Kid's Camp, Youth Camp, Campmeeting, West of 50s Camp
Does the mention of these bring back memories. Let me recreate some of them for you.
Kid's Camp:
"Get your elbows off the table Mr. Brad. Get your elbows off the table Mr. Brad. We have seen you do it twice and it isn't very nice. Get your elbows off the table Mr. Brad. Round the table you must go... You were naughty."
Youth Camp:
"I think 'he' likes you. Do you think he will ask you to go on the midnight hike with him?"
Campmeeting:
"How many years has it been? Are you still preaching/working in _________?"
West of 50's Camp:
"Boy, this food is good. I think 'he' likes you. Do you think 'he' will sit at our table for dinner?"
Bring back memories? There are other memories that are so precious in our hearts. Camps are the time we set aside to let God speak to us, change us, refresh us, and inspire us.
Remember praying at the altars until you knew you had a breakthrough? That happens at camp, no matter what age you are.
If you were unable to attend a camp this year, just take a moment/hour/day to listen for His Voice. Read your Bible and listen to music. Pray about the things you are almost afraid to pray about. You know, the tender things next to your heart...He wants to hear and answer those prayers. It is possible to be refreshed and renewed in one conversation with the Lord. He is powerful that way. Try it.
I would like to introduce you to author, Linda Capo.
1. What is your name and the title of your book(s)?
Linda Capo; Out of the Wilderness
2. What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?
My first novel was published when I was 65 years old.
3. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
I co-authored a grammar and composition book in the early eighties, but that wasn't the kind of writing I really wanted to do. I started thinking about writing around that time, but I had four children and was too busy. The desire to write grew steadily and finally I carved out the time to do it.
4. What are your strong points in your writing style or methods? I begin with scrabbled notes on absolutely everything I want to include in the book. Then I organize the notes, adding and deleting as I go, and create the chronology I want. I'm very organized and persistent, and I'm a fanatic about writing without mechanical errors.
5. Are you a reader? Yes. I don't know if it's possible to have writing outflow if nothing is flowing in.
6. What are you reading right now? I'm reading The Survivors Club, by Ben Sherwood, and The School of Seers, by Jonathan Welton.
7. Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn't been submitted for publication? Tell about it.
I do have another book that's out there in literary agent/publisher cyber space, and I am clear on what I want to write next.
8. What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them?
I've had life distruptions that made it impossible for me to write. However, at the moment, I am working on marketing Out of theWilderness , and it doesn't make sense to me to begin a new writing project until I've made more progress with the marketing. A writer friend of mine told me that even a little daily writing adds up, and that simple truth has helped me. Still, I do best with solid blocks of time. When it's possible to do this, I get up in the morning, run to turn the computer on, run to grab coffee, and I write all day and into the evening.
9. Please put a description of each of your books here. (back matter is ok)
Tyler Jensen is a tough, rebellious high school junior riding a fast track to disaster. Even though he has seen through the example of hisfather how alcohol and drugs can ruin adult lives, he and his friends refuse to admit that the same consequencs of substance abuse will impact their own lives in the future.
Tyler, Coyote, Snoop, Bones, and Tooth--they all live for the excitement of Moto X, BMX, and partying, and Tyler believes he is invincible—until he crashes his motorcycle and lies helpless in a remote area of the Olympic National Park.
Frightened and alone, Tyler can't stop the onslaught of memories and the realization that everything in his life has led him to this point.
In Out of the Wilderness , Tyler is presented with a choice: he can continue on a path to destruction, trusting in his own strength to pull him through, or he can look to heaven and begin to build faith in the only One who can turn his life around. Loss, defeat, and fear can bereplaced with victory and faith; but it is a choice. Can Tyler learn to trust in his Savior and eventually come out of the wilderness? This is a must-read for today's youth, who need to understand that our heavenly Father does have a purpose and a plan for every life.
10. How can readers contact you or purchase your books? Please put your website or blog here.
Go to my site, www.lindacapobooks.com, and click on the "contact Linda" button. (No blog. I thought about it, as well as about selling the book myself from my site, and I decided that when I write, I'd rather be writing for publication than being busy doing other things. I did, however, write two downloads, one for Christian rehab, and one for Christian home school students, that are offered on my site as
free downloads to supplement the book.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Hope for Recovery
I’m a licensed belief therapist, an author and speaker. All that came about because of a long bout with grief. There were 11 deaths of immediate family members in a short span of time, at the time I wrote my first book, “One Foot on a Banana Peel.” But there were also things happening in LIFE that took my breath away. Those were even more difficult, and could have destroyed me and my family. I found several interesting things during the time of research for this work. I was startled to find out how many people were suffering from grief and/or depression. Sooooo many! Another thing I was surprised at was that many believed that grief and depression are two totally separate entities. It was said that grief is only suffered at the death of a loved one. This is just not true, and it’s not Biblical either. I do realize that there can be a clinical depression that is deeper than “normal” (whatever “normal" is these days), but one thing I found out about this total separation between the two was that people were not able to connect with HOPE, or a recovery, because they didn’t know what it was they were dealing with! Knowing what the problem is, is half the battle … right? There IS hope! And there can be recovery! I’m living proof!
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Step Away From the "Best Sellers"!
When going to a book store or looking on Amazon.com, take a moment and step away from the "Best Sellers". Why? You may be overlooking some really good books by beginning authors. It is very difficult to break through the pack and become a "best selling" author when there are one million book titles produced each year in the United States.
Many of the books making the list are there, not for the content of the book, but for the popularity of the author. Unless an author is a celebrity, many readers will not give a book a second look. While they may be great books, there are other books out there to look at.
If you area an avid reader, take the time to go to book fairs and book stores and make it a point to meet the authors at their booth. Many of them have great personal stories of how their book(s) came to be published. These beginning authors will devote time to converse with you. They will be happy to sign your book purchases also.
After reading the book you have purchased, please do not forget to review it on one of the major book sites on the internet. Barnesandnoble.com, goodreads.com, amazon.com and others are a good choice. If you really would like to be an encouragement, send an email or note to the author. Encouragement goes a long way. After all, you are the reason writers write.
God bless you.
Many of the books making the list are there, not for the content of the book, but for the popularity of the author. Unless an author is a celebrity, many readers will not give a book a second look. While they may be great books, there are other books out there to look at.
If you area an avid reader, take the time to go to book fairs and book stores and make it a point to meet the authors at their booth. Many of them have great personal stories of how their book(s) came to be published. These beginning authors will devote time to converse with you. They will be happy to sign your book purchases also.
After reading the book you have purchased, please do not forget to review it on one of the major book sites on the internet. Barnesandnoble.com, goodreads.com, amazon.com and others are a good choice. If you really would like to be an encouragement, send an email or note to the author. Encouragement goes a long way. After all, you are the reason writers write.
God bless you.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Kindness
I think that the word "kind" is one of the most powerful words in the English language. When you hear that word what other words come to mind:
thoughtful
selfless
gentle
sweet
peaceful
good
precious
Powerful
What! "Powerful"??? Yes, to be kind is a powerful thing. It shuts the mouths of angry people. "A soft answers turns away wrath." People blink when harsh words are met with gentle remarks.
I have been on a quest for several months now to make myself aware of the kindness of God to me every day. I know about the big things like Salvation, healing and other monumental attributes to the kindness of God. But...what about the little touches of his hand everyday.
It reminds me of kissing my grandkids on the forehead for no real reason except that I love them. I remember being very discouraged one morning while going to work. I headed up the windy road to the highway and right before my eyes was the most perfect sunrise I have ever seen in my life.
I took it! Yes, it didn't belong to anyone else but me. It was God kissing me on the forehead and telling me that the day would turn out ok.
I urge you to look for the kindnesses of God throughout your day. It makes for a happier life.
I would like to introduce you to an author friend of mine, Jed Wright.
1. What is your name and the title of your book(s)?
Jed Wright Wake Up, O Sleeper
2. What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?
When the next book will be out?
3. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
High school in English class
4. What are your strong points in your writing style or methods?
descriptive and easy to read
5. Are you a reader?
yes
6. What are you reading right now?
Anna Karenina by Tolstoy
7. Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn't been submitted for publication? Tell about it.
the sequel to my first book
8. What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them?
too busy
9. Please put a description of each of your books here. (back matter is ok)
Jack Wilson found himself riding in the back of a pickup truck wondering how everything could have gone so wrong. He looked up the road and caught a glimpse of the strange, enclosed city looming in the distance. His father had agreed to leave the safety of their secluded cabin in the mountains and travel hundreds of miles with him to try and find Lori. It had been over two years since he saw her last. Jack loved her desperately but had no idea how she felt toward him. They had prepared for months, planning out every detail—or so he had thought.
Now Jack’s father was dead, the plan was totally shot, and he was making it up as he went along with his life in the balance. He had four days to infiltrate the city, find Lori, and escape before he would surely be discovered and killed. He couldn’t have dreamed how the next four days and a mysterious letter from his father would forever change his life.
Wake Up, O Sleeper is a page-turning thrill ride that you won’t be able to put down. The shocking ending will leave you asking: “Am I awake or asleep?”
“Jed Wright has written an intriguing and exciting novel and…has taught some important truths about culture, love, commitment and the Christian faith.”
-Dr. Steve Brown, President, Key Life Network, Orlando, FL
"…takes you on an exciting adventure like no other with many twists and turns. It encourages and gives hope to the reader."
Aaron Small, former New York Yankees pitcher, 10-0 as a starter in 2005
“Wake Up, O Sleeper is a contagious and inspiring read.”
-Dr. Jerry Russell, Pastor Fairview UMC
10. How can readers contact you or purchase your books? Please put your website or blog here.website ishttp://jedwright.tatepublishing.net
email address is
jedwrightauthor@gmail.com
thoughtful
selfless
gentle
sweet
peaceful
good
precious
Powerful
What! "Powerful"??? Yes, to be kind is a powerful thing. It shuts the mouths of angry people. "A soft answers turns away wrath." People blink when harsh words are met with gentle remarks.
I have been on a quest for several months now to make myself aware of the kindness of God to me every day. I know about the big things like Salvation, healing and other monumental attributes to the kindness of God. But...what about the little touches of his hand everyday.
It reminds me of kissing my grandkids on the forehead for no real reason except that I love them. I remember being very discouraged one morning while going to work. I headed up the windy road to the highway and right before my eyes was the most perfect sunrise I have ever seen in my life.
I took it! Yes, it didn't belong to anyone else but me. It was God kissing me on the forehead and telling me that the day would turn out ok.
I urge you to look for the kindnesses of God throughout your day. It makes for a happier life.
I would like to introduce you to an author friend of mine, Jed Wright.
1. What is your name and the title of your book(s)?
Jed Wright Wake Up, O Sleeper
2. What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?
When the next book will be out?
3. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
High school in English class
4. What are your strong points in your writing style or methods?
descriptive and easy to read
5. Are you a reader?
yes
6. What are you reading right now?
Anna Karenina by Tolstoy
7. Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn't been submitted for publication? Tell about it.
the sequel to my first book
8. What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them?
too busy
9. Please put a description of each of your books here. (back matter is ok)
Jack Wilson found himself riding in the back of a pickup truck wondering how everything could have gone so wrong. He looked up the road and caught a glimpse of the strange, enclosed city looming in the distance. His father had agreed to leave the safety of their secluded cabin in the mountains and travel hundreds of miles with him to try and find Lori. It had been over two years since he saw her last. Jack loved her desperately but had no idea how she felt toward him. They had prepared for months, planning out every detail—or so he had thought.
Now Jack’s father was dead, the plan was totally shot, and he was making it up as he went along with his life in the balance. He had four days to infiltrate the city, find Lori, and escape before he would surely be discovered and killed. He couldn’t have dreamed how the next four days and a mysterious letter from his father would forever change his life.
Wake Up, O Sleeper is a page-turning thrill ride that you won’t be able to put down. The shocking ending will leave you asking: “Am I awake or asleep?”
“Jed Wright has written an intriguing and exciting novel and…has taught some important truths about culture, love, commitment and the Christian faith.”
-Dr. Steve Brown, President, Key Life Network, Orlando, FL
"…takes you on an exciting adventure like no other with many twists and turns. It encourages and gives hope to the reader."
Aaron Small, former New York Yankees pitcher, 10-0 as a starter in 2005
“Wake Up, O Sleeper is a contagious and inspiring read.”
-Dr. Jerry Russell, Pastor Fairview UMC
10. How can readers contact you or purchase your books? Please put your website or blog here.website ishttp://jedwright.tatepublishing.net
email address is
jedwrightauthor@gmail.com
Friday, August 13, 2010
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Barbara Taylor Blomquist, author of Randy's Ride
"How Many Books Did You Read This Year?"
That was a question from a third grade boy that I saw when I spoke to the Wright Elementary School. Lucky for me I was able to say, "Last year I read over 52 books." The Third graders and some of the teachers were breathless. Let me ask you something simular. How many books were you planning to read this summer. Most of the summer is gone. You may need to make a trip to the library or amazon.com and get after it. Let me urge you to do something different. Give a new author a chance. Don't always go for the best seller department. Look for local people or even some of the people I have interviewed here. You may be surprised to find a new favorite author.
I want to introduce Barbara Taylor Blomquist, author of Randy's Ride, to you.
1. What is your name and the title of your book(s)?
I have two books published to date. Both are authored under my full name - Barbara Taylor Blomquist. The first is "Insight Into Adoption" (now in its second edition) and my second book, (my first novel) is "Randy's Ride".
2. What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?
Some would consider me in 'the golden years'. The benefit of that, however, is as most senior citizens will attest to, we've had many valuable life experiences. I've learned so many lessons from others, mainly having worked for years with conflicted families.
3. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
I was excited when I was 8 years old and a palm reader told me I would one day be a writer. I don't believe in palm readers and I guess my track record shows it - I didn't write seriously for almost 60 more years! Should have started sooner.
4. What are your strong points in your writing style or methods?
Because I like to learn something when I read, I like to write in the same vein. I like to close a book and say to myself, "I never thought of it that way or I never knew that." So, I try to give readers some informative thoughts, and then it's up to them to agree or disagree. I love to hear readers tell me - "I loved your book. It took me to a place I'd never been and I now understand and am empathetic to adoption issues." Then they add, "But you know, what you write about applies to everyone." When I hear that, I know I've done my job.
5. Are you a reader?
Yes, I love to read, to see how authors put words together to create thoughts and moods.
6. What are you reading right now?
I just finished a book about George Washington I picked up at a charity book fair. It's "George Washington, the Indispensable Man" by James Thomas Flexner. The author condensed four volumes into one.
7. Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn't been submitted for publication? Tell about it.
I'm in the editing phase of my next book, "Matt's Wife". It's the story of a young woman who grew up insecure with her identity, not that unusual for an adoptee. The only thing she wanted in life was to be someone's wife - so she wouldn't have to accomplish anything all by herself. After having three children, she found she wasn't satisfied with her life and still didn't know who she was. Through a series of events, she discovers she, and only she, is responsible for her identity. Although the main character is adopted, the question she needs an answer to applies to everyone.
Both my novels, "Randy's Ride" and "Matt's Wife" address the issue of personal identity, and the main characters are faced with the question, "Who am I?" By the end of both novels they have their answers.
8. What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them?
Lack of time. I announce to my family at least once a year that I'm setting aside the next 2 to 3 months to write and/or edit 4 to 8 hours a day. I recommend they call me only in the case of an emergency. They're very understanding.
9. Please put a description of each of your books here. (back matter is ok)
"Insight Into Adoption" I wrote as an adoptive parent for other adoptive parents. It addresses issues adoption professionals don't tell you about. In many of my counseling sessions, adoptive parents urged me to put something in writing so they could refer to it when they had pressing issues. Adult adoptees have told me after they have read the book that they thought, "She's writing about me. I've never told anyone how I feel, but this book describes me perfectly." Many have shared it with their adoptive parents to help their parents understand how an adoptee feels as a child. The book explains the unique issues of both adoptees and adoptive parents.
"Randy's Ride" is a story of a teen aged adoptee who leaves a loving home because he feels he doesn't fit it. During 18 months on the road, events and people teach Randy many of life's lessons, including where "home" truly is. The book is about an adopted teenager, but the lesson he learns is a lesson everyone learns sooner or later - that we are responsible for our own lives and it's up to us to make our own individual way in the world.
10. How can readers contact you or purchase your books? Please put your website or blog here.
I can be contacted through email at baybar@juno.com. My website is- barbarablomquist.tatepulishing.net/
My books can be purchased online through Amazon, Barnes and Noble,and Borders or at any book store. In addition, "Randy's Ride" can be purchased through Tate Publishing and "Insight Into Adoption" can be purchased through Charles C. Thomas Publishers.
That was a question from a third grade boy that I saw when I spoke to the Wright Elementary School. Lucky for me I was able to say, "Last year I read over 52 books." The Third graders and some of the teachers were breathless. Let me ask you something simular. How many books were you planning to read this summer. Most of the summer is gone. You may need to make a trip to the library or amazon.com and get after it. Let me urge you to do something different. Give a new author a chance. Don't always go for the best seller department. Look for local people or even some of the people I have interviewed here. You may be surprised to find a new favorite author.
I want to introduce Barbara Taylor Blomquist, author of Randy's Ride, to you.
1. What is your name and the title of your book(s)?
I have two books published to date. Both are authored under my full name - Barbara Taylor Blomquist. The first is "Insight Into Adoption" (now in its second edition) and my second book, (my first novel) is "Randy's Ride".
2. What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?
Some would consider me in 'the golden years'. The benefit of that, however, is as most senior citizens will attest to, we've had many valuable life experiences. I've learned so many lessons from others, mainly having worked for years with conflicted families.
3. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
I was excited when I was 8 years old and a palm reader told me I would one day be a writer. I don't believe in palm readers and I guess my track record shows it - I didn't write seriously for almost 60 more years! Should have started sooner.
4. What are your strong points in your writing style or methods?
Because I like to learn something when I read, I like to write in the same vein. I like to close a book and say to myself, "I never thought of it that way or I never knew that." So, I try to give readers some informative thoughts, and then it's up to them to agree or disagree. I love to hear readers tell me - "I loved your book. It took me to a place I'd never been and I now understand and am empathetic to adoption issues." Then they add, "But you know, what you write about applies to everyone." When I hear that, I know I've done my job.
5. Are you a reader?
Yes, I love to read, to see how authors put words together to create thoughts and moods.
6. What are you reading right now?
I just finished a book about George Washington I picked up at a charity book fair. It's "George Washington, the Indispensable Man" by James Thomas Flexner. The author condensed four volumes into one.
7. Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn't been submitted for publication? Tell about it.
I'm in the editing phase of my next book, "Matt's Wife". It's the story of a young woman who grew up insecure with her identity, not that unusual for an adoptee. The only thing she wanted in life was to be someone's wife - so she wouldn't have to accomplish anything all by herself. After having three children, she found she wasn't satisfied with her life and still didn't know who she was. Through a series of events, she discovers she, and only she, is responsible for her identity. Although the main character is adopted, the question she needs an answer to applies to everyone.
Both my novels, "Randy's Ride" and "Matt's Wife" address the issue of personal identity, and the main characters are faced with the question, "Who am I?" By the end of both novels they have their answers.
8. What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them?
Lack of time. I announce to my family at least once a year that I'm setting aside the next 2 to 3 months to write and/or edit 4 to 8 hours a day. I recommend they call me only in the case of an emergency. They're very understanding.
9. Please put a description of each of your books here. (back matter is ok)
"Insight Into Adoption" I wrote as an adoptive parent for other adoptive parents. It addresses issues adoption professionals don't tell you about. In many of my counseling sessions, adoptive parents urged me to put something in writing so they could refer to it when they had pressing issues. Adult adoptees have told me after they have read the book that they thought, "She's writing about me. I've never told anyone how I feel, but this book describes me perfectly." Many have shared it with their adoptive parents to help their parents understand how an adoptee feels as a child. The book explains the unique issues of both adoptees and adoptive parents.
"Randy's Ride" is a story of a teen aged adoptee who leaves a loving home because he feels he doesn't fit it. During 18 months on the road, events and people teach Randy many of life's lessons, including where "home" truly is. The book is about an adopted teenager, but the lesson he learns is a lesson everyone learns sooner or later - that we are responsible for our own lives and it's up to us to make our own individual way in the world.
10. How can readers contact you or purchase your books? Please put your website or blog here.
I can be contacted through email at baybar@juno.com. My website is- barbarablomquist.tatepulishing.net/
My books can be purchased online through Amazon, Barnes and Noble,and Borders or at any book store. In addition, "Randy's Ride" can be purchased through Tate Publishing and "Insight Into Adoption" can be purchased through Charles C. Thomas Publishers.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Mary Lee author of Air Force Mom
August is here!
Many things go through my mind at this time of year. Have I savored the summer? Did I really take time to be aware of everything?
You know how it is. You drive to town and don't even notice the scenery, neighborhood, flowers, or people.
In fact, last June I was headed back to my house from town and finally realized that the wheat was ripe! I am not a farmer, but there are massive wheat fields between my house and town. I didn't see the yellow fields on my way into town.
Things like this bug me. I wonder if I live my life going through the paces. Do you ever find yourself doing that? Let's commit to being aware, savoring moments, living life with our eyes wide open. Lets become aware of the goodness of God all around us.
I want to introduce Mary Lee, an author friend of mine to you.
1.What is your name and the titleof your book(s)?
My name is Mary Lee. The title of my children’s book is My “Air Force” Mom.
2. What is one thing your readers would like to know about you?
I am a retired Master Sergeant from the United States Air Force after 24 years of service.
3. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
My husband and I were vacationing in Black Mountain, NC. Sitting on a swing in the yard of a B&B looking at the mountains, I thought of a poem. I wrote it down and my love for writing was ignited.
4. What are your strong points in your writing style or methods?
My strong points are persistence and being confident enough to accept rejections and keep writing. My method is to write from 1 to 3 pages everyday, some days more but never less. I keep a small notebook of titles and ideas.
5. Are you a reader?
Yes!
6. What are you reading right now?
I just finished reading Deliver Us from Evil, by David Baldacci. Now, I am reading Reckless by Andrew Gross
7. Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn’t been submitted for publication? Tell about it.
Yes, I am working on another children’s book. I wrote it several years ago but have been tweaking it for some time. I found a book Writing Picture Books by Ann Whitford Paul to be so full of information and ideas that I went through her book, completing the exercises. I decided to rewrite my book from the child’s point of view instead of the grandmother’s point of view. My book is about Katie learning to handle bullies at her school using humor. Katie comes to her decision after hearing a story from her grandmother who had used humor to resolve and embarrassing moment in her life.
8. What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them?
I need a deadline. I love to start writing, but finishing is a different matter. I overcome this obstacle by submitting my manuscripts to writing contest. This gives me a finish date which is the motivator I need.
9. Please put a description of each of your books here.
A winner in the Children’s Fiction Category of the 73 Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competition, My “Air Force” Mom is unique. This picture book explores customs and courtesies of military culture through a child’s eyes. Author Mary Lee takes your child along with her fictional character Susie on a journey of discovery. From military uniforms through a military child’s “rite of passage” full circle to Susie’s development of a sense of pride and patriotism in our country. My “Air Force” Mom shows children that the military offers careers to women as well as men. It gives military moms and dads a book to help their young children begin to understand military life. My “Air Force” Mom gives civilian parents a tool to explain mysteries of military life to their children. Answers to a child’s curiosity are found in My “Air Force” Mom.
10. How can readers contact you or purchase your books? Please put your website or blog here.
Readers may purchase my book at www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore, Amazon.com, Barnes&noble.com or at Waldenbooks at Sumter Mall in Sumter, SC, and the State Museum Gift Shop, Columbia, SC. My book is available on the Military Writers Society of America website.
Many things go through my mind at this time of year. Have I savored the summer? Did I really take time to be aware of everything?
You know how it is. You drive to town and don't even notice the scenery, neighborhood, flowers, or people.
In fact, last June I was headed back to my house from town and finally realized that the wheat was ripe! I am not a farmer, but there are massive wheat fields between my house and town. I didn't see the yellow fields on my way into town.
Things like this bug me. I wonder if I live my life going through the paces. Do you ever find yourself doing that? Let's commit to being aware, savoring moments, living life with our eyes wide open. Lets become aware of the goodness of God all around us.
I want to introduce Mary Lee, an author friend of mine to you.
1.What is your name and the titleof your book(s)?
My name is Mary Lee. The title of my children’s book is My “Air Force” Mom.
2. What is one thing your readers would like to know about you?
I am a retired Master Sergeant from the United States Air Force after 24 years of service.
3. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
My husband and I were vacationing in Black Mountain, NC. Sitting on a swing in the yard of a B&B looking at the mountains, I thought of a poem. I wrote it down and my love for writing was ignited.
4. What are your strong points in your writing style or methods?
My strong points are persistence and being confident enough to accept rejections and keep writing. My method is to write from 1 to 3 pages everyday, some days more but never less. I keep a small notebook of titles and ideas.
5. Are you a reader?
Yes!
6. What are you reading right now?
I just finished reading Deliver Us from Evil, by David Baldacci. Now, I am reading Reckless by Andrew Gross
7. Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn’t been submitted for publication? Tell about it.
Yes, I am working on another children’s book. I wrote it several years ago but have been tweaking it for some time. I found a book Writing Picture Books by Ann Whitford Paul to be so full of information and ideas that I went through her book, completing the exercises. I decided to rewrite my book from the child’s point of view instead of the grandmother’s point of view. My book is about Katie learning to handle bullies at her school using humor. Katie comes to her decision after hearing a story from her grandmother who had used humor to resolve and embarrassing moment in her life.
8. What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them?
I need a deadline. I love to start writing, but finishing is a different matter. I overcome this obstacle by submitting my manuscripts to writing contest. This gives me a finish date which is the motivator I need.
9. Please put a description of each of your books here.
A winner in the Children’s Fiction Category of the 73 Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competition, My “Air Force” Mom is unique. This picture book explores customs and courtesies of military culture through a child’s eyes. Author Mary Lee takes your child along with her fictional character Susie on a journey of discovery. From military uniforms through a military child’s “rite of passage” full circle to Susie’s development of a sense of pride and patriotism in our country. My “Air Force” Mom shows children that the military offers careers to women as well as men. It gives military moms and dads a book to help their young children begin to understand military life. My “Air Force” Mom gives civilian parents a tool to explain mysteries of military life to their children. Answers to a child’s curiosity are found in My “Air Force” Mom.
10. How can readers contact you or purchase your books? Please put your website or blog here.
Readers may purchase my book at www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore, Amazon.com, Barnes&noble.com or at Waldenbooks at Sumter Mall in Sumter, SC, and the State Museum Gift Shop, Columbia, SC. My book is available on the Military Writers Society of America website.
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Today's Wild Card author is:
and the book:
100 Ways to Simplify Your Life
Publisher: FaithWords; Lrg edition (November 12, 2008)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
JOYCE MEYER is one of the world's leading practical Bible teachers. A #1 New York Times bestselling author, she has written more than seventy inspirational books, including The Confident Woman, Look Great, Feel Great, and the entire Battlefield of the Mindfamily of books. She has also released thousands of audio teachings as well as a complete video library. Joyce's Enjoying Everyday Life® radio and television programs are broadcast around the world, and she travels extensively conducting conferences. Joyce and her husband, Dave, are the parents of four grown children and make their home in St. Louis, Missouri.Visit the author's website.
Product Details:
List Price: $16.99
Paperback: 240 pages
Publisher: FaithWords; Lrg edition (November 12, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0446509396
ISBN-13: 978-0446509398
AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:
Introduction
Everyone has them: those days where nothing seems to get done, except maybe what you’ve added to your already lengthy to-do list. Are you tired most of the time? Are you spent? Do you find yourself wish- ing for a better day—a simpler day? Too many things compete for your limited resources of attention, energy, and time. You may be suffocat- ing and not even know it. If you feel like this, you’re not alone.
Most people today live complicated lives that leave them frustrated and confused, weary and worn out. But I have good news: your life does not have to be that way. You can choose a life of simplicity, fruitfulness, fulfillment, peace, and joy. I want to warn you, however, unless you are determined not to, you will do what everyone else does. You will get sucked up in the system and spend your life wishing things were different, never realizing you are, in fact, the only one who can change things. Unless we are resolute and remain undaunted in our quest for simplicity, we are destined for complication and frustration.
I recall a time when I was complaining to God about my schedule being absolutely insane. How could anyone be expected to do all I had in front of me? Then the realization hit me that I was the one who made my schedule and nobody could change it but me. You can spend your lives wishing things were different, but wishing won’t change anything. Smart decision making and decisive action is what changes things. If you picked up this book looking for change, are you willing to make a decision and follow it up with action?
I wasted many years hoping life would change and things would calm down until I finally realized life itself doesn’t change; in fact, it has the potential to get worse. I understood my only real option was to change my approach to life. I had to say no to another day of rushing around and feeling frustrated. I didn’t want the doctor giving me another pre- scription to mask another symptom of the real problem—stress.
In my search for simplicity, I have come to believe life can never be simple unless I learn to approach all things simply. It is my attitude toward each event in life that determines how easy or complex each situation will be. Perhaps life is complicated because people are compli- cated. Is it possible that life is not complicated, but rather, individuals complicate life in the way they approach it?
I discovered it wasn’t really life or circumstances or other people as much as it was me that needed to change. My problem wasn’t the problem—I was the problem! When you spend your life in frustration trying to change the world and everyone in it, you fail to realize it could be you just need to change your approach to life. It can be very easy for someone to live an entire lifetime and never entertain the notion that the way they do things is the real problem.
Have you ever attempted to have friends over for what you initially intended to be a simple afternoon of food, fellowship, and fun, but somehow, it turned into a complicated nightmare? I remember those days vividly. I’d be at church on Sunday and, without much forethought, invite three couples over for the following Sunday to a barbecue. My initial thought was hot dogs and hamburgers on the grill, baked beans, potato chips, and iced tea. My motive was fellowship and fun, but by the time the guests arrived, I didn’t even want them there. Fun was not going to happen, at least not for me. Why? I turned my simple get- together into a nightmare of preparation, expensive food, and fourteen people instead of the original six. My complicated approach to life and my complicated thought process convinced me hot dogs and hamburg- ers weren’t nice enough so I bought steaks we could not afford. My potato chips turned into a huge bowl of homemade potato salad. The simple baked beans became four side dishes I labored over.
Insecure and wanting to impress everyone, I had to spend the week cleaning and getting everything in the house to the point where I thought it would be impressive. Of course, the lawn chairs were old, so I bought new ones. I got angry at Dave because I thought he wasn’t help- ing me enough, and by the time our friends arrived, I resented them, wished they hadn’t come, and had a miserable day of pretending to be the happy hostess when in reality I was frustrated and miserable.
I could not figure out why I wasn’t able to enjoy much of anything in life until God revealed to me I was killing my joy with complication. For years, I prayed God would change the people and circumstances around me when, in reality, He wanted to change me and my approach to life. He wanted me to simplify so, ultimately, He could be glorified.
Let me share with you 100 ways to approach living that can simplify your life and, in turn, release and increase your joy. I believe they will dramatically improve the quality of your everyday experience if you incorporate them into the way you do things. Jesus said He came so we might have and enjoy our life in abundance (see John 10:10). His prin- ciples are simple. Faith is simple! Trusting God is simple! A childlike approach to Him is simple! The plan of salvation is simple!
Jesus offers us a “new way of living,” and I believe it is a simple, yet powerful way that enables us to enjoy everyday life. Are you ready to simplify your life? Are you ready to say good-bye to the complexities you’ve allowed to take over? Let’s get started.
Do One Thing at a Time
When we do things without truly focusing our minds on them, we immediately decrease our strength to do the work before us and do it well. By putting our hands to one thing and our mind to another, we divide the muscle behind our abilities and we make the task much more difficult. It’s like removing an egg yolk from the egg white—both can be used separately but the result isn’t as effective (or tasty) as it would be if we leave the egg whole. However, by directing all of our faculties to the one thing we are doing on a particular day, at that hour, at that moment, we find it much easier to do. The ability to concentrate and stay focused can only come from discipline.
The apostle Paul tells us in Philippians 4:6 to be anxious for nothing. Anxious people are always trying to live ahead of where they currently are. They spend today trying to figure out tomorrow and the result is the loss of simplicity. God expects us to trust Him with tomorrow just as He instructed the Israelites to do when they crossed the barren wil- derness, pressing toward the Promised Land.
Practice living one day at a time; give yourself—your thoughts, your conversation, your energies, every part of you—to the day at hand.
100 Ways to Simplify Your Life
1. Develop an ability to give yourself to what you are doing. You will sense an awareness enabling you to enjoy the current activity, instead of going through each day in a blur of activity and confusing thoughts which leave you drained and exhausted.
Do you fear you will not accomplish as much if you try to live this way? It’s true you may not do as much, but you will also enjoy what you do a whole lot more. One key to simplicity is realizing that quality is far superior to quantity.
Everyone has them: those days where nothing seems to get done, except maybe what you’ve added to your already lengthy to-do list. Are you tired most of the time? Are you spent? Do you find yourself wish- ing for a better day—a simpler day? Too many things compete for your limited resources of attention, energy, and time. You may be suffocat- ing and not even know it. If you feel like this, you’re not alone.
Most people today live complicated lives that leave them frustrated and confused, weary and worn out. But I have good news: your life does not have to be that way. You can choose a life of simplicity, fruitfulness, fulfillment, peace, and joy. I want to warn you, however, unless you are determined not to, you will do what everyone else does. You will get sucked up in the system and spend your life wishing things were different, never realizing you are, in fact, the only one who can change things. Unless we are resolute and remain undaunted in our quest for simplicity, we are destined for complication and frustration.
I recall a time when I was complaining to God about my schedule being absolutely insane. How could anyone be expected to do all I had in front of me? Then the realization hit me that I was the one who made my schedule and nobody could change it but me. You can spend your lives wishing things were different, but wishing won’t change anything. Smart decision making and decisive action is what changes things. If you picked up this book looking for change, are you willing to make a decision and follow it up with action?
I wasted many years hoping life would change and things would calm down until I finally realized life itself doesn’t change; in fact, it has the potential to get worse. I understood my only real option was to change my approach to life. I had to say no to another day of rushing around and feeling frustrated. I didn’t want the doctor giving me another pre- scription to mask another symptom of the real problem—stress.
In my search for simplicity, I have come to believe life can never be simple unless I learn to approach all things simply. It is my attitude toward each event in life that determines how easy or complex each situation will be. Perhaps life is complicated because people are compli- cated. Is it possible that life is not complicated, but rather, individuals complicate life in the way they approach it?
I discovered it wasn’t really life or circumstances or other people as much as it was me that needed to change. My problem wasn’t the problem—I was the problem! When you spend your life in frustration trying to change the world and everyone in it, you fail to realize it could be you just need to change your approach to life. It can be very easy for someone to live an entire lifetime and never entertain the notion that the way they do things is the real problem.
Have you ever attempted to have friends over for what you initially intended to be a simple afternoon of food, fellowship, and fun, but somehow, it turned into a complicated nightmare? I remember those days vividly. I’d be at church on Sunday and, without much forethought, invite three couples over for the following Sunday to a barbecue. My initial thought was hot dogs and hamburgers on the grill, baked beans, potato chips, and iced tea. My motive was fellowship and fun, but by the time the guests arrived, I didn’t even want them there. Fun was not going to happen, at least not for me. Why? I turned my simple get- together into a nightmare of preparation, expensive food, and fourteen people instead of the original six. My complicated approach to life and my complicated thought process convinced me hot dogs and hamburg- ers weren’t nice enough so I bought steaks we could not afford. My potato chips turned into a huge bowl of homemade potato salad. The simple baked beans became four side dishes I labored over.
Insecure and wanting to impress everyone, I had to spend the week cleaning and getting everything in the house to the point where I thought it would be impressive. Of course, the lawn chairs were old, so I bought new ones. I got angry at Dave because I thought he wasn’t help- ing me enough, and by the time our friends arrived, I resented them, wished they hadn’t come, and had a miserable day of pretending to be the happy hostess when in reality I was frustrated and miserable.
I could not figure out why I wasn’t able to enjoy much of anything in life until God revealed to me I was killing my joy with complication. For years, I prayed God would change the people and circumstances around me when, in reality, He wanted to change me and my approach to life. He wanted me to simplify so, ultimately, He could be glorified.
Let me share with you 100 ways to approach living that can simplify your life and, in turn, release and increase your joy. I believe they will dramatically improve the quality of your everyday experience if you incorporate them into the way you do things. Jesus said He came so we might have and enjoy our life in abundance (see John 10:10). His prin- ciples are simple. Faith is simple! Trusting God is simple! A childlike approach to Him is simple! The plan of salvation is simple!
Jesus offers us a “new way of living,” and I believe it is a simple, yet powerful way that enables us to enjoy everyday life. Are you ready to simplify your life? Are you ready to say good-bye to the complexities you’ve allowed to take over? Let’s get started.
Do One Thing at a Time
The feeling of being hurried is not usually the result of living a full life and having no time. It is, on the contrary, born of a vague fear that we are wasting our life. When we do not do the one thing we ought to do, we have no time for anything elseówe are the busiest people in the world.
ÓERIC HOFFER
Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection].
—Hebrews 12:2
When we do things without truly focusing our minds on them, we immediately decrease our strength to do the work before us and do it well. By putting our hands to one thing and our mind to another, we divide the muscle behind our abilities and we make the task much more difficult. It’s like removing an egg yolk from the egg white—both can be used separately but the result isn’t as effective (or tasty) as it would be if we leave the egg whole. However, by directing all of our faculties to the one thing we are doing on a particular day, at that hour, at that moment, we find it much easier to do. The ability to concentrate and stay focused can only come from discipline.
The apostle Paul tells us in Philippians 4:6 to be anxious for nothing. Anxious people are always trying to live ahead of where they currently are. They spend today trying to figure out tomorrow and the result is the loss of simplicity. God expects us to trust Him with tomorrow just as He instructed the Israelites to do when they crossed the barren wil- derness, pressing toward the Promised Land.
Practice living one day at a time; give yourself—your thoughts, your conversation, your energies, every part of you—to the day at hand.
100 Ways to Simplify Your Life
1. Develop an ability to give yourself to what you are doing. You will sense an awareness enabling you to enjoy the current activity, instead of going through each day in a blur of activity and confusing thoughts which leave you drained and exhausted.
Do you fear you will not accomplish as much if you try to live this way? It’s true you may not do as much, but you will also enjoy what you do a whole lot more. One key to simplicity is realizing that quality is far superior to quantity.
The Blog Tour for "Nan's Journey" Begins July 23
It is time to play a Wild Card! Every now and then, a book that I have chosen to read is going to pop up as a FIRST Wild Card Tour. Get dealt into the game! (Just click the button!) Wild Card Tours feature an author and his/her book's FIRST chapter!
You never know when I might play a wild card on you!
Today's Wild Card author is:
and his/her book:
Tate Publishing & Enterprises (January 2, 2008)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Littau is a life-long resident of Perryton, TX. She met husband, Terry at the Apostolic Faith Bible College in Baxter Springs, Kansas in 1974. They married March 1, 1975 and reside on a small acreage near Perryton where they enjoy spending time with their family and friends. They raised three sons and now have three daughters-in-law and four grandchildren added to their family. They also enjoy visiting with their extended family located in Perryton, Clear Lake, Laverne, and Amarillo.
Author Elaine Littau is a busy woman who by profession is the church secretary for Harvest Time First Assembly of God Church in Perryton. Among other things she has led women’s groups and taught preschool, and was a mentor for the M.O.P.S. (Mothers of Preschoolers) group in her community. She has been active in Toastmasters and enjoys painting, crafts, and playing piano and organ. She was recently appointed to the Campus Education Improvement Committee for Wright Elementary in Perryton. She belongs to Christian Storytellers and Faith Writers writing groups.
“Nan’s Journey” was written over the course of several years. “A salvation message is at the core of the book.” Littau says. “If it weren’t for the Lord, I wouldn’t have been able to do this. I truly enjoy meeting new people.”
Littau is currently working on two other books that are continuations of “Nan’s Journey.” Book signings and speaking engagements are currently set up for venues in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, and Oregon.
Visit the author's website.
Product Details:
List Price: $12.99
Paperback: 188 pages
Publisher: Tate Publishing & Enterprises (January 2, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1602478325
ISBN-13: 978-1602478329
AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:
Chapter One
It was late. The moon had risen and the night symphony was in full force. Crickets chirped at their rivals, the frogs, and dominated the night chorus. Only one sound in the forest was foreign—a whimper from under the ferns. At the base of the largest pine in the woods was a small form crying, moaning, and whimpering. Black hair, matted and dirty, hung in long ropes down the front of the tiny girl. She had been in this spot for hours. At least that is what it felt like to her. Stretching, she cried out in pain. The blood-covered welts burst open to bleed again. Her back was wet with blood, and her dress was torn and useless.
Why had she dared to speak to the woman that she was obliged to call mother in that way? She knew that talking was not allowed from children before chores were finished. The accusations being made by “Ma” were totally false and she could not let Elmer take the blame for something she herself had forgotten to do. She shut her eyes tight against the memory, but it intruded anyway.
She had just gotten up to take the water off the stove to make up dishwater for the supper dishes. Ma had stepped outside the room to turn down her bed and prepare for sleep. When she reappeared in the kitchen, she realized that the wood supply next to the stove was low. Elmer was standing next to the table gathering the plates for washing. “Elmer, where is the wood you were supposed to bring up to the house?” Before he could answer, a hand had slapped him across his face. Getting back onto his feet and standing as tall as a five year old can stand, he looked her in the eye and said, “Ma, I was sick today, ‘member?”
“So, Elmer, you’re going to play up that headache trick again. Nan, didn’t your good for nothing Mama teach you people how to work, or are you just lazy?”
“Our Mama was good! Don’t you say mean things about her!” Nan yelled as her heart raced at the assault against her real Mama’s character.
“What about it, Elmer, are you like your weakling Mama or what?” Elmer’s eyes became very large and filled with tears. He could barely remember his real Mama, but when he did, he remembered soft kisses and sweet singing and a beautiful face. “I’m sorry; I’ll get the wood now.”
“No, Elmer, don’t. I promised you I’d do it today when your head was hurting, but I forgot. I’ll get it after I do these dishes.”
“Listen here, Nan, I’m the boss around here and Elmer will do what I say, when I say, and you will respect me.”
Nan’s eyes widened.
“Don’t look at me like that, little girl.”
Nan held her breath.
“Well, I guess you will be making a trip to the wood shed…with me!” Ma had grabbed her by the arm and jerked her along behind the shed. The strap was hanging there, waiting. Whippings were becoming more and more frequent. After Ma’s husband left, they had taken on a more cruel form. The last whipping was more like a beating. It took days for the marks to scab over and heal. Little Elmer had come in that night and brought some horse medicine from the barn and applied it to the oozing marks.
The next afternoon when the schoolteacher came over, Ma had already formulated a story. “Mrs. Dewey, we missed Nan and Elmer today at school. Are they sick?” Ma lied the first time in her life and said, “Well Miss Sergeant, since Mr. Dewey is going to be gone for another four weeks, I need more help around here to get things done. I’m holding the kids out until he gets back.” Week after week went by, and Mr. Dewey still hadn’t come home. Everyday Ma grew more and more angry. It became more and more impossible to please her. When she began hitting Elmer, it was too much. Nan had to do something— right or wrong; things couldn’t stay the way they were.
The coolness of the earth had settled into Nan’s bones. She stood silently for a minute and carefully crept up to the farmhouse. As she opened the door, she saw that Elmer was in the pallet at the foot of the stove next to her bedroll. Ma was asleep in her room. The door held open with a rock. Slowly she began peeling off the dress and the dried blood stuck to it. She reached for the old shirt she normally wore over her wounds and under her dress. She had washed it today. It had bloodstains on it, but it would keep her from ruining another dress. She retrieved the old work dress that she wore when chores were messier than usual; it was the only one left. She put it on swiftly and shook Elmer awake with her hand over his mouth. “Baby, we must leave. Do you understand? Stay quiet and I will get some stuff to take with us.”
She found large old handkerchief and began looking for food supplies. There was one sourdough biscuit and about a cup of cold brown beans. She located her tin cup and another rag. She would probably need that. Three matches were in the cup on the stove. She would just take two. Suddenly she heard a sound from Ma’s room. A scampering sound… just a rat. Ma turned over. Her breathing became deep and regular. For once Nan wished that Ma snored. She tied the handkerchief in a knot over the meager food supplies, grabbed their bedrolls, and slowly opened the door.
“Come on, Elmer. Can you carry this food? I’ll get your bedding. That’s a good boy. We must hurry!”
The cold air bit at their faces, but they walked bravely on.
“Elmer, we must go tonight so we can get as far away as we can before Ma wakes up and sees that we are gone.”
For the next half hour the pair walked in silence through the familiar woods past the graves on the hill. In one, a mother dearly loved, in another, an infant who had died the same day as his mother, and the third, a father that only Nan had memory of. Elmer was only two years old when Pa died in the logging accident. Nan snapped out of her reverie and urged Elmer on. Molasses, Pa’s good old workhorse, stood in the pasture. He skidded the logs Pa cut with his axe. His legs hadn’t healed quite right, but Mama hadn’t let Mr. Dewey kill him because he was all she had left of the husband of her youth. Molasses was a faithful friend to Nan and Elmer. He stood there and waited for them to mount him.
“Molasses, take us to…” Nan realized then that they had nowhere to go. Mrs. Dewey had said that they were ungrateful little imps who didn’t realize she and Mr. Dewey were taking care of them out of kindness, and they could easily be put into an orphanage. Nan didn’t know anything about orphanages except what Mrs. Dewey…uh, Ma had told her. “Molasses, just take us out of here.”
Why had she dared to speak to the woman that she was obliged to call mother in that way? She knew that talking was not allowed from children before chores were finished. The accusations being made by “Ma” were totally false and she could not let Elmer take the blame for something she herself had forgotten to do. She shut her eyes tight against the memory, but it intruded anyway.
She had just gotten up to take the water off the stove to make up dishwater for the supper dishes. Ma had stepped outside the room to turn down her bed and prepare for sleep. When she reappeared in the kitchen, she realized that the wood supply next to the stove was low. Elmer was standing next to the table gathering the plates for washing. “Elmer, where is the wood you were supposed to bring up to the house?” Before he could answer, a hand had slapped him across his face. Getting back onto his feet and standing as tall as a five year old can stand, he looked her in the eye and said, “Ma, I was sick today, ‘member?”
“So, Elmer, you’re going to play up that headache trick again. Nan, didn’t your good for nothing Mama teach you people how to work, or are you just lazy?”
“Our Mama was good! Don’t you say mean things about her!” Nan yelled as her heart raced at the assault against her real Mama’s character.
“What about it, Elmer, are you like your weakling Mama or what?” Elmer’s eyes became very large and filled with tears. He could barely remember his real Mama, but when he did, he remembered soft kisses and sweet singing and a beautiful face. “I’m sorry; I’ll get the wood now.”
“No, Elmer, don’t. I promised you I’d do it today when your head was hurting, but I forgot. I’ll get it after I do these dishes.”
“Listen here, Nan, I’m the boss around here and Elmer will do what I say, when I say, and you will respect me.”
Nan’s eyes widened.
“Don’t look at me like that, little girl.”
Nan held her breath.
“Well, I guess you will be making a trip to the wood shed…with me!” Ma had grabbed her by the arm and jerked her along behind the shed. The strap was hanging there, waiting. Whippings were becoming more and more frequent. After Ma’s husband left, they had taken on a more cruel form. The last whipping was more like a beating. It took days for the marks to scab over and heal. Little Elmer had come in that night and brought some horse medicine from the barn and applied it to the oozing marks.
The next afternoon when the schoolteacher came over, Ma had already formulated a story. “Mrs. Dewey, we missed Nan and Elmer today at school. Are they sick?” Ma lied the first time in her life and said, “Well Miss Sergeant, since Mr. Dewey is going to be gone for another four weeks, I need more help around here to get things done. I’m holding the kids out until he gets back.” Week after week went by, and Mr. Dewey still hadn’t come home. Everyday Ma grew more and more angry. It became more and more impossible to please her. When she began hitting Elmer, it was too much. Nan had to do something— right or wrong; things couldn’t stay the way they were.
The coolness of the earth had settled into Nan’s bones. She stood silently for a minute and carefully crept up to the farmhouse. As she opened the door, she saw that Elmer was in the pallet at the foot of the stove next to her bedroll. Ma was asleep in her room. The door held open with a rock. Slowly she began peeling off the dress and the dried blood stuck to it. She reached for the old shirt she normally wore over her wounds and under her dress. She had washed it today. It had bloodstains on it, but it would keep her from ruining another dress. She retrieved the old work dress that she wore when chores were messier than usual; it was the only one left. She put it on swiftly and shook Elmer awake with her hand over his mouth. “Baby, we must leave. Do you understand? Stay quiet and I will get some stuff to take with us.”
She found large old handkerchief and began looking for food supplies. There was one sourdough biscuit and about a cup of cold brown beans. She located her tin cup and another rag. She would probably need that. Three matches were in the cup on the stove. She would just take two. Suddenly she heard a sound from Ma’s room. A scampering sound… just a rat. Ma turned over. Her breathing became deep and regular. For once Nan wished that Ma snored. She tied the handkerchief in a knot over the meager food supplies, grabbed their bedrolls, and slowly opened the door.
“Come on, Elmer. Can you carry this food? I’ll get your bedding. That’s a good boy. We must hurry!”
The cold air bit at their faces, but they walked bravely on.
“Elmer, we must go tonight so we can get as far away as we can before Ma wakes up and sees that we are gone.”
For the next half hour the pair walked in silence through the familiar woods past the graves on the hill. In one, a mother dearly loved, in another, an infant who had died the same day as his mother, and the third, a father that only Nan had memory of. Elmer was only two years old when Pa died in the logging accident. Nan snapped out of her reverie and urged Elmer on. Molasses, Pa’s good old workhorse, stood in the pasture. He skidded the logs Pa cut with his axe. His legs hadn’t healed quite right, but Mama hadn’t let Mr. Dewey kill him because he was all she had left of the husband of her youth. Molasses was a faithful friend to Nan and Elmer. He stood there and waited for them to mount him.
“Molasses, take us to…” Nan realized then that they had nowhere to go. Mrs. Dewey had said that they were ungrateful little imps who didn’t realize she and Mr. Dewey were taking care of them out of kindness, and they could easily be put into an orphanage. Nan didn’t know anything about orphanages except what Mrs. Dewey…uh, Ma had told her. “Molasses, just take us out of here.”
Barnes & Noble Booksellers in Westminster CO
Great book signing in Colorado!
Mardel Bookstore in Littleton, CO
Booksigning - Elaine