Thriller explores possibility of living with worst fears come true

by Jennie McGhan
What is your worst fear? How would you deal with it if you were forced to face that fear both in your nightmares and in reality?
Exposure by Brandilyn Collins explores such a sce-nario and is bound to keep its readers bracing them-selves at the turn of each page.
A thriller, this book is one of many suspense novels written by Collins. Each novel is what has been termed “seatbelt suspense,” because of her ability to take her readers on a veritable thrill ride as the characters are faced with the horrors of crime.
The main character in Ex-posure, Kaycee Raye is faced with unexplainable fears coming to life. A syn-dicated columnist, who writes about her fears, she begins having frightening experiences. She believed she had been conquering many of the things she was afraid of, including visiting the dentist.
Now, images of a dead man mysteriously appear on a camera, her computer, in her dreams and in a photo-graph left in her car.
The nine-year-old daugh-ter of Kaycee’s deceased best friend also mysteriously disappears.
She is challenged to stand strong against what some in her small town believe are hallucinations or paranoia. She must try to forget the images and focus on finding her friend’s daughter.
The feeling of being watched never fades through Kaycee’s search, but she won’t let the authorities or her fears stop her from look-ing for the young girl.
She delays telling local law enforcement officers about the images, wanting them to focus on the search for the little girl. Besides, it is difficult to prove the images even exist.
Officer Mark Burnett, however, begins to believe in Kaycee and the things she has been seeing. He wants to help her.
Exposure also takes its readers through a series of events occurring elsewhere.
Martin, Lorraine and four-year-old Tammy Giordano are caught up in crimes tied to the mob.
Lorraine and Tammy don’t know of Martin’s in-volvement in the robbery of the bank where he works. Lorraine also doesn’t know what is hidden inside a rental unit at the storage facility she manages.
After Martin’s murder, Lorraine is faced with some tough decisions. She and Tammy were, after all, inside the family’s apartment when he was shot to death.
She must keep herself and young Tammy safe from the murderer…but, how?
Although I was able to guess how Kaycee’s cir-cumstances were tied to those of the Giordano family, I found myself riveted to the book and depriving myself of much needed sleep. I didn’t want to put the book down and was held captive, wanting to discover how each chapter played out.
Collins has a way of weaving stories together that compel her readers to explore their own lives, as well as venturing into her frightful scenarios.
She divides her time be-tween the Coeur D’ Alene, Idaho area and the California Bay area. She has also re-cently released a new young adult series with her daugh-ter Amberly.
Exposure is a novel any suspense and mystery enthusiast can enjoy. If you have a thirst for a great thriller, be sure to purchase this novel.

Can I get some answers?

by Jennie McGhan
I have shared one situation when the computer I was using at work became an object of my ire, but in all the years I have owned a computer I have never been so disgusted with them…until lately.
I never have really been a fan of PCs because they are susceptible to viruses, even with the latest in virus pro-tection. Hackers always seem to be one step ahead of the protection available.
Then there is the added frustration of constant warnings and such. I have been able to avoid the latest operating system for PCs, eliminating some of those headaches.
Alas, our family has always had a PC because of the software preferences and because of the reputation of a particular computer com-pany.
That computer company and my family had a great relationship for the past 10 years, but now I am disheartened and extremely disappointed.
We contracted a well-known virus, WinSpyware Protection 2009. Sounds as though this product is a Windows product designed to protect the computer, right? WRONG!!!
Every time this little window has popped up on our computer with the name of WinSpyware Protection, we have had problems. We never wanted this “program.” It just magically appeared. It would warn us of another “problem” and solicit funds for a full “repair” of said problem.
Sorry, we didn’t want you and we don’t want to give you our money. YOU are a problem.
We could do a quick restore and eliminate the issues attributed to this supposedly “helpful” tool.
About two weeks ago, this quick fix no longer worked and our sound card driver seemed to “vanish” without a trace of locating or restoring it electronically.
Time to call Dell. My husband did just that and spent hours on the phone with tech support. During the course of the numerous hours, the technician made several suggestions for helping us with our computing needs.
The technician was able to look at the insides of our PC from his remote location. He could see we use maybe one-quarter of our computer’s memory. A majority of that used space consisted of music and photos. He suggested, “A four gigabyte external hard drive would be a good way to back up your files.”
My husband, not knowing this was the tech’s sneaky and unethical way of gaining a sale, said it would be good, but he would need to consider it in the future.
This happened throughout the conversation with other “suggestions.” Not a single price, with the exception of a software warranty at the cost of $139, was ever men-tioned.
My husband was not giving informed consent to the purchase of anything other than that one warranty, which is now saving us a little added agony, but I will get to that later.
I ended up doing a complete restore to get our computer functioning again. We believed all was once again well in our world.
Approximately four days later, packages begin arriving. My husband thinks because he mentioned the “suggestion” of a new external hard drive that I some-how purchased the new one terabyte (yes, I know this is a lot of memory) external hard drive and the added memory cards for our com-puter.
No. I tossed my hands up in the air and told him I had absolutely no idea why Dell would be sending these items.
Thinking we needed them, and after the issues we had before restoring the computer, we installed these new items. We both questioned how much the items would cost us, but agreed the purchase would be worth it if we were to prevent future issues.
Ha! The story gets better because the next day a gaming card and new anti-virus software arrive. The question as to how much money Dell was going to grab from our wallets without our knowing consent became VERY loud in my mind.
I called them. Turned out the total price of everything that darned technician sunk us for was more than $800. That is about three-quarters of what the computer was worth when first purchased just more than a year ago.
NOT ACCEPTABLE!!! I spoke with a total of 11 different individuals from the computer company over the course of more than two hours and had to call them back three different times because we were “disconnected.” There was only one truly understanding throughout the entire ordeal. He in fact informed me the external hard drive was in excess of what we needed…so much so that 10 households could back up their personal computers on it.
The issue was not completely resolved because I still have to access my email to return the two items that initiated the call.
This presents another problem.
It seems that somewhere during all this the computer was in need of a new hard drive and motherboard. I don’t know what came first…the proverbial chicken or the egg.
I only know that internet access was suddenly non-existent as of the day after the marathon phone call.
My internet service provider (ISP) was very helpful and walked me through di-agnostics of the problem (at no cost). They were able to conclude it was not my ser-vice, but something within the computer.
“I am sorry, but you will have to contact Dell again,” the technician said with sympathy in her voice.
Frustrated, but ready to conquer my displeasure in hopes of having Dell redeem itself, I did so.
They talked me through one more diagnostic step and concluded the hard drive and motherboard needed to be replaced. UGH!!!!
I can handle this. They set up shipment of these items to a local technician. He called this past Wednesday and visited our home to re-place the computer hardware.
Aha! Breathe a sigh of relief. WRONG!!! No internet connection.
Called my ISP, ran through diagnostics and am informed that the motherboard replacement must not have occurred since the tech only took approximately 10 minutes with my computer. And, the true problem with the computer must be the Ethernet card.
Dell called for a follow-up that evening and I shared this bit of info. They now have to ship the motherboard to a technician, who may not be the same one who visited me. That technician will then need to replace the motherboard in front of either my husband or myself.
To say I am a little upset with Dell, is an understatement. We will still need to pay them approximately $300.
I can only say computers can be a nightmare. Dealing with Dell technicians is even worse.
What did I get out of the experience? Document EVERYTHING discussed. Make sure to ask more questions, especially if the person is making a “suggestion.” If something arrives at your home and nobody knows why, call the company right away.

Historical novel sheds light on changing times

Reading books that are historical is generally something I typically don’t enjoy. I often find it hard to absorb the data and I am a woman who would rather keep myself planted in today’s world…a world to which I can relate.
I must make an exception for Love Finds You in Last Chance California. This book, set in 1877, kept my interest and helped me learn a little about the past at the same time.
The setting is Last Chance, Calif., a town no longer in existence. It was once a thriving gold mining town in Placer County. But, like many other towns of its kind, it faded into the archives.
Author Miralee Ferrell traveled to the former location of the town and weaves her story with great facts intermixed with fictional characters.
Her antagonist, Alexia Travers, is a woman whom many of today’s women can relate. She was a little modern for her time in that she insisted on wearing “trousers” and was independent by nature.
Her father suddenly passes, leaving his horse ranch to the young, but spirited Alexia. As she sets out to handle the affairs of operating a ranch, she discovers her father left her with a few surprises. He mortgaged the ranch in hopes of improving its stock, made arrangements for new horses to arrive and took with him the only known location for a gold find on the property.
Alexia’s father also summoned assistance from wrangler Justin Phillips, who fails to disclose the details of his arrangement. Shortly after Justin’s arrival things at the ranch begin to go awry. Fences are cut, horses are missing and ranch hands leave. Phillips, a widower, and his young son slowly earn the trust of the townspeople and of Alexia.
Alexia struggles with the disdain of the women of Last Chance and two young men are vying for her affections in spite of her polite rejections. One of the two men, intentions are less than honorable and I wanted to smack him. Alexia bothered me in this way. She is intelligent, but seemed obtuse when it came to the eager ways of her neighbor.
I also struggled with the fact that there did not seem to be a sense of urgency to finding the ranch’s missing horses. I was always under the impression that people who lived in the era of the “Wild West” would seek out thieves with a sense of fevered justice or vengeance. Alexia’s livelihood and future are dependent on the horses and the situation was not met with the level of importance I would expect.
The multitude of mysteries she is faced with, however, kept my interest and the historical picture painted through Ferrell’s writing provided me with a better understanding of the time. I appreciated the detail that went into the book and would highly recommend it.
Love Finds You in Last Chance California was released last month and can be found on www.amazon.com. The publisher, Summerside Press, is a new publishing house and the “Love Finds You…” books are a new line of fiction being released. Summerside Press has plans for one novel per state to provide readers with a perspective on the unique characteristics of our nation’s history and people.

I know...it's been nearly a year

Sorry anyone who checks in on me, but life has been busy beyond my imagination and when I have had the time to do anything for myself...well, I just wanted to veg with a good book!
There have been few changes in my life. Although, there have been challenges throughout the past year. There have been blessings, too.
My husband's schedule changed three (or was it four) times this year and the family juggled schedules to work around it.
My oldest son had a good swim season this past summer, making it to a few events in the Mid-Valley Swim Championships. He received a couple medals at championships and looks forward to next season.
Just a few weeks ago, his football team competed for the 11-year-old championship title and came up short by one point (25-26).

He was happy to have had the opportunity and the team was presented trophies last Sunday.


My daughter is missing a front tooth. She likes to show off the hole left from that tooth and realizes soon there won't be a hole there.
She is doing well in second grade and her teachers have been enthusiastic regarding her academic abilities. I know my little girl is smart and capable of doing so well, but other times I wonder if I have too much faith in her abilities. I will cheer her on regardless. And, I have been told she will be tested for the "gifted learners" program at the end of the school year if she remains in the top 5 percent of her class.

My youngest started kindergarten and he is meeting the challenges before him. He is doing very well for a child whom I felt school would be difficult. He is what the experts refer to as a "kinetic" learner. His learning style is much different from his siblings and I worried. But, he is doing real well and the teachers love him...another fear I had because his temperment is not as easy-going as the other two. I have been told he is a charmer and a hugger at school. :) That is certainly encouraging.
As for my career, it continues to keep me going all the time. I have become so familiar with many community members and feel as though I actually have made progress. I have lived here more than 10 years and only the last two have made me feel a part of the community. I celebrate my second year as a reporter on Monday!
I know my editor has "plans" for me. He wants to have a sit-down over a soda or latte one day when we are both heading out of the office at the same time. But, I don't know what exactly those plans entail. I only know he said they are "long-term." So, once I know...well, we shall see what God has laid in my editor's mind.
God has helped me through some difficult situations this past year in addition to everything else. The biggest challenges have come from the fact that my oldest is now a pre-teen and the rolling of the eyes has come with that. He has challenged me with his attitude and his words. He has also said things at school that caused some concern. There are words that just ARE NOT ALLOWED on school grounds in this day and age, no matter how badly you have been bullied. Therefore, we are in the midst of getting him "professional" help as required by law.
I only hope that all of my dear friends out there are doing well and feeling blessed. I HAVE missed my time sharing the ups and downs on a regular basis. I have missed the helpful words of wisdom and the prayers. I have NOT forgotten you.
And congratulations for all those with joyous celebrations, such as my dear friend Dusty!

God Bless ALWAYS!
Jennie

Each day is my new beginning

We are quickly approaching the new year and I grimace. I don’t like the questions regarding New Year’s resolutions.
I am not one to make New Year’s resolutions. I tend to believe each day is another day to resolve to make myself better…not just that one day of the year that marks the new year’s beginning.
Because we don’t know what tomorrow will bring, I believe in making today a better day.
I resolve each morning to show more compassion toward others, be more patient with my family and do what is right when confronted with decisions placed before me.
I don’t make grandiose resolutions to lose weight or anything of that nature because I believe in changing myself from the inside out.
I don’t believe in making what I think of as empty promises, either. If I promise something, I believe in doing my best to keep that promise no matter how I feel about it when the time comes to do so.
I am not saying I am some saint. Lord knows I can only try to be a better person. I can pray for help. But, in the end, I know I can’t be a better person each and every day because I am human. I make mistakes. I get cranky. I become impatient. I have bad days.
But, I can try. I can hope.
That is what New Year’s Day means to me. It means we can hope. We can hope to have a better year than the last. We can hope that those around us are touched with our love, kindness and good will. We can hope that God will help us to become who He wants us to be.
Ultimately, we don’t know what circumstances will come our way with each new year. We only hope that those circumstances will be happy ones and we will be made stronger for experiencing the not-so-happy circumstances.
The same can be said of each new day. So, I suggest we resolve to make the best of each day given to us…not just each year.

His Christmas wish…to hear ‘Yes!’

Monday morning, James Esqueda made a grand proposal to his girlfriend, Alma Miranda.
Wanting to do something unique, Esqueda painted several large signs with a marriage proposal, and placed them directly across the street from the apartments on South Hill Road that Miranda manages.
“I love her. She is a great influence on me and I wanted to do something special,” Esqueda explained.
The signs are clearly visible from both the apartments and the road. Several people called Miranda to alert her that she needed to look outside.
Esqueda said she called him to informally accept his proposal, but the formal answer was provided at a family Christmas Eve gathering at a dinner on Monday night.
He said he is a single father of three boys and she is a single mother of four children and he felt the union of the two families would “…make my world complete.”
The idea of painting the signs wasn’t the first time Esqueda decided to make such a gesture. He said he also decorated a very large cardboard sign for Miranda on her birthday.
“I just want everybody to know I love her with all my heart,” stated Esqueda, stating Miranda means everything to him.
As to when the couple will “tie the knot,” plans have yet to be made. But, Esqueda guarantees he will certainly be the happiest man around when he marries Miranda.

I've been carded

Christina Berry CARDED me!

THE RULES:

1. Each player starts with 5 gifts that they would want for Christmas.
2. People who are "CARDED" need to write their own Blog about their 5 things & post these rules.
3. At the end of your Blog, you need to choose 5 people to get "CARDED" and list their names.
4. Don't forget to leave them a COMMENT telling them they're "CARDED", and to read your Blog.

My Materialistic Gift/Wish List:

1. A visit from my mom, since she has not been here for nearly 5 years and I was just at her home in the Summer of '06. She only lives six hours away, but it is an expensive trip for my family and we always feel unwelcome thanks to her "boyfriend."

2. A new laptop...would be nice to have a computer we can "hide" from the kids. This one now has sticky keys because one of them snuck a beverage into the computer room.

3. More books...I can never have enough.

4. Time to work on my WIP...It is slow going and I never seem to have enough time to work on it.

5. A nice, relaxing evening with my husband...one where he doesn't talk about work and actually enjoys just being with ME. Seems we don't have enough time together and what time we do have is often riddled with our three lovely children constantly coming in and out of the room.

My Spiritual Gift/Wish List:

1. More patience...especially with my husband and youngest child.

2. I find some peaceful time.

3. Wisdom in dealing with my oldest child as he faces adolescence.

4. That I will hear God when He speaks to me.

5. That I will remember God's love for me when I am feeling unloved.

The people I have carded:

http://christinescottage.blogspot.com/
www.shoutlife.com/Julie_Eller
http://www.miraleesdesk.blogspot.com/
http://www.mywritingmentor.blogspot.com/

My friend died twice, yet she lives-

A story of Christmas Miracles

My friend, Carol Carillo, came in to visit me yesterday. She wanted to let me know why I had not heard from her in a number of months...and she brought me a Christmas card.
Her story was a story of several miracles. She told me she died this past Sept. 7.
I looked at her, astonished. Afterall, she isn't dead if she is sitting, talking with me and telling me this story.
Carol continued with her story, stating she woke up one morning while having a heart attack. It was what her doctors referred to as a "Black Widow" heart attack.
She was rushed to Yakima Regional Hospital and a stent was put in place. After a stay in the hospital, Carol was able to return to Sunnyside and the doctors told her that her arteries were clear, with no blockages.
But, she began experiencing further health issues and was visiting the heart center in November when the medical staff determined she needed to be rushed back to the hospital.
I was mesmerized by this point.
It turned out Carol needed heart surgery again. Thirty percent of her heart was no longer functioning.
It gets more shocking at this point because she informed me she went in for a second surgery and a defibrillator. Carol died again, while in surgery.
She said to me, "Jennie, it is a miracle I am alive!"
Another miracle occurred yesterday morning. Carol, burdened with all the concerns that come with unpaid medical bills, received a call from the hospital.
"Someone paid my bills," she said. In full!
The hospital would not divulge who paid all her medical expenses, but she considers whoever it was to be quite the saint.
In addition to all of these miraculous blessings, another (or maybe the same) anonymous donor has paid for two years of her continued studies in nursing.
"It's not like I am anyone special," she modestly exclaims. But, Carol is a woman with the soul of an angel...she is special to me and others because she is caring, kind and selfless.
And, one more miracle has resulted from her death...her daughter, whom I know she had been very worried about over the years, has become her best friend.
Carol also told me she has been very blessed by Sandy Bos and the staff at Prudential Real Estate. She told me that they have been providing every meal for her since her heart attack, including Thanksgiving dinner.
Now, just more than a week after her second death, Carol is getting about town as best she can...for the sole purpose of letting her friends know she wants them to have a Merry Christmas!
She told me her Christmas wish list is very short. She just wants anyone suffering from a severe illness to have hope.
Because, you see, Christmas miracles really do occur.

Ashberry Lane Giveaway-8 books!

We've added 65 subscribers in the last few months and that's largely because you spread the word. But we're not happy yet. We're not even close to satisfied. Which leads right into our BIG announcement ...

We write about relationships. We are a relationship. We want to dominate the relationship brand. And we want to have at least 500 subscribers by the first of the year. Should we expect you to keep working so hard at strong-arming your friends to sign up while you get nothing out of the deal? No way!

Compassionate as we are, we've worked up a HUGE new incentive. How better to promote our relational fiction than featuring other fiction that focuses on different types of relationship? Why don't we give our supporters a chance to win EIGHT autographed books? Without further ado, we present, with a booming voice,


ASHBERRY LANE'S BOOK GIVEAWAY
For the Friend Relationship: Roxanne Henke's After Anne
One of our absolute favorite books. As you watch Olivia and Anne struggle through a difficult challenge, you'll want to be a better friend.

For the Prodigal Relationship: Robin Lee Hatcher's Return to Me
How many of us have walked away from what our father wanted for us? Or away from our Father? This story will remind you that the you can go home again.

For the Marriage Relationship: Robin Jones Gunn's Wildflowers Wildflowers
Married Genevieve falls in love with the man she least expected could win her heart. It's not who you might think ....

For the Sibling Relationship: Laurainne Snelling's Ruby (Dakotah Treasures #1)
In the first of this frontier series, Ruby must deal with her new "inheritance" while protecting her sister from its influences.

For the Man's Perspective on Relationships: James Scott Bell's Breach of Promise
A heart-rending story of a man trying to keep his family together.

For the Supernatural Relationship: Tosca Lee's Demon: A Memoir
Don't let the title of this book scare you away. There is no glorification of the demonic, but an enlightened fresh look at what History means.

For the Relationships Gone Bad: Bette Nordberg's Serenity Bay
A truly terrifying story of woman who married Prince Charming and discovered he wasn't.

For the Single Among the Marriage-Minded: Camy Tang's Sushi for One? (The Sushi Series, Book 1)
You'll laugh. You'll relate. You'll be impressed with this debut novel from up-and-coming author Camy Tang.

EIGHT books. ONE winner. Here are the ways to win:

Any new subscriber or referral will gain another entry.
Publicize this to your homeys through newsletters: one entry.

Blog about the contest: one entry. (Email us and we'll send you what to post or copy off this newsletter.)

Include it in your Christmas cards: two entries.

Tuck it in the gift bag with the fruitcake you'll be leaving on random doorsteps: five entries.

JUST LOG ON TO: www.ashberrylane.net
www.sherrieashcraft.blogspot.com
www.authorchristinaberry.blogspot.com
www.shoutlife.com/sherrieashcraft
www.shoutlife.com/christinaberry

‘The Other Daughter’ circumstances surreal

by Jennie McGhan
In reading The Other Daughter by Miralee Ferrell, it makes you wonder how your own family would react if it unexpectedly grew by one.
This book explores the reaction of a family when a child appears at their doorstep, claiming the patriarch of the family is her father.
This child is a surprise to everyone in the family. She is withdrawn and scared, not feeling as though she is wanted. However, she and the family have been forced into the situation when her uncle left her at the Carson’s doorstep without even a word to the family.
The Carsons are typically kindhearted and have taken in foster children in the past. But, this child was dropped off at the door step out of the blue, because her mother has died. David happens to be her father and was unaware of that fact, though he had some recollection of a one-time incident with her mother prior to his being married to Susanne.
David is forced to reconcile his relationship with Susanne through a number of apologies. He has to confront the fact that his past has caught up with him and somehow balance his relationship with his daughter and the family whom he had been setting an example for over the years.
Susanne has a hard time dealing with Brianna, David’s daughter, and her resemblance to her husband. She struggles with anger and frustration at the situation, guarding herself from fostering a caring heart toward the girl.
Susanne does all the “right things.” However, Brianna is much like any other child and can see that the kindness shown is only for the sake of appearances. Brianna senses Susanne’s resentment of the situation.
It doesn’t help that Susanne has a friend that reinforces negative feelings about both David and Brianna when Susanne has a “girls night out.”
The Carson children readily accept their new sister and so does David’s grandfather, a man deeply committed to his Nez Perce heritage. Grandfather reaches Brianna in a way that leaves Susanne and David feeling a level of conviction and wonderment. But, they are left to ponder his secret.
It takes much soul searching, and the threat of losing Brianna to her drunken uncle to open the eyes of Susanne. She learns she has a right to feel injured regarding her husband’s indiscretion. She also learns she owes herself the peace granted in forgiving and loving those whom she has been gifted.
David learns he not only has a responsibility to Brianna and his family, but to his own heart. He seeks to bridge the gap in his relationships after this realization.
The Carsons’ two children exhibit the ability to love unconditionally from the beginning. They embrace their new sister and do their best to ensure she feels their love…it just takes the two parents a little longer.
The Other Daughter is both poignant and insightful. It opens up a subject matter that similarly mirrors situations found across our nation. The author, Miralee Ferrell, is from Washington state, and the story is loosely based on actual events in her life.
This book is both heartbreaking and inspiring. I would highly recommend this book as a good lesson in love, forgiveness and faith.

Plenty to be thankful for this season

by Jennie McGhan
With Thanksgiving being less than a week away, I have found myself reflecting on the holiday in which we give thanks.
Some, like me, are grateful to God for the many blessings we have in our lives.
Others are just thankful.
I have been listening to the radio in my travels and find myself more thankful each day because there have been some stories on the station I listen to that are heart wrenching.
One lady, who is 25-years-old, wrote to the radio station that I listen to, saying she is thankful to have her husband alive. Not unusual by itself, but there is more. Her husband, also 25-years-old, recently collapsed from a heart condition he was unaware that he had. She wrote the story from his hospital room. He had been an average father and husband going about the mundane task of fueling up at the gas pump when he collapsed. Fortunately, those nearby called an ambulance and the man did not die.
This couple feels blessed and their story made me feel blessed. I know that I would be beside myself if something terrible were to happen to my husband.
There are others in this world who have children suffering from illness or poverty. The heartache around the world and locally touches me to the core.
I have three very healthy, full-of-life children. Each of them, all they can, try to please me on a regular basis. They are hyper, joyful, busy and sometimes they exhaust me.

But, overall, they are good children, and they are a blessing regardless of how tired they might make me.
Whatever complaints I might have about any one member of my family, I have had to step back and realize…They are a gift from God, and I could be facing worse than a screaming fit right now, if He hadn’t blessed me so much.

Stickler for manners and etiquette

by Jennie McGhan
I am an advocate of displaying proper manners and etiquette in public.
Daily, I find myself telling my three children to display proper manners and to apologize when I feel they have been rude to someone.
Perhaps our society is becoming accustomed to behavior that was considered rude when I was a child. I am not sure. But, there have been times that I have told my children to apologize for rushing ahead and essentially cutting off another’s path. The response of those whom I felt were wronged, “You’re sorry for what?”
Or, maybe it is the mere fact that my children are still very young and it doesn’t faze people when these incidents take place.
Recently, I was inside an establishment to purchase my lunch. A group of teens entered the establishment, carrying food from another eatery. They did not order from the establishment in which they had decided to plant their young rears. No, they had the nerve to ask for napkins for the food they had already purchased.
This struck me as very appalling. I was very curious as to how the employee at the counter felt about the teens’ attitude. She said it had been the second time the same group had come in with food from another business. She told me they did not order anything from her the first time, either.
I tried to be as polite as possible, informing her that she had every right to ask the group of teens to leave.
I am still astounded that this group of teens felt they were not in the wrong.
However, I do not want to paint this group as the “norm.” I have been very fortunate to meet several youth in our community, who have exhibited manners and etiquette.
I have met youngsters willing to hold a door open for me and many have had the common courtesy of saying, “Please” and “Thank you.”
I just hope others are as appreciative of the teens and young children with these attributes as I am.

Lost in translation

by Jennie McGhan
When one stops to think about words and what they mean, there may be a surprise in store for them.
In our current culture, we often use common words or phrases from other languages. “Adios” is commonly used when we are saying goodbye.
What we don’t think about is the actual translation of this word. The true definition of “Adios” is “go with God.” “Dios” means God in Spanish, the “a” indicates to go.
The term has been used for ages. In Spain, many did not use the term lightly until the early 20th century. Prior to wishing someone “Adios,” the term “Salud” was more common. This word means cheers.
“Despedida” is defined in the Spanish-English dictionary as the word used for goodbye or farewell.
Another way one might part with another would be in using the phrase “Hasta luego.”
Just as in the English language, there are many different ways of greeting or departing from another person.
I am certain there are other languages in which I might find the literal translation to be quite fascinating, but I am finding I am rather fond of the word “Adios” because I truly feel that I should be wishing others to “Go with God.”
I am a person who believes Christ is my protector and loving others, wishing them the same protection is a fine way to depart.
Another language, German, is often used when someone sneezes. We often say, “Gesundheit.” This word means health in English. But, are we aware we are saying this? Someone who actually knows the German language may know this fact.
In English, we commonly say, “bless you,” if a person sneezes. Again, it is a phrase taken for granted in many circles. I wonder how many people actually wish the person doing the sneezing to be blessed by God.
Stopping to think about the words and phrases we often speak out of habit or otherwise may give us a better understanding of what actually leaves our mouths when we speak to others. I believe it is just as important to think about all the words we use…the words may be helpful or hurtful, depending on what we mean by them and how they are translated.

I don't do cold well

This week has been a rough one for me. It has been cold, and I don't like cold much.
I grew up in an alpine community, where one might expect I was quite acclimated. I was. But, it was a different type of cold weather that we experienced in my hometown.
With the high elevation, the cold seemed much drier than the weather we experience in the Lower Yakima Valley?and, I was much younger when I lived in Weed.
Now, as an adult, I find myself constantly donning sweaters and sweatshirts or wearing a coat.
However, I have yet to experience a cold day in the office when my fingers were not icy. When my fingers are as cold as they currently are, it takes me just a little longer to type.
Also, my nose has been icy this week.
Some may attribute this to my gender -- How many times do we hear from spouses that the female is always cold and the male is always hot?
This plays true in my home?I consider my husband to be warm enough that I turn to him to hold my hands in order to warm me up.
He is not appreciative of this, considering my hands shock his system.
However, I know something else about myself. My physician once told me my circulation is slower than some members of the community at large. This, is due to low blood pressure. My blood pressure is not dangerously low. It is still within the "normal" range. But, it is on the low side of "normal."
Therefore, my blood doesn't reach my extremities quite as quickly as would be necessary to keep me from being cold most of the time.
So, out comes the blanket each night, including the summer months, to keep me warm. After all, the thermostat has to be set at a temperature that is comfortable for the majority, whereas I am in the minority.
I am sure God hasn't made me unique in this way...however, for those who know me?you can send me some of those hand warmers and I will be forever indebted to you.

Mike Hagen's Strength Team visits town

Okay, this week has been busy chasing down an awesome group of guys, who have a great passion for sharing the Lord with others. Beginning Wednesday, Mike Hagen's Strength Team (www.strengthteam.com) was in town. My church, Neighborhood Assemblies of God Church (www.neighborhoodchurc.org)planned the event for the last year. In all 15 school assemblies were part of the team's agenda. They, of course, could only mention the Lord at two assemblies. But, they were able to draw the attention of all these children, packing our church each evening. Tonight was the final demonstration and I have to say it was awesome. The team members visiting our area included the founder of the team and former Seattle Seahawk Mike Hagen, former Florida State football player Clarence Lee, former linebacker for the Washington Huskies Herb Hartso, Ronnie Moss and former wrestler Greg Mead.

These guys deliver a message of strength in both body and heart. They may perform fetes of physical strength, but there fetes of "heart strength" and character far surmount any physical accomplishments. They have hearts for Christ. They may seem crazy to some, but I like to say they are crazy for Christ. They reach out and grab the attention of hundreds, if not thousands.

As of last night, almost 500 people who attended the church's nightly demonstrations had accepted Christ. That is a fete that is most amazing.

So, anyone ever getting an opportunity to meet with or attend one of the Strength Team demonstrations, I truly encourage it.

The Other Daughter blog tour with Miralee Ferrell

Author Bio:
I'm over 50, married for 35 years this July, and have two wonderful children, Marnee and Steven. I'm active at our small church, serving on staff with my miisterial license and working with women in a counseling/ministering capacity. My husband and I are looking forward to full retirement soon and taking off for a few months at a time on our 51' sailboat, where my writing will take on an entirely new creativity. We have a horse, a dog and three cats that my daughter and her husband will inherit while we're gone. Thankfully, they live on the adjoining property and are animals lovers.

Tell us a bit about your first sale: who is the publisher? Which book? Genre, etc.
My premiere novel is The Other Daughter—the story of David and Susanne Carson, a couple with an already fragile marriage that’s rocked to its foundation when a young teenaged girl appears at the door….

Here’s a brief summary:

The girl standing at the door took a deep breath, pulling her suitcase a little closer to her trembling legs. "My mama's dead. He's my daddy."

Susanne Carson knew that she could trust the love of her life—her husband, David—until she discovered a strange, unkempt young girl on their doorstep, claiming to be David's daughter.

Not that their marriage had ever been perfect—David's decision to embrace the Christian faith had strained their relationship. Susanne may not have agreed with his beliefs, but at least she trusted him. Had David been hiding this not-so-little secret from his past? He wanted Susanne to believe in his God, but believing hadn't done much to keep David out of another woman's arms.

As David confronts the truth of his past, Susanne must face her own moment of truth as her marriage is taken to the breaking point and the life of one young girl is left in her hands.
It’s women’s contemporary fiction that’s set in the North West, and is being published by Kregel Publications, a well known Christian publishing house.

What themes exist in The Other Daughter that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the story progressed?
The most important theme to me is the one of releasing control of your life to your Heavenly Father, and seeing that He cares more about your future than you ever can. Until a person bows their will to His and falls into His arms, there will be no true, lasting peace....and it's tough to find real forgiveness, or give it to others.

The character of Grandfather, a part Native American relative of David's, didn't exist in the first rough draft, but came quite some time after. He was brought into the picture to help both David and Susanne examine their motives and reactions to one another and to Brianna on a deeper level. He's a picture of unconditional love that we all wish for in our lives and the type of person we could all use, when we're heading the wrong direction.



Once David Carson’s secret shows up on his front door, does he discover more freedom in his life and faith?
At first he believes it's bringing yet more bondage, and possibly destruction. As is so often in our lives, we're unable to see the big picture as God sees it...we see the tapestry from the back side, with all it's broken treads, knots and mistakes, while God sees the beautiful colors and patterns showing up on the front. It will take David a while to understand that this tapestry of his life is in God's hands, not his, and that God desires that we all walk in freedom, not bondage.


What was your reaction to the news that your first baby had been purchased?
Stunned and a bit worried at first. I know that sounds strange and I should’ve been bouncing around the house, but my first thought was, Oh no! They read the old version and I’ve made all these changes! What if they don’t like what I’ve done and want to keep the old one? I knew the new version was much stronger, as did the editor I’d been working with on the first 1/3 of the book, so I prayed and my agent asked Dennis, my soon to be publisher, if they’d take a look at the changes. They did, they liked what they saw, and the offer extended to the new book. THEN reality set in and the explosion of joy and incredulity hit me. It took several weeks before I really took in that it was sold.

How long did it take from first word to sale? What were some of the steps along the journey?
It took me five weeks to write the first draft, then the next six months of revising, editing and polishing before it was presentable. This was such new territory for me. I’d written several non-fiction short stories that were published in magazines just prior to starting off in fiction, but I had no clue what I was doing when I began to write this novel. I’d never read a book on writing, had no teaching on structure, plot, POV, characterization, dialogue, or anything else. It wasn’t until three months before Kregel made their offer that I discovered ACFW and joined. My sister, who has done some professional editing, and a friend who is an editor and author, both helped tremendously, mentoring and supporting me through the first two drafts, or I wouldn’t have made it this far.
The Lord brought Tamela (my agent) into my life in a series of miraculous events that only He could have orchestrated, and seven months later I received the offer from Kregel. When the book is released, it will be two years since writing the first draft, and nine months since signing my contract. Kregel graciously put The Other Daughter on the fast track to publication, beating the usual 12-16 months for publication by quite a bit.

Any exciting things happening before or during the time period while the book is releasing?
Yes! I’m so excited! I received a Four Star review from Romantic Times Review Magazine. I assumed that Five Stars would be the top rating, but I was so blessed when I found out Four and a half was the best you could get, making Four Stars quite good indeed. I’ve also gotten some very good reviews, including a glowing one from Novel Journey, one of the top Christian review blogs. The Other Daughter is also climbing it’s way up the best sellers list on CBD…at the two week mark prior to release (when this was written) it had hit #15 in women’s contemporary fiction and #103 in overall fiction (out of 9,584 books), very respectable for a book not yet released. I’d love to see it reach the top 75 in overall fiction, but am leaving that in the Lord’s hands.


Congratulations on the success of you first novel, “The Other Daughter!” We are so excited for you! Tell us about your path to publishing. Do you have any advice for unpublished authors?

I know a lot of writer's say the Lord told them to start writing, and I'm among them, but my circumstances were a little out of the ordinary. Two-and-a-half years ago I attended a church service and sat under a visiting minister who I trust and respect. I went forward for a prayer need, can't even remember what, now. He began to pray for me and stopped and looked me in the eye. "The Lord just told me you're supposed to be writing. I have no idea what...short stories, poetry, fiction...but it needs to be published." That was the jist of his message and I took it home and spent two weeks praying it through.

I spent a few months working on a variety of things, before being directed toward Christian fiction. Once I made that decision and got some direction, the rough draft flew out of my head and onto my computer....5 weeks from the first word to the last, of an almost 100,000 word document. It was one year later that I submitted to several houses for consideration, and part of that time was spent hunting an agent and sending it out to a couple of houses on my own, prior to signing with Hartline Agency.

Don’t be too shy to ask for help and don’t be too proud to take constructive criticism of your work, when it’s offered. You don’t have to change everything that’s suggested, but if more than one person points out something wrong, take it seriously and be willing to learn. And most of all, don’t give up. If you believe that God has given you the gift or desire to write, then be obedient, even if it’s never published. When I started out, I thought the best I’d attain would be publication in magazines….having a book published didn’t seem possible. I knew the Lord gave me this story and it needed to be written, and the rest would be up to Him. My responsibility was to write it, then keep moving forward in whatever direction He pointed out.

What else are you working on?
I’m working on Past Shadows (might also be called “Sheltered”), the sequel to The Other Daughter, and hope to have it ready to turn in to my editor in early November. I’ve also started something new for me, an 1880’s novel set in Washington state…I’m hesitating to say it’s a romance, but it looks like it might be heading that direction. I’m playing around with another idea for a stand-alone women’s contemporary with an unusual twist. I’m hoping to start it as soon as Past Shadows is finished. There could also be a #3 in this series, and if so, we’ll return to Brianna, the 13 yr old girl who arrives at the Carson’s door…at the age of 23.

Miralee Ferrell's Blog Tour

I will be featuring Miralee Ferrell on this blog to promote her book, The Other Daughter tomorrow morning. So, keep checking. I am excited to read her book and I hope you will be too. Here are other blogs that will soon be joining the tour:

29th Susan Lohrer ---Inspirational Editor
www.inspirationaleditor.blogspot.com
30th Carla Stewart---Carla’s Writing Café
www.carlastewart.blogspot.com
31st Christina Berry--- Posting with Purpose
www.authorchristinaberry.blogspot.com
November
1st Bonnie Leon---Bonnie's Blog
www.bonnieleon.blogspot.com
2nd Jan Parrish---Bold and Free
www.janparrish.blogspot.com
3rd Tina Helmuth---The Ink's Not Dry
http://tinahelmuth.blogspot.com/
4th Teresa Slack---ShoutLife Blog
http://www.shoutlife.com/teresaslack
http://www.teresaslack.blogspot.com
5th Pam Meyers---A Writer’s Journey
http://pammeyerswrites.blogspot.com/
6th Betsy St. Amant---Betsy Ann's Blog
www.betsy-ann.blogspot.com
7th Megan DiMaria---A Prisoner of Hope
www.megandimaria.blogspot.com
8th Christa Allan---CBAllan WordPress
www.cballan.wordpress.com
9th Susan Marlow---Suzy Scribbles---Homeschool Blogger
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/SuzyScribbles/
10th Jamie Driggers---Surviving the Chaos
www.survivingthechaos.blogspot.com

Un-Scripted Tour -Tricia Goyer

Here's the scoop:

The Facts of Life was teen girl drama at its finest. Yet today's teens know life if NOT like the movies. Real life means real drama ... something teens face on a daily basis. Yet, do teens have to let their lives be molded by every wave of emotion?

My Life, Unscripted empowers teen girls to write their own script and direct their own life by using God's Script as a guide.

My thoughts:
Reading this book, I was drawn to Tricia's practical ways in guiding teens to look at themselves as God would see them. There are a variety of simple exercises that could have a seriously positive impact on the lives of teens...As much of my teen years were "Unscripted" I found the values and advice, the introspection and reality of this book could have changed a lot of what happened in my life. I would have had a totally different idea on how to handle the taunting, the pressure, the lack of parental attention and all that I longed for. I was looking for a "map" from God, desperately searching and seeking within His word, but noone was able to help me make sense of it. This book can assist even adults in getting their lives back on the path God intended.

I see My Life UnScripted as a life line for teens and adults both. It is an invaluable tool in guidance and wisdom in finding one's self worth and path in Christ.

Kudos again to Tricia Goyer for what I feel is an ingenuis book only God could have inspired.

And, I believe it is truly wonderful that this woman revealed herself in such an honestly raw way.

Summary:


Drawing on Biblical prinicples, My Life, Unscripted guides girls through the tumultous teen years by teaching them to have a plan of attack before temptation or hardship come.

Tricia's Script:

Looking back at my drama-filled teen years I now wonder ... What was I thinking?

The truth? I wasn't. I lived from day to day on every wave of emotion. Some days excitement and passion partnered up, pattering wildly within my heart.

Other days, depression and anxiety were my silent friends. I lived each day as it came, with no plan for my future, for my relationships, or for my heart.

I lived my life completely unscripted ... and, well, it didn't go well for me. Teen pregnancy and a broken heart were only two consequences. Yet my prayer is that when teen girls are asked Who's Writing Your Life? their answer will be ME ... with the guidance of God, My Director.

Places you can find Tricia on the net:

Tricia’s Blog: It’s Real Life

Tricia’s Website: www.triciagoyer.com

She also has two new books that will be available soon:

A Shadow of Treason (Moody Publishing) 2007
Generation NeXt Marriage (Multnomah) January, 2008

And don’t forget to order your own copy of My Life, Unscripted or look for it at your local Barnes and Nobles or amazon.com, it’s part of their back-to-school endcap promotion!

A scene from my unSCRIPTed life

Many who are familiar with Tricia Goyer are aware she recently released her book My Life Unscripted. To kick off her blog tour, she has challenged those of us, who will be a part of the blog tour, to write a scene from our life to share on our blogs. So, though she will not be featured on my blog until Oct. 10. I have written the script from a scene in my teen years and am ready to share it.

May anyone who knows a teen take heart to the sensitive issues surrounding their life.

Fade In

Int. School Hallway – lined with lockers
Lunchtime – Establishing

The hallway is lined with TEENAGERS EATING LUNCH. Several are SITTING on the floor. Some are STANDING near lockers, TALKING about their morning classes, last night’s television programs, etc. A COUPLE is KISSING.

With her locker open, JENIJO DEE, 14, is HANGING UP the lightweight jacket she wore during her morning classes. PJ MARTIN, also 14, has his locker OPEN beside her. Upperclassman CARTER is nearby and RAY is WALKING toward the open lockers.

PJ – Your Dad deserved to die. He was a drunk. It’s no wonder he got drunk, since he had such a goody-goody for a daughter.

JENIJO – (growing angry) Watch what you say about my Dad! You never knew him, and you have no right!

Carter WALKS over to the twosome after having overheard the exchange.

CARTER – She’s right! Don’t talk about her Dad. He was a good man….(shakes his head) Like you would know! If you make her angry, you’re likely to experience a lot of pain as a result…Believe me!

PJ FACES Jenijo.

PJ – Your Dad was a loser. He took the right path…getting away from you!

Jenijo’s FACE GROWS RED WITH ANGER and her KNEE MAKES CONTACT with PJ’s GROIN. He BENDS OVER in pain.

CARTER – I told you, man….you deserve it.

Ray REACHES INTO Jenijo’s locker while all attention is focused on PJ. He GRABS a BLUE BOOK, known to be her diary and RUNS in the OPPOSITE DIRECTION. She TURNS, SPOTS the diary and CHASES Ray OUT THE DOORS at the end of the hallway, past the QUAD BUILDING next door, up a SMALL HILL toward the GYM, DOWN the stairs leading from the gym to the hallway and back into the building. Ray HANDS OFF the diary to a junior named TRE.
Tre OPENS the diary and begins to READ.

TRE - …I couldn’t find my underwear.

JENIJO – Give that back! You don’t know what you’re reading!

TRE – (shock registering on his face) What is this?

JENIJO – (crying) It’s my rape!

Tre CLOSES the diary, looking sad that he had chosen to read it. He HOLDS IT OUT to Jenijo.

RAY – Now we’ll call you “Diary!”

Jenijo WALKS back to her locker in tears.

Fade Out.

Teens can be incredibly cruel to one another, but I knew something no one else in this scene of my life did. In spite of all the mean-spirited behavior they dished out to me throughout my years of growing up with them, I knew I could take it all to God.

Yes, I was devastated at what had transpired. No, no one in that hallway knew the contents of the diary. It had been between God, a small group of friends from another town, my rapist and me. God KNEW and I KNEW.

He brought three compassionate upperclassmen to my aid after I had returned to my locker. They comforted me and helped me to hold my head up the remainder of the day.

Someone reported the incident with PJ, and he received a three-day suspension for “disrespecting the dead.”

God brought me through that day and many others, growing me into a person determined to always show compassion toward others. I became stronger in knowing He is there in my worst moments as well as in my best moments. And, I learned there are caring individuals in the world, even if I am unaware of who they might be, when the world around me may seem to have gone awry.

Fear not, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed. I am your God. I will strenthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.- Isaiah 41:10 Living Bible

For more about Tricia's book, go to her website www.triciagoyer.com
Her blog can be accessed via a link at the bottom of this blog.

God bless you all!

Disobedience causes scare

Every parent faces the issue of telling a child not to do something, and the child disobeys.
Recently, disobedience led to an emergency room visit and x-rays.
My youngest child blatantly disregarded both my husband and myself in our instruction to NOT climb onto our garbage can.
The child was barefoot, as he prefers to be. We happened to be outside, watching the approach toward the green can that stands approximately four-feet tall.
Our response was to tell the young man, "Do not climb up there!"
We repeated our command several times, and he proceeded to do exactly as we had instructed him not to.
All is fine up to this point, and I approach the child in order to remove him and discipline him from the garbage can. Before I reach him, he jumps from the can to the uneven ground beneath him.
He complains at this point. His foot hurts, but he says he is okay.
This kid is tough, and he has apparently done this many times before, he let me know.
I administered discipline I had originally intended for the disobedience, receiving his complaint in return, and he resumed his activities of playing with the other children.
Problem taken care of, my husband and I return to the confines of the house.
Later, our son goes into the house and tells us his foot "really hurts."
I place an ice pack on it and give him a children's Tylenol.
The following morning, my husband informs me the foot is swollen, and he will not be going to daycare.
I figure, "This too shall pass."
After running over the different scenarios as to what diagnosis a doctor might have for that swollen foot, I decide I need to at least have the foot examined.
I take him to the local hospital after work and have the foot x-rayed in case any of those tiny little bones in his foot might have a break.
Children have growth plates in their feet, and I have been told that injury to a growth plate is very serious. And, in such a case, surgery is some times necessary.
Fortunately, the results of the x-ray did not show any breaks. The physician informed me that I did, however, make the right decision because the damage could have been very bad.
Another measure of being blessed is that bones in children's feet are very flexible.
So, my son was able to leave with instruction to give him Tylenol if the foot bothered him. It was just soft tissue damage and the foot will be tender for a while. But, otherwise he is fine.
What I am not fine about is the fact that I would have to go to such extremes just to ensure my son's antics don't cause him serious injury.
It is frustrating to be a parent.
But, the child's response to the whole matter would be cute if I weren't so upset with the incident. He said, "Mom and Dad, you were right. You are the smartest parents in the world."