Well Christmas is over according the calendar, but I'm still here, trying to give God the gift I chose for Him this year--myself.
The wrapping is taking longer than I expected. I keep ripping the pretty paper while trying to get around the sharp corners of my heart. In other places, I'm soft. Mushy. I stick to the paper.
And yet, God desires me, longs for me. Despite my crumpled paper and sticky heart, He calls to me, tells me to forget about the wrapping paper and the oversized bows. They can't cover anything He hasn't already seen, can't pretty up what He already thinks is beautiful.
And so I come to Him, without a plea, without a prayer. I stumble and fall along the way, trying to hide, trying to cover myself with whatever I can find along the way. Each time, Christ waits for me to run out of room, give out of breath and let my cover-ups slide to the ground.
So I'm still walking now, these days after Christmas, trying to get to a manger, to a man, to a Messiah. It may take a lot longer than I thought, but at least I don't have to worry about buying more wrapping paper.
Though the date is past on the calendar, let us live everyday celebrating the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus. Let us live every day with Christmas in our hearts.
Thanks Pammer, for letting me ramble on your spot today.
Marilynn Griffith
Thank you so much Mary for those touching sentiments.
Stay tune tomorrow as I post an execerpt from Made of Honor. You will love it. :0)
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Interview with Marilyn Griffith! Made of Honor
I am so happy to have you here. Thank you for coming.
Thank you for having me!
Alot of unpubs have written a library full of books. How many books did you write before one got accepted? I remember that Made of Honor was the second accepted but the first released, is that correct?
Correct. It was the third manuscript, not counting the abandoned ones. PINK, which releases in February from Revell, was actually contracted first though it's releasing second. Confusing I know.
Is Made of Honor the first book you wrote or is it sitting on a shelf in a dark closet or a forgotten box in the basement?
The first book that I completed (that word makes all the difference) stirred the interest for the books that sold. I hope to get back to it sometime soon. I love the story. There are several beginnings of "basement books" that will never see the light of day.
How long have you been writing? (not necessarily with publication in mind, but writing in general)
I've written since Kindergarten. However, there was seven years following my conversion to Christ that I didn't write fiction. I didn't read much of it either. I wrote journals and read the Bible. Then one day it sort of came back to me again.
I find that most of my heros end up with my husband's eyes and his love for people. Did your husband influence your hero for Made of Honor and if so in what way? (There is the freedom to not answer that too.)
Ahem... I'm going to plead the fifth on that one. I really do make these people up so I don't know how much, if any, of my husband is in Adrian. In the end he was a guy I could respect and admire, which is how I feel about my husband. (Among other things...)
Your spiritual threads are well crafted and blend with the plot. The characters are real people with real problems and not perfect by any means. Do you have any tips on how to accomplish that harmony?
Not a clue. Like my own life, I want the faith of my characters to be blended with the trials and triumphs of life. I try to look for that in the editing process, some truth. Though fiction is all lies, it must ring true in some way, though it's never usually in the way I think it will. People bring their own lives to the story and sometimes God illuminates something for the reader to see.
For any who were not lucky enough to attend your class at the conferences, could you encapsulate the eight minutes a day theory for us and how it helped you with Made of Honor?
Lucky, huh? That's probably relative. The "8 Minutes thing" as everyone who writes me seems to call it is based on the principle of completion, not perfection. Here a little writing, there a little writing a few minutes a day or hour can add up to quite a bit. In the class, most people can handwrite two pages in 8 minutes. That's one completed, edited, rewritten manuscript a year. I was spending that much time on email, telemarketers and wrong numbers and junk mail. Once I allowed myself to do a few minutes throughout the day, longer stretches became available. Staying in the story and not having to reread each time was crucial to completion though.
Did you ever get writer's block while writing Made of Honor?
I really don't like that phrase, but yes, I did have a mental detour during Made of Honor. There were some changes going on editorially and all of the sudden everything in the story seemed wrong. In the end, I wanted to know what happened so bad that I ended up at the computer.
Do you find listening to music as you write helpful or a hinderance?
Music is great, but I don't listen to it often. I'm often working at night when people are sleeping and when the story starts turning I forget to look for the headphones sometimes.
If you find it helpful, can I be so nosey as to ask what kind of music you listen to while creating?
When I do listen to music, it's usually from the local Christian station or my husband's mp3 player, which is a mix of jazz, worship, kid's songs, old school rap, rhythm and blues, reggae, some of everything.
How long did it take you to come up with names of the characters?
Names are hard for me. I usually ending up changing them several times before one fits. Sometimes I have to change them back. It can take weeks just for this.
I cannot write on a book that does not have a title, even if it is wretched. Was Made of Honor called by another name before publication?
I have a title "thing" too but I'm learning to get over it. I'm thankful that MADE OF HONOR remained the title as it really meant something to me as I wrote the book. Psalm 139:14 talks of us being "fearfully and wonderfully made." In this book, Dana was forced to see what she was really made of and to let God love all of her, both good and not so good.
During the writing process (much like birth, I think), God gives me something I can use in real life, I learn a lesson that helps me to be better or focuses on one of my faults that needs serious work. Did God drop any gems in your lap during the writing of Made of Honor? Feel free to say if this question is too personal. I was just wondering.
Believe it or not, Made of Honor is still dropping gems in my lap. I haven't re-read it, but every time I discuss it with someone (like you, my gracious hostess) I pull something else from it. The biggest thing I got from the book was that life isn't always going to be a happily ever after. Sometimes it's a happily EVEN after. And that's okay. The blood covers that too.
It has been such a pleasure to have you here to tell us about your new book, Made of Honor.
It's been a pleasure to be here. Thanks for having me.
If you would like to know more about Marilyn and her work, there is a link to her blog on the right hand side under Mary. She has a great blog and a wonderful outlook on life.
Don't forget to check back tomorrow for her guest blog.
And go out and buy Made of Honor. Hurry! :0)
Thank you for having me!
Alot of unpubs have written a library full of books. How many books did you write before one got accepted? I remember that Made of Honor was the second accepted but the first released, is that correct?
Correct. It was the third manuscript, not counting the abandoned ones. PINK, which releases in February from Revell, was actually contracted first though it's releasing second. Confusing I know.
Is Made of Honor the first book you wrote or is it sitting on a shelf in a dark closet or a forgotten box in the basement?
The first book that I completed (that word makes all the difference) stirred the interest for the books that sold. I hope to get back to it sometime soon. I love the story. There are several beginnings of "basement books" that will never see the light of day.
How long have you been writing? (not necessarily with publication in mind, but writing in general)
I've written since Kindergarten. However, there was seven years following my conversion to Christ that I didn't write fiction. I didn't read much of it either. I wrote journals and read the Bible. Then one day it sort of came back to me again.
I find that most of my heros end up with my husband's eyes and his love for people. Did your husband influence your hero for Made of Honor and if so in what way? (There is the freedom to not answer that too.)
Ahem... I'm going to plead the fifth on that one. I really do make these people up so I don't know how much, if any, of my husband is in Adrian. In the end he was a guy I could respect and admire, which is how I feel about my husband. (Among other things...)
Your spiritual threads are well crafted and blend with the plot. The characters are real people with real problems and not perfect by any means. Do you have any tips on how to accomplish that harmony?
Not a clue. Like my own life, I want the faith of my characters to be blended with the trials and triumphs of life. I try to look for that in the editing process, some truth. Though fiction is all lies, it must ring true in some way, though it's never usually in the way I think it will. People bring their own lives to the story and sometimes God illuminates something for the reader to see.
For any who were not lucky enough to attend your class at the conferences, could you encapsulate the eight minutes a day theory for us and how it helped you with Made of Honor?
Lucky, huh? That's probably relative. The "8 Minutes thing" as everyone who writes me seems to call it is based on the principle of completion, not perfection. Here a little writing, there a little writing a few minutes a day or hour can add up to quite a bit. In the class, most people can handwrite two pages in 8 minutes. That's one completed, edited, rewritten manuscript a year. I was spending that much time on email, telemarketers and wrong numbers and junk mail. Once I allowed myself to do a few minutes throughout the day, longer stretches became available. Staying in the story and not having to reread each time was crucial to completion though.
Did you ever get writer's block while writing Made of Honor?
I really don't like that phrase, but yes, I did have a mental detour during Made of Honor. There were some changes going on editorially and all of the sudden everything in the story seemed wrong. In the end, I wanted to know what happened so bad that I ended up at the computer.
Do you find listening to music as you write helpful or a hinderance?
Music is great, but I don't listen to it often. I'm often working at night when people are sleeping and when the story starts turning I forget to look for the headphones sometimes.
If you find it helpful, can I be so nosey as to ask what kind of music you listen to while creating?
When I do listen to music, it's usually from the local Christian station or my husband's mp3 player, which is a mix of jazz, worship, kid's songs, old school rap, rhythm and blues, reggae, some of everything.
How long did it take you to come up with names of the characters?
Names are hard for me. I usually ending up changing them several times before one fits. Sometimes I have to change them back. It can take weeks just for this.
I cannot write on a book that does not have a title, even if it is wretched. Was Made of Honor called by another name before publication?
I have a title "thing" too but I'm learning to get over it. I'm thankful that MADE OF HONOR remained the title as it really meant something to me as I wrote the book. Psalm 139:14 talks of us being "fearfully and wonderfully made." In this book, Dana was forced to see what she was really made of and to let God love all of her, both good and not so good.
During the writing process (much like birth, I think), God gives me something I can use in real life, I learn a lesson that helps me to be better or focuses on one of my faults that needs serious work. Did God drop any gems in your lap during the writing of Made of Honor? Feel free to say if this question is too personal. I was just wondering.
Believe it or not, Made of Honor is still dropping gems in my lap. I haven't re-read it, but every time I discuss it with someone (like you, my gracious hostess) I pull something else from it. The biggest thing I got from the book was that life isn't always going to be a happily ever after. Sometimes it's a happily EVEN after. And that's okay. The blood covers that too.
It has been such a pleasure to have you here to tell us about your new book, Made of Honor.
It's been a pleasure to be here. Thanks for having me.
If you would like to know more about Marilyn and her work, there is a link to her blog on the right hand side under Mary. She has a great blog and a wonderful outlook on life.
Don't forget to check back tomorrow for her guest blog.
And go out and buy Made of Honor. Hurry! :0)
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Made of Honor
Another winner from our own Marilyn Griffith.
This is a must read. The characters are so wonderfully flawed and wonderful at the same time. They are just like people you would find in your family and friends. And just like us, they have problems that they bumble through, making mistakes and learning more about God and His mercy and grace as they go.
She has wonderful way of relating a story and it's important messages. It just works. Her way of looking at life comes through and so does her humor.
I don't want to give any spoilers, just trust me when I say you have to read this book. You will follow Dana Rose on a wonderful trip as she learns the lessons that God needs her to learn.
Great job Mary.
Be sure to check back tomorrow for the interview with Marilyn Griffith about her debut novel.
Have a wonderful evening.
This is a must read. The characters are so wonderfully flawed and wonderful at the same time. They are just like people you would find in your family and friends. And just like us, they have problems that they bumble through, making mistakes and learning more about God and His mercy and grace as they go.
She has wonderful way of relating a story and it's important messages. It just works. Her way of looking at life comes through and so does her humor.
I don't want to give any spoilers, just trust me when I say you have to read this book. You will follow Dana Rose on a wonderful trip as she learns the lessons that God needs her to learn.
Great job Mary.
Be sure to check back tomorrow for the interview with Marilyn Griffith about her debut novel.
Have a wonderful evening.
Saturday, December 24, 2005
Merry Christmas!
It's Christmas Eve! Woohoo!
This year money has been tight, so our Christmas presents are....rather nonexistant. However, even though I have obligations, I decided to focus on the kids more this year. (Not to say I neglected either the kids or my obligations, I didn't, but my focus shifted.)
I am so glad I did. We were able to take in some concerts and fun free things that abound in our city during this wonderful time of year. We were able to focus more on the feelings and the REAL meaning of Christmas because we weren't taken in by the commercialism. I told the kids there would be no presents and they totally understand. (I really do have great kids.)
We have been making special treats this year. Last night we attempted some candy. We made fudge with no major mishaps and put it in the fridge to harden. Half with nuts and half without cause my dh is allergic. Then we began the fun of making my all time favorites...peanut butter balls. MMMMmm. We made them every year when I was a kid but I never made them with my own children. So we mixed up the peanut butter part and I started the chocolate. We had powdered sugar and peanut butter all over the place (so glad I used a piece of cheap material for my Christmas tablecloth, because I forgot to take it off, lol) and we had a load of fun. We had the worst trouble with the chocolate, it was so thick. By the time we tried all kinds of different things, the peanut butter balls were partially finished...sans chocolate, lol. I have to get some more chocolate today to finish them off.
Despite the lack of funds and all, after we made candy, my oldest son hugged me and told me, "Mom, this is the best Christmas EVER!"
I am in the process of coordinating the story of Christ's birth with songs that our family will enjoy in the wee hours of the morning when we have our Christmas worship. I have goosebumps on my arms and praises in my heart as I study what our Lord did for us. The love is unimaginable and I am humbled at the gift of eternal life that began so long ago and was fulfilled because God is faithful and He always keeps His promises.
This year, I challenge you to have the TRUE spirit of Christmas as you go about your day today and tomorrow. When that guy who is late getting to his house for Christmas cuts you off on the highway, wave and pray for him instead of shaking your fist or mumbling, (even in your heart, for what is in your heart comes out your mouth).
This year let us Christians be lights to the world. Let's shine with the love of God and show the world what He gave us.
In the Bible it says (paraphrased of course) And they will know you are Christians by your love.
God's love should overfill our hearts so that we can't help but shower others with it too. It hurts me to see the ugliness that emerges at this time of year, I can only imagine how God feels.
I hope you all have a beautiful, wonderful, and awe inspiring Christmas. :0)
My love to you all.
Oh PS. :0) I lost FIVE pounds in the last month. Weeeee! Only ten to go.
This year money has been tight, so our Christmas presents are....rather nonexistant. However, even though I have obligations, I decided to focus on the kids more this year. (Not to say I neglected either the kids or my obligations, I didn't, but my focus shifted.)
I am so glad I did. We were able to take in some concerts and fun free things that abound in our city during this wonderful time of year. We were able to focus more on the feelings and the REAL meaning of Christmas because we weren't taken in by the commercialism. I told the kids there would be no presents and they totally understand. (I really do have great kids.)
We have been making special treats this year. Last night we attempted some candy. We made fudge with no major mishaps and put it in the fridge to harden. Half with nuts and half without cause my dh is allergic. Then we began the fun of making my all time favorites...peanut butter balls. MMMMmm. We made them every year when I was a kid but I never made them with my own children. So we mixed up the peanut butter part and I started the chocolate. We had powdered sugar and peanut butter all over the place (so glad I used a piece of cheap material for my Christmas tablecloth, because I forgot to take it off, lol) and we had a load of fun. We had the worst trouble with the chocolate, it was so thick. By the time we tried all kinds of different things, the peanut butter balls were partially finished...sans chocolate, lol. I have to get some more chocolate today to finish them off.
Despite the lack of funds and all, after we made candy, my oldest son hugged me and told me, "Mom, this is the best Christmas EVER!"
I am in the process of coordinating the story of Christ's birth with songs that our family will enjoy in the wee hours of the morning when we have our Christmas worship. I have goosebumps on my arms and praises in my heart as I study what our Lord did for us. The love is unimaginable and I am humbled at the gift of eternal life that began so long ago and was fulfilled because God is faithful and He always keeps His promises.
This year, I challenge you to have the TRUE spirit of Christmas as you go about your day today and tomorrow. When that guy who is late getting to his house for Christmas cuts you off on the highway, wave and pray for him instead of shaking your fist or mumbling, (even in your heart, for what is in your heart comes out your mouth).
This year let us Christians be lights to the world. Let's shine with the love of God and show the world what He gave us.
In the Bible it says (paraphrased of course) And they will know you are Christians by your love.
God's love should overfill our hearts so that we can't help but shower others with it too. It hurts me to see the ugliness that emerges at this time of year, I can only imagine how God feels.
I hope you all have a beautiful, wonderful, and awe inspiring Christmas. :0)
My love to you all.
Oh PS. :0) I lost FIVE pounds in the last month. Weeeee! Only ten to go.
Pink by Marilynn Griffith
I read this book and I will tell you....it releases in February. When it does, you want to be waiting at the front doors of the bookstore as soon as they open because it is that good.
Maryilyn is a wonderful storyteller. She touches on issues that face today's women and shares Christians truths without shoving them down your throat. In that way I feel her stories are timeless.
You will need a few things to read Pink. First you will need a quiet place because you will not want to be interupted, but also people tend to look at you funny when you hoot with laughter while gazing in a book. :0)
You will need tissues because you'll cry. The characters are so well rounded and real that you will feel their pain.
You will need a fan because her hero is hot. He will make you melt into a puddle. I am happy to say he is also real and makes mistakes like the rest of us, but he is just so lovable.
Next week I will be reviewing Made of Honor, Marilyn's debut novel. Also I will post an interview with this lovely and wonderful woman and she has accepted my invitiation to do a guest blog. So keep checking back next week for more fun.
Maryilyn is a wonderful storyteller. She touches on issues that face today's women and shares Christians truths without shoving them down your throat. In that way I feel her stories are timeless.
You will need a few things to read Pink. First you will need a quiet place because you will not want to be interupted, but also people tend to look at you funny when you hoot with laughter while gazing in a book. :0)
You will need tissues because you'll cry. The characters are so well rounded and real that you will feel their pain.
You will need a fan because her hero is hot. He will make you melt into a puddle. I am happy to say he is also real and makes mistakes like the rest of us, but he is just so lovable.
Next week I will be reviewing Made of Honor, Marilyn's debut novel. Also I will post an interview with this lovely and wonderful woman and she has accepted my invitiation to do a guest blog. So keep checking back next week for more fun.
Monday, December 19, 2005
A book club!!!!!!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Lisa Tuttle, ACFW Publicity Officer
E-mail: pr@americanchristianfictionwriters.com
Phone: (574) 370-0988
CHRISTIAN WRITERS REACH OUT TO READERS
American Christian Fiction Writers Launches Book Club
From airport newsstands to Newsweek, Christian fiction continues to grow in popularity, resonating with readers looking for both faith and fiction. The growth of the genre has birthed many new writers, as evidenced by American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), an organization started in 2000. Now boasting almost 1000 members, ACFW reaches out to readers as well as writers with their new ACFW Book Club. Beginning January 2006, the Book Club will offer fans of Christian fiction the opportunity to chat with ACFW authors and discuss monthly reading selections. Readers will also be eligible for monthly free book drawings.
The titles chosen to kick off the club include:
Black Sands by Colleen Coble. Trouble in paradise. A Hawaiian romantic suspense.
Leave it to Claire by Tracey Bateman. Single mom tries to fix her family. Chick lit fun!
Outriders by Kathryn Mackel. A new ark. An ancient enemy. Fantasy adventure.
Pink by Marilynn Griffith. Four fashion designers collaborate on a million dollar wedding dress. Will they find God in the seams? Multicultural tale.
Information on the Book Club will be posted on the ACFW Website, and on http://groups.yahoo.com/group/acfwbookclub, a book discussion e-mail group designed to keep members informed and allow them to discuss the books throughout the month. Book Club chats will be held on the ACFW Website in the chat room at 7:00 p.m. CST on the first Monday of the month following the month the book is read. Membership is free and open to the public. To join the announcement and discussion e-mail group, send a blank e-mail to acfwbookclub-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.
For more information about the ACFW Book Club, please visit: http://www.AmericanChristianFictionWriters.com
Contact: Lisa Tuttle, ACFW Publicity Officer
E-mail: pr@americanchristianfictionwriters.com
Phone: (574) 370-0988
CHRISTIAN WRITERS REACH OUT TO READERS
American Christian Fiction Writers Launches Book Club
From airport newsstands to Newsweek, Christian fiction continues to grow in popularity, resonating with readers looking for both faith and fiction. The growth of the genre has birthed many new writers, as evidenced by American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), an organization started in 2000. Now boasting almost 1000 members, ACFW reaches out to readers as well as writers with their new ACFW Book Club. Beginning January 2006, the Book Club will offer fans of Christian fiction the opportunity to chat with ACFW authors and discuss monthly reading selections. Readers will also be eligible for monthly free book drawings.
The titles chosen to kick off the club include:
Black Sands by Colleen Coble. Trouble in paradise. A Hawaiian romantic suspense.
Leave it to Claire by Tracey Bateman. Single mom tries to fix her family. Chick lit fun!
Outriders by Kathryn Mackel. A new ark. An ancient enemy. Fantasy adventure.
Pink by Marilynn Griffith. Four fashion designers collaborate on a million dollar wedding dress. Will they find God in the seams? Multicultural tale.
Information on the Book Club will be posted on the ACFW Website, and on http://groups.yahoo.com/group/acfwbookclub, a book discussion e-mail group designed to keep members informed and allow them to discuss the books throughout the month. Book Club chats will be held on the ACFW Website in the chat room at 7:00 p.m. CST on the first Monday of the month following the month the book is read. Membership is free and open to the public. To join the announcement and discussion e-mail group, send a blank e-mail to acfwbookclub-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.
For more information about the ACFW Book Club, please visit: http://www.AmericanChristianFictionWriters.com
Sunday, December 11, 2005
Whirlwind Weekend!!!
Hi all!
One would think that I would get an enormous amount of work done on my wip as I have barely been online. Untrue, I confess. I worked on the house all day Saturday. Does it ever seem that you never make it out of the kitchen? I mean you just get one meal done and cleaned up and it’s time to start the next one. I wonder how the women did without microwaves back in the pioneer days. (Granted, I make most stuff from scratch, but I do like using the microwave to speed things up sometimes.)
Today was really fun. We went to morning services and luckily manged to get in on communion (we were late). After a great sermon and class we gathered at my mil’s and fil’s house to celebrate my nephew’s birthday. Had a yummy meal and some popcorn cake. :0) It’s actually like a huge popcorn ball in a bundt pan. (I offered to do a chipotle cake next week, I’ll let you know how that goes.)
The fun started when we went to see the movie Chronicles of Narnia, The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. My husband got OUR time mixed with the church’s time and we were late (are you seeing a pattern here?) and we missed the fist ten minutes (about) of the movie. Unlike one of my friends, she knows who she is, I LOVED this movie. It was wonderful (of course I looked at it as a tribute to the book rather than an exact replica and I am able to do this with books made into movies, usually), very well done and the humor was great. :0) I cried. I took some napkins with me so I was safe. I expected to cry (thanks Eli for that tip, lol, I think I may hire her as my movie meter. How many hankies do I need?) The music was great too. Not as moving as LOTR, but still perfect for the movie in it’s own right.
We left, wading through people and kids and went to eat first off. Then we headed for the church building (after a quick stop for gas, we seem to have a gas leak so if anyone wants to pray for our only form of transportation, I would be very appreciative). We were late again, and I told the kids that it was okay, they were probably talking about the part of the movie we didn’t see anyway. :0) Actually we weren’t late, the refreshments were BEFORE the presentation. Not after. Shew! I saw lots of people I hadn’t seen in a while. (Including my cousin, who said How did you know we were doing this? The tone made me feel unwelcomed even though I'm sure she didn't mean it that way, LOL, but I was invited.)
The presentation was NOT what I expected. It was sooo much better. First they talked about a drawing for five boxed sets of the Chronicles of Narnia. Then they offered a free book of The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe in the foyer, one for every family. The lights went off and the overhead projecters went on and they showed a short film that showed pictures from the history of C.S. Lewis including his parents, his brother, The Kiln, his wife. The soundtrack was a copy of one of the only known recordings of his voice.
When the lights went on we were a bit shocked to see C.S. Lewis standing on the stage with a podium and a desk with books on it. This guy, from what I could discern, sounded just like him, looked like him, dressed like him. He even had the same sense of humor (and that is the key to capturing a person’s personality, I think). He gave background first (and being a writer I could see the pieces from the books falling into place). Then he explained his ideas for the books and what they represented. Not that everything in it is an allogory as in the work Pilgrim of Progress...who wrote it has slipped my mind at the moment and I will kick myself later...but alot of his faith shone through. (I had to go to him afterwards and tell him that my dh and I do some SCA events and we fully appreciate the time and effort it took for such a fabulous and authentic reenactment. I also told him, that being a writer myself, the autobiographical part of the presentation helped me as much as the explaination of the works. He and his wife were most gracious. His wife said he had so much fun putting that together, lol. I bet he did, it was fun to watch.)
WARNING!!!!!! SPOILERS!!!! DO NOT READ IF YOU HAVEN’T SEEN THE MOVIE YET!!!!
OKAY, YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED. DON’T COME CRYING TO ME AFTER YOU GO AHEAD AND READ IT ANYWAY.
My husband just mentioned that he liked the fact that they showed the witch riding around in a sled with reindeers. Just before the only thing in the movie jarred me and that was the appearance of Father Christmas. He wasn’t dressed in red and didn’t really resemble the symbol that I feel the children of today worship. But it was a bit shocking all the same to use that particular vehicle. In effect, however, he gave them gifts that they could use, not frivolous toys, the gifts they could use to do their "jobs". Kindof like the gifts God gives us so that we can do the work we are called to do.
And my night had one more surprise in store for me. I listened to the names of the winners of the book sets. The fifth name nearly brought me out of my seat! I KNEW him. He had been our preacher for a time in a church we attended AND his daughter borrowed my wedding gown, oh almost fifteen years ago, and I never got it back. I cornered her mother (who suprisingly recognized me, lol, I just assume people meet so many people that they will not remember me....actually most people remember not me, not my name, but my eyes, interesting, doncha think?) anywhooo, I asked about the dress. And she has had it wondering how to get it to me. She is going to meet me at the church next Wednesday (where I got a harebrained idea that is turning out to be God-led, lol) and I am taking my whole class to a concert there. She is going to bring my wedding gown. My kids have never seen it except in pictures. I will be soooo happy to get it back. Not to mention, teehee, I will need the hoop skirt in there next year.
Okay, I best get off here and get in bed. Another long week ahead next week.
May the Lord watch over you and yours.
One would think that I would get an enormous amount of work done on my wip as I have barely been online. Untrue, I confess. I worked on the house all day Saturday. Does it ever seem that you never make it out of the kitchen? I mean you just get one meal done and cleaned up and it’s time to start the next one. I wonder how the women did without microwaves back in the pioneer days. (Granted, I make most stuff from scratch, but I do like using the microwave to speed things up sometimes.)
Today was really fun. We went to morning services and luckily manged to get in on communion (we were late). After a great sermon and class we gathered at my mil’s and fil’s house to celebrate my nephew’s birthday. Had a yummy meal and some popcorn cake. :0) It’s actually like a huge popcorn ball in a bundt pan. (I offered to do a chipotle cake next week, I’ll let you know how that goes.)
The fun started when we went to see the movie Chronicles of Narnia, The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. My husband got OUR time mixed with the church’s time and we were late (are you seeing a pattern here?) and we missed the fist ten minutes (about) of the movie. Unlike one of my friends, she knows who she is, I LOVED this movie. It was wonderful (of course I looked at it as a tribute to the book rather than an exact replica and I am able to do this with books made into movies, usually), very well done and the humor was great. :0) I cried. I took some napkins with me so I was safe. I expected to cry (thanks Eli for that tip, lol, I think I may hire her as my movie meter. How many hankies do I need?) The music was great too. Not as moving as LOTR, but still perfect for the movie in it’s own right.
We left, wading through people and kids and went to eat first off. Then we headed for the church building (after a quick stop for gas, we seem to have a gas leak so if anyone wants to pray for our only form of transportation, I would be very appreciative). We were late again, and I told the kids that it was okay, they were probably talking about the part of the movie we didn’t see anyway. :0) Actually we weren’t late, the refreshments were BEFORE the presentation. Not after. Shew! I saw lots of people I hadn’t seen in a while. (Including my cousin, who said How did you know we were doing this? The tone made me feel unwelcomed even though I'm sure she didn't mean it that way, LOL, but I was invited.)
The presentation was NOT what I expected. It was sooo much better. First they talked about a drawing for five boxed sets of the Chronicles of Narnia. Then they offered a free book of The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe in the foyer, one for every family. The lights went off and the overhead projecters went on and they showed a short film that showed pictures from the history of C.S. Lewis including his parents, his brother, The Kiln, his wife. The soundtrack was a copy of one of the only known recordings of his voice.
When the lights went on we were a bit shocked to see C.S. Lewis standing on the stage with a podium and a desk with books on it. This guy, from what I could discern, sounded just like him, looked like him, dressed like him. He even had the same sense of humor (and that is the key to capturing a person’s personality, I think). He gave background first (and being a writer I could see the pieces from the books falling into place). Then he explained his ideas for the books and what they represented. Not that everything in it is an allogory as in the work Pilgrim of Progress...who wrote it has slipped my mind at the moment and I will kick myself later...but alot of his faith shone through. (I had to go to him afterwards and tell him that my dh and I do some SCA events and we fully appreciate the time and effort it took for such a fabulous and authentic reenactment. I also told him, that being a writer myself, the autobiographical part of the presentation helped me as much as the explaination of the works. He and his wife were most gracious. His wife said he had so much fun putting that together, lol. I bet he did, it was fun to watch.)
WARNING!!!!!! SPOILERS!!!! DO NOT READ IF YOU HAVEN’T SEEN THE MOVIE YET!!!!
OKAY, YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED. DON’T COME CRYING TO ME AFTER YOU GO AHEAD AND READ IT ANYWAY.
My husband just mentioned that he liked the fact that they showed the witch riding around in a sled with reindeers. Just before the only thing in the movie jarred me and that was the appearance of Father Christmas. He wasn’t dressed in red and didn’t really resemble the symbol that I feel the children of today worship. But it was a bit shocking all the same to use that particular vehicle. In effect, however, he gave them gifts that they could use, not frivolous toys, the gifts they could use to do their "jobs". Kindof like the gifts God gives us so that we can do the work we are called to do.
And my night had one more surprise in store for me. I listened to the names of the winners of the book sets. The fifth name nearly brought me out of my seat! I KNEW him. He had been our preacher for a time in a church we attended AND his daughter borrowed my wedding gown, oh almost fifteen years ago, and I never got it back. I cornered her mother (who suprisingly recognized me, lol, I just assume people meet so many people that they will not remember me....actually most people remember not me, not my name, but my eyes, interesting, doncha think?) anywhooo, I asked about the dress. And she has had it wondering how to get it to me. She is going to meet me at the church next Wednesday (where I got a harebrained idea that is turning out to be God-led, lol) and I am taking my whole class to a concert there. She is going to bring my wedding gown. My kids have never seen it except in pictures. I will be soooo happy to get it back. Not to mention, teehee, I will need the hoop skirt in there next year.
Okay, I best get off here and get in bed. Another long week ahead next week.
May the Lord watch over you and yours.
Thursday, December 08, 2005
Just one more
If the guy in the yellow (not mine, btw) wasn't in this picture, doncha think it would look authentic? Except a gentleman wouldn't have two ladies in the animal pens unless he was up to no good, bwahahaha. Okay, this guy (dh) is the hero and he is saving the two damsels from the runaway lambs, and the guy in the weird yellow tunic. :D
Ready for the RenFest!
These are the costumes I made for the Renaissance Festival that we attend each year. I'ts always loads of fun when we go dressed as characters. This coming year we will need new costumes because children, well.....they grow, lol. (You know the gowns of that period weren't all that flattering were they?)
Flame Tail!
Had to put up one of my sweet little kitty. She's quite a bit bigger now, but she's still just as cute. 
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
Hi all
I've been having fun with pictures, as you can see below. Drove to work this morning in a dusting of snow. Some spots were slicky-do, but it wasn't too bad. Coming home? Different story. Nearly four inches out there and I don't know where the sandtrucks are. Maybe they're stuck too.
Still coming down. I need to go watch the news and find out how much to expect. I stopped and bought milk on the way home though. The last thing you want is to be snowbound with two teenage boys and NO milk. Not pretty, let me tell ya. :0)
They cancelled church tonight also. Yes, it is that bad. I heard that two lives were lost this morning in a car crash and one person died from the freezing temps. Apprently someone who didn't have heat. Isn't that sad that stuff like that can happen here?
Praying for you all.
Do me a favor, pray for my writing.
Still coming down. I need to go watch the news and find out how much to expect. I stopped and bought milk on the way home though. The last thing you want is to be snowbound with two teenage boys and NO milk. Not pretty, let me tell ya. :0)
They cancelled church tonight also. Yes, it is that bad. I heard that two lives were lost this morning in a car crash and one person died from the freezing temps. Apprently someone who didn't have heat. Isn't that sad that stuff like that can happen here?
Praying for you all.
Do me a favor, pray for my writing.
More Puppies!
This one has Britches looking up at us. Yep, you guessed it. His backside looks like he is wearing a pair of black britches. These are such sweet puppies, I wish I could keep them all. :0)
Puppies!
Don't you wanna take one of these darlin's home? The one with the brown face, we call Chewy cause she makes sounds like a Wookie. :0)
Monday, December 05, 2005
Questions!
Hey, I have been tagged for two Memes.
Could someone PLEASE tell me what a Meme is?
I just wanted to ask that. I am still up cause I kept forgetting to send my sheets through the dryer for a second time. When I went up to get the sheets, my oldest son was lying on the bed. I said "Move outta the way and let me get the sheets." So what does he do? He rolls over to the left side of the bed. (rolling eyes) I said, "That's perfect, since I only wanted to wash the right side tonight anyway." :0)
I learned tonight that being funny at a dinner with sloppy joes can be hazardous. Flying food. My youngest. The oldest is more likely to spew milk at you. I'm quick witted. My oldest son thinks it has something to do with that little censor thingy between your brain and mouth? Well, mine doesn't work and he thinks that has something to do with it. :0)
I have a wonderful devotional in the works. I was writing it in my head as I came in from work. Needless to say within five minutes of being home.....it was tucked away. My brain will find the file sooner or later, LOL.
Until then, have a blessed night.
Could someone PLEASE tell me what a Meme is?
I just wanted to ask that. I am still up cause I kept forgetting to send my sheets through the dryer for a second time. When I went up to get the sheets, my oldest son was lying on the bed. I said "Move outta the way and let me get the sheets." So what does he do? He rolls over to the left side of the bed. (rolling eyes) I said, "That's perfect, since I only wanted to wash the right side tonight anyway." :0)
I learned tonight that being funny at a dinner with sloppy joes can be hazardous. Flying food. My youngest. The oldest is more likely to spew milk at you. I'm quick witted. My oldest son thinks it has something to do with that little censor thingy between your brain and mouth? Well, mine doesn't work and he thinks that has something to do with it. :0)
I have a wonderful devotional in the works. I was writing it in my head as I came in from work. Needless to say within five minutes of being home.....it was tucked away. My brain will find the file sooner or later, LOL.
Until then, have a blessed night.
Friday, December 02, 2005
Someone has WAY too much time on their hands.....
Camy tagged me this time. Grrrr.
Seven Things to Do Before I Die (Lord willing):
1. Spread the gospel to as many people as God will allow me.
2. Write full time.
3. Travel overseas and yes, see the Holy Land
4. Go to Jamaica (did I spell that right?)
5. Let my family know how much I love them.
6. Play with my grandkids, when I have some, and none too soon, please. :0)
7. Grow up to be Brandilyn Collins. :D
Seven Things I Cannot Do:
1. Blaspheme.
2. Throw away the gift of salvation.
3. Quit buying books.
4. Quit buying shoes!
5. Stop craving chocolate.
6. Stop drinking coffee altogether.
7. Start smoking again. It was too hard to quit. :0)
Seven Things that Attract Me to My Spouse [romantic interest, best friend, whomever](not necessarily in this order!):
1. He's a Christian.
2. The eyes! Wow!
3. He's a real life hero. (He won the Medal of Merit from the boyscouts and that isn't often awarded.)
4. He has the same kind of twisted sense of humor as me. :0)
5. He plays guitar, drums, the steering wheel, the floor, well, and he can sing too!
6. He's a good father.
7. He still gives me butterflies when I look at him. And he always tells me how much he loves me.
Seven Things I Say (or write!) Most Often:
1. Did you finish your homework?
2. Did you finish your chores? (the dishes usually to my youngest son).
3. LOL
4. that
5. really
6. Hey there!
7. How's it going?
Seven Books (or series) I Love:
1. Bible
2. Anything by Brandilyn Collins.
3. Little House Series
4. Lena Rivers
5. Nancy Drew
6. Lord of the Rings (and the Hobbit)
7. Anything by Julie Garwood.
Seven Movies I Would Watch Over and Over Again:
1. Lord of the Rings Trilogy
2. Robin Hood Prince of Thieves
3. Dances with Wolves
4. While You Were Sleeping
5. Ever After
6. Quest for Camelot
7. Never Been Kissed
Seven People I Want to Join in: (be tagged)
1. Aimee
2. Dineen Miller
3. Tracey Bateman(although I bet she is going to kill me!)
4. Margaret Daley (again, I'm sorry, lol)
5. Um....Tori
6. Brenda C.
7. Angie Poole
Well, I gotta get to bed.
If you get a chance, go to the website for the 700 club and watch the segment on Brandilyn Collins and her being healed of Lymes Disease. It is great, but I warn you, you do need kleenixes.
I finally lost a pound on our scale. I don't know if it was a scale defect or a me defect, but that scale wasn't really budging although my volume seemed to have changed. I am noticing a difference though as I carefully choose what to eat and watch my calorie intake. Woohoo!
Back to writing.
Or bed, I'm about to fall over on my face.
If anyone feels inclined to pray for my writing and for it to flow and for God to block the enemy's attempts to keep me from it, I sure do appreciate it. Thanks. In the Lord's Love.
Seven Things to Do Before I Die (Lord willing):
1. Spread the gospel to as many people as God will allow me.
2. Write full time.
3. Travel overseas and yes, see the Holy Land
4. Go to Jamaica (did I spell that right?)
5. Let my family know how much I love them.
6. Play with my grandkids, when I have some, and none too soon, please. :0)
7. Grow up to be Brandilyn Collins. :D
Seven Things I Cannot Do:
1. Blaspheme.
2. Throw away the gift of salvation.
3. Quit buying books.
4. Quit buying shoes!
5. Stop craving chocolate.
6. Stop drinking coffee altogether.
7. Start smoking again. It was too hard to quit. :0)
Seven Things that Attract Me to My Spouse [romantic interest, best friend, whomever](not necessarily in this order!):
1. He's a Christian.
2. The eyes! Wow!
3. He's a real life hero. (He won the Medal of Merit from the boyscouts and that isn't often awarded.)
4. He has the same kind of twisted sense of humor as me. :0)
5. He plays guitar, drums, the steering wheel, the floor, well, and he can sing too!
6. He's a good father.
7. He still gives me butterflies when I look at him. And he always tells me how much he loves me.
Seven Things I Say (or write!) Most Often:
1. Did you finish your homework?
2. Did you finish your chores? (the dishes usually to my youngest son).
3. LOL
4. that
5. really
6. Hey there!
7. How's it going?
Seven Books (or series) I Love:
1. Bible
2. Anything by Brandilyn Collins.
3. Little House Series
4. Lena Rivers
5. Nancy Drew
6. Lord of the Rings (and the Hobbit)
7. Anything by Julie Garwood.
Seven Movies I Would Watch Over and Over Again:
1. Lord of the Rings Trilogy
2. Robin Hood Prince of Thieves
3. Dances with Wolves
4. While You Were Sleeping
5. Ever After
6. Quest for Camelot
7. Never Been Kissed
Seven People I Want to Join in: (be tagged)
1. Aimee
2. Dineen Miller
3. Tracey Bateman(although I bet she is going to kill me!)
4. Margaret Daley (again, I'm sorry, lol)
5. Um....Tori
6. Brenda C.
7. Angie Poole
Well, I gotta get to bed.
If you get a chance, go to the website for the 700 club and watch the segment on Brandilyn Collins and her being healed of Lymes Disease. It is great, but I warn you, you do need kleenixes.
I finally lost a pound on our scale. I don't know if it was a scale defect or a me defect, but that scale wasn't really budging although my volume seemed to have changed. I am noticing a difference though as I carefully choose what to eat and watch my calorie intake. Woohoo!
Back to writing.
Or bed, I'm about to fall over on my face.
If anyone feels inclined to pray for my writing and for it to flow and for God to block the enemy's attempts to keep me from it, I sure do appreciate it. Thanks. In the Lord's Love.
Thursday, December 01, 2005
I was set up, er Tagged!
Dineen Miller tagged me for this game. I have to list 15 facts and personal preferences about books. This is gonna be hard. (You see I am supposed to be typing one of the two chapters I have to get done tonight, but instead I remembered I needed to do this, lol.)
1. I write books. (Duh! Or at least I hope they will be books when they grow up.) :0)
2. If I am not writing or researching, I am reading a book.
3. I have a stack of books at work just in case it gets slow.
4. ARC books ROCK! (Advanced Reader Copies). I just finished Web of Lies by Brandilyn Collins and am almost done with Pink by Marilynn Griffith. I recommend both. (I'm reading another wonderful one, but I can't mention it yet.)
5. I think that most movies made from literary works pale in comparison to the book.
6. I always have a book with me. (Do edits for my manuscript count? Joking, lol)
7. True confession. I have been known to sleep with a book.
8. I haven't counted my books in years, but I imagine I have more than a thousand. I have shelves and shelves and I need more shelves. :0D
9. My oldest sister has more books than I do.
10. If I worked at a bookstore I wouldn't make a stinkin' dime. :D
11. I use a bookmark, napkin (unused of course), a plastic knife (hey I work in a coffee shop), or a pen to mark my place in a book.
12. My first romance was over a hundred years old the time I read it. (The story and the book itself.) It was Lena Rivers by Mary Jane Holmes. My granny gave it to me. I was hooked from then on.
13. Sometimes my hubby and I will share a book by taking turns each reading a chapter a night.
14. I do the same thing with the kids.
15. I like suspense, romance, chick-lit, historicals and I still love reading the Little House books by Laura Ingalls Wilder.
Now, who is left for me to tag? Let's see, I tag Mary Griffith, Margaret Daley, Aimee, and Tracey Bateman.
Have fun!
1. I write books. (Duh! Or at least I hope they will be books when they grow up.) :0)
2. If I am not writing or researching, I am reading a book.
3. I have a stack of books at work just in case it gets slow.
4. ARC books ROCK! (Advanced Reader Copies). I just finished Web of Lies by Brandilyn Collins and am almost done with Pink by Marilynn Griffith. I recommend both. (I'm reading another wonderful one, but I can't mention it yet.)
5. I think that most movies made from literary works pale in comparison to the book.
6. I always have a book with me. (Do edits for my manuscript count? Joking, lol)
7. True confession. I have been known to sleep with a book.
8. I haven't counted my books in years, but I imagine I have more than a thousand. I have shelves and shelves and I need more shelves. :0D
9. My oldest sister has more books than I do.
10. If I worked at a bookstore I wouldn't make a stinkin' dime. :D
11. I use a bookmark, napkin (unused of course), a plastic knife (hey I work in a coffee shop), or a pen to mark my place in a book.
12. My first romance was over a hundred years old the time I read it. (The story and the book itself.) It was Lena Rivers by Mary Jane Holmes. My granny gave it to me. I was hooked from then on.
13. Sometimes my hubby and I will share a book by taking turns each reading a chapter a night.
14. I do the same thing with the kids.
15. I like suspense, romance, chick-lit, historicals and I still love reading the Little House books by Laura Ingalls Wilder.
Now, who is left for me to tag? Let's see, I tag Mary Griffith, Margaret Daley, Aimee, and Tracey Bateman.
Have fun!
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