For her sake, I'm sorry that Linda is back, for skilled nursing this time.
But, oh, what a smile to my face. Linda was my first and best roommate. A good friend. We would gladly have shared a room together but of course, I am with someone else.
That brings me to my next point. My present roommate. Brenda is about my age. Her mother recently died. Her body ravaged by polio, her speech difficult to understand, when I first moved in, all she did was to cry. She didn't like sharing a room and she missed her mom.
Something changed. Now we giggle - giggile! - about any little thing. The Cadbury bunny commercial. Her nickname of "Princess Brenda the Splendid" to go with mine, Queen Darlene.
We passed a barrier of tolerating each other to enjoying each other.
The gift of laughter is precious indeed.
Monday, March 31, 2014
Thursday, March 27, 2014
Reading and Writing March 20-26, 2014
Ah, spring. What a lovely time.
Let's see. I've written two poems, edited three devotionals and sent them in. I worked on a couple of tough ones--about the 10 wise and foolish virgins, Samson's wife and Sapphira. Now I have to choose from an abundance of material about Sarah for three more.
As far as Runaway Love, I am officially over half-way. Telling myself that 200 words is better than none.
I finished reading Angels Watching Over Me by Michael Phillips. It is beautifully written, makes me want to find out what happens next, unlike most series openers. (I know they give the first book for free to encourage readers to buy book #2 and so on).
I also read a short story by one of our local OKC writers, For Mercie's Sake by Sharon Srock. Check it out--see for yourself of how ordinary can make a difference, becoming God's instruments of mercy.
Let's see. I've written two poems, edited three devotionals and sent them in. I worked on a couple of tough ones--about the 10 wise and foolish virgins, Samson's wife and Sapphira. Now I have to choose from an abundance of material about Sarah for three more.
As far as Runaway Love, I am officially over half-way. Telling myself that 200 words is better than none.
I finished reading Angels Watching Over Me by Michael Phillips. It is beautifully written, makes me want to find out what happens next, unlike most series openers. (I know they give the first book for free to encourage readers to buy book #2 and so on).
I also read a short story by one of our local OKC writers, For Mercie's Sake by Sharon Srock. Check it out--see for yourself of how ordinary can make a difference, becoming God's instruments of mercy.
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
POETRY ZONE March 19-25
Inspiration for Love Is came from a list of lines to include one or more in our poem. I started with "Love lies buried." Can you guess at some of the others included?
Form: Nonette, 9 lines, as the word suggests. I have always found the translation of Galatians 5:1 in the New American Standard Bible fascinating: "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free."
LOVE IS. . .
Love lies buried ‘neath the deepest sea
Furrows spuming tendrils to the light
Rhythms swell and spread, a crescendo
Tide wipes sand of doubt away for now
Love alone is tender, good for warmth
Evening is a shroud that love unveils
Laser beam lights one step, and N more
Blessed, not burnt, at sun’s inner
core.
Over time and distance love endures
Weathering both boulders and pebbles
Rarified air while hiking Zion’s Mount
Where we always laugh and dream
Misery may engulf but not drown it
Passion’s zeal may scorch but not burn
it
Not even Paradise will complete it for
FREEDOM
Liberty’s birthright bound, locked and
chained
Freedom’s fortress breached, choice by
choice
Once surrendered for sin’s debt
No barter can buy back
Freedom is not free
Death the price paid
Inside and out
Always
Free
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Reading and Writing March 13-19, 2014
This week I determined to fill the empty spaces with writing. I've done better. . .but not as well as I would like. A work in progress. I still wonder how I've managed to write thirty books. :)
This week I have better excuses than usual: I am learning a new computer. The schedule at the nursing home has been more erratic than usual. I had a chance to enter a proposal for a book, which took the better part of a day. Therapy actually worked with me several times. And so on.
What did I do?
I'm about halfway through the devotionals. The ones who are well-known--such as Rebekah and Ruth--have so much material that I hunt for the verses, the ideas, that speak to me and hopefully to my readers. There are other characters--such as the ten virgins waiting for the bridegrooms--who befuddle me.
Still ahead lie women I've never heard of. Taphath, anyone? Maybe Tahpenes?
Still, I have passed the half-way point on Runaway Love and the devotional book. I also have been promised a contract for another novella, but I can't give any details yet.
As for what I'm reading, I finished Killing Faith by Eric Myers. As expected, the hero was someone of extraordinary physical stamina and courage, a highly trained black ops kind of spy. The heroine was his equal, only more of a by-the-books traditional CIA agent. Her name was Faith, and she worked undercover as a Russian Orthodox nun. The experience changed her, while not converting her. Well-written enough. I would read this author again but probably wouldn't seek him out.
I just began Angels Watching Over Me by Michael Phillips. It captured my heart with the first page and I want to devour it. So I bet I'll have read it all by next Sunday and I can tell you all about it.
I'm also reading a novel about Fire Island, which has inspired an idea for a romance about wreckers in the Florida Keys. Who knows, I might to write that some day.
This week I have better excuses than usual: I am learning a new computer. The schedule at the nursing home has been more erratic than usual. I had a chance to enter a proposal for a book, which took the better part of a day. Therapy actually worked with me several times. And so on.
What did I do?
I'm about halfway through the devotionals. The ones who are well-known--such as Rebekah and Ruth--have so much material that I hunt for the verses, the ideas, that speak to me and hopefully to my readers. There are other characters--such as the ten virgins waiting for the bridegrooms--who befuddle me.
Still ahead lie women I've never heard of. Taphath, anyone? Maybe Tahpenes?
Still, I have passed the half-way point on Runaway Love and the devotional book. I also have been promised a contract for another novella, but I can't give any details yet.
As for what I'm reading, I finished Killing Faith by Eric Myers. As expected, the hero was someone of extraordinary physical stamina and courage, a highly trained black ops kind of spy. The heroine was his equal, only more of a by-the-books traditional CIA agent. Her name was Faith, and she worked undercover as a Russian Orthodox nun. The experience changed her, while not converting her. Well-written enough. I would read this author again but probably wouldn't seek him out.
I just began Angels Watching Over Me by Michael Phillips. It captured my heart with the first page and I want to devour it. So I bet I'll have read it all by next Sunday and I can tell you all about it.
I'm also reading a novel about Fire Island, which has inspired an idea for a romance about wreckers in the Florida Keys. Who knows, I might to write that some day.
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
POETRY March 12-18, 2014
I wrote only one poem this week.
The prompt was "take nothing for granted," to write about something others would overlook. What jumped to mind was the tattered teddy bear I take to bed every night. He is one of the last things Jolene gave to me. I named him Michael, her favorite boy's name.
The prompt was "take nothing for granted," to write about something others would overlook. What jumped to mind was the tattered teddy bear I take to bed every night. He is one of the last things Jolene gave to me. I named him Michael, her favorite boy's name.
Of Jolene
Where
is Michael?
Velveteen
bear rescued from the rubbish
Matted,
lumpy, dirty and broken
No
velvet nor bow of satin
Only
a memory of the way things were
Where
was Michael born?
Brown
head, red bow and beady black eyes
Popped
out of paper of green, red and blue
Gift-giver
sings of the manger
Infant
slumbers calm the fears
Where
is Michael?
Joins
his brothers on the shelf, forgotten
Phone
rings, Michael clutched to breast
Talisman
of happy times
Michael
is found, but his mother is lost
Where
is Jolene? With Michael, next to my heart
Monday, March 17, 2014
DANCING WITH GRIEF: PLUS SIX YEARS
Six years ago today, I spent the day calling every hospital and social worker I knew, trying to locate Jolene. At first, my mind hadn't gone further than hospital or even jail. With each passing negative answer, my mind swayed toward the inevitable conclusion: she's dead. When the coroner called at midnight, I knew before he said a word.
This year, the dates the story played out fall on the same days of the week as six years ago. It's been particularly poignant.
Will the time come that I don't think of this week of March as "the" week, the one I have to endure, when the lives of my children started and one ended? Perhaps not.
Will the time come that I don't feel the need to invite my friends to grieve with me, when I keep the memorial silently? I hope so.
Will the time come that I will rejoice in the birthdays of my granddaughter (on the 6th) and of my son (14th) and not let Jolene's death overtake the celebration of their lives? I try. They deserve it, especially Jaran, who must feel Jolene's needs took precedence over his when he was little. Let's say it's like love is a verb, not a feeling. I sing while I work and write and send cards and make phone calls--and I can focus on them.
Will the day come when that happens without so much effort? Not yet.
Yesterday, Jolene would have turned thirty. I can't imagine her as a thirty-year-old. She is and always will be almost 24 years old. I don't know what twists and turns her life might have taken. I don't know if she would be happy. Her borderline personality disorder messed with her emotions all the time.
On the other hand, Jaran is 34. Their eldest, Savannah, turned 18 (his step. No, he wasn't 16 when she was born) and will graduate from high school in the spring. He has a good job and he provides a good income for the family. He loves the Lord and loves His word. Every now and then I see someone on television who reminds me of Jaran--dark hair, glasses, full beard--and I take a second look. When he brings my "babies," I'm thrilled to death. He says that Isaiah (now 3) clamors to come see me, and that makes me feel wonderful. And Jordan--well, she runs, hugs me, and we giggle together.
This year, all in all, has been easier. Writing poetry has helped me focus my feelings and let them go.
Thanks to all of you who continue to reach out over the years.
This year, the dates the story played out fall on the same days of the week as six years ago. It's been particularly poignant.
Will the time come that I don't think of this week of March as "the" week, the one I have to endure, when the lives of my children started and one ended? Perhaps not.
Will the time come that I don't feel the need to invite my friends to grieve with me, when I keep the memorial silently? I hope so.
Will the time come that I will rejoice in the birthdays of my granddaughter (on the 6th) and of my son (14th) and not let Jolene's death overtake the celebration of their lives? I try. They deserve it, especially Jaran, who must feel Jolene's needs took precedence over his when he was little. Let's say it's like love is a verb, not a feeling. I sing while I work and write and send cards and make phone calls--and I can focus on them.
Will the day come when that happens without so much effort? Not yet.
Yesterday, Jolene would have turned thirty. I can't imagine her as a thirty-year-old. She is and always will be almost 24 years old. I don't know what twists and turns her life might have taken. I don't know if she would be happy. Her borderline personality disorder messed with her emotions all the time.
On the other hand, Jaran is 34. Their eldest, Savannah, turned 18 (his step. No, he wasn't 16 when she was born) and will graduate from high school in the spring. He has a good job and he provides a good income for the family. He loves the Lord and loves His word. Every now and then I see someone on television who reminds me of Jaran--dark hair, glasses, full beard--and I take a second look. When he brings my "babies," I'm thrilled to death. He says that Isaiah (now 3) clamors to come see me, and that makes me feel wonderful. And Jordan--well, she runs, hugs me, and we giggle together.
This year, all in all, has been easier. Writing poetry has helped me focus my feelings and let them go.
Thanks to all of you who continue to reach out over the years.
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Reading and Writing March 6-12, 2014
I am debating whether or not to enter the "Poem a Day" challenge sponsored by Writers Digest in April. I am enjoying my poetry writing, but I am highly busy . . .
Writing wise, I have made decent progress on my devotional writing assignment for Women of the Bible. Ooh, next I have the woman at the well. I wonder what God will show me this week . . .
I've made a very small amount of progress on my next Heartsong book.
Most of my time has gone toward teaching my online class on Fearless Research for ACFW. More people than I expected have jumped into the class, and it's a joy.
Reading-wise, I am reading an international thriller, Killing Faith by Eric Myer. I'm also reading a lot of about women of the Bible. Confession: I don't read these books except when I'm doing research. I want to be sure my insight doesn't go against a more studied approach of the women.
Oh, yes, I made my deadline on edits to Saving Felicity. I also mailed my signed contracts for Women of the Bible. I am still waiting on word about the two pending proposals.
Writing wise, I have made decent progress on my devotional writing assignment for Women of the Bible. Ooh, next I have the woman at the well. I wonder what God will show me this week . . .
I've made a very small amount of progress on my next Heartsong book.
Most of my time has gone toward teaching my online class on Fearless Research for ACFW. More people than I expected have jumped into the class, and it's a joy.
Reading-wise, I am reading an international thriller, Killing Faith by Eric Myer. I'm also reading a lot of about women of the Bible. Confession: I don't read these books except when I'm doing research. I want to be sure my insight doesn't go against a more studied approach of the women.
Oh, yes, I made my deadline on edits to Saving Felicity. I also mailed my signed contracts for Women of the Bible. I am still waiting on word about the two pending proposals.
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