Maggie (the almost perfect pooch)

Thought today was a good day to introduce Maggie Mae Messmer to our family and friends. Ms. M (as we like to call her) wrapped us around her little black and white paw the minute we saw her at the shelter. We had to bring her home.

But before we could do that, we had to go to PetsMart and spend large sums of money for all the accessories we needed to bring our new dog home. Crate, leash, dogfood, toys, chewies, a poop bag dispenser (which hangs on her leach – oh how I wish I had invented that), and all the poop bags your tiny canine will ever need.

Now we were ready for pet ownership. But R. and I learned within the first week that 13 years without a four-legged friend dulls your senses and puts you right back into the new pet owner category again.

In the style of David Letterman I’ll list the Top 5 Reasons You Know You are a New Pet Owner.

#5: You know you are a new pet owner when:
You can sit in a wine bar and talk about your pooches poop.

#4: You know you are a new pet owner when:
You’ve had the dog for two weeks and you’ve already spent $500 (check written to shelter, two crates (the first one she broke and escaped from), three beds (the first two she ate), one plush toy, which said “I Love You” and she chewed up. All this done by the most adorable dog named Maggie.

#3: You know you are a new pet owner when:
You’ve set your computer’s webcam to see what her behavior is like when she’s inside her crate while you’re at work.

#2: You know you are a new pet owner when:
You do research on the Internet AFTER you’ve purchased a dog treat and find out it is a part of a bull you never thought of as consumable.

DRUM ROLL, PLEASE:

#1: You know you are a new pet owner when:
You set your alarm at an ungodly hour and actually get up and take your dog for a walk. This is because hubby read on the Internet that you should wear your dog out before crating them. Refer back to #2 – this did not work. She is still trying to destroy her second crate.

Yes, you might call us crazy for putting up with Maggie’s shenanigans, but stop and look at her picture again. Could you resist a face as cute as hers? I don’t think so.

Love ya,
Nettie

PS: More to come. I’m certain Ms. M. has more up her paw.

JOY IN THE JOURNEY

One of my favorite verses in the Bible is Psalm 118:24: “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” But on May 22, 2011, I didn’t want to rejoice or be glad in the day. The reason: I’d received an early morning phone call telling me my sister passed away. Linda lost her battle with breast cancer after 16 years. Through tears and laughter (and there were plenty of both) R and I reminisced about Linda.

One thing that kept coming up in our conversation was how Linda grabbed life with both hands the moment she learned of her diagnosis. Since she’d always loved to travel – now it became her way of life. And the minute she got home from one trip, she planned her next adventure to check off her Bucket List.

Whether she was trying her hand at tandem skydiving in Hawaii, hiking down into the Grand Canyon and rafting the Colorado River, or helping out at a soup kitchen in Kansas City – Linda embraced life to the fullest, milking every drop out of whatever time she had left on this earth. And entertaining family and friends along the way.

Linda experienced JOY IN THE JOURNEY.

Thanks, sis, for all the memories you left behind for us to cherish. We miss you so much!!!!

Love ya,
nettie

PS: Please click on the title (above) and listen to Tim McGraw's "Live Like You’re Dying.” This could have been Linda's theme song.

Link

KINDNESS

What was the first thing you thought of when you read the title? KINDNESS.

Did you think of a kind deed you’ve done for someone?

Did someone's name pop into your head that you've wanted to help?

Or, did you remember a special kindness shown to you?

Why I'm bringing up this subject is because this was the theme at my Toastmasters group last week. The theme was chosen after one of our members lost his home to the Texas wildfires. I thought it apropos.

Whenever someone was introduced at the meeting their introduction had something to do with the topic. It might be their kindness shown to others or received in their own life. Throughout the morning I was reminded of the benefits of benevolence.

How each one of us can lend a helping hand to a person in need. How we can pay it forward with an act of compassion, thoughtfulness, and/or generosity each and every day. How we can show another person the love of Christ in simple deeds we do.

KINDNESS

Let’s give it a try. Someone will be blessed when you do.

Love ya,
nettie

PS: Check back next month - more to come on the subject. :)

LESSONS LEARNED

For those of you who have been sitting on pins and needles, waiting to hear how the contest went—I’m happy to report, it was a HUGE success. And, I didn’t die in the process of stepping out of my comfort zone.

Honestly, when I signed up to do the contest (please refer to my last blog if you don’t have a clue what I’m talking about), I wasn’t sure I would live through the experience. But, I did, and along this journey I learned some valuable lessons I want to share with you today.

Lesson #1:
Strength comes in numbers – I knew I couldn’t pull off this contest without a lot of help from my friends. I asked for volunteers and the minute I did, people stepped up to help me. In all, this contest needed 25 helpers. From Toastmaster to Video Person - every role was important in helping make this contest a success.

Lesson #2:
Knowledge is golden – Always remember to surround yourself with knowledgeable people. From the beginning, I gleaned from those who’d gone before me. Without their knowledge and expertise, I wouldn’t have known what to do and when to do it. Another important benefit I discovered – people are willing to share what they know. All you have to do is ask.

Lesson #3:
Ask questions - This is the only way a person learns how to do something they are unfamiliar with. Asking questions, concerning the contest, made me feel comfortable with moving forward with any task I needed to do. I’m sure you’ve heard this before - there is never a dumb question. I’ll add my two cents - But there are plenty of dumb mistakes if questions aren’t asked. I did myself a favor when I took on this challenge – I asked questions – lots of them.

Lesson #4:
Just do it - Step out of your comfort zone. Trust me, it won’t kill you. At any given time I thought it might, but each day I spent time doing something concerning the contest. For once I didn’t procrastinate. If I wasn’t emailing someone, I was checking out paperwork given to me to read. Anything to stay ahead of the game. Preparation is the key to success. Things will run smoother if you have all your ducks in a row.

Lesson #5:
Pray – When fear of the unknown coursed through my veins, I prayed. The verse, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight” popped into my head. Those comforting words calmed me down. And when I trusted Him and not my own understanding, I (with my team of volunteers) accomplished the task set before us.

Love ya,
nettie

PS: Thanks everyone for your help!!!!!!

Freaked Out

Have you ever taken on something and know right away you’re not the man or woman for the job? Have you volunteered for a task only to discover it’s way over your grade level? Have you stepped forward, wishing minutes later that you’d stayed hidden in the crowd?

This very thing happened to me a few weeks ago when I took on an officer’s position in a club I belong to. The minute I answered YES to the email request, the red flags went off in my mind at a fever’s pitch.

The dialogue to myself and those around me went something like this:

I can’t plan a contest in less than a month.

I have no idea what I am doing.

I have gotten myself into something way over my head-AGAIN!!

As you can see, the “I’s” had me tied up in knots. And, if that wasn’t bad enough—someone referred to my way of handling things as freaking out. Those two simple words stopped me dead in my tracks (thanks MS for the wake-up call).

Is that how people see me? WOW! That’s not the picture I wanted to paint. Instead, I wanted others to see me as one who trusted in the Lord for everything – big or small. I bowed my head and prayed:

Lord, I am scared spitless about this contest and all that goes with it. I’m not sure I can do this. You are going to have to HELP me or I’m going to sink big time.

Not the most eloquent prayer I’ve ever prayed but the moment I spoke those words the verses in Proverbs 3:5-6 seemed to wash over me. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Thank You, Lord, for the exact words I needed to hear to calm my feelings of inadequacy. I do need to TRUST in You and lean not on my own understanding. When I do, there's no doubt the contest (and my life) will be headed in the right direction.

Love ya!!!
nettie

LOVE ME TENDER

by Janice Hanna Thompson




I'll bet most of you thought I was going to write a blog about ELVIS today, didn't you? Well, I'm not, but my dear friend, Janice Hanna Thompson is going to tell us all about her lastest book - LOVE ME TENDER.





Hi everyone! Thanks for stopping by nettie's blog to share in the excitement of LOVE ME TENDER, my latest inspirational romance. When I heard about the new “When I Fall in Love” line at Summerside, I flipped! Why? Because I love the ‘50s, and I love music! (The line is based on song titles from the 1930s to the 1970s.) I happen to be a playwright with a really fun musical comedy titled JOHNNY BE GOOD, a story that’s near and dear to my heart. I decided to put a twist on that stage play and turn it into a rockin’ romantic novel! With that in mind, I hope you enjoy this “Hollywood Heartthrob” interview with four of the main characters from the novel.

Hollywood Heartthrob, “Man About Town” Column:

Welcome, readers! This is Sunset Sam, columnist for Hollywood Heartthrob magazine, here to interview several characters from LOVE ME TENDER, a new book by author Janice Hanna Thompson. I read the book in preparation for this interview and had a hip-hip hoppin’, be-be-boppin’ time reading about the characters down at Sweet Sal’s Soda Shoppe in Laguna Beach. I’ve been to Sweet Sal’s many times, of course. Everyone in Hollywood knows it’s all the rage. Where else can you get a big, thick cheeseburger, hot, salty fries and the thickest chocolate malts in the country? Now that I’ve enticed you with the food, let’s have a little chat with some of the key players in our story. We’ll start with Debbie Carmichael, daughter of the owners of Sweet Sal’s.

Debbie, could you tell us a little about what your day-to-day life is like?
Most of the girls my age are in college, but I decided to stay in Laguna Beach and help my parents out at our family run soda shop. I have the best life ever! I live across the street from the Pacific Ocean, and love spending time at the cliffs, watching the waves lap the shore. When I’m at the soda shop, the jukebox is always playing. I’m gaga over Elvis’s new song, “Love Me Tender.” It’s all the rage with teen girls right now. Of course, I’m also head over heels for Bobby Conrad, but don’t tell my friends, okay? They think I’m more mature than most of the other teen girls who hang out Sweet Sal’s. Of course, I’m a little distracted by that new guy, Johnny Hartman. He’s so sweet and handsome, and I hear he’s a great singer, too!

Johnny, I read in another article that you came all the way from Topeka Kansas to Hollywood to make it big. How does Hollywood compare to Topeka?

There’s really no way to compare Topeka to Los Angeles. People out here (in California) are more up on current styles, the hottest tunes and the hippest actors and actresses. Back home, folks are so grounded. That isn’t always the case here in L.A. I hope I don’t sound too stuck up when I say that back in Topeka, I was a big fish in a small pond. And because my dad’s a pastor, I had plenty of opportunities to sing in church. But out here in L.A. no one even knows who I am. My agent, Jim Jangles, is working hard to get me a gig on television. I’m auditioning for Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts soon. Say a little prayer for me!

Bobby, I understand you were slotted to sing at the fundraiser at Sweet Sal’s Soda Shoppe, but had to cancel. Could you explain your sudden departure?

Yes, I was scheduled to sing at the fundraiser, but just got word that I’ll be filming my new movie that same weekend. I was really disappointed to have to tell the Carmichaels the news, but hopefully they understand. I think it’s going to be okay, because my agent, Jim Jangles, is sending his latest prodigy—a kid from Topeka named Johnny Hartman—in my place. I hear he’s quite a singer.

Sal, could you tell our readers about some of the Hollywood stars you’ve met over the years?

First of all, thanks for including me in this interview! It’s been decades since I was a teen, but I still secretly read Hollywood Heartthrob magazine. (Shh! Don’t tell my husband, Frankie, or my daughter, Debbie!) I’m blessed to be the co-owner of Sweet Sal’s Soda Shoppe in Laguna Beach, and I’ve met a lot of stars who’ve come through on their way to places like Dana Point and San Diego. Here’s a list of some of my favorites: Doris Day, Gregory Peck, Frank Sinatra, Audrey Hepburn, Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Ozzie and Harriet. There are dozens more, of course. I want to personally invite all of your readers to stop by Sweet Sal’s Soda Shoppe so that they can see the photos on our walls! And while you’re here, why not enjoy a creamy chocolate malt?

Debbie, a little birdie told me that you and the other girls in Laguna Beach are gaga over Elvis, Pat Boone and Bobby Conrad. Now that you’ve gotten to know (and love) Johnny Hartman, what would you say sets him apart from the other great singers you’ve known?

Oh, no doubt about it. . .Johnny isn’t just a great singer, he’s got a heart of gold. I especially love his strong faith. Unlike so many of the other singers in town, he doesn’t put himself first. With Johnny, it’s God first. . .all the way! And when he sings. . .man! That voice! It’s a smooth as velvet. (And it doesn’t hurt that he’s so dreamy! Talk about handsome!)

Johnny, you’ve been asked to fill in for Bobby Conrad at the Laguna Beach fundraiser. Can you tell us how you’re feeling as you look forward to the big day?

I don’t mind admitting I’m a little nervous. Who wouldn’t be? Thousands of girls from Orange County and beyond are looking forward to seeing Bobby Conrad in person. Now I’ve been asked to fill in for him. I’ll be lucky if they don’t boo me off the stage or toss rotten tomatoes at me! Hopefully my new love song—the one I wrote for the gorgeous Debbie Carmichael—will win them over. I hope so, anyway!

Bobby, many Christians have a hard time hanging onto their faith once they achieve stardom. You seem so grounded. What’s your secret?

I always try to honor God in everything I do—whether it’s movies or songs for the radio. There’s a verse that I love, and it’s one I try to live by: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” The way I look at it, if I make a choice to put God first, He’s going to bless me above and beyond anything I could ever ask for, anyway. Even if He didn’t bless me, though, I would still serve Him. It’s really the only way to live a fulfilling life. (And trust me when I say that people out here in L.A. are looking for ways to live a fulfilling life!)

Sal, we were sorry to hear about your husband’s health problems. How is he doing now?

Praise the Lord, Frankie seems to be doing a little better. His heart attack several months ago really shook us up. And we got behind on the mortgage, which has made me a little nervous. Still, I choose to trust God. And now that everyone in town is banding together to put on the fundraiser to save the soda shop, I’m feeling more hopeful than ever!

Debbie, is there anything you’d like Hollywood Heartthrob readers to know as we end this interview?

Yes, I would like people to know that it is possible to live in Hollywood—to be a big star, even—and still be a person of faith. I’ve witnessed it in Bobby Conrad’s life, and in Johnny’s, too. I’d also like to share that putting your trust in God is really the only way to go. Some problems are just too big for us to handle on our own. When my dad got really sick, I made up my mind to try to “fix” the situation. What I’ve learned is this—only God can truly “fix” anything. And trust me when I say that His “fix” is far greater than anything we could ever dream up!

Well, there you have it, Hollywood Heartthrob fans. This is Sunset Sam, signing off for this week. See you next time!

Janice, as always, it's such a pleasure to have you on my blog. You entertain and enlighten us everytime you visit. You are welcome any time.

And for a special treat - for those who leave a comment (or email) me, I'll put your name in for a drawing on October 11 for a copy of Janice's book, LOVE ME TENDER.


Janice is hosting a GIVEAWAY too. Go to her facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/jhannathompson). To enter: leave a comment on her page with the name of your favorite ‘50s star (movies or music). Explain why you liked him/her. The drawing to win the Be-Boppin’ ‘50s Basket (filled with great ‘50s memorabilia) will take place on the weekend of Oct. 29th – 31st. Why? Because that’s the same weekend Janice is directing a local (Houston) production of JOHNNY BE GOOD the musical comedy that served as inspiration for LOVE ME TENDER.

To visit Janice’s webpage, go to: www.janicehannathompson.com.

Her Daughter's Dream

by Francine Rivers
Tyndale House Publishers
September 2010

From the very first page of Her Daughter's Dream , Francine Rivers words captured me. I'm certain I lost sleep because I couldn't put her book down. As I neared the end, oh how I wanted the story to continue for another 200 pages. Well done, good and faithful servant.


In the dramatic conclusion to the New York Times best seller Her Mother’s Hope, Francine Rivers delivers a rich and deeply moving story about the silent sorrows that can tear a family apart and the grace and forgiveness that can heal even the deepest wounds.

Growing up isn’t easy for little Carolyn Arundel. With her mother, Hildemara, quarantined to her room with tuberculosis, Carolyn forms a special bond with her oma Marta, who moves in to care for the household. But as
tensions between Hildie and Marta escalate, Carolyn believes she is to blame. When Hildie returns to work and Marta leaves, Carolyn and her brother grow up as latchkey kids in a world gripped by the fear of the Cold War.

College offers Carolyn the chance to find herself, but a family tragedy shatters her newfound independence. Rather than return home, she cuts all ties and disappears into the heady counterculture of San Francisco. When she reemerges two years later, more lost than ever, she reluctantly turns to her family to help rebuild a life for her and her own daughter, May Flower Dawn.

Just like Carolyn, May Flower Dawn develops a closer bond with her grandmother, Hildie, than with her mother, causing yet another rift between generations. But as Dawn struggles to avoid the mistakes of those who went before her, she vows that somehow she will be a bridge between the women in her family rather than the wall that separates them forever.

Spanning from the 1950s to present day, Her Daughter’s Dream is the emotional final chapter of an unforgettable family saga about the sacrifices every mother makes for her daughter—and the very nature of unconditional love.

**********

Once again I have the privilege of featuring Francine Rivers on my blog. For a special treat she's stopped in to answer a few questions about her newest book and the writing life. Why don't we grab a cup of coffee and sit back and enjoy some time with Francine (and be sure to read to the end of my blog for a big announcement).

Writing a novel is not for the faint of heart. What was the most difficult part of writing this family saga? What came the most naturally to you?

The most difficult part of writing any novel is getting out of my own way. I have to get rid of preconceived notions about themes and characters and plot. The first draft of this novel came in at over 1000 pages and was too biographical. I wanted the story to shift back and forth from present to past, trying to show what happened to create the rifts and valleys between Hildemara, Carolyn and May Flower Dawn. I was too cautious, too afraid to harm to my grandmother and mother’s memory.

A wonderful editor wrote me an insightful letter in which she listed what she wanted to know about each the characters. Her letter got my creative juices flowing. She helped me look at the story in a new way. I set the first manuscript aside and started over. I found it better to move from one generation to the next in a linear story. This time the characters followed my grandmother and mother’s timeline, but took on a life of their own. They became unique individuals rather than the shadow of real people.

After readers finish this series what do you want them to remember? What questions and feelings do you want it to provoke on a spiritual and emotional level?

I hope and pray readers who have had difficult relationships with their mothers or daughters will let go of the pain and anger and allow God to work in their lives. God can work all things together for good for those who trust and love Him. Following Jesus’ example changes the way we see people. It changes the way we relate to one another. Even when the chasm is too deep to cross, we can decide to forgive. Some people wear grievances like a dirty coat. With God’s strength, we can strip it off and be free. When people finish reading Her Daughter’s Dream, I hope they will want to extend God’s grace and forgiveness. I hope they will tear down their walls and use their life experiences to begin building a bridge.

Who do you see as the audience for this story, and does that differ from your previous readership?

I am fortunate to work with Tyndale House. If a writer does well in one genre, publishers encourage the writer to continue in the same genre. Tyndale has given me the freedom to go wherever the story leads. I have done historical as well as contemporary. This two-part saga was intended to be one LONG book. Splitting the story into two parts made it more affordable for readers, and eliminated the need to delete entire sections. Hopefully, both women and men will enjoy Her Mother’s Hope and Her Daughter’s Dream. Men play a strong role in the lives of all four primary characters: Marta, Hildemara Rose, Carolyn and May Flower Dawn. And both books have much to do with faith, how it presents itself, how it grows, often under difficult circumstances and in unexpected ways.

Where may we connect with you further or to purchase a copy of HER DAUGHTER'S DREAM?

I would love for you to visit my web site at www.FrancineRivers.com, browse through the various events and other resources available, as well as sign up for my mailing list. You may also join me on my Facebook page, please click here.

Okay, now for the BIG ANNOUNCEMENT. Drum roll please!!! You can WIN a copy of Her Daughter's Dream. All you have to do is comment on my blog (or send me an email). On October 4, I will draw out a name and announce the winner of Francine's fabulous new book.