Julie Arduini's Blog, page 56
March 28, 2019
B.J. Bassett: Mama was a Social Drinker
Mama
was a Social Drinker
B.
J. Bassett
“.
. . I am not alone, for the Father is with me.” John 16:32 RSV
I knew even as a child that Mama was a social drinker. By the time I was a teenager I realized she was an alcoholic and I also knew what to expect at her parties. With an arm wrapped around my neck, leaning her weight against me, she would tell all her friends what a wonde4erful daughter I was. Then with bleary eyes she would gaze at me and slur, “I’ll give you anything you want.” But I never took advantage of her offer because I knew she was drunk.
My mother has always been loving, kind, and generous.
In the beginning her personality remained the same, drunk or sober. It wasn’t
until later that her personality changed to rudeness and cruelty when she was
inebriated. She lost friends, respect, and a thirty-five year marriage. Today
Mama is still an alcoholic on a destructive road which I believe will
eventually kill her.
Did I ever become angry or impatient with my mother?
You bet.
Did I ever feel alone? Many times.
Do I cry? Buckets full.
When I’m at the depths of despair about my mother’s
drinking problem I cry out to God for help. During those times, God assures me
that I’m not alone and that He’s crying too. He loves my mother and died for her,
just as he died for me. And knowing that he loves her too, how can I do less?
Thank
you, Lord, for assuring me that you love Mama too.
Reprinted from Meditation for Alcoholics and Their Families
Writers often use their experiences in their novels. Sven, one of the characters in my novel Lily is very sweet when he is sober, yet he’s a mean drunk. In Gillian’s Heart Betsy, Gillian’s mother, is an alcoholic that abandoned Gillian. There are no alcoholics in my novel Sweet Charity, yet the characters have their own conflicts. Sweet Charity is free on Amazon Kindle Unlimited as an e-book. I hope you’ll take advantage of this offer.
B. J. Bassett encourages others as an author, teacher and speaker.
Her books include a historical novel Lily; A Touch of Grace—The G.R.A.C.E. Ministries Story, and coauthor of My Time with God which sold 55,000 copies while in print. Her contemporary romance, Gillian’s Heart, is now available.
She teaches writing workshops at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Oregon. As a speaker for Stonecroft Ministries, she tells her story of rejection and acceptance, not only in life, but as a writer as well. She also offers book talks.
Purchase Sweet Charity HERE
March 26, 2019
What 49 Looks Like On Me
Tradition. I wish writing it felt as beautiful as when I hear the song in Fiddler on the Roof. For years I’ve shared around my birthday where I’m at in life and what I look like. I think in part to encourage you, and perhaps, to keep me accountable and encourage myself.
Each year that 40 faded and 50 has come into view, this little tradition gets harder. I’ve never taken a good picture, but egads, it’s getting harder to share. Weight gain, exhaustion, white hairs coming in, it is not a fun scene for someone who often thinks my college years were 15 years or so ago. Ahem, try almost 30.
Despite my vanity , God has been good to me in the last year, as He always is.
Participated in a Christmas Boxed set with authors I’ve admired.
Released You’re Amazing with our daughter, Hannah.
Vacationed in Branson.
Watched our son turn 20.
Watched our daughter start high school.
Watched our grandsons in Wisconsin turn one.
Learned another grandchild is on the way.
Attended great conferences that challenged and inspired my faith.
Read amazing books.
Lead a few Bible studies, participated in some, too!
Heard hard and hopeful things as I prayed.
This year, there are things I believe are on the horizon that Lord, willing, I will witness:
Our son turns 21, our daughter, 16.
We will celebrate 23 years of marriage.
Our grandsons turn 2, and the third grandchild will be born.
Match Made in Heaven is a Christian romance that releases next month.
Restoring Christmas re releases November 1.
Anchored is in progress.
You’re Brilliant is in progress.
I’m getting a handle on the Curly Girl method.
I am also thinking about the next birthday, 5-0. My husband is NOT a birthday guy and I do like celebrations within reason. I’m considering doing something silly that brings together those that get me and who are down for middle-age Christian shenanigans. I have some ideas, but you’ll have to wait until next year!
As for the picture, I’ve been documenting my Curly Girl progress, so there’s that. This picture, though, it’s hard to share. I was on my second antibiotic trying to get rid of bronchitis, sinus infection, ear pain, and other fun things. Any time I have a little pain, my eyes just show it. The bags and deep circles can’t be covered, I’ve tried. I look pale and as if I’ve spent the month on the couch, which is actually what it’s been like. But, if I write about how we are all beautiful, amazing, and brilliant, well that truth must start with me.
I am 49.
I am going to celebrate that, and me!
Erin R. Howard: The Soul Searcher Interview
Hang around me long, and you will learn that I’m a
huge movie and behind the scenes fan. I love learning about how movies and
shows are made and everything that goes into bringing it to the screen. Writing
isn’t any different, and worldbuilding is my favorite part of writing. Guest
blogging has also been a ton of fun, and I thought it would be neat to share my
favorite interview questions from the blog tour so far.
First,
can you tell us a bit about your book and what inspired you to write this story?
The
Soul Searcher is the second book in my series, The
Kalila Chronicles. It picks up immediately after the first book, The Seer and doesn’t slow down. In the
first book, a teenage girl named Thea is thrown into a world of ancient
societies, demons, and angels. The series started out as an assignment for a
writing workshop where I had to write from a villain’s or unlikely hero’s view.
In The Seer,
the angel, Matthias, and the demon, Viktor, are brothers. Viktor fell from
heaven when Lucifer was kicked out. Both of them are assigned to Thea. There
are thousands of years of history between the two of them and lots of anger
too, especially when they are forced to work together to save Thea’s life.
In book two, there are new threats and dangers for the
group, and a more in-depth look at a new character, Elnora. I’m excited about
Elnora’s story.
Are
there any authors who’ve influenced you in your writing? Do you have any
favorite authors?
I’m an avid reader, so I read a lot of books. I’m a
huge Ted Dekker fan, and I also really love Suzanne Collins.
What
hobbies do you like to do when you’re not writing? Anything else you’d like our
readers to know about you and your work?
I love to do anything crafty. I owned a retail store
that sold items made by local artisans, and I taught craft classes before my
youngest son was diagnosed with Leukemia. I’m always on Pinterest looking for
new projects to try. My favorite is crochet, but I’ve also decorated cakes,
string art, wooden signs, and door hangers.
What
made you come up with the idea of writing about a world that interacts with
angels and demons? Demons aren’t something everyone wants to think about.
Thank you so much! I’m glad that you loved it. Demons
aren’t something that people want to think about. I always knew that I wanted
to write a supernatural book, but kept putting it off. The book actually
started off as a short story that I wrote for a writing workshop. We had to
write a story from the villain’s or an unlikely hero’s POV. I started asking
“what if” questions, and it grew into a whole series. I’ve learned that I
really like writing from an unlikely hero’s point of view, and Viktor is my
absolute favorite character.
I
loved the idea of the supernatural beings eating manna as their primary food. I
don’t think I ever would have even considered what an angel ate if he did. Do
these ideas just come to you as you read the Bible or what kind of research
does it take to write something like this?
This is a question that came up in one of my plotting
sessions with my husband. He loves sitting down with me and plotting, and I
always discuss the story with him because he can come up with some excellent
ideas. We were talking one day about their characteristics and abilities, and
food came up, and we wondered if they would have to eat to keep up their
strength, and I mentioned about how God feed people with manna. To me, if they
did eat, why wouldn’t it be something that God made? I did a little research on
what it looked like and then got a bit creative with it. I love the scene with
Thea and Matthias, and he’s dipping the manna in honey.
Can
you leave us with a fun fact that almost no one knows about you?
I absolutely love chocolate, but every time I eat it, I sneeze. The richer or darker the chocolate, the more I sneeze and my face itches, so I have to be careful.
The Soul Searcher:
Elnora’s parents gave her one rule:
Stay hidden away at all costs.
Elnora Scott is used to her survival depending on the decisions of others. Locked away in her safe house, it is easy to follow her parents’ dying wishes until an angel, demon, and seer show up on her doorstep. Now, waking up in a dirty cell, she wishes she would have gone with them when she had the chance, because the very ones who unknowingly ushered the kidnapper to her location may be the only ones who can save her.
When Thea learns that Elnora may be in danger, she doesn’t hesitate to go find her. Thea thought stepping through the portal would be her greatest obstacle, but it only reveals a more sinister threat.
Erin R. Howard is a developmental editor, fantasy author of The Kalila Chronicles, and has earned a Bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing/English from Southern New Hampshire University. When she’s not writing, Erin enjoys spending time with her family, fueling her craft addictions, and teaching writing workshops. Erin is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and the KenTen Writers Group. She resides in Western Kentucky with her husband and three children.
Social Media:
Website: https://erinrhoward.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/E.R.H.Fiction/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ErinRHoward
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erinrhoward/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/erinrhoward/
Blog/Wordpress: https://erinrhoward.wordpress.com/
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/c386-H
Purchase/Pre-order
link: https://www.amazon.com/Soul-Searcher-Kalila-Chronicles-Book-ebook/dp/B07MLXTYJT
March 25, 2019
The Pilgrim’s Progress Movie: April 18 & 20 ONLY
Based on John Bunyan’s epic masterpiece, THE PILGRIM’S PROGRESS is one of the most popular books of all time, and one of the most important stories of our faith! Second to the Bible in total copies and translations, the story was written by John Bunyan a pastor, imprisoned for sharing his faith.
One of the many amazing scenes in The Pilgrim’s Progress movie, showing nationwide April 18 & 20 only.This powerful allegory helps families understand the spiritual journey is the most important journey in life, as well as the importance of sticking to the path, even when the journey gets difficult.
Our family had the opportunity to preview the movie, and the review is coming soon, promise. What you DON’T have to wait for is the chance to get your tickets now. The movie is only playing two days: April 18 and 20.
Did you miss The Pilgrim’s Progress Trailer? Check it out here (giveaway ended.)
I’m blogging about The Pilgrim’s Progress movie as part of a promotion from Lev3L Digital. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated.
March 22, 2019
You’re…Going to get FREE eBooks!
Happy Spring! My heart has been to see lives changed through my writing and speaking. To accomplish that, I try to create opportunities where readers can easily get my books in their hands. One way I do this is by promoting them with free eBook days on Amazon.
Friday, March 22, Saturday, March 23, and Sunday, March 24 there will be TWO books available for free.
You’re Beautiful:
Hayley Atkinson withdraws from her friends and new opportunities with the new mentoring group, Linked, after she is told a lie that she believes is true about herself. Sabrina Wayson is a mentor in Linked who feels she can’t help encourage girls because she’s struggling as much as they are. Can they surrender the lies and find freedom?
You’re Amazing:
Jazmin’s a natural at dance until a series of changes make her wonder if she should even keep up with her favorite hobby.
Lena’s a mom with young children overwhelmed with her schedule when a woman remarks that what Lena does isn’t even important.
Both Jazmin and Lena belong to Linked, a mentoring ministry where all ages encourage each other and build friendships.
Can these two surrender the lies they are believing and realize they are amazing?
A novella for tweens, teens, and women of all ages by mother and daughter team Julie Arduini and Hannah Arduini.
Grab YOU’RE AMAZING HERE
Our teen daughter, Hannah, and I wrote these for tweens, teens, and women. We discovered all ages struggle with believing lies about themselves. It would mean so much if you consider these books for the females in your life, and if they enjoy the books, reviews help so much.
Have a great weekend!
March 21, 2019
Apollo 11: Now Showing in Theaters
You might want to sit down.
Footage from #apollo11Apollo 11 is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Yep, 5-0.
There’s a film out documenting this historic event with new footage and technology that makes it look contemporary. However, as you watch, you’ll note when you see the people that this is actual footage from that event. It truly is fascinating.
Here is a sneak peek to show you what it’s about:
Apollo 11 is Now Playing in Theaters. #Apollo11 Director Todd Douglas Miller and the filmmaking team behind discuss how the documentary was made.
This movie is not just for any space or history fan, but I think every American should see it. Apollo 11 is in theaters now.
“Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”):
Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing the product/product information. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did/will receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.
March 18, 2019
The Amish Baker by Marie E. Bast
A child brings them together…
Will their differing Amish beliefs pull them apart?
When his son breaks one of baker Sarah Gingerich’s prized possessions, widower Caleb Brenneman insists the boy make amends by doing odd jobs in her bake shop. A childless widow, Sarah can’t help falling for the boy…or his farmer father. But Caleb is progressive New Order Amish while Sarah holds traditional beliefs. Though they’re worlds apart, are they a perfect match?
I grew up on a farm in northern Illinois, not
far from Amish country. When the family would drive to town, I’d see Amish
buggies and horses. One day, I asked dad why we didn’t have a horse and buggy.
To my disappointment, he explained it was part of their religion to give up
modern devices. From then on, the Amish have intrigued me.
Now I live seventy-six miles from Kalona,
Iowa, and visit there often. The Amish started to move from Lancaster, PA, to
Iowa in 1846 to live a more secluded lifestyle. The different groups in
Iowa—include the Old Order, New Order and Beachy Amish—have settled in seven
Iowa counties. So come along with me in The Amish Baker and meet the Amish of
the heartland.
In The Amish Baker, Sarah Gingerich, who is Old Order, and Caleb Brenneman, who belongs to the New Order, struggle with what their church Ordnung requires and what their hearts want.
First page excerpt:
Washington County, Iowa
Sarah
Gingerich stomped into her Amish Sweet Delights bakery an hour earlier than her
usual arrival time of 4:00 a.m. Who could sleep a wink after what Bishop Yoder
had said to her yesterday? She slid the deadbolt closed. He had his nerve.
Straightening
her shoulders, she shook off the indignant words. Gelassenheit—calm down and let it go.
She
scooted to the pantry for flour, mixed the bread dough, tossed it on a floured
board and began kneading. After folding the soft mass over, she floured and
kneaded again.
As
she punched the dough a little harder than necessary, the bishop’s words came rushing
back to her. Heat rose from her neck to her ears, burning her now as it had
when he had said them. She couldn’t believe that during his preaching on the
rewards of being a wife and mother, he had stared straight at her the entire
time. Later, he called her aside and mentioned it was time she stopped mourning
Samuel and remarried. Why would he say such a thing?
Order now:
AMAZON CBD BARNES&NOBLE BOOKSAMILLION
Marie E. BastWhispering words of hope and healing through complex characters and twisting plots, Marie E. Bast enjoys writing contemporary and historical stories. Her first Love Inspired novel, The Amish Baker made the Publishers Weekly Best Seller List from Feb 23-Mar 7. She has contributed to four-book compilations to include Chicken Soup for the Soul. Her short stories and articles have appeared in newspaper, magazines, and devotionals. Married for twenty-seven years, Marie and her husband have two grown sons and one daughter. When she’s not writing, she’s walking, golfing, gardening or spending time with her family.
Visit Marie’s website or follow her on social media:
https://mariebastauthor.com/
Goodreads
March 14, 2019
How I’d Handle “Aunt Becky”
Unless you’ve been off grid this week, you’ve heard about the college scandal involving celebrity parents, coaches, and wealthy parents allegedly paying to assure their child earned a spot at a desired college through illegal means that include mail fraud. I think like the rest of the world, I was shocked at the names attached to the scandal: TV moms Lori Laughlin and Felicity Huffman. They’ve played wholesome mom figures and have until this point, avoided the tabloids.
Lori Loughlin’s situation probably hits the hardest because she’s been in the business since she was a teen, and she has steady roles on The Hallmark Channel. She’s the type of person that you’d expect to hear a sparkle sound when you see her. She just seemed to shine.
Image by Chrissey Slay from PixabayIt was also apparent to me through interviews and social media that Lori, like me, is a proud mom.
As much as I’ve admired her career, the allegations amidst the mounting evidence the FBI has talked about leaves a sick feeling in my stomach. I remember how hard I studied for my entrance exams, and how our son studied. I’ve watched young people work two, sometimes three jobs to pay tuition. I’ve read about homeless teens furthering their education through hard, hard work.
Apparently, Lori and her fashion designer husband, Mossimo Giunnuli, not only paid $500,000 to a charity that didn’t exist but was instead meant to assure their daughters were accepted to USC, they also did so under the guise of the girls being crew recruits. The girls were not enrolled in any athletic program associated with rowing, yet posed for pictures as if they were.
I understand there are so many global issues that deserve our prayers and attention. However, there is an armchair planner in me that wanted to think this one out because it’s such a slap in the face to hard working families who want their children to further their education. With that in mind, if I had any authority at all, these are the things I would do:
If I were part of Lori’s legal team: Make a deal. Do not deny. There’s too much evidence.
If I were the judge/jury: This sounds harsh, but I think Lori and her husband should see some jail time. These are federal crimes. I understand this corruption goes beyond Hollywood, but in this specific case, there is proof both parents were involved, and a LOT of money was exchanged. They arranged for photo shoots. It’s so blatant and arrogant that I think consequences are important. Why them and not Felicity Huffman? I guess for my armchair processing, they didn’t exchange as much money or push their child as far as I can see to be directly involved. Although they talked about getting “help” for their second daughter’s testing, they ultimately decided not to. Huffman deserves consequences, they all do. But “Aunt Becky” and her husband? Jail time.
If I were Lori/Mossimo’s PR Team: First, I’d need more money because what a job these folks have before them. I’d make darn sure the children filled out a real application for a fast food restaurant and make darn sure they legit worked there for two years. Not just photo opps, but get their manicured hands dirty. It’s a rite of passage for most teens and it teaches a great work ethic.
Then, I’d have the parents establish a huge, jaw-dropping scholarship that fulfills many, many, MANY tuitions for students that would otherwise not be able to attend college. That these monies would cover every college expense for many students, for many years. That Lori, her husband, and daughters would not just cover the check, but meet the families and be “invested” in every aspect of the process.
THEN, I’d make darn sure the entire family serves regularly in a place that helps families. Serve at a soup kitchen. Work at a homeless shelter. Whatever it is, make sure it is not photographed or manipulated, but true volunteering far away from their mansion. Again, get their hands dirty. Make them intersect with other tax brackets and realize most people work hard for so little.
THEN, I’d shut down the daughter’s social media. Too many videos are coming to light where Olivia has opened her mouth and made the situation much worse. First it was the quote about how she only wants to experience the fun part of college, not the school work. Yesterday I read that she spilled that her dad basically faked college by taking tuition money and using it to start his fashion line. To her, the bottom line is hey, my parents did pretty well for not going to college. To the rest of the world, you are digging a home you can’t climb out of and proving to us that your parents only taught you that deception works. Plus, the comments these girls are receiving are brutal at best. Although I think these girls are involved more than other children in the scandal, they are still young. I couldn’t handle global hate directed at me, could you? Shut those accounts down and get them working at McDonalds. Yesterday.
If I were USC: Expel the girls. Overhaul the system. It’s broken.
If I were Sephora, Tres Semme and all the other brands that profit off Olivia Jade posting content: Sever ties and vet your spokespeople. I know name recognition is important, but there are some kids hustling the right way. Give them the opportunities. Not the girls who have every opportunity in the world and take them for granted.
There. It’s amateur, it’s opinion, but it’s what I’ve been thinking.
You know what else I’ve been thinking?
We are a society so tempted to put pretty people on a pedestal. We think nice people wear halos. You know what? We all fall short. Every single one of us. And Mother Theresa never walked a runway, but I can’t think of anyone more beautiful than her when it comes to what matters.
This scandal was a reminder for me. I do believe in grace, that everyone deserves forgiveness because Christ forgave me. But—we also deserve consequences. As a society, we need to keep each other accountable with our choices and how we idolize people.
Something I’ll think of every time I see “Aunt Becky.”
March 11, 2019
Capture Me by Sherry Kyle
TITLE OF BOOK – Capture Me
GENRE – Contemporary Women’s Fiction
Two biological sisters. Two different families.
Will an old photograph prompt a reunion?
When Ashley Stevens discovers a box of photos that remind her of her difficult childhood with cancer, she wants to push that box aside while keeping her promise to her adoptive grandmother to create scrapbooks from the pictures in the trunk. A photo of herself as a young child sitting beside a smaller girl continues to haunt her. Who is she and why does the toddler’s face look so much like her own? Between her job at the animal shelter, waiting on a proposal from and her boyfriend of three years, and his troubled family, will Ashley ever discover who the girl is?
There’s nothing Kayla Witherspoon wants more than to quit medical school. After two grueling years, it is time she tell her parents the truth—that she desires to be a fashion designer, not a doctor like them. Adding to her fear of imperfection, a woman claims Kayla has a biological sister. She’s gotten along fine as an only child. Why would she need a sibling now?
First page:
Capture Me by Sherry Kyle
La Selva Beach,
California
Ashley Stevens stood on the front porch and
shaded her eyes from the early morning sun. “Here, boy.” Her voice shook with
unwanted emotion.
She’d grown attached to the young pup she’d
found yesterday wandering up and down the street. Poor thing looked like a
cast-off when she spotted him, but a good scrubbing in the metal tub brightened
up his beautiful tan coat.
She zipped up her blue sweatshirt, grabbed
her car keys off the hook, and slammed the front door on her way out in pursuit
of the Labrador. All God’s creatures deserved a loving home, and this pooch was
no exception.
Sliding behind the wheel of her beat-up
station wagon, she put the key in the ignition and peeled out of the driveway
down the eucalyptus-lined street toward the beach, her teeth biting the inside
of her cheek. “Tanner, where’d you go?”
Once in the parking lot, she scanned the
area. A few dogs and their owners were taking their early morning walks.
Please
be here.
She rushed to the shore and kicked off her
sandals. The air was cool, crisp, and smelled of salt, and the waves crashed
against the shore. Moist sand oozed between her toes, and a seagull flew
overhead. She jogged up the beach, jumping over kelp and keeping her eyes
peeled for the stray.
Ashley loved all the animals at the no-kill
animal shelter where she worked and would take home as many as possible. But
her grandmother had insisted that no animals were allowed at the beach house
and told her as much on the phone the night before.
Links to buy:
Sherry Kyle is a graduate of Biola
University and the author of Delivered
with Love, The Heart Stone, Watercolor Dreams, and Road to Harmony. Sherry also writes
middle grade books and is a Gold Mom’s Choice Award winner for The Christian Girl’s Guide to Style, as
well as a Cascade Award Winner for Love,
Lexi: Letters to God. She is a member of American Fiction Christian Writers
(ACFW) and Christian Authors Network (CAN).
Sherry KyleWhen
Sherry isn’t writing, she enjoys taking long walks along the ocean and
decorating her beach home. She lives in California with her husband
and four children and their two rescue dogs, Bandit and Bella. You can find out
more about Sherry and sign up for her newsletter on her website: www.sherrykyle.com.
Social media links:
March 10, 2019
Pre-Order Mack Brock “Covered” CD
Pre-Order “COVERED” HERE. When you do, you receive the single, I Am Loved.
Want to watch the official video for I Am Loved? It’s HERE.
This is a promotional post sponsored by #MBCoveredEP & #FlyBy
“Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”):
Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing the product/product information. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did/will receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.
