his son the importance of the document in front of them. And, the reason our nation is free today.

Well, I better wrap up our Back East Bloglog for today. Stay tuned for more adventures to come.

Love ya and happy reading,
nettie

PS: What a sight!! A clown toting a tool box - either they have lots of make-up to carry or they’re a handyman wearing the outfit as a unique marketing tool. I’ll guarantee I wouldn’t forget my plumber if he came in a get-up like that one.

A SHORT DISTANCE AWAY

2009-07-06T00:44:00.000-05:00

Today our excursion takes us on the road again to Baltimore's Inner Harbor. A mere 60 miles from Herndon. Amazing that a whole other state is just a little over an hour away. Tad different from Texas, I’d say.

And, as usual, our trips come with a delay or funny (this is a little of both). The fact is I should leave my coffee cup at the apartment. But noooooooo I bring it along and swig it down like I have a Porta Potty in the back seat (we didn’t buy that Hyundai model). Even these short distances cause me problems.

R. (ever so kind) takes an exit which boasts of a Shell station. On our off-the-freeway run, not a gas station is found. He turns the car around and gets back on I-495. As he merges, the VERY next sign announces a rest area and a visitor’s center a half mile away. Glory Hallelujah. There is a God in heaven and He heard his daughter’s cries.

Now we’re ready to visit Baltimore's Inner Harbor.

The city skyline welcomes us.

We park and spot the Visitor’s Center and go in and get a map of the area and start walking. I don’t believe we went two blocks and hunger pangs hit R. And since I'm never one to turn down a meal, I follow and order a slice of pizza. When it comes it’s hanging over the side of the plate. It’s the biggest slice of pizza I’ve ever seen and I consume most of it.

With energy to burn, we take off again.

First stop Camden Yards (in baseball lingo that’s the Baltimore Orioles stadium) and another landmark I can check off my list. As we stroll around the perimeter R. notices plaques embedded in the cement. I stop and notice they are there to mark where players have hit it out of the park. COOL!!!

After our self-guided tour of the Orioles stadium, we take off and walk around town. Thank goodness for the breeze off the water and shade trees (both make our looooonnnnnggggg stroll more enjoyable).

While on our extended walk, I see a woman with a stroller on the other side of the street and she’s heading the opposite direction from us. We cross the street and there on the sidewalk is a pink teddy bear. Without much thought, I ran after the woman, thinking the stuffed animal belongs to her child.

As I get closer to the woman, I say, “Ma'am. Ma’am.” She doesn’t turn. I try again. She still keeps going. Finally I yell, “Lady with the stroller.” She stops and looks at me like I’m some kind of lunatic. I ask her if her child lost their teddy bear. The woman answers “no” and turns and walks away.

Sometimes my good deeds work out and sometimes they don’t. This time not so much. R. props up the abandoned bear by a tree and we continue our travels, but my heart hurts for the little one who lost his or her buddy.

Soon after my trek to save Mr. Teddy, I’m hot – and God bless R. when he spies a place for refreshment. Good excuse for us to get into air-conditioning and rest our weary feet. Did I mention shopping??

But, thank goodness, I didn’t buy anything because our next stop – a climb up some pretty steep steps to an overlook to take a picture of the harbor. Breathtaking scenery!

On our way down, we decide to take the path, but soon R. gets bored of the sensible and wants to get down quicker. He heads down the grass and urges me to do the same. Need I say that going downhill is the part of hiking I hate? People, I’m afraid I’ll trip and roll down the mountain (in this case – a hill) and die (melodramatic-I know). R. reminds me to take slow, easy steps and I make it to the bottom alive and all in one piece.

And at the bottom is a gallery with this mosaic wall glistening in the sunlight. The bus parked in back is also covered with mosaic tile. Love all the creatures on the hood (see picture below). Maybe R. and I will buy a bus and create our own masterpiece on wheels. Just a thought.

I want to check out the interesting gallery, but we don’t have enough time.

We have a boat to catch for a dinner cruise and we’re starving. The Spirit is supposed to take off at 7:00, but for some reason it’s delayed. At 7:15 we find out why. A wedding took place on the upper deck and we’re invited to take part in the couple’s wedding reception. What a surprise!!!

An evening to remember – fabulous food, dancing the night away and a spectacular sunset.

Better scoot for now, but talk to all of you next week in another Back East Bloglog.

Love ya,
nettie

PS: And I promise no more mention of pitstops or pitfalls in the upcoming blogs. . .Yeah right, nettie - who are you trying to kid?

CIVIL WAR, CHOCOLATE AND AMISH QUILTS

2009-06-28T23:46:00.000-05:00

Does anyone know what these three things have in common? If you said Pennsylvania – you’d be absolutely right. R. and I are on the road again. This time heading to find all three.

Frederick, Maryland is our first stop – OR NOT – with me behind the wheel. I flat miss the exit (R. informs me as we sail by our intended turn-off).

“I didn’t see the sign,” I tell him.

Silence fills the air. I’m sure R. is either satisfied with my answer (highly unlikely) or so stunned, he’s finding it hard to respond.

Before he can formulate words, I add. “I don’t look at signs. I just drive. Half the time I don’t even know what the speed limit is.”

Laughter erupts from the passenger seat.

“What’s so funny?”

“That explains so much about your driving and why you don’t drive in Houston. You COULD get lost and never be found.”

Oh HA!! HA!!!

Since I missed Frederick, R. directs me to our next stop – Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. We locate the Visitor’s Center and they offer a couple of tours for us to choose from. We decide to go on a self-guided one (yes, R. is driving).

With map in hand, we take off. The barn in the picture below is #1 on the tour and where the Civil War began.

R. takes his time driving through the tour and pulls off at the different statues along the way.

This one depicts the men who fought from North Carolina.

This is The Valley of Death

This is for the Pennsylvania regiment. Elaborate with statues of men standing at attention on all four sides (one we recognize as Abraham Lincoln)

Our visit to Gettysburg put a face on the Civil War for me and I’m ashamed as to how lightly I’ve taken it through the years. Maybe the appreciation of history is finally sinking into this head of mine. Guess it’s about time.

While R. and I are learning about the battles, the ‘kids’ are clamoring about our next stop. I try to shush them, but Randy is almost beside himself.

“Can you guys hurry up? The place is going to close before we get there,” the little bear growls (oh, I mean says).

If you’re wondering what he’s referring to – it’s Hershey, Pennsylvania. Home of the:

As we park at Hershey’s Chocolate World and get out, I thought Ray and Randy would faint from the aroma surrounding us. Trust me I have to hold their hands or they’d take off and Hazel and I would find them head-first in a vat of chocolate.

We’re not a foot in the door and R. stops and buys all of us a goody for our walk around the facility. People, I’ve never seen so much candy in one spot. And they came in every shape and size imaginable, too. I think the boys (R. and R.) thought they’d died and gone to heaven.

At 3:30 we go out and catch the Hershey Trolley. All of us enjoy the trolley ride around the town that Milton S. Hershey established back in 1903. The guides tell the history of how milk chocolate got it start and gives out samples we can savor along the way.

As they show us the Hershey grounds, the tour guides point out the plant where the chocolate (and other goodies) are made. There is also a huge amusement park, concert venue and a rose garden which Mr. Hershey gave to his wife many years ago on the property located next to Chocolate World.

Red Rose Motel - Our day ends in the quiet town of Rheem, Pennsylvania at the Red Rose Motel. Cozy little cabin, comfortable bed and cool breezes blowing through the window. Dreams of sugar plums – oh I mean chocolate dancing in all of our heads.

This morning the family is on the road to Lancaster County – Amish country and I can’t wait. As a quilt lover, these stops excite me as much as the chocolate did the boys yesterday.

We see our first horse and buggy and I’m transported back in time. I look over and see the Log Cabin Quilt Shop and the most magnificent quilt I’ve ever seen. I instruct R. to pull in as fast as he can (but warn him to be careful not to run the Amish family down).

I marvel at the black and white quilt hanging by the front door (which you can't really see in the photo-sorry). Every part of my being wants the beautiful masterpiece, but I don’t buy it. I purchase a wall hanging with the same pattern. Yes, I’m selling my house with the black and white bathroom, but who says I won’t use black and white to decorate my next place.

Amish hospitality and workmanship welcome us into every store we browse through. R. finds another walking stick and buys it. We are getting quite a collection.

On our way back to Herndon, R. drives. I’m navigating us through the back roads of Pennsylvania and Maryland – and NOT doing such a fine job, I might add. But I have to come to my own defense – PA or MD don’t waste their tax dollars on road signs (I'm being a bit snide). At one point I think R. thought we were lost and never going to be found. Thankfully a neighborly gentleman (and a cop) gave us directions and we were on the road again.

Until next time – love ya!!!!

nettie:

PS: I hope you’re enjoying the PS’s as much as I am – today is a doozer. Some of you are aware that there is a town in Lancaster County called Intercourse. Yes, you read that right. Oh, how I wanted to mention it, but didn’t know how to tactfully. Mr. R. found the perfect solution – a street sign announcing an OB/GYN conference. Priceless!!!

NOW MY FEET HURT

2009-06-21T22:32:00.000-05:00

I’m sorry I’ve started the last two blogs out with complaining, but my feet DO hurt!!! That’s because we're on the road again in Washington, D.C. I know I wrote about it in an earlier blog, but this one’s sooooo much better. The ‘kids’ got out of the car this time and into the action.

And as always, our road trips can’t start without the signature song or a mishap (you should know that by now). Humor me while I share an important discovery – I shouldn’t be allowed to drink coffee on road trips (do we sense a reoccurring theme here-HA!). Anyway, R. finds us a parking spot and we rush to the nearest restroom, which is at the Jefferson Memorial.

People, Elvis could have been belting out Can’t Help Falling in Love on the steps and I would have whipped by him with barely a nod - that’s how desperate I was (TMI).

Oh, darn it, I just thought of another funny. This one happens in the bathroom. I lay my stylish little number (remember previous blog with my umbrella) on the side of the sink and put my hand under the faucet – it automatically comes on and my purse falls into the sink and gets soaked before I can retrieve it (no need to ask why I’m a writer, stories just happen when I’m around)

Anyway, we leave Jefferson behind and go to the Washington Monument. I can’t believe I’m standing next to something I’ve only dreamt of seeing. The granite exterior glistens in the morning sun and seems so much taller than I imagined. As we turn to leave I catch a glimpse of the White House in the distance. Amazing!

From there we find the Visitor’s Center and the woman gives us a detailed map of the area and our trek around DC continues. Next stop the Renwick Gallery. And you’ll never believe, but the security beeper goes off again. R., do you have to get so up-close-and-personal with the outlandish fish?

The White House looms in front of us and lots of people (some protesters) stand outside the fence. The ‘kids’ ask if they can get their picture taken with the Obama girls, but I tell them they have to settle with one with their dad.

I put the 'kids' away on the way to the next monument. This memorial is the one and only reason I’ve always wanted to visit Washington, DC.

I find their names in the book and we head to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The black granite walls etched with of thousands of names – one name I knew, another from my hometown overwhelms me. Tears spill down my cheeks at the sight of so many lives lost.

James Caniford dated my sister Debbie. Six months later he went over to Vietnam. His plane was shot down and they classified him as missing in action. As a teenager I wore the bracelet with his name on it and held out hope they’d find him. Last year they did – a single tooth found identified him. They brought him home and he is buried at Arlington Cemetery. On another day R. and I will go see if we can find his grave.

Gerald O'Connor is the other name I look up on the wall. I don't know him, but he and his family are a part of my life. The O'Connor family lived in Herington, Kansas and I graduated with one of his brothers.

Thank you both for your sacrifice for your country – and may you rest in peace!!!!

I thought this a fitting way to end for today’s blog. The inscription on the statue reads: What is past is prologue.

Profound words!

The people immortalized in the monuments R. and I saw today began our story – now it’s our responsibility to carry their message of hope to future generations.

Love ya,
nettie

PS: As we walked to the car I caught sight of a bus and couldn’t help taking a picture of what was written on the side. This word describes it all.

My feet hurt, but my heart feels so very blessed. I knew we’d walked on hallowed ground.

MY HEAD HURTS

2009-06-15T00:02:00.000-05:00

My head hurts because of all the history I’m taking in on our travels through Virginia and beyond. And today’s destination (Colonial Williamsburg) fills it up even more.

As with all the other blogs, I have to start out with a story. Mapquest informs us it’s only a three hour drive from doorstep to lamp post, but with R. and I - trips sometimes take on a mind of their own. After going 15 miles out of our way - we find out one should put the exact address in for where one is leaving from OR getting to where one is going take one a tab longer than planned.

But we get to Colonial Williamsburg with plenty of daylight to spare. Signs point to the Visitor’s Center and we pay admission to see the sights, but first there’s a movie they want us to watch. The woman says Jack Lord stars in the film (for those of you who don't remember him - he's the HUNK from Hawaii 50 and always said, "Book 'em Danno" in the coolest sort of way).

Unfortunately, my honey (Mr. Lord, that is) didn’t cause my heart to do its usual pitter patter. Instead, I want to laugh when he appears on screen because he’s wearing a mauve (I’m being kind-it’s pink) suit coat and trousers, and he’s sportin’ a ponytail. So much for swooning after him today.

Next stop is the Governor’s Palace. A guide (dressed in period clothing) takes us through the enormous home. It’s beautiful, but I thought the colors choices were interesting (and ugly) in the dining area, but the molding around the doors and windows – stunning.

We tour the shops in and around Colonial Williamsburg (and there’s lots of them). About 3:00 o'clock we decide we're starving and start our trek up and down and back up and back down Duke of Gloucester Street looking for something to eat.

Unbeknownst to us - the historic eateries all close at 1:30 to start preparing for dinner (which starts at 5:00). Seems kind of strange it would take them 3 ½ hours to get things ready, but that’s what the sign says. Hot, tired and hungry, we trudge to the main street and find a small sandwich shop and devour a belated lunch and some much needed shade.

Refreshed, we leave the quaint community behind and we're on the road again. This time to Norfolk, Virginia (only 60 miles away). As we near our destination, imagine our surprise when the last three miles of the journey includes a tunnel – or I should say an UNDER WATER byway (no photos taken here ‘cause I’m too freaked out and if you think I’m kidding ask R.)

He assures me we’re not going to die or drown and I feel much better. We find a place to stay near the water and settle in for the night (that is, after more nourishment - just in case everything closes down early).

Then it's off to bed we go! Tomorrow's another day of seeing the sights.

Morning brings sunshine and blue skies and a walk on the beach. Can't miss
out on collecting seashells from the seashore.

Here is where we buys tickets for a special boat ride. R., me and the 'kids' get on board of the Victory Rover Naval Base Cruise. The captain takes us out and along the way he gives us a bird's eye view of the seaport, world’s largest naval base (home of the Atlantic Fleet: Destroyers, Guided Missile Cruisers, Submarines and more (yes, the last sentence was from their brochure-couldn’t have said it better myself).

The captain rattles off the names of the ships, their weight and cost faster than a gunner could shoot off a round of ammunition at the enemy (I hope I have this lingo right). Every ship we passed seems enormous, but then the crown jewels of the Navy fleet came into view - the aircraft carriers.

I know the women quit reading a while back, but I know I've got the men's attention. These monsters impressed the socks right off of me. I can't believe they house 6,000 Navy personnel. The captain said they're floating cities, decked out with a movie theatre, fast food restaurant, stores. All the comforts of home.

Hey, guys, I’ve got an idea - if you have some loose change lying around, you can pick one of these babies up for around $8 BILLION DOLLARS. It’d be great! You’d be the first on your block to own one. HA!!

The captain and his crew announce our cruise is finished. Guess it’s time to head back to Herndon to plan our next adventure. I wonder where we’ll go???

Love ya,
nettie

PS: Had to leave you with a funny. They follow us wherever we go and this one brought a definite chuckle. My Texas friends will totally understand this person's thinking!!!! Gotta love ingenuity.

A DREAM OF MINE

2009-06-08T00:01:00.000-05:00

In the last blog I gave you a hint about something I’ve always wanted to do – a dream of mine (other than seeing Washington, DC and getting published again). Did any of you catch what I mentioned?

Now before you go back and see if you can find the clue, I’ll save you the trouble. My dream has always been to hike the Appalachian Trail (all 2,174 miles). Start out in Georgia and traverse the hills and valleys on the rugged trail towards the finish line in Maine.

Sound crazy? Yes, but it’s still my dream and I fulfilled it today (well I should say a small portion of the infamous trail). Let me give you a play by play.

R. and I climb into the car ready for a day of hiking. We’ve got water, granola bars, maps and Randy and Hazel. What more do we need? Nothing. We've got it under control or so we thought.

As R. drives to Shenandoah National Park (via Front Royal, VA) the rain comes. Our familys' song goes from "On The Road Again" to "Rain, rain go away. Come again another day." And our lively chant works (for a while).

Now's a good time to share a funny before we start our trek on the Appalachian Trail. R. makes his way through the picturesque town of Front Royal and he spies the Visitor’s Center sign. A couple more blocks there’s another one, but this one says, Visitor's Center Here (see picture below).

“You can’t be serious,” I hear R. mumbling as he gets out of the car to check out this interesting phenomenon.

I can’t resist making this a Kodak moment, asking R. to pick up the receiver. He complies without question and poses (see picture above again). You might notice he doesn’t seem to be enjoying the moment. That’s because he’s getting ready to yell at me.

“Would you hurry up? Some guy’s keeps saying hello.”

I want to laugh, but contain myself and we get back in the car. So much for a cheery heirloom picture to hand down to the ‘kids’.

Our travels continue and we find the REAL Visitor's Center. The nice gentleman there gives us more maps (like we need them) and tells us Front Royal is having a craft and wine fair today. It's early so we stroll through the booths, but nothing catches my eye. I'm ready to get hiking.

R. turns onto Skyline Drive and pays the fee to enter Shenandoah National Park. With yet another map to add to our collection, we're ready to find the Appalachian Trail.

As we've already noticed - the trail is not very well marked. We actually missed it somewhere in Georgia. I thought they'd have a honkin' sign announcing where it crosses the road. Guess oversized placards don't go hand in hand with the pristine beauty of nature.

Instead of missing the trail again, we stop at Dickey Hill ranger station and ask Ranger Rob for the precise place we'll find it. He point to the spot on the map and sends us on our way.

Speaking of Ranger Rob (or whatever his name is), this is a good time to segway to another photo opportunity. This involves one of God's creation and the sight of it almost made me turn and flee the national park.

Notice the man's hand in comparison to the wasp. I don't know about you but I believe we're talking mutant creature here.

R. quickly diverts my attention to the map and my GOAL, which is only 10.3 miles away at Compton Gap (per forest ranger-remember I didn't want to miss the trail). I forget the anomaly and we are on the road again.

Truly, people, I didn't think 10.3 miles could stretch so long, but they did. Then again, it might have something to do with all the stops we make for more family Kodak moments.

At exactly 10.3 miles R. pulls into the trail head and I'm only a few feet from the Appalachian Trail. I want to do a happy dance, but other hikers are hanging around their cars and I don't want to embarrass myself. And I guess kissing the ground is out of the question too, but I sure wanted to do something to show my utter delight.

We walk a few steps and my little feeties touch the Appalachian Trail. No words can express the joy I feel and sharing it with Mr. R. - is truly another dream come true. Thank You, Lord!!!!!

The fog settles in around us as we start our hike. The park's beauty is breathtaking. I'm in awe, but that doesn't stop me from babbling on and on (like that's a surprise). "R. I can't believe we're on the Appalachian Trail. WE ARE ON THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL!"

He doesn't say anything and I think I know why - he's as overwhelmed as I am. I decide to put a lid on it and enjoy the peace and serenity surrounding us. Again thanking the Lord - this time for giving us (me) this gift of His wondrous beauty.

It starts to sprinkle, but I don't care. It's magic out here in the forest and I don't want to miss a moment of its splendor.

All too soon our day is over, but we know we'll be back. Next time we'll spend more time on the Appalachian Trail (maybe even hike all 2,174 miles - you never know).

Stay tuned for more adventures in our Back East Bloglog.

Love ya,
nettie

PS: I almost forgot - I found the perfect stick for R. to use as a walking stick. Totally amazing how much it helps on the trail. So at the Elkwallow ranger station, he bought me my very own. COOL. Now we're official.
And who can forget the 'kids?' Randy found his very own walking stick, too!

Sights! Sounds! Scenery! (and Sonic!!)

2009-06-01T00:39:00.000-05:00

Since R. is off on weekends (for the time being), we’re on the road again every chance we get and the funnies keep finding us at every twist and turn of the highways.

Fredericksburg, VA: Here we find the Visitor’s Center and right off they ask if we want to take the city tour. If we do—the trolley’s waiting. I nod but ask, ‘where is the ladies room?”

The Visitor’s Center lady points me in the right direction and alerts the driver to wait for us. I make my much needed pit stop and then board the trolley. Without looking up, I know all eyes are zeroed in on me-the person holding up their tour. I smile as I take my seat and in my most confident Toastmasters voice announce to the driver, “you can start the tour now.”

He maneuvers the trolley to different spots where battles of the Civil War took place and points out famous homes to us. One in particular was where George Washington’s mother lived.

I glance over at R. during the tour to see if he's having as much fun as I am and he’s napping. Guess reliving all this history is too much excitement for him to handle in one afternoon.

After the trolley ride and a little bit of shopping, we’re on the road again.

We have another important stop to make. Sonic is calling my (our) name. YES, you read that correctly. We love their cherry limeades, but couldn’t find one in the Herndon area. A Google search found the nearest one a mere fifty miles away in Fredricksburg (where we are at the moment).

Without GPS or address, we drive aimlessly around town searching for our favorite refreshment. R. finally pulls into a convenience store and gets an address (like that will help us on unfamiliar roads), but Praise the Lord we locate Sonic and our thirst is quenched and our weekend trip comes to a close.

The next opportunity to travel on the road again takes us to LEESBURG, VA. There we stop for lunch before driving to see the Morven Mansion. They wouldn’t let us inside because it’s being renovated (oh, how I hate when that happens), but thought you might like seeing what I hope my next house looks like.

With more places to see we head to WINCHESTER, VA and stop at the Visitor’s Center. For some reason I’m thinking the Appalachian Trail (another place I've always wanted to visit) is just around the corner. It’s not. R. and I check out the map the woman gives us and find that the Shenandoah National Park is a tad farther than our time allows today. This will be a trip for another weekend.

But on our way out of town, R. spies a cemetery (this is the entrance). Never seen him get so excited. As I drive up each row, he yells out dates on the tombstones. Some of the early ones (dated back to 1700’s) we can barely read, but others from the 1800’s are easier to make out. This astounds me that the etching has stayed for generations.

Our travels continue and on our way back to Herndon we stumble onto a treasure in the tiny little town of MIDDLESBURG, VA. In the middle of town sits the The Red Fox Inn (see www.redfox.com), which has been in operation (non-stop) since 1728.

We decide to check out the historic inn. Maybe have dinner (if it’s not toooooo expensive). The hostess greets us and shows us a menu. Prices are within reason (and I’m hungry) and she seats us next to the bar, mentioning that it was used as a table to operate on soldiers during the Civil War (good to know-hope they’ve disinfected it since then).

Our waitress comes over and R. asks about their beers. One catches my fancy–Dead Guy Ale. Could you turn down something named that? I couldn’t. When the bottle arrives—I read it. The label states it’s for the rogue in all of us – (funny, no one ever told me - HA!)

We order and while we enjoy our fare of fried chicken and a cheeseburger, the hostess comes over and gives us more history of The Red Fox Inn. Her narration brings the old place to life and we ask her if we can sneak a peak at one of the rooms when we’re done. Much to my surprise, she says yes.

After we finish eating and pay our bill, the young lady hands us a key and upstairs to the third floor we go. As we enter, light streams through the dormer windows and highlights the antique furnishings inside. A step stool stands ready to help guests get into their bed at the end of a busy day. Lace doilies adorn the end tables and bureau. I’m ready to go back downstairs and check-in, but know we have to head home. Tomorrow is another work day for Mr. R. and I need to finish this blog.

If we venture on Hwy. 50 again, we’ll be sure to time it just right to stay at The Red Fox Inn.

Love ya,
nettie

PS: More sights – sounds – scenery to come in our Back East Bloglog. Maybe even another Sonic sighting. Never know.

THE ROAD ENDS

2009-05-25T09:58:00.000-05:00

Sooooooooo many miles, but we finally arrive at MONROE PLACE. My eyes behold Starbucks and Panera Bread smack dab in front of my new 'temporary' home. I believe I'm going to like living in Herndon, Virginia.

After countless trips toting our belongings (can anyone say, "kitchen sink?") up to our third floor apartment, even with the elevator, we're pooped. We decide to rest today and tomorrow we’ll start investigating the area.

And that’s exactly what we do – in the RAIN!!

First on the agenda is Washington, D.C. (the place I’ve wanted to visit all my life). It’s rainy and cold, but do I mind? Heck no. I’m here to take in all the sights—whatever the weather, but I discover others in the car—not so much. Randy and Hazel refuse to get out for a Kodak moment (the little bear says his fur will molt).

We leave them in the car and stroll around the city with our umbrellas (remember this little tidbit for later), stopping in to visit one of the Smithsonian museums (I didn’t know there was more than one until they told me).

As we begin our tour, the lady security person asks to see my purse. I go to hand her my stylish little number, but soon realize I’m still attached to it. The strap is over my head. AND in my attempt to extricate myself from its hold, I notice the woman steps away from her station and looks as if she’s swatting flies. That’s strange? I finally get the strap over my head and lay my purse on the counter. She looks through it and deems it worthy to visit the museum, too.

Still standing next to her, I put the strap over my head and at that moment I understand why she backed up, (‘cause she’s doing it again). The reason: I’m flailing my weapon (umbrella) at her.

OH MY GOODNESS!!!!!!

Without hesitation, security lady states, “all umbrellas go over there.” She points to an area next to the front door.

R. and I sprint over and deposit them into the holders before another mishap occurs and then proceed to the nearest escalator.

Now, if you think the saga ends here—it doesn’t. We go upstairs to check out more of the contemporary art displays. As you know with this type of artful expression, it’s sometimes way out there. . .kind of like what is sitting in front of us at this moment. Stacks of UPS boxes and broken display cases line the perimeter and center of the room. Tags say they’re pieces of ART.

In the middle of viewing the ‘art’ I hear an incessant beeping noise and mention the fact to R. He says he hears it too and can’t figure out where it’s coming from. I see a security guard and decide to ask her what it is, but she beats me to it.

“Do you hear that noise?” she asks us.

“Yes and it’s annoying,” I say with a chuckle.

“The reason it continues to beep is because you’re walking too close to the exhibits.” She points to tape about a foot out from the display. “You need to stay outside of that line.” Her smile assures me we aren’t going to get arrested for our second offense.

From this point R. and I take wide sweeps of the remaining display areas and don’t have any more encounters with security. Two is plenty in an hour.

We walk over and pick up our weapons (oh, I mean umbrellas) on the way out and decide to call it a day since it’s still raining. Not to worry, though, I’m coming back. So much yet to see in Washington, DC (the city I FINALLY got to visit).

Love ya,
nettie

PS: Stay tuned—more to come from my Back East Bloglog (and next time I promise more photos of our adventure).

ON THE ROAD AGAIN (PART 2)

2009-05-19T11:36:00.000-05:00

Thursday morning, after a hearty breakfast at The Blue Ridge Inn, we stop for coffee and get online as fast as we possibly can. I know you’re asking yourself, “why are those people in such a toot to check the world wide web?”

Let me tell you a story. The conversation the day before goes something like this. “R. did you know this expires 4-09?” I look up from the car registration sticker on our windshield to see the horror on my husband’s face. Not the most reassuring expression when you’re miles from civilization (remember we’re on those back roads in the middle of Georgia).

Hubby recovers quickly and states he’ll take care of the problem, which brings us back to the coffee shop. With the click of a few buttons, free Wi-Fi and a credit card the registration is on its way. Disaster averted and we’re on the road again. Destination: Boone, North Carolina.

Along our day’s journey, R. keeps mentioning Asheville, North Carolina and I can’t figure out why the town sounds so familiar. We stop at a Visitor’s Center and the man asks if we’re going to stop at the Biltmore mansion. I almost give the gentleman a kiss for jarring my memory.

“R. it’s the house HGTV always talks about,” I explain, and then chuckle at his ‘deer in the headlight’ look. I go on to tell him that it’s a very large home and we MUST see it. Mr. R. nods and we drive to experience America’s Largest Home®.

But first we need to go to the bank to secure a small loan before we can buy the two tickets. This fact comes to light after we read the sign above the counter.

“Please tell me that doesn’t say $50 per ticket.” R. utters to no one in particular.
I can only nod at his observation because at the moment I’m speechless. Pretty soon words start to form in my mind, but none of them will convince my hubby why we should fork over the absurd price to see the famed Vanderbilt estate.

So what to do? Well, we could leave, but I rrrrreeeeaaaaallllyyyyy want to see the house. I decide to bring out the big guns. “R., the price includes wine tasting at the Biltmore Winery.”

His pretty gray eyes light up and we waltz over and purchase the tickets for our self-guided tour of the 250-room mansion, the wine tasting tour and the magnificent manicured gardens and greenhouses.

As we drive through the Biltmore estate it’s an orchestra in bloom. I, again, marvel at God’s handiwork. He gave countless people the talent to transform the 8,000 acres into a work of art. Come to think of it - isn’t our writing the same? The Lord gives us an idea (seed) and it’s our responsibility (with His help, of course) to ‘cultivate’ it into a Masterpiece. Just a thought!!

Late afternoon we leave the grandiose mansion behind and travel farther into North Carolina. Since scenic byways are singing our song, we venture on The Blue Ridge Parkway. Winding roads through the mountains remind us of Colorado and we can’t help but smile.

Since I’m in such a good mood, I decide it’s high time I crank out some words. I take out my computer and open up the file I’m working on (it’s the last couple of scenes in my novel) and start typing. Tension builds between each of my characters. Excitement flows through my finger tips and I feel like I’m going
to. . .throw-up.

You thought I was going to say something else, didn't you? HA! But that is what I feel like doing. While I’m trying to write The Great American Novel, R. is ricky racing around the hairpin turns. So much for finishing the crucial scenes while riding in a car. I put my computer away and go back to enjoying the beautiful scenery.

Our destination of Boone, North Carolina comes into view. We’re tired and decide snacking is a good dinner for the evening, that is after we check into the Super 8 Motel. Yes, people, that’s what I said. One minute I’m in a mansion hobnobbing with the rich and famous, the next I'm in a motel half expecting a creepy craw...oh, never mind. Guess R. and I love living on the edge.

The comfy (and cheap) room and (free) breakfast hit the spot. And, today we’re off to our next destination: Herndon, Virginia and our ‘new’ home-away-from-home for the next three months – Monroe Place.

Love ya,
nettie

PS: I'll tell you all about Virginia in my next Back East Bloglog.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN (PART 1)

2009-05-15T09:56:00.000-05:00

Can't you just hear Willie Nelson singing his signature song? Trust me, he sounds better than we do, but this is how R., me and the ‘kids’ (Randy and Hazel) start out every trip we take. Usually one of us will try and serenade the others and it’s not a pretty picture.

Anyway, I promised you news from afar and here’s my Back East Bloglog and I’ll do my best to keep you entertained.

As you know, nothing in my (our) life goes without a funny or two, so sit back and relax while I tell you a few stories…

After packing the car, we settle in for the BIG adventure. Rain tags along, but after a few prayers, the downpour ceases and blue skies carry us to our first stop—Gulfport, Mississippi (my brother and sis-in-law’s home for a family fix and free lodging-thanks S. & P).

I announce our arrival and brother comes out and gives me a hug, but his perplexed expression tells me I must be sporting more than one head. Curiosity gets the best of me and I ask. “Didn’t you get our message?”

He goes over to their phone and sure enough that pesky light is blinking. “Guess we didn’t check messages when we got home last night.” He laughs and assures us we’re welcome and we spend the evening chatting, eating take-out and watching Dancing With The Stars. Life is grand.

The next morning we say our goodbyes and R. heads out on the road again (are you humming the tune yet?), while I map out our next stop—Chattanooga, Tennessee. Somewhere in Alabama I take my turn driving. About an hour later I hear, “you want to take off on some back roads?” People, I almost swerve into the other lane ‘cause this unexpected declaration is coming from the man who only travels major highway.

Before he changes his mind I nod my head. R. says our next stop is Rome, Georgia. As I meander through the rolling hills, the azaleas burst forth in pink, purple and white. I thank God for their awesome beauty.

We arrive in Rome and peruse their Visitor’s Center. They laden us with brochures and we decide it’s too early to call it a day. Next stop—Blue Ridge, Georgia. The Smokey Mountains and the Appalachian Trail are calling our name.

For those who know me will say I can lay it on pretty thick when I’m talking about the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Let’s just say the scenery our eyes beheld as we drove through Georgia was almost as spectacular. Dogwoods, dotted with pink and white flowers, and mighty evergreens blanket the mountainside. An amazing sight!

We find Blue Ridge, Georgia nestled near the top of the Smokey Mountains. I decide we need stay at a bed and breakfast, not some ordinary hotel. R. locates The Blue Ridge Inn and the owner, Milt Darden, welcomes us inside. Late April is their slow season, so we have our choice of rooms. We decide to stay downstairs in The Rose Room. Its Victoria charm invites us to enter.

Later in the evening we explore the upstairs of the grand home built in 1890 (Milt said it was okay). I notice plaques above each door. We venture in to see the rooms and their theme comes alive in the furnishings. Stuffed bears and a canoe in the Cabin Room and a baseball bat and ball and football in the Sport Room.

The last room we check out is the Marilyn Monroe Room. Pictures of her adorn the walls and there’s even a life-size cardboard cut-out of her in the corner. Her white dress bellowing in an imaginary breeze. This all seems a little creepy to me. . .but then I thought. . .what about an Elvis Presley Room?

Guess I’ll have to talk to R. about this idea. Hey, maybe I’ll do it while I have him trapped inside our car for the next three days. But, for now I’ll end my rambling. Tune in next week and I’ll tell you the rest of our BIG adventure to Virginia. Hold on to your hats – our tales will keep you on the edge of your seats.

Love ya,
nettie

A Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts

2008-09-24T08:48:00.000-05:00

A SCRAPBOOK OF CHRISTMAS FIRSTS

(Leafwood Publishers, October 2008)

A wonderful new gift book, A Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts, is available in October for Christmas giving. Today, I’ve invited the six coauthors to share their unique story of how they came together to publish this exciting book full of stories, recipes, tips for simplifying the holidays and so much more (click on bookcover to see the trailer!).

First, let me introduce Cathy Messecar, Leslie Wilson, Brenda Nixon, Trish Berg, Terra Hangen and Karen Robbins. Thank you for being here today, ladies.

Karen: Thank you for the invitation.

You are from three different areas of the country—Texas, California, and Ohio. How did you all meet?

Terra: We all six joined The Writers View, an online group for professional Christian writers. Trish and Brenda met in person in 2004 for lunch, I understand, and on 9/18/04, after reading a post Brenda sent to TWV, I sent an email to Brenda, asking if she would like to join with me and walk alongside each other, as a Barnabas group. Brenda said yes that same day, and suggested Trish too. Very quickly Cathy, Leslie and Karen joined in and our stalwart band of six was formed. Living in California, I was so happy to find 5 Barnabas writers in other states so we could bring together a wealth of different viewpoints and expertise

Brenda: Actually, We haven’t met. We’re all great colleagues and friends via the internet. Four years ago Terra and I formed a dyad to support each other as Christians who write in the secular markets. Along came Trish, Cathy, Karen, and Leslie (not necessarily in that order) and we formed a close knit bond of support, creative energy, and professional accountability.

Karen: I met Trish through an online forum called The Writers View and she invited me to join the group.

Trish: Although we belong to the same Yahoo writing group, we met one by one online. Eventually, the six of us decided that since we all write as Christians for a secular market through magazine articles and newspaper columns, we could support and encourage one another.

Leslie: Though we met virtually through The Writers View, I have been blessed to give and get hugs from Trish (at a MOPS conference), Cathy (in the area on business) and Karen (in town for a writers' conference). I can’t wait to meet Terra and Brenda face-to-face, though I feel as though I already know them!

How did you come up with the idea to do a book together?

Brenda: The book is Cathy’s brainchild. She mentioned the concept of telling stories of events that happened for the first time at Christmas and sharing holiday historical tidbits and recipes and each said, “If you need any help, let me know.” That offer morphed into each of us equally contributing and co-authoring A Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts.

Trish: Yep, Cathy came up with the idea and the title, and asked us if we wanted to join her on this project. Of course, we said Yes!

Terra: Cathy mentioned the idea for a Christmas book to the group, and someone (I think it was Leslie) suggested that maybe our group could all write the book together. Cathy agreed to lead the way on the project. The earliest email I have on this is from 9/7/05, which shows that this has been a three year collaboration from idea to publication.

Karen: (Chuckling) Terra is a librarian and keeps our historical records by saving our e-mails.

Leslie: Actually, Terra, I wrote that comment (in a group e-mail) kind of tongue-in-cheek. Cathy, the ultra-sweet person she is, took my joking at face value and here we are. However, I believe God prompted the passion and ideas we all bring to the project and that He will do mighty things as a result of our collaboration!

Why did you decide on a Christmas theme?

Brenda: It was Cathy’s concept to write a book centering on Christmas.

Cathy: For several years, I’d been thinking about Christmas as a threshold to introduce Jesus to folks who aren’t familiar with him, and I love a simpler Christmas with the emphasis on family, friends and doing for others. I knew of some families who had experienced “firsts” at Christmas—reunions, losses, special surprises—and I wanted to collect those stories.

Terra: Cathy’s idea immediately resonated with me because Christmas books are “a way past watchful dragons,” as C. S. Lewis wrote. Many people won’t buy a book about being a Christian, but will buy a holiday and family fun book, thus the “past watchful dragons.” People who want to grow in their faith, and people who have no faith but celebrate Christmas will buy our book and hopefully be led to put the focus back on Christ for the holiday, and for their lives.

Leslie: Though Cathy birthed the idea, the rest of us quickly hopped on board. Not only is Christmas special to me—especially now that I have a family of my own—but also that particular holiday cries out to be simplified, to return to the meaningful aspects of celebration, and to lose some of the hype and commercialism.

Tell me a little about what is in A Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts? What is your favorite part?

Cathy: I like that you can read one chapter in about 15 minutes and, with all the different suggestions, it feels like Christmas Eve. Makes you want to set up the nativity! Many of the suggestions for family activities can be adapted for any family get-together.

Karen: There are heartwarming stories about things that happened for the first time at Christmas. For instance, one of my stories is about the first Christmas with our adopted children. And the book is pretty. When I first saw the colorful pages and drawings, I fell in love with the illustrator’s work.

Brenda: I don’t have a favorite part – I love it all!

Terra: I like the way the parts are woven into a seamless whole, like a patchwork quilt, that is stronger and more beautiful than the parts.

Trish: It’s like everything you ever wanted to know about Christmas, all the best tips and recipes, and neat stories all wrapped up in this perfect little package.

Leslie: I love reading the special stories, hints, recipes—whatever—and imagining the precious family time that precipitated each moment. Plus, the book is gorgeous, beautifully printed, truly something to be proud of. And we are.

I’ve heard that the book is really a nice gift book; can you tell me a little about the format?

Cathy: Yes, it’s a hardbound book, full color interior. The layout makes it easy to read. It has a definite scrapbooky look on the interior. Different logos identify sections, such as an oilcloth-look Christmas stocking appears beside the “Stocking Stuffer Tradition” (help for connecting family members), and the “Cookie Canister” recipes are on a recipe card, and the back ground of “A Gift For You” is a gift box with bow. It’s a classy gift that they can be placed on a coffee table or in a guest bedroom during the holiday season.

Brenda: I like to describe it as a Starbuck’s sorta gift book. It’s high quality, crisp, and practical.

With six different personalities and areas of ministry, how did you manage to put this all together and still remain friends?

Karen: We pray a lot for each other and it helps that none of us have an over-inflated ego.

Cathy: There were no squabbles. Surely, we had differing opinions, but we knew that any of us could suggest an idea for this book and that each idea would get fair reviews from others. We actually voted on some aspects—everyone in favor say, “Aye.” If you’ve ever watched women at a Dutch treat luncheon when they divide up a meal ticket, it can be intense as they split the ticket down to the penny. As the project came together, I was in awe of my gracious coauthors, unselfish women who respect each other.
For some decisions, we did a round robin—things like book title and chapter titles and what categories to put into the book. Then, as compiler, I’d send out a list of needs to The Word Quilters, that’s what we call ourselves. For instance in a section we call “Peppermints for Little Ones” (hints for children’s activities), I’d put out a call, and the WQs sent in their hints, and then I put them into appropriate chapters.

Brenda: (Smiling) Are we still friends? Seriously, we each have our own platform, ministry, and family life, and those interests kept this project in perspective – it was important but not the only thing on our plates. No one was so enmeshed in this project that she campaigned for her own way. We never had a bitter disagreement or insistence to be “right.”

Terra: We are each other’s biggest cheerleaders.We offer support and ideas for our separate writing projects and for personal prayer requests. I love these ladies, and I have only met one of them in person. So far, Karen is the only one who has met each of us, and one day we hope to meet in person, in a circle of friendship and love.

Trish: I think we are all very flexible and forgiving. We do have a variety of personalities here, but God has worked amazing things through our little group.

Leslie: Though I have seven non-fiction projects in various stages of completion, I could not be more thankful that this is the one to reach publication first. I am truly blessed to have worked with these women, learned from them, watched as they’ve poured heart and soul into crafting a product that will impact lives for the Lord.

Where can my readers get a copy of SOCF?

Cathy: The coauthors will all have a supply, plus our publisher, Leafwood Publishers, will have plenty of copies and discounts for buying five or more. Or they can be ordered at most online stores or by your local bookstore.

Karen: And anyone who leaves a comment here can be entered in a drawing for a free book and a gift basket worth $200! For a list of its contents, check our blog, A Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts. And while you're there, leave another comment and increase your chances of winning!

Tell me more about your blog.

Karen: We started our blog in July and it is accumulating a wealth of information about Christmas. Each of us posts one day a week following the theme for that week. Watch for new recipes, tips, ways to simplify, stories, etc., similar to what is in our book.

Leslie: Ooh, ooh, let me answer this one. I’m probably the newest to blogging among the group, but I LOVE it. I’ve enjoyed posting and receiving comments back from readers. What an amazing adventure having an online voice can be! This blog will focus on a different theme each week—anything from tips to avoid overeating during the holidays to how to give a guest room special touches—and expand on the material in the book. I think readers will get to know the authors’ individual personalities and connect on a more personal level. Plus, they get that many more ideas, information, inspiration (!) at no additional cost.

WQs: As an added bonus for inviting us to your blog, we’d like to pass along this Christmas tidbit to you and your readers:

Enjoy a blessed Christmas this year! And thanks for inviting us to share our book, A Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts, with you.

WRITE WHAT EXCITES YOUR SOUL

2008-08-27T15:01:00.000-05:00

Boy, time sure does fly. Didn’t realize until today that the last time I’d actually written a piece for my blog was in April. For those of you who read it, you might remember I mentioned April as being Poetry Month. I also suggested my readers to join me in the challenge of writing a poem a day for 30 days.

Since I didn’t get any response, you left me to think I’m the only one who enjoyed a month immersed in what I love to do most in life – which is crafting an array of verses. And, if any of you are interested – YES - I wrote all 30 days. (Enthusiastic clapping and cheering fills the air) Will I ever let you read the poems I wrote – probably not, but know I had a grand time penning each one of them.

Some of you might wonder why I’m recapping my musing from April. Really, my rambling have a point (do I hear an AMEN?). My point is: Write What Excites Your Soul. Only then can the words the Lord gave you pour forth onto the blank page. I know this is true because every time I write a ditty and the lines start to rhyme so perfectly (or at least I think they do), I can’t help but smile and know I’m where I’m supposed to be.

So, fellow writers, I recommend you find the type of writing in which you can write what excites your soul. I believe this is what the Lord intended when He gave us the desire to write. Fan the flames. Ignite the passion. Listen to His still, small voice on the road to publishdom. He will show us the way we should go.

nettie

BEYOND THE NIGHT

2008-07-29T09:47:00.000-05:00

Once again, I'm given the honor of reviewing an outstanding book. And, as usual, the task at hand scares me half to death because I'm not sure my words will give Marlo Schalesky's novel, Beyond the Night, the justice it deserves.

As I turned the pages of Beyond the Night, Marlo transported me into another time and place. Her compelling love story brought a smile to my face. Other times, her well crafted words made me want to sit and cry for Maddie and Paul. But, when I finished reading, I knew a deeper meaning of God's love for His children.

CAN MADDIE MOVE BEYOND THE NIGHT?

They say love is blind. This time, they're right. As a woman lies unconscious in a hospital bed, her husband waits beside her, urging her to wake up and come home. Between them lies an ocean of fear and the tenuous grip of memories long past. Memories of wonder. Of love. Memories of a girl named Madison and a boy named Paul...

Madison Foster knew she was going blind. But she didn't want pity--not from her mother, not from her roommate, and especially not from her best friend, Paul--the man she secretly loved.

Paul Tilden knew a good thing when he saw it. And a good thing was his friendship with Maddie Foster. That is, until he started to fall in love.

With the music of the seventies as their soundtrack and its groovy fashions as their scenery, Maddie and Paul were drawn together and driven apart. Then one night changes everything...forever.

And only now, when life tiptoes past the edge of yesterday, along the rim of today, can they glimpse the beauty that awaits them...beyond the night.

Thank you, Marlo, and I'm looking forward to your next two books in this series.

nettie

Another Stab at Life

2008-07-15T10:33:00.000-05:00

Another Stab at Life by Anita Higman is exactly what I needed to take my mind off of the ups and downs in my own LIFE the last couple of months. Thank you, Anita, from the bottom of my heart.

Once again, you've given me (the reader) suspense weaved throughout the story, but this time you added an interesting character I never expected. And as always, you made me chuckle while I immersed myself in the 247 pages of your Heartsong Presents Mysteries. A thoroughly enjoyable read with a surprise ending. What more could I ask for?

Let me tell you a little bit about Another Stab at Life:

Bailey Walker has just lost everything - her family, her job, and her home. She has nowhere except the dilapidated mansion she's just inherited from her granny Minna. Unfortunately, Bailey discovers that the house has a history as shadowy as its hidden passages and finds the neighborhood overflowing with some rather quirky folks-as well as one particularly appealing bachelor.

Bailey feels like she's trapped inside the pages of a Gothic novel but with a comedic twist. In order to honor her grandmother's wishes and stay at Volstead Manor, Bailey must unravel a string of mysteries and secrets, which will seem determined to stay happily ever ________.

Happy reading!!!

nettie

PS: For those of you who noticed, I left a blank for you to fill in. To find the answer, go to http://www.anitahigman.com/. You better hurry! The first 3 people to email me (miyp@sbcglobal.net) with the answer, will receive Anita Higman's wonderful book.

BLOOD BROTHERS

2008-05-27T16:03:00.000-05:00

I’ve just finished reading a book called Blood Brothers. This is Rick Acker’s second book and a sequel to Dead Man’s Rule. Since I didn’t read his first book, I wondered if I’d be confused with the characters he’d already introduced. No need to worry, Rick mastered his storytelling so well Blood Brothers stands alone on its own merit. The intrigue and suspense he weaved throughout the story kept me turning the pages.

Now let me give you a little taste of Rick Acker’s latest novel:

Lawyer Ben Corbin finds himself caught between feuding brothers Karl and Gunnar Bjornsen. Having built a pharmaceutical empire from the ground up, the Bjornsen brothers are now developing a revolutionary new drug, a neural stimulant that increases strength and intelligence. But its potential for success is rapidly destroying them. Warring for control of the company and the drug, Karl sues Gunnar, and Gunnar hires lawyer Ben Corbin to defend him.

But the case involves more than bitter sibling rivalry. Signs of embezzlement, black market deals, and the grisly consequences of the Bjornsen’s new drug begin to emerge. Soon, Ben and his wife, Noelle, find themselves in Norway where the case takes a personal and violent turn.

Happy Reading,
nettie

PS: Oh, before I forget – make sure you hold onto Blood Brothers tightly while you’re reading it. If you don’t, the book might come flying out of your hands at the SURPRISE ending of some of the scenes he’s penned. Just wanted to give you a heads up.

CAN I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION??

2008-04-26T08:41:00.000-05:00

Welcome! Today is a special day because I’m helping Allison Bottke spread the word about her new book; Setting Boundaries with Your Adult Children: Six Steps to Hope and Healing.

Now I know some of you are wondering why I’m promoting this book since I don’t have children of my own. The main reason I’m doing it is because everyone needs to read this book. Allison states that this topic can’t be ignored any longer. It desperately needs to be addressed. The message in her book is already striking a cord in hearts around the nation.

Allison goes on to say: Our country is in a crisis of epidemic proportion concerning adult children whose lives are spinning out of control—leaving parents and grandparents broken-hearted and confused. This painful issue is destroying individuals, families, marriages, churches, and communities. I believe in my heart that you are reading this message today for a very specific reason. Do you know someone who has an adult child who is always in crisis? An adult child who brings chaos to virtually every situation? Could this painful issue be touching your life today?

If so, there’s a truth I’ve come to embrace that has changed my life—it can change yours, too. It’s taken me more years than I care to admit, but I no longer believe in “coincidences.” The truth I’ve come to embrace is that God is the Master of orchestrating “God-cidences.” He has a plan for who he wants us to meet, what lessons he wants us to learn, even what books he wants us to read. He even has a plan for the trials and tribulations of life.

When we begin to look at everything that happens to us throughout the day as “God-cidences” (and not accidental coincidences) it changes the way we view our world.

That said, my prayer is that you will see the following message and the book; Setting Boundaries with Your Adult Children: Six Steps to Hope and Healing as a “God-cidence” placed into your life today for a powerful purpose. Perhaps it’s to help heal your family or the family of a loved one. Perhaps you are here to help us introduce this resource to a broader audience via additional media contacts you may have. Whatever the “God-cidence” may be, please know our primary goal is to bring hope and healing to families around the nation—thank you for helping us.

I pray you will view what you are about to read as a “God-cidence” meant just for you.

God Bless and Keep You,
Allison Bottke

NOW I’d like to share some of the questions I asked Allison about her book. I hope they help you concerning an adult child in your life.

How can we determine whether we are helping versus enabling our children?

ALLISON: Helping is doing something for someone that he is not capable of doing himself.
Enabling is doing for someone things that he could and should be doing himself.

An enabler is a person who recognizes that a negative circumstance is occurring on a regular basis and yet continues to enable the person with the problem to persist with his detrimental behaviors. Simply, enabling creates an atmosphere in which our adult children can comfortably continue their unacceptable behavior.

You say the main problem with dysfunctional adult children isn’t the choice they make or don’t make – but something else entirely. If their choices aren’t the main problem, what is?

ALLISON: Our biggest problem isn’t about our adult child’s inability to wake up when their alarm clock rings, or their inability to keep a schedule, or their inability to hold down a job or pay their bills. It’s not about their drug use or alcohol addictions. It’s not about the mess they’re making of their life. The main problem is about the part we’re playing in stepping in to soften the blow of the consequences that come from the choices they make. The main problem is us. Instead of praying to God to stop the pain, remove the difficulty, or change the life of our adult child, we must rise up and pray for something entirely different. We must pray for the courage to look deep in our own heart and soul—pray for the strength to begin a journey that quite possibly may change our own life—and pray for the wisdom to make new choices in our own life

Why are you so passionate about reaching out to other parents?

ALLISON: Because I’ve been there—I still am in many ways. I’m a parent who has traveled this painful road of enabling. I understand what it feels like to have your heart break because of a choice our adult child has made.

What are some things that parents can do to break the cycle of enabling?

ALLISON: Follow the six steps to S.A.N.I.T.Y.: Stop blaming yourself and stop the flow of money. Stop continually rescuing your adult children from one mess after another. Assemble a support group of other parents in the same situation. Nip excuses in the bud. Implement rules and boundaries. Trust your instincts. Yield everything to God, because you’re not in control. These six things can start a parent on the road to S.A.N.I.T.Y. in an insane situation that is spinning out of control. However, a key issue in breaking the cycle of enabling is to understand whose problem it really is.

What are the six steps for hope and healing you refer to in Setting Boundaries With Your Adult Children?

ALLISON: S.A.N.I.T.Y. Six Steps for Regaining a Healthy Relationship with Adult Children
S = STOP Enabling, STOP Blaming Yourself, and STOP the Flow of MoneyA = Assemble a Support Group N = Nip Excuses in the BudI = Implement Rules/BoundariesT = Trust Your InstinctsY = Yield Everything to the Higher Power of God (Surrender)
From the opening pages, you are very candid in your own struggles to set boundaries with your adult son, in a section titled “Why I Had to Write This Book.”

Why did you feel the need to be so open so quickly?

ALLISON: There are many good books available on boundaries. Most of them are written from the perspective of a psychologist, therapist, counselor, or theologian. Never in my years of searching for help did I find a book on boundaries written by a parent in pain who had walked in my shoes. I wanted readers to quickly understand that this book was different.

Where can my readers go for more information on your book and on the S.A.N.I.T.Y. ministry?

ALLISON: Everything you could possibly need is contained on our web site at: http://www.sanitysupport.com/blogtourguests.htm.

ALLISON: I encourage your readers to tell me what they think about Setting Boundaries with Your Adult Children. I really do want to hear reader feedback. They can reach me at: SettingBoundaries@SanitySupport.com. Please be sure to visit our web site at http://www.sanitysupport.com/blogtourguests.htm where they will find additional resources for helping them on their road to S.A.N.I.T.Y. Remember to tell a friend in need and help save a life!

Thank you, Allison, for taking the time to write such an outstanding book. I hope all of my readers have read this special blog today. If you have, you’re in for a surprise. For those of you who leave a message on my blog will be entered into a drawing for a copy of Allison’s book. The winner will be announced May 7th. God bless you!!!!

nettie

MY SAVING GRACE

2008-04-03T12:53:00.000-05:00

How many of you know APRIL is Poetry Month? I’m ashamed to admit I didn’t. Writer’s Digest informed me of the fact yesterday morning in my inbox. They also suggested anyone reading the email to write a poem every day for the next 30 days.

Without a moment’s hesitation, I decided to take the month-long challenge. Any opportunity I have to write a poem, ditty, acrostic or verse I jump on it with both feet. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to write poetry. It restores my soul like an extra measure of manna from heaven.

If I showed you my collection, you’d see quite a variety of poems. Some are comical (oh, like that surprises anyone). Quite a few of them reflect my belief in Jesus and the road He and I have traveled for 52 years. The majority of the others I’ve written are the ones I’ve penned after reading an article or heard a sad story. I won’t know the people involved, but their heartache touches a part of my heart and I have to write something down or I’ll burst.

I know not everyone are writers (my one sister almost shakes uncontrollably if asked to put pen to paper), but I believe all of us need an outlet to express ourselves. Mine, of course, is poetry. It’s truly my saving grace.

What’s yours?

nettie

PS: Let me know if you’re going to join me in the poem-a-day challenge!!!

PSS: And, for those of you who are interested, I’m still knocking out pages on my much-anticipated novel. Not to worry!!!

S.U.B.M.I.T.

2008-03-09T15:32:00.000-05:00

SUBMIT: A. give way; yield, B. surrender (oneself) to the control of another, etc., C. present for consideration or decision.

All of these definitions apply to the writer’s life, but the last definition (C) is the one I’m going to touch on today. For some of us submitting (presenting for consideration or decision) is too hard to handle. In our mind, the thought of sending something off could literally scare the hair off of a bald man. A few might even think the earth would topple off its axis if we put that envelop into the slot at the post office. Trust me, neither of these absurd things can or will happen if we submit.

Personally, I think it’s FEAR which keeps us from submitting. We’re afraid to let go of our masterpieces. Petrified someone will reject the piece we’ve worked so hard to perfect. “But, nettie. . .my. . .manuscript. . . it isn’t ready. I can’t send it in…yet.” I agree, it probably isn’t completely polished, but unless we release it, we’ll never know what might happen.

Has it ever occurred to us that sending our precious work off doesn’t always bring bad news? It could also bring a letter of acceptance from a publisher we’ve only dreamed about. When this monumental event occurred for me, I’m almost certain the angels in heaven sang the Hallelujah Chorus. . .okay, maybe that’s a little much, but I know there was a celebration going on up there. And, it wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t submitted my stuff.

Ask anyone who’s been published. They’ll tell you there’s not a specific formula. For me, I’m a seat-of-your-pants kind of writer, so I guess that’s what kind of submitter I am, too. Just send it. Take a chance. Hey, I’ve got an idea. Why don’t you join me and submit something this week? When you find out you didn’t die from actually doing it, do it again and again. It doesn’t hurt to submit and one day (SOON) you will get to say the words you’ve only imagined, “I’m a published author.”

nettie

S - Sending off our work creates in us
U - Unbelievable stress and untold strain.
B - But, if you hold on to them until they’re perfect
M - Masterpieces could go unread, unpublished.
I - Instead of touching someone else’s heart.
T - Take a chance – SUBMIT – imagine the possibilities.

The Love Song - Heartsong Presents

2008-02-27T13:31:00.000-06:00

Everyone knows I’m a writer (or at least, I give it my best shot), but I’m also an avid reader. So when I’ve read a book I’ve thoroughly enjoyed, I want to tell my family and friends all about it. But today I’m going one step farther – I’m going to give you an opportunity at the end of my blog to win a copy of The Love Song by my friends Anita Higman and Janice Thompson.

Let’s start off with the synopsis to wet your whistle:

“I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten.” Joel 2:24

CLUMSY,..INVISIBLE…UGLY. This is how Clair O’Neal would describe herself on a good day. Coming from an abusive childhood, she is painfully shy and sees herself as a misfit. So when she promises her boss she’ll represent her company at a high-society event, she finds herself completely out of her element.

Image coach Glenn Yves urges Clair to join the party, seeing something in her she cannot see herself. Musician Hudson Mandel rescues her from a moment of likely humiliation. Both men find themselves drawn to Clair’s unassuming presence, her inner beauty, and maybe even her vulnerability.

Can Clair trust their interest and their motives? After so many years without love, would God really bring two men into her life and make her choose between them?

NOW doesn’t that just make you want to run out and buy this book? Hope I’ve piqued your interest to do just that. This poignant love story by my two author friends touched my heart. And after you read The Love Song, I hope it will touch yours, as well.

nettie

PS: Oh, I bet you thought I forgot my earlier promise? I wouldn’t do something like that. HA!! Here’s how you can win a copy of The Love Song – go to www.anitahigman.com. There you’ll find the numerous books Anita has written (fiction and nonfiction). One of her nonfiction books has quite the catchy title. It’s Pets, Never _______ with a Tree Frog. The first three people who tell me at www.nettie-fudges-world.blogspot.com what the missing word is will receive a free copy of The Love Song. Happy hunting!

Here in America

2008-02-09T11:22:00.000-06:00

Please listen to this phenomenal video by Diamond Rio. It's a reminder to all of us what this country stands for.

Love,

nettie

PERSEVERENCE

2008-02-05T10:37:00.000-06:00

I do believe I’ve just had a light bulb moment. The sad part is it’s taken me quite some time to discover this little nugget. I know you’re all wondering what I’ve found, so I won’t keep you in suspense any longer – it’s. . .

PERSEVERENCE PRODUCES POLISHED PIECES FOR PUBLICATION. (say that 3 times without a hanky!! Oh my goodness)

James 1:2-4 sums it up best. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

Each one of us face trials every day. And as writers, we deal with more than our fair share of them (do I hear an AMEN?). Every time I send something out to the different publishing houses, it’s a test of my faith. Did they receive what I submitted? Will they be interested in my novel, short story or poem? If I don’t hear a response, do I assume I can send my work out to someone else? Boy, this writing is hard work! I’m not having very much fun.

But wait, didn’t I just read in the verse that I’m to ‘consider it pure joy’ whenever we go through trials of ‘many kinds’. YES, I guess I did. Sounds like the Lord is telling me to change my attitude. Be joyful. Rejoice in the trials I’m going through because I’m developing PERSEVERENCE. Isn’t that the very thing I need to be a writer? Isn’t that the very thing I need to help me resend my work after I’ve revamped it and reworked it? Isn’t that the very thing I need to polish my pieces for possible publication?

YOU BET IT IS!!! ‘Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.’

Praise the Lord!
nettie

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2007-12-03T08:34:00.000-06:00

Now before you think this is our annual Christmas letter, it’s not. I’m actually writing to ask if you've noticed anything different when you’ve gone shopping at some of the national retailers. Well I have. They are using MERRY CHRISTMAS instead of Happy Holidays this year.

About a week ago when R. & I walked into Sears, I saw their holiday greeting. In big, bold letters the sign read “Merry Christmas.” I almost shouted out a thank you, but figured the other shoppers might think I’m a crazy person (no comment from those who know me-HA!). Then a few days later I noticed J.C. Penney’s was using Merry Christmas too. WOW!! But the biggest surprise of all came when I received Target’s catalog in the mail. I popped open the ornament on the front cover and read MERRY CHRISTMAS.

People, what is going on???? Have the national retailers finally heard our cries? I don’t know and really don't care, but I do appreciate whatever they are doing. And I plan on telling each and every one of them how much I do. Hey, I've got an idea. Why don't we all thank them, and while we're at it, let's wish them a Merry Christmas, too.

nettie

MY FORMULA FOR SUCCESS

2007-10-02T10:15:00.001-05:00

Yes, I’ve returned from the ACFW Conference. For those of you not in the know, the initials stand for American Christian Fiction Writers. I’m happy to report Murphy stayed home this time, but Elvis did show up (I’ll cover that topic later).

In some writer’s eyes, my conference wasn’t much of a success. The reason: I didn’t have any meetings with publishers, editors, or agents. I didn’t pitch my book (well there was the one time at the lunch table) I didn’t follow an editor into an elevator and give them my 3 minute synopsis. But I DID have a blast hanging out with all of my writer friends, and making new ones. I DID learn valuable techniques to help my writing. And I DID, for the first time in a long time, feel I fit in. I truly felt the love and acceptance of my fellow writers. Those three things spelled SUCCESS for me.

Now to the Elvis sighting:

He showed up(not literally). Elvis made his appearance when someone asked me my most embarrassing moment. Remember in my last blog, I told you I’d tell you the now infamous story. Here it is:

Hubby and I had the privilege of seeing a display of the Shroud of Turin. It wasn’t the actual burial cloth supposedly worn by Jesus, but the traveling documentary moved me, nonetheless. We read all the paperwork stating the validity of the Shroud, and I went away a believer that the Lord actually wore the grave clothes in the colored pictures.

Later that evening, R and I went over to our neighbors to play cards. We told them all about our interesting day. Near the end of our conversation about it, I exclaimed in a loud voice, “Yes, Elvis lay there wrapped in the shroud.”

The moment the words left my lips, I knew the silence beside me meant only one thing. I had truly said Elvis, not Jesus. What is the matter with me? I looked over at my hubby and Ellie and Jane. Their stunned expressions spoke volumes. Finally Ellie cleared his throat and stated, “Well, he is a king, too.”

So, now you know my most embarrassing moment – what’s some of yours? I’d love to hear them.

nettie

Three, two, one...

2007-09-19T16:09:00.000-05:00

Three, two, one – ready or not – Dallas, here I come!!!

The reason I’m making the 3 ½ hour trek from Houston to the Big D is ‘cause I’m off to another writer’s conference. I pray this one turns out a little more successful than the one I went to in Colorado last year. Repeat after me – Murphy’s Law.

For those of you who might not be familiar with Mr. Murphy running rampid in their lives, let me fill you in on how he works. Oh, and to add a little flavor and make it a little more fun, I’m going to use a trick that Letterman uses – I’m going to give you Nettie’s Top 5 List.

How you know Murphy’s Law is present at a writer’s conference:

#5: You go to your first appointment with a publisher (which you signed up for beforehand) and give your spiel, only to be stopped after 5 minutes when the young girls (could have been your daughter) tells you their publishing house doesn’t take devotionals. You wonder why she didn’t stop you after 30 seconds. She must have known she didn’t take them then, too.

#4: Between classes, you go to the auditorium to familiarize yourself to where you’re meeting with an agent later in the day. You ask an official looking person with a badge on a question. Their response, “You need to get to your next class.” (Well, I hope you’re having a good day, too!!!)

#3: You’re sitting at one of the round table eating breakfast. You, and the others at the table, talk and laugh about a variety of subjects, but never does anyone mention who you’re sharing the meal with. Since you’re one to always entertain the crowd; you mention you’re a HUGE Elvis and Barry Manilow fan. Telling them your most embarrassing moment concerning Elvis (I promise I’ll share it in a later blog). Anyway, at the end of the meal you find out you’ve been sitting with a publisher from Bethany House and another lady, right next to you, is a multi-published author. So much for them wanting anything you’ve ever written.

#2: You and three friends decide to go into town for pizza the second night (what does this have to do with the writer’s conference – not a darn thing, but I know Murphy was responsible). As you’re leaving the YMCA grounds, one of the ladies sees a wolf, or two, or three (how many make a pack?). You yourself have never been up and personal with a wolf in all your years in Colorado, but you feel certain you are all safe behind the closed doors of the rented Ford. But your friend is beginning to hyperventilate and just stares out the rear window. She told you she was making sure they weren’t following us into town (JAT, I love ya, and you know who you are-HA!).

Drum roll, please!!!! The #1 reason is:

#1: You go back to the auditorium to meet with the agent. Your eyes catch sight of a commotion going on in front of her. You sit down to chat and she tells you what happened. The older man sitting on the floor had fallen down, and because of his advanced age the conference officials were afraid to move him. He sat there while you tried to talk to the agent. In the 5 minutes you spent with her, you only got to share a little bit about yourself. Even that, she didn’t seem interested in. Your work in progress not the big news of the afternoon. (Hey, maybe I should have sat down next to the older gentleman – might have gotten the agent's attention that way. I guess I’ll never know.)

So, now I’ve signed up for another conference, and boy, I can hardly wait to see what's going to happen. I just hope that Mr. Murphy stays home. I don’t think my writing career could take another dose of him this year.

nettie

When The Nile Runs Red - Part 2

2007-09-04T07:39:00.000-05:00

Good morning, everyone. Welcome back for When The Nile Run Red - Part 2 with DiAnn Mills. In today blog she'll answer some questions about how she came to write this fiction novel. She'll share with us her heart for the needs of others less fortunate. I hope her story inspires us to write about what we're passionate about.

DiAnn, what inspired you to write this novel?

I had previously written a nonfiction book about the Lost Boys of Sudan – Lost Boy No More. From that research, I wrote the novel When the Lion Roars, but the story would not let me go.

Through numerous interviews and extensive reading, I grew to love and admire the courageous Sudanese people and was burdened by their incredible needs. I had to bring them back in When the Nile Runs Red.

Why Sudan?

This country went through nearly two decades of civil war strife. In 1983, the northern government launched a holy war against the south. This grew out of the views of the Islamic north against the mostly Christian black African south. The war had three aspects: religion, politics, and oil. The atrocities committed against the southern people are too many to list, but the war was fought in the south through genocide.

How did you conduct your research?

I grabbed my backpack and sun screen and traveled to Juba, Sudan, the southern capital. There I stayed at a Christian compound and met with southern Sudanese from all walks of life: refugees, political leaders, and church leaders. I talked to as many people as I could, snapped pictures, and listened to what was being said.

Regarding your trip to Sudan, what touched you the most?

The incredible faith. I could look into a Sudanese’s eyes and see the pain of persecution and the hope of Jesus. Here, we say we love Jesus while we live in our huge homes, drive our fancy cars, are well-fed, are not hunted down for our faith, or are concerned about medical care. The Sudanese understand that all they have and need is Jesus.

Can you give us a brief description of your characters?

Paul Farid was once a Muslim who actively persecuted the southern people, but now he’s a Christian who flies dangerous missions into war-torn areas to deliver food and medical supplies.

Dr. Larson Kerr Farid risks her life to bring healing to the Sudanese. Just like her husband Paul, her life is often in danger. But there is a problem between her and Paul with no easy solution.

Colonel Ben Alier has been fighting and leading the southern army of Sudan for nearly two decades. Often referred to as a warlord, Ben fights his own demons.

The three are friends, an unlikely friendship forged by their love for Sudan.

How do you build your plots?

Always out of character with two simple words: what-if? John Gardner said to create the best possible characters and allow the worst possible things to happen to them. That says it all. It’s easy to coat our darlings with easy trials and struggles, but the hard stuff, the struggles that define the character are what has to happen. I’m a huge fan of Donald Maass and wouldn’t consider writing a paragraph without using techniques found in his books Writing the Breakout Novel and Writing the Breakout Novel Workbook.

What are you goals for this novel?

To increase awareness about the situation in Sudan and to share my passion for the Sudanese people through a compelling story.

The proceeds for this novel go back to aid the Sudanese.

What do you hope the readers will gain?

To lose themselves in the novel. That’s every writer’s goal. But I also want the reader to sense a call to action and support the Sudanese cause.

What is your next project?

I’m currently writing a romantic suspense series with a working series title of “Behind the Sunglasses”.

Aside from your passion for writing, what else are you doing?

Speaking to groups about the situation in Sudan. Teaching at writer’s conferences. Conducting Fiction Mentoring Clinics. These are small groups who work closely together for three work-filled days to develop their craft.

How can readers learn more about what you are doing?

Check out my website at www.diannmills.com. I have sections about Sudan, and for readers, and writers. Those signing up for my newsletter get to download a chapter of an upcoming release.

DiAnn, thanks for stopping for a visit. It's been a pleasure chatting with you. See ya soon, my friend.

nettie

When The Nile Runs Red - Part 1

2007-08-31T15:34:00.000-05:00

As a writer, I'm totally blessed because I'm surrounded by honest-to-goodness published authors who want to share their knowledge and expertise on how they've accomplished this seemingly impossible task. My blog overflowed in August with answers to the burning questions you've always wanted to ask those authors we admire so much.

Well, ladies and gentleman, to start September off with a bang, another of my writer friends is stopping by for a two-day chat. Let me introduce you to her. DiAnn Mills launched her career in 1998 with the publication of her first book. Currently she has over forty books in print and has sold more than a million copies.

DiAnn believes her readers should “Expect an Adventure.” Her desire is to show characters solving real problems of today from a Christian perspective through a compelling story.

Her latest book, When The Nile Runs Red, is set for a September 2007 release date. Here's an excerpt from the back cover:

Paul Farid was once a member of the royal family who openly persecuted any Sudanese who failed to practice Islam. Now he’s a Christian who puts his life on the line to aid the persecuted Sudanese. His wife, Larson, is a doctor committed to giving her life for peace.

Colonel Ben Alier has fought for twenty-one years against the government’s mandates to control the oil, religion, slavery, and politics of Sudan. He neither trusts nor rests any hope in the newly formed government.

Ben’s health deteriorates while Larson finds out she is going to have a baby. Their worlds collide, and as the relational tensions escalate so does the physical danger.

Please click on the link below. It will take you to a promo for When the Nile Runs Red.
http://www.diannmills.com/sudan/WTNRRPromoClip.html

Thanks DiAnn for visiting. I'll see you tomorrow for our interview.

nettie

I'M PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE. . .

2007-08-27T11:08:00.001-05:00

I'm pleased to announce to my readers another book I highly recommend. It Gone With The Groom by Janice A. Thompson. In my blog today, she's come to visit and share a snippet about her newly released book. She'll also answer some questions about herself and her writing journey. Janice is a dear friend of mine, and I'm blessed to have her in my life.

So, family and friends, sit back and enjoy getting to know my special friend.

GONE WITH THE GROOM SYNOPSIS:

The best laid plans of brides and men go awry when Annie Peterson’s future son-in law Scott disappears. Have pre-wedding jitters caused Brandi’s fiancé to take flight, or are more sinister forces at work? Annie puts her super-sleuth powers to work, feverishly racing against the wedding day clock to find her daughter’s missing fiancé.

Has Scott been silenced by the big pharmaceutical company for which he works? Perhaps his disappearance is the handiwork of Otis, Scott’s sneaky dad. But then again it could be the shady wedding photographer or even a sideshow of the political campaign of Scott’s mother.

Will Annie solve the mystery and recover the missing groom in time for the couple to say their wedding vows? Find out in Gone with the Groom.

Author Janice A. Thompson lives in the Houston area. In 2004, her two oldest daughters both received proposals within weeks of each other. The weddings came off without a hitch! Janice has since coordinated weddings for friends and is thrilled to incorporate many of her adventures into her novels.

1. What book is coming next?

There will be three more Annie Peterson mysteries after this one: PUSHING UP DAISIES, THE PERFECT MATCH, and CATERING TO DISASTER. They will all be released as part of the new mystery line at Barbour Publishing (Heartsong Presents Mysteries).

2. What book are you working on now?

I just turned in a Heartsong romance titled WHITE AS SNOW – about a young woman who can’t stand football. She lives in the Pittsburgh area, and eventually (of course!) falls in love with a professional football player. I had a lot of fun writing this one. Why, you ask? Because I’m not a football fan! Figure skating, yes! Gymnastics, of course! Football. . .are you kidding? Beyond that, I'm nearing completion on another Heartsong titled OUT OF THE BLUE (a contemporary set in the Amish country). When I finish that one, I wrap up my (first ever!) book for Steeple Hill, titled BOOM TOWN.

3. What book are you reading now?

I just read my friend Kathleen Y'Barbo's awesome book WEDDING BLISS (from Heartsong Presents). She's got an amazing sense of humor and really cracks me up! I also read Allison Pittman's beautifully written second book SPEAK THROUGH THE WIND. When I have free time (usually in the wee hours of the night), I'm reading a wonderful non-fiction book about the life of the Amish (as research).

4. How do you deal with your other obligations (family, church, etc.) when it’s crunch time near deadlines?

This has been a tough year for me. During the writing of GONE WITH THE GROOM, I lost my father to bone marrow cancer. It was an awful time for our family. Then, the week before the book was due, my married daughter (Randi) became very ill during her 33rd week of pregnancy and the baby (Madysen) had to be delivered early. She was only four and a half pounds, but (thank God!) is just fine now. Then, about the time the book went to the edit stage, my sister passed away very suddenly and unexpectedly. As I began marketing the book, one of my best friends suddenly passed away. Then, when I was nearing the end of a ghost-writing project I fell down some stairs and broke my ankle (requiring surgery). It seems like every time a tragedy strikes, I’m on some sort of deadline. I don’t resent that fact, (though at times it’s tough to keep going). I find the writing to be a blessing, particularly in light of the fact that I “need” the humor of light-weight stories like GONE WITH THE GROOM to bring a smile to my face. God always helps me with the obligations/deadlines part. I’m totally dependent on Him for those things. Wouldn’t have it any other way.

5. What’s your favorite worship song, and why?

I change favorite worship songs routinely. Right now I'm enthralled with a song by Hillsongs titled "Mighty to Save." You'll find the lyrics below.

Everyone needs compassion
A love that's never failing
Let mercy fall on me
Everyone needs forgiveness
A kindness of a Savior
The hope of nations

My Savior
He can move the mountains
My God is Mighty to save
He is Mighty to save
Forever
Author of salvation
He rose and conquered the grave
Jesus conquered the grave

So take me as You find me
All my fears and failures
Fill my life again
I give my life to follow
Everything i believe in
Now i surrender

Shine your light and let the whole world see
We're singing for the glory of the risen King...Jesus

Trust me when I say that it is possible for God to move the mountains. I've watched Him do it time and time again.

6. What do you crave (beverage or food) when you have writer’s stress?

I am addicted to Diet Dr. Pepper. And when I’m really needing a treat, I turn to Earl Grey tea (like Annie Peterson) or even Chai Latte. When all else fails, I reach for a piece of cheesecake.

7. Where did you birth the idea for this book (and the series)? When? How did it come about?

Did any of the experiences in the story happen to you personally?
I have four daughters in their 20’s. Two of them got married in 2004 within four and a half months of each other. It was a stressful time, but I always knew I’d eventually be able to use the information in a story. Just about the time I thought I could rest, my third daughter got engaged. Her wedding just took place six weeks ago. Three down, one to go! As for how I decided to turn these books into mysteries (instead of traditional romances)… I asked myself the question, “What would you do if you had to pay for two weddings and didn’t have the money to do so?” Out of that, the first book (THE WEDDING CAPER) was born. After that, I got to thinking, “What would you do if the groom disappeared just before the wedding?) Out of that, GONE WITH THE GROOM was born. And so on, and so forth.

8. If your book was turned into a movie, who would play the main characters?

Wow. Never thought about that before. Who would play Annie Peterson? If she were still alive, I might pick someone funny like Madeline Kahn. If she were younger, maybe Carol Burnett? Diane Keaton might work, (though, Annie is really only turning 50, so even Diane might be a bit too old). As for the twin daughters, I think it would be fun to have someone like Jennifer Garner play dual roles. Or, hey…what about the Olsen twins? They could split the workload, and they’re about the right age. As for the husband (Warren) I wouldn’t want to go for anyone terribly famous, because I wouldn’t want him to outshine Annie. For Sheila? Someone quirky like Bette Midler or even Kathy Bates would do – in flamboyant colors, of course.

9. Which one of your characters is most like you, and why do you say that?

I’m a lot like Annie Peterson, truth be told. I find myself “in over my head” a lot, and I tend to think I can solve most any problem. She’s going through some empty nest issues, and I can certainly relate to that. Like Annie I also find myself turning to God for the real answers. I’d like to say I’m funny like Sheila, but I patterned that character after my best friend Kay, who always keeps me laughing. Kay is always coming up with funny sayings, and all-the-more, now that she knows I need material for Sheila to use.

10. What do you want your readers to know about you?

I love God with my whole heart, and no matter what troubles come my way, (no matter what mysteries I need to solve) I will never ever give up on my faith. Never. I will keep on keeping on, no matter what!

Janice A. Thompson
"Love, Laughter, and Happily Ever Afters"
www.janiceathompson.com

NOW AVAILABLE:
Gone with the Groom (Barbour Publishing)
Sugar and Grits (Barbour Publishing)

Thank you, Janice, for stopping by. I hope everyone enjoyed getting know you. It's a joy to spend time with you, and I love ya, girlfriend.

nettie

Never Too Old

2007-08-23T14:13:00.000-05:00

I attended a funeral of a friend today. Normally sadness fills the faces of the one's paying respect, but today I noticed radiant smiles. I knew each were remembering how the 93 year old man brightened their day by just wheeling in on his little red cart. The big grin on Henry's face told us he was glad to see us.

Henry lived every day to its fullest. I don't believe he wasted a second God gave him. He liked to share some of his experiences with us in his writer's groups. We loved hearing each and every story he wrote. Listening to him read, and then witnessing his tears as they trickled down his cheeks, put my troubles into perspective. I no longer felt sorry for myself.

Henry lived his life as a true reflection of the Lord. Never shy in his sharing of his beliefs with others. Honestly, I don't think he cared if he might not be "politically" correct. His philosophy - he had a message and he was going to proclaim it.

Henry lived and I'm glad I could call him my friend. Boy, am I going to miss him, but my life's forever changed because I knew him.

nettie

PS: You're never too old - start living today!!!!!

A SPECIAL TREAT

2007-08-13T09:26:00.000-05:00

Today my blog is featuring a very SPECIAL guest. Allison Bottke has stopped by for a chat while she's on her international blog tour. Most of you know her from her God Allows U-Turns anthologies, but Allison is also published as a fiction author now. I've just finished her 2nd book, "One Little Secret." Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down. The minute I finished her 2nd book, I ran out and bought her 1st one, "A Stitch In Time." Again, I'm having trouble getting anything else done. I want to keep reading her book.

But this blog isn't about me today - it's about Allison. She going to answer some questions concerning her writing life and how she's done it and reached the goal all of us writers want - PUBLISHDOM. Now, all my writer friends, get your pens ready. You'll want to take notes.

Allison, what is one piece of advice can you give a new (and not-so-new) writer to keep them writing day after day?

I know it sounds so incredibly droll and simple, but never give up and don’t take “no” for an answer! I kept at it and kept at it and kept at it. Recrafting my proposals and rewriting my first book. I got my start in non-fiction, but always in the back of my mind was the dream of one day writing fiction. However, more important would be to not compare yourself to another writer. There is always going to be someone better, someone smarter, someone more literary, someone more photogenic on the back of their book, and yada, yada, yada. But there is only ever going to be one you!

Janetta, some of your readers may know this about me, but for those who don’t, the fact I’ve been published at all boggles my mind. I’m a high school drop out with a ninth grade education and a GED. I quit school after the 9th grade to run away from home and get married. I was going to live happily ever after in my fairy tale dream. But that’s NOT what happened.

That said, writing is not about formal education, or who you know, or how long you’ve been at it. It’s about perseverance and risk and belief in yourself—and knowing that inevitably, God will make a way where there seems to be no way.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received, which kept you writing?

Never give up. If writing is truly my passion—then I must persevere through whatever comes my way.

If someone told you tomorrow you had to give up writing, could you?

Hmmmm, I guess it would depend on who was doing the asking and why. If I felt deep in my heart and soul that my husband or children were suffering—or if my own health depended on it—then yes, I could give it up—to save our lives. However, a question like that is tough, because so much depends on the circumstances.

If not, why?

If I’ve learned anything it’s to never say never. Although writing has been my passion since I was old enough to hold a pencil, and I do feel it’s the gift God has blessed me with to communicate, I would never say that I couldn’t give it up. I sure wouldn’t want to if I had the choice, but we just never know what may happen in life, do we?

How would you convince the person who is asking you to quit to let you continue writing?

To “let me?” I’m an adult, and therefore able to make my own decisions—other than God, no one has to “let me” do anything. Therefore, if someone in my life is insisting I give up my passion, or giving me an ultimatum, I’m afraid there is a dynamic involved in the relationship that is far more critical than my writing. The issue wouldn’t be to “convince” them, the issue would be to get to the bottom of what is causing the ultimatum in the first place.

What was the WORST critique/rejection you've ever received?

I can’t recall any—now don’t get me wrong—that’s not to say I have not been criticized, I know that I have—many times. However, I choose not to let negative comments linger in my mind for too long. Negativity serves no purpose in helping me to reach my goals or to achieve my dreams. Therefore, I made the choice a long time ago to NOT allow negativity to control me or my thought world. My mom instilled in me an ability to always see the glass as half full and not half empty and “half empty thoughts” serve no purpose in my world.

Who has mentored you in your writing career?

I have been incredibly blessed. Although I’m not sure I would call all of my “teachers” mentors, per say, I have studied under many of today’s bestselling CBA authors. I began attending writer’s conferences as an instructor, and while there I was able to take classes as a student with some amazing novelists who generously shared their craft in workshop sessions. I soaked up everything I could about how to write fiction—taking notes—buying tapes—listening over and over again to teachers like Angela Hunt, Gayle Roper, Brandilyn Collins, James Scott Bell, Jack Cavanaugh, Lauraine Snelling, and Tracie Peterson. It was after taking a 3-day long intensive workshop with Tracie Peterson that I was able to fine-tune my work-in-progress and submit it with a proposal to Bethany House. The rest, as they say, is history. Bethany House signed me to write two novels and the whirlwind began.

Do you belong to a specific writer's group?

I do not. But I’m moving to the Dallas area of Texas at the end of this month and I’ve already connected with some writers in the area and hopefully I’ll join a group this fall.

I know you speak at conferences, but do you still attend them? If you do, which ones?

Alas, my schedule does not allow me to attend conferences outside of the ones at which I speak and teach. However, one of the amazing perks of speaking or teaching at writer’s conferences is the ability to attend classes during your available times. That is how I was able to take so many fiction writing classes from the masters over the years. I’ve particularly enjoyed the Jerry Jenkins Writing for the Soul Conference, the Glorietta Christian Writers Conference, the Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference, The Colorado Christian Writer’s Conference, The Seattle Pacific Writers Conference, the Blue Ridge Christian Writers Conference and the Write to Publish Conference in Wheaton, Illinois. But there are countless writers’ conferences being held all over this great country.

Is goal setting important to your writing?

Absolutely! In fact, I teach a class on Strategic Planning for your writing career, and setting definitive goals is vital in this business. Also, thinking about our writing career as a “business” is also vital. I have a series of teaching teleseminars available as MP3 downloads on my web site called: CLEAN UP YOUR ACT. This is a 4-part series that includes strategic planning and developing goals and visions for where we want to take our career. Your readers can find out more about those audio downloads and handouts here: http://www.boomerbabesrock.com/eventsteleseminars.html

What does a typical writing day look like for you? Are you a morning person, or do you burn the midnight oil?

Funny, the older I get the earlier I go to bed at night. But on the flip side is that I’m now waking up at 4:30 or 5:00 AM every morning. That said, I like to start working very early in the day when my mind is fresh and alert. I will occasionally burn the midnight oil during tense times of deadlines, but I try to shut off my computer when my husband gets home from work in the evening. He’s an entrepreneur and works long hours, he’s a work-a-holic like me, and so his schedule isn’t exactly a 9 to 5 kind of thing.

Allison, you've published numerous God Allows U Turns compilations, but what did you do to celebrate the release of your FIRST novel, "A Stitch in Time"?

I know it’s frivolous, but I bought a Mary Frances designer handbag embellished with purses and shoes and accessories. It looks like “Dee,” and it makes me smile and thank God for the ability to be working in this crazy business of writing and publishing every time I use it.

FINAL QUESTION?

Is there anything you’d like to share with my readers that I haven’t asked you about?

I encourage your readers to tell me what they think about One Little Secret. I really do want to hear reader feedback. I’m working on my next novel to release in summer of 2009 and I take to heart reader comments. They can reach me here: AB@AllisonBottke.com and please, I’d love to invite everyone to participate in the Hollywood Casting Call Contest where a lucky winner can win an all expense paid trip to Hollywood! Visit my web site and select the actors and actresses you think would make the best lead characters in One Little Secret! Check it out here: http://www.boomerbabesrock.com/bookcontests.html

And …we have a monthly newsletter that we call a “Dream-Zine,” I’d love to invite your readers to subscribe: http://www.boomerbabesrock.com/dreamzine.html

We also have a co-authored blog with six best selling authors blogging each and every day – BOOMER BABES WITH BRILLIANT DREAMS: http://www.boomerbabesrock.com/blog/

However, more important than that is my final word of the day…and that is for your readers to take the risk and reach for their dreams! God has placed a desire in your heart—He has given you special gifts—and he wants you to use them. No matter how old we are—there is still time to discover God’s purpose for our life—and to make the choices that will change the story of our life.

Thank you, Allison, for stopping by my blog today. May God bless you on your writing journey. Please continue penning the words the Lord gives you so readers like myself can devour them.

nettie

Technology Is Not My Middle Name

2007-07-20T14:09:00.000-05:00

How do I know that technology isn't my middle name? Well, first of all, my birth certificate tells me my middle name is Marie. Oh, that was my first clue, but actually the real reason I know it isn't the "t" word - I just fought for 20 minutes to get to the main screen so I could actually POST this new blog. Every time I try to write on this wonderful, new invention I have the same trouble.

But, obviously I got it accomplished, but it wasn't easy. When I made my first attempt to get on this time (with the password I'm a 100% sure is correct), it tells me it's incorrect. I try it again, and again, and again. By the time I've tried it this many times, I'm wondering why they don't bypass the formalities and just let me on. You see, I've written them so many times asking for my password, they know me by name. That's a joke, but for someone who is not computer savvy, sometimes simple things for some are almost impossible to me.

Another reason I know technology isn't my middle name comes when someone IS trying to explain to me how to do something new on my laptop. Oh my, there are no words to describe the sinking feeling I experience at that moment. And they can't miss the deer-in-the-headlight look I give them. My eye glaze over after the first few words they utter trying to get me to understand.

But I don't lose heart, I just thank the Lord for the gifts and talents He's given me. They fit me perfectly. I might never figure out how to get into this blog the first time around, but I have enough tenacity to finally accomplish it the fifth or sixth time. I'll not let a little problem with technology stand in my way. I've got a blogging audience to entertain.

Now was that http, or was it html? HELP!

nettie

To Blog Or Not To Blog

2007-06-22T13:45:00.000-05:00

If you haven't noticed, my blogging has been a little sparse for the last 3 months. It's not because I'm SO busy, or I can't find the time. What I think the problem is - are you ready - I'M A PROCRASTINATOR. There, I said it. I've known this for a long time, but didn't want to admit it to anyone.

But I guess I just did - I finally told God and everyone else within a million miles of my computer. But I'm not alone, am I? I think I saw a few of you nod your head? I think I even caught some of you squirming in your seats. Go ahead, you can tell me. It won't go any farther than my blog (wink, wink). Just say it - I AM A PROCRASTINATOR. Now, don't you feel better? I know I do.

Now, I know you're asking yourself, "how do we solve this problem?" WELL, I HAVE NO IDEA!! I just write the blog. You have to figure it out yourself. Not really, I'm just kidding.

Honestly, I think admitting it is the first step. The next step, at least for me, is praying for help in this area. I don't want to put off until tomorrow what I should have done (and had time to do) today. Last, but not least - Just do something. I know getting up and accomplishing anything always gets my juices going. And what I dreaded doing, (which is a good reason to procrastinate) will get finished in no time.

Well, I've solved another problem. Thanks for listening. I hope I helped you, too.

nettie

I Didn't Feel the Love

2007-02-14T11:27:00.000-06:00

Now before any of you think I’m talking about R when it comes to the above title, I’m not. Yes, today is Valentine’s Day, but the event I’m talking about happened yesterday at my critique group. All I can say is when I signed up for this writing thing 3 ½ years ago, I guess I didn’t think it would also include getting beat up in the process. Oh, did I just hear some chattering going on from some of my fellow writers. Did I touch a nerve? Has this happened to you, too? Let me explain what I’m talking about.

Most of you who have read my blog know I wrote 50,000 words in the month of November. After writing it, I’m told I’m supposed to take it in its raw form, read through it once, read it again, begin to revise it, and make it into a novel everyone is dying to read. My problem: The 50,000 words sat there like a very large elephant, printed out right before my eyes and I couldn’t seem to figure out how to break it down into smaller chunks.

Then it hit me, I decided the best way to make “the elephant” into bite size pieces was to take a couple of chapters and turn them into a short story. I diligently worked on those nuggets and transformed them into, what I thought was a viable story. But after yesterday, I’m not sure I’d trust myself to open up a can of soup – let alone make a judgment about anything dealing with the art of writing.

I’d like to ask my fellow writers – how does it make you feel when someone is critical of your writing? When you’re critiquing another’s work, do you ever take the other person’s feelings into consideration? Do you ever think that your direct approach and lack of encouragement could crush the author’s love of writing?

Before you accuse me of not being able to take constructive criticism, I can. The other times I’ve been critiqued, I’ve come home and went right to work on my piece and made it better with the suggestions given. I did not come home yesterday with the same spring in my step. Actually, I had a knot in my stomach and it felt like the rug had been pulled out from under me. The adage critique groups use - “we’re just trying to help the person improve their writing.” Trust me, what happened yesterday didn’t do anything to improve my writing. Yes, group, you made some very valid points that I will use to improve my novel, but remember in the midst of making YOUR point, a little encouragement and love would help along way.

nettie

Just When I Needed It Most

2007-01-26T14:29:00.000-06:00

Yes, I'm still among the living and yes, I made it through Christmas 2006 with bells on. The reason: R and I made last minute reservations for a 7 day cruise heading to the Caribbean. The ship departed December 24th. "Aruba, Jamaica, oh I want to take ya, Bermuda, Bahama - come on pretty mama." I can almost hear the Beach Boys singing in harmony. Each port we visited, R and I escaped into a world of sand, sun and tropical drinks with a thick slice of pineapple and a little umbrella topping it off - thank you very much!!!!!

All good things must come to an end. We returned home and put our rose colored glasses away for another time. R and I would have to come to terms with NO more meals served to us any time of the day. NO more towels folded to look like a cute little animal on our bed each night. NO more room service. Reality stuck its ugly head into our lives and as hard as we tried - he and I couldn't bring back the moments on the ship when we didn't have a care in the world. Stress, deadlines and expectations hit us right between the eyes and left us staggering. HELP! I think I'm drowning – someone throw me a life preserver.

My saving grace came in the form of a special phone call today, just when I needed it most. A writer friend called and we spent a glorious time together chatting and getting to know each other better. I think we may have even altered the rotation of the earth on its axis, but the jury’s still out on that one. But she helped me get my land legs (perspective) back under me and steered me in the right direction – prayer does change things. Thanks, J, my precious friend. I can already feel the storms of my life abating.

nettie

Melancholy In The Big City

2006-12-12T10:44:00.000-06:00

Melancholy: sadness, unhappiness, the blues (I'll have a Blue Christmas without you - sing it to me, Elvis).

Melancholy describes my mood right now because Christmas isn't one of my most favorite holidays, but I love the reasons for the season (Jesus' birth, songs, decorations). Now before you send out a psychiatrist to see if I have multiple personalities, let me try to explain my love/hate relationship with all gift giving holidays.

I guess I can blame it on my overactive wanter. I wanted and still want more presents than what I receive on any given birthday, anniversary or on Christmas morn. Years ago Mom and Dad didn't fulfill my insatiable need for hoards of presents and I've carried this into adulthood and my overactive wanter is now my husband's problem. It's sad, I know.

And R tries hard to fulfill my desires. He listens attentively when we're out shopping. If I say I like something, he takes it as his own. He'll go back and buy it for me and wrap it for the appropriate occation. But when I open the item I didn't think I could live without, sometimes I'm disappointed. I remember saying I loved it, but two months later, it's not what I really wanted.

Outwardly I smile and thank him for the present I'm holding, but I know my internal reaction to his gift giving is totally unfair. I should look beyond my feelings and realize the time and attention R spent on me was given with all the love in his heart.

Maybe I need to let go of this overactive wanter business and become an overactive giver. Isn't that really what this wonderful season is all about? Oh, and Mom and Dad, before I forget, thanks for giving me all the things I ever needed. Especially your love for me and each other throughout the years.

nettie

IT IS DONE - YIPPEE!!!

2006-12-01T20:58:00.000-06:00

NANOWRIMO (National Novel Writing Month) is over for another year. I made my 50,680 words at 6:20 last night. The official clock on Chris Baty's site said I still had 5 hours and 40 minutes when I wrote THE END, but I and my story were finished. YIPPEE!!!!

I mentioned in an earlier blog (I hope I did) that my Monday night writer's group did it last year. Instead of doing it in November when all the other NANOWRIMOS do it, we did it in June. The only difference from this year to last - the novel I finished yesterday is a salvagable (I'm almost sure of it). Last year's novel could be penned as a dumping ground for pent up frustrations and unexpressed anger at whoever might come in contact with my main character (loosely based on myself). Sounds like a book you'd just love to pick up for some light reading, doesn't it. NOT!!

The characters in my latest novel (oh, I love saying those words) resemble sane, very likable, and funny people. None are based on any particular person I know. I didn't want anyone to recognize themselves in my book and get mad if they didn't look anything like they see themselves. I'm thinking I got a little too deep for my own good in that last sentence.

Anyway, I had to write and tell you I'm finished with this project. Chris Baty says to let it simmer for a month before we begin the editing process. I'm not sure I can wait that long, but I'll try. In the mean time, I'll continue writing and submitting. Already today, I sent off two short stories. Busy, busy, busy.

Merry Christmas to everyone!!!!!

Nettie

Only 5 Days To Go!!!!

2006-11-25T17:26:00.000-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. Sorry it's two days late.

Just to let you know - I'm on the home stretch in writing my novel. Only 5 more days and I'll have over 50,000 words to my credit. A complete start-to-finish novel. WOW!!! Do I hear the trumpets blaring? Do I hear a faint murmur among the angels? No, actually I thinks that's my inner voice whispering, "You're nuts for taking on this task of writing a novel in a month. What were you thinking?"

This morning the voice spoke the loudest. The reason: I didn't write one single word on Thanksgiving or yesterday. I took two days off to spend with my bud. That's right, I put the demands of writing a novel and word count pressure on the back burner. Thursday R and I volunteered at our church making up meals for those in need. When we finished, we took some of the extra dinners to where R works - so those who had to work on Thanksgiving enjoyed a hot turkey dinner. The end of our day we sat around a table covered with a feast. The host and hostess opened their home to those of us who didn't have family in the area. We'd never met the couple before, but made life long friends in just a few hours. Thanks K & J. Friday, instead of writing, R and I went earlybird shopping, enjoyed a midmorning breakfast and then went on a leisurely afternoon stroll. Life doesn't get much better than that.

Today I wrote and whipped my word count into shape. As of 5:00 o'clock on Saturday, November 25, I have 40, 859 words. A mere 9,141 words to go before THE END. I know I'll make it to the finish line, and I'm happy the end is in sight - but on December 1st I'll wake and ponder my next goal. Hey, maybe this year I'll actually edit the book I wrote. What a novel idea!!!!!

Nettie

Precious Memories

2006-11-10T09:34:00.000-06:00

Like most writers, I waited a LONG time (2 years) to get published. I truly thought I'd died and went to heaven when I got the news. No one prepared me for the euphoric feeling which griped my heart and wouldn't let go. Well, people, Wednesday of this week publishdom happened again. This time in my hometown newspaper - The Herington Times.

My mom mentioned the paper wanted stories concerning life in the small Kansas town. I just happened to have one in my stash. I'd written a piece last year after I heard my beloved childhood home had a fire. The blaze started in my bedroom. The room I'd spent hours playing with my dolls, writing in my diary, daydreaming, listening to the lastest tunes or rearranging it to fit my mood. The room I loved with all my heart.

As I sat down to write, the memories of my home and family flowed onto the pages. Tears mixed with laughter filled my heart as I enjoyed my walk down memory lane. When I wrote the last line of the story, precious memories - oh how they linger, sadness for my now damaged home overwhelmed me. It's time of earth had ended way, way too soon, but my family and I would always cherish the wonderful memories we created within it's walls.

Nettie

PS: I'm still pounding the keys for my goal of 50,000 words in one month. Day 9 - total of 15,237 words so far. YIPPEE!!!!

Seven days and counting

2006-11-07T20:40:00.000-06:00

Okay, if you haven't noticed, I haven't written in my blog like I promised - keeping you abreast of the exciting life of a writer. The reason: I'm behind in all areas of my life. Let me recap (give you a number of valid excuses why I'm pulling out my gray hair). November 1st arrived and my sister from Kansas City is visiting. She knows about my 50,000 words and encourages me to write to my hearts content while she watches HGTV. I don't (I do the bare minimum and call it a good day). November 2nd dawns and I get a call asking me if I want to transcribe three tapes (I type a doctor's journal for him whenever he gets a tape ready). "Sure," I say. Under my breath I add, "put in the stack with the other obligations I promised myself for November."

Before you think I've given up on my challenge of 50,000 words, I haven't. As of today (Nov. 7) I've written 10,889 words. The book I'm following for this venture, "No Plot, No Problem" says I should be at 11,739 words on the 7th, so I'm a mere 850 shy. Not to worry, I'll catch up on it tomorrow since I finished the job of typing the doctor's tapes today.

Tomorrow on my schedule I've written "TYPE, TYPE, TYPE." Can I do it? YES I CAN! Will I catch up on the word count? YES I WILL! I'm going to kick in the afterburners and get-ur-done.

Nettie

Can I Do It Again??

2006-10-24T11:34:00.000-05:00

I'm going to write 50,000 words in ONE month. Is it possible? YES!! The reason I know is because I wrote over 66,000 last year. All those words in one month.

The reason I did it - I'M NUTS. Beside that (some of you a nodding your heads), the leader of my Monday night writer's group came upon a book written by Chris Baty called, "No Plot? No Problem! He calls November - NANOWRIMO (National Novel Writing Month). Twenty of us took on the challenge of writing 50,000 words(equivalent to a novel) in one month and 15 of us finished.

Is the book I wrote publishable (I'm not sure that's a word)? NO!!! One of my problems while writing was I didn't figure out until Day 21 (when I did a synopsis) what my book was about. I think this year I'll come up with that important piece of the puzzle before my fingers hit the keyboard the first day.

Chris suggests you just put words down and make sure you shut your internal editor off. JUST WRITE (or type) WORDS and you can go back later and make sense of them.

Another thing Chris tells you to do before you start your novel - tell EVERYONE what you're doing. This way people will ask about the project and hopefully will keep each of us on track to finish on time.

In just a few days you can ask me how many words I have. I promise I won't get cranky or delete you from my address book. Please keep me accountable. THANKS!!!

nettie

P.S. I promise I'll post my ups and downs of writing so many words on my blogspot. Did I just promise I type more words - oh no. HELP ME!!!!

Christmas and my Stingray bicycle

2006-09-02T18:15:00.000-05:00

Christmas! What am I doing mentioning something that doesn't happen for 3 1/2 more months. Well, I had another interesting writing assignment (somewhat self imposed - leader of my writing group challenged us to write for 30 minutes for 30 days and it would become a habit).

Yesterday, to begin the challenge, I flipped open the pages of my prompt book to Sept. 1st and read - Write a December memory. I pondered it and honestly for a few minutes I couldn't come up with a darn thing. Then it hit me - the year I received the gift I'd longed for (and I'm sure bugged my parents to death about).

Picture this: I bound down the stairs, in front of the rest of my siblings, and there it sat in all its glory - my very own, brand spanking new, blue Stingray bicycle. I think I almost heard the angel's break out in song and I know the earth stopped on its axis for a split second.

Today I sit typing words, but really there aren't words to express the sheer happiness of receiving the gift I'd asked for. You don't have a doubt in your mind you're truly loved.

Anyway, remembering my fond memory of 40 years ago brought a smile to my face. Please let me know a special gift you've received and will never ever forget.

nettie

Elvis - I'm All Shook Up

2006-08-16T15:58:00.000-05:00

I think I promised I'd keep my blog on a happy note, but today you might want to snatch up a tissue before you start reading. Today marks the 29th anniversary of Elvis' death. There's no way I can be cheery. Even after all these years, it saddens me he died. So much life left to live.

A friend called and told me Elvis died. I asked him if he was kidding. He assured me he wasn't. I turned on the tv and it splashed every story known to man about Elvis. I watched every minute of it - with Kleenex in hand. I called all the female members of my family, especially my one sister. I knew if she heard the news while driving in traffic on her way home, she'd cause a 50 car pile-up. She was grateful for my concern for her and other's safety.

R and I visited Graceland a few years ago. I don't think R gave a rip, but I thought it would be cool. The 1970's motif took a little getting use to, but knowing "The King" had walked on the same shag rug made my heart pitter patter. My tune changed dramatically when we went out and view the graves. Just a little too over the top for me. I don't even visit my grandparent's gravesites, so what was I doing peering down at my favorite entertainer's headstone.

Anyway, I lived through it and I'm glad I could check it off my list of Elvis to dos. Another thing on my to do list that I checked off was in 1973. I saw him in concert. Only a Junior in high school and in the 10th row (my mom sat right next to me). Seeing him was a dream come true. "2001, A Space Odyssey" introduced him and "Can't Help Falling In Love" he said his goodbyes. The person then announced - Elvis has left the building.

Yes, he's left the building, but he still lingers in my heart. Love ya, Elvis, and I always will.

nettie

Tough writing assignment today

2006-08-11T20:19:00.000-05:00

This blogging is all new, but thought I'd give it a try. So, please be patient with my flubs.

Today I sat down to write a story about my divorce. It happened 27 years ago. I can still remember all the sordid details, but why should I trash someone over something two decades later. Does it really matter now whose fault it was. Hey, I can admit it's all his fault and there's nothing he can do about it now (HA!).

All joking aside, doing it turned into a daunting task. I started writing and it turned into a blame game and then I switched over to a little comic relief. Now I'm at the part where I need to put down what I learned in the experience so I can help someone through their ordeal.

The funny thing about this whole situation is I've been married to my second husband 25 of those 27 years. Did I learn anything from my first experience? Sometimes I wonder (please don't ask my husband), but I know one thing. I scored a big winner the second time around.

Bye for today. Better check to see if I can find my own blog.

nettie