Pictures from Texas
Dr. Stephens was kind enough to send me pictures of the Reading Festival this past weekend. If it looks like we had fun--well, we did!
~~Angie
By Angela on Saturday, January 31, 2009 @ 10:30 PM
Dr. Stephens was kind enough to send me pictures of the Reading Festival this past weekend. If it looks like we had fun--well, we did!
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Have You Seen This Toy?
Yes, it's a real toy. Read through some of the customer reviews for a chuckle . . . or not.
Soon they'll be making preschool toys where the little characters have duct tape, rolls of plastic sheeting, and gas masks in case of terrorist attack.
Sheesh. What a world.
I spent yesterday at LeTourneau University--spoke at lunch to a group of education students and teachers, then did a Q&A with some folks. Then had a real treat--Dr. Kathy Stephens took me to a local Chick-fil-A (did I spell that right?) where we held an in-store book-signing and I signed books with the COW! :-) It was a lot of fun, and we took pictures. I'll have to post some as soon as I get copies. Met some really wonderful folks, including Leslie, one of our blog friends!
Clyde, I stepped outside and waved to you. Did you see me? :-)
Am flying home today (Saturday) and looking forward . . . to doing the laundry.
P.S. Don't forget the showing tonight of "The Note" and "The Note 2" on the Hallmark channel. Hope you can catch it!
~~Angie
By Angela on @ 7:00 AM
for this post
Mocha with Linda Says:
Saccr than the toy is thinking of all the kids being raised by the bitter &vitriolic folks writing those reviews!!
Smilingsal Says:
lol I read some of the reviews, but not all 48 of them. You're right, and I am laughing!
I will be watching tonight. :-)
Says:
Ah - that bright flash of light on the horizon was you! Of Course! =) My daughter and I are looking forward to our Note Marathon tonight. Elaborate plans are in the making. Clyde
Angela Says:
Sounds like fun--a "Note" superbowl tonight! Hint: the one thing you'll need is a box of tissues. :-)
Enjoy!
Angie
Says:
I wish we had cable :(
I guess I will have to get the DVD's. We are not ready for the Feburary 17 change over. We bought the converter box and a new antenna, but it didn't help. Maybe after DH gets a job we'll get the cheapest cable package.
Right now we are watching a lot of DVD's from the library. I'm watching Season four of "Emergency" trying to find the episode that my mother-in law's house was used.
Paige Says:
That toy is...amazing?
Btw, it's LeTourneau. (Sorry! I'm a LU graduate!)
I'm also Belinda Hartung's niece (Kathy's friend who joined you guys for dinner Friday night). When she told me, I was a little jealous, since I've been reading your books since I was, oh, 10 years old? :P
Glad you got to visit with Kathy and Co.! They're amazing people. :)
Holly Says:
Aw, I wish I had known! My niece, Lydia, goes to LaTourneau.
You look good, Angie! How are you feeling?
Angela Says:
Feeling pretty good, if a little tired. And since I got home, I've been sneezing nonstop. My nose has to get used to my dogs again. :-)
A-choo!
Agnie
Says:
those reviews are hysterically funny!
jan
Leslie Says:
It was so cool to see you in Longview! I had to giggle at the Chick-fil-A employee (manager?) who was grilling you with questions. I really hope he checks out The Immortal! :)
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If you like illusions . . .
Hello from Longview, Texas! It's chilly here! This is an interesting video clip. And since distraction is a major element in illusionary magic, I think I understand why the divas of magic show so much cleavage. :-/ It's also amusing how they snarl and leap around from feat to feat. Bet they burn a lot of calories, don't you think?
~~Angie
By Angela on Friday, January 30, 2009 @ 7:00 AM
for this post
Says:
WOW! That was frantic, but amazing. Welcome to Texas, Angie. Sorry you're so far from San Antonio! Clyde
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How's Your Reaction time?
I'm flying out this morning to Longview, Texas because I'll be speaking at LaTourneau University on Friday. Looking forward to it. :-) I've had a couple of months off, but the travel schedule is picking up again. BTW, don't forget that "The Note" and "The Note 2: Taking a Chance on Love" will air on the Hallmark Channel this coming Saturday night. Check your local station for times.
And yes, I took the screenplay for the second movie and wrote it up into a novel. That's supposed to be released in May, along with the DVD.
This looks like a game, but it's really not--it's a fun way to see how fast your brain and muscles react to visual stimuli. Click on the little baseball, and then when you see the words "swing batter," click anywhere on the ball field. The screen will then tell you if you were fast enough to hit the ball. Interesting, when you think it could also reveal whether you're fast enough to brake to avoid a child, a suddenly-braking driver, etc.
I started out slow and then got faster . . . . because I knew what to expect. But in real life, we never expect the unexpected, do we? :-0
So . . . how'd you do?
~~Angie
By Angela on Thursday, January 29, 2009 @ 7:00 AM
for this post
Terri L. Gillespie Says:
So cool. What's weird is my reaction time for .2 seconds felt the same as .19. I couldn't feel the difference enough to replicate my response.
He called me Sparky a few too many times. :o)
God-speed on your journey. Take good care of yourself, Angie. May we all remind you that you just got out of the hospital?
Mocha with Linda Says:
Woohoo! I hit a home run at .11 secs! And I jumped the gun a couple of times.
Wow, you'll be in Longview?!?!?! Wish this state wasn't so big. Are you SURE you don't want to make a detour through Austin?! Have a great trip!
Kay Day Says:
I did pretty good.
I ALWAYS expect the unexpected. It's my motto. My code. no, wait... I don't have a motto.
I guess that's why I unexpectedly hit an unexpected car earlier this week.
Deborah Says:
after hitting a bunch of .22 base hits, somehow i got incredibly lucky with a .04 home run! unfortunately i can't seem to duplicate it.
Says:
I keep getting base hits. Maybe I should put on my glasses or put in my contacts.
Just a reminder to those of you thinking of going on the cruise with Angie next January, half of the cabins are spoken for. If we fill up I can add more cabins, but right now all we have available are Balconies and Ocean View cabins.
Leslie Says:
Awesome about LU! I'll have to check out if you are doing a night chapel too (cause guess where I live and used to go to school). Ok, so if anyone doesn't get that on the first guess then, well... anyway...
Says:
Kay - you crack me up! (I know it's a bad pun, but ... oh well!) So, I got as many "Sparkys" as "Home Runs", which shows I have no idea what I was doing. I had fun anyway, and look at all the exercise I got running around the bases! =) Safe trip, Angie! Clyde
Says:
have a great and safe trip!
jan
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In Memory of John Updike
Yesterday's news bulletin: The Author John Updike Has Died at 76
John Updike, the Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist, has died at
76, according to his publisher.
A friend of mine sent this link to an Easter poem John Updike wrote. I was amazed at its beauty and theological truth. Read it yourself here.
~~Angie
By Angela on Wednesday, January 28, 2009 @ 7:00 AM
for this post
Terri L. Gillespie Says:
Wow. Macho-faith! Love seeing men describe truth with muscle! God bless John's family at this time.
Says:
Hmmmm - quite a poem, and rather overwhelming for this old lady! I'm so sorry about your sojourn in the hospital and the related side bars. How hard it is to try to recuperate with so much drama around you. Sending prayers to all! We are looking forward to TV on Saturday night. In the San Antonio TV Guide the movies are listed as "The Note" at 6:00 pm and "The Note II: Taking a Chance on Love" at 8:00 pm. Pls take care of yourself, Angie. Hugs, Clyde
coffee Says:
John Updike's passing is sad, but he left a ton of awesome work. "Immortality is nontransferrable" he said appropriately.
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Think your home would be hard to sell in this market?
LOL! Then count your blessings, because look what some other folks have built.
Can you imagine a bar in every bedroom? A jet outside the living room window? A huge room simply for wrapping gifts?
I can't help but marvel that these folks can't find a more useful way to spend--invest--their money.
~~Angie
By Angela on Tuesday, January 27, 2009 @ 7:00 AM
for this post
Amy Says:
What cracks me up is that most of those owners would lecture me that I am the ruining the planet because I have 4 children and I drive a minivan, not a Prius. Oh, and I only drive about 12000 miles a year because I live in Lynchburg where everything is 15 min. away.
Yikes.
Amy
Kathy Says:
Ha! I live in a double wide manufactured home. Some days I really wish for a "real" home. But those are NOT it.
Mocha with Linda Says:
That is beyond excess.
The saddest part to me was the comment from Will Smith that by the time it was finally built some of the kids would be grown and wouldn't get to enjoy their bedrooms. What a waste of priorities.
Smilingsal Says:
(sigh) I can't help but wonder if any of these home owners are really wealthy--with things eternal.
Leslie Says:
7 years to build a home? Wow...
Ok I loved Martha's house - and am like the commenters there - why is it listed...but then maybe its the pricetag.
Says:
i guess some folks just have more dollars than "cents!" (sense!)
jan
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My hospital adventure
Thanks, friends, for all the prayers and kind thoughts during my unexpected hiatus. Boy, did I learn a lot during these last four days!
What follows may be TMI (too much information, Mom), so you may want to stop reading now. Okay, still here? You've been warned. :-)
I felt as fit as a fiddle on Wednesday. Lori Copeland, my Heavenly Daze co-author, popped into town, so we went to lunch and had a great time. About six o'clock, I had some cable guys at the house to repair the phones, and I was fine--but while they were here, I was hit with some MAJOR stomach cramps--really bad. Knocked me to the floor, and I started perspiring so profusely that water was dripping from my fingertips. One of the cable guys called out to me, and I yelled back, "I'm sorry, but I can't talk to you right now." Of course, they couldn't come to me, because I was being guarded by Babe, the man-eating mastiff. :-)
So they left and after a while I got up and felt better, but went to bed early. And I'll skip over a little bit here, and let you fill in with your imagination. Anyway, at two a.m., I woke up hubby and said, "You want to take me to the ER now, or wait until morning? It might be quieter there if we go now."
So he took me to the ER, and I sent him home to sleep. I thought they'd just run some tests and send me home, but they admitted me. Hubby came roaring back at five a.m., wondering why I hadn't called. (I was trying to let him sleep!)
I had a room to myself for a few hours, but on Thursday, they brought me a roommate--an older woman who had slipped in her tub and broken her hip. She had stayed home and self-administered painkillers she'd bought who knows where, but when she ran out of drugs, she came to the hospital. She seemed to be quite bitter, but I tried to be nice and show a little kindness where I could. Hard to know what to do in that situation.
My worst night was Thursday night--I had to prepare for the colonoscopy (which I was going to have next month anyway, on account of being over 50), so I had to drink that nasty stuff that purges the system. My omnipresent stomachache got MUCH worse; in fact, lying down and giving up the ghost sounded pretty good. :-/ I found myself in an odd situation--staring at this cup of tasteless salty solution I had to drink, knowing that a few minutes after downing it, I was going to be in PAIN. There's some familiar imagery in that, but it sounds blasphemous to point it out, so I'm going to skip it.
But by the next morning I felt better, and the actual procedure was blissful. Whatever anesthetic they use, it's effective and it doesn't leave you groggy. Verdict: part of the intestine was inflamed, which equals colitis. What caused it? Probably an infection, virus, or . . . something. But the doc says my 24 hour fast, plus a couple days of liquid diet should help it heal.
Hubby brings me some beautiful roses to inspire me to feel better. They look much prettier than I do.
In the mean time . . . my roommate is getting angrier and angrier. She needs a smoke, but she can't get out of bed. Her surgery goes well, and she sleeps quite a while, but when she wakes up, she is constantly calling for our compassionate nurse, a really cool guy from Haiti. She keeps begging for more pain killer, but they can only dispense so much. She spends a lot of time insisting that the dispensing machine isn't working, but it is.
By Friday, I'm feeling much better and trying to get my book club book read. I'm also emailing my friends, tapping out messages on my phone with one finger. Also keeping my Facebook page updated, without telling the world gruesome details. Roommate is more antsy than ever, and keeps calling people, cussing them out, and hanging up on them. I'm . . . perplexed.
By Saturday, we're watching Titanic on TV, but then she begins to think we're on a boat. I am even more perplexed. She is even more agitated. By seven p.m., she is screaming out the door and purely paranoid, weeping and wailing that the nurses are conspiring against her, they've been in her house, they've stolen her computer passwords. The sweet nurses who have helped her all day are now being called . . . unprintable things.
By eight o'clock, I gingerly get out of bed, unplug my IV pump (tenderly nicknamed "Henry", and I have no idea why, he just looked like one), and go out to the nurses' station, where I whimper, "Help." The nurses assure me they're trying to find an empty bed for me. As the woman continues to rant and rave and scream, they have to go in to sedate her, but she screams, tears off her clothes, and won't let them touch her.
Long story short, they end up restraining her and giving her a sedative, which wears off LONG before it should. By the time I'm in another room, she's screaming again, which she does all night long and when I leave on Sunday morning she's still screaming and I can hear her from down the hall . . .
The nurses explain to me that perhaps she's an addict of some kind, because the third day is always "eventful" for those who have to go through withdrawal. Which leaves me wondering why anyone in the world would ever think drug abuse is a good thing. (And I know that many, many become addicted to pain killers without intending to. An awful thing, as the withdrawal is not fun.) The sight of that woman tied to her bed and out of her mind . . . not anything I'd wish on my worst enemy.
But when God had me out of that room, He had me fall into conversation with this sweet little woman in a baseball cap--she was keeping vigil over her husband who was in the room next door. Her native language was Spanish, and I was able to use enough of my espanol to learn that her husband was ninety-two, wouldn't eat or drink, and she was all alone and terribly worried. (And the screaming coming from next door wasn't helping.) So when hubby came up, he went in and prayed with them, and before I left, I gave her a hug and wept with her for a few minutes. "Jesus es con usted," I told her, and she nodded that she agreed. If you think of her, please pray for her husband. He was having surgery for a bowel obstruction on Sunday afternoon. (And I wish I could say my Spanish was really good, but it isn't. Her English was great.)
And so I left with a new appreciation for nurses and technicians and dietitians and everyone who gets to wear those comfortable smocks and provide care for others. I witnessed dozens of acts of mercy, most of them performed with a smile. I left my roses at the nurses' station, because they surely deserved them.
If you are in health care, I salute you!
But it's good to be home. And I'm so grateful for your prayers.
Now . . . in which book shall I use this adventure? And can anyone tell me why after fasting for 24 hours, then having two days of broth and Diet Coke, I came home six pounds heavier? The 2009 diet is not going well.
~~Angie
By Angela on Monday, January 26, 2009 @ 7:00 AM
for this post
Stephanie Says:
Wow, I was moved by your post, thank you. I am so sorry that you had to go through all of that. The roses were beautiful and so are you :) Enjoy your week, especially being at home now...ah!
Caitriona aka Catherine Says:
The roommate is sick in body, mind and soul. What struck me in this post was prayers for the quiet old man but not for the insane old woman. Addicts who go through withdrawal especially when they are not looking to are like a tornado roaring through every life she touches. I am sorry that you, Angie had to put up with her while you were hospitalized.
May the mercy and grace of God invade her life.
Angela Says:
Oh, I prayed for the woman, too, but from my bed. She wouldn't let anyone near her. A hospital chaplain came and tried to pray for her, but she only started cursing and ordered him from the room.
But you're right--addiction is a terrible thing and hurts not only the addict, but everyone in the family.
Angie
Mocha with Linda Says:
I imagine you had a fair amount of IV fluids, didn't you? Especially in the ER? That would likely account for the weight gain.
I'm actually impressed they could restrain your poor roomie. There are so many people sitting behind desks making laws that really just tie the nurses" hands.
This brought back so many memories. You would have been one of my favorite patients!
Glad you're home and on the mend.
Leslie Says:
Wow. That is an...adventure.
Glad you are better. I know other people with that lovely disease (where its brought on by foods)... so be careful!
Maybe you need to write a book where the main character is a nurse (I think you've aleady done so, but not sure)
Angela Says:
The fluids have to be the answer, Linda--and yes, I was pumped so full of fluids that my arms looked like sausages! :-) They're still slightly inflated, but I'm gradually returning to normal. Whatever "normal" is. :-)
Angie
Smilingsal Says:
Linda is right with the fluid/weight answer.
I was a CRAZY lady after my first total knee replacement, although I did not have to be restrained. Believe me, I am NO addict. You may have been given misinformation from the nurse.
A surgeon explained to me that when the pain gets "ahead," drugs never seem to get "caught up." The surgeon (who was not the guy who replaced my knee) went on to explain that this should never happen! Therefore, my heart goes out to the poor woman in such pain that she literally goes NUTS. After a time, sanity is restored.
I am praying for the espanol gentleman and his esposa.
Colonoscopy is a wonderful test; it's the prep that's awful. If you were inflamed, I cannot imagine how gruesome your prep experience! Poor baby.
You've certainly got plenty of research, and you did it the hard way. I can't wait to read this book! What will you call it? Nightmare in ER?
Holly Says:
AW, Angie! I am so sorry for your ordeal and so glad that you in fact did not give up the ghost. We were praying for you here in CO. And this week, I pray that God will restore all the strength and energy you had before this began.
Did you notice these words you wrote on the post prior to your illness? "I cracked up, then felt slightly queasy." Perhaps the queasy was beginning right there.
Much love to you!
Holly
PS Praying for the ones you encountered, as well.
Kay Day Says:
Sounds like my worst nightmare! I hate any kind of stomach illness! I'm so glad you are better.
I once had a patient who became psychotic from a reaction to anesthesia. It was very similar to what you described in this lady. Before he was discharged, he was a normal, nice man.
Kimberly Says:
So glad you are ok, and don't worry its the fluid from the IV, it will go away as soon as you are up and around! :)
Momstheword Says:
Perhaps we can factor in dementia with that lady's behavior. Or a long-standing mental illness. God bless her. Your opportunites to pray were planned for you before you entered the hospital. One of my sisters led people to the Lord every time she was in a hospital.
Rel Says:
Sorry for what you went through but glad it wasn't anything more serious.
Take care and hope the fluid disappears rapidly!
Says:
so glad that you are feeling better!
jan
The Dynamic Uno Says:
I'm glad you're back at home and feeling better. I also wanted to let you know that our book club at work--TRASH (Teachers Read At Sickles High)--has decided to read "The Elevator" for our book this month. :)
Terri L. Gillespie Says:
Angie, so glad you're home and feeling better. What an adventure. I can't believe you were on your knees and didn't tell the cable repairman. What is that?
Says:
Angie,
I'm so glad that things ended well for you. Who knows exactly what was going on with your roommate, but being in the mental health field, I can attest to the fact that there are many people out there addicted to painkillers who go through absolute hell when they cannot take what they are used to taking. I am constantly surprised at how poorly this is handled in non-substance-abuse-treatment medical settings. The good thing is this woman now has much prayer ascending to the throne on her behalf!
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for this post
Says:
Sorry to hear it, Angie. You're in my prayers. God bless, Mary Kay
Megan DiMaria Says:
Sorry to hear you're not well. I've been praying since I read the twitter report.
I hope the doctors fix you up fast and you're back home soon.
A prisoner of hope,
Megan
Says:
I just finished your second book in the Fairlawn Series and came to your site to find out about the next book. So sorry to hear you are not well. Will be praying for you and waiting for a good report. Judie M
Says:
i hope that you will get well fast!
our prayers are with you.
jan
Says:
Prayers are being said as I type.
Feel better soon!!
Mocha with Linda Says:
So sorry to hear this! Praying you'll soon be home and back to your usual self!
Says:
God's arms are wrapped around you as we pray. Clyde
A Cottage Rose Says:
My empathy,love,and prayer for you.
Arkansas Angie
...I just bought The Face for my Kindle. :)
Says:
I just heard from Lori Copeland, Angie's co-writer of the Heavenly Daze books. Angie is doing find and hopes to go home tomorrow.
Rel Says:
Praying, Angie :) Thx for dropping by my blog and for sharing about your Cahira series - I'm delighted!
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The Kissing Contest
My cousin sent me this video--and I cracked up, then felt slightly queasy. It's hilarious. Enjoy!
~~Angie
By Angela on @ 7:00 AM
for this post
Terri L. Gillespie Says:
Shiver. I've kissed a few guys that like kissed like apes.
You nailed it, Angie. LOL and quesiness.
Kay Day Says:
They must have used some heavy-duty mouthwash on those guys, because otherwise... ewwww.
Speaking of queasy - are you better?
Says:
Proof positive that sometimes, even though you know what's coming (as the viewer or reader), you can still enjoy the ride. Hilarious!
Michael Ehret
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That's One Clever Dog
I had an unexpected treat yesterday--Lori Copeland, my dear friend and co-author of the HEAVENLY DAZE series, was in town so we met for lunch, then I took her to my house to meet my puppies. :-)My dogs are (relatively) smart, but this one takes the cake. Check out this dog who shoplifts.
At first I thought maybe it was a pet store, or someplace where dogs routinely visit, but no, it's an actual grocery store. LOL! I don't blame the manager for not forcing the issue. That was a BIG dog!
~~Angie
By Angela on Thursday, January 22, 2009 @ 7:00 AM
for this post
Terri L. Gillespie Says:
Too cute! That dog looked more like a wolf than any other breed.
The owner had more chutzpah than me--I'd have lifted my hands and said, "Have at it, buddy."
Kathy Says:
Funny.
If that poor dog's sense of smell was really 100,000 times better than a human's I feel bad for him. Can you imagine everything he smelled in that store???
lynnrush Says:
Holy Moly. I can't believe that. A shoplifting dog. That's hysterical. Terri---You're right, I first thought it was a wolf too. It was big. I would have steered clear of it for sure!
Smilingsal Says:
Amazing! I'm going to share this on my blog one day in the future. I'll give you credit.
Mocha with Linda Says:
That's hilarious! Guess they need to adjust their sign to read "Shoplifters will be prosecuted. . . .except canines."
Kay Day Says:
Ok, I'm thinking why didn't he go for the top sirloin?
My chiropractor shares an office and the other guy has a bug Husky like that who comes to work with him.
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Like You Know?
Whew. I thought I was enjoying some time "off," but Monday I set out to "kindle-ize" some out of print books (i.e., make them available via the Amazon Kindle reader), and that's been keeping me very busy. Not only do I have to check the formatting, etc., but I keep finding words that I no longer use much (like "suddenly") in the old text, and I'm driven to take them out!
A friend sent me to this You Tube Video, a bit of poetry performed by a teacher. It's funny and profound, like the best humor is. Enjoy . . . you know?
(I'm beginning to think all the really opinionated people have moved to blogdom.)
~~Angie
By Angela on Wednesday, January 21, 2009 @ 7:00 AM
for this post
Mocha with Linda Says:
When I was watching it? I was thinking "This is so true, you know?" Love it!!
And I love his Scrabble shirt, too!
Says:
"Like" started out as Valley Girl talk, didn't it? Not sure how the "you know" got added. Maybe it was insecurity and the need to have others agree with what one said. The latest that I'm hearing is: "you know what I mean?" or "you know what I'm saying?" at the end of every sentence. So many times I am tempted to say: "no, I don't!"
A Cottage Rose Says:
Hi! -- What books are you Kindle-izing? This is exciting! Please, keep us posted!
With love,
Angie in Arkansas
Angela Says:
Arkansas Angie asked what I was Kindle-izing:
All five of the Keepers of the Ring series, THE JUSTICE, THE SHADOW WOMEN, THE PROPOSAL, AFTON OF MARGATE CASTLE . . . and I'm having to retype a large portion of THE TROUBADOUR'S QUEST. :-/ They're in the process now. :-)
Angie
Says:
So true, you know what I'm saying? Like, I so agree because, well,some uneducated, well, they TALK like this, you know? :o)
Angi Says:
I have been eyeing the Kindle. What are your thoughts about it? Know anyone who has it? Likes it/hates it?
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LOL! The latest Mac
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This weekend I read THE HOST, an adult novel by Stephenie Meyer, the same woman who wrote the Twilight series. All I can say is wow. The book is VERY different and took a little getting into, but once I got into it, I couldn't put it down. I sat in my chair with tears streaming down my face as I read--my husband kept walking through the room and laughing at me.
So if you're looking for another engrossing read, check it out. It feels like science fiction, but other than the aliens, it's not, really. It's a novel that's almost impossible to classify, but it's great.
And now--the sarcastic folks at the Onion have outdone themselves with this video--poking fun at Apple's uber cool and at apple folks who go for the uber cool just because . . . well, it's cool.
By Angela on Tuesday, January 20, 2009 @ 7:00 AM
for this post
Smilingsal Says:
lol Those folks at Onion should be forced to use PCs!
My husband is like your; he kept walking in and gawking at me with tears streaming down my face as I read, She's in A Better Place. My review will be posted the middle of February, but I'll give you a three word peek:
1. FAN
2. TAS
3. TICK
Deborah Says:
i just started reading new moon this week. i finished twilight last week. my reaction was..."meh, it's ok". i like them but they didn't draw me in like the Harry Potter books did.
Says:
I cried last week when I read "One Perfect Day" by Lauraine Snelling.
Almost as soon as I finished it I had to read it again.
Says:
Hmmm...I'm not sure about the MacBook Wheel. I happen to love typing and can do it fairly quickly. The Wheel seems so slow! Guess I'm an old fuddy-duddy and resistent to change. LOL
Says:
i was wondering if "the host" was good...but,are the tears "sad tears" or "happy tears?" (if it is sad tears, i'm not sure i can handle it.)
jan
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An Unlikely Love Story
This video clip made me cry . . . not hard to do, granted, but still. Ignore the silly music playing in the background and enjoy this story of Tara the Elephant and Bella the dog.
You might want to keep a tissue handy.
~~Angie
By Angela on Sunday, January 18, 2009 @ 7:00 AM
for this post
Kathy Says:
An unlikely pair. We have a gorilla in a nearby zoo who would do nothing after her mate died and then someone a kitten found its way into the zoo and they became inseparable and the gorilla started living again. Isn't it funny how that happens.
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A fun site
If you have any artists in the house, especially graphic artists, gather them around the computer and visit this web site. You'll need to give it a couple of minutes to load, then you're free to drag the slider bar to any point and watch the fun unfold. Literally. :-)
Who sits around and dreams these things up?
My newsletter went out yesterday, so if you missed it, you can see it here. And yes, I know there's a typo--"Mary" should be "May."
Just think of me as one of those Amish quilters who purposely makes a mistake in each quilt just to remind herself that only God is perfect. :-)
~~Angie
By Angela on Saturday, January 17, 2009 @ 7:00 AM
for this post
Mocha with Linda Says:
I always love getting my newsletter. It's like an extra dose of your blog!
I can't wait for Let Darkness Come!! At least I have Brothers and Journeys coming in the meantime!
Says:
that was too cool!
(and always love getting your newsletter!)
thanks,
jan
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Good news! Books are back!
A new report just came out from the NEA--and it's good news. Here it is:
More American Adults Read Literature According to New |
 | ||
Literary reading on the rise for first time in history of Arts Endowment survey
January 12, 2009
Washington, D.C. -- For the first time in more than 25 years, American adults are reading more literature, according to a new study by the National Endowment for the Arts. Reading on the Rise documents a definitive increase in rates and numbers of American adults who read literature, with the biggest increases among young adults, ages 18-24. This new growth reverses two decades of downward trends cited previously in NEA reports such as Reading at Risk and To Read or Not To Read.
"At a time of immense cultural pessimism, the NEA is pleased to announce some important good news. Literary reading has risen in the U.S. for the first time in a quarter century," said NEA Chairman Dana Gioia. "This dramatic turnaround shows that the many programs now focused on reading, including our own Big Read, are working. Cultural decline is not inevitable."
Among the key findings:
Literary reading increases
- For the first time in the history of the survey - conducted five times since 1982 - the overall rate at which adults read literature (novels and short stories, plays, or poems) rose by seven percent.
- The absolute number of literary readers has grown significantly. There were 16.6 million more adult readers of literature in 2008. The growth in new readers reflects higher adult reading rates combined with overall population growth.
- The 2008 increases followed significant declines in reading rates for the two most recent ten-year survey periods (1982-1992 and 1992-2002).
Demographics of literature readers
- Young adults show the most rapid increases in literary reading. Since 2002, 18-24 year olds have seen the biggest increase (nine percent) in literary reading, and the most rapid rate of increase (21 percent). This jump reversed a 20 percent rate of decline in the 2002 survey, the steepest rate of decline since the NEA survey began.
- Since 2002, reading has increased at the sharpest rate (+20 percent) among Hispanic Americans, Reading rates have increased among African Americans by 15 percent, and among Whites at an eight percent rate of increase.
- For the first time in the survey's history, literary reading has increased among both men and women. Literary reading rates have grown or held steady for adults of all education levels.
Trends in media and literary preferences
- Fiction (novels and short stories) accounts for the new growth in adult literary readers.
- Reading poetry and drama continues to decline, especially poetry-reading among women.
- Online readers also report reading books. Eighty-four percent of adults who read literature (fiction, poetry, or drama) on or downloaded from the Internet also read books, whether print or online.
- Nearly 15 percent of all U.S. adults read literature online in 2008.
A tale of two Americas
- The U.S. population now breaks into two almost equally sized groups – readers and non-readers.
- A slight majority of American adults now read literature (113 million) or books (119 million) in any format.
- Reading is an important indicator of positive individual and social behavior patterns. Previous NEA research has shown that literary readers volunteer, attend arts and sports events, do outdoor activities, and exercise at higher rates than non-readers.
Isn't that great news? Now excuse me, I must return to my book . . .
~~Angie
By Angela on Friday, January 16, 2009 @ 7:00 AM
for this post
Angela Says:
What can I say? You're good, Sally. :-)
Sorry about the bad formatting on that piece--sometimes cut and paste doesn't work so well.
Happy reading, everyone! I'm reading a new manuscript by Nicole Baart at the moment--she's amazing!
Angie
Mocha with Linda Says:
That's great! Maybe folks will turn off some of the junk that's on TV. There's nothing like a good book!
Says:
excellent news!
jan
Caitriona aka Catherine Says:
Looking at the 18-24 year old category, it would be fun to know how many of those young adults were educated at home where reading is highly valued. The first question that popped into my head was, what has caused the increase?
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Taking a Chance on Love to premier Jan. 31
It's here! Or almost here. You can read just one of several side stories here, or you can just tune in and watch the adventure on the Hallmark Channel, January 31st.
(Gee, that picture doesn't give the ending away, does it?)
Yes, there's a happy ending in store for Peyton and King, but they have to suffer through a few things to reach it.
Hallmark is going to repeat "The Note" immediately before the premier of "Taking a Chance on Love," so be sure to check your local listings as to time and station. And enjoy!
~~Angie
By Angela on Thursday, January 15, 2009 @ 7:00 AM
for this post
Mocha with Linda Says:
One of the few times I wish we had cable TV!
BTW, I gave a friend THE FACE for Christmas. A few days ago she called to tell me she was reading a great book & had to tell me about it...except just as she called she realized I gave it to her. "But I knew you would love it!" She's already told her mom about it and was trying not to read it too quickly, savoring it.
Says:
can't wait!
jan
Says:
Ah, next year's Christmas present. This year my dear hubby gave me "The Note." We're glad to look forward to Peyton and King's happy ending, but since we don't get Hallmark Channel, will have to wait until the DVD comes out. He'll be glad to know Christmas shopping will be easy next year.
Only, what, 113 more Angie-books to hit the movies. Who do we call, Angie, to nudge them along? When The Elevator hits, high-rise sections in major cities will be abandoned by thousands! That's OK. They can stay home and read all the books they've missed.
:-)
Blessings,
Mary Kay
The Koala Bear Writer Says:
I watched "The Note" just before Christmas and LOVED it... so I can't wait to see the sequel! :)
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Glasses
I knew I was in trouble last week when I was driving and realized that I could see the road better without my prescription sunglasses.
By the time you read this, I'm sure I'll have been to the eye doctor, as I'm waaaay overdue. I've been nearsighted for about twenty years, but only needing glasses to drive. I didn't realize how bad my eyes were until the last time I went for my driver's license test. The woman finished with the man in front of me, then she told me to look into the little machine and read the three columns.
I looked up and told her she'd made a mistake--there were only two columns visible. Did she forget to advance a slide or something?
She smiled knowingly and told me to try reading it with my glasses on. So I put on my glasses and--surprise! There were three columns, after all. Sigh.
So for the last several years I've carried a purse full of glasses cases. I have reading glasses for reading. I have prescription sunglasses for driving. I have prescription glasses for distance when I'm not in the sun.
Lately I'm beginning to think that I need glasses for eating--have you ever noticed blurry food?
And now I suspect that my eyes have either vastly improved, or deteriorated to the point where my near-sightedness is now far-sightedness and I just don't realize it. Does that make sense?
So off to the doctor I go, ready to be told that my eyes--which I value more than any other sense--are going the way of all flesh. Aging.
(Update: back from the eye doctor and yes, I'm not getting older, I'm getting better. In one area, at least. :-) )
How many pairs of glasses are in your bag?
~~Angie
By Angela on Wednesday, January 14, 2009 @ 7:00 AM
for this post
Smilingsal Says:
I'm going to make you hate me. I'm 67, and I do not wear glasses. I can read the phone book and of course, all of your wonderful books. No glasses.
Kathy Says:
I have to take my glasses off to eat or read! And my reading vision is changing. It was perfect and now I'm holding the book farther and farther out. Ugh.
sara Says:
i recently was told I needed tri focals!!! People were coming up to me at church and I would have to take a step back to see them. Not so great when you are the pastor's wife, people think they have bad breath or something!
I got bifocals at the ripe ole age of 36!!! not doing so great in the aging eye category!
Leslie Says:
I knew a lady who was farsighted (or near sighted) and was looking forward to getting older since as we get older we get more nearsighted (or farsighted - can you tell I can't remember which is which) so she figured for at least a year in her life she'd have 20/20 vision. I laughed, but that's what sounds like you have....
I have one pair of glasses - wear them every waking minute - they are for reading, computers, driving, everything. I should get a pair of sunglasses, but I never really seem to need them but once in a blue moon.
Mocha with Linda Says:
I was horribly nearsighted and have worn glasses and then contacts since the third grade. Then 5 years ago for our 15th anniversary my husband gave me LASIK. What a thrill to be able to see the clock by the bed!
Although it doesn't prevent the age advancement and I'm starting to see that print is getting tinier, so I'm thinking reading glasses are in my not-so-distant future. I'm holding off as long as I can!
Says:
I had an eye doctor appointment yesterday. Started using glasses for driving and movies at 18. Fifty years later I wear glasses or lenses at all times for seeing! Funny thing is that for reading I need no glasses at all. For singing, I prefer readers over the lenses. For computer, I prefer prescription readers only. There's more to remember as we age and start losing brain cells. Life is complicated, isn't it??? =) Clyde
Kay Day Says:
I have none. And although I feel like my vision is getting worse, it is still 20/15 which is better than 20/20. I have a pair of reading glasses that I wear sometimes when my eyes feel tired, but they are the lowest magnification they sell and I can see without them. But it's just a matter of time.
Jill Eileen Smith Says:
One pair of glasses - though not in my bag, perched on my nose. :) I discovered I needed glasses as a child when we were at a Tiger baseball game and I could not see the pigeons they had let loose on the field. (I have no idea why they did that.) But when I borrowed my mom's glasses, I could see them. Been wearing them ever since. But hey, at least I don't have to switch them or lose them. They are always attached. :)
~Jill
Says:
i am far-sighted in one eye and near-sighted in the other. talk about lopsided! i wear my glasses all waking hours. (love the picture!)
jan
Caitriona aka Catherine Says:
About three years ago at the very young age of 40, I put my friend's reading glasses on for fun because she asked me to get them for her. Well, we were reading a book together and I looked down at the page and said, "Wow that is so much better." and I have been using reading glasses ever since. I have two one by the bed side and one for using everywhere else.
Says:
angie, just had cataract surgery. went from 20/400 to 20/25!! i'm a happy camper. Now after 30 years of glasses, i only need them for up close. woohoo!! Having surgery on the other eye a week from monday, which happens to also be my birthday! New eyes - what a great birthday present!!
Says:
I got glasses in 3rd grade for nearsitedness...got bifocals when I was 30...as my eyes got worse, I got new bifocal prescriptions but took off the glasses to read. So silly. I was reading a story at a Sunday School meeting one evening and of course took my lineless bifocals off and put them on my head to read it as always. Afterward a SS friend said she is the manager of a glasses place and I needed to come in to see their doc.Then she offerred me a RECEPTIONIST job there. I took the job...got my new exam and new bifocals...and Angie, for first time in 24 years I keep the glasses on all day...even to read! Yeah...I love that doc! Dazer Deb
karenp Says:
On a good day...I have one pair of glasses in my purse. BRAVO for me that one of my 4 pair of reading glasses is actually IN MY PURSE.
I remember that I used to laugh at my parents friends, who were the age I am now...um hmmm...when they had reading glasses in every room, and then still couldn't find a pair when they needed them.
I've actually had to leave work to run to the drugstore and buy another pair because the rest were back at the house.
I'm near-sighted and wear glasses at home. I take them off to read.
I wear contacts when I go out, and cheap sunglasses because I seem to always be losing a pair. And I reading glasses to read with my contacts.
I wonder if lasik is really working and what the long-term results are? No one really knows because it's still fairly new...right?
So...for now, it's on, off, look, remember, where's that pair I just had?
I refuse to put my reading glasses on a leash around my neck...not yet, not yet!
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Routines . . .
I've been asked to blog about my "writing routines" on another blog, so I thought I'd practice on you guys first. :-)
My writing routines . . . well, you've probably picked up that I'm a severely structured person. Before I ever begin a project, I mark out the days on the calendar, cross out any travel dates, all Sabbaths, and any other days I won't be able to work, and then I divide the number of available workdays by the amount of drafts I expect the book to take--usually four or five. Then I print out a work calendar and literally mark each day with "draft one" or "draft 2," etc.
When I begin each draft, I print out a hard copy and divide the number of pages by the number of days available for that draft. This gives me my editing quota. On the first draft, of course, I'm aiming for number of words, and I usually set of a goal of writing between 5,000 and 7,000, depending on the book's schedule.
Is that a lot? Most writers think so, but I write fast, sloppy, and lean. The purpose of the subsequent drafts is to fill in the canvas and flesh out the characters. I have a skeleton outline, so I know where I'm going.
My daily routine is fairly simple: up early, breakfast, clean house (a chore or two per day), read newspapers, quiet time, exercise time, shower time, work time. And I stay at work until I've finished my assignment for the day, whatever's on the work calendar. If I spend too much time on other pursuits (email, web surfing, mindless video games), I will be at my desk well into the evening hours. But there's so little TV worth watching . . .
If I do finish work at a decent hour, I like to kick back and reward myself with a movie--another way to study story. I've been a Netflix member for years and love being able to discover films I would never have found if not for the Internet.
And there you have it--not very glamorous, I'm afraid, but a practical method that works and has enabled me to write 115 books in the last 20 years.
Now I'm sure you can find something more interesting to read . . . :-)
~~Angie
By Angela on Tuesday, January 13, 2009 @ 7:00 AM
for this post
Terri L. Gillespie Says:
I so love you, Angie! You forgot to mention that you use spreadsheets. Once you demonstrated that I could be a left-brained writer I was eternally in your debt. You're my hero!
Smilingsal Says:
And I admire you even more now that you've confessed to being so structured. I love organization. Yours shows!
Says:
The discipline and the daily structure are what give you the time to develop your stories with all the requisite detail. Your books would hardly be as interesting without all the research you make time for to make the stories authentic. You have given us peeks into your writing world in the past. This time, the detail shows why your works are so worthy of praise. You work at it and you work at it HARD! Thank you for this inside look. Clyde
Richard Mabry Says:
Angie,
Thanks for the inside view of how it SHOULD be done. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go hang my head in shame. Your routine looks like something put together by the engineers at Mercedes Benz. Mine more closely resembles a poorly assembled work from a blueprint by the coaching staff of the Dallas Cowboys.
Alice Teh Says:
Hi Angie, thanks for sharing with us!
Just wanted to let you know that I've finished your book The Elevator a few days ago and I enjoyed it.
Says:
Hi Again! Just saw the trailer for "Taking a Chance on Love" - the sequel of your "The Note" on Hallmark. I believe it said it airs on January 31? I saw it out of the corner of my eye and don't think it said anything about it's being the sequel. Anyway, it's coming quickly and I look forward to seeing it. Expect you can give us more accurate info. Thanks, Angie! Clyde
Says:
Thanks, Angie,
This answers my musings of "How does she DO it all?" It does not, however, answer my question to myself, "How can I do it all?" If I followed your schedule, after shower time would come--time to go to bed! Maybe I need more caffeine. But you provide a great role model and inspiration. Thanks.
Mary Kay
Says:
your writing routine is a very interesting subject! i am so glad that you shared this with us.
jan
Says:
Angie...I don't write books, but I need to have more structure with my job and activities.A schedule could keep me on track and I could accomplish more,perhaps. Thanks for the outline...I'll design one to help MY life! Dazer Deb
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for this post
Tim and Vicky Says:
Just too cute. Hope you don't mind if I post this tomorrow. I'll link back to you.
God bless.
Says:
angie,
how are you feeling? better, i hope!
jan
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Zzzzzzzzzzzzz
Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. i am fighting a cold. ZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. Less than 12 hours ago, I took a dose of Nyquill. ZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
That's all I'm sayin'.
ZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
Angie
By Angela on Sunday, January 11, 2009 @ 9:15 AM
for this post
Mocha with Linda Says:
Feel better quickly, Angie!
Good thing you live in the land of oranges and Vitamin C, huh?!
Erica Vetsch Says:
NyQuil makes me feel just like that...as if all my hair is growing inside out. I have to take NyQuil while sitting on the side of the bed. ZZZZZZzzzzzzzz.
Hope you're able to sleep off the NyQuil and the cold.
Says:
hope you get well soon!
jan
Says:
I did the same thing LAST week!This,too, shall pass...get that rest! ;o) Dazer Deb
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Cartoons for Saturday
Remember when cartoons were cute, charming, and fun? Gather your kids around and take five minutes to watch this gem. It's adorable. :-)
~~Angie
By Angela on Saturday, January 10, 2009 @ 7:00 AM
for this post
Smilingsal Says:
Okay, I'll admit it. I watched the Marc Anthony dog/cat cartoon and enjoyed it! I'm a kid again! Thanks.
Says:
Me, too! Golly, that was fun!!! Clyde
Says:
It was so cute, hubby had to stand behind me and watch it, too.
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Did Last Year Flash by You?
One creative guy has condensed an entire year into forty seconds. Take a moment (literally!) to watch the passage of a year in one spot of Planet Earth. Sort of reminds me of Genesis . . .
~~Angie
By Angela on Friday, January 09, 2009 @ 7:00 AM
for this post
Mocha with Linda Says:
Wow. That brings in a unique perspective. Talk about life passing in the blink of an eye!
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Audi Commercial
Take a moment to watch this commercial for an Audi sports car. It's flippin' fantastic. :-) (Pun intended.)
~~Angie
By Angela on Thursday, January 08, 2009 @ 7:00 AM
for this post
Smilingsal Says:
I admire the creative thinker who came up with that one as well as the talented camera man and editor.
Mocha with Linda Says:
Wow. That was amazing! And nice to see an ad that doesn't use s*x to sell!
BTW, it had been awhile since I'd checked on them, but I saw a link on another post: Gwyneth turns 1 year old today! (Confessions of a CF Husband blog) What a miracle!
Says:
AWESOME! Very clever and well executed. Clyde
Says:
wow! thanks for sharing that! that was amazing!
jan
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Dog Groomers Gone Amuck
Somebody please put these dogs out of their misery. Please.
These are almost as bad as those pageants for little girls who are made up to look thirty and taught to shake their non-existent hips.
It's just not natural. :-/
~~Angie
By Angela on Wednesday, January 07, 2009 @ 7:00 AM
for this post
Mocha with Linda Says:
I'm thinking not only is it not natural, it's a little sick! What a waste of money and time!
(Nothing like being a little judgmental first thing in the morning! LOL)
Says:
After a quick perusal, I noticed that she didn't try to mess with the cats on her website. I am a longtime owner and lover of dogs, but cats would NEVER allow themselves to be subjected to such indignities! Clyde
Says:
Wouldn't the owners be embarrassed to take their poor dogs out? All those roving animal rights activists would love to jump on that. Maybe those dogs never get walkies outside...maybe they lead secretly deprived/depressed lives isolated in artificial primp-house environments that smell of hairspray and nail polish. Also, think of the lack of affection they must endure....mustn't muss the "do".
Julie Carobini Says:
I saw the pic on your post and thought, what's all the fuss? But then I clicked the link and OH MY. My Charlie would be miserable, and I bet these dogs are too!!!
Says:
that is just sad! those poor, poor dogs!
jan
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Be a Princess!
Have you read the books (or seen the movies) that are part of The Princess Diaries? Meg Cabot created the books, and though I haven't read them, I thought the movies were delightful.
She is about to complete the "princess" series, and to commemorate the conclusion, an online auction will run this month, with the proceeds to benefit teen programs at the New York Public Library's 87 branches.
What are they auctioning off? Tiaras, naturally! The list of people who have designed tiaras for the auction includes Julie Andrews, Vera Wang, Tommy Hilfiger, Lauren Conrad, Julianne Moore, aNicole Miller, Chris Van Allsburg, and Princess Marie-Chantal of Greece. You can participate in the auction by visiting here.
Come on, check out a tiara! You know you want one! Doesn't every woman? :-)
~~Angie
By Angela on Tuesday, January 06, 2009 @ 7:00 AM
for this post
sara Says:
okay, some of those are down right ugly!!! But I give kudos to the "T-hair-a" for uniqueness.
I like the one with the buttons from the princess of Greece!
Kay Day Says:
I love Meg Cabot's and Sabrina Bryan's. Vera Wang's is pretty too. I like sparkly.
Some of them are not exactly what I expected!!
But yes. Yes, I would love to be a princess and have a tiara! Can't now though. Saving money for writing conferences!
Says:
I would bid on both the "T-Hair-A"s simply because my younger granddaughter WAS Eloise for several months following Halloween in 2007. The only part of her costume that was rawther out of synch was her hair. This would rectify the situation! Clyde
Angela Says:
Someone should invent a quiz--what kind of princess are you? --based on which crown you like best. :-) I think I prefer Nicole Miller's, or Austin Scarlett's, but WITHOUT that funky feather.
At least there's something for everyone!
Angie
Lora B Says:
Those are so fun! But I have to agree that some of them are not at all pretty! Very interesting. And I love that quiz idea. :) Have a great day, everyone!
Karen Says:
"At least there's something for everyone!" Well said, Angela!
What a fun idea...and why not the funkier the better!
I like your quiz idea too!
Says:
i love "the princess diaries!"
jan
Says:
Would I spend money on a tiara just to have one designed by a famous person? Uh...I think groceries, gas, taxes, utility bills and your next book are at the top of MY list, Angie!
Caitriona aka Catherine Says:
No, not every woman wants one. Sorry girls even though this tomboy grew into a woman, there are still some girly things that do not appeal to me.
Leslie Says:
Did anyone else notice that the only person who put a "value" on their tiara was Tommy Hilfiger - at a whooping $1000.
Wow.
It'll be interesting to see what the winning bids are.
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Fiction that Sticks
My favorite book growing up was THE NUN'S STORY, by Kathryn Hulme. Not only was I fascinated by the world of the convent (which was far different than my life), but I learned some real spiritual lessons from that story.
Sister Luke's main problem, you see, was obedience; her fatal flaw was pride. A nun is supposed to obey the voice of her Mother Superior as if it were the voice of Christ himself. And Sister Luke was always running ahead of her superiors--doing good things, but doing them without her superior's permission.
In one scene, Sister Luke works with an envious older nun, Sister Pauline. Both nuns are taking a test in medical school, and Sister Pauline is worried about being shown up by a younger nun. But Sister Luke grew up in a doctor's home, so she has taken to tropical medicine like a duck to water.
When Sister Luke goes to her superior to confess problems with Sister Pauline, the Reverend Mother thoughtfully suggests that Sister Luke purposely fail her exams on the morrow. Such an act would be done in obedience, and it would be an act of charity--she would do it out of love for Sister Pauline and Christ.
Sister Luke knows that she stands "at a crossroads of her religious life." But the next day, she cannot bring herself to fail her exam. She passes it with flying colors, to her great shame. Her pride won that battle.
It's easy to follow Christ when he's not asking us to do something we don't want to do. But when he asks something that flies in the face of our logic or our desires . . . are we still willing?
~~Angie
By Angela on Monday, January 05, 2009 @ 7:00 AM
for this post
Caitriona aka Catherine Says:
I am with Terri. Pass the bandaids please.
"Wounds of a friend are to be trusted."
Kay Day Says:
Sounds like an interesting book.
I always loved the movies The Trouble with Angels and it's sequel.
Margie Vawter Says:
Well, shoot! Yet another confirmation (out of many this past week) of what I need to do, no matter how hard it is, no matter how much it hurts.
Thanks, Angie.
Ginger Says:
Am I missing something here? It boggles my mind to think that anyone could believe a fellow human who says God wants us to do less than our best, just to address the sin of pride. Seems to me there are much better ways to deal with the sin of pride...and still honor the Creator who gave us a brain to use to the best of our ability. And I am in disbelief that God would call a person to deal with pride in this way. Many of us have discovered that He has much deeper, more memorable and more effective ways of humbling us.
Holly Says:
I came so close to reading "stinks" instead of "sticks" on my reader! Do you ever do that?
I am always up for following God's leading, even when it doesn't make sense. We have walked this one.
'Prayed for your singing and signing (again this is where my brain wants to write sinning instead of signing--yikes! Also I noticed that the letters transpose in singing and signing! Ah! Fun with words!).
Much love to you!
Angela Says:
Thank you for the prayers, Holly. And Linda, I looked for a video (my church puts services online), but they only but the sermons online. Copyright issues, I imagine.
And Ginger--you'd have to read the entire book for this to make sense. :-) I was using Sister Luke as an analogy, of course, but in the book the nuns are taught that their life is a life against nature. Sometimes against logic. Sort of like those army guys in boot camp to shovel dirt to one area, just to stand up and shovel it back to the first place. It's not about the dirt--it's about learning unquestioning obedience, which can save your life in battle.
All I have to do is look back over my own life. Twice I was in love with and engaged to wonderful young Christian guys . . . and my parents said they felt these "weren't the guy" for me. Each time, I had to face a choice: obey the Lord and obey my parents, or go with my heart. I chose the former, and now I see that my life would be completely different had I not done that. (Not trying to brag--trust me, I messed up a lot, too.)
The principles of obedience are simple . . . putting them into practice is hard.
Angie
Says:
I think I somewhat side with Ginger. You see, I have a problem with a human equating their ability to give direction with Christ himself. I have a very hard time believing that Christ would tell me to purposely fail a scholastic exam just to make someone else feel better and/or superior to me. I've been able to look back and see where he allowed me to fail in order to teach me - or even to chastise me. I understand the logic or the lesson of the story line but I feel the author could have chosen a better way to teach about pride and humility.
I know, only too well, what it feels like to have Christ tell me to do something I didn't want to do. It was not easy to obey.
What was it we used to say - Baptist born, Baptist bred, and when I die I'll be Baptist dead. All that to say, I grew up knowing very little about the Catholic religion.
Terri L. Gillespie Says:
Just a thought here, but didn't Jesus purposely put aside His royalty to lift us up?
Karen Says:
I'm loving the dialogue on the book, pride, and your signing/singing. I also LOVE the photo of the nuns on the stools. Have to look twice that one :)
Says:
i loved the picture of the nuns on the stools, too! i had to look a few times myself in order to figure it out!
jan
Angela Says:
I was thinking about this discussion as I slept last night, and woke up with this verse on my mind. Let me back up a minute. Our human nature revolts against failing a test in order to improve our character, but I'm pretty sure God cares far more about our character than our success. And it's not out of line for a spiritual authority to ask us to do something and expect obedience. God is always placing us under people (wife under husband, people under pastor, people under governments, children under parents), and we're told to obey. In any case, this is the verse that came to me: "Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit." (Heb. 13:17).
Angie
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Out of Style Words
Our minister of music asked me to sing in church tomorrow (today), and I decided (since the song is rather slow) to sign as I sing--that's sign language, BTW. Anyway, I'm fortunate in that the words are easy and I already knew most of the signs, but I'll probably walk around humming and flying my fingers for the next few hours. :-)
On to the subject of the day:
Michigan's Lake Superior State University compiles a yearly list of words that have been over-used . . . probably with the hope that we will avoid them in the coming year and restore them to ordinary status. So these are the words and phrases that were overused, misused, or useless in 2008. Use them at your own risk in 2009:
green
carbon footprint or carbon offsetting
maverick
first dude
bailout
staycation
monkey (because of it's use as a suffix on the Internet, a la grease-monkey.)
winner of five nominations (ha!)
Wall Street/Main Street
not so much
game-changer
icon or iconic
it's that time of year again
desperate search
and finally, the emoticon <3>
Enjoy!
~~Angie
By Angela on Sunday, January 04, 2009 @ 7:00 AM
for this post
Smilingsal Says:
How I wish I could hear that song, but I will be listening to my baby boy sing this morning in church.
Mocha with Linda Says:
Oh, I'd love to hear you sing. You'll have to post a video sometime. And I LOVE sign language with songs. It's so expressive and adds such beautiful meaning.
I agree that many of those words are way, way too over-used. Although I had never seen the emoticcn <3 for a heart until I saw the list the other day. That's actually kinda cute. Since it's still new to me, of course!
Kay Day Says:
Most of those words/phrases I haven't heard at all. Or at least not to the point of overuse. green, carbon footprint, and bailout are the exceptions.
What I do hear too much of is:
random
awkward
but...
Kathy Says:
One of my sons informs me that "green" means "cool" or "awesome." Funny. Here I thought it was a color!
Says:
Speaking of "green" - permit me to make you all green with envy. I heard her sing this morning.
Angie, please allow me to use these comments to say, "She...sang...bea-u-ti-ful-ly!" Wish you all could have heard her.
Using Kathy's son's definition of green, it was awesome - to hear and to watch.
Angela Says:
Thank you, Patti. You're too sweet. :-)
I think the "green" that's been overused is the ecological meaning--as in green shopping bags, green appliances, etc. And I'll second that motion!
I'd never seen the heart emoticon used, either, but am grateful that no one has (yet) blasted the smiley face. Not sure I'd know how to type without it!
Pam Meyers Says:
Angie, I didn't know you signed to music. You should've joined me up there at ACFW. I bet it was lovely :-)
Says:
wish i could have heard your song this morning! i bet it was beautiful, and especially so with the added signing! which song did you sing?
my husband and i often refer to the word/words we hear way too often as "the word(s)of the month!" it seems that once you hear some key words, everyone picks up on them! gets to be kind of funny sometimes.
jan
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A new book to tell you about . . .
I don't know if you're an Elvis fan (he's actually a little before my time), but my writing pal Leanna Ellis has a new book out that sounds like fun. Here's the official blurb:
Winner of the National Readers’ Choice Award and Romance Writers of America’s Golden Heart Award, Leanna Ellis writes women’s fiction for B&H Publishing. Her latest book, Lookin’ Back,
Elvis Takes a Back Seat
B&H Publishing
ISBN: 978-0-8054-4696-
A young widow, determined to fulfill her husband’s last request, hauls a three foot bust of Elvis strapped in the back seat of a vintage Cadillac from
Enjoy!
~~Angie
By Angela on Saturday, January 03, 2009 @ 7:00 AM
for this post
Mocha with Linda Says:
Elvis predates me as well, and I've never understood the mania. But this book sounds unique and fun!
Valerie Says:
Our youngest daughter is named "Presley"--guess that would qualify us as fans (my husband more than me). I was 5 when Elvis died, but I distinctly remember it and how my parents were sad (not sad, as if a family member had died, but clearly touched by it).
The story of Elvis is so fascinating because he came from nothing, made an impact on music in a big way (not, I contend, because he was so talented, but because he went where no artist had gone before), and then went on to self-destruct (some might argue he had a lot of help in that area).
That said, I recall with fondness a road trip with girlfriends to Graceland. You really should see it at least once! (I've been a few times and plan to take Presley when she's older.)The campiness, the ridiculous souvenirs...the novelist certainly had a lot to work with on this one. Should make for a fun read.
Joey Hill Says:
Leanne's book was a riot. Loved it. Going to Graceland is on my plan one day (I'm in New Zealand so it might be a very long way ahead!_ Angela, I'm reading your Magdalene at the moment - wow - we just have no idea how hideous it was back then, how tough to be Christian. It's a fascinating novel.
Leslie Says:
I've got it, but haven't had the chance to read it yet. Lent it to my friend first and she seemed to enjoy it.
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These are the things that fascinate me . . .
Was reading the paper the other day and found a photo of a couple in Colorado Springs. A pediatric neurosurgeon removed a brain tumor from their baby boy's head . . . and found a foot and other body parts inside the tumor.
Wow. I'm thinking (and I'm no medical expert) that this may have been part of an undeveloped twin, sometimes known as fetus in fetu. A similar situation actually has given me an idea for a novel that's not out yet . . . but it's coming. :-)
Another article informed me that an appeals court turned down a request for a new trial from a former Washington, D.C. judge who sued his dry cleaner for 54 MILLION DOLLARS because they lost his pants.
I mean--really! What were those pants made of, spun gold? Fifty-four MILLION DOLLARS?
The paper said three appellate judges agreed Pearson failed to show the store's advertising (they had a sign saying 'satisfaction guaranteed') was fraudulent. But he can still ask the entire nine-judge appellate court to review the case or appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Has our judicial system gone nuts? I'm just sayin' . . . fifty four million dollars? Judges should know better.
~~Angie
By Angela on Friday, January 02, 2009 @ 7:00 AM
for this post
Smilingsal Says:
I agree that the judicial system is wacky, but dry cleaners can ruin or lose your clothing and just smile. Nothing seems happens to them.
Says:
I am utterly fascinated by the story of the baby's brain tumor. It gives a whole new angle to what tumors are. When I was younger I always loved to read the section in the comics from Ripley's "Believe it or not". Maybe it still runs in newspapers, but I haven't seen it in years. I can hardly wait to see what you do with this story, Angie. Clyde
Kay Day Says:
That tumor is fascinating.
I remember the pants story from the first time he tried to sue. Ridiculous. And he was a judge....
Mocha with Linda Says:
Like Kay, I remember when the "pants suit" (sorry! couldn't resist!) started a few years ago and the judge suing is beyond belief. This wasn't a national chain dry cleaners, but a private family-owned cleaners.
The tumor is fascinating. And I'm sure your book will be even more so!
Momstheword Says:
When I was about 13, I had a dermoid cyst (ovarian teratoma) which contained tissues from hair, teeth, and/or skin. Back then they thought I was supposed to have been a twin. I don't know if that's still the thinking or not.
Says:
i have seen pictures of this baby's "brain tumor." it does look like a twin that never fully developed. i can't wait to read your book on this concept when it is published! it will definitely be another great novel!
jan
Ginger Says:
I wonder if anyone has tried to find out what makes the suing judge such an angry, vindictive guy. If they have, I've not seen it in the news....
Karen Says:
I haven't seen this story of this baby's tumor, but I've seen other stories about similar tumors. Can't wait to see what you do with this! A fiction writer's mind is a fanscinating thing! :-)
Says:
Isn't that new thriller movie, "Unborn" based on a similar concept (fetus in fetu)? Fascinating....
karenp Says:
Angela,
Just saw this commercial on TV for a new movie coming out...The Unborn. It's on this same topic. Check movie theaters or the Internet for more info.
If you were to write a book on it, I'd read it..not sure about watching the movie from the trailers that I've seen...to scary.
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Do You Live in a Literate City?
One thing I've noticed when I traveled in Europe is that the average person seems much more literate. Bookstores abound, and you often see people sitting in a park with a book. Or reading on the tube. Or just reading.
One researcher has just come up with a list of the ten most literate U.S. cities:
Here is the full Top 10 Most Literate list for 2008 (OK, there are 11 cities on the list) generated by Jack Miller, president of Central Connecticut State University:
Minneapolis (tied for 1st) Seattle (tied for 1st) Washington, D.C. St. Paul, Minn. San Francisco Atlanta Denver Boston St. Louis Cincinnati (tied for 10th) Portland, Ore. (tied for 10th)
Miller's research for this year's "America's Most Literate Cities" was conducted in collaboration with the Center for Public Policy and Social Research at Central Connecticut State University. The original AMLC study was published online in 2003 at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. The data for the 2008 analysis came from the U.S. Census Bureau, American Booksellers Association, Audit Bureau of Circulations, Yellow Pages and other sources.
The AMLC study attempts to capture the literacy of major U.S. cities with populations of 250,000 and above, presenting a large-scale portrait of the nation’s cultural vitality.
"From this data we can better perceive the extent and quality of the long-term literacy essential to individual economic success, civic participation, and the quality of life in a community and a nation," Miller said.
Contrary to popular wisdom, Internet use correlates with reading words printed on paper, Miller found. Cities ranked highly for having better-used libraries also have more booksellers; cities with more booksellers also have a higher proportion of people buying books online; and cities with newspapers with high per capita circulation rates also have a high proportion of people reading newspapers online.
"A literate society tends to practice many forms of literacy not just one or another," Miller said.
However, when the literacy lens is opened to look at the picture worldwide, in terms of per-capita paid newspaper circulation, the United States ranks No. 31 in the world.
The Republic of Korea, Singapore, Venezuela, Finland, Greece, the United Kingdom, Sweden and Norway, among others, all significantly surpass U.S. circulation rates — often at a substantially higher cost to consumers, Miller said.
Angie here again: One reason Europe is more literate, in my humble opinion, is because writers are valued in tangible ways. Did you know that writers, artists, and poets pay no income tax in Ireland? Or that authors in the U.K. receive a payment from public libraries based on how many times their books are checked out?
It would be nice if the U.S. would consider something similar to encourage writers and readers.
~~Angie
P.S. For those of you who want to read the Bible through--I found an online guide that breaks it down for you. This guide is specifically designed for the NLT Study Bible, but you can also use it for any other version. Look under "reading plan" at this link.
By Angela on Thursday, January 01, 2009 @ 7:00 AM
for this post
Smilingsal Says:
I notice that our state is not included on that list; I guess everyone is out getting a tan.
Kathy Says:
I think I make a whole 40 cents a book or something like that. People do tend to think I can get my own books for free. I do give away a lot of copies but I've only managed to get a 40% discount. I found out that the bookstore gets a bigger discount than I do!
Mocha with Linda Says:
I'm a bit surprised Austin isn't on the list. We certainly have the internet geeks and UT, and the bookstores have plenty of people in them. The mayor even did a Keep Austin Reading promo a few years ago.
Thanks for the eye-opening education on the financial life of an author. I'm a bit of a book snob - no Half-Price Books for me! I like mine brand-new. And it's never been hard for me to say "no" to toys when we're out and about, but books are another story. (Pun intended!) Both my teens have 2 tall bookcases each in their rooms that are filled with books.
Kay Day Says:
I'm not surprised that we are on there. It seems to me - I have nothing to compare to - that Colorado also has a lot of writers.
Mocha with Linda Says:
BTW, Just saw a post on John Piper's blog with a whole variety of Bible Reading Plans - some printable, some RSS feeds, some emailable. You can see it here.
Says:
We are at the bottom of the list, but at least we are on the list.
Portland,OR Yea!! One reason we can read is our wonderful library system. They have a lot of Christian fiction.
I'm sorry that these doesn't really help the author's earn more money, but it is the only way I can afford to read as many different authors as I do. If a book really grabs me, I try to buy it later.
This reminds me I need to go the the library site and suggest that they purchase "The Face"
Angela Says:
Thanks, Linda! And please know that I support libraries because I know lots of readers "find" me there--a lot of people won't buy an author they've never tried, so libraries and yes, used books are a good place to "experiment." :-)
Angie
Elizabeth M Thompson Says:
Wouldn't it be fabulous if every writer served in some way to increase literacy? Reading to small children in libraries or schools, teaching adults how to read one-on-one, donating to projects that promote literacy. The opportunities are endless.
Holly Says:
To add to your discussion with Linda, I know that word of mouth and then the library is where I began reading Angela's books. Now I buy them and pass them along to others, only to replace them and hand them along...and so on. So libraries are a very good place to start!
Can't wait to read the fetus in fetu (sp?) book from the post above. I wonder just where it will take us!? BTW, I always wanted to be a judge...not that kind, though.
May you be blessed this year, Angie. Still praying for your family.
Holly
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Pictures of you always make me miss you.
I am just wondering if The Note 2 movie on Hallmark, is a book too?
What a fabulous day in Texas.....Angela did a wonderful job and fun was in the air! KS
enjoyed the pictures and loved "the note 2"!
jan
Yes, "The Note 2" will be a book, and it releases in April/May. It is the same plot as the movie, but much more fleshed out (because we can do that in books.) :-) I hope you enjoy it! The DVD should release at the same time . . . just in time for Mother's Day!
Angie
Love the pics! And I love when an Angela Hunt book comes out almost every month!
It looks like you had fun. Love the pic with the cow! Maybe you can come to PA for a signing sometime?
I loved your pic with the Chick-fil-A cow! I worked at Chick-fil-A when I was in high school, and I wore that cow costume on at least 2 occasions. It's very difficult not to be able to talk while wearing that thing!
Thanks so much for letting us hang out with you. It was so much fun having dinner together and I'm looking forward to catching up on my "Angela Hunt" reading in the future. I've let myself get way too far behind.
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