Ellen Gable's Blog, page 82
September 12, 2013
Blessed, Beautiful and Bodacious Review
In a world that promotes feminism and the “my body, my choice” mantra, Pat Gohn offers us true feminism in her new book, Blessed Beautiful and Bodacious: Celebrating the Gift of Catholic Womanhood. There’s much to relate to in this beautifully written book on the dignity of women. Pat Gohn uses personal experiences, quotes from saints and encyclicals as well as her own wisdom to help women see their unique beauty and dignity.
The book is separated into three different sections: “The Blessed Dignity of Women,” “The Beautiful Gifts of Women” and “The Bodacious Mission of Women” and includes extensive “Suggested Reading and Resources.” One of my favorite chapters is “Entrusting Your Maternity to Eternity” which is full of quotes from Blessed John Paul II. The author writes about the importance of both physical and spiritual motherhood. The entire book is an inspiring read.
And who can resist a book with a title like this? Highly recommend!
Want to win a free autographed copy of this wonderful book? Leave a comment below (before Friday, September 20th) and tell me why you’d like to win “Blessed Beautiful and Bodacious!”
Copyright 2013 Ellen Gable Hrkach
September 7, 2013
Sunday Snippets – September 7
Image copyright Ellen Gable Hrkach
The weekend brings Catholic bloggers together at RAnn’s Place for Sunday Snippets, where we share posts from the previous week and answer a question about the faith.This week: What is your favorite memorized prayer? My answer: the Hail Mary. Not only is this a powerful prayer for intercession, I have also used this prayer in desperate times and the response is usually instantaneous.
Today is my No. 2 son’s birthday! Hard to believe he’s 24!
Copyright 2013 Ellen Gable Hrkach
September 6, 2013
7 Quick Takes Friday – Volume 87
Please join me and other Catholic bloggers over at Conversion Diary for 7 Quick Takes Friday.
1. Hummingbirds
Hummingbirds play an interesting role in my upcoming novel, A Subtle Grace (to be released Winter 2013). This is our hummingbird feeder which has gone without notice to the local hummingbirds until yesterday when no less than five hummingbirds came to visit. I wanted to get a picture of the small birds but the camera was nowhere to be found. This morning as I was watching my boys get on the bus, another cute little hummingbird came for a drink. Again, no camera to be found! 
2. No 2 Son Turns 24 Tomorrow
My No. 2 son turns 24 tomorrow and I’m just wondering where all that time went! He even has his own which is really cool!
3. My “Baby” Just Started High School
Again, where has the time gone? And how did his voice get so deep?
4. The First American Movies
My husband and I watched a cool documentary on Edison’s early films on Turner Classic Movies the other night and I happened to find the clip below on youtube. These very short film clips from 1891-1895 are not the most interesting in terms of what’s going on in them, but considering these were filmed between 1891 and 1895, they really are fascinating. I’m particularly intrigued by this time period since 1896 is A Subtle Grace takes place.
5. Catholic Writers Retreat
Don’t forget the Catholic Writers Retreat taking place next month in Michigan. I wish I could go but it begins on Thanksgiving weekend up here in Canada!
6. Reading Shelf
Everyday Catholic’s Guide to the Liturgy of the Hours - Daria Sockey
A Hero for the People – Arthur Powers
7. Fitness Cartoon
image copyright Full Quiver Publishing
Copyright Ellen Gable Hrkach
September 4, 2013
In Name Only Photo Endorsement
Special thanks to author Patrick Seamus O’Hara for giving my novel,
photo copyright James Hrkach
August 31, 2013
Sunday Snippets – September 1
Image copyright Ellen Gable Hrkach
Join me, along with other Catholic bloggers, at RAnn’s Place for Sunday Snippets where we share posts from the previous week. Contributors are also asked to answer the “Question of the Week.”This week’s question: With which ministries/activities within your parish are you involved? I am a lector at my parish, but my husband and I also teach Natural Family Planning and work on the marriage preparation team for the diocese.
7 Quick Takes Friday – Volume 86
August 30, 2013
7 Quick Takes Friday – Volume 86
Please join me and other Catholic bloggers at Conversion Diary for 7 Quick Takes Friday.
1. It’s Not About the Nail
Brilliant video about men-women relationships/communication:
2. Catholic Writers Retreat
Are you a Catholic writer/author? Check out the Catholic Writers Retreat that will be taking place in October in Michigan.
3. Mary of Nazareth
We had the opportunity to see this trailer (and the movie) at the Catholic Marketing Network Trade Show. Unfortunately, I didn’t actually get to see the movie, but I’m looking forward to seeing it soon. It has endorsements from many well-known Catholics!
4. Jean Heimann
One of the huge advantages of attending the Catholic Writers Conference is the chance to meet online friends. Jean has been a wonderful online friend since 2006 when she kindly reviewed my first book. 
5. Recent Photo
My sister took this photo of me recently on our trip to Margate, NJ. We were stopped at a light lest you think I was posing while I should have been driving! 
6. Reading Shelf
The Haunted Cathedral - Antony Barone Kolenc
Classroom Management for Catechists - Jennifer Fitz
7. After Day 20 Cartoon
Cartoon copyright James and Ellen Hrkach/Full Quiver Publishing Please do not use without permission
copyright 2013 Ellen Gable Hrkach
August 29, 2013
Catholic Writers Retreat
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven….” (Ecclesiastics 3:1)
Come away for a time in the beautiful autumn of Michigan. Do you need time to flesh out a book? Working on a current manuscript that needs to be completed? Do you want to redefine your writing style, expand or find new avenues to express God’s way in your work, or simply need time away to center yourself as a writer?
The Catholic Writers Guild is sponsoring Your Word is my Delight; A Catholic Writers Retreat, October 13-17, 2013 at St. Francis Retreat Center in DeWitt, Michigan. Because of a generous grant from a private donor, we are able to offer our retreat at half the price of most writing retreats–$450 includes food and lodging for five days in a modern facility.
This retreat offers you time to write…a lot of time. Your days are open for you to do as you wish. You can walk the 95 acre site, write in the privacy of your room, go to Reconciliation and attend daily Mass and Adoration. There is a library on-site for research, and a daily speaker on the topic of content evangelization. There will also be an opportunity for you to schedule an appointment to pitch your book with Lansing-based publisher, FAITH Catholic.
It is a season for drawing dawn into the autumn of the year, to settle into a slower pace and write. Come and find your voice.
For more information, click here.
August 28, 2013
In Name Only, Stealing Jenny Photo Endorsements
Special thanks to Laura Pearl, author of “Finding Grace,” for giving this photo endorsement of my books,
August 24, 2013
Sunday Snippets – August 24
Image copyright Ellen Gable Hrkach
Join me and other Catholic bloggers at RAnn’s Place for Sunday Snippets where we share posts from the previous week. RAnn has just started asking a question each week and this week is: “What is your favorite hymn that you hear/sing at Mass?”My favorite hymn is “O God Beyond All Praising.”
Here are my posts:
7 Quick Takes Friday – Volume 85
Emily’s Hope and Stealing Jenny Photo Endorsement (thanks to Erin McCole Cupp)
For more Snippets, click on the link to RAnn’s place above.
August 23, 2013
7 Quick Takes Friday – Volume 85
Friday is here again (where did the week go?) and it’s time for 7 Quick Takes. Check out more fun Quick Takes at Conversion Diary.
1. Memorable Moments from the Catholic Writers Conference Live
Check out my recent post at the CWG Blog entitled “Memorable Moments from the CWCL.”
Treasurer and Conference Coordinator Ann Lewis and myself at the CWCL
2. Don’t You Forget About Me by Erin McCole Cupp
Final edits and preparations to publish Erin McCole Cupp’s upcoming novel, Don’t You Forget About Me, are happening as we speak. Erin passed out free tomato pie at the Catholic Writers Conference (and I must say, it was very scrumptious…I actually prefer it to pizza…although I usually stay away from wheat.)
3. Successful Kindle Marketing for the 21st Century Author
My presentation on “Successful Kindle Marketing” went well and the attendees even participated in a game called “Snowstorm” (second photo below).
4. We’ll Be Warm This Winter
Just received our yearly delivery of logs for the winter.
5. Our “Pope” Picture
At the Catholic Writers Conference/CMN Trade Show a few weeks ago, we posed with the best cardboard cut out of the Holy Father that I’ve ever seen. Even standing in front of this double of the Pope, and knowing it was merely a cardboard cut out, we were amazed at how lifelike it was!
copyright James Hrkach
6. Reading Shelf
A Body in Prayer – Neil Combs
Finding Grace - Laura Pearl
7. Be Fruitful, Multiply (Classic Cartoon)
Image copyright James and Ellen Hrkach (Please do not use without permission)
Cartoon copyright James and Ellen Hrkach/Full Quiver Publishing
Text copyright Ellen Gable Hrkach
