ANWA's Founder & Friends

In October We Got Around To It

2008-10-12T14:07:00.004-07:00

by Liz Adair

Round Tuit Writers, the Northwest Washington chapter of ANWA, hosted a retreat for area LDS women writers at Silver Lake Park, near Bellingham. The twenty attendees came from Moscow, ID, Newberg, OR, and Seattle, Leavenworth, Bellingham, and Sedro Woolley, WA. Anna Arnett also traveled up from Gilbert, AZ, to be a presenter.

MaryLou Bailey, author of four books on games for family, learning, and special occasions, began with an energetic and captivating presentation entitled “Seize the Trout” that invited us all to get started writing. After hearing about all the marvelous games she had written, I put her on the spot and asked her to conduct an impromptu ‘get acquainted game’. She didn’t miss a beat and instantly had us involved in a clever exercise that broke the ice for this group where very few knew more than three people, and some didn’t know anyone.

Our next presenter, Friday morning, was Linda P. Adams, author of the Thy Kingdom Come series. I had asked her to present about using the internet to market your work, and she responded ably, exposing us to the possibilities of web sites, blogs, Twitter, Facebook and Myspace. Several non-bloggers were declaring intentions to begin as a result of Linda's class.

Along with lunch, we had a writing exercise where we broke into groups and the sisters were given ten minutes to plot a story from some random facts. One sister who had never tried fiction said she was amazed at how quickly she came to care about the characters in the story she and her group came up with, though we all agreed that middle-aged Alfred, in his distinctive attire, was not a sympathetic character at all.

Anna Arnett won every heart as she taught us about how to scan poetry and then recited some of her favorites and a few of her own compositions. One attendee said she was going to go home and have her homeschool students start learning to memorize poems.

Three people had brought pieces to critique, and since the four who came from Oregon belong to a critique group, they were asked to demonstrate how a critique group should function. We were all impressed with three things: 1) the quality of writing that was offered for critique, 2) the balance, pro and con, of comments made and 3) the effectiveness of a well-run critique group.

After supper we got back to the important stuff: writing. Christine Thackeray, author of The Crayon Messages and Latter-day Truths in Narnia, gave a rousing lesson on the building blocks of a good plot. Her enthusiasm and down-to-earth pointers made each of us vow to follow her formula to become better writers. During one of Christine’s writing exercises, Ann Acton brought down the house when she persuasively wrote about middle-aged Alfred’s tolerable qualities, in spite of his taste in clothing.

We ended the conference Saturday morning with an illuminating writing exercise led by Linda P. Adams. She referred to President Dieter F. Uchtdorf’s Relief Society Conference talk where he spoke of Woman’s innate ability to create. He admonished us to rely on the Spirit as we try to create something that will improve the world around us. In doing so, we’ll also improve the world within us and increase our creative capacity.

As I looked at each of the women there and thought about the things I had heard each share, I felt blessed to be in the presence of such abundant gifts. The willingness to try, the determination to become better, and the sheer enthusiasm of these women energized me so that I smiled all the way home. I miss them already and can’t wait for next year’s retreat.

It's Still Friday!!

2008-10-10T20:59:00.002-07:00

Last week I had good intentions of blogging, until I ended up with 4 extra kids for the weekend (bringing our total for three days to 11).
It's really not as daunting as it sounds to have multiple children other than our own here, especially when they all have a friend near their age, in fact, sometimes, the children occupy each other better when they do have friend over.
However, I did lose sight of the fact that I needed to blog...well into the late hours of Sunday night.
Ugh.

Today started out a little harried.
I knew I needed to make another trip to the elementary school today to discuss my son's IEP (That's an Individualized Education Plan for those who haven't been exposed the educational slang...and it's to ensure his needs are being met in a way that are inclusive and appropriate for his disability) but needed to wait for a phone call from the Special Ed. teacher who would inform me when the Teacher for the Visually Impaired (TVI) had arrived.
I did my morning run of dropping older kids at the Jr. high, younger kids at the elementary school, and headed home.
I knew I needed to hurry and get a few chores finished (if anything was going to get done today), before the phone call happened, but also knew I needed to gather some books and treats for my 1 year old and 3 year old to use during this meeting.
A diaper change, a phone call, and a trip to the bathroom intercepted those plans and before I knew it, the Special Ed teacher was calling to tell me to head into the school.
I quickly gathered a few "new" distractions and swept them into the diaper bag for my boys and headed to the school...hoping the meeting would be productive.

I left an hour and 15 minutes later, having met with 2 teachers and not really getting any more answers than I had yesterday.
I did fill in an order form (which I dropped of a month ago) for supplemental materials for my Thomas, so I don't feel that the meeting was a complete waste.

By the time I reached home, I needed to make some business phone calls, make lunch for myself and the boys, put the boys down for a nap, and take a nap myself due to lagging energy and a slight headache.

After my hour long nap (which was just what I needed), I made a couple more phone calls, finalized some details for a trip I am taking at the end of October, ran to first pick up little kids and then big kids from the bus stop, came home, ran the budget numbers with my husband (ugh.), got a healthy snack, headed out for an hour long ballroom dancing class (tonight was the last night...how sad), went to a late, light dinner with my husband, and came home to finish some projects to sell at our local scrapbooking store. As I checked my e-mail before heading into my craft room, I remembered that today was my day to blog.

So, here's my post.
It's still Friday.
I am a crazy, busy mom of many, looking for opportunities to better myself and help my family.
Some days are a little insane, some are more calm...but if I remember the most important things daily, (breathe, pray, smile, hug, read, write, create), I count that day a success.
Today I did those things, therefore, today, in my book, is a success.

Advice From a Two-Year-Old

2008-10-09T08:29:00.001-07:00

by Kari Pike

I learned a wonderful lesson yesterday -- from a two-year-old. Enok wanted something and I failed to interpret his two-year-old language correctly. After several attempts to make himself understood, and obviously annoyed at my inability to get it right, Enok placed his chubby little hand over my mouth, glared at me, and said, “NO!” When I made another attempt to interpret his need, Enok covered my mouth again with a resounding, “NO!” He then firmly planted his sturdy legs, scowled ferociously, and with great determination pushed on my shoulder to make me lie down. I had no problem understanding the next word Enok pronounced: “NAP!”

My fifteen-year-old daughter came up with a word to describe the sudden disappearance of a person or possession right when you need them. You know what I mean. You’re running out the door, late for work, keys in hand…well… they used to be in your hand. Where are they? You know you had them. My daughter would tell you that your keys have “invisiblated.” It can happen with words and thoughts as well; usually in the middle of trying to make a point at the height of a debate, or when you’re writing the best part of the entire book and your character is just about to….do something…or you look at your spouse as you begin to introduce him to someone…and you can’t remember his name!!! Augh! Sometimes I think my entire brain invisiblates.

So, next time my brain invisiblates, I think I’m going to follow Enok’s advice and lie down for a nap.

POETRY

2008-10-08T00:39:00.005-07:00

Maybe it's because I hear so many sisters talking about entering the Arizona Mother's whatever contest, but more probably because I dug out some things to take to the Retreat up in Washington, where I'm invited (after twisting Liz's arm) to teach a class in poetry. Sometimes I think I'm quite a pro, and at other times, well I just don't know. Anyway, I'm thinking of entering a poem I wrote way back when the Equal Rights Movement was under way, hot, heavy, and controverial. Does it still fit today? Ought I to enter it? Here it is:

JUST A WOMAN

"I'm just a woman," cried a lonely one,
"Can I compete with men in this world of strife?
What have I to offer, how can I obtain the heights
My soul longs for when frustration fills my life?

To her the spirit whispereth, "My daughter, lift your head,
For you are very precious unto me.
The rosebush was not meant to be a tree -- nor you a man --
But each has a special place, now and throughout eternity.

To be a woman is a special gift;
For women have a softening effect on men.
'Tis they inspire culture, bring refinement to the land,
And help make the earth a garden once again.

'Twas just a woman back in Eden's bliss,
Who hungered after knowledge and a better life.
So, when the tempter promised her there was no other way,
She partook the fruit, thus introducing strife.

Was Eve forever afterwards regretful of her choice?
No! She rejoiced in overcoming trials.
And ever since, her gallant daughters, filled with courage strong,
Pass through sorrows armed with fortitude, and Mona Lisa smiles!

When God made women, 'twas a special gift.
Though sometimes they seem frivolous, bejeweled and curled,
Yet they're the wives and mothers upon whom mankind depends,
For those who rear the children guide the world.

'Twas just a woman who in Bethlehem,
Once held a tiny baby to her loving breast;
While angels sang with glory, shepherds bowed and Magi came,
And through Mary's Son the whole wide world was blessed.

Was Mary's life made easy after having given birth?
Was rearing Christ the Lord a simple chore?
Were Mary's thoughts and attitudes reflected in her Son?
Did she feel a deep responsibility through trials sore?

To be a mother is a special gift.
It's challenging, and frightening, delightful, too.
Especially in a partnership where love and trust abound,
And I'm glad that I'm a woman, aren't you?

Anna Laurene Arnett

No more BFF

2008-10-07T08:48:00.004-07:00

by Valerie Ipson

My checkbook and debit card are no longer on speaking terms. Not that they were ever that close, but still, it doesn’t seem right. The two should be buds, two compadres in a common cause, but whatever they did have is no longer.

I guess Checkbook can only take so much—she’s had it up to HERE, she says. It seems Debit Card has a nasty habit of not reporting transactions to Check Register. That was supposed to be the deal—spend money, write it down in Check Register. Oh, Checkbook has been diligent. When she spends money on something like school lunch or tithing, she meticulously records each item down to its amount, date, and even the reason for the transaction. She is definitely a stickler for details. Debit Card—not so much.

Frankly, she’s like a crazy woman—a discount T-shirt from Walmart here, a dozen eggs and a gallon of milk there, but does she let Check Register know? No. She goes on her merry way as if nothing happened. Eat, drink and wear cheap T-shirts seems to be her motto.

So when a $2.37 debit to Sonic shows up on Bank Balance, Checkbook says, “Hey, what’s up, Check Register? I don’t see an entry for $2.37 to Sonic." (Yummy strawberry banana smoothie, by the way). Check register can only lift her tiny little arms in defeat. “Don’t look at me. I didn’t know nothing about no smoothie.” (Her grammar’s not the best when she’s stressed). Again, Debit Card is the culprit. Bad, Debit Card, very, very bad.

Well, Debit Card, I hope you’ve enjoyed your little party because now the jig is up (and we all know when the jig is up, it’s serious--sorry to be harsh, but sometimes you’ve just got to take a stand). No longer will you hold your hallowed go-to position in the wallet. You’re banished to its deep dark recesses between the auto glass company business card and the sub sandwich punch card, and if you don’t mend your ways it’s the desk drawer for you, my friend!

But first, let me make a quick Walmart run…then you’re banished, my friend…banished to the deep dark recesses of the…

Note to Self: Please step up your writing efforts so you can actually sell something, earn some money, and make Bank Balance happy. ‘Cause if Bank Balance ain’t happy…well, you know the rest.

Feasting on the Word of Christ

2008-10-06T06:53:00.001-07:00

by Rene Allen

It is autumn and the subtle, seasonal changes of southern Arizona are in the air—cooler mornings, shorter days, brighter, bluer skies . To the west of town at a spot in the road called Three Points, fields of pumpkins show bright orange balls ripening underneath a dying canopy of leaves. In my own front yard, dense with desert vegetation, I filled buckets with burgundy colored prickly pear fruit and now my pantry shelves are stacked with jars of jelly. It is the season of harvest, of plenty, of thanksgiving.

And so this Monday morning as I gaze out the window and watch dawn happen—the lightening of sky, and return of color to the landscape as the sun illuminates and turns to morning gold the tops of my eucalyptus tree, the highest in the neighborhood and the first to catch those early rays, I am filled with gratitude. Two days of spiritual feasting are over, our own semi-annual general conference, watched in the comfort of my family room, the anticipated marker of both autumn and spring.

In this season of harvest and thanksgiving, I think of feasts, of the grand preparation of food for the body that marks the holiday of Thanksgiving, of what it means to feast, and recall the words of Nephi that “if ye shall press forward feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father, ye shall have eternal life.” 2 Ne 31:20.

To feast means to enjoy some unusual pleasure or delight. A feast is an elaborate and abundant meal, often accompanied with some kind of ceremony. To partake means to ingest, to take into yourself some of that abundant nourishment, pleasure and delight.

Press forward feasting upon the word of Christ—for two days I was spoon fed; all that was required of me was that I listened, equivalent to opening my spiritual mouth to receive the delicious words of truth. I feel invigorated, more able, and strengthened in my charge to press forward. I feel blessed.

How I wish this spiritual feast which is available to all, were partaken of by all. I would love to walk over to my neighbor’s and say “Didn’t you just love what President Uchtdorf said when he talked about hope? Weren’t you touched by the words of our prophet? It is so good to have a prophet.”

There is a bit of circular reasoning in Nephi’s words, in his charge to press forward feasting upon the words of Christ and endure to the end, for that is how we receive the strength and resolve to do it. This weekend has been a time of feasting, a time of harvest, a time of plenty. And I am grateful.

Excellent Conference

2008-10-05T17:00:00.003-07:00

by Marsha Ward

I have enjoyed the spiritual feast of this weekend. President Monson's announcement of five new temples is getting a lot of comment on the blogosphere, as I'm sure it is among families and Church units and friends who reside in the areas where they will be built. Imagine the jubilant phone calls and emails. Greater Kansas City and Rome are spectacular, but no less welcome are Calgary, Cordoba, and Philadelphia. What blessings will come!

I loved so many quotes and sterling teachings.

Elder Anderson: "You don't know everything, but you know enough--to keep the commandments."

Elder Oaks' charge to priests to speak slowly and distinctly when officiating over sacred emblems.

President Uchtdorf's story of his mother's faith, hope and prayer that resulted in finding her precious children again.

Elder Wirthlin's quote (again, from his mother): "Come what may, and love it!"

President Eyring's emotional and heart-felt delivery.

Elder Nelson's straight talk on Celestial Marriage.

I'm looking forward to postings of the talks so I can savor them again, and to receiving my Conference DVD.

Mothers and Mothering

2008-10-04T01:38:00.002-07:00

What, when, where, why and how are you a mother. Is mother a title that needs to be earned? What are the qualifying factors? These questions and others have been circling my brain over the past several days. With our society’s new definition of family – what constitutes a family – what is marriage – who can be married I felt maybe a closer look should be given to the heart of the home – the mother.

For those who believe in the Bible, the first mother on this earth was Eve – the mother of all living. She is the model that all the rest of the feminine population emulates. She was the brave one that ate of the forbidden fruit and then convinced Adam to do likewise so they could remain together and populate the earth. It had to be hard for her – having no one to follow or example to look to. She had to grow her own food, help provide the home to raise her family in, and then start and provide the first ever home school. She was the first one to see that each child had their own unique personality. Some were obedient, kind and eager to do what was right. Others were rebellious, uncaring and quick to do what was easy. She was the first to grieve for the death of her child – caused by the actions of another of her offspring. It had to tear her heart into pieces to realize no matter how hard she and Adam tried to do what was right that they couldn’t always keep their children close to home, doing what they should.

There are girls having babies that have yet to grow up themselves. Are they less of a mother than the older woman who finally has a baby after years of infertility treatments? How about the woman that never has a fetus in her womb? If she adopts someone else’s child and raises them as her own is she still a mother? How about the lady that never marries? Is there any way for her to be a mother? Does nursing or teaching count as mothering? What other service or activity counts as mothering? And what about all the “steps” out there? Are they mothers? With all the mixed families in the world how does one choose which one is the mother?

Those of us who have been mothers know that mothering entails several roles including but not limited to cooking, cleaning, taxi driver, doctor and nurse, teacher, coach, scout leader, counselor, friend, disciplinarian, baby sitter, diaper changer, fashion consultant, hair stylist, comforter, magician, comedian, actress, accountant, legal advisor, homework consultant, seamstress, caretaker of pets, all knowing, all seeing and finder of lost everything. All of these are done in addition to holding down a job, being a wife, being a productive citizen.

Mothers nag, cajole, bargain, bribe, beg, nag, harass, nurture, empathize, sympathize, mesmerize and anything else in their power to encourage their children to become the best they can be. Does anyone that uses these tactics qualify as a mother? How about men? Single Dads that have to play both roles – are they mothers? How about the homosexual couples that have children – two men – are they both mother and father? Two women – are they both mother and father? How about women who donate eggs? Are they mothers to the zygotes that are formed in petri dishes or are the test tube and scientist the mother? How about the surrogate mothers that incubate a child and then turn them over to the couple who paid them to have the child. Is she a mother? Are you more of a mother if you breast feed? Are you less of a mother if you bottle feed?

There are soft, warm and tender women who mother with overabundant love. There are women that mother with an iron hand, and strict discipline. Are they less that the first? There are a few unfortunate cases where women abandon their babies, abuse their children, or otherwise act in ways that are incomprehensible. Are they no longer mothers? And where do the females that abort their fetuses fit? Are they mothers? Are they mothers if and only if they later have viable babies – or do they no longer qualify for the noble title?

After thinking about all these various situations I’ve come to my own conclusions which you may or may not agree with. Mothers come in all sizes, shapes, and colors. No matter what culture, country, ethnicity or religion they are mothers. They may not show their love or devotion in the same way but they do have several things in common. First a mother is a female. Males may try to do mothering tasks, but they can never be a mother. Second a mother is the female who raises the child, not the egg donor or womb provider. Whether you breast or bottle feed doesn’t matter as much as the fact that you hold, cuddle and love the infant. Third it is ideal if the mother is successfully and happily married prior to conception – thus providing the best environment for her children to grow and learn. Fourth it is wonderful and commendable if a mother can stay at home full time – but if circumstances are such that the mother must work to provide necessities for her children – she is no less of a mother – but rather a person on who is producing herculean efforts in order to fulfill her duties. Fifth is that anyone male or female, who nurtures, loves and provides for a child is assisting the mother, or substituting for the mother, and should be commended for their kind acts.

Mother
She is not always perfect
But she is the perfect one for me.
I did not always choose correctly,
But I hope my children love me.
In old age she feels her job is never done.
In youth she wonders if it will ever come.
Mother
Something every little girl wants to be.

We've Come a Long Way, Baby

2008-10-03T00:30:00.001-07:00

By Rebecca Talley

It’s amazing how technology has advanced in the last 25 years. When I was in high school, no one had a cell phone or a personal computer. We all had to use landlines to speak with our friends and we used typewriters for our research papers. Yes, gasp, we had to actually know how to type (or at least know how to use the correction tape properly).

I remember my grandpa’s old typewriter and how the “e” always looked like an “o.” When I received a sleek new manual typewriter as a gift, I was thrilled. I was even happier when I was able to purchase a snazzy electric typewriter with the correction tape already loaded—talk about up-to-the-date technology.

I can still remember the papery thin feel of the onionskin paper and the ding when I needed to return the carriage on my manual machine. I remember the clicking of the keys and the pinging as the metal letters hit against the page. I can still hear the soft clicking as I moved the roller to load the paper. Of course, I also remember the frustration of finding a typo or misspelling and trying desperately to correct it.

When I was finishing my senior year at BYU, my husband tried to convince me to use a computer. I refused. I wasn’t comfortable with a computer and couldn’t see how it was any easier than using a typewriter—silly me. After several months, he finally persuaded me to try a computer and when I saw the ease of the “delete” key, I was sold.

Technology has come a long way. True, it can be used irresponsibly, but it can also provide us with a wealth of information at our fingertips as well as connect us to people all over the world. When I first started writing, I had no groups, no connection to other writers. I had no one to ask questions. I knew nothing about publishing. I didn’t even know how to really find the needed information so I kind of bumbled around in the dark hoping to figure it all out.

Then, the internet hit and, boom, I could access information from my computer in my own home. It didn’t even matter that I lived in the middle of a hay field. I found groups. I was suddenly connected to the world.

Because of the new technology and the internet, authors can do what time, distance, and money prevented them from doing pre-internet. Authors can now take advantage of blogging to create a web presence, create websites, participate in blog book tours, join online groups like our newest ANWA group Cyber Scrybers, ask questions in forums, and promote books by simply attaching a link on all outgoing email. We can promote our work while sitting in our pajamas. How cool is that?

The newest tool to promote our work is now on a site called YouTube. Our own wonderfully talented Marsha Ward has created her own book trailer for “The Man from Shenandoah.” This is the future for authors to promote their books online. See what you think.

And to show you a little different approach, here is a YouTube by LDS author Jewel Adams promoting her fantasy novel, “The Journey.”

Even if technology seems difficult or foreign, it’s definitely in our best interest to embrace the new ways of communicating with our friends and with those who may want to read our books.

I’ll let you know if I ever fully embrace it and have a YouTube on Heaven Scent.

Young @ Heart

2008-10-02T12:30:00.005-07:00

by Stephanie Abney

Well, I'm home sick today and feeling pretty terrible (running a fever and chills, swollen glands, coughing, the whole bit).

I toyed with the idea of writing a blog today but I'm just not up to it so I'll just recommend a WONDERFUL DVD that you all should rent (in fact, I think you should BUY it). It's an independent film that I saw months ago at a premiere and then it never really opened. I've been waiting for it to come out on DVD and it did a couple of weeks ago.

It's called "Young @ Heart" and is a delightful documentary of a senior citizen chorus (average age is around 80) that sings ROCK MUSIC and it is just plain fun. It shows them rehearsing and interviews them, etc. and shows several music videos in the making. I thought I would pee my pants

when they were all in their wheelchairs cruising down the hospital corridor singing, "I want to be sedated." This group is TRULY young at heart. It will touch you in ways you never expected. I kept telling my husband about it and he was acting like it couldn't be that great. But when it came out and I bought it and brought it home,he LOVED it. I must warn you, one word from one line of lyrics said that word that starts with a "b" for a female dog ~ once ~ otherwise it is clean as a whistle and when they get a standing ovation from a group of

prisoners, it brings tears to your eyes.

This sweet little chorus brightens the day for many and this DVD will brighten yours as well. I'm feeling so icky that I'm done ~ headed back to bed. Take care. Love to all.

Blessings,
Stephanie

Praise to the Woman

2008-10-01T22:30:00.003-07:00

by Faith St. Clair

From service to family
From church to home
From school to garden
From cook to nurse
From healer to helper
From intellect to nurturer
From humble to learned
From learner to giver

And so much more

Lighting in all directions

Kari,
You are my star shinning brightly

Praise to the Woman

2008-10-01T22:29:00.001-07:00

Timelines

2008-09-30T06:47:00.002-07:00

by Terri Wagner

The devil is in the details as they say. And one detail that keeps tripping me up is timeline issues. Now, I know you’d think this would be an easy detail to keep straight. However, I seem to get it wrong more than I get it right. I recently read a twology (I didn’t know they made such things, but leave to sci fi to come up with it) and nearly laughed out loud when I realized yes indeed they had messed up their timeline. Made me feel better. Course when you’re dealing with elves, dwarves, warrows, men and fairies, you don’t really have to be that right because who can say you’re wrong?!

It seems easy enough to keep straight morning, noon, night, midnight, but seasons give me a headache. I’ll have an ice skating party, then want it to be early fall because suddenly someone has to travel and how can I have them traveling in the 1800s in the bitter winter? Yes, I realize some of our gallant pioneers did just that, but it was after all under necessity. And my particular characters are not in that desperate a strait. Although, hmmm, that’s an idea!

Painfully, I am learning what a very successful writer once told me: write down your characters, your locales, your timeline and your plot, THEN write your story. Doing it any other way means endless editing on details that cause you to miss bigger issues. Ones you can bet no publishing company editor will miss. I thought it would interfere with my creative spirit. I also thought it would be reducing it to some scientific experiment.

Maybe I really ought to listen to the “habits of highly successful writers,” eh?

The Best Investment We Can Make in Our Writing?

2008-09-29T12:21:00.003-07:00

by Joyce DiPastena

While eating my breakfast before Church on Sunday, I read a General Conference talk in the May 2008 Ensign by Elder Sheldon F. Child entitled, “The Best Investment”. He related how, as a young boy, after his first experience with paying tithing, his mother expressed her pride in his obedience to this commandment, then added, “Your grandfather always told us children that if we would faithfully pay an honest tithing, the Lord would bless us and it would be the best investment that we could ever make.”

I think few of us who pay our tithing faithfully would argue that, indeed, the keeping of this commandment is “the best investment” we can make in both our financial and spiritual well-being.

As I pondered Elder Sheldon’s talk, I reflected on my current impasse with finding writing time in my life. Which led me in turn to reflect on the ten-percent principle. What if, I wondered, I looked at all the waking hours of my day and decided to try to “tithe them” towards my writing talent? One tenth of my daily or weekly time devoted to researching, studying, or actively writing? Yes, that would likely involve budgeting, but so does the ability to pay one’s tithing. I might have to cut out some “frills”…TV time, internet time. For some reason, tithing my income feels much easier for me than attempting to tithe my time. Yet I realize that doing so would likely be one of the best investments I could make in whatever writing talent the Lord has given me.

Now the question is…can I do it? Will I do it? When my turn to blog rolls around again two weeks from today, I’ll let you know!

I Don't Know Where I'm Headed, but This Feels Right

2008-09-28T17:04:00.005-07:00

by Liz Adair

This is going to be short.

I've been saying for some time that the problem with my writing is that I like my day job as much as I like to write. Last year, my day job expanded so it just about crowded out everything else. Add time to prep for and teach seminary to that, and my writing was really suffering.

In the midst of that, on faith, I took on the job of writing the service blog for yourLDSneighborhood.

Covering all my bases suddenly became possible at the end of the school year. I was released as a seminary teacher, and at the same time, I hired someone to fully take over one of my clients. I'm still super busy, but writing is now part of the busy-ness.

Last Thursday, my daughter Terry asked if I'd like to go to Bellingham with her to have lunch with a lady who wanted to talk to her about humanitarian outreach, since Terry is the driving force behind SWAN. I automatically said no, I didn't have time, but something didn't feel right about not going. I realized, because of the changes, I really did have time, and this would be a good chance for some mom/daughter bonding time during the 40 minute drive to Bellingham. So I called her back and said I'd go.

The result of that lunch was my September 26 blog on Liz Sez. I found out about a need that exists in third world countries that is getting little attention. The blog I posted called "Seize this Day to Make a Difference" is my small part in doing something about it. I hope you'll check it out, if you haven't already.

I'm trying to listen to the spirit as I bumble around. I'm electronicly naive, an internet klutz, but still, in a quavery voice, I'm humming, "I will go, I will doooooo...."

Not The Way I Planned It

2008-09-27T13:05:00.004-07:00

By Christine Thackeray

Last year I had a plan. I had published a short novel, "Crayon Messages" and completed a non-fiction collaboration with my sister on C. S. Lewis. The plan was to finish my next "visiting teaching adventure" by the end of the summer and with the fall get started on the historical fiction novel I have brewing in my brain.

Well, the summer was a bust. Unexpected family events and a move left me with very few written pages. I think when the children left school I was at page 45 and when they started I was in the 80's.

It was not for lack of trying. I plotted out the entire novel, and even wrote a chapter by chapter synopsis. Then, based on advice I heard at a writers conference, I wrote three or four unconnected chapters that I felt the most passionate about. But when I tried to connect the dots, it seemed too manipulated and the delete button swept away hours of wasted time.

Finally, I buckled down and started writing in a line from where I left off. I started reading more which helped me to change my POV and many days I just muscled my way through scenes that left me empty.

I still have to thank Marsha for the WOW (Week of Writing) because I was still flailing, having my characters push forward without being sure where they were going to go.

Friday afternoon, when the kids arrived home I got up and fixed them an afterschool snack, went and volunteered at the school and picked up my sixteen year old from cross country. When I had left the computer, my dialogue was half finished but I couldn't write the rest. When I came back, I realized that I didn't need the rest but wanted to follow a different character completely. Suddenly all the dominoes fell in place and it is actually going to be done in just nine more chapters and it is going to be brilliant!

I was recently reading a book by Collier on how to write and sell your first novel. One of the statements he makes is that if you decide you really want to be a writer, you need to give yourself a writing quota. Although you may well exceed it, whether you are sick, busy or even if your brain has totally shut down for the afternoon, you need to write your minimum quota for the day. Blogs and writing exercises don't count- it has to be on your work in progress.

Your only break is when you finish your rough draft and then you take a two week vacation from the computer. Live, read the paper, look for new plots and things that interest you. Then you edit, send it out and start again.

When I first read this advice I was skeptical but after what I've learned from WOW, bad writing can take you through the hard spots so you can see where you have to shift to make it better. With me I had to go back and change multiple conversations to make the new version work but it does work, which is fun.

I have a friend who plans out her books and always writes from her synopsis. What I keep learning is that it is alright that she does it that way. For me, I do the research, create the characters, have a clear story arc and then let nature take its course. Until the last word is written I have to be willing to change scenes, characters and plot in order to build the story that I want.

For me the heart of the story is what the reader feels when they read the last word and put it down. I hope they smile and feel like they have been brought to a new place and have a new understanding of the beauty of their lives.

So like my perfectly plotted novel that didn't turn out that way, my time table also has been dashed in the wind. The plan is important but flexibility is also important to achieve the desired outcome. Wooh, that is so true of my life! Nothing has gone as planned. So when I sit and write out what I'm going to accomplish today and a friend calls or my husband happens to work at home that day, I should simply shrug and go with the flow as long as its taking me the right direction..

Recognizing Gifts

2008-09-25T10:09:00.004-07:00

by Kari Pike

I feel like a small child the week before Christmas. I stand in awe of the colorful pile of wrapped packages and wonder which one I will open first. Sometimes I pick one up and examine its shape, size, and weight. I poke it here and there and give it a gentle shake. I’m pretty certain of the contents of a few of the gifts because I made special requests for them. Many of the gifts before me, however, are a complete mystery. Some are quite large, others small, and every one of these gifts is uniquely wrapped.

Christmas is still a few months away, and my birthday came and went like any other day. The gifts before me now are the daily opportunities I have been given to learn and grow. In order to recognize these gifts, I have to rip through the wrapping of challenges that hide them from my view.

A number of years ago I learned the importance of preparing myself to receive the many gifts waiting for me. I was standing in the carport of our small home, switching loads of laundry and folding clothes. Several boxes stood stacked beside the washer and dryer. The thought came to me that it had been a long time since I had gone through those boxes and that I needed to sort and organize these items in order to be prepared. Prepared for what!? We had just gone through the experience of a premature birth of our ninth child and then nearly losing that baby to illness a few weeks later. We finally had everyone healthy and my husband had a new and better paying job that didn’t require him to be away from home several days a week. Maybe that was it. I had used up my allotment of blessings and now needed to be tested again. (Sheesh…Satan is sooooo good a putting false beliefs in our heads!) My heart pounded and beads of sweat formed on my forehead. What was going to happen this time? As panic set in, I began an earnest conversation with Father in Heaven. Almost immediately, I felt my heart slow down and fill with warmth. I felt, rather than heard, “Hush, child.” Then I felt these words form in my head: “It is as important to prepare to receive blessings as it is to go through trials.”

The experiences that came over the next several years have been glorious gifts. Sometimes the layers of wrapping have been really tough to remove, but those turned out to be the most precious gifts. Now, I stand in front of a suspiciously large gift. I have unwrapped and opened the box and discovered it full of manure. I am climbing in with shovel in hand. I am excited about digging into this challenge. I know there is a pony in there somewhere!

Wedding

2008-09-24T09:29:00.000-07:00

by Anna Arnett

(Because I missed blogging a couple of weeks ago, I'm doubling up today. I'm supposing age allows me some advantages.)

Last Thursday, Sept. 19, Mark’s daughter Andrea married Spencer Bates in the Arizona Temple. For me and my side of the family, emotion sometimes bubbled up with tears. Charles had had the privilege of sealing the first fourteen grandchildren and this was the first grandchild who missed having her temple marriage sealed by Grandpa. But Brother Perkinson, who knew the Bates family well and had worked with Charles for some time, brought a special, spiritual feeling as he performed the ceremony.

The Bates family had a wonderful brunch and program before the wedding, which I could describe in glowing details, but since this is my blog I’ll toot the Arnett horn. I suspect every mother finds her own children to be exceptionally unique.

Mark and Camille chose the Harkins Theater in east Mesa for the wedding reception. Actually, it was in the same theater room where Mark showed his “Baby Boomer” documentary the evening of Charles’ military burial. I might add, for the benefit of those who saw the film, that Mark would not accept the financial demands for rights to some of the music he had used as background, and replaced it with original compositions and new musicians, but finally got it all tweaked up and has submitted it to a dozen or so film festivals.

The reception was not only delightful, but comparatively easy. Announcements looked like theater tickets which didn’t even have to be shown. Decorations were minimal. Just a sign-in table in the hall by the entry, and black cloths on the refreshment table. The relaxed reception line lasted only until the beginning of each of the three showings, and only the bride and groom wore formal attire. The rest wore jeans, black T-shirts (well, the bridesmaids and best men wore red) emblazoned with the names of Andrea and Spencer, and stood in their most comfortable shoes. Refreshments were theater style: popcorn, pop, water, red vines or boxed Milk Duds. Pre-showing ads with a few weird instructions like “Please do not speak French during the showing”, and quizzes about the likes and dislikes of the new couple provided background for the reception line and seat-finding. Then the houselights dimmed. In theater-comfort we watched about a fifteen-minute wedding film done by Mark with his flair of humor sneaking out at unexpected times.

Andrea originated the idea for a theater reception several years ago, but Suzanne married first. So this became a new and improved version. I’ll freely admit that watching one of Mark’s dozen or so wedding videos in a theater far out-rated the hard chairs and stretching to see over heads in a cultural hall setting.

Mark claims it saved him several thousand dollars over what many of his friends spent for their more traditional but lavish receptions. I think the only cost for my own receptions, way back when, was for refreshments, and the orchid corsage my dad bought for me for the one in Utah. Invitations were by word of mouth, decorations were practically unheard of, and only cake and punch were traditional to serve. Of course they took sugar ration stamps, but returning servicemen were given a generous supply. Ah, how times have changed.

Thanks for listening.

Anna
.

My Birthday Party

2008-09-24T09:15:00.000-07:00

by Anna Arnett

Grandma’s Birthday Flower Bouquet
August 30, 2008

For my 84th birthday, most of my adult posterity brought good food to share, after which each in turn presented me with a silk flower, telling me why they chose that particular kind. I would have posted a picture of the bouquet on this blog a couple of weeks ago if I had only known how to do it. Sue took notes and transcribed them for me. Now I’m passing it along to you. In the off chance any of you want to know who is who, all seven of my children were here: Marolyn, Wayne, Kat(hleen), Paul, David, Karlene, and Mark. That’s the order of their birth. The grandchildren who came gave flowers right after their parents.

Mark & Camille – This flower was planted in good soil, grew, bloomed and faded gently like you. Grandma has bloomed, flourished and nourished all of us. We chose a purple flower because it is bright & vivacious just like you. There are little flowers next to it, which are all of us trying to be like her.

Karlene & Jasen – This flower is pink because Mom looks hot in pink and it is her favorite color along with turquoise and black. It looks like a pom-pom and so it reminds me of Mom because she is my biggest cheer -leader. It looks like a friendship flower too. She is my best friend.

David – I chose the Bird of Paradise flower because it was the most unique flower I could find and Mom is very unique. The meaning of the flower is magnificence and Mom is magnificent. I got a yellow flower because it starts with the letter Y and why am I doing this silly thing? - because Marolyn and Karlene made me.

Paul – I got a huckleberry because they are from Idaho and Mom used to pick them every summer. Her mom made the best huckleberry pie.

Kat & Jerry – I picked a red poinsettia for Mom because she loves Christmas and always buys poinsettias for the Holidays.

Eileen & Ryan – I’m giving Grandma an Easter lily because it stands for Heavenly to be with you, and purity. I know that every Easter Grandma would buy a pot of Easter lilies and so Easter and Easter lilies remind me of her.

Jacob & Diane– Baby’s breath is for Grandma because it means everlasting love. Their (Grandma & Grandpa’s) everlasting love inspires all of the rest of our family’s relationships.

Lisa & Heath – I picked a lavender iris for Grandma, because it stands for faith, hope, wisdom and valor which all describe her.

Greg & Brittany – The sunflower is for Grandma because it is a happy flower. It also reminds us of the country and Grandma is a country girl. Additionally the sunflower follows the sun like Grandma follows the son, our Savior.

Steve & Kiera – This yellow daisey is happy and cheerful just like Grandma always has a smiley face.

Wayne, Sue, Mitch & Angela – We picked a pink peony because Mom loves peonies and they represent a happy marriage, happy life, warmth and adoration. She and Dad have had a wonderfully happy marriage, & life and we feel such warmth and adoration for them. “We adore you!” Grandma’s grandma carried peony bulbs clear across the plains to Utah and they always bloomed just in time for Memorial Day.

Celeste & Ryan – I picked a white carnation. Grandma added that carnations last longer than any other flower like an energizer bunny. Grandma has lasted a long time. I wanted to pick a white flower because the thought came to me of the temple. I am so happy that I get to be with Grandma and Grandpa forever because they were married in the temple.

Doug & Maryjane – We picked a purple iris for Grandma because of her faith, hope and wisdom, which are represented in an iris. We thought it was perfect. You give an iris to someone who you have great admiration for and Maryjane & I have great admiration for Grandma.

Will & Traci - Will picked a sunflower for Grandma because of her sunny disposition and because she is so fun to be around. Traci gave her a daisy. Daisies represent innocence . Grandma still radiates childlike innocence. Daisies also represent loyalty. She is loyal to family and church.

James & Emily – A carnation was picked because it represents pure love, innocence and purity and these are three of the many wonderful traits of Grandma.

Brian & Amanda – We picked a gladiola for Grandma because she is always glad of heart and we are so glad that she is our Grandma.

Marolyn & Milan – We love the way you are so good and that you work at it…keeping the commandments and seeing the good in others. “Mom, you are the best and most pure woman I know.” We chose this white peony because it represents your pure heart.

Christopher & Cheryl– On the Arnett website quiz both Grandma and I (Cheryl) were sunflowers and I was so excited because I want to be like grandma more than everything. Wherever Grandma is, she is happy. Sunflowers can grow and thrive anywhere. They bloom where they are planted. Grandma is like a sunflower. Christopher adds that unlike the sunflower, everything revolves around grandma.

Kristen & Rob – I love that Grandma is sassy. I loved it when she said she was sick of sharing her birthday with Charles. “Grandma, I love you and I hope one day I can be like you. I want to be sassy, cute and lovable like you.” The yellow flower represents the sunshine you bring to everyone.

Stephanie & Dave – I love that Grandma is a wonderful grandma and great grandma to her children. “Grandma, you always make me smile.” I chose the blue flowers because blue is calming just like you.

Staci & John – I love how Grandma is always happy and that she is extremely intelligent. “Grandma, my highest ambition is to be just like you when I grow up.” I chose the red flower because it represents power and your traits are powerful.

Grandma’s message for her posterity – I am overwhelmed by all these well-chosen, beautiful, silk flowers, by your love, and your glowing compliments. Since the scriptures tell us that we become what we think in our hearts, I know that only our thoughts limit us. Therefore, we can be whatever we believe we can be. So, keep happy thoughts. That’s what keeps me going. After all, there’s nothing so thin that it doesn’t have at least two sides. My heart-felt message for you is to choose well which side you’ll concentrate on -- and never forget that I love you.

Write it down!

2008-09-23T00:15:00.000-07:00

by Valerie Ipson

I teach Gospel Doctrine in my ward. The first week I got up to teach I said, "I'm your new Gospel Doctrine teacher...[pause]...I know, it's scary for me, too." Really, anything with the word doctrine in the title should not have ME anywhere in the vicinity teaching it--isn't that best left to General Authorities and Seminary teachers? I guess a love for the scriptures counts for something because I'm going on about 6 months now in this calling and no uprisings or mutiny thus far.

I am by far the greatest beneficiary of this calling, as it has opened my understanding of the Book of Mormon as never before. Take Sunday's lesson--we read about how all the prophecies of Samuel the Lamanite came to pass--"every whit," no less. All the people witnessed the day, the night, and the day with no darkness; they saw the new star; there were many other miracles that were not named specifically. And yet, as time passed, some "began to be less and less astonished at a sign or wonder from heaven." They even convinced themselves that the miracles were "wrought by man and by the power of the devil." (3rd Nephi 2:1-2) What happened?

I'm telling you, THEY DIDN'T KEEP A JOURNAL! A journal entry records one's feelings in a particular moment in time. When you go back to read it, you review that spiritual experience, that personal revelation, that answer to prayer, that miracle, and you remember what you felt. You can't change it or erase it or rationalize it away. It's there exactly the way you expressed it and felt it.

So, let us write it down...all the wonderful things that occur in our lives, and never stop being astonished at His handiwork.

PS. Check out ldsjournal.com for a cool, new way to keep a journal. I love it.

A Day with Inspirational Writer Bob Yehling

2008-09-22T16:34:00.003-07:00

By Rene Allen

Saturday, I attended a five hour workshop given by Bob Yehling, author, editor, book doctor, etc., on inspirational writing, which he calls transformational writing.

One of the highlights of the workshop included a discussion about the three types of thinking in transformational writing and how they are interactive in a piece of writing. Proactive thinking is just that, planning, doing pre-writing, and creating the emotional, physical and mental space for the project. Critical thinking is looking at the material and making decisions about what goes into a piece, and after a first draft, about structure and editing. Visionary thinking is also important, seeing the end from the beginning, the ability to create the goal which then helps stick to the process of writing.

One of the problems with inspirational writing is that it usually requires the writer use self as a springboard in a cause and effect format. Getting into the core, the self where passion and feeling are can be difficult. There are techniques that help do this, such as writing about the environment when something is so difficult it cannot be approached directly. For example, writing about the furniture in a room may permit a “backdoor” entry into an event that was hard but life changing. Also, finding a metaphor for the experience and expanding it, then returning full circle to saying how my life is like ________ may be a way into the emotional essence of an experience as well.

As an example of this, I used the simile that my writing time is like a target in a batter’s cage, then described how different types of hitters, including myself at times, deflect me from my writing.

Bob Yehling has self-published a book that won the bronze prize in 2007 for self-published books, “Writes of Life,” that include his tips on writing inspirational material. Here’s an inauspicious beginning for my inspirational writing. I made it home with two of the three books I purchased at the workshop and lost that one. Sigh. There’s always something . . .

Prayer

2008-09-21T15:51:00.004-07:00

by Marsha Ward

It's my turn to post a blog again, and although earlier in the week I thought I had something to say here, it kind of evaporated because I didn't write my idea down.

Sometimes I get inspiration from my weekly church meetings, but today I'm not sure I have anything from there.

Except, all month long our theme in church has been Prayer. My thoughts have been turned to prayer by happenings around the blogosphere and in the world. A couple of my friends were in the path of recent hurricanes. A young man whose grandparents were dear friends of my parents was in a tragic plane crash with his sweet wife and a flight instructor. The flight instructor died, and the couple received horrible burns that will change their lives forever. Our blogger Kristine posted about it here.

I have been praying for all these people, those I know and those I don't.

It was my turn to pick the hymns for worship services in September. Here is one of my favorites about prayer, Oh, May My Soul Commune with Thee, Hymn #123 with Text and music by Lorin F. Wheelwright, from Hymns of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1985:

Oh, may my soul commune with thee
And find thy holy peace;
From worldly care and pain of fear,
Please bring me sweet release.

Oh, bless me when I worship thee
To keep my heart in tune,
That I may hear thy still, small voice,
And, Lord, with thee commune.

Enfold me in thy quiet hour
And gently guide my mind
To seek thy will, to know thy ways,
And thy sweet Spirit find.

Lord, grant me thy abiding love
And make my turmoil cease.
Oh, may my soul commune with thee
And find thy holy peace.

I hope these yearning words lead you to prayer that gives you peace today.

Of Dogs and Doors and Pleasing Our Master

2008-09-20T01:05:00.002-07:00

by Margaret Turley

This week my household was expanded by one four-pound teacup Chihuahua named Pepito. My daughter saw him at a dog rescue, took a picture with her cell phone camera, and sent it to my sister, who showed it to me. His face could be Bambi, and I fell in instant like. $150.00 later I had a dog – something I haven’t had since our family pet – Hercules – a buff cocker spaniel, died four years ago of cancer.

I am amazed at how much love a dog can give, with just a look of his trusting eyes, the happy wag of his tail, and the all-over shivering delight in his body. He is perfectly content to curl up in my lap while I work at the computer, or at my feet, or next to me in bed. He is smart and has learned to adapt to his new surroundings quite well.

I received an e-mail this week that dealt with death, dying and a dog. The story went like this:

A sick man turned to his doctor as he was preparing to leave the examination room and said, “Doctor, I am afraid to die. Tell me what lies on the other side.”

Very quietly, the doctor said, “I don't know.”

“You don't know? You, a Christian man, do not know what is on the other side?”

The doctor was holding the handle of the door. On the other side he heard a sound of scratching and whining. As he opened the door, a dog sprang into the room and leaped on him with an eager show of gladness. Turning to the patient, the doctor said, “Did you notice my dog? He's never been in this room before. He didn't know what was inside. He knew nothing except that his master was here. When the door opened, he sprang in without fear. I know little of what is on the other side of death. But I do know one thing...I know my Master is there and that is enough.”

I’ve thought about that a lot this week. We know we have nothing to fear because of Our Lord’s atonement. In fact we look forward to having forever families and living with our Father in Heaven once more. We need to be as devoted and enthusiastic about pleasing our Master as our pets and more, since we have the ability to choose to do His will and keep His commandments.

We should also be as excited to share the “good news” of the gospel. We don’t know how it will be accepted, but we do know for each soul that receives the gospel there is great rejoicing by all the others in the next life. Then they can look forward to making the next step because they will know the Master too. All it takes from me is the faith of a mustard seed – much like my tiny canine that trusts me and does my bidding.

Remodeling

2008-09-19T11:02:00.004-07:00

By Rebecca Talley

We live in a rural area so we depend on a well water to run our home. Our water is extremely hard and as a result our plumbing takes a beating. We've had problems with the plumbing fixtures in our bathroom for a while and decided it was time to replace them. Unfortunately, the plumber that installed our shower system didn't use universal parts. We realized we couldn't replace the shower head, tub spout, and handle without either 1) removing the entire bath unit or 2) making a hole in the wall behind the bathroom. We chose number 2.

My husband has been working hard to replace the hardware. As soon as that's finished, we'll be doing some tiling. I'm confident the bathroom will look much nicer and the plumbing will work properly when we're done and I'll have a tub spout again!

As I've thought about our bathroom, getting rid of the old plumbing and putting in the new, it made me think about remodeling myself. What old things about me do I need to get rid of and replace with something new that actually works?

I have the world's worst first reactions to things. My kids always have to preface something they know I won't like with, "Now, Mom, don't freak out." I'd love to replace my tendency to "freak out" with a calmer, more productive reaction. I've found that if I walk away and take a few minutes, I can usually have a better reaction to something. I just need to implement that more often.

I'd love to replace my old, been-with-me-forever, rebellious attitude. My rebellious nature served me well as I grew up with anti-Mormon sentiments in my home, but now my tendency to do the opposite of what I'm asked or never allow anyone to tell me what to do, doesn't serve me so well. I'd love to replace my rebellious attitude with a softer, more willing heart. I'm better than I used to be, but still have such a long way to go. Perhaps, if I live to be 240 I might finish remodeling that part of me.

I can say that I'm currently in a long remodeling stage of biting my tongue and censoring myself better. I've been known to say whatever pops into my head, but I've gotten better over the years and can usually keep things to myself. I have some very strong opinions. In the past, I believed everyone was entitled to hear my opinions, but I now realize that isn't such an endearing quality. On occasion, though, I do falter and "tell it like it is."

If only remodeling myself could be as easy as the bathroom. If only I could just throw out the old stuff without another thought. I suppose, though, I wouldn't learn as much if it were so easy. Just as my home will need continual remodeling, so will I. In the end, both the house and I will be better for it.

My Brain is Full

2008-09-18T23:41:00.005-07:00

by Stephanie Abney

You know how sometimes your stomach is just as "full" as it can be? That's how my brain has been feeling lately. It is just plain OVERLOADED ... too much going on, too much reading for preparing for class, too many Internet searches for just the right worksheet for school, too much thinking, if that's even possible and this, from someone who LOVES to think, study, read and learn.

So, a couple of random things (are we surprised I would be random?? ~ nope). This is Constitution Week and I hope you are all aware of it and doing things with your family to remember what a treasure this country is to us and at what a cost to the founders we enjoy it today.

Anyway, I'm disturbed by all the stress I see my little 7 year old students having over their school work. I want them to love learning and they are just plain stressing over the littlest thing. I gave an unannounced spelling pre-test on a list I passed out on Monday and I had 3 meltdowns... despite the fact that I said it wasn't for a grade, that it wasn't going home and that it was only for ME to see how they were doing so I would know which words we needed to go over. Good grief. I can't say much because that would be inappropriate to mention if any school parent tracks down what I ever have to say on the web, so I'll just say I could not believe how upset a few of them got.

The other thing that has been going on is that my daughter in Nevada is about to do battle with some school officials over what they have done to the math program in Clark County because the district was scoring poorly in math. So, they (whoever "they" are in this case) wrote a new, very ridiculous, math program with problems that resemble the ones found on the annual test. Well, if the problems she read to me over the phone are indicative of what is found on the test, NO WONDER they are scoring poorly, because they are the most confusing math questions you would ever imagine. When a mom (my daughter) who aced College Algebra is unable to help her son with his 3rd grade math, something is wrong. This "teaching to the test" nonsense is ruining the real education of our future generations. OK, I better not go there or I'll be up all night.

So, where does any of this lead? Probably not to a good night's sleep, which I could really use about now. But perhaps to a delightful new "hero" I found just two days ago when looking for something in reference to my classroom. I happened across his material and read and read it. I picked up his book at the library today (although I haven't had two minutes to even look at it yet) but you will LOVE the title: Discipline without Stress, Punishments or Rewards by Dr. Marvin Marshall. (The subtitle is "How Teachers and Parents Promote Responsibility & Learning"). It teaches how internal motivation is far more powerful and effective in changing behavior than punishments or rewards. I can't wait to read it an implement it. But even more than that, I loved what he had to say about testing and grades. What do you think?

Here's the website about the book: www.disciplinewithoutstress.com ~ check out the sample chapters, especially Collaboration for Quality Learning ~ WOW, does that ever make sense ~ instead of this we are creating "competetion" and that promotes cheating and kids asking questions like: "Is it going to be on the test?" ~ they no longer want to learn for the sake of learning, but only care about what they are going to be tested on (sounds like some districts we know of, hmmm). It's really fascinating. Also, I think you'd really love going to HIS website and watching a minute and a half video of one of his presentations ~ http://www.marvinmarshall.com/ ~ I can't stop thinking of his perspective and how much sense it makes in nearly all aspects of life.

~ Enjoy!!! I've got to get to bed. I'm outta' here (I am sorry that it's been too crazy to visit this blog with any regularity or to make very many comments... hopefully, I'll get a routine down soon that will help to calm my life).

Love and Blessings to all,
Stephanie