* A LITTLE BOOK NEWS *

Have you read any good books lately?

What are you reading now?

 

 

Although I still need to write reviews on my blog for two books I read recently: The Flying Circus, by Susan Crandall, and for Adventures of a Chilehead: A Mini-Memoir with Recipes, by Sharon Lippincott...I did leave reviews for them on Amazon. Loved them both!

I'm currently attempting to read a couple different books, which I've never been good at, especially if I'm really involved in one particular book! I'll have to decide which one to stick with for now, finish it, and then move on...

One of those books is due to having a fantastic day at Dollar Tree a week or so ago. If you're like me, you stop there for one or two particular items and end up spending more than a couple of dollars! I bought FIVE books and they all look like they'll be great reading material. I'll post more about them soon, including the titles and cover photos!

A couple of notes about my memoir, From Pigtails to Chin Hairs: A Memoir & More...

Have you heard of The Fussy Librarian? My memoir is currently highlighted on it: $3.99 for the Kindle edition.
http://www.thefussylibrarian.com/for-readers/books/size/25?GenreID=18&ContentTypeX1=1&ContentTypeX2=4&ContentTypeX3=8


I'm also having a Goodreads give-away which ends October 26 Please stop by and enter if you'd like to win one of four free paperback copies of my memoir. https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/157880-from-pigtails-to-chin-hairs-a-memoir-more 

* Writers Make the World Go 'Round - Repeat *

I was saddened to hear about the death of Peter O'Toole, and decided to post this "repeat" from my blog post of April 13, 2012.


Two nights ago, I watched a fascinating interview on TCM - Turner Classic Movies. The actor Peter O'Toole (79 years old) told riveting and charming stories of his life before and during his stage and screen career. He's probably best known for his role as writer, T.E. Lawrence, in Lawrence of Arabia. Mr. O'Toole recounted hilarious tales about himself and one of his co-stars, Omar Sharif, during the filming of the famous "charge" scene, and how both tried to stay in the camels' saddles. (Can you believe they didn't use stunt men?) He talked at length about his various roles and co-stars and was highly entertaining.

(Lawrence of Arabia - 1963)

(age 79 - 2011)

Toward the end of the interview, Mr. O'Toole spoke about his writing. He's written two memoirs; Loitering with Intent: The Child and Loitering With Intent: The Apprentice. He said he is working on his third book, but didn't specify what it was about. But, he did say this about writing:

I love it, the writing process, but I don't have to like it. It's so frustrating. You feel you've written rubbish and you tear up the papers and walk around the room in circles. But it's a love affair. I like getting down there and putting on to paper. I never wanted to write until I was 40 or 50.

I didn't use quotes with the above, because I'm sure I don't have it verbatim, but it's very close. I especially enjoyed learning he didn't think about, or want to write until he was "older." I'll definitely check out his memoirs. If his writing is anywhere near as marvelous as his acting, then he's been given more than one precious, gift of talent.

One more thing. Sometimes we forget that although it takes a very good/great actor to create extraordinary performances.....none of it can happen without superb writing.....Writers make the world go 'round.....

"Writing is a kind of performing art, and I can't sit down to write unless I'm dressed. I don't mean dressed in a suit, but dressed well and comfortably and I have to be shaved and bathed." - -- Peter O'toole



New Marketing Tips for Writers

A few days ago I decided to do additional online searching about book promotion, knowing my time isn't too far away. Although, I have gotten a little ahead of myself, as I tend to do. I guess that isn't too unusual when you're about to give birth to a baby you've been loving and nurturing and keeping inside for.....years!

A nice & neat corner of my desk in 2010
(It never looked like this for more than 15 minutes!
I just wanted to show my cool coffee mug, which has a typewriter on the other side.)

Anyway, I googled: Authors how to contact book clubs. I'd already heard about authors either attending book clubs in person, or via Skype, or by phone, and I wanted to learn as much as I could. What a great way to connect with your readers! I will definitely do as much of this as possible. 

After scrolling down, I came upon Build Book Buzz, a fantastic site! It's the site of Sandra Beckwith, and I love the first sentence on the About/Contact page: Sandra Beckwith is a recovering publicist with more than 25 years of award-winning publicity experience. 

Here are some of the article titles, just to name a few:
Author book signing tips
How to set up Google and Twitter alerts
How to write a tip sheet 
6 surefire ways to promote your novel
~~~~~ plus others ~~~~~

All of these are free and ready to download. Sandra also offers coaching, presentations, and of course has books to sell. I was so impressed, I e-mailed Sandra and told her, and she kindly replied, saying I'd made her day! How sweet is that? 

*So, here's a tip from me. When someone makes a difference in your life, 

no matter how small it may seem at the time, tell them!*

"I love it, the writing process, but I don't have to like it. It's so frustrating. You feel you've written rubbish and you tear up the papers and walk around the room in circles. But it's a love affair. I like getting down there and putting on to paper. I never wanted to write until I was 40 or 50." -- Peter O'Toole

What Are You Reading?

Ever since I began writing (about 12 years ago) my "reading for enjoyment" time has really dropped. One reason, obviously, is because I spend so much time writing, thinking about writing, editing, and scouring through books about writing.

I'm happy to say I borrowed a book from my local library last week that I am gobbling up! It's Rita Moreno, A Memoir. It's a fascinating story and I can't wait to get back to it! 

I learned about it when I watched Tavis Smiley's PBS TV show , the day he interviewed Ms. Moreno. He is such a wonderful host and asks excellent questions, and I'm sorry I only recently discovered him. You can see the 2-part interview and/or read the transcript here.

book cover: npr.org

What about you? What are you reading? 

“Reading is the sole means by which we slip, involuntarily, often helplessly, into another’s skin, another’s voice, another’s soul.” — Joyce Carol Oates

Writing Books and Sequels

Well, I've resigned myself to the fact that I won't be reaching my Kickstarter Project goal. Although I'm disappointed, it's certainly not going to keep me from publishing my memoir! It will just take longer than I'd hoped for. 

Have I mentioned that I'm just in the beginning stage of writing a sequel to my memoir? I have so many stories yet to tell and it just wouldn't work to include them all in one book.

image from Google

I fiddled around with a couple of possible titles for it, and then it occurred to me too, that if readers like the first book enough, and the second book, maybe I could write a third, and thus have a series. But, my focus right now, of course, is publishing From Pigtails to Chin Hairs: A Memoir & More.

Here's the titles I came up with today for possible sequel(s).

From High Heels to Old Lady Shoes: A Memoir & More.

From Spiked Heels to Sensible Shoes: A Memoir & More.

From Skate Keys to Car Keys: A Memoir & More.

I'd love to know your thoughts and ideas on any of this. Please leave a comment! 

~~~

Welcome to my newest followers: Angela Atkinson and Bethany Myers. I hope you'll stop by often and always enjoy what you read and see!  

"Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence." -- Helen Keller

Authors, Memoirs, Book Signings, Oh My!

Last night I attended a wonderful taping of a local radio program; "The Fontbonne University KMOX Charlie Brennan Book of the Month Club." (Wow, that's a mouthful, isn't it? It can be heard online and as soon as I find out when the shows will air, I'll post it here.)

I don't know how many people were in the audience, but the theater was packed. We had the pleasure of hearing about the lives of two totally different men: Kevin Killeen and John Pizzarelli.

Kevin Killeen is: a very funny guy, also has a program on KMOX 1120 AM radio in St. Louis, and has written a hilarious, charming, nostalgic memoir/novel about growing up Catholic in the 1960's. His publisher is Blank Slate Press, a St. Louis company.

Never Hug a Nun

All of his escapades take place in the idyllic St. Louis suburb, Webster Groves, Missouri.

I cannot wait to begin reading this book! Kevin was so kind and encouraging when I told him I'd just finished writing my memoir. What a neat guy! 

~~~

John Pizzarelli is: another very funny guy, has traveled the world over playing guitar for the best of the best singers and musicians. Just to name a few: Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Rosemary Clooney, James Taylor, and Paul McCartney. John is also a fabulous singer as is his wife, Jessica Molaskey. 

World on a String; a Musical Memoir

This, too, is another memoir I can't wait to read.

Please support your local independent book store, and if you don't have one near you, you can order from indie stores online. 

Welcome to my newest followers Knuckled 54, farawayeyes, and Encourage One Another. I hope you'll stop by often and always enjoy what you read and see!  

"You can go other places, all right - you can live on the other side of the world, but you can't ever leave home." -- Sue Monk Kidd, The Mermaid Chair

* Thanksgiving is More Than Just One Day *

While Vern and I walked yesterday, I marveled at the glorious leaves, some of which still clung to branches, many covered portions of yards, and others skidded and tumbled along the streets and sidewalks. 

I thought again how everything that has previously happened in my life has brought me to where I am right now. How every event that occurred, whether happy or sad, has been part of my life's path. 

When I was a child the route was chosen for me by my parents, and then when I was a young adult, I decided my own course. Sometimes I needed to make a detour and other times the detour was already in place ahead of me. 

Countless people waste so much precious time fretting about "If Onlys." 

If only I'd taken that job I wanted.
If only my parents didn't do this or that.
If only I had more money.
Etc. 

I learned a long time ago to stop thinking that way. When and how did I figure that out? I really can't remember, at least not at this moment. 

All I know is this: I'm very happy. And material things have nothing to do with my happiness. Can I say that I'm glad every "bad" incident happened in order for me to be in this blissful state of mind? I guess that's what I've been trying to say. It's that domino effect.

Although I sincerely thought I knew what my feelings were about everything in my past, I didn't really begin to know until I began to write my memoir. I still have more to think about. More to learn. More to delve into. I'll just have to start on "the sequel," I guess. ☺

~~~~~

This post doesn't really seem like a Thanksgiving one, does it? I may have gotten a bit too reflective, but my point is this: 

I am alive. I am here on this beautiful earth. My life is not perfect and neither am I! But I'm grateful & thankful, every single day of my life for every single thing that happened along the way. It has made me who I am. 

~~~~~

Happy Thanksgiving!

And have a cup of yummy flavored coffee with me, with whipped cream and cinnamon sprinkles on top!

"This life is yours. Take the power to choose what you want to do and do it well. Take the power to love what you want in life and love it honestly. Take the power to walk in the forest and be a part of nature. Take the power to control you own life. No one else can do it for you. Take the power to make your life happy." -- Susan Polis Schutz

Busting Through Writer's Block

I don't remember exactly when I finally busted through my writer's block. 

*You would think I'd remember the exact day of such a momentous occasion, wouldn't you? And it hasn't really been that long ago. But, as I've mentioned before, my long-term memory is wonderful....and thank goodness, since I'm writing a memoir! But, my short-term memory...Sheesh, I don't even know half the time why I walked into or out of a certain room.*


This morning as I was getting ready for my day, it hit me. And so, you know what I did? I immediately grabbed my handy-dandy pencil and paper, jotted it down, folded it and put it in my pocket. *Yay for those simple writers' tools!* 

And so, in case I haven't already done so, I just had to share my little revelation in hopes it might help someone else:

* I realized I was writing the chapters of my memoir as if they were Chicken Soup for the Soul entries. 

* They weren't quite personal enough. 

* They didn't sound like me. 

* I know all about "Voice" in writing, and I know what mine is.

* But I also think there are various levels of that voice. 

* I needed to write more like I really talk. 

* There I was, sharing events of my life in my writing, and it just didn't sound like "me."

THAT did it. THAT was my answer. THAT was my breakthrough. 

It sounds so simple, doesn't it? Yes, in hindsight it is. But that's how it happened to me. And when I finally realized it, 

I began to write! 

The words poured out of me and I felt like I'd been hit with Writer's Lightning! 

Image: Microsoft Word Clip Art

Those of you who've read my posts involving prop planes and my writing, will get a kick out of this! I can't believe there even is a Clip Art like this.

I know this is blurry, but I love this picture. See Vern's paw on his rawhide chew bone?
Awwww, isn't he adorable?? 

When my beloved, pal Vern, and I went on our walk today, I saw prop planes fly over, again, just as they always do...just for me.


"We shouldn't forget that the universe moves with us, is at our back with everything we do." -- Natalie Goldberg

A Girl Named Zippy

I'm almost certain that I've blogged about the memoir A Girl Named Zippy, by Haven Kimmel, but I didn't see it listed in my Labels. It's possible I wrote about it before I started using labels, because I didn't know what they were or how to use them until about two years ago!

So, anyway.....When A Girl Named Zippy was first published in early 2001, I bought the hardcover. It was displayed in the New Books section of my favorite indie book store, Main Street Books, in St. Charles, Missouri. The store was still at its old, and I think original, location. Sometime soon I'll do an entire post about the store and a little of its history.

courtesy: google.books.com

I bought it for the same reasons I choose any book, whether I'm buying it or borrowing it from the library:

1) The cover really caught my eye. I mean, really....look at that adorable face!

2) I read a bit of the first page or two and flipped through it, noticing the photos. 

3) I liked the writer's style, her voice. 

I don't remember if I read "Zippy" before or after May of 2001, but it was somewhere in that time period. Why does that matter? My estranged dad became very ill in May 2001 and wasn't expected to live. I went to see him and when I got home, my feelings just flowed out of me and....long story short.....I realized I was a writer. I discovered my passion at the ripe old age of almost 50.

The entire time I read it, I kept thinking, If I wrote a memoir, it would be like this!  I was definitely not comparing myself or my writing in any way to Ms. Kimmel. Not at all. What I meant was the small town life, the little adventures of a young girl who had a couple of much older siblings, the similar era although I'm older, and the use of B&W photos. Reading that book prompted and inspired me to write, and not only to write, but to submit my writing.....without fear. I owe so much to little Zippy. 

As I get closer to finishing my first book, a memoir, my excitement builds. My book cover hasn't really been discussed much yet, but I'm leaning toward something like this: What do you think??

From Pigtails to Chin Hairs

A Memoir & More

by Becky Lewellen Povich

Finally, I'm so excited about a package I received yesterday from Amazon.com. (Yes, I shop at various book venues.) I've never listened to an audio book before, but when I heard about this one, I just had to have it. (P.S. I got it from one of Amazon's vendors and it is brand new, still in plastic wrap. The retail price on it is $26.95, and I got it for less than $10.00, including shipping.)

My hardcover "Zippy" book on the left, plus its new companion: my new audio book! 
It's on 5 CDs and is read by the author, Haven Kimmel. I can't wait to start listening.

What about you? Have you ever listened to audio books? 

Are you a writer? 

What writers/books have influenced you?

*Welcome to my two newest followers, Elizabeth Seckman and Pat Nelson. I hope you'll stop by often and always enjoy what you read and see! Thank you! * 




Tune in tomorrow when I'll have some contest information to share.

* Nostalgic Sunday *

It's Time for Another Nostalgic Sunday!

Today's Nostalgic Sunday is about a writing contest presented by Matilda Butler & Kendra Bonnett at Women's Memoirs. 

In honor of the 70th Anniversary of the Rosie the Riveter poster, they are looking for true stories about women during WWII. You may not be able to interview any living female relatives, but hopefully you already know some details, or have other family members you can ask.

Rosie the Riveter

(courtesy: Women's Memoirs Blog)

There is no entry fee and if enough quality submissions are received an e-book will be published. Go to: http://womensmemoirs.com/memoir-writing-news/two-memoir-contests-close-new-contest-opens/ for all the details, including word count, and deadline. And please pass along this info to everyone you know who might be interested. 

(My mother's first husband was killed in WWII and I plan to submit a story about her life during that time.)

* P.S. Don't forget to leave a comment HERE for my Two-Book-Give-Away! I will choose the winner tonight at 9:00pm CDT, by random drawing. *

"If you want something said, ask a man; if you want something done, ask a woman." -- Margaret Thatcher

Naked, Drunk, and Writing

No, I'm not naked, drunk, and writing! That's the title of a book I bought recently, and I love it. It's written by Adair Lara, and also has the subtitle: Shed Your Inhibitions and Craft a Compelling Memoir or Personal Essay. 

I found it while searching on Amazon for "writerly" books on craft, and especially for writing memoir. Somewhere during my scrolling, I came across this gem. After noticing the 63 rave reviews (4-1/2 stars), and taking a peek inside (love that option), I purchased it. Adair writes in terms we can all understand, and does so with my kind of humor.

In the first chapter, she says she called it Naked, Drunk, and Writing because she likes the title and somebody at a party once remarked to her that books with "naked" in the title always sell well. And then says:  "And also because writing about yourself is like stripping down to your Bali bra in a crowd so that others can see the stretch  marks on your belly (and be assured about their own)."

This book is now my favorite in my collection of "writerly" books on craft. Right after it, in no particular order are Old Friend from Far Away by Natalie Goldberg, Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg, and Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott. In fact, Ms. Lamott wrote a blurb for the back of Adair's book: "Very savvy and smart and hugely entertaining."

I haven't read all of it yet, and it's not the kind of book someone reads through like fiction. I read a sentence or two, a paragraph or two. I underline things in pencil that I particularly love and want to remember. It has writing exercises, too. I can't say enough about this book. I'm so happy I stumbled across it.  

 *Welcome to my newest followers, Word Nerd and Kelly and Angellica Bollier I hope you'll stop by often and always enjoy what you read and see! Thank you! *

"Writing is a kind of word-drunkenness that makes you want to do that -- to take off your clothes and turn your experiences into art, despite who may be watching, despite your embarrassment, despite anything the world and your own self-doubts throw against you." -- Adair Lara

* Bump Thud Bang Ding! *

I've decided I am now disciplined enough to keep writing and blog a little. I've really missed my blog friends and I'm happy to be back. I'll also try to read some blogs, and leave a comment when time allows. And if others don't have time to stop here, or leave comments, I certainly understand.

Blogs should be a joy, not an obligation!

From Pigtails to Chin Hairs: A Memoir & More is coming along really well. I am so thrilled and relieved that something finally clicked within this old brain of mine, and the writing began to flow. No, it's not easy every day, but it's fun and challenging and I'm a happy writer. I couldn't ask for anything more.


Now...the reason for my blog title. I've mentioned a few times what a klutz I am. Weird things happen to me...often. I began a chapter on my klutziness quite some time ago, and something happened last night that will definitely make it into the book. I can't give any other details yet, though.....except to say it really hurt...and.... Bump Thud Bang Ding!

And the reason for these two pictures??

Because I think they're hilarious!

That's me on the left, acting goofy like my usual, dignified self. I'm playing a video game with my then teenage son, Mark, at Chucky Cheese. This was at one of my grandsons' birthday parties quite a few years ago. Man, how I wish I was that young and thin now! 

I took the picture on the right, straight from our TV screen. This is a young guy doing a local pizza place commercial. I paused it, then snapped the photo. And why? Because he looks so goofy! He looks like he could be related to me, doesn't he?? But I guarantee he isn't! He was saying here, "Mom! More pizza!" ☺

Ron and I have always loved to make each other laugh. He has more of a dry wit, and I tend to act silly. I love “breaking into song”, usually when he least expects it, and doing crazy dances around the house. Just the other evening, after another one of our goofy dialogues, Ron turned to me and said, “Do you think Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie act like this?”  We both responded with the exact same words: “I doubt it!” -- Becky Povich (from Chicken Soup for the Soul; Love Stories 2007 My entry: Through the Years)

We Interrupt This Blog Break.....

No, I'm not ready to start blogging again yet, because I'm really rolling along with my writing,(Yay! Finally!) but just wanted to share something that is really BIG....for me.

Some of you may remember my anxiety trying to think of THE RIGHT title for my memoir. Although I wasn't anywhere near being finished, it was extremely important to me to choose one. After I did, I felt I could focus better on writing.

In just the past couple of days, it came to me. I ran it by some writer friends yesterday, and then Lou, my publisher at High Hill Press. Everyone loved it! So......without further ado......my memoir's title is............

From Pigtails to Chin Hairs

A Memoir & More

What do you think? Any thoughts??

"You can't turn back the clock, but you can wind it up again." -- Bonnie Prudden

* Merry Go Round *

I've been on a self-propelled Merry Go Round for quite some time. Pushing and striving to accomplish all the things that are important to me as I go faster and faster without really getting anywhere.....just going around in circles.

Writing my memoir is THE most important thing in my life right now. Add to that blogging and my blog friends, my family and writer friends, handwriting letters, reading as much as I can, entering writing and photography contests & calls for submissions, attending writerly functions, trying to keep up with e-mails, etc.

I'm not complaining, really I'm not. I love being busy, but I'm not talented enough to successfully do everything, so what I've been doing is lots of things inadequately. I feel badly that I haven't kept up with reading everyone's blogs, and/or leaving comments. And I haven't even kept up with thanking everyone for the comments left for me.

(photo: courtesy Google)

So, I'm taking another Blog Break to concentrate on my book. I plan on posting Nostalgic Sundays as often as I can, because those will fit right in with my memoir. And if I come up with something that I feel is important to mention on my blog....I definitely will.

Thanks for your understanding, and I truly hope everyone won't forget about  me! (I will keep in touch by e-mail, too!)



"Right now I'm having amnesia and deja-vu at the same time. I think I've forgotten this before." Steven Wright

* To Do Lists *

What kind of things are on your To Do List? Mine just seems to keep getting more added to it, and hardly any crossed off. Go to post office and mail packages. Pick up photographs from art contest. Type up those notes from that meeting a month ago, that I've promised to different people. Do a blog post about different anthologies and contests I want to mention. Read those three library books I borrowed and already had to renew. Contact so-and-so about a guest blog post and book give-away. Write. Write. Write. Calls for Submissions, Contests, and my memoir. Add a zillion more things I need and/or want to accomplish. There's 24 Hours every day, yet even when I'm very careful about not wasting time, I feel like I don't have much to show for it when midnight rolls around. (Notice I haven't even mentioned house cleaning or laundry!)

Every day for the past week, I've told myself that TODAY is the day I'll reply to comments. I'll answer e-mails. I'll get to many of the blogs I want to stop at, read, and comment on. And another day goes by, and it's 12:30am and I have to get some sleep.

Well, at least I did work a lot on a chapter for my memoir the past two days, and I'm very pleased with myself for that. As The Ronald always says, "I've got that going for me!"

"How long a minute is, depends on which side of the bathroom door you're on." ~ Zall's Second Law

* Writers Make the World Go 'Round *

Two nights ago, I watched a fascinating interview on TCM - Turner Classic Movies. The actor Peter O'Toole (79 years old) told riveting and charming stories of his life before and during his stage and screen career. He's probably best known for his role as writer, T.E. Lawrence, in Lawrence of Arabia. Mr. O'Toole recounted hilarious tales about himself and one of his co-stars, Omar Sharif, during the filming of the famous "charge" scene, and how both tried to stay in the camels' saddles. (Can you believe they didn't use stunt men?) He talked at length about his various roles and co-stars and was highly entertaining.

(Lawrence of Arabia - 1963)

(age 79 - 2011)

Toward the end of the interview, Mr. O'Toole spoke about his writing. He's written two memoirs; Loitering with Intent: The Child and Loitering With Intent: The Apprentice. He said he is working on his third book, but didn't specify what it was about. But, he did say this about writing:

I love it, the writing process, but I don't have to like it. It's so frustrating. You feel you've written rubbish and you tear up the papers and walk around the room in circles. But it's a love affair. I like getting down there and putting on to paper. I never wanted to write until I was 40 or 50.

I didn't use quotes with the above, because I'm sure I don't have it verbatim, but it's very close. I especially enjoyed learning he didn't think about, or want to write until he was "older." I'll definitely check out his memoirs. If his writing is anywhere near as marvelous as his acting, then he's been given more than one precious, gift of talent.

One more thing. Sometimes we forget that although it takes a very good/great actor to create extraordinary performances.....none of it can happen without superb writing.....Writers make the world go 'round.....

* Also.... Welcome to my newest follower, Karen. I hope you'll stop by often and always enjoy what you read and see! Thank you! *

"Writing is a kind of performing art, and I can't sit down to write unless I'm dressed. I don't mean dressed in a suit, but dressed well and comfortably and I have to be shaved and bathed." - -- Peter O'toole



* Blog Tour Book Review - Caring Lessons *

In last Wednesday's blog post, I wrote a little about Lois Roelofs, and my participation in the WOW - Women on Writing Blog Tour. Then yesterday, I mentioned it again.

Today I'm (finally!) posting my review of Lois' book: Caring Lessons: A Nursing Professor's Journey of Faith and Self.

I've never done a book review before, although I've read plenty of them. Mine will be different than most, I think. Mine will be short and sweet. If you'd like a longer one, those can be found at Amazon. It has a typical book synopsis and three reviews from readers.....all being 5-Star!

~~~~~~~

Lois began nursing school because her parents allowed only two careers for the girls in her family: Become a teacher or a nurse....without discussion or question. Helping her fifth-grade-teacher mother grade papers every night after supper, the only choice for Lois was nursing.


I love the way Lois writes. She drew me in right from the beginning. I hurt right along with her when she called home and begged to leave nursing school. I felt embarrassed with her when she didn't place the surgeon's gloves on correctly the first time, and also indignant about his verbal abuse.


Through her entire memoir, Lois bravely shares ups and downs in her professional and personal life, sometimes humorous, sometimes quite sad. There were parts I laughed out loud, and others I actually shed tears.


When I'd finished the book, I felt as if it went by too fast, just like Lois' amazing career seemed to do....from nursing student to a Ph.D. This is one of those rare books that I could read a second time, and I'm sure I will, sometime soon!


I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. You don't need to be in the health care industry or education to like it. If you're a woman and you like memoirs, you'll like it!  Run, drive, walk, or jog to your nearest book store and purchase a copy or two! OR search online and buy with a click or two. OR be sure and leave a comment here, or ask Lois a question, and you'll be eligible to win a FREE copy, directly from Lois. If you've already left a comment on last Wednesday's post, remember you can leave one again here, and have twice the chance of winning. Winner will be drawn and announced tomorrow.


* Just added at 11:30 AM.*
 Lois wrote some very lovely things about me on her blog post of today. Thank you, Lois!

Here's another line from Caring Lessons. I particularly love this one because it shows Lois' sense of humor, so much like mine!

"...we formed a human pyramid, cocked our heads up toward our classmates, and droned the Oscar Meyer wiener song. Our classmates had roared." Lois Hoitenga Roelofs

* It's Tuesday, and I'm Confused *

Yep, I'm confused...but that's nothing new, is it?! The Ronald and I spent most of Easter weekend with wonderful friends who own a house at "The Lake." We came home last night, so today feels like Monday to me.

These pictures were taken last September, because I forgot my camera this time....Grrrr...This is a view from their back deck, surrounded by ancient trees, sun and shade, a variety of birds, and other critters....and in the background, The Lake! Only a few houses separate them from the calming lull and beauty of the water.

 

This is a view while riding in their pontoon boat. Although this weekend, the water was almost continually as smooth as glass....and not a cloud in the glorious blue sky!

Ahhhh, can you say Relaxing?

Tomorrow I'll be back with my review of Lois Roelof's memoir, Caring Lessons: A Nursing Professor's Journey of Faith and Self which I previewed HERE. If you missed that blog post, please click on the link and check it out. To be eligible to receive a free copy of Lois' book, just leave a comment on that blog post, and/or on this one. Two comments  =  two chances to win.

I'm thrilled to say that I read most of it while relaxing on a certain deck Sunday and Monday! I feel as if I know Lois so well and that I'm one of her friends. To find out more about Lois, if you haven't already, please go to her BLOG.

So, come back tomorrow. I'll announce the winner of the memoir on Thursday. For my quote of the day, I'm using a sentence I particularly loved from Lois' book:

* Also.... Welcome to my newest follower, Beautiful Dees. I hope you'll stop by often and always enjoy what you read and see! Thank you! *

"I loved teaching theory-based nursing, and in these post-conferences the students' reports played inspiring background music in my mind." - Lois Hoitenga Roelofs