I watched a bunch of Christmas movies on Lifetime network over Thanksgiving.
My stepfather must be on my mind (I blogged about him a few week's ago). One of the movies featured a much thinner Terry Gillespie (that is the actor's name who played John Locke on Lost, isn't it?) With his cap on, he looked a lot like Leighton.
Thansgiving night I spent with Jaran and his family. What can I say? Grandma time! Jordan adores having me around. She demands all of my attention; if my eyes drift away from her, it's "Grandma! Look at me!" doing something adorable, of course. She makes up for Isaiah taking one look at me and crying . . .
The national networks actually changed games in mid-stream and broadcast the end of the Broncos' game here in OK! And to my delight, I learned that my favorite football team has won 5 games with Tim Tebow at QB. And John Elway looks as handsome at fifty as he did at forty.
Countdown time on finishing Bride's Rogue in Roma, Texas. Only about 11K words left to write. It better get done this week!
And the Christmas rush begins . . .
Monday, November 28, 2011
Sunday, November 20, 2011
THOUGHTS ON THANKSGIVING
This morning, as I forced my aching body out of bed to make it to church and choir, I was listening to a sermon on a familiar topic: "In everything give thanks."
A familiar topic and a familiar verse, but which struck me anew.
In everything give thanks.
And I realized anew that includes days like this one, when all my bones and joints ache as a cold front has swept through Oklahoma. (And ache is an inadequate word for the pain that permeates my body.)
I'm not sure what that looks like. Only that even in this trial, which I would gladly pass on to someone else, I must seek His strength in my weakness, and glorify Him.
God is good, all the time.
Even when it doesn't seem like it.
A familiar topic and a familiar verse, but which struck me anew.
In everything give thanks.
And I realized anew that includes days like this one, when all my bones and joints ache as a cold front has swept through Oklahoma. (And ache is an inadequate word for the pain that permeates my body.)
I'm not sure what that looks like. Only that even in this trial, which I would gladly pass on to someone else, I must seek His strength in my weakness, and glorify Him.
God is good, all the time.
Even when it doesn't seem like it.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
HINDSIGHT IS 20-20 or A LONG OVERDUE APOLOGY
As I lay in bed thinking about the book I'm reading (Harry Hole's alcoholism is a problem in his current romance in Redbreast), I thought of my stepfather's struggles with alcoholism.
He fought it and overcame it, staying sober for more than twenty years before his death. But I was thinking back to the first time I became aware that he had a problem. I spent the summer after my freshman year of college at home (they married that spring). During those weeks, his oldest son died in a car accident.
Leighton came into the kitchen, grabbed a bottle of whiskey, and said "Sometimes I just have to."
At the time it happened, I had no empathy (I had never met his son and was overwhelmed with the changes the marriage had made in my life) and little sympathy. And while he was struggling with the choking hold of grief, he had to deal with me--a judgmental, bewildered and bewildering stepdaughter.
Only this morning did the correlation hit me with the proverbial ton of bricks. Leighton's son must have been close to my daughter's age when he died.
Oh, Leighton, how much more I understand. How my heart aches for you. How I wish I could revisit that summer, and be more. . .supportive. . .than I was. No parent should have to bury their child, although it happens all too often. I can even admit how hard it must have been to have me underfoot--living, breathing--when he had lost his own son.
So Leighton, if you have any awareness of what is happening down here, I offer my heart to join with yours.
And together we can reach out to other's in pain.
He fought it and overcame it, staying sober for more than twenty years before his death. But I was thinking back to the first time I became aware that he had a problem. I spent the summer after my freshman year of college at home (they married that spring). During those weeks, his oldest son died in a car accident.
Leighton came into the kitchen, grabbed a bottle of whiskey, and said "Sometimes I just have to."
At the time it happened, I had no empathy (I had never met his son and was overwhelmed with the changes the marriage had made in my life) and little sympathy. And while he was struggling with the choking hold of grief, he had to deal with me--a judgmental, bewildered and bewildering stepdaughter.
Only this morning did the correlation hit me with the proverbial ton of bricks. Leighton's son must have been close to my daughter's age when he died.
Oh, Leighton, how much more I understand. How my heart aches for you. How I wish I could revisit that summer, and be more. . .supportive. . .than I was. No parent should have to bury their child, although it happens all too often. I can even admit how hard it must have been to have me underfoot--living, breathing--when he had lost his own son.
So Leighton, if you have any awareness of what is happening down here, I offer my heart to join with yours.
And together we can reach out to other's in pain.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
WHAT IF YOU LIVED . . .
One of Jolene's favorite books of all time was If You Lived at the Time of the Great San Francisco Earthquake. She could probably have written out the text from memory.
(By the way, if you're looking for a good resource book, kids' book, such as If Your Name Was Changed at Ellis Island, give you the kind of hands-on details that help to bring a book to life. Adult books concentrate on the whys and wherefores).
Talia (my cat) spent most of yesterday complaining to me. I couldn't figure out why. Clean litter, plenty of food and water. . .
Last night, all the cats and the dogs in the neighborhood camped in my back yard, creating a huge rumpus. Maybe it wasn't my back yard, but it sounded like it.
Then at 10 minutes before 11, while I'm lying down, my bed starts to shake. My lamp is shaking. Everything in the room is shaking.
Surprising Talia doesn't make a sound.
The room continues rattling for long enough for me to figure out "this must be an earthquake" and even long enough for me to begin to worry. Then it stopped (although my lamp continued trembling off and on.)
Jolene's book mentioned the strange behavior of animals on the days leading up to the earthquake. I decide that is created the three-ring circus in my backyard.
So now if I ever need to describe an earthquake, I can extrapolate from personal experience.
(By the way, if you're looking for a good resource book, kids' book, such as If Your Name Was Changed at Ellis Island, give you the kind of hands-on details that help to bring a book to life. Adult books concentrate on the whys and wherefores).
Talia (my cat) spent most of yesterday complaining to me. I couldn't figure out why. Clean litter, plenty of food and water. . .
Last night, all the cats and the dogs in the neighborhood camped in my back yard, creating a huge rumpus. Maybe it wasn't my back yard, but it sounded like it.
Then at 10 minutes before 11, while I'm lying down, my bed starts to shake. My lamp is shaking. Everything in the room is shaking.
Surprising Talia doesn't make a sound.
The room continues rattling for long enough for me to figure out "this must be an earthquake" and even long enough for me to begin to worry. Then it stopped (although my lamp continued trembling off and on.)
Jolene's book mentioned the strange behavior of animals on the days leading up to the earthquake. I decide that is created the three-ring circus in my backyard.
So now if I ever need to describe an earthquake, I can extrapolate from personal experience.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
A STUDY IN OPPOSITES
Sunday was one of those days.
- I slept for one hour. (Had to get up to make it to choir rehearsal before Sunday school because we were singing)
- Managed to stay awake for sermon and play piano for the choir.
- Got to the pharmacy five minutes after it closed for lunch.
- By the time we got back to the pharmacy, my credit card had dropped out of sight.
- The keys got locked in the car.
- By the time I got home, six hours after I left, I was in a lot of pain.
It was a day I don't want to repeat.
Monday was one of those days.
- I slept through the night, ten solid hours.
- I met my writing goal.
- I sent in a proposal.
- I received a lovely endorsement for my next book, A Ranger's Trail (coming out in February).
I wouldn't mind more days like Monday.
But you know what?
Both days are days the Lord made!
Sunday, October 23, 2011
WELCOME BACK WORLD
Yesterday I attended a one-day seminar sponsored by OCFW, the local branch of ACFW.
Oh, the joy of being with other writers. How I've needed it. How I've missed it. Between deadlines and surgery, I've only made it to two other meetings this year.
Add to the fellowship the usual "buzz" I feel after I've presented a successful workshop (Mine was on "Settings that Shine.")
Having friends from Tulsa stop by just to see me.
The energy I received! When I got home, I sat and finished a chapter that had been driving me crazy all week.
The writing community is an amazing family. Their ministry to my family at the time of my daughter's death was a great testimony to my mother. And it always amazes that among Christian writers, the denominational differences that divide so much of christendom simply melt away. A common calling and passion unite us.
The experience reminded me of the importance of staying connected via my blog, Facebook, or whatever. For my sake. And maybe I have something to offer you as well.
Oh, the joy of being with other writers. How I've needed it. How I've missed it. Between deadlines and surgery, I've only made it to two other meetings this year.
Add to the fellowship the usual "buzz" I feel after I've presented a successful workshop (Mine was on "Settings that Shine.")
Having friends from Tulsa stop by just to see me.
The energy I received! When I got home, I sat and finished a chapter that had been driving me crazy all week.
The writing community is an amazing family. Their ministry to my family at the time of my daughter's death was a great testimony to my mother. And it always amazes that among Christian writers, the denominational differences that divide so much of christendom simply melt away. A common calling and passion unite us.
The experience reminded me of the importance of staying connected via my blog, Facebook, or whatever. For my sake. And maybe I have something to offer you as well.
Monday, October 3, 2011
WHAT'S NEW ON TV?
The new TV season is upon us.
One of the benefits of the explosion of cable TV in recent years is that we have new programming almost year-round. I spend my summers watching TNT and USA, Lifetime and A&E. (Yes, I watch WAY too much television.)
But now it's time to settle back for the big 3 networks plus Fox. Pluses and minuses for the new series (all drama. I never seem to watch comedies except in reruns) I've also ignored the new reality entries, X Factor and Sing-Off:
Terra Nova: The story instantly drew me in (unlike this summer's Falling Skies). I also like the strong family element. It's good to envision a future where families are still at the center of our culture! And I like the way they use the children to show different reactions to going 85 million years into the past.
Unforgettable: In spite of my great liking for the mystery genre, I found this rather boring.
Revenge: I actively disliked this show. In my second Texas Trails book, A Ranger's Trail, I explore vengeance vs. justice. . . I like my take better. LOL.
The two sixties dramas; Playboy Club vs. Pan Am: I only got through about half of Playboy Club and won't go back. Besides the obvious sexual overtones, it takes a heavy-handed approach to issues ranging from homosexuality to bulimia. Pan Am,on the other hand, breathes the spirit of Camelot into the show through four well-defined and interesting stewardesses.
Charlie's Angels: I didn't watch a lot of the original series. But it's fun to watch these angels kick the bad guys' butts and Bosley is sexy this time around.
Person of Interest: I love the premise. And it's great to have Ben back with us. I enjoyed this version of a mystery!
Prime Suspect: I was curious as to how they would recreate Helen Mirren's career-making role. I find this Jayne to be sassy, smart, strong. A definite plus to the mystery genre. If nothing else, I love her hat!
What have you seen that liked? Hated? Feel free to chime in on those comedies as well.
One of the benefits of the explosion of cable TV in recent years is that we have new programming almost year-round. I spend my summers watching TNT and USA, Lifetime and A&E. (Yes, I watch WAY too much television.)
But now it's time to settle back for the big 3 networks plus Fox. Pluses and minuses for the new series (all drama. I never seem to watch comedies except in reruns) I've also ignored the new reality entries, X Factor and Sing-Off:
Terra Nova: The story instantly drew me in (unlike this summer's Falling Skies). I also like the strong family element. It's good to envision a future where families are still at the center of our culture! And I like the way they use the children to show different reactions to going 85 million years into the past.
Unforgettable: In spite of my great liking for the mystery genre, I found this rather boring.
Revenge: I actively disliked this show. In my second Texas Trails book, A Ranger's Trail, I explore vengeance vs. justice. . . I like my take better. LOL.
The two sixties dramas; Playboy Club vs. Pan Am: I only got through about half of Playboy Club and won't go back. Besides the obvious sexual overtones, it takes a heavy-handed approach to issues ranging from homosexuality to bulimia. Pan Am,on the other hand, breathes the spirit of Camelot into the show through four well-defined and interesting stewardesses.
Charlie's Angels: I didn't watch a lot of the original series. But it's fun to watch these angels kick the bad guys' butts and Bosley is sexy this time around.
Person of Interest: I love the premise. And it's great to have Ben back with us. I enjoyed this version of a mystery!
Prime Suspect: I was curious as to how they would recreate Helen Mirren's career-making role. I find this Jayne to be sassy, smart, strong. A definite plus to the mystery genre. If nothing else, I love her hat!
What have you seen that liked? Hated? Feel free to chime in on those comedies as well.
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