Janice Thompson's Blog, page 17

Kiddos in Weddings

Here comes. . .the ring bearer! And the flower girl! And. . chaos!

Love Finds You in Daisy Oklahoma

Oy! If you’ve ever tried to incorporate small children into a wedding, you know the chaos that can ensue! In my illustrious career as a (so-called) wedding expert, I’ve seen it all! One of my favorite memories is of a little ring bearer (maybe four or five years old) tossing the pillow up in the air repeatedly throughout the entire wedding! Another quirky kid-themed memory took place at my second-oldest daughter’s wedding when one of the ring bearers, (the groom’s younger brother), excused himself to go to the bathroom about halfway through the ceremony. I got tickled as I watched him leave because his body movements made it clear that he really need to go!

Kids are unpredictable, but they make life so much fun! I had the time of my life incorporating kids into my recent inspirational romance, LOVE FINDS YOU IN DAISY OKLAHOMA. Here’s a little blurb about the story:

Love blooms in unlikely places. In 1912, two years after a tornado left many children homeless, the town of Daisy, Oklahoma, needs help with its orphanage. Enter Rena Jewel, 38 years old and still single, who longs to do something important with her life. A lover of flowers, Rena believes the letter from Daisy to be a sign from the Lord, and she promises to help. Sheriff Gene Wyatt is a widowed father struggling to control 23 unruly orphans—and to keep his own two boys from burning down the town. So when he receives word that help is on the way, Gene rejoices. Until he meets Rena that is—a genteel and far-too-pretty woman whom he assumes is not up to the challenge. And after meeting the children, Rena begins to agree with him. At her wits’ end, she helps the children plant a garden and slowly earns their respect and obedience. The new orphanage director arrives just as the garden begins to bloom, and Rena must deicde whether she can leave the town, the children-and the man—she’s come to love.

I had such a blast writing the wedding scene at the end of LOVE FINDS YOU IN DAISY OKLAHOMA. Want to know why? Because I got to incorporate the kids! Adding them to the mix was pure delight! I hope you enjoy their antics as much as I did.

Please enjoy this audio message to my readers: Ah, Children!

Themed Weddings

Country-western. Hawaiian. 50′s. Garden Party.  You name it. . .I love it!

I’ve had a fascination with themed parties for as long as I can remember. When my oldest daughter announced her engagement in 2003, I couldn’t wait to see what theme she would come up with for her wedding. (Yep! Like mother, like daughter!)

La vita è bella! Life is Beautiful!

Randi and Zach set their date for Valentine’s weekend, 2004, and settled on an Italian theme. Yum! I catered the feast, myself, cooking up all sorts of delectable Italian goodies, everything from Chicken Cacciatori to Fettuccini Alfredo.

And the decorations! Wowza! Everything was trimmed out in elegant shades of deep red and gold. We purchased all sorts of serving items and decor with our Italian theme in mind. Perfecto!

Texas Weddings

Life Imitates Art. . .

I happened to be writing A CHORUS OF ONE (from the TEXAS WEDDING series) at about that same time. The story’s heroine, (Jessica Chapman), is an opera singer. (Did I mention that my daughter is a fabulous singer, one with plenty of on-stage experience?) At the end of A CHORUS OF ONE, Jessica marries her beau in an elaborate Italian-themed wedding, one that takes place on the stage at the Grand Opera in Dallas! What fun I had, “decorating the set” for the big day. And since I happened to be catering a very real Italian-themed wedding in real life, I knew just what to serve the guests at the reception.

Yep. Life imitates art. (Or should I say art imitates life?)

Either way, it’s a yummy way to go!

 

A Wedding Feast to Remember!

What shall we serve our guests at the wedding, my dear? 

Hello Hollywood

As promised, I’m spending the month of May sharing fun wedding stories that I’ve witnessed first-hand. Today’s story is about the (sometimes crazy) foods you find at weddings! If you’ve read my novel HELLO HOLLYWOOD, you know that the primary character (Athena) is from a Greek family. The Pappas’ run a sandwich shop in Van Nuys CA called Super Gyro’s. Athena’s world is loaded with unusual foods! You name it, they carry it at Super Gyro’s! And though HELLO HOLLYWOOD book didn’t carry a full-out wedding scene, I always envisioned Athena and Stephen celebrating their big day with Hummus, pita bread, gyros, and (of course) baklava!

Thinking of unusual wedding foods reminds me of my third-oldest daughter’s wedding. She wanted a Hawaiian theme, and I hired a caterer to provide a variety of foods for our guests. My incoming son-in-law had his heart set on (gasp!) a roasted pig. I argued the point with him, but in the end, the man got his pig. I didn’t actually sample any of it, but the guests told me it was very good. I do have a very vivid memory of my son-in-law receiving the head of the pig during the meal. And though Athena and Stephen weren’t there to witness it, I’m pretty sure they would’ve cheered him on as he leaned down and gave that porker a smack-a-roo on the lips. Me? I nearly gagged.

Still, the whole thing made for a great story, and you know what we writers do with stories, don’t you? We turn them into novels! With that in mind, check out the blurb about HELLO HOLLYWOOD:

Athena Pappas is the head writer on one of the most popular sitcoms in television history. But when Vegas comedian Stephen Cosse is brought in to beef up the show’s suddenly sagging ratings, she starts to worry about her job. Sparks fly as the competition–and attraction–between the two writers heats up. Athena has never had a problem scripting the romances of her characters. So why is her own love life so hard to script? With humor and a Hollywood-insider viewpoint, Hello, Hollywood! delivers lots of laughs as the characters discover that not being in control of the plot of their lives might just be the best thing that ever happened to them.

If you haven’t read HELLO HOLLYWOOD, check it out! But, be warned! Don’t read the book if you’re hungry. You’ll head to the nearest Greek restaurant for a tray of baklava!

“Romance, drama, fun–Hello, Hollywood! has it all.”

–Jenny B. Jones, award-winning author of Save the Date and A Charmed Life series

Okay, it’s YOUR turn! Leave a comment listing the funniest thing you ever ate at a wedding!

Fools Rush In. . .to the Altar?

What happens when a gal from Texas meets a boy from a large Italian family? 

Fools Rush In: Free on Kindle!

I thought it might be fun to tell you about the very REAL wedding that inspired my novel, FOOLS RUSH IN (from Revell Publishing). A good friend of mine invited me to serve as a bridesmaid in her wedding in Washington State. We (the whole wedding party and all family members) stayed at a wonderful lodge at the base of Mt. Ranier. I helped my friend put together the last minute details of her wedding, serving as entertainment director for some of the events the night before (including the Hokey Pokey)!

A little backstory on my friend: she’s from Texas and her family members from Texas flew up to Washington to enjoy the wedding. The groom is from a large Italian family, and his whole crew came along, as well. The night before the wedding, both families prepared a huge extravaganza of food(s) to represent their distinct cultures. The Italians cooked up quite a feast, let me tell you. So did the Texans! We ate Italian sausage, Texas BBQ, and much more! When the night was through, we could barely stand, let alone dance! Somehow we managed. . .and the next day my friend got married in the loveliest outdoor wedding I’d ever witnessed!

The memories of that wonderful Tex-Italian wedding lingered in my imagination. When it came time to write FOOLS RUSH IN, I tapped into those precious memories and shaped them into a fictional story about a girl from a large Italian family who meets (and falls in love with) a boy from the piney woods of East Texas. Voila! Bella and DJ were born!

Here’s a little blurb about the book:

Bella Rossi may be nearing thirty, but her life is just starting to get interesting. When her Italian-turned-Texan parents hand over the family wedding planning business, Bella is determined not to let them down. She quickly books a “Boot Scoot’n” wedding that would make any Texan proud. There’s only one catch–she’s a country music numbskull because her family only listens to Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. Where will she find a DJ on such short notice who knows his Alan Jackson from his Keith Urban?

When a misunderstanding leads her to the DJ (and man) of her dreams, things start falling into place. But with a family like hers, nothing is guaranteed. Can the perfect Texan wedding survive a pizza-making uncle with mob ties, an aunt who is a lawsuit waiting to happen, and a massive delivery of 80 cowboy boots? And will Bella ever get to plan her own wedding? Book one in the Weddings by Bella series, Fools Rush In is fun, fresh, and full of surprises. Readers will love the flavorful combination of Italian and Tex-Mex, and the hilarity that ensues when cultures clash.

If you haven’t enjoyed FOOLS RUSH IN, you can get a free digital copy on amazon! I hope you enjoy the story that found its roots in a very real wedding, one that still lingers in my memory!

Why I Write Wedding Stories

I do, I do. . .write wedding stories!

There’s no denying it, folks. I’m head-over-heels crazy about weddings. Love ‘em. In fact, I love them so much that I plan to spend the entire month of May “talking weddings” every day! I hope you will follow me as I explain the motivation behind many of my wedding-themed novels. I’ll be sharing stories from several weddings that I’ve catered and/or coordinated over the years. Some will have you laughing; others will make you shed a tear. All will help you better understand why I spend so much of my time crafting novels for (or about) brides.

Keeping it in the family…

I must ask my four daughters to forgive me in advance. I plan to tell quite a few stories from their weddings. All four of my girls got married within four years of each other (from 2004 – 2008) so I have plenty of fodder for books, trust me! Can’t wait to share some of our family tales. In the meantime…

Wedding Story Contest!

I recently held a contest in my Facebook reader’s group. Folks were asked to submit wedding stories to tickle my fancy. Here are the two stories that I chose as winners:

From Emily: 

My dad (a pastor) officiated our wedding. When we got to the vows, he asked me to recite: “I Emily take you, Scott, to be my wife” with the straightest look on his face. I looked straight at Scott and said “I Emily take you, Scott, to be my HUSBAND” rather loudly, and then started howling along with all of the guests and our attendants. It took my dad a little bit to figure out what was so funny, and when he did (and we all calmed down), he read it to me correctly. To make it even more funny, he actually had “wife” in his order of ceremony. He offered to fix it before he gave us a copy, but we refused. We never, ever want to forget that!! 

From Kimberly: 

Several years ago my brother and sister-in-law had their wedding in the Florida Keys…on the beach to be exact. Both being ocean lovers, this was their dream wedding. My brother wore a cream jacket and pants with an ocean-blue shirt underneath, untucked for a casual but classy look…my sil wore a beautiful 2-peice wrap cream dtress and flowers in her hair. Both were barefoot and so were several of the guests.

Family walked up the aisle to a steel drum melody and the wind was strong but the sky was beautiful. We all sat watching the ceremony while my brother and sil stood just at the water’s edge. The colors, the blue of my brother’s shirt that matched the ocean and the sky, the serenity of those moments was just perfect.

Until…

After the wedding we all had to carry our chairs a ways down the beach to where the tent was set up for dinner and more dancing afterwards on the beach. It was to be a fabulous dinner with specialty foods and then a big beach party. Well…the winds were increasing and the grey skies were out the tranquil blue. With the winds of course came the cooler temperatures. All of us before who had been in cute and coloreful sundresses, were reaching for lightweight sweaters. But it wasn’t long before even sweaters weren’t warm enough. Anyone who had a coat was donning it…no one’s festive outfits coordiated any more and no one cared. Women wore men’s coats, blankets from their cars and anything they could find to keep warm.

The dinner went on. The toasts, the speeches, the traditions all continued amidst the changing weather. The winds got so strong that you couldn’t keep up with the many things were blowing off of tables. When our glass wine glasses (with drink in them) started blowing over, I knew something big was coming and I didn’t want to be there for it.

We finally posed for a quick group photo with everyone’s hair blown way off of their faces before dashing to cars as the storm came in. Only after the bad weather passed did we join back up at a restaurant to finish the wedding celebration. I’m happy to say that my brother and sister-in-law danced a few dances on a teeny sliver of beach outisde of the restaurant. I even got a brother-sister dance in for a few bars before the rain started up again.

While their event wasn’t perfect as far as weather and how the evening was supposed to go, everyone in attendance loved it. I don’t know what it is about glasses blowing over and plates full of food blowing off of the table that somehow bonds everyone together but we shared enough laughs in the chilly weather that night that it gave us just one more happy memory of such a special occasion for my brother. 

JANICE SAYS: Fun, fun! And More to Come!

I’ll be tickling your ears with wedding stories over the next month. In the meantime, let me leave you with a little promo for my updated Bride-to-Be journal. If you know someone who’s getting married, this is the perfect shower gift!

Belles are Ringing!

Friends, please enjoy this Q&A about my latest release, WEDDING BELLES!

 

Who (or what) influenced you to become a writer?

From the time I was a little girl, I always had a creative bent. I loved to sing and dance. I got involved with drama in high school and ended up writing a little play, which we performed. In the late 70s my father moved our family to Los Angeles so that he could get into the movie business, (as a producer). He encouraged me to co-author a screenplay, which I did. In fact, I joined the screenwriter’s guild at age 18. Quite an honor! After I got married and had my children, they showed an interest in theater, too, so I ended up directing and writing musicals for Curtain Call Café (a Christian theater group). From there, my interests spread to books, and I started publishing fiction for the Christian market. I’ve now published over 80 books, everything from inspirational romance to non-fiction devotionals. I would have to say that my father was a huge influence. He passed away in ’06, but did a lot of writing in his lifetime (both screenplays and lyrics to country songs).

 

Janice, can you tell us about your latest book project?

Yes, I’m so tickled to share the news about my comedic historical, WEDDING BELLES, which is releasing on May 1st. Most of my readers know that I love to write light-hearted tales, and this one is no different!

 

What is the story behind this book?

I received a call from editor Susan Downs, who shared an idea she had for a series of books titled “Belles and Whistles.” The books in this series, she explained, must be historical, set in the west, with funny, quirky female characters. Because I write romantic comedy, she thought I would be perfect. I quickly put together a proposal for six books and two were picked up right away: WEDDING BELLES and SLEIGH BELLES. I was commissioned to write WEDDING BELLES first and had a blast doing so! The basic premise for the book was developed before I started writing, but something significant happened along the way to change my plans drastically. I needed a sneaky reason for Lottie Sanders (my heroine) to bring a group of women to Estes Park Colorado as potential brides for the town’s men. About a week after I got the contract for this book I went to a local restaurant that happened to be hosting a melodrama during the dinner hour. As I watched the drama take place, I realized this was my answer! Lottie would write and direct a melodrama to raise funds for Parker Lodge (owned by the young man she secretly loves). Out of that came the rest of this fun, melodramatic tale!

 

Can you share the “official” synopsis?

Lottie Sanders would do just about anything for the man she secretly loves. When Gilbert Parker suggests they put on a play to draw people to his family’s lodge, he begs Lottie to direct it. Lottie agrees to help, but is also worried if they cannot pull this off, Gilbert and his family will lose the lodge — and she will lose him. When the local single men look at this as an opportunity to catch a bride, they secretly hatch their own drama to win the hearts and hands of the actresses.

 

Why did you choose to write this book under the name Janice Hanna, instead of Janice Thompson?

Ooo, great question! I write most of my contemporary novels (like the WEDDINGS BY BELLA series) under Thompson and historicals (like the LOVE FINDS YOU books) under Hanna. My maiden name is Hanna, and I love to write under that name to honor my father, who passed away in ’06. I think he would have been very proud of this particular book.

 

Is there any connection between the WEDDINGS BY BELLA series and this one?

Nope. None whatsoever. Just an interesting coincidence with the titles/names.

 

What’s the deal with the wedding stories? Why do you write so many books with wedding themes?

My four daughters (all in their late 20s/early 30s) got married within four years of each other. Talk about wedding chaos! At writer’s conferences I’ve been told to “write what you know” and I certainly know weddings. I worked for a short while as a wedding coordinator and have catered many a wedding and/or bridal shower. It just makes sense to keep my writing wedding-themed, as much as possible!

 

What are Reviewers saying about WEDDING BELLES?

I just found out that Romantic Times gave the book a four-star rating. Woo-hoo! Here’s what the reviewer said:

Hanna’s Belles and Whistles series launch is filled with mayhem, drama and, of course, romance. The characters are engaging, witty and willing to do what they need to get what they want. Hanna’s magical touch ensures the book brims with laughter, charm and style. (Reviewed By: Patsy Glans)

 

What outside interests do you have?

People might be surprised to hear this, but I bake cakes. Wedding cakes. Shower cakes. Birthday cakes. You name it, I bake it. In fact, I was once asked by a local restaurant to bake cakes for them.

 

Cute cover! What’s the story behind it?

My heroine, Lottie, is a tomboy. She’s not much for dresses. In fact, she wears pants most of the time. The men in Estes Park make it their mission to get Lottie “gussied up and lookin’ like a lady” as the story progresses. Of course, she’s still pretty attached to her cowgirl boots, so giving those up isn’t an option. I love the cover, because it merges the boots with the wedding dress.

 

How much research went into this story?

I drove to Estes Park while working on this book. Even though I had been many times before, I needed to see the area again so that I could envision it through Lottie’s eyes. The wonderful people at the Estes Park Museum spent a great deal of time with me, talking about the history of the area and pointing me to just the right research books to write. So, I would like to think I’ve got most of the historical elements right. I added the Stanley Hotel, of course, and the Stanley Steamer. But the setting for my story is Parker Lodge (which is completely fictional). Because I’m passionate about photography, I took dozens of pictures of the area. I particularly enjoy my trek up into Rocky Mountain National Park, where I did my best to absorb all I could about the scenery.

 

What are some of the most interesting things you found about this subject that you weren’t able to use in the story?

I learned a lot about the health benefits of living in Colorado! Did you know that Freelan Stanley (the man who designed/built the Stanley Hotel) came to Colorado at his doctor’s recommendation because he had tuberculosis? His health improved dramatically while in Estes Park.

 

What inspired and surprised you while you were writing the book?

I was directly inspired by the team of actors and actresses (here in Texas) who performed the melodrama. That little “spark” of inspiration completely changed the layout of my story and allowed me to tap into one of my strengths: directing. Many people don’t know that I spend part of my time working as a director at a local Christian theater and I love anything and everything about putting on shows.

 

What do you hope the reader takes away from the story?

Two things: I hope they see Lottie as the precious girl she is. I also hope they learn that perceptions are just that. . .perceptions. They’re not fact. Sometimes we look at situations and think we’ve got them figured out. When we give them a second look (and a third) we realize we were dead wrong.

 

What is the next project you’re working on?

I’m currently writing a novel titled LET THEM EAT CAKE, which is part of the new WEDDINGS BY DESIGN series from Revell Publishing. Many of my readers know me as the “Bella” author (from the WEDDINGS BY BELLA series). In this new series, readers can catch up with Bella, DJ and the whole gang!

 

What do you do when you have to get away from the story for a while?

I spend time with my grandbabies. I have six darling grandbabies with number seven on the way.

 

God has really been moving in your writing life. What do you see on the horizon?

I feel so incredibly blessed at this particular season in my life. I’ve been through several hard things over the past several years, but through it all, God has been right there, walking me through one book project, then another. He has used the writing to bring healing in so many areas, and I’m so grateful for that! I’ve made Ephesians 3:20 – 21 my life verse:  Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. God IS able to do so much more than I could ask or think, and He keeps proving that to me. In spite of any weakness on my part (and there’s plenty, trust me), He entrusts me with this gift (writing). I will use it to His glory as long as He allows.

 

Please share the book’s opening. 

A Reckoning in the Rockies

Estes Park, prepare to be razzle-dazzled! Parker Lodge, located on the beautiful Fall River, continues to offer the best entertainment in town. This month’s event is certainly no exception. Join us this coming Friday evening, April 27, for a rousing performance by local musician Jeb Otis, who will play several well-known ballads and folk tunes on his saw. Otis, who hails from the Estes Valley region, will be appear- ing at the lodge for one night only, performing before a packed house. C’mon out and share in an evening of fine food, rousing entertain- ment, and heartfelt fellowship. Front-row seating for the first ten guests to arrive. —Your friends at Parker Lodge

Estes Park, Colorado, 1912

“Jeb Otis says he’s going to jump off Longs Peak and end it all.” “What?” Lottie Sanders looked up from the rippling waters of Fall River into her boss’s worried eyes. “He’s going to end it all? Why-ever would he do that?”

“Oh, you know how he is.” Gilbert Parker plopped down next to her and sighed. “Melodramatic. Always wanting attention. Just like the other men in this town. He’s frustrated because the Widow Baker won’t give him the time of day, so I guess this is how he plans to remedy the problem.”

“He’s going to remedy the problem by taking his life?” Lottie swallowed hard. “Won’t that defeat the purpose?”

“Who knows?” Gilbert offered a little shrug, and a hint of a smile turned up the edges of his lips. “But if it’s any consolation, I reminded him that he’s got a concert coming up this Friday evening, so maybe he’ll wait till after then to do himself in.”

“One can hope.” Lottie thought about the many times Jeb and the other fellas who frequented the lodge had posed such ludicrous threats. How weary she’d grown of their antics. “What’s it going to take to convince Jeb that he and Althea Baker are as different as night from day, anyway?” she asked. “They would make a terrible match. I’m surprised he can’t see that for himself.”

“True.” Gilbert released a sigh. “But I guess it’s true what they say—love is blind.”

“Mm-hmm.” It’s blind, all right.

 

How can readers find you on the Internet?

My website: www.janicehannathompson.com

Facebook: Janice Hanna Thompson

Twitter: booksbyjanice

My online courses: www.freelancewritingcourses.com

 

Where can readers buy this book?

They can email me for an autographed copy: booksbyjanice@aol.com. They can also purchase online at Amazon, Barnes and Noble or Christianbook.com

Virtual Titanic Cruise, April 17th: Nearly Home

APRIL 17, 1912: 

Friends, it’s nearly impossible to imagine that we are still at sea, but we are. Onboard the Carpathia, many are trying to make sense of the madness, and others (like our own Margaret Brown) are working hard to raise funds to help those in need. Carpathia’s passengers have emptied their pocketbooks. Many who survived the disaster have pledged to give, as well. Of course, most of us have nothing left to give. All we owned went down with the ship. Our funds? Most were in the purser’s office. Our possessions? Most were in our staterooms, or below in cargo. So, we will arrive in New York tomorrow with little but the shirts on our backs and the makeshift clothes sewn by women aboard Carpathia.

We have received word that the White Star Line has now hired the cable-laying vessel Mackay-Bennett to search for bodies from the sinking, but she won’t arrive on-site at the vicinity for a couple more days. I do my best not to think of those dear souls who went down with the ship, not to picture them in my mind, but it is difficult. When I close my eyes I still hear their cries. When I open my eyes, I picture that last image in my mind, of Titanic’s stern rising in the air and her bow tipping into the water. I see her lights going out. I feel the swell in the water as the mammoth boat slipped off into the sea, taking so many lives and dreams with her.

Iris is working hard to help raise funds. You would be so proud of her! And Nathan, though grieving his mother’s loss (and the loss of James Carson) has done all he can to care for me and see me through this fever. I am (physically) much better today, thanks to his great care. Perhaps tomorrow, when we arrive in New York, I can find a place to lay my head. Instead of going to the home of my friend’s grandmother, Nathan insists that Iris and I must go with him to his father’s home. He has offered to bring Jessie and little Annie, as well, but their church family will tend to their needs, no doubt.

We shall see. I only know that America is one night’s sleep away, and for that I’m very grateful.

Virtual Titanic Cruise, April 16th: The Morning After

APRIL 16th, 1912: 

It still feels like a dream, and yet I am convinced there is no waking up.

We are aboard the Carpathia, headed to New York. The Captain has done all he can to provide for us. Soup and hot drinks were offered from the moment we arrived onboard. Pursers and some stewards took our names and situated us in whatever rooms they could find. We’ve been offered officer’s cabins, as well as the library and smoking rooms.The ship’s doctor turned each dining room into a hospital. Many are wounded or ill, as you might imagine. I have been feverish, but will recover. It will take some time, the doctor tells me, before my body will stop shaking. Still, I am alive, and so is Nathan. He mourns for his mother, and for James, and has so many unanswered questions. Perhaps, when we arrive in New York, he will get the answers he needs. Until then, he puts on a brave front, caring for me with great tenderness and sweeping Jessie, Annie and Iris under his wing, as well.

We will be at sea for two more days, arriving in New York on the 18th. What awaits us there, I cannot say. I only know that we are alive. Our hearts are heavy, but we are alive.

Virtual Titanic Cruise, April 15th: A Night to Remember

MONDAY, APRIL 15th, 1912/ABOARD THE CARPATHIA

Oh, friends! Is it possible? Is it really true? Did last night’s events really take place, or were they a horrible nightmare, one from which we haven’t awakened?

When my eyes opened this morning, the memories flooded over me. Even in my feverish state, I could not deny the obvious: Titanic is no more. The Ocean’s Queen has breathed her last. We are now onboard Carpathia—blessed, merciful Carpathia—steaming our way toward New York, where I plan to put my feet on solid ground once and for all.

How many have gone down with the ship, I could not say. Many are speculating hundreds. Others have guessed far higher numbers. I pray they are wrong. I felt sure most in my company had been spared, but learned this morning that Nathan’s mother, Mrs. Patterson, has not been found. And the man Nathan only recently learned was his father. . .Mr. Carson? Gone, as well.

Our precious captain, Edward Smith, went down with the ship, as did many more of her crew. The haunting memory of “Nearer my God to Thee” awakened me this morning. I could not get the melody out of my head. Perhaps I never will.

For those who have lost loved ones, we must be brave. Already Mrs. Margaret Brown is arranging a fundraiser to help those poor families in need. She has asked for my help, but insists that I must not participate until I am feeling well enough. As I think about what we could do to help these poor souls, I’m reminded of the talent show we had planned for this very day. Perhaps, when we reach New York, we could arrange a benefit concert. Those of us who are still willing could perform, and all with one goal in mind: to raise funds. Please pray about it and let me know if you can participate. I will certainly understand if you choose not to.

Friends, a list of survivors is being circulated around Carpathia. The authorities in New York have asked for it upon our arrival. (You will find the list at the top of this page.) Please sign it, if you will and make note of others in your party who are missing or presumed dead.

We must be strong. For the sake of our children, in particular, we must keep going. Somehow, in spite of it all, we must put one foot in front of the other, and sing, as we did in church just yesterday morning:

 

O God, our help in ages past,

Our hope for years to come,

Our shelter from the stormy blast,

And our eternal home.

 

Under the shadow of Thy throne

Still may we dwell secure;

Sufficient is Thine arm alone,

And our defense is sure.

 

Before the hills in order stood,

Or earth received her frame,

?From everlasting Thou art God,

To endless years the same.

 

O God, our help in ages past,

Our hope for years to come,

Be Thou our God while life shall last,

And our eternal home.

To all who lost their lives on the morning of April 15th, 1912, we pay tribute. Too all who worked tirelessly to see the survivors to safety, we say thank you. And to our precious “captain” Cathy Peeling, who is still recovering in the hospital. . .our prayers are with you. 

 

Virtual Titanic Cruise, April 14th: A Life-Changing Day

APRIL 14th, 1912/MORNING POST

Happy Sunday, friends, (and yes, it’s really Sunday here in 1912).

Let me start by apologizing for my somber post last night. I haven’t yet made up my mind about attending this morning’s service, though my new friend Jessie has encouraged me to do so. Perhaps. I will allow my heart to direct me, one way or the other.

In the meantime, let me address some concerns that have traveled my way. In the wireless shack Jack Phillips and Harold Bride are working hard to send the telegrams that have piled up since the wireless broke down last night. They worked through the night and only just got the wireless fixed at five this morning. It is operational, but the backlog will take awhile to get through.

We know that many of you, particularly those in first class, are anxious to get word to your constituents on the mainland so that they won’t be kept waiting on the dock if/when we arrive early. Please do not fret. Taking care of your needs is our priority. Our wireless operators will remain focused on sending your messages, even if it means working longer hours.

Speaking of messages, many of you have written me personal notes to let me know that you are praying for me. I would like to express my gratitude for those prayers. I will remember you all fondly when this cruise comes to an end. What loving, caring people you are!

I wish to thank our wonderful captain, who has done all he can to put our welfare first. Over the past few days he has received numerous reports of ice in the Atlantic. This is not at all unusual at this time of year, of course. And, as I mentioned in an earlier post, he has moved our ship to a more southerly route. Captain Smith continues to move forward with great caution and the lookouts are perched and ready. Caution rules the day. I hope that brings you some comfort.

In the meantime, stay warm! Please have a relaxing day at sea about our floating palace, the mighty Titanic.

APRIL 14th, 1912/AFTERNOON POST

Friends! Oh my, what news I have to report. I can scarcely believe it, myself.

Perhaps it would be best to share the story as it happened. As many of you know, I had not yet made up my mind about attending this morning’s service.  I found myself standing outside the First Class Dining Saloon as the people inside sang an unfamiliar hymn. The words pricked my heart. When I heard the words, “God, our help in ages past,? our hope for years to come,? Our shelter from the stormy blast,? and our eternal home,” something about the words “eternal home” pierced my very soul. I thought about my home back in Glouchestershire County, and the pain I have endured at the hands of my father. Then my thoughts shifted to the home I will one day have in America. Neither seemed real or lasting. But as I listened to the song, I felt a stirring in my soul, something that spoke of another home, one I’ve not yet visited.

When they sang the next verse: “Under the shadow of Thy throne?, still may we dwell secure;? Sufficient is Thine arm alone,?and our defense is sure” my heart came alive. The very idea that I could feel secure caused joy, like a warm blanket, to wrap me in its cocoon. When I closed my eyes, I could almost picture God’s arm—like the song said—wrapping around me. Would he truly defend me? Protect me?

My new friend Jessie says she wants to talk to me more about all of this. We are going to meet on the deck after lunch. Perhaps I can learn what it means. In the meantime, I can only say that I feel a new sense of peace and assurance. And hope. I have great hope for the first time in years. Perhaps ever!

One final reminder, my friends: Instead of posting a note this evening, please meet with me in the Café Parisien (i.e. Queen of the Waves Instant Messenger) at 9:00 central time. All classes are welcome to attend for this special gathering. Our menu will include oysters, salmon, roast duckling, sirloin of beef, pate de foie gras, peaches in Chartreuse jelly and chocolate and vanilla éclairs. Luigi promises to offer us his best service! We shall meet, eat, and then see where the evening takes us. Perhaps I will have more to share about the things God is stirring in my heart. I hope so.

Until tonight, my friends. Until tonight. See you at 9:00 p.m.!