I’ll Be Back

I fell on Monday and banged up my knee and leg. Although I finally managed—with a lot of help—to make it out to the office, I don’t anticipate being able to sit here long.

I’m not sure when I’ll get to the office (a small building in the backyard) again so don’t expect to see a new post for a few days. If your comment goes into moderation, please be patient if there is a delay in comment approval.

I’m looking at this hiatus as an unplanned vacation!

Blog Book Tour: Part 4—Review

Phil Davis of Authors on the Net interviewed me on a podcast about my blog book tour and the results summarized in my report.

Listen to the podcast as Phil and I discuss blog book tours.

Wishing You a Blessed 2009

As we begin a new year, I thank you for reading and commenting on my blog, for buying and reading my book, for working with you on your writing and editing projects.

I wish each of you a blessed 2009, a year of health, happiness, and success. And when your blessings are interspersed with trials and tribulations, may you enjoy the peace that passes understanding as you become stronger and wiser.

Happy New Year 2009!

ALMIGHTY God, who alone gavest us the breath of life, and alone canst keep alive in us the holy desires thou dost impart; We beseech thee, for thy compassion’s sake, to sanctify all our thoughts and endeavours; that in the coming year we may neither begin an action without a pure intention nor continue it without thy blessing. And grant that, having the eyes of the mind opened to behold things invisible and unseen, we may in heart be inspired by thy wisdom, and in work be upheld by thy strength, and in the end be accepted of thee as thy faithful servants; through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.

The “Don’t Buy That Book” Meme

Mihaela (Mig) Lica at eWritings - Online Public Relations tagged me for the “Don’t Buy That Book Meme.” After being disappointed by a highly-hyped book, Mig asked the questions:

Have You Ever Regretted Buying a Book? Why?

The purpose of the meme is to help fellow bloggers avoid book buying mistakes, a laudable goal. One caveat, though: just because I didn’t like a book doesn’t mean you won’t love it. We all have different tastes and different levels of knowledge.  Mig found Small Is the New Big by Seth Godin a waste of time and money. She writes:

Nothing Seth writes about is new under the sun. Literally nothing.

However, she also says:

If you are an experienced marketer, the book will be a bore, and a huge disappointment.

I haven’t read the book and Mig doesn’t make completely clear, but perhaps someone new to marketing would find the book helpful. So when reading my (or anyone else’s) opinion, remember that your experience, knowledge, and interests are different than mine. Weigh those factors when deciding if you would have the same reaction to the book.

I must confess that the books that have disappointed me the most have been the classics. I always think I should love the books that have stood the test of time, but often I don’t.

The lastest disappointment was The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde. This is a novel I thought I should have read years ago but never did. When I finally tried, I disliked the story so much I quit reading after a couple of chapters. I guess I have no patience with hedonism. The characters had no redeeming value as far as I could tell, and reading the story was a bore and a waste of time.

Have you read The Picture of Dorian Gray? What was your reaction?

You could win a $50 Amazon.com gift certificate from Mig if yours is the most interesting entry before the end of January 2009. Read the the rules of the meme at Don’t Buy That Book Meme and write about the book you regret buying.

Honest Scrap Award

Jean Henry Mead of A Western Historical Happening awarded me the Honest Scrap Award for “telling it like it is.”

I’m a little confused about the meaning of honest scrap, but perhaps it refers to an honest “detached piece of something written or printed.” Recipients are supposed to tell ten honest (and interesting) things about themselves, so perhaps each thing is a scrap. I can come up ten honest things, but you’ll have to be the judge of whether they’re interesting.

1. When Jack and I went through premarital counseling, the priest cautioned me that I would likely spend years of my life caring for my nearly-14-years-older husband in his old age. In fact, Jack had to care for me when I had a stroke at the hands of a chiropractor at the age of 45.
2. My fingernails are like my father’s, which means they’re usually broken off at the quick. I don’t bite them—I just break them.
3. Although I never lost my faith, there were several years that I didn’t attend church. Once I started back, I got involved in a big way and have continued to be very active for the past 12+ years.
4. My mother used to say, “I know I taught you to cook. Now all you do is put something in either the microwave or the crockpot.” I mentioned that to my sister recently, and she said Mama is probably looking down from Heaven and saying the same thing.
5. I used to do a lot of public speaking and have spoken to groups as large as several thousand. At one convention I spoke at, I acquired a groupie, a guy who followed me everywhere I went picking my brain about interior landscaping (the topic of my speech).
6. I was healed of a seizure disorder by prayer. I’ll write about it someday.
7. When I was younger, I used to be a meticulous housekeeper. Now my house hasn’t had a spring cleaning in many, many springs.
8. My grandmother used to say I “couldn’t carry a tune in a bucket.” Since the stroke, I can’t even sing off-key without starting to cough.
9. I am incredibly blessed to have been born of amazing parents with wonderful siblings and to have been married to a loving and supportive husband for nearly 42 years.
10. I found my job as an employment counselor rewarding, and I enjoyed owning an interior landscape company for nearly 20 years. However, nothing compares to being able to make a living doing what I love (writing, editing, and helping other writers). And to top it off, I get to entertain myself and make friends around the world with my blog.

Now I’m supposed to pass the award on to seven bloggers. Though my original list had more than seven names, I narrowed it down to meet the criteria of the award. I’m selecting people whose honesty and willingness to “tell it like it is” I respect. Not all of them will choose to respond. Being honest enough not to respond if they prefer not to will simply reinforce my recognition that they deserve the Honest Scrap Award.

• Catherine Lawson
• Jason A. Clark
• Karen Swim at Words for Hire
• Lori Widmer at Words on the Page
• Matthew Keegan
• Mihaela (Mig) Lica at e-Writings, Online Public Relations
• Renae Brumbaugh @ Morning Coffee

Belated Thanks to November Commenters

Guest authors, a delayed series, group writing projects, and several seasonal posts made this thank-you post very late, but no less sincere. 115 people left 185 comments in November. Thanks to each of them and to each quiet reader who visits and reads without commenting.

Top Contributor (19 comments)
Jeanne Dininni. Writers’ Notes

Major Contributor (13 comments)
Wilson, Will You Mind

Outstanding Contributors (3-6 comments)
JeanHenryMead
Mayra Calvani, The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing
Helen Ginger, Straight from Hel
horse racing, Winning Ponies.com
Justin, East Coast Airsoft
Alina Popescu, Words of a Broken Mirror
Gary Sims, BibleBase Second Thoughts
Joanna Young, Confident Writing
Monica, Avanta Meeting Rooms

Significant Contributors (2 comments)
Andy, West Florida Components
Brad, A-1 Medical Supplies
Cheap HDMI Cables, Everything Outlet
Forrest Croce, Fine Art Photography Blog
Furniture, Beyond Furniture
Gift, San Diego Ten List
Jennifer, Piper Partners
kouji, Haiku Poems Blog
Mark Antony, A Bugle for the New Day
Matthew Jakes, Start Attracting Women
morimoto, Emanuele Masci
Open Innovation, Philoptima
Renae, Morning Coffee
Rika Susan, Home Improvement Time
shirazi, Light Within

Important Contributors
Acai Berry Weight Loss Plan
Air Conditioning Contractor, AC Doctor
az, Delta Debt Management
BJ Keltz, Write Your Mind Journals
Blog Posting Softwares
Bluestocking, The Bluestocking Guide
Brad Shorr, Word Sell
Camille, Informez Vous
Caribbean Holidays, Tropical Sky
Carrie, The Brain of Lego Mindstorms NXT
Carrie, Pink iPod Nano
Cath Lawson
Charlotte Phillips, Char’s Book Reviews
Cheap Used Cars for Sale, RZ Cars
Clinica stomatologica, Dental Plan
Craig, Payday Loans
Dan Freakley, Dan’s Blog
Daniel, Dan’s San Gabriel Painting
Dassnagar
Ellen Weber, Brain Leaders and Learners
Farhan, Mester Web
Ferienhauserspanien
Free Kindle Ebooks, The Kindle Warehouse
Free PS3
Gasyoun, Euro-Replica
get your ex back, Did You Get Dumped?
Gray, Refinancement Hypotheque
hair irons, My Hair Styling Tools
Harvey, PC Hardware Reviews
Health Insurance in India, iTrust
hearing aid, Hearing Aid Central
Herb, Herbal Cure E-Book
Imee, Intelligence Hypothecaire
Internet Marketing Services, Galaxy Interactive
Jack Lee, Streamline Markets
Jana, How to Train a Puppy
JB Whitely, Is Your Spouse Cheating
John Philips, Ways to Make Money in College
John Thomas, Life Insurance Sales Leads
Josh, Internet Real Estate Tips
Karen Swim, Words for Hire
kouji, Solar Battery Charger
Krishna, Best Fat Loss Products Revealed
Kweku, Loverland Reviews/Save My Marriage
Kyle Howard, Money Vac
Lea Schizas, Author & Editor
Lena, Finding Lena
Lisa, Woodbury Commons
Lisa Leibow
Lori Widmer, Words on the Page
Luke Gedeon
M.S. Phillips, Get Rid of Cellulite
Magdiel, Motorcycle Fairings
Marc, Informez Vous
Mark, Anniversary Rose
Mark, Austin Lehman
Mark, Hair Loss Laser
Mark Nagurski, Really Practical Marketing
Matt Keegan, Word Journey
Matthew Fitzgerald, China Direct Sourcing
Melissa Donovan, Writing Forward
Miami Cosmetic Dentistry Guide
Mike, Household Gadgets
Miss Gaver, Toppgaver
Miss presenter, Mina Presenter
MonaVie
Money Bush
Monika Mundell, The Writer’s Manifesto
Myron Tay
Nicole, Nicole on the Net
PC-Komik, PC-Turk
Ravendale House
Ray Johnson
Robert Hruzek, Middle Zone Musings
Ryan Moriguchi
Sally Ferguson, Sally’s Words
Sam, Spy Tools Reviews
SJS Info
Tammy, DivorceX
Tech, Device Time
Twilight Series by Stephanie Meyer Fan
Used Cars, Autotropolis
Val, New Job List
Varicose Vein Treatment Utah, Intermountain Vein Center
Webkinz Animal World
webmaster staffing, Agents of Value
willb, Easy Dog Obedience
William Taylor, Austin Divorce Help
Writing Tips, Marketing Minefield

To all who commented as keywords—Toys, Insurance, Acne Treatment, Auto Mechanic: I prefer to respond to people, not keywords. With KeywordLuv, there is absolutely no reason for you not to include your name. John@Toys links to your site with the keyword toys, but it gives me a name to address and makes me think you might have some interest in what you’re commenting on beyond getting a do-follow link. How about a New Year’s resolution to leave your name as well as your keywords when you comment on my blog in the future? I appreciate your comment but would appreciate avoiding the awkwardness of having to respond to a keyword.

If you commented and aren’t listed or if your listing is wrong, please let me know so I can correct it.

Thank you, all my readers—commenters and quiet readers, alike!

Merry Christmas

photo credit: Pamela Heywood (Secret Tenerife)

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. ~ Luke 2:1-7 (KJV)

ALMIGHTY God, who hast given us thy only-begotten Son to take our nature upon him, and as at this time to be born of a pure virgin; Grant that we being regenerate, and made thy children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by thy Holy Spirit; through the same our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the same Spirit ever, one God, world without end. Amen. ~ Collect for Christmas Day, 1928 Book of Common Prayer

Share some of my favorite Scriptures and prayers.

Scriptures & Prayers: PDF document of two pages to print on the front and back of business card forms (10 cards per letter-size page). One side of each card contains a Scripture and the other side contains a corresponding prayer from the 1928 Book of Common Prayer.

May you and your loved ones enjoy a blessed and joyous Christmas and may 2009 bring you happiness and health.

Christmas Memories

Karen Swim’s post I Gave at the Office started me thinking about past Christmases. Karen wrote about obligatory office gift-giving and offered several excellent alternatives. 

I’ve worked alone for a dozen years or so now so I don’t deal with these issues. But when I owned an interior landscape company, we always had a dinner for our employees and their families. We set up tables in the warehouse, so obviously it was a casual affair. Everyone brought a dish, and  we had a good time relaxing together and getting to know everyone’s spouses and kids.

We also gave the employees a chance to volunteer together to distribute toys to needy children. The Elf Louise Project  was started in 1969 by a college student who collected toys for 13 families. Now the charity delivers toys to more than 20,000 children in about 6,000 families with the help of nearly 5,000 volunteers.

Employees of our interior landscape company who wanted to participate signed up to join a company Elf Louise team. Our company usually fielded several 3-man teams at different times during the holiday season.

One person was assigned to be Santa—the organization provided a Santa suit. One was the driver who had to stay with the car at all times, and the third was the elf responsible for navigating and keeping track of which kid got what toy.

We were given safety warnings, such as never park in a position where we couldn’t make a fast getaway, because many of the homes we delivered toys to were in high-crime neighborhoods. One night the team I was with ended up on a dead-end street. As we were leaving, a carload of rough-looking teenagers pulled in front of us and screeched to a stop. All four doors were thrown open and what looked like a gang of youths jumped out and ran over to our car.

We sat there frantically trying to figure a way out. The boys ran up to the window, yelling, “Santa! Santa! Santa!” We gave them candy from Santa’s bag—Elf Louise provided lots of candy to give away to the kids not on Santa’s list who inevitably showed up when Santa arrived. All our candy that night went to the “gang” of tough-looking guys, who grinned and high-fived each other and said, “Thanks, Santa!” Then they jumped back in their car and drove away.

Experiences like that are worth more than any gifts we could exchange with coworkers.

That memory sparked a memory of another Santa experience.

photo credit: Philms

When I was a member of a local organization for women business owners, we wanted to do something for the Battered Women’s Shelter for Christmas. Our contact told us they had lots of gifts and parties already donated for Shelter residents, but they had just started a program to help women and their children transition to life on their own. Women who had been placed in jobs and moved into apartments needed Christmas presents for their children. We volunteered to host a party and give gifts to those families. That first year there were only 12 families with about 20 children in the program. A church near the Shelter provided space, and the Shelter gave us a list of families, including the names and ages of the children. We solicited donations for the gifts, and half a dozen of us planned the party.

One of our members had played Santa for other organizations and offered to wear her Santa suit to the party. As I was preparing to go to the party, on impulse I picked up my Polaroid camera. I didn’t have any film, so Santa and I stopped at a drugstore on the way to the church. It was quite a sight to see Santa walk through the store—kids materialized from everywhere and followed Santa like kids in the story followed the Pied Piper.

We got to the church, decorated the room, and set up refreshments. As the families arrived, they were quiet and reserved. The kids looked at Santa but shyly clung to their mothers. We had to encourage them to help themselves to cookies and punch, but once the kids had the refreshments in their hands, they grinned between bites and inched a little closer to Santa.

We told the children to sit on Santa’s lap to get their presents and have their picture taken. They hesitated, but the lure of all the gifts stacked beside Santa finally pulled them forward. The children sat on Santa’s lap and received their gifts. I took a picture of each child, then invited the mothers to join all their children for a family photo. They smiled and shook their heads. I couldn’t understand why they wouldn’t want a picture until one mother shyly asked, “How much does it cost?” They thought we were going to make them pay for the pictures, and when we said they were free, they hurried over to stand beside Santa with their children. Several of the mothers had tears in their eyes and said, “This is the first picture I’ve ever had with my children.” 

We gave a gift to each mother and some food items for the families. When no one made any move to open the gifts, I said, “Don’t you want to open your presents?” The mothers gave me a puzzled look and one said, “Oh no, we want the kids to have the gifts on Christmas morning. These are the only presents they’ll get.”

We thought we were making the families’ Christmas a little brighter. In fact, we were giving them the only Christmas they would have. And my impulsive grabbing of my Polaroid camera resulted in one of the best gifts of all.

Through the years, the program grew to the point that the last time we hosted the party (shortly before the women business owners’ organization dissolved), there were about 300 families and 700 or 800 children. We had dozens of volunteers instead of the original half dozen, tons of donated food, and gifts for every child and every mother. I knew to invite the mothers and children to have their pictures taken for free, and we expected that the families would head to the bus stop with bags of unopened gifts so they would have presents to open on Christmas Day.

Participating in these annual parties made me appreciate anew my childhood. When I was growing up, we didn’t have many material goods, but we always had a joyous Christmas. My parents told me that when I was in the first grade or so, I begged for a dollhouse for Christmas. That dollhouse was far beyond Santa’s budget, and my parents felt so bad that they couldn’t give me what I wanted. They saved up and gave me the dolhouse the next Christmas. By that time, I was no longer interested and seldom played with it. I don’t remember any of that—obviously I wasn’t traumatized by being deprived of the dollhouse the year I wanted it so desperately, but it made such a deep impression on my parents that they mentioned it for years afterward.

Daddy always built our Christmas tree. He chopped down several soapbush trees on the farm. He used the largest and most shapely one as the base, then he filled in with branches from the others bushes to make a huge tree. Unlike traditional Christmas trees, it was almost round. Then he loaded it down with lights and decorations and dotted snow (made from whipped Ivory Snow soap) on the branches. I’ve never seen another tree that looked anything like Daddy’s Christmas trees. You can get a glimpse of it in this family photo of my parents and their grown children. Christmas meant lots of family, food, faith, and love.

Christmas is quieter for us now. My parents are gone, and the rest of the family is scattered. Jack and I will go to Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve and have  dinner on Christmas Day with my sister and her friend at a local restaurant. The next day, we’ll all get together with my brother and his family from Phoenix, who will spend Christmas Day with my sister-in-law’s family.

There are fewer people than when my parents were alive, but we’ll still have plenty of food, faith, and love. We’ll still remember the reason for Christmas—to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, who came that we might have eternal life.

Merry Christmas!

Simply the Best

Joanna Young at Confident Writing has given us a real challenge: pick simply the best post for all of 2008.

First I narrowed down my favorite posts to one per month for Middle Zone Musings’ Blogapaloo0za. That was hard enough to do—one month I had to choose one from among three top favorites. Then I went through the favorite posts from each month to choose simply the best for 2008.

Remembering My Parents is simply the best because it still brings tears to my eyes—tears of sorrow that they are no longer with me and tears of  joy for the memories and the love we shared.

The Secret Is Finally Out: BLOGAPALOOZA

You’ve probably seen those mysterious hints around the blogosphere of something big coming to Middle Zone Musings soon. And you’ve probably been wondering what in tarnation Robert is up to now!

The secret is out. You can read the complete announcement at BLOGAPALOOZA - What I Learned From 2008.

To participate, write a post with a bulleted list linking to your favorite post from each month you blogged in 2008 (12 posts if you blogged all year). Send it to Robert, and he’ll post it as a guest post on his blog.  That means you’ll have twelve incoming links—which is great for SEO—plus you’ll introduce your blog and your favorite posts to lots of folks who haven’t discovered you yet.

The kick-off is today, and the Blogapalooza runs from January 5th through January 25th. Robert’s goal is 100 entries, and the sooner you get yours in, the sooner he’ll post it. You don’t want to miss out on this one! Head over Middle Zone Musings for all the details.

Next Page »