LAURIE LC LEWIS: A VIEW FROM THE OTHER SIDE OF THE HILL

FOLLOWER LOVE GIVEAWAY HOP

2012-02-06T23:03:00.002-05:00

Thank you to all my guests and followers who've read my posts and helped spread the word about my books. You have been wonderful, and I'm so happy to be a stop on this particular hop.

As always, thanks go to Kathy at I Am A Reader Not A Writer, and thanks also to Rachael Renee Anderson for co-hosting this hop.

My "Follower Love" prize is a $25.00 gift card to Applebee's to help offset your Valentine's Day celebration. And here's how you enter.

(Keep in mind that each entry must be posted separately in order to by counted by my tabulating partner--Random.org.)

1. You must be or become a follower of this blog.
2. Be or become my friend on Facebook .
3. Become my fan or a follower on Goodreads.
4. Place one of my books on your Goodreads, "to be read" shelf. Tell me which one in your post.
5. Follow me on twitter.
6. Post this on your facebook page or twitter feed:
"One Nation Under God"--It was not left to chance. www.laurielclewis.com

Terrific! Now go and enjoy these other grwat stops on the hop!

The Four-Week Check-in On All Those Resolutions

2012-02-04T15:05:00.001-05:00

"Greater love hath no wife. . ." That's perhaps a tad melodramatic, but close to the sacrifice I made today when I walked into the best barbecue place in the area to stand in line, waiting for my husband's favorite pulled pork barbecue, which I can't eat because I'm on a strict diet right now. You understand, right?

I saw the spread occurring in my nether regions while I pulled long days and late-nighters to complete "In God Is Our Trust," but it wasn't until I went to the doctor's for my annual physical that I realized the risk that weight was causing to my overall health. My sugar and cholesterol nudged up right along with the needle on the scale, and since my father died as a result of complications caused by diabetes, this news was the trigger I needed to commit to a better-health plan.

I'm doing the Ideal Protein diet, and in a few days I'll launch a link where I'll post my tips and recipes for others who might want to give it a try. It's not the easiest diet on earth, or the most fun, but the results start to show very quickly, and that encouragement makes it a little easier to turn away the favorite foods and make different life choices. I'm doing a pretty good job of getting to bed earlier, and keeping my personal goals to read the scriptures daily, and write in my journal. All in all, I finally feel that my out-of-control life is slipping back into its proper balance again.

Balance is critical, at least it is for me. Life will always throw a rock into our path, but being balanced in the use of time and all our other resources will likely keep us in tune with the needs of others so we can prevent or at least head off serious troubles before they escalate. And investing in spiritual development provides an anchor so those troubles don't overwhelm us completely.

We've had a few storms over here. Readers of my blog know a little about my mom. She's in the early stages of dementia, which causes personality changes, depression, fear and anger. Helping Mom stay bright and happy has become a major part of my life and my siblings' lives right now. In contrast to that worry, there is also joyous news to report. We have two new grand babies being born in the next few weeks, so the law of opposites--good and bad, happy and sad, easy and hard, holds true once again.

There are other items to keep me busy these days. All of my book are now available as ebooks now. You can click the Amazon link in my sidebar to go to my Kindle page where their links are located. That was a very exciting development. In addition, I've been listening to audition tapes for readers as we prepare to release the audio version of "Dawn's Early Light." I can't say when it will be released, but we're hoping it will be available within the next three months.

My current work in progress is a political suspense novel currently titled, "The Shell Game." I've been waiting to write this for about three years, so this one will go down on paper very quickly. Finding time to write is the hard part, so I'm playing around with Dragonspeak software so I can dictate instead of type the manuscript. We'll see how it goes. The story is set deep in Virginia's Appalachian region in a coal mining area. There are lots of interesting characters, plot twists, and a little local history thrown in, so I hope you'll be looking for it when it comes out.

I'm also writing an ap for people touring Washington D.C. In addition to all the normal touristy information, my ap will include side stories and historical trivia to make your visit to the Nation's capital more interesting and personal. After D.C., I plan on tackling Baltimore and Fort McHenry, then Philadelphia.

Thanks for listening to me rattle on.

Laurie

If You Want To Know What's in the Heart of a Presidential Candidate, See What He Does When No One is Looking

2012-01-30T13:44:00.002-05:00

PEOPLE WATCHING

2012-01-29T20:14:00.003-05:00

One of the most critical aspects of writing is the ability to create interesting characters that develop and evolve within the story. I love creating characters. They become vivid and real in my mind, and I come to care about them deeply. Even the bad ones. They always have some backstory that led them to the place and circumstances the reader finds them in, and because I know their fictional "history," I empathize with them even as I figure out how they will meet their date with eternal justice.

Where do great characters come from? Many of their physical and emotional characteristics are driven by the storyline--I make them fit the role I'm casting them into. But the small incidentals that make them rich and vivid often come from life--from people watching.

I love noticing small each uniqueness about people. I do look for interesting physical attributes, like stand-out hairstyles and "speak" to the world. But it's the idiosyncrasies that flesh out a character and bring them from flat to three-dimensional in the reader's mind. Things like curious speech patterns, make up application, a quirky walk or stance or habit like repetitive blinking or an interesting voice.

And I find true gems in the most ordinary places, for instance, today I was watching a gentleman conduct music. He was a burly man who I pegged as an aging athlete--probably a football player. He had tough guy written all over him, but there he was, beating out a four/four pattern, and I do mean "beating."

His arm was tight and stiff, requiring the assistance of his entire shoulder to articulate the appendage into proper position. And when it swung it achieved more of a swoop, almost appearing as if a sword should have been in his hand, coming down upon a enemy's head, or a large melon.

What I found most endearing about this sweet and willing chorister was the way he ended a musical phrase--not with a gentle circle, and not with the closing of a thumb and forefinger, but with an animated closing of his fist, as if he were clamping down upon a fly in mid-flight. You definitely got the message that it was time to stop singing and breathe in preparation for the next entrance.

His expression was one of pure joy. He loves directing the music! And he was very effective and easy to follow despite his stiff appearance. As I watched him I thought how he would make a perfect model for the saying, "Grow where you are planted." Someone planted him in what appeared to have once been an uncomfortable post, and yet he rose to the challenge and learned to love it.

So today's entry in my physical character list will be a stiff-armed ex-jock/chorister. And in the personality section I'll describe a tough guy who was given an uncharacteristic assignment, who rose to the challenge and came off conqueror. Sounds like a noble character, doesn't it?

DESERET NEWS REVIEW of "IN GOD IS OUR TRUST"

2012-01-23T10:28:00.004-05:00

Book Review from the

(Available online at http://desne.ws/x02rRx)

Book review: 'In God is Our Trust' blends faith and patriotism
By Sheryl C. S. Johnson
For the Deseret News
Published: Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012 5:00 a.m. MST

"FREE MEN AND DREAMERS, VOL. 5: In God is Our Trust," by L.C. Lewis, Walnut Springs Press, $19.99, 452 pages (f)

“In God is Our Trust,” the fifth and final volume in L.C. Lewis’ “Free Men and Dreamers” series, follows the Pearson family’s struggles and triumphs after the War of 1812. Lewis paints a tumultuous America where the Pearsons are surrounded by the consequences of a nation exploring freedom and bondage.

While providing an in-depth look at this segment of American history, Lewis ties up story lines from the five-book series while deftly addressing issues of slavery, immigration, westward migration and religious reformation.

“In God is Our Trust” explores sentiments of this era of history, bringing issues home with vivid, distinguishable characters. Lewis provides a powerful account of freedom and bondage, bringing about a greater appreciation for those who have gone before to build up this nation.

"As the characters struggle through life, making mistakes and learning when they stumble, they become stronger because of their faith in God. Lewis briefly explores the beginnings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, blending faith and patriotism. She illustrates how Joseph Smith’s accounts of visions and angels test the Constitution’s guarantees of religious liberty and how they strain and strengthen tender family relationships.

Lewis’ excellent research and attention to detail is evident from architecture to landscape. Her plot weaves seamlessly with historical fact, peppering story lines with points of view likely held by our Founding Fathers and their detractors.

The crisp details in this historical novel breathe life into a pivotal time in American history. Through characters, trials and plot, the author navigates a story that connects God, family and country, leaving readers with a greater appreciation for the blessings of liberty.

Sheryl C.S. Johnson blogs at SherylCSJohnson.blogspot.com.
© 2012 Deseret News Publishing Company All rights reserved

THE NEWT

2012-01-21T18:52:00.003-05:00

My son, Tom, wrote this editorial. No matter your political leanings, it offers some points about character that bear some serious thought.

Does granting forgiveness require us to erase all memory of lapses in character and fidelity, particularly when the subject is asking for the trust of a nation in order to become the most powerful leader in the world?

Good questions to ask. Here's Tom's editorial.

Newt Gingrich? Conservative? Really? I am shocked that so many Americans are willing to vote for a man that broke the most important vow of all, that of marriage, for more than six years. How can we expect this man to honor the oath of the office of the President of the United States when he can’t honor the more important oath of fidelity to a wife (or two wives for that matter)? As a devout Christian I firmly believe in the power of redemption; however, while I believe that a repentant man can attain full blessings in the life hereafter, this doesn’t mean that he deserves to be elected to the highest office in this life.

While I support Romney for President I would also be happy to see one of the other true conservatives in the Oval Office. Give me Santorum, give me Paul, but do not give me a man that lacked the capacity to be faithful in two separate marriages (not to mention that he was breaking the law of the state that he represented in Congress during his affairs – adultery is still illegal in that state). For that matter, while I disagree with a great number of Obama’s policies and ideas, as least he seems to be a man that honors his wife and family.

Again, while I fully believe the repentant man can be redeemed, there are certain things that one must forgo when he chooses to be untrue. The Office of the President of the United States is one of those.

THE DOCTRINE OF SELF-DOUBT

2012-01-17T08:43:00.003-05:00

I can't speak for all writers, but I can admit to a substantial dose of self-doubt. Some days, nothing worth reading is produced even after hours of hunting-and-pecking on my keyboard. On other days, I can hardly get my six trained typing fingers to move quickly enough to record the flood of ideas before they are lost. But even on those days when every creative piston is firing at maximum output, it might only take an episode of cleverly-written TV, or a chapter of someone else's work, to knock the affirmation of my work right out from under me.

Have you been there too?

It's not just writers. It happens to great cooks and wonderful stylists, to race car drivers, and singers, and dancers, and piano teachers. I tried to put everything into my mothering. I made my children's Halloween costumes and quiet books, read and sang until I was hoarse, tied receiving blankets around my neck so I could fly when we played super heroes, and snuggled under blankets while Ernie and Bert sang about brushing our teeth and turning off the lights.

I also canned bushels of fruit, sometimes staying up into the wee hours of the morning to complete that day's quota until I hated summer and early fall. And why did I have to have three hundred jars of fruit canned by the end of the season when there were still so many there from the previous year? I think it was because it was some quantiative measurement of my mothering and homemaking. It was something I could see and touch that told me I had gone the extra mile for my family, but also? It was a goodly number, one the older, expert homemakers would greet with respect. For some reason, at twenty-four, I thought I needed that.

Admiring can be helpful, but comparing is often bad. Oh, to get past the need to compare.

Maybe it was the crazy home I grew up in. We weren't the Cleavers. But oh, how I wanted to be June for my own little family. I looked for Junes at church, and patterned myself after them. Some of what I picked up was good, but the rush to be like them often left me glue-gunned scarred and exhausted and deflated.

I look around at the young mothers of today and say, "Embrace your uniqueness!" I can now proudly proclaim that I don't enjoy crafts. There! I admitted it! And guess what else? I buy canned fruit at the grocers! Man alive, was that a liberating change for me!

I like being fifty-something, but I don't want to be one of those women young mothers look at and compare themselves to. I surely don't want my daughters and daughters-in-law doing that to themselves. Admire a bit? Sure. I'd like that. And come to for advice now and then? Oh, yeah. I have a bit of that to share. But they are more confident than I was at their age, and more comfortable in their own skin. By and large, they have the very talents I always longed for and never attained. And that's why the Lord led me to writing. No glue guns involved, and no canning jars.

So today when I feel the need to compare a chapter to someone else's work, I'm going to be kind to myself. I'm going to own this moment, this talent, this chapter, and see it as a gift--something peaceful and fulfilling the Lord gave me, and I'm going to be thankful. Be kind to yourself today also!

Laurie

A GLIMPSE OF AMERICA IN A GROCERY STORE

2012-01-13T09:49:00.003-05:00

I took my mother grocery shopping yesterday. She's a senior on a fixed income, a proud lady who took great pride in her sterling credit. We've had to take over her bills to a great extent because we discovered she would forego buying groceries to get her bills paid during a lean month.

We were picking up a few groceries in WalMart yesterday and I noticed the worried looks on faces as parents anguished over the rising costs, and as seniors carefully selected a few things, placing others back on the shelves. The economny is hurting people on a very personal basis.

I was urging Mom to stock-up this trip, but her pride makes it difficult for her to accept help from her children, so she compares ounce-for-ounce pricing on everything, and generally chooses the very cheapest item.

Another lady doing the same thing saw a kindred spirit in my mother. With a furrowed brow she said, "I don't know what we'll do if these prices keep rising. How will we eat?"

It began a lengthy discussion about politics and the current state of America. I immediately found that we completly disagree on party and choice for the next election, but we were spot-on in agreement on fundamentals. We need hope. We need some trust. We need some people who keep their word and won't economically napalm the nation in order to turn its course.

I have a few candidates I like very much, but I don't like the rhetoric and the hate. It reminds me of playground bullies who duke it out without regard for who catches a stray punch. Frankly, if I were their mothers, I'd tell them all how disappointed I am in them.

So here's my message for all the candidates, and for President Obama too. If you agree, please share the link to this post. Let's send out a cry for civility that will reach them on their buses and in the campaign headquarters.

Thanks. Let's smile and be civil in spite of them, and set the standard high.

Warmly,

laurie

Dear Politicians-- all of you!

Don't tell us all the dreadful things about the other guy, tell us what's great about you. We're strong, we're brave, we'll fight for a better America, but first, show us where you'll lead us. Inspire us. Say something positive. Show us your sterling character and demonstrate that you recognize ours as well. We are your future employers, your shipmates, the people in the same foxhole with you. Don't push us, bully us, or be condescending. Some of us handed you the world you want to lead. Show us you're worthy of that sacred trust.

DREAMING of BOOKS GIVEAWAY HOP

2012-01-13T00:01:00.001-05:00

DREAMING OF BOOKS GIVEAWAY HOP

Don't you love the image? This is my favorite hop so I'm giving away a pretty cool prize package--winner's choice of either a $25 Applebees gift card or two books to read after dinner!

First of all, a big thank you to Kathy at "I AM A READER NOT A WRITER," and "REVIEWS BY MARTHA'S BOOKSHELF" for hosting this giveaway.

I'm writing a new book--a political suspense novel--but still carrying on promotion for my FREE MEN AND DREAMERS historical series. The final book in the 5-volume, award-winning series was released in November, and your help getting the word out will get you entries this week.

My prizes are:

1) A $25.00 Applebees gift card, good only in the US and Canada, or

2) An autographed copy of any book from my shelf, and one other book I've enjoyed this year, (International winners will get one ebook download and a personalized note.)

Please note that each entry must be posted separately using the comment form below or it cannot be counted by Random.org, the program that selects my winner.

Here's how to enter:

1) You must be or become a follower of this blog by GFC or by email

2) Friend me on Facebook

2. Post the following ad blurb on your facebook page or twitter feed. You'll receive one entry for each place you post:

FREE MEN and DREAMERS--great American history-based fiction that educates and inspires. And now it's formatted for e-readers! http://tinyurl.com/7wlpwfk

That's it! Thanks for the help! Now enjoy all these other great stops on the hop!

ON A MONDAY MORNING

2012-01-09T08:57:00.003-05:00

Today seems like a good day for an intimate post about life. Life is great, but life is hard sometimes. Last week was a hard one, and this week may be tougher yet.

We've got friends facing tough situations right now. We joined our prayers with theirs yesterday, petitioning the Lord for multiple miracles. What a comfort it is to know we have a Heavenly Father and a Savior who love us and who hear our prayers, and whether or not we get the outcomes we are all praying for at this time, we accept His will, and we know that He does have the power to heal every heart, every hurt, every need, and will some day.

My concerns are in no way equal to these friends' at this time, but as a wise daughter once told me, we can't compare troubles. She was very sick and facing a kidney transplant, and her friends stopped sharing their concerns with her because they seemed trivial in comparison. Amanda faced off and told them that if they felt they had a lot on their plate, then they did. End of story. We just can't compare plates with someone else. Some people are facing life and death situations, but some days, a run in a pair of panty-hose as you're running late for an important interview can be a deal breaker, especially if you really need that job. I used that great insight in "Awakening Avery," when Teddie was trying to console Avery. See, art does pull from real life.

My mother is in early onset dementia, or so we think. We've noticed the changes over the passing years--rapid anxiety, forgetfulness, mood swings, fear, she forgets to eat and misplaces things all the time assuming they've been stolen. Tomorrow, I'll take her to see a neurologist and we'll begin the process of being officially diagnosed. She doesn't want to go. She's afraid of what she'll hear, admitting that she'd rather just go on in innocent ignorance.

She can't see how hard these moment to moment emergencies are on those of us who love her and fear for her safety. She thinks we are trying to ruin her life and control her.

These sandwich years are very challenging, caught between the needs of young families for support and love, and the unforeseen but instantly-appearing Mom-emergencies. It's hard to find time to write, and when I do, I feel my umber mood is visible in my words.

So we carry on as best we can, don't we? I'm sure you each have a concern or two of your own that's pressing on you like an anvil. So what do we do to keep moving forward?

I'd love to hear what you do. For me, it's about maintaining some balance. I've picked up my level of scripture study, tried a new study plan actually, and it's been very nurturing to my soul. I'm also trying to pray with greater intent, to really talk to my Father in Heaven, one-on-one, because though I know He loves me, I sometimes treat Him like my busy grand kids treat me--with barely a passing wave as they hurry past to something more inviting.

I'm beginning an actual diet program tomorrow. I meet with a counselor. This is generally not my style, but with life being what it is right now, I need to take better care of me, and that means eating better and taking some of this weight off before other health issues arise.

I'm pulling back from the Internet too. I'm so easily sucked into it, reading blogs, news stories, some total time-wasting junk. Then I ask myself where the day has gone. Hah! I'm going to try hard to post what's needed, and then turn off my browser. I get so much more writing done with the Internet turned off, and housework too!

I'm going to stop work when my husband walks in the door, and be in bed by ten each night. Have you read the studies about the incredible necessity of being at rest by ten? Our body's systems rejuvenate from 10-2 A.M., and if we push past those hours and deny the body the opportunity to rest and repair, we're prone to a host of health concerns. They studied the effects resting between 10 and 2 had on graveyard shift workers, and they found that depression dropped, weight fell off, and other ailments declined. Likewise, when they put day workers on the graveyard shift, they found that all those problems increased. And I've been putting myself on that shift--well, no more.

I'm also going to carve out more time to be with friends, to meet new people and to really get involved in the upcoming election process. Can't wait!

So I guess this list constitutes my New Year's resolutions. I'm copying them down and we'll see how I'll do. Maybe some of these look good to you. Go ahead. Give them a try. And tell me yours. I'll see if any of your seem to be a good fit for me.

Thanks for listening to my rambling. Have a great day!

EMPTY-NESTER JANUARY

2012-01-04T22:08:00.000-05:00

I was once terrified of this stage of life, fearful that without multiple voices at the dinner table, or when there were no more ball games to attend, (the staple of our non-church social life), life would be so radically different that I would feel lost in my own skin. Well, NOT SO!!!

There was a transition period, of course, like the day we arrived home after dropping our last child off at college. We were driving into town and I realized that after a week's absence from home, we'd need a few groceries. I remember looking at my husband and timidly asking, What do I buy? Two peaches? One quart of milk? It was an astounding change considering the fact that in actuality, sending the last child off didn't mean one less mouth to feed. It meant the sudden departure of his entire posse of muddy-cleated, sweaty-uniformed, two-extra-gallons-of-milk-a-week-drinking Little Debbie Eaters. What was I to do?

I was a little lost for a time. Holidays home were my heaven, and I died again when the planes departed, but eventually I could watch my Lewis tribe return to their collegiate and married worlds without tears, and then my wise husband explained this new stage of life to me.
"It's our house now! We can do whatever we want!"

It was a daring thought! I considered the ramifications of such a wild and crazy notion, and then giggled, "Cool!" Now, what to do with all this freedom? Well, I could draft a long list, but let me share just a few tidbits from my new Empty Nesters Wisdom.

First, somedays there is a little extra time and freedom, and some days there is not. Why? A variety of reasons come to mind. For example, your parenting style is not likely to change, you just need more gas to hover your invisible helicopter over your children's new airspace. Are you a note-in-the-lunchbox mom? Then buy stock in the US Postal service, because you will likely feel compelled to attach that little sticky note to a thirty-two pound collection of non-perishable items intended to keep your Ramen Noodle-eating child from suffering malnourishment. (Don't laugh . . . prepare. You'll thank me later.)

But time is more flexible now, and there is freedom in that.

The most wonderful aspect of this new stage of life is that there is time for exponential growth. Like an unlimited enrollment at Life University where you get to explore and learn new things while living with the room mate you know really, really well, these years are delicious. In fact, I've come to think of them as dessert--a time when all the sous-chefs in your life have contributed to helping you prep for the great learning smorgasbord, and now it's time to indulge yourself and everyone in your circle into the richness of what you have become and what you will do with what you have become. (My editor is cringing over that last elongated thought.)
I want to be a more active voice in shaping the world now.

I'll bravely admit something. I'm generally a people pleaser. It's an unflattering characterization, I know, but I generally like to make nice. This was not necessarily so in my youth. In fact, I was somewhat of a political activist--sitting on committees to argue policies and define students' rights and responsibilities--but after marriage and children, something switched inside. Other people's needs came first and despite my internal passion about the world, in the minutia of life, my non-parental voice stilled somewhat. (Notice the honest admission that only the non-parental voice stilled somewhat. After all, my children may read this.) Anyway, I became more involved in facilitating the expression of others' opinions than my own.

I had heard quiet rumors of the tongue-loosening that occurs after forty. Alluded to in Relief Society, where the sisters of the the LDS church meet to teach and edify one another, this rumored fourth decade burst-of-courage-to-boldly-fight-for-truth-and-righteousness gave me reason to look forward to the big 4-0, and biological fact or not, I did find a new inclination to speak my mind. Perhaps it was, in part, because my astute children's own minds were awakening to the complexities of the world that was bearing down upon them that I began not just fussing over issues but writing to my representatives and calling their offices. The aperture opened a little wider as I hit the fifty year marker, and now, I not only have more life experience, I have the time and freedom to do something with it. (See? There was a point to all this rambling.)

Perhaps this fourth-quarter reawakened-desire to change the world is universal to men and women. I've really fallen in love with President Washington in the past two years. Flawed? Human? Of course, but judging the man within the context of his own time, he was, without question, both brilliant and inspired. I love to read his Farewell Address and I recommend that every American do, (Washington's Farewell Address) for in reading it, one is awed by how desperately he loved this land and us, the generations that would follow after him. So much so that even in the last days of his public life, after suffering physically and emotionally over this infant nation thoughout his life, and when he desperately longed for nothing more than a short season of quiet peace, he could not walk away silently. Like a waning father . . . like a great patriarch offering his final words of wisdom, he spelled out three concluding warnings to his future American children.

One- He called on Americans to be unified, warning that factionalism would occur in our nation if political parties were allowed to polarize the people. (Hmmm. . . .)
Two- He warned against making alliances with foreign powers, and
Three- He cautioned his fellow Americans about the indispensable values taught through religion and morality. On this topic he said, "Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness -- these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens. The mere politician, equally with the pious man, ought to respect and to cherish them."

There was no resting on his laurels. If anything, it was among his most profound moments.

So, to all you Empty Nesters, and to those who worry about those approaching years. . . Don't! See them as the great harvest of all the experiences you've had to date, and then use them to do something grand. It's in us. Just like our predecessors . . . it's in each of us.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012 GIVEAWAY HOP

2011-12-30T00:01:00.006-05:00

Thanks once again to Kathy at I AM A READER, NOT A WRITER, and to Babs at BABS' BOOK BISTRO for sponsoring this great hop. It opens right after midnight on December 30, and closes at midnight PST on January 3.

A New Year deserves some new reads, so I'm offering three free reads!

1) a new and signed copy of any of my books
2) My gently-read copy of a favorite 2011 read, plus
3) a free download on my web site of my first novel, a family Christmas story titled, "UNSPOKEN" for all who play on this stop of the hop. How's that sound?

Here are the details for my stop on the hop.

After working for a few years to make it happen, I recently found out that all five volumes of FREE MEN and DREAMERS either are available in ebook format for the Kindle! I could use some help spreading the word, so here's how you enter.

First, please make sure each entry is posted separately. I use Random.org to select my winner and this program uses entry numbers in it's selection.

Mandatory entry: You must either be or become a member of this blog.

Entry 2: Friend me on Facebook.

Entry 3 and 4: Tell others that my Free Men and Dreamers series is available in Kindle format. Copy and paste the following to your Twitter feed for a third entry, and to your Facebook page for a fourth:

The Founding Fathers' dream of "One Nation Under God" was not left to chance. FREE MEN and DREAMERS is now on Kindle! http://tinyurl.com/7wlpwfk

That's it! Now visit all these other wonderful blogs!

MY FAVORITE CHRISTMAS EVE MOVIE

2011-12-23T09:22:00.003-05:00

On previous days I've shared my peaceful plan for Christmas breakfast, my easy-peesy cookie recipes, and a few of my favorite stories. My favorite Christmas Eve movie is "The Nativity Story." I had just completed teaching the OT in Seminary when I first saw it, and I was dazzled by the historical accuracy depicted in the period and the characters. Christian devotees will be spellbound, and history lovers will be too. Spectacular way to personally experience the birth of Jesus Christ. Merry Christmas!

PEACEFUL CHRISTMAS MORNING MENU

2011-12-21T09:34:00.000-05:00

Christmas morning can be a daunting time for a mom, especially if you want to get something hearty and nutritious into your family before they tear into pies and cookies. It's especially difficult if you are also cooking a Christmas dinner the same day.

Years ago I found this delicious breakfast casserole recipe. The family loves it, and because it's assembled the day before, you can pop it in the oven before opening gifts and it's ready just as you finish up. We top the nutritious egg casserole off with some less nutritious but splendid and easy sweet rolls also made the evening before. These are staples of a Lewis-family holiday, and they have become as traditional as our tree.

I hope they make your Christmas morning special and peaceful!

Breakfast Casserole
This is the most delicious Put-It-Together-The-Night-Before recipe I've ever found. Perfect for a busy but special morning event.

Ingredients:
1 pound spicy pork sausage 1/4 cup onion 2 1/2 cup hash brown 5 large eggs 2 cups shredded cheese 1 3/4 cups milk 1 cup Bisquick 1/4 t. salt 1/4 t. pepper

Directions:
Cook and crumble sausage and onion together until sausage crumbles. Stir in the hash browns and cook for 5-7 minutes or until the sausage is no longer pink. Drain on paper towels, then place in a 9X13 baking dish. Mix together the eggs, cheese, and the next four ingredients. Pour over the pork mixture. Chill overnight or at least 8 hours. Bake uncovered for 45 minutes in 350 degree oven, then remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Servings: 8

Sweet Rolls

Yummy and evil!!!

Ingredients:
Frozen bread dough
2 sticks butter
cinnamon
Brown sugar
powdered sugar
few tablespoons milk
Directions:

Thaw 3 loaves of frozen bread dough until it is easy to work. Roll into a rectangle 12 inches wide by ½” thick. Spread with butter, then sprinkle cinnamon all over. Next, sprinkle a layer of brown sugar over the top. Roll up jelly roll style. Cut into 1 to 1½ inch slices. Arrange in a greased pan or pns. Let rise 2-3 times. Bake in 350 degree oven for 18-22 minutes, (until no longer doughy in center.) Frost when cool. (Frosting- Melt on low 1 stick butter. Add +-1 lb powdered sugar, 1 tsp. vanilla and 1-2 tsp. milk. I double this.)

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Breakfast Servings: 12

MID-WINTER'S EVE GIVEAWAY HOP

2011-12-21T00:01:00.003-05:00

MID-WINTER'S EVE GIVEAWAY HOP

Many thanks to Kathy at I Am A READER, NOT A WRITER, OASIS for YA, and THE DAILY HARRELL for co-hosting this hop. It opens at 12:01 December 21st and closes December 27th at midnight.

After working for a few years to make it happen, I recently found out that all five volumes of FREE MEN and DREAMERS either are available, or will be available, in ebook format for the Kindle before the end of this hop! To celebrate, I'm offering my winner their choice of either a free Kindle download of any volume of my books, or an autographed hardcopy.

Also, as my Christmas present to each of you for supporting this blog and my books over the year, I'm offering my first novel for free to each person who enters this hop. It's a Christmas book titled, "Unspoken," published in 2004. Keep in mind that it was my very first novel, a sweet family story about forgiveness--no history, no War of 1812 drama, but some family Christmas drama and a little romance. Just visit my web site and you'll see a link for a free download of UNSPOKEN.

Sound good?

Here's how you enter. First, please make sure each entry is posted separately. I use Random.org to select my winner and this program uses entry numbers in it's selection.

Mandatory entry: You must either be or become a member of this blog.

Entry 2: Friend me on Facebook.

Entry 3 and 4: Tell others that my Free Men and Dreamers series is available in Kindle format. Copy and paste the following to your Twitter feed for a third entry, and to your Facebook page for a fourth.

The Founding Fathers' dream of "One Nation Under God" was not left to chance. Read FREE MEN and DREAMERS. Now available on Kindle.

That's it! Now visit all these other wonderful blogs! And please have a wondrous, joyous Christmas.

Warmly,

Laurie

THE PUZZLE

2011-12-20T14:17:00.002-05:00

The woodworker started his day like every other day. He stopped by his son’s house to walk his adored eight year-old grandson to school, and after dropping him, off he headed on to his little Main Street work shop. There in the shop, by the large bay window, stood a homemade table covered by a recently completed jigsaw puzzle. He loved puzzles. In fact, a day never passed where the table wasn’t covered with a puzzle in some stage of completion.

He worked on them throughout the day, a minute here, a minute there, whenever he took a break from his labors. Sometimes he would pop a piece into place as he passed by, but generally he would set aside a block of time in the lull of his work to sit at the table while he stared at the intricately cut pieces, trying to visualize each part’s place. His favorite puzzles were the kind he could only buy at the hobby store, those whose pieces recreated the works of the great masters: Da Vinci, Matisse, Rembrandt, Rubens, and today he needed a new project to begin.

It was the third of December and the hobby store shelves had been thoroughly picked over by the holiday early birds. The only puzzle remaining had been opened and re-packaged without a photo of the completed image. It was the reason no one else had bothered with the toy, but the man found the dilemma intriguing and carried it to the shop to give it his best effort.

After hours of work he still had no idea what the finished project would disclose but he continued to move the pieces around the old oak table. There were shapes colored in hues of scarlet and a few blues but the bulk were in tones of beige and brown, none of which were descriptive enough to give the man a ready clue as to what great work his completed project would imitate. He smiled. The difficulty of the work didn’t dissuade him. He knew that time and patience would reveal the image’s secret.

He was mulling over some golden pieces he had snapped together. Two little of the intricate section was completed place it in a meaningful context. He looked out the window to get a new perspective, and noticed some of the townsfolk dragging out the Christmas lights to begin decorating Main Street. He saw people on ladders hanging wreaths, and others stringing lights and ornaments on the tree in the Town Square in anticipation of the evening’s annual tree lighting ceremony. The woodworker smiled and when he returned his attention to the puzzle he was immediately able to snap the three blue pieces precisely into their place.

Encouraged by his success and the lack of customers, he tackled the puzzle with renewed enthusiasm until Bruegel’s, The Adoration of the Kings, began to emerge. He continued to place pieces, soon revealing the stall and the donkey, some soldiers, a host of onlookers and of course, the three kings. The blue pieces had formed the veil of Mary who held the Christ Child in her lap, but after placing every piece he had, he sadly realized his puzzle was missing one crucial piece.
It was at this moment, that his grandson, returning from school, opened the door and called out a melancholy greeting to his grandfather who was on hands and knees on the floor, searching for the missing piece.

“Why so glum?” the woodworker asked.

“I want to be the one to climb the ladder and place the star on top of the tree, but they will only allow me to hang ornaments on the lowest branches.”
“I see . . . and you don't think that's very important?” smiled the woodworker who was still searching for the lost piece.

“No,” mourned the child. “I am eight now. I can do more than that.”

The grandfather slowly rose to his feet and slumped into his chair. He patted his knee, calling for his grandson, and once the boy had scrambled up the man pointed to his puzzle.

“See. Despite all the work I have put into this puzzle it is marred because of the loss of one piece. One small piece,” he repeated sadly. “The story is incomplete because without that piece we cannot reveal the face of the Christ Child. We cannot tell if He was smiling or sleeping, how He responded to the loving touch of His gentle mother or the adoration of the strange Kings. The story is obscured because one piece has not contributed its share to the story.”

The boy raised his large brown eyes and stared into his grandfather’s wise, crinkled ones.

The man hugged the small child close and kissed his head. “It matters not what job we do, only that we each contribute what is required of us.” He tapped piece after piece of the puzzle. “When the work begins, who knows which contribution will be the one to reveal the face of the Christ?”

The boy scrambled off his grandfather’s lap and peered into a crack in the old, wooden floor. He drew an object from the crevice and when he returned to his grandfather’s side he opened his palm revealing a single puzzle piece. He snapped it into place and there, lying on the table before him, was the smiling face of the Christ Child in his mother’s protective arms, surrounded by the three kings. He gingerly touched the holy face, then he began rubbing his hand over the completed picture, feeling the ridges that marked the boundaries of one piece’s contribution from another’s. Then, smiling lovingly into his grandfather’s face, he hurried out the door, ready now, to simply do his part.

ELFEN RESCUE PLAN

2011-12-20T14:10:00.002-05:00

It's a bittersweet moment for we older wives and moms as we watch our daughters and daughters-in-law take up the torch and carry out their first Christmas celebrations. The joy and wonder of childhood memories seems to dim a bit as they realize what we have all realized at some point--"Making a wonderful Christmas is a lot of work!"

I heard this uttered from the lips of a young mother who was overwhelmed by the daunting tasks involved in preparing Christmas for only three people. "Try making Christmas Magic for fifteen people, including extended family," I thought.

I'd never say it out loud. Such reality is too much for a newbie Christmas elf who will learn all too soon that being the Christmas "elf" is much like a being a window. If all goes well, the recipients of your planning and labor will see right past the bags under your eyes, seeing only the beautifully wrapped and carefully selected gifts stacked under a perfect tree, surrounded by festive decorations festooning a tidy home, boasting an abundant array of cookies, fruits and assorted holiday treats. Ahhhhhhhh. . . . . But miss a beat . . . let one ball drop, and somebody will likely utter a lethal satisfaction-killing line like, "What, no pecan pie this year?" or "Last year's tree was prettier," or the killer comment of them all, "It doesn't fit." Arghhhhh.

Try as we do to maintain the perfect, uncomplicated, sacred aspects of the Christmas celebrations, we tend to get a bit lost in the Santa-based revelry. I love it all, but elfing is a killer. Consider that the primary "elf" in the family begins Christmas prep as early as December 26th, setting up the next Christmas club, sale-shopping for next year's gifts, and picking up the discounted decorations to make the next year's decor festive.

Now store that stuff, (and try to remember where), as you take down this year's tree. The real shopping blitz may be a year-round exercise for bargain-hunters, but for those of us who can only do one thing at a time, the stress of playing James Bond to secure the secret "want-lists" from each family member probably only happens after the kids are finally nestled in school and the patio furniture is secured away. And then the real mission begins.

We shop, wrap, and calculate everything to be sure the checkbook holds steady while also assuring that each pile is equal in value and quantity. Then there's the shipping of gifts to faraway people. (Try stuffing a Holiday Barbie and a Fisher Price Riding toy into an economy-sized box!)

We select our cards, write a cheery letter, sign, stuff, address the envelopes, then mail them out, and one little check mark is all we get to place on our to-do list!

Moving on, we set the tree up, trim it, (and there's something sinister about tree lights. You know it. I know it. Nuff said,) drag out the gifts, decorate the house from inside to out, shop and bake enough food to feed the equivalent of the Tabernacle Choir, and we do all this between maintaining the flow of life--laundry, soccer practice, bathroom cleaning, normal meal prep and, did I mention, hosting Thanksgiving?

Feeling a little flat, we try to recapture the lagging Spirit of Christmas by reaching out to others in service, watching the traditional Christmas TV fare like "It's a Wonderful Life," "A Charlie Brown Christmas," or "The Nativity Story" and we plan for the reading of the Christmas Story from Luke 2. "

When Christmas Eve rolls around, (it feels like it comes about six days after Thanksgiving), we elves are generally so sleep-deprived we become an unstable entity who, like nitro, could go off at any time, melting into a puddle of tears, or feeling so giddy that they're likely to bust a move to a Nat King Cole carol, much to the horror of the entire family. It's not pretty, and we're not proud of it. We're just really, really, really tired.

So rescue an elf. You know where to find us. Give us a hug and a pat for this year's effort, and promise to don some gay elfen apparel and join us next year. And while you're at it, a foot rub and somer peppermint cocoa would be really nice!

CHRISTMAS STORY 2: "ONCE IS NEVER ENOUGH"

2011-12-19T08:35:00.003-05:00

ONCE IS NEVER ENOUGH

Christmas Story 2007
by Laurie LC Lewis

John laid the Bible carefully on the end table and ruffled his young son’s head. He smiled as Ann bent low to place their toddler daughter near enough to receive a good night kiss.

“How about we say prayers with Mommy and Sarah tonight, Jacob?” John suggested as he tenderly showed Jacob how to fold his arms. With eyes misting and his heart stirred by the too frequently neglected expression, the man found it hard to begin, finding his voice more easily as his son snuggled closer.

After the amen was uttered, Ann rose and guided the children to bed, leaving John to marvel at the simple turn of events that had precipitated the change in their family that night. He scanned the table where the critical shopping lists now lay, tossed inconsequentially upon the return home, their errands left incomplete. Odd, since just a few hours earlier he and his wife had sat there with their carefully balanced checkbook, newspaper ads and their list spread between them, strategically making the decisions about whom and what to shop for.

They had divided the errands between them— his wife and Sarah setting off in one direction while he and Jacob headed in another, beneath dangling snowflakes the size of garbage can lids, past inflatable snow people and their revolving, musical village. Twice, his rambunctious five year-old had dashed off to explore the colorful display, each time earning a stern rebuke from his father. His father’s reproach only unsettled the child further until the man finally relented, allowing his son a few moments to survey the dazzling display that showcased the gems of the season—the must-have toys which were set upon blocks of rotating, plastic “ice”, beneath which the names of stores and price tags were displayed.

With hands clenching his carefully-crafted list of errands, he stared at the scene, taking in the sounds of three dozen children, each one pointing out desired items while voicing their requests aloud. Soon he heard his own son’s voice joining in the cacophony, crying out request after request for each and every item on display, and for a moment . . . for just a regrettable moment, as the crowds jostled him and the music and voices raised all around, he voiced his thoughts. “I hate Christmas. . .”

The bitterness of the words chilled his heart as soon as they passed his lips. Hungry to find Ann, to have her reset his anchor, he lifted Jacob into his arms and whispered, “Let’s hurry and find Mommy.”

Clutching his son close, he dashed off to the first store on his wife’s list. As he approached the location he saw a crowd gathered around the store’s window and he marveled at the attitudes of the people coming away from the area, speaking in soft tones, their faces as bright and soft as their smiles. Curious, he drew near and to his amazement, little Sarah was the cause of all the excitement.

On tiny toddler knees with her nose pressed to the glass, she knelt before a Nativity scene, babbling as she pointed from one character to another. “Beebee!” she cried out with excitement. “Nicey beebee!”

“Yes,” her mother whispered hoarsely. “He is a very nicy baby, Sarah. He’s a very special baby too. His name is Jesus.”

“Jesus. . .” replied Sarah with reverence equal to her mother’s. “Nicey Jesus. . .”

With a trembling finger, Ann pointed to Mary. “And this is his mommy. Her name is Mary. She didn’t have a nice crib or a soft blankie for her baby, so she had to wrap him with pieces of cloth and lay him in this soft hay. The animals kept him warm and,” she pointed out various figurines, “angels sang to him . . . and shepherds and Wise Men came to visit him.”

Sarah slid her finger along the glass until it too pointed to Mary. “Pretty mommy. . . pretty beebee.”

John stooped down, gently placing Jacob beside Sarah and sliding an arm around his wife’s shoulder. Other children were now drawing close to the scene. Gazing at them, Ann wiped a tear from her eye and smiled as she explained the moment to John. “I was standing in line at the kiosk over there, struggling with Sarah who was crying and squirming. I was at my wits end when she suddenly became still and quiet. When I checked to see why, I noticed that she was staring at this store window whispering, ‘Beebee . . . beebee. . .’ After I paid the vendor, I put her down and she ran right over here. This is what she’s been doing ever since. It’s like she gets it, you know?” she sniffed. “It’s as if this little child understands what’s most important about Christmas.”

“I know this story, don’t I, Daddy?” asked Jacob with a furrowed brow. “Didn’t you tell it to me once?”

Sliding his list into his pocket, John squeezed his wife’s hand and raised her to her feet. Each bent down and picked up one of their children, placing kisses on their cheeks. “Once is not enough for the telling of the Christmas story, Jacob. Let’s go home and read it again, tonight, because once is never enough.”

Merry Christmas!
Love,
Laurie

ADVENTURE WITH GRANDMA

2011-12-15T08:58:00.003-05:00

Who doesn't love and even need a few good Christmas stories to warm their heart and remind us how small and simple acts of Christmas magic can renew souls and change lives? This is one of my favorites. Enjoy!

ADVENTURE WITH GRANDMA

by Anonymous (But I'd love to find out!)

I remember my first Christmas adventure with Grandma. I was just a kid. I remember tearing across town on my bike to visit her on the day my big sister dropped the bomb: "There is no Santa Claus," she jeered. "Even dummies know that!"

My Grandma was not the gushy kind, never had been. I fled to her that day because I knew she would be straight with me. I knew Grandma always told the truth, and I knew that the truth always went down a whole lot easier when swallowed with one of her world-famous cinnamon buns. I knew they were world-famous, because Grandma said so. It had to be true.

Grandma was home, and the buns were still warm. Between bites, I told her everything. She was ready for me. "No Santa Claus!" she snorted. "Ridiculous! Don't believe it. That rumor has been going around for years, and it makes me mad, plain mad. Now, put on your coat, and let's go."

"Go? Go where, Grandma?" I asked. I hadn't even finished my second world-famous, cinnamon bun. "Where" turned out to be Kerby's General Store, the one store in town that had a little bit of just about everything. As we walked through its doors, Grandma handed me ten dollars. That was a bundle in thosedays. "Take this money," she said, "and buy something for someone who needs it. I'll wait for you in the car." Then she turned and walked out of Kerby's.

I was only eight years old. I'd often gone shopping with my mother, but never had I shopped for anything all by myself. The store seemed big and crowded, full of people scrambling to finish their Christmas shopping. For a few moments I just stood there, confused, clutching that ten dollar bill, wondering what to buy, and who on earth to buy it for. I thought of everybody I knew: my family, my friends, my neighbors, the kids at school, and the people who went to my church. I was just about thought out, when I suddenly thought of Bobby Decker. He was a kid with bad breath and messy hair, and he sat right behind me in Mrs. Pollock's grade-two class.

Bobby Decker didn't have a coat. I knew that because he never went out for recess during the winter. His mother always wrote a note, telling the teacher that he had a cough, but all we kids knew that Bobby Decker didn't have a cough, and he didn't have a coat. I fingered the ten-dollar bill with growing excitement. I would buy Bobby Decker a coat!

I settled on a red corduroy one that had a hood to it. It looked real warm, and he would like that. "Is this a Christmas present for someone?" the lady behind the counter asked kindly, as I laid my ten dollars down. "Yes,"I replied shyly. "It's ... for Bobby." The nice lady smiled at me. I didn't get any change, but she put the coat in a bag and wished me a Merry Christmas.

That evening, Grandma helped me wrap the coat in Christmas paper and ribbons (a little tag fell out of the coat, and Grandma tucked it in her Bible) and wrote, "To Bobby, >From Santa Claus" on it -- Grandma said that Santa always insisted on secrecy. Then she drove me over to Bobby Decker's house,explaining as we went that I was now and forever officially one of Santa's helpers.

Grandma parked down the street from Bobby's house, and she and I crept noiselessly and hid in the bushes by his front walk. Then Grandma gave me a nudge. "All right, Santa Claus," she whispered, "get going." I took a deep breath, dashed for his front door, threw the present down on his step, pounded his doorbell and flew back to the safety of the bushes and Grandma. Together we waited breathlessly in the darkness for the front door to open. Finally it did, and there stood Bobby.

Fifty years haven't dimmed the thrill of those moments spent shivering, beside my Grandma, in Bobby Decker's bushes.

That night, I realized that those awful rumors about Santa Claus were just what Grandma said they were: ridiculous.

Santa was alive and well and we were on his team.

I still have the Bible, with the tag tucked inside: $19.95.

PLEASE PAUSE FOR A GREAT CAUSE

2011-12-09T09:59:00.005-05:00

Two years ago a father and his two sons were killed in a plane crash, and in a moment, the Mingo family lost all of their men. One family was especially hard hit. Jordan Mingo left behind a young wife and three small children--the youngest was only three months old.

Shelley Mingo works to support her family, but she could use some help this Christmas, not just for toys, but to ease the other expenses everyone faces.

Her good friend is author Rachelle Christenson, (author of Wrong Number). Rachelle has created a drawing with some great prizes. All the proceeds will go to benefit this family.

So please pause for this great cause, and help this deserving family as you count your many blessings this Christmas season. Five dollars multiplied by many hearts can do a lot of good.

Here's the link: http://rachellewrites.blogspot.com/2011/12/giveaway-hop-fundraiser-for-shelley.html

GIFT CARD GIVEAWAY HOP

2011-12-09T00:01:00.001-05:00

Here's a hop that's perfect for last-minute Christmas shopping! Many thanks to Kathy at "I'm A READER NOT A WRITER," and Peep from Attack of the Book for co-hosting this hop!

I'm giving away a $25 restaurant coupon to either Applebee's or The Cheesecake Factory. The winner can choose!

Here's how you enter. Keep in mind that each entry MUST be posted separately to be considered.

1. MANDATORY ENTRY- You must be or become a follower of this blog!

2. Friend me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=703634776#!/profile.php?id=703634776. If you're already my friend, post the name of your favorite Christmas carol.

3. I'm on a book tour in Utah right now for my newest book, "IN GOD IS OUR TRUST." I could use your help spreading the word about my book. Post the following blurb and link on your facebook, twitter page, or blog and receive one additional entry for each. Just post each one separately indicating where you posted:

"What if yours was the generation tasked with the building of a nation? Read Free Men and Dreamers." www.laurielclewis.com

That's it! Now head on over to these other wonderful blogs and see what they're giving away! Thanks for stopping by, and "Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas!"

Laurie

JUST THINKIN'

2011-12-07T07:37:00.003-05:00

I'm enjoying the first true pause in my schedule in weeks--months perhaps. I left behind my sweet hubby and the residue of post-Thangiving to come to Utah on a book tour/family visit. I do dread returning home next week in the middle of December to pumpkins and turkeys after seeing so much Christmas beauty out here. At least my tree is up.

So it's 5:40 a.m., and I'm sitting on the floor in the spare bedroom at my son and DIL's apartment after awakening to the terrible thought that I wrongly scheduled a post on my blog and therefore have disappointed countless people in the cyber universe. Dates and places I need to be dart through my mind, then I remember that I only have one place to be today, and it's with family.

I pull out the computer. The blog trouble is fixed, the people contacted, my heart rate is lowered, and now I pause. It's sometimes a crazy life...

But oh, how sweet. Yesterday was a lovely day . . . truly lovely. In the late morning my DIL Brittany and I visited with her beautiful, talented aunt, Nichole, the creator of Sterling Obsessions and the gorgeous silver jewelry I commissioned for each of my earlier books. We chatted about life and God and family while Nichole bedazzled out nails. So fun and relaxing.

When we left Provo Canyon and it's beauty, we met Adam for lunch at the Paradise Bakery. Delicious, and fun to sit across the table from these two. They're expecting their first baby and still marvelling over this blessing. Adam is a bit silly and giddy with expectation, like a colt on a warm spring day, and Brittany gazes at him and smiles. Love these moments.

The next stop was Christmas shopping. ( plan to leave Utah having completed the shopping and wrapping for Tom's and Adam's families.) We head to Gateway and I watch as Adam gets excited over the chance to select a new pair of running shoes. Brittany and I cast furtive and worried glances between us because I've already ordered a pair just like the ones he's ogling. Finally, unable to halt his enthusiasm, we tell him the secret, and he beams--he's 28 and he still beams over Christmas. What could be better?

We stop at Brighton Collectibles and I see Brittany eye, pick up, and then set down an item she wants but declines tonight. Adam and I have a Secret Santa-like mind-meld and he lures her away so I can sneak the little bauble away to the register. I can see that this little covert "mission" is as fun for the clerk as it is for me. Mission accomplished, we exit excited and with the magic of Christmas blooming fully in my heart.

But from across town I receive news that another member of my family is suffering over the illness of a loved one, so I'll go there today, remembering that Christmas magic can't fix everything, and that while we need the joy and peace of the season, it's the reason for the season, our Savior Jesus Christ alone who can cure some of the troubles that bedevil us.

The last stop of the night was the Deseret Books' downtown store. There is magic in that store, from the dazzling antique cookie machine in the window, to the magnificent depictions of Christ and the Book Mormon displayed everywhere, to the calming music lilting through the air. Voices are hushed, smiles are reverent as fingers touch precious future gifts. Across the street the lights of Temple Square twinkle and beckon. The scene is like a living Christmas card testifying to the truthfulness of the gospel of Christ. My son marvels over the view and wonders how anyone could see it and not know the Gospel is true . . . it's all true.

I love Salt Lake at Christmastime. I love that it does stand like a light to the world, testifying that on good days and bad, in good times and hard, Christ is the miracle, His Gospel is The Way, and the door is always open.

Thank you for all your support of my work this year. I hope it has touched you in some way and lightened your heart. I wish you each the merriest of Christmases, and pray the blessings of heaven upon you and your family. And may we each pray a little harder for America this year. She needs us, and we and the world need her--strong and pure.

Warmly,

Laurie

BOOK NOOK REVIEW: "TRUE MIRACLES WITH GENEALOGY, Volume Two"

2011-12-05T15:44:00.011-05:00

TRUE MIRACLES WITH GENEALOGY
Volume Two

by

Anne Bradshaw

Anne Bradshaw's second anthology of inspiring genealogical stories recently debuted, and the title aptly foreshadows the power of these tender stories.

Bradshaw has reached across oceans to collect these miraculous true-life experiences from people at all levels of genealogical experience, and the accounts she has gathered illustrate how thin the veil between mortality and the Spirit World is, how very real these post-mortal spirits are, and how badly they want to have their work done.

True Miracles With Genealogy 2 is guaranteed to touch any reader deeply. But for those who've desired to seek out their ancestors, and particularly for LDS readers, this book is a master class on Family History that will inspire, motivate, and provide dozens of new research ideas from people who've successfully applied them with marvelous results.

One of greatest gifts this book brings to readers is the way it testifies to the existence and nearness of our deceased family members. True Miracles With Genealogy opens with a remarkable story of a woman who, like many people, hits a dead end while searching for an ancestor. A curious suggestion is offered to the researcher encouraging her to reach for divine help in a way generally applied only to the living. The researcher makes a spiritual and mental leap in regards to the way she views her kindred dead. Suddenly she sees them as living spirits, not merely as names, and she applies the advice with remarkable conclusions. It is ideas and concepts like these that are the gems of the book. They catapult us beyond being detached descendants, expanding readers' vision of the divine purpose of this work--to save souls and bind eternal families.

True Miracles With Genealogy arrives on shelves at a perfect moment, following Elder David Bednar's October Conference talk about involving our youth in this critical, divine work. If making research personal is the key to successfully introducing youth to Family History and Genealogy, then the tender stories in Bradshaw's would provide a perfect catalyst in helping them catch the vision of who they are laboring to serve. But even in it's simplest application, the divine and tender vision of True Miracles with Genealogy will linger with readers long after the last page is turned.

Both volumes of True Miracles With Genealogy are available in your local LDS bookstores, and on Amazon in both print and Kindle formats.

BOOK NOOK REVIEW: THE ARMOR OF LIGHT

2011-12-05T09:24:00.004-05:00

THE ARMOR OF LIGHT

Volume Two of the Wolfchild Saga

by Karen E. Hoover

Karen Hoover continues her intriguing fantasy series, The Wolfchild Saga, with volume two, The Armor of Light, and I’m delighted to say that the pace never lags, Hoover’s creativity never slacks, and her characters continue to take readers on a journey that captivates.

Ladies rule the day in The Armor of Light. All of Hoover’s leads, the good and the evil, are females, providing a unique twist to the series. Ember Shandae, and Kayla Kalandra Felandian, are young women on the cusp of adulthood when the burden of saving their endangered world falls onerously and unexpectedly upon their shoulders.

Like volume one, The Sapphire Flute, The Armor of Light reads like two books within one, as each heroine’s story runs separately but parallel to the other in succeeding chapters. Ember and Kayla are unknown to one another except in dreams, yet they each know they must meet and form an alliance in order to preserve their world from the soulless sorceress, C’Tan. (Even the names of her characters are little puzzles that delight when the hidden meaning is realized.)

Ember is a long-awaited White Mage, possessor of all seven colors of magic. Kayla is the guardian of one of seven keystones—the Sapphire Flute. Though each of the young women possesses powerful magic, they struggle to control and master it.

But they are not left alone. Guardians are assigned to protect them, valiant men, some of whom come from strange origins. Ember enters the Mage Academy to learn how to master her magic in time to stand up to the devastating forces threatening her world. She does so under the protection of the mute, DeMunth, for whom she feels an instinctive attraction, but DeMunth is rendered ill as his own keystone, the armor of light, transitions into a power unto itself.

Kayla is caught between her beloved Brant and a prince from another realm. As tensions mount Kayla’s moral agency is tested, exposing the boundaries under which her powers function. As a result, all three are endangered, endangering everyone and everything.

The book is fast-paced and layered with tension, consequence and betrayal. Each chapter places these two heroines in a struggle to master their gifts sufficiently to hold C’Tan at bay while protecting the people and world they love.

Hoover has a seemingly limitless imagination. Armor of Light’s diverse cast of magical beings are well developed and their mystical elements boggle readers’ minds. Her writing style has a literary bent producing vivid detail to the story in a voice that draws her readers into this ancient world. She does this so well that one becomes aware of the occasional instances where her characters’ dialogue shifts into more modern slang, pulling one from the story for a moment.

The settings, and the action are beautifully handled, placing the reader smack in the middle of these curious realms, expecting some incredible new creature, demon, threat, or power at each corner, and Hoover does not disappoint.

Elements in the story may make the Wolfchild series too intense for young readers, but the series will satisfy fantasy lovers from YA to adult. Hoover’s The Sapphire Flute, and The Armor of Light need to be read in order to fully appreciate and understand the storyline. Even reading one immediately after the other required some back-reading to keep the large cast straight and to capture small details that matter later on.

The series is complex, but these books are worth the effort. And there are more to come in this marvelous saga.

BOOK NOOK REVIEW

2011-12-03T00:57:00.003-05:00

COLD RIVER
By
Liz Adair

Award-winning author, Liz Adair, delivers a crisp, delicious read with her recently released romantic suspense novel, Cold River. Once again, Adair draws from locales and events dear to her heart—this time it’s the northwest timber country—to create intricate, realistic settings and characters with an endearing quirkiness.

When life in Albuquerque becomes complicated, twenty-nine year-old Dr. Mandy Steenburg finds escape in her newly earned doctoral degree. Two remote school districts need a new superintendent badly enough to take a chance on this enthusiastic newbie — one is in Alaska, the other is Limestone, Washington. So, Mandy packs up her life and ships it north.

Tossing her doctoral degree on the back seat, she exits the big city in her sassy Miata bound for Washington State and a small town of residents descended from North Carolina depression-era settlers. The only thing smaller than Limestone is the residents’ gene pool.

The climate change was expected, but the chilly reception Mandy receives from this community makes it clear she’s unwelcome as the replacement for Grange Timberlane, her beloved, but facially-afflicted predecessor, who is now her frustrated assistant.

Welcome or not, Mandy is determined to make a difference in this seemingly undisciplined school system despite the tangled web of feuding families, suspicions, and secrets. Headway is slow, and friends are hard to come by — that is except for Fran, the manager of the Qwik-E-Market, and her wickedly handsome boss, Vince Lafitte, who just happens to also be the head of the local school board. Tangled as five coon dogs in a fox hole, right? Well, hold on.

Vince and Grange share unpleasant history as well, and the more Mandy comes to care about each of these two men, the more accidents and near-death experiences she seems to have. Toss in some moonshine, some magnificent Bluegrass music, and the unexpected arrival of Mandy’s teenaged sister, and Adair has concocted an intriguing romantic suspense that will leave you smiling, snarling, and page turning until the satisfying end.

It’s no surprise that Adair was the 2009 recipient of the Whitney Award for Romance. She is a master storyteller who does her research, creating books that breathe with realism. Adair spreads enough guilt and motive around to keep the reader nail-biting and guessing about the conclusion until the end, while injecting the read with delicious moments of humor.

Walnut Springs is the fortunate publisher of this charmer. I highly recommend Cold River for readers who love a good suspense novel, a tangled romance, or both.

BOOK NOOK REVIEW--"CARVING ANGELS"

2011-12-02T11:28:00.003-05:00

CARVING ANGELS

By

Diane Stringham Tolley

One magical element of Christmas is the increased desire families have to gather and read together, and whether you feel drawn to inspirational stories about the Christ Child, or to whimsical tales about Santa and his elves, give Diane Stringham Tolley's charmer, "Carving Angels" a try. It wraps inspiring themes of service, divine nature, and family love around an endearing North Pole tale that makes for a lovely family read.

Papa Adam, a gifted carver, believes he is an elf without a purpose since blindness robbed him of his talent. But losing his sight is a not all Papa Adam has lost. As he retreats inwardly, other elves mourn his condition and reverently coddle the old master artisan. But where is Papa Adam’s family?

One day, Amy, his five-year-old and only granddaughter, pays him an unexpected and much-needed visit. Born late and last to parents whose arms are already swarming with grandchildren, Amy also feels a bit displaced, and comes seeking the companionship of her famed, but despondent grandfather.

She arrives with a splendid piece of wood in her hands, seeking a favor--to have the nearly-crippled and blind Papa Adam carve some wondrous creation for her, as he previously had done for all the other children. The old elf laments that he cannot, dwelling on the infirmities plaguing him, but Amy bring additional gifts—her “blind” faith in him, words of confidence, and her own personal need she believes only her grandfather can fill. Papa Adam finds the will to try once more.

But his gifted hands, lifelong experience, and renewed inspiration will not lead him to carve mere toys. No, he begins to see a greater purpose to fulfill, and more than that, he finds that Amy harbors secret talents of her own. And like the wood they work, marvelous beauty emerges within them, and within the people whose lives they touch.

Tolley’s Carving Angels is a gentle read, suitable for small children, while the messages will resonate sweetly with adults and tweens as well. At under 120 pages, it’s a fairly quick read that could fill bedtime story hour for a week, and inspire worthwhile discussion on a number of timely, family-friendly themes. I found it delightful and plan to share it with my grandchildren this Christmas.

Published by Cedar Fort, this charmer is available in most LDS bookstores, and on Amazon.

BOOK LOVERS' HOLIDAY GIVEAWAY HOP

2011-12-02T00:01:00.010-05:00

Thanks for stopping by, and many thanks to Kathy, the very busy host at I AM A READER, NOT A WRITER, and to Alyson from Kid Lit Frenzy, for co-hosting this splendid Book Lover's Holiday Giveaway Hop. It goes live at 12:01 on December 2, and closes out at midnight on December 6th.

Each entry MUST be posted separately because I'm one of those lazy people who uses Random.org to calculate the winner. (Cutting out all those names on slips on paper and pulling one from my fish bowl was way toooooo taxing...)

My prize is an autographed copy of any one of my books, and a second, gently-read volume I've enjoyed this year.

I'm actually out in Utah on my book signing tour for "IN GOD IS OUR TRUST" this week. I'd love my hop guests to help me get the word out. So here's how you enter and win additional entries....

1. Mandatory entry: You must be or become a follower of this blog. Just let me know that you already are, or that you have just become a follower and you're in!

2. For additional entries, please post this message on your Facebook page, Twitter page, or on your blog. One additional entry for each, up to four total entries:

Laurie LC Lewis is in Utah this week greeting current readers, meeting new ones, and signing copies of her Free Men and Dreamers books, including her recently-released volume five, IN GOD IS OUR TRUST. Visit http://www.laurielclewis.com/news.htm for places and times.

That's it! Just record each post individually below. Thanks again for visiting, and thanks for supporting the wonderful joy of reading. Readers like you make it possible for us to get our stories published and distributed. We need you. Thanks!

Now take a moment and visit all these other wonderful stops on the blog hop!

EUPHORIA, LETDOWN, and EUPHORIA AGAIN

2011-11-29T17:29:00.003-05:00

Just a quick update about life and holidays. The entire Lewis tribe made it home for Thanksgiving this year. We're a small tribe compared to most of my friends--fifteen souls--but we're raucous and loud and the exhausting chaos was wonderful.

I'm a bit bummed today. The last little Lew departed and that always makes me sad. Most live far, far away. I'm washing linens, doing dishes, finding things in unusual places, and putting away Thanksgiving decorations while pulling out Christmas boxes. It's more manic than usual because I leave Maryland 0n Thursday and head to Utah for my book signings for "In God Is Our Trust," so I'm trying to clean, decorate, pack, and prepare for a two-week departure at the busiest time of the year.

Here's my signing schedule. If you're in the area, please stop by and say "hi." These signings can be a bit lonely and a friendly face from a familiar friend or Facebook buddy is a sweet gift.

Enjoy your own holiday preparations!

Laurie

December 2nd
Seagull Centerville store from 5 - 7pm
The Book Table; Logan, Utah, 8:30-Midnight

December 3rd
Seagull Redwood store from 10am - 12pm
Deseret Books Layton store from 2 - 3:30pm
Seagull Family Center from 5 - 7pm

December 9th
Seagull West Jordan store from 5 - 7pm

December 10th
Seagull South Jordan store from 10am - 12pm
Deseret Books Ft. Union store from 2 - 3:30pm

LINCOLN'S THANKSGIVING DAY PROCLAMATION

2011-11-26T09:51:00.000-05:00

Lincoln's Thanksgiving Proclamation

It is the duty of nations as well as of men to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God; to confess their sins and transgressions in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon; and to recognize the sublime truth, announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations are blessed whose God is the LORD.

We know that by His divine law, nations, like individuals, are subjected to punishments and chastisements in this world. May we not justly fear that the awful calamity of civil war which now desolates the land may be a punishment inflicted upon us for our presumptuous sins, to the needful end of our national reformation as a whole people?

We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of heaven; we have been preserved these many years in peace and prosperity; we have grown in numbers, wealth and power as no other nation has ever grown.

But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us, and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us.

It has seemed to me fit and proper that God should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged, as with one heart and one voice, by the whole American people. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November as a day of Thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens.

--Abraham Lincoln - October 3, 1863

FOR THANKSGIVING: FREEDOM, PILGRIMS, AND AN IRANIAN MINISTER NAMED YOUCEF NADARKHANI

2011-11-24T08:26:00.002-05:00

As pressure mounts for jailed Iranian minister, Youcef Nadarkhani, to renounce his Christian faith and avoid the death penalty, some Christian ministries across the globe view this case as a bellwether moment for all middle-eastern Christians.

Nadarkhani’s conviction caused an international outcry over Iran’s 2009 decision: "Mr. Youcef Nadarkhani, son of Byrom, 32-years old, married, born in Rasht in the state of Gilan is convicted of turning his back on Islam, the greatest religion, the prophesy of Mohammad, at the age of 19."

Under Sharia law, Youcef Nadarkhani is charged with heresy, and sentenced to death by hanging because he became a Christian, and for founding a small Christian church.

A nonpracticing Muslim, Nadarkhani converted from Islam to Protestant Evangelical Christianity at the age of nineteen. Now in his thirties, Nadarkhani founded a small Christian church he named, "The Church of Iran." He first came under scrutiny in 2006 after attempting to register his church with the state. Though he was arrested, he was subsequently released. Nadarkhani again approached officials in 2009 to stop the forced teaching of Islam to his children at school. This objection led to his arrest on heresy charges.

This case has placed the Iranian court system in a precarious situation. They cannot release Nadarkhani without offending the tenets of Sharia law, and they face an angry international community if they carry out the sentence of death.

This international pressure is credited for the delay in Nadarkhani’s execution. More than that, when worldwide religious, civil, and political leaders condemned Iran’s actions toward Nadarkhani, the charges suddenly changed.

"His crime is not, as some claim, converting others to Christianity," said Gholomali Rezvani, deputy governor of of Iran's Gilan province where the pastor was convicted. "He is guilty of security-related crimes."

Charges of violence and rape were leveled at the pastor next, followed quickly by charges of spying for Israel. Rezvani quickly rushed in to explain that any misunderstanding over the charges was the result of the western press. "No one is executed in Iran for their choice of religion," Rezvani added. "[Nadarkhani] is a Zionist and has committed security-related crimes."

In an effort to pass the decision on, the Iranian court system has asked the country’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to decide the fate of Nadarkhani. In the interim, the pastor has been issued pro-Islamic reading material that attacks the validity of Christianity, in the hopes Nadarkhani will renounce his Christian faith and return to Islam. Family and friends of the pastor believe the court’s real hope is that when questioned, his answers will be seen as challenges to the documents, in which case new charges of heresy could be raised. Ironically, the strategy is one Christ's oppressors are recorded to have attempted to similarly convict Him.

Nadarkhani's status as a nonpracticing Muslim adds another element of controversy to his arrest and conviction. Generally, the charge of apostasy can only be leveled on a practicing Muslim adult who disavows the religion. Nadarkhani never meet that standard, but the courts ruled that Muslim ancestry alone was sufficient cause to find this pastor of a series of small house churches guilty of heresy.

Supporters from every corner of the globe rallied to the pastor’s cause. Speaker of the House John Boehner was the first U.S. official to issue a public outcry regarding this case, while Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and the White House have since issued strong statements to the Iranian government, decrying their actions and calling for Nadarkhani’s release.

America's leaders and citizens should raise their voices on this issue. It hits close to home. As Thanksgiving approaches we are reminded that four hundred years ago similar religious freedom-seekers found themselves worshipping under penalty of imprisonment for daring to question the Church of England. Since the King of England was regarded as both the Britain's political leader and the conduit to heaven, rebellion against the church was also considered treason, punishable by imprisonment or death. Many of these religious rebels, left their homeland as banished exiles, arriving in America.

One such dissident was John Lathrop who, in 1607, was ordained a deacon for the Church of England and placed in charge of the prestigious Egerton Church in Kent where he served for 14 years. In 1623, doctrinal questions put him at odds with church doctrine and he renounced his ecclesiastical orders to secretly lead an illegal independent church. In 1632, the group was discovered and 24 members were arrested, including Lathrop. By 1634, all those arrested had been released on bail except for Lathrop. During his imprisonment his wife, Hannah House, died, and his six surviving children were found begging for bread on the streets of London. Lathrop was finally offered the option of banishment from England. He and his remaining children, and exiled members of his congregation, arrived in Boston in September of 1634. Lathrop remarried and has many notable Americans among his descendants — Joseph and Hyrum Smith, Parley P. Pratt, Oliver Cowdery, and U.S. Presidents Ulysses S. Grant, Franklin D. Roosevelt, George H. W. Bush, George W. Bush and Governor Mitt Romney.

We still have our own struggles with the issue of religious tolerance. Remember John F, Kennedy's need to delineate his faith from his governance? Centuries later, in 2009, John Lathrop's descendant Mitt Romney issued this statement when the former Massachusetts governor felt a need to assure America that if elected president, he would serve "no one religion, no one group, no one cause and no one interest. . . . I believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God and the Savior of mankind . . . My church's beliefs about Christ may not all be the same as those of other faiths. … These are not bases for criticism, but rather a test of our tolerance."

We still struggle with religious tolerance at times, and Iran's intolerance should make us vigilant in defending the rights of religious freedom. Religious expression needs freedom to flourish. Perhaps that underlying theme of liberty, prevalent throughout God's inspired word, is what terrifies tyrants.

The Koran itself teaches of religious freedom. “The Truth is from your Lord, whoever wills let him believe and whoever wills let him disbelieve” [Chapter 18: verse 29].

These passages from the Old and New Testament, the Book of Mormon, and the Doctrine and Covenants reaffirm the divine right of freedom and liberty.

Galatians 5:1 — Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

Alma 46:12 — And it came to pass that [Moroni] rent his coat; and he took a piece thereof, and wrote upon it — In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children — and he fastened it upon the end of a pole.

Isaiah 61:1 — The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;

Doctrine and Covenants 98:5 — And that law of the land which is constitutional, supporting that principle of freedom in maintaining rights and privileges, belongs to all mankind, and is justifiable before me.

Alma 61:14-15 — Therefore, my beloved brother, Moroni, let us resist evil, and whatsoever evil we cannot resist with our words, yea, such as rebellions and dissensions, let us resist them with our swords, that we may retain our freedom, that we may rejoice in the great privilege of our church, and in the cause of our Redeemer and our God . . . according to the Spirit of God, which is also the spirit of freedom which is in them.

"...the Spirit of God, which is also the spirit of freedom which is in each of His children."

May God bless you, Mr. Nadarkhani. We are praying for you.

WE KICKED OFF THE LAUNCH OF "IN GOD IS OUR TRUST" YESTERDAY!

2011-11-20T07:56:00.004-05:00

Yesterday was the official launch of IN GOD IS OUR TRUST held at This is the Place Bookstore in Kensington, MD, near DC.

This sweet face belongs toVicki Allgaier. Vicki and her husband, Dr. Wayne, (the photographer) have been advisors/beta-readers/cheerleaders on my last four books. Wayne is my medical advisor, and Vicki provides great editing advice, cozy hugs, and rah-rahs as needed. Authors need a lot of those from time to time. Great couple!

I gave away lots of great books, chocolate, a bicentennial flag, and copies of the Charters of Freedom yesterday. I'm bringing some more great items out for my Utah signings.

I pausing momentarily to enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday with my family. (The entire tribe is flocking home!!!!) Then two days after the last chick departs, I fly west to Utah to begin the string of signings out there. Fun, right?

Here's my current signing schedule. I hope to see many of you as we launch IN GOD IS OUR TRUST.

December 2nd Seagull Centerville store from 5 - 7pm

The Book Table; Logan, Utah, 9-Midnight

December 3rd Seagull Redwood store from 10am - 12pm

Deseret Books Layton store from 2 - 3:30pm

Seagull Family Center from 5 - 7pm

December 9th Seagull West Jordan store from 5 - 7pm
December 10th Seagull South Jordan store from 10am - 12pm

Deseret Books Ft. Union store from 2 - 3:30pm

SIGNING BOOKS IN DC SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19

2011-11-18T14:13:00.008-05:00

We're kicking off the release of

"IN GOD IS OUR TRUST"

which is in stores now!!!

I'll be signing copies of all my books on
Saturday, November 19th, at

THIS IS THE PLACE BOOK STORE

in Kensington, MD, from 10 until 3.

Unfortunately, it appears this will be my only signing in the DC area before Christmas.

If you can't make it to the signing, you can call the store at (800) 924-2665 and reserve an autographed copy.

Utah signings will begin in early December. Please check my web site at http://www.laurielclewis.com/ for dates and locations.

THE GRATITUDE GIVEAWAY HOP

2011-11-16T22:25:00.001-05:00

THE GRATITUDE GIVEAWAY HOP

Thank you to Kathy at I AM A READER NOT A WRITER, and All-Consuming Books for sponsoring this Gratitude Hop.

The purpose of this hop is to thank our followers for the great support you've given each of us this year. So . . . THANK YOU for popping by, for coming back and reading posts, for making great comments and supporting my work. I really appreciate it!

We're making this an easy-entry hop--only one required entry per person. Just become or be a follower of this blog. That's it!

And the prize? I'm putting together a nice package--your choice of any volume of my FREE MEN and DREAMERS books, another new book from my shelf, and a gently read book I've enjoyed this year. How's that sound? Thanks again for coming by, and here's my wish for you to enjoy a blessed Thanksgiving.

Now pop on by these other grateful bloggers:

THE STAR PROPHECY

2011-11-14T08:46:00.004-05:00

With the holidays drawing close, hearts seek books that uplift and build faith. Joan Sowards' The Star Prophecy" is just such a read that would make a great family Christmas tradition.

From the back cover:

"You are crazy. No Nephite has ever returned."

Most people laugh when they hear of Enoch's dream of returning to Jerusalem to find the infant Messiah. Even Enoch's future father-in-law mocks him when he asks for a postponement of his long-awaited wedding to his beloved Rebekah. A few take Enoch seriously--the shipbuilder Omnihah, Enoch's teacher David, and the prophet Nephi.

Five Years before, a Lamanite named Samuel had stood on the wall of Zarahemla and prophesied that "five years more cometh" and the Christ would be born in Jerusalem. Time is running out! Enoch knows he must set sail across the great water in search of his dream--to see the face of the Messiah.

The Star Prophecy is a surprising story of courage and love, faith and fortitude. Sail with Enoch and his friends across the sea through hardship and adventure in search of the Christ child.

"I love Joan Sowards' inventive mind. She begins this adventurous tale with "what if?' and tells it so well that the reader closes the book thinking 'why not?' The Star Prophecy adds a surprising new dimension to the Christmas story." -Liz Adair, author of Counting the Cost

"Action-adventure, romance, inspirational, and historical fiction all rolled into one make the Star Prophecy an exciting page turner." -Margaret L Turley, author of Save the Child

My "THANK YOU" to our Veterans

2011-11-11T12:31:00.003-05:00

Happy Veterans' Day!

My "thank you" to our veterans appears in the Deseret News today. It recaps a marvelous glimpse I was privileged to catch of these heroes.

MY BOOKS ARE HERE!!!!

2011-11-08T18:47:00.004-05:00

The demonic expression on my face belies the sweet enthusiasm of the moment when I opened the box and held a copy of "In God Is Our Trust" in my hands. It's volume five of Free Men and Dreamers, and my seventh published novel, but the thrill of seeing your words and thoughts in published format is still the same.

Signings are being scheduled in DC and Utah, and hopefully in L.A. as well. If you're a FM&D fan, please come by and say hi.

If you've never read a volume, please jump on board and catch some great American history wrapped around a tender story of family, God, and country.

I've gotta go and stare at the books again. Thanks for stopping by!

laurie

NOVEMBER GIVEAWAY HOP

2011-11-08T00:01:00.004-05:00

NOVEMBER GIVEAWAY HOP

Thanks to Kathy, at "I'M A Reader Not a Writer," and to Tristi Pinkston, for sponsoring this hop. It opens at 12:01 a.m. on November 8th and ends at midnight on November 11th.

Once again over 400 sites are offering up great bookish prizes, so enjoy!

This month marks a huge professional milestone for me. After eight years of research and writing I've launched In God Is Our Trust, the concluding volume in my FREE MEN and DREAMERS historical fiction saga. I could use some help spreading the word.

Here's what I'm offering on my patriotic stop along the hop: a copy of "George Washington: The Founding Father," and an autographed copy of any one of my books listed on my web site.

Here's how you enter. Each entry must be posted separately to be considered in the drawing.

1. You must be, or become, a follower of this blog, preferably by email.

2. Become my friend on Face Book

3. Copy the above pic of the Star-Spangled Banner and my books to your blog, Face Book page, or Twitter with this caption:
"One Nation Under God" It was not left to chance! Read L.C. Lewis's Free Men and Dreamers.

Report each posting separately. You can earn one entry per posting.

That's it! Thanks so much! Now stop by these other amazing blogs on the tour.

OLD SOLDIERS

2011-11-07T19:26:00.004-05:00

Veterans' Day is drawing close and I wanted to share a glimpse of some senior soldiers I've been privileged to share the past few years.

The last few Septembers I've headed down to Quantico Marine Base with Tom for some fund raisers for The Wounded Warrior Foundation, and a massive Marine expo. A friend of Tom's, a great patriot named Pete, organizes a golf tournament/auction to raise scholarship funds for for a foundation called "The Young Marines." I had never heard of this group before, but like the ROTC, it teaches military discipline and service the marine way, preparing future officers and leaders.

The experience was moving. I was surrounded by officers in all their variety, from generals on down, with post commanders and retirees proudly wearing their caps and shouting "Ourah!!!" at any mention of the corps. These men are proud Marines, and proud of their Marine heritage which dates back to 1775, and rightly so. Even in my research on the War of 1812, the toughest fighting squad, next to Joshua Barney's Flotillamen, was a group known simply as "Miller's Marines."

As the golfers moseyed in off the greens, the older soldiers posted their golf scores on the board and then gathered around a table to talk, and there was no shortage of opinions or wisdom reflected there. And the topics on these veterans' minds? It wasn't sports scores or movies or popular media darlings. They were doing what they had done for a lifetime--assessing the news, reading between the lines, gathering intel and discussing strategic political and military options some of them no longer had the power to implement. I was a fly on the wall, and the conversations were fascinating as they discussed places that still seem to strange to most of us but places that had clearly been on their radar for many years--Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, Israel.

Their faces were emotion-filled. They were deeply invested in these corners of the world where their young comrades-in-arms were serving or might serve one day. Some had sons and grandsons deployed here, and clearly, they were on their minds.

They talked about God, and about country as if they were unseverable appendages to one another. They knew the Bible, and saw a clear connection between events written there and our circumstances today. These men of different colors, different nationalities, and likely of many different faiths, see their service as an extension of their personal faith, and they see their defense of America as a defense of Christianity in a world becoming increasingly negative towards Christians.

A highlight of one day ocurred when three sisters of a Marine killed at the 1983 bombing in Beirut came to participate in the launch of a scholarship named for their slain brother. Several were also Marines themselves, and they wept over the ache of their loss as well as the pride that his memory would be honored in such a manner. It was an honor to be there, and to see steeled, battle-scarred brothers-in-arms from every branch of the service shed a tear or two as well. It reminded me of something Colin Powell once said about how no one works harder for peace than a soldier.

Hug a soldier today. Better yet, thank one.

CONTEST QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Who Has The Greatest Influence On a Nation?

2011-11-01T11:49:00.019-04:00

God or Government---

Who Has The Greatest Influence On a Nation?

This is a fundamental theme behind all the Free Men and Dreamers books, but it is the primary force behind volume five, the concluding volume of the series, "IN GOD IS OUR TRUST," and the question you'll have to comment on in order to enter this week's giveaway. I'm offering a winner's choice of 3 great patriotic prizes.

Did, or even could, the Founding Fathers have realized the religious fallout that would occur following the break with Britain. They had calculated the political, military, social and economical concussions, but could they foresee how being cut off from the king, the supposed conduit to God, would affect the faith and worship of the fledgling nation?

And how would America bridge that break? Who would be their advocate to God? And how? It left a spiritual vacuum.

Would they model their new churches on the model of the Church of England many thought was corrupt? And what of the immigrants from foreign lands with their different religions, different views of deity?

One of the first great tests of the freedom to worship began immediately.

In the interim, they sought stability through government, but the Founders were aging and dying, and a new generation of visionaries was needed.

America remained a weak confederation of states, having never achieved the vision of "one nation under God."

Citizens' loyalties were to their states, not their country.

Some states threatened secession.

The years preceding the Revolution churned with political tumult that did not settle with the end of the fighting. Even the signing of the Constitution did not lift Europe's boot from America's throat, until a strangling America was forced to go to war again to end Europe's oppression once and for all.

The War of 1812. It cost both nations dearly in blood and treasure, and secured no great concessions of land or rights for either side.

Some call it a nothing war, but historians agree it changed America forever--

It produced a new generation of leaders just as the last of the Founders were passing away.

It produced national pride that relaxxed attachments to individual states. We were no longer just Virginians or Marylanders or identified by our state. . . We were Americans.

It unified a weak confederation into The United States of America.

It produced the first icons of America--a victory flag lovingly titled the Star-Spangled Banner, and the song that heralded its appearance over an embattled fort.

It catapulted a respected America onto the world stage.

It opened trade doors that had previously been blocked.

What else did it do? Let IN GOD IS OUR TRUST show you.

An American Renaissance began.

Immigration increased.

Westward expansion increased.

A decade of peace and prosperity ensued between 1816 and 1826. With our energies no longer focused on war and defense, religious debate began anew, spawning a new religious reformation. In the middle of that decade of peace and spiritual searching a boy emerged, claiming to have spoken to God and His Son, and America's claim of religious tolerance was put to the ultimate test.

Within the pages of IN GOD IS OUR TRUST, Jed and Hannah Pearson experience each of these changes in America, alongside the people whose lives have intersected with theirs during the war. Like Jed, many believe America's strength lies in strong government. Hannah and others believe God holds the answers to America's future. When tragedy again strikes the Pearsons, Hannah is reacquainted with a young man named Joseph Smith, whose tales of visions and gold plates divide families, and test the mettle of the Constitution.

THIS WEEK's GIVEAWAY

The prize this week is one I'm very excited about. The bicentennial of the War of 1812 begins in a few months, launching a two-year celebration of wonderful American history. In 1814 we will celebrate the two-hundredth anniversary of our national anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner, and the flag it commemorates. For this week's prize, I'm offering a winner's choice of one of the following:

1. A replica of the fifteen-starred flag that became known as the Star-Spangled Banner.

2. An unframed, parchment-printed version of the U.S. Constitution, suitable for framing. (See what this document looks like if you choose to mat and frame it)

3. Your choice of any volume of Free Men and Dreamers, autographed and personalized for the recipient of your choice.

HOW TO ENTER You can enter up to FIVE times, but each entry MUST be posted separately to be considered.

1.You must be, or become, a follower of this blog, by GFC or by email, to be considered.

2. Post your comment on the question above. I'm anxious to hear what you think.

3. Copy and paste the following graphic and caption for IN God is OUR TRUST onto your blog, Twitter, or Face Book page. Yuo'll get one entry for each posting.

"One Nation Under God Wasn't Left To Chance."

Thanks! Good luck!

THE YEAR THE TRICK WAS ON ME

2011-10-29T22:53:00.003-04:00

I am a proud member of “The McGyver Sisterhood,” women who find . . . shall we say . . . unconventional ways to accomplish needed tasks. Why reach for a hammer or a screw driver when a shoe heel and a table knife are handier and equally suited for most household tasks? I applied that same level of ingenuity to my holiday decorating regimen.

My household decorations were elaborate—not classy or elegant--but displaying the appropriate level of Dollar Store gaudiness requisite for the season. We were not a family capable of transforming field squash into masterpieces, but one year I had a particularly vivid vision for our Jack-o-Lantern. It would be more than a token triangle-eyed pumpkin. I would create a vignette!

I envisioned a scarecrow sitting in a lawn chair, holding our precious Jack-O-Lantern in his lap while a bowl of candy sat at his feet. I built a head and a pair of hands from stuffed nylons and quilted them into perfect form. Then I selected clothing items appropriate for a dapper scarecrow.

To my dismay, I didn’t have enough stuffing material to fill our friend, but I remembered the full basket of ironing in the hall closet. Most of the pieces were my husband’s—dress shirts and slacks he probably wouldn’t need for days. The items perfectly plumped our scarecrow, and with a few minutes of staging, our “man” was seated by the driveway in a nylon-webbed lawn chair.

A few rudimentary cuts produced another slack-jawed, triangle-eyed pumpkin face, and a four-wick pillar candle illuminated our Jack-O-Lantern which sat merrily in our scarecrow’s lap.

With the stage set, we packed the troops into the car and headed off to Trick-or-Treat. Up and down the road we heard complimentary reports about our festive scene, and when we returned home the effect was so darling we decided to let it remain lit until the candle burned down.

The next morning I received a call from a neighbor. “Did you guys have a bonfire last night?”

Odd question, I thought. “No. . . . we put the kids to bed as soon as we got home from Trick-or-Treating.”

“Oh. Then I wonder who had the fire blazing last night. It looked like it was coming from your place.”

Tom enters. “Honey, do I have an ironed shirt ready? I have a meeting today.”

“Uh. . . no . . . but I’ll. . .” Little wheels began to turn. . . Get the scarecrow!

I opened the door and looked outside, expecting to find the scarecrow still sitting in the morning fog, but there was nothing. Where is the scarecrow stuffed with Tom’s clothes? I gasped. Had I put it all away for the night?” I was almost certain I had not.

A few steps later, my fears were realized as I came upon a burned circle six feet in diameter and mere inches from my car, in the exact spot where the nylon lawn chair had been placed the night before. All that now remained was the charred chair frame, a few dozen blackened buttons, and the gargoyle-like face of a roasted pumpkin. I gasped as I saw evidence of felony arson. And the perp? My Jack-O-Lantern.

The fat, four-wick pillar candle had burned down to a sea of wax that filled the base and flowed from the Jack-O-Lantern’s mouth. Embedded within the wax, like a fossil stuck in prehistoric amber, was one of the four wicks. The other three, I deduced, had been released as the candle burned down. They floated out of the pumpkin’s slack-angled mouth and into the scarecrow’s lap, turning “Jack” into a flaming torch.

The miracle, of course, was that the car had not exploded from the heat of the fire. Perhaps that was also the treat. But the trick? Well, that was played on me.

SPOOKTACULAR BOOK BLOG HOP

2011-10-23T21:51:00.003-04:00

Thank you to Kathy at "I Am A Reader Not A Writer," host of this month's Spooktacular Giveaway Blog Hop, and to co-host Rhianna at "TheDiaryofaBookworm."

This Spooktacular Giveaway Hop runs from Oct 24th to midnight on the 31st.

Each entry absolutely MUST be posted separately in the comments section below to be counted. I use RANDOM.ORG to calculate the winner and it can only consider separately posted entries.

HERE'S THE NEWS:

I'm about to release the final volume of my FREE MEN and DREAMERS historical fiction series, "In God Is Our Trust." Author Braden Bell had this to day about it:

"In the final installment of this epic series, Lewis deftly blends the many strands she began earlier. This final book is a well-executed and engrossing tale. But it is also a powerful meditation on freedom and bondage, and the many ways in which we can lose freedom and become enslaved. Through the eyes of her characters, the reader comes to appreciate the blessings of liberty and more fully grasp the responsibilities that come to those who are free. Elegantly connecting the dots between our three great responsibilities, God, Family, and Country, Lewis leaves the reader with a visceral appreciation of those who have gone on before and a commitment to stand more firmly in the moment that is now ours. A week after staying up all night to finish it, the characters and themes of this masterpiece haunt my mind and heart."

To celebrate the launch I'm giving away a 3-book prize package including:

1. An autographed copy of any of my books, (The winner can choose one from any of my seven titles at http://www.laurielclewis.com/),

2. One other new novel of my choice, and

3. One gently-read novel I've enjoyed this year.

This prize is open to entrants from the U.S. and Canada. Here's how you enter:

ENTRY 1
You must be a follower or become a follower of this blog through GFC or by email. (Click on the box on the side).

ENTRY 2
For a second entry, please visit my new website and watch the banner change. Leave a comment below and tell me what you think about the new look! And be honest. I've got a great web guy who will tweak it to please.

ENTRY 3
For a third entry, please copy and post the following link/announcement on Facebook, Twitter, or on your blog. Report back and tell me where you posted it.

"Preview FREE MEN and DREAMERS, volume 5, "In God Is Our Trust!"

ENTRY 4
Friend me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=703634776

ENTRY 5
Friend me on Twitter at https://twitter.com/#!/laurielclewis

Now enjoy all the other stops on the hop!

PROGRESS? 1957 vs. 2011

2011-10-22T10:08:00.002-04:00

A friend sent this the other day. Yeah, yeah, it's a different time. People pull stunts we never could have dreamed of fifty years ago. . . But have we possibly shifted a little too far from reasonability? Read on:

HIGH SCHOOL -- 1957 vs. 2010

Scenario 1:
Jack goes duck hunting before school and then pulls into the school parking lot with his shotgun in his truck's gun rack.
1957 - Vice Principal comes over, looks at Jack's shotgun, goes to his car and gets his shotgun to show Jack.
2010 - School goes into lock down, FBI called, Jack hauled off to jail and never sees his truck or gun again. Counselors called in for traumatized students and teachers.

Scenario 2:
Johnny and Mark get into a fist fight after school.
1957 - Crowd gathers. Mark wins. Johnny and Mark shake hands and end up buddies.
2010 - Police called and SWAT team arrives -- they arrest both Johnny and Mark. They are both charged with assault and both expelled even though Johnny started it .

Scenario 3:
Jeffrey will not be still in class, he disrupts other students.
1957 - Jeffrey sent to the Principal's office and given a good paddling by the Principal. He then returns to class, sits still and does not disrupt class again.
2010 - Jeffrey is given huge doses of Ritalin. He becomes a zombie. He is then tested for ADD. The family gets extra money (SSI) from the government because Jeffrey has a disability.

Scenario 4:
Billy breaks a window in his neighbor's car and his Dad gives him a whipping with his belt.
1957 - Billy is more careful next time, grows up normal, goes to college and becomes a successful businessman.
2010 - Billy's dad is arrested for child abuse , Billy is removed to foster care and joins a gang. The state psychologist is told by Billy's sister that she remembers being abused herself and their dad goes to prison. Billy's mom has an affair with the psychologist.

Scenario 5:
Mark gets a headache and takes some aspirin to school.
1957 - Mark shares his aspirin with the Principal out on the smoking dock .
2010 - The police are called and Mark is expelled from school for drug violations. His car is then searched for drugs and weapons.

Scenario 6:
Pedro fails high school English.
1957 - Pedro goes to summer school, passes English and goes to college.
2010 - Pedro's cause is taken up by state. Newspaper articles appear nationally explaining that teaching English as a requirement for graduation is racist. ACLU files class action lawsuit against the state school system and Pedro's English teacher. English is then banned from core curriculum. Pedro is given his diploma anyway but ends up mowing lawns for a living because he cannot speak English.

Scenario 7:
Johnny takes apart leftover firecrackers from the Fourth of July, puts them in a model airplane paint bottle and blows up a red ant bed.
1957 - Ants die.
2010- ATF, Homeland Security and the FBI are all called. Johnny is charged with domestic terrorism. The FBI investigates his parents - and all siblings are removed from their home and all computers are confiscated. Johnny's dad is placed on a terror watch list and is never allowed to fly again.

Scenario 8:
Johnny falls while running during recess and scrapes his knee . He is found crying by his teacher, Mary. Mary hugs him to comfort him.
1957 In a short time, Johnny feels better and goes on playing.
2010 - Mary is accused of being a sexual predator and loses her job. She faces 3 years in State Prison. Johnny undergoes 5 years of therapy.

What do you think?

WE HAVE A COVER!!!!

2011-10-20T05:59:00.002-04:00

After eight years, we come to the conclusion of this generation's story. I love the cover because it says everything I wanted the book to convey--that though America experienced trial, tumult, and testing, this as-yet untamed land had divine eyes upon her.

I'm pleased to say this volume is everything I hoped it would be. It's the story I wanted to tell, and when voices began pulling me one way, I felt the Spirit pull me back to this place. This is where we were supposed to be at the end. I know that, and I feel great about In God Is Our Trust.

The super-women of Walnut Springs delivered this baby! Amy Orton, designer extraordinaire, created this cover from a few ideas I tossed at her. Linda Mullineaux went to bat for me and squeezed a few extra pages I needed from the publisher to more fully flesh out a few scenes, and together we plowed through the edit. She took a rough manuscript and smoothed the bumps out.

I have a good friend, Michelle Mebius, who has a real gift. She's a visual reader--creating pictures from words in a way that helps her "see" a book like few can. She also reads word-for-word and finds tiny errors my mind leaps over. Michelle read this manuscript three times, picking up things I kept missing, challenging timelines and holding my feet to the fire on the details while I was trying to get the prose just right.

Other friends also read the manuscript, adding details, correcting details, making comments that led to many changes. (I listen to all my beta-readers, because they are smart!)

Keeping details straight from five volumes over a twenty-year span, with a cast of a hundred or so characters is a challenge. I couldn't have done it without all these great people.

In God Is Our Trust is already making a big splash. Many readers have been waiting for the series to end to dive in, not wanting to wait between volumes. Jump in! It's done!

To long, faithful readers who have endured the lapse between volumes and who still want more, there may be two more volumes in the future, probably in ebook format, but for now, I hope you enjoy this story.

To my audio fans, we found another possible option for audio books and we're pursuing that now. I hope, hope, hope this pans out. We'll know soon.

Please visit my web site at www.laurielclewis for news, contests, signing schedules, reviews, and who knows what else.

Thanks so much for all the great support!

Laurie

GEARING UP FOR THE RELEASE OF "IN GOD IS OUR TRUST."

2011-10-10T23:44:00.008-04:00

We'll soon reveal the cover for "In God Is Our Trust." I've seen the mock-ups and the finished product will capture the mood and theme I hoped for--of a still untamed America under the divine influence of God. I think this is my favorite volume. It's tender and real, and it includes some stirring scenes from America's history. I see so many similarities between this time period and ours--between this generation and ours. I think you will too.

This volume follows our characters as they witness the changes and challenges experienced by post-war America. Here's a brief overview:

A battered but determined America exits the War of 1812 under the leadership of the last men tutored by the Founding Fathers. She is welcomed onto the world stage and begins an American Renaissance, but her citizens cry out for a new voice in Washington as a wave of new leaders prepare to thrust a progressive platform on the nation.

Her trials have prepared a choice American generation—the Pearsons’ generation—but as Jed labors to calm America’s political storms fierce trials cause a strain in the Pearson home, ensnaring Jed and Hannah in a crisis of faith.

The struggles plaguing the Pearsons affect Frannie and the Snowdens, as well as the six families with whom the Pearsons have become entangled during the war. As a new religious reformation dawns in America, the Pearsons become reacquainted with a young man from Hannah’s past—Joseph Smith—whose accounts of visions and dealings with angels test tender relationships, and the Constitution’s guarantees of religious liberty.

Books should be on store shelves by November 1, and in December I hit the road for signings in Maryland, Utah, and California. The exact dates and places will be posted on my web site at http://www.laurielclewis.com/

Now, for the fun stuff...

I'll be hosting weekly drawings for an assortment of books and prizes pertaining to "IN GOD IS OUR TRUST" as we prep for the launch.

To kick things off, I'm giving away an autographed copy of the winner's choice of FREE MEN and DREAMERS volumes. Here's how you enter. Each entry must be posted separately. I'll handle the third for those who do item three.

1) You must either be a follower of this blog, or better yet--sign up to follow my email. Like Santa, I check these lists twice! Place a comment below letting me know how you follow and you're entered.

2) Visit my website. What do you think of the new look? You'll notice we're still under reconstruction, and since we haven't revealed the final cover "IN GOD IS OUR TRUST" is still missing, but do you like the layout? Hit the "Contact me" link, and email me with your comment, and you're entered again.

3) Now go to the "NEWS" page and tell me how many years I've been working on this series. Head to the "Contact Me" page and shoot me an email with that number in it, and I'll enter you for a third time. That's it!

Good luck! This promotion ends Friday the 21st, at midnight. I hope the preview glimpses make you excited to read IN GOD IS OUR TRUST!

IN SUPPORT OF COLUMBUS

2011-10-09T17:03:00.003-04:00

One lesson I've taken away from my historical research is this: we should judge people within the context of their own time. Columbus, the Founding Fathers, and other great innovators of the past are victims of the same curse--having a magnifying glass held up to their errors, their flaws, while blinders obscure their vast, world-defining accomplishments.

Columbus is in the cross-hairs of public opinion--a man even kindergartners are being taught to dislike and revile.
Take, for example, a recent headline for an article about Christopher Columbus: "Kids Study the Dark Side of Columbus. " Wow. It's a far cry from my grade school days when each classroom had a portrait of Washington, Lincoln and Columbus hanging right up front.

Few regard the vision behind these giants without measuring them against today's social sensitivities, in which case they fall short and are damned. Columbus's noble personal motivations for his voyage are all but lost these days. It's sadly true that like so many European explorers, Columbus's party unknowingly carried germs for which the indigenous peoples had no resistance, tragically spreading diseases that killed many. But in the court of current opinion on the Great Columbus, the explorer is treated as if he had come with full knowledge of what that first contact would bring, reducing his accomplishments to mere footnotes in our day.

They same is true of most innovators throughout history. If we hold these historical figures to today's morays, and judge their actions against today's wisdom and understanding, we will reduce most, if not all, of our historical giants to erred mortals at best, and in some cases, miscreants. And that's exactly what's happening today in classrooms and newsrooms across America.

Most bold actions have negative repercussions. Today we have the means to predict, study, and measure those outcomes before we make a move, and bad things can and do still occur. In 1492, Columbus's day, just pulling up anchor was a life-or-death proposition, and leaving your safe harbor was barely more than a coin toss as to whether or not you'd reach your destination. There was no NIH group to forewarn about the medical risks of mingling with indigenous peoples; no UN to set protocols for that first meeting of nations; yet today's textbooks paint Columbus as if he were a premeditated agent of medical and social genocide.

At this pace, there may be no future generations that will study this great explorer in a positive light--as a brave visionary who sided with scientists against the narrow-minded thinking of the general populace who argued the flat-earth belief; or as the explorer who connected east and west, setting the pace for the colonization of the Americas. Can we not mourn the casualties cut down by the ignorance of the times while still honoring those who pushed the envelope of knowledge that would eventually alleviate such suffering?

It appears not in today's finger-pointing. Today, the enlightened thing . . . the politically-correct thing to do is to tear away at our heroes, our founders, our giants. Instead of embracing the good, we scrutinize for flaws. Instead of celebrating the triumphs of the past, we attempt to incriminate them for the woes of today. And when they are all gone, what will we offer in their place?

Allow me to run counter to current culture and celebrate some fascinating information about Christopher Columbus--to again see him the way we once did when we were young, when names like the Nina, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria rolled off our tongues like magic words.

*Christopher Columbus was an anglicized version of his Genoan name, Christoffa Corumbo. In Spanish, his name as Cristobal Columbo.

* He was a missionary and a visionary man, literally, who believed he had received a call from God through the Holy Spirit to bring witness of the Christ to those who had not yet heard of Him. This was the underlying motivation for his exploration--to spread the Gospel of Christ.

* His 'Libro de las profecias', was a book of apocalyptic prophecies he experienced and recorded. Many of them detailed some of the circumstances that would need to occur on the earth before the Second Coming of Christ. They included: 1) The doctrines of Christ would need to be spread throughout the world 2. A final, great battle would reclaim the Holy Land from the Muslims. 3) Christ will return to Jerusalem, 4) A great leader will rise and come to the forefront. And many others.

* The impact of his contact with the native peoples of Hispaniola was so significant that periods of historical time bear his name--the Columbian period, the pre-Columbian period. . .

* A major world capital was named after him to celebrate the 300th anniversary of his voyage to the Americas--The District of Columbia.

So happy Columbus Day! And may we pass the legacy on. . .

WHY WE WRITE

2011-10-06T08:17:00.005-04:00

I love discovering what motivated an author's decision to pick up that pen or strike that first keystroke to begin their first book. For Anna Del C. Dye, writing children's fantasies restores part of her own lost childhood, and hopefully enhances those of a growing generation. I'll let her explain in her own words.

Anna Del C. Dye:
My life started on a September spring morning in South America. I was born exactly fifteen minutes after my non-identical twin sister. Life was happy enough for my siblings and I until one day, right before my sixth birthday, my mother left in an ambulance and never came back home. I grew up with my four siblings and my father who never re-married. He has been a hard man to please and love, for as long as I can remember.

I graduated from high school and became a professional seamstress. I love to sew and it was obvious that I had a knack for needles and patterns. I had learned how to create and alter patterns, how to do beadwork and tailoring. This has given me the opportunity to help with the cast of four theater productions and I love every second of it.

Though reading was not very tolerated in my home, my father would bring home some books and we devoured them. In them, we were introduced to imaginary places that no one could take away from us.

At nineteen I met my husband a native from Idaho. He brought me to the States and introduced me to his large family. Every one of them accepted me, and soon his mother took me under her wing. I did not speak any English then and life was interesting at times, especially trying to plan a wedding in a tradition that was unknown to me. Still everything was perfect. Well… as perfect as it could be with two weeks to have it all done.

About a year later our first son was born. Right before he turned one, we returned to my country where our second son and our only daughter were born. We returned to the U.S. when it was time for our oldest son to start pre-kinder. It was at this time that I fully learned English and how to drive, because the kids needed to get to school. My husband went back to the University full-time and graduated two and a half years later, in accounting.

It was about this time that Hardy boys and Nancy Drew become my favorite books and I built my own collection. It helped me greatly with my English and the love for books. I had always had a good imagination and my husband has asked many times to write books for children, but I did not felt secure enough and put it off.

We soon bought our home and started to do foster care. We wanted to adopt more children. One day, a little boy came to our lives and we loved him so.

I write fantasy because life is too real and serious already. Our imagination is the limit and living the life of one of the characters in a book, is a great therapy. It usually motivates us to try things that we may not do other wise. To have the guts to stand up to what is right and to make wise choices in our own real lives. Most of all… that this is a great way to teach a mass of young adults in a fun way that we do have choices in our lives, no matter where we start. We can be born in the humblest of circumstances and rise above all. No one can take away from us our minds, our imagination, our integrity, nor our resilience. Is when we give up, that we tell other that they can live our lives for us. For as long as it is a book to be read and something to be learn, no one can stop us from doing so. The moon is the limit and all we have to do is to learn how to touch it. It will not come to us, so we must learn how to go to it.

Years ago my second son had introduced me to the world of Tolkien. It took me a while to get the hang of it because it was a different English than what I was accustomed to. But, soon, I was hooked and loved it. Then, “The Lord of the Rings” movies came out and I was taken to the world I had envisioned in my mind. They left me hungry for more. What happen to Legolas, to Gimly? when they went home. What of their families? Their kingdoms? I was so taken with their world that I wanted answers Tolkien could not given to me, so… I started to created lives for them and found very real people. That is how The Elf and the princess was born, to answer my question and to have them live new adventures through the pages of my books.

How is Emerine’s Nightmare different from your other published books?

It has a boy protagonist and the theme is darker than I am accustomed to.
Since all know me as the sweet young adult author who writes Elf series and Princess Romances, this Halloween-y tale really breaks the mold.

It is about an 11-year-old boy who is a genius and his parents don’t know it. He is so bored with the pretence of his normal life that he decides to have an alternate life. His genius helps him create an almost human robot and the two of them travel the galaxies investigating crime.

But what about your Elf series?

No. My elf series is too close to my heart and, like I have said before, there are 7 books in that series. The next stand-alone book, the fifth in that series, is called “The Royal Elf of Abalon.”

When will we see it on the market?

It is in the editing process right now and will come out about April of next year. It is so fun to write that I can’t help it. And I do appreciate your time and that of your readers.

My pleasure, Anna. Where can readers find Emerine’s Nightmare?

You can find Emerine’s Nightmare in the following electronic formats:

Barnes and Nobles
Kindle
Nook
e-book
The Kindle and Nook are only $3.99
and the e-book $2.00.
The first two are available at the normal sites, the e-book from my website. Enjoy.
…And to you, Happiness forever!!!

FREEDOM IS A GODLY PRINCIPLE

2011-09-27T15:39:00.011-04:00

Iranian courts have handed down a death sentence to an Iranian pastor of a Christian church. Yusef Nadarkhani converted from Islam to Christianity at the age of nineteen. Now in his thirties, Nadarkhani founded a small Evangelical Christian congregation named The Church of Iran, but in October of 2009, he was arrested for heresy.

Both his first trial and his appeal ended in convictions. Nardakhani is now appealing to the nation's Supreme Court. If that appeal also returns a guilty verdict, Nardakhani must renounce his faith or be put to death under Sharia law. His wife is currently out of jail on her own appeal, and Fox news reports that Nadarkhani's defense team, though active muslims, also fear for their own safety and for the safety of their families, simply because they've chosen to represent this Christian man.

Speaker of the House, John Boehner, was the first U.S. official to issue a public outcry regarding this case. Bravo Speaker Boehner. Four hundred years ago similar religious freedom-seekers found themselves worshipping under penalty of imprisonment for daring to question the Church of England. Since the King of England was regarded as both the Britain's political leader and the conduit to heaven, rebellion against the church was also considered treason. Many of these religious rebels left their homeland as banished exiles, arriving in America, a barren land that grew into this great nation on the engines of liberty and free thought.

We still have our own struggles with this issue. Remember John F, Kennedy's need to delineate his faith from his governance? Remember Mitt Romney's statement in 2009 when the former Massachusetts governor felt a need to assure America that if elected president, he would serve "no one religion, no one group, no one cause and no one interest." But he did not backpeddle on his convictions, boldly adding, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God and the Savior of mankind . . . My church's beliefs about Christ may not all be the same as those of other faiths. … These are not bases for criticism, but rather a test of our tolerance."

Yes, even we still struggle with religious tolerance at times, but what is happening in Iran is unconscionable. Perhaps the underlying themes of liberty and freedom prevalent throughout Christianity, and woven thoughout God's inspired word in many lands, are what terrify tyrants. Read these passages from the Old and New Testament, and from the Book of Mormon.

Galatians 5:13
For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

James 2:12
12 So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.

Galatians 5:1
Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

2 Nephi 10:11
11 And this land shall be a land of liberty unto the Gentiles, and there shall be no kings upon the land, who shall raise up unto the Gentiles.

Alma 46:12
And it came to pass that [Moroni] rent his coat; and he took a piece thereof, and wrote upon it—In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children—and he fastened it upon the end of a pole.

Isaiah 61:1
1 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;

Alma 56:47
47 Now they never had fought, yet they did not fear death; and they did think more upon the liberty of their fathers than they did upon their lives; yea, they had been taught by their mothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them.

Doctrine and Covenants 98:5
5 And that law of the land which is constitutional, supporting that principle of freedom in maintaining rights and privileges, belongs to all mankind, and is justifiable before me.

Alma 61:14-15
14 Therefore, my beloved brother, Moroni, let us resist evil, and whatsoever evil we cannot resist with our words, yea, such as rebellions and dissensions, let us resist them with our swords, that we may retain our freedom, that we may rejoice in the great privilege of our church, and in the cause of our Redeemer and our God . . . according to the Spirit of God, which is also the spirit of freedom which is in them.

"...the Spirit of God, which is also the spirit of freedom which is in each of His children."

May God bless you, Mr. Nadarkhani. We are praying for you.

*******
Laurie LC Lewis's upcoming release is book 5 in her FREE MEN ans DREAMERS series, "In God Is Our Trust."

BOOK NOOK REVIEW

2011-09-24T10:05:00.001-04:00

NO ANGEL

Therea Sneed

Debuting author, Theresa Sneed, chose an ambitious project for her first novel, a spiritual fantasy titled No Angel, and I’m pleased to report that it delights on many levels.

Sneed’s No Angel opens in a heavenly realm, moves into mortality where good and evil spirits impact humans, and then she thrusts her readers into a frightening underworld where even good spirits can become trapped through error. Each world is filled with complex characters and governed by strict rules—rules Sneed’s main character, a reluctant Guardian Angel named Jonathan Stewart, hasn’t bothered reading.

Jonathan was sorely disappointed by his own mortality and in an effort to make this second earth experience, (required by all post-mortal spirits), quick and painless, Jonathan selects an EMD client, Early Marked for Death, knowing his client will die young, allowing him to complete his assignment early and quickly exit earth once and for all.

What Jonathan failed to learn from that unread handbook is that special conditions surround the exceptional spirits assigned to be EMDs—their goodness makes them prized targets of the dark spirits.

Jonathan’s poor attitude is a disappointment to the more dedicated Guardians, but more importantly, it also places him in the cross-hairs of dark spirits who pose a threat to his successful completion of his mission, and to Faith, the child, he has been sent to guard.

But Jonathan has two allies, a loyal Guardian Angel named Grace, who takes a special interest in him, and Celeste Knight, the premortal spirit of Faith. Their interest in Jonathan is not accidental.

Sneed does a wonderful job of fleshing out heaven and the underworld with rich, vivid description that drives the theme of good versus evil deep into the reader. Still, the book is not dark and eerie. Sneed successfully slingshots between humor and drama during Jonathan’s bumpy, spiritual evolution, providing a change of pace that makes this book suitable for YA as well as adults, while also endearing this disgruntled soul to the reader. Without those humorous passages, No Angel would have been a dark, eerie tale. And though that was not Sneed’s purpose in writing this book, she proves she has the talent to go that direction if she ever chooses.

The explanations of the rules of each world slow the read in places, but they are essential to the ensuing tension, and there is plenty of tension, which intensifies until the conclusion, which leaves the reader unsure about the outcome of many of the characters until the very end.

NO ANGEL is fiction, but its powerful themes of good versus evil, spiritual promptings, choice and accountability, family, friendship, and loyalty, make it a valuable springboard for family discussions on these topics, and therefore makes this book one to be read together as a family, and worth having in a family library.

This is a first-rate read that quickly earned Theresa Sneed a Whitney Award nomination. Sneed is a talented writer who should find No Angel a contender for Whitney’s “Best Novel by a New Author” award. She is already completing a second project, proving that great things are ahead for her, and those who pick up her imaginative, tender books.

NO ANGEL is available LDS bookstores, at Barnes and Nobles, and on Amazon.

LIFT CONFERENCE VIDEO w LIZ EDMUNDS.m4v

2011-09-23T17:57:00.000-04:00

Announcing the LIFT Conference for Women on Saturday, Oct. 29th!

This one day conference will feature prominent speakers that will inspire, educate and of course upLIFT. The event will be held in the Orem High School auditorium (175 South 400 East, Orem) and go from 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (with an hour lunch break - lunch will not be provided by event. Doors open for seating at 8:30am).

Topics include improving spouse communication, letting go of anxiety and regret, and having hope when life brings its challenges. Liz Edmunds (star of the popular TV show, The Food Nanny) will be the hostess. Other speakers include Dr. John Lund, Hank Smith, Meg Johnson, Sheldon Martin, Kathy Jenkins, Kim Nelson and a performance by Amy Hansen.

Tickets are: $19.99 (early bird registration) and $29.99 after Oct. 20th or at the door. All participants will receive a tote bag and chocolates with registration. Please bring your printed ticket to the event..Click here to register!

The War of 1812 Tease Press Tour

2011-09-23T15:07:00.000-04:00

This looks as if it will be a film worth watching, as PBS separates the history from the myths about the War of 1812. I can appreciate that struggle after threading through the letters and historical accounts while researching Free Men and Dreamers.PBS launches this series in October.

SEPTEMBER BLOG HOP

2011-09-22T04:00:00.008-04:00

Thanks Tristi, Pinkston, for organizing this blog hop!

Welcome to the September Blog Hop! Celebrate the beginning of fall with me and my blogger friends by hopping around, visiting our sites, and entering our contests! There are no limits - you can enter the contest on every blog. With over 40 blogs participating, that's over 40 prizes you could win. Just click on the links below to move on to the next blog.

On my blog, you can win a nice prize package:

An autographed copy of any of my books,
(check out my web site at
http://www.laurielclewis.com/
to choose a title),
plus I'll throw in a an extra book from my shelf

of must-read titles--that's 2 books!

To win this prize package you just need to do two things.

1. Become a follower of this blog. If you're already a follower, sign up to "Follow by Email" in the block to the right. And if you've already done that, then sign up in the "Follow me on Twitter" box. Just do one.

2. Leave me a comment in the trail and tell me why you'd like to win this prize.

That's it! You are now entered. The contest ends on Saturday night, September 24th, at midnight MST, and the winner will be contacted shortly thereafter. Please either leave your e-mail address in the comment trail or make sure it's visible through your profile so I can contact you to tell you that you're the lucky winner.

Now go visit my other friends ...
September Blog Hop Participants

1. Tristi Pinkston, LDS Author
2. Joyce DiPastena
3. I Am A Reader, Not A Writer
4. Mandi Slack
5. Michael D. Young
6. Six Mixed Reviews
7. Pam Williams
8. Laurie Lewis
9. Kristy Tate
10. Marilyn Yarbrough
11. Stacy Coles
12. Kristie Ballard
13. Lynn Parsons
14. Pushing Past the Pounds
15. Sheila Staley
16. cindy Hogan

17. Jamie Thompson
18. Jaclyn Weist
19. Cathy Witbeck
20. Secret Sisters Mysteries
21. Tamera Westhoff
22. Tina Scott
23. Lynnea Mortensen
24. Danyelle Ferguson aka Queen of the Clan
25. Jeanette A. Fratto
26. Bonnie Harris
27. Melissa Lemon
28. Mary Ann Dennis
29. Stephanie Black
30. Jane Still
31. Janice
32. Laura Bastian

33. Tamara Bordon
34. Betsy Love
35. Maria Hoagland
36. Amber Robertson
37. Debbie Davis
38.
39. Christy Monson
40. Carolyn Frank
41. Rebecca Birkin
42. Melissa Cunningham
43. Emily L. Moir
44. Ronda Hinrichsen
45. Lisa Asanuma
46. Joan Sowards
47. Jordan McCollum
48. Diane Stringam Tolley

Learn more about September Blog Hop here.
Get The Code

"IN GOD IS OUR TRUST" news!!!

2011-09-18T20:52:00.002-04:00

Braden Bell had this to say after previewing, "In God Is Our Trust"--

In the final installment of this epic series, Lewis deftly blends the many strands she began earlier. This final book is a well-executed and engrossing tale. But it is also a powerful meditation on freedom and bondage, and the many ways in which we can lose freedom and become enslaved. Through the eyes of her characters, the reader comes to appreciate the blessings of liberty and more fully grasp the responsibilities that come to those who are free. Elegantly connecting the dots between our three great responsibilities, God, Family, and Country, Lewis leaves the reader with a visceral appreciation of those who have gone on before and a commitment to stand more firmly in the moment that is now ours. A week after staying up all night to finish it, the characters and themes of this masterpiece haunt my mind and heart.

Pinch me!

September has been a busy family month, so thank heavens for pre-scheduled blog posts or I would have had a barren blog. Family time was great, but our last visitor—our oldest grandson—left for home today, and now it’s time to get back to work.

As soon as my editor hands me the cover image for “In God Is Our Trust,” crazy things will begin to happen professionally. This volume takes us full circle to the original intent of the series—to illustrate how the War of 1812, and the events in America, were preparing this nation to become the cradle of the Restoration. The tender Pearson saga continues, carrying our friends through the post-war recovery, and into a new day as American comes into her own, seeing herself not as a young upstart nation, but as a major player on the world stage.

This new sense of political identity is overshadowed by religious division in America. As science and philosophy begin casting greater doubts on miracles, and spiritual manifestations, a young boy from New York State attests to miracles and manifestations not considered since biblical times, and the Constitution’s guarantee of religious freedom and tolerance is put to the test as tensions rise. With carefully conducted research, “In God Is Our Trust” will toss my readers into this very confusing and marvelous period.

We’re going to have ads in most LDS print publications and on LDSradio announcing the release of this fifth and final volume of Free Men and Dreamers. And I’ll be launching a new, improved web site, and fan page on Facebook. We’ll have lots of contests and drawings for some really lovely prizes, so please check back.

Candace Salima has invited me to be a guest on her radio talk show in October as well, and we’re planning signings in Washington, Utah, and Los Angeles. It’s going to be exciting!

Hero performed by Michael Israel in New York

2011-09-15T20:15:00.000-04:00

MESMERIZING

2011-09-14T09:42:00.000-04:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZFkZiwMLZ4&feature=player_embedded

THE CHANGE IN MY HEART WROUGHT BY 9/11

2011-09-10T04:14:00.000-04:00

I'm going to be on an airplane on 9/11 with Tom, our grandson Tommy, and Amanda's family as we fly home from vacation. My first thought as we booked these tickets was that this would likely be the safest day of the year to fly. Surely vigilance would be ramped up because of the significance of the date, and then we heard the recent reports of an unconfirmed but credible warning of an impending attack on a bridge or tunnel in New York or DC. we're flying into Baltimore. I have to admit we're a little less comfortable, but still confident that all will be well.

Like all Americans my thoughts are on that day ten years ago. I was offered an opportunity to share my opinion on how September 11th changed me spiritually. Here are my thoughts. This article appeared in the Deseret News on September 8th, section c, page nine, and in the Mormon Times, I believe. Once I gave thought to this question, I realized 9/11 was the catalyst to my increased love of America, my increased interest in the chapters of scripture that discuss the special role this nation was designed to play in human events, and it was the springboard to my desire to visit America's hallmarks--Philly, Williamsburg, Fort McHenry--where the ideas for my books began to be born.

That day changed us all a bit. Here's my story:

I remember the impressions of that day so well, but the memories are jumbled up in emotion rather than logic. I had left my position with the school system. That fall was the beginning of a less-complicated, more peaceful writer's life. Or so I thought, until I turned on the news and saw the loop of the attack on the towers.

We live in the hot zone between DC, the biological-weapon storehouse at Fort Detrick, and the Underground Pentagon to the north. My mind immediately ran an inventory of our family members. The phone lines were jamming and hearing each voice was mission one. From family, our thoughts turned to friends.

I couldn’t tear myself from the news as the great symbols of America’s financial, military, and political strength fell victim to the attacks. Never before had I felt so vulnerable. Never before had I felt so angry.

The president I most wanted to hear was President Hinckley’s warm reassurance. I slipped to my knees and prayed a disjointed, jumbled plea for protection to Heavenly Father—for my family, for my country, for the leaders who would have to sort this all out. I was grateful for the counsel to prepare, grateful for a living prophet, grateful for the organization of the Church in the event we would need to protect and care for one another and our neighbors. And in the event of catastrophe, I was grateful for my Savior and the Plan of Salvation that would make everything all right.

The next day, fear and fright turned to defiant patriotism. The lines at the fabric store swelled as I waited in lines with others hungry for some scrap of ribbon to show our unity. Every face became a friend. Every hand seemed outstretched.

The Book of Mormon scriptures about America as the land of promise, and the warnings in Ether 9 against the danger of secret combinations bent on overthrowing liberty and freedom, became personal. I became enamored with history, seeing connections between American history and the scriptures, and in the lives of the Smith family, recognizing God’s hand in the formation and preservation of America as she was being prepared to become the cradle of the Restoration.

I realized that mothers or father, soldier or civilian, we are each the guardians of liberty, for liberty requires faith, and faith requires liberty to flourish.

BOOK NOOK REVIEW

2011-09-07T15:15:00.001-04:00

RIVER WHISPERS

Kathi Oram Peterson

It’s a wonderful thing to find a book you can become so immersed in that laying it aside is a burden. Kathi Oram Peterson has written such a book. ”River Whispers” is one of my favorite reads this year.

The storyline is engaging, the list of suspects is endless, and Peterson's setting in small town Trailhead, Idaho’s Snake River country provides a complicated web of tangled lives and plot lines, but it’s Peterson’s writing style that captivated me. She writes like a painter—creating perfect moments and clear images that drew me in and made me love her characters.

Trailhead is far too small a town to bottle up Regi Bernard’s mistrust of two men. Samuel Tanner abruptly ended their romance when he abandoned both Regi and Trailhead without a word of explanation. Worse yet, when he returned years later, he seemed bent on making her and her husband miserable at every opportunity, clear up until Earl’s death. Curtis Romney, a local park ranger, abandoned her daughter after dragging her reputation through the mud. It’s no secret how Regi feels about either man.

On a particularly unpleasant trip into town, Regi has run-ins with each of these irritants, and her temper lets loose. In a moment of frustration, Regi issues a scalding warning to Curtis, and when she stumbles upon his corpse a day later, she becomes the prime suspect.

Peterson does a splendid job casting doubt on everyone’s innocence, which casts a pall of suspicion over those Regi loves most, leaving her mistrustful of their assistance until she believes only she can prove her innocence.

The tangle of lives is tight and convenient at times, but Peterson’s deft writing style fleshes out the situations nicely. Her characters are rich and complex, and she releases tidbits about them like a cracker trail through the woods readers will be delighted to follow.

Clearly, Peterson knows her setting well. Raised in southeastern Idaho, Kathi Oram Peterson developed a love for the Snake River region early on, while her research on fly fishing, Indian culture, and ranching enriches the story and draws the reader in.

Still, what makes Kathi Oram Peterson one of my favorite authors is her unique descriptive passages. She works hard for her readers, bypassing trite descriptions in favor of rich, colorful, original thoughts that satisfy.

The book is written in third person, but the reader is constantly in the characters’ minds, as they ruminate over, and rehash, the same questions over and over. These passages slow the read a bit in places, but Peterson’s efforts to insert the reader into the characters’ thoughts adds urgency early on.

The mystery is well-formed and keeps you turning pages as does the romantic tension between Regi and Samuel. While these two are clearly drawn to one another, they also suspect one another, and with good cause. Peterson doesn’t tip her hand about their innocence or guilt to the very end. Nicely done.

I’m nominating River Whispers for a Whitney Award. The e-book version is available at Amazon. Readers can pick up copies at Deseret Books or at your local LDS bookstores, where you can also purchase Kathi Oram Peterson's other fine books.

Readers can contact Kathi through her website, www.kathiorampeterson.com, and her blog, www.kathiswritingnook.com.

The Kensington, Maryland VFC's 9/11 Memorial Serves as a Reminder of the Enduring Human Sipirit

2011-09-05T18:36:00.003-04:00

As Tom and I were driving to the D.C. Temple we noticed a crowd gathering in front of the Kensington Volunteer Fire Department's Station 5 house. Afterwards, I Googled the station to see what had been going on there, and discovered they were dedicating a 9/11 memorial. We stopped by and two of Station 5's members were gracious enough to give me a interview. Gracious with their time, John E. Thompson and Jean Ward provided living examples of the spirit engrained in these first-responders. Here is the story.

The events of 9/11 are deeply personal to the volunteer firefighters who call Kensington Maryland's Station 5 “home.” When hijackers crashed a plane into the Pentagon, Station 5’s members gathered at the house, overcrowded their ambulance and engine, and raced to the scene, rescuing the wounded, recovering the dead, and battling the fires at the emblem of America’s military might.

James Stanton, KVFD fire chief is understandably proud of his crew. “We didn't have to call them. We didn't have to send out a page. They knew they were needed, and they showed up."

Days later, Station 5 volunteers responded to another 9/11 need when a request arrived from New York City for help at the embattled World Trade Center site where thousands perished when two hijacked planes brought the Twin Towers down.

Speaking of that call for help, Master Firefighter John E. Thompson, a 43-year veteran of the KVFD said, “We were asked to provide an engine company and an ambulance, and we were there for several days. . . They had to fight the guys off because everyone wanted to go.”

A small crowd gathered Saturday, June 25, at Kensington Volunteer Fire Department’s Station 5 for the dedication of a very special set of monuments. 16-foot twisted beam of steel juts from an inscribed black base which reads:

“THIS TWISTED AND SCARRED PIECE OF STEEL FROM THE POINT OF IMPACT AT THE WORLD TRADE CENTER ON SEPTEMBER 11, 2001 MEMORIALIZES THE 2976 PERSONS LOST THAT DAY IN NEW YORK CITY, THE PENTAGON, AND SHANKSVILLE, PA. IT ALSO SERVES AS AN ENDURING TESTAMENT TO THE AMERICAN SPIRIT. WE SHALL NEVER FORGET. GOD BLESS THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.”

Nearby, a piece of granite pull from the point of impact at the Pentagon rest upon a similar base inscribed with these words:

“FROM THRE POINT OF IMPACT ON THE FAÇADE OF THE PENTAGON, DAMAGED BY THE TERRORIST ATTACKS OF SEPTEMBER 11, 2001. WE REMEMBER THE 184 CITIZENS WHO SACRIFICED THEIR LIVES THERE THAT DAY SO THAT WE MAY LIVE IN FREEDOM. WE SALUTE THE KFVD UNITS AND THE REST OF THE COUNTRY WHO RESPONDED TO THIS TRAGEDY.”

The half million dollar memorial project, the vision of KVFD President Steven R. Semler, was funded through donations and volunteer labor. The 9/11 Families Association assisted Station 5 in acquiring the beam. “This beam is from the point of impact between the 91st and 94th floors. It was given to us by the Port Authority of New York City and the 9/11 Families Association. We went up there, picked it out and brought it back,” said John E. Thompson. The Department of Defense provided the block of granite from the Pentagon.

Steve Heidenberger, president of Heidenberger Construction, served as project manager, reaching out into the community for contractors willing to contribute materials and labor. For Heidenberger, the project was deeply personal. His brother, Tom Heidenberger, lost his wife Michelle at the attack on the Pentagon. Steve Heidenberger said he wanted the memorial to be built from volunteer labor and goods, not money. His brother Tom hopes the memorial will also serve to teach future generations about 9/11. Said he, "They're going to ask, 'Mommy, daddy, what is this? Each of us will be able to explain to them what happened and the thousands of people who lost their lives that day."

Following speeches and the dedication of the monuments, a 3500 pound bell, one of the “Bells of Remembrance,” inscribed with the names of the firefighters who lost their lives in the 9/11 attacks, was rung in commemoration.

The monuments rest upon a red brick patio that pulls visitors out of the bustle. Gray bricks are interspersed throughout, engraved with the names of the contractors who contributed to the project. For a gift of $100, private individuals can have their own names or a message inscribed on a brick as a permanent remembrance. “The money raised [from the sale of the bricks] goes back to the 9/11 Families’ Association and other similar charitable efforts.”

In 2005 the firehouse was also invited to serve as the site one of four test rose gardens. The rose bushes are grown to determine climate hardiness for specific varieties being considered for three memorial rose gardens in New York City, Washington D.C., and Shanksville, PA. Several of the varieties are named specifically to commemorate 9/11 with names such as “Veterans’ Honor” “Firefighters,” “Forty Heroes,” and “September Mourn.” Jean Ward, a lifetime member of the fire company, and caretaker of the rose garden, explained why roses were being chosen for the planned memorial gardens. “Because the rose is a sign of remembrance.”

With the tenth anniversary of 9/11 fast approaching, many remembrances will occur as Americans pause to reflect on the greatest attack on the Continental U.S. since the devastation of Washington during the war of 1812. This one is right in our nieghborhood, and worth a moment to stop, reflect and remember.

Families and organizations interested in buying a brick can submit requests to https://kvfd.engravedbricks.com/.

BACK TO SCHOOL BLOG HOP

2011-09-01T00:20:00.000-04:00

Thanks go out once again to Kathy at "I'm a Reader, Not A Writer" and "Buried in Books" for sponsoring this Back to School Blog Hop.

DRUM ROLL please. . .

I'm concluding my eight-year, five book historical fiction series, FREE MEN and DREAMERS, with the October release of volume five, "IN GOD IS OUR TRUST!!!"

I'll be hosting giveways and contests every week from mid-September to November, so stop back often.

For this hop, I'm giving away 2 autographed copies of any of my books. Visit my web site to see the selection. I'll personalize them for someone else if you'd like to give them away as gifts.

1. To enter, you must be become a FOLLOWER BY EMAIL of this blog. Please enter your email address in the box to the right.

Additional entries may be obtained by doing the following, but you MUST respond separately for each entry to count:

2. Follow this blog the standard way or let me know if you already are a follower

3. Visit my current online article at http://tinyurl.com/3uofqej and report back. (You don't need to read it, just visit it.)

4. Friend me on Facebook at http://tinyurl.com/3bcwtgs

5. Pop over to my newest online article at http://www.ksl.com/?nid=968&sid=17048108

That's it! Now enjoy all these other stops on the blog tour! Entries close at midnight September 7th! Enjoy!

TRISTI PINKSTON'S AWESOME AUGUST BLOG HOP

2011-08-29T00:01:00.002-04:00

Welcome to the Awesome August Blog Hop, where bloggers from all over the Internet have come together to throw a summertime party!

Every blog on this hop is offering a fun prize, and entering is quick and easy. Simply follow the instructions on each blog, leave a comment, and bop right along to the next blog. You can win multiple times, so be sure to check out all the participating blogs!

On my blog, you can win an autographed copy of any of my books. Please visit my web site and make your selection if you are my winner!

To enter:

1. Become a follower of my blog. If you're already a follower, please enter your email address in the "follow by email" block to the right and submit.

2. Please also visit this link to a recent article I have running in the Deseret News. Just click, and then report that you did. That's it!

3. Leave me a comment and tell me that you've done both things. If your e-mail address isn't available through your profile, I'll need you to leave that, too - I can't tell you if you've won if I can't contact you!

This blog hop runs through Wednesday night at midnight, so be sure to enter before then! The winner will be notified by e-mail.

Now that you've entered my contest, come meet all my other blog friends and see what fun things they are offering!

Awesome August Blog Hop Participants

1. Tristi Pinkston, LDS Author
2. Karen Hoover
3. Michael Young
4. Kristy Tate
5. cindy Hogan
6. Julie Bellon
7. Margot Hovley
8. Laurie Lewis
9. Mandi Slack
10. Melanie Jacobson
11. Joyce DiPastena
12. Renae Mackley

13. Debbi Weitzell
14. Donna Hatch
15. Carolyn Frank
16. Marsha Ward
17. Stacy Coles
18. Bonnie Harris
19. Danyelle Ferguson aka Queen of the Clan
20. Diony George
21. Lisa Asanuma
22. Susan Dayley
23. http://christinebryant.blogspot.com/
24. Stephanie Humphreys

25. Ranee` Clark
26. Tamera Westhoff
27. I Am A Reader, Not A Writer
28. Heather Justesen
29. Rebecca Talley
30. Jennifer Hurst
31. Aimee Brown
32. Cheryl Christensen
33. Rachelle Christensen
34. Imaginary Reads
35. Andrea Pearson

Learn more about Awesome August Blog Hop here.
View More Awesome August Blog Hop Participants
Get The Code

BATTONING DOWN THE HATCHES

2011-08-27T17:55:00.005-04:00

I live in central Maryland, about an hour and a half from the ocean as the crow flies, and in the general strike zone of most Atlantic coastal storms. Fortunately, prayers are being heard and Irene has been downgraded to a level one hurricane, meaning we are now outside the "danger zone." We are only in the nuisance zone--power outages, wind and rain.

We've picked up everything that could become projectiles, and we've tied down everything we feared would tip and break. We've got the generator fueled up and the fridge stocked, so now we relax.

It brings to mind a story recently shared by President Tingey, the president of the Washington D.C. Temple, and a former Member of the Seventy, titled, "I Can Sleep When the Wind Blows." In short, a young farm hand doesn't awaken from his sleep to answer the call of his employer when a coming storm threatens the farm. When the angry farmer checks the stock, the granary, and the equipment, he finds that all is in order, and he understands what the hand was trying to say--that when you've done your work to prepare, you can rest in confidence and ride it out in peace.

It's a theme that really resonated with me during my research for Free Men and Dreamers. I am awed by the diaries from Rose Hill Plantation when I read what that generation of people did to prepare, not for a weekend storm, or for a week without power, but for nine months until the next harvest came in.

I felt it in the accounts of the elections of 1824 and 1828, when political newcomer, Andrew Jackson, a man of the people, began challenging the last presidential candidate tutored under the Founders' influence--John Quincy Adams. Was the nation ready for such a leap of faith, from the wisdom of the Founders inspiration to a common man? Were her people committed to the Republic? Would they defend the Constitution, and was her Constitution strong enough to bear an untrained leader at her helm?

They wouldn't know if their preparations were sufficient until the storms came, and come they did.

These are the themes that drive volume five, the last volume of Free Men and Dreamers. You'll be reading a lot about it in the coming weeks as we prepare to launch. I hope you'll ask lots of questions. I love to talk about this book.

For not though, it's time to rest. Be safe.

Warmly,

Laurie LC Lewis

Sunday

2011-08-25T10:49:00.000-04:00

The LA Singles Ward hosts an annual film festival. My son Josh was involved in this one. It's a sweet reply to the "Mormon Musical." He's the cute cupcake and lemon bar-loving rapper at the end. Gotta love nerdy Mormon humor.

EARTHQUAKES and HURRICANES

2011-08-24T09:53:00.003-04:00

It’s been quite day, (actually, quite a week), so I’ll keep this brief. A magnitude 5.9 earthquake rocked the east coast around 2 p.m. today. I was sitting at my computer and chatting with a friend in a neighboring town when it hit. She asked me if I felt that and I told her the house was shaking. She said, “We’re having an earthquake!” I wondered if we were feeling the shock of an explosion. We are nearing the tenth anniversary of 9/11.

I was babysitting two little children for some friends. I jumped up to grab the children who were napping, and tried to figure out where to go and what to do. Would the ground split? Would the walls start cracking? Where is the safest place to stand in an earthquake? Was it in the bathtub, or was that the place of refuge in a tornado? I thought about going outside to be away from anything that could collapse or fall. I finally huddled with the children in a bathroom doorway close to the front door. Here in Maryland, we prepare for hurricanes and blizzards, but not for earthquakes, until now. You can believe I will from this day on.

The rolling ended in about thirty seconds, but that’s enough time for a flood of things to cross your mind—like how fragile a home and “stuff” really are. One moment you could have a lovely world, and the next you could be a refugee.

I quickly turned the TV on to the news to find out what had really happened. This quake was a relatively unique occurrence for the east coast. Washington offices were quickly evacuated and there was some concern for the Washington Monument. I can’t even imagine what it would have been like to have been inside that when this happened. The shock traveled from the source in Mineral Wells, Virginia all the way north to Toronto, and west to Ohio. Friends at the ocean were unaffected, which was a relief since our little grandson was there with his other grandma.

I thought about the Japanese survivors of their devastating triple disasters. We almost hear nothing about them now, as if life was magically back to normal again. We are so quick to forget.

Some items fell to the floor and broke. I’m keeping them as a reminder. The poor three-year-old kept asking why the house had been shaking. She cried when it was time to go to bed. This may take a while for her to forget, but I hope it makes me remember, and prepare.

Now we’re on target for some effects from Hurricane Irene this week. Busy week. I’m so glad I have the manuscript for “In God Is Our Trust” finished so there was no additional stress over that. We go to edits in September and should see a cover soon. Books hit the stores in late September, early October. it's exciting to be nearly finished with this project, but for now we're battoning down the hatches in preparation for Irene.

Confessions of the Exercise-Impaired

2011-08-19T22:01:00.006-04:00

(Deseret News just pulled this article from my stack of submissions. Just click the link and you'll be sling-shotted across the cyber-universe where it's posted.

It's a funny one. I hope you enjoy it! Thanks!)

"Gettin' My Swagger On"

BOOK NOOK REVIEW

2011-08-16T12:00:00.006-04:00

RIBBON OF DARKNESS

Julie Bellon

Clean, action-intense mysteries are hard to come by in today’s market, but veteran suspense author Julie Bellon’s recent release, “Ribbon of Darkness,” puts your attention on notice in the first paragraph and holds it to the end.

When Al Qaeda terrorists overrun an Afghan refugee camp, International reporter, Kennedy Campbell, becomes embroiled in the story she’s covering. Shots ring out as Kennedy and her three friends attempt a final escape plan. All four are separated, each facing their own danger. But Kennedy has a secret—a secret that makes her a valuable hostage and an imposing opponent. This lady will not be waiting idly for someone to rescue her.

British covert operative, Ethan Barak, believes he is cursed—everyone he gets close to dies. Revenge is on his mind as he goes rogue from MI-6 to infiltrate a swarm of arms dealers who’ve ordered a hit on his father. Confused, angry, riddled with guilt, his life has hit a turning point, and he doesn’t much care what happens to himself anymore.

Like a spider web, paths cross and purposes get entangled in this every-man-for-himself community of ne’er-do-wells. Ethan lays eyes on Kennedy at a moment when her captor’s patience has been exhausted, and her fate is about to be decided. Faced with the choice to avenge his father’s murder, or blow his cover and attempt to rescue the girl, Ethan makes his choice, affecting Kennedy’s fate, and launching an internal struggle that haunts every oncoming decision he makes.

Bellon tantalizes her readers by allowing her characters to momentarily cross paths, and then denies them a full convergence of Kennedy’s and Ethan’s separate plot lines until half way through the book. And when that longed for meeting between between Kennedy and Ethan finally occurs, the full richness of these battered good guys emerges.

Julie Bellon develops her characters slowly and subtly. Case in point was a beautifully-crafted moment where Ethan secretly cuts the cuff from his sleeve to provide a cloth to clean Kennedy’s wounds. It was understated, but it spoke volumes about Ethan’s character. Character-driven readers will embrace Ethan and Kennedy, and action-driven readers will delight in how the plot moves from threat to threat, from challenge to challenge, keeping pages turning.

And just when you think things are finally resolved, Ethan and Kennedy discover the depth of the international threat they’re caught up in. Iran, secret arms deals, nuclear armament, and threat they pose to the fragile strait from which the world’s oil ships—it’s all in here.

Bellon has done her research, drawing on current events and timely topics while introducing the reader to many details of the region and culture, particularly the Malacca Strait, otherwise known as the Ribbon of Darkness, from which the title comes. That she has succeeded to pace a suspenseful thriller around these topics and keep it clean and moral is laudable, though these efforts occasionally become didactic.

Nevertheless, with topics pulled straight from today’s headlines, “Ribbon of Darkness” is a satisfying read for adults, and a safe read to hand off to their teens, and better yet, it would make a perfect family read. It's available at LDS book stores, and on Amazon.

YORKTOWN, VA: THE VILLAGE THAT CHNAGED THE WORLD

2011-08-13T07:51:00.009-04:00

Yes, and here's why. . .

SCORE ONE FOR THE LAWYER

2011-08-11T22:18:00.003-04:00

I'm editing "In God Is Our Trust," this week, reviewing 2 great books, and writing a blurb for a friend's upcoming release, so suffice it to say I'm swamped and unable to write another cohesive thought. So I dug into the archives to pull out this great piece I love, love, love. I hope you do too! Thanks! Laurie
******************************

For a history lover, this is nerd heaven as far as humor goes! I'm told this is a true story. If it is, I need to find this attorney because he is now my idol. If it's not, three cheers for the creative genius who came up with this!

*******
A New Orleans lawyer sought an FHA loan for a client. He was told the loan would be granted if he could prove satisfactory title to a parcel of property being offered as collateral. The title to the property dated back to 1803, which took the lawyer three months to track down. After sending the information to the FHA, he received the following reply.

(Actual reply from FHA):
"Upon review of your letter adjoining your client's loan application, we note that the request is supported by an Abstract of Title. While we compliment the able manner in which you have prepared and presented the application, we must point out that you have only cleared title to the proposed collateral property back to1803. Before final approval can be accorded, it will be necessary to clear the title back to its origin."

Annoyed, the lawyer responded as follows:
(Actual response):
"Your letter regarding title in Case No.189156 has been received. I note that you wish to have title extended further than the 206 years covered by the present application. I was unaware that any educated person in this country, particularly those working in the property area, would not know that Louisiana was purchased by the United States from France in 1803, the year of origin identified in our application.

For the edification of uninformed FHA bureaucrats, the title to the land prior to U.S. ownership was obtained from France , which had acquired it by Right of Conquest from Spain. The land came into the possession of Spain by Right of Discovery made in the year 1492 by a sea captain named Christopher Columbus, who had been granted the privilege of seeking a new route to India by the Spanish monarch, Queen Isabella. The good Queen Isabella, being a pious woman and almost as careful about titles as the FHA, took the precaution of securing the blessing of the Pope before she sold her jewels to finance Columbus 's expedition.

Now the Pope, as I'm sure you may know, is the emissary of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and God, it is commonly accepted, created this world. Therefore, I believe it is safe to presume that God also made that part of the world called Louisiana. God, therefore, would be the owner of origin and His origins date back to before the beginning of time, the world as we know it, and the FHA. I hope you find God's original claim to be satisfactory.

Now, may we have our loan?"

The loan was immediately approved.

BLOG CONTEST FOR "RIBBON OF DARKNESS"

2011-08-08T18:21:00.003-04:00

Good friend and veteran suspense author, Julie Bellon, has a new edge-of-your-seat novel hitting store shelves this week, "Ribbon of Darkness," and to kick off the launch she is hosting a blog contest today, 8/8 with a special offer.

This novel is packed with romantic suspense and international intrigue that Meridian reviewer Jennie Hansen called, "gripping."

In order to help spread the word about its availability in stores and on Kindle, Ribbon of Darkness Kindle Edition is being offered at a special launch price of . . . you guessed it . . . $8.88!

Click here for the link:

But that’s not all! As a special bonus to her Ribbon of Darkness launch, Time Will Tell Kindle edition will also be on sale for $4.88.

Click here for that link.

So what’s the contest? All you have to do is help Julie get the word out about Ribbon of Darkness and the special launch price by doing one or more of these things. Each one gets you an entry into the contest.

1. Become a follower of her blog and like me on Facebook. (Links are on Julie's blog's sidebar)

2. You could tweet about Ribbon of Darkness and the Kindle special launch price and link back to my blog.

3. You could mention Ribbon of Darkness and the Kindle special launch price on Facebook and link back to my blog.

4. You could mention Ribbon of Darkness and the Kindle special launch price on your blog and link back to my blog.

5. You could mention Ribbon of Darkness and the Kindle special launch price on your Google + and link back to my blog.

If you do any one of the five things posted above, leave a comment and tell Julie what you did and she will enter you in the first drawing.

(Don't know what to say? You could say something like this if you want or change it to suit your needs: "New novel Ribbon of Darkness is a gripping romantic suspense that will keep you turning pages all night long. Kindle edition on sale this week for $8.88 Read more at http://bit.ly/nQUGIU)

The prize for the first drawing is the choice of any one of my book titles listed below.

Through Love’s Trials
On the Edge
Dangerous Connections

If you do three or more of the things listed above, you can leave a comment and tell me what three things you did and I will enter you in the drawing for the grand prize---a full chapter edit from Ms. Shreditor herself! (Limit ten double-spaced pages) OR you can choose to have a secondary character named after you in my next book. (It's your chance to be immortalized!)

That's right. YOU can have a full chapter edit from a national editor for free or see your name in print. Your choice.

So, help Julie spread the word and truly make this her lucky day (and yours)!

MARYLAND PREMIER OF "JOSEPH"

2011-08-02T18:36:00.006-04:00

The film, "Joseph Smith: Volume one, Plates of Gold," was screened in Frederick, Maryland, Wednesday, August 3, at 7:00 p.m. at

It was a lovely, unique film about the Momon Prophet curently on it's debut preview tour. It's scheduled to arrive in Utah in September.

Follow the link to view the trailer and then read the comments below.

http://josephmovie.com/usa/trailer.php

And if you miss this screening, click the photo above and follow the links to other upcoming locations.

"The best film I have seen about Joseph Smith. Thank you!"

"I love this film. Even though I am a member of the Church and familiar with the story, I was overwhelmed and grateful that the director handled the subject matter so beautifully. I felt as if the film was made for me and the strengthening of my testimony. Thank you!"

"An impressive piece, that gives an almost intimate look into Joseph's life, his challenges and his great work."

"I am newly 'converted,' and I now have a stronger testimony. Thank you. Great missionary work!"

"I felt as if I was there. It was just as I imagined it, when reading the scriptures. I didn't notice the time pass."

"No film has touched my life as much as Plates of Gold."

"I learned a lot of new things about Joseph Smith and the coming forth of the Book of Mormon. My gratitude for Joseph Smith has grown."

"It's hard to take the Book of Mormon for granted after watching this film."

"Wonderful- my husband is not a member and he was very impressed. The film was very well acted, touching and full of suspense. Everything I expect of a good film!"

"I was so touched that I went home and emailed all my friends about this film."

"Joseph Smith was very well portrayed and had the right balance of earnestness and humor."

"The film was perfect. I have nothing more to say."

"Very well made! To experience this chapter of Joseph's life from a different perspective was inspiring and gives me strength not to give up. Thank you for this uplifting experience."

"I really enjoyed watching such an inspiring film in a movie theatre. I loved getting to know the young Joseph and his life better."

"It was very touching to watch how Joseph Smith became a prophet. When I read the Doctrine & Covenants and the Book of Mormon, it now has a whole new meaning."

"My children (15 and 11) loved the film and that says a lot!"

"One of the best films I have ever seen."

Author Tristi Pinkston gets ready to "HANG 'EM HIGH!!!"

2011-07-31T01:26:00.001-04:00

Author Tristi Pinkston is excited to announce the release of the third novel in her Secret Sisters Mysteries series.

Titled Hang ‘em High, this novel takes place on a dude ranch in Montana. When Ida Mae’s son invites her to come for a visit, of course she brings Arlette and Tansy along with her. They are expecting to spend the week looking at horses, avoiding the cows, and making amends in Ida Mae’s relationship with her son. What they don’t expect is to be stuck on the ranch in the middle of a blizzard and to be thrust headlong into the middle of a mystery.

***

Help Tristi celebrate her new novel in two ways. First, come participate in the two-week-long blog contest, where you can win a book nearly every single day! All the details are up on Tristi’s blog.

Second, come to the book launch!

You are invited to an

August Authorama!

Saturday, August 13th

Pioneer Book, 858 S. State, Orem

12 – 4 pm

Games, prizes, balloons, face painting,

and Dutch oven cobbler

prepared by world champion cook

Keith Fisher.

Authors Tristi Pinkston, J. Lloyd Morgan, Cindy Hogan,

Nichole Giles, and Heather Justesen

will all be there to sign books.

This is one book launch event

you will not want to miss!

AS THE SPACE SHUTTLES BECOME HISTORY, THEY LEAVE BEHIND AN INSPIRED GENERATION

2011-07-28T09:58:00.007-04:00

It’s fitting that as soon as people cross into the National Air and Space Museum they look up—at planes and rockets hanging above their heads, drawing visitors’ attention to the skies and to flight. And that is exactly where the young people I spoke with are still focused, despite the end of the Space Shuttle era with the landing of Atlantis, whose final flight touched down in the pre-dawn hours, Thursday, July 21, 2011.

The Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum’s two display facilities boast the largest collection of aeronautical vehicles and spacecraft in the world. From balloons to the Space Shuttle Discovery, the history of man’s reach for the heavens comes alive here.

July 21st was a fascinating day to tour the museum’s National Mall building. Some visitors came specifically because they knew that date would forever become a part of the museum’s history as it marked the end of the Shuttle program. Others simply were there because this museum, perhaps more than any other, awes them time and again.

Victor Arrieta and his wife first visited during their honeymoon trip, and today, on their 17th anniversary, they wanted to return with their daughters. “It’s quite an amazing journey that comes to an end today. I’m not even aware of [America’s] plan for the next one.” What he did know was that the Soviets’ Soyuz program was ready to fill the void. He discussed a conversation he had with his daughter as they admired the Apollo capsules. “I told [her] that it’s quite an amazing thing to look inside that piece of technology that sent man to the moon. It’s like watching Columbus’s ship.”

This archive of America’s triumphs in air and space will soon add another treasure to its inventory when the Space Shuttle “Discovery” comes to rest permanently at the museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia. Its current tenant, the Enterprise, will be moved to New York.

Sam Sepulveda, a volunteer at the information desk expressed his feelings about the end of the shuttle era. “Like everyone at NASA expressed this morning, it’s the end of an era for the space program, and the beginning of another one. The space shuttle has been a very successful program . . . that contributed a lot to the history of NASA and the space program for this country.”

And when will the Discovery arrive? Said Sepulveda, “It’s presently being prepared by NASA for transfer to the Smithsonian, and that will happen probably in the early part of next year.”

When Ohioans, and first-time museum visitors, Mike Stretch and his ten-year-old son Christopher, were asked about the end of the shuttle program, Christopher’s reaction was, “It kinda stinks to hear that.” Mike Stretch admits he followed the space program as a kid. “I saw the first landing on the moon with everyone else. What was exciting for me was pushing beyond our known boundaries. Once we did that it just opened new frontiers. It’s kind of like exploring the west. We thought that was the frontier at one point in time, and now look at it. Every time we take a step forward into something we don’t understand, it just opens up another door. That’s what so exciting about this place, because it’s all about steps people made to make us better, push us farther, faster.”

The Mahan family from California is a science and technology-oriented family, enjoying their first trip to the museum. Rachel loved seeing the spacecraft, while her sister Morgan was fascinated by the innovators and the milestones they reached. “I like learning about people who went in there and were the first ones, and were the best and the fastest.” Garrett enjoyed the progression of the technology. “I like seeing all the rockets, how different they are, what time period they were launched in, and how they were made.”

The Mahan children’s father, Mike, has no concerns about the end of the shuttle program. “My guys here are starting to imagine stuff that I could never even dream of. They’re picturing teleportation ideas where we were picturing just going into space. So [the shuttle program] may be a milestone at one point, but it causes their imaginations to move on to another point and to start working towards that next level.”

The Gardner family, from Ohio were glad they just happened to come to the museum on this historic day. Sally Gardner looked at her teen-aged sons and said, “We had Apollo missions, and we saw it all progress, and you guys have been around since it’s been happening and we’ve been going to the moon, so I hope they have an appreciation for how far we’ve come.” Her son Evan said, “I think we could potentially start moving on to exploring farther planets.”

As the Space Shuttle program passes into history, it leaves behind a new, inspired generation of minds and hearts who are ready to extend their reach “into infinity and beyond.”

LESSONS FROM DC

2011-07-23T07:56:00.007-04:00

The lights in D.C. never went out at night last week as officials scramble to prepare for a default over the debt crisis. Many things are going wrong in Washington, but there is still so much to celebrate about this city and the ideals it represents.

The words engraved on this monument touched me deeply as I stood outside the National Archives building: “The heritage of the past is the seed that brings forth the harvest of the future.” This building was the cherry on top of this trip to D.C. The temperature outside the Archive Building was 100 with a heat index of 114, and the lines inside were long, but it was all worth it to see the new exhibit of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.

I know I’ve said it before, but a sacred spirit envelopes the places and documents of liberty. I felt it so strongly there, and I wasn’t the only one. A large group of well-dressed high school-age youth were in line ahead of me, waiting to enter the Rotunda where the documents are on display. They were talking and texting and flirting while the line inched forward, but as soon as they crossed into the Rotunda, a hush came over them too. They whispered their awe as they pointed to the signatures of Washington, Jefferson, Adams, Madison, Franklin and Hancock—men so revered they’re almost mythical. It was an incredible cap on my week.

On Thursday, I visited the Smithsonian Institute’s National Air and Space Museum on the National Mall on the day of the Space Shuttle Atlantis’s final touchdown, to speak with parents and youth about the significance of the end of the shuttle program and this date in aeronautical history. I walked away buoyed by their enthusiasm and vision of the future.

I’ve been to DC many times with family, on school trips and with friends, but this was the first time I’ve ever gone alone, walking the city at my own pace, seeing whatever the spirit led me to. It was wonderful. I heard dozens of tongues and dialects spoken by diverse people from many lands, reminding me that Washington is a global city.

Two moments touched me deeply. One occurred at the White House, the other at the Washington Monument. Both drove a point deep into my heart—that despite the troubles looming in government, this is a city of hope, a light on a hill for people everywhere.

I was interviewing people, asking them about their impressions of the city when I saw this beautiful mother pushing a stroller with two children in it—a baby and a three year-old. I asked her what brought her to the city and she replied, “My daughter wanted to see where Barack Obama lives.” As they neared the gate and caught their first view of the south side of the White House, three-year-old Maya squealed, “That’s Barack Obama’s house!”

Politics aside, I caught the excitement President Obama still represents to many people. This was very personal to this family, and it pulled me from my small town, conservative platform and helped me acknowledge the importance his presence in the White House represents to many.

The other moment reminded me how interconnected we all are. It was blazing hot, and at the edge of the Ellipse a perforated hose had been set out, providing a cool sprinkler for overheated tourists. A Chinese family played in the cool mist, running back and forth and squealing as the cold wetness hit them. A mounted Park Police Officer rode over, allowing the children an up close glimpse of his horse between runs through the mist. It captured so many aspects of this wonderful city.

I turned to cross the street to walk to the Washington Monument and I saw a Muslim family, including several fully-draped women posing in the heat for photos on the walkway. A moment later I witnessed what was for me a stunning moment when a Chinese woman offered to take a group photo of the women. So there we had it—a Chinese woman taking a photo of a Muslim family as they stood before the flag-surrounded Washington Monument. It was an iconic image. You couldn’t script a better moment.

I love this city. I love what it represents, and no matter what happens, the ideals are alive in America’s people and in the people who still look to that light on “the Hill.”

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

2011-07-20T07:42:00.003-04:00

My husband, Tom, was assigned to attend a computer show in D.C. this week, and since he had no helpers for the first day, I was invited to come and assist. The timing is especially providential for me. I left home with the final ending of book five, "In God We Trust," the final volume of my FREE MEN and DREAMERS series, unwritten. I've been struggling over two potential endings, and now I'll write the final account, and the words, "THE END," while sitting in my hotel room here in DC.

It will be a particularly sweet coda to the series that revolves around this city, and the affect American historical events had in preparing America to become the cradle of the Restoration. I have to admit to feeling this is turning out to be a sweet personal gift to me.

We're in a rather swanky hotel room here on Pennsylvania Avenue. A view of the Washington Monument greets me from our window, two blocks down is the White House, and several blocks behind me sits the Capitol--pretty amazing inspiration since part of the final scene is a confrontational moment at the Capitol.

It's blazing hot in DC this week, as it is everywhere right now. Since today is the "coolest" day of the remaining two of this trip, (under 100 degrees) I'm taking part of today to walk around the Ellipse and take photos. I can't miss this opportunity!

Then it's back to the hotel room to choose an ending, and type the words, "THE END."

Wish me luck!

ALMOST AT THE FINISH LINE

2011-07-15T10:54:00.002-04:00

For those who've been waiting for the release date, this news will disappoint--book five, "IN GOD IS OUR TRUST," won't hit store shelves until September.

Having a real date and seeing the end of the series is somewhat surreal. I've been on this history treadmill for eight years, living under a slide rule of deadlines. I'm ready for a rest, but I absolutely needed this volume to satisfy my readers, and me, and I feel confident it will.

Someday I'll write about the spiritual experience I had in March that changed the direction of the book and forced a delay in its release. I prayed for something, I received what I needed, and it has been that way ever since, with facts and ideas flowing like a steady stream to me in the moment of my need. This is the book I was supposed to write. I am pleased with it now.

I made one of those promises, or trade-offs, to buy the time I needed to clear almost everything from my calendar so I could finish this volume, and when "OH SAY CAN YOU SEE" is launched, I'm taking some time off to fulfill it.

So that's the news today. My cover designer is laying out the cover, the marketing consultant is planning a signing tour, and we'll have ads in book mags and on the radio. A web guy is designing book trailers, and another one will be designing a new web site since my old one is broken. So we've got people hopping and helping to make the launch great. Can't wait!

laurie

THE MORAL MALAISE

2011-07-13T05:48:00.003-04:00

I didn't say much following the verdict in the Casey Anthony trial. I was shocked, and angry that she wasn't, at the very least, charged with neglect for failing to report Caley as missing for thirty-one days. To me, that made her an accessory after the fact. But I am even more shocked by the lynch-mob mentality overtaking America in regards to the jurists. This is wrong, and it needs to stop.

I had the same knee-jerk reaction at first. "What were they thinking?" But bravo for cooler heads that pointed out that the jurists didn't have a twenty-four-seven narrative of "experts" decoding and translating every detail from every angle. They only had what was presented in court, and that had to be evaluated using the instructions they were given.

What, perhaps, offended me most during the trial was the dearth of truth and honesty, and with it, the casualness with which people lied under oath, because, (and this was a shock to me), people are rarely prosecuted for perjury. Really?

Worse yet is the Mack-truck-wide hole a liar opens up in a defense or prosecutorial case through lying, because now that entire witness's testimony can be thrown out. So a wise strategy in any case could easily be to find a few liars who will perjure themselves here and there, frustrating the prosecution, causing the judge to cast out pages and hours of crucial testimony, and in the end, confusing the jury. It's brilliant, it's frightening, and it threatens our judicial system.

John Adams knew the slippery slope America would face if the day came when integrity and honesty were no longer the underpinnings of our society. Said he, "Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other."
We're still rolling from Wall Street's and corporate America's lack of moral and ethical integrity. People's confidence in the integrity and honesty of its leaders is at a new low. Now our courts are infected with a moral malaise.

Moms and dads, grandparents, neighbors and teachers, it's time to up our game, to live a more morally-perfect life, to extol virtue every chance we get, and to eschew actions that sidestep honesty and integrity. We need to raise a virtuous generation. In so doing, we can right our crooked course.

And we need to hold people accountable for cheating, lying, stealing, harming society in any way. We don't need to be Draconian about it. Justice is the counterpart of mercy, but let's care enough to call right--right, and wrong--wrong, and make it matter. And let's hurry.

BOOKS FOR GLENN BECK

2011-07-10T17:52:00.005-04:00

For years, people have encouraged me to send a set of Free Men and Dreamers books to Glenn Beck. I declined for lots of reasons--I never thought he'd ever actually see them, and I knew he liked his history straight up.

A friend of my husband named Pete is a huge supporter of the Wounded Warriors Project--an organization dedicated to supporting wounded soldiers and their families. He knows Glenn Beck personally because he is also a huge supporter of these heroes.
Pete provided a very special and beautiful box--a humidor emblazoned with the official White House Seal--for me to use as a "mailer," and then I heard the announcement that Glenn's Show was about to be cancelled. I decided the books would make a nice thank you gift for all he's taught me during his show. Here's what I appreciated about Glenn Beck.

. . .For Founder Fridays, for rekindling a love of the Founding Fathers and their principles in this generation.

. . . For inciting enough concern in me that I called my husband and said, "Would you like to go on a date with me tonight?"
"Sure," he replied enthusiastically. "Where do you want to go?"
"To Costco. I watched Glenn Beck and I want to buy some more food storage."

. . . For being brave, and bold, and challenging us to do the same.

. . . For unabashedly loving God.

. . . For celebrating the courage and goodness of others.

. . . For shining a spotlight on people and groups playing hide and seek with our freedoms

. . . For making individuals feel as if there is power in the "one."

His show was cancelled because a group called "The Color of Change" threatened his advertisers if they continued to sponsor his show, and because his supporters didn't answer back with equal power and in equal numbers, Fox eventually numbered his days.

He came in big, and he exited larger than life. Yes, he was outrageous, and uncivil at times, but overall, he smacked our complacency into vigilance, and he scared the beejeebers out of the left.

Whether or not you cared for his tactics, he made you think, he made you "question everything," and he made you feel something--anger, fear, pride, courage. . .

Two weeks after sending the books I received an envelope from New York. Inside was a signed photo from Glenn, a letter from one of his staffers, these stickers you see advertising his "Faith, Hope, and Charity" lessons, and his new "E to the fourth" project which revolves around the concepts of "Enlightenment, Education, Empowerment and Entrepreneurship."

He's still out there in the Internet and on the radio, riling us up, calling us to action, like a modern-day Captain Moroni waving a new "Title of Liberty."

Thank you, Mr. Beck. Yes, we're still listening and thinking.

HEAD EAST FOR GREAT AMERICAN HISTORY

2011-07-03T16:49:00.002-04:00

We're about to conclude my FREE MEN and DREAMERS series with the much anticipated August release of volume five, "In God Is Our Trust." Throughout these past five years of the series, I've appreciated fans' interest in American History, and as a result, I've been assembling a series of articles on places to visit and thigns to see during the next four historic years as America celebrates and remembers two pivotal anniversaries--the bicentennial of the War of 1812, and the Sesquicentennial od the Civil War.

The series of articles begins today with the publication of "Going East to rediscover America." Deseret News' print subscribers can find it in Jul 3rd, 2011, Section C, Page 10.

For online readers, you can find it here.

I'll post the links as each succeeding article appears. Thanks!

HOW AMERICA MARKED HER 50th YEAR

2011-07-01T07:37:00.007-04:00

The Jubilee actually kicked off in 1824, when President James Monroe extended an invitation to the Marquis de Lafayette, a Revolutionary War hero, inviting him to come to America for an extended tour of the nation he helped liberate. Monroe’s hope was that this visit would launch Jubilee festivities and help instill the spirit of 1776 in a rising generation.

From the moment he arrived at Staten Island, America rolled out the red carpet to the French “adopted son” of her beloved George Washington. As he toured all 24 states, he discovered the extent of America’s gratitude. Children, colleges and even entire cities had been named for him, and monuments to him were found across the nation’s expanse.

Most poignant was the attention Lafayette paid to Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington, and to the family of his deceased but adored friend. He spent time at Monticello as well, visiting Thomas Jefferson in his home, and for a few days, two lions of liberty were again assembled.

The mayor of Washington established a Jubilee Committee to plan a 50th celebration for the nation's capital. Similar celebrations were planned for cities throughout the 24 states, but the mayor of the nation’s capital had the clout and distinction to request the attendance of a special set of guests. The three surviving signers of the Declaration of Independence — Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and Charles Carroll — were invited, as were the surviving past presidents of the United States, which included Jefferson and Adams as well as James Madison and James Monroe. None were able to attend that day, but the request for their attendance reminds us that they remained larger than life, a nation’s last physical connection to its past.

Each wrote letters of regret that ran in Washington’s newspaper, The National Intelligencer, on the day of the Jubilee, July 4, 1826. It is in reading Thomas Jefferson’s letter that we capture the final mindset of the author of the Declaration of Independence and his charge to a nation he would soon leave behind.

Ill and bed-bound, his words did not flow easily, as his heavily edited first draft reveals, but he persevered until the passion and spirit that consumed him in 1776 again revitalized his mind. The final version, written and sent on June 24, 1826, is below.

Respected Sir:
The kind invitation I received from you, on the part of the citizens of the city of Washington, to be present with them at their celebration of the Fiftieth Anniversary of American Independence, as one of the surviving signers of an instrument, pregnant with our own and the fate of the world, is most flattering to myself, and heightened by the honorable accompaniment proposed for the comfort of such a journey. It adds sensibly to the sufferings of sickness, to be deprived by it of a personal participation in the rejoicings of that day; but acquiescence is a duty under circumstances not placed among those we are permitted to control. I should, indeed, with peculiar delight, have met and exchanged there congratulations, personally, with the small band, the remnant of that host of worthies who joined with us on that day, in the bold and doubtful election we were to make, for our country, between sub-mission and the sword; and to have enjoyed with them the consolatory fact that our fellow citizens, after half a century of experience and prosperity, continue to approve the choice we made. May it be to the world, what I believe it will be, (to some parts sooner, to others later, but finally to all,) the signal of arousing men to burst the chains, under which monkish ignorance and superstition had persuaded them to bind them-selves, and to assume the blessings and security of self-government. The form which we have substituted restores the free right to the unbounded exercise of reason and freedom of opinion. All eyes are opened or opening to the rights of man. The general spread of the light of science has already laid open to every view the palpable truth, that the mass of mankind has not been born with saddles on their backs, nor a favored few, booted and spurred, ready to ride them legitimately, by the grace of God. These are grounds of hope for others; for ourselves, let the annual return of this day forever refresh our recollections of these rights, and an undiminished devotion to them.

Nine days later, this brilliant, questioning mind took its final rest, leaving behind counsel that remains timeless and timely. May we all reflect and remember.
* * *
Laurie LC Lewis's award-winning Free Men and Dreamers historical fiction series is set against events of the War of 1812. Volume four, "Oh Say Can You See?, was released in 2010. Volume five, "In God Is Our Trust," is set for a summer 2011 release.

One Small town’s 9/11 Memorial: AN ENDURING TESTAMENT TO THE AMERICAN SPIRIT

2011-06-30T14:56:00.001-04:00

THAT AIN'T WHAT I WAS TAUGHT IN SCHOOL!

2011-06-28T06:18:00.003-04:00

I recently posted an article about the Star-Spangled Banner titled "The First Icon of America" in The Deseret News Online for Flag Day. It included a quote from of a British man who upon visiting the birthplace of the flag, Fort McHenry, commented that no other country reveres her flag quiet the way America does.

That comment stirred up considerable controversy from a particular reader who felt I had insulted the rest of the known universe for stating such a politically-prejudiced comment. Never mind that a Briton said it.

Other readers shot up to defend the right to say whatever we want about the flag and it got a bit testy. I was saddened that to some people, the right to even cheer and love the flag was seen as insensitive.

On the other side of the equation, I was equally saddened to see, through one reader's comment, how skewed our view of American history really is. Worse yet? That reader was a teacher.

Fables abound in American history. Some innocently arose due to mythical nature ascribed to these beloved American heroes. Sometimes history was skewed because the most common form of entertainment of the day was dinner conversation, and a guest with ample storytelling skill, and good stories to share, could get invitations to the best parties. Such was the case of Mason Locke Weems, author and disseminator of the "George Washington-cutting-down-the-cherry-tree" story.

Some fables grew because family connections to history, and good timing, could prove financially beneficial. Case in point being the Betsy Ross story, which no historian will touch today. Yes, she sewed flags, and yes, she was acquainted with Robert Morris and possibly George Washington, but no document, no writing of Ross's, and no entry of any of the principles, confirms any part of the tale that she sewed the first flag of the nation. I know that news breaks the hearts of a generation raised on that sweet tale, but the truth is Ross's grandson was in danger of losing the family home around the time of the centennial, and he began spinning that tale just in time to bring guests to his home to see where the flag was made. It saved the home, and tainted history.

The comment made against my article was from a woman who rejected the story about the Star-Spangled Banner being lowered during the Battle of Baltimore when a storm began. Instead of the large banner flying through the wind and rain, which likely would have made the flag too heavy, causing it to possibly snap, the smaller storm flag flew through the night, and the large garrison flag was raised before dawn so the British and the Americans would see that the fort had withstood the 23-hour bombardment.

She also didn't like the idea that the tattered edges of the flag were made by the fort's commander, Major Armistead, who cut pieces off the end and mailed them to friends and patriots who wanted a memento from the valiant banner. Like her, I too was told those tears were sacred battle scars. As a child I had been taken to the Smithsonian to reverently stand and gaze upon the scarred fabric, and I was awed. The true story is less dramatic, but carries its own patriotic charm, about a beleaguered people who rallied around this rectangle of fabric until it became precious--a thing to be treasured. That's no small matter, is it?

A few months ago I came across a You Tube video by a pastor telling the story of the Star-Spangled Banner. His version was dramatic, and likely caused many to shed a tear, but it was terribly flawed and inaccurate. He was called on it, and the person making the comment straightened out the facts in a beautiful, non-judgmental way. In the end, the pastor apologized, re-wrote his presentation, and continues his efforts to spread American patriotism and love of country using solid facts. Bravo to that pastor and the man who corrected him with kindness.

History evolves as documents are uncovered, archaeologists make new finds, and scientific testing improves. Truth should be what we seek. In the end, the real story will be as compelling as a fable, because it tells the true response of a people in their own day. Holding the line on truth in recording history will become more critical. Parents need to take the lead on this and expose their children to America's past. Don't count on textbooks and teachers to do it all.

MO-TAB FLASH MOB AT WILLIAMSBURG

2011-06-22T21:37:00.001-04:00

Three of my favorite things combine in one irreplaceable moment--Early American history, Williamsburg, Va, and Motab!

MIDSUMMERS EVE HOP

2011-06-20T23:35:00.003-04:00

Thank you to the "I'M A READER NOT A WRITER" blog for setting up another great hop. This one runs from midnight Monday, June 20, to midnight on Friday, June 24th.

The prize this hop is a reader's choice of any volume from my FREE MEN AND DREAMERS series plus an American Flag!

TO win, do any of the following. Each item adds an additional entry. Each entry MUST be posted separately to be counted.

I'm writing historical pieces for newspapers now to reach new readers, so our entry opportunities include visiting places where I post. Here's how you enter:

1. You must be or become a follower of this blog.

2. Stop by KSL online and peek at my most recent article at http://www.ksl.com/?sid=15870482

3. Link to the above article on Facebook.

4. Link to the above article on Twitter

Thanks! Now visit all these other great blogs!

FOR FATHER'S DAY-Tom's Favorite Macaroni and Cheese

2011-06-19T14:04:00.001-04:00

Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Description:
Can be very mild like Kraft or very sharp depending on what cheese you select. Unless you like a very pungent dish, avoid extremely strong cheeses. We like a mixture of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack. This is a good budget stretcher and it can be prepared ahead of time and frozen.
Ingredients:

2 Tbls. Butter 1 tsp. dry mustard
2 Tbls. Flour 2 c. (8 oz.) elbow macaroni
1 tsp salt ¼ c. buttered bread crumbs
2 ½ c. milk 2 c. (8 oz) shredded cheese
paprika

Directions:
Cook macaroni as directed. Drain. Melt butter. Remove from heat. Blend in flour, salt and mustard. Add milk, heat, stirring constantly until sauce thickens a little and is smooth. Add 1 ½ cups cheese, heat until melted, stirring occasionally. In a buttered 2 qt. casserole, combine sauce and macaroni. Top with remaining cheese, bread crumbs, and paprika. Bake at 375 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until nicely browned and bubbly. Serves 4-6

Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Meals Servings: 8

ENJOY! Happy Father's Day!

ON FATHERS

2011-06-18T08:19:00.002-04:00

Tomorrow is Father's Day, and I thought I'd post this quote:

"The father of a daughter is nothing but a high-class hostage. A father turns a stony face to his sons, berates them, shakes his antlers, paws the ground, snorts, runs them off into the underbrush, but when his daughter puts her arm over his shoulder and says, 'Daddy, I need to ask you something,' he is a pat of butter in a hot frying pan." -- Garrison Keillor

That quote is not accurate and applicable in this home. Tom turns to butter when any of his kids lay an arm across his shoulders. Dad was the Good Fairy, and Mom? I was reality, baby! I was the law, Dad was mercy. He loved being mercy and fun. His job took him away from home a good bit of the time, so his arrival meant baseball and cookouts and a long list of repairs to essential things that broke while he was away. He was a hero who could fix anything--a bike, an overdrawn checking account at college, a cell-phone or computer disaster. He still does and he still can. He's our McGyver.

It's hard being a hero with a shrinking following as his fans and admirers grow up and leave home to faraway adventures of their own. But like that old "Cat's in the Cradle" song, his boys are growing up to be a lot like him. And what better tribute is there to Father's Day than that?

In honor of Father's Day tell me something wonderful about your dad or father. Post yout comment below. Ready, set, brag!

THE AGONY AND THE ECSTASY

2011-06-17T11:16:00.003-04:00

I recently began submitting articles to a group of related magazines and newspapers. It's a diversion from the work on my manuscript, but an effort to reach new readers. I'm not an utter newbie to reviews and having other people critique and express their opinion about my work, but the news world is a different arena, and freelancers will find themselves requiring more immediate literary first aid.

The article goes online, and minutes later subscribers are letting you know whether or not they agree with your take on a topic. Some are kind. Some comment as if they've been sharpening their claws for just such a moment.

Controversy spurs more readers, as they incite their neighbors to also rail against the writer, so seasoned news-vets welcome the negative comments as well as the positive. But me? Not so much. I'm a novelist with tender, "please love me" skin, and this is a very uncomfortable platform.

I've written a few humorous "lifestyle" pieces, and about four historical articles. I then wrote a slightly controversial article about Hollywood's liberal agenda and that piece had surpassed all the others in total hits. But it also garnered the most comments--about one and half per every thousand readers, most disagreeing with the article's subject's position.

My peers express the same over reading negative reviews. It's our nature. What drives us to create tender characters and compelling story lines comes from our own experiences, our own fears and concerns. In short, WE are in every line we write, and that makes negative reviews sting.

I'd love to survey men and see if a negative review affects them the same way it affects the women. Is it that need to be liked? That personalization of all negative feedback that makes a single person's negative opinion erase all the positive?

When the US Women's Soccer Team won the world title they were asked what made them so successful. One of the players answered, "Our coach. He coached us like men but treated us like women."

When asked to elaborate, her explanation was profound and has remained with me, proving itself to be true over and over. "He coached us like men, pushing us hard, to be our best and to keep improving, but he treated us like women. He understood that if you tell a roomful of men, 'Someone on the team isn't pulling their weight,' the men will likely look at one another and say, "Which one of you isn't pulling your weight," but if you say the same thing to a roomful of women, they will each say to themselves, "He thinks I'm not pulling my weight."

It's incredible, isn't it? Maybe I should write an article about that!

Anyway, sales are up on the books since the historical articles appeared, and though the release date is delayed, we're still hoping for a late summer release on "In God Is Our Trust." Thanks for all the support!

Laurie

THE MOST BELOVED FLAG OF ALL

2011-06-13T22:05:00.002-04:00

My Flag Day article as it appears in Deseret News Online.

FLAG DAY HISTORY AND CONTEST

2011-06-13T15:26:00.001-04:00

On June 14th, 1777, the Continental Congress approved the design of a national flag with these words:

Resolved, that the Flag of the thirteen United States shall be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the Union be thirteen stars, white on a blue field, representing a new constellation.

Betsy Ross, pictured above, was long attributed with the task of sewing that first national banner. Historians have recently stepped away from tying her to the creation of that banner, saying only that she was a flag maker, and that she may have known General Washington. But the importance of the adoption of the flag remains the focus of national Flag Day ceremonies.

The holiday status of the day is attributed to two school teachers who designed celebrations for their students around the adoption of the Stars and Stripes. In 1885, BJ Cigrand, planned a program for the students of the Fredonia, Wisconsin Public School, District 6 to mark this patriotic date as "Flag Birthday." Cigrand maintained his observance of the "Flag Day" during the next few years.

Four years later, kindergarten teacher George Baulch also planned a program for students his New York City school. The New York School system adopted the commemoration. Flag Day observances began occurring at the Betsy Ross House in Philadelphia and various patriotic groups began holding their own commemorative events.

Though Flag Day was established through an official Proclamation of President Woodrow Wilson on May 30th, 1916, the date wasn't set aside as a national holiday until August 3, 1949 when President Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14th as National Flag Day.

Local areas will be hosting a variety of commemorative events. Baltimore's Fort McHenry, and her Flag House museum, each of which are connected to the beloved Star-Spangled Banner, make spectacular places to enjoy this celebration of the Stars and Stripes. But everyone can participate in the "National Pause for the Pledge." Wherever you are at 7:00 p.m., stop for a moment, and recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

In honor of Flag Day, I'm giving away a 3x5 foot American flag and a copy of David McCullough's "1776."

Here's how you enter:

1. You must be or become a follower of this blog.

2. Share a personal, patriotic moment in the comment box below.

Thanks! The winner will be drawn June 15th at midnight.

MY CLOSET CLEANIN' CONTEST

2011-06-08T09:50:00.006-04:00

My closet is bursting with books--sooooo many books. I've selected a few I've read, enjoyed and reviewed, and I'm giving them away in a bundle.

So yes, they're previously read--a bit tattered at the edges, and they cover a multitude of LDS genres--a gripping, historical fiction; an eerie YA fantasy; a sweet historical romance; an inspiring biography; and a darling suspense.

Yes, that's five, used, loved books in all! Interested in getting them?

Let's do something fun for an entry. I'm pretty stressed-out as we finish up Free men and Dreamers, so I could use some easy warm-weather recipes that comfort and come together quickly. Send me a recipe, and I'll enter you in the drawing.

Enter as many times as you want,but you must already be, or become a follower of my blog. That's it. Ready, set, enter! We'll pull the winner on Saturday, June 12.

THE HOLLYWOOD AGENDA

2011-06-06T13:57:00.004-04:00

The line about "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas," no longer applies to Hollywood, at least not since author Ben Shapiro's candidly revealing book, Primetime Propaganda," and the videoed interviews with Hollywood execs upon which it is based hit the shelves and net.

Media's liberal influence on American culture through its programing and writing is no secret to most, but the arrogance with which some execs confess to Hollywood's manipulation of the national socio-political conscience shocked this writer.

Ben Shapiro pulled off the media equivalent of a Coup d-Etat when he secured permission from 39 Hollywood's members of Hollywood's elite club of producers and writers, willing to do an taped interview.

“Most of them didn’t Google me. If they had, they would have realized where I am politically,” he said. “I played on their stereotypes. When I showed up for the interviews, I wore my Harvard Law baseball cap — my name is Ben Shapiro and I attended Harvard, so there’s a 98.7 percent chance I’m a liberal. Except I happen not to be.”

The interviews are slowly being released onto the Internet. A few are already up. Some are too shocking to post without warnings, as these self-proclaimed open minds assail conservatives as "idiots" and "medieval thinkers," chuckling as they discuss how they snookered America. They openly admit only one train of thought is allowed to pull into the Hollywood station, and anyone whose ticket isn't punched "liberal" or "progressive" can't play or ride with the big boys and girls.

And don't think it's just the obvious envelope-pushers like MTV or the occasionally racy family shows like American Idol's Lady Gaga spectacle, that are setting the political and social agenda. No, no, no, my friend. It's in all of them to varying degrees, like seasoning changing the national flavor, one comment at a time.

Here are a few examples. I've ordered the book. Ladies and gentlemen, if you haven't already, you may want to walk away from your TV.

FATHER'S DAY BOOK BUNDLE

2011-06-03T09:59:00.001-04:00

Are you looking for a great gift idea for

FATHER'S DAY?

Father's Day is fast approaching,

and in lieu of a signing, we're bundling a

FREE MEN AND DREAMERS

Father's Day package dads will love!

Seagull and Deseret are selling volume two,

"Twilight's Last Gleaming"

at a special discount, so. . .

Buy volumes 1 and 2. . .

"Dark Sky at Dawn" and "Twilight's Last Gleaming,"

And I'll personally add volume 3,

"Dawn's Early Light"

to that bundle for $8 for your special dad.

That's less than half-price!

I'll also send along personalized book plates and bookmarks.

Purchase your copies at your local store, or online.
Just scan and email a copy of your receipt to
lclewis2007@gmail.com
by June 11th,
along with the name of the recipient,
and I'll sign the bookplates, and send your book and free gifts along in time for Father's Day!

* * *
Volume four, "Oh Say Can You See"
is on store shelves now,
and volume five, "In God Is Our Trust,"
will be available in late summer 2011

HISTORY MORE COMPELLING THAN FICTION

2011-06-02T10:12:00.003-04:00

I recently posted on Facebook that I had found a misplaced piece of critical electronic research which brought me great relief and no small amount joy. It was critical because it was the most comprehensive report on an event I'm using in "In God Is Our Trust," an event many people will think is too over-the-top to be true. I needed proof.

It's often the case in historical research, that the truth is far more compelling than any fiction we could write, creating two dilemmas--the above-mentioned need for corroboration, and the difficulty in writing believable fiction that matches that level of real tension or conflict.

I can't tell you what I found without giving away a major plot line in the book, but I can tell you it occurred in Philadelphia, and that it changes the lives of one of our most beloved characters. You'll hate what happens, but you'll turn pages furiously to a satisfying resolution. And it's all based on real events.

I spoke with my publishers a few days ago, and explained that this manuscript is becoming more complex than I imagined, so we're pushing the release back to late summer. I apologize for that, but I need this book to answer everything, to resolve every plot line, and to satisfy you and me. And it will, just a bit later than we planned.

In other news, I never got around to mailing the set of books to Glenn Beck yet. I can't explain why, but now I'm ready. We're boxing them up in this amazing White House humidor, and sending them off this week. We'll see what happens next.

My web site is locked up, so we need to redo that as well. Lots going on. Crazy days right now, but a good kind of crazy.

Thanks so much!
laurie

LET'S CELEBRATE THE EMBLEM OF THE LAND I LOVE!

2011-06-01T09:34:00.002-04:00

Flag Day is fast approaching on June 14, and in a day when some people treat saying the Pledge of the Allegiance to the flag as a grave controversy, I’d like to raise a voice of celebration for the red, white and blue, and for the day set aside to honor it.

Next year, America will mark the bicentennial of the War of 1812, culminating in 2014with the bicentennial of our National Anthem and the flag that inspired it. Sadly, unless you live in a War of 1812 historic zone, you may have heard little hoopla over this anniversary, a sobering thing considering that most historians agree that this is the moment America became united—the United States of America.

I live in Maryland, surrounded by War of 1812 history—-the Chesapeake Campaign and Commodore Joshua Barney’s audacious Chesapeake Flotilla; the dark days surrounding burning of Washington; the critical Battle of Baltimore; its star-shaped guardian--Fort McHenry; and the most famous and beloved of all flags, the Star Spangled Banner. The Smithsonian has gone to extensive efforts to preserve and study this American icon. The exhibit is beautiful and a must-see for anyone coming to Washington D.C.

There are fables and myths that abound over America’s banner. Though Flag Day celebrants visiting Philadelphia will still see Betsy Ross’s house front and center that day, most historians shy away from her fabled place as the sewer of the first American flag. Two highly respected historians each told me to avoid her story with a ten-foot pole while researching material for FREE MEN and DREAMERS, attributing her story to a grandson who took a few threads of truth and aggrandized his grandmother’s place in history to get the needed funds to pay the mortgage on the family home. Search the Internet and you’ll still see tributes to Betsy Ross as Washington’s go-to seamstress, but this article most closely illustrates the reasons why Betsy Ross’s involvement is becoming more fable than fact.

The Flag House Museum in Baltimore celebrates the Pickersgill women who sewed the famed and beloved, Star-Spangled Banner. The Flag House will be hosting its observance of the holiday beginning on Saturday, June 11, but a trip here is a spectacular treat anytime. Learn about how the flag was sewn at night on the floor of the malthouse, (brewery), the only floor large enough to lay it out.

Visitors to the Baltimore area should place Fort McHenry on their must-see list as well. This is the famed star-shaped fort that survived the British assault September 13-14, 1814, and was memorialized in Key’s National Anthem. Here’s a link to the fort’s summer newsletter of activities.

So whether you visit the Smithsonian, Baltimore's plethora of flag sites, or others in your own community, there are lots of patriotic things for families to enjoy while teaching critical American history and instilling the crucial values of honor, gratitude, and patriotism.

Whatever you do, try to include this national observance of the day--at 7:00 p.m. Americans a on June 14, Americans are asked to pause and repeat the Pledge of Allegiance wherever they are.

MEMORIAL DAY TRIBUTES

2011-05-30T06:48:00.001-04:00

Thank you to all the men and women of the armed forces, and to their families, who also sacrifice and serve this nation. We will not forget.

How it began. . .

SPLASH INTO SUMMER BOOK BLOG HOP!!!

2011-05-25T03:01:00.001-04:00

SPLASH INTO SUMMER BOOK BLOG HOP!!!

I'll soon be launching book five of my Free Men and Dreamers series, "IN GOD IS OUR TRUST," but since that release is still a few weeks away, I'm offering the winner their choice of two prizes--an autographed copy of the Free Men and Dreamers volume of their choice, or something special from book four's release, "OH SAY CAN YOU SEE?"

If you follow my books, you know I commission the creation of a signature piece of jewelry, fashioned by Sterling Obsessions, to especially reflect the theme of each book. For the release of "OH SAY CAN YOU SEE?" I had a special piece designed to reflect the upcoming bicentennial of the "War of 1812."

Only four of these necklaces were made.

The necklace being given away looks like the prototype below, except it has a blue and red bead, and a small silver banner that reads "1812-2012."

There are five chances to enter this giveaway. I use Random.org to select my winner so you MUST post each entry separately to have them each counted.

To enter. . .

1) Become a follower of this blog

2) "Friend me" on Facebook at http://tinyurl.com/3cxqbu4

3) Follow me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/laurielclewis

4) View the series trailer at http://tinyurl.com/3haevoj

5) Post the trailer on your Facebook page and post the address in your comment box

Thanks, and good luck! Now visit all the rest of the blogs between May 25 and May 31!

READERS and WRITERS for JOPLIN

2011-05-24T08:47:00.000-04:00

The scenes coming from Joplin, Missouri and other leveled small towns in the tornadoes' paths are overwhelming. The destruction is almost biblical.

A record number of lives are lost, families are shattered, whole communities obliterated from the map, acres of farmland lie in ruin, but the people are rallying to their neighbors' needs. We see it along the Mississippi, in Oklahoma, in Texas.

But they need tools. They need cash.

In April, at the Worldwide Semi-annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, several Church leaders spoke of the increase in natural disasters and suffering going on around the world, and they counseled us to be more generous and giving in the coming months. Here is a need, and an opportunity.

So will you donate the cost or value of a single book to the Red Cross, LDS Humanitarian Fund, or another reputable humanitarian fund this week? If all the readers and writers pitched in just the cost of one book, we could substantially increase these organizations' ability to help those in need.

Feel free to repost and spread the call. Thank you!

BOOK NOOK REVIEW

2011-05-16T10:29:00.002-04:00

CONVERSATIONS WITH A MOONFLOWER

Christine Hall

A friend called me with a book suggestion. "It's the greatest little book," she said. "I've already read it twice--once for fun and once to mark all the great quotes I want to remember."

She ran her copy over to me and sure enough, it was a darling book, small enough to tuck into a purse, but with ideas I would soon discover to be too great to absorb in one reading. As explained, its pages were indeed highlighted and underlined with notes written on most of the pages. Completely intrigued by this little treasure that had so captivated my friend, I dove in.

The story opens with the author's entire extended family attending to what at first seems like a sad chore--packing up generations of memories in their grandmother's old Cattaraugus County, New York farmhouse, tucked into the sweet innocence of Amish country. One of these Amish neighbors extends an invitation for the family to come and join them for an evening ritual of watching their moonflowers bloom. Intrigued, the author and several others attend this strange event, and they leave intrigued by this magnificent, fragile show that occurs at night, quite removed from the bustle of life, missed by all but those who stop long enough to enjoy it.

When the author is given a moonflower plant to take home as a gift, the very nature of this night-flowering spectacle requires her to slow down, stop, watch and wait, removing her from her normal routine and providing new and magnificent perspectives on life.

It is these treasured moments of great wisdom, shared while waiting on and sharing the moonflower's show, that are sprinkled throughout the book, like seeds of wisdom propagated by the gentle moonflower.

The brilliance of the book isn't the originality of the truths illustrated within its pages--insights on making judgments and on the astounding splendor of simple things; counsel to bloom when we're ready and to be gentle with ourselves; reminders of the power of simply being still sometimes--but rather in the way they are delivered. As the title suggests, they come through conversations Hall has with her floral friend, landing on our heart as gently as a butterfly, bringing no guilt, no judgment, only insight and peace imbued with encouragement.

I saw another, perhaps more powerful lesson in the book. For Hall, the moonflower was the catalyst to a different, less hurried, less harried lifestyle, but she shows us a broader truth, that wisdom can be found in small places and events all around each of us if we take the time to look and listen with our hearts.

We do not need a moonflower to learn these lessons, though Hall's book contains an offer to get moonflower seeds. She shows us that the real key was in her attitude that night in the New York countryside when she accepted the invitation to view the moonflower. Some could have discounted the night-blooming flower as wasted beauty, squandered during hours that didn't fit into the world's schedule. Like the Amish, Hall pondered the "why" of such a curious thing, and her answer? Some things are worth the wait.

Conversations with a Moonflower is a gem readers will keep close and return to many times. Though its lessons are genderless, it is written with a woman's perspective, and would make a perfect gift book.