To Kill a Mockingbird

Good lighting... and story telling. Or more specifically, the Summer Photography Challenge for Day 2 is: "...to go out and practice using light and telling a story with your mobile phone camera."

I've been re-reading To Kill a Mockingbird this summer, and I've recently started working on mug cozies again to get my Etsy shop re-stocked for the fall. So I guess the "story" this picture tells is what I've been doing in my leisure time lately.

Harper Lee's long-awaited second book, Go Set a Watchman, goes on sale today. I am looking forward to reading it, but I don't plan to rush out and buy it. I'll read it from the library first. It will likely be awhile before my name gets to the top of the waiting list, but that's okay.

A few weeks ago Lyle and I were in Barnes and Noble one evening and I happened to notice a book discussion group gathered between the bookshelves. As I browsed nearby I overhead them discussing To Kill a Mockingbird. I was tempted to pull up a chair and join the discussion. I expect I would have been welcome, but I wasn't quite that brave.

The group discussed the book and the movie, as well as another book, The Mockingbird Next Door. I remembered seeing that book on the library website in ebook format, so when I got home I checked it out. It is the memoir of a reporter who became friends with Harper Lee and her sister and lived next door to them for a time a few years ago. It was a fun read, giving more insight into the lifestyle of the Lee sisters and the small town of Monroeville, Alabama, which was the inspiration of Maycomb in To Kill a Mockingbird.

As it happens, my dad's people were from the Monroeville area couple of generations back. I don't know a lot about them, but I have the sense they would have been more like the Ewell family in the book, rather than the Finches. (Now that I type that out, it is kind of eerie that my family name is Ezell which is just one letter different than Ewell. Kinda makes you wonder!) Oh, well. It's not where you come from, but rather where you're going that matters, right?

Summer Learning

As I've mentioned before, we cultivated a lifestyle of learning in our family. We were always eager to take a break from formal schooling for the summer, but the learning never stopped.

Summer days were definitely more relaxed and the kids had plenty of free time for playing outside and pursuing their individual interests. I think that's very important. I've noticed families who have practically every minute of the day scheduled for their kids year 'round... with sports, private lessons, and organized group activities. For my family, a little of that kind of thing went a long way. We found it worked better for us to keep our schedule flexible to allow for spontaneous activities.

When I was growing up my mother was very good to take us to the library weekly, especially through the summer. I remember devouring stacks of just-for-fun books. The library sponsored a summer reading program with a goal of a certain number of books to read by the end of the summer. I usually passed the goal within the first week or two, as I was a very avid reader. I continued that tradition with my own children. Sometimes we participated in library-sponsored events, and sometimes we just went to the library and checked out stacks of just-for-fun books.

 Mostly, though, our summer learning wasn't even that structured. My husband and I have made it a point to watch for and take advantage of teachable moments as we go about our normal lives.

Our family especially enjoys camping and travel. When we travel we find out where museums, national parks, and historical monuments are along our route, and we plan in extra time to stop and learn. My husband just automatically pulls over if we see a sign for “historical marker” along the way. Often we don’t even get out. We’ll just read the sign aloud, and talk about whatever historical event may have taken place at that spot, and then go on. Sometimes it doesn’t even take 5 minutes.

Here are a few of the educational benefits we have discovered while camping:

• Nature Studies 
• Survival Skills 
• Primitive Cooking 
• Physical Education (hiking, biking, pumping and carrying water...) 
• Exploration and Discovery 
• Socialization (They always meet any other kids whose families are camping at the same time!)
• Reading (A very relaxing way to spend a lazy afternoon at the campground, when electronics aren't an option!) 
•  Photography 
•  Astronomy 
•  Meteorology 

And that's not mention the great family relationships we are building in the process! What does your family like to do in the summer?

What I'm Reading This Spring

My friend Sheila is participating in a blogging group that is sharing their reading lists and recommendations this week. While I'm not part of that group, I thought it would be fun to share my reading list anyway. I haven't done any book reviews in a long time, so lately most of my reading has been library books. Our library has a great selection of e-books and audio books on OverDrive that I can download to my Kindle or MP3 player. I don't even have to get up off the couch to check them out! How cool is that? I have to admit, though, I still love going to the library. Not everything is available in digital format, you know.

Recently Read:

Shakespeare Saved My Life by Laura Bates. A fascinating memoir of an English professor who teaches Shakespeare classes in prisons, even to inmates in maximum security facilities.

Holy Ghost Girl by Donna Johnson. Another interesting memoir of the step-daughter of a charismatic tent revival evangelist in the 1960s and 1970s.

Dug Down Deep by Joshua Harris. Actually a theology book, but easy to read and understand, and while I don't agree completely with his doctrine, I did learn a lot and found it inspiring.

What Happens When Young Women Say Yes to God by Lysa Terkeurst. I used this book as "curriculum" for my Sunday School of college-age young ladies for the past couple of months. It's been a good study.

The Scent of Rain by Kristin Billerbeck. A novel about a "nose" in the perfume industry. The twist was that the "nose" had lost her sense of smell just as she was starting a new job.

The Sky Beneath My Feet by Lisa Samson. A novel about a pastor's wife whose husband goes on sabbatical-- in the shed in the back yard! It dealt with burn-out and mid-life crisis kind of topics.

Anna's Crossing by Suzanne Woods Fisher. A historical Amish novel set in the 1730s. I thought it was interesting because it wasn't like modern Amish stories, yet the Amish were still considered "different" even at that time in history.

Etta Mae's Worst Bad-Luck Day by Ann B. Ross. Part of the Miss Julia series, but featuring Miss Julia's friend, Etta Mae, as the protagonist. I didn't enjoy it as much as others in the series. I'm not sure if it was because I like Miss Julia better than Etta Mae... or because I actually read this one instead of listening to it on audio book. Her reader, Cynthia Darlow, just makes the stories come alive!

Audio Books:

I Still Dream About You by Fannie Flagg. This is by the author of Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe, and the audio book was read by the author. She is an excellent reader. I have read several of her books, and have enjoyed some more than others. I like the Miss Julia books better, probably because they are a little lighter.

To Be Read:

Going Gray by Anne Kreamer. This one caught my eye because I'm, well, going gray! The subtitle is What I Learned about Beauty, Sex, Work, Motherhood, Authenticity, and Everything Else That Really Matters.

Elizabeth the Queen by Sally Bedell Smith. Obviously, a biography about the queen of England.

Miss Julia Lays Down the Law by Ann B. Ross. I am on the waiting list for the audio version of the latest book in the Miss Julia series.

What have you been reading lately? Any recommendations?

Literary Heroine Giveaway

I'm participating again this year in Kellie's Literary Heroine Blog Party. Kellie is offering some great literary-themed prizes at Accordion To Kellie, so be sure and visit our gracious hostess to enter the drawings. Plus... since you're already here... I'm offering my own giveaway of two classic novels as well.

Jane Eyre is a classic I read long ago in my growing-up days. Not too long ago I read it again, and got so much more out of it this time around. Details I hadn't even remembered. It's a wonderful story. And don't you just love the cover?

I'm currently re-reading Pride and Prejudice with this annotated edition, and I'm enjoying the notes, illustrations, and diagrams so much. The story is on the left-hand pages, with tons of footnotes on the facing pages. It's a great way to read a classic! I'm learning a lot about the times, culture, and lifestyle of the time period.

Both of these books are Sonlight titles, and I have a copy of each to give away! To enter my drawing just leave a comment on this post. I'd love it if you'd answer one or more of the questions below in your comment. One person will win both books. (US addresses only, please.)

And now...

The Literary Heroine Blog Party Questions:

Introduce yourself! Divulge your life's vision, likes, dislikes, aspirations, or something completely random!
I've posted lots of random things about myself before, if you're interested in knowing all kinds of trivial things about me. I aspire to be a novelist. I have my novel started, but I'm not working on it regularly just yet. I'm allowing myself time to learn the craft, do lots of research, and think through my story. I still have over a year of homeschooling to teach, so I'm allowing myself that time.

What, to you, forms the essence of a true heroine?
A good heroine has a story to tell, a conflict to resolve, and grows in the process. It also helps if she's intelligent. Maybe not always make the best choices, but at least not be a total ditz.

Share (up to) four heroines of literature that you most admire and relate to.
Anne Shirley, Rilla Blythe, Laura Ingalls Wilder

Five of your favorite historical novels?
Anne of Green Gables, Rilla of Ingleside, The Blue Castle (all by L.M. Montgomery), Little Town on the Prairie and These Happy Golden Years by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Out of those five books who is your favorite main character and why?
Rilla is my favorite because she matures from the somewhat-pampered "baby of the family" to a self-assured, responsible young woman.

Out of those five books who is your favorite secondary character and why?
Anne is a secondary character in Rilla of Ingleside (being Rilla's mother), and I love reading about her in that role after following her coming-of-age and young womanhood through the other novels in the series.

If you were to plan out your dream vacation, where would you travel to - and what would you plan to do there?
I would love to take a road trip all over the continent, lingering in small towns and off-the-beaten-path scenic by-ways.

 What is your favorite time period and culture to read about?
It changes from time-to-time, but right now I am enjoying the mid-20th century... from the 1930s through the 1960s.

 You have been invited to perform at the local charity concert. Singing, comedy, recitation - what is your act comprised of?
Definitely recitation. I love to read aloud.

 If you were to attend a party where each guest was to portray a heroine of literature, who would you select to represent?
Oh! Can I be Mrs. Rachel Lynde (from the Anne books)? I've always wanted to be a nosy little ol' busy-body!

 What are your sentiments on the subject of chocolate?
I can take it or leave it. I'd just as soon have caramel or toffee.

 Favorite author(s)?
Um, yeah. L.M. Montgomery and Laura Ingalls Wilder.

 Besides essentials, what would you take on a visiting voyage to a foreign land?
A camera and a journal.

 In which century were most of the books you read written?
The 20th. I enjoy older novels occasionally, but in the 1800s mainstream novels were written to be morally uplifting (preachy) and not just for entertainment. Yes, I prefer wholesome books, but not so much when the sermon overpowers the story.

 In your opinion, the ultimate hero in literature is…
attentive to the heroine.

 Describe your ideal dwelling place.
I love a house with lots of windows and a wrap-around porch, preferably with a view of the mountains.

Sum up your fashion style in a short sentence.
My fashion style tends to be traditionally feminine but not frilly.

Have you ever wanted to change a character’s name?
Yes. I didn't much care for Gilbert's name in the Anne stories. But it did finally grow on me. Just as Lyle's name did.

In your opinion, the most dastardly villain of all literature is...
I'm coming up with a blank on this one.

 Three favorite non-fiction books?
The Bible, of course. Beyond that, I can't pin down favorites.

Your duties met for the day, how would you choose to spend a carefree summer afternoon?
In a hammock, with a stack of books and a journal at hand.

Create a verbal sketch of your dream hat - in such a way as will best portray your true character.
Time constraints will prevent me from dwelling on this question long enough to come up with a truly insightful answer, so I guess I'll skip this one.

Share the most significant event(s) that have marked your life in the past year.
Spending Labor Day weekend with my mother and her older brother in Oklahoma, gathering information for my novel.

 Share the Bible passage(s) that have been most inspiring to you recently. 
"...that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ... that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection..." --Philippians 3:8-10

Christmas Week Fragments

Let's see... it's Friday... so that means I can post a bunch of random disconnected twaddle and call it a blog post, because that's what Friday Fragments is all about, right? So... here we go...

You'll be happy to know that Bernadine and Beauregard Bearsaltandpepper now have company in the Downstairs Northwoods Bathroom. The new inhabitants aren't directly descended from the Bearsaltandpepper family line, but they are distant cousins way back. They brought their own sleeping bags, and they've decided they are quite comfortable and will stay awhile. We haven't yet discovered what their first names are, but the Mrs. does like to read by flashlight while the Mr. cuddles his teddy bear. (This darling figurine was a Christmas gift from my own Mr.!)

Speaking of the Northwoods... and reading... I just finished reading Love Finds You in Glacier Bay, Alaska by Tricia Goyer and Ocieanna Fleiss. Great story! I'll be posting my review later, but for now, suffice it to say it's making me want to visit Alaska. But in the summer, please.

This is plenty of winter for me! Our front yard has looked like this off-and-on for a couple of weeks now. I'm willing to give it another week or two, but then I'll be ready for spring. *sigh* You can take the girl out of the South, but you can't take the South out of the girl, I guess. At least it hasn't been all that cold... which is why the snow has been on-again/off-again. It keeps snowing. And melting. And snowing. And melting.

A beautiful Christmas Eve bouquet from my daughters has been a good reminder that winter doesn't last forever. The fragrance of fresh flowers smells like spring every time I walk into my office and notice the arrangement on my desk.

Plus. The days are getting longer now. Have you noticed?

I've been staying busy, though, as always. This week my goal has been to get my lesson plans ready for the upcoming winter trimester at our homeschool co-op. I have 6.5 of 8 done, so I'm making good progress.

I also want to clean out Fibber McGee's closet (aka the catch-all closet in the family) sometime this weekend. Maybe today?

Now that the pre-Christmas rush has dropped off, I've been working up some new colors for spring in my mug cozy line for my Etsy shop... including a series with adorable cupcake buttons! I'll be listing them shortly after New Year's.

If I don't manage another post again before Tuesday, have a Happy New Year celebration!

Camping Adventures

Last weekend we went camping for the second time this summer. We intended to go to Priest Lake. Actually, we did go there, but all the campgrounds were full, so we drove across the state into Montana and ended up at Yaak River again. (Granted, the state is only 90 miles across the panhandle, but it seemed like a long way when we thought were There, and had to go Someplace Else.)

I spent much of the weekend doing this:

With this close at hand:

And actually got up the energy to do this a few times:

 It was a relaxing weekend.

I was buzzing around the campsite Sunday morning taking pictures while Lyle was cooking breakfast. After I snapped a couple pictures of the fire he asked, "Are you gonna blog about the way I cook eggs?"

"Why, I hadn't thought of that! But what a good idea. Sure! Hold out your 'grabbers' so I can get a good shot of them."

He thinks I'm nuts, of course, but my blogging amuses him, so he obliged:

 See? Here's how he cooks breakfast. First, the bacon in the skillet (with the toast in a grill basket on the side), using tongs from his grill utensil set.

 Then, he removes the bacon and drains most of the drippings out of the skillet before he scrambles the eggs, using his "grabbers" to stir with!! (That's what he calls the tongs: grabbers.)

For some reason, that strikes me funny. I don't know why.

Just for the fun of it I kept tallies while we were camping. One of my blogging buddies, Keetha @ The Eclectic Company, did that on her recent vacation, and I thought it was so fun, I decided to start the tradition in our family.

So, the tallies for last weekend include:

• Campgrounds that we had to pass up because they were full -- 7
• Deer we saw along the road -- 2 live, 1 dead
• Snakes the kids saw -- 1 live, 1 dead
• Snakes I saw -- 0 (Thank goodness!)
• Squirrels in our campsite -- 2
• Meals cooked over the fire -- 3
• Hands of Skip-Bo played -- 2
• Laps around the loop on my bike -- 6 (but not all at once)
• Books read -- 3
• Crochet projects completed -- 1 tote bag, 2 washcloths

Sunday Evening Musings

Photo credit: Laura @ Through My Eyes

The weather in my neck of the woods: 
Unusual. We've had several thunderstorms interspersed with hot, dry days this month. Before that we had a wet, rainy spring. But just normal, gray drizzly rain, not the dramatic thunder and lightning we've been experiencing lately.

Outside my window:
I hear the voices of my children and their daddy as laugh and talk together. The ice cream truck is going down the street playing a tinkly version of The Entertainer.

 Things that make me happy: 
Having time on the weekends to do things together as a family.

 Books I'm reading: 
Gospel by J.D. Greear
Dying to Read by Lorena McCourtney
We Had Everything But Money from Reiman Publications

 On the menu for dinner: 
Hamburgers on the grill, I think. And maybe a cucumber/onion salad. That sounds good.

Recent projects completed:
We took the vinyl decals off our travel trailer. They were cracked and peeling, and made the trailer look older than 6 years. Over several weekends we then buffed and waxed the exterior. Not sure if we will put on new decals or not.

I also finished and mailed the order I had for 100 washcloths. So...

 In the craft basket: 
I'm building my washcloth inventory back up and adding in some new color combinations for my Etsy shop. I also have a half-knitted sweater to complete, and an embroidery wall-hanging to finish.

On my To Do List: 
Finish getting my office organized. I've made good progress, but now it's time to tackle the boxes marked "Misc." Such fun. I also need to get my website updated. It's time to renew my domain, so it seems like a good time.

 Looking forward to this week: 
Our second camping trip of the season this weekend. I'm hoping to have time to jot down a rough outline for the novel I hope to start soon. I think once I get the framework together the writing will come easier.

 On my mind: 
Lots of fun activities mixed in with long hours of work for the rest of the summer. Our calendar is pretty full for two months out. Stay tuned for updates.

Winter Days

Winter has been late in making her appearance in Idaho this year. That hasn't hurt my feelings much at all. I like having four distinct seasons, but it is my opinion that they should each get exactly 3 months to abide with us! When Winter sneaks in well before the official end of Fall and then lingers around way past when the calendar says it's supposed to be Spring-- well, to put it kindly, she quite wears out her welcome. I hate to tell it on her, but that's what she usually does around here most years.

Not this year. For the past 3 weeks or so we enjoyed day after day of sunshine. Chilly sunshine, to be sure, but after all, it is January. I was happy to soak it in while it lasted. I knew Spring couldn't possibly be arriving this early. I was a little concerned that if we didn't get more snow we might be suffering from a drought come next summer. And much to the delight of the young fry (a la L.M. Montgomery) the snow has finally come.

I took the picture of our backyard  yesterday, and the one of the bistro table on our deck this morning. I expect it will be awhile before I'll be sitting out there for coffee again. The snow is still coming down and piling up even higher. The kids have been out romping in it until their cheeks are rosy and they are worn out...

...ready to come in and snuggle under a blankie with a good book on one's new Christmas Kindle.

We're enjoying the days!

I love my Kindle!

 As a lifelong avid reader I debated for a long time over whether to get an e-reader or not. Initially I didn't want to spend the money-- first on the device itself, and then on books to go on it. That seemed an extravagant luxury to me, as most of the books I've ever read have either been from the library or picked up at a thrift store. So I just shrugged off the notion and decided I would keep reading the old-fashioned way.

About a year-and-a-half ago a friend told me that I could get a Kindle app for my computer, and that many titles were available for free, if one just knew where to look. One benefit that she pointed out was that I would have the books in my collection and could put them on an actual Kindle later, if I ever ended up getting one. I was all over that! I immediately downloaded the app and started looking for books.

After many months I realized that yes, there was definitely plenty to read on the Kindle without having to buy every title, and no, I didn't mind reading electronically, so I finally decided it would be worth the investment. I took the plunge about 2 months ago. I decided I could fore-go a smart phone (for now, anyway). The Kindle is my carry-around device of choice. I am thoroughly enjoying and using it every day!

I've collected several hundred free books by now. Many of them are current. The current ones are usually available for a limited time only. A lot of them are trash. I've deleted those as I've had a chance to look at them more closely. But there are a lot of good books available, too. It's been fun to build my collection. My Kindle fits in my purse, and it's very cool to be able to carry around hundreds of books to choose from at any given moment. (Ain't technology grand?)

There are a couple of websites that I watch for announcements of free books. I try to check them every day because of the limited-time offers. They are:

• Kindle Boards, Book Bazaar Forum, Free Book Finds thread
• eReader IQ, Free Books for Your Kindle

In addition to the current books, there are thousands of public-domain titles available for free all the time. I enjoy reading vintage novels on occasion so I've been collecting some of these as well.

Many classics, of course, by well-known authors such as:

• Louisa May Alcott
• Jane Austen
• Charles Dickens
• L.M. Montgomery
• Mark Twain

And lesser-known favorites I grew up reading such as:

• Grace Livingston Hill
• Eleanor Porter
• Gene Stratton-Porter
• Harold Bell Wright 

I also found a few more recently discovered "new to me" vintage authors:

• Isabella Alden
• James Oliver Curwood
• Elizabeth Gaskell
• EDEN Southworth

So, yeah. I think I already have more books on my Kindle than I'll have time to read in this lifetime-- because, of course, I do still also read books the old-fashioned way, too.

Next I want to get a searchable Bible to put on it to try using for church. I recently had to start wearing glasses for reading. It is a nuisance to have to be putting on and taking off my glasses to look up scriptures during the sermon. With the Kindle I can adjust the font size so I don't have to have my glasses to read. Whether or not the search feature will work to my satisfaction remains to be seen. I don't know if I will like it for that or not, but it's worth a try!

July Monday

The weather in my neck of the woods:
Just beautiful! We had 3 uncomfortably warm days last week. Otherwise, we've had no hot weather to speak of.

Things that make me happy:
Sunshine with temps in the 70s!

Books I'm reading:
Don't laugh. I almost always have this many going at once...

• Perfectly Invisible by Kristin Billerbeck (by my bed)
• A Matter of Honor by Kay Martin (on my Kindle)
• To Darkness Fled by Jill Williamson (on my Kindle)
• The Friendship Doll by Kirby Larson (in the downstairs bathroom)
• Anne of Windy Poplars by L.M. Montgomery (in the upstairs bathroom)

On the menu for dinner:
Chicken-and-broccoli rice casserole. I think. Or maybe fast food. Depends on what we end up needing to do this evening.

On my To Do List:
Finish reorganizing our bookcases.
See if the neighbor lady is still planning to have a neighborhood garage sale this weekend.
If so, get ready to have a garage sale on Saturday. Ugh.
Work on a blog post for SonlightBlog.com. (Look for it there July 26.)

New recipe I tried or want to try soon:
I want to try making some mixed-berry muffins using my friend Judy's recipe for Whole Wheat Oatmeal Blueberry Bread.

In the craft basket:
I'm almost finished with the curtain for my bedroom! Can't wait for the "ta-da!" moment.
Still working on the 99 Little Doilies.I think I'm working on #22, so I'll have some more pictures to show you soon.
Started an embroidery project of a vintage postcard to frame for my room.

Looking forward to this week:
Enjoying the beautiful weather and working on various projects.

Blog Hopping:
Here are blogs for some of the young ladies and moms I got to know this past year through yearbook staff and graduation--

• Butterflies and Rainbows
• Day by Day
• Emily, the Industrious
• Eternity is Closer Than You Think
• Free Indeed
• Keeper of the Fires
• A Maiden's Musings
• Through My Eyes

No words needed:

Lesson learned the past few days:
I can walk further than I thought if I just pace myself... and I actually enjoy it! Yay!


On my mind:
Missing my daughter who is gone for the summer!

Scripture:
We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father... I Thessalonians 1:2-3

More Happy Homemaker Monday posts @ Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.

Interview with Ocieanna (and book giveaway)

In May when I got to go to the writers' conference one of the authors I was excited to meet was Ocieanna Fleiss. I had read and enjoyed Love Finds You in Victory Heights, Washington  and Love Finds You in Lonesome Prairie, Montana (which she wrote with Tricia Goyer), so I recognized her name on the schedule. Ocieanna taught a couple of workshops at the writers' conference. I attended "Spicing Up Character Emotions" and learned so much. She shared some very helpful suggestions that I will be able to apply to my own writing.

In celebration of the 4th of July, Ocieanna offered to do an interview and book giveaway for my blog. Love Finds You in Victory Heights is a story about a "Rosie the Riveter" set during World War II in Seattle.

What inspired you to write about this subject?
Those pictures of the women who worked in the factories during the war captivated me. With their bandanas and big smiles, they seemed to be a combination of old-school values and spunky independence. I admired them for this and wanted to explore them and their world.

Tell us about your research on the topics of Rosie the Riveter etc.
So much fun! I knew I liked this time in history, but I had no idea I’d fall in love with it. I watched old movies like His Girl Friday and My Favorite Wife and was hooked by their slang:

“Hi, sugar, are you rationed?” (which means, “Hi miss, are you dating anyone?”)

“What’s buzzin’ cousin?”

“Let’s cut a rug.”

“Aw, you bumbleheaded baboon.”

Not to mention the fun music! To get into the feel of the time, I constantly played The Andrews Sisters, Frank Sinatra, and Louis Armstrong. These old crooners definitely got me “In the Mood.”

My co-author and I also interviewed five real-life Rosie the Riveters in Seattle. Talk about wild! These ladies still show the spunk they had back in the forties. One lady, Georgie Kunkel, started singing, “Accentuate the Positive” and started dancing around her house. It was really fun.

What did you learn about life in Seattle during the war years?
Digging into Seattle’s role thrilled me too. I had no idea Seattle was such an important hub. The men and women at Boeing cranked out about 350 airplanes each month. These B-17s and B-29s were pivotal in winning the war.

Also, Pike Place Market basically died during those days. Pre-war it swarmed with activity, much like today. But most of the fruit, fish, and flower stands were owned by Japanese. So since the Japanese were shipped away to internment camps, the Market stayed empty.

I found out lots of other really cool historical facts about Seattle: Playland (an amusement park that graced the area for thirty years), the Ferry Kalakala that was used to transport sailors to and from Bremerton, the camouflaged roof of the Boeing plant, and more. (To download a free illustrated list of Seattle fun facts, visit www.ocieanna.com)

Are there other WW2 stories you’d love to write, taking root in your mind?
I learned that women also played a pivotal role in the war in their work as nurses. There were hospital trains that transported wounded soldiers home after returning from overseas. I’d love to delve into that subject a bit more.

How did the research for this book affect you? The heart, strength, and selflessness of both the military men and the folks on the home front amazed and inspired me.

Are you more patriotic today because of having written Victory Heights?
Absolutely. The people during WWII all worked together. Folks at home felt it was just as much their duty to help win the war as those fighting. In spite of their own losses and struggles, they worked hard at rationing, salvaging materials used for weapons and supplies, planting victory gardens, buying war bonds, some even knitted socks to keep soldiers’ feet warm. They were always busy helping our boys overseas. I realized how I take our fighting men for granted and have tried to write letters to the troops and encourage others to support them more. I also put the soldiers on my prayer list. I especially remember the ones I know and their families, but I also pray for those I don’t know.

We’re blessed to live in this amazing country where we can worship God freely. It’s natural to be concerned over our government’s shortcomings, but I try not to forget to be grateful for what we have—and to teach my kids to do the same.

Victory Heights addresses the subject of guilt. What can you tell us about guilt and how to deal with it?
My character Rosalie whole-heartedly throws herself into working for the war effort. When her fiancé is killed in the war, she struggles with an overwhelming sense of guilt:

Fact was, she didn’t know if she would’ve walked the aisle with the man who loved her. She cared for him, always had, but their time apart had crystallized the reality of her heart. She didn’t love him like a wife should love a husband. She knew back then she couldn’t marry him, not under the guise of being in love. So rather than planning a spring wedding, she’d intended to gaze into Vic’s trusting eyes and place the ring back in his hand—breaking his heart once and for all.

Then he was dead. Gone. And Rosalie lived amidst the shambles of heartbreak and guilt. I should’ve been grateful that you loved me. I should’ve freely given you my heart—you deserved it. Rosalie fingered the empty place on her finger where she used to wear Vic’s diamond ring. “But I didn’t,” she whispered.

She kissed the Kodacolor photograph of Vic and put it back in her pocket. “I’m sorry, Vic.” She’d make it up to him the only way she could. She’d rivet those planes till no other girl’s man had to die. She’d rally the folks at home to salvage and save and work—all for the war. To end the war. “I’ll make you proud, Vic. You’ll see.”

What Rosalie had to face was that feeling guilty came because she sensed she was unable to live up to a standard she created for herself to “make it up” to Vic.” Like Rosalie, I also create my own set of rules. Sadly I often base it on comparing myself with other women. “I should have a perfect home like she does.” “That woman never yells at her kids.” “She’s a more supportive wife than I am.” “Look at her volunteering at church. I should do more.”

What happened in your own life that has taught you about guilt?
The reason I chose to use guilt as a theme for Victory Heights is because I’m really good at feeling guilty! You could call me an expert. Especially in my early teens and twenties, I never felt like I could please God. Then when I became a mom the feelings of inadequacy surged even greater. I’d sit on my couch just staring, feeling like a complete failure as the kids ran around me.

How did you overcome the guilt?
Like Rosalie, the only thing that could get me out of guilt prison was the grace of God. And, oddly, when I realized I truly am guilty of sinning against His will, the feelings of guilt lifted. How? I was setting a standard too high for me to reach, but God’s standard is infinitely higher! I kept thinking if I just tried hard enough, I’d become good enough (to meet my own expectations). But when I grasped my complete inability to please Him on my own (by striving to be the perfect wife, mother, friend, housekeeper, etc.), I finally understood my need for Christ. What a relief to finally admit I could never meet God’s high calling on my own. What a relief when Christ came in and offered free forgiveness and grace. It put a smile in my heart that never goes away.

Rosalie and I were both trying to please God by our own efforts instead of resting on the completed work of Jesus. Resting…what a concept! When I finally let go of the steering wheel and hid under the shelter of His wings, guilt flew away and was replaced by peace and joy. Happily ever after.

Ocieanna has written two books with co-author Tricia Goyer, Love Finds You in Victory Heights, Washington, and Love Finds You in Lonesome Prairie, Montana. She also writes a bi-monthly column for the Northwest Christian Author. She frequently speaks at moms’, writers’, teens’, and homeschool groups. Find her at www.ocieanna.com. She’d love to get to know you.

If you’d like a chance to win a free copy of Love Finds You in Victory Heights, Washington, leave a comment about your favorite patriotic memory. It can be something from your own past or a bit of American history. Giveaway ends July 10. US addresses only, please.

January Monday

The weather in my neck of the woods: Not bad at all for January.

Things that make me happy: Sunshine in January!

Book I'm reading: I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

What's on my TV today: I'm really enjoying Downton Abbey on Masterpiece Classics this month. Lyle chooses most of what we record and watch, but he records that series for me. (And even watches them with me. What a guy!)

On the menu for dinner: Chicken-andouille gumbo sounds really good. I think I have the stuff to make it... so, yeah... that!

On my To Do List: Get some extra work and homeschooling done this week, as I will be gone 4 days next week on a business trip.

New recipe I want to try soon: Dutch Baby pancakes. I had one at a local restaurant on our breakfast date Saturday and it was wonderful!

In the craft basket: Still working on my bedroom curtain. I also have a pair of socks on knitting needles, as a take-along project.

Looking forward to this week: I've been wanting to go to our local Kroc Center to check out the facilities and get some exercise in this winter. What with sickness and other busy-ness, it keeps getting put off. I'm really hoping to make it this week!

Tips and Tricks: I discovered a liquid herbal supplement at our health food store that has helped with my chronic winter cough better than anything else I've tried. (And yes, I've tried the "100%-effective-Vicks-Rub-on-the-bottom-of-your-feet" thing. I don't know how something can be 100% effective and not work for me... but it sure doesn't.) Anyway, this concoction is put out by Wish Garden herbs. It's not cheap... about $12 an ounce... and it's very bitter. But it only takes a few drops at a time and seems to be effective for whatever-kinda-cough-this-is that I get every winter.

On my mind: Looking forward to my trip to Denver next week. And then long range, planning for Laura's graduation activities later in the spring.

Inspirational Reading: The Never-Wavering Few @ Lady Liberty Patriot.

Visit Diary of a Stay-at-Home Mom for more Happy Homemaker Monday posts.

Reading Challenge Updates

Time to post my reading list for 2010. (Well, past time, really!) I enjoyed keeping track of my reading this past year. Here are the Reading Challenges I've signed up for in 2011, since they can overlap, anyway! I think the different categories help keep things interesting!

• 100+ Reading Challenge
• Support Your Local Library Challenge
• What's in a Name? Challenge
• Christian Historical Fiction Challenge

Wrapping up the 100+ Reading Challenge for 2010, here is my final list. It's not as accurate as I would like. I strongly suspect there are books I read that I forgot to add to my list... and I know there are a few on here that I didn't actually finish. I hope to do a better job of keeping track in 2011.

1. Raising a Modern-Day Princess by Pam Farrel and Doreen Hanna
   
2. Thicker Than Blood by C.J. Darlington
   
3. The Male Factor by Shaunti Feldhan
   
4. The Choice by Suzanne Woods Fisher
   
5. Life on the Underground Railroad by Sally Senzell Isaacs
6. Freedom Struggle by Ann Rossi
7. The Civil War by Scott Marquette
8. Jenna's Cowboy by Sharon Gillenwater
9. Daily Life on a Southern Plantation by Paul Erickson
10. Stephen Foster and His Little Dog Tray by Opal Wheeler
11. Too Much Stuff: Decluttering Your Heart and Home by Kathryn Porter
12. Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt by Deborah Hopkinson
13. Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom by C.B. Weatherford
14. Lavender Morning by Jude Deveraux 
15. When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit by Judith Kerr 
16. Laylie's Daring Quest by Kersten Hamilton  
17. Days of Gold by Jude Deveraux 
18. I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith 
19. Face of Betrayal by Lis Wiehl 
20. Amazing Insider Secrets by Jeff Bredenberg 
21. Secrets by Jude Deveraux
22. Finding Inner Peace During Troubled Times by William Moss 
23. One Million Arrows by Julie Ferwerda 
24. Listen by Rene Gutteridge
25. Genoa Bay by Bette Nordberg 
26. A Distant Melody by Sarah Sundin 
27. Screen Play by Chris Coppernoll 
28. As Young As We Feel by Melody Carlson 
29. The Familiar Stranger by Christina Berry  
30. After the War by Carol Matas 
31. Winston Churchill: Soldier, Statesman, Artist by John Severance 
32. The Wave by Todd Strasser
33. Andrea Carter and the Dangerous Decision by Susan Marlow 
34. Saving Sailor by Renee Riva 
35. Heading Home by Renee Riva 
36. The Sword, the Ring and the Parchment by Ed Dunlop 
37. Forget Me Not by Vicki Hinze 
38. The Familiar Stranger by Christina Berry 
39. A Stranger's Wish by Gayle Roper 
40. Miss Match by Erynn Mangum 
41. The Astronomy Book by Jonathan Henry 
42. Leaving Yesterday by Kathryn Cushman 
43. The Last Christian by David Gregory 
44. Living Organized by Sandra Felton 
45. The Secret Holocaust Diaries by Nonna Bannister
46. Andrea Carter and the Trouble with Treasure by Susan Marlow 
47. This Fine Life by Eva Marie Everson 
48. Never Let You Go by Erin Healy 
49. I Am Hutterite by Mary-Ann Kirkby 
50. Rooms by James Rubart 
51. Sheet Music by Kevin Leman 
52. A Love of Her Own by Maggie Brendan 
53. Sing by Lisa Bergren 
54. Shades of Morning by Marlo Schalesky
55. So Not Happening by Jenny B. Jones 
56. The Art and Craft of Writing Christian Fiction by Jeff Gerke 
57. Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson  
58. Katy's New World by Kim Vogel Sawyer 
59. Missing Max by Karen Young 
60. Healer by Linda Windsor 
61. Motorcycles, Sushi, and One Strange Book by Nancy Rue  
62. Boyfriends, Burritos, and an Ocean of Trouble by Nancy Rue 
63. Perfectly Dateless by Kristen Billerbeck 
64. Courting Morrow Little by Laura Frantz 
65. Tomorrow We Die by Shawn Grady
66. Touching the Clouds by Bonnie Leon 
67. The Seeker by Ann H. Gabhart 
68. Katy's Debate by Kim Vogel Sawyer 
69. Premiere by Melody Carlson 
70. Amish Proverbs by Suzanne Woods Fisher 
71. Licensed for Trouble by Susan May Warren 
72. Love Finds You in Victory Heights, Washington by Tricia Goyer and Ocieanna Fleiss 
73. Fatal Convictions by Randy Singer 
74. Her Mother's Hope by Francine Rivers
75. Foundlings by Matthew Christian Harding 
76. After the Flood by Bill Cooper 
77. So Over It by Stephanie Morrill 
78. Sarah's Garden by Kelly Long 
79. For Time and Eternity by Allison Pittman 
80. Adam and His Kin by Ruth Beechick
81. A Hope Undaunted by Julie Lessman 
82. A Memory Between Us by Sarah Sundin 
83. Her Daughter's Dream by Francine Rivers 
84. The Black Madonna by Davis Bunn 
85. Does My Head Look Big in This? by Randa Abdel-Fattah 
86. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins 
87. Wondrous Strange by Lesley Livingston 
88. Don't Let Me Go by David Pierce 
89. Andrea Carter and the Price of Truth by Susan K. Marlow 
90. In Between by Jenny B. Jones 
91. Lady in Waiting by Susan Meissner 
92. Raven's Gate by Anthony Horowitz 
93. The House on Malcolm Street by Leisha Kelly 
94. Betsy and Joe by Maud Hart Lovelace
95. Miracle of Mercy Land by River Jordan
96. Christmas at Harrington's by Melody Carlson
97. The Bride Collector by Ted Dekker
98. The Nanny Diaries by Emma Mclaughlin and Nicola Kraus
99. Romance Rides the Range by Colleen Reece
100. Gossamer by Lois Lowry
101. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
102. The Husband Tree by Mary Connealy
103. Found in Translation by Roger Bruner
104. When God Writes Your Love Story by Eric and Leslie Ludy
105. The Clouds Roll Away by Sibella Giorello
106. Love Food and Live Well by Chantel Hobbs
107. Caroline's Choice by Martha Rogers
108. An Unlikely Blessing by Judy Baer

I also participated in the What's In a Name? Reading Challenge. I didn't seek out books to fit the categories, but since I was reading so much anyway, I thought it would be interesting to see how many of the books I did read fit the categories. Here's my list...

• Food:
• Motorcycles, Sushi, and One Strange Book by Nancy Rue  
• Boyfriends, Burritos, and an Ocean of Trouble by Nancy Rue
• Body of water:
• Genoa Bay by Bette Nordberg
• Title (queen, president):
• Raising a Modern-Day Princess by Pam Farrel and Doreen Hanna
• Plant:
• Lavender Morning by Jude Deveraux 
• Place name: 
• Love Finds You in Victory Heights, Washington by Tricia Goyer and Ocieanna Fleiss 
• Music term:
• A Distant Melody by Sarah Sundin
• Sheet Music by Kevin Leman
• Sing by Lisa Bergren

Gift Idea for Kids (plus Freebies)

If you're interested in wholesome kid's books you probably already know about Susan Marlow's Circle C Adventures series. These are exciting adventure stories set in the old west. They are written for kids in the 9-14 age range, but my older teen enjoys them as much as my younger daughter. There are 6 books in the original series, which was just finished this year, and they are now available in a boxed set at a substantial discount. You can get the complete set at CBD for $29.99 which is 25% off, or if you qualify for wholesale prices (and homeschoolers do!) Library and Educational Services has the boxed set for $23.49 which is more than 40% off! It would make a perfect gift for the "tweens" and young teens on your Christmas list.

Younger children will enjoy the new Circle C Beginnings series. Only the first two books have been released so far: Andi's Pony Trouble and Andi's Indian Summer. The stories are about the same characters feature in Circle C Adventures, but several years earlier, so Andi and her friends are younger. The stories are early chapter books for emerging readers. I have found that my older children enjoy them as well because they are a "prequel" to the main series. Books 3 and 4 are due out in March, with more to come!

Susan Marlow also has some great freebies to go along with both series. You can download free Activity Packs to go along with the Circle C Beginnings books or free Study Guides to go along with the Circle C Adventures.

But the best part? Susan has written a 4-part bonus short story about Andi which she is posting on Andi's Blog just in time for Christmas! Part 1 is up now. Be sure and check back to read the rest of the story. I know I will!

Purity and Holiness

The girls and I have been reading When God Writes Your Love Story together. It is an excellent book on preparing for marriage. I especially appreciated this insight:

"Several generations back, Christianity in this country began to swing in an unhealthy direction, focusing on the holiness and righteous standard of God while excluding the crucial elements of love and grace. Christians tried to live uprightly in their own strength, without the enabling power of the Spirit of God. The result was a stiff religious legalism that pushed people away from the faith in droves.

Today, many have swung to the opposite extreme. Trying to balance the unloving, super-religious hypocrisy of past generations and redeem the bad reputation it gave to Christianity, a large number of modern pastors and Christian leaders have overemphasized the unconditional love and forgiveness of God. As a result, quite a few key elements of the true Christian life, such as holiness, righteousness, and purity have become taboo subjects in many churches...

But we cannot separate purity and holiness from the Christian life. God is love, but He is also holy. It is impossible for us to walk in darkness and light simultaneously. We cannot serve both sin and the kingdom of God at the same time. We cannot live a life of impurity and remain in unhindered fellowship with the King of kings." --Eric and Leslie Ludy, When God Writes Your Love Story

Betsy and Joe

I mentioned last week that I was participating in the Maud Hart Lovelace Reading Challenge at A Library is a Hospital for the Mind. This week the challenge is to answer the following questions:

a. Why you joined the MHLRC.
I've always loved the Betsy-Tacy stories and I just thought it would be fun!

b. Which book you are currently reading for the challenge.
I've read the first 5 chapters of Betsy and Joe to my daughters (ages 15 and 17) this week. I read the first chapter just as sort of a teaser, but they won't "let" me quit. Since my older daughter is patiently sitting through such tomes as Carson's Basic American Government and Thoreau's Civil Disobedience, it's a treat for all of us to join in the the fun of a young lady's senior year 101 years ago!

c. Something new you have learned either from participating in this challenge or from a MHL book you have read.
I learned that Maud Hart Lovelace based the Betsy-Tacy stories on her own life experiences. I would love to write like that someday.

d. Which book in the Deep Valley series you hope to win and why.
I'd love to win the 2-book bind-up of Carney's House Party and Winona's Pony Cart because my friend Melissa Wiley wrote the forward to it. Also, because I think my girls would enjoy reading Carney's House Party when we finish Betsy and Joe.

Maud Hart Lovelace Reading Challenge

I love old-fashioned "girl" books. When I was growing up (and voraciously reading just about anything I could get my hands on... okay, who am I kidding? I still do that!) I loved series books. I also figured out quite early on that if I particularly enjoyed a book I should look for more books by the same author. And that's how I discovered the Betsy-Tacy stories by Maud Hart Lovelace. There are actually two "generations" of Betsy-Tacy books: four titles featuring a little-girl Betsy and her friends, Tacy and Tib... and then six more books about an older Betsy-- one for each year of high school, one about her travels after high school, and one about her wedding. There are also 3 more spin-off books about some of Betsy's friends and acquaintances. They are set around the turn of the century (1900... not 2000!) and have the most elegant Gibson Girl style illustrations.

Visit the Here in the Bonny Glen to read Melissa Wiley's synopsis of each title. Remember Melissa? She's one of my "author friends." She wrote the Little House spin-off series about Martha and Charlotte. She's also been very excited that she was invited to write the forward for a new two-books-in-one re-release of Maud Hart Lovelace's Carney's House Party and Winona's Pony Cart.

The second annual Maud Hart Lovelace Reading Challenge will be running through the month of October at A Library is a Hospital for the Mind. Participants will have a chance to win a copy of one of the new editions, and it looks like other prizes and fun are on the agenda as well.

The hardest part for me is choosing which book to re-read. I've read them all before (some more than once) and I know I don't have time to read them all again right now. I think I'm going to settle on Betsy and Joe. It's about Betsy's senior year... and since my daughter is a senior, it seems appropriate.

Books Read in September

...for the 2010 100+ Reading Challenge:

78. A Hope Undaunted by Julie Lessman
79. A Memory Between Us by Sarah Sundin
80. Her Daughter's Dream by Francine Rivers
81. The Black Madonna by Davis Bunn
82. Does My Head Look Big in This? by Randa Abdel-Fattah
83. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
84. Wondrous Strange by Lesley Livingston
85. Don't Let Me Go by David Pierce
86. Andrea Carter and the Price of Truth by Susan K. Marlow
87. In Between by Jenny B. Jones
88. Lady in Waiting by Susan Meissner
89. Raven's Gate by Anthony Horowitz
90. The House on Malcolm Street by Leisha Kelly

Books Read in July and August

I failed to get my reading list for July posted earlier... so continuing with the 2010 100+ Reading Challenge, here is my reading list for July and August:

63. Touching the Clouds by Bonnie Leon
64. The Seeker by Ann H. Gabhart
65. Katy's Debate by Kim Vogel Sawyer
66. Premiere by Melody Carlson
67. Amish Proverbs by Suzanne Woods Fisher
68. Licensed for Trouble by Susan May Warren
69. Love Finds You in Victory Heights, Washington by Tricia Goyer and Ocieanna Fleiss
70. Fatal Convictions by Randy Singer
71. Her Mother's Hope by Francine Rivers
72. Foundlings by Matthew Christian Harding
73. After the Flood by Bill Cooper
74. So Over It by Stephanie Morrill
75. Sarah's Garden by Kelly Long
76. For Time and Eternity by Allison Pittman
77. Adam and His Kin by Ruth Beechick

Books Read in June

Continuing with the 2010 100+ Reading Challenge, here are the books I read in June:

54. So Not Happening by Jenny B. Jones
55. The Art and Craft of Writing Christian Fiction by Jeff Gerke
56. Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson
55. Katy's New World by Kim Vogel Sawyer
56. Missing Max by Karen Young
57. Healer by Linda Windsor
58. Motorcycles, Sushi, and One Strange Book by Nancy Rue
59. Boyfriends, Burritos, and an Ocean of Trouble by Nancy Rue
60. Perfectly Dateless by Kristen Billerbeck
61. Courting Morrow Little by Laura Frantz
62. Tomorrow We Die by Shawn Grady