Rhonda Leverett's Blog

If Stuck, Go to Bed

2010-02-19T07:03:00.000-08:00

Story ideas - especially story beginnings - constantly vie for my attention. Inspiration just comes. Maybe a certain level of thankfulness, love, hate or other passionate emotion must be nurtured, but material is all around. And that's a good thing, I think.

Problem is, sometimes one story situation or character scooches over into the territory of another. Things don't run so smoothly when that happens. Events and people play hide and seek with the page. They switch around like it's their business instead of mine. Aren't I the author here? And isn't that supposed to be a sort of God-like position? I could pull my hair.

Like maybe Shoplifter Sue wants to hop in the suitcase of Cora Do-gooder and go to Hawaii, instead of staying in that Kansas small town where she belongs. I've already assigned Sue the little white house on Dewberry Lane, where she resides with her cat, her German Shepherd, and a bird named Desmond TuTu, but no, she vacates the place. It's a nice Sunday evening. I've claimed some writing time. Got my coffee. Turn on the monitor and ...where is my lady? She's gone, gone, gone, off to Hawaii. Not the plan.

Characters ever get you confused and in a tither over what happens next? Ever stare at the screen for half an hour, without blinking an eye? Did a bag of corn chips become empty, but you swear you didn't eat even one? Well, I hope so--because that means I'm not alone. Truly, if any of this craziness ever happens to you, I've got one good piece of advice--Go To Bed.

Sleep. Your roving characters and their big ideas will look better in the light of a new day. Maybe your Shoplifter Sue, or other wisecracker you've got in your files, knows the story best. Try letting her do her thing.

Have fun with your writing. Don't pull your hair. If it's not bedtime when the characters drive you mad, do something else instead. Like go for coffee or to a movie with a friend. Those blasted live-wires will be there when you return. Thank Goodness.

Here's to your prosperous writing day!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2010-02-12T06:54:00.001-08:00

Here's hoping everyone's hearts are out there singing songs of love and affection for someone or many someones. I want to give a sweet shout-out to all of my WACKO buddies, my Monday night family, my Family family, my dear neighbors and friends of now and those I miss seeing now but have you in my heart always. I love you all! I love everybody.

Okay, for real. I'm thinking hard now, and there are a few people who I do wish I'd never, ever met.

What does the Bible say about that?

Well, Love is of God. God is love. Love one another. Unless you have love, your good works are worthless. Forgive seventy times seven. Do not treat one person as better than another. When someone slaps you on the face, turn so he can slap the other side as well. Give food and drink to your enemy. Give and it will be given unto you. As you sow, so shall you reap, For God so loved the world that he gave His only son...

Oh, so that's how it is--the entire Bible is about love. But it's about REAL LOVE.

Let us love EVERYONE, this Valentine's Day, let us love perfectly, as in unconditionally, through God's grace. Let us take back a word that the world has twisted and turned every which way and reclaim it for the original intent.

Let us Love.

God is Good

2009-10-26T10:06:00.000-07:00

It rains outside my window now and the weather is expected to stay this way for a while. Some plants will thrive, others will wash away. I don't understand why things happen in such seeming incongruence, but I agree with what my mother has said during the darkest valleys of my life,"God is good all the time. All the time, God is good." Hard things have happened to my mother. She knows what she's talking about.

This morning my husband voiced his disappointment that on this day, a day he took off work to begin making a road at our farm...well, you know...it rains. And I don't fault him his complaint. We're human. We get disappointed.

But everything in this life is a matter of perspective, something we gain more of with each rainy, cloudy, hot, humid or perfectly sunshiny day. Our plans happen -- or they don't.

Here's a little perspective for you. I once visited a home, ten minutes from where I live, which had a non-working toilet on top of a hole in a broken down front porch. The people who lived there did their business into this thing and the poo or pee dropped through and onto the ground below. I saw this because I was taking a crack addict prostitute mother of a four year old back to her home after she had stayed at my house for a couple of days in between jail stints. She wanted to return there because this was all she'd ever known. She ended up strung out and back in jail within weeks.

We've all seen some things in this world. The next time the toast burns or someone cuts in front of us in traffic, or it rains, maybe it's time to pause and give some of the things we've seen some thought.

May each situation you face today be viewed through the lens of a thankful heart.

Yikes! End of Summer Already!

2009-08-22T08:09:00.000-07:00

Well, as we can all tell, I've been quite busy this summer - NOT BLOGGING! Uh-oh. Maybe not many of you truly care about this fact, but I do. I'm mad at myself and have to make amends. Especially after two viewings of "Julie and Julia." I know I will buy this movie and watch it many times. If you haven't seen it, go now. Well, go now if you either a. love cooking b. are a writer c. love a cook or d. love a writer. If you check yes to any of these, then buy a ticket now. Meryl Streep, Amy Adams, and the rest of the cast deserve an Oscar as far as I'm concerned. And Julia Child is surely pleased up in Heaven. If you're a writer working on a project that seems to go on forever and toss and turn nights wondering if your dream will ever come to fruition, then I warn you, take tissues. For you, it's gonna jerk a few tears. Don't ask how I know. But the soothing company of my dear husband, who took me for a lovely dinner after the movie, and this morning's prayers brought me here, to you. I think the problem with our relationship, yours and mine, is that I don't drop in regularly, and maybe you'd like something a bit more focused from me when I do. Maybe I need to get on a course of thought or recorded action and stay there for a while, like the author of the Julie/Julia book. Maybe I also need a daily "regimen" (quoting Amy Adams character). Yes. This is coming. Stay posted. Love and Kisses, Rhonda

Carried

2009-06-03T08:05:00.000-07:00

Okay you guys, I talked about planting things in the dirt before. Well, my sweetheart and I officially planted a little garden on the farm. From planting day and eleven days forward, I've suffered chiggers—the enemy of all mankind! If you ever get this - God help you! Tell me and I will pray. In the end, Listerine, Benedryl by mouth and Caladryl lotion became my closest companions. Amazing how such a little thing can throw a person's life into tilt mode. But I'm good now.

Working through edits on my book, which is a memoir once again, and readying for a conference at the end of this month. I'll attend with my friend Jeannine, who has completed her amazing memoir, done all the homework, even been on talk shows and taught classes on her topic. She's ripe to engage an agent and sell that thing! I'm mentally ready to be finished and begin marketing in earnest—but still in progress.

In reference to my memoir, my critique group, WHACKOS, and my book doctor, Robyn Conley, are literally carrying me across the finish line, so "Thank you! I love you!"

Since it's been a while, here's a peek into my life: I'm training as a nurse and counselor for Pregnancy Assistance Center North; getting ready for a much-awaited visit with my son Cliff and his family; Caleb, my youngest son—who you may read about at 247autism.blogspot.com, has been in Austin State Hospital for seven weeks; The colossal master bathroom remodel is due to conclude soon; I joined Melaleuca and got hooked on their stuff for life; My grand-daughter Annie turned 7, and had a delightful spa party put on by her loving mom (see Johanna and all of her babies on my pictures page ♥) and The talented Jonah (8 yr old grandson) played a "lost boy" in Peter Pan! Oh, I can't forget this—I joined Facebook and found five long-lost, much-loved cousins! ♥ You know it goes on, but I'll stop. ☺

I hope your summer is an especially memorable one and that it includes no itching whatsoever. ☺ May you feel complete and happy and may you fully appreciate the love of God, friends, and family as YOU are carried from one season of your life to the next.

Good surprises wait just around the bend, my friend. I'll keep you posted, and hope you'll do the same.

Love,
Rhonda

Cliff Hudder is a great teacher!

2009-04-11T14:51:00.000-07:00

I'm taking a creative writing class at the local community college this semester. Only three sessions to go. Here's my take on the experience:

1. Assignments with deadlines spark creativity and zap the doldrums.
2. Getting to know other writers and routinely sitting around the critique table with them is yummy, yummy, yummy. (This I've known for a while, but fresh faces = increased inspiration - especially across generations!) Love it!!
3. The more I read good stuff, the more I want to write - so I write more. And then that amazing little cycle repeats. A class turns me into a writing machine!
4. Free critiques! Detailed edits from my teacher! Man it's the life. ☺

Can you tell this has been a very cool deal?

Try a class!

Hello!

2009-02-04T07:27:00.000-08:00

Hi guys and gals,

I'm back so soon and having to admit that I didn't plant one thing in the dirt. I didn't even pull a weed. Well, there was some fence clearing on our land, which felt so much better than any workout in front of a video. Fresh air; sore muscles; the occasional thorn; birds chirping all around — you know you're alive. I needed that.

And I needed the humble pie I've eaten lately, in the form of notes from many of you, informing me that I'm not the only one in cyberspace who sometimes feels alone. Thanks. I need to spend some time learning how to get this little blog known so that more folks will dialogue about the writing life, or life in general. Maybe the blog should become more focused as well.

At any rate, I've work to do. I've decided to do it, rather than whining about being alone. I couldn't stay away from you.

I hope someone out there reads this today and realizes that he or she is also not alone. I read blogs and hardly ever respond myself. Maybe I ought to re-think that as well...

Here's a little writing prompt for today - An older gentleman finds himself on a bus, going the wrong direction, almost late for an appointment...Where is this man going? Who is he? Where is he coming from? Will he arrive on time or change plans?

Try using this situation as a timed exercise. You may be pleasantly surprised at how far you want to take it. Let it sit a bit and go back later, if you like. Feel free to send the timed part to me and let me know if you'd like it published online. You just might encourage a writer who's been stuck, to get un-stuck.

I love you people! Keep writing, keep smiling, and keep being you.

Love,
Rhonda

The Holidays Happened

2009-01-12T10:29:00.000-08:00

Oh Lord, did they ever. I actually thought I might skip out on the holidays this year, or a lot of the work anyway, by going away. This wasn't possible, not the skipping out part. I simply did everything I normally do before Dec. 20,when we left for Santa Fe. Don't be mislead, I love Christmas. But it's the real Christmas I love. I love telling little children about baby Jesus in the manger and going to candlelight service. I love giving a special gift from the heart, and recieving a few as well. I just seem to overdo it, that's all. And then, after it's all over, meaning around mid-January, when every last holiday do-dad finally gets put away, I reassess and wish to handle it all much more simply in the year to come.

This time I want to live my entire life more simply. I want to spend lots of time outside. I want to mess with dirt and see things grow. I want to give every gift homemade and stay away from stores as much as possible - the whole year long. I want to read more, walk with my husband and family more, workout and eat well for health more, laugh more, and by golly, I really want to talk less.

Which leads to my decision on this blog.

Frankly, I'm getting tired of blabbing on without much response. You should try it sometime if you don't get what I'm saying. Supposedly, you're spilling your guts out to an endless sea of people and back comes a handful of comments over the course of a year. How does that feel? I won't describe it other than to say - Eyeoreish. (You know, Pooh's blue friend)

So, I plan to stop all this nonsensical head banging and find a better way. I'm thinking of making a monthly newsletter in the future, but first I will learn how to do the techie parts, one thing I never did with this blog or my mailing list. In the meantime, I will be in a garden somewhere, or have my head stuck in a book, or in a class learning how to write so I can finish my own book and get it published. Thanks for all of your readership and support. Ciao for now.

Factiction

2008-11-29T12:04:00.000-08:00

Writing is my favorite thing in the world. It's pretty much all I want to do, besides read. If you aren't the same, my aspirations may sound lame. In fact, in real life, I might be utterly boring to most of the world—but let me design a character who lives out one thrilling adventure after another and you'll sit beside yourself to uncover which parts are true. If you know me, you'll suspect that I'm lying, mostly. Well, the parts about being down and out and on the last straw could have happened, and the failed romance...some other parts too, but not much. I'm boring, really I am.

Soul Food

2008-11-04T20:21:00.000-08:00

Well, I'm glad it's still Fall, my favorite time of year. At least I'm posting before the season turns again. I wrote a stanza of a song on Sunday, on my way to visit my son. It goes like this:

"The leaves change, and so do you. In a million years I'd never know the things that you've been through. But there's one thing I'd like to say, one thing you have to know—I am not the man who hurt you, so very long ago."

And that's all there is to it for now. I could go on and I will when the time is right. I wanted to share it with you because I was inspired by red and orange leaves on trees, which made me wonder how many people in this world have such moments. Obviously, the song is for a woman from a man, so not something I would logically devise. Melody and words dropped inside of me and I sang as I listened. That happens to my grandmother and it happens to me sometimes. It happens to me with poetry and it happens with story ideas as well.

And it's just the greatest fun. It makes my day. I feel warmed and full, like after a nourishing meal.

What inspires you? Most likely something that you really love or enjoy. I encourage you to dip into your own creative well of inspiration. Do something you love that makes you laugh or smile, observe something you truly enjoy, or spend an afternoon with someone you love. I suggest quietness at some point during this time. Experience everything around you. Listen. Feel the effect inside your soul. Really feel. Do not strive. Relax. Listen again. Then write.

I would love to read something that comes to you and to share it on this site if you agree. Just send a comment and I will see it on my personal email. Let me know if you want it made public or not. Open your eyes. Smell. Breathe. Love. Be inspired. Touch someone else's soul with your own.

Not Rocket Science

2008-09-24T08:46:00.000-07:00

Oh my goodness—how the great big world amazes with smokescreen mirror tricks. My teeth look whiter than normal...

My embarrassing moment story is out now, in First Magazine (Sept). If you want to see my teeth then you should pick it up. If you want to read my writing, then don’t bother. The editor almost entirely paraphrased my story. She added a moral at the end, and in such a way that it seems those are my words. You might take a look at the two stories and tell me what you think—is this square the same as that circle, or is it different?

My story as submitted to First Magazine:

“Sumimasen, Kotohira.”

On a freezing cold, yet amazingly beautiful visit to Kotohira, Japan, last January, I experienced communal hot springs bathing for the first time. This is something I would never do back home. I am known as the most modest person in my family. But amidst the quiet reverence of the traditional bathers and the comforting water, with rose petals floating all around me, I melted into a state of pure bliss. I felt at one with the universe—completely focused. Ironically, after drying off, my ADD kicked in and I became lost. I stepped into view of an open public waiting area—onto something like a little stage actually—in the buff. A tiny towel shielded only part of my middle-aged body as I laughed nervously and backed away from pointing onlookers. I could not live this incident down for the rest of the trip. My clever husband nick-named me “Special Sparkle Bunny” in reference to the public exposure of my “sparkles.” By the way, Sumimasen means “please excuse me” In Japanese. To all you traveling ladies out there—especially grandmothers—may you know exactly where you are at all times!

I’m telling myself to chill—as an article called “Words in My Mouth” takes form in my brain...

Here are the real morals I’d like to share with you:

1.Never waste experiences, yummy or yucky—learn something.
2.Own the events of your life and share what’s sharable.
3.Expect editorial involvement, or over involvement.
4.Be thankful it’s not rocket science.

Happy writing, happy travels, and always keep a towel handy just in case.

Good News!

2008-07-15T11:49:00.000-07:00

Wow, its been a little while.

I'm hoping to catch up to speed and not let you guys down.

Life has been a bit on the rocky side lately. I can't even say much of anything about the trials, and want to always be real, so I've hesitated to post.

Don't want to say things I shouldn't.

One important thing is so clear to me in these trials though, and I must say it before I burst—-God is an ever present help in the time of need.

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." Psalm 46:1 New International Version

He didn't say we wouldn't have need. He said He'd be there.

And He is.

Whatever you carry today, may your load be lightened and may your day be brightened in this simple word: He loves you. He is for you. He is with you. All you have to do is be his child. If you aren't my Daddy's little child, wouldn't you like to be?

All you have to do is believe on Him—-this means Jesus—-in your heart and confess that belief with your mouth.

"That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."(Romans 10:9 NIV)

This is called The Good News because it truly is The Good News! ♥

What could be easier or better?

A precious, priceless, free gift, in a world where everyone wants something from you.

Now isn't that amazing? ♥

Think about it.

Pray.

Love,
Rhonda

Better is One Day

2008-06-19T10:21:00.000-07:00

Today God is telling me this:

“Compare our relationship to anything good in the world this way: A sweet strawberry or orange tastes bitter just after brushing one’s teeth.”

Sounds not so profound right?

Everyone knows the experience of going from very sweet to somewhat sweet. But follow what the word means.

No matter how lovely the gift, if it can be seen—-meaning it has matter, takes up space, and operates under the confines of nature—-the goodness, or sweet of the gift pales significantly, even bitters, in comparison to the presence of God in your life. If you have personally experienced this, as the psalmist David when he declared, “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him,” (Ps. 34:8 NIV) then you understand.

Yesterday I received a hands-on illustration of this toothpaste analogy.

Yesterday a camera crew came to my house for a professional,and free,photo shoot. They took over two-hundred photos of me. Of ME, mind you. Not some natural twenty-something doll-face. Just me.

At first I couldn’t stop saying, “This is crazy,” and “I can’t believe this.” I mean what were the odds, number one, that my little embarrassing moment story would make it into the pages of a national magazine? And number two, that mine would be chosen as the focus story—-meaning a large picture of me in the magazine—-thus a photo shoot in my backyard? Along with this prize—it felt like a prize—came a digital photo CD, which I can use for any purpose I want; people to help me pick clothes and jewelry; my hair and face professionally pampered; and a precious lady dabbing droplets of sweat and keeping my hair fluffed perfectly the entire time.

I mean this was a girly-girl’s dream. I was made to feel beautiful and I loved it.

But you know what? Even such fun pales next to the understanding that He calls me Beloved. He says I’m delightful and even beautiful. He provides my every need. He listens to my words. He receives my praise. He is full of compassion toward me.

Toward you too.

If we know Him we have already won the best prize of all! What more could we ask?

I lack nothing because of His love.

“Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tent of the wicked. For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. O Lord Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you.” Ps. 10 – 12 NIV

I pray you understand.

May your day and your writing be a thousand times blessed. ♥

Get a Life!

2008-06-08T15:07:00.000-07:00

If writer's block comes knocking at your door, do something novel --

Get a life!

This works!

Some of my finest inspiration results from hanging out with the best of the best--

* like princesses

* amazing beauties

*and world class storytellers

*and we must never forget to celebrate!

Have fun with your writing, but most of all have fun with your life!

What Matters Most

2008-05-28T03:55:00.000-07:00

Really.

What matters most to you? What makes your world go around?

This is the question that whacked me over the head recently, at The Colorado Christian Writer's Conference, in Estes Park. During my four days there, I received the best of everything--view; food; fellowship; awesome encounters with agents, editors, and brothers and sisters in Christ. I was so set-up for surprises.

It felt like my birthday, Christmas, and wedding anniversary, all wrapped up in one.

I thought I already had the best of everything.

Somebody rocked my boat.

Not that I'm not thankful for everything and everyone in my life--because I am.

It's just that sometimes we think all is so well that we don't notice an amazing rainbow overhead, or the twinkle in a neighbor's eye. We have so much good and think there is no room for more. Why look around? We focus on what we already have.

Normally I push an attitude of contentment as a good thing, no, a great thing, and from God.

But contentment turned to complacency equals missing out.

The way I was headed reminds me of the men in my family, when I was young, falling asleep shortly after holiday dinners--snoozing it off. So full. Too full for more. Many softball games and waterbomb fights went on without them.

I don't want to miss anything.

Today I am renewed with vision, hope, and the promise of purposeful work. I plan to stay that way. I want more of what God has to give.

It's a great big world out there, with gifts, smiles, and hugs to give and receive.

To Him "who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine"(Eph.3:20 NIV) I owe my energy, my attention, my time, my exuberance and passion. Everything good is of Him, by Him and for Him.

Something to think about.

Bringing It Home

2008-05-09T10:53:00.000-07:00

Well, if you look at hard cold facts, really I didn't, as far as the writing competition at The OWFI Fortieth Annual Writer's Conference that is.

All you would see is the second place silent auction basket I created, which is lovely and beautiful, but has nothing to do with stellar writing craft.

I almost ruined that darned basket. The delicate cutie made it from Texas to Oklahoma in my friend's car without a hitch and then my name tag catches one of the fancies I've attached to it and we hear "psshhooo." That was the sound of a shrink-wrap rip. Thankfully, I had fake stick-on jewels and clear tape. I patched it up with bling and wa-la, she soared.

That was Thursday night's excitement.

Now it's Friday, the day of the night of Buzz Sessions - what I organize for OWFI - and all I've done since my arrival is run around scouting out spaces for fourteen meetings. My hair literally stands on end. My face is peeling from lack of Southeast Texas humidity. I'm slathered in tea tree oil but you'd never know because my dry skin and hair immediately slurped it up.

But I'm hanging in.

I've done the elliptical trainer. I've done yoga stretches and quiet meditation even, yet I tell a roommate (Hi Cassie!) I need time alone to pray and read my Bible before pitching my memoir to a bigtime NY agent at 10:50 a.m. A tension headache brews. The deal about not picking my cuticles is off. With all my early morning maintenance, I'm still a mess.

And me being a mess feels wrong. Everyone in my circle knows I lean heavily on God for peace in the midst of whatever.

Hope and peace must be hiding way deep inside at this moment because it ain't showing on the surface, let me tell ya.

But the coolest thing happens.

My prayer is short - "Lord, I've got ten minutes left. Please speak to me. Please show me something in your word to calm my nerves and give me the confidence I need for this agent appointment."

I randomly open my Bible:

"The Lord their God will save them on that day as the flock of his people. They will sparkle in his land like jewels in a crown." Zechariah 9:16 NIV

I remember the jewels on the basket covering the tear. I am so torn like that basket. God has a sense I humor. He makes me chuckle and confirms his love for me at the same time.

I am soothed and ready.

I speak to Ann Hawkins of The John Hawkins Agency in NY, the oldest agency in the country. Ann likes my story, says it might become another "The Curious Incident of a Dog at Nighttime." This is exactly what a different NY biggie said two years ago. One day I may get why. Anyway, she says it's YA (young adult) and she doesn't do YA. I should talk with Doris Boothe, who is seated at the next table. I thank her and step out of the room.

Immediately, I hear, "Doris Boothe has a no-show." The appointment coordinators of course hate when this happens. These people have come a long way to find talent.

"I'm here. I'll talk to her," I said.

I spun around, went back in, and delivered my pitch a second time. I had fun with it. She requested pages.

Argument for Servanthood

2008-04-14T03:48:00.000-07:00

For almost three years now, I have loved the writer's workshop I attend. I have basked in all that is good from the teachers, leadership, mentors, and peers. I now know some amazing people who I hold in my heart as family. For The Write Ingredients Workshop, I am sincerely grateful.

Now the time has come for me to step up to the plate and become a giver--a servant--toward this group that I especially love. I find myself thrust into the position of a shared leadership role.

I don't know exactly how this happened. It just happened.

Well, maybe I have an inkling as to the origin of change; maybe last summer when I had a long heart-to-heart with my beloved friend, and the founder of The Write Ingredients, Kristl. At that time, I sensed a need for change and so did Kristl. But what to do?that was the million dollar question?what to do? Neither of us could quite put our finger on the exact problem or a solution at the time, but we brainstormed, and time passed.

And now here we are. I went out of town for a couple of weeks and when I came back Kristl had stepped away from her position as sole leader of the group and would now share leadership with others who were currently participating as volunteers for various jobs. The meeting leadership roster would follow a predetermined cycle each month: Robert, Rhonda, Kristl, Ivar and Jonna.

Kristl and I talked about the changes the other day. I expressed my notice of a new flavor permeating the group--a servanthood mentality.

The group experience seems richer, the payoff of each meeting sweeter somehow.

More people are giving. And it seems the more givers there are, the more others pitch in as well. It's like just about everyone wants to get in on the action.

I've always known giving is more blessed than receiving. But really, not a soul gives without receiving at the same time.

Tonight I was reminded.

This day, for me, was a twelve on a scale of one-to-ten with one's a great day and ten sucks. Today was my twenty-nine year old precious daughter?s birthday and I didn't call her until 10:30P.M. It was that bad. If you read my blog, 247autism.blogspot.com you'll pick up the gist of what I'm talking about. But for here and now, I'll just say the last thing in the world I wanted to do at 7:00P.M. tonight was stand in front of a group of anyone, smile, and say, "Welcome to The Write Ingredients Workshop."

But that is what I did because it was my turn.

As the evening progressed, I genuinely laughed. I forgot my own messy life while lending my peers a hand. When I touched those hands I felt their warmth.

My pain lessened. My joy returned.

If you have a less-than-perfect life or even feel like pulling the covers over your head, put on some working gloves and give servanthood a try--it rocks.

By the way, friends--you know who you are--Thanks.

Carla Was Her Name

2008-04-04T07:46:00.000-07:00

"Put it to them briefly so they will read it, clearly so they will appreciate it, picturesquely so they will remember it, and, above all, accurately so they will be guided by its light." Joseph Pulitzer

I read this quote almost every time I work on my memoir. I am almost done, you know. This is what those closest to me are surely sick of hearing. Maybe the best thing is to keep a long work on the down-low. I plan to do that next time. For now, I'm really almost done, so still talking. Ha. There is a particular girl in my memoir who is a composite of three, yes, you heard right, three friends. One of the friends was from another time in my life even. Fourth grade, I think. Anyway, this is why memoir takes a long time. You think you are writing it true and then all these people from other times come in, with the things they said and did or you remember them saying and doing, but, wait, it was from another time, not the year you are writing about. Oh, my, a sticky sandbox we play in. Well, this girl I'm talking about, she must go. She says goodbye to the Candy Cigarettes gang and she'll crop up again in another story, another day. Carla was her name. She was quite interesting. And wouldn't we all be kooky and fun and have the ability to captivate with intrigue, if we were three folks combined?

The good news is, after Carla goes, all that's left is the truth?how I remember it from 1974, the year my father died, when I was one messed-up puppy. Should make for interesting tabloid once it's on the shelves.

Happy writing, and reading, to you all.

Love,
Rhonda

New Blog

2008-03-26T03:44:00.001-07:00

Yea. Just want to let everyone know that my more active, autism focused blog is now up on Blogger. The blog is entitled, Caleb's Mom Talks Autism. I hope you'll go there and comment. That's a cool feature. Readers can post right there and people can get a little forum going. Thanks so much, btw, to each one of you who dropped me a line last time. Your encouraging comments made my last two weeks. So I'm not just talking to myself. A wonderful thing to know. Now I have to learn if there is a better way to inform everyone of my blogs on both sites. My dear son will help me.

Memoir is coming along. Down to 85,000 words now, and this is a great thing. I have found it so much easier to fill space and fill and fill and fill space, than to go back and condense what I have written into something cohesive and well written. Rewriting--powerful and painful. Getting very close. Keep sending up prayers and good wishes please. I think some young women, and older ones as well, need to read Candy Cigarettes Are Bad for You. Not one moment of this two and a half years+ has been in vain. Best Wishes to all who read this journey.

Rodeo Day (at my house)

2008-03-18T09:42:00.000-07:00

Writing is like losing weight.

Sometimes I feel sabotaged by those close to me. I do not know what comes over people with dieting and writing. Is it just me? Do other people have difficulty getting work done when the family is around? AAahhhh! I want to scream for help sometimes, or beg mercy. Help!

If only I can finish the memoir and get a little break to work on my house and try and make everyone else happy and learn to set good boundaries and live a balanced life before moving on to the next big project.

Will my life ever be perfect? Well, No.

And writing a book is like having a baby. One of those things you do when you decide it's time, even though the stars never do align just so and we still live in a world of time and space and imperfections.

Whew. I'm glad I've had my kids--now for the career.

I wish you all oodles of time on your writing projects and right now I am waving my magic wand your way. Here goes? I'm shaking fairy dust on my head too.

I have to add thanks to my sweet friends who sent blarney wishes for St. Paddy's day. Those wishes make me smile and press on with joy. Friends are the greatest inspiration. Hug or kiss or email one today.

Love,
Rhonda

St. Paddie's

2008-03-17T07:37:00.000-07:00

I'm starting a new thing now. I'll write my blog entry in Word first. Hopefully I will talk online more often this way. I won't think it's such a big deal if I write when the urge hits me, wherever I am instead of coming home and going to my website blog writing site and then not knowing exactly how to go about it without looking on the notes my great webmaster son wrote for me. I will write now, insert to website later. Maybe not so many typos this way as well. Anyway, if you have been disappointed by coming to this blog and finding nothing new for a couple of months now, please have mercy and hang in there with my flawed self. Some things have been the pits for me lately and others have been wonderful. I found myself perplexed as to what I should write and what to keep to myself. Sort of like the penning of my memoir actually--so a lot of pondering this and that and not much writing about all those things. Webmaster Cliff has suggested I start a BlogSpot separate from this site and write on one specific topic. Readers could link to there from here and to here from there. I have decided to start this separate blog because it is true that I have not had a real focus to my blog topics thus far. The reason is my life is entirely too eclectic for me to choose which thing to write on for any given day. That and the darned adult onset ADD thing. So breaking into two venues should help: one primarily on writing/authorship related topics (this one) and one on something I probably talk to everyone around me way too much about?my son, Caleb, and his autism. So I'm hoping to be very raw on the BlogSpot blog. Unless I find this name already taken, I will call it "Caleb's Mom's Blog: Autism in the House". I will announce it for sure with a link once it's all set. My hope is that I will confuse and sadden some folks less (with my spoken rants on the subject) and maybe let some other people out there know that they are not the only ones at the end of the rope on some days and over-the-top elated because their child smiled or displayed an ability to focus on other days.

On the writing front, I'm getting geared up for a couple of conferences that are coming soon; The Oklahoma Writer's Federation Conference and The Colorado Christian Writer?s Conference, both in May. I was also recently appointed Activities Coordinator for my writer's group, The Write Ingredients Workshop, which adds texture and flavor to my group experience. I line up speakers and man the meeting once a month. That?s the night I have to clean up and look sort of professional, so it gives me practice in putting a best foot forward. This is good structure for my career, so thanks Kristl and Jonna, for the extra work. You know I love it. It gives me an excuse to present a speaker with a cool little gift once a month and to be a schmoozy ham.

My memoir continues to shrink in length and to deepen. It does not get much press from me at this point because I find that rattles my focus. To summarize though, the mood is still black to gray for me most working days. This means good progress.

Thanks for checking in to keep in touch. Drop me a line so I know you're out there people. I'll truly try to be more consistent.

Love you,
Rhonda

Coming Clean

2007-12-29T07:33:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone's Christmas was memorable in a great way. I've decided to come clean about mine.

I'm in menopause. That means hot flashes and mood swings. Fun stuff. It's why I haven't posted lately. Not sure how much the world really wants to know. Anyway, I'll tell you like it was.

Wonderful things did happen: I was in a drama production at church. This was very meaningful to me because we searched for a new church for almost two years before visiting Living Word Lutheran, where some of my writing family attend. Turned out to be a fateful day. We love the church. So now I'm on the drama team before even becoming Lutheran. We start a class for that soon, something called Discovery Class. After that we will join and officially be Lutheran.

So the drama participation was a highlight, and the parties, a handful of parties. I understand some people out there do not have parties to attend and do not throw them because they don't have friends I guess. I'm sorry about that, but if you get friends, you'll have fun at the parties. Or maybe you couldn't care less about parties and you're happy alone. Anyway, not me. I like friends and parties.

Attended candlelight service on Christmas Eve--I loved that. Sat next to my friend, Ledia, and my dear husband. Saw another friend, Jonna, and got sweet smiles and hugs. Heard about Jonna's grandbabies gifts. Conversations with friends and family, warm receptions. More good elements of my holiday.

Back on December first, I had my first ever book signing. Friends, family and shoppers kept me company for the entire four hours. I sold all my books and had a blast. Dan (sweet hubby) had a copy of the book cover and my first publication check framed for me.

Back to Christmastime, I have to add cookie baking with granddaughter, Annie, special dinners with my family, quiet evenings by the fire, sipping cider, reflecting. I like shopping before the big rush hits too, and even some after it hits. I can't leave out decorations, cooking, getting and receiving gifts. Honestly, I enjoyed the holidays.

But why do I sometimes feel like a roll of transparent tape? Do you know what transparent tape feels like, over the holidays, that is? It's stretched and torn, then broken off in pieces until it's all gone. And no one misses that roll of tape when it's gone. Another one is opened and life goes on.

Does anyone know what I'm talking about? Am I going crazy or is life getting harder lately?

Okay, I gained six pounds over the holidays. That's depressing. I wish that were the most depressing thing in my life, but it is not. There is a person out there in the world who is like a big bad wolf to me. I must deal with this person on a regular basis. He is from my past and I can't say his name or much about this, or maybe I would get sued since he likes that type of excitement. And this person's bad side popped up all over my holidays. Can you believe it? So menopause, big bad wolf, and some other life trials which I have mentioned previously, all add up to me wondering how I'm supposed to blog. I mean how much real life information do you people want to read?

And now I feel like two people in one - the hot one, the cold one. Is that maddening, or interesting? Oh, God. Maybe I shouldn't have posted.

Well, I'll go now. I have a headache and you may not even want to know that.

Best Wishes to you and Happy Everything You Celebrate. Please keep your chin up if you are menopausal or have the privileged joy of living with someone who is.

Above all, keep it real--very, very real. I hear this thing goes on a very long time, so we might as well embrace it.

Love,
Rhonda

An Excursion with My Mom

2007-12-12T17:51:00.000-08:00

A Thanksgiving List

2007-11-15T03:24:00.000-08:00

This may seem a bit self-indulgent, but Thanksgiving is upon us, so I'm just going to do it...

I am going to offer personal thanks to the people I walk beside in life.

As usual though, there is a double agenda. I'm hoping this inspires you to make your own list, and maybe send out some "Thank You" e-cards. They are free at Dayspring, Hallmark, and some other places too. It feels so GREAT to be truly thankful and I want you to know it for yourself.

One disclaimer: This list is SOOOOOOO NOT exhaustive - more like a little sample starter of people I appreciate. So please, if I know you and you aren't listed here, know I LOVE YOU TOO.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanks to God for always being there for me, giving your Son, Jesus, for me, and always loving me the same, no matter what.

Thanks to my husband, Dan, for being my best friend and forever love, the absolute knight in shining armour of my life and the one who can easily make me laugh, even on the worst day.

Thanks to my dear friend and sister in Christ, Abby, who I won't call an angel, because I know she hates that, but who I will call the fragrance of Christ to me.

Thanks to my daughter Johanna, for being a courageous and inspiring young mother and always an eager student of life.

Thanks to my son, Cliff, for being the compassionate, giving, joyful, brilliant person that you are.

Thanks to my son, Caleb, for being the one who pushes me closer to Jesus everyday, with the innocence of your eyes, and the yearnings behind them.

Thanks to my step-daughter, Laura, for your kind heart and refreshing perspectives on a vast assortment of subjects.

Thanks, Tina, for being above and beyond what I could have ever dreamed up as the perfect daughter-in-law, Mei's Mommy, and my son's dear wife.

Thanks to my friends Lisa and Teresa, for being the heart of our street, always looking out for every neighbor and always doing good.

Thanks to my friend, Toby, for proving that somebody in this world, who knew me when, still gives me the time of day, AND a whole lot more, like e-cards, heartfelt talks, trust, good advice, and the occasional pictorial glimpse of real seasons.

Thanks to my entire writing group, The gang at Write Ingredients Workshop, whose friendship and camaraderie is crucial to my survival in this partially left-brained world.

Thanks to the WACKOS, you know who you are--you help me know the work's not over, when otherwise I might think I'm done--and your hearts are enormous.

Thanks to Linda C. and Darla C., good writing, eating, movie going pals, but sister/friends number one.

Thanks to Carol and Richard for caring and reaching out to me and to a dark world, with your light.

Thanks to all of my extended family, wow, without you I might not have a clue which way to go. You gave me a foundation and a hand and love, and you still do.

Thank you to all of the people who have ever helped another human being in need. You know who you are. You are the ones who will one day wear a crown with many jewels. Your existence in this world blesses me.

Thanks, Mom, for believing in me, in yourself, in a positive life, and in Jesus Christ.

Thanks, Dad, for showing me what God is like, and loving me still.

How do you see yourself?

2007-10-23T03:06:00.000-07:00

Dan just left for work and on his way out the door he heard these words,"You're the best man in the world."

Then came his reply, "You're the best woman in the world."

Oh really? Who says? We do. It's our little offering to one another, from thankful hearts. I want to remind you that you also are the best and that you are a winner. I know you are in at least one thing--Remember the first page of this site? That little girl posing like she's a star in the universe? Well she is. And so are you. The challenge made on that page is to be yourself. Today I am raising the bar by asking you to CHERISH yourself for your very own uniqueness. I challenge you to consider yourself a wonderful person made in the image of God. Not one other person has your DNA and there is a simple explanation for that--your creator deemed it so. You are that special to him.

But we tend to search the world over for affirmation...

Tears of joy fell from my eyes recently, at the discovery of long-awaited news: I would become a multinationally published author by having a story placed in a Chicken Soup for the Soul series. Yea! This was very exciting and one of my happiest occasions as a writer so far. I had been declared a winner by someone other than my own family. Woo-hoo! But you know what? When I received the first copy in the mail, my name was misspelled, my website listed incorrectly, my story was on page 170 in a 210 page book, AND one clunky sentence jumped out at me like a slimy toad. A bit of disappointment paled my sunshiny day. But I considered that stuff for about one minute and moved on.

Because I know something much more important than all that.

The silly things that we sometimes use to measure success are not really success at all. Staying up all night with a sick child or holding someone's hand and listening when a loved one has died, those actions make you a success. Putting dinner on the table every night for your family - success. Taking the dog out when no one else wants to - success. Scrubbing toilets, digging ditches, grading papers into the night - success. Wouldn't you say so? It's doing whatever you do - especially when you don't feel all goose-bumpy about it. It's accepting the everyday that makes you a success. When I send a story to ten (or more) different publications and a form of 'rejection' comes back every time this means I'm working, risking, learning - and that's my career success. When Dan goes off to work, where he knows he'll be barraged with problems, and he does this out of love for his family - Hey, that's being a success and a winner. Doing what you have been given to do in this life, for this time - maybe praying for future changes, but still keeping the faith - that makes you so the greatest. I hope that whatever you do today, you will remember this: It's not what the world judges about you that matters - most things are entirely subjective anyway - it's what you believe about yourself. The apostle Paul talked about you in Philippians chapter 2:14-16 "Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life..."

And the psalmist David said something about himself which goes for all of us: "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." Ps. 139:13-16

Today, my friend, rejoice - You are God's absolute greatest and He infinitely loves YOU.