The Pink Ballerina

Christmas lights were left on all night on Christmas eve - a tradition I continue to this day. I sat up in bed and rubbed my eyes. I could see our shiny aluminum Christmas tree with color wheel through the glass panes of my bedroom's French doors. I'd have to tip toe out of bed to be able to see around the platform rocker. Had Santa come yet? I peered through the glass. There she stood - a four foot tall ballerina doll with pink tights, ballet slippers, pink tutu with silver glitter, a rhinestone studded tiara in her pink hair. Her arms were posed for balance. I could tell she was perfect - shiny blue eyes that sparkled, delicate pink lips that smiled back at me. What I wouldn't give to have anything even remotely close to that thrill today. . . but I'll always have my memories of when Santa Claus made my wish come true!

Experience is a Great Teacher

Now that we know who is NOT running as a Democrat in the Governor's race, I would suggest that we look at those who have been publicly scrutinized and have the scars to prove it. Nancy Boyda and Joan Wagnon, two very different women, know our political system well. Neither is afraid to go to bat for causes they believe in. Both have been kicked under the bus, but hopefully learned a great deal from their past experiences. Both have landed on their feet and have great positions . . . could they be enticed? Perhaps they're done being the lightening rod, but it sure would make the race a lot more interesting than "yawn" where we're at now.

I'll Love You Forever

I visited my Mother yesterday. She is an invalid in a care facility. She has lost her ability to speak, to walk, and the use of one arm. She stares at me in hopes that I can read her mind about what she is thinking. I believe that she is ready to meet her maker. I remember when I was little she would read me bedtime stories from a Humpty Dumpty magazine subscription. What could I give her for Christmas? I can still read to her and so I ordered Robert Munsch's storybook, "I'll Love You Forever; I'll Like You for Always; As Long as You're Living My Baby You'll Be." As the mother in the story grows old, her child sings to her only changing it, "As Long as You're Living My Mother You'll Be."

Profanity

I went with a friend for my birthday to see Julie and Julia. I LOVED the movie. Meryl Streep is such a wonderful actress. It troubled me, however, that at the end of the movie Julie, the blog writer, felt shunned by Julia Childs. There was never a reason given for why, leaving one to wonder whether Julia felt Julie was "piggy-backing" on her success -- or just what. Afterwards a different friend told me she tried reading the book. I say "tried" because she said the profanity was so bad that she ditched it. As a writer I started wondering if that could have had a bearing on Julia's reaction. There are times that profanity is effective in developing a character; then again, there are times that profanity makes a writer appear ignorant, lacking the knowledge to choose a better word. I didn't read the book but would be interested to hear from someone who did.

Melancholy

Holidays provide such joy . . . and yet when I decorate the tree, each ornament reminds me of people who were special to me: a gift from an old friend, something made by one of the children, old family photos. I was never very close to my Dad and yet I miss him a lot during holidays. My Dad loved playing Santa. I never knew if I was going to get a doll or an army jeep under the tree. To this day, sledding is a favorite hobby. I have such fond memories of my sled being tied to the back end of his pick-up truck and being pulled through my small town (the powers that be who protect our society must cringe over this memory). My Mother and my Grandmother were masters at cooking, especially pies, and I really miss them and the smell of their kitchens. I guess it's only natural that each holiday also brings some melancholy. Sometimes I also wonder what things my children and grandchildren will remember about me and the efforts that I went to, to make their holidays special. :0)

Motivation

I've never been motivated by money, and thus the saying on my facebook fan page, "Fame or Riches may elude me, but if I write something that causes you to think, "to ponder for a while," then I'm a success." NOTHING motivates me more than to have someone recall something that I've written and say that it has stuck with them. When I used to teach interpersonal communications at KU, I'd talk about being an "ethical communicator." You never know when something you say will make a lasting impression, so be sure that what you say is not damaging to the self-esteem of another. People may recall your words, and wouldn't we much rather be remembered for something positive that made a difference in the lives of others?

Sharp Tongue

The book of James cautions us to keep our tongues in check. I'm reminded of something I read (I know poor memory is no excuse for plagerism so will give credit if author becomes known) - "Inferior people hide swords in words."

What Makes Me Write?

I'm often asked what makes me write books. As I reflect on the books I have written and the one on the drawing board, I'd have to say that none of my characters just pass through this life without seeking to understand their "purpose" in life. I don't think that it's a coincidence that people are born at a particular time, in a particular place, with a particular set of talents and believe that we are set on a journey to discover our purpose. Even the pain and the suffering prepares us. We will know when we are close to that purpose because it will be the most fulfilling time of our life - regardless of how much time and energy is required! I discovered that I "think" with my hands and sometimes I surprise myself at what comes off of the keyboard. I do not use fame or wealth as a measure of fulfillment but my internal feeling of joy once something is accomplished. I truly feel that the writing I leave behind will collectively achieve my life's purpose.

Sight-seeing in Japan

Part of my latest novel is set in Japan.

The first stop on our tour was the Tokyo Tower. Our guide explained that the Japanese did not want to be out-done by the French so they built their own "Eiffel Tower" in 1958 which was 13 meters taller, or 333 meters over all. "The sky is fairly clear this morning in Tokyo, so you may be able to see Mt. Fuji today."

Topeka History

A sub-story in my latest novel is about Charles and Annabell Lerrigo, early residents of College Hill. Annabell's family was connected to the old Vinewood Park along Deer Creek.
In the late 1800's Angus Ferry Barry was hired as manager of the Vinewood. His wife and five children lived on-site. Boating, swimming, fishing, lawn tennis and tables for picnicking were available. The Vinewood also featured a stone pavilion with beautiful hardwood floor for dancing. A. F. Barry formed a quartet, "The Jolly Four," and was an excellent fiddler. His daughter, Annabell, accompanied on the piano. The last train left the Vinewood at 7:30 p.m. , unless there was a dance when a train departed at midnight.

Excerpt from At this Time, In this Place

The first time that I saw Takuho, a young, good-looking Japanese exchange student was in the summer of 1985 when he had come to Topeka, Kansas to attend college. My parents owned an old two and a half story house in College Hill just a few blocks from Washburn University. I went bounding up the stairs to the third floor and startled this Japanese man who sat up in bed, clinging to a sheet to cover his bare chest. Unbeknownst to me, our foreign exchange student had arrived very late the night before . . .

Changing Time - Spending Time

Today is the first day of the Fall time change. My neighbor gave me a copy of a page from a book she was reading entitled, "Home Safe." The author wrote about the love of books - "books are like comfort food without the calories." My neighbor knew I'd enjoy this as she and I share the same love for the written word. The author continued on about how many lament that there is no time to read anymore, but said, in truth books give back time. They cause us to slow down from our multi-tasking worlds and enter a space where time stands still.

Embracing Halloween - Trying something Scary

I've always loved learning. I taught myself how to create a website and it has evolved over the last five years: www.kansaswriter.com. Not long ago I created a profile in facebook, then I became a little more daring and created a fan page. Now I'm being told that I really should be blogging. So today is the day to tackle the scary. I'm really way out there on my comfort zone but I'd rather give this a try than tweet at this point.