Becky Wade's Blog, page 68

Wicked

When Ken and I were newlyweds living in New York, we had the privilege of seeing several Broadway productions. I especially remember Grease (and the shock of hearing a curse word from the stage!) and the beautiful, lush Shenandoah.

Fifteen years later, the year I was pregnant with our youngest daughter, Tavia, I won a pair of season tickets to Wichita Music Theater, and while Ken wasn’t quite as thrilled with the prize as I was, he was quickly won over and we enjoyed almost an entire season of wonderful musicals. Alas, we had to miss the final production of the season because we had a tiny new baby girl! (She was worth it!)

I was reminded of those early exposures to live theater yesterday afternoon when I got to see a production of Wicked at the Fox Theater in St. Louis.

My oldest daughter, Tobi, and her mother-in-law, sister-in-law, her sister-in-law’s mother-in-law (are you following all the fun in-law connections?) along with several other friends and I had tickets for the 1 p.m. show, the next to last showing of Wicked at the Fox this year.

It’s been quite a while since I saw a live musical and this one was just so incredible—the costumes, the stage sets, the orchestra, and the amazing actors and actresses with their phenomenal voices! Photos were strictly prohibited after the opening curtain, but here are a couple of stills from the Fox’s website:

It was such a treat to be in the city, spend time with my oldest daughter and her extended family and friends, and eat out together after the show.

Tobi was in several musical productions during her high school years and it was always a treat to see her perform. And now our 11-year-old granddaughter in Texas has caught the theater bug and we’ve loved watching her perform the lead in Willy Wonka, and recently she played the Cat in the Hat in Suessical.

According to the “Fabulous Fox” website, the theater’s history began when it opened on January 31, 1929 as one of the “crown jewels in William Fox’s motion picture empire. Billed as ‘St. Louis’s largest and most magnificent temple of amusement,’ the theatre anchored St. Louis’s entertainment area along North Grand Boulevard. For 50 cents, a person could experience splendor and enchantment of a regal edifice, complete with live entertainment, music from two organs, Fox Movietone News, and of course, the ‘talkie’.”

The theater is just as regal today, as attested by these photos I took inside before the show began.

The mirrored ceilings made for some cool photos.

We all enjoyed a delicious dinner at Lucha II, an Oaxacan-style restaurant, near the theater. (You can see The Fox marquee through the windows of the restaurant.) A perfect ending to a fun-filled day!

Do you enjoy live theater? What is the last show or musical you’ve seen onstage? Or what is a production that’s on your bucket list to see?

Inspired by Scripture

This Sunday feature is brought to you by ClashVerseoftheDay.com. You may sign up to receive a beautiful photo with Scripture in your inbox each morning or view the verse each day online.

Godly Friends

I sometimes envy women (whether real or in the novels I read or movies I see) who have had the same best friend(s) since high school or junior high or even elementary school. My closest friends from my school days moved away early in our lives (our late teens and early twenties), and time and circumstances eventually caused broken connections. The lack of email or texts or social media didn’t help matters.

While I may not be able to boast friendships that go back to grade school, I do have long-time friendships that were arranged by God. Many are other writers, which is nice because we speak the same language.

Recently, I was asked via a third party to read a Bible study for possible endorsement. It was great, and I sent off my endorsement to the author, someone I’d never met. We ended up having an email exchange, each learning about the other. When I read she didn’t have a green thumb, I shared that I once “killed” an air fern. (Not easy to do since air ferns are already dead.) Anyway, in no time at all, I knew God had given me a new friend.

Just think of it. The key relationships the children of God will have in heaven are first with our Father and with Jesus, and then with one another as brothers and sisters in Christ. All of the godly friendships we make here on earth will continue in eternity.

Eternity … that’s a whole lot longer than the fifty or sixty years I might have had with childhood friends. As Michael W. Smith sings, “And friends are friends forever if the Lord’s the Lord of them.”

I’m blessed with so many eternal friends. I hope you are too.

Care to share a story about your best friend? Maybe how you met and/or how long ago it was.

~robin

with my agent, Natasha, 2001with Deb Raney, 2004Christian novelists retreat, 2006with my neighbor Sue and fur buddies, 2018with Kristin Billerbeck and Rachel Hauck, 2018with Tamera Alexander and Sunni Jeffers, 2004

Cleaning Out the Clutter

The last two weeks have been a little crazy around the Witemeyer homestead. After raising three children on carpet that was probably 15 years old when we purchased the house in 2000, our previously “white” carpet had become so stained that I was embarrassed to have people over. However, with one child married and the other two at least temporarily moved out for schooling, our house had the least amount of furniture it had had in years. Now was the time!

So we went shopping, spent about a week deciding on colors and plushness then made the plunge. But that was just the beginning. Next came all the packing. Any loose items on furniture had to be boxed up, closet floors had to be cleaned out, breakables had to be stored. This was the perfect time to get rid of things we really didn’t need. I donated several boxes of books to our local library book sale, we filled at least three large trash cans, and we hope to give away some furniture that we’ve been storing just in case we might need it someday. But after more than a decade, I think it is safe to pass it on to a new home. As we begin to unpack, I’m finding that I want to get rid of even more.

Clutter stresses me out. Seeing all this open closet floor space and wall space has created an urge in my soul to do what I can to reduce the stuff taking up space in our home. One of the plans we’ve come up with really excites me.

I’ve never had a home office. I’ve always just written from my bed with a lap desk. But now that the nest is emptying, there is room for new possibilities. So when the carpet installers started moving furniture back into place for us, we had them put a few things in new locations. One being a desk and bookshelf being moved to my boys’ old bedroom so I can have an actual writing office! We will probably still have a twin bed and dresser in the back half of the room should it be needed for company, but I’m giddy about having a place not only to work, but to store all those boxes of books, promo items, and shipping materials that had overrun our study for the the last ten years. Now I have a closet with a currently empty floor where I can organize and pile all those boxes!

I’m already scheming up ways to decorate and get comfy in the space. I’ll be sure to post the finished product when I’m through. The Star Wars poster will need to relocate, and I’m sure I’ll need some cute bookish décor to liven the space. Eventually, I’d like to paint as well, but with brand new carpet, I don’t think I’m brave enough to go there just yet.

The other project my husband and I are really excited about is the change to our front room. It’s technically a formal dining room, though we’ve never used it for that purpose. For years it was the “Play Room” where we kept all the oversized toys for the kids. It morphed into a study room with three desks for the kids to do their homework. I’ve always dreamed of turning it into a home library, however, and with the new flooring, we’ve taken the first step.

We opted to put in wood-grain tile as our base to build upon. After I recover from the sticker shock of the new carpet, I’ll start gathering estimates for having custom shelves installed. Maybe even with a window seat! I have visions of cozy reading chairs big enough to snuggle up with future grandkids. A table to hold my tea cup, and an accent wall with a bookish cross-stitch design I hope to make in the next few years. I even talking to my daughter-in-law about painting a couple of my favorite bookish quotes over the two doorways in the room. (Can you tell I’m been dreaming about this for a while?)

This will be a long-term project, but having the floor installed, helped it take the first step out of dreamland and into reality. So exciting!

Do you have dream projects you’d love to bring into reality in your home?

What I Discovered in this Writing Season

By the time you read this, I’ll be close to submitting the final edits of my final book in the Guideposts series Secrets from Grandma’s Attic. As I’m wrapping up this chapter (ha!) of my writing career, I’ve been looking back over the entire experience. The unexpected season has been instrumental in teaching me a few things about myself and my writing, so I thought I’d share those with you. I can write faster than I thought I could. 

I can write faster than I thought I could.

While I never thought of myself as a slow writer, I certainly didn’t classify myself as a fast writer, either! But if these past two years have shown me anything, it’s that I can finish a book more quickly than I imagined. Honestly, if I’d have known when accepting the first contract that I would end up writing three books over the course of twenty-four months, I would have been terrified! I’m glad I didn’t know until it happened. Of course, this fostered an even greater need than ever before to involve the Holy Spirit in my writing. It required me to depend on Him to give strength in my weakness and to trust Him for the wisdom to know when to write and when to do the others things He’s asks me to do. And He was so faithful to do both of those things. 

I love historical research. 

With each new book’s historical storyline, I found myself giddy in the research. So many new things to learn in every era and location of history. In the course of these books, I’ve learned about the drawings made for dam construction, life in a small farming community during the Depression, architects and architecture in the 1940s-1960s, the Korean War, helicopters, MASH units, medics, helicopter pilots, war orphans and adoption, the World’s Fair of 1904, the 1904 Olympics, early 20th century St. Louis, and the 1904 Olympic marathon. And I’ve loved every bit of it! 

Historical fiction is still my wheelhouse. 

It’s not that I’ve never written contemporary fiction before this. I have. In fact, three of the five novels I wrote before becoming a published author were in a contemporary setting. So I did wonder, going into these books, if I would find myself drawn back to that. I found that though tI enjoyed the contemporary story lines, I loved the historical ones. Another confirm of this historical fiction bent was the fact that my editors always had more things to say about my contemporary sections than the historical ones. I believe this was God’s encouragement to continue on in my natural bent—toward history. Not that I won’t ever write something contemporary, but it is definitely a more difficult task for me. 

This season is over, but God isn’t finished.

Yet again, I’ve learned this to be true for my character as well as my writing. The difficulties in each project continue to shave off my rough edges and keep conforming me to the image of Christ. Don’t you love how when you do a task you are created to do, it not only brings joy to others but transformation to you? Also, that these books were written will always remind me that God has plans I’m not privy to until they happen. In late 2020, I would have said I’ll never have another book published. Instead, I have three new books, all under my own name. So even without a set-in-stone new project, I can trust that the Lord is still working. That I just need to do the next thing and wait on Him. 

Have you been through a situation lately where you clearly see things the Lord has taught you in the midst of it? I’d love for you to share! 

Leo Mondays

Angie shared a fun post yesterday about finishing yet another book (congrats again, Angie), and while I’m not finished with my next one yet, I’m pressing toward that goal. Except for Monday afternoons, which is Leo/GramTam time. And I treasure every minute!

Here are some glimpses from yesterday, followed by a question I’d welcome your input on.

Yesterday, Leo fought me a little on sleep…

But eventually we both won. : )

He loves his little Infantino Music and Lights seat, and while Bailey (our youngest Australian terrier) doesn’t seem to have a strong opinion about it, she still hung close, as usual, on the off chance she could steal a kiss or two. And she did! But Leo’s so chill, he took it all in stride.

We also had some routine tummy time, which he didn’t hate—until almost eight minutes in, then his patience wore thin. But we’re getting there.

Finally, here’s a pic that Kellie, his mom, snapped last week. Gracious, I adore this boy! Can you see now why I always look forward to Leo Mondays?

Thanks for indulging me, friends. The newness of being a grandmother still hasn’t worn off, and I doubt it ever will.

A question for all you young mothers out there (and for older moms with great memories of the early days), what’s one of the best gifts you received as a young mom on Mother’s Day?

Perhaps a favorite indulgence you would’ve never bought for yourself? A decadent sweet? A nice perfume? Or something more practical like a coupon book with coupons for several guaranteed full nights of rest (aka: keeping Leo overnight)? Talk about a win-win. : )

Blessings on your Tuesday,

Tammy

Another deadline done!

If it’s Monday, May first, I am preparing to send another book to my publisher. I’d tell you which number book it was for me, but honestly, I have no idea. I’ve been doing this so long I lost count–and then I don’t really know how to count my books. Do I count the collaborations? The few books I ghost-wrote (before I became convinced that they were false advertising)? The books that were two books, but the publisher combined into one, but I divided back into two after I released them myself?

So I don’t know what the number this book is, I’m only glad it’s done. At this point, I don’t know if my book is any good or not; I only know I’m glad to have it off my desk. This book was odd in some ways–I felt it was missing something, and I did four complete drafts before I ever settled on the ending. Even yesterday, my last real writing day, I made changes to the ending. Who knows? After hearing from my editor, I may change things again.

I struggled with keeping the book unpredictable. I don’t like starting a book and knowing how it’s going to end–the good girl will win, the bad girl will lose, etc., and this book is a little different, depending on how you see winning and losing. And if it sounds like I’m blathering on without making a lot of sense, well, that’s what coming up for air after reaching a deadline will do to you. I’m surprised I’m not sitting in a corner making toy boat noises.

So I have no great wisdom to impart today–I’m just here to say the book is done, I survived, and God is good. I hope the book is, too.

And now I’m taking a week “off” to do a dozen little things that need doing before I jump into the NEXT book, which also comes with a deadline. But honestly, without a deadline and a schedule, I don’t think I’d ever get anything done. Are you a scheduler? Or are you a more impulsive, fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants kind of person?

Whichever you are, I’m praying you have a relaxing, productive, wonderful Monday!

~~Angie

Inspired by Scripture

This Sunday feature is brought to you by ClashVerseoftheDay.com. You may sign up to receive a beautiful photo with Scripture in your inbox each morning or view the verse each day online.

Lakehouse Dream

My husband began investing in real estate more than fifteen years ago in addition to working at his full-time job. His first purchase was the house across the street, which he renovated and flipped. He barely broke even. But he learned a lot. Over the years, he invested in more residential homes in our north Dallas neighborhood–flipping many, keeping a few as long-term rentals. He succeeded at making profit the majority of the time. But did have a few big misses. Nonetheless, he continued to learn and found that real estate enabled him to fulfill his entrepreneurial spirit.

In 2020, when houses were scarce and prices high, he sold his last few rentals. What to invest in next? Well, we thought, how about something we can enjoy as a family? We settled on a new dream of owning a short-term vacation rental. I was like, “I’d love a view of water!” [I was born and raised in California, after all.] He was like, “Let’s buy where the market is hot!” We bought where the vacation market was hottest in our general region. Broken Bow, Oklahoma. For the first time ever, we built something new instead of renovating. The process was long and hugely stressful thanks to the supply chain shortages and the increased cost of lumber in 2021 and 2022.

We were very proud of how our Broken Bow cabin turned out, but by the time all was said and done, it definitely made the most financial sense to sell it. So we did, delaying our dream of a vacation rental.

Then we went on a spring break road trip to the piney woods of East Texas last year. We were smitten with the towering pine trees, lakes, and rolling hills. My husband cold-called a local realtor’s office and said, “If you ever have a property with a view of water come on the market, please let me know.” [After selling my first cabin out from under me, he was seeing the merit of finding me something with a view of water. ;)] That realtor called back a few weeks later to say that an eight-acre piece of land on the shore of Lake O The Pines was for sale. The few pictures on the listing were terrible–grainy and unappealing. But we decided to drive out, just in case, to take a look.

This is what we found…

[Me with my mom and her cousin.] The Conservation Core won’t allow anyone to build on the water at Lake O the Pines. Thus, when you look out at the lake, you only see trees on the shoreline.

We COULD NOT BELIEVE OUR EYES. The piece of land was stunning.

The real estate agent my husband had cold-called turned out to be a great guy. He was also a pastor–a twist only God could have organized. He informed us that the property owners would be putting the property under contract to the highest bidder that same night. So we entered our bid. And the rest is history. We’re still amazed that we own this piece of land.

The existing house had been built in the 80’s, was extremely quirky, and far from the water. But with our history of renovating houses, we thought we might be able to go that route. We quickly learned that wasn’t going to work this time. The house had been abandoned twelve years prior and the damage done by the elements was too extreme to fix. So we began (with great trepidation after the challenging experience we had with our first cabin) to build again.

This experience has been nothing like the first. It’s been a JOY.

Staking out the foundationSee how the middle part of the house (the living and dining room) is see-through?We visited this past Saturday! This is what the cabin looks like currently.

We expect that it will be complete in the fall and I’ll be back then to share pictures of the inside and outside. So far, the takeaway from this process has been…. If you have to let go of something, trust that God will make a way for you to discover a wonderful new dream.

Do you love spending time lakeside? If so, what are your favorite things to do at the lake? Does your family have a vacation house or vacation rental?

A Fortunate Diversion

Hi friends and happy Monday! I’m super excited to have my friend and fellow author, Kelly Goshorn, back today. I know you’ll love her post. Kelly is graciously giving away a copy of Across the Shores novella collection to a U.S. resident only. To enter, just drop a comment below. 

Rabbit trails.

I can’t tell you how many hours I’ve spent researching for my historical novels, but I can tell you that at least half that time is spent on, yep, you guessed it, rabbit trails. Historical tidbits that call my name even though they have little, if anything, to do with the story I’m writing.

Such was the case when I began researching my recent release, The Veil. I had intended to set the story in Loudoun County, Virginia, where I live, and the location for several of my other stories. My heroine, Caroline Wilkins, was in the wind and planned to board a steamer from the Port of Baltimore to Southampton, England, where she hoped to find refuge in her aunt’s home. As I Googled in search of departure schedules, ticket prices, and the duration of said voyage from Baltimore in the late 1870s, the top search results were for the Great Railroad Strike of 1877, an event I’d not heard of. 

After more than a dozen failed attempts to find the information I was seeking, curiosity begged me to satisfy my inner history nerd girl and I delved into article after article about the events in Baltimore in July 1877. Before I knew it, I’d spent hours learning about this strike that began in Hagerstown, Maryland, and quickly spread along the rails to Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Chicago, and St. Louis disrupting rail traffic, seizing control of train stations, and vandalizing property.

Something clicked. Before long, I began reworking the beginning of my story to incorporate these events. Poor, unsuspecting Caroline would now be forced to disembark her train when strikers block the tracks before she reaches Camden Station. Not long after, she’s caught up in a peaceful protest that suddenly turns violent.

Enter the hero. Initially, a merchant picking up goods for his shop in Virginia, it made more sense for him to live in Baltimore so when he rescues Caroline from being trampled by the angry mob, he is able to take her to his family’s home. Further research led me to discover that German immigrants were a huge part of Baltimore’s cultural landscape at that time and comprised nearly 60% of all immigrants in the city. With my unwitting consent, Charles Morgan morphed into Franz Köhler whose noble heart and German heritage seeped onto the pages—Jägerschnitzel, lederhosen, and the polka.

I can’t imagine my story without Franz, my German railyard worker with a romantic soul and broken English, who harbors a secret dream of carving ornate Bavarian cuckoo clocks. Or the scene where he entices Caroline to learn to polka, or his Opa, Franz’s grandfather, teaches Caroline to make the Gugelhupf, Franz’s favorite dessert.

And none of it would have come about without an unforeseen detour down a rabbit trail.

What rabbit trail has recently stolen your attention from the task at hand?