Miracle. Revenge. Romeo. Last Chance. Humble. What on earth am I talking … er … typing about? All of those words? They’re the names of real towns or cities in the U.S.A. And Summerside Press has designed an entire inspirational fiction book series around “towns and cities with great names, neat personalities, and colorful histories.” I’d love to meet the …
In Others’ Words: Kindness
“Kind words are the music of the world.” ~F.W. Faber, British hymn writer To think of my words as music … that gives me pause. When I speak, what am I adding to the melody others hear? Are my words kind–adding a gentle beauty to the world? Or do harsh words create a discordant ugliness? Scripture warns words can …
Heiress: Susan May Warren’s Historical Set in the Gilded Age (& Book Giveaway)
Award-winning author Susie May Warren’s book, Heiress, grabbed my attention — twice. We’ve all heard the adage: Don’t judge a book by it’s cover. But really, isn’t that exactly how we first judge a book? We walk into a bookstore (or a library) and we scan the shelves until — whoa! — a book’s cover art captures us, saying, “You …
In Others’ Words: Small Things
“Be faithful in the small things, because it is in them that your strength lies.” ~Mother Teresa, founder of Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta Such a simple quote. All of fifteen words. And then, the question: What are the small things? If you’re going to be faithful, if these things are your strength … what are these oh-so-vital small things? …
In Others’ Words: Humility
“Life is a long lesson in humility.” ~James M. Barrie, Scottish author There’s a choice to be made as I grow up–and yes, grow older. Am I going to be all about me, me, me? Am I going to push myself to the front of the line, to the center of the stage–doing whatever it takes to ensure the focus, …
Boy Meets Girl:The Meet-Cute
I learned a certain unforgettable phrase from the romantic comedyThe Holiday. (Okay, before anyone jumps in and protests about some of the content of that movie … I agree. Some of the content: Highly objectionable. Moving on.) Where was I? Oh, yes … the phrase. Arthur, played by Eli Wallach, is a renown scriptwriter from the Golden Age of Hollywood. He explains …
In Others’ Words: Miracles
“Maybe miracles are given not to prove anything, but simply to remind us that the physical world is not so solid and real and dependable as we think.” ~Dwight Longenecker, Catholic priest & author I believe in miracles. Yes, I do. Last night, my husband and I celebrated a miracle with our daughter, Katie Beth, and our son-in-love, Nate. (No, …
Wedding Gown Magic … or Not
I love watching the show “Say Yes to the Dress.” I’m intrigued by the different styles. The extreme range of prices for the gowns–anywhere from a thousand dollars to upwards of ten thousand dollars (or more.) And the interaction between the bride-to-be and whoever she brings to help her choose her gown? Sometimes I’m stunned by the interaction between the …
In Others’ Words: Questions
“Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple.” ~Dr. Suess, American writer I call my friend Doug “Wise Guy.” He offers me counsel that often cuts through my “why can’t I figure this out” questions with profoundly simple answers. I clutter the truth with too many “what ifs.” He sifts through my many questions–sometimes I think he ignores …
In Others’ Words: Improvement or Enjoyment?
“I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve the world and a desire to enjoy the world. This makes it hard to plan the day.” ~E. B. White, American writer And there you have it: Life choice distilled down into one 20-word sentence. Is your life other-focused or you-focused? Or is it a constant arrival at the …