The Writer's Block

I'm Fascinated by Jesse Ventura

noreply@blogger.com (Mary @ The Writer's Block) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:47:00 PST

My all-time favorite television show series is The X-Files. What can I say? I'm a sucker for conspiracy theories.

That's why my ears perked up when I heard the title of Jesse Ventura's new book, American Conspiracies. Ventura's interview on The View today was absolutely fascinating. I'm not necessarily convinced his allegations are true, but I am getting my hands on a copy of his book as soon as possible. I can't wait to read it! (Disclosure: I am an Amazon affiliate and receive a small commission from sales referred by me.)

Watch here as Ventura (who looks positively horrible, by the way—dude! do something with your hair!) discusses his theory of the Bush administration's direct involvement with the events of 9/11.

If you have missed episodes of The View, don't forget you can catch up online.

Still to come on the show this week:

Thursday—Elton John makes his first appearance on The View.
Friday—Kate Gosselin guest hosts once again.

What do you think about Ventura's allegations?

What do you think about these conspiracy theories?

Disclosure: I am a participant in a Mom Central campaign for ABC Daytime and will receive a tote bag or other The View branded items to facilitate my review. I am an Amazon affiliate and receive a small commission from sales referred by me.

Ten Things I Never Thought I'd Do (or Say) as a Mother

noreply@blogger.com (Mary @ The Writer's Block) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 19:53:00 PST

Motherhood has been and continues to be the most exhausting, challenging, stimulating, surprising, and soul-searching endeavor upon which I've ever embarked. No book, class, seminar, or magazine article could have prepared me for the astonishing changes motherhood brought to my life.

As I was getting dressed this morning, I thought, Who am I? Hmmm. Where is that girl I knew ten years ago?

She's morphed into this mom who is surprised to discover she's always doing or saying something she never dreamed of.

Ten Things I Never Thought I'd Do (or Say) as a Mother

I never thought I'd be anything but a perfect, pearl-clad mom, looking crisp in penny loafers and a button-down Oxford blouse.
I never thought I'd say such things as, "You can't go potty with a pancake in your hand" and "No. You can't take your guns to church."
I never thought I'd give the pits a sniff, declare, "good enough!", slather on the second ~~third~~ coat of deodorant, get dressed, and go out in public.
I never thought I'd not leave the house for 13 consecutive days. And by "leave the house," I mean, Not. Leave. The. House. Not to the porch, to the mailbox, to the garbage can. 13. Days. Inside. My. House. With acid refluxy twins.
I never thought I'd have guests in my home when I hadn't mopped the floors or dusted the furniture in a few ~~months~~ days.
I never thought I'd look forward to "introspective alone time" at the grocery store.
I never thought I'd be 40 pounds overweight--at five years post-partum.
I never thought I could have breastfed twins for nine months.
I never thought my idea of a fun evening would involve Seinfeld reruns, a bowl of popcorn, and a 10 p.m. bedtime.
I never thought I'd be anything but a perfect, pearl-clad mom, looking crisp in penny loafers and a button-down Oxford blouse.

How has motherhood surprised you?

I'm linking this post today at Oh Amanda's Top Ten Tuesday. Visit there to read more top ten lists!

photo: esrasu

March Movie Madness! ~WIN Whip It!~

noreply@blogger.com (Mary @ The Writer's Block) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 20:42:00 PST

I've never been into the basketball playoffs that make up "March Madness."

But movies? Now, I can get into movies.

I'm celebrating my own version of March Madness at The Writer's Block with some terrific movie giveaways this month.

First up: Whip It.

Disclosure: I am an Amazon affiliate and receive a small commission

on my referrals that result in purchases.

Whip It is Drew Barrymore's directorial debut. It's an engaging story about a teenage girl who's trapped in a small Texas town with a pageant-crazy mom and a weak dad. Ellen Page (from Juno) stars as Bliss Cavender, who finds her passion in roller derby.

If you like "coming of age" films (think Sixteen Candles), you'll enjoy Bliss's story. If you like movies about the small town guy or girl looking to make a break for the big city (think It's a Wonderful Life), you'll have fun watching Bliss become the star of roller derby in the big city of Austin, Texas.

Ellen Page's acting is terrific, and Drew Barrymore is to be commended for a solid start as a director. I haven't been on roller skates in several decades, yet I found myself wondering if I could skate roller derby. Hmmmm. Me? On skates, knocking other women down and taking nasty spills myself? (Are you laughing? Is that laughter I hear?)

I don't know. There's something kind of curiously attractive about being tough like that. And the fact that the movie causes me to even think in that direction? Now that's good storytelling.

A few warnings: I would not recommend this film for children (it's not appropriate for "family movie night"). It's full of cursing and vulgar slang terms. Bliss lies to her parents; there's underage drinking, and obvious and implied sexually intimate scenes. It's rated PG-13.

~~~

You can win a copy of Whip It on DVD. Just leave a comment, telling me your favorite "coming of age" film or "small town kid who wants the big city life" film. If you tweet this post, come back and leave another comment, which means you'll get two entries.

The contest will be open through Monday, March 8, at noon. I will use random.org to choose three winners from the comments.

I can't wait to read your comments and find out some of your favorite movies! And I look forward to helping you win your very own copy of Whip It.

Whip It is now available on DVD and Blu-Ray from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.

Disclosure: Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment provided me one copy of the film Whip It on DVD in order to facilitate this review. I received no other compensation for my review or this post. I am an Amazon affiliate and receive a small commission on my referrals that result in purchases.

My Love/Hate Relationship With Kroger

noreply@blogger.com (Mary @ The Writer's Block) — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 10:06:00 PST

I have written before about the incompetent bagging abilities of the Kroger baggers. I still battle weekly with multiple gallons of milk in one bag, while chips and salad land in another. I've tried talking to the baggers. That usually results in two cans and a bag of chips in one bag. I give up.

My Kroger experience last week, however, was rather unbelievable.

I stopped at the other Kroger a few miles from the one where I regularly shop. I wanted to grab a salad from their salad bar. I made my salad and packaged the dressing in a separate container (small Styrofoam cup with a plastic lid). I grabbed a handful of napkins, plastic fork, plastic knife, and two small packages of crackers.

I had to grab a couple of other items from the store. I then proceeded to the U-scan checkout lane.

I noticed the Dwight Shrute of Kroger watching the U-Scan aisles like a hawk. I zapped all my items except for the small tub of salad dressing, cutlery, napkins, and crackers. For a moment, I thought, Am I supposed to ring up the dressing? Nah, I decided.

My order came to around $10. I paid and picked up all my bags. I looped them on my arm and stuck my check card back in my purse. I turned to pick all the "extras" out of the arm basket sitting beside the scanner, when Dwight walked over.

Before I could pick up my items and stick them in the bag, he began to interrogate me about my attempt at theft.

"Ma'am? What's this?" He picks up the small container of salad dressing.

"Salad dressing."

"Well, you need to pay for that. That is considered a salad bar item."

"Oh, really?! I had no idea." I answered, kind of incredulously. "What about the crackers?"

And then, as if to throw me a bone, "No. The crackers and forks and napkins come with it." (Oh, gee, glad you can part with the napkins, there, Kroger.)

"OK."

I then re-shuffled heavy bags and my purse and dug back out my Kroger card.

Remember. I've already spent $10.00.

(Salad bar items are priced per pound. So the scanner weighs your item and charges accordingly.)

I picked up the container (so very light that it was), and Dwight said, "I don't know. It may not even register."

Well, genius, if it won't register, then why even bother, I ~~said~~ thought.

I plopped it up there and punched in the buttons.

Thirty-two cents.

I was about to rob Kroger of thirty-two freaking cents.

And he stood there while I dug out a quarter, nickel, and two pennies from the annals of the abyss that is my purse. And I enjoyed every minute of my digging and searching and sighing as I scavenged for each coin while hanging onto three bags of groceries and a 12-pack of Diet Mountain Dew.

Because—God forbid—I get away with $.32 salad dressing.

Kroger: In my lifetime, I'm sure I have spent more in your store than I will ever see in my savings account. Could you not just let thirty-two cents go?

Image: morguefile

Just ... Um ... Hello

noreply@blogger.com (Mary @ The Writer's Block) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:00:00 PST

I'm still here.
I'm just busy.

And going through many transitions. Chief among them is a huge change for our church of ten years. We are tiny, and our church officers have decided to merge with another church in our Presbytery. Our family is having a hard time with this change.

Hard. Time.

As soon as I've processed this a little bit more, I'll be posting here about it.

~~~

I have about three other posts in draft form that I need to finish up for you. I also have some great films on DVD for review and giveaways. Look for those next week.

~~~

And I hope you're reading my posts over at Faithful Bloggers. I am enjoying writing in a focused manner on a specific topic. This week, we're discussing discovering your blog's purpose. If you are a Christian and you have a blog (or would like to start a blog), check out Faithful Bloggers. Subscribe to the feed and the newsletter.

Image: morguefile (This photo has nothing to do with this post. I just liked it because it makes me happy.)

I Know You'd Love to Go to New York

noreply@blogger.com (Mary @ The Writer's Block) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 18:48:00 PST

So what are you waiting for? Enter the sweepstakes to win a trip to NY City for a taping of The View! The contest ends on February 28.

This week's episodes of The View have been really great. Even if you can't watch during weekday mornings, you can watch full episodes at the website. Guests this week that I'm excited about:

Monday—Senator Evan Bayth of Indiana

Wednesday—"Octomom," Nadya Suleman

Thursday—Bill and Guiliana Rancic talking about their struggle with infertility during an entire show focused on the theme, "trying to have a baby?"

I need to do a little viewing catch-up myself. When I have, I'll be posting my thoughts here.

Who were your favorite guests this week? What did you learn new this week?

Disclosure: I am a participant in a Mom Central campaign for ABC Daytime and will receive a tote bag or other The View branded items to facilitate my review.

I've Been Chosen as a THE VIEW Brand Ambassador!

noreply@blogger.com (Mary @ The Writer's Block) — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 18:00:00 PST

I'm really excited about a new opportunity this month. I've been chosen to participate in a special promotion for ABC-TV's The View.

As a brand ambassador for the show, I'll be watching and talking about The View here each week. I encourage you to do the same.

I have been a viewer of The View since day one. I have always enjoyed the show, particularly the Hot Topics section. I don't always agree with the opinions presented in the discussions, but I'm always challenged to think.

And that, to me, is the appeal of The View.

As a former journalist who is also a mom pressed for time but engaged in part-time ministry, I depend on The View to show me a cross-section of our culture. I think The View's roundtable discussions and interviews play an important role in telling me what today's women are thinking, feeling, and talking about.

I hope you'll join me during the next few weeks and tune into The View. Let's talk here about what we watch there.

Follow The View Brand Ambassadors on Twitter using the #theviewmoms hashtag.

~~~

And how cool is this???

Enter to win a trip to New York City to watch a taping of The View. The sweepstakes is open until February 28. Click here to enter the sweepstakes. I would L.O.V.E. to win a trip to New York.

~~~

Disclosure: I am a participant in a Mom Central campaign for ABC Daytime and will receive a tote bag or other The View branded items to facilitate my review.

Using Resurrection Eggs During Family Worship

noreply@blogger.com (Mary @ The Writer's Block) — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:00:00 PST

My favorite time of year is almost here.

Spring.

Longer days, warmer breezes, television show season finales (this is a semi-serious post, but I had to throw that one in there).

Most importantly, we observe and celebrate the death and resurrection of Christ.

I don't know if it's even possible to label one event as the crux of Christianity, but I sort of lean towards Christ's resurrection as being it. At any rate, Easter is my favorite holiday on the Church calendar.

In the resurrection of Christ, we have hope and eternal security that death has no hold on us!

Easter is my favorite because I love all things associated with it. I love the focus on new life, being raised with Christ, and the resurrection that is to come. I love that Christ defeated all aspects of death and I get to partake in that victory because of my union with him.

As I suggested at Advent, these special days on the Christian calendar are an excellent time to begin or return to regular Family Worship times. If you'd like to do this in your family but don't know where to start, read on for some ideas about Easter.

This Lenten season, our family will once again pull out our set of Resurrection Eggs. We love our Resurrection Eggs! I've had our set for years and pull them out annually. These are invaluable tools to teach your kids the Easter narrative, its significance, and how the symbols of Easter relate to Christ's most important work.

Lent Begins With Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday is today, February 17. Lent lasts for 6 weeks until Easter. You can use the Resurrection Eggs in any number of ways during Family Worship. Here's what we usually do.

Candles
We have three kids, and all must participate. We continue lighting three candles for family worship time (a holdover from Advent) because our kids like it. They ask to do, "Candles," which is what we call our family worship time. Three is, obviously, a significant number in theology so there's always an important metaphor to use with three candles. Of course, candleLIGHT can always be used for applicable illustration. Thus, we continue with candles.

Resurrection Eggs
We then will give each child an egg and instruct them not to open. We go in order and have them open the eggs one at a time. With each token, we talk about its significance and how it fits into the Easter narrative. The kids absolutely LOVE the surprise element of the closed egg. We repeat this several nights in week 1.

You can vary your treatment here: for example, the first night, you use the objects to tell the story; the second night, you read the applicable story from The Jesus Storybook Bible (awesome!) and use the objects to illustrate; the third night, you have the children tell the story using the objects; the fourth night, you review and ask the kids to make predictions as to what will happen next.

If you are using 3 eggs each week, you will only use the kit for 4 weeks. You may want to use other things during family worship on the nights you don't use the kit or, if you're like us, your busy schedule means that shooting for 4 nights out of seven is more realistic.

I do recommend, however, that you stretch it over the Lenten season and build the anticipation to Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday. In years past, we have opened the eggs the week before Easter and gone through the kit rather hurriedly, but I don't think it had as much impact or was as much fun as the years we've really taken our time.

The Lenten season is prime for teaching your children and training them in the faith. I'll have some more ideas and suggested resources during the next few weeks. Stay tuned.

photo: morguefile
I am an Amazon affiliate and receive a small commission from sales of products recommended by me.

Top 10 Power Moms of 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Mary @ The Writer's Block) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 06:15:00 PST

This is why I have issues with "doing it all."

Fitness company Power Plate has created a list of the Top 10 Power Moms of 2009. According to the article on Momlogic, these women were chosen because

in the last year they had babies, managed busy, successful careers and got back into incredible postnatal shape, extremely quickly.

Heidi Klum, Jennifer Garner, and Rebecca Romijn (who had twins!) all made the list.

I am offended—and jealous—at the same time.

Top 10 Power Moms of 2009
10. Kelly Rutherford
9. Kimora Lee Simmons
8. Adriana Lima
7. Molly Ringwald
6. Karolina Kurkova
5. Niki Taylor
4. Elisabeth Hasslebeck
3. Heidi Klum
2. Rebecca Romijn
1. Jennifer Garner

Your thoughts?

I'm Going to Whine Now

noreply@blogger.com (Mary @ The Writer's Block) — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 18:30:00 PST

Typically, I don't like to post whiney-tale ramblings.

But, hey, I'm in a funk and I have a blog.

And if I can't whine on my blog, then why have a blog, right?

So, if this is a problem for you, then you can click off my post and come back tomorrow.

I hope you'll stay, though, and help me. Help me, readers.

Help me figure out my life.

I'm really overwhelmed right now, and I'm not sure what to do about it.

I know that I have no margins in my life. I first heard about the concept of margin several years ago.

Think of the margins on a piece of paper. That's the "extra" space that can be used if needed or in an emergency. A place for spill-over. White space that is pleasing to the eye and a soft place to land.

Nope. I have none of that in my life.

(I'm going to get this book, ASAP, by the way. I've heard other friends talk about it. It's been on my to-read list, but I've procrastinated. But, I'm going to get it soon. Disclosure: I am an Amazon affiliate and receive a small commission for purchases referred to Amazon.)

My life runs from sun-up to sun-down with far more to do than there is time for.

FlyLady wants me to do my routines. Yea, I have no time for routines. Because as routine as routines go, they Still. Take. Time.

Exercising and grocery shopping and cleaning toilets all take time. Fifteen minutes here, an hour there, thirty minutes there. Time.

I need a lot of sleep. Like 8-9 hours to feel really good. But, hey, that takes time. I can either cut corners on my sleep and be grouchy and grumpy and less productive or I can feel guilty about going to bed when there is still so much left undone. (I know that's crazy. But that's me.)

All my little part-time jobs are wonderful blessings, and we truly need the money. We count on each little $100 or $200 check to make ends meet each month. So, which $200 check do I forfeit so that I don't feel guilty when I go to sleep? In the meantime, which meal/activity/chore is neglected so that I can finish a work assignment?

Blogging and writing are the only things I do for fun. Period. I don't read. Magazines and books sit untouched on my nightstand. I haven't scrapbooked since July 2007. That's terribly sad, but seriously, how in the world can I justify sitting around sticking pictures into books when I have a to-do list as long as my arm? Plus, scrapbooking would require my downloading, sorting, and actually printing pictures. I don't even want to think about how much time that would take.

Do I stop blogging? Do I stop writing for fun?

Do I shrivel up to nothing because I have no outlet for creativity?

I could go on and on. I know you know that I have laundry, meals, activities, Bible study, and church. I know you know what it's like to juggle and prioritize.

Am I the most insanely organizationally-challenged person in the world? Or is this just "part of it" and I need to grin and bear it until retirement?

What should I do? How do I take some of the pressure off? Which ball(s) to drop?

At what point do we simply step out in faith, do away with things that drain us, and trust God to provide compensation (whether emotional, financial, spiritual)?

Truly, I'd love to hear your feedback and any suggestions for me and my family.

Thank you. Whining over.

Image: Morgue File

My (Honest) Blissdom 2010 Re-cap

noreply@blogger.com (Mary @ The Writer's Block) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 11:00:00 PST

(Explanation: My intent with this post is to be constructive and honest. I do not intend to be hurtful or snarky.)

As you all know, I was on a high anticipating my trip to Blissdom. I kinda hate it when I do that because I inevitably leave a smidge disappointed.

And that's kind of what I'd say about this conference.

My Blissdom Report Card
Food: B-
Take-away learning: B-
Opportunities for relationship-building and making connections: A
Organization and logistics: A
Swag: A+
Overall grade: B

Blissdom kind of reminds me of a ginormous sorority meeting, which is good in many ways and kind of useless in others.

No doubt about it, this is a great place to meet all the ladies of the Blogosphere. Seeing these bloggers up close in person takes the shiny veneer away and gives you an invaluable dynamic of someone's personality that you don't have otherwise.

I had an opportunity to tell a fantastic blogger face to face how much her post made me laugh and cry. I was able to say "thank you" to another smart lady for some bloggy advice, and I got to ask another multitasking mom for more "mom advice" about managing schedules.

I loved that I learned a lot of great info about monetizing my blog and the vocabulary of ads. I needed that lesson. The Nashville blogger gals were able to socialize quite a bit, as well as trade helpful advice and information. I found my conversations with Bilingual in the Boonies (don't you love that name???) refreshing and insightful. I loved that I have found new friends in my Faithful Blogger gals, Kelly and Courtney. It was great fun to meet them and talk about Faithful Bloggers face-to-face.

But when it came to technique and practical take-aways, I thought the conference came up short. Don't get me wrong: I did bring home a few helpful lists and tips (those posts to come), but I spent way more time checking Twitter, Facebook, and email during the sessions than I would have thought I'd even want to.

I am a writer (not perfect by any means), so I don't need the basics. I'm not sure what I do need; I was hoping the conference would tell me!

And if I had heard the word, community, one more time, I would have thrown up in my mouth a little.

Ironically, I just posted on the value of community at Faithful Bloggers last week. I think my issue with a blogging-conference definition of community is that—at least it seemed to me this weekend—creating a community around one's blog was more about what it could do for the blogger than what the blogger could do for the community.

One of my personal goals of writing has always been to perform a "public service." I really want my writing to resonate, inform, encourage, and/or otherwise be helpful. If just one reader comes away with something, then I feel I've done my job. That's not a great big community there, but for me, it's more about the quality than the quantity.

Sure, you must have quantity to get traffic to get exposure to get ads to get money and so on. But I'm of the belief that quantity follows quality. And if it doesn't, then, well, I need to reexamine my purpose for writing in the first place.

I think the "women blogger group" (for lack of a better term and to be dangerously broad-sweeping) has a somewhat skewed definition of community. Certainly, aspects of community do exist and thrive among this network of blogs. But more often than not, I find these "communities" a bit superficial and fickle. (Or maybe I'm just a sucky "community member." LOL)

Also—I hate to say it—but I sometimes question the sincerity of the overriding sentiment that blogging is "all about community." I think their idea of community begins at a rather self-centered place.

Just who is your community? Me. Who is my community? You. That's right. We're all blogging and reading and blogging and reading. Sure we have readers outside the blogging community, but really, in the end aren't we really just giving ourselves a big pep rally and a collective pat on the back? Building community in the sense of a "blogger conference" definition seems just down right exhausting at best and self-aggrandizing at worst.

Recommendations for Change
I'm not sure WHAT I would change about Blissdom. I think I'd begin with redefining the word community ('ya think?) and helping bloggers really drill down to their core motivations for writing.

Maybe I'd do away with the panels and bring in more stand-alone speakers. (I do realize this costs money, though.) I loved hearing from the PR and marketing professionals. Editors, attorneys, and web/tech gurus would all be interesting to me.

I think I'd like to participate more in vision-casting. I loved how Alli Worthington said that this is just the "pre-game" season; the season's not yet begun. I've never been on the cusp of anything in my life! Let's explore that more and how we all fit into that bigger picture. Let's look at what it takes to really equip women to be influential and effective.

I don't mean to detract at all from the hard work of the organizers and the obvious enthusiasm and positive energy generated by the conference. Truly, these have their place and can be beneficial in accomplishing many goals.

I'm just not sure those were my goals, too.

Around the Block: Blizzard, Blissdom, Blogging, and Boys

noreply@blogger.com (Mary @ The Writer's Block) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 20:12:00 PST

Last week, we had several inches of snow. We were out of school and snow-bound for about five days and it felt more like fifteen. I've been playing catch up in hyper-speed since Tuesday.

~~~

I'm heading to Blissdom tomorrow, and I. Can't. Wait. I'll be updating and tweeting from there and expect to come home with heaps of inspiration, motivation, and new ideas. You've been warned: lots of excitement ahead.

~~~

I've written a three-part series (parts one, two, and three) at Faithful Bloggers this week. I'm really enjoying getting started with this new project.

~~~

Today, I had conferences with the boys' preschool teachers.

Spencer's teacher told me he has affection for a little girl in his class, whom I will call Ariel. Spencer and Ariel sit beside each other at lunch. The teacher said that one day as they were eating, Spencer leaned over to Ariel. He gently placed his hand on her forearm.

He said, "How are you today, my lovely princess?"

In other news, Seth confessed he kissed a little girl in his class during a game of Prince and Princess.

I love my little men.

Ready for Answers

noreply@blogger.com (Mary @ The Writer's Block) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 21:00:00 PST

It was a happy night--if not a tad confusing one--at the Bernard house Tuesday night. Our favorite show, Lost, returned for its final season. This video sums up our hope and plea to the show's producers:

New Month, New Home, New Friends

noreply@blogger.com (Mary @ The Writer's Block) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 06:46:00 PST

It's the first, and I'm excited about all the things ahead for this month and this year!

I know you've noticed my new blog design. I'm enjoying it so much, and I think it really captures the feel of The Writer's Block. Lindsey at Sour Apple Studio did the work and did a great job. Thanks, Lindsey!

You may notice that the cartoony woman really looks a lot like me. That is intentional, of course. We tried to make her hair color and eye color like mine to achieve this. And, of course, I'm that skinny and always look that nice in my tailored suit. I always have hair and makeup fixed with a smile on my face while I juggle all of those colliding responsibilities. Yep. That's me, alright. :)

I am still tweaking a few things here and there, even though I had hoped to be all set for today's "re-launch." But, you know, I'm juggling all of those colliding responsibilities and so, I'll get to it soon.

~~~

I'm also excited to tell you about a new online home for my writing: FaithfulBloggers.com. I have joined Kelly and Courtney as a contributing editor, and I am thrilled! I'll be posting over there four or five times each week, as well creating podcast interviews of member bloggers. Faithful Bloggers is devoted to helping Christian bloggers glorify God with their blogs. So, we'll be talking about blogging, writing, and online stuff and how it relates to your faith. Please come see me there.

If you are interested in being interviewed about your faith and your blog, contact me. We want Faithful Bloggers to be a dynamic community, representing the many faithful voices of Christian bloggers.

~~~

Remember, I'll be posting and tweeting from Blissdom this weekend. I'm so excited I can barely stand it. Check back here to read what I've learned.

Another Library Rant

noreply@blogger.com (Mary @ The Writer's Block) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 21:18:00 PST

I love the library system. The whole process of borrowing informative materials is wonderful.

Our local branch library, however, is the armpit of Bellevue as I have proclaimed here previously.

I don't know why I was surprised today to be stalled by the Barney Fife of the Bellevue Library at my attempt to check out a book.

Chris had asked me to pick up a book that he had on hold. Numerous times, I have checked out his book on my card from the circulation clerk who looks a little bit like the stapler dude in Office Space. This has never been a problem.

But today, I was called on the carpet by Barney, who inquired, "Are you an approved user on his account?"

Oh, once again, a library policy—that I HAVE NO IDEA EXISTS—catches me off guard.

"Uh, I dunno."

He checks. I'm not.

"I'm sorry. You're not an approved user. I can't check it out for you. You can speak with the manager."

I was in a hurry so I just shoved the book back to him. "No. I can't stay any longer. Can you just re-label it and put it back on the shelf and I'll have my husband MAKE ANOTHER TRIP OVER HERE to get his book?"

I stomped out, fuming.

But then I considered this all-important policy and decided that surely it thwarts all kinds of mischief and destruction of library property.

I mean, who doesn't realize that the best way to get back at someone is to peruse the hold shelf at the library, find that person's book, check it out, and then NOT RETURN IT ON TIME? Ooooooooo. Now that's some real treachery right there that needs to be nipped in the bud. I'm sure the rate of unauthorized check-outs and non-returns was epidemic to create a new policy.

Good gravy.

Save me from the Bellevue branch library.

photo: morguefile

The Nose Knows ... or Does It?

noreply@blogger.com (Mary @ The Writer's Block) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 20:00:00 PST

Squeezed into my errands and appointments today was Zoe's annual physical exam. (Zoe is our 9 pound little Bijon/Shih Tzu canine family member.)

Yep. Zoe has already been a Bernard for a year! She's such a precious girl and so sweet to the kids. She puts up with a lot.

So, after the exam today, the vet left the room to read some of the remaining tests and get some things together. I put Zoe's leash on and just let her run around my feet and sniff the exam room. I used the opportunity for quiet to lean back in the chair and close my eyes and rest.

(It reminded me of all those pregnancy appointments when I'd wait on the doctor and end up stretching out on the exam table, curled in the fetal position beneath the glaring flourescents. Hey, you take rest where you can get it when you're a busy mom of three and almost 40.)

Anyway.

I'm sitting there listening to vet office noises outside the closed doors and mentally ticking off my to-do list when--bleh!--I notice a strong odor. Yuck, I think. There must be a stinky dog outside the door.

A few seconds pass. Another whiff.

Oh, really, that's so gross. That's really yuck. Someone needs to go clean that up.

Close the eyes.

Nasal assault.

About that time, the doctor comes back in. He immediately smiles and says, "Well, Zoe, looks like you had a little accident."

It was only then that I turn my head ever so slightly to glance beside my foot to see two huge you-know-whats on the floor.

I was completely oblivious that it was my dog who was the perpetrator.

You think I'm a smidge too distracted these days?

Around the Block: Pardon My Mess!

noreply@blogger.com (Mary @ The Writer's Block) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 20:36:00 PST

As you can see, The Writer's Block is under construction. With my Christmas money, I bought a new blog design! Some girls dream of shoes and bags or makeup and jewelry. Not me. I fantasize about my blog.

So, anyway, I think it's still in progress and needs some tweaking here and there. I'll let you know when it's all finished and everything is in its right spot.

***

This week has been heart-wrenching as I've continued to keep online vigil for my friend, David Hames. As of tonight, he remains missing in Haiti. Hope remains alive, however, since a man was found alive today--14 days after the earthquake. I am praying constantly for his rescue. I think it would be an incredible testimony to God's gracious glory if this man is found alive. I pray so, anyway.

***

Grammar alert: It's time for my every-so-often grammar correction public service announcement.

The word, between, is only used when talking about two entities. The word, among, is used when talking about more than two entities. So, please note:

I must choose between the two books. (Correct)
She shares her books between the four family members. (Incorrect)
She shares her books among the four family members. (Correct)

You're welcome.

***

I'm convinced my laundry is procreating behind my back. Mama Sock and Daddy Sock are having Baby Socks, while Mama Sweater and Daddy Sweater are spawning Baby Shirts, Baby Pajamas, and Baby Undies.

I'm preparing for their revolution any day now. If laundry can figure out how to procreate, they can certainly organize themselves into a mutiny.

image: morguefile

Renew His Strength, Lord

noreply@blogger.com (Mary @ The Writer's Block) — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 20:57:00 PST

From Facebook: This photo was taken on a Compassion International trip David worked on in 2007 (in Nairobi, Kenya).

I continue to check for news about my friend, David Hames, who remains buried beneath the crumpled Hotel Montana in Haiti.

This week has affected me in ways I never expected.

I wasn't best friends with David in college and had lost touch with him until last year. Yet I am consumed with his experience and burdened for his safety. I am pretty much obsessed with his plight.

You know what I think it is? It's God.

I'm sure others have been in similar situations (maybe during 9/11 or another large-scale tragedy), but this is a first for me. This is the first time a major news event has had microscopic proportions—the first time a news event has become personal.

And so, in the middle of this tragedy, God's people are rallying. God's people are crying out. God's people are encouraging one another.

And it's amazing.

I am exhilarated by the unity of our voices in begging for our friend. I am encouraged by the solidarity of our purpose in rescuing David. I am touched that David—a long-lost friend who, for all intents and purposes, is now a stranger to me—has such a community of God-honoring Christ-lovers interceding on his behalf.

The family of God is anonymous and instantly recognizable all at the same time. How wonderful Heaven will be: a great family reunion of strangers, yet kinfolk!

What I'm trying to say is that my faith has been strengthened in this ordeal. My belief, my hope, my courage in the Lord have been confirmed time and again by these living, breathing, "great clouds of witnesses" on earth right now.

Friends, we are waiting. But we serve a God who waits for nothing.

I've been thinking of those times of waiting where: 1. God delivered; and 2. God's ultimate good purpose was fulfilled. A few examples:

Noah and his family waiting out the storm for 40 days (it was another two weeks until they actually left the Ark)
The Israelites' wandering in the wilderness for 40 years
Jonah in the belly of the fish for 3 days
And of course, after Jesus' crucifixion, his followers waiting for his resurrection

Even now, we eagerly anticipate our Lord's return.

Friends of David, it's a blessing to wait and pray with you.

Let us continue without ceasing.

Lord God,
We pray David's (and all those trapped in earthquake rubble) waiting will soon come to an end. We pray his wait from your hand of providence will show all your glorious good purposes.
In Christ's name we pray, Amen.

But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint.
—Isaiah 40:31 (ESV)

Pray for David

noreply@blogger.com (Mary @ The Writer's Block) — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 20:52:00 PST

I'm not sure how to begin this post.

All I can think of tonight is that an old college friend, David Hames, is about to begin his eighth day buried—trapped—caged in mountains of concrete, dirt, and dust. Can he see light? Is he hurt? Does he, in fact, have food and water with him?

David is awaiting rescue from the rubble of the Hotel Montana in Haiti.

Since late last week, when I first heard of David's situation, I've been preoccupied with his situation. I've been maniacally checking my friends' Facebook pages for updates. I've been praying and asking for prayer and posting requests for prayer.

I can't get his wife and two preschool aged kids (whom I've never met) out of my mind.

I met David Hames probably in the fall of 1990. I don't remember exactly, but he posted something on Facebook that helps me point to that time period. We worked together at the college television station.

He was a broadcast production major, and I was a broadcast journalism major. I don't have specific memories of him. Instead, he's a constant fixture when I think back on those days. I remember he was funny, talented, and cute. I'm sure I had a slight crush on him, attracted no doubt by the mullet (that all the cute boys had, I might add).

My senior year I was news director and he worked as production manager (I think). At any rate, we were on the "leadership team" at the campus TV station together.

After graduation, we lost touch. We reconnected last year on Facebook. I was so impressed with David when I saw his accomplishments. He had stayed in video production and thrived. Last year he produced a Christian preschool children's video.

And after exchanging the "congratulations" and "how are yous?" that are typical on Facebook, I honestly didn't think much more about David Hames.

Until last week.

While reading my news feed, I noticed a mutual friend's post mentioned that David had been in Haiti on a video shoot when the earthquake hit. He was missing.

It's been a monitored vigil ever since.

I ask my readers for prayers. I am confident God hears our prayers. We do not know how or when he will answer but we do know that God is good.

Lord God,
Rescue our friend. Protect his health until help comes. Comfort his wife and children.
In Christ's name,
Amen.

Around the Block: News, Happenings, and Cool Websites

noreply@blogger.com (Mary @ The Writer's Block) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 03:00:00 PST

One of my favorite new websites is Kitchen Stewardship. Katie's blog is a refreshing mix of practicality, healthy recipes, whole food tips, and green living—all from a Christian perspective.

She writes, "Kitchen Stewardship is dedicated to balancing God's gifts of time, health, earth and money." I've already learned so much from Katie, although I've only been subscribed for a few weeks.

Make sure you check out her Real Food Face-Off series, where she invites guest bloggers to share their stories of whole food eating. Lots and lots of great information here.

Feeling a little down in the dreariness of winter? I actually am starting to come out of my seasonal funk with the newness of the year and the ever-so-slight lengthening of days. But we still have a long way to go until the warmth of late April.

I heard an interview last week with the author of this article from New York magazine. It's 50 Simple Steps to Happiness. Many of them are New York-centric, but some of the broadly appealing ones include making your bed everyday (FlyLady has known this for years!) and painting your walls yellow. I love the practicality of these and surrounding yourself with the scent of cucumber!

~~~

I'll be attending my first-ever blogging conference in a few short weeks. Blissdom will be held at Opryland here in Nashville.

The speakers and workshops are to be amazing PLUS Harry Connick, Jr. (Harry! Connick! Jr.!, people) is slated to be a special guest. I think until my husband heard of the special guest, he thought I was going to something like a glorified moms' night out. But with Harry on the agenda? "Oh! That's a big deal! Like A-level big time!" Uh-huh, baby.

I expect to learn a lot, meet some fabulous women bloggers/writers/communicators, and be inspired beyond belief. I'm especially excited about two small group opportunities: a dinner/discussion with the Savvy Blogging gals and a dinner with the Faithful Blogger gals.

And the best part? In an unexpected last-minute decision, Rebecca @ Toothwhale and I got a room at the Opryland Hotel for one night. Yay! A night in a hotel. I barely remember what that is like.

If you are going to Blissdom and you and I don't know each other in real life, please leave me a note in the comments. I'm trying to create a master list of all the people I want to meet there.

What Kind of Week Did I Have?

noreply@blogger.com (Mary @ The Writer's Block) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 19:46:00 PST

I'll tell you what kind of week I've had.

The kind of week where I play musical beds with sick children.
The kind of week where I take one boy to the doctor's office to get a diagnosis of strep throat and ear infection and then...
The kind of week where I'm back at the doctor's office 24 hours later with boy #2 to get another strep diagnosis.
The kind of week where I'm suffering from whiplash due to the number of times I've gone back and forth to the grocery and pharmacy.
The kind of week when one toilet is not working.
The kind of week where my daughter falls face down at school, warranting an unexpected trip to the dentist (she's fine, by the way).
The kind of week where I run out of groceries and must send my boys to school without lunches on Friday.
The kind of week where I do another grocery run (after taking them to school) to get lunch items, hurriedly pack two lunches, and deliver said lunches to the preschool with moments to spare before lunchtime.
The kind of week where one of my boys had to pee in a plastic Pump It Up emblazoned cup in the van while we waited in the car-rider pickup line at school. (Oh yes, he did.)

And that was the kind of week I had.

The Nostalgia of Childhood

noreply@blogger.com (Mary @ The Writer's Block) — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 03:00:00 PST

When I was a girl, I walked up hill in the snow both ways to school—

Oh, wait, no. That's the wrong cliched illustration.

What I meant to say was this:

When I was a girl, I watched for the Snowbird report on the local news to see our county on the state map with little snowflakes falling. I also listened to our local AM radio station.

TV. Radio. Maps. The icons of my childhood snow days.

Last week, we had two snow days off from school. Not much snow but enough to make the roads slippery.

My kids don't know who Snowbird is. We get our school closing information on demand from the website, text messaging, Facebook and Twitter chatter, or the automated phone call from the school system.

I feel a little caught between the worlds of progress and nostalgia.

I love, love, love the information age in which we live. I'm an information-gathering girl. God smiled on me when he ordained my living in the 21st century.

But don't we tend to romanticize the past and rewrite our histories? Maybe I'm just nostalgic for the excitement surrounding the snow day.

No doubt I'd rather be a six-year-old with few cares except performing the right "ritual" of ice in the toilet, spoon under the pillow, and wearing pajamas inside out in order to coax snowfall.

I think I just feel old.

Sometimes I'd like to go back to rotary phones, record players, and a cell-phone free life.

Sometimes I miss simplicity. Not always, but sometimes.

Delicious Havarti Cheese Appetizer Recipe

noreply@blogger.com (Mary @ The Writer's Block) — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 09:04:00 PST

So, it seems lately I'm posting recipes in response to tweets. My friend and fellow blogger, Brigid, twittered that she was stunned she had just now discovered Havarti cheese.

That tweet reminded me of this awesome recipe passed to me by my friend, Pam Ferriss. I told Brigid that I'd post a Havarti recipe that would make her cry it was so good.

Get out your tissues and let out your belt a notch. This is gooooood!

(Please note that I'm writing out the original recipe in its entirety as it was given to me. I usually, however, make the easier, quicker version* as noted below.)

Herbed Havarti en Croute
(Heart & Soul)
1 sheet frozen puff pastry
1 t. Dijon-style mustard
12 ounces Havarti cheese
2 t. finely chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans, optional)
1 t. snipped parsley or 1/4 t. dried parsley flakes
1 t. grated orange peel
1 t. snipped fresh dille or 1/4 t. dried dillweed
1 t. snipped fresh basil or 1/4 t. dried basil, crushed
1/2 t. snipped fresh chives
1/4 t. fennel seed
Several dashes ground red pepper
1 beaten egg
Fruit

Let folded pastry stand at room temperature for 20 minutes to thaw. Spread mustard over top of cheese. Sprinkle with nuts, parsley, orange peel, dill, basil, chives, fennel seed, and red pepper. Unfold pastry and center over cheese. Invert cheese and fold two sides over cheese, overlapping edges. Seal seam with water. Trim any excess pastry from ends and fold up. Seal seams with water.

Place seam-side down, on a lightly greased baking sheet. (Optional: Use trimmed pastry to cut out shapes of leaves or fruit. Brush bottom of cutouts with water and place on top of pastry-wrapped cheese.) Brush entire pastry with egg. Cover and chill for 1 hour.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Bake about 20 minutes or until pastry is nicely browned. Cover with foil if it browns too quickly. Serve warm with the fruit. Makes 8 to 10 servings.

*Quicker variation
1 can Pillsbury crescent rolls
8 oz. Havarti cheese
1 beaten egg

Unroll 8 crescent rolls and form 2 (using 4 rolls each) squares, mashing the perforations together. Place cheese on 1 square of pastry and place other pastry square over top of cheese. Seal edges of pastry (use a little water if necessary). Brush egg wash over pastry. Place pastry on lightly greased baking sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes, until browned. Cover with foil if browning too quickly. Serves 6 to 8.

Photo credit: dreamstime.com
Disclosure: I am an Amazon affiliate and receive a small commission based on sales from products I recommend.

Cheap, Easy, Delicious Crock-pot Chicken

noreply@blogger.com (Mary @ The Writer's Block) — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 03:00:00 PST

www.morguefile.com

A few days ago, I responded to a friend's tweet for an easy recipe for chicken in the Crock-pot.

Another follower and fellow blogger made it last night and sent me this rousing affirmation:

Seriously, the chicken was delicious. DELICIOUS! Have you posted the recipe on your blog? You should. Super-easy, super-cheap, and so tasty -- the meat was tender and flavorful.

So, I offer it here for you now:

Easy Crock-pot Chicken
Place one whole chicken in the Crock-pot. Drizzle with olive oil. Liberally (be as heavy-handed as possible) sprinkle with seasoned salt, garlic powder, pepper, and dried rosemary. Pour about one cup of dry white wine* in the bottom of the Crock-pot (you may use water if you don't have any wine on hand). Cook on low for eight hours.

*I buy the small four-pack of wine bottles to keep in the pantry. They each hold about 1 cup. Those little bottles are perfect for recipes. There's no waste.

~~~

More about cooking with alcohol:

I buy chardonnay (dry white wine) to use in my chicken recipes. I buy merlot or cabernet sauvignon (dry red wine) to use in beef recipes.

Cognac is also delicious in chicken recipes. I have a chicken pot pie recipe where about 1/4 cup of cognac is added to the base sauteed veggie mixture and the alcohol cooks off before the chicken is added.

I add beer to chili and red wine to beef stew. In these recipes, I usually begin with a saute mixture of onion/garlic/pepper/celery, etc. I add the alcohol once those veggies are tender and cook for about 10-15 minutes. I then add liquid to the recipe (broth, tomato sauce, etc.).

Alcohol gives a great complex base flavor to my recipes.

How Sin Deceives

noreply@blogger.com (Mary @ The Writer's Block) — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 03:00:00 PST

dreamstime.com

From Grace Gems:

The Deceitfulness of Sin!
by Jeremy Taylor

"Lest any of you be hardened through the
deceitfulness of sin!" Hebrews 3:13 (read ESV here)

First sin startles him,
then it becomes pleasing,
then easy,
then delightful,
then frequent,
then habitual,
then confirmed!

I think this progression is particularly helpful in dissecting how sin takes root in our lives. I immediately turn to food.

As you know, I've been blogging about my New Year's resolutions and my plan to eat intentionally. I confess that I have sinful issues surrounding food (overeating, emotional eating, idolizing food, and so on).

Sin is especially effective when it deals with our senses (first sin, anyone?). I'm startled all the time by the enticement of food. Oh! That looks good. Oh! That smells good. Oh! I have a craving for ...

That "startling" often triggers a sense of urgency upon which I must act. I'm immediately rewarded because it tastes so good. Science has pointed out that eating releases endorphins (I think; it releases some chemical in the brain, anyway, that registers "pleasure"), so I'm pretty much hooked at this point. The "pleasing," "easy," and "delightful" aspects just affirm my engaging in this behavior. The "frequent" and "habitual" just serve to establish the habit and "confirm" it in the fabric of my character.

Think of Eve. Talk about being startled! A talking serpent with a "pleasing" proposition? It must have been quite startling to hear the challenge to God's authority, character, and trustworthiness come from that snake's mouth. The Scripture makes a point of saying that Eve found the fruit pleasing to her eye.

When were you last startled? Did that lead to a pleasing experience? Could it be the planting of sin? Guard yourself so that you see the deceptive progression of sin, which can prey on your sensibilities.