Robin Lee Hatcher's Write Thinking

Visit Your Favorite Novelists' Homes for Christmas

Okay, you won't really be coming to our homes. But via the wonders of video, you can get a glimpse. Come join the tour, beginning December 15th.

Oh, man. I feel the sudden urge to bake Christmas cookies.

~robin

God's Thumbnail & the Bright Morning Star

Not sure I've mentioned this on my blog, but on Monday of this week I decided I had to do more in my goal to get healthy this year. I need to lose weight, get back down to where I was in 2005, but mostly I just want to get stronger and more flexible. Use it or lose it. So, in addition to three days a week of Wii Fit Yoga (30 minutes each) and five to six days of Wii Fit aerobics or cycling (20-30 minutes each), I've joined Curves for the much needed resistance (aka weight) training combined with cardio. I'm still feeling those extra pounds I put on over the summer, but I'm also feeling more energy after a week in my new routine. Always a good thing.

On my return home yesterday morning, maybe around 7:15, after my stop at Moxie Java for a non-fat chai tea (yum), I turned into my subdivision and saw a beautiful crescent moon and the morning star hanging low in the sky. By the time I could drive into the garage, run into the house and get my camera, and get back outside, the sky had lightened a bit more, but I think you can still see what a beautiful sight it was (click photo for larger version).

Isn't God's handiwork amazing? And, of course, I look forward to the day when I will see the true Morning Star face to face.

“I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” (Rev. 22:16)

~robin

PS Can anyone tell me the movie where I heard the crescent moon called "God's thumbnail"? I can hear a kid's voice saying it, but I can't for the life of me remember the name of the movie where I saw/heard that line.

Cell Phones & Brain Tumors

In the past couple of years, I've known three people who have died of brain cancer, and I can't help but be concerned that the use of portable phones (both mobile and land lines) has something to do with this. So when I read about Pong's new cover for the iPhone that directs radiation away from the body, I plunked down the money and ordered one.

My youngest daughter and her family have mobile phones only. My older daughter and her family are on their mobile phones a lot. I have portable phones in my house plus my iPhone. Radio waves. Radio waves.

Here's something for you to chew on:

Landmark Document Published: “Cell Phones and Brain Tumors: 15 Reasons for Concern”

8.25.09 The most comprehensive overview of research on cell phones and cancer was published by the Environmental Trust today. Signed by 40 international scientists, “Cell Phones and Brain Tumors” details how the Interphone study was flawed and recaps the latest research on the issue. The main editor, Dr. Lloyd Morgan, summarizes the urgency of the work to be done: “Exposure to cellphone radiation is the largest human health experiment ever undertaken, without informed consent, and has some 4 billion participants enrolled. Science has shown increased risk of brain tumors from use of cellphones, as well as increased risk of eye cancer, salivary gland tumors, testicular cancer, nonHodgkin's lymphoma and leukemia. The public must be informed.” Download the press release and document here.

Here is a snippet from that report:

Concern 4: Independent research shows there is risk of brain tumors from cellphone use.

Studies led by Professor Lennart Hardell in Sweden found significantly increased risk of brain tumors from 10 or more years of cellphone or cordless phone use. Among their many significant findings are the following:

• For every 100 hours of cellphone use, the risk of brain cancer increases by 5%;
• For every year of cellphone use, the risk of brain cancer increases by 8%;
• After 10 or more years of digital cellphone use, there was a 280% increased risk of brain cancer;
• For digital cellphone users who were teenagers or younger when they first starting using a cellphone, there was a 420% increased risk of brain cancer.

I don't know about similar covers for other kinds of mobile phones, but I hope you'll consider this information and do what you can to protect yourself. We have become a world addicted to our mobile phones. You can't hardly find a public telephone these days. But use them (any portable phone that uses radio waves) with care. Please!

~robin

Wii Fit Plus arrives

I haven't mentioned my Wii Fit for a while, admittedly because I haven't been very faithful with my workouts during the summer. Mostly I rode my cycle for my workouts. But fall is here, and it's time for me to get serious again. I need more stretching, more balance, and more strength exercises. Cardio is just not enough.

Today, the UPS guy delivered the new Wii Fit Plus ($19.49 at Amazon), and I already know that I'm going to like it a lot. It's got all of the same old routines (yoga, aerobics, balance, and strength), plus it has another twenty or so routines added. There are new Wii Fit age tests (my Wii Fit age today was 33!!), and you can design your own workout routine. Oh, and more than one person can use it at a time so you can compete with other members of your family.

If you have enjoyed the Wii Fit, you're going to like it even more with this new disk.

~robin

Four Things You Can't Recover

I found this on Randy Alcorn's blog and just had to share it with my readers. It's too good not to.

Four things you can't recover...

 

 

 

 

Girl #146

I have no words to add besides this: Join the fight. Make a difference in this fallen world.

~robin

how time flies

My brother Rick flew into Boise from New York for a brief visit with Mom over the weekend. He wanted to stay another day, but all the Labor Day flights were sold out. So we only had Friday evening and all day Saturday with Mom. I took him to the airport at 6:15 this morning. The visit was over in a flash.

We picked up Mom at 8:30 AM on Saturday and spent the full day with her. We sat on the patio in the beautiful morning hours, we ate Mexican food for lunch at On the Border, and then we went out again to meet the extended family (14 of us this time) for dinner at a great Boise restaurant called Jakers. Such fun, and Mom loved every minute of it. She'd said she didn't want to return to the care center until 9:00 PM, but we were at the restaurant for two hours and she was worn out by the time we left at 7:30. She didn't mind a bit going back a little early. [The photo at top left (click for larger version) is just part of the dinner group: my daughter Jennifer and her husband and kids, my brother, my cousin's youngest son, my aunt, and my mom (in wheelchair).]

When I returned from dropping Rick off at the airport this morning, the house felt so empty, so silent. I missed him. So did Poppet because Rick played with her constantly while we visited. And, sadly, Mom was feeling blue today too, the let down after the joy. Please, if you think of her, say a prayer.

Rick and I talked a lot about when we were kids and what a wonderful childhood we had, and Mom took great pleasure in listening to us, in between her little catnaps. I loved reminiscing with Rick about the "good old days" of our youth. What sweet times they were. Boise was much smaller then, and kids were able to have a freedom that no right thinking parent today would allow. The world has changed so much.

Mom was widowed when I was just four months old, and while we missed having a dad and while we didn't have a lot (materially speaking) as we were growing up, we had an abundance of love from our mom, grandma, aunts, uncle, and cousins. God knows, we were blessed. I'm so thankful.

When I was in my early thirties and first published, I used to wish away the months. From the time a book is turned in, it usually takes around a year for it to go through editing and the cover to be designed and the marketing to be done, etc., etc., before it arrives in stores. Back then I was so eager to get to see my cover art, to see my books on store shelves, to see what the reviewers and readers thought that I would wish away all the months in between a book's completion and its release. But it wasn't long before I learned how quickly time passed without my wishing. It is fleeting. It's but a breath and so are we. God tells us so.

“LORD, make me to know my end

And what is the extent of my days;

Let me know how transient I am.

Behold, You have made my days as handbreadths,

And my lifetime as nothing in Your sight;

Surely every man at his best is a mere breath."

(Psa. 39:4-5, NASB)

May we all make the most of our days while we are able, in Jesus' name.

~robin

Lest We Forget What the 4th of July is About

When was the last time you read the Declaration of Independence? Perhaps it is time we look again so that we'll be reminded what we don't want to lose, the freedom that is slipping away from us in many, many ways.

---

IN CONGRESS, JULY 4, 1776.

THE UNANIMOUS DECLARATION OF THE
THIRTEEN UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

WHEN, in the Course of human Events, it becomes necessary for one People to dissolve the Political Bands which have connected them with another, and to assume, among the Powers of the Earth, the separate and equal Station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's GOD entitle them, a decent Respect to the Opinions of Mankind requires that they should declare the Causes which impel them to the Separation.

We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed, by their CREATOR, with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these Rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the Consent of the Governed, that whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these Ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its Foundation on such Principles, and organizing its Powers in such Form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate, that Governments long established, should not be changed for light and transient Causes; and accordingly all Experience hath shewn, that Mankind are more disposed to suffer, while Evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the Forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long Train of Abuses and Usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object, evinces a Design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their Right, it is their Duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future Security. Such has been the patient Sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the Necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The History of the present King of Great-Britain is a History of repeated Injuries and Usurpations, all having in direct Object the Establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid World.

HE has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public Good.

HE has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing Importance, unless suspended in their Operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.

HE has refused to pass other Laws for the Accommodation of large Districts of People, unless those People would relinquish the Right of Representation in the Legislature, a Right inestimable to them, and formidable to Tyranny only.

HE has called together Legislative Bodies at Places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the Depository of their public Records, for the sole Purpose of fatiguing them into Compliance with his Measures.

HE has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly Firmness his Invasions on the Rights of the People.

HE has refused for a long Time, after such Dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the Legislative Powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining, in the mean Time, exposed to all the Dangers of Invasion from without, and Convulsions within.

HE has endeavoured to prevent the Population of these States; for that Purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their Migrations hither, and raising the Conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.

HE has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary Powers.

HE has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the Tenure of their Offices, and the Amount and Payment of their Salaries.

HE has erected a Multitude of new Offices, and sent hither Swarms of Officers to harrass our People, and eat out their Substance.

HE has kept among us, in Times of Peace, Standing Armies, without the Consent of our Legislatures.

HE has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil Power.

Elderly Care

Many readers of my blog know that my elderly mom (age 95) has lived with me for more than a decade. For much of that time, she was very independent. She drove until she was 90, and even after she gave up driving, she took cabs to meet friends for lunch. But these last few years, her strength has slipped a lot and caring for her has brought many changes into my own life, too.

A week ago, she went from a brief hospital stay to rehab after having some trouble getting around. On Thursday night, she was preparing for bed and decided she'd like another pillow. There were a couple of them on the shelf in her closet. Rather than calling for help, she thought she could get one herself. Mom isn't tall, and her posture is slumped forward. When she walks, she looks down at the ground a few feet in front of her. Thus, when she looked up and reached up, it caused her to lose her balance and down she went. The fall broke her hip. Yesterday she underwent surgery. She now has three long pins/screws in her right hip.

It's so hard to see a loved one in pain, and Mom was in a lot of it yesterday, before and after the surgery. I've learned that she has a very low pain threshold. But health care providers must be careful with pain meds for the elderly because too much can cause them to stop breathing. It's a catch-22.

A few months ago, I discovered a blog about elder caregiving, and it has been very helpful for me to read. If you are caring for an elderly loved one, maybe it will be of help to you, too. And my friend Katy McKenna over at Fallible.com has made me laugh plenty over some of her experiences with elderly family members. Thank God for people whose words of wisdom and humor have helped me along this particular path of life.

And if I've learned anything over the past few years of caring for my mom, it's that getting old isn't for sissies.

~robin

Moms & Grandmas & Great Grands

Gracious! I cannot express how much I love being a mom and grandma. Today was one of those perfect, perfect days spent with my family. My oldest daughter had us over for brunch, celebrating Mother's Day and my birthday. We had an incredibly scrumptious meal (two kinds of quiche, a cinnamon crunch coffeecake, pancakes, and salad), and I received some cool gifts (a wireless thermometer with indoor/outdoor readings and a sports monitor for watching my heart rate while working out plus pretty flowers for my patio).

And here are a few photos to share (click to see larger images).

Me with my mom (age 95)

Me with my six grandkids (ages 3 to 16)

Me, my mom, and my grandkids

The weather was picture perfect, not too warm, not too cool (low 70's) and we spent a good deal of time out in the backyard playing volleyball and snapping photographs.

I pray that all of the mothers reading this post had equally lovely days.

~robin

Life is a Whirlwind!

What a day I've had!

Mom came home from rehab yesterday after nearly 6 weeks away. She is doing okay. Not great. Not the same as she was. But I think we can handle what's ahead of us, at least for now. I've promised myself (and the Lord) that I won't try to make decisions on things that might happen. I'm taking this one day at a time and trusting the Lord to provide that which we need.

The UPS man brought me a nice surprise. A copy of my new book! As I shared yesterday, Zondervan went to press early on A Vote of Confidence so the books would be available for my signing at CBD on Saturday. I took the photo with my MacBook, making sure you couldn't see me. I am sans makeup and looking a little scary. {{grin}}

In addition to taking care of Mom today, I was getting packed for my trip to Peabody, MA. I fly out tomorrow morning. The lady who will take care of Mom came over, and I gave her the scoop on everything. Also I went to the chiropractor for some treatment on my right arm/elbow. I've had pain from tendonitis for about 8 weeks now. Groan! It's hard to get healed when I'm right handed and have to use my arm throughout the day.

And finally, I got one more nice surprise today. The Perfect Life is a RITA finalist for Best Inspirational. The call came while I was on the chiropractor's table. Someone told me, "Well, you'll always remember where you were when you got the news." LOL! The list of finalists is very impressive, so I'm not counting on the book winning. But one more RITA would mean entering the Hall of Fame which I must confess would be oh-so-nice.

I hope I'll sleep well tonight.

~rlh~

Mii love the Wii fit

Okay, I have shared before how much I love the Wii Fit. I have lost weight and inches and strengthened my core thanks to this little white thing. I don't know anybody who has a Wii Fit who doesn't have good things to say about it. But I still got a kick out of this YouTube video about the Wii Fit.

Life Keeps Happening

I may be silent for a few more days. My mom (95) fell ill on Thursday and is in the hospital. She will likely to go from there to a rehab care facility to regain her strength enough that she can return home. Things are a bit up in the air, and I've got several small deadlines this week for articles and interviews. Plus I am leading a women's retreat soon, something I haven't done in close to four years, and I need to update my materials. Then there is my WIP, not wanting to fall behind schedule. Sigh.

Appreciate your prayers for my mom and for any decisions I might have to make in regard to her care.

~rlh~

Transverse Myelitis

"Mom, we're at the ER. Something's wrong with Vince." That's the abbreviated version of the phone call I got from my oldest daughter on Monday evening.

You know that stomach dropping sensation that hits when a person is plopped down in the unknown? Well, that's where I was on Monday night and Tuesday morning. But by Tuesday afternoon, the unknown had a name: Transverse Myelitis. An uncommon, debilitating but treatable neurological condition that requires accurate and efficient diagnosis. Thank God, the doctors in charge of Vince (my 13 year old grandson) were able to make the diagnosis quickly.

It's hard to see a loved one struggle to walk, to do things that most of us take so for granted. I was with him at the hospital today during his physical therapy. At one point I thought I would faint. (I have a Master's Degree in the Fine Art of Swooning.) I wanted to make it all better. I wanted God to touch him and make him whole again, make him able to run again. I wanted my daughter not to have to worry about her son, to not have to face the months of therapy ahead. But I have learned that more often than not, God chooses to walk us through the hard times rather than to take us out of them.

As soon as I was off the phone on Monday night, I put out calls for prayer to my Christian email groups, and I posted small tidbits to my Twitter and Facebook pages over the following days. I was careful not to mention specifics until I remembered to ask my daughter for permission to do so. Today she said it was fine, and so here I am, sharing some of the specifics.

I cannot tell you how much the prayers of the Saints have meant to me and to us this week. How do unbelievers make it through the rough patches in life without Jesus and other Christians to stand in the gap for them? I haven't a clue. I'm just glad that I can cling to Jesus, that I can trust Him with my family and our future. And I'm glad I have so many Bible believing readers of this blog and of my Twitter tweets and of my Facebook page who will continue to remember Vince and his family (mom Micki, stepdad John, sister Shayla) in their prayers. And me too. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. May God bless you a hundred times over.

~rlh~

Merry Christmas & God Bless Us, Everyone

Tuesday was a day of cooking and moving furniture and setting tables. Glazed ham and Jello salad and sweet potato casserole and green bean casserole and deviled eggs and crescent rolls and munchies (carrots, celery, olives, pickles), and pies with ice cream. For a moment it was all there ... and then it was gone.

My family arrived on snowy roads (more snow is coming to Boise later this morning and will keep snowing into Christmas Day). We ate, and then came the gifts. The combined gift that went to four of the grandchildren (children of my youngest daughter) was Rock Band 2 Special Edition for the Wii. It turned out to be the hit for everyone there. My son-in-laws slipped into my bedroom to watch the heartbreaker BSU & TCU game (BSU lost by 1 point). And after Rock Band was put away, I popped Dancing With The Stars into the Wii and we did lots of laughing while my daughters and three teenager grandkids tried to Samba. They made me feel so much better. They're as bad as I am. ;-)

Here are some photos to share from our evening of fun (click for larger shot):

snow dog

Take a second to watch this fun video with the dog Bailey playing in the snow. It's a hoot. Dogs are so much fun!

this explains so much!

I saw these two cartoons on Without Wax and just had to share with my readers.

It's just too true, isn't it?

-rlh-

saying farewell

In the summer of 1996, I drove to Mountain Home Air Force Base about 45 miles from Boise to look at a litter of Shetland Sheepdog pups. I didn't so much select a puppy as the puppy chose me. I named her Lady Tiko MacTavish. We called her Tiko. She was a bit funny looking, her nose almost as big as the rest of her. Eventually she grew into the nose.

Although her parents were the normal size for shelties, Tiko grew to be much bigger than most shelties. And at her fattest (yes, she got way too fat) she topped 60 pounds. Most people, even vets, thought she was a small collie rather than a sheltie. She had the sweetest nature and was terrified of loud noises. If outside when a thunderstorm rolled in, she would throw herself at the back door, trying desperately to get inside. The 4th of July was a nightmare for her, although she calmed down when she was inside and with me.

When I knew it was time for me to downsize house and yard because it was all too much for me to take care of alone, the hardest part was knowing I would need to find homes for my two bigger dogs (Misty the border collie was Tiko's pal). They weren't young puppies anymore, so finding homes wouldn't be easy. When my daughters stepped forward to say they would each take one of them, it made the decision so much easier. I knew they would be happy and well-cared for in their new homes. Tiko (and Misty) loved to be with kids and adults. Tiko loved to catch the frisbee, and she would follow behind the lawnmower, turning her white paws green in the fresh cut grass. Inside, she wanted to be close to my feet.

Other than grooming, Tiko was a low maintenance pet. She never demanded anything. She just wanted to be near me and, after she changed homes, to my daughter. She loved without condition, the very way all of us want someone to love us.

Earlier this year, it was discovered that Tiko had bladder cancer. Inoperable. Nothing to do for her but watch for signs that she was in pain. I knew this would be hard for my youngest daughter to tell me. But it became obvious a short while ago that the time had come to make the decision. The tumor had grown so large it became hard for her to walk, and when she tried to climb the stairs, she sometimes fell back down.

We went to the vet's on Wednesday morning. My daughter couldn't bear to stay, so I was alone with Tiko to say goodbye and thanks for being such a precious part of my life for so many years and thanks for being a good pal for my grandchildren. I didn't know until I was petting her and loving her that she had begun to develop growths in other places as well. More cancer, and I wondered as I looked into her sad face if her suffering had been far more and far longer than she'd ever let on. I cried and then I cried and then I cried some more.

I like to think that Tiko is in heaven now, chasing rabbits or catching a frisbee, able to jump high as she did when she was younger and healthier. She was a good pal, and I'll miss her.

Robin

Me Fit on the Wii Fit

After much deliberation and the encouragement of a writer friend, I finally decided to take the plunge. I bought a Wii, followed by the Wii Fit. Buying the latter was not an easy thing to do. I couldn't find one anywhere in Boise. I succeeded on the Internet, although it cost me more than what I would have paid at Best Buy or other chains.

Anyway, I have been working out on the Wii Fit for just over a couple of weeks now, and I've got to say, it has been fairly easy to make myself work out for 30 minutes to an hour each day. I'm doing some yoga exercises, some strength exercises, some aerobic exercises, and some balance exercises. I'm worthless on the balance games but do well with the aerobics and some of the yoga. I've become a huge fan of the boxing work out. The more I work out, the more exercises are "unlocked" for me to try.

I find myself cheering when I beat my previous scores, and although I haven't changed any eating habits, I have seen my BMI drop. I'm hoping to see major change on the scale eventually. But mostly I just want to keep my strength up and to stay healthy.

The Wii isn't cheap, nor is the Wii Fit. But they cost me less than I would pay for a year at the gym — a membership that I all too often allow to go to waste.

If you're looking for a fun way to exercise, I can recommend this one to you.

-rlh-

P.S. That yoga move in the photo is one that was unlocked for me today. One of the easier ones for me to do.

laughter yoga

This looks really silly, but I have to think there is something to this. Have you ever been with a group where something funny happens and you laugh and laugh and laugh until your stomach muscles hurt? Well, I'm thinking you might be able to "laugh your abs off."

There are lots of laughter yoga videos on YouTube. I grabbed this one just because it was a news piece a little closer to Idaho.

Go ahead and laugh. It's good for you.

-rlh-

remembering to be grateful

I went to the dentist yesterday because I had a problem going on in a couple of crowns on my front teeth. Well, two teeth turned into five that need new porcelain crowns, and a manageable amount that I'd planned to put on my credit card shot up to a ... gasp ... not quite as manageable amount. My mouth was numb. My budget was in pain.

Now I'm got a mouth full of temporaries that I'm not supposed to use to eat with. "Chew only on the sides," the dental tech reminded me as I left the office. Do you suppose that might help me lose some weight over the next nine days? Nah. I bet there are plenty of soft foods I can scarf down that are high in calories. Ice cream, anyone?

Anyway, still moping and feeling sorry for my finances, I got home and was letting the dog outside and was struck with a sense of shame for my woe-is-me attitude. You see, on Monday evening, a firestorm struck a neighborhood in Boise. Ten homes burned to the ground. Nine other homes badly burned, although not down to ashes only. One woman died in the fire that engulfed her home so suddenly and so completely that she was gone in seconds. Families displaced. A life lost. Precious possessions gone up in smoke.

My dental bill will get paid over time. My temporaries will be replaced with some attractive crowns, and I'll be able to smile again. I have so much to be thankful for. God has been faithful to me in all the ups and downs of life. He will be faithful to me in my present and my future, too. Blessed be the name of the Lord.

-rlh-

meet Poppet

I filmed a short clip of Poppet yesterday, just to learn how to do these videos and embed them in my blog. It has taken far longer than I thought it would to figure it out. (Doesn't that always seem to be the case with technology?)

I should have brushed Poppet's ears and tails so you could see her at her very best instead of scraggly from her stay at the pet resort (i.e. boarder). And sorry for all of those seconds worth of my floor and my chair.  The clip is 1:15 minutes long. And if it doesn't start automatically, try double clicking on the picture.

Happy 4th of July

First of all, happy Independence Day to my fellow Americans. I have been reading a book about Abraham Lincoln, and I tell you, that was one man who embraced what it meant to be an American and lived his life with faith and integrity and courage. I look forward to meeting Lincoln in heaven. He was a strong Christian who spent a great deal of time on his knees in prayer.

May God shed His grace upon America. May He set our feet upon the right paths. May we the people practice grace and compassion toward those who are less fortunate. May we find ways to set aside the hatred that has become such a sickening part of the politics of our country, and may we agree to disagree without being disagreeable.

This week I was proofing copy edits for my January release and faxed the corrected pages off to the publisher about 10 AM Thursday. Afterward, I drove to the bank to make a deposit. That was not a good thing to do. My one-year old Subaru Tribeca came into contact with one of those metal posts. I thought I had clearance as I turned the corner. I thought wrong. Ouch! Am I a dunce or what? I wasn't going more than one mile an hour (I was creeping due to the car in the ATM lane), and the damage is mostly to the paint. I think I picked up more paint that other cars had left on the post rather than leaving much of my own paint behind. There may be a slight dent, plus the plastic guard that goes around the wheel well popped loose. Estimated damage from the auto body shop: just under $600. Groan! I sure hope this won't raise my insurance premium. One little bump in years and years of nothing. We'll see.

I am definitely behind schedule on getting my next book started. Yesterday afternoon (after I was through calling my insurance company and berating myself for my own stupidity), I finally got around to doing a bit of brainstorming. I hadn't settled on my hero yet; the heroine was in the previous book, so I know her really well. But I still needed to find the right guy for her. Late yesterday, he introduced himself to me, and I'm really eager now to see where this dude is going to take both me and the heroine.

Beginning a book is always such fun. It still has so many great possibilities and not a single flaw.

Well, best get to work. I'd like to get some actual writing done before it's time to barbeque those steaks.

Again, Happy 4th of July to one and all.

-rlh-

horse show winner

Granddaughter #1 competed in her first horse show today. She brought home a fourth place, a first place, and a third place. This is the horse she is working this summer to buy. Her other horse injured her leg and had to go to the horse ER last week.

During the years I owned horses, I did my fair share of doctoring injuries. The worst was when a yearling filly got to running at night. The adult horses galloped through from one pasture to the other. The yearling went through the barbed wire. I had to keep her and my mare in a stall for a solid month while I doctored the filly twice a day.

My granddaughter had been trying to decide which horse to ride today, but the accident made the decision for her. This four year old mare (Quarter Horse & Arabian mix) did a fine job for her first outing. (Click to enlarge photos.)

Potpourri

I had the nicest thing happen to me this evening. One of the readers (a lurker) of my blog wrote to check on me since I hadn't posted since Tuesday. And since I usually post on the departing Idol contestant on Wednesday nights that increased her concern. I'm very serious when I say, it is nice to be missed.

After a day of writing on Wednesday, I had a Homeowner's Association board meeting to attend. I am the HOA's treasurer, and after a very hard winter with lots of snow removal, we had important budgeting issues to discuss. Thus, I didn't get to watch American Idol "live." (We don't actually get it live in Boise.)

Thursday was a running around day. I wasn't home much at all. Then it was off to speak to the newly formed chapter of American Christian Fiction Writers. IdaHope Writers — cool name, huh? That was a lot of fun but I did Q&A for about an hour and a half so was very tired when I got home. No time to post.

My mom's hospital stay two weeks ago really put me behind on my book, and I've suddenly found myself needing to write many more words per day than is normal for me, so as soon as I was home from the chiropractor's this morning, I hit the writing hard.

TMI? Sorry. But it isn't as if I haven't thought of things I needed to post about. So I am going to do an "information dump" with a much more attractive name of Potpourri.

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Farewell to Chikezie.

On Tuesday, I said that Ramiele and Chikezie looked to be in danger. I also thought that Kristy Lee could have gone. I do feel that Chikezie has more talent than some who are still on board, but I never thought he would go the whole distance to Idol status. This kid has such a sweet heart, from all appearances, that it's impossible not to like him and wish him great success wherever life takes him.

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Let me tell you about a book that you simply must read!!!

Small Footprint, Big Handprint: How to Live Simply and Love Extravagantly
by Tri Robinson

This book — only 125 pages, not counting Notes and Discussion Guide — is amazing. Like the man who wrote it (pastor of the Boise Vineyard), it is simple yet profound. Here's the back cover blurb:

What would you sacrifice to change the world? Your job? Your lifestyle? Your money?

We need a smaller footprint. The pursuit of the American dream has left most of us empty, stretched in nine different directions and self-absorbed. Aside from the occasional natural disaster, we've all but forgotten about the people around the world and down the street who need us and need us to live differently. We need to live more simply.

We want to make a bigger handprint. In a world crying out for help, we struggle to believe we can make a difference. But reformation starts with people who have one idea they believe can change their world and the power of God's love changes everything. We need to love more extravagantly.

The world is changing whether we like it or not. The question that begs to be answered is this: Will you sit by idly and watch it change for the worse or will you allow God to put you on the forefront of changing it for the better? Small Footprint, Big Handprint is your invitation to embark on a journey for the latter.

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How much is too much?

In the midst of reading the above mentioned book, my latest People Magazine arrived, and in it was an article about the McCartney divorce. Poor Heather Mills only gets $33 million cash plus two homes, additional funds for security and vacations and $70,000 a month in child support for their four year old daughter. She complained because Paul can fly A Class while his daughter will be forced to fly B Class with this little bit of money (my wording, not the article's). In the same issue is a beautiful photo display for J Lo and Marc Anthony's twin babies, including pictures of the pair of $3,000 prams (one for each baby) and their gorgeous mansion and her Mercedes.

The contrast of the way these celebrities live compared to how the rest of the world lives (and too many barely survive if they survive at all) made my heart break. I have been working at rendering down my life, at simplifying, at owning less and being owned by less. And yet, Have I given enough, Lord, to those who have so much less? Have I loved extravagantly?

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Movie Time

I have watched some really good movies recently that I simply must recommend.

Enchanted

A truly charming, feel good film. Okay, this isn't food for your brain. This is a movie to watch when you want to smile for a couple of hours.

    Martian Child
 

I am not sure when I added Martian Child to my Netflix queue, but I'm so glad I did. This is a charming movie, one that gives you hope for mankind. A story of a heartbroken widower, a writer of Sci-Fi, who adopts an orphan who believes he is from Mars. It's about unconditional love and trust and acceptance and being an imperfect parent in an imperfect world but doing the best you can and a whole lot more. John Cusack is wonderful (he's such a talented actor), and the kid who plays his adopted son, Bobby Coleman, is a young actor with loads of talent. Do not miss this. And never, never, never, never, never give up. (You'll know why I said that after you watch the film.)

The Kite Runner

 

I've already told my blog readers how much I loved the novel on which this movie is based. Well, I must tell you that I loved this film too. I watched the movie sometimes while holding my breath, in one scene hiding and unhiding my eyes, but it was the last line of the film which made me cry. And I do mean cry. It didn't matter that I'd read it in the book. Seeing it play out on the screen made me weep, both sad and happy tears. A tale of redemption worth seeing.

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So there you have it. Several days' worth of posts all in one.  

-rlh- 

tax man cometh

About two and a half weeks ago, I prepared both my business and personal tax information and took it to my CPA. Yesterday around 4:00, they called to tell me my tax forms were ready for signing. I was pretty sure that I would owe money this year, so I didn't ask for the results. I just got in my car and drove over, hoping I wouldn't owe too much. When she told me I was getting money back, I felt like dancing a jig right there in the office. I wasn't aware how much my move last year would help me (points and charitable donations for all the stuff I gave away) when it came to my taxes. See Robin breathing a huge sigh of relief.

I'm thinking that I will take that refund, plus the government's stimulus check that is supposed to come in May, and do a bit of remodeling to my back patio so we can enjoy it a little more come summer. After all, in an economic slowdown, the patriotic thing to do is to spend it. Right?

So tell me: Are you usually the first one to get your taxes filed each year or do you drag your feet until the last possible minute?

-rlh-

hair today, gone tomorrow

Bad hair days are the norm for me. Because of health issues and medications added to heredity, my hair became baby fine and began thinning in my forties. My first step was to dye it to try to thicken the hair shaft (I went red which was fun but not the best look for me). Finally I returned to being a blond and went short-short as I was told that's the best style for women with thinning hair. It was a good move. It works most of the time — but boy, does it ever take effort.

My mom has worn a wig since she was younger than I am now, but my claustrophobia kicks in when I try to wear a wig. And they itch! Doesn't the itch drive other people nuts the way it does me? I think I'll take up wearing hats instead. Maybe I'll get really crazy with them. I'm a writer, after all. I can be eccentric if I choose. People almost expect it, right?

My daughter sent me an email full of adorable baby photos, and when I came to this one (below on left), I burst out laughing. It's me! It's totally my hair! LOL! Okay. I give up. I am definitely entering my second childhood.

my swedish heritage

This past weekend, family gathered from as far away as Hawaii and New York to celebrate my aunt's 90th birthday. Of course, we also honored my mom for her 94th birthday, but she had her big bash four years ago. Maybe she will be around for her 100th. To the left is Mom with my brother (photo taken this past weekend — looks pretty good for 94, doesn't she?).

One of my cousins brought a group of photos to the Sunday brunch that his mother had had and asked me if I could name everyone. It was the first time I had seen that collection however, so I could only name a few. Anyway, I snapped a photo of the collection (seen at right below, click for larger image).

My Swedish great-grandparents married in Stockholm, Sweden on the 11th day of April 1868 and sailed for America. My great-grandmother gave birth to 13 children over the next 26 years, having her last at the age of 44 1/2. (Oh, my aching back!) Unlike many of her contemporaries, she didn't die in childbirth. She lived to be almost 69 (missing her birthday by just 20 days). Her husband lived to be 91.

Of their 13 children, one was stillborn, one died at 5 days, one died at 4 years, and another died at 7 years (after falling from a tree). The other nine children all lived well into adulthood, dying at ages 44 and 93 and points in-between. Longevity in my family for sure.

Some day I would love to get to know the Irish side of my family history as well as I know the Swedish side.

-rlh-

could spring be coming?

On Saturday, the Boise area was blessed with sunshine and 50 degree weather. The snow in my front yard is gone. Yea! The shadier backyard still has some, but its days are numbered, I think.

At the end of the year, a guy came through my subdivision with a truck bed full of moss-covered rocks. He offered me a good deal, and since I had just finished paying my credit card bills that included my Christmas charges (and discovered that I came in under budget), I bought some of them. He put the larger ones in place with a crane. It really dressed up my front garden area. Soon after, they were buried in snow. Now they are in view again.

Then last month, I ordered a couple of garden statues from Costco.com. One is of two children reading a book on a bench. The other is a fairy on her belly reading a book. The fairy will probably take up residence in my backyard (until the thaw, she was in front of my fireplace and now she is on the patio). The two kids, as of sunny yesterday, are in my front garden, near one of those moss-covered rocks. So I had to share some photos. Aren't they cute? (You can click on them for larger pictures.)

Hurry, spring. I'm so ready for you.

-rlh-

let it snow

Idaho, my home and the location for the majority of my books, has the most wilderness area of any state except Alaska. A great deal of the state is mountains and pine trees and rocky peaks. Southern Idaho is high desert country, and SW Idaho, where I live, gets far less snow than the rest of the state. But we have been getting a series of snowstorms blowing through the Boise area for the past couple of days. Today it has snowed without ceasing. Sometimes great big flakes and sometimes those flakes that are so small you have to take a second look to make sure it is still snowing.

I know. I know. You folks in the East that get several feet of snow dumped on you at once aren't particularly thrilled by the white stuff. But as I look out my windows today, I can't help thinking how beautiful it is and that it will be a blessing to our reservoirs come the spring (we have been suffering with drought for years so all moisture is welcome).

Still, it's getting a bit deep in my backyard for my little Poppet when she goes outside, not to mention that when she comes back inside, she has snow stuck to the hair between the pads of her paws and all the way up the hair on her haunches.

See what I mean? (Click image for a larger view)

It's perfect weather for me to stay home and write, write, write. I'm at work on another historical. And every time I pause and look out the window, I'm reminded how blessed I am to have a home office so I don't have to drive in that stuff (except I'll have to go to the grocery store soon).

Anyway, for now, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

-rlh-

Merry Christmas from Write Thinking to You

We had our Christmas family celebration on Saturday as Daughter #1 (the flight attendant) is currently working a flight to Hawaii and won't return until after Christmas. This was my first time to entertain in my new home, and all thirteen of us (including Daughter #2's MIL) fit in better than I thought possible. It was a perfect evening with plenty of good food, lots of laughter, fun with the gift exchange, and loads of love to go around. Color me happy.

In a few more hours, Mom and I will leave to attend the first of three Christmas Eve services at the Boise Vineyard. There, we will sing carols and take communion and acknowledge Jesus as the Lord of our lives, standing in the awe of a loving God who chose to come to earth to redeem us. Blessed be His name.

Merry Christmas, everyone, and may you experience the peace of Christ in your life throughout the new year.

Photos (click to enlarge) in order, left to right:
Main table before family arrives; Robin with Grandson #2 and Granddaughter #1; Granddaughter #3 enjoys a roll; Granddaughter #2 (6 years old) plays Away in a Manger for her cousins; Poppet washes dishes, "cleaned but not sanitized"; Granddaughter #1 tries on the scarf and hand warmers I knitted for her while SIL #1 checks out one of the other kid's toys; Daughter #1, Grandson #3, Granddaughter #1, and SIL #1 observe new toy in action (out of view); Poppet checks out the new snow; last two photos are of the backyard today with more snow and sunshine. (Missing on my camera are photos of Grandson #1 and Daughter & SIL #2. Must get those from daughters' cameras, I guess.)

 

a little Christmas season cheer for you

Okay, I've done this in past years, but I'll just have to repeat because it makes me laugh.

Click here to see a little "elf" entertainment featuring me and Poppet. (Can we cut a rug or what?) LOL

Robin, who has probably had one cup too many of Peppermint flavored coffee this morning

the season

I've always been partial to the Christmas Season. I love celebrating the Lord's birth. For years I hosted a big party in my home for my local writers' group. Oh boy. The decorating I did. While I won't be giving huge parties in my new, smaller home, I took the time last weekend to bring out the decorations and put my "Christmas stamp" on the interior and exterior. (Photo is of my fireplace mantel.)

Yesterday was shopping day. This year my adult daughters made the decision that we stop buying gifts for all of the adults. As God's call to me this year was one of simplifying my life, this made huge sense to me; I don't want more things after just going through the purge where I gave away and gave away and gave away. None of us lack for things we truly need, and none of us want things we don't need. So we are going to do a "give one, get one" exchange. The younger generation (my grandkids), of course, is another matter. They still get gifts from their parents and me, and some of my grandkids are still young enough that they are easy and fun to shop for. One new experience for me yesterday was entering a Hollister Clothing store in the Boise mall on behalf of Granddaughter #1 (who is 15). Wow! Do they know how to sell to their target market or what? I can't explain other than to say it was unlike any clothing store I've been in before. (Poppet looks worn out and she didn't even go with me to the mall.)

Another "policy" I took on a number of years ago was to cease the practice of giving gifts of candy or whatever to the friends and professionals in my life. (How much chocolate does one editor need, anyway?) Instead, I give to charities in their names. Angel Tree and the Heifer Project International are my charities of choice and have been for some time. It feels so good to press that donate button and know that someone is being helped because of my Christmas giving.

Finally, I have been looking for something artistic but unrelated to writing to do for some time. Many, many years ago, I used to paint with acrylics and water colors. I was given paints one year for Christmas more than 15 years ago but never put them to much use. I played the piano as a teen. I have an upright piano, given to me by my aunt about four years ago, and I've owned a keyboard for more than ten years. A few years back, I took keyboard lessons but eventually dropped them because I didn't have the time to keep up the lessons and the practice due to a crazy schedule. I used to make lots of my own clothes. I'm not even tempted to go there again. I crocheted a baby blanket for a cousin back in the 1970's, so I gave that a try last summer. I was pathetic and obviously needed some lessons. Sigh...

Yesterday, on my way home, I stopped at the craft store and bought a knitting book, needles, and yarn. (Yes, I used to knit too.) Well, it may have been 25 or 30 years since I last had knitting needles in my hands, but it all came rushing back to me. Like any beginner, I'm starting with a scarf. So while I watched TV last night, I knitted away. I'm about a sixth done. I have a brown winter coat that I'll wear this with. (The brown tones of this yarn don't show up very good with the flash, but trust me. There is lots of brown.) Maybe a hat will be next.

Now it is back to revising my Christmas 2008 novel while Christmas music plays on iTunes and I sip my Holiday Peppermint coffee.

-rlh-

thankful . . . even for the deadline

Daughter #1's house is probably starting to smell good about now. Me, I'll pop my contribution into the oven in another hour. In the meantime, I'm working. This book is due on Monday, and it'll be by the hair of my chinny-chin-chin that I make it.

Our society has done a good job of taking Christ out of Christmas and it has done a similar number by taking the thanks out of thanksgiving. Today is often referred to as Turkey Day, and thus many who can afford to celebrate with a big turkey and stuffing and sweet potatoes and mashed potatoes with turkey gravy and several kinds of pie for dessert fail to stop a moment to count their blessings.

I'm thankful for so much. I'm thankful for another year with my mom (approaching her 94th birthday). I'm thankful for my daughters and their families, for the love we share and for always being there, no matter what. I'm thankful for my dearest and closest of friends, who know me well and love me anyway. I'm thankful for the community of Christian novelists who encourage one another as we pursue our callings. I'm thankful for my publishers, my editors, my agent, and my readers. I'm thankful for Mac computers and iPods and Blackberries. I'm thankful for Poppet and other pets I've loved through the years. I'm thankful for a good reliable car and a warm snug house when it is only 30 degrees outside at noon. I'm thankful that I live in America, even as I pray for a nation at war, without and within. I'm thankful for the freedom I enjoy to read the Bible. I'm thankful for good books to read when I go to bed at night.

And for all of the above, I'm thankful to God who gave me life and a purpose. I'm thankful for the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. Atheists can deny Him until the end of time, and it does not negate that He is God, that He is the Creator, and that He loves us.

So here is to Thanksgiving Day instead of turkey day. Here is to remembering to be thankful.

In the grip of His grace,
Robin

Lady Tiko MacTavish

I got a call this week from Daughter #2 about Tiko (pronounced Tee-koe). Tiko is my 11 year old Shetland Sheepdog who went to live with my youngest when I downsized house and yard this last spring. (Misty MacTavish, the border collie, went to live with Daughter #1.) Tiko is the sweetest natured dog, so very mellow and well-behaved, and she's been happier than ever since going to live with my daughter and her family. Loves the kids and the spoiling she gets.

When she was being groomed last week, the groomer saw that she was bleeding a little and told my daughter that she probably had a urinary infection. But no. It turns out she has cancer. A rather large tumor. She could live quite a while longer, and the treatment will simply be anti-inflammatory meds. Until, of course, the day comes when her pain is such that we must make the tough decision.

So I am sad. Even though I haven't seen her frequently in the past six months, I still love her. I remember when she chose me to take her home. My granddaughter and I had gone to look at the litter of pups, and she just pushed her way into my arms and that was it. (Her birthday is June 10, which she shares with Queen Elizabeth.) She grew extra large for a sheltie. Most people think she is a small collie. She was never formally trained, just picked everything up by observing Misty and listening to her owners.

Sure, I know that for a large dog (50+ pounds) who has a thyroid condition, eleven-plus years isn't really young. But it isn't really old either. So I hope she will surprise us all and do well in the months to come.

I think God gives us pets to love and to love us just because it gives both Him and us pleasure. There are so many wonderful things on this earth, even in its fallen condition, that shows His joy in creating things of beauty. Tiko is one of those beautiful things, and I'm thankful she lived with me for 11 years and hope she can live with my daughter and family more years than we expect.

-rlh-

mom always did like you best

Long before the Smothers Brothers, I used to accuse my mom of liking my brother more. But even as a kid, I knew that wasn't true. It was just my ploy to get my way. (Rarely worked but I kept using it throughout grade school.)

Anyway, my big brother sent me this photo and I burst out laughing. It is just too funny and such a great reminder of those infamous words Tommy Smothers and I used to say to our respective siblings (Tommy being more famous for it than I am).

*****

HOW TO TELL YOU'RE NOT MOM'S FAVORITE (click on photo to enlarge):

need a laugh?

Oh, goodness!! This You Tube video is hysterical. If you were ever a kid and/or ever been a mom, this one is for you. Sit back and prepare to laugh.

[Sorry. You Tube removed the video due to copyright issues.]

Don't make me come up there! Watch it!

-rlh-

patience is learned the hard way

It all began so innocently. I thought I would try digital phone service from my cable provider. It cost less that my regular phone service, and I've had good reports from people who use it. However, at the end of completing the order (including taking my phone number with me) and setting an install date for last Friday, I learned that the cable company's digital phone service wouldn't work with my alarm system. So I cancelled the order. I was assured that the cancellation was handled.

Fast forward a little over a week. I'm driving home from church, and Daughter #1 calls me on my cell. "Mom, did you cancel your land line?" I answer, "No. Why?" She says, "Because I tried to call you and I got a message that says it isn't a working number."

I knew immediately. The cancellation didn't happen, and since I didn't have the digital modem for the phone service, the number wouldn't work. I called the phone company. Only repair service is open on Sunday, and since I no longer showed as a client of theirs, they couldn't help.

Monday morning, I call the phone company. I get the order made and am told they can get my service up with my old number by the 11th. The 11th?!? I'm getting ready to leave for Atlanta for the booksellers convention. I can't leave this unsettled. (My mom does have her phone but still...) So I'm told that if I call the cable company and get them to release the phone number, it's possible it could be ported back to me as early as tomorrow. So I call the cable company. Twenty minutes on hold, go through the explanation, and I'm told I have to talk to the local office rather than the corporate office. (I dialed the local number.) Sigh. I call the local number, press 0 to get directly to the operator, go through the explanation again, get transferred again. Fortunately, I get the same woman I originally talked to back over a week ago. She is horrified that the cancellation didn't go through. Promises to call me back on my cell phone once she talks to her supervisors.

Afternoon, the call comes (after Daughter #2 and her three young ones have been here following swim lessons). The cable company doesn't have control of my original phone number anymore. That part of the cancellation went through and the number is now in the possession of the third party company that handles the transfers when a phone number changes providers. So neither my phone company nor my cable company can get back the number I've had for over 11 years. Moreover, because that number now belongs to the third party company instead of my phone company, people who had my number won't ever get a message that my number has changed. It just says it doesn't work.

I call back the phone company. I'm told it is possible that they can get the number back from the third party folks and have the phone active again by the 11th. But it will be up faster if I go with a new number. Possibly I could have service again today. Okay, I decide, let's do that. So the order is placed and ready to go, and I chance to mention that my mother has a line in the home. Oh, guess what? If there is a second line, it will take a technician rather than just flipping a switch. Which means he has to be scheduled. First available appointment is Friday. Fortunately no one has to be at home for that.

I've begun sending the emails with my new phone number out to everyone I wish to know it. But what about the 250 business cards I just received last week? Grr. My blood pressure is definitely up. Lord, give me patience! Oh, right. That's what I'm learning as I go through this. At least I can honestly say that I didn't lose my temper, didn't yell at anyone, or forget to say thank you.

But did I mention I got NO writing done today? Argh!

-rlh-

Technorati Tags: phone service, cable service, Robin Lee Hatcher

In honor of dads

CJ Darlington at TitleTrakk.com has collected a number of responses from authors on the best advice they got from their dads. I loved reading them, especially since I grew up without a dad.

-rlh-

the move: entering the final stage

The past week is a blur in my mind. I've put about 600 miles on my car, driving back and forth between old house and new house a gazillion times. Not only that, but my life is in boxes and I have no idea how to find what I need. The worst part is my office. While I was at the new house awaiting cable, phone, blinds, and water softener installation, my daughter had to quickly box up my office because the workman arrived to disassemble my office modulars (which will eventually be reinstalled in my garage). The rest of this week, I will attempt to get my office into working order. It won't be easy.

I am covered with bruises on my arms, legs, and hips. And I've kicked my bare toes into things about two dozen times at least. I never would have made it through this move without my #1 daughter's help (#2 daughter was out of town). Daughter #1 used her week of vacation to get me moved, and all I can say is, "She's Super Woman!!!"

The world continued without me. Let's see. I heard that Rosie left The View in a tiff. I never watch The View so it doesn't impact me. Jordin won American Idol. No surprise there. LOST ended its third season with some answers and more questions (although surely there isn't anyone who thinks they will actually get off the island). Daughter #1 was one of the flight attendants on Ellen DeGeneres's show that was filmed on a Delta flight and aired on Tuesday, May 22. She says she could be seen at the very end, but if so, I missed her, despite my DVR replays; she enjoyed the experience and said Allison Janney is a real hoot.

Oh, on Wednesday, not long after the professional movers left the house -- and with my garage filled with boxes as well as every room in my house -- the UPS driver pulled up and delivered three more boxes. These were filled with hot off the presses copies of Return to Me. My daughter and I looked at each other and said in unison: "Not more boxes!!" But really, I was glad they made it to my new address.

Well, I'd best tackle a few more of those infamous boxes before the day is over.

-rlh-

Technorati Tags: moving