Ruth O'Neil's Blog, page 25

Southern Fried Sushi

Book Club Monday
Starting today, every second Wednesday of the month will be Book Club Wednesday. I belong to a book club at my church and read a lot of really good books that I want to share with you. Reading is relaxing. It takes you to another world, if you’re looking to escape the one you’re in.  Reading is also educational, even for us adults. I can’t tell you the number of things I learn just from reading books. We read a lot of Christian fiction so that is what most of the Book Club blogs will focus on. The first Book Club book to be on the blog is Southern Fried Sushi by Jennifer Rogers Spinola. I have to admit, I started this one I had to stop and read a review book. The plots started out very similar and I thought I was going to surely get them mixed up. But after finishing them both I didn’t. While there were a couple of things I wish Spinola had researched a little more for accuracy, I am probably just being picky. No one else may notice. Here is a summary of the book from Amazon – “Ride the rollercoaster of Shiloh Jacobs’s life as her dreams derail, sending her on a downward spiral from the heights of an AP job in Tokyo to penniless in rural Virginia. Trapped in a world so foreign to her sensibilities and surrounded by a quirky group of friends, will she break through her hardened prejudices before she loses those who want to help her? Can she find the key to what changed her estranged mother’s life so powerfully before her death that she became a different woman—and can it help Shiloh too?”
 I did really enjoy the book. I especially enjoy the fact that God was throughout the book and not just plopped in in places so it could be categorized as Christian fiction. This is a great summer read if you’re looking for something with a little bit of meat, but not so deep that it hurts your brain.
 Click on the link below to purchase directly from Amazon.




 

The Purple Party

Flashback Friday   Adding to the lazy, hazy days of my childhood summers was my brother’s birthday. This post is in honor of him as he celebrates yet another birthday this month. I know that during Bible times purple was the color of royalty, but I don’t think there was anything royal about my brother’s birthday party one year. Usually kids’ birthday parties have a theme, however, it isn’t often that the theme of a boy’s party is the color purple.  But that is just what happened one year for Billy.  There was purple Kool-Aid and purple ice cream. Mom thought that black raspberry ice cream was a good idea.  It was very tasty and very purple!Most of Billy’s friend from the neighborhood came.  There was Greg, who when I was about eight years old, had a crush on.  I did my best to get his attention.  I wore my “Hug a kid today” and “Loveable” t-shirts, hoping he would do as the t-shirts told him to.  He paid me attention all right.  He would tie my pigtails in knots! Another of Billy’s guests was Matt.  Matt had many amazing talents.  It was during that purple party when Matt was showing off one of his more impressive talents; shoving his whole fist in his mouth.  His prominent buckteeth allowed more room for more of his hand.  He was proud of the fact that he could fit his hand all the way up to his wrist!  When food was being served in our house, he always seemed to show up and hope there was extra for him.  I guess that’s one of the setbacks of having a mother who is a good cook.  Mom used to joke about the fact that every time she cracked ice cubes for her iced tea, Matt would show up in about two minutes.  Apparently, Matt being able to shove his fist in his mouth was humorous to the other boys because one of them started laughing so hard he laughed his purple Kool-Aid right out of his nose, adding purple snot to the party decorations. 
After the purple snot, Mom sent everyone outside so she could clean up the mess before Billy opened his presents.  While the boys were outside, they all decided it was time for Billy’s birthday spanking.  He was not a willing participant at all.  While one of the boys went across the street to get a board from the dilapidated barn to use as a paddle, the other boys chased Billy, caught him and held him down.While most of the boys held Billy on the ground, the others took turns spanking.  I don’t remember exactly how old he was that year, but I do remember the boys weren’t all that nice about the spanking.  Who needs enemies with friends like that?  Billy survived that party and many others to come. I hope this year’s birthday can be just as memorable.
  

Victory Song

Victory Song is available for the next three days on Amazon for FREE! Who doesn’t like free? Here are a few reviews I wanted to share with you. You will also find the first chapter below. Feel free to read and be enticed to read the rest of the book.

For those who are worried, it is neither pro-north or pro-south. It is just a story of young boys leaving on what they think is an adventure when in reality they are leaving behind childhood for manhood.
Enjoy!
"Victory Song" is a wonderfully researched historical novel that brings the Civil War to life. It focuses on the thoughts and feelings of a group of enlisted boys, dealing with their hopes, prejudices and fears.

The main character, Andy Richardson, enlists in the military (against his parents' wishes) to get away from the farm. Andy leaves as a selfish and self-centered teen and over the next few years, he grown into a man that has grown physically, mentally and spiritually.


Victory Songis a wonderfully researched historical novel that brings the Civil War to life. It focuses on the thoughts and feelings of a group of enlisted boys, dealing with their hopes, prejudices and fears.
The main character, Andy Richardson, enlists in the military (against his parents' wishes) to get away from the farm. Andy leaves as a selfish and self-centered teen and over the next few years, he grown into a man that has grown physically, mentally and spiritually.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the way that Mrs. Doner pulls the reader into the story. She focuses on the personal side of war, and creates characters that will stay with you long after you put the book down.

This is a fantastic book that would work well with the older home school student as well as anyone that is interested in historical fiction.
 This was a great little book about the Civil War. The author demonstrated that she had done considerable research on this topic. I enjoyed the story of Andy and his struggles as a Yankee soldier. I live in Georgia and don't know a lot of the southern history (I'm a Yankee born and bred!). However, I recognized a lot of the sites mentioned in this book. I live in a town full of historical markers for various points during the war. It helped me to appreciate a different side of the story from the...moreThis was a great little book about the Civil War. The author demonstrated that she had done considerable research on this topic. I enjoyed the story of Andy and his struggles as a Yankee soldier. I live in Georgia and don't know a lot of the southern history (I'm a Yankee born and bred!). However, I recognized a lot of the sites mentioned in this book. I live in a town full of historical markers for various points during the war. It helped me to appreciate a different side of the story from the reading of this book  

My daughter and I were at the Trinity re-enactment in May and met you. We both bought your book Victory Song. I finished it and wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed it. Well, I honestly couldn’t put it down once I started reading. It was easy to follow and I found myself believing I was right there in the field with those soldiers. This is about the best Civil War book I’ve ever read and finding this book was the best part of being at the re-enactment. 
At 19, Andy Richardson, longed to escape the family farm, its responsibilities, and above-all, the control of his parents and the intricacies of family-relationships. And so, with his father's consent, but not approval, he joined the Union Army and headed off to Syracuse to join the 149th New York Infantry Regiment. He quickly finds that the Army, war, friendships, and faith are not as straight-forward and simple as he had once believed. As the war drags on, Andy rediscovers his faith and grows in his relationships with himself, his fellow soldiers, and his family.

Jeri Doner's knowledge of the Civil War era is remarkable. Her reader is masterfully drawn into the world of the young men who joined the Union and Confederate Armies, promises of adventure fresh in their minds, and the families who prayed daily for their safety. While at times, I felt as though the history pulled the story, Ms. Doner's simple, relaxed writing style and likable characters kept me reading and wanting to learn more.


History masquerading as fiction. And now, the first chapter...  

 

First Wild Card Review - Lock, Stock and Over a Barrel

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!



Today's Wild Card author is:
Melody Carlson
and the book:
Lock, Stock, and Over a Barrel B&H Books (June 1, 2013)
***Special thanks to Laurel Teague for sending me a review copy.***
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Melody Carlson has written around 200 books for teens, women and children. That's a lot of books, but mostly she considers herself a "storyteller." Her books range from serious issues like schizophrenia (Finding Alice) to lighter topics like house-flipping (A Mile in My Flip-Flops) but most of the inspiration behind her fiction comes right out of real life. Her young adult novels (Diary of a Teenage Girl, TrueColors etc.) appeal to teenage girls around the world. Her annual Christmas novellas become more popular each year. She's won a number of awards (including the Rita and Gold Medallion) and some of her books have been optioned for film/TV. Carlson has two grown sons and makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and yellow Lab dog.


Visit the author's website.

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:
With high hopes, Daphne Ballinger lands her dream job at The New York Times. But it's not long until writing about weddings becomes a painful reminder of her own failed romance, and her love of the city slowly sours as well. Is it time to give up the Big Apple for her small hometown of Appleton?

When her eccentric Aunt Dee passes away and leaves a sizeable estate to Daphne, going back home is an easy choice. What isn’t easy is coming to terms with the downright odd clauses written into the will.

Daphne only stands to inherit the estate if she agrees to her aunt's very specific posthumous terms -- personal and professional. And if she fails to comply, the sprawling old Victorian house shall be bequeathed to . . . Aunt Dee’s cats.

And if Daphne thinks that’s odd, wait until she finds out an array of secrets about Aunt Dee's life, and how imperfect circumstances can sometimes lead to God's perfect timing.


Product Details:
List Price: $14.99
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: B&H Books (June 1, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1433679302
ISBN-13: 978-1433679308


AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

When Daphne Ballinger graduated top of her class with her degree in journalism, in the memorable year of 2000, she had promptly moved to the city to launch her illustrious career writing for The New York Times. And why not dream big? Because really, how many grads landed such an impressive job straight out of college?

Her plan had been to work hard and quickly scale the ladder to success. By thirty she would have a corner office with a window overlooking the river as well as an apartment on the west side. By her midthirties, she would have published her first book. But similar to the plans of mice and men, Daphne’s best-laid schemes had gone awry.

She stuffed a worn pair of brown Prada pumps into her Hermès bag (splurges she’d indulged in back when she still believed you should dress for the job/life you wanted). Then she sat down to put on her comfy-yet-unfashionable white sneakers. After tying the first shoe, she sat up straight and looked around the messy apartment.

Daphne knew it was cliché but, on gloomy days like today, it truly did feel like the walls were closing in on her. Most of the time, she could overlook the crowded space. She could walk right past piles of papers and miscellaneous pieces of clothing and empty take-out boxes . . . and not even notice. But this morning, the apartment actually seemed to stink. When was the last time they’d really cleaned this place?

She shared this three-bedroom apartment with Greta and Shelby. And in previous years Greta, the lease owner, had always proclaimed April as spring-cleaning month. But it was already mid-May and no one had lifted a finger. And Greta, obsessed with a new job promotion, hadn’t complained once. Daphne’s gaze skimmed over gritty windows, dingy curtains, dust-covered surfaces, piles of clutter, sun-faded carpet. . . . How had she stayed here so long?

“I can’t promise to be here more than a year,” Daphne had informed Greta Phillips when she first moved to the city right after graduation.

A coworker at The Times had tipped off Daphne about a friend looking for a third roommate for an apartment in Brooklyn. And although the location was lackluster, it was near the subway and the rent was affordable. Besides, it would just be a temporary stop—the bottom rung on her ladder to success—or so she had naively believed.

“And after a year?” Greta had asked Daphne with a single arched brow.

Daphne simply smiled . . . perhaps a bit smugly upon reflection. “Oh, I plan to move into my own place by then.”

“Your own place?” Greta seemed humored by this declaration. “Really?”

“Oh yes. This is just the first step for me.”

“Well, I still need you to sign a one-year lease. After that, we’ll see.”

Daphne had hesitantly signed that “confining” lease, wondering how Greta would react if she was forced to break the contract before the year was up. Although numerous other roommates had come and gone during the next thirteen years, climbing their own ladders to success, Daphne had stayed . . . and stayed . . . and stayed. Remembering the arrogant assumptions of her youth was embarrassing.

“Hey, Daphne,” Shelby called out cheerfully. Shelby was the most recent roommate, less than six months ago she’d moved here straight from her family’s Connecticut home. “I’m heading out early this morning. So you’ll have to put Oliver in the bathroom. Okay?”

Daphne looked over to see Shelby looking sparkly and stylish as she opened a golden shoe box. After tossing the lid, tissue paper, and red shoe bags aside, Shelby extracted a dark-colored shoe with a sole that flashed like a stoplight. Shelby slipped on the first high-heeled pump, pointing her toe to admire the sleek black patent leather. “Classy, huh?”

“Another pair of Louboutins?” Daphne frowned, knowing she probably sounded like somebody’s mother. But really, Shelby couldn’t afford such extravagances.

“Yes. Can you believe it?” Shelby giggled. “I think I’m going to need a twelve-step program before long.”

“Or a raise.”

Shelby waved a hand, hopping on one foot as she tugged on the other shoe. “I’d rather settle for a nice, big diamond.” Shelby was obsessed with Marilyn Monroe, and sometimes Daphne worried that the pretty young woman had seen How to Marry a Millionaire one time too many.

“So how is that working for you?” Daphne knew Shelby had been flirting with her boss’s son for the past several weeks. She also knew the boss’s son had recently divorced his second wife.

Shelby stood up straight, pushing her short, sassy blond hair back into place with a confident-looking grin. “As it turns out, John Junior is taking me to Club 21.”

“21?” Daphne was impressed. The whole time she’d been in New York, she’d only been there once. And here Shelby was going after just a few months. This girl worked fast.

“Yes. I told John Junior that I’d been dying to go there ever since I moved to the city. And we’re going there tonight. Can you believe it?”

“Can you believe it” was Shelby’s favorite expression and sometimes, after hearing it a few dozen times in the course of an evening, Daphne sometimes wanted to gag the girl. “That’s wonderful, Shelby.” She stood and smiled. “I hope you and John Junior have a lovely time.” Did Shelby really call him John Junior—to his face?

“Oh, we will.” Shelby reached for her hot pink umbrella, holding it in front of her like a scepter. “The weatherman predicted showers this morning. So don’t forget your umbrella.”

“I hope the rain doesn’t ruin your pretty new shoes.”

“No worries.” Shelby shrugged. “John Junior is picking me up in his car this morning.”

“He’s driving you into Manhattan at this time of day?”

“No, silly, that would be insane. He’s giving me a ride out to his parents’ home in the Hamptons. John Senior is working at home today, so I’ll be working there too.”

“Oh . . .” Daphne nodded. That explained the new shoes, stylish suit, perfect hair. Shelby was out to impress Mrs. John Senior. “Well, have a good day.”

“Oh, I’m sure I will.” Shelby opened the door to peek out. “There he is now—right on time. You should see his car, Daphne.” She stepped outside, then looked back in. “Don’t forget to put Oliver in the bathroom.”

Daphne went over to the front window, watching as Shelby skipped down the cement stairs in her new shoes, swinging her bright umbrella in time with each step. Sometimes it was as if Shelby were starring in her own movie. She paused midway down the steps, waving to the man who was just getting out of the silver Jaguar in front of their building. From her vantage point, Daphne could see the balding patch on the top of the man’s dark hair, and for some pathetic reason this comforted her.

Still, as she stepped away from her voyeurism, she didn’t wish ill for young Shelby. If John Junior was truly a nice guy, she hoped he would produce a diamond . . . in due time. Daphne hadn’t known Shelby long, but she knew the old-fashioned girl dreamed of a big white wedding and a houseful of kids. It was sweet, really.

“Oliver,” Daphne called out as she grabbed a yogurt carton from the fridge. “Here, kitty-kitty.” She reached into Greta’s bag of kitty treats, singing out enticingly. “Here’s a treat for you, Oliver. Here, kitty-kitty.”

She was not fond of Greta’s fat gray cat and, unfortunately, Oliver seemed to sense this. Still, she kept her voice sugary as she walked around calling for him, “Come on, Oliver, come get your yummy-yummy kitty treat.”

She eventually found him hunkered down in Greta’s bedroom with a guilty expression, but if he was doing something he shouldn’t, Daphne did not want to know. She had learned the hard way to keep her own bedroom door closed. For some twisted reason Oliver sometimes preferred a nice soft bed to his smelly litter box in the bathroom.

“There you are, you darling little scoundrel,” she said in a saccharine tone. As he looked up, she curled her arm around his hefty midsection. “Got you.” Then she quickly packed him off to the bathroom, tossing in the treat with him behind it. “Have a good day, you spoiled fat cat.” Daphne closed the door firmly. It wasn’t that she disliked cats in general. She just didn’t care much for Oliver.

By the time Daphne locked up the apartment and was on her way to the subway, it was already starting to rain. And despite Shelby’s reminder, Daphne had set off without her umbrella and there wasn’t time to run back and get it now. Consequently, as the clouds opened up and let loose, she got thoroughly drenched in the short distance to the subway. Waiting with the other dampened commuters, she tried to shake off some of the moisture before the train arrived, then she hurried in with the crowd, finding a spot in the back of the car where the air was smelly and muggy and close.

Firmly planting her feet, Daphne held tightly to a pole and, shutting her eyes, attempted to imagine herself in a happier, cleaner, dryer place. Like the Grand Canyon where her dad had taken her as child one summer. She breathed deeply as she recalled the beautiful painted mountains changing hues of golds, reds, and russets at sunset.

This was a trick she’d taught herself years ago, her way to combat the claustrophobia that she sometimes suffered in the city. One would think she’d be over her dislike of tight spaces by now, but on days like today the anxiety seemed to lurk just below the surface. She remembered when she had been in love with New York. Some called it the Big Apple Honeymoon Phase, but it had lasted several years for her. However, like so many other things in her life, it had gotten a little tarnished and dull over the years. And as she emerged from the subway, back into the drizzling rain and noisy traffic, she didn’t much like the city.

By the time Daphne reached her cubicle at The Times and peeled off her soggy jacket and slushy sneakers and stashed them in a sodden pile in the corner, her long auburn hair, which she’d spent thirty minutes straightening this morning, now resembled Bozo the Clown. Not that anyone would particularly notice or care since most of her day was spent on her own.

Daphne was a wedding writer—one of several—and she had been doing the same thing for more than ten years. She could write one of these pieces in her sleep. In fact, sometimes she did. Oh, not for the paper, but she would lie in bed writing another piece. They ran about 250 words, five or six paragraphs, all meant to impress the bride and the groom and their family and friends.

She turned on her computer and perused her e-mail, sifting through junk and flagging some, and then on to read today’s assignments. This time of year was usually fairly busy, but to her surprise there was only one happy couple waiting for the spotlight, and she managed to spend two whole hours on making them seem larger than life. Hopefully they would appreciate her efforts.

Then with still an hour until lunch, she imagined what she’d write for Shelby’s wedding announcement, and because she was bored and didn’t like to appear idle or get caught playing Spider Solitaire, she decided to hack a phony baloney announcement for her romantic roommate.

Miss Shelby M. Monroe and John Junior Millionaire were married on Friday night in May at Club 21 in downtown Manhattan. Family friend and celebrity entrepreneur Donald Trump, who became an ordained minister for this monumental occasion, officiated the extravagant
event where no expenses were spared.

The beautiful bride, twenty-three, and the prematurely balding bridegroom, of undetermined age, met at the bride’s place of employment, which is also the bridegroom’s father’s multimillion-dollar investment corporation.

Miss Monroe, who will not be keeping her name since it’s not really her name, will give up her career, which wasn’t really a career, in order to raise a houseful of boisterous children. She is the daughter of a once-prestigious family who resided in Westport, Connecticut, until her father’s investment corporation was dissolved in a scandal involving insider trading. Now, despite some diminished wealth, the bride’s parents are enjoying an early retirement abroad.

Mr. Millionaire, who goes by John Junior, holds some mysterious position in his father’s corporation, where not much actual work is required of him. John Junior graduated from some Ivy League school,
where his family probably had some really good connections.

Following an over-the-top honeymoon, which probably involved
a beach in an exotic locale, the happy newlyweds will reside
in a penthouse apartment on the upper west side.

The bridegroom’s first two marriages ended in divorce.
Hopefully the third time will be the charm.

Feeling a bit juvenile, not to mention catty, Daphne hit the select all and delete buttons. Best not to leave something like that lying around for too long. She was about to shut down and go to lunch when her cell phone rang. She got up and grabbed her bag. After digging for her elusive phone and expecting it to be Beverly since they were meeting for lunch today, she was surprised to discover it was actually her father. He rarely called her in the middle of the day. Not unless something was wrong.

“Dad?” she said with concern. “What’s up?”

“Hello, Daphne. I’m afraid it’s bad news.”

“What?” Her throat tightened. He’d had some health issues last winter. Hopefully it wasn’t worse. She’d lost her mother as a small child. Dad was all she had left of her immediate family.

“It’s Aunt Dee . . . she passed away this morning. Her lawyer just called to inform me, and I thought you’d want to know.”

“Aunt Dee.” Daphne sank back down in her chair. “Oh, I’m so sorry to hear that, Dad. I know how much you loved her. I loved her too. And I’d been hoping to get out there to visit you and her this summer. I can’t believe she’s gone.”

Tears filled her eyes as she suddenly recalled the summers she’d spent at Aunt Dee’s house as a child when Dad was busy with work. Aunt Dee had tried to make up for Daphne losing her mother. Daphne and Aunt Dee had always enjoyed a special connection and a shared name.

“If it’s any consolation, she died peacefully. In her sleep.”

“How old was she?” For some reason, Daphne couldn’t recall her aunt’s age. She knew she was older than Dad, but in a way Aunt Dee had seemed timeless. Maybe it was her youthful spirit.

“She would’ve been ninety-one in July.”

“Ninety-one? Wow, I had no idea she was that old.”

“Yes. She never really told anyone her real age. But she enjoyed a good, full life.” He sighed. “Even though she never married or had children, she seemed to have a good time in whatever she did. She traveled. Had lots of friends. Dee lived life on her own terms. And she always seemed happy.”

“She did—didn’t she?” Daphne let out a choked sob as she reached for a Kleenex, wiping the tears now streaming down her cheeks.

“I’m sorry, honey. I hate to be the bearer of sad news. But I knew you’d want to know.”

“Yes. I appreciate that. I don’t know why I’m taking this so hard.” She blew her nose.

“Will you be able to make it out here for her memorial service?”

“Yes, of course, Dad.” She reached for another tissue.

“Oh, good. I’m in charge of everything. And I could really use your help with the arrangements. I mean, if you can come out here soon enough . . . I’ll understand if you can’t drop everything.” His voice sounded tired and weak, but maybe it was just sadness.

“How are you feeling? I mean, with your heart and cholesterol and everything. Are you okay?”

“Oh, sure, honey. I’m fine. Don’t worry about me.” He sighed. “When do you think you can get away?”

“I’ll find out as soon as we hang up. And I’ll get right back to you,” she promised.

“Thanks, Daph. I can’t wait to see you.”

They said good-bye, then she grabbed her purse and hurried up to her boss’s office, feeling she’d get better results if she asked in person. Hopefully Amelia wouldn’t have left for lunch yet. However, when she got up there, Daphne could tell by the darkened office that Amelia was already gone.

“Amelia left early for a lunch meeting,” her assistant told Daphne. “Want me to leave her a message for you?”

“No. I’ll come after lunch. When do you expect her back?”

Fiona shrugged. “Well, you know how those working lunches can drag on forever. I wouldn’t expect her until three or maybe even four.”

“Thanks. I’ll stop by later.” Daphne headed out to meet Beverly, calling her as she walked toward their favorite dining spot. She left a message saying she was running late. Then she called Dad and explained that her boss was out. “As soon as I know, I’ll call,” she assured him.

Fortunately, the rain had stopped and the clouds had cleared and the city, now scrubbed fresh and clean, should be shimmering in the sunshine. And yet, as Daphne hurried down the street, everything around her still felt dull and gray and dismal.


My review of Lock, Stock and Over a Barrel by Melody Carlson
I have read a book by Melody Carlson before and enjoyed it so I thought I might enjoy this one as well. I was right. It only took me three days to read it because I enjoyed it so much. Daphne Ballinger has what she thinks is her dream life, living in New York and working for The New York Times. Suddenly her entire world changes when her Aunt Dee passes away. She comes home to find how much she has missed it. When she finds out that her aunt left her absolutely everything, with conditions attached, Daphne finds her life in somewhat of an uproar.
I couldn’t wait to finish the book to see how everything turned out, but it didn’t end. I will definitely be looking forward to the next book in this series!

Calling All Cousins

My house has been exceptionally quiet this week, but that’s all about to change tomorrow. Not only is my son coming back from a week-long trip to Cincinnati with our church youth group, but Cousins Week commences as well. The cousins from my side of the family are coming to spend their annual summer week with us. This year is special as the youngest is able to join us. There will be swimming, hiking, picnicking, camping, tons of laughter, maybe even a few tears and possibly thunderstorms that make "certain" people scared. It will be fun for all!

We have been doing this for about 10 years now and it is one of my favorite weeks of the summer. I look forward to the kids coming. I love watching them all do things together – and age doesn’t matter. The 21 year old doesn’t have any problems hangin’ with the 6 year old. I love that they love each other and have built relationships amongst themselves. These will truly be their friends for life.I was never close with my own cousins growing up. There were probably reasons, but I know, at least for my brother and me, we were in between as far as ages were concerned. The cousins on my mom’s side were older than we were and the cousins on my dad’s side were all younger. I did always feel like I missed out on something not being close to them. My husband has lots of stories of growing up and family gatherings with his cousins – and there were A LOT of them. They didn’t just have first cousins, but second and now third as well when they all get together. I am blessed to have reconnected with my cousins on Facebook and can be a part of their adult lives. Here are a few pictures of the cousins over the years. I can’t wait to see what this year will bring! Stay tuned... Let the chaos begin!
                 

Flashback Friday

Flashback Friday

I wanted to start a series on the blog that I’ll call Flashback Fridays. One Friday a month I’ll post a story from my past. If you want to know more about my childhood, or if you knew me during my childhood, you will want to keep coming back. You never know, if we were kids together, you may be one of my victims.
And now the first victim…
Sheelagh’s Shingle
Sheelagh moved in about a mile down the road from us one summer. Where we come from that was practically next door. I remember the day I met her quite vividly. I was weeding my two rows in the garden when a girl came out of nowhere and said, “Hello!” I think I said something about her bob haircut commenting that she looked English. Her response, “What do you expect. I’m English.” I’m sure after working in the garden in the hot sun I had some kind of hairdo that could not be associated with any country!Sheelagh and I became fast friends and often spent summer days together riding bikes or going to the pool.Then there was that one day.When most people think of shingles they think of the few that may need to be replaced on the roof of their house, or even that dreaded itchy rash that is related to chicken pox.  Not at our house, though.  Whenever any of my siblings even say the word “shingle”, we all cringe and think of Sheelagh.Across the street from my house there was a dilapidated barn. My brother and his friends used to play there until someone thought it was a good idea to tear it down, leaving an even more dangerous mess. There were plenty of slivers, scrapes, bumps, and bruises among other injuries when the barn was in pretty good shape. Afterward the injuries just got bigger. Billy and his friends discovered the old shingles, that had once protected the barn roof, made wonderful Frisbees.  You could literally throw them hundreds of feet. That was farther than any plastic Frisbee could go.Billy and his friends were having a good old time flinging them at Sheelagh and me.  I do have to admit, we were throwing them back and it was all in good fun. But you know the old adage, “It’s all fun and games until somebody gets hurt!”Well, someone did get hurt. Sheelagh. Billy threw a shingle and it hit her right in the forehead. I was too busy having a good time throwing shingles to notice at first, but all of a sudden I heard her scream! I turned around to see her holding her head and blood dripping down her arm and off her elbow. I never saw two boys run so fast in my life. Billy ran to the house to get a wet paper towel, which really didn’t do a whole lot of good, and Sheelagh’s brother got on his bike and pedaled home as fast as his legs could take him.After a trip to the emergency room and a few stitches Sheelagh was almost as good as new; however, the scar on her head was left as a reminder.
Sheelagh and I have remained friends even though there’s much more than only a mile between us now. (Thank goodness for the Internet!) After that memorable day we were no longer able to play at the barn. We did learn a very valuable lesson through all that though: shingles really do make great Frisbees. You just need to remember to duck when one is coming your way.

Summer Reading for Tweens and Teens

Older kids may balk a little when you make them read over the summer, but they should read. My kids need to read 30 minutes a day. That doesn't take much time out of their bus schedule. Allow tweens and teens to pick out their own books. This will allow them to read what they want to read, making it a not such a "chore." You may even be surprised at the books they choose.

Teens, leave me a comment on what your favorite book is so others can get a copy and read it, too!

Here is a list for the tweens and teens. Again, this is a very short list, however, some of the suggestions are series. Follow the links to Amazon on the Book Links page for easy ordering.


Lord of the Rings
Huckleberry Finn
Tom Sawyer
A Wrinkle in Time
Anne of Green Gables
Chronicles of Narnia
Little House on the Prairie
Robinson Crusoe
Tale of Two Cities
Oliver Twist

Summer Reading for Kids

Let's not forget about the kids reading over the summer. Reading every day during the summer months helps children retain and reinforce what they have learned throughout the school year. Choose books that go along with what they learned in school, but also choose books that are fun. See if your local bookstore or library has a summer reading program where kids can earn rewards for reading. Here is a (very short) list of books for kids to help get you started. These were some of my kids' favorites when they were little. My one daughter would often bring a pile of books to Aunt Susan when she came to visit. Aunt Susan would bring chocolate and they would read for a while, both of them very happy with the arrangement.

If your kids have a favorite, leave it in the comments section to share with others.

As always there are links on the Book Links page to make your shopping easier.

The Giving Tree Green
Eggs and Ham
Go, Dog, Go
Are You My Mother?
Curious George
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
The Runaway Bunny
Blueberries for Sal
Caps for Sale
Cat in the Hat
Make Way for Ducklings
The Story of Ferdinand
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Hop on Pop
Stone Soup
Snowflake Bentley

Summer Reading

Many people get to read during the summer months more so than the rest of the year. Since I'm a writer, book reviewer, and book club leader, I read A LOT. Many people ask me about what book they should read next. I have compiled a list of some summertime reading ideas. These are all books I have read and enjoyed. Go to the book link tabs if you see anything that interests you for a direct link to Amazon for purchase. These are in no particular order, simply the order I pulled them off my shelf. I read a lot of Christian fiction. If you know of any good books that I should read, please leave me the title and the author in the comments. I am always on the lookout for a good book!

Take advantage of the summer months and spend some of that time engrossed in a good book.


A Rift in Time – Michael PhillipsHidden in Time – Michael PhillipsThe Camera Never Lies – Elizabeth GoddardPieces of Silver – Maureen LangBack Home Again – Melody Carlson

My Heart Remembers – Kim Vogel SawyerCourting Miss Amsel – Kim Vogel SawyerThe Lightkeeper’s Daughter – Colleen CobleFire Dancer – Colleen Coble

Distant Echoes – Colleen CobleAlaska Twilight – Colleen CobleWithout a Trace - Colleen CobleThe Bunko Babes – Leah Starr BakerA Warmth in Winter – Lori Copeland and Angela HuntLevi’s Will – W. Dale CramerAngel Song – Sheila Walsh and Kathryn CushmanThe Book of Hours – Davis BunnA Rush of Wings – Kristen HeitzmannTwilight – Kristen HeitzmannThe Note – Angela HuntKatie Opens Her Heart – Jerry EicherSisters Ink – Rebeca SeitzLady in the Mist – Laurie Alice EakesThe Journey – Wanda E. BrunstetterLike Dandelion Dust – Karen KingsburyBetween Sundays – Karen KingsburyOceans Apart – Karen KingsburyA Thousand Tomorrows - Karen KingsburyJust Beyond the Clouds - Karen Kingsbury

Putting the Fun Back in Writing

Writing is fun!

Yeah, that sounds like a teacher trying to convince her students of exactly that! For some students writing is not fun. However, for us as writers, writing should be fun. We should enjoy it. When we enjoy our writing it will show and readers will enjoy reading it. 

I re- realized this when I was trying to get my son to do a writing assignment for school. Writing is not his favorite subject. He was to use the alphabet to come up with creative adjectives to describe himself. Whoever thought this was a good idea for 8th grade boys obviously never had a boy for a child. He immediately thought of words for A, B, and C and by then was having so much fun entertaining himself he could hardly write for laughing. He finished the assignment because he was having fun.

Next time your writing becomes a chore, take a few steps back. Maybe put one project away and work on something else. It’s okay to work on something that will never be published. It can be therapeutic and do wonders for the mind and soul. 

I understand that you would probably have to know my son to truly appreciate this list, but I am including it for those who do know him or for those who have 8th grade boys of their own. 

Amazing
Boss (he debated between Boss and Beast)
Cool
Dashing
Eye candy
Freaking awesome
Great
Handsome devil
Interesting
Joker
Kisser
Loving
Manly
Naughty
Obnoxious
Pear eater
Quality
Romantic
Swag (I must be getting old. I’m not even sure what this means!)
True
Ultra beast (He managed to get Beast in)
Very fresh
Wowing
Xciting (Technically not an X word, but this was a hard one)
Young
Zesty