Joy Neal Kidney's Blog, page 18

Treadle Sewing Machines

Leora Goff attended Mrs. Connrardy Sewing School in Exira, Iowa, in 1910, hiring out to sew for local families almost four years before she married Clabe Wilson. She made her own wedding gown. Leora’s mother, Laura Goff, likely owned a Singer treadle sewing machine. The treadle is the part at the bottom powered by rocking it back and forth by foot. It spins a flywheel which is connected to the hand wheel at the upper right by a belt. 

Model 27 Singer, Wikipedia

Leora Wilson had half a dozen children before she bought her own Singer sewing machine, driving a horse and wagon to town to get it after the postman sent a note that her package was too large to bring on the rural route. She kept the treadle busy with new clothes and making repairs.

The machine traveled with them from house to house during the Great Depression, even hiding items their pet squirrel Rusty squirreled away. Did her machine travel all the way to Guthrie Center after WWII? I don’t remember it. But Grandma Leora patched regularly at the Guthrie County Hospital with her Rebekahs group. She was the only one by then who knew how to use their treadle machine.

Right after the war, Dad rented a farm between Redfield and Dexter. Mom enjoyed sewing on a treadle machine for her daughters. I still have a pinafore she made one of us. Pinafore. What a winsome word. This one has lambs outlined with a chain stitch standing in a field of lazy daisy stitch flowers. Mom did the embroidery as well. The fabric has been starched and ironed, maybe with a sadiron. I remember when we got electricity at that house because Mom got an iron that had a cord, about 1950.

The back of the pinafore is open, with a generous bow. It was to be worn over a dress. Little girls in those days always wore dresses. Oh, I wish I had a photo with one of us wearing a pinafore!

I started out on a treadle sewing machine, but when you’re in 4-H, any project entered in the county fair would be judged. That meant that the tension between the upper thread and lower thread had to be perfect so the stitches themselves would be even. They weren’t, and Mom had trouble adjusting the tension. That led to her first electric sewing machine, a White, sold by Sears.

We have an old sewing machine case, without the machine, just because.

Charity’s Fire by Craig Matthews, Launch Day! The Perfect Storm meets The Screwtape Letters

For the two couples on the boat it felt like a vacation. It looked like a vacation. Heck, it even smelled like a vacation- but it was an elaborate trap.

To tip the scales in an ancient war, the plan demanded that at least one of the humans be sacrificed. If successful, this operation would reach through time, alter children, and alienate grandchildren-forever. They were betting everything to change the unrealized destiny of this family- by destroying their hope.

Is destruction, chaos, hatred, and hopelessness always the byproduct of the fog of war? The enemy is counting on it. When worlds collide, surviving the havoc depends on connection, guidance, resilience, and adaptability. Is it too late to wake up and change once the battle is underway?

The fate of millions depends on the answer.

The Perfect Storm Meets The Screwtape Letters

My thoughts: Two couples enjoy an outing on a boat, when they encounter a ferocious storm. But it’s much more than a storm. Unseen entities are at war over the humans, who encounter such devastation. Not only that, but other humans plot their own mayhem. All of these collide on an island in a terrifying story ending with a portentous scene. That eleven second countdown! Charity’s Fire is full of caution, but also hope. 

Craig Matthews

Craig Matthews is: A son of two parents. Sibling to three. Husband to one. Father of three. Grandfather of seven. Author of four books. Herder of nine chickens and a barn cat named Moo. One creative soul.

Craig Matthews loves: Jesus. Connie. Six kids. Seven grandkids. His big family. A good story. People in general. Pizza in particular. Nature. History. Adventure of all kinds. Sunsets. Detroit sports teams. Living at the end of a dead end road. Islands. Laughter, and a particular historical document dated 9-17-1787.

Please check out Craig’s website.

His Immigrant Patriot was my favorite book from 2003!

Charity’s Fire by Craig Matthews, Launch Day!

For the two couples on the boat it felt like a vacation. It looked like a vacation. Heck, it even smelled like a vacation- but it was an elaborate trap.

To tip the scales in an ancient war, the plan demanded that at least one of the humans be sacrificed. If successful, this operation would reach through time, alter children, and alienate grandchildren-forever. They were betting everything to change the unrealized destiny of this family- by destroying their hope.

Is destruction, chaos, hatred, and hopelessness always the byproduct of the fog of war? The enemy is counting on it. When worlds collide, surviving the havoc depends on connection, guidance, resilience, and adaptability. Is it too late to wake up and change once the battle is underway?

The fate of millions depends on the answer.

The Perfect Storm Meets The Screwtape Letters

My thoughts: Two couples enjoy an outing on a boat, when they encounter a ferocious storm. But it’s much more than a storm. Unseen entities are at war over the humans, who encounter such devastation. Not only that, but other humans plot their own mayhem. All of these collide on an island in a terrifying story ending with a portentous scene. That eleven second countdown! Charity’s Fire is full of caution, but also hope. 

Craig Matthews

Craig Matthews is: A son of two parents. Sibling to three. Husband to one. Father of three. Grandfather of seven. Author of four books. Herder of nine chickens and a barn cat named Moo. One creative soul.

Craig Matthews loves: Jesus. Connie. Six kids. Seven grandkids. His big family. A good story. People in general. Pizza in particular. Nature. History. Adventure of all kinds. Sunsets. Detroit sports teams. Living at the end of a dead end road. Islands. Laughter, and a particular historical document dated 9-17-1787.

Please check out Craig’s website.

His Immigrant Patriot was my favorite book from 2003!

A Poignant Review of Leora’s Letters by Lauren Scott

Lauren Scott’s poignant review of Leora’s Letters

“As I began reading Leora’s Letters, the story of The Wilson Family by Joy Neal Kidney, it didn’t take me long to feel moved by the love, faith, and perseverance in this remarkable family. The tale begins with Leora and Clabe who were farmers in Perry, Iowa during WWII, but their story unfolded when one by one, their five sons enlisted, wanting to serve their country. During this period, the family stayed in touch by old fashioned letter writing initiated by Leora, and I felt honored to read the letters that were evidence of their solid family connection. But the intense silence was palpable during the times when Leora and Clabe waited for their sons to reply. I can only imagine the emotional turmoil.

“The letters also reminded me of my parents’ story that commenced during WWII. They were engaged in 1942, then my dad was sent overseas. Handwritten letters were the glue that kept them connected for three years before Dad was honorably discharged in 1945. They were married soon after he arrived home. Theirs was a love that was everlasting, and February 24, 2012 would have been their sixty-seventh anniversary, but mom passed away on February 2nd. However, if not for the letters floating back and forth, their story may not have been written. So, there is something exceptional to be noted about old fashioned letter writing, but unfortunately, this intimate gesture has faded with conveniences of technology.

“Leora’s Letters may be a personal diary of The Wilson’s, but it also serves as history, reminding us that those who sacrificed their lives in war should not be forgotten. I knew the premise before I started the book, but I wasn’t aware of the details. As I continued from one chapter to the next, I sensed a dreadful anticipation. As a parent, I can’t fathom how Leora and Clabe felt, not knowing the whereabouts or wellbeing of their sons. I became teary-eyed as the story progressed, and at one point, I considered putting the book down for good. The heartache was overwhelming. Though the sorrow never subsided, I’m glad that I made it to the end.

“Joy is the daughter of Doris Wilson Neal and the oldest granddaughter of Leora and Clabe’s. She is the keeper of her family’s history, so through intensive research, she beautifully crafted this book with the help of Robin Grunder. I commend Joy and Robin for such a well written and moving account. And I am still moved by Leora’s strength and courage to greet each new day for decades later despite the magnitude of loss she endured. I highly recommend this book because it profoundly touches on love, family, resilience, faith, loss, and the desire to move forward.”

Lauren Scott

Lauren Scott is a poet and writer of short stories, both fiction and reflections of her life. She enjoys small-town living in Northern California with her husband, Matthew, and their lab, Copper; they have two grown children. She has authored two collections of poetry: New Day, New Dreams (2013) and Finding a Balance (2015). In 2021, she released her memoir, More than Coffee, and her latest book is a poetry collection, Ever So Gently, that was released in July 2023.

Her poetry has been published on Spillwords Press, and she was voted author of the Month for May 2023. Lauren is a contributing author in the anthologies, Poetry Treasures 2: Relationships (2022) and This is How We Grow (2023). She has recently finished her first children’s book and is working with her illustrator, planning to publish in early 2024. Her writing inspiration comes from love of family, spending time in the great outdoors, and finding joy in the simple things. She hopes her readers will find a little nugget of delight, comfort, or understanding in her poetry and stories – some detail that resonates with them beyond her words.

Please check out Lauren’s website and her Amazon Author Page. Here is my post about Ever So Gently.

Father to the Fatherless, a Sculpture by Jake Griggs

What a beautiful sculpture and compelling words. 

Father to the Fatherless – by Jake Griggs

I created this sculpture 15 years ago during a challenging time in my life. I was broken, depressed, and lost in the direction of my life’s path. Growing up without a father left deep emotional wounds that impacted me greatly. However, realizing that God is “Father to the Fatherless” transformed my perspective and healed my heart.

Even though this sculpture may not be my best work, it serves as a powerful reminder of God’s kindness and love for his people. We all carry stories of brokenness, but it’s how we choose to respond that defines us. Our past does not have to dictate our future; it can either enslave us or empower us to become something beautiful.

Embracing the love of God allows us to move forward with hope and confidence in a destiny filled with abundant life. Remember, your broken past does not determine your worth or potential. Trust in God’s love and walk confidently towards the bright future He has in store for you.

Please take a look at his website: Griggs Sculpting: Sculpting with Purpose & Passion

Bosnian Pirijan

Bosnian Pirijan 

1/3 cup rice
8 potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
1 medium chicken, cut into serving pieces (or 1 1/2 lbs. cut-up chicken)
3 tablespoons Vegeta(see below)
1/4 cup cooking oil
3 cups water, approximately

In a large baking pan, layer the uncooked rice, potato chunks, and chicken. Sprinkle with Vegeta, then the oil. Add water (or chicken broth) to nearly cover the potatoes. Bake uncovered at 400 degrees F. for 15 to 20 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 degrees and back about an hour longer. 

Note: A European market is likely to have Vegeta. It’s also for sale online.

This recipe is adapted from a succulent meal I enjoyed in Bosnia in 2001. A few years earlier, my husband and I became volunteer English as a Second Language teachers at our church. One young family, who’d come to Iowa as refugees of their war, eventually invited me to visit their homes in Bosnia with them, so I did. Both rural homes they’d grown up in had incurred damage during the war, one of them destroyed. Homes did have electricity but you couldn’t count on it, so houses still had wood-burning stoves as well. 

The pirijan I enjoyed in Bosnia, cooked in the oven of a wood-burning stove, was more scrumptious than what I made here at home. It may have been that old-fashioned stove. 

My dad would have been surprised to learn I’d been raking hay by hand with Asima’s family, just up the hill from their home. 2001, near Skokovi, BiH 

The Lawman: Broken People – from the case files of Sheriff Will Diaz (ret.), A story of Redemption

The Lawman: Broken People by William R. Ablan (aka Richard Muniz)

What a powerful story, with a rich community of compelling characters, set in southern Colorado.

Town marshal Pam Harmon is wounded during a law enforcement operation at a drug house. The chaos triggers this former Marine MP, a widow with a small son, into a crisis. She doesn’t want to wade through a major trauma from the past and is ready to give up. Pam is confronted by her friends, including Detective Will Diaz’s wife Jewell (who is a counselor) who help her begin the process of healing. Broken People is about PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and the need to work through it.

It’s also about policework, bad choices, family dynamics, and second chances. I was drawn into the Diaz family and their community. At the end of the book is a list of PTSD resources.

Broken People is the third novel in the author’s The Lawman Series. This one may be read alone, but you’ll want to read the others as well. You’ll appreciate Detective Diaz’s delightful family unit, along with his thought processes as he handles difficult characters and situations as a follower of Christ. Someone should make a movie of this one.

Here is a recent blog post about how this book came about.

About the Author

Will Ablan, AKA Richard Muniz, is a native of the San Luis Valley in Southern Colorado. Raised a cowboy, his sights were set on distant horizons. Light years away in fact. He studied Astronomy at Adams State University, and in his senior year, began to suspect he was taking a degree in something he couldn’t get a job in.

It was a suspicion that would prove correct. After graduating, and not finding a job, he began looking elsewhere. He had a gained some Law Enforcement experience working with the Campus Police force, and so began applying and test for local departments. He figured it would be a cold day in Hell before they hired him.

Events would prove he was totally mistaken in that, and he ended up working as a Law Enforcement officer for over twenty years. Somewhere in the middle of all this, events would dictate that he step out of his comfort zone, and he enlisted in the United States Army as a Military Policeman. His experience as a civilian police officer proved invaluable to him in the Army as he worked undercover narcotics, plain clothes investigations, and VIP security. During this he deployed to the Persian Gulf for the Gulf War.

After the Gulf War, he worked Emergency Management in the San Luis Valley.

Eventually he moved into the Information Technology field, and has worked in it for the past twenty years. He’s considered an expert in VMware, Security, and Auditing, and has written extensively on those subjects.

He and his wife currently reside in Greeley, Colorado.

Policework is where good and evil meet. – William Ablan/Richard Muniz

President Roosevelt’s Prayer on D-Day

From the Truman Library Institute

On D-Day, June 6, 1944, President Franklin Roosevelt delivered a prayer to the nation at 9:57PM ET. It would last 6 minutes long, and be heard by over 100 million Americans—and millions more in Europe. Written with help from his daughter and his daughter’s husband, it was the largest mass prayer in American (and world) history.

Here is a ten-minute story about FDR’s prayer.

My Birth is on Page 223

Turns out birthdays are actually good for your health — the more birthdays you have the longer you live. – Andrew Reynolds

First in a series of four baby pictures

I was born during World War II, two days before D-Day in Dexter, Iowa, to an Army pilot (Warren) who’d married an Iowa waitress (Doris). The hospital was just east of the Presbyterian Church where my folks were married a year earlier. The church bells rang the Sunday morning I was born.

Dad, an instructor in the Army Air Force, arrived in Iowa from Marfa Army Air Base, Texas, in time for my birth, but then had to get back to teach the next class of advanced cadets. They wrote precious letters to one another because my new mother and I stayed with her folks near Minburn until Dad could return to take us to Texas.

From the Redfield Review, June 8, 1944, Dexter section: Congratulations – Kenneth Neal (Dad’s dad), that energetic and enthusiastic Farm Bureau Director from Union township, stopped in at the office last Thursday looking vastly different than ever before. His chest protruding very visibly and his spirits were exceptionally good. It all summed up to one thing – Kenneth is a grandpa, and his little granddaughter is tops. Incidentally, the office force presented grandpa Kenneth with a walking cane and a mirror.

I am the oldest grandchild on the Neal side.

Doris wrote Warren on June 9, “It is just about time for Joy to come in. I sure do love her and if I had died, it would still be worth it. . . . I just look and look at her when she gets her tummy full and I can’t realize she’s really so cute and perfect and ours.”

By the fourth photo, I was gettin’ mighty tired of the whole thing.

In those days, mothers stayed in the hospital ten days with their newborns. She wrote again June 11: “A baby is crying now and I am wondering if it is our little bit of Joy. Hon, Kenneth got her the cutest little gold locket. Having a baby is so much better than Christmas.”

A picture of the baby locket is at the end of this blog post.

My first note from my Daddy is dated June 25, 1944, Marfa: “My Darling Little Bitty Hon, . . . Has anyone gotten you a dolly yet? If no one has, I’ll get you a little dolly. Sure will be glad when you and Mommy get down here with me. If Mommy won’t give you nickels to buy ice cream cones, you just come down and live with me and we’ll have ice cream cones galore.”

Only because of the war, hundreds of family letters were saved. At this point, Mom’s brother Dale Wilson was Missing in Action. He was the first person she wrote that she was expecting a baby boy in the spring. That small V-Mail letter was returned unopened, marked “Missing.” While transcribing the letters around 1990, that “baby boy” born June 4, 1944, was the first person to unseal that precious note.

My birth is also recorded on page 223 of Leora’s Letters: The Story of Love and Loss for an Iowa Family During World War II.

#aginggratefully #notgivingup

The Three Rs: Restoration, Reconciliation, Redemption

Fiction, nonfiction, even an unusual devotional. These books deal with gritty and real human dilemmas, and are written by humble and approachable authors.

The Lawman: Broken People by William R. Ablan (aka Richard Muniz)

This is his new one, just out June 6: What starts as a routine Law Enforcement Operation, goes tragically south when Pam Harmon is wounded. She is a town marshal, former MP in the Marines, a widow with a small son. The incident thrusts her into facing demons from her past, demons she never wanted to face. Now it’s up to her friends and Detective Will Diaz’s wife, Jewell (who is a counselor), to save her before it’s too late. Broken People is about PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and the need to work through it.

Broken People is the third in the author’s The Lawman Series. You’ll want to read the other books because of Will Diaz, the Lawman himself, but also the other compelling characters, including one called Zorro.

—–

A Bright and Blinding Sun by Marcus Brotherton

What a powerful story, masterfully woven, about a too-young soldier who ended up in the Philippines nine months before WWII arrived. Joe spent five months fighting the Japanese on Bataan and Corregidor, 3 1/2 gruesome years as a POW. Bookending this important part of history is Joe’s relationship with a too-young prostitute, whom he manages to rescue, and how Joe eventually recognizes God’s work even during devastating months. A compelling redemption story.I’ve been a fan of several of Marcus Brotherton’s books for a long time. Another memorable one is Blaze of Light, about Green Beret Medic and Medal of Honor Recipient Gary Beikirch. Here is Marcus Brotherton’s Amazon Author Page.—–Cameron Lost by Craig Matthews Craig Matthews’ newest book, Charity’s Fire, won’t be out in time for Father’s Day (launch date is June 20), but if you haven’t read his Cameron Lost, I highly recommend it. Cameron does something unspeakable to his family, knowing it can never be forgiven–by God, by anyone. His journey through his misery takes him on a real one, hiking and hiding, taking the reader on a journey through Michigan’s rich Upper Peninsula vistas in while sharing in his losses and terrible choices and misery to eventual redemption.Please also have a look at this author’s other books.—–Into the Room by Steve Rogers

This is Steve’s first book, an award winner, with more on the way! Can a journey across the Holy Land redeem a reluctant pilgrim?

Ben Cahill’s life is an alcohol-saturated mess. After an insincere effort in a rehab facility, he is alienated from his family, out of work, and determined to continue his habit. To make matters worse, he finds himself on a tour of Israel, along with, as he calls them, a bunch of Holy Rollers.

As the trip progresses, Ben experiences the Holy Land’s major historical sites and is exposed to God’s word. He interacts with his fellow travelers, gradually learning about their faith and their lives. Along the way, Ben becomes embroiled in a spiritual war, reinforcing his guilt and, in turn, forcing him to recall his past actions and behaviors. He also begins a different journey, one that leads him to redemption and a place in God’s family.

Steve’s Amazon Author Page.—–

Jesus is All We Need by Jason Sautel

Jesus is All We Need is an honest devotional through the eyes of a former firefighter. Jason Sautel’s stories are a beacon of light for believers and seekers alike. With his own humble and relatable style, he shares his own missteps and foibles, but also what the Lord has done in his life. His dogs, Daisy Mae and Gronk, show up in one of these priceless devotions.

High school dropout Jason Sautel is an unlikely author, but his autobiography, The Rescuer: One Firefighter’s Story of Courage, Darkness, and the Relentless Love That Saved Him, is such a powerful one. Please have a look at both of his books.