LeBlog--The Blog about life…writing, raising kids, chasing dogs, handling life and all its bit parts.

February 26, 2008

 

And the winner is ...

I'm a day late and several dollars short this week. Too many balls in the air. But I did take time to watch the Oscars. It is my one night of the year that I claim, like my husband claims the Super Bowl. So I'm there in front of the tv starting with the Barbara Walters' special. And my daughter loved seeing Miley Cyrus! When Vanessa Williams was telling about racism she experienced as a kid, my daughter (age 8) said, "She just looks like she has a tan." Anyhoo, so Oscar night, I don't cook or tuck kids in bed or any of my usual. But I have to say that the show was kinda drab this year. Jon Stewart wasn't really funny. The only movie I'd seen up for best picture was Juno. I didn't think it had a prayer but I'm an eternal optimist. I would have loved to see it win. But instead some gory film won. Ugh. Who cares? Can't see that last year's winner, The Departed, or this one's, No Country for Old Men, really ranks up there with Schindler's List or Casablanca or even Gone with the Wind.

Okay, now for the important part ... what about the dresses? First, my daughter loved Miley's dress. So many dresses were really beautiful. Did you notice how much red was used? My favorite color! The only clunker in the bunch that I saw was Daniel Day Lewis' significant other. What was up with the red bows? And that big clunky thing in the middle?

Okay, so were you cheering for a specific movie? Or were you checking out the attire? Or did you snooze through the whole thing?

February 21, 2008

 

The Hatchet Falls

I'm not talking about the four singers voted off American Idol tonight. I'm specifically thinking of what Simon Cowell said to the exiting Colton Berry. "I would say get a good job, and enjoy singing. Because I don't think you'll make a successful career out of it." Ouch. This was after Paula and Randy both encouraged him to keep at it.

This is really my first year to watch American Idol from the beginning. I know, where have I been? I've heard a lot of things about Simon's cruelty and ridicule of the contestants. After watching, I think my patience would have played out along with Simon's. Some contestants really are horrible and shouldn't be in front of anyone singing, maybe not even yodeling in their shower for fear of breaking glass. I do think Simon is honest. He doesn't blow smoke and try to make someone feel better. I respect that. Why waste everyone's time by saying, "you remind me of the color magenta."

Notice that all the contestants love getting affirmed by Randy and Paula. They dread facing Simon. But when he compliments someone, he means it. And it's like fireworks going off.

This music business reminds me of the publishing business. I hear a lot of authors saying they want an agent to be tough. Or some say they want an agent to be gentle and kind, holding their hand. I've always been the type that wants the truth. Plain and simple. And boy, sometimes it hurts. Hurts like I've been spliced open. But when my agent praises my work, I know she is being totally honest. I love that. And it makes me strive harder. Editors don't sugar coat rejections usually. Yes, no. No, thank you. They don't have time. So I'd rather hear the truth from my agent before I hear a slammed door from an editor.

But telling someone to go get a job doing something else other than their passion? I don't know. To me, that crosses the line. And this may be where music and writing differ. Both require talent. But maybe writing can be more easily taught. You either have a voice for singing or you don't. I unfortunately don't. Still ... Colton has a voice. Maybe he doesn't have the charisma of a Michael Buble. Maybe. He's still young. If singing is his passion, maybe he can make a good living on stage. Maybe not extravagantly. Maybe not earning what Simon is accustomed to. But who knows? Who am I to say? Maybe he won't ever be at the level Simon is searching for, but that doesn't mean he can't make a living at it.

Killing someone's dream is cruel. However, it could also be a test. I remember hearing of a famous author going to a college to speak. He stood at the podium and said, "No one here is going to make it in this business." Then he left. Left the building. One student ran out into the parking lot and begged him to come back and speak some more. So when the author returned, he said, "This one might make it."

So if Colton perseveres in spite of being told to get a job doing something else, maybe he will overcome. Or maybe he'll stop singing altogether, nurse the wound created tonight by a careless hatchet of a comment. The world will be a sadder place.

So I don't have the answer. Do you coddle a horrible singer who really should go find a job? Or do you speak the truth, even though it hurts? What's the answer?

Jesus didn't give easy answers. What did he tell the rich young ruler? Sell everything. And the guy walked away. Ouch. He didn't make it easy. Hard answers. Hard questions.

To me though, perseverence is the key to opening your dreams.

 

The Ladies ... the talent!

There's a lot of depth to the ladies performing on American Idol season 7. Whoo-hooo! Apparently there's been a lot of flu and bronchitis going around, but still I think they were troupers and did a great job last night. Here are my top picks: Syesha Mercado (an incredibly powerful voice, confident and beautiful. I didn't particularly like her song last night but she was awesome.), Asia'h Epperson (Very talented. Very pretty and enthusiastic. She's effervescent), Ramiele Malubay (Beautiful and a powerful voice), Carly Smithson (She was one of my early favs. I didn't like her song last night, but she was good, in spite of being sick. I think she'll be better in coming weeks), Amanda Overmyer (A rockin' edgy gal. She's got a powerful voice and a unique style all her own), Alaina Whitaker (Sweet and cute with a great voice).

Tonight we'll find out who will go on and who gets left behind. Two men and two ladies will be booted bringing the number to 20 total. Should be interesting.

February 20, 2008

 

American Idol -- the men

Well, it began last night! Did anyone watch? I only got to watch half of the show as I was at basketball practice with my daughter. Simon was in top form though, but I actually think he was right on. They kept making fun of him saying, "you have to be relevant." I understood. These kids were not reaching the kids their age, they were just singing old songs. Nothing new. The one thing I did disagree with Simon on was Danny Noriega singing Elvis. I thought he did a good job. I thought it was brave to attempt Elvis. But he didn't try to be Elvis. He was just himself. Often he comes across as being a bit too full of himself though. Here are my top three of the night: Michael Johns (awesome!), David Archuleta (too cute, and oh so talented!), and Jason Castro (a good ol' Texas boy). Those are my favs. Which ones are yours?

February 19, 2008

 

Morning!

I am not a morning person. But I've had to make myself over the years in order to write. Now, I like getting up early in the morning when the house is quiet and dark. Only the cat is up, looking at me as if wondering, "What are you doing up? This is my time!" I like gettting work done before anyone in the house is up and at 'em. Then when my little darlin's do rise and shine, I love those morning hugs, their cheeks still flushed with sleep, their bodies warm as toast. Which then reminds me I have to get up and fix 'em breakfast because they are H-U-N-G-R-Y. Which is what I have to do right this minute!

Have a great day!

February 18, 2008

 

Busted (a contest)!

B&H Publishing is running a contest that is so much fun. If you have not entered, then you should check this out. Some of the pictures they've sent me that readers have sent in are fabulous!

February 15, 2008

 

Valentine's Faux Pax!

Yesterday afternoon, I arrived home after taking my kids to their music class, and there was a florist's box on the front porch. Now, I love my hubby but he hasn't sent me flowers since ... well, I think since before we married. So this made me VERY happy. Except, this is the card that came with the tulips:

Happy Valentines! I love you and I'll see you tomorrow night. Love, Matt.

Who's Matt? That's not my hubby.

Now, I will admit, I was in a rush when I read the card. The kids were vying to see it all, and the only thing I could think of was, "Who is Matt?" and "What's tomorrow night?" I have a book signing tomorrow night. The only Matt I know works for my publisher in sales. But I'm not sure Borders is one of his accounts. And why would he come to this signing? So my kids were then asking, "Who is Matt?" My daughter said, "Your boyfriend?" Uh, no.

So I reread the card. That's when 'I love you' stands out. No way would the Matt I know say that. So now I'm wondering what is going on here.

As I open the box of flowers, my daughter says, "These are from daddy!" I think she had a disconnect between the card and what came with the card -- the flowers. My hubby had told her he was getting me flowers or so I discovered in the next few moments. Then my daughter was upset because she'd let the cat out of the proverbial box.

Then I figured my hubby had sent flowers and someone else got them and his note. Matt would be wondering where his flowers and note ended up. And 1-800 Flowers is in big trouble!

Of course, my writer's mind went off into all kinds of scenarios, how this kind of a mixup could change the course of someone's life ....

Thankfully, my hubby has a great sense of humor and knows I don't have a boyfriend Matt.

February 14, 2008

 

The Final 24!

Did you watch? My daughter and I were riveted. The main people we wanted to make it did. Yea! The talent is really good this year. I was kind of surprised that they didn't let Josiah through, but I think they made the right decision. He needs to mature a little. And the stress only gets greater from here on out. I was kind of sad that Kyle didn't make it. I think he would have been interesting to watch. I think the audience would have loved and supported him. But maybe next time.

Happy Valentine's Day to all of you! I was horrible this year and didn't get any cards bought and mailed. I do have a few little surprises for my munchkins and my hubby. Hug someone you love. Love, Leanna

February 13, 2008

 

American Idol!

Wow! Last night showcased lots of talent depth for the upcoming season. I saw at least 7 who really have the potential to win. My daughter and I can't wait to see who will make it into the top 24 tonight. We're ready for the show to get on the road, so to speak.

And I have to say, I've now seen Simon apologize twice this season. Amazing. Miracles do happen.

So do you have any favorites yet?

February 12, 2008

 

Interview with Rachel Hauck


LE: Hi, Rachel! Thanks for stopping by. Your book, Sweet Caroline, comes out today! So tell us what your book is about.

RH: Sweet Caroline is about Caroline Sweeney, a girl who’s lived her life for everyone else until she learns she’s inherited a run down café from her old boss. At the same time, her high school girlfriend invites her to a unique job opportunity in Barcelona.

LE: How did you come up with the idea for your book?

RH: Oh boy, this was a convoluted idea. LOL. It started out to be about a women who hosts a cooking show but she can’t cook. But when I set the story in Beaufort, South Carolina, it was hard to maintain my setting and the concept of a cooking show. So, I changed it to a café and cooking show, the finally dropped the cooking show plot line.

But, I had to rework how Caroline inherits the café and the entry point to the story. I tell you, it was hard and frustrating. I actually asked God for a dream to help me fix the book and He gave me one. I had to start over from a different angle but in the end it worked.

I had a very nice 4.5 star review from Romantic Times Book Club.

LE: Congrats on that review! So tell us about your writing career. How long have you been writing and how did you get published?

RH: I started an epic WW2 novel in ’94, but put it down after a few years when I went back to work. I started writing again in ’99 and signed my first contract in ’02.

LE: It always seems to take perseverence. If you had a whole Saturday to do nothing or anything you want, what would you do?

RH: Hnnn, good question. Nap and read. Watch old movies. Write a wild story that didn’t have a deadline. Drive up U.S. 1 in my convertible on a sunny spring day.

LE: What’s your favorite color?

RH: Blue. I’m always drawn to blues.

LE: What’s your favorite animal?

RH: Dogs. Horses maybe if I could own one, but I love dogs.

LE: What’s your favorite food?

RH: French fries and cake. Weird, I know. But I do love fruit and brownies too.

LE: What’s your favorite beverage?

RH: Diet Coke.

LE: What’s your favorite vacation spot?

RH: Tony and I went to St. John in the Caribbean once and loved it. I also love the mountains.

LE: What’s your favorite book?

RH: I love the Little House books. I’ve read them all so many times. I also love Belva Plain, and Jan Karon.

LE: If you’re going to Minneapolis in September for ACFW conference, then you might think about taking a short drive to the Laura Ingalls Wilder museum. Wouldn’t that be fun? What’s your favorite movie?

RH: Remember the Titans.

LE: We enjoyed that movie too. What’s your favorite tv show?

RH: Hmm, I don’t really have one. They all went off the air last year.

LE: Most of mine went off the air in 1956, I think. LOL! Now, I know you play and sing worship at church and at the ACFW conference every year. So, what’s your favorite music?

RH: Not to sound all spiritual, but I do love deep rooted worship music. Music that challenges my spirit to go deeper.

LE: Let’s keep to the superficial please. (just kidding) Who’s your favorite actor and actress?

RH: I don’t really have one, but I think Matt Damon is a great actor.

LE: Besides this interview, what’s the strangest thing you’ve done for publicity for a book?

RH: Nothing too strange. I tried to get people to buy the book off of Amazon on the release date, It work fairly well. LOL

LE: What is your next project?

RH: My second South Carolina lowcountry book, Love Starts With Elle.

LE: I love that title. Love the title of Sweet Caroline too. Thanks for being with us today, Rachel, and I hope this book sells as quickly as Godiva on Valentine’s Day.

 

It's my party and I'll cry if I want to!

Writers and parents seem to fall into this pit quite often. As parents, our kids fail a test, and we feel discouraged. Will they ever show how smart they really are? They get in trouble, and we feel discouraged. Haven't they been listening to us? Don't they know not to stick their fingers in electrical sockets by the time they're twelve? They don't make the school play or the football team when they try out, and we feel their pain exponentially by ten.

As writers, a harsh critique, a sour review, a rejection, hurls us into the depths of despair. It doesn't take much. It could simply be a family member saying we're wasting our time. Every writer has enjoyed a pity party at one time or another.

I remember about three years ago, I was down in the dumps about my writing. It seemed as if every new writer I read had a famous neighbor like Elizabeth Berg, Stephen King, fill-in-the-name-here-of-a-famous-author. The new author would profusely thank their dearest best friend or next door neighbor, that-oh-so-famous-author, in their acknowledgements for introducing them to their agent or editor. So, why didn't I have a famous author living next door to me? The house next door was even for sale, it was all ready for a famous author to move in. I knew a couple of authors that met each other because they lived next door to each other, and they became fast friends and even critique buddies. They weren't famous, but hey they got published!

One day, after wallowing in self-pity for a couple of weeks, I decided to complain about it to God. After all, he could move Elizabeth Berg next door to me if he wanted. After I'd poured out all my complaints, I heard a very gentle, tender voice (in my head, for those who think I've now gone looney!) say, "I'm published." Okay, God, I guess you are published. With the book that has sold more copies than any book ever. And he was telling me with that gentle reminder that he is all I need.

This morning, I was reading the book by Joanna Weaver called Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World. Ms. Weaver has some good advice for fighting discouragement. 1. Give yourself a break. Discouragement is often our body's way of saying we need a rest. So take a nap. Go to bed early. Sleep in. Rest!

2. Get a grip on a new perspective. Often what looks like a mountain of a roadblock to us is only a stepping stone to God.

3. The 'P' word. Patience. For all moms who are struggling with potty training their little boys, patience is the key. Your little boy most likely won't go to college wearing a diaper. (That's my point of view thrown in there!) Ms. Weaver says in a more dignified manner that 'if you've committed your concerns to the Lord, you can be sure he is at work, even when you don't see his hand.'

4. Mingle. Discouragement often leads to isolation. We want to climb under a rock. But don't. Get out of the house and go have some fun with friends. Some good laughter can chase away the blues.

5. Ding! Times up. Give yourself some time to grief your disappointment. Cry! Scream! Throw a pillow. But set the timer and when it 'dings' then dry your eyes, blow your nose, and get on with life. A little chocolate doesn't hurt either (that's my suggestion again!)

Everyone feels discouragement, but the evil one likes to make us think we are the only one who's ever felt this way. We're not. You're not. Discouragement is a part of life, but it's what we do with it (wallow in it or climb out of it) that defines us.

February 10, 2008

 

Book Club

I visited a book club this past week. The women had read Elvis Takes a Back Seat, and we had fun discussing the story, where the ideas came from, and Graceland. How many of you belong to a book club?

If your club reads Elvis Takes a Back Seat, you can find discussion questions on my website. If you're in the D/FW area and want me to come to your meeting, I'd be happy to check my schedule. I already have a couple of other groups I'm going to visit in the coming months. If you live far, far away, then maybe we could work out a phone call to your group.

February 8, 2008

 

Elvis and cookies go together like


Ben and Jerry's cookie dough and ice cream. These were some delicious cookies provided by Dixie Catering for my signing in Memphis. They were incredible!

 

Memphis signing ... the last scene of Elvis


This is a picture of Elvis and me at my first signing for Elvis Takes a Back Seat on January 5, 2008. It was the last time I saw the bust before it was smashed.

 

Mission ... Dinner ... Writing Impossible


I grew up watching Mission Impossible (the tv show!). Have you seen the show Dinner Impossible? Robert Irvine is an English chef who used to be chef for the royal family? My family has fallen in love with this show. Basically, Robert gets an assignment to cook for something like a trail drive or Elvis' most adoring fans (and Priscilla Presley!), then he has only a few hours to pull off the meal for often thousands of people. It's fun to see him barrel through a grocery store filling up cart after cart of plain ordinary groceries (boxes and boxes of Nilla Wavers for banana pudding at Graceland). Often the work place he's provided is less than ideal -- using dutch ovens and open fires or a frat house that hadn't been cleaned in a while. This season, we've seen Robert cook for a crowd at a Renaissance festival, a circus, an army (literally or maybe it was the Air Force).

Now, I will admit, I'm not much of a cook. I like to watch cooking shows, but I don't think, "Hey, I'll just go whip that up too." The other day I saw Paula Dean making this scrumptious chocolate dessert but I just wanted to buy it ready made, not mess up twelve pans and bowls in my kitchen to create it. But I can definitely relate to Robert Irvine's impossible missions as a writer. Sometimes my circumstances are not exactly ideal for concentrating on my writing. Sometimes my characters won't behave. Sometimes the words just won't stir properly. Or I overcook them by reworking and revising too much.

It's then I have to hit my knees and really pray for guidance and a supernatural ability to get the job done. For example, with Elvis Takes a Back Seat, my experience was limited because I'm frankly not a widow. But my main character was. God really guided me through the writing of that book, giving me insights I never would have imagined on my own. Yesterday, I received a wonderful email from a young widow who had read my book. She said she's read other widow books that she calls 'bulemic' because she wants to throw them up. They don't resonate. But mine did. I was blown away by that. I was humbled by her losses and her pain. And I was so grateful I'd hit my knees with that book and listened to God guiding me through that book. Because it wasn't me. It was God at work through me. So being down on my knees, or prostrate before the Father is right where he wants me to be. No matter the circumstance.

So do you have some mission, dinner, writing assignment that seems overwhelming ... maybe even impossible?

February 7, 2008

 

American Idol

Are you a fan? I came late to enjoy American Idol, probably not until season 4. Usually, my daughter and I get sucked into the excitement late in the season when there are only a handful of singers left. We usually forget when it's on due to the kids' activities. For some reason, we've managed to watch the end of a couple of episodes already this season. Last night, we watched the whole thing. I must say it was fun to see Simon say, "I have to admit you were right." He said that about the Dolly Parton singing girl. Simon admitting he was wrong! Amazing. I've seen enough really good singers this season to be hopeful that the competition will be great fun to watch.

So are you an American Idol fan?

February 6, 2008

 

Water for Elephants

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen is the latest book I read. Just finished it this past weekend and the characters linger with me still. It's supposed to parallel the story of Jacob in the bible. I'm not sure I really saw much of that. But it was and interesting and compelling read.

Have you read any good books lately?

February 5, 2008

 

Super-de-dooper Tuesday

Well, if you've turned on the television or radio lately, then I'm sure you've heard today is a big primary day for the presidential election. Not wanting to get into the nitty gritty of politics or anything here, but wondering if any of you are in one of the states going to the polls today. Did you vote? Are you excited about this election or worried or ready to pull the pillow over your head and wait till November is over and everything decided?

February 4, 2008

 

Waaaaaaa!

Well, there were tears. My son cried when the Patriots didn't win, didn't carry out a perfect season. But there are lessons in losing. Apparently, the Patriots' coach needs to learn how to lose. It was a weird, awkward moment when the referees insisted one last down be taken. One second was left on the clock. They couldn't just let it go. So, they forced teams, coaches and fans off the field. But the Patriots coach had already headed up the tunnel to the locker room. Now, I will say he did rush across the field and congratulate the Giants' coach but then poof he exited. Leaving his team. To me, it showed it was all about him.

So here's the lesson for me today. It's never all about us. It's bigger than me. It's all about God. So in whatever crisis or situation I face today, I hope I remember it's not about me.

And just so you know, we were cheering for the Patriots. Before that, we cheered for Green Bay. Before that, we cheered for Dallas. None of our teams won. Sigh. But there's always next year. I have to say I absolutely love seeing the smiles on the winning teams' faces. Their dreams came true last night. A dream they'd had since they were little boys. That is fun to watch!

February 3, 2008

 

Patriots or Giants?

Well, it's here. Super Bowl Sunday! Like the Oscars for me, this is the day my husband and son anticipate all year. So while Tom Brady and Eli Manning are duking it out on the field, I'll be cooking up a nice dinner and lots of fun snacks for the guys. After half time, I'm sure the girls here will sneak off to another room and watch a movie. How much football can one gal stand? Now, if the Packers had made it into the final pack, it might be a different story. One thing I love is seeing all the new and innovative, ridiculous and sublime commercials. Should be interesting.

I heard this week that some woman dressed up in a wedding dress and asked both Tom and Eli to marry her. Both declined.

So, who are you rooting for? Patriots? Giants? Or are you going to watch a movie, and if so, which one?

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