Sydney Avey's Blog, page 6

The Traverse City Film Festival

The Traverse City Film Festival, founded by Michael Moore, celebrates its thirteenth year. More than 100 films screened over a period of a week in about ten different indoor and outdoor venues.

My sis, a film festival friend, has a pied-a-terre walking distance to the vibrant downtown dotted with historic theaters and fine dining establishments. Our regime began each day standing in line at 8:00 am for 9:00 am showings. But standing in line is part of the fun. You get to know your fellow film...

Book Review: Everyone Brave is Forgiven

Everyone Brave is Forgiven by Chris Cleave
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Everyone Brave is Forgiven infuses the trendy topic of WWII with a deceptively facile wit that draws readers in and then wraps fingers around their vulnerabilities and squeezes. As a novelist honing her craft, I want to be Chris Cleave when I grow up! Not only did I feel every emotion, I yearned for someone to open that jam jar Alistair carried through the war so I could have a taste.

Cleave takes us to the heights of expressi...

Book Review: The Story of With: A Better Way to Live, Love, & Create

The Story of With: A Better Way to Live, Love, & Create by Allen Arnold
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Story of With: A Better Way to Live, Love & Create Allen Arnold’s simple little book, appeared on my radar at a good time. I have two manuscripts with two different publishers, and a WIP is vying for my attention. The challenge in the foreward, to separate from the ocean of busy and needs of everyone– including the folks who need you to know what they have to say–is a breath of fresh air.

The b...

Wildfire and Other Distractions

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Noah Bergerm, AP photo

The Detwiler wildfire has driven people in our neighboring communities from their homes, and it may be coming for us. Or not. First, let’s acknowledge that losing your home and livilihood (these are ranch lands) is devastating. For those on the sidelines, the disruption to our schedules is irritating, but the unpredictability is perhaps the most unnerving. You don’t know when it will strike, where it will go, how fast it will spread, or how long it will choose to burn.

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The value of your passion project

What is the value of your passion project?  Endeavors you pour heart and soul into; tasks that eat up your time; a vocation that drains your physical and mental energy and robs your pocketbook; why do it?

Humans are creative beings, at their best when they pursue a purpose with passion.  Creative work satisfies an innate need. When we apply imagination to a project, we invite a soul connection to our Creator and make space for interaction with other people–a worthy purpose.

We all have talen...

Book Review: Hillbilly Elegy; A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis

Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis by J.D. Vance
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Over the years, I have spent much mental and emotional energy trying to understand the poverty culture. To even talk about a poverty culture invites heated, often unproductive conversation. J.D. Vance has tackled this subject courageously.

Broken families, unstable homes, and a sense of helplessness coupled with a propensity for violence are a lethal combination that no government program can ade...

Book Review: A Good American

A Good American by Alex George
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

There seems to be a rise in books written about the greatest generation and their immigrant forbears. That generation is passing quickly. If someone doesn’t write their stories, then we lose a unique perspective on history. Alex George captures that perspective in his novel, A Good American.

Previous generations of Europeans came to America to start a new life with hope in their hearts. They were willing to sacrifice and work hard, and th...

Book Review: Listening to Your Life

Listening to Your Life: Daily Meditations with Frederick Buechner by Frederick Buechner
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book goes on my devotional classics shelf, alongside my leatherbound copies of My Utmost For His Highest, Streams in the Desert, and The Valley of Vision. In the spiritual tradition of self-examination, Buechner strikes a chord with me on so many subjects. His way of expressing what I feel is note perfect. For example, “Faith in God is less apt to proceed from miracles than mir...

Greeting cards: Worth the price?

Greeting card not included

Two small incidents have caused me to consider the value of greeting cards. First, UPS delivered a damaged envelope to my doorstep. The envelope had been ripped open, and it appeared that all the contents had been deliberately removed.

Shock, anger, and sadness cycled through my system, but I regret most that I will never see the Mother’s Day card my daughter chose for me, or read her message. (Her messages are always lovely.) We commiserated on the phone. She descr...

Field Tripping: The Cerreta Candy Factory

Field tripping on the factory floor at Cerreta’s Candy Factory, Glendale, AZ

Field tripping disturbs routine in a healthy way. Plan a field trip for amusement, camaraderie, education, or inspiration.  What is field tripping? Simply join a group and wander through unfamiliar territory. Explore something old. Investigate something new. A field trip will lift your spirits.

I tagged along with my friend Jan on her RV club field trip. The time with my friend, opportunity to try a new restaurant, a...