We were sitting in the pizza joint all alone in a room full of people. We had just met forty five minutes before and now sat arm in arm gazing into each others eyes, totally in love.
She was the cousin of a friend, who was sitting across the table with her latest lover, who happened to be my best friend. At least I think they were sitting there, we didn’t pay much attention to them.
We were talking dreams, ambitions, how her nose crinkled up when she smiled. She pulled close to me and whispered in my ear, and my nose crinkled as I smiled. We were laughing, I proposed marriage, we laughed some more, and then she accepted on one condition. The next song that played on the jukebox had to be “our song”. She went on to say that depending on the song’s lyrics whether or not she’d accept.
“Colour My World” by Chicago was playing, verses were over and just the long musical ending played on and on. She looked at me and said “Too bad we weren’t a song sooner, I’d have to change my last name.” Her eyes were dancing and I knew that if we were serious, if we really did get married, there would be no regrets.
The jukebox went silent, and it seemed time slowed down to super slow motion. Even our double date buddies seemed anxious to hear what would blare over the speakers. You could hear the inner workings of the jukebox, and could envision what was happening, the arm came over and plucked up “Colour My World” and replaced it in B14. It hummed again as the arm grabbed the next record and sat it on the turntable. Then came the initial hiss of needle against wax. Within the first few notes we started laughing as we recognized “Crocodile Rock” by Elton John.
At first it didn’t sound too bad especially since my dates name was Suzie. I really liked the part when the chorus talked about Suzie wearing her dresses tight. Then came the bummer in the second verse, Suzie went and left with some foreign guy.
She looked at me with unbelievable sadness in her eyes, the total opposite of how they looked just moments before. For a minute I thought she was going to cry until I said, “Those damn French guys with their fancy talk, an Okie don’t stand a chance.” The dance came back into her eyes and her nose crinkled up as she laughed once more.
Several letters past between us until they dried up from one point or the other. I haven't a clue whatever happened to Suzie but I imagine she had a good time getting there. I just wonder how many songs played on the jukebox before she finally found Mr. Right.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Saturday, January 9, 2010
A Review
There are many reviews of her new book, "Behold The Dawn", so I won't dig deep into it. But I will comment on the author, K.M. Weiland. I met Katie on ChristianWriters when she answered a question I had posted. I was slightly intimated because not only was she a published author with her book, "A Man Called Outlaw", her name on there was Tarin and her avatar looked very intimating. I kept my mouth shut as she and other authors such as Michael Snyder and John Robinson discussed the finer points of writing and getting published. I pictured this mature woman around my age, her hair pulled up in a bun, that had stayed up nights picking at her Royal to get a manuscript out. When I found her website I surprised to see this attractive young lady that had such a handle on the craft of writing. By the way, her picture is about the best pose for a writer that I have seen. I was going to post it here but wasn't sure about the copyright type of stuff.
I ordered her first book about a year ago and was drawn into it. I thought to myself, "Self, pretty good first book" but felt the flow or something about it wasn't just right. Nothing particular that I could point to and say "I'd fix that" but nevertheless, I enjoyed it put it on my favorites list, which is a stack of books that I won't part with. Of all the books I have read, only five books have made that list before Outlaw. So when I heard her next book was coming out, I preordered it and waited patiently. "Behold The Dawn" rocks. I've always liked the knights in shining armor stories, and while the hero isn't in shining armor, he is a knight. Excellent book, order it today as Katie needs to pay her heating bill. In fact, order both books, you won't be disappointed by either of them. Now my favorites list is up to seven.
Katie also writes at least two blogs, her personal one, "Wordplay", is full of great advice for writers. I signed up on iTunes for her podcast of this great advice she has. I enjoy them as I sit at work (Yes, I don't have to think much at work, I'm that good!). She also co-authors another blog "Author Culture" with a couple or other good ole gals whom have this writing obsession figured out. Both blogs are in my blog list, go check them out.
So Katie, thanks for all the advice you've given, both to me personally through CW and through your blogs. Also thanks for taking me off to another place at another time through your books. I'm looking forward to your next project.
I ordered her first book about a year ago and was drawn into it. I thought to myself, "Self, pretty good first book" but felt the flow or something about it wasn't just right. Nothing particular that I could point to and say "I'd fix that" but nevertheless, I enjoyed it put it on my favorites list, which is a stack of books that I won't part with. Of all the books I have read, only five books have made that list before Outlaw. So when I heard her next book was coming out, I preordered it and waited patiently. "Behold The Dawn" rocks. I've always liked the knights in shining armor stories, and while the hero isn't in shining armor, he is a knight. Excellent book, order it today as Katie needs to pay her heating bill. In fact, order both books, you won't be disappointed by either of them. Now my favorites list is up to seven.
Katie also writes at least two blogs, her personal one, "Wordplay", is full of great advice for writers. I signed up on iTunes for her podcast of this great advice she has. I enjoy them as I sit at work (Yes, I don't have to think much at work, I'm that good!). She also co-authors another blog "Author Culture" with a couple or other good ole gals whom have this writing obsession figured out. Both blogs are in my blog list, go check them out.
So Katie, thanks for all the advice you've given, both to me personally through CW and through your blogs. Also thanks for taking me off to another place at another time through your books. I'm looking forward to your next project.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Christmas Poem
I look in the mirror
And what do I see?
That Santa’s my daddy
It just has to be.
Our hair is white
And so is our beard
We look so much alike
That it’s really weird.
Our belly’s will bounce
Like a bowl of full of jello,
We both like to laugh
Are jolly good fellows
We’re cranially challenged
Our heads big and round.
We’re known to be different
We continually confound.
We do have our differences
A few I do see.
You Ho Ho Ho
One’s enough for me.
I admire the color blue
Red’s kinda scary.
The white fur trim, I feel
Makes you look like a fairy.
So dear Santa
I think you can see
Why I think you’re my dad
Do you believe little ole me?
Saturday, December 19, 2009
From A Shepherd's Eyes
So little ones, you want to hear my story again? Well, I guess I can tell it, you know it really never gets old. It was several years ago that I was standing with your two uncles, out in the field watching our sheep. It was a beautiful night, a cool breeze, a crystal clear sky, the sheep was quiet, I even noticed a star that was brighter than normal. Yes, it was one of those rare beautiful nights that I enjoy so much.
We had just settled down on top of the hill to eat our meal when suddenly the sky was brighter than day. We fell on our faces afraid of what was happening when we heard this beautiful voice that said, “Do not be afraid, I bring you the most joyful news ever announced, and it is for everyone! The Savior, yes the Messiah, the Lord, has been born tonight in Bethlehem. How will you know Him? You will find a baby wrapped in a blanket, lying in a manger.”
That’s when the most amazing thing happened, the angel was joined by a multitude of heavenly host and they were singing praising God, and they were picked us to give this message to. We three lowly shepherds, were given the message of the good news.
Needless to say we forgot all about our five fish and two loaves of bread. I said, “Lets get to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see this amazing thing the Lord has told us about.” So off we went, leaving sheep and cloak behind, we ran as fast as these old feet would go.
We entered the town and asked a couple of men if they saw what we saw and they looked at us like we were sick in the head. So we started looking on our own. We were going down Ceasar Avenue when Thaddeus shouted, “There’s a stable behind this inn, should we check out it’s manger?”
“Yes!” I yelled, “Lets not leave a manger unturned until we find Him.”
We ran to the stable and was met at the door by a man. We told him of what the angel told us and how the choir sang for us.He was smiling as he said, “I know your angel, he spoke to me a few months ago. Hallelujah, God’s promise is true. I am Joseph, husband of Mary who is mother of Jesus. Come, see God’s blessing.”
We slowly walked in, amongest the cows and donkeys, Mary sat on a pile of hay with this newly born baby in her arms. She seemed to glow, I guess it was the glow that every new mother has, but the baby, aw, the baby just radiated. He was so pure and innocent as He laid so quietly in His mother’s arms. I still get choked up just thinking about it.
Joseph walked up behind us and said, “His name is Jesus, God’s gift to all people.”
Mary looked up, “Just as He promised in the Law and Prophets. His name has to be Jesus, which means Savior.”
I suddenly realized how hard I was breathing. I don’t know if it was the running or the magnificence that we were in the presence of. I’ve had my own sons, but I didn’t feel like this at their birth. Something was different besides the appearance of the angels and the fact that He was born in a stable. My knees became weak, could this really be the Messiah? Could our salvation be before us?
Then something wonderful happened. The donkey that was standing behind the pile of hay, walked around to the mother and child. It looked at Mary and then at Joseph as if it were asking permission, it then stretched his neck out and softly touched his mussel to the child on His cheek. It backed away and returned to where it was munching on the hay.
Thaddeus, whom you know is the smartest one of our family, he fell to his knees and bowed his head. Daniel and I then also knelt in awe of this baby.
Mary spoke, “Oh, how I praise the Lord. How I rejoice in God my Savior! For He took notice of his lowly servant girl, and now generation after generation forever shall call me blest of God. For He, the mighty Holy One, has done great things to me. His mercy goes on from generation to generation, to all who reverence Him. How powerful is His mighty arm! How He scatters the proud and haughty ones! He has torn princes from their thrones and exalted the lowly. He has satisfied the hungry hearts and sent the rich away with empty hands. And how he has helped his servant Israel! He has not forgotten His promise to be merciful. For He promised our fathers, Abraham and his children, to be merciful to them forever.”
How do you respond to someone that speaks so? All I could think to say was “Blessed be the name of the Lord.” I guess that was appropriate, it just seemed pitiful after the blessing that Mary gave. Sometimes silence is truly golden. We bowed before the child and bid our farewells as we had to get back to the sheep. Now you little ones know how sheep are, without their shepherd to keep them together and protect them, they usually scatter and are prey to animals stalking about. When we returned to the herd, they were as we left them, eating peacefully, full and content. Another miracle in a night of miracles.
Daniel, Thaddeus and I sat down and picked up the meal we left behind. We talked of the angel and the things we saw that night. We told it over and over as we didn’t want to forget any of it, I knew one day I would be telling my grandchildren about it.
Eight days later, Thaddeus and I went to the temple to pray. We met cousin Simeon outside the gate. He was in a hurry, it seems the Holy Spirit had told him to get to the temple, that his prayer had been answered. Remember that Simeon was told by the Holy Spirit that He wouldn’t die before he saw God’s anointed King.
We were following him and up ahead they were performing the circumcision ceremony. There stood Mary and Joseph, the couple with the child in the stable. I started towards them but Simeon beat me there, he moved pretty fast for an old man. He took the child in his arms and started praising God. “Lord, Now I can die content! For I have seen Him as you promised me I would. I have seen the Savior you have given to the world. He is the Light that will shine upon the nations, and He will be the glory of your people Israel.”
Mary and Joseph stood there with their mouths open, marveling at what Simeon was saying about Jesus. Simeon then spoke blessings over them, but he turned to Mary and said, “A sword shall pierce your soul, for this child shall be rejected by many in Israel, and this to their undoing. But He will be the greatest joy of many others. And the deepest thoughts of many hearts shall be revealed.” He handed Jesus back to Mary and turned and left, with the biggest smile over his face.
I was standing there looking at them, I was a little amazed at Simeon myself. Joseph looked at me and smiled, nodding his head in remembrance of that beautiful night. Before I could acknowledge him, a prophetess walked up to them.
Every time I went to the temple I saw the prophetess Anna there, She came up as Simeon was walking off and she also started praising God, and telling everyone that the Messiah had finally arrived. Did you hear that children, the Messiah had finally arrived.
I was still trying to process all this. Why did the Messiah come to a poor couple? Why was he born in the most dirty, worthless part of Bethlehem? Why did the angels come to lowly shepherds? I didn’t know, I still don’t know, but it must have been God’s plan from the beginning. I was always told in the synagogue that the Messiah would come riding a white horse, delivering Israel from our oppressors. This child didn’t look like a warrior.
Several years later, I was standing in the field close to the road. It was another one of those glorious days that make you are glad to be alive. I stood there with staff in hand letting the warm sun soak into my face when I hear a commotion. Along the road came a whole group of people. All of them trying to get a man’s attention, they were yelling His name, “Jesus, over here.” “Jesus, tell us a story.” “Jesus, perform a miracle.” The crowd quieted and a man walked through them, it was Jairus the leader of our synagogue.
He fell to his knees in front of Jesus and said something to him that I couldn’t hear. It must have been important for Jairus to bow before a common traveling preacher. But that was when a memory came flooding back into my mind, of a night when I knelt before a baby in Bethlehem, and yes, oh yes His name was Jesus. The angel said He was the Messiah. There before me was standing the Messiah.
I dropped my staff and run toward the crowd, I had to tell Him my story, of how I had been there just after His birth. As I neared, Jesus stopped suddenly and turned. I could plainly hear His voice, “Who touched me?” A crying woman admitted that she had, and then Jesus said the most amazing thing, “Woman, your faith has healed you, go in Peace.” As I stood there He had healed that woman. This was no normal man, this had to be the Messiah.
I heard stories from time to time about this prophet that was healing people around the countryside, and about the wonderful words that He spoke about God’s kingdom. All this time I was wondering when He would mount that white Stallion and free us from our bondage. Then I heard the news that they had crucified Him. The priest had Him killed because His message convicted them. I thought, well, that is that. Maybe Jesus was the forerunner of the Messiah and the Messiah was yet to come.
Then a man stopped by while I was beside that same road where I had seen Jesus. He asked if I had heard of Jesus and I said “Yes I had.” I then proceeded to tell him my story of the Angel and Simeon and even what I saw on that same road. He then told me what he had seen.
“They tried, convicted and hung Him on the cross. After three days He rose again from the dead, I saw His empty tomb. He then appeared to us again and taught us and told us to spread His Good News throughout the world. He was the Messiah, He saved us from our sins. He is God’s perfect lamb, sacrificed for us who could never pay the price for our salvation. He is whom He said He is, and He wants you to join Him in Heaven where together, you will worship the Holy Father God. Salvation is a gift for you from Jesus the Christ, all you have to do is accept it, accept Him as the Messiah.”
It all became clear to me then, the Holy Spirit cleared my mind and I saw God’s deliverance. I saw that the Messiah wasn’t sent to save us from Rome or our oppressor’s, He was sent to save me from me and my sins.
So there you have it, little ones, the story of a baby born to save us. One day, maybe this day, you will have to decide for yourself if you want to follow Jesus. May my life be a gift to you, an example of listening and following the Chosen One, The Bright and Morning Star. Now go play, your Grandmother and I have a feast to prepare.
We had just settled down on top of the hill to eat our meal when suddenly the sky was brighter than day. We fell on our faces afraid of what was happening when we heard this beautiful voice that said, “Do not be afraid, I bring you the most joyful news ever announced, and it is for everyone! The Savior, yes the Messiah, the Lord, has been born tonight in Bethlehem. How will you know Him? You will find a baby wrapped in a blanket, lying in a manger.”
That’s when the most amazing thing happened, the angel was joined by a multitude of heavenly host and they were singing praising God, and they were picked us to give this message to. We three lowly shepherds, were given the message of the good news.
Needless to say we forgot all about our five fish and two loaves of bread. I said, “Lets get to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see this amazing thing the Lord has told us about.” So off we went, leaving sheep and cloak behind, we ran as fast as these old feet would go.
We entered the town and asked a couple of men if they saw what we saw and they looked at us like we were sick in the head. So we started looking on our own. We were going down Ceasar Avenue when Thaddeus shouted, “There’s a stable behind this inn, should we check out it’s manger?”
“Yes!” I yelled, “Lets not leave a manger unturned until we find Him.”
We ran to the stable and was met at the door by a man. We told him of what the angel told us and how the choir sang for us.He was smiling as he said, “I know your angel, he spoke to me a few months ago. Hallelujah, God’s promise is true. I am Joseph, husband of Mary who is mother of Jesus. Come, see God’s blessing.”
We slowly walked in, amongest the cows and donkeys, Mary sat on a pile of hay with this newly born baby in her arms. She seemed to glow, I guess it was the glow that every new mother has, but the baby, aw, the baby just radiated. He was so pure and innocent as He laid so quietly in His mother’s arms. I still get choked up just thinking about it.
Joseph walked up behind us and said, “His name is Jesus, God’s gift to all people.”
Mary looked up, “Just as He promised in the Law and Prophets. His name has to be Jesus, which means Savior.”
I suddenly realized how hard I was breathing. I don’t know if it was the running or the magnificence that we were in the presence of. I’ve had my own sons, but I didn’t feel like this at their birth. Something was different besides the appearance of the angels and the fact that He was born in a stable. My knees became weak, could this really be the Messiah? Could our salvation be before us?
Then something wonderful happened. The donkey that was standing behind the pile of hay, walked around to the mother and child. It looked at Mary and then at Joseph as if it were asking permission, it then stretched his neck out and softly touched his mussel to the child on His cheek. It backed away and returned to where it was munching on the hay.
Thaddeus, whom you know is the smartest one of our family, he fell to his knees and bowed his head. Daniel and I then also knelt in awe of this baby.
Mary spoke, “Oh, how I praise the Lord. How I rejoice in God my Savior! For He took notice of his lowly servant girl, and now generation after generation forever shall call me blest of God. For He, the mighty Holy One, has done great things to me. His mercy goes on from generation to generation, to all who reverence Him. How powerful is His mighty arm! How He scatters the proud and haughty ones! He has torn princes from their thrones and exalted the lowly. He has satisfied the hungry hearts and sent the rich away with empty hands. And how he has helped his servant Israel! He has not forgotten His promise to be merciful. For He promised our fathers, Abraham and his children, to be merciful to them forever.”
How do you respond to someone that speaks so? All I could think to say was “Blessed be the name of the Lord.” I guess that was appropriate, it just seemed pitiful after the blessing that Mary gave. Sometimes silence is truly golden. We bowed before the child and bid our farewells as we had to get back to the sheep. Now you little ones know how sheep are, without their shepherd to keep them together and protect them, they usually scatter and are prey to animals stalking about. When we returned to the herd, they were as we left them, eating peacefully, full and content. Another miracle in a night of miracles.
Daniel, Thaddeus and I sat down and picked up the meal we left behind. We talked of the angel and the things we saw that night. We told it over and over as we didn’t want to forget any of it, I knew one day I would be telling my grandchildren about it.
Eight days later, Thaddeus and I went to the temple to pray. We met cousin Simeon outside the gate. He was in a hurry, it seems the Holy Spirit had told him to get to the temple, that his prayer had been answered. Remember that Simeon was told by the Holy Spirit that He wouldn’t die before he saw God’s anointed King.
We were following him and up ahead they were performing the circumcision ceremony. There stood Mary and Joseph, the couple with the child in the stable. I started towards them but Simeon beat me there, he moved pretty fast for an old man. He took the child in his arms and started praising God. “Lord, Now I can die content! For I have seen Him as you promised me I would. I have seen the Savior you have given to the world. He is the Light that will shine upon the nations, and He will be the glory of your people Israel.”
Mary and Joseph stood there with their mouths open, marveling at what Simeon was saying about Jesus. Simeon then spoke blessings over them, but he turned to Mary and said, “A sword shall pierce your soul, for this child shall be rejected by many in Israel, and this to their undoing. But He will be the greatest joy of many others. And the deepest thoughts of many hearts shall be revealed.” He handed Jesus back to Mary and turned and left, with the biggest smile over his face.
I was standing there looking at them, I was a little amazed at Simeon myself. Joseph looked at me and smiled, nodding his head in remembrance of that beautiful night. Before I could acknowledge him, a prophetess walked up to them.
Every time I went to the temple I saw the prophetess Anna there, She came up as Simeon was walking off and she also started praising God, and telling everyone that the Messiah had finally arrived. Did you hear that children, the Messiah had finally arrived.
I was still trying to process all this. Why did the Messiah come to a poor couple? Why was he born in the most dirty, worthless part of Bethlehem? Why did the angels come to lowly shepherds? I didn’t know, I still don’t know, but it must have been God’s plan from the beginning. I was always told in the synagogue that the Messiah would come riding a white horse, delivering Israel from our oppressors. This child didn’t look like a warrior.
Several years later, I was standing in the field close to the road. It was another one of those glorious days that make you are glad to be alive. I stood there with staff in hand letting the warm sun soak into my face when I hear a commotion. Along the road came a whole group of people. All of them trying to get a man’s attention, they were yelling His name, “Jesus, over here.” “Jesus, tell us a story.” “Jesus, perform a miracle.” The crowd quieted and a man walked through them, it was Jairus the leader of our synagogue.
He fell to his knees in front of Jesus and said something to him that I couldn’t hear. It must have been important for Jairus to bow before a common traveling preacher. But that was when a memory came flooding back into my mind, of a night when I knelt before a baby in Bethlehem, and yes, oh yes His name was Jesus. The angel said He was the Messiah. There before me was standing the Messiah.
I dropped my staff and run toward the crowd, I had to tell Him my story, of how I had been there just after His birth. As I neared, Jesus stopped suddenly and turned. I could plainly hear His voice, “Who touched me?” A crying woman admitted that she had, and then Jesus said the most amazing thing, “Woman, your faith has healed you, go in Peace.” As I stood there He had healed that woman. This was no normal man, this had to be the Messiah.
I heard stories from time to time about this prophet that was healing people around the countryside, and about the wonderful words that He spoke about God’s kingdom. All this time I was wondering when He would mount that white Stallion and free us from our bondage. Then I heard the news that they had crucified Him. The priest had Him killed because His message convicted them. I thought, well, that is that. Maybe Jesus was the forerunner of the Messiah and the Messiah was yet to come.
Then a man stopped by while I was beside that same road where I had seen Jesus. He asked if I had heard of Jesus and I said “Yes I had.” I then proceeded to tell him my story of the Angel and Simeon and even what I saw on that same road. He then told me what he had seen.
“They tried, convicted and hung Him on the cross. After three days He rose again from the dead, I saw His empty tomb. He then appeared to us again and taught us and told us to spread His Good News throughout the world. He was the Messiah, He saved us from our sins. He is God’s perfect lamb, sacrificed for us who could never pay the price for our salvation. He is whom He said He is, and He wants you to join Him in Heaven where together, you will worship the Holy Father God. Salvation is a gift for you from Jesus the Christ, all you have to do is accept it, accept Him as the Messiah.”
It all became clear to me then, the Holy Spirit cleared my mind and I saw God’s deliverance. I saw that the Messiah wasn’t sent to save us from Rome or our oppressor’s, He was sent to save me from me and my sins.
So there you have it, little ones, the story of a baby born to save us. One day, maybe this day, you will have to decide for yourself if you want to follow Jesus. May my life be a gift to you, an example of listening and following the Chosen One, The Bright and Morning Star. Now go play, your Grandmother and I have a feast to prepare.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
No Nativity Scene in DC this year
From an email:
An early update regarding Christmas in our nation's capital for 2009. I wanted to leak the story early so everyone fully understands. There will be no Nativity Scene in Washington this year! The Supreme Court has ruled that there cannot be a Nativity Scene in the United States ' Capital this Christmas season. This isn't for any religious reason. They simply have not been able to find Three Wise Men in the Nation's Capital. A search for a Virgin continues. There was no problem, however, finding enough asses to fill the stable.
An early update regarding Christmas in our nation's capital for 2009. I wanted to leak the story early so everyone fully understands. There will be no Nativity Scene in Washington this year! The Supreme Court has ruled that there cannot be a Nativity Scene in the United States ' Capital this Christmas season. This isn't for any religious reason. They simply have not been able to find Three Wise Men in the Nation's Capital. A search for a Virgin continues. There was no problem, however, finding enough asses to fill the stable.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Yipee
Click the "Romantic Walk" link over in the blog links on the right. There's a new post over there.
You might want to check out some of the other blogs listed there also, you be glad ya did.
You might want to check out some of the other blogs listed there also, you be glad ya did.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Reminders of Spring
I thought with all the snow that has hit around the country, that you'd might light a little Spring in your day. Enjoy some of the flowers that hung around the yard this year.
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