Application

What is the sense in learning something if you do not apply it? We ask that a lot in our lives, especially when we’re in high school. What good is algebra to my future? I’m not planning on being a doctor, so who cares about the systems of the body? What good will it do me to know the date the Revolution ended? “Youth is wasted on the young,” someone once said. Often that is the case.

So this past week I have been attempting to apply what I learned last week at the writer’s conference. I’ve hardly scraped the surface, but here are a few of my attempts:

• Typed all my notes up – a very good review of so much I had already forgotten!
• E-mailed a woman whose workshop I was unable to take and asked for her handouts. Twelve of them! I’ve downloaded them, but I still have to read them.
• Edited the first three chapters of my book, correcting the many things that were pointed out to me. The next twelve chapters, I’m on my own!
• Started a short story…well, started taking a piece from my book to make into a short story. 1,800 words isn’t a lot…
• Downloaded Microsoft Reader and all the plug-ins I need to have it read my manuscripts to me aloud. Took me an hour or more to get it all in working order, but it works great…except when I stop to laugh at the monotone voice and the mistakes it makes! Then I’m about two sentences behind.
• Edited two chapters of the Civil War book and wrote out what my “partner” Mrs. Harris needs to look for as she edits. I’m working on part one and she on part two – then we’re going to switch. Wish I had an editing partner for all my work!
• Tossed everything else in my laptop case so I can take housesitting with me next week. I hope to make my way through the pile, but no promises.
• Joined a writer’s group at the local Christian bookstore. My first meeting is tonight. I’m not sure what to expect, but I learned that even the most successful writers are part of a writer’s/critique group. So I’ve “screwed my courage to the sticking place”, and we’ll see how it goes.

Remember...

Home again, home again…well, in body at least!

What an adventure the Blue Ridge Writer’s Conference became – and in so many ways I hardly expected. For while I learned a great deal about writing, my phone ringing and the e-mails I received added another dimension to the many lessons I learned. So many lessons I have hardly had time to sort.

You will excuse me if this blog rambles a bit. I did not learn to ramble at the writer’s conference. For whether one is writing fiction, non-fiction, poetry, articles or books – rambling is not good writing. All writers must “write tight”. Which means loosing words all over the place. Words I didn’t realize were out of style. Oops! Like that word “were”. Sorry. Should be “So many words have gone out of style. I did not realize that.” Oh, and I need to take that exclamation point off of “oops”. I’ve already used one in the first paragraph, which is already one too many exclamation points. And there I just used the word “already” twice in a sentence. That won’t do either.

See what I mean?

When I was unpacking yesterday, I took all the papers I had gathered over the course of the week and put them into one pile. One large pile. One large pile I must sort through, and read, and review, and learn from. And that pile doesn’t even include all the corrections I have made on my piece of fiction I brought to show to those in the literary circle. Those corrections must be made – and several hundreds more. Being a writer is a lot of work.

But being a writer is what I want to become more than ever. For, as I said, this week has taught me more than just skill within an art. It has done more than simply challenge me to take my hobby to a whole new level. It has also left me with closed and opened doors. For I did not get the teaching position in North Carolina. And although I was disappointed, other circumstances overshadowed the loss. For it was only a job. I still have so much the Lord has blessed me with. Things that could be taken away so quickly. Yet things I still possess.

You know, I learned that people attend writer’s conferences for a myriad of different reasons. For writers write a myriad of different things. And some attend having no idea what they want to write – they just know they want to write. I guess I went to find out if I really and truly can write. Happily, I was told by those in the literary circle than I can, indeed, write. But then something even more exciting happened. Something I hardly expected:

I won the Stories and Books for Children competition!!!!!!

I know, I know. Way too many exclamation points, but I’m not a published author yet. I’m just praying that I am on the uphill road to becoming one.

The past weeks have seemed quite busy…certainly never a dull moment. The job interview, visiting Charleston, visiting Greenville…now I have reached the original purpose of this excursion: the writer’s conference!

I could scribble on and on about what I have learned in just a day and a half, but the truth is I haven’t quite processed it all. Nor do I have time to write, which seems a bit ironical considering this is a writer’s conference. For I am not the devoted blogger so many of the attendees here seem to be. I would rather get a little sleep than stay up until midnight or the wee hours of the morning pecking away at my keyboard, trying to process in a tired brain exactly everything I took in over the last eighteen or so hours. So…

Let’s just say I’m enjoying myself. I’ve met a lot of interesting people, most of them quite talkative and friendly, which is nice because I much prefer to sit and listen to them all talk. I learn so much! I have had my work critiqued and was told something wonderful: I really, truly can write! Everything about the publishing world is still a little confusing after only one beginners session, but there are three more to go. My afternoon session is awesome, and I know it will continue to be. The keynote speakers have been very encouraging. An added bonus was seeing a lot of the guys from camp across the way at lunch today, already here preparing for the summer to come. And, you simply cannot beat these gorgeous mountains.

So while I don’t yet have a great deal to say about all the wonderful things I have learned that I hope will improve my writing and push me in the direction of publishing; just know I will probably have a lot to say later on.

Life in the Carolinas

Yesterday I was checking my e-mail and realized, “I need to blog! What am I going to blog about?” For as busy as my trip as been, it hasn’t been busy with anything very exciting.

I left Charleston Wednesday morning after a wonderful, restful visit with my friend Danielle. The trip to Greenville was uneventful. I arrived, getting a little lost again finding my way to the restaurant I was meeting my camp roommate Kelly at for lunch. But it was a good lost. In fact, I drove right past the restaurant’s parking lot. And I was early, so I had time to turn around and find my bearings. We had a great lunch, catching up on each other’s lives, and the lives of those from camp, and the life at camp. It was fun.

Afterwards, I drove around a bit trying to find a Staples where I could make some copies (which I found!) and then stopping at Sonic because, well, it was Happy Hour and I was thirsty. Then I drove to the Loring family’s house, well reminded within five minutes of walking through their door that for the next four days there was not going to be a dull moment I could call my own.

It’s hard to explain the Loring family except to say they never seem to sit down. Except Mr. Loring who sits and watches all the activity as a spectator. It’s the kind of attitude you have to have unless you want to get dizzy. Which I guess I did for a while. I’m so used to a quiet home where everyone does their own thing, order is the order of the day, and not even Caleb talks as much as the Loring kids do!

For while I haven’t done anything exactly thrilling, a two-hour shopping venture ended up lasting five hours. Some tires on their car had to be changed, and a stop at the humane society to get back their dog resulted in an over two hours of admiring dogs and choosing a companion for the dog they will get back on Monday. Personally, I would have gone right for the German Shepherd mix puppy or a Lab mix puppy (or both!) but its not that easy for this family. They wanted small, but that’s all dependent upon one’s definition of “small”. Strictly speaking the dog can’t shed, bark, cause any amount of trouble, and must be completely obedient. And, of course, not everyone can be pleased. I think they got an awesome, well behaved beagle mix; but not everyone would agree with me.

Things are a bit more peaceful since the longest shopping day I’ve ever experienced. Yesterday resulted in a lot of cleaning projects, a lot of games being played, and some cooking. This evening is their second daughter’s high school graduation party. I’ve been able to jog every morning (although I have gotten caught in the rain twice now), watch some movies, read a little, and laugh a lot at the antics that go on in this house. All in all, it has been a good trip. But I am getting tired of not being on any sort of real schedule. I can’t wait to get to the writer’s conference on Sunday afternoon where my life for the next several days will be run by a clock.

And so that is what I have been up to, should anyone out there be wondering. Nothing truly exciting, but all-in-all it has been a fun trip.

Sights from my Trip

Guilford Courthouse Battlefield in Greensboro, NC. Some of my ancestors fought here during the Revolution…on both sides!

Canoeing on the Santee Cooper River. I’m not sure if I’m thankful I didn’t see any alligators or I wish I had.
The Slave Market downtown Charleston, SC where I did a little shopping. No, not for slaves.

Some lovely flowers outside the St. Phillip’s Church Cemetery

Monday
The start of one of the weeks that will prove to be a pinnacle in my life whatever the outcome. With everything that has been going on, I have thought only a little about the upcoming writer’s conference. I printed off a schedule and highlighted all the workshops I wished to attend only to discover I would need to be in six or seven places at once to attend them all. I didn’t know how I was ever going to choose! Then I received an e-mail from the woman who was critiquing a piece of fiction I sent her so I could meet with her at the conference to find out if I can write or not. She invited me to join her workshop, a rather exclusive one (only 20 people) that runs all afternoon (instead of just half) for all three afternoons. It is to be a very intensive time of just about everything a writer needs to know. An answer to unvoiced prayer! And now a great challenge of hard work ahead of me.

Tuesday
I had prayed yesterday that I would hear from the school with an idea of the lesson I have to give to the 4th grade class, confirmation of a hotel room for Thursday night, and directions. I received the e-mail Monday afternoon. I then sent an e-mail to the 4th grade teacher Monday night for clarification on what the kids were studying, especially in history and literature. I waited all day Tuesday for an answer, praying I would get one in time to put something together before I left. After dinner, I checked my e-mail one last time. And there was the e-mail! I tossed together a lesson I intended to practice and improve on my long drive tomorrow.

Wednesday
What an answer to prayer for a good night’s sleep! I awoke refreshed and peaceful, although a little excited, about the trip ahead. I was out the door just before eight as I had hoped. On the minutes and hours ticked by with my CDs playing and the history lesson running through my head as I tried to time what I wanted to say, changing stuff and revamping angles on the whole thing. Through flat Indiana, into flat Ohio. As I approached West Virginia, the scenery changed. Trees! Hundreds and thousands of trees in their spring tresses. Hills! Rolling hills as far as the eyes could see. Into West Virginia, driving through rolling farmland and hills rising higher and higher. Rivers and ravines.

I had never seen so much of West Virginia. I saw things like Marshall University (from the movie We are Marshall) and the capitol of West Virginia with its most amazing capitol building I wish I had had time to stop and investigate. But be forewarned: they charge you in West Virginia for admiring their scenery. I got sick and tired of all the tolls. (Which probably date back to when the rebellious state left Virginia to follow Lincoln…Lincoln and his internal improvements!)

I could not get over the wonder of God’s creation. The trees, the hills, the winding roads, the tunnels. I looked down into a deep ravine one time and felt my stomach lurch a little. It’s been months since I looked down from such a height! And when I stopped to take a break and walk around a bit, I sat in my car for a minute and felt as if it was still moving! (Yes, my parking brake was on – I checked.) I guess I’m not used to winding roads anymore. On into beautiful Virginia which is always a pleasure to drive through. And where gas is less than two dollars, after seeing it for no less than two-twenty something since leaving Indiana. And on into North Carolina, driving east. The hills are no longer as large, but the ground still rolls and there are still spring trees to behold on all sides of the road. Praise God! It has been a lovely trip thus far. The car is going strong, I have practiced my lesson over and over again, I have marveled at God’s creation all day, and I have made great time!

Thursday
Began my day by doing the touristy thing: getting lost. I drove in circles trying to find the Guilford Courthouse Battlefield. I finally did gain my destination and happily spent several hours visiting the museum, watching a film, and driving/hiking about trails seeing where everyone fought and the monuments now set up in memory of those men. I was surprised to find how wooded the battlefield was, although I understood it was a bit less so back in 1781. Still, it must have been a difficult battle to maneuver. In fact, some of the Patriots did get lost, both helping and harming the American cause that day. They distracted some of the British troops elsewhere, but General Green could have used them on the field. For, in case you aren’t up to par on your Revolution history, the Americans lost the battle in spite of great numerical advantage. But it was the Southern Bunker Hill. Cornwallis couldn’t afford to loose so many troops – a full quarter of his men were killed or wounded. This battle edged him out of the Carolinas and onto Yorktown…and surrender.

The drive today towards the most eastern part of North Carolina was rather short, but I made it a little longer by getting lost once again trying to find the hotel. Tonight I will try to get more sleep. Maybe that will help me from getting lost on my drive to Charleston after the interview!

Friday

Well, I first woke up at 2 in the morning to a storm: lightning, thunder, wind, hard rain and even some hail. Thankfully it lasted only ten minutes. Then I went back to sleep for over five more hours. Although I didn’t exactly feel nervous this morning, I guess I was because I couldn’t sit still. I went to the fitness room and jogged, ate breakfast, did a few odd things, showered and checked out of the hotel. Then I drove around a bit, finally settling at Barnes and Noble to get some odd things done for the writer’s conference. Then I got up, took a deep breath, got in my car and drove to the school.

Truly, the Lord was with me today. I didn’t know how I was going to feel, but I thought it would be much worse. The secretary gave me a tour of the school. Then I was invited to teach the 4th grade class: 22 enthusiastic kids who were delighted to have a guest. They were very eager, willingly answering my questions and joining me in demonstrating the time zones on paper clocks I had made. It was great fun to be with them. I enjoyed them a lot.

Afterwards I interviewed with the three teachers, which went very well. They were very nice and open. I was glad to meet them and see how well they work together, for they are the three whose “team” I would join. I was happy to know that if this job was offered to me, I would have a support team to learn from. It was a good meeting. I then met with the headmaster. Where I found out the teachers were very impressed with the way I teach. And it looks like I am one of two choices for the position. I was a bit surprised, but so thankful for the Lord’s grace and leading in my life.

Now I am in Charleston. Chatting away with my friend Danielle and her roommate Stephanie. Ready to enjoy a bit of vacation and fun before the writer’s conference. What a week of the Lord’s faithfulness!

Y In Memory of Mr. Henry Paul Y

A World War II veteran.
A loving husband – twice.
The godly father of a brood of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A man who never failed to witness of his Savior:
to those who came to the house to work or sale something;
to those who called to sell him something;
to those sitting at the desk in a doctor office;
to everyone he could speak to!
A man who lived over ninety years, longing for the day he would arrive in Heaven.
A man who is now in the presence of his Savior and Lord.

Unofficial Holidays, Part 3 of 6

Spring has arrived! At least, that is what those of us in more northern states like to believe. Our grass is finally green (the sections of it not covered with dandelions, that is, which makes our yards actually yellow), daffodils are in bloom, other flowers have blossoms, and the trees are finally starting to sprout some leaves (what few trees we have in Indiana, that is). Our days are beginning to warm. Most of them are rainy, but at least the rain no longer includes flakes of snow. The days that are not rainy are brilliantly sunny. Spring is here.

God’s show of the new season includes green grass, blue skies, and colorful flowers. Humanity’s show of the new season includes t-shirts, shorts, and sandals. I was surprised that even in Indiana (like in New Hampshire) the shorts come out as soon as it’s all of sixty degrees and the flip-flops come out before that. With the change of wardrobe, it is only right to celebrate with a holiday:

No Socks Day!

This Friday, May 8, is No Socks Day, and I thought I’d let you know ahead of time so you can be prepared. Skip your sock drawer that morning. Throw on your sandals or flip-flops, and enjoy the day. Or if you’re really bold (and have tough feet) just go barefoot. Why not? It is a holiday!

Answers to Prayer

One of the things I miss most about New Hampshire is the kid’s class on Wednesday nights at church. During our prayer time, the kids would offer for prayer almost anything that came to their mind. Some of them were very serious, some of them a little odd; but most of them very sincere. Children pray for everything! Shouldn’t we?

I know the Lord answers prayer every day. But sometimes I fail to see that. And sometimes I simply don’t ask. I mean, God is big. He takes care of big things. I’m little. I can take care of my little mundane life, right? Truthfully, I don’t give much thought to the mundane which means I don’t pray much about it. Until lately.

The buying and selling of a car is – for me – a HUGE thing. So, I prayed about it a lot. I began praying about every little thing concerning it: the mechanics wouldn’t find anything wrong with my Mazda, the cashiers checks I was paid with would go through, everything would be fine at the Motor Vehicle Department, etc. I prayed I wouldn’t have to get four new tires (I only had to get two!) and the day would clear up just enough to wash it (I washed it in the rain, but that was great because I couldn’t get the hose to work so the Lord’s gentle rain rinsed it for me). These wonderful things have taught me to pray for other things. Things that may be a bit silly, but they’re important to me. Like…

The crystal on my watch finally bit the dust after it’s been cracked for nearly a year. The band has been in bad shape for over two years. But buying a new watch is a pain, and I hate spending money on it. However, I was going to be in need of one during my recent trip. So I went to Wal-mart praying the Lord would provide for me a decent watch for under $10. How does a nice watch for $7 sound?

I needed to get a gift for someone, but I couldn’t think of what to get them. After my first idea fell through, I noted a book we have in the house I thought would be perfect. But the only way to get it before I leave on my trip was if the Christian bookstore in town had it in stock. So, I prayed that if this was the gift to get the bookstore would have it. They did! And they gave me a coupon so I got 20% off!

I was praying all last week for the school in North Carolina to call and let me know about the job I applied for there. I was quite ready for a no-way, a quick cry, and a rebound to what’s next. It was Friday evening, though, and still no call. Then the phone rang! And I’m still a bit stunned that I have a job interview for a 4th grade teaching position in Winterville, North Carolina on May 8th at 12:30. With that my plans for a trip to the Carolinas for a writer’s conference turned upside down and started all over again. I have been praying this week that the traveling plans would fall into place: where to stay on the way down there, when the visit my friends I was going to visit after the conference, etc. And while there have been some detours…the plans are nearly in final order. Just some directions to get, a few final details. Praise God!

And now the job interview itself. And the job itself. And what getting a job like this might mean. But a lot of that hasn’t come about yet, so there’s no reason to start plotting like a fiend. And as for the rest of it, I have peace. I feel like I should be worrying about something, but I can’t conjure up the nervousness I think I should be feeling. Come what may, I just know that this is the Lord’s path for me right now and I am safely on it. And, truly, I want nothing more than God’s will to be done. And the grace to do it.