MONDAY MADNESS (TWO)

Good Morning:

Another Monday and we all know what that means--PROMPTS. And lots of them.

Last week we ended with Day #4 from Robert Lee Brewer's list of writing prompts (you can also find his list on www.writersdigest.com). Let's see what Mr. Brewer has for us this week.

Day 5: TMI poem

For today's prompt, write a TMI poem (or too much information poem). As with all prompts, there are a number of ways to come at this one. You can make it about gossip or revealing too much personal information. You could write an information overload poem.

Day 7: Until (blank)

For today's prompt, take the phrase "Until (blank)," replace the blank with a word or phrase, make the new phrase the title of your poem, and write the poem. Possibilities include: "Until we meet again," "Until tomorrow," "Until monkeys fly out my butt," or even "Until blank" (why not?). Until we meet again...

Day 8: Tool poem

For today's prompt, pick a tool, make that the title of your poem, and write your poem. There are the more obvious tools, of course: hammer, screwdriver, wrench, etc. But there also less obvious tools and/or specialized tools available as well. Before attacking this poem, you may want to just think about the various possibilities first. Or just write.

Day 9: Self-portrait poem

For today's prompt, write a self-portrait poem. Other artists study themselves to create compositions (not all of them exactly flattering either), so it is only natural that poets, who are word artists, write self-portrait poems from time to time. In fact, some poets make self-portrait poetry "their main thing." For at least today, make it yours.

Day 11: "The Last (blank)" poem

For today's prompt, take the phrase "The Last (blank)," replace the blank with a word or phrase, make that the title of your poem, and then, write the poem. Some examples: "The Last Train," "The Last Kiss," "The Last Time I'll Give Directions to a Complete Stranger," "The Last Dance," etc.

There you have it. Another five prompts to get your heart racing, your palms sweating, and if you don't sit down right this very minute to write something, you'll explode prompts. Okay, maybe I exaggerate a little, but take one (or all) of them and have some fun. A masterpiece is waiting to happen.

Love ya,
nettie

PS: Yes, I do know how to count. I did leave out Day 6 and Day 10. The reason: I didn't want to overwhelm you with so many prompts in one day, so I picked out the best ones.

PSS: Also, remember to check in tomorrow - it's Tuesdays with Donn Taylor!!!

POETRY: FAVORITE SUNDAY SONGS

On Sunday morning, as a young child at the First Baptist Church, I sang "What A Friend We Have In Jesus." Through each verse, I found out Jesus was my Friend. Even today, whenever I hear those precious words, I still remember He is my dearest Friend and is always there to carry my burdens. All I have to do is go to Him in prayer.

WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS

What a Friend we have in Jesus,
all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
everything to God in prayer.

Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged;
take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful
who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy laden,
cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge,
take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do your friends despise, forsake you?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield you;
you will find a solace there.

Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised
Thou wilt all our burdens bear
May we ever, Lord, be bringing all to
Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright unclouded there
will be no need for prayer
Rapture, praise and endless worship
will be our sweet portion there.

Words: Joseph Scriven (1857)

Love ya,
nettie

PS: Reminders: Tomorrow is Monday Madness. A week of prompts coming your way. Also, if you're out and about Monday night, come to Barnes and Noble in The Woodlands (with poem in hand) and share your poetry with The Write Ingredients Writers Workshop. We'd love to have you!!!

NOBLE POETS

For the next three Saturdays, you’re in for a HUGE treat. I’m going to step aside to give you a chance to read poems from other people--poets who are also dear friends of mine. I hope you enjoy their work as much as I do.

This first ditty (untitled)came to me shortly after it was mentioned in my blog that centering and rhyming was a thing of the past.

So rhyming is out
She said with a shout
And centering is too
She cried out boo hoo.

Just let the words fly
Who cares about why
Or what we are saying
Duck quacks or mule braying.

This is poetry modern
The new art form that we can publish and put out in the world in any old fashion we choose, be it
Short
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOr long if we prefer.
Get it?
Got it
Want it?


Nope.

Written by: Al F.


MARY’S PLEA

“BROWN Edward. Reg. No. 12320. Rank: Private - Royal Dublin Fusilier 7th Batt. Died home 10th October, 1914. Born: Templemore, Co. Tipperary.”
www.fethard.com/research/soldiers.html

Da', come home, you've lain too long,
Beneath that cold green turf,
My champion, my dear bold man,
My loss in Ireland's earth.
Leave other heroes fill the graves
For King or England's glory,
You are the one, who sings my song,
Whose heartbeat is my story.

Da', come back, the music's fled
This sepulcher, our home.
Why don't you beat your big bass drum?
Why leave me dance alone?
Jack's fiddle hangs by Jimmy's flute
In silent testimony,
And Ned's too young to understand.
Da', come home and love me.

Written by: YMR

Thanks YMR and Al F. You are both stars in my book.
Love ya,
nettie

POETRY: CONCRETE POETRY - PART 2

Michael J. Vaughn, a Writer's Digest contributor) continues today with more teaching and ideas for creating our own concrete poems. Hope you're learning as much as I am. And I don't know about you, but I can't wait to get started writing one.

CONCRETE POETRY - PART 2

In Hollander’s 1969 “Swan and Shadow,” he uses the text to create the silhouette of a swan, the surface of a lake and the swan’s upside-down shadow. Hollander relates the words of the poem to their physical location within the image. (The swan’s head, for example, describes “Dusk / Above the / water … ”).

“One certainly needs no artistic talent in order to draw a good bit, and certainly not to rough out a silhouette,” Hollander says. “It’s not a lack of talent, but an absolutely dreadful educational system that prevents everyone from being able to draw a little.”

Through laborious trial-and-error experiments, I’ve devised a process for creating a shape poem, with two inherent biases. First, my process gives precedence to preserving the integrity of the original poem, applying the visual image afterward. Second, my process takes advantage of two modern advances: the image reduction/enlargement capabilities of today’s copiers, and the conveniences offered by computer word-processing programs.

1. Write a poem. Try free verse or prose forms. For this article, I used “Papageno’s Complaint,” a free-verse poem I recently wrote. It was inspired by the bird catcher in Mozart’s opera The Magic Flute.

2. Imagine a shape. It doesn’t have to reflect the primary subject of the poem. Sometimes it’s more effective to choose a shape that reflects a small detail or provides a subtle comment on the discourse. I chose the object of my character’s occupation: a bird. Because Papageno is a catcher of exotic birds, I settled on a toucan.

3. Find an image. In addition to the Internet, you might try magazines, photo books, children’s coloring books or craft stores. In my case, I found a photo of a toucan at a zoo’s website.

4. Get the right size. Run the lines of your poem together, inserting punctuation as needed, and print it out as a single prose paragraph. Compare the area taken up by your poem and that provided by your image. Use a copy machine to reduce or enlarge the image accordingly.

5. Cut and paste. Cut your poem into one-line strips and paste them over your image with a glue stick, beginning each line at the left margin of the image, and ending it at or slightly past the right margin. If you run out of words before you run out of image—or vice versa—return to the copier, adjust your image size and cut and past again. This is the most arduous step, but it’ll make the final two steps much easier.

6. Head to your computer. Identify your most leftward line. Beginning at flush left, type the entire line; then work your way upward and downward, using your space bar to position each line’s first letter according to its relationship to adjoining letters. For the tip of the beak, “down,” for instance, the letter “d” is directly beneath the “n” in “and.”

7. Edit. Once you’ve typed out the poem, you may want to adjust or change words to polish the silhouette.

Thank you Mr. Vaughn for your knowledge on the subject of concrete poems. And I hope everyone is excited to try their hand at creating one for themselves.

Love ya,
nette

POETRY: CONCRETE POETRY - PART 1

Have any of you heard of a concrete poems? If you haven't, today your day to learn all about them. I've chosen an article written by Michael J. Vaughn, a Writer's Digest contributor, to explain this different form of poetry to you.

CONCRETE POETRY - PART 1

In a shape poem, a poet uses the lines of his text to form the silhouette of an identifiable visual image—generally, an image that represents or comments upon the subject of the poem.

The shape poem goes back to Greek Alexandria of the third century B.C., when poems were written to be presented on objects such as an ax handle, a statue’s wings, an altar—even an egg. English poet George Herbert (1593-1633) led an Elizabethan movement using shape poems strictly for the page: two examples are “Easter Wings” and “The Altar,” written in the shape of, yes, wings and an altar. Lewis Carroll toyed with the notion in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, presenting “The Mouse’s Tale” in the shape of a mouse’s tail. The form continued into the 20th century through the typographical experiments of F.T. Marinetti and his anarchistic Futurism movement, Guillaume Apollinaire’s 1918 Calligrammes collection, the playful tinkering of e.e. cummings, the Chinese ideograms used by Ezra Pound, and various works by members of the Dadaist movement.

In the 1950s, a group of Brazilian poets led by Carlos Drummond de Andrade and Augusto de Campos sought to fully integrate the dual role of words as carriers of language and visual art. Using a phrase coined by European artists Max Bill and Öyvind Fahlström, the Brazilian group declared themselves the “concrete poetry” movement. In 1958, they issued a fiery manifesto lamenting the use of “words as mere indifferent vehicles, without life, without personality, without history—taboo-tombs in which convention insists on burying the idea.”

Concrete poetry was originally aimed at using words in an abstract manner, without an allusion to identifiable shapes. But as the movement reached the height of its popularity in the 1960s, it became less abstract and was adopted by conventional poets as a specific poetic form rather than a full visual/literary fusion. Many of them returned to the shape-based forms popular in the third century B.C.

Among the best of the ’60s shape poets was John Hollander, who created his works with a typewriter. As a scholar, editor and accomplished poet—working in many different forms—Hollander also provided a thorough explication of the process in his 1969 collection Types of Shape. Hollander described his process in a 2003 interview with the St. John’s University Humanities Review:

“I would think of the representation of some object in silhouette—a silhouette which wouldn’t have any holes in it—and then draw the outlines, fill in the outlines with typewriter type … and then contemplate the resulting image for anywhere from an hour to several months. The number of characters per line of typing would then give me a metrical form for the lines of verse, not syllabic but graphematic (as a linguist might put it). These numbers, plus the number of indents from flush left, determined the form of each line of the poem.”

WOW! I think that's plenty for today. But don't forget to come back tomorrow for Part 2.

Love ya,
nettie

POETRY - A JOURNEY

I don’t know about you, but I believe poetry is a glimpse into a person’s soul. Also, for me, writing poetry takes me on a journey. Sometimes it’s for needed healing. Other times the poem I come up with makes me smile.

Take the first poem I’m sharing with you today. I wrote "ON STAGE" two years ago using a Writer’s Digest prompt. Robert Lee Brewer asked us to write about your past.

ON STAGE

Lights dim. The sanctuary came alive
with young children’s murmuring and
scurrying around the makeshift stage.
A voice announced the planned program.
Baton tapped to quiet the excited bunch.
Parents prayed for their own to shush up.
Rows of cherubs lined three or four high.
The smallest youngsters stood in front.
The chords of Jesus Loves Me rang out.
My parents said my hands fidgeted, playing
with the hem of my new frilly dress. At stanzas
end, I had bunched the hem almost to my chest.

"STORM" I penned from another WD prompt (write about a storm). Guess I took this one literally (HA!)

STORM

Raindrops begin to cascade,
Down in translucent sheets.
Much needed nourishment
Saturates the hardened earth.
Bright blossoms stand at attention,
Drinking in heaven’s pick-me-up.
Maple leaves move rhythmically,
With the storm’s steady stream.
God’s refreshment they receive
As each dance in perfect harmony.
Soon Glory’s light show moves away,
Leaving fragments of its fury behind.
But I’m safe, nestled in His loving arms.
Tranquility fills the evening breeze.

Hope you enjoyed my poems. I’ve got lots more where those came from. I do love poetry!!

Love ya,
nettie

TOWARD POETRY REVIVAL

Did anyone fashion a poem from one of the prompts yesterday? I hope so. And, as promised, I'll share more prompts next Monday.

But today is TUESDAYS WITH DONN TAYLOR**.


A funny thing happened to poetry about a hundred years ago. Except that it wasn't very funny.

In really ancient times, several thousand years back, most of the important things written were written in poetry. The idea seems to have been that the most notable events or thoughts should be recorded in the most notable language. A lot has happened since then, and the prevalence of either poetry or prose has varied in different periods. The Renaissance gave us some of the most glorious poetry ever written, though it also brought the invention of the personal essay (Montaigne, Bacon). The creation of modern science in the seventeenth century gave rise to a new kind of prose that we now call technical writing. But, ironically, the writer most influential in its development was John Dryden, the premier English poet of the latter half of that century.

The novel as an art form had its beginnings in the eighteenth century and grew to full fruition in the nineteenth, though poetry (as practiced by writers like Pope, Wordsworth, Tennyson, and others) continued to have large audiences. Even in the early twentieth century, Robert Frost and Edward Arlington Robinson could actually make a living as poets.

But by WW I, the Imagists and other avant garde groups were moving poetry away from the general public and writing to smaller and smaller audiences, growing more esoteric and obscure, until most readers simply went somewhere else.

The result was, so to speak, a divorce of poetry from the audience that had sustained it through recent centuries. And that situation, for the most part, has prevailed through the twentieth century and into the twenty-first. In a rarified atmosphere with a significant element of narcissism, poets-as-conscious-artists write to other poets-as-conscious-artists, while potential readers in the general public turn to more rewarding media.

My message at Blue Ridge and other writers' conferences is that it doesn't have to be this way. I believe that what has been called a divorce is at worst a legal separation, and that reconciliation is possible. What we need is a phalanx of writers willing to study the elements of poetry, develop their craft, and write significant thoughts in beautiful language.

That's what I'm trying to do in my own poetry, and it's what I'm trying to teach others to do at writers' conferences. I've found that people respond well to readings of good-quality poetry aimed at a general audience. And who can read or hear a good poem without thinking, "I'd like to do that"? We won't make a lot of money with our poetry, but creating beautiful and inspiring things is its own reward. And well-written poems will endure and continue to teach and inspire long after our transient commercial prose is forgotten.

I'm hoping more and more writers will join the phalanx.

Yes, Donn, how can people read a good poem and not want to write one themselves? This is exactly why I'm featuring you (and other poets) this month. Thank you for your informative article today. I can't wait to hear more next Tuesday.

Love,
nettie

PS: FYI: The 2nd Monday of every month is POETRY night at The Write Ingredients Writing Workshop. We meet at 7:00 PM at Barnes and Noble at the The Woodlands Mall. Check it out and bring a poem or two to share.

**Mr. Donn Taylor is a poet and novelist who holds a PhD in Renaissance literature and has more than 20 years’ experience teaching poetry. His poetry has appeared in Christianity and Literature, The Lamp-Post (Journal of the California C. S. Lewis Society), and other journals, as well as general audience publications such as the Presbyterian Record (Canada). His poetry collection Dust and Diamond: Poems of Earth and Beyond was published in 2008. His fiction includes a suspense novel, The Lazarus File, and a light-hearted mystery, Rhapsody in Red. He has also published essays on writing, literary criticism, ethical issues, and U. S. foreign policy. In a prior incarnation, he served in two wars with the U. S. Army. His Web site is www.donntaylor.com.

MONDAY MADNESS

Some of you have watched your favorite college basketball teams in March Madness. Today I'm going to begin Monday Madness. Every Monday I’ll send you some prompts (which are courtesy of Robert Lee Brewer of Writer’s Digest). They're sure to get your creative juices flowing.

Here's his list so far this month (you can also follow his blog on www.writersdigest.com):

Day 1: Lonely Poem

Write a lonely poem. The narrator could be lonely. Someone or something in the poem could be lonely. Or the poem itself could try to evoke a feeling of loneliness for the reader. Or, as in challenges past, you could take the poem in a completely unique direction.

Day 2: Water Poem

For today's prompt, write a water poem. The poem could be specifically about water or just include water somewhere within the poem. You could even write about water-based phenomenon, such as rainbows or water spouts.

Day 3: Last night

For today's prompt, I want you to take the phrase "Partly (blank)," replace the blank with a word or phrase, make that the title of your poem, and then write the poem. For instance, your poem might be titled "Partly Cloudy," "Partly Crazy," "Partly Out of Touch," or whatever.

Day 4: History Poem

For today's prompt, write a history poem. This could mean a poem about your country's history, the history of an event or a tool, or even your own personal history. Hey, you could even write about the history of a relationship. The history of everything is fair game. Have fun!

Robert, I couldn’t agree more. And I hope everyone reading this post has some fun with these prompts. You might find you DO enjoy writing poetry.

Love ya,
nettie

PS: Check in tomorrow for Tuesday with Donn Taylor. Donn will share with you his knowledge and love of poetry. You don’t want to miss it.

POETRY IN SONG

Have you ever looked up the definition for the word poem? If you haven’t, here is the meaning of it from the Oxford American Dictionary and Thesaurus.

POEM: 1. a metrical composition, concerned with feeling or imaginative description. 2. an elevated composition in verse or prose. 3. something with poetic qualities.

1) Verse, lyric, rhyme, song, ode, ballad, sonnet

Some songs are written to convey a persuasive, passionate, and powerful message. For me, The Old Rugged Cross touches all three. Since today is Easter Sunday I wanted to include the words to the beloved hymn.

The Old Rugged Cross

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
The emblem of suffering and shame;
And I love that old cross where the dearest and best
For a world of lost sinners was slain.

Refrain

So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.

O that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
Has a wondrous attraction for me;
For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above
To bear it to dark Calvary.

Refrain

In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
A wondrous beauty I see,
For ’twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
To pardon and sanctify me.

Refrain

To the old rugged cross I will ever be true;
Its shame and reproach gladly bear;
Then He’ll call me some day to my home far away,
Where His glory forever I’ll share.

Refrain

Words & Music: by George Bennard

Love,
nettie

PS: Songs are poetry set to music.

POETRY--TO CENTER OR NOT

April 3, 2010

In two days we've learned that centered and rhyming poems are obsolete. Who knew? I didn't. But, I found out centering was a no-no AFTER I sent one of my masterpieces to a contest. Trust me, I didn't win and I received quite a scolding for my apparent faux pas.

Since the woman's critique, I have left justified every poem I write. What a difference it's made in my poetry. Moving my words to the left has given me the freedom to express myself in ways I've never experienced before. I no longer worry so much about the mechanics. Now I sit down and write whatever pops into my head. Glory Hallelujah!!!

If you are one of those who centers their poems--I suggest you go to the dark--OH, I mean left side. You too will feel a new found freedom.

Love,
nettie

PS: And, as promised, here is one of my poems:

WHAT WOULD I DO DIFFERENTLY?

What would I do differently?
The writing prompt asked today.
Pondering the searching question.
Finally, the answer. Pray, pray, pray.
I’d spent the last five years grumbling.
Life’s unfair, everything’s out of whack.
Blaming others for my ineptness.
Always the one ready to attack.
Seeking the Lord at my lowest.
Sure everything would be solved.
Funny, my attitude didn’t change.
His refining fire needed to evolve.
Flames lapping at my backside.
Screaming out loud for any relief.
Heavenly Father, where are You?
I’m sinking in this man-made grief.
His answer came amid continued gripes.
The Lord’s words penned cleansed my soul.
The message, His gift, became clear.
Daughter, let go, I AM in control.

POINTS ON POETRY (PART 2)

April 2, 2010

Here are more helpful hints from Writer's Relief. Hope they are getting your creative juices flowing.

PART 2: Poetry Turnoffs: Styles And Formatting That Make Editors Cringe

Thursday, 18 March 2010 09:17 by Writer's Relief Staff:

Poetry Format: Centering Lines

There is a perception among some newer poets (or at least, there is a perception among literary editors about newer poets) that centering the text of a poem somehow makes it look and feel more poetic. Few editors fall for that ruse, and some have been known to be dismissive of centered poems.

If your poem can be left justified without doing damage to the meaning of the poem, you may want to consider ditching the center justification if it helps your work get published in a well-known literary journal. That said, as with spacing, if there is a reason other than "it looks nice" that your poem must be centered, then by all means, stick to your guns. Hopefully, you’ll be able to connect with an editor who gets your work and will not dismiss your poem simply because of the center justification.

The Best Length For Poems

As the page count of your poems goes up, the chances of your seeing them published go down. One-page poems have the best shot at being placed. And poems that have long lines of text may not be eligible for publication in narrow literary magazines. For more on this issue, read Why Length Matters When Submitting Your Stories And Poems For Publication.

One Final Note About Poetry Format

The above tips are based on the experiences of Writer’s Relief in helping poets publish their poems in literary magazines since 1994. However, we do not advocate writing poetry only for the market. If the muse moves you to write a certain way, you should do what makes you happy, consequences be damned. Writing poetry is a very personal matter, and the decisions you make about your poems should be made with care and authority—regardless of the market.

If you find you are relying too heavily on any of the above, we recommend familiarizing yourself with the kinds of things that editors are publishing in your favorite literary journals. Being familiar with the work of contemporary poets is important to your craft, your muse, and your career. Read more: Seven Techniques You Must Know To Make Editors Notice Your Poetry (in a good way!).

"Writer's Relief, Inc. is a highly recommended author's submission service. Established in 1994, Writer's Relief will help you target the best markets for your creative writing. Visit their Web site at http://www.writersrelief.com to receive their FREE Writers' Newsflash (today, via e-mail) which contains valuable leads, guidelines, and deadlines for writing in all genres."


Love ya,
nettie

PS: FYI: I recommend signing up for their FREE newsletter. Lots of helpful grammer tips, places to submit our writing (fiction, poetry, etc.), and so much more.

POINTS ON POETRY (Part 1)

April 1, 2010

Some of you know April is Poetry Month. And, you also know I've mentioned this fact on my blog for the past three years. I've pestered you to join me on this poetic journey, but feel your enthusiasm is lacking when it comes to writing poetry.

So, this year I decided to do things a little different. Every day this month I'm going to post something about the world of poetry. Some days will be helpful hints on how to write and submit a poem (from sources who know more about poetry than I do). Another day or two, I'll add a prompt you can use to jumpstart your verse. I might even share a poem I've written along the way.

What do you say--Let's get started.

Today's article comes from Writer's Relief. Enjoy!

Poetry Turnoffs: Styles And Formatting That Make Editors Cringe

Thursday, 18 March 2010 09:17 by Writer's Relief Staff - Part 1:

At Writer’s Relief we are very tuned in to trends in the publishing industry, and we’ve noticed that some poetry formatting choices act as red flags to editors of literary journals. These red flags tend to make editors view poets as new or amateur. If you’d like to get your poems published in literary magazines, consider these tips before making your submission.

Rhyming Poetry And Contemporary Publishing

As disappointing as the news may be for some poets, very few literary journals are accepting rhyming poems or formal verse poems. From the lack of popular interest in rhyming poetry, it seems that many modern readers have come to regard rhyme as naive, outdated, and contrived. Literary editors of well-known journals are simply not banging down poets’ doors to publish rhyming poetry.

That said, some editors love and publish rhyme. Poets who excel in traditional verse may well find an outlet in literary journals; however, the writing must be exceptional in order to overcome the apparent editorial disinterest in rhyme.

Poetry Format: Double-Spaced Lines

One of the tell tale signs that a writer is new to the craft is unnecessary double-spacing of free verse or rhyming poems. Many double-spaced poems can easily become single-spaced poems without doing significant damage. The new writer may feel uncomfortable changing from double spaces to single spaces, but if you leaf through the pages of a literary magazine, you’ll find that most poems are single-spaced.

That said, some poems simply must be double-spaced. The writer selects double-spacing not just because it “looks nice” but because that format supports the meaning of the poem in some way. You can double-space your poems; just be sure you’re doing it deliberately, with sensitivity and awareness. If you can remove the double spacing without doing damage to the poem, it might be a good idea to do so. The format change will also help you keep the page count down.

***

"Writer's Relief, Inc. is a highly recommended author's submission service. Established in 1994, Writer's Relief will help you target the best markets for your creative writing. Visit their Web site at http://www.writersrelief.com to receive their FREE Writers' Newsflash, which contains valuable leads, guidelines, and deadlines for writing in all genres."

Love ya,

nettie

PS: Hope everyone enjoyed today's teaching. Be sure to check back tomorrow for Part 2.

Release From the Prison my Father Built

“Go home to your friends and tell them the great things the Lord has done for you.” (Mark 5:19)

Those words of Scripture burst alive in my heart almost 40 years ago as I knelt praying in my prison cell, asking the Lord if there was any way He could work things out for me to be released before finishing my entire sentence. I said “amen” and opened the Bible randomly to read this verse – “Go home to your friends and tell them the great things the Lord has done for you.”

I was stunned — and very excited. Somehow I knew that the Lord had heard my prayer and answered. I knew that I was going to get out of prison! And I knew what I was supposed to do once I got out — “go home to my friends and tell them.”

I also knew that there was nothing I could do to make this actually occur. If indeed it was the Lord speaking to me as I supposed, then He alone would be the One who would make what He had said happen.

And He did.

Less than two weeks later, on December 22, 1970, I was released from the Texas State Penitentiary. I went home to my friends and began telling them my story. And I have been doing just that for the past four decades. Now, I have the privilege to tell my story to you with the pubication of my new book, Released From the Prison My Father Built.

Beginning tomorrow I will post excerpts from the book to give you a first look at what the Lord has done, and how it can impact your own life as you follow after Jesus on your personal journey into freedom.

Enjoy!



Fresh off the press, Released From the Prison My Father Built is a riveting true story of one man’s personal journey from abandonment to love, from hopelessness to faith, and from incarceration to freedom. A fascinating read loaded with insights that help the reader find love, faith, and freedom for themselves. Get your copy today!



Available now online at www.truthworks.org . You can also click on rylisms under my LINKS to order.

Happy reading!!!
nettie

FRESH START - PART 2

In my blogs this year I’m going to keep with the theme I started in the one I sent December 31. Some of you may remember from that entry I proclaimed, “The only way to get started is to BEGIN.” And that’s exactly what I did. . . on January 5.

Now you’re probably wondering what happened to the first four days of the New Year. Let’s just say I excluded them because I had other important things to do. First, I had to get ready to celebrate my birthday on January 3, and then it took me one whole day to get over the fact that I’m OLD.

Anyway, back to my theme for 2010. To begin I knew I needed something to jumpstart my writing. And PROMPTS (which you know I love) would do the trick. With them, the possibilities are endless. They give me the freedom to write whatever pops into my head.

Without delay I went to my bookshelf and picked up A Writer’s Book of Days (thanks SW) and found the prompt for January 5. The entry read: Write about a day moon. A day moon? Not exactly the subject I’d have chosen to inspire me, but if anything could get my creative juices flowing—this would. Only one problem, I couldn’t remember the last time I’d seen a day moon. Guess I’d have to make something up (oh, isn’t that what writers do? HA!).

Here’s the little snippet I came up with:

The bright morning revealed an unexpected surprise. The almost translucent moon sat high above me. Not yet settled in the western sky. Not ready to dip to its final resting place. Not visible unless one took the time to glance heavenward. . .

My fingers continued to type. In the end, I wrote a devotional about my Heavenly Father's handiwork. His creation we sometimes miss because we are in such a hurry to see what's next.

Well, gotta run and see where the next prompt leads me. Maybe another devotional. A poem. A short story. I don’t know, but whatever it is—the Lord never ceases to amaze me on this journey called writing.

Bon voyage,
nettie

PS: Take it from me - prompts can jumpstart your writing too. Why don't you give them a try today.

FRESH START - 2010

I’ve finally figured it out. The only way to get started is to BEGIN. What a profound concept. And, January 1, 2010 seems the apropos time to kick my life in the rear end and do just that.

Yes, you’ve heard me say those same words a thousand times, but I’m serious this time. If I’m going to succeed at anything, I have to DO SOMETHING. So, here are the EIGHT things I’m going to do to make it happen in 2010:

1. Pray fervently and BE STILL (which will be difficult for me since I like to talk so much). But we do know the Lord God Almighty can do the impossible. Remember, He DID part the Red Sea. So I guess He can shut my mouth long enough so I can hear the plans He has for me.

2. Write, edit, submit. Write, edit, submit. Write, edit, submit. Without these three things going hand-in-hand, how can I expect to accomplish anything?

3. I’m going to quit procrastinating. Oh how I hate to even bring up that subject, but it’s a glaring problem in my life. I like what Edward Young (whoever he is) says, “Procrastination is the thief of time.” Amen and pass the potatoes, brothers and sisters. So, starting today, I’ll not put off until tomorrow what I can do today.

4. Decide someone else’s bad attitude is not always my fault. The only attitude I have control over is my own. When I realize this fact, then my mind will be free to pursue what the Lord intends.

5. Market myself (i.e. send out more queries, do extra speeches, offer to speak at Toastmaster contests and/or other functions, find more editing jobs, etc.).

6. Keep on learning, listening and letting the Lord have more control of my life.

7. Remind myself to only think of whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things…And the God of peace will be with me. (Philippians 4:8 NIV)

8. And above all – start my day with PRAYER! Only then can I get busy!!

Dear Family and friends:
As 2010 begins - May the Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. (Numbers 6:24-26).

Happy New Year,
nettie

PS: And anyone who wants to hold me accountable on the above mentioned items – BRING IT ON!!

FOOLS RUSH IN

Are you looking for the perfect romantic comedy for your Christian reading group? Look no further than Fools Rush In, where Tex-Mex meets Italian for a boot scoot'n good time!





Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Revell (September 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800733428

Here's a synopsis:

Bella Rossi may be nearing thirty, but her life is just starting to get interesting. When her Italian-turned-Texan parents hand over the family wedding planning business, Bella is determined not to let them down. She quickly books a "Boot Scoot'n" wedding that would make any Texan proud. There's only one catch—she knows nothing about country music because her family only listens to Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. Where will she find a DJ on such short notice who knows his Alan Jackson from his Keith Urban?

When a misunderstanding leads her to the DJ (and man) of her dreams, things start falling into place. But with a family like hers, nothing is guaranteed.

Can the perfect Texan wedding survive a pizza-making uncle with mob ties, an aunt who is a lawsuit waiting to happen, and a massive delivery of 80 cowboy boots? And will Bella ever get to plan her own wedding? Book one in the Weddings by Bella series, Fools Rush In is fun, fresh, and full of surprises. Readers will love the flavorful combination of Italian and Tex-Mex, and the hilarity that ensues when cultures clash.

Here's what several readers had to say about the book:
REVIEWER: Carly
Carlybird’s Home
http://carlybirdshome.blogspot.com/

Do you need a laugh? I mean a really good laugh? Then you need to read Fools Rush In. This has got to be one of the funniest books I have ever read, perhaps even the funniest. The concept of these two very different cultures coming together is priceless. The author has obviously spent a lot of time with very large Italian families because she knows all of their funny little nuances, and I love that.

The characters in this story are so delightful and I loved all the different personalities that just seemed to blend well together without feeling contrived. I especially liked Guido; he was a great source of humor and hope. The story was fun and fast paced, but still had a good flow to it. It never felt rushed nor did it drag at any point.
At the heart of this very funny book is Bella, a young woman who has a lot of fears and insecurities. As she embarks on the challenge of running her family’s wedding planning business, she must learn to trust God for everything. That is a simple truth that we all need to hear as much as possible. I am so glad that Fools Rush In is the first in the Weddings by Bella series. I hope the author is hard at work on the next book because I am so excited to read it. Fools Rush In was such a pleasant surprise. I didn’t know what to expect, but I have to say, this book is a delight. I can’t recommend this book strongly enough. It will make you laugh and make you think. You will be glad you read it. I know I am.

From Author Trish Perry:
Mamma mia, let's escape! Let's fall in love! Let's eat chicken parmesan, fettuccini alfredo, and Bubba's down-home barbeque without gaining a pound. It's all possible when we hang out with Bella Rossi in Fools Rush In. Janice Thompson's first installment in the Weddings by Bella series is a fun, welcome distraction from life's boredom and stress. You'll fall for Bella's DJ even faster than she does. And you'll root for the Rossi and Neeley families as they break down cultural barriers and rush toward each other, arms wide open. No fools, they! - Trish Perry (www.trishperry.com)

From Ane Mulligan, editor, Novel Journey
“Janice Thompson is a master storyteller who draws her readers into the tale along with the characters. From page one of Fools Rush In, I felt as if I were Bella’s best friend, sitting down with her over cups of Italian cappuccino while she told me the latest happenings in her zany family. One of my top picks for 2009, Fools Rush In earns a permanent place in my library.”

MORE INFO ABOUT THE BOOK:
E-Blast:http://www.bakerpublishinggroup.com/thompson%5Feblast/

Book Trailer (YouTube): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TufSwOeXuoU

To read the first two chapters of the book online:http://www.revellbooks.com/Media/MediaManager/Excerpt
_9780800733421.pdf
Romantic Times Spotlight:http://www.rtbookreviews.com/stage/authors_spotprev.php?id=605

Janice's Website: www.janiceathompson (to purchase an autographed copy of the book)

Janice's Email: booksbyjanice@aol.com

Buy Fools Rush in at amazon.com here:http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0800733428/ref=s9_
simz_gw_s0_p14_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-
2&pf_rd_r=08AVC0VFEXKRNQTXT7DR&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=
470938631&pf_rd_i=507846

Thanks so much for your interest! Have a boot scoot'n day, y'all!

Janice Thompson lives in the Houston area and is thrilled to speak to local reading groups and/or women's groups. She can be reached at booksbyjanice@aol.com. You will find a copy of the book's discussion questions here: http://www.bakerbooks.com/Media/MediaManager/FoolsRushInDiscussion
Questions.pdf

Love ya,
nettie

PS: I've read Janice's wonderful book. From the beginning she had me laughing out loud. Her words transported me into her imagination. I felt as if the Rossi's (themselves) welcomed me into their home for a feast of Italian fare. Great read and very entertaining. LOVED IT!!!!

SIGN, SIGN, EVERYWHERE A SIGN

Except in and around Washington, D.C.

R. and I find this is sooooooooo true when we’re on the road again to our nation’s capitol (via Arlington, Virginia). AND, this lack of signage AND/OR size of signs almost gets me thrown in the slammer (you think I’m kidding – I’m not). Let me explain. . .

Oh, but I have to tell you about our visit to the Arlington National Cemetery first.


Hallowed ground, the sign reads! Silence surrounds us as we walk among the white grave markers. Row after perfectly aligned row blankets the landscape and it’s so much bigger than I thought it would be. Again, I say “thank you” to the countless men and women who sacrificed their all for our freedom.


Next, R. and I go to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to watch the changing of the guard ceremony. Even though we read about it before we made the trip, it’s amazing to see. Unbelievable what these soldiers must go through to get one of the prestigious positions. To read more - go to www.arlingtonceremony.net.

Precision.........................................Pride.......................................Patriotism.

As we leave the cemetery in search of our next destination – the Pentagon Memorial - the signage problem starts to rear its ugly head (refer to first paragraph above). Try as we might, we can’t find the highway to take us to the 9-11 memorial, but we do locate (and take) the one leading us back to Herndon.
R. doesn’t let this little detour dissuade him. He turns around and we get on the road again and locate a honking sign announcing the Pentagon exit, which is a half mile in front of us. Praise the Lord, we’re almost there.

NOT SO FAST! What do my eyes behold but a teeny tiny sign telling unsuspecting tourists that the exit we’re about to pass is the one we want. I shout and point and POOF! Mario Andretti replaces R. in the driver’s seat (or so it seems). Somehow hubby’s able to maneuver the Hyundai down the ramp in time with no mishaps recorded.

Unfortunately, those are about to surface when we try to park at the Pentagon. Every sign in the large lot indicates that only cars with specific stickers can park there. Since we see others parking there, R. and I reason it’s o-ke-do-kie to do the same.

I get out of the car and decide it’s time to take a picture. But before I do that, please repeat this phrase after me – “For lack of knowledge, people perish.”

One minute I’m posed to take a photo of the Pentagon and the next thing I know two cops are vying for MY full attention. People, I’m torn as to which one of them to go to. Do I go to the one on my left who’s just jumped out of his car and is waving his arms at me? OR do I go to the one in front of me who is sitting in his patrol car with his index finger out his window motioning me to come on over?

Logic tells me I better do something before one of them decides to shoot me for evading arrest. With my heart a pounding, I look over to Officer #1 and point at Officer #2 and shout, “He wants to see me, too.”

It’s obvious by Officer #1’s expression he doesn’t know what I’m trying to say. Also, I realize he doesn't see Officer #2 and the fact he too is beckoning me. I repeat myself and point with more enthusiasm at Officer #2. Finally Officer #1 understands and turns and goes back to his patrol car. I can once again breathe.

We head over to Officer #2’s vehicle and before I can ask what all the fuss is about, the man says, “Put the camera away. It’s against the law to take pictures of the Pentagon.”

As quick as I can, I stuff my camera deep into my Capri pocket. “Sir, I’m so sorry. I didn’t see any signs.”

It’s obvious my answer isn’t the one he wants because the young man’s bald head begins to turn a pinkish color. Seems he’s struggling with what to say next. He takes a couple of breaths and with all the calm he can muster, he blurts out, "there are SIGNS posted everywhere stating that the taking of photographs is illegal.”

Before a sassy retort falls out of my mouth (like - where are they), R. jumps in and informs the policeman of the signage woes we’ve already experienced today. The officer seems to agree with our assessment and says so.

I’m thinking that we're getting somewhere and we’re almost done with this discussion. I really want to move on to see the memorial.

NOT SO FAST – R. isn’t finished. He adds, “And we aren’t supposed to park here, are we.” He point to our little car in the almost empty lot.

“No. You need to follow the signs to park at the mall. Turn on Red, White and blah, blah, blah…”

ALL I WANT TO DO IS SEE THE MEMORIAL! Please, don't tell me we have to find another SIGN!

I wait patiently as the officer finishes his directions, and then I thank him for his help. R. and I walk to the car and together we decide it’s time to move on. Today isn’t the day to see the Pentagon Memorial – maybe next trip.

R. finds his way out of the parking lot and is on the road again and I’m happy to report we locate our next stop - Capitol City Brewing Company – without any more incidents. And, I think you’ll agree I’ve had one too many of those already. People, it's not every day I’m in the middle of a stand-off and almost get thrown in jail.


Now you know why I’m a writer.

Love ya,
nettie

HAPPY 4th of JULY

Today’s blog is our 4th of July/28th Anniversary adventure. Yes, I'm a tad behind, but sit back. It's a ride you're sure to enjoy. We’re on the road again -this time we visit Harpers Ferry, West Virginia.

We make our usual stop at the area’s Visitor’s Center. Then we head to the Appalachian Trail Visitor Center. This is the place where thru-hikers stop for supplies, hook up on the Internet, and rest up. A sign boasts it’s the halfway point between Georgia and Maine.

Since I’m a curious sort, I start talking to one of the thru-hikers. Kozemo tells us he started his trek on the AT in March, but got side-lined in mid-May. He slipped coming down a hill and broke his leg.

People, I know what you're thinking, but I stay put and calmly ask him if a helicopter was involved in his rescue.

“No, I’m trained as an EMT and I had my buddy wrap my leg real tight and we walked out.”

At that moment, I decide I am NUTS for even thinking about hiking any of the 2,178 miles. BUT when I thought it couldn't get worse, it did. After our chat with Kozemo, I pick up a book to read. Information inside seals the deal. I AM NUTS and I’m not sleeping in the shelters along the Appalachian Trail. They have MICE (did I mention I hate them more than going over huge bridges).

I've never hyperventilated before, but I am certain I was doing just that with this last bit of news. Then I realize (and start to smile), I don’t have to worry about the rodents. First, I have to train for the long journey. And, I’m thinking it’s going to take a whole lot longer to get into shape than I thought (wink, wink).

We head to our hotel and settle in. Oh, by the way, did I mention the reason it's a big day? R. is dragging me down a big nasty river in nothing but a little rubber boat. We're riding the rapids.

Oh, how I prayed for the Lord’s return, but the day dawns clear and bright. We arrive at River Riders with plenty of time to spare. R. assures me that we’ll face Category 1 and 2 (mild, with a few bumps) rapids. I’m okay with his explanation until I watch the safety film. The water and people flopping around in the rafts appear anything but tame. God help me.

Again, I bow my head in fervent prayer, but Jesus decides it still isn’t time for his triumphant return. I don’t have a choice but to go and get fitted with a helmet and life vest. We take a bus to the Shenandoah River and Ryan, our guide, loads us up and we’re off.



All (or most) of my fears disappear a few yards from shore. Ryan assures me if I pay attention, I won’t fall out of the raft. Whenever we come close to any rapids, he tells us exactly what we need to do. I’m out of my comfort zone and having a GREAT time. Who knew?




As our almost four hour voyage wraps up, I look back and ponder - it's amazing when I push the limits I’ve set for myself, I enjoy the experience. Am I ready for bigger and faster rapids? Not quite yet, but I’ll remember the great time R. and I had for years to come.


Both of us are tired pups, but there’s still daylight. We take off on the back roads and (as usual) find some interesting sites (see picture below).

We found this adorable house in Shepherdstown, WV. Wouldn’t this make a wonderful playhouse? Honestly, I’d love to go home right now and build one and call it my office. Since it seems almost magical, maybe I’d get some serious writing done. Just a thought!


Our eventful day ends and our heads hit the pillow early ‘cause tomorrow is another big day. It’s July 4th and our 28th anniversary. R. and I need to do some serious celebrating after the year we’ve had (I’ll leave it at that and go on) and what we decide to do is hike another stretch of the Appalachian Trail (no worry about mice today since I won’t be sleeping).

R. pulls into the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park and we grab our hiking sticks out of the trunk and take a bus. The driver drops us off in Harpers Ferry and within minutes we’re on the trail again.



Should we go to Maine or Georgia? Decisions, decisions, decisions.




We decide to head north and maybe a half mile into our excursion; I spot a man in a wheelchair coming toward us. This incredible sight puts any troubles I may have in the “quit grumbling, it could be so much worse” file in my heart. R. and I say hi and the gentleman asks if we want to buy some water. Since it’s early, we decline (stay tuned to the rest of the story).

As you can see we manage to clock a quite a few miles on our hike today (and if you believe that we walked 59 miles – I’ve got some land in Florida I’d like you to look at-HA!).


As much as we hate to end our hike, it’s time to go. We turn around and on our way, we run into the gentleman in the wheelchair. This time we’re ready to buy a bottle or two of water from him, but he’s sold out, but all is not lost. Craig goes on to share why he spends his time on the trail.

“I’ve got two choices. I can stay in a nursing home and die or I can be out here, bringing water to people who need it. I’d rather be among the living.”

Amen! And what a testimony, Craig. Thanks for putting things into perspective. May God richly bless you and your endeavors.

We head to Herndon for a dinner at Uno-Chicago Grill. What a delightful day and it ends with delicious food (dessert was on the house-what a surprise).

Love,
nettie

PS: And since we’re speaking of Uno – our wonderful waitress brought us our doggy bag in this brightly colored box. What a sweetheart.

BRIDGES, BOARDWALK, BEACH, BELL

Mapquest is one of the best inventions, but I still have one BIG grumble about them and that is their last two directions. The streets don’t exist OR they moved them when they knew we were coming to town. Please tell me someone else has this problem?

The step-by-step instructions get us on the road again to Atlantic City, New Jersey this time. Today there’s no back roads for us – toll roads are calling R.’s name. He says they’ll save us an hour and a half in driving time. This sounds good to me (that is until he makes the eight stops at the toll booths and forks over a whopping $17.35). Thank goodness R. thought to get some cash before we left. God bless him.


Our travels take us over the Delaware River and did I ever mention I don’t like bridges? I’ve found in this area you don’t have a choice but to take them. Only other option - ferry a boat to get where you’re going.


I live through the traumatic ordeal and we make it to our destination on time (despite all the stops at the toll booths, breakfast/Starbucks/potty break AND (refer back up to first paragraph) not finding the last two street on our directions).

As usual, we didn’t make reservations. Thought we’d check out the area and then make our decision on where to stay. I’m so glad we did because we find a cozy bed and breakfast (The Carisbrook Inn) a block from the Boardwalk and beach.


Our room looks out over the Atlantic Ocean and the first thing we do is open all the windows and let the sea breeze in. Tiredness just evaporates and we’re ready for whatever the rest of our day has to offer.

Which is off to walk on the Boardwalk and visit some of the establishments (casinos) lining the beach. Lady luck smiles on me the first day, but leaves me high and dry the rest of the time. That’s okay, the stars align for R. and his winnings keep us in the black. No need to sell our gold to get home.

After dinner we head back to the bed and breakfast and open the windows again. We crawl into their king size bed and soon we’re fast asleep.


Early the next morning (before breakfast), we take a stroll along the beach. We don’t get very far before I stop and begin my ritual of collecting shells. I hear R. sigh deeply. The sure sign he wants me to walk faster (get a little exercise while we at it), but that’s not happening. Do I have to remind him (AGAIN) that there are treasures waiting for me to find? Anyway, I’m getting a workout – bend over, pick up shell, stand up, walk six inches and bend over. . .you get the drift.

Soon, my stomach starts to growl and I know breakfast is calling my name. We get back to the b&b and clean up and go downstairs. A couple is already sitting in the dining room. We chat with them while we wait for our fare of the day (fruit, scone, omelet, potatoes, juice – did I say we weren’t hungry after their feast?).

Another couple comes in and starts chatting with all of us. Laughter fills the room. I smile. THIS is why R. and I stay at b&b’s and why we owned one. In the matter of minutes you make friends and everyone has a tale to tell.

And, this morning, for some reason, our story seems to intrigue these people – especially the last couple. They have questions about opening up an auto repair shop. I know for a fact we spent over two hours talking to them about opening, running and maintaining a successful shop.

They listen to us and the bits of advice we give them, and then they shared their hearts with us. In the end we prayed for them. What a blessing and one we would have missed if we’d stayed at an ordinary hotel. Thank You, Lord.

We hate to leave our new friends, but need to get on the road again. Our next stop – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - and the home of the Liberty Bell.


Right in front of us is another bridge (which you know I love). This one is called the Ben Franklin Bridge. While R. drives across the monstrosity, I look for signs for the famous bell. There are none (or I didn’t see any that points us in the right direction).

But after reading the teeny-tiny map of downtown Philadelphia, I discover we’re going the WRONG direction. I tell R. to turn around and without another mishap (and my expert navigational skills-HA!) we find the Visitor’s Center.

Before we get very far inside, I see an interesting sign - Tickets for Independence Hall are SOLD-OUT! Oh my goodness, does this mean we don’t get to see the Liberty Bell? I scurry over to the counter and ask the young girl. She assures us that the bell is in another building and circles the location. We thank her and follow the map she gave us.






Liberty Bell and
Independence Hall in the background




After R. snaps a picture of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, I hear a man reading the first paragraph to his son. At first I chuckle to myself, but then realize how important this moment is. I’m witnessing a father trying to convey to his son the importance of the document in front of them. And, the reason our nation is free today.


Well, I better wrap up our Back East Bloglog for today. Stay tuned for more adventures to come.

Love ya and happy reading,
nettie

PS: What a sight!! A clown toting a tool box - either they have lots of make-up to carry or they’re a handyman wearing the outfit as a unique marketing tool. I’ll guarantee I wouldn’t forget my plumber if he came in a get-up like that one.

A SHORT DISTANCE AWAY

Today our excursion takes us on the road again to Baltimore's Inner Harbor. A mere 60 miles from Herndon. Amazing that a whole other state is just a little over an hour away. Tad different from Texas, I’d say.

And, as usual, our trips come with a delay or funny (this is a little of both). The fact is I should leave my coffee cup at the apartment. But noooooooo I bring it along and swig it down like I have a Porta Potty in the back seat (we didn’t buy that Hyundai model). Even these short distances cause me problems.

R. (ever so kind) takes an exit which boasts of a Shell station. On our off-the-freeway run, not a gas station is found. He turns the car around and gets back on I-495. As he merges, the VERY next sign announces a rest area and a visitor’s center a half mile away. Glory Hallelujah. There is a God in heaven and He heard his daughter’s cries.

Now we’re ready to visit Baltimore's Inner Harbor.



The city skyline welcomes us.



We park and spot the Visitor’s Center and go in and get a map of the area and start walking. I don’t believe we went two blocks and hunger pangs hit R. And since I'm never one to turn down a meal, I follow and order a slice of pizza. When it comes it’s hanging over the side of the plate. It’s the biggest slice of pizza I’ve ever seen and I consume most of it.

With energy to burn, we take off again.

First stop Camden Yards (in baseball lingo that’s the Baltimore Orioles stadium) and another landmark I can check off my list. As we stroll around the perimeter R. notices plaques embedded in the cement. I stop and notice they are there to mark where players have hit it out of the park. COOL!!!

After our self-guided tour of the Orioles stadium, we take off and walk around town. Thank goodness for the breeze off the water and shade trees (both make our looooonnnnnggggg stroll more enjoyable).

While on our extended walk, I see a woman with a stroller on the other side of the street and she’s heading the opposite direction from us. We cross the street and there on the sidewalk is a pink teddy bear. Without much thought, I ran after the woman, thinking the stuffed animal belongs to her child.

As I get closer to the woman, I say, “Ma'am. Ma’am.” She doesn’t turn. I try again. She still keeps going. Finally I yell, “Lady with the stroller.” She stops and looks at me like I’m some kind of lunatic. I ask her if her child lost their teddy bear. The woman answers “no” and turns and walks away.

Sometimes my good deeds work out and sometimes they don’t. This time not so much. R. props up the abandoned bear by a tree and we continue our travels, but my heart hurts for the little one who lost his or her buddy.

Soon after my trek to save Mr. Teddy, I’m hot – and God bless R. when he spies a place for refreshment. Good excuse for us to get into air-conditioning and rest our weary feet. Did I mention shopping??


But, thank goodness, I didn’t buy anything because our next stop – a climb up some pretty steep steps to an overlook to take a picture of the harbor. Breathtaking scenery!



On our way down, we decide to take the path, but soon R. gets bored of the sensible and wants to get down quicker. He heads down the grass and urges me to do the same. Need I say that going downhill is the part of hiking I hate? People, I’m afraid I’ll trip and roll down the mountain (in this case – a hill) and die (melodramatic-I know). R. reminds me to take slow, easy steps and I make it to the bottom alive and all in one piece.

And at the bottom is a gallery with this mosaic wall glistening in the sunlight. The bus parked in back is also covered with mosaic tile. Love all the creatures on the hood (see picture below). Maybe R. and I will buy a bus and create our own masterpiece on wheels. Just a thought.


I want to check out the interesting gallery, but we don’t have enough time.

We have a boat to catch for a dinner cruise and we’re starving. The Spirit is supposed to take off at 7:00, but for some reason it’s delayed. At 7:15 we find out why. A wedding took place on the upper deck and we’re invited to take part in the couple’s wedding reception. What a surprise!!!


An evening to remember – fabulous food, dancing the night away and a spectacular sunset.


Better scoot for now, but talk to all of you next week in another Back East Bloglog.

Love ya,
nettie

PS: And I promise no more mention of pitstops or pitfalls in the upcoming blogs. . .Yeah right, nettie - who are you trying to kid?