Robin Lee Hatcher's Write Thinking

under the stars

Last night was my first play of the season at the Idaho Shakespeare Festival ("Shakespeare and Others Under the Stars"), celebrating its 30th season. Its my 17th summer as a season ticket holder, but the first production I attended was in the Festival's third season; I went with Daughter #2 who was 8 years old at the time, and we were both hooked. The plays were produced in three "borrowed" locations in the Festival's first 21 years. They moved into their own wonderful amphitheater 9 years ago (note the foothills as a backdrop).

I and my Shakespeare going friends like to sit on the lawn, center section, three or four rows back from the stage. We have our low-riding, low-backed chairs and our picnic dinners. I take along a blanket and a sweatshirt as it can get very cool by the river after the sun sets. I definitely didn't need either last night. It was hot and sultry when we arrived at the theater. When I was driving home at 10:30, it was still 81 degrees. We don't do sultry well around here. Our normal humidity is about 15% in the summer.

The Festival has a wonderful repertoire of plays by both Shakespeare and "others." They do the most plays in repertory than any other festival, I've been told. This year, as it turns out, I will only see one of the Shakespeare plays, Love's Labor's Lost. Last night I saw the musical comedy, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. This was a repeat from last summer's repertoire (they always bring back the smash hit from the previous summer to open in June). It was just as funny last night as last year. Next month, George Bernard Shaw's Major Barbara is in store for me.

If you're ever in Boise in the summer, treat yourself to a visit to the Idaho Shakespeare Festival. You won't regret it. And if you can't come here, find your local group of thespians and support their productions.

-rlh-

zoom! how fast was that?

I got a letter yesterday from a Christian media ministry, and it contained some interesting stats on the growth of technology, especially as relates to the Internet. At least I found them interesting enough to share here:

• Ten years ago, 45 million people were using the Internet
• Today, over 1 billion people use the Internet
• Last year, household adoption of high speed, broadband Internet connection exceeded the 50% mark, spawning a new era of on-demand video communication
• Eight months ago, the video iPod didn't exist
• Today, millions of full-length TV shows and movies are being downloaded to computers, and synced to the iPods for "time-shifted" viewing on the go

Can you believe everything that has happened so fast?

A report revealed that 30% of people on-line are searching for Religious or Spiritual information. That's a lot of seekers. Research also shows a significant consumer preference of video over text. (Not good news to writers, but that's another topic.)

Now imagine a place on the Internet where bestselling authors and trusted biblically based experts on Gospel and Spiritual Truths, Sexual Intimacy, Parenting, Finances, etc., are available with short video answers to life's biggest questions, instantly accessible by computer, video enabled cellular phones and iPods.

It's coming, folks. And when I learn the link has been announced, I'll include it here.

---

Speaking of short video answers, have you watched any of the NOOMA videos from Rob Bell and produced by Zondervan. I was given video #1, RAIN, last fall and finally got around to watching it a couple of weeks ago. Powerful lesson taught in about 11 minutes. And wouldn't you know? I watched it the very day I needed to hear what Rob Bell had to say.

If you are part of a small group, I highly recommend these videos. They could kick off some terrific discussions.

-rlh-

unless you are ...

Today's reading in my journey through the New Testament brought me to Acts 15:1, which reads:

And some men came down from Judea and began teaching the brethren, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.”

I have learned through my years as a follower of Christ to beware the phrase, "Unless you (fill in the blank), you cannot be saved." When someone asserts that you must do something or be something in order to be considered saved, it is often in error and based upon something that is legalistic rather than scripturally sound. And it diminishes the grace of God.

Salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.

• “But we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way as they also are.”  Acts 15:11
• that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved; for with the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.  Rom. 10:9-10
• For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God.  Eph. 2:8

Of course, as we mature in Christ (the sanctification process), we are changed in many ways and we do many things because of our obedience to Him. The Bible is filled with examples of that: Putting on the armor of God, walking in the fruit of the spirit, a life of prayer, a life of service, rejoicing in tribulation, participating in the community of faith, observance of the sacraments, etc. But those changes within us and those things we do in obedience to the Lord are not what saves us. Salvation happens the moment we put our faith in Christ and comes to us because of the grace of God.

To which I say, "Thank You, Jesus." Because I am...

In the grip of His grace,
Robin

cage 'em up

Granddaughters #2 and #3 love to come to Grandma Robin's house. They love to play outside with the dogs. They love GG's candy drawer (GG stands for Great-Grandmother, my mom). They love that I have the Cartoon Channel (I have to search for it every time as it isn't a channel I've got memorized). They love to see what is in my fridge and pantry that is good to eat.

And they also love to crawl into Poppet's crate with her. Seeing them do this always makes me laugh. I took these photos awhile back and just must share with you. (Click photos for larger image.) I believe that look on Poppet's face is saying, "Mom, what did I do to deserve this? Get me out of here!!!"

-rlh-

saturday sundries

My Garden:

I do not have a green thumb by any stretch of the imagination. I do not enjoy digging in the dirt, planting, weeding, etc. That is not my gift. I fully appreciate the beauty of those who do garden. While the front of my house is landscaped, including purple wildflowers, roses, potentillas, shrubs (which are in the process of being trimmed as they are out of control), some sort of pretty ground cover, a mock orange, etc., my backyard is lawn, a curly willow tree, and a huge lilac bush. I did have some rose bushes, but they were in too much shade and never did well. I had them ripped up and sod laid. My dogs were also a detriment to the roses, especially Poppet who loves to run the length of the back fence where said rose bushes used to be.

I love my backyard (except for the size of it when it comes to mowing and weed whacking). The curly willow casts shade across it starting in mid-afternoon and lengthening as the day progresses. Mom and I enjoy sitting on the patio on the porch swing in the cooler parts of the day. But we have missed the color that flowers bring to a yard. So this week I bought a "portable garden" in an urn, and it's amazing how it brightens things up.

Straight Up:

I was fortunate enough to be asked to do an advance read of Lisa Samson's next book, Straight Up (September 2006). PW gave it a very lovely review, and I concur. Here is what I had to say:

What if we chose differently in life? Straight Up is pure Lisa Samson — original, raw, and laced with grace. As always, Lisa's characters came to life in my imagination, becoming my friends. This book made me cry and also allowed me hope. What a treasure.

Lisa Samson has an original voice, and she doesn't pretty up the realities of life for her fiction.

What Brings People to Write Thinking:

Every once in a while, I look to see what people search for on Google and other search engines that ends up causing them to follow a link to my blog. Sometimes they are just down right funny. Typepad only shows this information for 24 hours so these are just what I can find in that time frame as of about 6:45 a.m. MDT:

Golf AND blister AND right thumb
How to write ten pages per day
Robin Lee
Mining theme for Christian women's retreat
I have an ugly thumb on my left hand
"Philip Anschutz" trusted assistant
Write farewell note
Hand pain golf
Write cheerful farewell notes

It appears that the problem with that blister on my thumb from golfing has created quite the traffic. Not sure about those farewell notes. And who is Philip Anschutz? Hmm. I must have quoted him or something.

---

Well, that's the end of my Saturday Sundries.

Until next time, may God keep you ...

In the grip of His grace,
Robin

a friday feast kind of friday

I'm working on my book, trying to keep up with the yard work, running errands for the household, etc. But none of those things have generated any good blog material. Thus, I haven't blogged in a few days. So I'm going to indulge in a Friday's Feast. Here goes:

Appetizer
On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being highest, how much do you like your job?

A 10. Oh, there are plenty of parts of being a writer that I dislike at times, but those times come and go. No job would suit me better, that's for certain.

Soup
When was the last time you think you were lied to?

Yesterday.

Salad
Share some lyrics from one of your favorite songs.

All things work for our good
though sometimes we can't see how they could
struggles that break our hearts in two
sometimes blinds us to the truth

Our Father knows what's best for us
His ways are not our own
So when your pathway grows dim, and you just can't see Him
Remember you're never alone

God is too wise to be mistaken
God is too good to be unkind
So when you don't understand
When you don't see His plan
When you can't trace His hand
Trust His heart

He sees the master plan
And He holds our future in His hands
So don't live as those who have no hope
All our hope is found in Him

We see the present clearly
But He sees the first and the last
And like a tapestry He's weaving you and me to someday be just like Him

God is too wise to be mistaken
God is too good to be unkind
So when you don't understand
When you don't see His plan
When you can't trace His hand
Trust His heart

He alone is faithful and true
He alone knows what is best for you
So when you don't understand
When you don't see His plan
When you can't trace His hand trust His heart
*****(Trust His Heart by Babbie Mason on the Timeless album)

Main Course
What do you do/take when you are in pain?

I ice it or heat it, and eventually I'll take an Aleve if necessary.

Dessert
Fill in the blanks:  My __________ is very __________.

My Papillon dog Poppet is very high maintenance but still brings me joy. (Photo above is of Poppet sitting on my mom's bed.)

-rlh-

the importance of church

In my years as a Christian, I have seen many people who are adrift from any local church fellowship. I know how easy it is to drift a little more and a little more. When Christians are disconnected from the community of believers, our spiritual lives suffer.

When I felt God was taking me out of the church that had been my home for 23 years, my main prayer was, "Lord, plant me quickly." He answered that prayer in a wonderful, powerful way. For nearly four years, I've been part of the Vineyard Christian Fellowship in Boise, and I'm so grateful to God for planting me there.

Anyway, reading yesterday's passage in Acts 2 was a great reminder of the importance and benefits of being part of a local church body.

And they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. And everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles.  And all those who had believed were together, and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions, and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need.  And day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved. (NASB, Acts 2:42-47)

Church participation brings us the benefits of (1) teaching/instruction, (2) fellowship, (3) observing communion, (4) praying with others, (5) outreach, (6) a common cause, and (7) ministering to and assisting one another. Elsewhere in the Bible we learn it also brings us the benefits of (8) worship, (9) discipline, (10) pastoral oversight, and (11) obedience to God's command. [Open Bible study notes.]

A Christian needs to participate in a local body of believers. It isn't an option. God tells us to be there. Americans really value our independence, but God wants us to be dependent upon one another.

In the grip of His grace,
Robin

golf lesson #2

I had my second golf lesson last night. First week was the 6 iron. Last night was the 5 wood. I had some good shots. I had some horrid shots. I'm good at keeping that left arm straight on the back swing, but I tend to bend it on the down swing. I still tend to keep my weight on my right leg instead of following through to the left. So much to remember.

I was able to take the lesson without a bandaid on the thumb where I wore the huge blister two weeks ago. Both of the times Daughter #2 and I have gone to practice, I've had to keep it covered.

The bad news from last night? The golf clubs I bought six or seven years ago from a general sporting goods store are too short for me. I've been wondering if that was true. Turns out they aren't even standard women's clubs. They are "short" women's clubs. I am one half inch taller than standard (well, ground to wrist is one half inch longer) and the clubs are one inch shorter than standard. Meaning my clubs are an inch and a half too short for me. That probably explains why I feel like I'm bending down too much. Oh my aching back. The instructor suggested I use my daughter's clubs for a few weeks, then when my swing is stronger, get some custom made ones to fit me.

I stashed away the money I got for Christmas in a travel fund, dreaming of a trip to Europe. However, it wouldn't even buy me a ticket to New York right now and I don't have anyone to go to Europe with anyway, so I guess I'll use it to buy those new clubs.

The good news? I can feel all this swinging in my waist and it's strengthening my arms as well. Maybe when I finally take that trip to Europe, I'll have a narrower waist and firmer arms and be able to golf on some great course in Ireland or Scotland or Italy.

-rlh-

starting the week at the end of John

My read through the New Testament brought me to the last two chapters of John this morning. These chapters contain several things that speak to me. In fact, I may have noted them before in my blog when I've read through the New Testament. I cannot say for sure.

In John chapter 20:

19 When therefore it was evening, on that day, the first day of the week, and when the doors were shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 And when He had said this, He showed them both His hands and His side. The disciples therefore rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus therefore said to them again, “Peace be with you; as the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” 22 And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, their sins have been forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they have been retained.”

24 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 The other disciples therefore were saying to him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I shall see in His hands the imprint of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.” (NASB)

Two things from this passage. First, when we fail to gather together with other believers, we often miss Jesus when He shows up. Thomas wasn't there when Jesus came the first time, and no matter how well the other disciples tried to explain what it was like, he just couldn't understand because he wasn't there in person. Every time we skip church or our small group meeting, we risk the chance of missing out when Jesus shows up and does something wonderful in their midst. And second, Thomas gets a little of a bum rap as "the doubter". All of them doubted at first. None of them believed Jesus would rise from the dead.

26 And after eight days again His disciples were inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors having been shut, and stood in their midst, and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then He said to Thomas, “Reach here your finger, and see My hands; and reach here your hand, and put it into My side; and be not unbelieving, but believing.”

28 Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!”

29 Jesus said to him, “Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed.” (NASB)

Thomas was the first person recorded in the Bible to call Jesus "God." Maybe he did have to see Jesus in person to say it, but isn't it wonderful that he recognized it. Jesus was not simply the King, not simply the Christ, not simply the Savior who took our sins to the cross. He was and is God, and Thomas recognized it.

From John chapter 21:

3 Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will also come with you.” They went out, and got into the boat; and that night they caught nothing. 4 But when the day was now breaking, Jesus stood on the beach; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus.

5 Jesus therefore said to them, “Children, you do not have any fish, do you?” They answered Him, “No.” 6 And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you will find a catch.” They cast therefore, and then they were not able to haul it in because of the great number of fish.

7 That disciple therefore whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord.” And so when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put his outer garment on (for he was stripped for work), and threw himself into the sea. (NASB)

Two things from this passage: First, Jesus met these believers in the workplace. The disciples were fishermen by trade, and they did what fishermen do. They went fishing and Jesus met them where they work.  He wants to be with us in our every day lives, including the hours we spend on the job. And second, as always, I love Peter's enthusiasm. He threw himself into the sea so that he could reach Jesus as fast as he could. May my enthusiasm to reach Jesus always be as great!

21 Peter therefore seeing [the disciple whom Jesus loved] said to Jesus, “Lord, and what about this man?”

22 Jesus said to him, “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow Me!”  (NASB)

Jesus told Peter (and me), "Don't look at what I'm doing with and in someone else's life. All that concerns you is what I'm doing with and in your life. Look at me, not at others." 

And that concludes all four of the gospels. Tomorrow we begin in Acts. And now I am off to write, asking God to give me the words and the scenes that I need to put on paper today. Lord, meet me in the workplace. Amen.

In the grip of His grace,
Robin

most inspiring movies

The American Film Institute revealed their 100 Most Inspiring Films of All Time in a three hour special on CBS last night. I tuned in late as I had a telephone meeting with a book club that was discussing Ribbon of Years, so I missed seeing clips and hearing comments on the first 40 or so films.

In glancing down the list, there are only three films which I may not have seen. I say "may not" because it is possible/even probable that I saw them (at least on TV) and they didn't have much impact on me, for good or for bad. I certainly know the titles. I just can't be sure I've seen them. Maybe I'd better see if they are available on Netflix.

The one movie on this list of inspiring films that caused me to stop in my tracks was #78, Thelma & Louise. T&L inspiring? Let's see. Two women leave boyfriend and husband, commit crimes including shooting an attempted rapist, run from the police, and then drive off a cliff rather than get caught. Sorry. I think of inspiring as being something uplifting and encouraging (even if the movie has lots of hardship, such as Schindler's List). But how is committing murder and suicide uplifting? Thelma & Louise has loads of fans, and it can be called well-acted, exciting, dangerous, titillating. But I don't consider it an inspiring film by any stretch of the imagination. It isn't a film that makes me want to be a better person. Just my opinion.

Here's the Top Ten, all terrific and inspiring:

                                                         

1	IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE	1946
2	TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD	1962
3	SCHINDLER'S LIST	1993
4	ROCKY	1976
5	MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON	1939
6	E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL	1982
7	THE GRAPES OF WRATH	1940
8	BREAKING AWAY	1979
9	MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET	1947
10	SAVING PRIVATE RYAN	1998

To see the full list, visit the AFI site.

What would be on your Top 100 list of most inspiring films that didn't make this list? And are there any that you would remove?

-rlh-

time blur

Wow! Nearly a week has flown by since my last post.

I've been busy writing. Or maybe a more truthful statement would be "trying" to write. I'm in a creativity slump. I'm walking through a "valley of the shadows," and sometimes there doesn't seem to be much left in me but tears. Certainly not any good ideas for my work in progress. One day I will look back at this time and glean from this experience and these emotions. One day I will be able to work them into another book. But right now that seems far off. Right now I'm just looking for the sunrise.

I awoke this morning with this Brian Doerksen song running through my head:

Faithful one, so unchanging,
Ageless one, You're my rock of peace,
Lord of all I depend on You,
I call out to You, Again and again,
I call out to You, Again and again

You are my rock in times of trouble,
You lift me up when I fall down,
All through the storm, Your love is,
The anchor, My hope is in You alone.

Oh, how that song ministers to me. My hope is in God alone. I call out to Him, again and again, and He lifts me up. Whatever my lot, He has taught me to say, "It is well with my soul."

Granddaughter #1 and Grandson #2 spent the night on Friday in order to help me get ready for the neighborhood garage sale. I had some prime stuff ready to set out. Sadly, the yard sale was a bust. The nearest major intersection was blocked by major construction, so bargain hunters had to go three miles out of their way to get to the subdivision. Most didn't bother. In two and a half hours, we had six cars come by. So we decided to push all the stuff back into the garage and then we headed to the movie complex to see Over the Hedge. We loved it! Now I need to call the local charity and have them come pick up the unsold prime stuff.

Idaho is not a state known for tornadoes, but a week or so ago, the Seven Devils area northwest of Boise got hit with one packing winds of about 150 mph. Mowed down the forest of Ponderosa Pines.

Today, Boise was under a tornado warning. I was blissfully unaware of it until I came downstairs to call Daughter #2 about our golf lesson. It looked like rain was rolling in. The sky was so dark. Just as we decided we didn't want to be out on a golf course in stormy weather, the hail began. I have never personally seen hail this size. They said some were an inch and a quarter in diameter. I only heard one crack of thunder but it was loud and strong.

Well, I am off to bed, looking forward to the sunrise.

In the grip of His grace,
Robin

golf pain

About six or so years ago, I bought some clubs and went golfing for a couple of summers without ever taking lessons. I was pathetic but had a good time. Then my golfing partner quit playing due to back problems, and I quit too, for lack of someone to go with.

So yesterday I was thinking how I needed to get out and do something other than writing, house cleaning, buying groceries, mowing the lawn and doing other yard work, and/or going to church. So I called the nearby driving range to check on lessons. They had a beginner's class starting that night. Three Tuesdays for $45. Not bad. Then I called Daughter #2 who asked me a few weeks ago if she could borrow my clubs (her husband recently took up the game). Did she want to go with me? She did — and was able to arrange for child care for her children. Out to the shed I went, hauled out the clubs, wiped away the cobwebs, and cleaned everything up. I was ready.

It was 90 degrees when we were at the range, and I ended up suffering from heat exhaustion. My own fault. I let time get away from me while writing and went to the lesson with an empty stomach (the lesson was at 5:30). Plus I didn't drink enough water before I left home. So after about 40 minutes of swinging at those little white balls, I started getting dizzy. I would sit down, drink water, feel a little better, stand up, get in one or two swings, then have to sit down again. I felt like a real wuss. Next week I will make sure that I (1) eat an hour before the lesson and (2) drink at least 16 ounces of water before I leave the house. And I will take along Gatorade or another power beverage, just in case.

The other mishap was with my right thumb. I'm right handed, and I wore a glove on my left hand, as is the custom. Well, I guess I was trying to power the club with my right thumb or something. I blistered it somehow on the grip. Blistered it bad! Took the skin off the entire pad of my thumb. Do golfers ever wear gloves on both hands? When I got home, I had to cut off all that loose, dead skin with some fingernail clippers (not easy using my left hand). Ick! Of course, after I discovered the popped blister, I asked the instructor what I was doing wrong to make that happen, but by then it was too late.

This morning, I ache in numerous places, but especially in my upper arms and upper back. Groan... And my brain hurts too. Keep that left arm straight on the back swing. In the grip, make sure I can see at least two knuckles of my left hand. Flex those knees. Keep the back straight. Lead with the hips and get all that weight onto the left leg. I miss the ball because I straighten up.

I felt like a major klutz, missing the ball on one swing, hacking out the earth with the next. But a lady in the next class was at least 15 years older than me. I can do this!

Oh, one more thing. Wilson has out a whole line of pink products (including clubs and bag) that aid breast cancer research. So I bought myself a new pink glove and a new pink and white towel last night.

-rlh-

another movie for writers

Netflix served up another pearl this weekend.

Shadows in the Sun (aka The Shadow Dancer) tells the story of "an aspiring young writer who tracks down a literary titan suffering from writers block to his refuge in rural Italy and learns about life and love from the irascible genius and his daughters." (Synopsis from IMDB)

There was a great bit of dialogue that I had to play back and write down: "Weldon, you're not afraid of writing. You're afraid of failing. We all fail. The courage is in the trying."

Of course, that applies to all areas of life, not simply to writing a novel. The courage is in the trying.

-rlh-