Memorial Day 2010
This video made me cry.
~~Angie
By Angela on Monday, May 31, 2010 @ 12:09 PM
for this post
A blessed Memorial Day . . .
What are you plans for Memorial Day? We're getting together with friends for a cookout later in the afternoon. But let us never forget
that we enjoy the freedom of America
because others gave their lives,
their fortunes,
and their sacred honor.
~~Angie
By Angela on @ 7:00 AM
for this post
Kisses from Katie
You may have seen this blog, Kisses from Katie. It is the amazing record of a remarkable young woman who went to Uganda at age 18 and decided to live there . . . and adopt children because Jesus loves them and so does she.
I had an opportunity last week to meet now 22-year-old Katie and her family (in Tennessee, not Uganda), and hold one of her 14 children on my lap. I've also ordered one of the necklaces she and others have trained women to make in order to make money for their families in a way that doesn't involve prostitution.
Take a moment to look at Katie's page, read some of her stories, and ask the Lord what you can do to help feed these beautiful children. If Katie can go LIVE in Uganda, can't we give some of the money we've earned by spending a bit of our time involved in the work the Lord has given us?
When I teach time management, I always stress that your time is your life . . . and we all have a finite amount of it allotted to us. When we give of our money, we are donating the time--the life--it took to earn that amount. And I can think of no other way to love these lovely children than to spend a little of my life on them. That's what Jesus commanded us to do. That's one way we can show that we love them.
~~Angie
By Angela on Sunday, May 30, 2010 @ 7:00 AM
for this post
Says:
I remember this story and the wonderful work this young woman is doing ... sent a check to Amazima. Was it you who told about her a couple of years ago? Also, ditto what Susan said above!
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Would You like to go with me to Israel?
Yes, seriously. February 24 through March 4, 2011. Plenty of time to clear your calendar and plan the budget. Details here.
I've been to Israel once, while I was in college. I worked for my fare, serving as a "hostess" on a tour bus, but even though I stayed pretty busy, I was awed and amazed at the land of Israel. I always knew I wanted to go back, and I knew I wanted to take my hubby with me.
So when I heard that the folks I'm studying theology with were planning a tour, I knew I had to sign up. We'll be traveling with scholars who can make the tour even better and more meaningful.
So if you want to join us, why don't you start thinking and praying about it? We'd love to have you join us. :-)
~~Angie
By Angela on Friday, May 28, 2010 @ 7:00 AM
for this post
Says:
That is the best time of the year to visit Israel. A very full itinerary.
Take lots of pictures.
Says:
Oh how I would love to go again. Your itinerary is quite different from the one I took with Bishop Bruno and the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles a few years ago. I would love to see all these places you are going. Must think and pray about it. Am going on tour with my choir to England in the summer of 2011. Do I dare try to do this also??? Clyde
Ruthie Says:
What a temptation, but DH is in school with only 2 semesters to go to graduation. There is NO WAY he would be willing to delay his graduation now that he is this close!! So again we have to miss a chance to visit Israel. Some day.................
Says:
Wow, Angie. How this journey beckons. A trip to Israel is 1 of my top 2 travel wishes. Thinking about walking where Jesus walked and taught, seeing the pools and rivers, etc. is thrilling.
And I will pray. God is able. Humanly speaking--if DH says we cannot afford Glen Eyrie, can't see how I could go to Israel.
Thanks for passing the info along. What a great opportunity.
Blessings,
Mary Kay
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The Duck in the Truck
My mom sent me this heartwarming video . . . and now I'm wondering if this truck driver hasn't established a new trend! Ducks are compact, easy to feed, relatively clean . . . Hmm. Can a duck be potty-trained?
By Angela on Thursday, May 27, 2010 @ 7:00 AM
for this post
Kay Day Says:
We had a pet duck when I was a kid. She lived outside, though. I loved her!
My friend has a pet house-duck. He wears a diaper. It's not a baby diaper, I guess it's a special duck diaper.
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Little Dorritt
I've just finished watching the new BBC version of Dickens' "Little Dorritt" (available on Netflix, but make sure you order all FOUR DVDs.)
What a great story! I love Dickens and his over-the-top characters, and some of this themes (money vs. true happiness) are as relevant today as they were when Dickens wrote. The acting is wonderful, the characters fascinating, and the costumes are fabulous. Well worth watching, plus it's broken up into episodes, so you don't have to sit down and watch it all at once.
Though you may well want to. :-)
~~Angie
By Angela on Wednesday, May 26, 2010 @ 7:00 AM
for this post
Ruth Says:
So glad you enjoyed Little Dorrit! This miniseries was just spectacular...and once I start watching it I find it very hard to stop. :)
Mocha with Linda Says:
I've had a hard time with anything by Dickens (well, except A Christmas Carol!) ever since I had a bad English teacher in 9th grade and we read A Tale of Two Cities.
But this one sounds interesting.
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Feeling Lucky? These people should be!
Reminds me of the time I was standing in Home Depot, and a toilet fell from three risers up and missed my head by inches. I was too stunned to move.
And then I felt blessed. :-) I'd hate to be killed by a falling toilet.
~~Angie
By Angela on Tuesday, May 25, 2010 @ 8:08 AM
for this post
Mocha with Linda Says:
Those are amazing and gasp-inducing! Glad the toilet didn't cause your demise!
Leslie Says:
Isn't that how the character died (the falling toilet) in Dead Like Me? I only watched a few episodes before I realized that I didn't think God wanted me watching the show so I stopped.... but I vaguely remember that being how she died.
Angela Says:
How funny/strange, Leslie. I rented the DVDs to "Dead Like Me," and, like you, watched only a little bit before I got a nudge to turn it off and send it back. So I did. And I really don't remember much about it, but a falling toilet sounds like something a writer would think of. :-)
Angie
Kay Day Says:
Yes, Dead Like Me was killed by a toilet seat falling from the space station. They call her "Toilet Seat."
I've only recently started watching, but haven't felt a nudge yet.
It's a very obviously anti-God show, though. Any time the character talks about Him or church it's very negative. Not to mention the whole after-life mythology they've developed.
Honestly, it's losing it's draw quickly anyway.
I'm also very glad you weren't killed by a toilet. Or any other thing for that matter.
Leslie Says:
Glad I wasn't totally mis-remembering that.
I remember at the time it was so hard to turn it off because I really liked the characters, acting, and writing, but now that I look back on it I couldn't care less.
Its an object lesson I need to remind myself of more often.
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Marlo Schalesky's Latest
Arrrgh! Before I tell you about Marlo's new book, I just have to vent.
Yesterday afternoon the hubby and I were outside digging up an out of control asparagus fern--it had completely swallowed a bouganvilla, and I had a new plant, a snowball bush, that I wanted to try in that one protected spot. So the hubster and I pulled on our gloves, gathered our equipment, and went at the asparagus fern.
I don't know if you've ever wrestled with one, but those lovely, lacy ferns have THORNS! So, after much snipping and clipping and tugging and raking, we finally get the mass of the fern out of the ground . . . and then we watched in horror as the matted root system pulled up about ten feet of ground cover! Plus, the roots were covered in those things--I think they're called rhizomes--that looked like shriveled pods. I called my neighbor across the street (she was working on her lawn, too) and told her to come over and look at the alien creature we had just dug up. Yuck!
And then, just before hubby hauled away the corpse, I saw a cable cord . . . not jaggedly severed, but pulled out from something. The thing is, I KNOW where the cable cord is, and we weren't digging anywhere near it. Though we searched, we couldn't find the other end of the severed cord, so we came in the house, hoping to find that maybe we'd just unearthed a dud wire . . . no such luck. I had no TV, no Internet, no telephones. Nada. No email.
And the guy couldn't come to do the repair for another 24 hours. So I quietly missed the LOST finale (haven't really followed it, anyway), but I was determined not to miss the 24 finale tonight. But a man just came out to set up a temporary repair line, which is the ONLY reason I'm able to type this post now. Sigh. Oh, the things we take for granted.
And now, here's the scoop on Marlo's lovely new book!
SHADES OF MORNING
By Marlo Schalesky
Published by Waterbrook-Multnomah Publishers
Shades of Morning is Marlo’s third “Love Story with a Twist” (think a Nicolas Sparks type love story with an M. Night Shyamalan type twist!).
A BIT ABOUT THE BOOK:
Marnie Wittier has life just where she wants it. Quiet. Peaceful. No drama. A long way away from her past. In the privacy of her home, she fills a box with slips of paper, scribbled with her regrets, sins, and sorrows. But that’s nobody else’s business. Her bookstore/coffee shop patrons, her employees, her friends from church - they all think she’s the very model of compassion and kindness. Then Marnie’s past creeps into her present when her estranged sister dies and makes Marnie guardian of her fifteen-year-old son—a boy Marnie never knew existed. And when Emmit arrives, she discovers he has Down syndrome - and that she’s woefully unprepared to care for him. What’s worse, she has to deal with Taylor Cole, her sister’s attorney, a man Marnie once loved—and abandoned. As Emmit—and Taylor—work their way into her heart, Marnie begins to heal. But when pieces of her dismal past surface again, she must at last face the scripts of paper in her box, all the regrets and sorrows. Can she do it? Or will she run again?
FROM ROMANTIC TIMES:
Top Pick! 4 ½ Stars! “Schalesky has a knack for weaving a surprising spiritual twist into her tales. The touching plot will make readers examine how they deal with past regrets, and how God moves them through it. A not-to-be-missed, stunning novel!”
A BIT ABOUT MARLO:
Marlo Schalesky is the award winning author of numerous books, including her latest novel Shades of Morning, which combines a love story with a surprise ending twist. Marlo’s other books include the Christy Award winningBeyond the Night, and its sequel If Tomorrow Never Comes. Marlo is also the author of nearly 700 articles, the mother of 5 young children, and holds her Masters in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary. When she’s not changing diapers, doing laundry, or writing books, Marlo loves sipping Starbucks white mochas, reading the New Testament in Greek, and talking about finding the deep places of God in everyday life.
FIND OUT MORE:
www.marloschalesky.com/fiction
www.facebook.com/MarloSchalesky
By Angela on Monday, May 24, 2010 @ 3:48 PM
for this post
Ruthie Says:
Isn't it interesting how dependent we have become on the high-tech items in our lives? What would we do now without our cell phones or computers? What would we do with our time without cable TV, internet, ipods, or Kindles? Some of us might rediscover the wonder of real books. Some might learn a new craft and find out that they are talented (or not so much!) in that area. Who knows? Maybe families would become close again.
Ahhhhhhhhhh, for the good, old days!
Mocha with Linda Says:
Glad you're hooked up again!
This book just arrived for review and is in my TBR pile. Looking forward to it.
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The Laundry Room is Very Green
See yesterday's post for the "before" pic. If our house were still on the market, I would not have chosen this color--it is quite vivid. :-) But I need vivid in the laundry room, and I think this color will keep me awake while I'm sorting lights from darks. :-)
The hardest part about this job was removing the wallpaper. The regular wallpaper came down quite easily, but there were a few spots where I'd applied spray adhesive to keep the paper stuck to the wall. The spray adhesive did not want to surrender, so that took a bit of doing. Then the paint needed two coats (it wasn't Benjamin Moore!), and then I needed to caulk around the little molding strip at the top--realized that my walls aren't perfectly flat. (I think the dry wall guys got a little careless in the laundry room). Anyway, my caulking job was less than perfect, so I had to haul the ladder out yet again to apply one final coat around the molding.
But--ta da! Perfect or not, I will live with it until I don't like it anymore, then I'll simply paint again. I think those walls would also look nice in a nice shade of gold . . .
~~Angie
By Angela on Sunday, May 23, 2010 @ 7:00 AM
for this post
Mocha with Linda Says:
Don't you know you're supposed to take the wallpaper off one day and then paint one coat a day?! LOL I'm thinking Angela Hunt is just your pen name - you're really Mary Poppins!
chanteusevca Says:
Love that pop of color! I think you are Mary Poppins and Martha Stewart rolled into one if you did both the removing of wallpaper and painting on the same day.
I'm thinking of using one of those cool, new graphic wallpapers in my laundry room. I'm sure my husband won't like it. He hates wallpaper. Maybe beadboard half way up and wallpaper above. I'm sure by the time we reach the laundry room I will have changed my mind. But that's my prerogative, right?
Chimes in the Wind Says:
I really like it. There will be no way to nap while sorting laundry. I actually think it would help sell the house rather than deter potential buyers.
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If it's Saturday, I must be painting.
Yes, I'm still painting. Today I want to tackle the laundry room, because the top half of the wallpaper is a little bumpy and the seams are visible in some places (of course because I installed it.) So I'm ripping down the top half and I'm going to paint it in some bright, happy color--because that's what you need in a laundry room. :-) (And fortunately, I have a garage filled with paints in all kinds of colors.)
Here's a "before" pic. I'll post an "after" , well, after. :-)
~~Angie
By Angela on Saturday, May 22, 2010 @ 8:32 AM
for this post
Mocha with Linda Says:
Before picture at 8:32. After picture to come at 10 am!
Can't wait to see how you transform it!
chanteusevca Says:
Cannot believe I typed all those typos on a celebrated author's blog comment page! Yikes! I was in a hurry. So sorry. Corrections:
Excited to see the after photos. I've been painting too -- secretly. If my husband finds I've painted most of the front door turquoise w/o cleaning it, priming it, taking it down first, etc. I may be toast! Gratification has been too long delayed for me. I'm taking paint brush/roller in hand! We plan to get a new door anyway, so why will he care?
Suzanne Says:
Can't wait to see the results of your latest project. I've got to get me some of the energy that you have. My son would tell me to go get a Monster drink.
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Incredible South Korean Crowd . . . control?
Okay, so "crowd control" isn't the right word, but when you watch this video, you'll understand what I mean. These are soccer fans in a stadium, and look at how tightly this is coordinated into a human LCD screen. Can you imagine getting a stadium filled with Americans to do this? We're lucky if we can get 90 percent participation in "the wave." There's always some guy who doesn't want to stand up and be part of the movement . . .
This is amazing. I can't imagine choreographing it . . .
~~Angie
This is amazing. I can't imagine choreographing it . . .
~~Angie
By Angela on Friday, May 21, 2010 @ 7:00 AM
for this post
Says:
Okay, I'm not lurking any more. Thank you for the wonderful class at Blue Ridge--I know it will improve my writing by leaps and bounds. Praying blessings for you and yours.
Thanking the good Lord for Hi-C that doesn't stain, Carlton
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Which do you prefer--cats or dogs?
Personally, I like cats a lot--and have owned them (as much as one can "own" a cat--but I LOVE dogs (because they love me back). I'm allergic to both, but my nose rebels more violently against cats.
I found the following statistics fascinating, so enjoy!
~~Angie
[Source: Online Schools for Neatorama.com]
I found the following statistics fascinating, so enjoy!
~~Angie
[Source: Online Schools for Neatorama.com]
By Angela on Thursday, May 20, 2010 @ 7:00 AM
for this post
Leslie Says:
Don't let my dog and cat know about this.
I brought them both home on the same day - they adore each other. The cat will even sleep on top of the dogs kennel.
What I didn't know that I'm glad to know (from this chart) is that cat's sense of smell is so much worse than a dog's. That explains things. I recently moved their food bowl (once I realized the dog much preferred the cat's food, and knowing that its safe for dogs to eat cat food (but its not safe for cats to eat dog food) I just decided they could eat the same food - so anyway - I moved the food bowel to get it out of my way - I showed the cat where it was - but still for several days she kept begging me for food - I couldn't understand why - I didn't move it THAT far and I couldn't figure out why she couldn't smell it.
Now I know why. Yes, she's finally figured out where her food is and I'm once again enjoying a trip-free existence.
Kay Day Says:
Cats cats cats!!!
I'm a cat person! I love cats!
We had both cats and dogs when I was growing up and I've briefly had a dog since becoming an adult.
What some people see as love, I see as an irritating, overwhelming neediness and dependence.
Cats love you, but they give you your space.
Alas, my hubby is horrendously allergic to cats.
Carnivore or not, my cat loved green beans. And most love popcorn and potato chips. :)
Says:
I would rather scoop out the litter box instead of walking regardless of the weather carrying a baggie.
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for this post
Ruthie Says:
This was a real hoot!! Pachelbel's Canon in D is my all-time favorite classical piece...I think it was truly God-inspired. This "rendition" had me at least smiling, if not laughing, through the entire video!
Thanks, Angie!
Says:
Quite creative!!! Pachebel is also my most favorite. Thanks.
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Feeling frugal?
Hi, everybody!
I'm here at the Blue Ridge Writer's Conference, with my roommate, Nancy Rue. Nancy is working on her classes for today, and I'm obviously putting together something for my blog.
Last night was wild and crazy--the faculty talent show and improv team. I was on the improv team, but trust me, the other folks were much funnier. :-)
Have a little something today for those of you who are TRULY frugal. I'm frugal enough to print on both sides of the paper, but I'm not frugal enough to save empty toilet paper rolls. But if you are, here's a website where you can find amazing things to do with them. Fun for you and the kiddies. :-)
Enjoy!
~~Angie
By Angela on Tuesday, May 18, 2010 @ 7:27 AM
for this post
Mocha with Linda Says:
Give Nancy a big hug from me!
The toilet paper roll art is bizarre. The strangest is that tree. Although the rocket is pretty cute, if my son were about 10 years younger!
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The REAL Mother's Day Picture
Waking up this morning, Lord willing, at the beautiful Ridgecrest Conference center and the Blue Ridge Christian Writer's Conference, where I'm teaching several classes on fiction and TIME MANAGEMENT! LOL! Will try to blog from the conference, but making no promises. :-)
When I saw this photo (not the one on this page--the one at the linked site), I knew I was looking at a mother bird and her adolescent offspring. You can take a peek at it here.
LOL! Have a great day!
~~Angie
By Angela on Monday, May 17, 2010 @ 7:00 AM
for this post
Mocha with Linda Says:
That picture is too funny!
Enjoy your time at Ridgecrest. It is so beautiful over there!
It doesn't surprise me that your teaching Time Management. I don't know if you mean time management in general or managing time within a book's setting. Either way, I think you're fully qualified.
And if it's the first one, I suspect the class will paint the entire conference center as a "lab"! :-)
Says:
Another great bit of cheer to start the day! Thanks, Angie. And again, I ditto Linda. Make sure to get a photo of all the rooms your class paints--to "inspire" us!
Have a great conference.
Mary Kay
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The Bronte Sisters Rock
LOL! I write books about tough, independent women . . .
A tip of the hat to Robin Lee Hatcher, whose blog introduced me to this delightful video. Thanks, Robin!
~~Angie
By Angela on Sunday, May 16, 2010 @ 7:00 AM
for this post
Mocha with Linda Says:
That's too funny.
Now they just need an Angela Hunt doll. She writes a book and redecorates her house between breakfast and lunch!
Says:
Clever! I'll share with my granddaughter-writer-in-progress.
And an "Amen" to Linda. Please let me know when you get the video done for the Angie doll. Can't wait.
Blessings,
Mary Kay
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Seagull with Chutzpah
What is wrong with that cat? He must not have any worries about where his next meal is coming from!
~~Angie
By Angela on Saturday, May 15, 2010 @ 7:00 AM
for this post
Re-introducing Shannon Labrie
I'm so excited for my friend, novelist Stephanie Grace Whitson. Her daughter, Shannon Labrie, has written and recorded a song which was featured this week on the TV show, One Tree Hill. You may remember me featuring a video of Shannon on this blog here. Now you can buy her latest song, "Calls Me Home" on iTunes.
Download a copy and enjoy . . . and help launch this major new talent. Congratulations, Shannon (and Stephanie)!
~~Angie
By Angela on Friday, May 14, 2010 @ 7:00 AM
for this post
I Did it!
Before: blah green ceiling, nothing special. After: Haint Blue ceiling!
Yesterday (Tuesday) I handed in my book, so this morning (Wednesday) I got up with every intention of painting my porch ceiling in haint blue (which in this case is Ben Moore "Thunderbird.")
Yesterday (Tuesday) I handed in my book, so this morning (Wednesday) I got up with every intention of painting my porch ceiling in haint blue (which in this case is Ben Moore "Thunderbird.")
So I got up, did my daily theology reading, cleaned the house, did my treadmill, and got the paint ready. Quickly discovered that painting overhead, behind the back, etc., is exhausting! Had to sit down several times to rest, and my porch isn't that big! Plus, I was painting in the hottest part of the day, even though there was a nice breeze and this is only May.
But here it is--and I love it! Interesting--the entire time I was thinking about painting, I kept thinking that the blue wouldn't match anything but the sky, as my house is green, not blue. But look at the pillows in the rocking chairs--guess my subconscious knew I'd have a perfect match. (Click on the photo for a close-up). I love that kind of serendipity.
Also discovered that painting overhead results in lots of drips--I used a drop cloth, but I think I should have worn a rain coat. My face (got a couple of drops straight in the EYE), my shirt, my arms . . . all dotted with blue. I look like I'm made of dotted swiss. (Isn't that what we used to call that material with the raised dots on it? Can't find it in the dictionary.) And I'm afraid to look at my hair.
Anyway . . . I love my made-over porch. Now, to find some time to sit out there and relax . . .
And happy 30th anniversary to my darling hubby! Maybe to celebrate, we'll sit on the porch. :-)
~~Angie
By Angela on Thursday, May 13, 2010 @ 7:00 AM
for this post
LadyDy Says:
Yes....dotted swiss.....I had a dress my mother made out of that material when i was little...thx for sparking that memory...and your porch is lovely....I'll bring the lemonade and we could "sit a spell" !
Says:
It's wonderful! Expect to have mine done next week after I return from a trip. Clyde
Diane Marie Shaw Says:
Your porch is beautiful. I know you will enjoy many days, and evenings sitting under that enchanting blue ceiling.
Hope you are able to get all the paint out of your hair.
Happy Anniversary too.
Kathy Says:
The porch looks great! All your hard work paid off. Happy Anniversary, Angie! Thirty years is a wonderful milestone!
Angela Says:
I had bedroom curtains made out of dotted swiss. Lilac. I used to sew a lot, so I still remember the names of most fabrics, though I haven't thought of them in YEARS . . . :-)
Thanks for the anniversary wishes! Looks like we get to go out for dinner and a movie!
Angie
Says:
How Beautiful! You have inspired me to paint ours, except you may need to come help since you are experienced. We have 2000 square feet of covered porch. Love it!
Kay Day Says:
I love your home. It's beautiful! The blue porch is much better than the other.
And I hope you and Gary have a marvelous day. Congratulations!
Eileen Rife Says:
Refreshing, relaxing, rejuvenating! This porch beckons, "Come, enjoy!" Sparked my spirit just looking at the pics!
Virginia Says:
Oh wow! That's beautiful! And your chairs look so inviting. I'd love to sit out there with a cup of coffee and my Bible. I'd be lost for hours.
Leslie Says:
Angela - Beautiful pictures!
FYI - We can see your street number in the 2nd picture - don't know if you want that out there or not...
Says:
Angela, another triumph! Lovely.
Oh the memories of dotted swiss. As a kid I thought it was so luxurious.
And Happy Anniversary. Hope Gary likes the new porch you gave him. :-)
Blessings,
Mary Kay
Candy Says:
Mama made many a dotted swiss dress for me. And I'm well familiar with haint blue. No proper South Carolina home with a porch would have anything other than a blue ceiling.
Mocha with Linda Says:
Happy Anniversary + 1 day! Don't know how I missed this yesterday.
The porch is beautiful. It makes me want to come sit on it and drink a cup of coffee!
I'd forgotten all about dotted swiss!
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Deb Raney's new release!
1
While I'm hunkering down this week to get my WIP out the door, I'm happy to tell you about my friend Deb (Deborah) Raney's new release!
Almost Forever
by Deborah Raney
A Hanover Falls Novel
from Howard/Simon & Schuster
Unearthing a lost memory may cause her to lose everything she holds dear. but could it also set her free?
Volunteer Bryn Hennesey was there at the Grove Street Homeless Shelter the night five heroic firefighters died at the scene. Among them was her husband, Adam.
Now a terrifying absence of memory has her wondering if she might, in some way, be responsible. Garrett Edmonds' wife, Molly, was the only female firefighter to perish in the blaze. He was supposed to protect the woman he loved.now she's the one who's died a hero. How can he go on in the face of such unbearable loss? And what started the fire that destroyed the dreams and futures of so many? Investigators are stumped. But someone knows the answer...
Deborah Raney books always captivate me! Almost Forever is a beautifully written and enthralling read. It made my heart sing, dance, cry, and turn more than a few flips!
~CindyWoodsmall , New York
As a fan of the very talented Deborah Raney, I expected a great read and I got it in the richly emotional Almost Forever, a story of faith, forgiveness and redemption. It began with a gripping scene and proceeded to hold me enthralled to the end. Don't miss this one!
~Karen Young, author of Missing Max and Blood Bayou
DEBORAH RANEY is at work on her 20th novel. Her books have won the RITA Award, HOLT Medallion, National Readers' Choice Award, Silver Angel, and have twice been Christy Award finalists. Her first novel, A Vow to Cherish, inspired the World Wide Pictures film of the same title. Almost Forever, first in her new Hanover Falls Novels series, will release in May from Howard/Simon & Schuster. Deb and her husband, Ken Raney, enjoy small-town life in Kansas. They are new empty nesters with four grown children and two precious grandsons, all of whom live much too far away.
Visit Deb on the web at www.deborahraney.com
Order her books here: http://snipurl.com/raneybooks
Enjoy!
~~Angie
By Angela on Wednesday, May 12, 2010 @ 7:00 AM
for this post
Mocha with Linda Says:
I adore Deb Raney - both her books and her precious personality. Can't wait to read this one!
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More redecorating
Old bathroom (red/gold)New bathroom (seafoam)
Old dining room (purple)
Old dining room (purple)New dining room (seafoam)
Old office (dark green)
Old office (dark green)New office (lighter green).
I love looking at before and after shots in magazines--whether it's of women who've had a makeover, or houses that have had a face lift.
For about the last five months, I've been redoing some rooms in my house--simply because we've been in our house almost eight years and I'm tired of the old colors. Time for something new!
So enjoy the before and after shots!
~~Angie
I love looking at before and after shots in magazines--whether it's of women who've had a makeover, or houses that have had a face lift.
For about the last five months, I've been redoing some rooms in my house--simply because we've been in our house almost eight years and I'm tired of the old colors. Time for something new!
So enjoy the before and after shots!
~~Angie
By Angela on Tuesday, May 11, 2010 @ 7:00 AM
for this post
Mocha with Linda Says:
I absolutely love it. The bathroom made me gasp. I love how much lighter everything looks.
Feel free to come do my house any time! :-)
Angela Says:
There are two tones of the seafoam green--you'll see them in the dining room, above and below the chair rail. The lighter is Behr "Valley Mist" and the darker is Behr "Smokey Slate."
Deborah Raney Says:
I loved your house before, but it is even more stunning now! The bedroom and bathroom are just gorgeous! Before and Afters are my favorite decorating feature. This has been SUCH a fun series!!
Says:
Lovely, Angie. Simply beautiful.
Enjoy!
Mary Kay
Suzanne Says:
Where do you find the time? It's all lovely! We're redoing my kitchen right now and I want a green, something similar to your new office. I'm not so good at picking paint colors though.
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I'm still redecorating
In an effort to make over my house, I have decided (as I've mentioned) to banish the Tuscan colors--except for the gold. I love my gold kitchen, and I don't mind it as an accent color. But I have cranberry everywhere (mostly on the upstairs carpets, and elsewhere as accent color), and I've decided to do away with all the cranberry paint on the walls.
So in my living room, I painted all the cranberry in a lovely soft green shade. And I thought I'd cover up the fireplace surround with a nice darker green, but my ceilings are 23 feet tall. I had a hard time painting the light green on the little fireplace niche--I had to climb to the top of my 20 foot extension ladder, and then I was hanging on so tightly that I could barely use my paintbrush and handle the container of paint!
But I started by painting the bottom of the fireplace surround because I was eager to see what the color would look like. I painted as high as I could go in my stocking feet, then stood on a chair to paint a wee bit higher. Then, after living with it half-painted for a couple of days, I brought out the five foot ladder and painted a wee bit more. At that point I decided that I was too chicken to paint all the way up myself, even if I rented a scaffold, and it seemed silly to hire someone just to paint a single fireplace surround.
So I stopped painting, drew a tape line, and wrapped up the job. I call this design, "I'm too chicken to paint all the way and too cheap to hire someone else." :-)
Enjoy! Photos are before (gold) and after (hodgepodge).
~~Angie
By Angela on Monday, May 10, 2010 @ 7:00 AM
for this post
Says:
That's an interesting effect. I vote that you say, "I intended it to look like that." Clyde
dellartist Says:
Love it! Isn't it amazing what a difference just a little bit of paint can do? You have changed the whole look of the room. I don't do ladders myself so everything I do alone will always be only as far as my arms can reach.
Says:
It looks great and there is no way that I can stand on a ladder to do anything. I get shaky on the step-stool!
Says:
Angie, I think it is lovely and agree with Clyde's comment. Set a new artistic trend. That is how faux and marbling painting began.
Miriam
Angela Says:
Thanks, everybody. And yes, after a couple of days I DID intend for it to look like that. :-)
And I love the built-in bookshelves, too. I was lucky--there are three sets built into the living room, but I could still use more. I'm planning to call a carpenter later in the month to see if we can carve out some more space for bookshelves under the stairs. After all, that is a LOT of wasted space . . . might as well fill it up with books!
Angie
Lydia Says:
"I call this design, "I'm too chicken to paint all the way and too cheap to hire someone else." :-)"
Haha, I love it. :) And actually, I really like the green at the bottom and gold at the top! A happy accident. :)
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Haint Blue
Happy Mother's Day to all you mothers out there!
Before: gold
Before: gold
After: blue (Benjamin Moore's "Thunderbird.")
Since I'm not moving, I've decided to keep repainting my house. I'm tired of my "Tuscan colors" and am in the mood for more "beachy" colors--greens, purples, blues, aquas. I'm only a mile from the beach, so I figured the new colors are apt.
So on Saturday I decided to paint my master bedroom blue (see before and after pictures). And when I realized I was going to have a lot of extra paint, I decided to paint my front porch ceiling "haint blue." Never heard of it? I hadn't, either, until I read a Southern Living magazine, I think, and learned that "haint blue" is what most southern folks painted their porch ceilings to keep away "haints" (ghosties) and because they believed the sky/water color keeps away bugs and birds.
My front porch currently has a green ceiling that's the same color as the walls, so it does nothing but sit there. How cool it would be to look up and see the color of sky!
There isn't one specific shade that is "Haint blue," apparently these colors can vary from region to region. So in my house, at least, "haint blue" will be the color of my leftover bedroom paint.
To read more about 'haint blue," you can visit these web pages: here and here. So if you live in the south (or even if you don't), why don't you paint your ceiling blue? My painting is going to have to wait a couple of weeks, because my next few Saturdays are busy. But I can't wait to do it!
~~Angie
By Angela on Sunday, May 09, 2010 @ 7:00 AM
for this post
Mocha with Linda Says:
You painted the whole room and rearranged the furniture in one day? You never cease to amaze me!
Happy Mother's Day, Angie!
Says:
Lovely, Angie. The sky at the beach is exactly what I thought of when I saw your after photo. Enjoy.
Happy Mother's Day!
Mary Kay
Jan Whitlow, ASPM Says:
First iPad message on FB. Don't you feel special. That's The color of my bedroom; very soothing. Happy mother's day.
Says:
Love it-- blue is my favorite color in any shade---
Says:
Went to Lowes yesterday as promised, but they do not carry Benjamin Moore paints. However, the young man said they could duplicate any of their colors, what was the name? I said, "Haint Blue." He said, "Well, if it h'ain't blue, then what color is it?" (Sorry, I just made that part up.) But, in all honesty, I told him, "Haint Blue." and he couldn't find it. I will now search for a store that has Benjamin Moore. In the meantime, I picked up samples from a lot of other manufacturers. Clyde
dellartist Says:
Love the blue in your bedroom, it looks so relaxing and serene. My husband knew about "haint blue" but we didn't have any blue paint when we did our porch so it is more of a light green. He said he thought it had to do with bugs and birds, hadn't heard of the "ghosties." We don't live in the South but he reads lots of garden magazines.
Virginia Says:
I love that idea! I just might swipe it and make it my own. Thanks for the idea and more importantly the inspiration!!!
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A new kind of puppet
My aunt sent me this video--and I had to look closely to understand what was going on. The man in the middle is real; the others are puppets controlled by the man in the middle. LOL! What will people think of next?
By Angela on Saturday, May 08, 2010 @ 7:00 AM
for this post
Says:
That really was good. Knowing who was pulling the strings didn't make it any less enjoyable. There were times when the feet gave them away, but not often. Thanks to Auntie!!! Clyde
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It's Coming! Glen Eyrie, that is!
Our Theme for 2010: Get Re-inspired!
Dear friends:
As some of you know, each year some of my writing friends and I host a writer's workshop at Glen Eyrie, a retreat center in Colorado Springs. This is not the typical writer's conference--no editors, no agents, just people who want to write and a team of dedicated instructors. You'll choose the instructor whose approach suits you best, and then you'll spend practically all day with them, writing and learning new tips and tricks. After dinner, we meet together again for some fun and inspirational exercises--it's a workshop that just might change your life!
This year I'll be joined by Nancy Rue, Kathy Mackel, and James Scott Bell. Our classes will be held in a castle--that's right, a real castle--and you can make your reservation and learn all about it here. Tell a friend and make arrangements to come together.
And when you register, be sure to tell the folks at Glen Eyrie that you heard about the conference through Angie's blog. :-) This conference is where we met Clyde, Kay, Mary Kay, and so many other regular blogees. :-) We'd love to see you this year!
~~Angie
By Angela on Friday, May 07, 2010 @ 7:00 AM
for this post
Says:
Oh, how I wish I could attend again. The Osterhaus clan is having our first ever reunion of the descendents of my father's siblings' in Washington DC in June. I'll be with you all in spirit, and pray to be able to return to Glen Eyrie in 2011. Even though I'm only a wannabe writer at this time, I found a lot of valuable information at the conference I attended a couple of years ago. I heartily recommend it! Clyde
Says:
This conference is a gem! (Though perhaps we should whisper that so it doesn't out grow the intimate nature?) I learned so much, and had the chance to get answers to questions as I applied it. The setting and the instructors are a gift. Go if you can. And--today I'd be HAPPY to be away from all the after shocks in southern California!
Blessings,
Mary Kay
Says:
Please let us know as soon as you know the 2011 dates. I had planned to go this year, but already had vacation plans that week. I know you all will have a great time!
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Electron Boy
A boy dying from liver cancer submits a wish to the Make a Wish Foundation--he wants to be a super hero. So some kind and loving people band together to help him fulfill his dream . . . and he does.
A precious video for a precious child. I love it that these adults were willing to pretend for the sake of a child.
Enjoy! A tip of the hat to Michael G. for this video!
~~Angie
By Angela on Thursday, May 06, 2010 @ 7:00 AM
for this post
Says:
Heartwarming, to say the very least. There is so much good in this world and in this country. This is America at its very finest. I am so proud of my country! Here's cheers to Electron Boy!!! Clyde
Mocha with Linda Says:
So sweet. I think Electron Boy was a little dazed by it all! I love stories like this.
Says:
This made me cry. The Seattle Sounders were so gracious and loving to "Electron Boy". What a great gift to him and his family.
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The Magic of Ordinary Days
This month my book club read THE MAGIC OF ORDINARY DAYS, by Ann Creel. It was a delightful story, and most of us really enjoyed it. And we always enjoy our discussions.
Next month we're reading SUITE FRANCAISE, because it comes highly recommended. :-)
If you like to read and you're not a member of a book club, I recommend that you seek one out or start one of your own. We meet once a month and always have a grand time. I like it especially because it forces me to read for pleasure.
Happy reading!
~~Angie
By Angela on Wednesday, May 05, 2010 @ 7:00 AM
for this post
Ruth Says:
I love the Hallmark film based on this book, but I have yet to read the actual story. Glad to know it's good. :)
Says:
Our book group read "Suite Francaise." I'll be interested in your reaction.
Nick
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Kindle Sale
What do all these books have in common?
- Afton of Margate Castle
- The Troubadour's Quest
- Ingram of the Irish
- Roanoke
- Jamestown
- Hartford
- Rehoboth
- Charles Towne
- My Life as a Middle School Mom
- Nola's Meat 'n Three
- The Justice
- The Proposal
- The Shadow Women
- The Yellow Sock
- Then Comes Marriage
They're all selling for $2.99 at Amazon.com's Kindle store!
Best of all, if you download Amazon's "Kindle for Laptops" program (free!) or the Kindle iPhone app (from the iTunes store), you can read these books on the instrument of your choice.
~~Angie
By Angela on Tuesday, May 04, 2010 @ 7:00 AM
for this post
Ruthie Says:
Sadly, I don't have a Kindle. Asked for one for Christmas, but didn't get it. Guess I'll just have to live with "real" books. *smile*
lahlah Says:
Amazon now has Kindle for PC, and it's free. You can download it from their web site onto your computer & start reading within a couple of minutes. I got it a few weeks ago & love it. Going right now to shop for some of these!! :o)
Leslie Says:
Ruthie, I second lahlah - I've got the Kindle for PC on my laptop and I've actually managed to get so many free books from their download site. Its pretty neat. Though I think I want all of Angie's books on my bookshelf.
Carole Says:
I love reading on my Kindle and was thrilled to see these, Angie! I bought the whole Keepers of the Ring series, as well as three novels. What a great deal for those of us who love quality Christian fiction, but can't afford high ebook prices!
Rel Says:
Alas, I am not the owner of a Kindle either, but am proud to say I have everyone of these books on my shelves with the exception of the children's ones :)
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Romance Trailer
I don't write romance novels, but I have made my own video trailers, and my hat's off to Tessa Dare for her creative use of props in this clever book trailer. Tee hee. Too bad I don't have kids (or their toys) around the house any more. Wonder if I could make a trailer with dog toys?
~~Angie
By Angela on Monday, May 03, 2010 @ 7:00 AM
for this post
Diana Says:
I agree with you- but then writers are creative - much more than I The appreciator of writers!
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Coming in May: Misconception
Look! I'm holding a BABY! (Isn't he precious?)Over Christmas and in the early months of this year, I set my novel in progress aside to work on this collaboration. As you might expect, it's a fascinating story, and the work caused me to dig deeply into in vitro fertilization--when is it right, when is it wrong, and what guidelines can a couple use to be sure they are honoring the God-given gift of life? Here's the official blurb from Amazon.com:
Coming in May, 2010: MISCONCEPTION, by Paul and Shannon Morell with Angela Hunt
“Your embryos have been transferred into another woman.”
With those words, the journey began.Paul and Shannon Morell struggled through miscarriages and infertility, then finally experienced the joy of childbirth: twin girls, born in 2006. One of the girls was profoundly deaf, and her needs had to be met before the Morells could transfer the six remaining embryos. As they prepared to move ahead with their plans, their doctor called with devastating news: their six embryos, tiny lives suspended in time, had been thawed. According to the doctor, three embryos had been transferred to another woman . . . and she was pregnant. With more questions than answers, Paul and Shannon could only hope and pray for a miracle. This is their story.
Oddly enough, after first posting about this book several weeks ago, I've been bombarded with comments saying nasty things about this book, me, and the Morells . . . and I can't imagine why. This is the Morell's story, and they have a right to tell it. They hope that telling it will prevent mistakes like this one from happening in the future. The woman who gave birth and lovingly surrendered the child will, I'm sure, write her own book, and the Morells will forever be grateful to her. This book is a testimony to her courage and sacrifice, as well as being a warning about the risks inherent in technological advances. It is a positive, enlightening, uplifting book . . . and people should read it before commenting about it. To do otherwise is to be prejudiced and judgmental, no?
In any case, I'm happy to present the introduction to the book, which should clear up any misconceptions and prejudices. :-) Enjoy!
You can read the Associated Press article about the book's release here.
Misconception: Introduction
There is probably nothing more private for a couple, more personal,
than making decisions about reproduction. At least that is how Paul
and I always felt. We have always been intensely private about such
matters. Even close family and dear friends were not privy to our
struggles with infertility or our decisions about turning to in vitro
fertilization, using our own eggs and sperm, to build our family.
Before September 2009, if you’d told us that we would reluctantly
be featured on national television and plastered across headlines as
the victims of a rare in vitro fertilization mistake, we would have
been horrified at the thought. Quite frankly, as our very personal
nightmare unfolded in the public eye, we were more than horrified.
We were shell-shocked, embarrassed, confused, and overwhelmed.
So why would two very private people expose their personal
health information to the public and write a book about how their
baby ended up inside another woman’s womb?
Because through our ordeal we have discovered so many misconceptions.
We have had to face misconceptions of our own about in vitro.
Though we believed we were well-informed before we proceeded,
we have learned much more about the ins and outs, processes and
complexities of in vitro that we never imagined.
We’ve become aware of misconceptions of other couples who,
in considering in vitro for themselves, are turning to our story with
questions and fears.
We have encountered misconceptions on the part of family and
friends—our own and those of other infertile couples—who care
and want to offer support and empathy, but find themselves confused
and reluctant to pry.
And finally, we find ourselves face-to-face with misconceptions
of the public, wanting to understand what happened—how and
why—and maybe most important, how such errors can be avoided
in the future. The scrutiny of the public is also driven by the highly
controversial questions of when life begins, when infertility treatments
and procedures cross the line of moral ethics, and when assisting
in conception becomes tampering with God’s divine will.
We are not theologians or medical ethicists. We are not setting ourselves
up as authorities on these issues. We are simply one couple
who wanted to build a family of our own, and whose story has become
a touchstone for all who are debating such topics. Our hope is
that in exposing our misconceptions, our questions, our discoveries,
and our experiences, our story will shed light on these critically important
issues.
We have witnessed how a single careless error can have life-
changing consequences. We have learned some important lessons
and gained valuable insights. And perhaps the most life-changing
benefit of all, we have realized that God was working behind the
scenes and continues to do so, bringing his plans to pass and answering
our prayers . . . even when we find it hard to accept what is
happening.
So, though we are not at all comfortable in the spotlight, since
we find ourselves here, we do not want our pain or experience to
be wasted or our joys and gratitude to go uncelebrated. It is our
hope and prayer that in telling our story many misconceptions can
be cleared away, leaving nothing but the truth.
--Paul and Shannon Morell
~~Angie
By Angela on Sunday, May 02, 2010 @ 8:00 AM
for this post
Kathy C. Says:
Wow. Seems like there would be safe guards against that kind of mix up! Bet that was an interesting story to work on.
Says:
I seem to recall reading about this story. Looking forward to reading it in May. You sure are getting some interesting collaborations! I expect they are quite rewarding in their own way. Clyde
Says:
You mentioned this book on the Heavenly Daze cruise. Looking forward to reading it.
Loretta Says:
I don't understand how you could get nasty emails. I guess I'm just naive.
Good luck!
Loretta
Harry Kraus Says:
Love the title. But you've always been a master at them. Did you come up with this one?
Angela Says:
I wish I could claim credit for the title--the closest thing I had to offer was "Inconceivable!" (But that kept reminding me of THE PRINCESS BRIDE.) :-)
Says:
Angie, We're getting a lot of positive feedback on the book. Of course, there's more to the story then just our infertility nightmare. Anyone considering in vitro should really read our book.
Let's hope that ASRM comes up with tough security protocols for frozen embryos!
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When will I ever learn?
Well, Monday morning, fresh from the hospital, my hubby and I decided to pull out of the real estate game. The bank didn't accept our offer on the short sale house we were interested in, and I didn't see anything else on the market that was in our price range and met our needs. (In fact, I like my current house better than most houses I saw).
So we thanked our wonderful realtor for all of her help, and then we took a collective sigh . . . and braced ourselves for the work of moving back into the house we had decluttered.
You see, I took those folks on HGTV quite seriously--down came all my artwork, away went all the family photos and knickknacks, away with all the small kitchen appliances that usually sit on the countertops. All of it got boxed up, along with a fair amount of Christmas decorations and stuff I'd pulled together for a yard sale. All of it went into storage.
So Monday, when we decided to Stay Put, we looked at the calendar and realized we could save a month's rent on the storage unit if we cleaned it out this week. So my dear hubby started loading his car and bringing stuff home, bit by bit. As soon as the boxes hit the garage, I began to put things back--searching for nail holes where pictures had hung, wondering where in the world all this STUFF came from in the first place.
But I'm happy to say that the storage unit is now empty. My garage is full, and the garbage man will have to pick up a LOT of boxes tomorrow, but the house is beginning to look like it did six months ago.
But now I've thought of all kinds of projects--painting ideas, and redecorating. I've still got the urge, but it's going to be much easier (and less expensive) to fix up the place I have rather than try to rehabilitate a place I have not.
One story: I have an office wall that is decorated with shelves--I keep little things on it, along with awards, etc. In the past I have won eight "Angel Awards" from Excellence in Media. They don't give the award any more, but I'm a little fond of my angels because of the name--Angel(a).
So earlier this week I put up the four shelves, lined up my little angels, and smiled at them. I'd painted the wall AND the shelves, so everything looked shiny and new. I was just beginning to clean up my mess when the two biggest shelves--the ones loaded with the angels--came crashing down on my head. Literally. I wasn't hurt, but my wood floor will never be the same, and my poor angels! Out of the eight, only three of them now have intact halos. The others--well, they remind me even more of myself, because a halo is quite out of my reach. :-)
That night hubby and I went to bed, and I woke at about three a.m. Didn't know why I woke, but about five minutes later, CRASH! Got up to peek in my office--yep, the other two shelves had crashed. One hundred percent failure rate, can't beat that.
So the next morning I got up and properly anchored every single screw. Don't know why I didn't do it right in the first place. :-/ (Actually, I do know why--because it's hard to find screws LONG enough to hold in the wall and yet SMALL enough to fit in the little slot on the back of the shelf.)
Have a lovely weekend. :-) I'm going to be resting. Or painting.
~~Angie
By Angela on Saturday, May 01, 2010 @ 7:00 AM
for this post
KrnDrln Says:
I collect bells and had a beautiful snowman bell a student had given me and I did the same thing you did and it's history now cause the shelf fell! I can totally relate!
Glad some were okay though!
Lisa Says:
Thanks for sharing your trials in this with us! Our house has been on the market for about 10 months, and the realtor has told us to do the same thing. To get a storage unit and 'stage' the house. But living here with 3 teens and a dog...yeah right! I sorry things didn't work out for you, but I'm thankful to hear (in one way) that just because I HAVEN'T followed their advise, will make or break the sale of my home. It's in my gut that it's not going to matter one way or the other.
Ours is a school district issue, and also having one bathroom with 3 daughters...it can get ugly around here in the am ;)
I hope you're feeling all better, and I'm sorry your angels took a fall.
Says:
Oh Angie, I'm sorry about the angels; that just stinks. I understand what a pain it is to "do as we Stagers" say to de-clutter only to find you have to pull the house off the market & unpack in the same location. I hope you found lots of things you an live without that you moved to storage yet did not unpack back at home. I find often that after de-cluttering people love the lighter look of there homes and don't want everything again. I'm sending you an email with a Sherwin Williams discount coupon -- copy it as many times as you like --- great discounts!
Jan
PS You should have asked to use my box truck ...
Kelli Standish Says:
Angie,
I think this calls for some creative mourning.
I suggest an Angel funeral. We can't just let their passing go unnoticed!
Let's make it official. Can you post the year and the book that won you the Angel, for all 8?
Then we'll have an Angel obituary and can mourn their passing properly.
Cheering you on,
Kelli
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We are blessed to have such defenders. And such a heritage. May we reclaim it and defend it within our hearts and borders while they defend it without.
Thank you, Angie.
Mary Kay
Both DH and I proudly sacrificed for this great country...he as a submarine sailor and I as the supporting wife waiting at home, praying that he would come back alive once again. Yup, that's what we did because we are Americans.
So many wives and mothers are hoping and praying that their spouse/child will come back alive. We need to pray for those brave, sacrificial women who willingly give those who are dearest to them. Their faithfulness at home is what keeps our soldiers and sailors going when it gets to be almost more than they can handle.
Aren't you proud of them?!? I sure am!
Thx, Angie, that was beautiful! They are NOT going to break our spirit! GOD Bless America!!! Clyde
Wow. The whole thing was great, but the end gave me goosebumps.
It figures that it would be a journalist harassing the soldier!
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