Books and More Book Stuff

Rebellious Prophet - Jonah

2010-01-29T23:08:00.002-06:00

If I were to write a book about a rebellious prophet, one of my first choices would be JONAH.

Just read the first chapter of Jonah in the Old Testament of the Bible.

Notice how many times Jonah did exactly the opposite of what God told him to do.
Notice his emotions.
Notice the predicaments he faces.
Notice how God never gives up on Jonah even when Jonah would rather die than live.

Good grief, now that is a faithful and persistent God for sure.

The chapter is only 17 verses and I happen to enjoy the old King James Version for its poetic language. And Chapter 1 is only the beginning of Jonah's trials and tribulations as he rebels against being called to be a prophet.

I invite you to read the first chapter. Like potato chips ... I bet you can't read/eat just one. More compelling than the hottest sci-fi flick around.

The difference is... YOU provide the special effects with your imagination.

My question to you is what would YOU do if God told you to go and tell a whole city to stop being evil and turn instead to worship the God of Israel?

I imagine I might hide behind a rock in the desert. Even as Jonah went the absolute opposite direction and went to sea instead. Its a great story full of paradoxes and images. Enjoy. Listen and Learn.

Jonah Chapter 1

At the Earth's Core - Prologue

2009-09-04T23:36:00.004-05:00

EDGAR RICE BURROUGHS was an American Author most known for the Tarzan series. He lived from 1875-1950. Those were days filled with change for sure! Including 2 major World Wars! And enormous social and economical changes. Consider that when you read his work.

His novel At the Earth's Core was published in 1914 so the language and nuances are often humorous today, though quite appropo at the time. This book is in the public domain so you can easily read it from the Project Gutenberg source. One of the options there is an audible book.

To whet your appetite, I share the prologue here. I am enjoying relaxation with this first in a series he wrote, including a visit to the Earth's Core by Tarzan, a few years later.

Enjoy.

At the Earth's Core
by Edgar Rice Burroughs

PROLOGUE

IN THE FIRST PLACE PLEASE BEAR IN MIND THAT I do not
expect you to believe this story. Nor could you wonder
had you witnessed a recent experience of mine when,
in the armor of blissful and stupendous ignorance,
I gaily narrated the gist of it to a Fellow of the Royal
Geological Society on the occasion of my last trip to London.

You would surely have thought that I had been detected
in no less a heinous crime than the purloining of the Crown
Jewels from the Tower, or putting poison in the coffee
of His Majesty the King.

The erudite gentleman in whom I confided congealed
before I was half through!--it is all that saved him
from exploding--and my dreams of an Honorary Fellowship,
gold medals, and a niche in the Hall of Fame faded into
the thin, cold air of his arctic atmosphere.

But I believe the story, and so would you, and so would
the learned Fellow of the Royal Geological Society, had you
and he heard it from the lips of the man who told it to me.
Had you seen, as I did, the fire of truth in those gray eyes;
had you felt the ring of sincerity in that quiet voice;
had you realized the pathos of it all--you, too, would believe.
You would not have needed the final ocular proof that I
had--the weird rhamphorhynchus-like creature which he
had brought back with him from the inner world.

I came upon him quite suddenly, and no less unexpectedly,
upon the rim of the great Sahara Desert. He was standing
before a goat-skin tent amidst a clump of date palms within
a tiny oasis. Close by was an Arab douar of some eight
or ten tents.

I had come down from the north to hunt lion. My party
consisted of a dozen children of the desert--I was the only
"white" man. As we approached the little clump of verdure
I saw the man come from his tent and with hand-shaded eyes
peer intently at us. At sight of me he advanced rapidly
to meet us.

"A white man!" he cried. "May the good Lord be praised! I
have been watching you for hours, hoping against hope that
THIS time there would be a white man. Tell me the date.
What year is it?"

And when I had told him he staggered as though he had
been struck full in the face, so that he was compelled
to grasp my stirrup leather for support.

"It cannot be!" he cried after a moment. "It cannot be!
Tell me that you are mistaken, or that you are but joking."

"I am telling you the truth, my friend," I replied.
"Why should I deceive a stranger, or attempt to, in so
simple a matter as the date?"

For some time he stood in silence, with bowed head.

"Ten years!" he murmured, at last. "Ten years, and I
thought that at the most it could be scarce more than one!"
That night he told me his story--the story that I give you
here as nearly in his own words as I can recall them.

Consider the location. The TIME when it was written and the formality in the desert! I found this to be the beginning of an odd and interesting tale.

Olive Plants: Birding 101: Introduction

2009-08-25T23:00:00.000-05:00

Olive Plants: Birding 101: Introduction This is an excellent collection of birding guides from the perspective of an active homeschooling Mom with 2 very active boys.

I visited their blog and loved it. I invite them to visit my Birding Guides Blog and my Birds and Binoculars site. We share many interesting aspects of our lives in these blogs. My thanks to all of them.

A Most Unusual Birding Guide

2009-01-31T22:47:00.006-06:00

Pete Dunne's Essential Field Guide Companion:
A Comprehensive Resource for Identifying North American Birds

is most certainly the most unusual "birding guide" I have encountered outside of historical research materials. It has no pictures. It is truly designed to be a companion to your field guide not to serve as one.

I loved exploring this endearing book. The man thinks like I do! He birds like I do! Holistic approach, he calls it the Cape May School of Birding. Perhaps it is.

I see it simply as a broad brush view of the entire scene, the habit, the habitat, the flight pattern, the colors, etc. No one taught me to do that. But if I get a copy of this book for my own use, I will surely seek the author's autograph in Cape May County, New Jersey!

Pete Dunne's Essential Field Guide Companion:
A Comprehensive Resource for Identifying North American Birds

Holy Discontent

2009-01-24T22:25:00.002-06:00

What is YOUR Holy Discontent?
Bill Hybels spoke at the Hour of Power tonight. It was powerful.

You can pick up a copy of his book at Amazon from the sidebar on the right.>>>

Listen to your heart. What is it that you JUST CAN"T STAND ANYMORE??
And what will you do about it. Moses went through it. David went through it.

In popular times... POPEYE went through it to rescue his beloved Olive Oyl.

Bill Pierce went thru it to found World Vision to feed starving children.

Bill Hybels is wrecked when he sees dysfunctional or dying churches. He seeks to build
churches built on the model of the early church in Acts 2.

The message is strong. and when YOUR Holy Discontent is stirred and you must do something, will you be prepared. Pick up the book. or Go to Hour of Power. to see the presentation.

I have confirmed my holy discontent and will act upon it tomorrow. See my blog.

PRAYING TO CHANGE YOUR LIFE

2009-01-17T21:20:00.004-06:00

PRAYING TO CHANGE YOUR LIFE

by Suzette T. Caldwell

What do you say when you pray?
What is the purpose for praying?
Since the Lord knows what we need before we pray, why pray at all?
These are questions that have been asked over the centuries.
Praying to Change Your Life will answer these questions and more.
This exciting must read book will help to demystify prayer
and empower the believer to pray prayers that produce results.

I just heard her speak at the Hour of Power on America's Televised Church.

Click on the image of the book to link to her website to order this book.
I do not get a commission on it . It is simply something worth doing.

See also the prayer for our nation and video of her presentation.

Have you read LUKE CHAPTER 2 ?

2008-12-24T22:19:00.004-06:00

The Christmas Story

It's a BOY!

Name: JESUS

Born in Bethlehem

Announced by Angels

Adored by Shepherds

He Came in Love to Be Love for all who believe. He came to serve and live among the ordinary people and teach them extraordinary ways of being and living. As he loved us he invites us to love him and live as he did with simplicity and humility.

painting by Dewey Full story found in Luke Chapter 2

sponsored message

Running with the GIANTS

2008-11-26T00:29:00.001-06:00

Running with the Giants is the book and the topic of Dr. John Maxwell's sermon on Saturday night at the Hour of Power.

The man is a power-full and entertaining motivational speaker and has a solid history of ministry in several church areas.

Imagine what you might learn from any one of 10 Biblical characters if they "ran a lap of your life today".

Messages from David, who was always viewed as less than adequate by those around him... Overcome the limitations others have placed upon you.

Maxwell's books have been translated into many languages and this one is available in a Chinese translation from Amazon!

I never cease to be amazed. This short and strong book will be a great addition to the library of a youth minister you might know. I plan to buy one for one of my nephews who is still searching for the meaning of life.

Election Day in America

2008-11-04T14:20:00.000-06:00

It is Election Day in America!

Did you Vote YET?
If not.

GO STAND In LINE (WE HAVE LONG LINES HERE)
for what you believe.

VOTE. VOTE. VOTE.

You won't believe me if I tell you

2008-09-19T23:49:00.000-05:00

That's true. You won't believe me if I tell you what I am reading now. That is partly why I have been away so long.

The Biology of Birds. Yes. It is a small paperback published in the 1960's. It is based on the content at the New York Museum of Natural History. Or perhaps the other way around.

Yes, THAT is the Museum in the movie. Yes, I have been there many times.
I did several reports from that particular exhibit and learned a LOT about birds during my college days.

Recently I wanted to know something more about feather structure, so I pulled out my old standby and started reading. I remembered how much I enjoyed it. So it is beside my bed now as I remember and relearn the biology of birds.

It is especially timely because I am building a blog about birds and birding resources. You might want to see it at http://birdsight.com.

Jack London's SEA WOLF

2008-06-10T20:06:00.002-05:00

When was the last time you read a classic? I mean by choice.
Not because it was assigned to you.

That is what I thought. Not often.

Sometimes I surprise myself. Last week I had a lot of time in a
waiting room with lots of people. The primary entertainment was
a HUGE big screen TV with DIVORCE COURT on the screen.
ALL Afternoon.

I was really glad I chose to carry a lightweight paperback edition of
The SEA WOLF with me. It was, as you may know, written in 1904.
Consequently, the language was often stilted and required my apt
attention.

The classic discourse between hedonism and humanism as told through
the narrative of the turn of the century seal hunters was actually quite
good. Gruesome and gory at times. But ever true to the topic and the, at
first, implausible characters attain credibility as the story progressed.

I was grateful to be called for my appointment because it gave me a break
from my heavy duty thinking and non-stop reading. And it was the appointment
that brought me to the waiting room in the first place!

Later that night, I proceeded to finish reading this historical novel.
I remembered it was on a high school reading list. I doubt I would have
appreciated it then.

Look at your bookshelf tonight for something you have not read in a long time.

Enjoy reading it as if for the first time. It may truly BE your first time.

Active Summer Reading for Organic Farms

2008-05-18T17:18:00.005-05:00

Summer Action in the Potato Patch.

An organic potato patch, it requires DAILY inspection for Colorado Potato Beetles... in adult... larva... and egg form.

You won't be likely to find the pupa because that is how they spend the winter in the soil.

They begin their damage to crops, especially potatoes when they emerge as adults and WALK to the potato patch.

Their goal is to lay eggs and eat. Both the adults and the larva eat the stems and leaves of the potato plants. Though if pressed for food, they will also eat tomato,peppers, eggplants and even petunias.

You must be relentless and if you miss them, your potato crop will suffer.

Let your mantra be potatoes ... potatoes... potatoes...

So you will not be too distressed about removing all of those Colorado Potato Beetles in less than peaceful manners.

The more you see, the less peaceful you will feel.

Great resources and references for your organic field activity.

Archy shift-key free

2008-03-29T11:13:00.000-05:00

My friends, if you have never read Archy and Mehitibel, you are missing something special in urban life. Written by Don Marquis and published first in 1987, it became a stage production.

I read it whenever I need to smile. Or smirk.
You see it is written entirely without capital letters. it takes some getting used to. but since archy cannot hold down two keys at once, he never uses a shift-key.
i want you to imagine how much easier life would be without capital letters.

also imagine reading a book written by an office dwelling cockroach.
and take some time out for social commentary and humor.
if you cannot find it locally, i know you can find it at amazon.
thanks. think of me when you read it. enjoy.
here is the link. . .

Lent and Recycling?

2008-02-16T15:49:00.000-06:00

So what does Lent have to do with recycling?

Or Recycling with Lent?

Hear this tale and reconsider your preconceived notions of what they are both about.

There was a simple cross-stitch message hanging on a wall at Grandma’s house.

It was faded and had few colors but it was a treasure. The threads were from worn out sweaters from what seemed to be some ancient era.

The timeless message spoke of simpler days.

Use it up - Wear it out - Make it do - Or do without.

When sleeves or slacks needed to be shortened, the thread from the old hem was neatly wrapped on a cardboard strip, like an old matchbook cover, to be used again to make the new hem.

We kept a rag bag hanging in the hall and never used paper towels. I don't even know if they existed then. The braided rugs on our hardwood floors today were made by Grandma. Some of them have woolen strips from skirts I knew my mother wore. Grandma used the worn out woolen robes or slacks to braid them and make them strong enough again to be put back into useful service as floor coverings to keep the cold out.

We wasted less. We used and reused more. I grew up with hand tailored hand-me-downs. This has made me more appreciative of the things I have today.

This mindset keeps me closer to Earth and mindful of the blessings in my life.

Reflecting on how I re-use instead of dispose is a Lenten meditation. My life has been re-made and re-cycled many times. Others have sacrificed to make my life easier. I have sacrificed for others too. I am grateful for all of this.

As we move quietly towards Good Friday and the recollection of all that the Life and Death and Resurrection of Jesus means to each of us, I see an image of the bigger picture. Recycling is simply following the basic laws of the conservation of matter... everything is becoming something else. I see the Life-Death-Life cycle as a part of nature and recognize yet another facet of Lent.

February Updates

2008-02-10T23:56:00.000-06:00

With Lent just beginning. . .
and presidential campaigns in full swing. . .
who has time to read a book today?
Here is some news I found to share. . .

It is Time to Stop Blaming and Start Winning

2008-01-14T10:37:00.000-06:00

Right. Now that sounds trite. But it is true.
Until each of us stops blaming someone else for whatever goes wrong
with our day, we are not going forward, we are looking backward and
dragging the past with us through each day.

You know, the past gets heavier with each passing day?
Of course it does because you have one more day added to it.

Here is my un official advice. Stop blaming. Start being responsible.
The basic laws of physics are clear here. For every action there is an equal response.
The quantum laws of physics define things in theory even better.

Looking at energy. The kind of energy you put out is the kind of energy you will receive.
So, you want blame? Go ahead and blame.
You want prosperity? Think about shifting your focus to more positive things.
And success can follow.
An attitude of gratitude supports success.

I have a newsletter that I call ThinkThanks and Act. You can see part of it online at http://bydpb.wordpress.com/ or subscribe at thinkthanks@aweber.com .

If you are caught in a cycle of negative thinking, it might help.
AND it has marketing information and tools included for my internet marketing friends.

Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

2008-01-14T10:13:00.000-06:00

REMEMBERING a Great and Peaceful Man

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in
moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. —Martin Luther King, Jr.

In 1964, Martin Luther King, Jr received the Nobel Peace Prize for his non-violent Civil Rights activism in the USA. In 1968 he was assassinated. A tragic loss. For those of us who lived the day it will never be forgotten.

Learn more about him and his life and his Dream.

Do something today to demonstrate that his Dream is yours also.
Martin Luther King is an excellent example of how ONE person can make a difference. Live your life so you will too.
Be non-violent.

No Gills

2008-01-07T13:47:00.000-06:00

Now here is a quote that gave me a start this morning. It is one of those stop in your tracks and wonder whether to laugh or shake your head in dismay sort of things. But when I looked up the author, it makes perfect sense and is his style of cynical humor.

Ambrose Bierce was a contemporary author with Mark Twain and Stephen Crane and was well known for his satirical or cynical views among his peers. I'd call it sardonic.(go ahead and look it up).
But this quote just fit so well for humans who see themselves as the end all and be all of all creation. I could almost hear him saying this on a fancy cruise ship full of self-righteous corporate CEOs on vacation(mind you, this is not type cast CEOs, just a touch of atmosphere).

The ocean is a body of water occupying about two
thirds of a world made for man (sic)---who has no gills.
Ambrose Bierce

I confess, that IS my type of humor. See more from Bierce, who may be too sharp tongued for your tastes.

A short story collection done with Twain and Crane.
.

You need to read this

2008-01-03T22:51:00.000-06:00

I have known Michael Dowd for several years now and have heard him speak and read his works many times.

So I share this "heads up" with you. Like a wake up call.

Thank God for Evolution is his newest book and it comes with high praise and cogent social commentary.

If this book doesn't end the science and religion war,
it's certainly a MAJOR step in the right direction! See the video trailer for the book by clicking on the image to the right. or here.

I would say more but I am going now to READ this book.

Walking in Your Own Shoes

2007-12-01T23:26:00.000-06:00

Just a quick note tonight.

I just learned that this new book by Robert A. Schuller (the younger one)
is on the very TOP of Amazon's Christian Book List.

Take a look. Walking in Your Own Shoes.

The examples he gave today at the Hour of Power were astounding and simple.

Of course, we are each unique individuals and that is the key to discerning what God wants for your life path. I put it on my Christmas wish lis
t.

Oh my I just read something FUNNY

2007-11-03T03:00:00.000-05:00

Book was written by Jane Wagner.

Play was performed by Lily Tomlin.

Title: Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe.

Perspective of the quintessential "Bag Lady".

How did I miss this when it first came out?

Rarely do I enjoy reading a play.

But this was like being inside the Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy.

Find a copy and enjoy!

Poems

2007-06-21T21:39:00.000-05:00

Well, I have been very busy these days and not much book reading has been done.

That is not to say I have not been READING!

Just other things. Like writing. And even teaching Vacation Bible School!

I invite you to go to Poetry.com to vote or comment on this poem:
Look for the author name bessken.

Adirondack Pond

Stillness of pond belies it treasures.

Forest of fragrant firs

Hides you from path.

Emerging transparent beauty,

Fragile mystery before me.

One ephemeral foggy morning

Hundreds of you arise from swampy waters.

In morning mist I see you climbing.

Tenuous stem-clasping steps.

Each one brings you closer.

Closer to the top where you stop,

Clinging tightly with every foot.

Transforming like miracles

From creatures of water into creatures of air.

Brilliant blues and shimmering greens

Grace your delicate wings.

As lovely a damsel as ever did fly

Go now, to eat and mate and die.

Or be eaten never knowing why,

Eternal Damselfly.

Thanks. My next writing will be related to the book in the yellow box to your right.

Touching Your Lifethread, by Patricia Berliner, Ph.D.

Thanks for reading.

A Species of Eternity

2007-04-07T14:26:00.000-05:00

A Species of Eternity by Joseph Kastner
is a great read for history buffs or biologists or birdwatchers!
Imagine having your name given to a plant or animal species because you were the first person to see it or describe it!

That is the kind of immortality many of the early colonial naturalists have earned as they explored the NEW WORLD.

People like Bartram, Audubon, Cuthbertson, Wilson, and many others, including Lewis and Clark had sponsors from wealthy European clients.

Benjamin Franklin is revered within the name of a southern tree-

Franklinia.

The tree was rare in the 1700's and may have been saved by the Bartrams who brought seeds into gardens to cultivate and observe them. Today these trees are ornamentals and they are all from that historic stock. To the best of our knowledge the trees do not exist in the wild anymore.

Joseph Kastner takes the reader on a well-researched journey which includes vivid descriptions taken from the field notes of many of these great naturalists.

The humor and honor among naturalists is refreshing and Kastner presents these people as individuals with each their own character.

When some Europeans doubted the veracity of some of the claims coming from this colony, Thomas Jefferson sent a full grown MOOSE to Europe to prove his case that these animals are huge and very real!

I thoroughly enjoyed travelling with these historic explorers through their stilted language and formalities. Wilson's saga of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker is as touching as it is tragic.

Earth in the Balance

2007-03-03T11:25:00.000-06:00

Earth in the Balance.
Yes, Al Gore did write that book. It sounds pedantic as he often does. But it gives background for this year's Oscar winning documentary An Inconvenient Truth. If you have not read it yet, you can listen to it as an audiobook.

The book was written in 1992, so for many people it seems almost ancient history, irrelevant. But my friends, if we cannot learn from our own history are we not doomed to repeat our errors over and over again?

Look and Read and Listen. It matters not whether you like the politics or not. What matters is how you choose to live your everyday life to reduce your impact on this planet which we share.

Tell your representatives and senators about how important it is for them to take proactive steps to mitigate the effects of Global Warming. Here is one way to tell them without taking too much of your time today: http://www.algore.com/index-splash.html

On March 21, 2007, Al Gore plans to deliver these messages to Congress. I strongly encourage you to send your message and tell your friends about it too.

My sponsor today is a new site about Birds.

Lenten Reading

2007-02-25T15:41:00.000-06:00

If you are not a Christian, Lent may be baffling.

Even for some Christians it is a profound season.

In the old days, people spoke of "giving up something for Lent". The idea was to give up something sinful or evil. Later it became... let's use these 40 days to go on a diet and maybe give up dessert or smoking or candy and give the money we saved to the poor.

Many people today look at Lent as a time to draw closer to God, to atone for sins, to strive for enlightenment. A time of study and introspection.

My Lenten reading this year is Original Blessing by Matthew Fox. Perhaps you have heard of it. It is an alternative view of the theology of creation. Proposing that instead of Original Sin, we are born with Original Blessing.

The book is elemental to understanding Creation Spirituality. Matthew Fox refers to this as a more ecologically oriented doctrine than the original sin perspective.

Interesting that Matthew Fox was a Dominican priest and is now an Episcopalian priest because his views went beyond what was acceptable to Dominicans.

The four paths of Creation Spirituality do reflect the seasons and are worthy reflection for this season. I have attended some CS workshops and seen some videos but I have never read this basic text, so in these next few weeks I shall learn and read and reflect some more.

In what way will you honor this Lenten season? Fasting? Meditation? Service?

someone asked me what eccelesiastes is

2007-02-19T20:53:00.000-06:00

someone asked me what Ecclesiastes is

So, I guess the first thing to identify is that it is a book of the Bible. It is in the Old Testament. The reference in the previous post is to Chapter 4 verses 9 and 10. It says:

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work;
If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!"
So, my suggestion is to read and reflect. I have not read the story of the 47 Beavers yet but I am sure there is a lot of teamwork involved.

Creator Of Veggietales Tells His Own Tale

2007-02-16T02:15:00.000-06:00

Somehow I received a Veggie Tales poster in the mail the other day.

It is precious.

I do not NEED a Veggie Tales poster any more than I need more dust under my desk!

But since it arrived, I decided to read up on the charming little Veggies.

Here is an article I found about the guy who created the series.

I found it interesting so here I share it.

"In 1990, 24-year-old computer animator Phil Vischer sat down to create characters that could teach Christian values to kids in a delightfully weird way. Hence, a tomato named Bob and a cucumber named Larry were born. VeggieTales would revolutionize Christian filmmaking, selling more than 50 million videos and placing Phil's faith-filled stories in one in three American households with young children.

In Me, Myself & Bob (Nelson Books), currently in bookstores, Phil Vischer, founder of Big Idea and creator of "VeggieTales," gives a behind-the-scenes look at his journey with the very loveable veggies.
This is a story of dreaming big and working hard, of success and failure, of shouted questions and whispered answers. With trademark wit and heart, Phil shares an amazing story that shows how God can use failures and the death of a dream to point us toward true success."Larry was the loveable goofball-the guy who entertains your kids at a birthday party. But Bob had ambition. The first words that ever came out of his mouth were, in fact, 'I have a dream.' Bob, the tomato, was a dreamer. He wanted to change the world. Like me."

Now, the man who made the vegetables talk has written a new picture book that may make your heart sing. After his bankruptcy, Phil is no longer heading Veggie Tales and has started fresh with a new company called Jellyfish Labs.

His new book, 47 Beavers on the Big, Blue Sea, is a children's picture book that begs to be read again and again. When 47 Beavers on the Big, Blue Sea find themselves lost on the great deep, obstacles and assorted adventures abound.

The aquatic critters also discover the true meaning of Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 and that things just go better when they work together.

The book is accompanied by a sing-along CD and children and adults may find themselves singing its silly song long after the story is over.

Filled with riotous retro art, Vischer's imaginative tale on the importance of cooperation through the ebb and flow of life is great for reading aloud and sharing at bedtime.

Look for 47 Beavers on the Big, Blue Sea at your bookstore this spring.

The VeggieTales stars may be the most famous vegetables you'll ever eat.

By: Stacey Moore

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

http://www.articlesdashby.com

Submit Articles to ArticlesDashby Directory - Article submission and content you can use for free at ArticleDashboard.com

Great Deals on Veggie Tales Products Here Just enter Veggie Tales in the search box to see them

Was Valentine a Revolutionary?

2007-02-02T16:48:00.000-06:00

Now there is a question for the ages!

You see

the origins of Valentine's Day can be traced back to the days of the

Roman Empire.

Not many people think of it often though.

We tend to think of the romantic aspects of the day.

But back then this brave priest quietly married couples

EVEN THOUGH IT WAS AGAINST THE LAW FOR SOLDIERS TO MARRY!

As a consequence, Valentine, the priest, was thrown into prison.

He was to be executed on FEBRUARY 14, 270

It was what happened IN Prison that we cherish today.

Valentine... once a radical priest...

later considered a saint...

showed tenderness and care for the jailer's blind daughter.

The message he left for her before his execution was

"FROM YOUR VALENTINE"

I know this sounds like it MUST be a Joke.

But it is legendary history for sure!

And the card companies Love it even unto today

Remembering a Great and Peaceful Man

2007-01-15T12:27:00.000-06:00

REMEMBERING a Great and Peaceful Man

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in
moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. —Martin Luther King, Jr.

In 1964, Martin Luther King, Jr received the Nobel Peace Prize for his non-violent Civil Rights activism in the USA. In 1968 he was assassinated. A tragic loss.

Learn more about him and his life and his Dream.

Do something today to demonstrate that his Dream is yours also.

Be non-violent.

Historical Romance Novel

2007-01-03T11:29:00.000-06:00

Romance Novels I generally avoid. But the one I read this weekend had some good history about a place and time of interest to me.

I had agreed to stay off the computer during most of the NEW YEARS weekend, so when a friend suggested this novel I took a look at it.

Joanna is a Scholastic Book in the Sunfire Series. It was written by Jane Claypool Miner and published in 1987. It is written in the overly dramatic style of most romance novels.

Think.

What emotions are likely to be part of the life of a 15 year old girl away from home for the first time?

Go ahead the think for a moment. I will doodle while you make your list.

Now. Think 1835.

What changes in your list?

Certainly communication with the family is a bit more challenging. Patience is needed while you WAIT for a possible response to a letter.

What about transportation?
What else is happening in the US in this time period before the Civil War? Before the National Road was built across the Allegheny Mountains and the Ohio Valley was still considered western frontier?

That helps put the story in perspective.

Now. Think Lowell, Massachusetts.
Do you remember what is there?
It is now Lowell National Historic Site.
But do you remember why? Look here to gain that perspective.

Proceeding with the basic story... Joanna is a country girl who goes to Lowell bystagecoach to find a job at the textile mills. She will live at a boarding housewith about a dozen other Lowell girls who also work at the mills. There are interpersonal mini-dramas with the other boarders throughout. The social and political issues of the time regarding Irish immigrants and early union organizing provide interesting subplots.
Of course there are two love interests for Joanna: The boy back home who wentoff to the adventures of life at sea and the son of the mill owner with his promising college education and career. She experiences just about every emotion you can imagine that a 15 year old is likely to encounter and then some.
The tension of making all these decisions is a lot for a teenager to carry then and now.
The book gave some personality to the Lowell Massachusets scene which I have long wanted to visit.
Though it was entertaining,and historically sound,I doubt if I will read another romance for a long while.

Okay So What Else am I Reading?

2006-12-29T09:27:00.000-06:00

Well, I have been working with a friend to edit a manuscript for publishing.

The book will be available in March from Cloverdale Books.

It has been a fantastic project and believe me I have read it more than once!

Touching Your Lifethread: Revaluing the Feminine

is written by Patricia M. Berliner

who has done the original research and

proposed some excellent models for clinical application

of particular interest to those in the counseling profession.

I am not at liberty to say much else about it yet, but

Watch for it.

It is worth your time.

Women's spirituality is an essential part of living fully in our world today.

Believe it or NOT.

2006-12-28T12:44:00.000-06:00

Believe it or NOT. The book I am actually reading right now is:

PLR Profits
The Newbie’s 16 Day Guide to Private Label Rights Success

This 75 page book is authored by The 2PLR JV Team.

I just purchased my copy for $7.05 from Denise Hall. They are having a nickel sale. The price goes up five cents every hour, or every purchase. So, if you are interested in a genuine bargain that is honestly FULL of useful information about how to use Private Label Rights as a foundation for your new business,

GO NOW.
You can use the link in the title above or click here to go to the correct page for access.

You probably already know this is a really specialized topic. The first three pages are simply the disclaimers that the team has made regarding their production. And then nearly every page has some sort of promotion built into it.

Nonetheless, if you are seeking a fairly thorough outline for getting started in a new and very popular field, this ebook is very helpful. I skimmed through the sections that are not new for me and went right to sections I need to know more about. Now That is a feature I really like. I can get what I need without wading though a lot of gibberish.

There still are some specifics that elude me, but with a bit of trust, I can go to one of their forums or help desk to find out those specific How-to's.

They make it clear that not everything is spelled out in detail. Good grief it would be too long a book.( and of course they could sell another one with THOSE details in it!)

Anyhow, this is an area of great interest for me and I have been satisfied with materials from Denise Hall in the past, so I took the huge leap and will read this and begin to work with it this week. They also have a membership program built in with the purchase, so a solid support system is readily available.

So, ask me in a few weeks how this is going. I will surely let you know.

Oh, I did NOT intend for my first book comments to sound like a commercial. It just so happens that THIS actually IS the book I am reading right now. I guess it is continuing education for me.

How about you? What are you reading?

Books and More Book Stuff

2006-12-27T13:07:00.000-06:00

Hello Friends in the Reading World!

You cannot believe how hard it was to find a title and a name and a page address on this topic that was not already taken.

That is why THIS blog is located at http://donnasbookstuff.blogspot.com

I am eager to stay in contact with my reading friends and share what is happening in the world of words.

Part of my actual income is a free lance writer/editor through some online contacts, so your participation here helps me in many ways.

First, I get to find out about some super books I might not otherwise notice.

Second, I get to keep in touch with some folks who are really important in my life.

Third, I get to share some of what I am reading with some co-workers and friends.

And, last but not least, this becomes another avenue for my online income.

So, my friends, I thank you for participating. I invite you to sign-up to receive my latest posts as they go up. I invite you to comment on what you read here and on what you are reading.

This is not a formal book review blog. No. Sorry.

This is not a formal book discussion on a pre-planned topic. Again. Sorry.

If that is something you want to do together, please let me know and I can set up a different page for those purposes.

I will include links to some of my other sites and I will include Adsense and other ads in the margins. That is where the income is generated.

I will NOT share your email information with anyone else. I value your privacy and friendship too much to violate that space.

Tomorrow I shall enter some comments a book I am reading now.

Peace to you and welcome. This is my Peace blog.