Tuesday, July 26, 2005

The Voice in the Night-

Her eyes are dark but bright as fire. Her arms flail about her as they wave up and down and all around like a flag in the wind. She claws at her skin as if it is something that doesn’t belong there. She tries to stop, but cannot. Bruises and cuts on her body show her road has been a ragged, tough one. The voice beckons.

He reaches for her. He grabs one hand, then the other and with his touch, ends her torment. She looks into his intense eyes for redemption, but there is only compassion and love. Redemption is not his to give. They lock eyes and remain silent for what seems like an eternity. Holding her hand, he turns and ushers her down the path.

“Why do you have such little faith, little one?”

“I am weak and tired.”

“But, you know how I’ve helped you before?”

“Yes, but again, I am weak. I only see the life I have now. I can’t see a better future. What is there for me here?”

“I don’t know for sure, but I do know that you must have faith or all is lost within you.”

“Maybe I’ll just stay lost. There is some comfort in knowing that, I think.”

“Such a sad thing for such a young woman to say.”

“You don’t know my life.”

“I think I do.”

“You don’t understand.”

“I think I do.”

“Help me, then.”

“I can only show you the way-you must be the one to listen to my voice and go down the path of the one who has chosen you.”

“I am scared and frightened that the path will be worse than the one I’m following now-how will I know it is a better way?”

“Trust in my voice and in the way of the one who loves you, and you will not fail. You only fail if you do not try. I will be here.”

She sits on the cold, hard ground, wrapping her arms around her knees rocking back and forth, back and forth. Thank you, she whispers in the still of the night.

When it rains, it pours-

When it rains, it pours…
Saturday I had the day to myself, which doesn’t happen very often. I had decided to stay home from up north and it’s a good thing I did. After spending over $150.00 at Meijers, (approx five hours later) I noticed the top layer of food in the freezer had started to thaw. I felt along the sides and noticed it wasn’t very cold. I cranked the setting to the max and hoped for the best. The refrigerator cooled the food yet but I could tell as time went on that it wasn’t working well. I hoped for we wouldn’t need to get a new one, but this one, after all was over twelve years old. We had a family reunion to go to on Sunday so we left and prayed for the best. We came back and noticed it was the same. Monday morning, things were starting to feel warm to touch so we went out at lunchtime and bought a new one and four hours later, it was delivered. They aren’t even as expensive as I had once thought so all is well. (expensive enough, but…compared to the grand scheme of things, it was ok.)
What's next??
How's your day going??

Friday, July 22, 2005

Get Real!

Celebrity News and Gossip
I admit at one point in my life I was a celebrity junkie, for lack of a better word. I would buy People (which I still have to slip my patties as I reach for it) and the gossip magazines to get the latest scoop on the “stars.”

I guess I’m maturing because I am sick of seeing so much attention, news and gossip on the movie stars, singers/entertainers etc. I’m longing for something worthwhile to read in magazines and watch on television. There is just so much crap out there. It’s unbelievable. I can’t wait to see what the Fall show lineup will bring. I’m also sick of all of the terrible reality shows. I must confess that I liked Survivor when it first started, and I still love Fear Factor. But now, the reality shows are just plain crazy, in my little ole opinion.

What do I want to see? I would love to see more movies/shows on authors/writers and their lives or just plain people living extraordinary lives. More magazines on the lives of other occupations in general other than Hollywood! Yes, there are some good shows and magazines, of course, but not very many. What happened to show like Little House on the Prairie, Waltons, etc. “They won’t make it,” people say because we are choosing to watch “the crap.” I say it’s not true. It will take time to change things around, I agree, but aren’t we worth it? Aren’t kids worth it? Come on. Let’s get it together! I mean, who the …cares what Jessica Simpson is wearing or what she’s doing-really? We need to really take a long, hard look in the mirror and ask ourselves if we are willing to allow this to continue. I know it’s hard, but dang, we must stop buying into the illusion. Let’s buy what’s real for a change. This is one woman who is going to try very hard to say, “NO!” Enough is enough.

Tuesday, July 19, 2005

Monthly Giveaway-July-Writing Exciting #1-101

Sorry so late in posting this! To be fair, I will start contest today so everyone viewing has a chance to win. I am giving away the CD (title above) to the first person who comments on the blog for the rest of the month. If you have already won and no one comments by the end of the month, and you have commented this month, I will give it away to you! Otherwise, the first newbie to the site who comments on one of my posts and links to my blog gets the gift! That easy!

The above is a very nice starter CD on Basic Writing as a panel discussion with a few writers on their thoughts on the writing and publishing process. Questions are asked and answered on how long it should take to write a book, how much money should one expect to make, how do critique groups work etc. It is great for starting writers!

Friday, July 15, 2005

Thought of the Day: Live for Today

No doubt about it, our family is going through a very tough time. My sixty year old (so young!) mother-in-law is battling cancer and losing-she is and has been a vibrant and positive influence in our lives. Last night, we had a family meeting at the hospital with her doctor and the news was devastating. My family and I are still trying to bounce back from my husband's job loss. Prayers are welcome here!

With all of that being said, on the way home last night around 10:30pm, my husband and I were just remarking on the turn of events in our lives and knew that we needed to live each day like it was our last-of course, within reason. His job loss doesn't even compare to the loss of a precious life. It puts things in perspective whether we like it or not-life is just too short. We know this but yet we let the little things in life get us down and when circumstances are thrown into our paths, we must face the fact that we are only on this earth for a short period of time.

I am constantly challenged in my faith, and this is no different. But as I age, I am able to cope better with adversity although painful and frustrating. And I know that we need to appreciate each other and the blessings that we have, no matter what might be happening around us especially in the continuing terrorist attacks around the globe, such as the recent attacks in London. In short, we must keep the faith and appreciate our lives one day at a time. And believe me when I tell you, it is with a tear strained and a grim face that I make this statement.

Life is as always a journey.

Thursday, July 14, 2005

Blogs And Electronic Rights

Hello Fellow Bloggers:

I read something interesting in the current issue of Writer’s Digest Magazine (which I highly recommend) regarding electronic rights for writing on blogs. I have been wondering about this issue since I started putting parts of my stories on my blog and wondered if these were then considered published works.

According to Writer’s Digest’s legal experts, it is considered published once an individual posts their work(s) on their blog, and it even went on to say that it might even affect first rights. Interesting. I see quite a few people listing their stories/works on their site. Of course, these writings are usually only drafts of one’s works/stories, so it wouldn’t apply unless one submitted the exact same thing (finished copy) to be published. Right?

Anyone have any thoughts on this or anything to add? Inquiring minds want to know :)

Wednesday, July 13, 2005

Thought of the Day: Encouragement

Just a little note of how important encouraging words are to people. It is unbelievable how much difference just one kind word can make. As fellow bloggers, we can be a positive influence to others we don't even know. I didn't realize how much another's response could make my day.

Spread positive words to others whether it be channeled by way of blogs or any other source-I know I will be!

We can all make a difference-it only takes a minute to pass along a compliment or kind word.

God bless!

Tuesday, July 12, 2005

Disappointment-

A lot on my mind today. What should have been a fun and relaxing vacation last week was mixed with sadness, anger and confusion. My husband's job was eliminated the day before we left for vacation. He is a good worker and a great person. I am sad for him. But, I also feel gladness because he was very unhappy there at times, and I pray he will find a position that will fit him. I am confident he will make his way, but after eighteen years with the same company, it will be difficult for him. We did manage to have a very nice time with family and friends on vacation, and we are thankful for our many blessings, but coming home to face the bills was a little frightening. I think this will be a good thing for him in the long run, and I am optimistic.