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Christmas cards have been opened. Flickering flames from the candlelight Christmas Eve service have been extinguished, Gifts have all been pulled from under the tree and unwrapped. Food has been prepared and consumed. Christmas music gives way to regular radio programming. Friends and family have been greeted with hugs, kisses, and Merry Christmas wishes.
Today, the stack of Christmas cards sits on my desk. Christmas letters will be saved for a while, new addresses added to the data base on my computer, and cards sent to St Jude's card recycling program. The trash bag filled with Christmas wrapping will go to the dumpster today. All the left over wrapping paper, tags, ribbon, and tape will be packed away in the Christmas storage box. The tree will stay up for a few more days. The gifts that we opened yesterday will be stored or put into use today.
The day after Christmas can be a sad day for some, filled with regrets. We lament the gift we didn't buy, the Christmas card we forgot to send, the gift we didn't get, the money we spent unwisely, the overeating, the family members we missed. The list goes on and on.
Christmas builds like a giant wave in early November and reaches its crescendo on December 25th, when we are tossed about in a maelstrom of laughter, joy, happiness, excitement, and love. We ride the crest until, over the next few days, it ebbs and returns us to the "back to normal" of everyday life.
Despite the shopping, the wrapping, the card writing, the eating, and the decorating, the spirit of Christmas is always present because of the reason we observe the holiday in the first place.
It is the day we celebrate the birth of the Savior, Jesus Christ. No, he probably wasn't born on December 25th and there probably wasn't any snow on the ground. Still, the fact remains that this is the day we have chosen to remember that most holiest of events and the One who impacted history forever.
The young person who turns thirteen is still a teen the day after the birthday party. The couple who reaches their golden anniversary is still married half a century the day after the big celebration. Such a monumental event as our God giving us the most wondrous gift of all, His Son, cannot be forgotten simply because Christmas Day is over.
Like the ever pounding surge of the ocean waves, the impact of Christmas stays with us all year round.
Thanks for reading my blog!
Oh my, it has been such a long time since I posted anything on this blog! I'm surprised anyone has stopped by, but my weekly report indicates I still have folks checking in. Thank you for your patience!
These past couple of months have been stressful. Let me tell you about them by starting with a quick story. A friend and I went out to dinner a couple of months ago. During the course of conversation, she asked "are you an Indian giver?" What had precipitated that question? Had I given my friend something, then perhaps borrowed it back and never returned it?
That's not what she was talking about at all. As she listened to my anxiety about my husband's upcoming open heart surgery, she asked if I had given my concerns to God. Well, yes, of course, I had prayed for a successful surgery and a rapid recovery for my husband. Yet, here I was, going on about all that could go wrong.
How often do we take the advice in Philippians 4:6, turning our anxieties over to God in prayer with thanksgiving. Yet, a mere few hours later, we snatch them back from his "questionable" embrace and clutch them close in our "capable" arms. After all, don't we feel a bit guilty if we don't worry about our loved ones' trials? Do we appear callous or even naive if we sit back and say, "Oh, God will take care of it?"
As my husband anticipated his quadruple bypass, he drove me crazy with his lack of manifestation of anxiety. When I finally asked him about it, his reply was so simple, yet so true. "I could have a stroke and never get out of bed again. I could die, but worrying about it won't change the outcome. It's all in The Lord's hands."
Truer words were never spoken. My husband did have his surgery, and the day before the procedure, the surgeon told me, "You need to know that his risk for stroke or even death during this procedure is extremely high." Yet, my husband's own words, "it's in the Lord's hands," carried me though those tension-filled hours.
My husband is home now and doing well with his recovery. He is still at risk for the complications that come with heart disease, but like he says, "why worry about it?"
Slowly but surely, I'm learning not to be an Indian giver!
Thanks for reading my blog!
My apologies to Dawn, who sent me this interview several weeks ago. A trip out of town was unexpectedly extended this summer prevented me from posting it before now.
Hello, Dawn. It is my pleasure to welcome you to Patti’s Porch.
When did you begin your writing journey?
I started writing about three years ago and have found that I couldn't stop if I wanted to. It's more than a hobby, it's a passion!
Has it taken you where you thought it would?
I really had no high expectations when I started writing. I know the statistics...less than 1 % of writers making a living at it. I'm fortunate enough to have a day job that pays the bills, which leaves me free to write for the sheer joy of putting words on the page. Some people play golf...my hobby just happens to be writing and I'll guarantee I spend a lot less money on it than my husband does on the golf course.
 Tell us about your latest book, Mistaken Identity.
Here's the blurb from my cover.
Eden Morgan makes a list of six goals to accomplish in order to have the best summer ever. Getting a boyfriend, which is perhaps the most important goal, becomes complicated when she and her best friend, Lexi, fall for the same guy. Since Lexi is popular, gorgeous, and always gets her guy, Eden thinks she doesn't have a chance.
Channing Johnson is everything Eden's ever dreamed of and she can't believe he just moved in next door. When he starts showing interest in her, she's overjoyed...until she sees him out on a date with Lexi. He says Lexi talked him into it to repay her for tutoring him. Lexi says they're in love.
Eden doesn't know who to believe and is forced to choose between her best friend and the guy of her dreams. Nothing is as it seems and no matter who she chooses, someone will get hurt.
What kind of takeaway does this story have for teen girls?
The takeaway is that God is always faithful. I wrote this book for the young woman who is struggling to live for God and wondering if all worth it when the worldly girls seem to have all the fun and get all the guys.
What is the main conflict in Mistaken Identity?
The main conflict happens when my heroine and her best friend fall in love with the same guy. My heroine is the Christian and the other girl is a drop dead gorgeous party girl. Hmmm...who will he choose?
You are also the author of two suspense novels, Queen of Hearts and Killing Time. Tell us about them.
 Queen of Hearts cover blurb: Daphne Dean is proud to be serving her country stateside during WWII as a reporter and an Office of Strategic Services operative. When the photograph she takes of the crowd at a murder scene places her on the mob's hit list, she's forced into hiding in a vacant mental asylum in the middle of nowhere with terrifying secrets of its own.
Daphne believed herself to still be in love with her ex-fiancée, Kenneth, until she spends several days locked away in the asylum with Vito, the mob boss' son. Can she put the terrifying events that occurred there behind her and allow herself to pursue a relationship with Vito? Or, will she return to Kenneth who has turned his back on his country by becoming a draft dodger and a black market racketeer? One thing's for sure, it won't matter if she can't escape the mental institution alive.
 Killing time: Mindy McLaurin, thinks it's the end of the world when she's incarcerated on trumped-up embezzlement charges. While in jail, she investigates the death of an inmate who allegedly died of an overdose. Mindy suspects foul play when her cellmate dies and she learns that both women had ingested the same drug. Mindy trusts no one, including Drew Stone, the handsome counselor she can’t stop thinking about. She faces many challenges, including constant interrogation by the Major and emotional abuse from the other inmates. Upon release, someone is stalking her and framing her for the murder. Can she prove to Counselor Stone that she’s innocent of all charges before she loses him forever?
Mistaken Identity seems to be quite a genre switch from your first two novels. Did this create a problem as far as contracting and now promoting Mistaken Identity?
Not at all! As I said before, I write for the joy of writing. My publishing company has been kind enough to buy whatever I've pitched to them because they like my stories.
You just started a blog for young adults. What kind of topics do you hope to cover?
The blog was designed to give teens a voice. I want to hear from them about life today in their world. If you're a young adult, age 12-20+, please contact me if you'd like a spot at kdawnbyrd@yahoo.com . You can check out the blog at www.zoe-mack.blogspot.com
What is your favorite part of the writing process?
My favorite part is the first draft. I love the freedom of putting words on the page. It doesn't matter that they're not perfect. A favorite saying is, "First drafts don't have to be perfect, they just have to be written."
Least favorite?
I don't like editing. Once I've finished a book and edited it a couple of times, I'm ready to move on to something else. The final edit just before copy is something I want no part of, so I hired it done on my last book and I have to say he did a wonderful job!
What has benefitted you most as a writer?
I've made some wonderful friends in the publishing world. It was really nice to meet so many of them at the ACFW Conference last year.
What advice would you give to new writers seeking publication?
Write the best story you can and then rewrite and rewrite some more.
Where can readers learn more about you?
www.kdawnbyrd.blogspot.com
www.zoe-mack.blogspot.com
www.kdawnbyrd.com
Where can your books be purchased?
Amazon, Barnes & Noble, www.cbd.com and other ebook outlets. CBD is great for those readers who are interested in reading ebooks, but don’t have an ereader. There's no software to download and you can read right on your computer screen. Also, if you don't mind downloading software, you can download the Kindle app on Amazon's home page and read Kindle books on your computer.
Thank you for visiting with us today, Dawn!
Ten years ago today, having worked the night shift, I had just drifted into sleep when my two kids came running into my bedroom shouting for me to get up. A feeling of foreboding enveloped me as I forced myself back to a state of wakefulness. The last time they had done that was the morning they woke me to tell me my son's best friend had died in a car accident the night before.
It was a little before 7:00 here in Colorado on that fateful morning. The kids, my husband and I watched the television in shock as the horror unfolded. Despite being at work all night the night before, I, like most Americans, followed the news for the better part of the day.
I remember that night at work, as my staff and I watched the news coverage, they showed several scenes of people from other countries celebrating the victory of the savage attack. Remember the woman who shouted with glee and laughed, her face filled with joy? One of my co-workers pointed to her and said, "I'd love to get my hands on her!" We explained to him that she had probably been taught from the time she was a small child to hate Americans and all we stand for.
I think what frightened me the most about that day was the amount of hate that it must take to engineer such a vicious act of violence against another person, group, or country
I visited New York City last year. Our son and daughter-in-law lived there then and took us on quite a tour. Even though I grew up only 50 miles from NYC, my visits were few. I had never spent a few days walking the streets, felt the pulse of the traffic, mixed with the throng of people on the subways, and admired the many sights like I did during that visit.
We went to the ground zero site, and observed the commemorative wall there. As I read the words "May We Never Forget" inscribed there, my heart went out to the thousands of families who were directly affected by such tragic loss on that fateful day.
I have never suffered the loss of a loved one through such a devastating occurrence. It must rip the heart right out of a person to have a loved one's life end through such a senseless act.
All this week, I have watched the news and heard the stories of those who were directly affected by September 11th. The stories are gut wrenching and heart breaking, yet in each there shines the light of hope and healing.
We as a nation will always bear the scars left by the attack on the twin towers, the pentagon, and the loss of flight 93 in Pennsylvania. Our view of our own country, our relationships to each other, and our place int he world, was forever changed that day.
Yet, I feel secure in the future, because no matter what happened on September 11, 2001, God still reigned supreme. His presence was felt by some who had never felt Him before and others who had forgotten about Him drew closer to Him.
Malice dominates this world, but I rest secure in the knowledge that no matter what kind of threat our enemies pose in the coming days or years ahead, our God stands beside us through every trial. His love will eventually conquer every shred of hatred that exists in the hearts of man and only His pure love will remain.
May God bless America!
Janice Hanna (also published as Janice Thompson) has published more than seventy novels and non-fiction books. She has also published more than fifty magazine articles and several musical comedies for the stage. Janice makes her home in the Houston area near her children and grandchildren.
Hi Janice. It's great to welcome you back to Patti's Porch!
Hi Patti. It's good to be here.
Please tell us a bit about the plot of Love Finds You in Groom, Texas.
Always the groomsman, never the groom… It’s 1914, and Jake O’Farrell has gained an unusual reputation among the locals: He’s played the roles of groomsman and best man in all four of his older brothers’ weddings, but he’s never been able to find the woman to capture his heart. And now with the upcoming wedding of his best friend, Jake will become the last single man in the town of Groom.
Anne Denning has made the difficult decision to move with her sisters to Texas, but a train derailment forces them to seek shelter in Groom, near Amarillo. Mrs. O’Farrell, hopeful that Anne will catch her youngest son’s eye, invites the girls to stay at her home until the train is repaired and ready to pull out. Anne has no idea of the blissful chaos that lies ahead!
Why did you decide to write this story?
My editor at Summerside approached me with the name of the town because she knows I write a lot of wedding-themed stories. She wanted something lightweight/fun, and she knew me well enough to know I would enjoy a fun story. The only real question we had in the beginning stage was: “Should this be a historical or a contemporary?” We went with historical because I felt sure the story idea was better suited to the turn of the century.
Tell us something interesting about the town of Groom:
Groom boasts a nineteen-story high cross. More than 100 welders worked together to erect it in 1995. Now you can see why I toyed with the idea of writing a contemporary novel! I wanted to include the cross. Because I went with historical, I decided to give the heroine a small cross necklace to wear, one that symbolizes her faith (and alludes to the “bigger” cross to come).
Groom is a wedding-themed book. Why do you write so many stories with a strong wedding theme?
I have four grown daughters—Randi, Megan, Courtney Rae and Courtney Elizabeth. Yes, I really have two daughters named Courtney. (Long story!) All four of my girls got married within four years of each other. We’re told to write what we know. I know weddings, trust me! I helped coordinate all four weddings and even worked as a wedding coordinator at my church for a season. I was also tickled to be the “Wedding Planner Examiner” for the city of Houston for a spell. What fun! You’ll see me writing about weddings for years to come, so hang on for the ride!
What is it about your lead character that will make your readers care about her?
Readers will care about Anne because she’s been through so much and still chooses to move forward. They will also love her relationship with her younger sisters. She’s the only remaining parental figure and takes that position very seriously.
Why will readers enjoy your novel?
In spite of the lead character’s tough situation, the story is filled with comedic elements. Anne’s two younger sisters are a hoot. So is Maggie (the hero’s mother). She’s an Irish spitfire! I think readers will appreciate the romance between Anne and Jake. It’s filled with all sorts of sweet and comic moments.
Why do you like writing comedies with strong take-aways?
Comedy is a great outlet. We comedians can get away with a lot more than authors who play it straight. Want the reader to walk away with a little nugget of truth? Couch it in something humorous. I’ve found that light-hearted writing not only suits my personality, it’s the perfect vehicle for sharing the gospel. Tell us a little about your hero? Is he true hero material?
Jake is a hunka-hunka Texas man! He’s a railroad man who loves his job, loves his family and loves the heroine. He’s got a great sense of humor, which is perfect for this story, because the heroine’s little sisters are loaded with antics! Jake has a lot to deal with: he’s the town’s last single man, which has made him the brunt of many a joke. His older brothers (all married with children) taunt and tease. Jake can never catch a break. Unless he’s with Anne, of course. Then he catches far more than a break. . .he catches the woman of his dreams!
What sorts of transformations take place in this book?
How much time do you have? (Ha!) Seriously, there are so many! The heroine, Anne, has been through tremendous losses and struggles with her faith from the get-go. By the end of the story, she is a woman transformed. Likewise, the hero has been through far too much taunting and teasing. He, too, has faced losses. With Anne’s hand in his, transformation comes. Even precocious Emily, Anne’s younger sister, goes through a bit of a metamorphosis as the story progresses. The biggest change of all, however, is in Uncle Bertrand. I don’t want to give away too much. You’ll have to read the story to see for yourself!
You’ve written other Love Finds You books in the past. Do you enjoy writing for this series? Why or why not?
I can’t say enough about this line of books. From the moment the first book released, I fell in love—with the authors, the covers, the stories, the settings. Most of all, I love the concept. Through these stories, the reader can travel all over the country, bouncing from town to town, city to city. Want a serious historical? You’ll find it in the Love Finds You series. Want a humorous contemporary? You’ll find that, too. Want a book set in a quirky, fun town? Yep. You’ll find it in the Love Finds You series. Want a story set in a remote, faraway place, filled with intrigue? You’ll find that, too.
What are you working on now?
I just turned in Love Finds You in Daisy, Oklahoma, a fun historical about a single woman in her late 30’s who moves from the Gulf Coast to the landlocked state of Oklahoma to become the director at an orphanage. It’s a love story, of course! She falls in love with the town sheriff, who has adopted two of the unruliest boys from the orphanage. I’m currently writing Wedding Belles, the first book in the Belles and Whistles series for Summerside/Guideposts.
I notice you write under two names (Janice Hanna and Janice Thompson). Why?
Those who’ve been reading my romances over the past several years know me as Janice A. Thompson. My joy is mixed with a smidgeon of sorrow as I explain the change in my last name for some of my current releases. In 2006 I lost my father to bone marrow cancer. His last name (Hanna) is my maiden name—and it’s a name that means even more to me now that he is gone. In memory of my father, I use the Hanna name in my historicals. My Revell books will still release under Janice Thompson. I hope you my readers will stick with me, no matter which name I use!
Any suggestions for writers who are trying to get published?
Learn the craft. Take courses. Go to conferences. Do the work. But don’t ever let what you’ve learned rob you of your natural, God-given voice. There’s only one you, after all.
Where else can readers find you online?
I love to connect with my readers at the following places:
Where can I get the book?
Love Finds You in Groom, Texas can be purchased at any number of online stores, as well as my website: www.janicehannathompson.com (front page). Readers can always join my VIP bookclub and get the locked in price of $11 (no shipping) by contacting me directly at booksbyjanice@aol.com.
Thanks for spending time with me! I had a blast!
Leave a comment to win an opportunity to choose any available item from Janice's web site!
Thanks for reading my blog!
Bright lights glittered in the hot, dusty air. Blaring music blended with the shouts of scared and excited children as the rides dipped, hurled, swirled, bounced, jounced, and tilted them in all directions. Parents snapped pictures and guarded half-eaten snacks when the kiddos abandoned the food for yet another run down the big slide. The carnival had arrived!
As I surveyed the scene and accompanied my granddaughter on some of the gentler rides (thank goodness a friend came along and offered to take her on the scarier ones), an analogy came to my mind about how we live our lives. Okay, I guess that's the writer in me!
Those who simply exist on a daily basis are Ferris wheel folk. They sit safe and secure in a chair that gently escorts them to the top of the ride where they can gaze down on all that is going on around them. They watch everyone else having a good time on the midway, but there is no risk and no danger.
Then there are those people who like to fly a little. Enter the flying swings. Their surroundings pass by in a blur of color, sound, and motion as they embrace the wind on their cheeks and give in to the giddy uncertainty of dizziness.. The sensation of flying, almost a sense of weightlessness, takes over. They believe they can do almost anything and attack life like it is true!
Move on to one of the more daring rides, which I'm sure is identified by different names. Lovers of this one find themselves locked inside a cage, then rocketed away, not only in a giant circle, but as centrifugal force takes over, spun upside down. This one is for the people who let things happen to them, pleasant or unpleasant (sometimes the effect of this ride on the stomach is most unpleasant), and allow themselves to be swept into circumstances beyond their control with no way out.
The super slide is not for the faint of heart. Usually towering at a formidable height, it nevertheless affords some level of control. Those who ride can choose when to push off from the top. Once they launch themselves down the slippery groove, though, they are challenged by bumps that threaten to unseat them as they sail through the air on their magic burlap carpet and coast to a gradual stop.
Sea Dragon riders start out with a continuous sway back and forth that rapidly increases in speed and lifts them to ever loftier heights. This one is for people who are look for ways to move up the ladder and enjoy the challenges when they get there. Yet, their feet stay rooted to the firmly on the floor.
How about the house of mirrors. This non-threatening attraction is comparable to those who travel the mazes of life never quite sure where they are going. In their attempt to seek a way out, they encounter the one thing that inhibits their progress - themselves!
Whether you spend your time on the rides or sitting on a bench stuffing your face with nachos and funnel cake, there is something for everyone at the carnival.
Which ride represents the way you lead your life?
Thanks for reading my blog!
It was a little over two years ago that I entered a post on this blog expressing my excitement over the news that I had won a prize in James Arness' birthday poetry contest. He sent me a beautiful autographed photo from his web site which I still treasure along with the others I have accumulated over the years.
Today, I heard the sad news that, a few short days after his 88th birthday, Jim passed away in his sleep at his home in California.
I won't bore my readers with a history of Jim's life because you can go online and find it. Rather, I will share with you my thoughts about Jim Arness and Gunsmoke as told in a speech I delivered at Toastmasters about seven years ago:
WILL THE REAL SURVIVOR PLEASE TAKE A BOW
Survivor – a weekly 60 min TV show, classified as a reality show, in which contestants use every ounce of energy to demoralize, undermine, and thwart other competitors in order to win a million dollar prize.
The show attracts hundreds of thousands of fans who eagerly anticipate the events that occur from week to week as the competition becomes more brutal, the tension overwhelming, and the process of elimination winds down to that final winner.
In all the years of TV viewing I have enjoyed: the dramas, the sitcoms, the mystery movies, the mini-series, the nighttime soap operas like “Dallas”, one show stands out as a survivor, in my mind, above and beyond all others.
This show is the legendary “Gunsmoke”. An adult TV western that made its debut on Sept 10, 1955 with an impressive introduction by western super star John Wayne, it was the first of its kind. The success of “Gunsmoke” sparked the airing of 30 westerns simultaneously on prime time and outlasted all these others with its epic 20 yr. run. It holds the record as the longest running drama in the history of television with continuing characters.
Unlike today’s popular reality show, the story lines on Gunsmoke promoted respect for our fellow man, downplayed the value of material wealth, esteemed human life, and portrayed a world where justice prevails and evil loses its destructive power.
The main character, played by 6’7” James Arness, portrayed US Marshal Matt Dillon, a lawman who maintained justice at all costs in the frontier cowtown of 1873 Dodge City, Kansas. Amanda Blake played the alluring Kitty Russell, a saloon owner by trade, yet respected as a shrewd but honest businesswoman. Milburn Stone appeared as Doc Adams, a feisty, often grumpy, yet compassionate sawbones who spent long hours caring for the sick, the wounded, and the ailing throughout an area that encompassed not only the town of Dodge, but all of Ford County and beyond.
Matt Dillon, of course, as in any good western, had his sidekicks. First to fill that role was Dennis Weaver, who played the lovable Chester Goode, a docile yet loyal man who sported a limp during the nine years he remained with the show. Next came hillbilly Festus Haggan, who, despite his lack of education, was much smarter than he appeared. This part was played by Bent County’s own Ken Curtis. Those in Las Animas who were close to Ken claim that if you had met Ken Curtis, you had met Festus Haggan. Buck Taylor joined the cast in 1967 as the versatile Newly O’Brien, a gunsmith by trade who also had a smattering of law and medical education in his background. He fit in nicely as an extra deputy when the need arose in Dodge City.
These characters blended to form a series of scenarios that gave the TV viewer his fill of drama, humor, suspense, adventure, violence, romance, and always, a warm feeling that all is right with the world.
Gunsmoke episodes were dramatized, of course, yet, the writers worked hard to make the scripts, the scenes, the events as authentic as possible. They dealt with situations pertinent to the time period: land and water rights, cattle barons versus squatters, pestilence, Indian hostility, compulsory education, vigilante law. Yet, among the 635 aired episodes of Gunsmoke were issues that still concern us today: prejudice, violence, robbery, rape, murder, child abuse, government corruption.
Although not all Gunsmoke episodes closed with a happy ending, they conveyed the message that in the end, the law prevails - man’s law and God’s law.
Almost thirty years after the last show was filmed and aired, reruns of Gunsmoke are available on TV stations in every part of the United States and in other countries as well. The Internet boasts at least one message board containing over five thousand messages that address virtually every aspect of the show, from a complete discussion of every single episode, every character, every actor who ever made a guest appearance, to the writers, the directors, and the producers. Known as the “The Delphi Gunsmoke Gang”, several of us fans have been to LA, most of us twice, to meet and spend time with Jim Arness in person. Many of us have had the opportunity to visit with Buck Taylor at western events across the country on numerous occasions.
Gunsmoke fans will be celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of the show’s inception in Sept of next year. From the Festival of the West in Scotsdale, Arizona to the Western Legends Roundup in Kanab, Utah, and at several other events throughout the country, Gunsmoke will be the focus of attention.
A survivor? I’d say so. I can’t help but wonder, as I listen to people discuss the television show “Survivor”, just how many people, fifty years from now, will recall even one of the characters who starred in it.
I first saw Jim on our black and white TV at the age of four when he appeared for the first time in the role of Marshal Matt Dillon. I saw him for the first time in person as he filmed "How The West Was Won" at Bent's Old Fort in the 1970's. In 2001, I went to LA and attended his the booksigning of his autobiography. 2003 found me in LA again as I celebrated his 80th birthday. I got pictures with him and even got to give him a big hug and a kiss on the cheek! Just yesterday, my husband and I watched one of the post-Gunsmoke movies on TV. All my life, this man has been a hero to be admired, respected, and loved.
A dear friend of mine was one of the most avid Gunsmoke fans I ever knew. She had a whole room filled with memorabilia dedicated to the show. We called her "Brooklyn" because she was from Brooklyn, and the moment she opened her mouth, everyone knew it. She developed cancer a few years back.
I will always remember the story she related to me about Jim Arness. She was downstairs giving piano lessons when her daughter told her she had a phone call. When she asked who it was, her daughter told her it was James Arness on the phone. She said negotiating the stairs had become quite a chore for her due to her illness, but when she heard who was on the end of the line, she bounded up those stairs in about two leaps. Jim had called to tell her he was sorry to hear about her cancer and he hoped the treatments would prove effective. She said she was so excited that all she could of to say was, "I love you, Jim!" over and over. He told her he loved her too.
When I heard the sad news of Jim's death today, I pictured "Brooklyn" giving Jim a huge welcome hug as he entered Heaven's gates. Jim was the last member of the original cast, so I pray he is now celebrating with his close friends and those fans who have left this world. RIP James Arness!
Thanks for reading my blog.
I went to my local Dairy Queen a couple of evenings ago to enjoy time with friends and eat a shrimp basket dinner. I'd worked hard all day and felt I deserved something that was easy (no food prep), and tasted good (love shrimp!).
Anyway, while there, the subject of the recent end of the world prediction came up in conversation. It led me to repeat the question in my head that has plagued me since the prediction came to light.
Am I ready for the end of the world?
First of all, let me clarify that I hold no belief in these predictions that totally contradict the word of God. The Bible tells us that even Jesus does not know when God plans for the Son to return. I have no doubt the end of the world will occur someday, maybe even in my lifetime, but I am quite the skeptic about any human being who claims to know the date and time.
Anyway, back to my original question. Suppose the end of the world did happen next week, next month, or next year. Would I be ready?
Yes and no.
Yes because I feel I am right with God and saved by the sacrifice Jesus made for me.
Yes because suffering, pain, and poverty would end for so many.
Yes because evil is devouring the entire earth and the darkness is becoming more and more dense.
No because I have so much yet to do.
No because I don't feel I have fulfilled many of the plans God has for me.
No because there are so many who would perish because they have been consumed by the darkness and they can't find their way out.
The theme of this web site is "bringing light to the world....one word at a time." I feel I am just beginning to take steps toward accomplishing that goal.
Now that I work with a publishing company whose entire staff are dedicated to spreading the word of God, sometimes in unusual ways, I feel I am on the way to fulfilling that mission.
Recently, I attended the Colorado Christian Writer's Conference. I have been attending almost every year since 2003, but this is the first year I had the honor to attend as a faculty member. It was rewarding to meet young people who are dedicated to learning the craft of writing. Not only are they learning, they are writing poems, stories, even full-length novels! They are enthusiastic, excited, and open to constructive criticism.
There was a time when I wanted more time to finish my own book and get my message out there through the novel I am writing. I have not given up that dream, Still, though, I wonder how many people will be impacted by the writing of the young authors who I publish in Starsongs magazine. One of them may grow up to be the next Max Lucado or Francine Rivers. Many of them may see devotionals or articles published in the near future that will touch the lives of one key person who may turn the tide of history.
So, I guess when all is said and done, I'm asking the Lord to give me, and so many others, a little more time to reach others for His kingdom. Predictions may dominate the media, but I think God is listening to those of us who need just a little more time.
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That question crosses my mind every Mother's Day. Did I do all for my kids that I could have as they were growing up? Did I teach them all the lessons they need to sustain themselves in adulthood? Was I always there for them?
The answer to all three of those questions, I'm afraid, is NO! The reason for that answer is because it is impossible to fulfill the "all" and "always" requirement.
This morning during our adult Sunday school class, we touched on the subject of guilt as moms. The discussion started with the fact that we judge ourselves. Do I judge my abilities as a parent? All the time.
I wish my daughter and granddaughter had been in church with me this morning, but they weren't. I feel that is my fault because I didn't impress upon my daughter the importance of honoring the sabbath when she was a child. Church is important when it's convenient, but not a priority.
It would have been nice to have had a Mother's Day card or even a Facebook greeting from my son, kind of a reminder that he is thinking of me on this day that honors mothers, even though he now lives in a different country and thousands of miles separate us.
Okay, so I'm having a pity party. It's not really all that bad. This evening, my daughter and granddaughter and I will attend our church youth group fundraiser together, which entails a delicious dinner and a play that I'm sure will be wonderful entertainment.
We don't hear from our son as often as I'd like, but I'm also proud that he possesses the independence and the initiative to make his own life. Accepting the fact that we are no longer an integral part of it is difficult, but also cause for pride. He's making a substantial living, supporting a wife, and pursuing career goals.
Our daughter is a wonderful mom. She's a great cook, and she sure didn't get that from me! I like to think that I have been s a positive influence in her life. She shows initiative and works hard, She is well respected in the community, at her job, and by her friends. She's raising our granddaughter to love God and believe in herself and always be kind to others.
I'm fortunate in that she is close by, for the time being, anyway. Still, she has her own life and that is a good thing. I'm proud that she, like our son, is independent and self-reliant. I'm excited for what the future holds for her and glad that she has the courage to face whatever challenges lie in store.
When I connect with our son, usually on line, I know he is genuinely glad to be in touch. I have very little idea of what his life is like overseas. No, he's not in the service, but I'm sure things are different in the UK than they are here in the states. He, too, has faced new opportunities and hard times with a strong spirit and a desire for adventure.
I wish I could say I have always been there for my kids in the ways that they have needed me to be. Sometimes I have and sometimes I haven't. There were times when I let my own opinions, my own dreams for them, and my own pride get in the way.
As a parent, I have regrets about my shortcomings as a mom. At the same time, I am grateful for every joyful moment, every term of endearment, every hug, every "I love you" my kids have ever shared with me. They are many, and I treasure each one in my heart.
Of all the gifts God has given me, motherhood is the best! I just hope I have proved worthy of the honor.
Thanks for reading my blog.
Today, it is my pleasure to introduce author Eddie Jones and his YA book, The Curse of Captain LaFoote.
Eddie, welcome to Patti's Porch. tell us what prompted you to write a story about a sea adventure.
When my boys were young, I'd tell pirate stores on the bow of our sailboat. The lead character was Captain Stinky Foot. Captain Stinky Foot was named after my youngest son. If you've ever spent any time on a boat in August with a crew of unwashed young males then this needs no further explanation. I've always been fascinated by the stories of boys snatched away from London and Bristol and forced to serve before the mast. Seems to me life at sea was more fun than peeling potatoes. And more dangerous.
So The Curse of Captain LaFoote is a pirate tale awash in buried treasure, romance and dead men's bones. The truth is, this book and the ones that follow in the Caribbean Chronicle series are love stories. For Ricky Bradshaw, the hero of the book, the story is a quest to find his father, soul mate, and purpose in life. For guys, finding their father and gaining his approval is huge. Of course finding love is pretty high up there, too. It’s aimed at teen/tweens and middle-grade readers. The publisher gave it PG 13 rating due to a few killings. The age of the lead is 15. It's aimed at boys but I think girls will enjoy it, too. The female is a strong character.
Did you have a specific message in mind when you created the story?
That courage costs. Near the end of the book Ricky has the chance to go back to his old life. We get to do the same thing, go back to our old way of doing things. But Christ says there is a cost for doing the right thing. Ricky faces that choice.
Why did you choose epilepsy as Ricky Bradshaw’s affliction?
Early in the story I needed a reason for Ricky to fall into the water. I did the same thing years ago. Jumped into the Neuse River in February while holding an outboard motor. So I knew how Ricky would react to the shock of cold water. I also knew Ricky would surface and be okay if I didn’t give him another wound.
A friend suggested that I let my lead have epilepsy. She said when she has episode she sort of zones out: like daydreaming except she can’t stop it. She also said she knows when it’s about to happen, that she smells something like burning wires. So I gave Ricky epilepsy and finished the story.
It wasn’t until much later that I realized the book had a larger purpose. I met another woman at a writer’s conference whose son has epilepsy. During the conference, her son suffered a seizure — the first one he’d ever had without his mother present. The look on her face that morning convinced me that Ricky Bradshaw could be a champion for those sufferi ng from epilepsy.
It’s not cancer or heart disease but over three million Americans live with epilepsy. If the sale of this book can raise awareness, then the book has done its job. For each book sold, the publisher and I will donate “a few pieces of eight” — half a sandy dollar — to the foundation’s Heroes Among Us program. Our goal is to raise ten thousand dollars in honor of Ricky Bradshaw.
It sounds like there are other books to come in the Caribbean Chronicles series. Can you give us a sneak peak of what readers can expect?
Right now I’m working on Dead Calm, Bone Dry. This is Ricky’s journey to find his father. Through he died when Ricky was a toddler, because Ricky is living during the age of pirates, Ricky has the chance to visit the place where souls are knit together. “My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.” Psalm 139:15. This passage fascinates me: the idea that God has a special place where he stitches us together. So Ricky journeys into the depths of darkness and to the gates of Hell in search of his father. For boys, this is our ultimate quest: to find ourselves within our father... and kill him. So there is both a physical need and spiritual theme woven into the story. Through the execution of His Son, we attempted to kill God the Father on the cross. And every day we continue to stab him with our sins. That’s part of the message of the second book. But like the first, it’s a fun, fast story that opens with a hanging and takes off from there.  How long did it take you to write The Curse of Captian LaFoote?
About a year. I write slowly. Actually I rewrite. I’ve heard all the advice about getting the rough draft down first but I’m OCD. Can’t leave a thing undone. So until a chapte r is perfect I can’t move forward. Terrible way to write. I’ll never get rich writing at this pace but I enjoy the process too much to hurry it.
Did you create an outline or are you a seat of the pants writer?
No outline but I do follow the thirteen plot points. I know what 4 plot points need to be in Act One. When the curtain comes down on that section I move on. I know what 5 plot points I’ll need to hit in Act Two, but I let the characters motivation and secrets drive the story. I’ve tried plotting out from an outline but my personality is one of an explorer. That’s why I write a boating column called Hard Aground. I don’t read charts or study boating guidebooks. I just set the sails and go. Often this leaves me hard aground but I also find some pretty interesting places: coves others would never venture into because they were warned against them. I want my stories to be that way: Off-the-beaten path, interesting and dangerous. If I know how it ends then I’m bored and a bored writer is a bad writer.
What kind of advice would you give to young writers who are interested in crafting a novel?
Buy my Plotting, Not Plodding book. It’s only a dollar as a Kindle or Nook book and $5 for print. This isn’t a pitch to sell books, since at $.99 I’m not going to get rich. But plotting is key. I find a lot of authors, even best-selling authors, struggle with plotting. Character development sells books but plot keeps the story moving forward. Without key plot points, the reader gets bored and hops off. It’s like crawling in a car with a crazy cast of characters. It’s fun for the first few hours but if, after a while, you sense everyone is lost, you want out. So learn plot. Then work on scene development. This is structure and can also be learned. Character development is harder. Dialogue is tough but that can be fun if you work at it. I teach all four of these as basic writing classes at conferences. And I used all four in the writing of Captain LaFoote so if they worked for me, they’ll work for anyone.
Be sure to participate in our "Buy A Boy A Book!" campaign and spur their imagination. Create within them a desire to read and set sail for a life of adventure, wherever that journey may take them. Learn how you can participate at this link.
Where can your book be purchased?
Print Edition can be purchased for $9.95 at this link:
Kindle eBook can be purchased for $2.99 at this link:
NOOK eBook can be purchasesd for $2.99 at this link: Below is my review of The Curse of Captain LaFoote:
The Curse of Captain LaFoote is written for YA boys. However, I am female, have left my YA years in the dust miles ago, and I enjoyed every moment of this delightful story. Having grown up in close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, I was thrilled to be whisked into the throes of ocean waves with Ricky Bradshaw as he encounters one heart-pounding adventure after another.
Author Eddie Jones brings young Ricky to life as a common everyday adventure-seeking boy who, after a fire breaks out in his apartment, is whisked into a world of adventure, danger, and romance. His affliction in the form of epilepsy reminds the reader that we all have weaknesses to overcome. The formidable Captain LaFoote represents the evil we all must battle on that rocky road called life. Other characters, including Barnacle the dog, add spice and variety to an already elegantly crafted story. The lovely and engaging Rebecca adds charm and sweetness to an otherwise bitter experience for young Ricky.
The messages Jones conveys to young people in this tale are that certain things are worth fighting for, we all possess courage, and loyalty can help us overcome even the most frightful adversity. Join Eddie’s “Buy a Boy a Book” campaign and purchase a copy of this enchanting adventure story for a boy you know or donate a copy to your local library today.
Thanks for reading my blog!
Miralee Ferrell's books are a delight to this reader. From her historic Love Finds You books to her contemporary The Other Daughter and Finding Jeena, Miralee delivers a compelling story that entertains and satisfies.
Her latest accomplishment, Love Finds You in Tombstone, Arizona, unfolds a romantic tale set against the backdrop of one of the old west's most notorious historic towns. If you are drawn to the intriguing personality of the rugged denizens of frontier days with a questionable history and the ladies whose pasts are less than stellar, you must read this book.
Miralee delves into the life of character Christy Grey beyond her appearance in Love Finds You in Last Chance, California. When Christy is called home, she not only finds her brother unreliable to help with her ailing mother, but encounters outlaws during a stagecoach holdup on her journey. Her dilemma worsens when she promises one of the outlaws involved to keep his identity a secret when it is revealed to her. Christy's problems and her past serve as a stumbling block to the dreams she hopes to someday fulfill.
Nevada King has dreams of his own. Yet, circumstances beyond his control put him in a bad light to Christy, the woman for whom he feels a growing attraction. He also lives in constant danger of pursuit by outlaws who are out for revenge. As Nevada proves himself to be a friend not only to Christy, but also to her family and a saloon girl looking for a way out of the sordid life that has trapped her, Christy's heart softens toward him.
Miralee has interwoven real life documented historical occurrences with her fictitious but believable characters. She has crafted a story that deposits the reader smack dab in the midst of the old west in the late nineteenth century.
 A couple of weeks ago, I had the privilege of speaking to writers in another state. I attended the Third Annual Idahope Writers Conference in Boise, Idaho as a representative of Written World Communications. Our CEO, Kristine, was supposed to attend, but circumstances prevented her ability to fulfill the commitment, so she asked me to go in her place.
I flew out of Colorado Springs airport early in the morning, which meant I had to leave my home at about 3:00 AM. I praised God that I did not have to thread my way through construction in the dark! Last August, upon my return from Philadelphia, I got hopelessly lost as I tried to find my way out of the airport. (That's another story).
The president of Idahop e writers, Adam, and his wife, Andrea, were to meet me at Boise airport. We had never met before, but they managed to find and identify me. They took me to their home, then to lunch at a pizza place called Flying Pie. It boasts a ball of aluminum foil that weighs 400 pounds (see left)!
They then took me to the home of the host family I would be staying with for the week-end. They were delightful people and own a beautiful home. My accommodations were so comfortable with a beautiful view and my host and hostess delightful. They made me feel right at home and fed me some delicious meals. They even spent quite a bit of time on the phone, going through the step by step process with their ISP provider of getting my computer hooked up to the internet. Thanks Becky and Steve for everything!
The conference was Saturday. I missed many of the classes because, when I wasn't teaching, I had appointments with writers. That was fine because I love to talk to writers about their projects and give them advice that will help them get published! I did get to listen to the keynote speaker, Sandra Bishop. Sandra is an agent who worked with the MacGregor Literary Agency. She talked about the future of publishing.
My talk was scheduled for 11:00 AM. My subject was "What An Editor Wants - Does This Mean I Don't Send Chocolate?" I enjoyed giving the talk and received some positive feedback about it. I owe a big thanks to those editors who are much more experienced than I and shared their thoughts on the subject. One thing I forgot to do was turn on the tape recorder until about halfway through my presentation! Gee, I was mad at myself for that! I also fell a little short of the hour I was supposed to fill. Nobody complained, though, since the next session was lunch!
I was able to listen to another speaker, Ray, who is a member of Idahope Writers. He is a police officer and a minister who gave an engaging talk on cultural differences and impressions.
Julie Hoy of Salem, Oregon, provided inspirational worship and praise music.
All of the people at the conference were so gracious and treated me like I was someone special! I loved visiting with both faculty and conferees about writing, listening to them talk about their experience and their projects. They gave all of us speakers some wonderful gifts, a box of candy and a Barnes & Noble gift card.
I was supposed to fly home Sunday night, but received a phone call Sunday morning telling me my flight from Denver to Colorado Springs had been canceled. After consultation with my host family and their generous offer to have me stay another night, I booked my entire flight for Monday.
Due to the dela y, I got to go snowshoeing! I had never done that before. When I was a kid, my relatives in the Adirondacks had snowshoes. I remember they were huge, like tennis rackets! These were small, and once I got them adjusted, quite comfortable. It was a great experience to spend some time in the Idaho mountains, surrounded by snow and God's wondrous handiwork. I did feel like a wimp though! An hour on the snowshoes left me exhausted! I'd love to get in shape to be able to enjoy winter sports again!
It was off to the airport very early Sunday morning. My flight was due to depart at 6:00 AM. Thank goodness the airport was only ten minutes away.
I contacted my Written World Communications boss, Kristine, while in Denver and told her I would be in Colorado Springs around 11:30 and asked if she could meet me for a quick lunch. The arrangements were made and I actually arrived at our meeting place without getting lost. (Big deal for me!) It was a nice way to finish the trip.
All in all, I loved my week-end in Idaho! The scenery is splendid, the people are wonderful, and the experience was one I will remember and learn from for a long time to come.
Thank you for welcoming me, Idahope writers!
Thanks for reading my blog!
Do you know how long it has been since I entered a blog post? Well, so long that.....
Blogger didn't even show up in my Internet history.
If my username and password had not been automatically filled in, I would have had to create new ones.
The temperature has increased by about forty degrees.
You get the point. It's been quite a while!
I have mixed feelings about this whole blogging thing. I have my favorite blogs that I check every so often. For some of them, I get an email alert in my inbox every time the blogger enters a post. Some of them are like clockwork - every single day. I admire those people more than I can say. Unlike me, they are obviously planners who have posts prepared long before they ever enter cyberspace.
Others have not posted since long before my last posting date. I wonder if those people are like me, so buried in priorities that they just don't have anything to say. Or, perhaps, they have nothing to write and will post again when they find something in their lives worth sharing.
Once again, I will try to resume posting to my long-neglected blog. My readers are patient with me! On the other hand, maybe that's why I have so few?
Back in a day or so...or a few days...or next week...or - well, let's just say I'll be back just as soon as I can get here!
Thanks for reading my blog.
It's always exciting when a new author comes on the scene. It gives the reader a sense of exploring new and uncharted territory, entering the world of never-before-created characters and wandering through the unexpected twists and turns of a different writing style.
This new author is unique in that she is only thirteen years old! Kayla Woodhouse, in collaboration with her mom, Kimberley Woodhouse, will see their first novel, No Safe Haven, released in March of 2011.
Kayla is an outstanding young lady in that she suffers from a rare nerve disorder called Sensory Autonomic Hereditary Neuropathy. This condition impedes her sensitivity to pain and her body's natural ability to regulate temperature. Due to Kayla's condition and the special requirements needed for her survival, the Woodhouse family was chosen to receive a lovely environmentally controlled Colorado home from ABC's Extreme Makeover Home Edition. Since then, Kayla has appeared on Montel and Discovery's Mystery ER.
Despite her medical limitations, Kayla is an avid swimmer who aspires to swim in the Olympics someday. Now, she is the youngest published full-length novelist from a royalty paying publisher. Kayla wrote all the scenes from the point of view of twelve year-old Andrea Tikaani-Gray, a main character in the book, when she, herself, was twelve.
It was my pleasure to interview Kayla for our first issue of Starsongs magazine (Fall 2010), where she provided a blurb of No Safe Haven:
Jenna Tikaani-Gray and her twelve-year-old daughter, Andrea, are on their way home, hoping for a fresh start after a lifetime of medical trials and great sorrow. But when sabotage brings their small plane down, they find themselves fighting for their lives. And they don’t know what’s more dangerous: the weather and terrain of Sultana—one of the most hazardous mountains in Alaska—or the armed men chasing them.
Hardened by the loss in his life, Cole Maddox knows the best path is one he walks alone. No one to care for—or about. That way he can focus on what matters: getting a secret technology safely into the hands of the US Military. But when the plane he’s on with Jenna and Andie crashes, it will take all his skill and strength to get them out alive—and all his determination to stay in his self-imposed solitary confinement.
Go here to see a book trailer.
Although the book will not be in bookstores until March, a pre-buy option is available at the following links:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
ChristianBook.com
This writing team is no "one book wonder". Already contracted and close to completion, Kayla and Kimberley's second book, Race Against Time will make its appearance in November 2011.
To learn more about the Woodhouse family, visit their web site or become a Facebook fan.
Thanks for reading my blog!
The snow we received a couple of days ago is melting here on the porch. The sun is shining bright, but side streets in town are still snow-packed.
Is anyone surprised that I am two days late with my New Year's message? Probably not anyone who knows me! Yes, always the procrastinator here. Still, I figure I get a bit of a reprieve since New Year's Eve fell on Friday this year and people won't get back to the "normal" routine of their lives until Monday.
How many of you made New Year's resolutions? I didn't, but I have some thought of some resolutions that can apply to any day of the year. Below is my list of things I plan to keep in mind for all months, all seasons, all year long!
When someone hurts my feelings, I will remember there are those whose feelings I have hurt - sometimes without even knowing it.
When someone disappoints me, I will remember my own behavior that has disappointed others.
When I don't feel like cleaning house, I will remember those who don't have a home to clean.
When I want junk food, I will remember those who are dying for lack of anything nutritious.
When I feel impatient as I wait in line, I will remember that people in front of me may have much more pressing tasks to complete than I do.
When I want to curse at some silly circumstance, I will remember that cursing at inanimate objects is totally futile. Cursing at other people is downright hateful.
When I worry about money, I will remember those who have a whole lot less than I do.
When I don't hear from my family or friends as often as I'd like, I will remember the times when I craved a little privacy.
When I don't give my best in all that I do, I will remember how many lives will be affected.
When I don't show kindness to others, I will remember all the kindness that has been extended to me.
When I don't take time to say a prayer, I will remember all those who are taking time to pray for me.
When I don't take time to learn more about the Lord, I will remember all that the Lord knows about me.
When I don't uphold my Christian faith, I will remember how many people may never find the Truth because of my cowardice.
Happy New Year! May 2011 be a happy, healthy, prosperous, and blessed year for all of you!
Thanks for reading my blog!
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A couple of weeks ago, I had the privilege of speaking to writers in another state. I attended the Third Annual Idahope Writers Conference in Boise, Idaho as a representative of Written World Communications. Our CEO, Kristine, was supposed to attend, but circumstances prevented her ability to fulfill the commitment, so she asked me to go in her place.
e writers, Adam, and his wife, Andrea, were to meet me at Boise airport. We had never met before, but they managed to find and identify me. They took me to their home, then to lunch at a pizza place called Flying Pie. It boasts a ball of aluminum foil that weighs 400 pounds (see left)!
y, I got to go snowshoeing! I had never done that before. When I was a kid, my relatives in the Adirondacks had snowshoes. I remember they were huge, like tennis rackets! These were small, and once I got them adjusted, quite comfortable. It was a great experience to spend some time in the Idaho mountains, surrounded by snow and God's wondrous handiwork. I did feel like a wimp though! An hour on the snowshoes left me exhausted! I'd love to get in shape to be able to enjoy winter sports again!
