Monday, May 31, 2010

Memorial Day

Yesterday as I got into the car, I took a moment to change the radio station to Sunday music. I hit 100.3 on the dial in time to catch the first chorus of The Battle Hymn of the Republic, one of the most stirring pieces of music ever composed. I paused to appreciate the DJ's selection, so fitting for this holiday, and then I glanced in my rearview mirror. Walking down the street right behind me was an elderly man in full military uniform, his brisk stride exactly matching the cadence of the song. That moment seemed perfectly created for me, a glimpse of the pride of America and all this country stands for.

I was blessed to grow up surrounded by wonderful people who taught me the importance of appreciating where I came from. Those people were my grandparents, and I thank them for being such stalwart examples to me of lives of faith and dedication. I extend that appreciation to all those who came before me who marked the path and gave me clear direction, and of course, my thoughts naturally turn to those who have perished in the service of our country. Regardless of our many different political affiliations, I think we can all agree that those men and women truly gave their all and we are blessed for what they have done. It's because of those men and women that we are allowed to believe as many different things as we do, to root for our favorite candidates, and to publicly express so many viewpoints about the state of the union.

So on this Memorial Day, I'd like to pay tribute to all those who gave their lives and all those who came before, from pioneers to immigrants (mine are from Norway, Wales, and England, primarily) who started branches of our family trees here, to grandparents and parents. May we all live up to the legacies we've been given, and may we all have the guts to leave legacies of our own.

Friday, May 21, 2010

Overheard in the Car

Five-year-old, who was born and raised in Utah: "I wish someone would put letters that say 'Hollywood' on the mountains by our house."

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Movie Review: The Moment After 2 - The Awakening

I think it's safe to say that few things are as pondered and discussed by Christians the world over as the Second Coming. We read of it in the scriptures, we talk about it in church, and we read books written by gospel scholars of the things prophesied to come about. What's most interesting to me is the different conclusions we all draw. Some people subscribe to the believe of the Rapture (righteous people taken up to Heaven, while others are left behind) while others believe that the righteous will be taken up at the time of Christ's arrival. Regardless of personal belief, we all have one thing very importantly in common - we want to be ready when the time comes.

I was recently contacted by the company who produced "The Moment After," among other Christian films, and asked if I would review "The Moment After 2: The Awakening." I was more than glad to do so. Having read the "Left Behind" series, I was mostly familiar with the theology of the Rapture, and so I was able to pick right up on what was happening in the film, even though I haven't seen the first movie in the series.

Adam Riley was wrongfully imprisoned after helping Jacob, a man of God, escape from prison. An oppressive world government, known as the Global Alliance, has come into power and is actively seeking to find followers of Christ. Jacob uses his freedom wisely and begins gathering groups of followers into clusters where he can minister to their needs and encourage them to watch over each other. In the meantime, after spending two years in prison, Adam is able to escape and goes on the run.

He stumbles into the home of a woman who was taken up during the Rapture, and is discovered there by her nephew. After learning that Adam is a Christian, the nephew takes him to a cluster, where he is reunited with Jacob. Adam is pleased to see what Jacob has done in two years, but he knows that he's putting all the believers in danger with his presence.

Charles, a former FBI agent and friend of Adam's, has been blackmailed by the Global Alliance to spy on the clusters and bring the believers in. His wife doesn't have the mark of the beast, the microchip that allows the citizens to purchase food, and they have taken her into custody. If Charles doesn't do as he's told, the fate of his wife is questionable ... but then, it is anyway.

Put in the impossible position of spying on his friends or losing his wife, and then possibly losing his wife anyway, Charles feels trapped, and goes to find a cluster of believers, only to witness an Alliance execution of two of the believers' most faithful men.

I won't give away any more than this - the plot is complex and it's best if you see it yourself to grasp all the threads. But I really appreciated this look into the "what ifs" of our future and to see what these filmmakers conjectured as to how the world will play out in the final scenes before the coming of Christ. The point was driven home that in the end, it's faith that is the most powerful weapon, not guns or knives. While the film did have plenty of "teaching" moments, I'd have to say it was definitely an action film. There were moments of tension and suspense - it's for this reason that I would recommend it for teenagers and adults, rather than children - but it's not overdone. The violence was appropriate to the situations the characters found themselves in.

The storyline is definitely geared toward the mainstream Christian market, but I have to say, the messages will be appreciated by Christians of every denomination.

I thought this was a well-done film. I congratulate the production company on its success and I hope they continue to turn out quality, faith-building products.

Farmville

I've now been a member of Farmville for one week. It all started last weekend, when I realized I was growing bored with my other mind-numbing game (Jewel Quest) and needed something else. And yes, I do need something to numb my mind - otherwise it runs 24/7 and never gives me a break. Must. Sedate. The. Brain.

After hanging out with my sisters all weekend and hearing my sister comment about feeding her dog on Farmville, I ended my self-imposed moratorium and started myself a farm. Some of my friends cheered when I made the announcement. Some of my friends groaned and asked what had happened to my morals. My brother-in-law, who is an assistant professor of clinical psychology, advised me to get to a support group and admit that I'm powerless over my addiction.

I must say, it's been a very educational week. It has reinforced in my mind the importance of setting financial plans and working toward them - otherwise, you'll end up spending all your money on purple scarecrows and won't amass enough to enlarge your farm, when that's what you really need to do. It teaches lessons in being a good neighbor and sharing our blessings. It teaches the importance of patience - I might be able to afford a horse stable, but construction is still a process and I can't just expect things in my life to appear in front of me automatically. If I want something to last and be worthwhile, I need to wait for it to develop.

I've also learned that we have to ask for what we want. We can't just assume that people will know and dish out the goods - and this is true in life as well as in Farmville. I can't just assume that my neighbors know I need bricks. I should send bricks to my neighbors, and then they'll return the favor with the bricks I need. I can't just assume that my family knows I need help with the laundry - I need to tell them and stop being disappointed when they don't just automatically do it.

I've also learned that it's okay to accept a gift and then to sell it for something I need more. There's no rule that says I have to keep everything I'm sent. It's not like posting the Christmas gift you got from your great-aunt Mabel on eBay as soon as it's unwrapped.

I'm learning which crops give the greatest payback for the investment (right now I'm lovin' on amaranth and pineapple). I've also learned that while strawberries are cute and tasty, they wither too easily and you don't make a lot on them.

Of all the lessons I've gleaned, though, I think the most important are these:

1. When you go to the grocery store and you notice that the cart return racks look somewhat like the fences in Farmville ...

2. When you wake up and the first thing you think is, "I wonder if my crops are ready ..."

3. You nearly miss taking your son to Scouts because you just realized that you do, after all, have enough money to upgrade your farm ...

It may be time to seek out that support group after all.

Monday, May 10, 2010

Interview with Awesome Authors C. L. Beck and D. N. Giles



Today I’m joined by authors C.L. Beck (known to me as Cindy) and D. N. Giles (known to me as Nichole). These kind ladies were good enough to follow me around as I did my housework. I just don’t seem to have time to break away to do exotic interviews any more.

Me: (pulling clothes out of the dryer) How did you get the idea for your book?

Cindy: (holding the basket for me) I've been known to say it happened when the moon was full, Aquarius was on the cusp, and the chickens were molting. But other than that, it was an idea that formed over years of having funny bishops. I started writing down anecdotes, then tossing the ideas and format for a book back and forth with Nichole. She's a genius. Well, actually, I think she's a mermaid because she loves tropical islands, but a mermaid in the guise of a genius. And we didn't actually toss the ideas back and forth in person, but through email. Ah yes, bless that little cotton picker. No, not Nichole, bless that little cotton picker, email.

Nichole: (looking a little put off at the suggestion that she is a mermaid, but flicking her pretty sparkly tail) Well, I suppose I should blame Cindy. It's all her fault. But not really, because a person can't help but be funny when you live with a dog named Corky-Porky-Pie, and when you're funny, you tend to have brilliant ideas. Like this one.

Me: (setting the basket on the couch and heading back for the laundry room, dodging a pile of Legos in the middle of the floor) How did you come to choose each other for co-authors?

Cindy: (pausing to pick up a sandwich crust and throwing it away) We came to know each other online, at Authors Incognito, and a friendship evolved from there. Deciding to become co-authors was a natural progression. Sorta like becoming Siamese twins. Or something.

Nichole: (grabbing the broom and starting to sweep) Siamese twins? Hm. I never thought about it that way. Can Siamese twins be born in separate years? Is that possible? Sure, we look a bit different, but we could be twins, right? Right. And yes, Authors Incognito really does rock.

Me: (shoving wet clothes into the dryer) What was your favorite part about working together?

Cindy: (starting to fold the clothes that just came out of the dryer, then realizing she has no idea what clothes belong to who, so she settles for working on the towels) Nichole has offered to buy me a super industrial-sized box of Twinkies. What more could one ask for in a co-author?

Nichole: (flipflopping on her pretty sparkly tail over to the sink, where she starts to rinse the dishes, but she keeps getting distracted by the soap bubbles) Cindy always makes me laugh, even when I'm feeling blue. Really blue. Because my pen broke and ink spilled all over my hands, then I accidentally wiped them on my face and...oh wait. That isn't supposed to be literal, is it? Can I have one of your Twinkies, Cindy?

(Cindy shakes her head emphatically)

Me: (happily listening to the sound of the clothes washer starting up, and happily listening to the lack of my children fighting down the hall) Was it hard to find contributors?

Cindy: (reaching out to catch the stack of folded towels before it falls over) Oh no, not at all. We had plenty of people who sent emails saying things like, "I is an writer, and here bees my super writings. Ma and Pa and Aunt Earlene loved it and yous all will two." But, we were very picky, and finding contributors who didn't smoke a corn cob pipe, chew tobaccy, and swill white lightning was a little harder.

All kidding aside, we're very proud of our contributors, their stories, and the quality of the writing in Mormon Mishaps and Mischief. We had very strict standards for what went into the book.

Nichole: (her long, mermaidy hair flowing over her shoulders) Yes, what Cindy said. And also, we're grateful to our contributors as well. Without them, our book wouldn't be nearly as well-rounded. And that's what makes it fun.

Me: (standing at the fridge, trying to decide what to start making for dinner, being clueless, wondering if I can justify pizza again, realizing I can’t, feeling glum about that, and grabbing some hamburger) If you had to choose between being boiled to death or being frozen to death, what would you take?

Cindy: (clasping her hands together with glee) I would take being fricasseed, because with my last breath I could say, "I'll be fricasseeing ya!" Oh ... wait. Didn't I just hear that line on a TV show? Okay, in that case I'll take being boiled, because with my final breath I could say, "I am just sooooo HOT!"

Nichole: (gently taking me by the elbow and steering me away from kitchen knives, the stove, and every other potentially dangerous implement) What kind of question is that? Are you saying you want to kill me? And if you are, why are you making me choose? Fine. I think...I hate freezing, but I think I'd rather freeze than boil. Less pain for wimpy me.

Me: (pausing to fluff my hair in the reflection of my now-gleaming front room window—thanks for scrubbing it for me, Cindy) Who is your very favorite historical-fiction-turned-contemporary-cozy-mystery-writer in the whole world?

Oh, gosh. Umm. Who could that be? (Cindy says, while thoughtfully tapping her noggin.) Okay, got it. It's TRISTI PINKSTON, the terrific writer who penned Secret Sisters. And she's a wonderful person to boot!

Nichole: (waving her hand wildly, flipping salty seawater everywhere, and then grabbing the mop to clean it up) I know, I know! It's you. Tristi Pinkston. (You can pay me that bribe money later.)

Me: (patting my pockets) Thanks—I seem to be fresh out of cash right now. I’ll make it up to you.

Thanks for stopping by, letting me interview you, and helping me with my housework. I notice neither of you went into my bathrooms or my sons’ room.

Cindy: You’re welcome. But you didn’t think we would really go in there, did you? (she shudders)

Nichole: Thanks for the interview! It was fun. But, um, I couldn’t go down the hall because … my flippers don’t work on carpet. Yeah, that’s it. I’m carpet-challenged. (whispering to Cindy) Think she bought it?

Cindy: (whispering back) She’s got sort of a dopey look on her face, so I think she’s oblivious.

Nichole: (whispering back to the whispering back) Either that, or she’s mentally concocting a new recipe for fish soup. Let’s get outta here.


You can pick up Cindy and Nichole’s new book at LDS bookstores everywhere, or by clicking on this awesome little box.

News! News! News!

The Mormon Mishaps and Mischief  Giveaway and Blog Tour!






In celebration of Mothers, and all they do for us, Mormon Mishaps authors C.L. Beck and D.N. Giles have put together a giveaway in conjunction with a week-long blog tour. If you aren’t interested in winning a fantastic advertising package valued at $150, you can stop reading now.

Wait, you’re still reading. That must mean you want to hear about our prize package, correct? Well. Okay then.

Let me first tell you a little about our sponsors, yourLDSneighborhood.com and YourLDSradio.com.






yourLDSneighborhood.com is an online shopping mall which features innovative products and LDS-based services, and great ideas for your home, all without the worries of questionable content. Shopping categories include Clothing, Music, Preparedness, Family Entertainment, Scrapbooking, Books and Art, Health and Food, Travel and Recreation, Weddings and more! Visit yourLDSneighborhood.com today.






Your LDS Neighborhood Newsletter is a free online newsletter that comes three times a week right to your email inbox. It provides topical stories and insights that set the tone for your day. The newsletter brings you articles, products, services, resources, and interviews from around the world, all with an LDS focus. Sign up today by clicking here!






YourLDSradio.com commits to bringing you the best in LDS Music – all day, every day and it is totally FREE to listen! Make them your web-surfing companion. It's free and easy to use and makes for the perfect online companion. Listen for yourself at yourLDSradio.com!



Okay, and now for the prize!



Your LDS Neighborhood has offered a YEAR LONG advertising package which includes space on the Neighborhood website as well as tiles in the newsletter. Were you to purchase advertising with them, this package would cost $150.

Here’s the best part. You don’t have to be LDS to advertise with the Neighborhood. As long as the business, blog, or product you’re promoting is family friendly, this advertising package will benefit you. Neighborhood ads are viewed daily around the globe, and by thousands of people.

So how do you win?

Entries will be accepted between May 4th and midnight, MST, May 16th. On May 17th, (or as close there about as possible) the winners will be chosen and announced on the LDS Humor blog. Although it's not required for entry, please take a minute to read the Mormon Mishaps and Mischief review/interview I've posted. Then, you must do the following four things to enter (but don't worry, they aren't hard):

1. Follow my blog, here.
2. Leave a comment here, at this blog.
3. Follow the LDS Humor blog.
4. Follow the Your LDS Neighborhood Newsletter blog.

Extra entries:

1. Blog about this contest, then come back and leave either a url address or a link in a comment.
2. Follow me on Twitter. (Bloggers, you can hyperlink this to your twitter page if you’d like, or include your twitter username.) And then tweet the contest. (Make sure to mention this in a comment.)
3. Facebook the contest. If your Facebook page is private, and I’m not your friend, I can’t see that you’ve done this, so you’ll need to friend me.(Same goes here.) Be sure to leave the link to where you've FB'd the contest in a comment.

All of these options can be mentioned in a single comment, and you can enter at all the participating blogs, as long as you follow and leave a comment for those bloggers so they know you love them.

You may enter this contest here, as well as on any of the tour posts at the following blogs:

May 4th Rachelle Christensen
May 4th Shirley Bahlmann
May 5th Karlene Browning
May 5th Heather Gardener, Fire and Ice Book Reviews
May 6th Kellie Buckner
May 6th Rachel Rager
May 7th Shauna Chambers
May 7th Heather Justesen
May 10th LDS Humor Blog
May 10th Keith Fisher
May 11th Tristi Pinkston
May 11th Rebecca Talley
May 12th Taffy Lovell
May 12th Kimberly Job
May 13th Connie Hall
May 13th Ali Cross

To purchase Mormon Mishaps and Mischief click here.


Saturday, May 08, 2010

Another Book Review

I just got this fun review from prolific author Shirley Bahlmann:

"I have read several of Tristi Pinkston's books, and she just keeps getting better! "Secret Sisters" has a cast of unlikely sleuths who, in the process of discovering a crime, also discover truths about themselves. Ida Mae Babbitt seems competent in her role as Relief Society President, but the pages unfold to reveal her own lesson learned of not judging others. The rest of the supporting characters offer delightfully diverse personalities, motivations, and humor, such as "I was giving thought to rigging semaphore flags with two napkins and a couple of long breadsticks..." and in a moment of imminent peril, "She raised her skillet high. Arlette's knitting needles were at the ready..." They ultimately tie up the bad guys with knitting yarn, and literally "shove a sock in it" when one of the bad guys won't stop talking.

This detective book is not to be confused with the hard-nosed adventures of, say, Sam Spade, but is a wonderful trip into a quiet, Mitford-like world with the surprising addition of spyware, villains, and nice old ladies determined to let no crime go unpunished."

Tuesday, May 04, 2010

Meridian Magazine Review

I always look forward to what Jennie Hansen has to say about my books - as one of the most respected reviewers in our industry, her opinion carries a lot of weight. This month's issue of Meridian is out, and it's two thumbs up for Secret Sisters. Read all about it here.

I'll be posting highlights from the rest of my reviews early next week.

Monday, May 03, 2010

Pendragon's Book Binding

I'm falling behind in my blogging - I have a lot of pictures to post from various different things, and I just haven't gotten around to it yet. But this - this I shall post right now because I'm so blown away.

I've known Pendragon for a long time and have always been impressed by her fun sense of humor, great writing style, and compassion for others. But she's recently started a new business, and I got a box in the mail today. Allow me to show you what was inside.


These are handsewn journals in two sizes - small and large. In my favorite colors, no less. Notice how the small one has a little charm that says "valor?" Yeah, they're absolutely full of little special touches.


This is a close-up of the small journal. The gray binding has a suede texture and just feels good to hold.


This is the larger journal, and the binding is done with this nice brown leather. Notice the strip that comes around from front to back to hold it closed - it's fastened with a dot of Velcro, but you can't see that from the outside. The gorgeous metal embellishment looks like it's doing that job.

Now look at how gorgeous the inside pages are - there are colored separation pages, and a coordinating ribbon. In fact, two coordinating ribbons, equally spaced in the book.

I am absolutely in love with my books. Why? Well, lemme break it down:

1. No one else in the whole world has my books. These are mine ... mine, mine, mine! Because these books are custom-made to order, I know that I have the only book just like this. If you visit Pendragon's Book Binding website, which you should, you'll see a set that looks just like mine on the order page ... well, guess what ... it is mine. That picture was taken before my set was shipped.

2. These books are made by hand. Painstakingly. Artistically. This is an art form and I feel honored to hold such a fine creation in my hands.

3. They are absolutely beautiful, and very high-quality. These are appropriate for gift-giving to even the most hard-to-please mother-in-law.

I just wish I'd gotten on the bandwagon a little earlier so I could point you all this direction for Mother's Day. But there are birthdays, anniversaries, Christmases ... and as these journals are also excellent gifts for men, you could certainly order them for your Father's Day gift needs.

Here is the contact information for Pendragon's Book Binding:

700blankpages.com
Pendragon@700blankpages.com

You should go check out the site just for how cool it is. You can read about the bookmaking process from start to finish and see how it's all done.
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