tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-169067002024-03-06T23:42:45.759-05:00A Spacious Place“He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me,” Psalm 18:19, NIVAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09688638274582413200noreply@blogger.comBlogger485125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16906700.post-13598477898599775482013-03-08T13:24:00.000-05:002013-03-08T13:24:00.542-05:00Moving.... Again! Part 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxBCAI_tISHqIrVywi8XmFUwLruQ1M7G_OWVHaNpMAgY5Qmx01IPCPllXcNiDENotf6shfI76oHRC8D4vypmEuekPxvecJ0gl7D15XtIgjgeBvv8NI94OROh2OaZn1OVu3pV1-/s1600/IMG_1047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxBCAI_tISHqIrVywi8XmFUwLruQ1M7G_OWVHaNpMAgY5Qmx01IPCPllXcNiDENotf6shfI76oHRC8D4vypmEuekPxvecJ0gl7D15XtIgjgeBvv8NI94OROh2OaZn1OVu3pV1-/s320/IMG_1047.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
We're moving again. This time we'll hopefully stay put for awhile. I don't know how many times I've moved in my adult life (I lived in the same house until I was 18), and it would probably be depressing to count it up, but I bet it's close to two dozen times. One was cross country.<br />
<br />
I've never used movers, and with all those moves I've acquired some expertise. Doesn't it seem like the best lessons are learned in the most painful fashion? Anyhow, maybe my pain will save you some pain.<br />
<br />
So start at the beginning. The more notice you have of your move, the more you can plan and get things done in an orderly fashion, avoiding the whole throw-it-all-in-a-box-and-figure-it-out-later issue. Or opening a box in your new house and wondering why you bothered to move something you are now throwing out.<br />
<br />
The first step, if you have time (maybe even if you don't), is to go through your house and get rid of anything that doesn't fit, is broken, you don't need, or you're not using. Those things that you hang on to "just in case" are costing you in labor, time, and even money (boxes, moving truck or storage space fees). So be ruthless. You'll rarely regret it.<br />
<br />
Currently, I'm boxing up and giving away books, clothes, household goods. If you have time and weather to have a garage sale, do it. Clothes and books can go to consignments stores for a bit of cash and the rest donated.<br />
<br />
Packing and moving is a bit like eating an elephant. It's better to do it in small bites at a time. Take one room and go through one closet or one bookshelf at a time. Pack, give away, or toss one section at a time. Then take a break.<br />
<br />
A couple of tips to remember through this whole process: One, while you're doing all of this purging, collect whatever boxes you can find. Smaller boxes (think those that hold copy paper) are the best size for books. Books are heavy! Big boxes are better for lighter things like linens and clothes.<br />
<br />
Two, keep garbage bags in the rooms you are working in. It's amazing how much trash you have in rooms that you don't even know about.<br />
<br />
Next installment: smart packing!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v720/jtiszai/?action=view&current=jensig.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="60" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v720/jtiszai/jensig.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09688638274582413200noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16906700.post-30691509400891905462013-02-15T13:45:00.000-05:002013-02-15T13:45:00.335-05:00Jen's Famous SalsaI don't know about you but I have my go-to dish for any kind of potluck or get together. It's become even more important now that we're gluten free. I have to be able to bring something that I like and that might end up being the only thing that I eat.<br />
<br />
So I bring salsa. I grew up in Southern California and spent four years in Arizona so I love good Mexican food. When I moved to the Midwest, I made salsa and tacos to anyone who would eat them. And got a lot of requests for my salsa recipe. Which is more of a taste-as-I-go-along than a real recipe. But for all of you who asked, I actually decided to take pictures and make notes when I made salsa this last time. So, in all it's glory, here's my salsa recipe.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsJkrWcfERsbgbWSfKdICuFJchWTXWTSwQi7hNR7_Dy9zm15zz3lrHZ7s7hSsoxcdZvE7K0UQPUVadtvQgISs6sKjgw2SikL5cE4XnQs2yU7hsBZ14PdormXCs9iv11dhZiUCT/s1600/IMG_0975.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsJkrWcfERsbgbWSfKdICuFJchWTXWTSwQi7hNR7_Dy9zm15zz3lrHZ7s7hSsoxcdZvE7K0UQPUVadtvQgISs6sKjgw2SikL5cE4XnQs2yU7hsBZ14PdormXCs9iv11dhZiUCT/s320/IMG_0975.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yummy salsa ingredients</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<ul>
<li>6-8 ripe, flavorful tomatoes</li>
<li>1-2 bunches of green onions</li>
<li>1-2 bunches of cilantro</li>
<li>1-3 jalepeños</li>
<li>1 lime</li>
<li>kosher salt</li>
</ul>
Before you begin you need to roast your jalepeños. I turn my oven on to 400 degrees and spray the peppers with olive oil and put them directly on the rack. By the time I'm ready for them, they're usually nice and roasted. You could also use your broiler, but you'll need to watch them so they don't burn.<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
Start with 6-8 tomatoes. The flavor of the tomatoes will have a huge impact on the flavor of your salsa. I had horrible experiences trying to get good tomatoes in the winter in the Midwest. I had slightly better success with Roma tomatoes and even tried some canned tomatoes once (not too bad if you're desperate). Now I generally get the expensive, vine-ripened ones.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe_hhJjUCJAff3M-LoDHtn1knUuTtzPrC55Fhsu7l2KJL6tEbfoIGgx2o2d_SJA1WYQtdEzQQ3eGRy5a5LyNtLdtWb1pL9tsLlVd5J_q-E56zYoIvifiHOo-6K89Ws8Ig_l_OU/s1600/IMG_0976.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe_hhJjUCJAff3M-LoDHtn1knUuTtzPrC55Fhsu7l2KJL6tEbfoIGgx2o2d_SJA1WYQtdEzQQ3eGRy5a5LyNtLdtWb1pL9tsLlVd5J_q-E56zYoIvifiHOo-6K89Ws8Ig_l_OU/s320/IMG_0976.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Chunk up the tomatoes and throw them in your food processor. You can make salsa without a food processor but it's hard to get the onions and jalepeños small enough so they blend seamlessly with the tomatoes. You don't want a big bite of spicy (or maybe you do!)<br />
<br />
Pulse the food processor so you don't end up with tomato soup. Keep the tomatoes chunky.<br />
<br />
Dump the chopped tomatoes into a big, non-reactive bowl. If you put tomatoes in a metal bowl, they will start to taste like metal. Use glass, ceramic, or plastic. Liberally add kosher salt in a layer over the tomatoes. This will pull the juices out of the tomatoes. You will need more salt than you think. A lot more.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0B7H-K_vJjst3fq3L9i0e6z6t6iFPshIZz8JQz0ZdNx2o82oY0t9Xg6JGWsZjNgCtW21vuvZXzbJ-JQQz38k1G9vUoQlG0Ytz_3wjPxFamuzsCSPlXfwEeWlCaA4nTuxWnOqJ/s1600/IMG_0978.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0B7H-K_vJjst3fq3L9i0e6z6t6iFPshIZz8JQz0ZdNx2o82oY0t9Xg6JGWsZjNgCtW21vuvZXzbJ-JQQz38k1G9vUoQlG0Ytz_3wjPxFamuzsCSPlXfwEeWlCaA4nTuxWnOqJ/s320/IMG_0978.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Next comes the cilantro. It looks like flat leaved parsley but it has a peppery flavor. Rinse well and chop off most of the stems. Cut into a couple of big chunks and throw in the food processor. Pulse, dump in the bowl with the tomatoes.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBs5_wih7ALJa1mCPmncawhn-Ia8VujtupEQMACiHm3qNt1Zq4vWNzp0C-ofUNE1v-5cmNc2mjrlCOi2FlrlHdYk-gswC00vFBieHWgzGtM0pCwbm4Cxqh4qLg2h7FtfL_unaC/s1600/IMG_0979.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBs5_wih7ALJa1mCPmncawhn-Ia8VujtupEQMACiHm3qNt1Zq4vWNzp0C-ofUNE1v-5cmNc2mjrlCOi2FlrlHdYk-gswC00vFBieHWgzGtM0pCwbm4Cxqh4qLg2h7FtfL_unaC/s320/IMG_0979.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Take a bunch of green onions and cut off the roots and any of the tops that are ugly and raggedy. Cut into several big chunks and put in the food processor. Pulse, but not all the way because you want to add your jalepeños with them.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Your jalepeños should look blackened and crispy when you pull them out of the oven. You'll want to cut the stems off then cut them down the center. Scrape out the seeds and the pith with the edge of your knife, since these are the spiciest parts. If you want that, great!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgSRx76shYZ48d_nT524cvOX1ZE0WaMEmWTTPVBcCTLYVqSyyHEt9NnXi-IKKIgxIAs41pVz10PWkSsvjdg8yFEndDRwl70yB83IAS4EnawXhibBAYaKs7hju7rOa3d8pSyO9S/s1600/IMG_0980.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgSRx76shYZ48d_nT524cvOX1ZE0WaMEmWTTPVBcCTLYVqSyyHEt9NnXi-IKKIgxIAs41pVz10PWkSsvjdg8yFEndDRwl70yB83IAS4EnawXhibBAYaKs7hju7rOa3d8pSyO9S/s200/IMG_0980.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiskDojzjkOnTBr7TK0CZF1G_siwQmgQg1vZA5hBFCKon3o2GNAyzymUglHuAjP3peoBISfI7W5o7dfbCMHOzDcV3y192gTiwGJ345JEcx2y1SRYDaKpEriWFYFN7DjYOaqOa5j/s1600/IMG_0983.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiskDojzjkOnTBr7TK0CZF1G_siwQmgQg1vZA5hBFCKon3o2GNAyzymUglHuAjP3peoBISfI7W5o7dfbCMHOzDcV3y192gTiwGJ345JEcx2y1SRYDaKpEriWFYFN7DjYOaqOa5j/s200/IMG_0983.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMpICcC7XMzVGP7myCvD1yxw2Lm05RhFQQLaaqCK8m3EOsFmX7cPe8tROZg_23IXvclJChdxwzBPC6mhaF79g6b0vy8549bkSHOz7P8fGFhyphenhyphenBQOjp3SVqjDxxtgscuJWOjwSN2/s1600/IMG_0984.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMpICcC7XMzVGP7myCvD1yxw2Lm05RhFQQLaaqCK8m3EOsFmX7cPe8tROZg_23IXvclJChdxwzBPC6mhaF79g6b0vy8549bkSHOz7P8fGFhyphenhyphenBQOjp3SVqjDxxtgscuJWOjwSN2/s200/IMG_0984.jpg" width="150" /></a>Chop into a couple of pieces and add to the green onions in your food processor. This time you want to finely process them so they will blend nicely and evenly with your tomatoes and cilantro.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I like to squeeze half a lime in my salsa to give it a fresh kick. Plus, I just like lime. To make squeezing easy, roll the lime with the palm of your hand against the countertop to loosen the juices. Cut in half and pop out any seeds that are visible. Squeeze or use a citrus reamer.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaxqaFo665arMrZGMimXHfj1cOoobHLYeLCD7cHxgc0jWz-P_MjwTt46J1pd7gqysXWGI106ShyQwmsXJAsPKTP0Z_VsiSV50_wxO2D-uFCV940ocJEaqyA2agy_oghvgxQ6vH/s1600/IMG_0985.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaxqaFo665arMrZGMimXHfj1cOoobHLYeLCD7cHxgc0jWz-P_MjwTt46J1pd7gqysXWGI106ShyQwmsXJAsPKTP0Z_VsiSV50_wxO2D-uFCV940ocJEaqyA2agy_oghvgxQ6vH/s320/IMG_0985.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaCJ-k27CFgJ3HRHL-POmRLvzLp-NSoX_MnZj1MES4ugj6IJsC8iqL1HxWxt1UgLg65XzhW4Oh4_k93MJzJHu9K5Gd76bQ5zgoS1vCab1jz5Lush4q9h7u9TILgP4utDXBptHk/s1600/IMG_0986.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaCJ-k27CFgJ3HRHL-POmRLvzLp-NSoX_MnZj1MES4ugj6IJsC8iqL1HxWxt1UgLg65XzhW4Oh4_k93MJzJHu9K5Gd76bQ5zgoS1vCab1jz5Lush4q9h7u9TILgP4utDXBptHk/s320/IMG_0986.jpg" width="240" /></a>The finished product. Taste and add more salt if necessary. Serve with your favorite tortilla chips or make your own by frying cut up corn tortillas in hot oil.</div>
<br />
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v720/jtiszai/?action=view&current=jensig.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="60" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v720/jtiszai/jensig.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09688638274582413200noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16906700.post-30575846744510643332013-02-08T13:30:00.000-05:002013-02-08T13:30:02.121-05:00Epic Mom Fail Part 2<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2KAeXGc3CiIACQcCCnNSoVfy0m5lJVrKo4BI5BLm1cBkm9lK8hyK_zEkDs1CxT1yeZaLWsKA4kozqkEIUYFUYHnmJq1Rq7N-36N18jDCTC2VTizsh7oOOIm5bht1fHtBF0nbg/s1600/Sedona2+Jan05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2KAeXGc3CiIACQcCCnNSoVfy0m5lJVrKo4BI5BLm1cBkm9lK8hyK_zEkDs1CxT1yeZaLWsKA4kozqkEIUYFUYHnmJq1Rq7N-36N18jDCTC2VTizsh7oOOIm5bht1fHtBF0nbg/s320/Sedona2+Jan05.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Last week I talked about a recent epic Mom fail. This week I'll share another time I inadvertently risked my child's life about seven years ago when we lived in Arizona.<br />
<br />
We had just finished returning books to the library. I buckle my son in, toss all my stuff on the front seat, and close the door. I go around to get in my side.<br />
<br />
The door is locked.<br />
<br />
Oh crap.<br />
<br />
Through the window I can see all the doors are locked, but I still pull on the door handle like somehow reality will change. I can see the keys sitting on the driver’s seat, along with my purse and cell phone.<br />
<br />
But I know my son can unlock the doors. Except that he’s strapped in his car seat. However, childproof things have never deterred him before. I tell him how to get himself out of his seat. “Just push that red button.” He pokes at it, sucker in his mouth. Then he pushes harder, but he just doesn’t have the strength to get it. We try seeing if he can unbuckle the car seatbelt and free the car seat, but he can’t reach it.<br />
<br />
There’s no hope. I’m going to have to call and get help. But my phone’s in the car, too, so I have to leave him to go back into the library. It goes against every instinct to leave my son alone in a car while I go inside. But, I think, if someone can break into the car to steal it (and who wants a 1998 minivan with 180,000 miles on it?) I could at least get my son out. So I hurry inside to try to find a pay phone. Apparently pay phones don’t exist anymore. I finally ask the librarian.<br />
<br />
She laughs. “Oh, I don’t think it works.”<br />
<br />
Not funny. “I need a phone. I’ve locked my keys in the car with my son. I need to call somebody.”<br />
<br />
“Oh, I guess you can use this then.” She moves her desk phone toward me. I call AAA and go through the whole explanation of how I can't supply them my membership card number because it's in my purse which is locked in my car <i>with my son.</i><br />
<br />
Anyhow, on my way back to the car, there is this guy who has been outside the library trying to get people to sign his petition. I don’t know what for, and I don’t care. He’s seen me walk by now four times and starts pestering me to sign his stupid petition.<br />
<br />
“I’m a little busy right now.”<br />
<br />
“Doing what?”<br />
<br />
Oh, the things that went through my mind. I didn’t say any of them, however. Let’s just say that the next time I need to write a dead body in a book it will be a guy that looks a lot like him trying to get people to sign a petition. I just kept walking to the van where I hoped my son wasn’t a sobbing hysterical mess. He was frowning, but I think that was because he had dropped his sucker.<br />
<br />
So I lean my head against this really dirty window—when was the last time I washed this thing anyway?—and talked to him. People driving through the parking lot stared at me. What was this crazy woman doing talking to a car? A police officer drove by. I watched him, half hoping he’d stop. He didn’t. I tell my son to go to sleep, and for once in his life, he minds me.<br />
<br />
I'm really thankful it's only the upper 60s and not 112. I start thinking which window would be the cheapest to replace and look around for a big rock. Nothing. If it were 112, I have no idea what I could use to break the window. Well, he's asleep, AAA should be on the way, and other than people thinking I’m nuts, there isn’t any problem with waiting. Just that my daughter gets out of school in 30 minutes and since our neighbors moved, there's not a house for her to go to if I'm not home.<br />
<br />
After about 25 minutes a tow truck pulls into the parking lot. They guy gets out with all his equipment. Then he sees my son. “Hey, if we’d known there was a kid in the car we would have gotten here in five minutes. Why didn’t you tell us?”<br />
<br />
I'm pretty sure I mentioned it.<br />
<br />
The guy gets his equipment out and starts prying open the door with this little inflatable device. Very cool, though frankly I don’t care if he rips the door off.<br />
<br />
The door opens. My son wakes up. The tow truck guy packs up his stuff.<br />
<br />
I think I’m going to throw up.<br />
<br />
So from the desert of Arizona to the upper Midwest, I'm capable of the epic Mom fail. Somehow my children survive my best attempts to raise them properly.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v720/jtiszai/?action=view&current=jensig.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="60" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v720/jtiszai/jensig.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09688638274582413200noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16906700.post-14265020260558196702013-02-01T13:30:00.000-05:002013-02-01T13:30:02.710-05:00Epic Mom Fail Part 1<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVyKmqgYP931wCLe1729fOQ47sAVQuEXDfkKGd1NGVJgzHD3ozmzNLe5IRVSEAPKJFWIU2qJCBjfPKZ64b85vEmQObzOC-Qt8_mq8VAiEq4uwn3mdkM1iBFmcnEmzdskyfuG71/s1600/IMG_0394.JPG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVyKmqgYP931wCLe1729fOQ47sAVQuEXDfkKGd1NGVJgzHD3ozmzNLe5IRVSEAPKJFWIU2qJCBjfPKZ64b85vEmQObzOC-Qt8_mq8VAiEq4uwn3mdkM1iBFmcnEmzdskyfuG71/s320/IMG_0394.JPG.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
You ever have those times where you think you should get the worst mom award? I had one of those last week. My son, eleven, got dropped off at home from school, just to find that the door was locked and his key and his phone were in the house. And none of the stay-at-home neighbors had stayed at home that day. And it was 17 degrees.<br />
<br />
I drove up an hour later to find him sobbing, crying ice cubes as he told me later. He'd kept himself busy trying to pick the lock with a stick, opening the garage to see if he could start the barbecue, kicking snow off the porch.<br />
<br />
This one was sort of his fault. He knew to the keep the key in his backpack, but remembering is not a strong suit of Asperger's kids. And if I'd thought about it, I'd have left the side door open. But with my daughter in the hospital with a juvenile arthritis flare up, I'm not thinking too clearly either.<br />
<br />
It did remind me of another epic Mom fail when my son was a preschooler and we were living in Arizona also involving keys and locks.<br />
<br />
It was about seven years ago. We had just finished returning books to the library, the last on a long list of errands that day, and had gotten back into the minivan....<br />
<br />
More to come next week. Anybody else want to share memorable epic Mom fails?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v720/jtiszai/?action=view&current=jensig.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="60" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v720/jtiszai/jensig.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09688638274582413200noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16906700.post-33816247472780131192013-01-25T15:23:00.000-05:002013-01-25T15:23:00.303-05:00How to offer practical help to a friend in crisis<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFrCkN11bCJhvlNYzRwmBDvjytJ5MqtL5KPv6NXNlqB3EzRhSGxUg6m2HDSgNobtocFPJ26zUDJebxH46EprIDxT5707ZlzCZwCLWthaEYtofeiAElxwTBBA7w7tklda8LvBCJ/s1600/IMG_0751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFrCkN11bCJhvlNYzRwmBDvjytJ5MqtL5KPv6NXNlqB3EzRhSGxUg6m2HDSgNobtocFPJ26zUDJebxH46EprIDxT5707ZlzCZwCLWthaEYtofeiAElxwTBBA7w7tklda8LvBCJ/s320/IMG_0751.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
In my previous post, I talked about how to make the best use of your time and energy while waiting with a loved one during medical visits and procedures.<br />
<br />
In this post I want to talk about how to provide practical help to friends and family members dealing with any kind of crisis. Maybe they are having surgery, or their child is in the hospital. Maybe they've just lost a loved one. Or their job. It's so hard to know what to do when someone you love is hurting.<br />
<br />
Having been on the giving and receiving end of practical help, here are my thoughts on how to best provide practical help, comfort, and support when a friend or family member is going through a difficult time.<br />
<ul>
<li>Don't ask, "How can I help?" By the same token, don't say, "Call me if you need anything." Because guess what? We won't. We're pretty overwhelmed. Half the time we don't know what we need until we're staring into an empty refrigerator or an overwhelming pile of laundry. Then trying to remember who offered to help, if they really meant it, and would they really be willing to tackle your sink of dirty dishes... well that's more than our emotionally over-taxed brains can handle.</li>
<li>Instead offer specific help that you are willing to do. Offer to pick up their laundry and do it with yours. Or do it at their house if you have the time. Offer to clean bathrooms, mop floors, run the dishwasher, cook up several meals for the freezer, run to the grocery store, pick up kids from school, shovel their driveway and walks, mow the lawn.</li>
<li>Realize that many times when you offer to help we'll say we're okay or that we're managing because it's hard to admit we need help, let alone ask for it. Feel free to offer specific help several times. One of the best things my friends did for me (twice!) was to make several weeks' worth of meals in single portions and stocked my freezer with them. A group got together to do it so they could socialize and have fun while they were doing a huge favor for me!</li>
<li>Think about all the things you have to do in your day and how each of them would be impacted by a family crisis. What things would you need help with? Go offer to do that for your friend. It's amazing doing something simple like running the dishwasher, wiping down the bathrooms, or throwing in a load of wash can lighten the load of someone who is already emotionally drained when they come home.</li>
<li>Call ahead before visiting. Patients either at home or in the hospital don't always feel up to visitors. They don't look their best (which can be embarrassing to some people), they are in pain, tired, or scheduled for tests or therapies. Make sure your visit is a blessing, not a burden.</li>
<li>When you do visit, be ready to leave if it's not a good time. Don't expect to be entertained or for the patient to carry on a long conversation. Some people will love the company and be happy for the distraction. Others would prefer a short visit. Be sensitive to that.</li>
<li>Do send cards, notes, Facebook messages. Even if they don't get acknowledged, people really are encouraged when they know others are thinking of and praying for them.</li>
<li>Some of the most welcome gifts we got were blankets, stuffed animals, mylar balloon, socks, fun nail polish and stickers, head bands and hair ties, magazines, puzzle books, posters (for long term hospital stays), card and travel board games, lip balm, lotion, and favorite snacks.</li>
<li>Don't forget the caregiver. Taking them out for a quick bite to eat or a cup of coffee can do wonders for their spirits. Or giving them time to go home for a shower or a nap while you stay with the patient can also be another great break.</li>
<li>Mostly, the Golden Rule is a good guide. Do for your friend what you would want done for you if you were in their situation.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v720/jtiszai/?action=view&current=jensig.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="60" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v720/jtiszai/jensig.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09688638274582413200noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16906700.post-60727042054502151592013-01-18T14:59:00.000-05:002013-01-18T14:59:00.394-05:00What to do when waiting at a hospital or other medical facility<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJDFqyhE6EXowyE78_t_fy7Movu4WHz67DuWXobzqspytI9dDXvbdUfXG0GTqvpTboXSYCkMfjd-KuPoa5_-b1rL2TKVZa-63phJUSryw6dBkce3MMVfTamueLK3Yo2P6hR9TW/s1600/IMG_0752.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJDFqyhE6EXowyE78_t_fy7Movu4WHz67DuWXobzqspytI9dDXvbdUfXG0GTqvpTboXSYCkMfjd-KuPoa5_-b1rL2TKVZa-63phJUSryw6dBkce3MMVfTamueLK3Yo2P6hR9TW/s320/IMG_0752.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
This past year has been a medically difficult one for our family. All told we've had five surgeries, a very long (one month and counting) hospital stay, and countless hours of physical therapy.<br />
<br />
All this adds up to a lot of waiting if you're the one accompanying the patient. Here are a few of my tips to make your time a little more comfortable, if not exactly productive.<br />
<br />
My good friend, Diana Brandmeyer has some tips over on <a href="http://www.dianabrandmeyer.com/posts/10-waiting-room-tips/">her blog</a> too.<br />
<br />
Here are some things to consider bringing along.<br />
<ul>
<li>A sweater or a hoodie. You never know what the inside weather will be like :)</li>
<li>Something to occupy your time: a book, magazine, Kindle, Nook, iPad, laptop, knitting/crocheting, etc. Don't bring something that takes up a lot of space or takes a lot of time to set up or put away (i.e. jigsaw puzzles). Bring something that you don't mind being interrupted in doing.</li>
<li>Do put together a tote bag or backpack if you're going to be doing this frequently. That way you don't have to stress out your already stressed-out brain cells trying to remember everything each trip.</li>
<li>In your tote bag put in a notebook, your calendar/day planner, note cards, bills, or anything else that could be helpful in making you feel productive. Write that note you've been putting off to your grandma or friend that isn't on Facebook.</li>
<li>Use a page in your notebook to list specific things you need help with (return library books, a grocery list, find a ride home from school for your son). That way when someone offers to help you can bring out your list.</li>
<li>Along those same lines, take help when it is offered. It's hard to admit we need help, even harder to ask for it. But if people are offering, take them up on it. You need it!</li>
<li>Bring something to drink. Water, your favorite soda, coffee, tea, whatever. </li>
<li>Get a portable snack, a healthy one if you can, like nuts, fruit, cut up veggies, fruit leather, your favorite nut, fruit, cereal or protein bars. Even a baggie of dry cereal can be helpful. Some places have vending machines for snacks or drinks but if you are doing this a lot, that can be expensive and not very healthy. Some places </li>
<li>Your Bible, a Bible study or devotional, a notebook or note cards for journaling and verses. I've spend more time working on my Bible study at my daughter's hospital bedside and journaling what God has been revealing to me than I had since I'd had my surgery on my ankle. I take great comfort from God's Word during difficult times.</li>
<li>Get to know the staff. They see people at their worst, in pain, tired, grumpy, and grouchy. Anything you can do to be kind to them, to smile, to thank them, goes a long way.</li>
<li>Also ask the staff about the availability of nearby microwaves, coffee shops, sandwich shops, etc. They often know the best places around and can point you to them faster than you could find them on your own.</li>
</ul>
Next week, I'll post my tips on how to help someone who is going through a crisis because they have a loved one in the hospital or going through an illness.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v720/jtiszai/?action=view&current=jensig.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="60" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v720/jtiszai/jensig.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09688638274582413200noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16906700.post-46791297451319722712013-01-11T13:38:00.000-05:002013-01-13T15:01:12.764-05:00Mom. Still the best title<br />
Sitting next to your daughter's hospital bed will give you some time to think. My daughter is fifteen, but she still wants her mom with her. So I spend as much time as my job, and my needs to be with my son, allow. And while I'm sitting next to her, holding her hand, encouraging her through the pain of physical therapy, comforting her, letting her beat me at mancala, I'm struck by how much she just needs me to be mom.<br />
<br />
Much of my time is consumed by being the provider for my kids, putting a roof over their heads, clothes on their backs, and food on the table. I spend hours each day making sure everything at work is functioning properly so books and Bibles get published on time. Much of what I have wanted to accomplish with my life and my time has had to be set aside for the time being. And I was reminded of the importance of this when I ran across this quote by GK Chesterton. Just ignore the references to British government.<br />
<br />
<em>To be Queen Elizabeth within a definite area, deciding sales, banquets, labors, and holidays; to be Whitely within a certain area, providing toys, boots, cakes, and books; to be Aristotle within a certain area, teaching morals, manners, theology, and hygiene; I can understand how this might exhaust the mind, but I cannot imagine how it could narrow it. How can it be a large career to tell other people’s children about the Rule of Three, and a small career to tell one’s own children about the universe? How can it be broad to be the same thing to everyone and narrow to be everything to someone? No, a woman’s function is laborious, but because it is gigantic, not because it is minute.</em><br />
(<em>What’s Wrong with the World</em>, quoted in <em>Captivating</em> by John and Stasi Eldredge, Nelson Books)<br />
<br />
The last two lines are my favorite because, especially when my children were small, I was everything to them. I am still their world, and the import of that can be staggering. I am continually grateful that I was able to stay at home with them when they were small. And now that they are older, they still need me greatly. Though instead of wiping noses and tying shoes, I'm helping with homework and making sure chores are done. And sitting by my daughter's hospital bed while she learns to walk again.<br />
<br />
I have many titles: wage earner, managing editor, small group member, friend. But the one that means the most is simply mom.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v720/jtiszai/?action=view&current=jensig.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="60" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v720/jtiszai/jensig.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09688638274582413200noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16906700.post-64051039190956036472013-01-03T12:53:00.000-05:002013-01-03T12:53:00.548-05:00Gluten-free Tiramisu Birthday Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYwanL93kGcsNyExto0ZG-bg8dPQPzgtMyB_p0U7Z4QXx9mXSIbPesNE4r6pt3TA0_OW0IJfQ31SP2lDkxdsRwoSQAbR1VzR_8ATa3YGIWuymImkscJMUH6okgUu_McRraF8Cj/s1600/IMG_0905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYwanL93kGcsNyExto0ZG-bg8dPQPzgtMyB_p0U7Z4QXx9mXSIbPesNE4r6pt3TA0_OW0IJfQ31SP2lDkxdsRwoSQAbR1VzR_8ATa3YGIWuymImkscJMUH6okgUu_McRraF8Cj/s320/IMG_0905.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
My sweet girl was turning 15 (how did that happen?!) and requested tiramisu for her birthday cake. She has pretty sophisticated tastes for a kid and since her latest juvenile arthritis flare up has her confined to a wheelchair, I was inclined to do what I could to grant her request.<br />
<br />
The bad thing about being gluten free is that you can't just go pick up something at the store. The good thing is that with a little work, you can make just about anything gluten free, and if you do it right, no one can tell the difference.<br />
<br />
The first thing I do when looking for a new gluten-free recipe is to see what I've pinned on Pinterest. And then I Google. I don't know what people did before Google. It might be my best friend. I had several gluten-free tiramisu recipes open on my screen and I was looking through all of them. I didn't want to find gluten-free lady fingers, so I needed a sponge recipe. And I didn't want to use half a dozen different kind of flours.<br />
<br />
So as usual, I ended up combining a couple of recipes and making it my own.<br />
<br />
I started <a href="http://www.thasneen.com/cooking/tiramisu-cake-non-alcoholic-and-gluten-free/">here</a> with the recipe for the sponge cake. I made the cakes and while they were cooking I started on the filling. For that I used <a href="http://www.thelifeofkerin.com/2012/04/pioneer-womans-tiramisu-gluten-free.html">this recipe</a>.<br />
<br />
I made the zabaglione while the cakes were cooking. Egg yokes, marsala wine, and sugar cooked over a double boiler. Talk about rich! Resist the urge to taste it, though. It's hot! Ask me how I know.<br />
<br />
Since it was getting on to be about 10 o'clock at night and the zabaglione needed to cool, as well as the cakes, I put the zabaglione in the fridge and the cakes in the microwave. I didn't turn the microwave on, it just seemed like a good place to store the cakes without the cats helping themselves to a snack in the middle of the night. Don't laugh. They like cornbread too!<br />
<br />
The next morning I finished up the recipe by making whipped cream, adding mascarpone to it, then adding the zabaglione mixture. I decided not to add more marsala to the espresso syrup since I was serving this to teens and didn't like the idea of serving food with alcohol in it that hadn't cooked off.<br />
<br />
I soaked the layers in the espresso syrup, plopped on the rich and creamy zabaglione/whipped cream/mascarpone mixture and frosted the whole thing with it.<br />
<br />
Then I cut out a heart shape from wax paper and put it on the top layer. Using a fine-meshed strainer, I sprinkled cocoa powder over the whole thing. Carefully, I lifted off the heart.<br />
<br />
Being that I live in Michigan and this was December, my car often doubles as my refrigerator. So off the finished cake went into the car until party time. I know, I don't have a proper cake plate. I did at one time. Long story.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2e4sfoERkexlDzJEKrjiE2CbVZQ_h2mRxRe6SVBmqhu8FeNaX3ci8qIWKwCXtctAHYpdOmlhnmGRZt96IjtA7jVdfqHKjA9XDtYHq8GwBpdscZF1Tkmxn5cZEGHUvJKd_WhiD/s1600/IMG_0906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2e4sfoERkexlDzJEKrjiE2CbVZQ_h2mRxRe6SVBmqhu8FeNaX3ci8qIWKwCXtctAHYpdOmlhnmGRZt96IjtA7jVdfqHKjA9XDtYHq8GwBpdscZF1Tkmxn5cZEGHUvJKd_WhiD/s320/IMG_0906.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
The tiramisu tasted amazing! The birthday girl was happy, and the cake actually held together for a few days until it was all eaten up.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v720/jtiszai/?action=view&current=jensig.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="60" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v720/jtiszai/jensig.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09688638274582413200noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16906700.post-54757816186658462662012-12-27T12:16:00.004-05:002012-12-27T12:16:52.589-05:00Organizing Your PantryI've been battling with my pantry ever since I moved into our rental house. It's not a real pantry; it's a closet someone added some shelves to. And so the shelves are about 18 inches deep, making it difficult to store and find things. There may be a lot of space, but most of it is wasted.<br />
<br />
So after taking things in and out about three times, looking on Pinterest for inspiration, and gathering my organizing tools, I came up with a plan.<br />
<br />
First things first. Empty out your pantry and clean it. Yes, I know, it's a pain. But just shuffling things around won't cut it. As you empty it out, group things on the counter, table, floor, wherever, by category so you can see what kind of organization items you might need. Put all the baking items together, snacky stuff, cereals, etc. in their own little clusters. You'll thank me later. Trust me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaiuttNhV9t1d1G6ZDuP6F6MoQBEhwHTMwHmzv7JH-Yh4r8yczXxOeDJHiC0CU1pksrL5Ss2yAJUSJKH-da_IopE7ThR8_mFL1KJwVkNSaR_TQmQh6mOmXWkiAW-pcDKUaIgb9/s1600/IMG_0898.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaiuttNhV9t1d1G6ZDuP6F6MoQBEhwHTMwHmzv7JH-Yh4r8yczXxOeDJHiC0CU1pksrL5Ss2yAJUSJKH-da_IopE7ThR8_mFL1KJwVkNSaR_TQmQh6mOmXWkiAW-pcDKUaIgb9/s320/IMG_0898.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
This is my cleaned out pantry. The little flecks you see on the shelves are bay leaves. My mom swears by them to keep bugs away. I think it's a cheap and safe way to protect your food from little critters.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1i0SXlqQSLQZ-PeOwz6FdOs6R19YWzSMLtz6c4jueDBtfA82NHUzsX4rNbzkLZZt1m76_HKlLsrrjMcbGT71Tvrfo8yS1XNfk_HDwvBTrOqveJV7tC04kpQ8xqftMp4stAVJI/s1600/IMG_0899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1i0SXlqQSLQZ-PeOwz6FdOs6R19YWzSMLtz6c4jueDBtfA82NHUzsX4rNbzkLZZt1m76_HKlLsrrjMcbGT71Tvrfo8yS1XNfk_HDwvBTrOqveJV7tC04kpQ8xqftMp4stAVJI/s320/IMG_0899.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
These are my various organizational items. I wasn't sure what all I'd need, but I liked having them all out where I can see them and pick which ones would fit my piles best. I wanted some step shelves for canned goods, some baskets for all my various gluten-free flours, some bins that could act like slide-out shelves to compensate for the depth of my shelves.<br />
<br />
Looking around at all of your foodstuffs all over your kitchen and dining room can be overwhelming. It's hard to know where to begin. So begin with what you know, with what makes sense. For me, that was adding wire racks to the bottom of the pantry and putting the big and heavy stuff down there. I also added the step shelves and the lazy susan where I knew I'd need them. The lazy susan went in a back corner that's hard to get to. The step shelves went just above eye level. And then I put some racks to act as a half shelf near the top where I knew I'd store extras and things I wouldn't get to very often because it's not very accessible.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP2iMl5nwarSIbtZhwUBHOcVXBor9Y-6BteT2SNzen3WWRH8gY6tuxFPX1SpvK_QB9DhfuykQw8v_ObrONYijFlprlpaMXSVWxOFA99MaYItReBkCUYuzSOT5iA7AzoGvAHz1X/s1600/IMG_0900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP2iMl5nwarSIbtZhwUBHOcVXBor9Y-6BteT2SNzen3WWRH8gY6tuxFPX1SpvK_QB9DhfuykQw8v_ObrONYijFlprlpaMXSVWxOFA99MaYItReBkCUYuzSOT5iA7AzoGvAHz1X/s320/IMG_0900.jpg" width="239" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigy4yZpOWU6iXz8O2Y1iIok1OGpxuhufWGKG0F9rVBGyGD9nPMgY1682RLSlRsqAq3ZZDMcvl24sMETuJNzvQDay5BFqKzjjqE_hwfXkCnUIEm8vkLUehoWncAQsHAPqVY1zqt/s1600/IMG_0901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigy4yZpOWU6iXz8O2Y1iIok1OGpxuhufWGKG0F9rVBGyGD9nPMgY1682RLSlRsqAq3ZZDMcvl24sMETuJNzvQDay5BFqKzjjqE_hwfXkCnUIEm8vkLUehoWncAQsHAPqVY1zqt/s320/IMG_0901.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4kWu2z9CTVg6KPgeoyCwE2yn355YMv1rR5MOCzq9zRH6SKvjLoNyHDqCxUbxisY6X7eH4y1WVUUsAErG5rtduBeGNpQmsmQhLHHGK1g5LcB6Q6Qio-KsXxX5q5wMumRbcQCnz/s1600/IMG_0902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4kWu2z9CTVg6KPgeoyCwE2yn355YMv1rR5MOCzq9zRH6SKvjLoNyHDqCxUbxisY6X7eH4y1WVUUsAErG5rtduBeGNpQmsmQhLHHGK1g5LcB6Q6Qio-KsXxX5q5wMumRbcQCnz/s320/IMG_0902.jpg" width="239" /></a><br />
<br />
Once I filled in the things that I knew, the rest was more like filling in puzzle pieces. I looked at the groups I had laying around and matched them with the size bins and racks I had. I kept in mind that the pull out bins needed to be below eye level so I could see what was in them. Cereal went into plastic containers. So did the sugars. I also like using big Mason jars, the half-gallon size are nice. My Ace Hardware had them even though I couldn't find them in the grocery store. I also dumped all my gluten-free cereal and nut bars in a plastic half-gallon bucket. And all my baking decorations, birthday candles, Jell-O packets, and other small packets got stuffed in a basket.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUSZu2LROS_RbHr3VAhIq2yopj2E5XX573xRHaoxAUn-jR_S4hnoldzCzPo3wuthl29f_KCT8nIFeW7CLQM9wN8Zg5WWrGotCGJ7SjoowDc9Ne0QLlSNFjuecyIrvlv_lRIQCp/s1600/IMG_0903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUSZu2LROS_RbHr3VAhIq2yopj2E5XX573xRHaoxAUn-jR_S4hnoldzCzPo3wuthl29f_KCT8nIFeW7CLQM9wN8Zg5WWrGotCGJ7SjoowDc9Ne0QLlSNFjuecyIrvlv_lRIQCp/s320/IMG_0903.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgevuQ7EbpOvrNG0yzzOfvx-KKU3OPDxFeXaiFPPHM0gi9W_6C3zefmR3EIZDCGAcbXowKQ5hRRCDL2S10zLYWEgtcaiVA1FdVfg0MNKA1n4fkO9M69D35QFUUQQdetpKP8GkmQ/s1600/IMG_0904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgevuQ7EbpOvrNG0yzzOfvx-KKU3OPDxFeXaiFPPHM0gi9W_6C3zefmR3EIZDCGAcbXowKQ5hRRCDL2S10zLYWEgtcaiVA1FdVfg0MNKA1n4fkO9M69D35QFUUQQdetpKP8GkmQ/s320/IMG_0904.jpg" width="239" /></a><br />
<br />
Voila! Everything was back in the pantry and accessible. The step stool is tucked behind the door for when I need to reach the top shelf for those things I don't get to often. Items the kids get to like cereal and snack bars are within easy reach. And most importantly, easy to put back!<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v720/jtiszai/?action=view&current=jensig.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="60" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v720/jtiszai/jensig.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09688638274582413200noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16906700.post-88096201036944562722012-12-24T13:32:00.002-05:002012-12-24T13:32:31.970-05:00The St. John's Bible--a Work of ArtI had the privilege to see the beautiful St. John's Bible in person a week ago. A beautiful way to start the holidays.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.litpress.org/excerpts/GA105106NF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="http://www.litpress.org/excerpts/GA105106NF.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
In case you are unfamiliar with it, the purpose of the St. John's Bible was "<span style="background-color: #ebe7e2; color: #31302e; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.799999237060547px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 15px;"> </span><span style="background-color: #ebe7e2; color: #31302e; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.799999237060547px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 15px;"><a href="http://www.saintjohnsbible.org/process/">To create a Bible that would capture the beauty and tradition of centuries of liturgy and carry it into the future—that is the vision that united a calligrapher in Wales with a group of Benedictine monks in Minnesota."</a></span><br />
<br />
It is a beautiful, fascinating visual interpretation of Scripture by artists with different styles. Visit the <a href="http://www.saintjohnsbible.org/">website of the St. Johns Bibl</a>e and spend some time exploring, but know that the screen images can't possibly capture the shimmer and texture of the gold ink and the absolute breathtaking beauty of combining Scripture with art in a tradition we haven't seen in many years.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v720/jtiszai/?action=view&current=jensig.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="60" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v720/jtiszai/jensig.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09688638274582413200noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16906700.post-46362001136241925862011-08-02T13:12:00.001-04:002011-08-02T13:12:00.807-04:00We're Not Blended, We're PureedCombine:<br />
One widowed mom with two sons.<br />
One widowed dad with one son.<br />
Blend for twenty second until right consistency.<br />
But hit the wrong button, and this family is not blended--we're pureed!<br />
<br />
So the question is, do you say it pure-AYED or pure-EED? I say it the first way but when I listened to Diana's radio interview on the book everyone was saying it the latter way. Must be a geographical thing.<br />
<br />
But I digress.<br />
<br />
I'm so excited to finally hold this book in my hands. It's not my baby, but it's the next best thing. I've watched this book from it's very first inception, through its edits, and cover designs, and finally, its production.<br />
<br />
This book addresses a huge need out there for the growing number of blended families that find out it's not quite as easy as the Brady Bunch made it look and wonder how to navigate the minefield of problems blended families must face. Diana's practical experience, combined with co-writer Marty's professional experience, makes this book the perfect blend of ideas, wisdom, comfort, and hope for blended families.<br />
<br />
Over 30 million children live with a stepparent in a blended family. Although each family has its unique set of circumstances, everyone faces similar challenges. This book asks if two families can ever learn to cohabitate in peace. With the help of God, the answer is yes.<br />
<br />
Perfect for those who feel like they've turned into fairy-tale wicked stepparents, dating couples, newlyweds, pastors, and counselors. This book is a compilation of real-life experiences held together with humor and peppered with informative commentary.<br />
<br />
Learn:<br />
The pros and cons of changing your children's last names<br />
How to deal with sibling rivalries<br />
What to do when siblings try to play parents against each other<br />
Why in-laws may resist accepting you or your children<br />
Practical advice on discipline<br />
<br />
Buy it here: <iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=aspapla-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=0758617917" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
Get more info <a href="http://www.dianalesirebrandmeyer.com/">here</a> (including a super cute book trailer you have to watch).<br />
<br />
Read the first chapter <a href="http://www.cph.org/pdf/124343.pdf">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v720/jtiszai/?action=view&current=jensig.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="60" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v720/jtiszai/jensig.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09688638274582413200noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16906700.post-91217803965157449992011-07-21T13:07:00.000-04:002011-07-21T13:07:00.781-04:00And you think bras are uncomfortable...One of my favorite historical authors, <a href="http://www.deeannegist.com/">Deeanne Gist</a>, appeared in the <a href="http://www.wsj.com/">Wall Street Journal </a>this week showing off her underwear. Okay, her Victorian underwear. At a recent writers' conference, <a href="http://www.rwa.org/">Romance Writers of America</a>, she gave an demonstration on how a Victorian woman would have gotten dressed. It took over an hour. You can see the article and video <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304911104576443871615544338.html?KEYWORDS=victorian">here</a>. And be grateful it doesn't take you that long.<br />
<br />
A slideshow of the seminar with Deeanne putting on Victorian dress can be found <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304203304576446283031106882.html?KEYWORDS=victorian">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v720/jtiszai/?action=view&current=jensig.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="60" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v720/jtiszai/jensig.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09688638274582413200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16906700.post-86727925209814353262011-06-14T15:05:00.000-04:002011-06-14T15:05:53.042-04:00My Foolish Heart by Susan May WarrenI'm so bummed I don't have a review to post of this book. I can't wait until I have some time to dive into it. In the meantime, you can read about it below, with a sample. And don't forget to enter the contests to win a night on the town!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL8JuPmIcDzS9aj2bJE7D_pvok8k_bQIH-pURotUYSYBmhz2r3P47suADN6PDl234_TAXi9gCDcLuCYhsp17u6DtEgtPFsQmnb9B3xQ2n90ZzYZCGgeJCGuB4ZOeneWKcwxZsY/s1600/myfoolishheart+cover+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL8JuPmIcDzS9aj2bJE7D_pvok8k_bQIH-pURotUYSYBmhz2r3P47suADN6PDl234_TAXi9gCDcLuCYhsp17u6DtEgtPFsQmnb9B3xQ2n90ZzYZCGgeJCGuB4ZOeneWKcwxZsY/s320/myfoolishheart+cover+sm.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><br />
About the book: My Foolish heart<br />
<br />
Unknown to her tiny town of Deep Haven, Isadora Presley spends her nights as Miss Foolish Heart, the star host of a syndicated talk radio show. Millions tune in to hear her advice on dating and falling in love, unaware that she’s never really done either. Issy’s ratings soar when it seems she’s falling in love on-air with a caller. A caller she doesn’t realize lives right next door.<br />
<br />
Caleb Knight served a tour of duty in Iraq and paid a steep price. The last thing he wants is pity, so he hides his disability and moves to Deep Haven to land his dream job as the high school football coach. When his beautiful neighbor catches his eye, in a moment of desperation he seeks advice from My Foolish Heart, the show that airs before his favorite sports broadcast. <br />
<br />
Before he knows it, Caleb finds himself drawn to the host—and more confused than ever. Is his perfect love the woman on the radio . . . or the one next door?<br />
<br />
Read an excerpt <a href="http://www.susanmaywarren.com/novels/contemporary-romance/">here</a>. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeIaGTdSrdji9S50YlJZvosdUV5zcTilR7Wd_2T_-KH6ZfZ1MpL11-SlY5tAd-f2FiwHfbVajVoVYfVLOZSMnoIDupR4Ck4ueThwvjWR2r0Y2OZNKEcyOeITAgz-6h7UsCY3i_/s1600/2010+headshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeIaGTdSrdji9S50YlJZvosdUV5zcTilR7Wd_2T_-KH6ZfZ1MpL11-SlY5tAd-f2FiwHfbVajVoVYfVLOZSMnoIDupR4Ck4ueThwvjWR2r0Y2OZNKEcyOeITAgz-6h7UsCY3i_/s320/2010+headshot.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
About Susan: Susan May Warren is an award-winning, best-selling author of over twenty-five novels, many of which have won the Inspirational Readers Choice Award, the ACFW Book of the Year award, the Rita Award, and have been Christy finalists. After serving as a missionary for eight years in Russia, Susan returned home to a small town on Minnesota’s beautiful Lake Superior shore where she, her four children, and her husband are active in their local church.<br />
<br />
Susan's larger than life characters and layered plots have won her acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. A seasoned women’s events and retreats speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: From the Inside-Out: discover, create and publish the novel in you!. She is also the founder ofwww.MyBookTherapy.com, a story-crafting service that helps authors discover their voice.<br />
<br />
Susan makes her home in northern Minnesota, where she is busy cheering on her two sons in football, and her daughter in local theater productions (and desperately missing her college-age son!) <br />
<br />
A full listing of her titles, reviews and awards can be found at:www.susanmaywarren.com.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/My-Foolish-Heart-Deep-Haven/dp/1414334826/ref=sprightly-20">Buy the book</a>. <br />
<b><a href="http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13297362">Read what the reviewers<br />
are saying here.</a></b><br />
<br />
Win a Romantic Night on the Town from Miss Foolish Heart!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://wildfireapp.com/website/6/contests/126623"><img alt="SMW Miss
Foolish Heart Giveaway" height="150" src="http://edge.virbcdn.com/_f/files/resize_1024x1365/87/FileItem-75682-foolish_300x250.jpg" width="170" /> </a><br />
<br />
Win a Romantic Night on the Town from Miss Foolish Heart!<br />
<br />
<br />
To celebrate this charming novel about a dating expert who's never had a date, Susan has<br />
put together a romantic night on the town for one lucky couple. One grand prize winner<br />
will receive a Miss Foolish Heart prize package worth over $200!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://wildfireapp.com/website/6/contests/126623"><img border="0" src="http://edge.virbcdn.com/_f/files/resize_1024x1365/87/FileItem-75682-foolish_300x250.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<b>The winner of the Romantic Night on the Town Prize Pack will receive:</b><br />
<br />
* A $100 Visa Gift Card (For Dinner)<br />
<br />
* A $100 Gift Certificate to a Hyatt/Marriott Hotel<br />
<br />
* The entire Deep Haven series<br />
<br />
To enter just click one of the icons below. But, hurry, the giveaway ends at noon on<br />
June 16th. The <b>winner will be announced that evening during <a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=101983386561082">Susan’s Miss Foolish Heart<br />
Party on Facebook</a></b>! Susan will be chatting with guests, hosting a book club chat<br />
about <i>My Foolish Heart</i>, testing your Deep Haven trivia skills, and giving away<br />
tons of great stuff! (Gift certificates, books, donuts, and more!) <b>Don't miss the<br />
fun and BRING YOUR FRIENDS! </b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://wildfireapp.com/website/6/contests/126623" target="_blank"><img alt="Enter via E-mail" height="48" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnZaNoXOF1xhXBVJ4Tzq1iCRRYt15wE2BrkwFMEW9UygCCkwq1FuBiEULZDUdL-zlS_h-1M7fODdVrj3lom-i-bGFSyX7-LNEjyrXik-Ou1yhWcbydD3Zau1hPK_iIIgW-HjcFmg/s1600/email_icon.png" title="Enter via E-mail" width="48" /></a> <a href="http://apps.facebook.com/sweepstakeshq/contests/126623" target="_blank"><img alt="Enter via Facebook" height="48" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghBBv9UxAKD_4YViSGKuv5C64_dJwI8tF1eyu_ab3oPzHANGqj_LS8ph9-8UWa8DJ6ocVZ4ulM1rGSYmsNtqhbRQFsQcbRaI3H0jWrepmSY7LtsIiKHfWGh5MViD2qrg_lR7Mz2A/s1600/Facebook_icon-300x300.png" title="Enter
via Facebook" width="48" /></a><a href="http://wildfireapp.com/twitter/233/contests/126623" target="_blank"><img alt="Enter via Twitter" height="48" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix0cZwziOogz_gjloFRnORV_iDPheAMTThYVUKoKK2hbq8GzLyn_ZVxdPZ_K29CupEX-RMPrpIG9SyNE94OhIwwB9pS-IuV-rjhRyco_p3IwxCEhoyUz3dZlvsdOrS_6HsqJ81CA/s1600/Twitter_button.png" title="Enter via Twitter" width="48" /></ a=""></a><br />
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v720/jtiszai/?action=view&current=jensig.jpg" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="60" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v720/jtiszai/jensig.jpg" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09688638274582413200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16906700.post-15896637109385280372011-06-13T13:55:00.000-04:002011-06-13T13:55:01.072-04:00Grand Rapids from a slightly different viewIn case you've ever wanted to know what Grand Rapids looks like, here's a lipdub that does a great job of highlighting our downtown area. One of the things I like most about Grand Rapids is its cultural emphasis. Some of that comes through here. Overall, it's just fun. Take a look.<br />
<br />
<br />
<object style="height: 300px; width: 500px;"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ZPjjZCO67WI?version=3"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ZPjjZCO67WI?version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="500" height="300"></object><br />
<br />
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v720/jtiszai/?action=view&current=jensig.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="60" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v720/jtiszai/jensig.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09688638274582413200noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16906700.post-84757361138173426002011-06-09T13:38:00.002-04:002011-06-09T13:38:00.872-04:00Those of us of a, um, certain age...Can you remember the theme song to <i>Eight is Enough</i>? Were you afraid of mixing your Pop Rocks with, well, pop? Did you ever have a metal lunch box (Holly Hobby for me)? Then you might like a new book called <i>Whatever Happened to Pudding Pops? The Lost Toys, Tastes & Trends of the '70s & '80s</i> by Gael Fashingbauer Cooper.<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=aspapla-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=039953671X" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br />
You can listen to an interview with her <a href="http://www.npr.org/2011/06/05/136920394/the-sweet-taste-of-pop-culture-nostalgia?sc=emaf">here</a>. And bring back some fond memories that seem to go so perfectly with summer.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v720/jtiszai/?action=view&current=jensig.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="60" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v720/jtiszai/jensig.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09688638274582413200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16906700.post-81142894717830952602011-06-07T13:37:00.000-04:002011-06-07T13:37:24.156-04:00Calvin Grows Up?You would have had to been reading this blog for a long time to realize how much I love Calvin and Hobbes. I also call my son Calvin on this blog, for reasons that may or may not be obvious. He basically is Calvin. See these posts for proof: <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=16906700&postID=4753315323289906811">Peace on Earth?</a><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=16906700&postID=1836251603582874835">Heard in the Hall</a><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=16906700&postID=1596814723854688084">Day Two</a><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=16906700&postID=113868135111992783">Best Laid Plans and All That</a><br />
<br />
I have the <i>Complete Calvin and Hobbes Collection</i> (and man is that heavy!), so I was curious to see what was up when I saw <a href="http://www.npr.org/blogs/krulwich/2011/05/31/136817328/calvin-hobbes-and-comic-book-biology?sc=emaf">this post</a> on <a href="http://www.npr.org/">NPR</a>. Not bad, but it's probably better to preserve the mystique by not going there too often. Still, it felt a bit like visiting an old friend. Guess it's time to revisit the Complete Collection again.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v720/jtiszai/?action=view&current=jensig.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="60" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v720/jtiszai/jensig.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09688638274582413200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16906700.post-81661530590895348752011-06-02T13:31:00.001-04:002011-06-02T13:31:00.742-04:00Tea for Two by Trish Perry<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwoWjD36-Ec5YHn7CPJiaTr6yQGpuq-n-oi9SCQFhYo2JPSNzTryO_w8o2_U1YjMrYjxmZENgGZyZB3SDMRU6x-nwfYdKsQPIpTvjVjyFGOIllXw2wN0v1pCtokpQjwazwusH3/s1600/TeaForTwo2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwoWjD36-Ec5YHn7CPJiaTr6yQGpuq-n-oi9SCQFhYo2JPSNzTryO_w8o2_U1YjMrYjxmZENgGZyZB3SDMRU6x-nwfYdKsQPIpTvjVjyFGOIllXw2wN0v1pCtokpQjwazwusH3/s1600/TeaForTwo2a.jpg" width="113" /></a></div><br />
Tea for Two by <a href="http://www.trishperry.com/">Trish Perry </a><br />
Book two of the Perfect Blend series has the same luscious tea shoppe setting as Book 1. Warning, don't read this book if you're hungry! The descriptions of food made me want to dash for the kitchen more than once! The good news is there are recipes in the back for the spotlighted treats so you can recreate the experience on your own.<br />
<br />
Trish Perry creates a fun cast of characters to go along with the yummy treats. And they're dealing with real-life issues, such as divorce, abandonment, and raising teen kids who are teetering on the edge of trouble.<br />
<br />
Back Cover Copy<br />
Counselor Tina Milano has been visiting Millicent’s Tea Shop regularly for the past several months. When Milly asks Tina if she can help a friend who needs a little advice with his children, she is eager to be of service. Tina feels God has blessed her in her career, and she loves serving the youth group at her church. But she has no idea the “friend” is the handsome farmer who provides Milly’s tea shop with fresh fruits and vegetables.<br />
<br />
Zack Cooper is a single parent, doing his best to raise his teenage son and daughter on his own while taking care of a buys farm. When the kids get in minor scrapes with the law, Milly gently encourages Zack to give Tina a call before the teens land in even hotter water. At first Tina and Zack see the relationship in only a professional capacity, but soon everyone around them notices the luscious scent of romance in the air.<br />
<br />
Available Now! <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v720/jtiszai/?action=view&current=jensig.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="60" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v720/jtiszai/jensig.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09688638274582413200noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16906700.post-75399260369180616932011-06-01T21:05:00.000-04:002011-06-01T21:05:41.043-04:00I finaled in the FrasierI have to admit it feels a little self-serving to be announcing my own good news. But since it happens so rarely, and I wanted to share, here goes.<br />
<br />
The funny thing is, I almost didn't pick up the phone because I was at work and didn't recognize the number. I figured it would be a telemarketer. But it was <a href="http://www.susanmaywarren.com/">Susie Warren</a> telling me I had finaled in <a href="http://www.mybooktherapy.com/index2.php/the-frasier-contest/">the Frasier.</a> Wow. After having such a long, dry spell in my writing, this was very welcome news.<br />
<br />
Congrats to everyone else who finaled. I'm in great company.<br />
<br />
The winner will be announced at the <a href="http://www.acfw.com/">ACFW</a> conference in St. Louis in September. I was already registered to go, but this gives me something else to look forward to.<br />
<br />
I'll post a blurb about the book tomorrow. Don't have enough brain cells left tonight.<br />
<br />
Congratulations to our 2011 Frasier Finalists!<br />
<br />
<br />
Jennifer Tiszai "Under Blueberry Skies" (this would be me :) )<br />
<br />
Casey Herringshaw "Releasing Yesterday"<br />
<br />
Marcie Gribbin "The Town Crier's Daughter"<br />
<br />
Debbie Archer "Etched" <br />
<br />
Andrea Nell "Saving Savannah"<br />
<br />
Shelly Dippel "Flying Light"<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
And to our distinguished Bronze Medalists!<br />
<br />
Pat Trainum<br />
<br />
Shannon McNear<br />
<br />
Kathleen Anderson<br />
<br />
Sarah Ladd<br />
<br />
Kimberle Swaak<br />
<br />
Ruth Schmeckpeper<br />
<br />
Marie Wells Coutu<br />
<br />
Christine L. Long<br />
<br />
Jennifer Fromke<br />
<br />
Cindy Sproles<br />
<br />
Rachel Pudelek<br />
<br />
Julia Matuska<br />
<br />
Elizabeth Schultz<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v720/jtiszai/?action=view&current=jensig.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="60" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v720/jtiszai/jensig.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09688638274582413200noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16906700.post-9553421186422990682011-05-31T13:10:00.001-04:002011-05-31T13:10:00.259-04:00Liar Liar Pants on Fire<blockquote>It's not fun to be reminded of the humbling fact that everyone needs to be prompted, indeed, regularly goaded, to be truthful in our speech and in our hearts. All of us are susceptible. We all know what it's like to take refuge in the escape route of lying. When it goes unchecked, we hardly even notice how far we have drifted.</blockquote><br />
That quote comes from an <a href="http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2011/may/7-levelslying.html">article</a> in <a href="http://www.christianitytoday.com/">Christianity Today </a>about how we lie more than we think, about our use of time and our intentions.<br />
<br />
What follows is a thought-provoking discussion of lying, sin, the deceitfulness of our own hearts and the character of God. How those little white lies might be a sign of our being too lazy to speak the truth in love. Read it and be challenged<br />
<br />
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v720/jtiszai/?action=view&current=jensig.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="60" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v720/jtiszai/jensig.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09688638274582413200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16906700.post-68710815062058879422011-05-13T14:45:00.000-04:002011-05-13T14:45:22.690-04:00Lightkeeper's Ball by Colleen CobleNo review yet, but I can't wait until I get a moment to read this book. Scroll down after the chapter preview for a Q&A with Colleen Coble.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJNkXwf98Viq1_NspVnRdBhKth9J8KdpMIeqjjMGe9Awid1gawuC8leu2eO64l06tfqG8aFQJfggNfCmlCkZ3JquxDiNSPQBRnxr_ATGVt9FzTlyy9-JPgcasxxTaLt5uCWDO/s1600/FIRSTWildCardTours2.jpg"></a><a href="http://firstwildcardtours.blogspot.com/"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480264388542368882" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJNkXwf98Viq1_NspVnRdBhKth9J8KdpMIeqjjMGe9Awid1gawuC8leu2eO64l06tfqG8aFQJfggNfCmlCkZ3JquxDiNSPQBRnxr_ATGVt9FzTlyy9-JPgcasxxTaLt5uCWDO/s200/FIRSTWildCardTours2.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 200px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 145px;" /></a>It is time for a <span style="color: #990000;"><strong><a href="http://firstwildcardtours.blogspot.com/">FIRST Wild Card Tour</a></strong> </span><span style="color: black;">book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! <strong>Enjoy your free peek into the book!</strong></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center"><strong>Today's Wild Card author is: </strong></div><br />
<div align="center"><strong><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 180%;"><a href="http://www.colleencoble.com/">Colleen Coble </a></span></strong></div><br />
<div align="center"><strong><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 180%;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 100%;">and the book:</span> </span></strong></div><br />
<div align="center"><strong><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 180%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/159554268X">The Lightkeeper’s Ball</a></span></strong></div><div align="center">Thomas Nelson; 1 edition (April 19, 2011)</div>***Special thanks to Audra Jennings, Senior Media Specialist, The B&B Media Group for sending me a review copy.***<br />
<br />
<div align="left"><strong><span style="color: #333399; font-size: 130%;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">ABOUT THE AUTHOR:</span> </span></strong></div><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHddoTuTZlpg6f_KYQrs-tXWkcEZ4I851Jm2c8aUEkGbE7vTcAyfiodm3FwhF0Y04zMBj45SDz4hu16EFoWK2aoCrdazHpZqgAwBEc9-WagnYkwHCcSTiMzsBlMiPRjCAfjwbC/s1600/614+Coble+photo.bmp" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605501180918763490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHddoTuTZlpg6f_KYQrs-tXWkcEZ4I851Jm2c8aUEkGbE7vTcAyfiodm3FwhF0Y04zMBj45SDz4hu16EFoWK2aoCrdazHpZqgAwBEc9-WagnYkwHCcSTiMzsBlMiPRjCAfjwbC/s200/614+Coble+photo.bmp" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 200px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 170px;" /></a><br />
Colleen Coble’s thirty-five novels and novellas have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Romance Writers of America prestigious RITA, the Holt Medallion, the ACFW Book of the Year, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers’ Choice, the Booksellers Best, and the 2009 Best Books of Indiana-Fiction award. She writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail and love begin with a happy ending. <br />
<br />
<br />
Visit the author's <a href="http://www.colleencoble.com/">website</a>.<br />
<br />
<div align="left"><strong><span style="color: #333399; font-size: 130%;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:</span> </span></strong></div><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUx3_z7xRNQh5KCga09fgCDmTWbJyojDxcJ76mjiOl7QhAdD-cezf50l8rdh-ZOTeqY_JEuUpcE4lZcz3GWaPVMYzXgGF05aIe_2i1FoN7OiAyUvQXAJCbY_YRIdgZInXCd6Sy/s1600/the+lightkeepers+ball.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605274785230484738" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUx3_z7xRNQh5KCga09fgCDmTWbJyojDxcJ76mjiOl7QhAdD-cezf50l8rdh-ZOTeqY_JEuUpcE4lZcz3GWaPVMYzXgGF05aIe_2i1FoN7OiAyUvQXAJCbY_YRIdgZInXCd6Sy/s200/the+lightkeepers+ball.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 200px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 130px;" /></a>Olivia seems to have it all, but her heart yearns for more.<br />
<br />
Olivia Stewart's family is one of the Four Hundred—the highest echelon of society in 1910. When her sister dies under mysterious circumstances, Olivia leaves their New York City home for Mercy Falls, California, to determine what befell Eleanor. She suspects Harrison Bennett, the man Eleanor planned to marry. But the more Olivia gets to know him, the more she doubts his guilt—and the more she is drawn to him herself. <br />
<br />
When several attempts are made on her life, Olivia turns to Harrison for help. He takes her on a ride in his aeroplane, but then crashes, and they’re forced to spend two days alone together. With her reputation hanging by a thread, Harrison offers to marry her to make the situation right. As a charity ball to rebuild the Mercy Falls lighthouse draws near, she realizes she wants more than a sham engagement—she wants Harrison in her life forever. But her enemy plans to shatter the happiness she is ready to grasp. If Olivia dares to drop her masquerade, she just might see the path to true happiness. <br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="257" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/BKD0Wwo9vvI?rel=0" width="400"></iframe><br />
<br />
Product Details:<br />
<br />
List Price: $14.99<br />
Paperback: 304 pages <br />
Publisher: Thomas Nelson; 1 edition (April 19, 2011) <br />
Language: English <br />
ISBN-10: 159554268X <br />
ISBN-13: 978-1595542687 <br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><strong><span style="font-size: 180%;">AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:</span> </strong></span><br />
<br />
<div style="height: 307px; overflow: auto;">The New York brownstone was just half a block down from the Astor mansion on Fifth Avenue, the most prestigious address in the country. The carriage, monogrammed with the Stewart emblem, rattled through the iron gates and came to a halt in front of the ornate doors. Assisted by the doorman, Olivia Stewart descended and rushed for the steps of her home. She was late for tea, and her mother would be furious. Mrs. Astor herself had agreed to join them today.<br />
<br />
Olivia handed her hat to the maid, who opened the door. “They’re in the drawing room, Miss Olivia,” Goldia whispered. “Your mama is ready to pace the floor.”<br />
<br />
Olivia patted at her hair, straightened her shoulders, and pinned a smile in place as she forced her stride to a ladylike stroll to join the other women. Two women turned to face her as she entered: her mother and Mrs. Astor. They wore identical expressions of disapproval.<br />
<br />
“Olivia, there you are,” her mother said. “Sit down before your tea gets cold.”<br />
<br />
Olivia pulled off her gloves as she settled into the Queen Anne chair beside Mrs. Astor. “I apologize for my tardiness,” she said. “A lorry filled with tomatoes overturned in the street, and my driver couldn’t get around it.”<br />
<br />
Mrs. Astor’s face cleared. “Of course, my dear.” She sipped her tea from the delicate blue-and-white china. “Your dear mother and I were just discussing your prospects. It’s time you married.”<br />
<br />
Oh dear. She’d hoped to engage in light conversation that had nothing to do with the fact that she was twenty-five and still unmarried. Her unmarried state distressed her if she let it, but every man her father brought to her wanted only her status. She doubted any of them had ever looked into her soul. “I’m honored you would care about my marital status, Mrs. Astor,” Olivia said.<br />
<br />
“Mrs. Astor wants to hold a ball in your honor, Olivia,” her mother gushed. “She has a distant cousin coming to town whom she wants you to meet.”<br />
<br />
Mrs. Astor nodded. “I believe you and Matthew would suit. He owns property just down the street.”<br />
<br />
Olivia didn’t mistake the reference to the man’s money. Wealth would be sure to impact her mother. She opened her mouth to ask if the man was her age, then closed it at the warning glint in her mother’s eyes.<br />
<br />
“He’s been widowed for fifteen years and is long overdue for a suitable wife,” Mrs. Astor said.<br />
<br />
Olivia barely suppressed a sigh. So he was another of the decrepit gentlemen who showed up from time to time. “You’re very kind,” she said.<br />
<br />
“He’s most suitable,” her mother said. “Most suitable.”<br />
<br />
Olivia caught the implication. They spent the next half an hour discussing the date and the location. She tried to enter into the conversation with interest, but all she could do was imagine some gray-whiskered blue blood dancing her around the ballroom. She stifled a sigh of relief when Mrs. Astor took her leave and called for her carriage.<br />
<br />
“I’ll be happy when you’re settled, Olivia,” her mother said when they returned to the drawing room. “Mrs. Astor is most kind.”<br />
<br />
“She is indeed.” Olivia pleated her skirt with her fingers. “Do you ever wish you could go somewhere incognito, Mother? Where no one has expectations of you because you are a Stewart?”<br />
<br />
Her mother put down her saucer with a clatter. “Whatever are you babbling about, my dear?”<br />
<br />
“Haven’t you noticed that people look at us differently because we’re Stewarts? How is a man ever to love me for myself when all he sees is what my name can gain him? Men never see inside to the real me. They notice only that I’m a Stewart.”<br />
<br />
“Have you been reading those novels again?” Her mother sniffed and narrowed her gaze on Olivia. “Marriage is about making suitable connections. You owe it to your future children to consider the life you give them. Love comes from respect. I would find it quite difficult to respect someone who didn’t have the gumption to make his way in the world. Besides, we need you to marry well. You’re twenty-five years old and I’ve indulged your romantic notions long enough. Heaven knows your sister’s marriage isn’t what I had in mind, essential though it may be. Someone has to keep the family name in good standing.”<br />
<br />
Olivia knew what her duty demanded, but she didn’t have to like it. “Do all the suitable men have to be in their dotage?”<br />
<br />
Her mother’s eyes sparked fire but before she spoke, Goldia appeared in the doorway. “Mr. Bennett is here, Mrs. Stewart.”<br />
<br />
Olivia straightened in her chair. “Show him in. He’ll have news of Eleanor.”<br />
<br />
Bennett appeared in the doorway moments later. He shouldn’t have been imposing. He stood only five-foot-three in his shoes, which were always freshly polished. He was slim, nearly gaunt, with a patrician nose and obsidian eyes. He’d always reminded Olivia of a snake about to strike. His expression never betrayed any emotion, and today was no exception. She’d never understood why her father entertained an acquaintance with the man let alone desired their families to be joined.<br />
<br />
“Mr. Bennett.” She rose and extended her hand and tried not to flinch as he brushed his lips across it.<br />
<br />
“Miss Olivia,” he said, releasing her hand. He moved to her mother’s chair and bowed over her extended hand.<br />
<br />
Olivia sank back into her chair. “What do you hear of my sister? I have received no answer to any of my letters.”<br />
<br />
He took a seat, steepled his fingers, and leaned forward. “That’s the reason for our meeting today. I fear I have bad news to impart.”<br />
<br />
Her pulse thumped erratically against her ribcage. She wetted her lips and drew in a deep breath. “What news of Eleanor?” How bad could it be? Eleanor had gone to marry Harrison, a man she hardly knew. But she was in love with the idea of the Wild West, and therefore more than happy to marry the son of her father’s business partner.<br />
<br />
He never blinked. “I shall just have to blurt it out then. I’m sorry to inform you that Eleanor is dead.”<br />
<br />
Her mother moaned. Olivia stared at him. “I don’t believe it,” she said.<br />
<br />
“I know, it’s a shock.”<br />
<br />
There must have been some mistake. She searched his face for some clue that this was a jest. “What happened?”<br />
<br />
He didn’t hold her gaze. “She drowned.”<br />
<br />
“How?”<br />
<br />
“No one knows. I’m sorry.”<br />
<br />
Her mother stood and swayed. “What are you saying?” Her voice rose in a shriek. “Eleanor can’t be dead! Are you quite mad?”<br />
<br />
He stood and took her arm. “I suggest you lie down, Mrs. Stewart. You’re quite pale.”<br />
<br />
Her mother put her hands to her cheeks. “Tell me it isn’t true,” she begged. Then she keeled over in a dead faint. <br />
<br />
# <br />
Harrison Bennett tugged on his tie, glanced at his shoes to make sure no speck of dirt marred their perfection, then disembarked from his motorcar in front of the mansion. The cab had rolled up Nob Hill much too quickly for him to gather his courage to face the party. Electric lights pushed back the darkness from the curving brick driveway to the porch with its impressive white pillars. Doormen flanked the double doors at the entry. Through the large windows, he saw the ballroom. Ladies in luxurious gowns and gentlemen in tuxedos danced under glittering chandeliers, and their laughter tinkled on the wind.<br />
<br />
His valet, Eugene, exited behind him. “I’ll wait in the kitchen, sir.”<br />
<br />
Harrison adjusted his hat and strode with all the confidence he could muster to the front door. “Mr. Harrison Bennett,” he said to the doorman.<br />
<br />
The man scanned the paper in his hand. “Welcome, Mr. Bennett. Mr. Rothschild is in the ballroom.”<br />
<br />
Harrison thanked him and stepped into the opulent hall papered in gold foil. He went in the direction of the voices with a sense of purpose. This night could change his future. He glanced around the enormous ballroom, and he recognized no one among the glittering gowns and expensive suits. In subtle ways, these nobs would try to keep him in his place. It would take all his gumption not to let them. It was a miracle he’d received an invitation. Only the very wealthy or titled were invited to the Rothschilds’ annual ball in San Francisco. Harrison was determined to do whatever was necessary to secure the contract inside his coat pocket.<br />
<br />
A young woman in an evening gown fluttered her lashes at him over the top of her fan. When she lowered it, she approached with a coaxing smile on her lips. “Mr. Bennett, I’d hoped to see you here tonight.”<br />
<br />
He struggled to remember her name. Miss Kessler. She’d made her interest in him known at Eleanor’s funeral. Hardly a suitable time. He took her gloved hand and bowed over it. “Miss Kessler. I wasn’t expecting to see you here.”<br />
<br />
“I came when I heard you were on the guest list.”<br />
<br />
He ignored her brazen remark. “It’s good to see you again. I have some business to attend to. Perhaps later?”<br />
<br />
Her eyes darkened and she withdrew her hand. “I shall watch for you,” she said.<br />
<br />
And he’d do the same, with the intent to avoid her. “If you’ll excuse me.” He didn’t wait for an answer but strolled through the crowd. He finally spied his host standing in front of a marble fireplace. A flame danced in the eight-foot hearth. Harrison stepped through the crowd to join the four men clustered around the wealthy Rothschild.<br />
<br />
The man closest to Harrison was in his fifties and had a curling mustache. “They’ll never get that amendment ratified,” he said. “An income tax! It’s quite ridiculous to expect us to pay something so outrageous.”<br />
<br />
A younger man in a gray suit shook his head. “If it means better roads, I’ll gladly write them a check. The potholes outside of town ruined my front axels.”<br />
<br />
“We can take care of our own roads,” Rothschild said. “I have no need of the government in my affairs. At least until we’re all using flying machines.” He snickered, then glanced at Harrison. “You look familiar, young man. Have we met?”<br />
<br />
Flying machines. Maybe this meeting was something God had arranged. Harrison thrust out his hand. “Harrison Bennett.”<br />
<br />
“Claude’s son?”’<br />
<br />
Was that distaste in the twist of Rothschild’s mouth? Harrison put confidence into his grip. “Yes, sir.”<br />
<br />
“How is your father?”<br />
<br />
“Quite well. He’s back in New York by now.”<br />
<br />
“I heard about your fiancée’s death. I’m sorry for your loss.”<br />
<br />
Harrison managed not to wince. “Thank you.” He pushed away his memories of that terrible day, the day he’d seen Eleanor Stewart for what she really was.<br />
<br />
“Your father was most insistent I meet you. He seems to think you have a business proposition I might be interested in.”<br />
<br />
Harrison smiled and began to tell the men of the new diamond mines that Bennett and Bennett had found in Africa. A mere week after Mr. Stewart’s passing, Mr. Bennett had renamed the venture to include Harrison. An hour later, he had appointments set up with three of the men as possible investors. His father would be pleased.<br />
<br />
Harrison smiled and retraced his steps to toward the front door but was waylaid by four women in brightly colored silk. They swooped around him, and Miss Kessler took him by the hand and led him to a quiet corner.<br />
<br />
“Let’s not talk about anything boring like work,” she said, her blue eyes sparkling. “Tell me what you love to do most.”<br />
<br />
He glanced at the other women clustered around. “I’m building an aeroplane. I’d like to have it in the air by the time Earth passes through the tail of Halley’s Comet.”<br />
<br />
She gasped. “Do you have a death wish, Mr. Bennett? You would be breathing the poisonous fumes directly. No one even knows if the Earth will survive this.”<br />
<br />
He’d heard this before. “The scientists I’ve discussed this with believe we shall be just fine,” Harrison said.<br />
<br />
“I assume you’ve purchased comet pills?” the blonde closest to him said.<br />
<br />
“I have no fear.”<br />
<br />
The brunette in red silk smiled. “If man were meant to fly, God would have given him wings. Or so I’ve heard the minister say.”<br />
<br />
He finally placed the brunette. Her uncle was Rothschild. No wonder she had such contempt for Harrison’s tone. All the nobs cared for were trains and ships. “It’s just a matter of perfecting the machine,” Harrison said. “Someday aeroplanes will be the main mode of transcontinental transportation.”<br />
<br />
The brunette laughed. “Transcontinental? My uncle would call it balderdash.”<br />
<br />
He glanced at his pocket watch without replying. “I fear I must leave you lovely ladies. Thank you for the conversation.”<br />
<br />
He found Eugene in the kitchen and beckoned to his valet.<br />
<br />
Eugene put down his coffee cup and followed. “You didn’t stay long, sir,” he said. “Is everything all right?”<br />
<br />
Harrison stalked out the door and toward the car. “Are there no visionaries left in the country?”<br />
<br />
Eugene followed a step behind. “You spoke of your flying machine?”<br />
<br />
“The world is changing, Eugene, right under their noses—and they don’t see it.”<br />
<br />
Eugene opened the door for Harrison. “You will show them the future, sir.”<br />
<br />
He set his jaw. “I shall indeed.”<br />
<br />
“I have a small savings set aside, Mr. Bennett. I’d like to invest in your company. With your permission, of course.”<br />
<br />
Eugene’s trust bolstered Harrison’s determination. “I’d be honored to partner with you, Eugene. We are going to change the world.” </div><br />
What do I have to offer this world? Can I really be loved for who I am on the outside and not for how others view me? Where does my true significance come from? In her third installment of the Mercy Falls series, The Lightkeeper’s Ball, award-winning author Colleen Coble will answer these questions while leading her readers down a path of betrayal, desire and ultimate fulfillment. <br />
The Mercy Falls series centers on a small town in California and its lighthouse. Coble uses the lighthouse as a reminder that Jesus is our lighthouse always leading us home. In her latest addition to the series, the main characters must wrestle with their desire to find fulfillment in more than their work and money while being hunted by those who are holding on to resentment and unforgiveness. <br />
<br />
With murder, suspense and desire, readers will enjoy peeling back the layers and discovering that this is more than your average romance novel. They will be perched on the edge of their seats trying to solve a mystery while discovering that the true worth of an individual never comes from a name or accomplishments. True worth can only be found in Christ.<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>EXTRA: An interview with Colleen Coble, author of The Lightkeeper’s Ball</strong><br />
Q: Did you always dream of becoming a writer? Why did you choose the romance genre?<br />
<br />
I wrote my first story in the first grade. It was about a horse that had twin colts. The teacher praised it and the writing seed was planted. I love illustrating God’s love through romance. I especially love the suspense I put into all my books as well. I have a strong streak of justice and it plays out in the suspense element.<br />
<br />
Q: What inspired you to write a historical series based in the early 1900’s? What would you have enjoyed about living in that time period and what would you have found the most difficult?<br />
<br />
I happened to read an article about the Gilded Age and it mentioned how that era was so similar to today’s. I was intrigued with that, plus I wanted to choose a time period that wouldn’t be too much of a departure from my contemporary books. In that era, there were still cars and telephones!<br />
I would have loved the simpler lifestyle. However, I would miss my jeans! How vain. <br />
<br />
Q: Society at the turn of the century was very preoccupied with appearances and impressing other people. How is that not so different than our society today and how can we keep from falling into that same trap?<br />
<br />
That’s exactly right! The parallels between the two eras are astounding. I’ve been at the cancer hospital this week with a dear friend, and it was a reminder of how fragile this life is. We seek THINGS when God wants us to seek Him. We need to keep our eyes set on eternity and remember that THIS life is the real dream. When we reach heaven, we will finally start to really live.<br />
<br />
Q: Bitterness and unforgiveness led to the death of Olivia’s sister. Why is it so important to forgive those who have wronged us?<br />
<br />
An unforgiving spirit hurts us much more than the person we hate. It makes us ugly and crowds out the love we want to show other people. God is love, not hate. Bitterness is the very opposite of the attitude God wants us to have.<br />
<br />
Q: This is the third book in your Mercy Falls series. Addie and Katie were the main characters in your first two books. Olivia was given a true gift in the friendship of Katie and Addie. What does it take to find trustworthy and loyal friends? Why do you think that we all desire to find friends like these?<br />
You have to first be a friend. You have to be open and giving of yourself to have those kinds of friends. A true friend tells you the truth in love, and that’s an important component of the give and take of real friendship.<br />
<br />
Q: What do you hope that your readers will take away from reading The Lightkeeper’s Ball?<br />
I hope the readers who feel they have to earn love will take away the realization that their true worth is that Jesus loves them and died for them. They are valuable beyond comprehension. When we can step into the role of daughters and sons, we can realize our true potential.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v720/jtiszai/?action=view&current=jensig.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="60" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v720/jtiszai/jensig.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09688638274582413200noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16906700.post-59483366984168620642011-05-05T09:59:00.000-04:002011-05-05T09:59:50.422-04:00The Fitting Room by Kelly MinterI don't have a review for this yet, but I am so looking forward to diving into this book because I've done other Kelly Minter Bible studies and she does not disappoint. I'll be posting a review when I have time to really dig in.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJNkXwf98Viq1_NspVnRdBhKth9J8KdpMIeqjjMGe9Awid1gawuC8leu2eO64l06tfqG8aFQJfggNfCmlCkZ3JquxDiNSPQBRnxr_ATGVt9FzTlyy9-JPgcasxxTaLt5uCWDO/s1600/FIRSTWildCardTours2.jpg" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://firstwildcardtours.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" style="float: left; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; min-height: 200px; width: 145px;" /></a>It is time for a <span style="color: #990000;"><strong><a href="http://firstwildcardtours.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">FIRST Wild Card Tour</a></strong></span> book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! <span style="color: #990000;"><strong>Enjoy your free peek into the book!</strong></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center"><strong>Today's Wild Card author is: </strong><br />
<br />
</div><br />
<div align="center"><strong><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 180%;"><a href="http://kellyminter.com/" target="_blank">Kelly Minter</a></span></strong><br />
<br />
</div><br />
<div align="center"><strong><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 180%;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 100%;">and the book:</span> </span></strong></div><br />
<div align="center"><strong><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 180%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1434799859" target="_blank">The Fitting Room: Putting On the Character of Christ</a></span></strong></div><div align="center">David C. Cook; New edition (April 1, 2011) </div>***Special thanks to Karen Davis, Assistant Media Specialist, The B&B Media Group for sending me a review copy.***<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="left"><strong><span style="color: #333399; font-size: 130%;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">ABOUT THE AUTHOR:</span> </span></strong></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinf1uXgZPXVeZnB-GQNIJSHpLz3cGDCav68hJ1zUQa5Vdl_FbRf4Mz5QTGLXzUD_17XDHitRvSkxsEmU2OPSSS_mqEOhy5oVI16oYC-TTu3pX-Qr3HcpSfm7g7MK_EquXyCFBV/s1600/Kelly+Minter" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" style="float: left; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; min-height: 134px; width: 200px;" /></a>Kelly Minter is a singer/worship leader, a recording artist, a popular speaker, and the author of two books (Water into Wine and No Other Gods) and three Bible studies (No Other Gods, Ruth, and Hannah’s One Wish). Among her CDs is one based on insights from her Bible study on Ruth. Minter resides in Nashville, TN.<br />
<br />
Visit the author's <a href="http://kellyminter.com/" target="_blank">website</a>.<br />
<br />
<div align="left"><strong><span style="color: #333399; font-size: 130%;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:</span> </span></strong></div><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAjQm0WuBgiIALuZ5IjZs6qMfsTTAYHYmFEmhdQpp8FRlV9RDgMKcO8bZe_HF19jxXV9eKU7gPh9pE0rfG3ja1A81QLkQ6gx0bAuNMiML1Or1ou0SmlWJYfntAHSeSCT6hfcTx/s1600/581+Minter+bk+cover.JPG" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" style="float: left; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; min-height: 200px; width: 134px;" /></a>Kelly Minter explores what it means—in real life—to “clothe” ourselves (Col. 3:12) in Christian virtues like forgiveness, joy, patience, compassion, and more. Can we really “dress up” in the character of Christ? Kelly Minter says the answer is yes—if we let the Master Designer do the fitting. This relatable book offers insightful Scripture study with real-life stories and simple, down-to-earth explanations of tricky concepts such as justification and sanctification—stitching it all together with dry humor and down-to-earth honesty. There are no gimmicks, no guilt trips, just an irresistible invitation for women to enjoy a spiritual makeover—to put on a life that’s personally tailored by the One who knows and loves them best.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://firstwildcardtours.blogspot.com/2011/05/fitting-room-putting-on-character-of.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" title="Play YouTube video" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Product Details:<br />
<br />
List Price: $14.99<br />
<br />
Paperback: 208 pages <br />
<br />
Publisher: David C. Cook; New edition (April 1, 2011) <br />
<br />
Language: English <br />
<br />
ISBN-10: 1434799859 <br />
<br />
ISBN-13: 978-1434799852 <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><strong><span style="font-size: 180%;">AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:</span> </strong><br />
</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="min-height: 307px; overflow: auto;">Where Are They When You Need Them? <br />
<br />
The Virtues <br />
<br />
A video shoot for a wonderful author and friend is taking place at my house this week. Stylists, cameramen, set designers, talent, and black-clad crew have been running around my home for days. The entire shebang has absolutely nothing to do with me except that twenty people are now using my bathroom. This is a girl’s recurring nightmare. I’ve decided the only true payoff is the round-the-clock catering, which produces warm cookies every afternoon around three-ish—a routine I am trying to understand how I have lived so richly without. <br />
<br />
This morning as the crew arrived, I feverishly applied the last few elements of makeup onto my slightly puffy and pillow-wrinkled face. I threw on my work-at-home uniform, which is made up of jeans, a<br />
<br />
T-shirt, and socks if the hardwoods are chilled, flip-flops if it’s summertime. As I meandered through the kitchen—for the catering, of course—I ran into a stylist I knew who was working with the talent. I told her I needed help finding new boots for the winter. She agreed at an alarming rate, well acquainted with my wanting shoe collection. Her exaggerated urgency was tongue-in-cheek, but with a hint of dead-serious. After all, she is a stylist. Clothes are what she does. <br />
<br />
If ever there was a spell in history when what we wear is paramount, I daresay it is now. Dress is a multibillion-dollar industry. The garments we drape on our backs, the hats we don on our heads, the jewelry that dangles from our necks and wrists all tell a little of who we are. Our dress is an expression of ourselves, a statement of our personalities or moods. We dress up, we dress down, we dress for comfort, we kill ourselves in high heels to dress for style, we dress for the weather, we dress for others, we dress for ourselves. But what about the dress of our souls? What about the way our character clothes us? And our character does clothe us. We give off far more than we will ever know by the way we greet the barista, drive in traffic, enter a room, answer the phone, glare at our toddler who’s having a meltdown in a non-meltdown-friendly environment. If only it were as simple as hiring a stylist for an extra bag of peace or another color of honesty. Could I get some denim patience for under $100? <br />
<br />
I promise not to kill you with the clothing metaphor for the next several thousand words, but I want to pull from the comparison the apostle Paul set in motion in a letter to the Colossians: “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (3:12). A few verses earlier he writes, “You have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator” (vv. 9–10). The image of clothing, the picture of slipping out of the old and sliding into the new, is an easily digestible concept because we dress every day. <br />
<br />
The gap in the metaphor comes when we don’t know how to clothe ourselves in Christ’s character, or when we’ve given it our valiant best and come up short … really short—like we just walked out the door in our towel, and everyone is staring and mortified while we grasp for fig leaves from our ailing character-garden. The breakdown occurs when we were never taught the value of integrity, when anger and resentment were the prominent traits our parents passed down, when we weren’t modeled the fine art of forgiveness, when sexual escapades were our solution for loneliness, when lying seemed to work better than the truth at untangling our predicaments, or when complaining became our default over contentment. <br />
<br />
Basically, the spiritual concept of throwing off scratchy wool for designer silk sounds simply effortless, but the real-life version is another matter altogether. Many of us who have attempted such a wardrobe overhaul have come up frustrated rather than inspired, and this for many reasons we will address in the pages to come. I hope to speak to these struggles while looking at specific character qualities less from an academic view and more from the vantage point of our everyday realities. Because most of us know we’re supposed to take off old things like bitterness and anger and full-on recklessness and put on the new self, which is full of qualities such as kindness and joy and self-control. But knowing this doesn’t automatically make it so. <br />
<br />
<br />
I can fairly easily write about what these new-life virtues are, their characteristics, and how we need more of them in our lives, but that feels just about as helpful as the book I was reading last night that appropriately told me not to eat out of boredom or past seven o’clock, which triggered the thought that I might be a little bored, which reminded me of the homemade cinnamon-raisin bread I had in the kitchen. Before I could be held responsible for my actions, I had lost my place in the book and was standing in my pajama pants eating bread. <br />
<br />
<br />
See, I’m pretty sure most of us need more heart transformation than we need more head knowledge, whether it’s about food or far more important things like exhibiting the character of Christ. Knowledge is vitally important, but it seems so many of us in Western Christianity are just crammed with it—really important knowledge that we gain in controlled settings like Bible study—but when up against the prospect of forgiving someone who has just ripped our insides out, or needing to grab patience out of thin air after our roommate has just stepped on our ever-loving last nerve, we are left with a ton of knowledge about what we should do (don’t eat the bread when you’re bored) but have no idea how to do it. <br />
<br />
<br />
I had the rare blessing of growing up with parents who modeled and taught the character of Christ well. They were big on the “how” of character and emphasized it over most everything else: A struggling grade on an algebra exam was more excusable than lying (which ended up working heavily in my favor … coefficients?); an off game on the basketball court was no problem compared to being disrespectful to a teacher. My parents taught my siblings and me at a young age about humility, gentleness, patience, contentment, gratefulness, purity, and so on. This doesn’t mean I’m good at all these things; it just means I had the privilege of being taught them. And now that I am past most of my adolescent outbursts and full-on temper tantrums—so often directed toward my parents’ instruction—I am ever thankful for their guidance. If only they could get paid back in stocks or something. <br />
<br />
<br />
Still, the virtues revealed in Scripture are hard enough when you’ve been taught them. But what if you’ve never been exposed to them in the first place? Perhaps it is in response to this question that my deepest desire for the following pages is to shed fresh light on some of the seemingly shadowed and antiquated virtues in Scripture, exposing their beauty, their delicacy, and the freedom in which they are meant to tailor our lives. This is important because so many of us are plainly stuck in life, wearing the same old things and getting the same miserable results. Our character clothes are frumpy, because we’ve never been groomed and fitted from the pages of Scripture. <br />
<br />
<br />
There are others who are all too aware of the characteristics of godliness but want nothing to do with them, because they were taught such virtues by people who didn’t actually live by those principles. For them, the notion of godly character was flaunted by hypocrites, self-righteous leaders, or possibly angry parents, and they haven’t wanted a piece of its polyester since. Yes, a lot of damage has been done in the name of God and Christian virtue; people have been clothed by reckless tailors. However, one of my greatest hopes is that if this has been your experience, you will give the discovery of authentic godliness another look, because biblical virtues are not punitive but life-giving. <br />
<br />
<br />
If there are those who have had little exposure to what the Bible says about godly character and those who have had lots of exposure but find it legalistic and binding, then there is a third group as well: those who long to grasp hold of godly traits but find them maddeningly unattainable. Perhaps you have tried to wear godliness like you try to lose weight or work out or stick to a New Year’s resolution. You’ve dug deep but have found that things like moral purity, kindness, or humility simply don’t exist in your closet. You’ve worn the knock-off brands that faintly resemble the real thing, but after a few good washes of reality, their colors fade and their seams split. And so you find yourself not necessarily disdaining the virtues, but having given up on them. <br />
<br />
<br />
This is a common dilemma, mostly because we mistakenly view godly character qualities as things we can accomplish if we try just a little harder. We promise ourselves we’ll hold our tongues next time or be thankful for what we have. Perhaps one day we muse we’ll graduate to stretching our reserve of patience, or we’ll respect ourselves enough to stop sleeping with acquaintances. But we can never separate the qualities of God from God Himself. True Christian virtues are not something we can slap on ourselves like cutout clothes for paper dolls. They come as a result of heart change that is accomplished through the supernatural love of Jesus. And yes, we will expound on this more, because I am challenging myself not to offer Christian colloquialisms that are easy to throw out; even though some of them are true, most are vague and inaccessible. I have experienced the frustrating failures of trying to “do better” as a Christian. I’ve been damaged by legalistic authorities whose preaching and practicing lived in entirely different zip codes. And I’ve had times when I just didn’t know much about the heart behind godly virtue, even though my parents gave me a great foundation. Still, the authentic changes that the gentle and unyielding characteristics of holiness have brought about—and are bringing about—in my life are wholly divine and transforming. Not to mention enormously practical. <br />
<br />
Practical, because there are relationships that need to be healed from the cancer of bitterness. There are bones that need to be freed from the incessant gnaw of anger. Hurting neighbors who need to hear an encouraging word of kindness instead of the latest morsel of gossip. Children who need to know that we’ve been blessed in our Western society and that contentment is healthier than complaining. Husbands who need peaceful wives instead of anxious ones; wives who need comforting husbands instead of critical ones. Friends who need to be given to instead of demanded from. <br />
<br />
I recently wrote a piece that included a list of several virtues, and I asked women to chime in on the virtues they found the most difficult. This was a bit of a trick question, because the virtues are probably all equally hard in their own right, but I was curious as to what their comments would include. I could not have been more delighted by one woman’s sincere reply: “I think I have plenty of each when I don’t need them. It is only when I am in the situation that I discover that the one I need is the one that I am short of.” This is pure genius. I pondered her sentiments as a possible subtitle to this book: Clothing Yourself in the Virtues You’ve Got Plenty of Until You Need Them. <br />
<br />
Of course the very essence of biblical virtues is that they’re only virtues when they’re being tested: Patience is not patience if someone or something is not trying it. Forgiveness is not forgiveness if there is no offense to pardon. Humility is not humility if a person never has to bow. Biblical virtues need to be studied and defined, but if we leave them in the Christian classroom, we will find we’ve got a wardrobe literally bursting with them until the moment we’re invited to the ball. <br />
<br />
If this is has been your experience as it has often been mine—if you find that you have virtues in droves until the moment you need them—it may help to go back to the beginning. To begin with God and what He has accomplished that enables us to live all the virtues He embodies. Much of this can be summed up in the opening line of Colossians 3:12: “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved …” See, we can’t really get to the virtues in Scripture until we have a good handle on the truth that we have been chosen, made holy, and are dearly loved. If we take this introductory line away, we are left with a list of dos (clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience …) without any context for them. <br />
<br />
Once we understand the context, the way is paved for the oftenpainful work of parting with our old wardrobes, even that A-outfit from college we’re pretty sure we’d still look fabulous in. ’Cause the old and the new don’t coalesce—our human natures don’t meld with the character of Christ. But leaving the old behind can be surprisingly liberating, because it leaves us poised to wear the virtues we will explore in the pages ahead: forgiveness, peace, kindness, humility, compassion, and patience, with a sassy feather of joy in our hats. Virtues that won’t mysteriously disappear when the clock strikes twelve, ones that will actually be there when we need them.<br />
<br />
</div><br />
<br />
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v720/jtiszai/?action=view&current=jensig.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="60" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v720/jtiszai/jensig.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09688638274582413200noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16906700.post-36142588766783003762011-04-25T11:09:00.003-04:002011-05-05T09:39:41.208-04:00Stories from Grandma's AtticI was so excited to see these books being re-released. I enjoyed them when I was a child and now I'm happy to share them with my kids. My son even enjoys listening to me read them to him at night before bed. The stories from another, simpler era are timeless. Scroll down for a peek at the first chapter.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJNkXwf98Viq1_NspVnRdBhKth9J8KdpMIeqjjMGe9Awid1gawuC8leu2eO64l06tfqG8aFQJfggNfCmlCkZ3JquxDiNSPQBRnxr_ATGVt9FzTlyy9-JPgcasxxTaLt5uCWDO/s1600/FIRSTWildCardTours2.jpg"></a><a href="http://firstwildcardtours.blogspot.com/"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480264388542368882" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJNkXwf98Viq1_NspVnRdBhKth9J8KdpMIeqjjMGe9Awid1gawuC8leu2eO64l06tfqG8aFQJfggNfCmlCkZ3JquxDiNSPQBRnxr_ATGVt9FzTlyy9-JPgcasxxTaLt5uCWDO/s200/FIRSTWildCardTours2.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 200px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 145px;" /></a>It is time for a <span style="color: #990000;"><strong><a href="http://firstwildcardtours.blogspot.com/">FIRST Wild Card Tour</a></strong></span><strong></strong> book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! <span style="color: #990000;"><strong>Enjoy your free peek into the book!</strong></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center"><strong>Today's Wild Card author is: </strong></div><br />
<div align="center"><strong><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 180%;"><a href="http://www.davidccook.com/catalog/Detail.cfm?sn=106805&source=search">Arleta Richardson</a></span></strong></div><br />
<div align="center"><strong><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 180%;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 100%;">and the book:</span> </span></strong></div><br />
<div align="center"><strong><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 180%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0781403790">In Grandma's Attic</a> <br />
AND <br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0781403804">More Stories from Grandma's Attic</a></span></strong></div><div align="center">David C. Cook (April 1, 2011) </div>***Special thanks to Karen Davis, Assistant Media Specialist, The B&B Media Group for sending me a review copy.***<br />
<br />
<div align="left"><strong><span style="color: #333399; font-size: 130%;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">ABOUT THE AUTHOR:</span> </span></strong></div><br />
<br />
Arleta Richardson grew up in a Chicago hotel under her grandmother’s care. As they sat overlooking the shores of Lake Michigan, her grandmother shared memories of her childhood on a Michigan farm. These treasured family stories became the basis for the Grandma’s Attic Series. <br />
<br />
<div align="left"><strong><span style="color: #333399; font-size: 130%;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:</span> </span></strong></div><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJG0N85FwRjfhBYK05AFsBn_SCOskwjV3C8Lh8ojiRYMfrPLvxUuXhYNR8c395brrYzomNZnzJMojXJdvOWph5zQSGAb0HNky0lVEAsR-q9lMJDyJZqYz6XUK65yBZkyKfWyQA/s1600/In+Grandmas+Attic.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599037279861251778" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJG0N85FwRjfhBYK05AFsBn_SCOskwjV3C8Lh8ojiRYMfrPLvxUuXhYNR8c395brrYzomNZnzJMojXJdvOWph5zQSGAb0HNky0lVEAsR-q9lMJDyJZqYz6XUK65yBZkyKfWyQA/s200/In+Grandmas+Attic.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 200px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 152px;" /></a><br />
Remember when you were a child, when the entire world was new, and the smallest object a thing of wonder? Arleta Richardson remembered: the funny wearable wire contraption hidden in the dusty attic, the century-old schoolchild’s slate that belonged to Grandma, an ancient trunk filled with quilt pieces—each with its own special story—and the button basket, a miracle of mysteries. But best of all she remembered her remarkable grandmother who made magic of all she touched, bringing the past alive as only a born storyteller could. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjr_1LKlzP11AeahgmTVydfPFk-A0g5oO6LrCph-U-NWecevAibSiNLmYIlR1JiYJ0OU8mSvy_jLPrqlVaHfFW3pluiOBQ8k0yf9ZwPCS64W_hbcwOXgR6GKV4Hm7mKnwL8o7d/s1600/More+Stories+from+Grandmas+Attic.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599037351338931442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjr_1LKlzP11AeahgmTVydfPFk-A0g5oO6LrCph-U-NWecevAibSiNLmYIlR1JiYJ0OU8mSvy_jLPrqlVaHfFW3pluiOBQ8k0yf9ZwPCS64W_hbcwOXgR6GKV4Hm7mKnwL8o7d/s200/More+Stories+from+Grandmas+Attic.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 200px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 152px;" /></a>So step inside the attic of Richardson’s grandmother. These stories will keep you laughing while teaching you valuable lessons. These marvelous tales faithfully recalled for the delight of young and old alike are a touchstone to another day when life was simpler, perhaps richer, and when the treasures of family life and love were passed from generation to generation by a child’s questions and the legends that followed enlarged our faith. These timeless stories were originally released in 1974 and then revised in 1999. They are being re-released with new artwork that will appeal to a new generation of girls. <br />
<br />
<br />
Product Details:<br />
<br />
In Grandma's Attic:<br />
<br />
List Price: $6.99<br />
Reading level: Ages 9-12<br />
Paperback: 144 pages <br />
Publisher: David C. Cook (April 1, 2011) <br />
Language: English <br />
ISBN-10: 0781403790 <br />
ISBN-13: 978-0781403795 <br />
<br />
More Stories from Grandma's Attic:<br />
<br />
List Price: $6.99<br />
Reading level: Ages 9-12<br />
Paperback: 144 pages <br />
Publisher: David C. Cook; 3 edition (April 1, 2011) <br />
Language: English <br />
ISBN-10: 9780781403801 <br />
ISBN-13: 978-0781403801 <br />
ASIN: 0781403804 <br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><strong><span style="font-size: 180%;">AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:</span> </strong><br />
</span><br />
<br />
<div style="height: 307px; overflow: auto;">In Grandma’s Attic – Chapter 1 <br />
<br />
<br />
Pride Goes Before a Fall<br />
<br />
“Grandma, what is this?” <br />
<br />
<br />
Grandma looked up from her work. “Good lands, child, where did you find that?” <br />
<br />
<br />
“In the attic,” I replied. “What is it, Grandma?” <br />
<br />
<br />
Grandma chuckled and answered, “That’s a hoop. The kind that ladies wore under their skirts when I was a little girl.” <br />
<br />
<br />
“Did you ever wear one, Grandma?” I asked. <br />
<br />
<br />
Grandma laughed. “Indeed I did,” she said. “In fact, I wore that very one.” <br />
<br />
<br />
Here, I decided, must be a story. I pulled up the footstool and prepared to listen. Grandma looked at the old hoop fondly. <br />
<br />
<br />
“I only wore it once,” she began. “But I kept it to remind me how painful pride can be.” <br />
<br />
<br />
I was about eight years old when that hoop came into my life. For months I had been begging Ma to let me have a hoopskirt like the big girls wore. Of course that was out of the question. What would a little girl, not even out of calicoes, be doing with a hoopskirt? Nevertheless, I could envision myself walking haughtily to school with the hoopskirt and all the girls watching enviously as I took my seat in the front of the room. <br />
<br />
<br />
This dream was shared by my best friend and seatmate, Sarah Jane. Together we spent many hours picturing ourselves as fashionable young ladies in ruffles and petticoats. But try as we would, we could not come up with a single plan for getting a hoopskirt of our very own. <br />
<br />
<br />
Finally, one day in early spring, Sarah Jane met me at the school grounds with exciting news. An older cousin had come to their house to visit, and she had two old hoops that she didn’t want any longer. Sarah Jane and I could have them to play with, she said. Play with, indeed! Little did that cousin know that we didn’t want to play with them. Here was the answer to our dreams. All day, under cover of our books, Sarah Jane and I planned how we would wear those hoops to church on Sunday. <br />
<br />
<br />
There was a small problem: How would I get that hoop into the house without Ma knowing about it? And how could either of us get out of the house with them on without anyone seeing us? It was finally decided that I would stop by Sarah Jane’s house on Sunday morning. We would have some excuse for walking to church, and after her family had left, we would put on our hoops and prepare to make a grand entrance at the church. <br />
<br />
<br />
“Be sure to wear your fullest skirt,” Sarah Jane reminded me. “And be here early. They’re all sure to look at us this Sunday!” <br />
<br />
<br />
If we had only known how true that would be! But of course, we were happily unaware of the disaster that lay ahead. <br />
<br />
<br />
Sunday morning came at last, and I astonished my family by the speed with which I finished my chores and was ready to leave for church. <br />
<br />
<br />
“I’m going with Sarah Jane this morning,” I announced, and set out quickly before anyone could protest. <br />
<br />
<br />
All went according to plan. Sarah Jane’s family went on in the buggy, cautioning us to hurry and not be late for service. We did have a bit of trouble fastening the hoops around our waists and getting our skirts pulled down to cover them. But when we were finally ready, we agreed that there could not be two finer-looking young ladies in the county than us. <br />
<br />
<br />
Quickly we set out for church, our hoopskirts swinging as we walked. Everyone had gone in when we arrived, so we were assured the grand entry we desired. Proudly, with small noses tipped up, we sauntered to the front of the church and took our seats. <br />
<br />
<br />
Alas! No one had ever told us the hazards of sitting down in a hoopskirt without careful practice! The gasps we heard were not of admiration as we had anticipated—far from it! For when we sat down, those dreadful hoops flew straight up in the air! Our skirts covered our faces, and the startled minister was treated to the sight of two pairs of white pantalets and flying petticoats. <br />
<br />
<br />
Sarah Jane and I were too startled to know how to disentangle ourselves, but our mothers were not. Ma quickly snatched me from the seat and marched me out the door. <br />
<br />
<br />
The trip home was a silent one. My dread grew with each step. What terrible punishment would I receive at the hands of an embarrassed and upset parent? Although I didn’t dare look at her, I knew she was upset because she was shaking. It was to be many years before I learned that Ma was shaking from laughter, and not from anger! <br />
<br />
<br />
Nevertheless, punishment was in order. My Sunday afternoon was spent with the big Bible and Pa’s concordance. My task was to copy each verse I could find that had to do with being proud. That day I was a sorry little girl who learned a lesson about pride going before a fall. <br />
<br />
<br />
“And you were never proud again, Grandma?” I asked after she finished the story. <br />
<br />
<br />
Grandma thought soberly for a moment. “Yes,” she replied. “I was proud again. Many times. It was not until I was a young lady and the Lord saved me that I had the pride taken from my heart. But many times when I am tempted to be proud, I remember that horrid hoopskirt and decide that a proud heart is an abomination to the Lord!”</div><br />
<br />
***************************************<br />
<br />
<div style="height: 307px; overflow: auto;">More Stories From Grandma’s Attic<br />
<br />
Chapter 1 <br />
<br />
<br />
The Nuisance in Ma’s Kitchen<br />
<br />
When Grandma called from the backyard, I knew I was in for it. She was using her would-you-look-at-this voice, which usually meant I was responsible for something. <br />
<br />
<br />
“What, Grandma?” I asked once I reached the spot where she was hanging up the washing. <br />
<br />
<br />
“Would you look at this?” she asked. “I just went into the kitchen for more clothespins and came back out to find this.” <br />
<br />
<br />
I looked where she was pointing. One of my kittens had crawled into the clothes basket and lay sound asleep on a clean sheet. <br />
<br />
<br />
“If you’re going to have kittens around the house, you’ll have to keep an eye on them. Otherwise leave them in the barn where they belong. It’s hard enough to wash sheets once without doing them over again.” <br />
<br />
<br />
Grandma headed toward the house with the soiled sheet, and I took the kitten back to the barn. But I didn’t agree that it belonged there. I would much rather have had the whole family of kittens in the house with me. Later I mentioned this to Grandma. <br />
<br />
<br />
“I know,” she said. “I felt the same way when I was your age. If it had been up to me, I would have moved every animal on the place into the house every time it rained or snowed.” <br />
<br />
<br />
“Didn’t your folks let any pets in the house?” I asked. <br />
<br />
<br />
“Most of our animals weren’t pets,” Grandma admitted. “But there were a few times when they were allowed in. If an animal needed special care, it stayed in the kitchen. I really enjoyed those times, especially if it was one I could help with.” <br />
<br />
<br />
“Tell me about one,” I said, encouraging her to tell me another story about her childhood. <br />
<br />
<br />
“I remember one cold spring,” she began, “when Pa came in from the barn carrying a tiny goat.” <br />
<br />
<br />
“I’m not sure we can save this one.” Pa held the baby goat up for us to see. “The nanny had twins last night, and she’ll only let one come near her. I’m afraid this one’s almost gone.” <br />
<br />
<br />
Ma agreed and hurried to find an old blanket and a box for a bed. She opened the oven door, put the box on it, and gently took the little goat and laid it on the blanket. It didn’t move at all. It just lay there, barely breathing. <br />
<br />
<br />
“Oh, Ma,” I said. “Do you think it will live? Shouldn’t we give it something to eat?” <br />
<br />
<br />
“It’s too weak to eat right now,” Ma replied. “Let it rest and get warm. Then we’ll try to feed it.” <br />
<br />
<br />
Fortunately it was Saturday, and I didn’t have to go to school. I sat on the floor next to the oven and watched the goat. Sometimes it seemed as though it had stopped breathing, and I would call Ma to look. <br />
<br />
<br />
“It’s still alive,” she assured me. “It just isn’t strong enough to move yet. You wait there and watch if you want to, but don’t call me again unless it opens its eyes.” <br />
<br />
<br />
When Pa and my brothers came in for dinner, Reuben stopped and looked down at the tiny animal. “Doesn’t look like much, does it?” <br />
<br />
<br />
I burst into tears. “It does so!” I howled. “It looks just fine! Ma says it’s going to open its eyes. Don’t discourage it!” <br />
<br />
<br />
Reuben backed off in surprise, and Pa came over to comfort me. “Now, Reuben wasn’t trying to harm that goat. He just meant that it doesn’t … look like a whole lot.” <br />
<br />
<br />
I started to cry again, and Ma tried to soothe me. “Crying isn’t going to help that goat one bit,” she said. “When it gets stronger, it will want something to eat. I’ll put some milk on to heat while we have dinner.” <br />
<br />
<br />
I couldn’t leave my post long enough to go to the table, so Ma let me hold my plate in my lap. I ate dinner watching the goat. Suddenly it quivered and opened its mouth. “It’s moving, Ma!” I shouted. “You’d better bring the milk!” <br />
<br />
<br />
Ma soaked a rag in the milk, and I held it while the little goat sucked it greedily. By the time it had fallen asleep again, I was convinced that it would be just fine. <br />
<br />
<br />
And it was! By evening the little goat was standing on its wobbly legs and began to baa loudly for more to eat. “Pa, maybe you’d better bring its box into my room,” I suggested at bedtime. <br />
<br />
<br />
“Whatever for?” Pa asked. “It will keep warm right here by the stove. We’ll look after it during the night. Don’t worry.” <br />
<br />
<br />
“And we aren’t bringing your bed out here,” Ma added, anticipating my next suggestion. “You’ll have enough to do, watching that goat during the day.” <br />
<br />
<br />
Of course Ma was right. As the goat got stronger, he began to look for things to do. At first he was content to grab anything within reach and pull it. Dish towels, apron strings, and tablecloth corners all fascinated him. I kept busy trying to move things out of his way. <br />
<br />
<br />
From the beginning the little goat took a special liking to Ma, but she was not flattered. “I can’t move six inches in this kitchen without stumbling over that animal,” she sputtered. “He can be sound asleep in his box one minute and sitting on my feet the next. I don’t know how much longer I can tolerate him in here.” <br />
<br />
<br />
As it turned out, it wasn’t much longer. The next Monday, Ma prepared to do the washing in the washtub Pa had placed on two chairs near the woodpile. Ma always soaked the clothes in cold water first, then transferred them to the boiler on the stove. <br />
<br />
<br />
I was in my room when I heard her shouting, “Now you put that down! Come back here!” <br />
<br />
<br />
I ran to the kitchen door and watched as the goat circled the table with one of Pa’s shirts in his mouth. Ma was right behind him, but he managed to stay a few feet ahead of her. <br />
<br />
<br />
“Step on the shirt, Ma!” I shouted as I ran into the room. “Then he’ll have to stop!” <br />
<br />
<br />
I started around the table the other way, hoping to head him off. But the goat seemed to realize that he was outnumbered, for he suddenly turned and ran toward the chairs that held the washtub. <br />
<br />
<br />
“Oh, no!” Ma cried. “Not that way!” <br />
<br />
<br />
But it was too late! Tub, water, and clothes splashed to the floor. The goat danced stiff-legged through the soggy mess with a surprised look on his face. <br />
<br />
<br />
“That’s enough!” Ma said. “I’ve had all I need of that goat. Take him out and tie him in the yard, Mabel. Then bring me the mop, please.” <br />
<br />
<br />
I knew better than to say anything, but I was worried about what would happen to the goat. If he couldn’t come back in the kitchen, where would he sleep? <br />
<br />
<br />
Pa had the answer to that. “He’ll go to the barn tonight.” <br />
<br />
<br />
“But, Pa,” I protested, “he’s too little to sleep in the barn. Besides, he’ll think we don’t like him anymore!” <br />
<br />
<br />
“He’ll think right,” Ma said. “He’s a menace, and he’s not staying in my kitchen another day.” <br />
<br />
<br />
“But I like him,” I replied. “I feel sorry for him out there alone. If he has to sleep in the barn, let me go out and sleep with him!” <br />
<br />
<br />
My two brothers looked at me in amazement. <br />
<br />
<br />
“You?” Roy exclaimed. “You won’t even walk past the barn after dark, let alone go in!” <br />
<br />
<br />
Everyone knew he was right. I had never been very brave about going outside after dark. But I was more concerned about the little goat than I was about myself. <br />
<br />
<br />
“I don’t care,” I said stubbornly. “He’ll be scared out there, and he’s littler than I am.” <br />
<br />
<br />
Ma didn’t say anything, probably because she thought I’d change my mind before dark. But I didn’t. When Pa started for the barn that evening, I was ready to go with him. Ma saw that I was determined, so she brought me a blanket. <br />
<br />
<br />
“You’d better wrap up in this,” she said. “The hay is warm, but it’s pretty scratchy.” <br />
<br />
<br />
I took the blanket and followed Pa and the goat out to the barn. The more I thought about the long, dark night, the less it seemed like a good idea, but I wasn’t going to give in or admit that I was afraid. <br />
<br />
<br />
Pa found a good place for me to sleep. “This is nice and soft and out of the draft. You’ll be fine here.” <br />
<br />
<br />
I rolled up in the blanket, hugging the goat close to me as I watched Pa check the animals. The light from the lantern cast long, scary shadows through the barn, and I thought about asking Pa if he would stay with me. I knew better, though, and all too soon he was ready to leave. <br />
<br />
<br />
“Good night, Mabel. Sleep well,” he said as he closed the barn door behind him. I doubted that I would sleep at all. If it hadn’t been for the goat and my brothers who would laugh at me, I would have returned to the house at once. Instead I closed my eyes tightly and began to say my prayers. In a few moments the barn door opened, and Reuben’s voice called to me. <br />
<br />
<br />
“Mabel,” he said, “it’s just me.” He came over to where I lay, and I saw that he had a blanket under his arm. “I thought I’d sleep out here tonight too. I haven’t slept in the barn for a long time. You don’t mind, do you?” <br />
<br />
<br />
“Oh, no. That’s fine.” I turned over and fell asleep at once. <br />
<br />
<br />
When I awoke in the morning, the goat and Reuben were both gone. Soon I found the goat curled up by his mother. <br />
<br />
<br />
“Will you be sleeping in the barn again tonight?” Ma asked me at breakfast. <br />
<br />
<br />
“No, I don’t think so,” I said. “I’ll take care of the goat during the day, but I guess his mother can watch him at night.” <br />
<br />
<br />
Grandma laughed at the memory. “After I grew up, I told Reuben how grateful I was that he came out to stay with me. I wonder how my family ever put up with all my foolishness.” <br />
<br />
<br />
Grandma went back into the house, and I wandered out to the barn to see the little kittens. I decided I wouldn’t be brave enough to spend the night there even if I had a big brother to keep me company!</div><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v720/jtiszai/?action=view&current=jensig.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="60" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v720/jtiszai/jensig.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09688638274582413200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16906700.post-32992707549619043462011-04-22T21:00:00.000-04:002011-04-22T21:00:22.694-04:00Reflections on Easter with Anne LamottIn <a href="http://www.npr.org/2011/04/18/135517274/beyond-bunnies-the-real-meaning-of-easter-season?sc=emaf">this story</a>, author Anne Lamott talks about the deeper meaning of Easter, with some particular insight on how we explain and pass on our faith to our children.<br />
<br />
<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="60" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v720/jtiszai/jensig.jpg" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09688638274582413200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16906700.post-29756159664264728162011-04-15T13:56:00.002-04:002011-04-15T13:56:00.683-04:00Soul Surfer. Beach flick or substance?I took my kids to see <i>Soul Surfer</i> this past weekend and was pleasantly surprised. I always wonder if the movies (or any creative art form for that matter) can express people's faith in an honest and authentic manner. In this case they did a fair job. And with an all-star cast.<br />
<br />
I took my 9 year old son and my 13 year old daughter and her friend. The girls loved it and it was perfectly positioned for their age group. My son was a little bored, but the surfing intrigued him. I was concerned that the shark scene might be too traumatic. It wasn't, and was quite well done.<br />
<br />
You can watch a few clips of the movie and read an interview with Bethany Hamilton, who the story is about, <a href="http://www.npr.org/2011/04/10/135210358/never-mind-the-sharks-surfings-in-her-soul?sc=emaf">here</a> at NPR.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.christianitytoday.com/">Christianity Today</a> reviews the movie <a href="http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/movies/reviews/2011/soulsurfer.html">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v720/jtiszai/?action=view&current=jensig.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="60" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v720/jtiszai/jensig.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09688638274582413200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16906700.post-13627105427668736432011-04-13T13:52:00.001-04:002011-04-13T13:52:00.316-04:00A Cowboy's Touch by Denise HunterI'm excited to bring you this book. I've loved Denise's style of writing and was looking forward to see what a cowboy book from her would look like. It didn't disappoint! I enjoy cowboy books and she lived up to my expectations. From the beginning the situation is set up to be an impossible one between Abby and Wade and you spend the whole book wondering how they are going to get together. I love that kind of tension. Scroll down to get a sample of the first chapter.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJNkXwf98Viq1_NspVnRdBhKth9J8KdpMIeqjjMGe9Awid1gawuC8leu2eO64l06tfqG8aFQJfggNfCmlCkZ3JquxDiNSPQBRnxr_ATGVt9FzTlyy9-JPgcasxxTaLt5uCWDO/s1600/FIRSTWildCardTours2.jpg"></a><a href="http://firstwildcardtours.blogspot.com/"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480264388542368882" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJNkXwf98Viq1_NspVnRdBhKth9J8KdpMIeqjjMGe9Awid1gawuC8leu2eO64l06tfqG8aFQJfggNfCmlCkZ3JquxDiNSPQBRnxr_ATGVt9FzTlyy9-JPgcasxxTaLt5uCWDO/s200/FIRSTWildCardTours2.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 200px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 145px;" /></a>It is time for a <span style="color: #990000;"><strong><a href="http://firstwildcardtours.blogspot.com/">FIRST Wild Card Tour</a></strong></span><strong></strong> book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! <span style="color: #990000;"><strong>Enjoy your free peek into the book!</strong></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center"><strong>Today's Wild Card author is: </strong></div><br />
<div align="center"><strong><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 180%;"><a href="http://www.denisehunterbooks.com/">Denise Hunter </a></span></strong></div><br />
<div align="center"><strong><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 180%;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 100%;">and the book:</span> </span></strong></div><br />
<div align="center"><strong><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 180%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1595548017">A Cowboy's Touch </a></span></strong></div><div align="center">Thomas Nelson (March 29, 2011) </div>***Special thanks to Audra Jennings, Senior Media Specialist, The B&B Media Group for sending me a review copy.***<br />
<br />
<div align="left"><strong><span style="color: #333399; font-size: 130%;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">ABOUT THE AUTHOR:</span> </span></strong></div><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5M9v1cwOqG8DPE9_UWKvR0qI9ZCG_RJNmgIyZlnDKQhPBxmUD8PSXh2cKvCEBi9Lqd1mXzc1EG0782TrKjvnJUgef-BLuPVFY2U4eyjgiu9K0sSoHGR77FYPiTQTMbTPmgINi/s1600/Hunter%252C+Denise.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593851246566818322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5M9v1cwOqG8DPE9_UWKvR0qI9ZCG_RJNmgIyZlnDKQhPBxmUD8PSXh2cKvCEBi9Lqd1mXzc1EG0782TrKjvnJUgef-BLuPVFY2U4eyjgiu9K0sSoHGR77FYPiTQTMbTPmgINi/s200/Hunter%252C+Denise.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 200px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 134px;" /></a>Denise lives in Indiana with her husband Kevin and their three sons. In 1996, Denise began her first book, a Christian romance novel, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her books often contain a strong romantic element, and her husband Kevin says he provides all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too! <br />
<br />
<br />
Visit the author's <a href="http://www.denisehunterbooks.com/">website</a>.<br />
<br />
<div align="left"><strong><span style="color: #333399; font-size: 130%;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:</span> </span></strong></div><br />
Wade's ranch home needs a woman's touch. Abigail's life needs a cowboy's touch.<br />
<br />
Four years ago, rodeo celebrity Wade Ryan gave up his identity to protect his daughter. Now, settled on a ranch in Big Sky Country, he lives in obscurity, his heart guarded by a high, thick fence.<br />
<br />
Abigail Jones isn’t sure how she went from big-city columnist to small-town nanny, but her new charge is growing on her, to say nothing of her ruggedly handsome boss. Love blossoms between Abigail and Wade--despite her better judgment. Will the secrets she brought with her to Moose Creek, Montana separate her from the cowboy who finally captured her heart? <br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="255" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/3tYWzrrYarI?rel=0" title="YouTube video player" width="400"></iframe><br />
<br />
Product Details:<br />
<br />
List Price: $14.99<br />
Paperback: 320 pages <br />
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (March 29, 2011) <br />
Language: English <br />
ISBN-10: 1595548017 <br />
ISBN-13: 978-1595548016 <br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><strong><span style="font-size: 180%;">AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:</span> </strong></span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNb_jWhO93_yvQM15C_ME50JOnnADL3v_-fdlNL8m6Xnl2tljCq7ftqtISWGdXgnD2mF8JjI7D7jXwb-qeuqNVqcuXapIeL-RhyphenhyphenNzPkwUTjkG3yFXduGLYm65TvGb_TOD9toMb/s1600/A+Cowboy%2527s+Touch.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593851013058307970" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNb_jWhO93_yvQM15C_ME50JOnnADL3v_-fdlNL8m6Xnl2tljCq7ftqtISWGdXgnD2mF8JjI7D7jXwb-qeuqNVqcuXapIeL-RhyphenhyphenNzPkwUTjkG3yFXduGLYm65TvGb_TOD9toMb/s200/A+Cowboy%2527s+Touch.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 200px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 130px;" /></a><br />
<div style="height: 307px; overflow: auto;">Abigail Jones knew the truth. She frowned at the blinking curser on her monitor and tapped her fingers on the keyboard-what next? <br />
<br />
<br />
Beyond the screen's glow, darkness washed the cubicles. Her computer hummed, and outside the office windows a screech of tires broke the relative stillness ofthe Chicago night. <br />
<br />
<br />
She shuffled her note cards. The story had been long in coming, but it was finished now, all except the telling. She knew where she wanted to take it next. <br />
<br />
<br />
Her fingers stirred into motion, dancing across the keys. This was her favorite part, exposingtruth to the world. Well, okay, not the world exactly, not with Viewpoint's paltry circulation. But now, during the writing, it felt like the world. <br />
<br />
<br />
Four paragraphs later, the office had shrunk away, and all that existed were the words on the monitor and her memory playing in full color on the screen of her mind. <br />
<br />
<br />
Something dropped onto her desk with a sudden thud. Abigail’s hand flew to her heart, and her chair darted from her desk. She looked up at her boss’s frowning face, then shared a frown of her own. “You scared me.” <br />
<br />
<br />
“And you’re scaring me. It’s after midnight, Abigail—what are you doing here?” Marilyn Jones’s hand settled on her hip. <br />
<br />
<br />
The blast of adrenaline settled into Abigail’s bloodstream, though her heart was still in overdrive. “Being an ambitious staffer?” <br />
<br />
<br />
“You mean an obsessive workaholic.” <br />
<br />
<br />
“Something wrong with that?” <br />
<br />
<br />
“What’s wrong is my twenty-eight-year-old daughter is working all hours on a Saturday night instead of dating an eligible bachelor like all the other single women her age.” Her mom tossed her head, but her short brown hair hardly budged. “You could’ve at least gone out with your sister and me. We had a good time.” <br />
<br />
<br />
“I’m down to the wire.” <br />
<br />
<br />
“You’ve been here every night for two weeks.” Her mother rolled up a chair and sank into it. “Your father always thought you’d be a schoolteacher, did I ever tell you that?” <br />
<br />
<br />
“About a million times.” Abigail settled into the chair, rubbed the ache in her temple. Her heart was still recovering, but she wanted to return to her column. She was just getting to the good part. <br />
<br />
<br />
“You had a doctor’s appointment yesterday,” Mom said. Abigail sighed hard. <br />
<br />
<br />
“Whatever happened to doctor-patient confidentiality?” <br />
<br />
<br />
“Goes out the window when the doctor is your sister. Come on, Abigail, this is your health. Reagan prescribed rest—R-E-S-T—and yet here you are.” <br />
<br />
<br />
“A couple more days and the story will be put to bed.” <br />
<br />
<br />
“And then there’ll be another story.” <br />
<br />
<br />
“That’s what I do, Mother.” <br />
<br />
<br />
“You’ve had a headache for weeks, and the fact that you made an appointment with your sister is proof you’re not feeling well.” <br />
<br />
<br />
Abigail pulled her hand from her temple. “I’m fine.” <br />
<br />
<br />
“That’s what your father said the week before he collapsed.” <br />
<br />
<br />
Compassion and frustration warred inside Abigail. “He was sixty-two.” And his pork habit hadn’t helped matters. Thin didn’t necessarily mean healthy. She skimmed her own long legs, encased in her favorite jeans . . . exhibit A. <br />
<br />
<br />
“I’ve been thinking you should go visit your great-aunt.” Abigail already had a story in the works, but maybe her mom had a lead on something else. “New York sounds interesting. What’s the assignment?” <br />
<br />
<br />
“Rest and relaxation. And I’m not talking about your Aunt Eloise—as if you’d get any rest there—I’m talking about your Aunt Lucy.” <br />
<br />
<br />
Abigail’s spirits dropped to the basement. “Aunt Lucy lives in Montana.” Where cattle outnumbered people. She felt for the familiar ring on her right hand and began twisting. <br />
<br />
<br />
“She seems a bit . . . confused lately.” <br />
<br />
<br />
Abigail recalled the birthday gifts her great-aunt had sent over the years, and her lips twitched. “Aunt Lucy has always been confused.” <br />
<br />
<br />
“Someone needs to check on her. Her latest letter was full of comments about some girls who live with her, when I know perfectly well she lives alone. I think it may be time for assisted living or a retirement community.” <br />
<br />
<br />
Abigail’s eyes flashed to the screen. A series of nonsensical letters showed where she’d stopped in alarm at her mother’s appearance. She hit the delete button. “Let’s invite her to Chicago for a few weeks.” <br />
<br />
<br />
“She needs to be observed in her own surroundings. Besides, that woman hasn’t set foot on a plane since Uncle Murray passed, and I sure wouldn’t trust her to travel across the country alone. You know what happened when she came out for your father’s funeral.” <br />
<br />
<br />
“Dad always said she had a bad sense of direction.” <br />
<br />
<br />
“Nevertheless, I don’t have time to hunt her down in Canada again. Now, come on, Abigail, it makes perfect sense for you to go. You need a break, and Aunt Lucy was your father’s favorite relative. It’s our job to look after her now, and if she’s incapable of making coherent decisions, we need to help her.” <br />
<br />
<br />
Abigail’s conscience tweaked her. She had a soft spot for Aunt Lucy, and her mom knew it. Still, that identity theft story called her name, and she had a reliable source who might or might not be willing to talk in a couple weeks. <br />
<br />
<br />
“Reagan should do it. I’ll need the full month for my column, and we can’t afford to scrap it. Distribution is down enough as it is. Just last month you were concerned—” <br />
<br />
<br />
Her mother stood abruptly, the chair reeling backward into the aisle. She walked as far as the next cubicle, then turned. “Hypertension is nothing to mess with, Abigail. You’re so . . . rest- less. You need a break—a chance to find some peace in your life.” She cleared her throat, then her face took on that I’ve-made-up- my-mind look. “Whether you go to your aunt’s or not, I’m insisting you take a leave of absence.” <br />
<br />
<br />
There was no point arguing once her mother took that tone. She could always do research online—and she wouldn’t mind visiting a part of the country she’d never seen. “Fine. I’ll finish this story, then go out to Montana for a week or so.” <br />
<br />
<br />
“Finish the story, yes. But your leave of absence will last three months.” <br />
<br />
<br />
“Three months!”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“It may take that long to make a decision about Aunt Lucy.” <br />
<br />
<br />
“What about my apartment?” <br />
<br />
<br />
“Reagan will look after it. You’re hardly there anyway. You need a break, and Moose Creek is the perfect place.” <br />
<br />
<br />
Moose Creek. “I’ll say. Sounds like nothing more than a traffic signal with a gas pump on the corner.” <br />
<br />
<br />
“Don’t be silly. Moose Creek has no traffic signal. Abigail, you have become wholly obsessed with—” <br />
<br />
<br />
“So I’m a hard worker . . .” She lifted her shoulders. <br />
<br />
<br />
Her mom’s lips compressed into a hard line. “Wholly obsessed with your job. Look, you know I admire hard work, but it feels like you’re always chasing something and never quite catching it. I want you to find some contentment, for your health if nothing else. There’s more to life than investigative reporting.” <br />
<br />
<br />
“I’m the Truthseeker, Mom. That’s who I am.” Her fist found home over her heart. <br />
<br />
<br />
Her mother shouldered her purse, then zipped her light sweater, her movements irritatingly slow. She tugged down the ribbed hem and smoothed the material of her pants. “Three months, Abigail. Not a day less.</div><br />
As an extra benefit, here's an interview with Denise about her book.<br />
<br />
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><b>Do the secrets from our past affect who we become in the future? </b></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><b>Can the hurts we’ve experienced really prevent us from finding true fulfillment? </b></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">In her release, <i>A Cowboy’s Touch</i>, award-winning author Denise Hunter will explore these questions, and readers will discover that “the truth really can set us free.”<b> </b></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">As the first book in the Big Sky Romance series, <i>A Cowboy’s Touch</i> is the story about a truthseeker who ends up discovering the real truth and a cowboy who learns to let go of his past. Hunter shines as she draws her readers into an intriguing world of boots, chaps and cowboy hats. This heartwarming romance is a story of love, pain and forgiveness. It has also been named a Women of Faith novel for 2011.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><h1 style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; text-decoration: none;">An interview with author Denise Hunter:</span></b></h1><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Q: <span style="color: black;">Have you always wanted to be a writer? When did you first begin to write?</span></span></b></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; margin-left: 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;">I’ve always been an avid reader, but I didn’t start dreaming about writing a novel until I was in my early twenties. By then I was married and busy pursuing a degree. I put writing on the back burner until my grandfather became fatally ill. While I was visiting him in the hospital, I was struck by the brevity of life and felt God pressing on my heart to take the first step. I started my first novel a couple weeks later. I had two small children by this time, so I wrote while they napped. I wrote my first four books that way. Even if you can only write a page a day, by the end of a year you’ll have a complete manuscript!</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; margin-left: 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Q: Are you a small town or a city girl? What inspired you to write a book about the life of a cowboy?</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">I’m a little of both. We live in a country setting just outside the city. It’s the best of both worlds. There’s something very earthy and organic about a cowboy’s life. I was drawn by the idea of living off the land. I think it takes us to a simpler time and place—even though the life of a cowboy is not necessarily simple! And </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Montana</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> is such a beautiful state. I thought my readers might like to journey there with me through story.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Q: <span style="color: black;">Can you tell us a little about what you have learned about the cowboy lifestyle while doing research for this book?</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">I learned a lot of fascinating details about the workings of a ranch: branding, breeding, cattle disease, etc. But what I came away with is a great respect for cowboys and their families. Those who choose this way of life do it because they love it. It’s not easy, and it’s not for the faint of heart. </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;">Q: Abigail’s title at her job is “the Truthseeker.” What is the significance of this title, and what do you think a real truthseeker does?</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">I thought it would be interesting to write about a protagonist whose job was to seek the truth and have her find out that she was missing the real Truth the whole time. Since Jesus is the Truth, a real truthseeker follows Him.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Q: Forgiveness seems to be a recurring theme in your books. Why do you feel it is so important? <span style="color: black;">Your main characters both dealt with forgiving their past mistakes. Do you think that it is just as important to forgive ourselves as it is to forgive the mistakes of others?</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">With sin rampant in all of us, this is something we need to get good at! Eventually, someone’s going to do something you struggle to forgive. I think this is partly because forgiveness is easily misunderstood. It’s not saying that what they did is okay. It’s saying that you’re not going to hold it over them anymore. I do think it’s just as important to forgive ourselves as it is to forgive others. Oftentimes, it’s even harder. </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;">Q: Abigail and Wade both threw themselves into their work in order to escape their pasts. Do you believe it is easy to find an escape in work in order to hide from our problems?</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">No one likes to hurt, so I think the tendency is to avoid it however we can. Throwing ourselves into our work is certainly one way of doing so. But these things have a way of bubbling up to the surface eventually, no matter how hard we try to avoid them.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"></span><b><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Q: What would you like your readers to take away after reading <i>A Cowboy’s Touch</i>?</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Abigail was essentially trying to work off her guilt. She thought if she could just keep exposing other peoples’ wrongs, it would appease her own guilt. I’d like readers to see that only God can redeem us.</span></div><br />
<br />
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v720/jtiszai/?action=view&current=jensig.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="60" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v720/jtiszai/jensig.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09688638274582413200noreply@blogger.com0