Uncle Tom's Cabin

By far, "Uncle Tom's Cabin" captivated me more than most any book I've read to present. I can see why it sold in popularity during its time, second only to the Bible.

Harriet Beecher Stowe, the author, had a calling, and she responded with passion. Not only did the book speak to me of how men can enslave other men in brutality, but of what happens when a person is brave enough to write what they're passionate about.

Harriet took a great chance, and I am sure she was persecuted for having written and published "Uncle Tom's Cabin." I hope I'm not afraid to pursue what I believe I need to write and in all honesty.

"Uncle Tom's Cabin" is on my granddaughter's school reading list. Glad to know schools are still bringing this fine book out in the open.

If you haven't read "Uncle Tom's Cabin," I encourage you to take the time. I believe you'll be glad you did.

Until next time . . . Read, read, read . . . Write, write, write.

Of Homeschooling and Summer Reading of "Uncle Tom's Cabin"

Whew! That was a long, but rewarding month of homeschooling my granddaughter, Carley. She finished up a bit later than public school, and she did it with high marks. She even whipped pre-algebra (she claims her most difficult subject, but this ol' nana knows better) and got an A in that. She worked hard, and I am proud of her.

Since Carley has left, I needed to unwind. I dove into my summer reading. Why is it that summer reading means classic books to me, I don't know, but I am swept up in the world of "Uncle Tom's Cabin."

I think I may have started "Uncle Tom's Cabin" years ago, but did not finish it for lack of time. This go around, I'm reading this book through. I love Harriet Beecher Stowe's style very much and truly wish second person would come back into popularity. It feels like a diary to me, and I do enjoy the diary.

I really love that she has an unashamed Christian message about Jesus Christ. How refreshing! I do adore Uncle Tom and could only hope I gain the faith like this man before I leave this earth.

I applaud Harriet and hope every child and adult will take the time to read an amazing exposure of cruelty sprinkled with the forgiveness and love of our Lord and Saviour.

For web information on Harriet, visit here. I love her quote: "There is more done with pens than swords." So true.

Did you know that Harriet belonged to the Semi-Colon Club? Visiting the club inspired her to write.

Now if only I could stop reading long enough to catch up on my e-mails.

Until next time . . .

Confident Writer

Do you lack confidence in your writing? Home school a child and watch your lack turn into an “I can do this” attitude.

I’m fortunate to home school my granddaughter, Carley, for four weeks. I’m helping to end her sixth grade year, while she visits from another state. I was more than a bit intimidated to take on the responsibility to teach her. Since I never finished formal high school, but took the GED test, my lack of confidence held me back some what.

No longer.

My granddaughter taught me a bit of pre-algebra as I mentioned in the last post. That was a defining moment to undo another defining moment.

My first grade teacher told my mother about me, “Your daughter is friendly, but not real smart.”

That comment created a lack in me that I’ve stumbled over my entire life. Now, at age fifty-six, I see the world a little differently all because of a twelve-year girl. I truly see how powerful children are in our lives. And I understand more than before how important for us writers to write the very best articles and books for these smart individuals.

I’ve never doubted that a child could teach me about life. What I didn’t know was that I could go back to school under a child's knowledge. I’d say that is a neat experience.

Until next time . . . grab a child and allow them to teach you.

Fodder Gathering Season

Summer is almost upon us, and we are on somewhat of a vacation. I will still write a weekly blog post, but at times it will be shorter.

Visiting, is our granddaughter, Carley, whom I am home schooling, and my husband's mom. I am grateful, as we create wonderful memories, but my writing comes in quick snatches.

I carve out time to work on my chapters in the early morning and during moments when Carley works independently by my side. But, before I could get into that new writing routine, I had to learn HOW to home school twelve-year-old Carley. With help from her mother, we finished the second week just fine. And guess what? Carley taught me surface areas in pre-algebra. Sooooo . . . this old Nana can learn past her fractions, after all.

Most of us writers take blocks of time to live life. It's a requirement, really, not only our responsibility to our loved ones, but to gain fodder for writing.

Presently, I'm in a fodder gathering season. I must not get in a knot, because I've cut back on my writing. No! When fodder gathering passes, I'll have much more to use in my stories.

With Carley and her great-granny here, how could I not?

Carley and I took Granny for a wheelchair walk down to the creek. For one of her school assignments, Carley reads "Walk Two Moons" to Granny and Granny loves the story (Carley reads better as she nears the end of the book). Yesterday, we visited a drive-through wild life animal park. Carley took a bunch of photos, and we all felt small as the giraffe sauntered by.

Living life, the good and the hard, is truly an amazing accomplishment. Then, we dissect what we choose by writing and reliving it all over again.

Until next time . . . live life and then sit down and write.

When Someone You Know Publishes A First Book

Recently, an acquaintance of mine announced her first book to be published in 2012. When I read that my eyes nearly popped, and I walked around for an hour with a big smile.

I am truly excited for her.

It is good to be happy for those who publish their first books. In the past, I've felt jealousy many times, but as I grow as a writer . . . as I become more confident and spend time to make my story its best, that all too familiar feeling of the ugly green monster fads. He's a pale, pale green.

I am glad.

I want only the best for fellow writers and feel ashamed at my bouts of jealousy. I am certain if I live long enough, my time will come. It came when I published over three dozen articles, short stories, and puzzles. Didn't it? Well, sure. Even though I am creeping toward the age of the big 6 0, I am no longer worried. Why? I read about the eighty-year-old who published her first book.

So there!

Back to the author who is about to see her first book in print, I salute you!

Until next time . . . keep thy seat into thy chair and write.