THE G-NOTE ROAD

    

    With the beginning of a new year, it’s time to review the past and make resolutions for the future again. Only seems like yesterday that these thoughts plagued my aging memory. I remember with pleasure the holidays of the past, the good times, the sad times, and the host of friends and loved ones with whom these memories were shared. So many have passed on. The January calendar marks several sad days for me. I lost my Dad in 1974, my brother in 2005, my husband in 2010, and my sister in 2015 leaving a shadow over the January winter days and sadness that is forever embedded in my heart.

    However, dwelling on sadness and melancholy can affect one’s health and well-being and cause depression.  For this reason, I choose instead to be grateful for the wonderful, happy times stored in my memory. Although I’m certainly showing optimism when I make resolutions for the next year considering I’ve been making them for decades, I find age doesn’t diminish one’s desire to look ahead. I recall my mother shortly before her death at 81 telling me her thought patterns continued somewhat the same as when she was 60 years of age. She didn’t worry about whether she would wake up tomorrow. I admit I do have moments when I wonder…

    In viewing the amazing winter wonderland scenes on TV and in pictures this season, I confess to nostalgia knowing that I will never see snow again. Although I remember how difficult heavy snowfall can be for the work or school day, I always loved the beautiful scenes. Pictures and paintings are wonderful to enjoy, but standing in the midst of the silence of newly fallen snow is awe inspiring.  I love the picture of the snow-covered road stretching like a crystal ribbon to the horizon. 

    I’m reminded of an old 1943 movie of the silver screen era, entitled High Barbaree with Van Johnson and June Allison, in which the hero, as a young boy, speaks of a road that leads out of his rural community. He remembers the sound of the G-Note on the piano as his mother strikes the key listening to it vibrate for a long moment disappearing into silence. He names the road the G-Note Road because no matter how long he travels down the road, it never ends. It only disappears into the horizon as the G-Note lingers becoming less audible, finally, disappearing into silence.

    Life is somewhat like that G-Note Road. We travel the road keeping our eyes on the goals ahead, but no matter how many years pass, the road is still ahead. We pass one goal, set another, and continue onward until we finally cross the horizon into eternity. When we begin our journey, we learn to follow the map (through proper parenting) choosing how to proceed. I chose to follow the Christian example, serving God following his roadmap, the scriptures, with my final goal, the Gates of Heaven. I’m grateful to my family for their example.

     As I look ahead, I see the road still spread before me with goals to achieve, bumps to be endured, and a sense of awe as future events unfold along the way. God will show me the turn I must make when the road ends for me. I don’t need to know when; I just need to prepare and graciously accept my fate. Meanwhile, I see a lovely G-Note Road ahead lined with trees of green, skies of blue, and wonderful people to accompany me on the journey. I look forward to the challenge of 2017 and the G-Note Road to guide me.

            

WEIGHED IN THE BALANCE

At last the 2016 election is over and America has spoken. With policy issues so extremely diverse and citizens so divided, commenting on the outcome and especially documenting opinions for public view may mark the writer forever. My views are conservative with no apology, and I attribute the base of my convictions to my religion. Of course, I wish for economic improvement and peace in the world, but as government affects me, personally, religion is at the core.

I’m committed and actively practice strong biblical beliefs, and as a Christian, I, of course, wish to encourage all individuals within my influence to agree with what I believe to be the truth of the Bible. However, God created mankind with freedom of choice, and America is a free society where others may believe as they choose. As a Christian, I am commanded by God to love all people, even my enemies, and to seek the best for all mankind. For this reason, sharing the earth with people of all ideologies is my Christian calling. My greatest fear in our present world is that so many have determined that my ideology is unacceptable and must be changed. WHAT HAPPENED TO RELIGIOUS FREEDOM?

A few ambitious liberal activists are at work trying to discredit Christianity as the cause of all problems. When religious leaders speak out quoting their biblical reasons for their decisions, they are immediately labeled as bigoted, racist, and all those other adjectives that we hear used to segregate Bible believers. Lack of Bible knowledge, and especially how to study the book, contributes greatly to the controversies that surround its teachings. Reading the Bible without basic knowledge of the time lines, the general divisions of history, and basic faith in the God of the Bible will leave the casual reader without proper understanding of its truth. The Bible comments on this subject in 2 Timothy 2:15 admonishing the Bible student to “rightly divide” the scriptures.

This past week media sources have been energized to debate this subject, and it has amazed and depressed this writer to see so many biased opinions – all of them in opposition to what they refer to as “fundamentalist evangelicals.” A secondary issue is the “absolute, dogged” insistence that the media opinion is “right” condemning the Christian and advocating action to “make Christianity change.”

One of my favorite television programs is under such scrutiny at the present time. I’m sure you are aware of this controversy. The hosts, Chip and Joanna Gaines, of FIXER UPPER, HGTV, are being criticized for attending a church that adheres to biblical concepts of morality. The point is this witch hunt has been perpetrated by a liberal activist media with the only agenda being to persecute Christian behavior. The TV show is about renovating homes and makes no reference to religion. If this TV show is cancelled because the actors attend a particular church, WHERE DOES THIS END?

I’m writing this blog taking a stand for religious freedom. Most of you who read this know me and my views on religion. Christians are in danger of losing precious freedoms that our founding fathers framed for America. And they do this in the name of freedom for all people. Our Constitution protects us from this behavior, and unless we stand strong and speak out, those who would interpret freedom to be fluid and subject to the changing times will continue eroding our religious freedom to worship as we choose.

Let me challenge fundamentalists who practice immersion (baptism) to research social media groups who suggest that baptism is “waterboarding” and should be outlawed. Never in America! Are you sure about that? Christians if we don’t wake up, stand up, and speak up, we will find our church doors locked by law, or our buildings empty because people are afraid to continue worshiping in public. These are dangerous times, and Christians are challenged to PROVE their commitment to God.  We must pray for our country, stay informed of leader’s actions, and be vigilant, knowing God is in control, and He expects us to defend and obey His Word. Will we be “weighed in the balances and found wanting?” Daniel 5:27.

WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD

The end of another year brings about a time for renewing values and goals while reflecting on the past. 2016 has been a trying year for everyone, even children and the elderly.  However, we have survived the year, the election is over, and we are faced with an uncertain future. As I think back over the years, I remember the same reflections and anxieties followed all changes in our world. So with confidence I look forward to the future expecting all is well. God is in control and the sun will rise tomorrow. I’m beginning my fourth year residing in New Orleans. A city defined by its art and music, I have written several poems inspired by its charm and history, but I cannot compete with the haunting beauty and magic of a ballad written by Robert Thiele and George David Weiss, WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD. First recorded in 1967 by New Orleans’ own talented musician, the great Louis Armstrong, the melody echoes in my mind as I remember the gruff, powerful style of Mr. Armstrong as he smiled singing out, as only he could do, the awesome lyrics of the lovely ballad. The music expresses the theme that, although knowledge and education are important, only love and appreciation for the priceless treasures of life make the world a wonderful place. As you read these simple, inspiring words, let them speak to your heart.

                       I see trees of green, red roses too
                       I see them bloom for me and you
                       And I think to myself what a wonderful world.

                        I see skies of blue and clouds of white
                        The bright blessed day, the dark sacred night
                        And I think to myself what a wonderful world.

                         The colors of the rainbow so pretty in the sky
                         Are also on the faces of people going by
                         I see friends shaking hands saying how do you do
                         They're really saying I love you.

                         I hear babies crying, I watch them grow
                         They'll learn much more than I'll never know
                         And I think to myself what a wonderful world
                         Yes, I think to myself what a wonderful world.

As I reflect on these thoughts, I realize how vital a positive attitude is to our health and mental well-being. As I continue the December of my life, I resolve to rise up each morning with thanks to God for trees of green, skies of blue, birds singing, babies crying, friends and family loving me, and Louis Armstrong’s echoing melody drifting on the breeze to remind me WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD I am blessed to enjoy. I wish everyone a MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR.

          

ADDING TO THE NOISE

I’ve been practicing good behavior and trying to avoid the political forum. However, I’ve been surfing today, and the news media can make one’s head spin. Tempted beyond what I’m able… I must add my chorus to the noise.  Wow, it’s November again, and I’ve lived through another year. And what a year it has been. I’m grateful for reasonably good health. At least, I’m still ambulatory, alert on most days, and my 83rd birthday is just around the corner.  The world welcomed me on November 8, 1933, exactly one year after Franklin Roosevelt was elected to his first term as President on November 8, 1932. Since that time, two other Presidents were elected on my birthday;  John Kennedy and George Bush, the elder.  Election Day occurs on November 8^th every 28 years. Therefore, on Tuesday, November 8^th, a new President will be selected on my birthday again.

With very mixed emotions, I have already voted for my choice. In view of my conservative principles, this election has aroused a number of emotions to be endured while so much controversy has permeated our culture. For an elderly citizen, the political trend has been alarming and difficult to accept. Although my years are certainly numbered on this planet, I am fearful of the world I must leave for my grandchildren. I can only hope and pray that the future generation will return to God realizing that the liberal world will bring them a painful existence  A study of history reveals the demise of cultures in past generations that embraced immorality, socialism, and the lust for power and materialism. I wish it were not so, but we should be warned.

I fear, while our nation is distracted by the globalist, greedy for power, hungering for wealth, blinding citizens to the truth, our leaders of the ever-growing government will allow a profound, long-developing CHANGE to occur in our world. Europe is already falling to this dark, oppressive form of slavery. Mrs. Clinton stands in allegiance with Islam. Although her motives are greed and power, she will be defenseless against the rise in Islamic power when indeed their numbers reach the majority. The western world as we know it will disappear. At this writing, she is the frontrunner, and may be President.

As a Christian, I could live beside Islam with normal exchange of ideas as long as they allowed me freedom to exist in peace. However, Americans, look around you and notice that where Islam governs, unbelievers (those who reject Islam) are eliminated or must submit to their (Islamic) law. Those of you who espouse atheistic ideology will find you also will adhere to Islam or be eliminated.  Historically, these are the facts. My Christian faith will not allow me to submit to Islam. It is my observation that Islam expects me to leave God and bow to their god, to be content with sharia law, and submit to the fallacy of the Quran.  I will die before accepting such government.

So, as I said, I voted for conservative policy, a conservative Supreme Court, strict adherence to the First and Second Amendments, law and order in our streets, freedom to speak and worship as I choose, a less intrusive government, respect for authority, and a strong military. Theodore Roosevelt said, “Speak softly, but carry a big stick.” I refuse to be intimidated by those who threaten saying my views are flawed. I stand for the America I once loved, where we felt safe, cared for each other, and could respect our leaders even though they were not perfect. Donald Trump is sometimes crude, untried, inexperienced, and a risk, but he seems sincere, and at this point, we have nothing to lose. Although Hillary Clinton is well-known, having lived off the tax payers for all her adult life, she is deceitful, dishonest, self-serving, manipulative, flawed, predictable, and unwise in judgment. I cannot support her globalist lust for power and greed.

Eleanor Roosevelt said, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” I stand a CONSERVATIVE VOTER, without shame, unabashed, with hope that new leaders will serve our nation wisely, protecting our freedom from threats from without and within, while allowing us to move forward in peace and prosperity. In the December of my life, with years of experience on the exciting roller coaster ride called living,  I am convinced, one fact is evident. Almighty God of the Bible is in control, and when He has had enough…check your history. Oh, how the mighty have fallen!  VOTE your INFORMED conscience, and STAND ready to DEFEND your values. America is in trouble.

RELEASE OF CHILDREN'S BOOKS

       

In talking with teachers and those involved in the education of our children, I hear the call for reading material appropriate for children.  Over the years, I have worked with children encouraging them to develop skills that will expand their writing talent.  However, I only recently became interested in writing for the young.  With a new enthusiasm, I rose to the challenge and called upon my penchant for imagination and fantasy to pen four children’s books.  They are being introduced on Amazon.com, both paperback and Kindle.  I hope you will check them out and consider these books as a Christmas gift for your child. I ask that you provide feedback to help with the impact of these titles.  Feedback both positive and negative.  Without input, those who endeavor to provide good literature for your children become discouraged and abandon the difficult task of penning suitable children’s books. 

BOBBY AND THE RIDE is a fantasy of Bobby’s adventure at an entertainment park where he soars above the park seeing his books come to life. Best suited to early primary children just beginning to read.

JUMBO JONAH is a fantasy of the adventures of Jake and Mark, twelve-year-old boys, who find themselves marooned on an island with dinosaurs. In present day Texas, Mark survives a lightning strike and experiences an exciting adventure to challenge the imagination. From eight years to adult.

WILBUR WOLF is another fantasy adventure of Jake and Mark as they join with their Scout Troop for a summer camping trip.  Mark discovers he has a remarkable ability to communicate with animals since surviving a lightning strike one year earlier. As the result of this phenomena, Mark discovers he has knowledge that could mean life or death for the campers. From eight years to adult.

HERSHEY BOY is a light-hearted true tale of the life of a free-spirited Labrador Retriever.  Hershey brought joy to our lives for many years.  Through his life, I found that I often wondered what he might be thinking. Inspired by these thoughts, I wrote this story as imagined from Hershey’s point of view. From eight years old to adult.

I hope you will review these books and find them suitable for your children’s library. Grandparents check them out as the answer to that always challenging question, “What can I get my grandchild for Christmas?”

HOOKED ON BOOKS

HOOKED ON BOOKS is my motto and the force that drives my interest in writing. In honesty, today’s reader must guard with diligence the selection of reading material to be embraced, and the writer must guard against allowing writing talent to digress into the pit of trash simply to cater to the decline in moral character reigning in the world today.

Writers stay informed of the publications that appear on the shelves of our Libraries, as well as the best sellers in the publishing market. Some of the publications labeled as literature astound me. Classic authors of the past would turn over in their graves if they could review what we read today.  Of course, that assumes we’re reading anything.  Many folks will tell you they do not read books at all.  Movies and television have influenced our habits and robbed us of imagination and creativity.

 A brief research of our library shelves reveals the rapid disappearance of printed reading material, and the robust market of replacement with electronics. I’m not at all opposed to the electronic world, but certainly a backup system is needed to assure that the printed book does not become a relic of the past. When the electric grid fails, one can depend on the printed book that can be read by firelight as Abraham Lincoln found to be quite dependable.

The disappearance of books from the literary world pales in comparison to the disappearance of well-composed, grammatically correct, interesting page-turning literature. Pornography, colorful language, and graphic violence drive the literary market today filling the pages with useless repetition, extensive descriptive language simply to add pages, flat characters without dimension, plotless content without hooks to create interest, and stories are completely devoid of rhythm. A well-written story should glide seamlessly connecting one sentence to the next with rhythm as in a piece of music.

 Much of present day creative writing lacks the plot driven story with a beginning to grab the reader’s attention, conflict to ignite his emotions, rhythm to pace his interest, and conclusions that complete and guide the story to a memorable ending. However, hope for the future remains when  among the brass, one finds the golden voice of excellence rising to enrich the reader’s experience with writing that excels in composition and content. We must recognize, nourish,  and encourage the writer with exceptional talent.

Conversely, new and fresh approaches in creative writing with realistic changes that enhance readability in grammar, structure, and content are appreciated and accepted by writers educated in the twentieth century. However, like teaching an old dog new tricks, older writers often oppose and reject new ideas. I try to keep pace with changes, and I appreciate obvious improvements.

Back to comparing books and electronics, as a reader, I prefer to hold a book in my hands, turn the pages, and see the book standing in my bookshelf for future reference. I own a Kindle, and I enjoy the convenience in the doctor’s office and other places of waiting. As a writer, I enjoy creating book covers that complement my story, and I enjoy seeing my adventures come to life on the written page. Books are creations that should be treasured for the value they bring to the world of literature, as well as the knowledge and experience they add to our culture. Visiting and supporting our Libraries will ensure the longevity of the printed page. Reading is a rich and rewarding hobby. Become HOOKED ON BOOKS and visit your Library often.

LABOR DAY

     Turn around twice and it’s fall already. I find the passing of time like the spindle’s shuttle, so quickly the hours and days roll into the past.  This summer has been filled with rain, drought and wild fire, flooding and more rain.  We are so wet in New Orleans that I’m afraid we are all going to grow web feet.  We have a canoe on a rack in the back yard.  I suggested maybe we should take it down and check to be sure it’s seaworthy. If the rain continues, we may need to use it.

 The last holiday of the summer will be this Monday.  Labor Day transports me to warm memories of past family picnics and community festivities.  Labor Day signals the end of summer and is celebrated on the first Monday of September.  The day is set aside to pay tribute to working men and women.  Labor organizers have celebrated the day since 1894 in the US and Canada. Early festivities included picnics and community gatherings usually organized by unions and company owners to celebrate solidarity in the work place.

Also, as I grew up, the first day of school always occurred on the day after Labor Day. Excited and anxious for a new year, we loved the last weekend of summer.  Always, the event meant new clothes and a new pair of shoes.  These were treasured items in the days of WWll rationing. As I became an adult and moved into the work force myself, the three day weekend usually became a special family time spent getting children ready for school.

 Labor Day also marks another dated habit of women of my generation.  On Memorial Day we begin to wear white shoes, carry white purses, and, in the old days, donned white hats and gloves. However, the stylish, fashionable lady removes the white items on Labor Day and stores them until next Memorial Day. I wonder how many still observe these habits from the past?

So I will wear my white shoes this Sunday, and then store them away until May.  At my age, I can’t help wondering if I will be here next May. With that unhappy thought, I will take my last pills of the evening and retire for the night to wake tomorrow with a happy heart ready to enjoy the last hooray of this summer 2016. I wish you a very pleasant end of summer also.