Deborah Vogts's Blog, page 140
March 21, 2011
Mailbox Monday
It's been a while since I shared any letters with you. Here are a few I received this winter. I always enjoy hearing from my readers and appreciate that you search for and request the Seasons of the Tallgrass books from your library and at your local bookstores. Thank you for your friendship and support! (To protect my readers, I never share personal information, names, or locations.)
A Reader of Snow Melts in Spring & Seeds of Summer:
"I have just finished "Spring", having discovered "Summer" first in my local library. Thank you so much for so sensitively portraying the beauty of nature along with the beauty of Christian love, including romantic love. It's refreshing to discover that there are still some basic good people out there doing good things. I Can't wait for "Autumn". And I'm sure there will be a "Winter". Sincerely, KM
A Reader for Snow Melts in Spring:
First off, I just want to say that I really enjoyed reading Snow Melts in Spring. I also have Seeds of Summer that I borrowed from our local library and am very much looking forward to reading it. I will probably start it yet this afternoon. My husband teases me that my favorite authors cannot write fast enough to keep me in books to read. That is exactly why I picked up your books last week at the library. The cover summary sounded like a story I would enjoy and I am more than pleased to say that I was not in the least bit disappointed. I keep a list of favorite authors that I check up on regularly for new books. Your name was added to that list today. Keep up the good work and I'll be watching for the autumn book to be coming out. Love in Him, CE
A Reader's response to Snow Melts in Spring: I normally wouldn't write the author, but you made it sound welcome for my response. I have just finish reading the above, and it is truly wonderful. You have captured God in all His glory. Not only is it an easy to read book, but it brings to reality the struggle each and everyone of us has within about actually accepting God's forgiveness and really accepting it. This book had everything I love, God, horses and people overcoming their fears. I just ordered your #2 book this morning. Look forward to receiving it. DW
And one more that I particularly cherish for Snow Melts in Spring:
I just finished reading your book, "Snow Melts in Spring." I am a female veterinarian-a graduate of KSU College of Vet Med. I enjoyed reading it. When I set the book down each night, I couldn't wait to pick it up the next night to read more. As the 1st woman doctor in (a county in rural Nebraska), I was met with similar challenges as you wrote about. In addition, I met my husband at my clinic too-except it involved a bull not a horse. I have always had a love of the land like your character, Mattie. Thank you for writing such a nice, clean romance. Cordially CJS
A Reader of Snow Melts in Spring & Seeds of Summer:
"I have just finished "Spring", having discovered "Summer" first in my local library. Thank you so much for so sensitively portraying the beauty of nature along with the beauty of Christian love, including romantic love. It's refreshing to discover that there are still some basic good people out there doing good things. I Can't wait for "Autumn". And I'm sure there will be a "Winter". Sincerely, KM
A Reader for Snow Melts in Spring:
First off, I just want to say that I really enjoyed reading Snow Melts in Spring. I also have Seeds of Summer that I borrowed from our local library and am very much looking forward to reading it. I will probably start it yet this afternoon. My husband teases me that my favorite authors cannot write fast enough to keep me in books to read. That is exactly why I picked up your books last week at the library. The cover summary sounded like a story I would enjoy and I am more than pleased to say that I was not in the least bit disappointed. I keep a list of favorite authors that I check up on regularly for new books. Your name was added to that list today. Keep up the good work and I'll be watching for the autumn book to be coming out. Love in Him, CE
A Reader's response to Snow Melts in Spring: I normally wouldn't write the author, but you made it sound welcome for my response. I have just finish reading the above, and it is truly wonderful. You have captured God in all His glory. Not only is it an easy to read book, but it brings to reality the struggle each and everyone of us has within about actually accepting God's forgiveness and really accepting it. This book had everything I love, God, horses and people overcoming their fears. I just ordered your #2 book this morning. Look forward to receiving it. DW
And one more that I particularly cherish for Snow Melts in Spring:
I just finished reading your book, "Snow Melts in Spring." I am a female veterinarian-a graduate of KSU College of Vet Med. I enjoyed reading it. When I set the book down each night, I couldn't wait to pick it up the next night to read more. As the 1st woman doctor in (a county in rural Nebraska), I was met with similar challenges as you wrote about. In addition, I met my husband at my clinic too-except it involved a bull not a horse. I have always had a love of the land like your character, Mattie. Thank you for writing such a nice, clean romance. Cordially CJS
March 18, 2011
Savory Pot Roast
The secret to making a great roast is searing in the juices at the very beginning.
2 tablespoons canola oil3 1/2 - 4 pound boneless chuch roast1 can cream of mushroom soup1 pouch dry onion soup mix1 cup watersalt and pepper 6 medium potatoes, wedged6 carrots, peeled and sliced2 tablespoons flour1/4 cup water
Heat oil in large dutch oven. Add roast and cook until brown on all sides. Stir in mushroom soup, onion soup mix, and 1 cup water. Reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 3-3 1/2 hours until meat is tender and falls apart with a fork. Remove roast from cooker and keep warm Add prepared vegetables to broth mixture. Cover and cook for 30-40 minutes until fork tender. Remove vegetables and warm in oven with roast.
In glass measuring cup mix together flour and 1/4 cup water. Beat well until smooth. Pour into broth mixture and cook until sauce thickens. Serve over roast and vegetables.
March 16, 2011
12 Reasons Why I Love Sonic
Forgive me, Readers, for using another "borrowed idea" on my blog. I saw a similar post a while back on The Pioneer Woman. I think Ree had ten reasons she liked Sonic. I have 12. They are:1. It's a fun place to go with my daughters (who also love Sonic).
2. Memory Lane - My husband and I went there on our wedding night, February 14, 1990. Cold and hungry. And the only place open that late was SONIC! I don't remember what I ordered. LOL
3. Tator Tots and Onion Rings (Need I say more?)
4. Chili Hamburgers (I think my favorite is a #2 then just add chili!)
5. Chicken Strip Meal (My kids' favorite.)
6. Ice-Cream (Peanute Butter/Fudge Sundae, please.)
7. You can find a Sonic in almost every town in Kansas!
8. Open till Midnight! (See #2 for further explanation.)
9. Jalapeno Poppers & Mozzarella Sticks
10. Chili Dogs
11. Happy Hour (aka 1/2 price Sonic drinks from 2-4:00 PM.)
12. Flash from our Past - Drive-in with Carhops on Roller Skates (Just like on Happy Days!)
So, what about you? Are you a Sonic Fan? What are your favorite items to order???
March 14, 2011
Little Golden Books
I saw this fun post over on Writes of Passage, where Judy Miller had borrowed the post from Lorna Seilstad at Inspirational Messages. They both graciously agreed to let me post it here, too. How's that for getting some mileage on a post?
Is there anyone who didn't enjoy Little Golden Books growing up? I read them as a girl and then read them to my girls. In honor of these wondrous little books, here is a fun quiz to test your memory. Grab a sheet of paper and write down your answers. You may check the answers at the end.
1. In what year did Little Golden Books first hit the shelves?
a.) 1936
b.) 1942
c.) 1950
2. Who published Little Golden Books?
a.) Simon & Schuster
b.) Scholastic
c.) Penquin
3. Which of the following books were one of the original twelve titles released?a.) The Poky Little Puppyb.) Old Mc Donald's Farmc.) The Three Bears 4. How much did Little Golden Books originally cost?a.) 25 centsb.) 50 centsc.) $1.00
5. Which Little Golden Book came with a bandage glued to the right side of the title page?
a.) The Good Samaritan
b.) Nurse Betty and the Hospital Visit
c.) Dr. Dan, The Bandage Man
6. In the 1950's, many top-selling Little Golden Books centered around what topic?
a.) The space program
b.) Popular television shows
c.) Disney characters
7. In what year was a permanent exhibit created for Little Golden Books at the Smithsonian?
a.) 1982
b.) 1992
c.) 2002
8. Which Little Golden book has become controversial and is also one of the most valuable to collectors?
a.) The Tawny Scrawny Lion
b.) My Little Golden Book About God
c.) Little Black Sambo
9. How can you tell if your Little Golden Book is a valuable first edition?
a.) A letter "A" at the end of the string of letters on the books first two pages
b.) A Roman numeral on the title page shows the printing date
c.) The letter "R" appears on the back of cover
10. A vintage colourtone copy of Little Golden Book's Madeline is for sale on E-bay right now for how much?
a.) $79
b.) $125
c.) $228
Answers:
1. Little Golden Books were first sold in 1942 (b) in department stores.
2. Simon & Schuster (a) , along with Western Printing, published the titles. In just five short months, they'd sold 1.5 million copies.
3. One of the original 12 titles was The Poky Little Puppy (a). Today nearly 15 million copies of the book have been sold.
4. Little Golden Books originally cost just 25 cents (a). This was a great bargain for families as most children's books were $2 to $3 at the time. Today, a little Golden Book costs $2.99.
5. Dr. Dan, The Bandage man (c) came with the Johnson & Johnson Band-aid glued on the title page. It's first printing was 1.75 million—the largest first printing of any Little Golden Book up to 1951.
6. In the mid-1950's, Little Golden Books centered around children's television shows (b) like "The Roy Rogers Show, Howdy Doody, The Lone Rangers, and Captain Kangaroo.)
7. Little Golden Books received a permanent exhibit at the Smithsonian in 1992 (b). It was the year of their "golden" anniversary—50 years!
8. The most controversial Little Golden Books was Little Black Sambo. I had a copy of it as a child and it was one of my favorites. However, the word "sambo" is considered a racial slur in some countries and the book has been one of the most controversial books in existence. In 2004, Little Golden Books released a new version titled The Boy and the Tigers. The boy in it is called Little Ranjani. Today, a first edition regularly brings values of $150 or more.
9. You can often tell if your Little Golden Book is a first edition by checking the first two pages for a series of letters. If that series ends in "A", it's a first edition, a "B" it's a second, and so on. In 1991, they began using Roman numerals.
10. The copy of Madeleine on E-bay is listed at $228 and you can buy it now!
What made these books so popular? First of all was the cost. Moms could pop for them at the grocery or department store and bring home a surprise. Second, you could collect them. Let's face it. We all love a collection, especially when we're kids. Third, they were short. Moms would take the time to read them to their children and when kids began reading themselves, they could easily master them. Last and most important, they told timeless stories, and story is the most powerful tool in the world.
So, which Little Golden Books were your favorites? How did you do on the quiz?
Is there anyone who didn't enjoy Little Golden Books growing up? I read them as a girl and then read them to my girls. In honor of these wondrous little books, here is a fun quiz to test your memory. Grab a sheet of paper and write down your answers. You may check the answers at the end.1. In what year did Little Golden Books first hit the shelves?
a.) 1936
b.) 1942
c.) 1950
2. Who published Little Golden Books?
a.) Simon & Schuster
b.) Scholastic
c.) Penquin
3. Which of the following books were one of the original twelve titles released?a.) The Poky Little Puppyb.) Old Mc Donald's Farmc.) The Three Bears 4. How much did Little Golden Books originally cost?a.) 25 centsb.) 50 centsc.) $1.00
5. Which Little Golden Book came with a bandage glued to the right side of the title page?
a.) The Good Samaritan
b.) Nurse Betty and the Hospital Visit
c.) Dr. Dan, The Bandage Man
6. In the 1950's, many top-selling Little Golden Books centered around what topic?
a.) The space program
b.) Popular television showsc.) Disney characters
7. In what year was a permanent exhibit created for Little Golden Books at the Smithsonian?
a.) 1982
b.) 1992
c.) 2002
8. Which Little Golden book has become controversial and is also one of the most valuable to collectors?
a.) The Tawny Scrawny Lion
b.) My Little Golden Book About God
c.) Little Black Sambo
9. How can you tell if your Little Golden Book is a valuable first edition?
a.) A letter "A" at the end of the string of letters on the books first two pages
b.) A Roman numeral on the title page shows the printing date
c.) The letter "R" appears on the back of cover
10. A vintage colourtone copy of Little Golden Book's Madeline is for sale on E-bay right now for how much?
a.) $79
b.) $125
c.) $228
Answers:
1. Little Golden Books were first sold in 1942 (b) in department stores.
2. Simon & Schuster (a) , along with Western Printing, published the titles. In just five short months, they'd sold 1.5 million copies.3. One of the original 12 titles was The Poky Little Puppy (a). Today nearly 15 million copies of the book have been sold.
4. Little Golden Books originally cost just 25 cents (a). This was a great bargain for families as most children's books were $2 to $3 at the time. Today, a little Golden Book costs $2.99.
5. Dr. Dan, The Bandage man (c) came with the Johnson & Johnson Band-aid glued on the title page. It's first printing was 1.75 million—the largest first printing of any Little Golden Book up to 1951.
6. In the mid-1950's, Little Golden Books centered around children's television shows (b) like "The Roy Rogers Show, Howdy Doody, The Lone Rangers, and Captain Kangaroo.)
7. Little Golden Books received a permanent exhibit at the Smithsonian in 1992 (b). It was the year of their "golden" anniversary—50 years!
8. The most controversial Little Golden Books was Little Black Sambo. I had a copy of it as a child and it was one of my favorites. However, the word "sambo" is considered a racial slur in some countries and the book has been one of the most controversial books in existence. In 2004, Little Golden Books released a new version titled The Boy and the Tigers. The boy in it is called Little Ranjani. Today, a first edition regularly brings values of $150 or more.9. You can often tell if your Little Golden Book is a first edition by checking the first two pages for a series of letters. If that series ends in "A", it's a first edition, a "B" it's a second, and so on. In 1991, they began using Roman numerals.
10. The copy of Madeleine on E-bay is listed at $228 and you can buy it now!
What made these books so popular? First of all was the cost. Moms could pop for them at the grocery or department store and bring home a surprise. Second, you could collect them. Let's face it. We all love a collection, especially when we're kids. Third, they were short. Moms would take the time to read them to their children and when kids began reading themselves, they could easily master them. Last and most important, they told timeless stories, and story is the most powerful tool in the world.
So, which Little Golden Books were your favorites? How did you do on the quiz?
March 11, 2011
Refrigerator Mashed Potatoes
Here's a recipe I enjoy making for family gatherings. So easy and can be prepared a day ahead.
5 pounds red potatoes (9 large), diced and unpeeled
6 oz package cream cheese
1 cup sour cream
2 teaspoons onion salt
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
4 tablespoons butter
Cook potatoes in boiling salted water until tender. Drain. Mash until smooth. Add remaining ingredients and beat until light and fluffy. Place in oblong baking pan. Cool, cover, and place in refrigerator. May be used anything within two weeks. May reheat in microwave or a 350 degree oven until heated through, about 20-30 minutes.
5 pounds red potatoes (9 large), diced and unpeeled
6 oz package cream cheese
1 cup sour cream
2 teaspoons onion salt
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
4 tablespoons butter
Cook potatoes in boiling salted water until tender. Drain. Mash until smooth. Add remaining ingredients and beat until light and fluffy. Place in oblong baking pan. Cool, cover, and place in refrigerator. May be used anything within two weeks. May reheat in microwave or a 350 degree oven until heated through, about 20-30 minutes.
March 9, 2011
Book Preview ~ A Heart Most Worthy
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingA Heart Most WorthyBethany House (March 1, 2011)bySiri Mitchell
Siri Mitchell graduated from the University of Washington with a business degree and worked in various levels of government. As a military spouse, she has lived all over the world, including in Paris and Tokyo. Siri enjoys observing and learning from different cultures. She is fluent in French and loves sushi. But she is also a member of a strange breed of people called novelists. When they're listening to a sermon and taking notes, chances are, they've just had a great idea for a plot or a dialogue. If they nod in response to a really profound statement, they're probably thinking, "Yes. Right. That's exactly what my character needs to hear." When they edit their manuscripts, they laugh at the funny parts. And cry at the sad parts. Sometimes they even talk to their characters.
Siri wrote 4 books and accumulated 153 rejections before signing with a publisher. In the process, she saw the bottoms of more pints of Ben & Jerry's than she cares to admit. At various times she has vowed never to write another word again. Ever. She has gone on writing strikes and even stooped to threatening her manuscripts with the shredder.
Her ninth novel, A Heart Most Worthy, follows prior Bethany House releases: A Constant Heart (October 2008), Love's Pursuit (June 2009), and She Walks in Beauty (Apr 2010). She Walks in Beauty won the inaugural INSPY Award for Historical Fiction in Dec 2010. Two of her novels, Chateau of Echoes and The Cubicle Next Door were Christy Award finalists. Love's Pursuit was a finalist for the ACFW Carol Award.
ABOUT THE BOOK
The elegance of Madame Forza's gown shop is a far cry from the downtrodden North End of Boston. Yet each day Julietta, Annamaria, and Luciana enter the world of the upper class, working on finery for the elite in society. The three beauties each long to break free of their obligations and embrace the American dream--and their chance for love. But the ways of the heart are difficult to discern at times. Julietta is drawn to the swarthy, mysterious Angelo. Annamaria has a star-crossed encounter with the grocer's son, a man from the entirely wrong family. And through no intent of her own, Luciana catches the eye of Billy Quinn, the son of Madame Forza's most important client.
Their destinies intertwined, each harboring a secret from their families and each other, will they be found worthy of the love they seek? If you would like to read the first chapter of A Heart Most Worthy, go HERE.
This ends my book preview marathan for March. I'll be back at the end of the month with another book giveaway for you. Until then, happy reading!
March 7, 2011
Book Preview ~ Heart's Aglow
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingHearts AglowBethany House (March 1, 2011)byTracie Peterson
Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 85 novels.She received her first book contract in November, 1992 and saw A Place To Belong published in February 1993 with Barbour Publishings' Heartsong Presents. She wrote exclusively with Heartsong for the next two years, receiving their readership's vote for Favorite Author of the Year for three years in a row.
In December, 1995 she signed a contract with Bethany House Publishers to co-write a series with author Judith Pella. Tracie now writes exclusively for Bethany House Publishers. She teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research.Tracie was awarded the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for 2007 Inspirational Fiction and her books have won numerous awards for favorite books in a variety of contests.
Making her home in Montana, this Kansas native enjoys spending time with family--especially her three grandchildren--Rainy, Fox and Max. She's active in her church as the Director of Women's Ministries, coordinates a yearly writer's retreat for published authors, and travels, as time permits, to research her books
ABOUT THE BOOK
The future should be bright for Deborah Vandermark, who is now pursuing her interest in medicine alongside Dr. Christopher Clayton, who is courting her. But the lumber town is resistant to the idea of a woman physician, and she feels thwarted at every turn. A more devastating blow occurs, however, when Christopher breaks off their relationship to return home to his troubled family. Despite her own love life going awry, Deborah is still intent to be a matchmaker for both her widowed mother and her brother, who has caught the eye of the spit-fire daughter of the local pastor.
But what will Deborah do when faced with the truth about Christopher's family? Is there hope for the two of them...or will Jake Wyeth's attentions finally catch Deborah's eye instead? If you would like to read the first chapter of Hearts Aglow, go HERE.
March 4, 2011
Peach Cobbler
4 cups fresh peaches, peeled, cored and sliced1/2 cup brown sugar4 teaspoons cornstarch1/4 teaspoon nutmeg1/2 cup water1 tablespoon lemon juice1 tablespoon butter
1 cup flour2 tablespoons sugar1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder1/4 teaspoon salt1/4 cup butter1 egg1/4 cup milk
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In medium saucepan, combine brown sugar, cornstarch and nutmeg. Add water to mixture and cook till sauce thickens. Add peaches, lemon juice and butter to sauce.
In medium bowl, sift together flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Cut in butter until mixture is crumbly. Add egg and milk to flour mixture and still until moist.
Pour hot fruit mixture into a greased round baking dish. Spoon biscuit topping over fruit by small mounds. Sprinkle with sugar. Bake for 20 minutes. Serve warm with ice cream.
March 3, 2011
Symphony in the Flint Hills
6th Annual Symphony in the Flint HillsSaturday, June 11, 2011
Each summer, thousands of people flock to a pasture in the Flint Hills of Kansas. They gather to soak up the scenery, the cowboy culture, and to listen to the Kansas City Symphony. Events are scheduled throughout the day at the concert site as well as in the surrounding communities.
This year's symphony site is located in beautiful Wabunsee County at the Fix Pasture, located adjacent to Mill Creek (between Alta Vista and Alma, KS). Click here for more information about the symphony.
Concert tickets go on sale Saturday, March 5. Purchase tickets at: Kansas City Symphony Box Office1703 Wyandotte, Suite 200Kansas City, MO 64108816-471-0400
This will be my third year to visit the Flint Hills during the Symphony weekend. It is always such a fun time with many activities and "happenings" planned for the event. My schedule for the weekend is still being decided, but I'm being hosted by the women of St. John's Lutheran Church in Alma. I'm looking forward to my time in the Flint Hills. I hope to see you there!
Click here to see current plans for Wabunsee County.
Each summer, thousands of people flock to a pasture in the Flint Hills of Kansas. They gather to soak up the scenery, the cowboy culture, and to listen to the Kansas City Symphony. Events are scheduled throughout the day at the concert site as well as in the surrounding communities.
This year's symphony site is located in beautiful Wabunsee County at the Fix Pasture, located adjacent to Mill Creek (between Alta Vista and Alma, KS). Click here for more information about the symphony.
Concert tickets go on sale Saturday, March 5. Purchase tickets at: Kansas City Symphony Box Office1703 Wyandotte, Suite 200Kansas City, MO 64108816-471-0400
This will be my third year to visit the Flint Hills during the Symphony weekend. It is always such a fun time with many activities and "happenings" planned for the event. My schedule for the weekend is still being decided, but I'm being hosted by the women of St. John's Lutheran Church in Alma. I'm looking forward to my time in the Flint Hills. I hope to see you there!
Click here to see current plans for Wabunsee County.
March 2, 2011
Book Preview ~ A Bond Never Broken
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingA Bond Never BrokenBethany House (March 1, 2011)byJudith Miller
A Word from Judith:Most readers want to know how authors 'got started' writing. My first novel, Threads of Love, was conceived when I was commuting sixty miles to work each day. I wanted to tell the story of a pioneer girl coming to Kansas and the faith that sustained her as she adjusted to a new life. When the book was completed, I tucked it away. I had absolutely no idea how publication of a book occurred and had given no thought to the concept. However, through a co-worker, I was directed to Tracie Peterson who, at that time, worked down the hall from me. Having never met Tracie, I was totally unaware of her writing career, but God intervened. The rest is, as they say, history...
With a graciousness that continues to amaze me, Tracie agreed to read my story, directed me to a publisher, and gave me information on a Christian writers conference. Since that first encounter many years ago, I have been blessed with the publication of numerous books, novellas and a juvenile fiction book. Joyously, Tracie and I had the opportunity to develop a blessed friendship. In fact, we have co-authored several series together, including The Bells of Lowell, the Lights of Lowell and The Broadmoor Legacy. In addition, I have continued to write several solo series.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
For many years, Ilsa Redlich has helped her parents run a hotel in South Amana, but as the United States enters the Great War, she can feel her world changing. The residents of the towns surrounding the Amana Colonies used to be accepting of their quiet, peaceful neighbors, but with anti-German sentiment running high, the Amana villages are now plagued by vandalism, threats, and insults. Things get even worse when Ilsa finds out her family won't be allowed to speak German in public--and that Garon, the childhood friend she's long been smitten with, has decided to join the army. Jutta Schmidt is shocked when several members of the Council of National Defense show up on her family's doorstep. Sure, the Schmidts once lived in the Amana Colonies, but that was years ago. She's even more surprised when the council demands that she travel to Amana and report back on any un-American activities.
Not daring to disobey the government agents, Jutta takes a job at the South Amana hotel, befriends the daughter of the owners, and begins to eavesdrop every chance she gets. When Jutta hears Ilsa making antiwar remarks and observes Garon assisting a suspicious outsider, she is torn at the prospect of betraying her new friends.
But what choice does she have? And when Garon is accused of something far worse than Jutta could imagine, can the Amana community come to his aid in time? If you would like to read the first chapter of A Bond Never Broken, go HERE.
