Note: This was written the middle of October.
On the Activity Calendar for yesterday, was this notation:
“2:00 Fall Bus Ride to Look At Leaves.”
Been on the calendar for nearly a month - looking forward to the usual “fall outing” for residents of places like The Grand Court.
How does one calculate WHEN the “leaves” are at their “richest” in color - ahead of time?
Some past history in this particular place does help, it seems.
Depends on how far “north” or “south” one is, actually. As well as the amount of moisture in the tree trunks.
This is not some major weather calculation by me, but merely a “guess” as to when the leaves have “turned” just right.
It could be different from last year - again, depending on the moisture.
I’m not by any means an expert on this subject, but some years ago somebody set me straight on what causes the leaves to turn. I was told that, contrary to what I’ve always thought, cold weather is NOT the determining factor of the “changing color” of the leaves. It is, rather, the amount of moisture in the tree trunk/limbs there.
As the days get shorter, and the amount of growing weather abates, moisture and other nutrients to the trees declines, apparently. (Did you notice my “disclaimer” there? “Apparently”. Try to pin me down, will ya?)
Back to Kiser Lake.
When we started out, Karl, our sometimes bus driver didn’t tell us where we were going, but did ask for suggestions. Most said, “North”, thinking of “pretty trees”, no doubt.
No reply from Karl. He just kept driving until he arrived at Westville, west of Urbana on US 36. He turned left then, and I thought maybe he would be going as far as Saint Paris.
Arriving there, he kept going west, until SR 235. THEN I knew he was headed for Kiser Lake.
I don’t know what activities are still going on there. It’s been MANY years since I’ve been there, but it DID seem “empty”. Two months earlier would have provided some guests, I’ll bet.
We drove into the park, and Karl followed the winding road through there, with trees in various stages of “turning”.
We didn’t see many REAL pretty trees. Probably too early this year, apparently.
We went back in there farther than I have ever gone before, and I was surprised to see several private residences there.
Karl went as far as he could, then had to turn around and return to SR 235. Once, I thought we were going to be lost, but Karl “drove us out”.
Going south, then, past US 36, he took us to SR 41, then headed back toward Springfield.
One of our fellow residents had given me a twenty dollar bill to buy “one dollar sundaes” for all at McDonald’s. I passed it along to Karl, so he drove to the McDonald’s on Upper Valley Pike.
Timi had told him that the one nearest home was the best, but Karl was concerned about being gone too long, making the “early supper” riders too late to eat.
Karl and I went in to order 12 Sundaes, 4 each for chocolate, strawberry and caramel. The riders had given us their order before going in.
The clerk said there was no strawberry (a third of our crowd); the chocolate was fudge (another third); and no caramel (the final third.)
Karl and I felt rather compromised, so that, and the fact that we were so late, prompted us to go back to the bus, report on what we found, and asked if they’d just as leave we went on back home - “sundae-less”.
“Go home”, was the response.
Ice cream sundaes another time.
We did just barely make it back for the early eaters, so “all’s well that ends well”, as we used to say in Mechanicsburg.
Don’t give up on us, McDonald’s. We’ll be back!
You can count on it. (We still have Emil’s $20 to spend.)
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Sunday Services
One of the duties of the Resident Council at The Grand Court is to take suggestions or complaints from residents, and investigate what should be done about them, from our point of view. If the comment seems to us to be pertinent, and worth considering, we discuss it, and take whatever action we think we should - mostly discussing it with Management.
A complaint or suggestion might be from, and/or about, just one resident, or about the group as a whole.
The Grand Court is committed to caring for each individual here in whatever way is practicable and possible.
For many of us, we are “shut-in” here, without any way to leave. If there are things we would like to do, or have done for us, we need to find some way to accomplish them.
At the first meeting of the newly organized (after the election) Council, someone mentioned that there are some residents who would like to go out to church, but have no transportation. Could we have a service here?
In past years - in fact when Jean and I were here the first time - our Grand Court Bus took residents to a different church each Sunday.
By the time I got back here last Spring, the bus no longer ran on Sunday. The trips had to stop, due to a lack of interest. They were down to just one resident each week, and it was hardly good stewardship to pay a Staff Member for at least a half-day, just to take one person to a Church Service.
Thus - “Could we have a service here?”
The Management here is very open to that, we are told. In fact, our Activities Director has already planned a letter to local churches, asking if any one (or more) of them could come in on, say, Sunday afternoons to provide a service.
One of our Council Members has a cousin who is a retired minister (whom I have known for maybe 40 years also), and the Member thought he could ask him to consider coming in.
He was able to finally contact him - at about the same time that I sent him an e-mail - to ask him to consider providing a service.
It turns out that, though officially “retired”, he still speaks every Sunday, at various venues, and could not commit to this.
Apparently, contacts have been made with others in the past, to no avail.
The new Council is going to try to get this going.
I sent a letter to my pastor about this, a copy of which follows - with some omissions to not identify the church:
One recent request by some Residents is for a weekly Church Service here.
The facility used to provide a bus ride to some local church when we were first here over 2 years ago, but declining riders (maybe only one a week), made its continuance unfeasible.
Enter this group of Council Members.
Though the Facility cannot pay for a service here, they seem to not object to it, if it's essentially run by the Resident Council.
At our last meeting, we felt that Sunday afternoon would be the best time - both as convenient to the residents, and to any church group that would come in.
Now, my reason for writing to you (as if you didn't already realize):
1. Is there presently any group at our church that would or could provide an hour long service - including music - or shorter, if message only, as an extension of the church?
2. Or, is there an individual who would be interested in doing this, as an extension of the church?
3. Or, is there a Sunday School class, or youth group, that would be interested in the same thing?
4. Or, anything else you can think of - as an extension of the Church?
5. Or, does this fit in with one of the Assistant Pastors' opportunities at our Church?
6. Or, would one of the above 1 to 5 options fit on an irregular basis - say with another or two churches?
I can't promise what the attendance would be, but a quality teaching and worship service could be possibly well attended.
My pastor, by the way, responded right away and said they are already doing two of these each week, and are unable to add another at this time.
For a couple weeks, no one else responded, then, last Monday, Rev. Marv Wiseman, Pastor of the Grace Bible Church, agreed to see what he could to.
Praise the Lord!
Let’s see what transpires.
A week later:
Rev. Wiseman has now graciously agreed to a three month trial of this, for January thru March. Praise the Lord!
His question to Timi about song books (since we presently have only 6 or 7) was answered by a mimeograph machine (or, probably a computer) at the church, with the songs available each week.
I’m not a shut-in, PTL, and I have a car that takes me to my church every Sunday, but I plan to participate in this service to The Grand Court, provided by Grace Bible Church, every Sunday I can.
I have previously mentioned the Bible Study offered here each Tuesday night by a layman, with as much actual Bible knowledge as anyone I know.
He’ll say, “Over in (Book) in about, verse (number), you’ll find – ”, and he goes right to the verse, knowing where it is on the page, the reads it. Of course, it is the right one that he was looking for.
Sometimes he wanders a little off the specific passage we are currently studying – maybe relating a personal experience – but “he ties it all in”!
We sing Gospel Songs also at the beginning, with him accompanying on the guitar. The whole time is very enjoyable, and mostly enlightening.
Our task now, is to do the right thing in encouraging our shut-in residents to attend the Sunday meetings.
Knowing of Rev. Wiseman’s teaching, I can assure anyone that these services will be spiritually enlightening as well.
Thank the Lord for the victory in this project!
A complaint or suggestion might be from, and/or about, just one resident, or about the group as a whole.
The Grand Court is committed to caring for each individual here in whatever way is practicable and possible.
For many of us, we are “shut-in” here, without any way to leave. If there are things we would like to do, or have done for us, we need to find some way to accomplish them.
At the first meeting of the newly organized (after the election) Council, someone mentioned that there are some residents who would like to go out to church, but have no transportation. Could we have a service here?
In past years - in fact when Jean and I were here the first time - our Grand Court Bus took residents to a different church each Sunday.
By the time I got back here last Spring, the bus no longer ran on Sunday. The trips had to stop, due to a lack of interest. They were down to just one resident each week, and it was hardly good stewardship to pay a Staff Member for at least a half-day, just to take one person to a Church Service.
Thus - “Could we have a service here?”
The Management here is very open to that, we are told. In fact, our Activities Director has already planned a letter to local churches, asking if any one (or more) of them could come in on, say, Sunday afternoons to provide a service.
One of our Council Members has a cousin who is a retired minister (whom I have known for maybe 40 years also), and the Member thought he could ask him to consider coming in.
He was able to finally contact him - at about the same time that I sent him an e-mail - to ask him to consider providing a service.
It turns out that, though officially “retired”, he still speaks every Sunday, at various venues, and could not commit to this.
Apparently, contacts have been made with others in the past, to no avail.
The new Council is going to try to get this going.
I sent a letter to my pastor about this, a copy of which follows - with some omissions to not identify the church:
One recent request by some Residents is for a weekly Church Service here.
The facility used to provide a bus ride to some local church when we were first here over 2 years ago, but declining riders (maybe only one a week), made its continuance unfeasible.
Enter this group of Council Members.
Though the Facility cannot pay for a service here, they seem to not object to it, if it's essentially run by the Resident Council.
At our last meeting, we felt that Sunday afternoon would be the best time - both as convenient to the residents, and to any church group that would come in.
Now, my reason for writing to you (as if you didn't already realize):
1. Is there presently any group at our church that would or could provide an hour long service - including music - or shorter, if message only, as an extension of the church?
2. Or, is there an individual who would be interested in doing this, as an extension of the church?
3. Or, is there a Sunday School class, or youth group, that would be interested in the same thing?
4. Or, anything else you can think of - as an extension of the Church?
5. Or, does this fit in with one of the Assistant Pastors' opportunities at our Church?
6. Or, would one of the above 1 to 5 options fit on an irregular basis - say with another or two churches?
I can't promise what the attendance would be, but a quality teaching and worship service could be possibly well attended.
My pastor, by the way, responded right away and said they are already doing two of these each week, and are unable to add another at this time.
For a couple weeks, no one else responded, then, last Monday, Rev. Marv Wiseman, Pastor of the Grace Bible Church, agreed to see what he could to.
Praise the Lord!
Let’s see what transpires.
A week later:
Rev. Wiseman has now graciously agreed to a three month trial of this, for January thru March. Praise the Lord!
His question to Timi about song books (since we presently have only 6 or 7) was answered by a mimeograph machine (or, probably a computer) at the church, with the songs available each week.
I’m not a shut-in, PTL, and I have a car that takes me to my church every Sunday, but I plan to participate in this service to The Grand Court, provided by Grace Bible Church, every Sunday I can.
I have previously mentioned the Bible Study offered here each Tuesday night by a layman, with as much actual Bible knowledge as anyone I know.
He’ll say, “Over in (Book) in about, verse (number), you’ll find – ”, and he goes right to the verse, knowing where it is on the page, the reads it. Of course, it is the right one that he was looking for.
Sometimes he wanders a little off the specific passage we are currently studying – maybe relating a personal experience – but “he ties it all in”!
We sing Gospel Songs also at the beginning, with him accompanying on the guitar. The whole time is very enjoyable, and mostly enlightening.
Our task now, is to do the right thing in encouraging our shut-in residents to attend the Sunday meetings.
Knowing of Rev. Wiseman’s teaching, I can assure anyone that these services will be spiritually enlightening as well.
Thank the Lord for the victory in this project!
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Inspiration Anyone?
I don't mean, "Do you want some inspiration?"
I mean, "Have you got any you can spare?"
You may have noticed that it has been nearly a week since I've posted on this blog.
I've never been "dry" that long before, I don't think.
Ohhhhhh.....maybe one time 10 or 11 months ago, when I couldn't post anything, so I got up at 2 AM, lamenting that I didn't have anything to say. I went on and on lamenting, until I ended up with a "medium sized" posting, called, "Musings of s Story Teller Wannabe."
If you're a "regular" reader and/or devotee of these postings, you know that I don't just pick a story subject or title "out of the air". It has to "Hit me" - so I just have to sit down and type on this infernal computer.
Like this:
What "hit me" today, was the fact that I haven't posted for so long, most folk will have given up on me.
Don't do that!
I've already got a couple "ideas" floating around in my head, and if we're not careful, they'll show up here.
Pray me some inspiration would you, please?
I mean, "Have you got any you can spare?"
You may have noticed that it has been nearly a week since I've posted on this blog.
I've never been "dry" that long before, I don't think.
Ohhhhhh.....maybe one time 10 or 11 months ago, when I couldn't post anything, so I got up at 2 AM, lamenting that I didn't have anything to say. I went on and on lamenting, until I ended up with a "medium sized" posting, called, "Musings of s Story Teller Wannabe."
If you're a "regular" reader and/or devotee of these postings, you know that I don't just pick a story subject or title "out of the air". It has to "Hit me" - so I just have to sit down and type on this infernal computer.
Like this:
What "hit me" today, was the fact that I haven't posted for so long, most folk will have given up on me.
Don't do that!
I've already got a couple "ideas" floating around in my head, and if we're not careful, they'll show up here.
Pray me some inspiration would you, please?
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Journey To Bethlehem
I’m writing this the morning after this experience provided by the Hillside Church of God in Springfield, presented at the Church of God Campgrounds, just west of the Springfield City Limits.
Let me back up, a little.
Last Thursday night I got sick with the flu, and stayed in bed until Saturday morning at breakfast. Not too peppy even then, but I went down to eat anyway. Seemed OK, but shortly after breakfast, I realized that the remnants of the flu remained - tiredness, weakness, a little queasy etc. - so I lay back down again to rest. I didn’t make my bed, I just rested on top.
At lunch time on Saturday, it seemed like I would be feeling OK, but half-way through, I just thought I would feel better lying in my bed. Didn’t eat much.
I hacked at this computer a little, but then it seemed like I would feel better lying on top of my bed - so I did.
At about 1:55 PM, there was a loud knock on my door, and when I said, “Come in”, Timi opened the door slightly and said, “Are you comin’ down? We’re about ready to start!” I said, “I can’t decide”.
She was talking about a pre-school singing group from First Christian Church that was here to “entertain” us.
I thought, “I can’t miss those kids”, so I climbed out of bed and went out the door. I could hear her next door, routing out my next door neighbor to go also.
Walking down the hall toward the Dining Room, I could hear Timi and her other “culprit” walking behind me.
When I got there, I saw that the chairs were all lined up in 3 rows, with another to be added.
I sat in the present back row, among my fellow Grand Court Residents. When I arrived, David came over and asked if he could sit beside me. He does this a lot, and, of course, I don’t object.
The pre-schoolers sang their songs for us, then asked us to join them in singing well-known Christmas Carols.
After each of their selections, they received a nice round of applause from us residents.
When they sang the carols - asking us to join them - I started singing some, though my voice had not returned to its normal timbre. I couldn’t reach the high notes very well.
This was confirmed shortly, when David moved one seat away from me. I, and another senior citizen near by started to laugh - both of us knowing that David wasn’t enjoying my singing. Shortly, I stopped singing, and David returned next to me. Need I have more confirmation of his feeling about my singing that day?
When the singers were finished, Timi provided sugar cookies for them, and they passed out to us, candy canes with a description of the cane, and the letter “J”.
I went back to my room, and “sacked out” for a little.
For some reason, I returned to the Dining Room, and found Jessica Nissley leading the residents in group singing - and an occasional special number by her.
I was encouraged to “sit-in”, and the granddaughter of Marjorie tried to get me to go up front and sing. When David had moved away from me earlier, she encouraged me to sing more.
More singing by the group and by Jessica, then I was asked to go up front to sing. I said that no one means as much to as Jesus, and then sang “No One Ever Cared For Me Like Jesus“ (as many of the words as I could remember)
With further encouragement, I then sang the solo I first sang 70 years ago in Church, “O Rest In The Lord”. Surprisingly, after all these years, I still remembered nearly every word.
By then, I thought I had shown off enough, so I returned to my room.
The next day was Sunday, and I got up and went to church.
That night, the Hillside Avenue Church of God put on a spectacular presentation of a “Journey to Bethlehem”, at the Church of God Campgrounds just west of the Springfield City Limits.
Jodi had called me the previous evening, asking if I would like to join her and Rylan for this presentation. Assuming I would feel OK, I agreed.
I’m surely glad I did!
This dramatic play - spread out over an acre of ground, with hundreds of realistic scenes from Bible times, and maybe that many individuals particitating.
In the dining hall of one of the buildings, they separated us into about 6 groups - with about a dozen in each group - and were led out of that building to go on a “realistic” journey to Bethlehem, on the night of Jesus’ birth.
We were led by a supposed Jew from Hebron, coming to Bethlehem to pay taxes, as all citizens were required to do at that time. On the way, we met shepherds, Roman soldiers, and other pilgrims traveling that way.
Our leader explained each step of the journey, and at each stop, someone there explained what was going on.
Presently, loud music and singing voices echoed over the trees, and from an upper elevation, angels dressed in white and shrouded with light, announced the birth of the Christ Child, and sang “Glory To God in the Highest” for a Saviour has been born.
From there our travels carried us to an Inn without a vacancy; past several shop keepers - some of whom were happy about this announcement, while others were not. Roman Soldiers warned us not to believe all the rumors about this Birth.
We were “dragged” before a Tax Collector, and questioned seriously, with our guide being the one who paid and carried us through.
When we left there, more soldiers, and some peasants greeted us - with one opinion or another.
Soon, we were led further on, where we found a stable with a manger, and Joseph, Mary and Jesus were on display, while the Three Wisemen stood by, announcing their fealty to the Christ Child. They then told us they would NOT report to King Herod what they had seen and heard.
Leaving there, we traveled some distance toward a wooden cross that had obviously been recently occupied, and were met by the Pastor of the Church who explained what we had just experienced, and the message of the birth, death, and eventual resurrection of Jesus, and what that could mean to us if we receive Him as our Saviour.
Following this, we were directed a short distance to another building, where we received hot chocolate and cookies, since it was rather chilly. Then, a bus returned us to the other side of the campground to our cars.
A wonderful experience!
Let me back up, a little.
Last Thursday night I got sick with the flu, and stayed in bed until Saturday morning at breakfast. Not too peppy even then, but I went down to eat anyway. Seemed OK, but shortly after breakfast, I realized that the remnants of the flu remained - tiredness, weakness, a little queasy etc. - so I lay back down again to rest. I didn’t make my bed, I just rested on top.
At lunch time on Saturday, it seemed like I would be feeling OK, but half-way through, I just thought I would feel better lying in my bed. Didn’t eat much.
I hacked at this computer a little, but then it seemed like I would feel better lying on top of my bed - so I did.
At about 1:55 PM, there was a loud knock on my door, and when I said, “Come in”, Timi opened the door slightly and said, “Are you comin’ down? We’re about ready to start!” I said, “I can’t decide”.
She was talking about a pre-school singing group from First Christian Church that was here to “entertain” us.
I thought, “I can’t miss those kids”, so I climbed out of bed and went out the door. I could hear her next door, routing out my next door neighbor to go also.
Walking down the hall toward the Dining Room, I could hear Timi and her other “culprit” walking behind me.
When I got there, I saw that the chairs were all lined up in 3 rows, with another to be added.
I sat in the present back row, among my fellow Grand Court Residents. When I arrived, David came over and asked if he could sit beside me. He does this a lot, and, of course, I don’t object.
The pre-schoolers sang their songs for us, then asked us to join them in singing well-known Christmas Carols.
After each of their selections, they received a nice round of applause from us residents.
When they sang the carols - asking us to join them - I started singing some, though my voice had not returned to its normal timbre. I couldn’t reach the high notes very well.
This was confirmed shortly, when David moved one seat away from me. I, and another senior citizen near by started to laugh - both of us knowing that David wasn’t enjoying my singing. Shortly, I stopped singing, and David returned next to me. Need I have more confirmation of his feeling about my singing that day?
When the singers were finished, Timi provided sugar cookies for them, and they passed out to us, candy canes with a description of the cane, and the letter “J”.
I went back to my room, and “sacked out” for a little.
For some reason, I returned to the Dining Room, and found Jessica Nissley leading the residents in group singing - and an occasional special number by her.
I was encouraged to “sit-in”, and the granddaughter of Marjorie tried to get me to go up front and sing. When David had moved away from me earlier, she encouraged me to sing more.
More singing by the group and by Jessica, then I was asked to go up front to sing. I said that no one means as much to as Jesus, and then sang “No One Ever Cared For Me Like Jesus“ (as many of the words as I could remember)
With further encouragement, I then sang the solo I first sang 70 years ago in Church, “O Rest In The Lord”. Surprisingly, after all these years, I still remembered nearly every word.
By then, I thought I had shown off enough, so I returned to my room.
The next day was Sunday, and I got up and went to church.
That night, the Hillside Avenue Church of God put on a spectacular presentation of a “Journey to Bethlehem”, at the Church of God Campgrounds just west of the Springfield City Limits.
Jodi had called me the previous evening, asking if I would like to join her and Rylan for this presentation. Assuming I would feel OK, I agreed.
I’m surely glad I did!
This dramatic play - spread out over an acre of ground, with hundreds of realistic scenes from Bible times, and maybe that many individuals particitating.
In the dining hall of one of the buildings, they separated us into about 6 groups - with about a dozen in each group - and were led out of that building to go on a “realistic” journey to Bethlehem, on the night of Jesus’ birth.
We were led by a supposed Jew from Hebron, coming to Bethlehem to pay taxes, as all citizens were required to do at that time. On the way, we met shepherds, Roman soldiers, and other pilgrims traveling that way.
Our leader explained each step of the journey, and at each stop, someone there explained what was going on.
Presently, loud music and singing voices echoed over the trees, and from an upper elevation, angels dressed in white and shrouded with light, announced the birth of the Christ Child, and sang “Glory To God in the Highest” for a Saviour has been born.
From there our travels carried us to an Inn without a vacancy; past several shop keepers - some of whom were happy about this announcement, while others were not. Roman Soldiers warned us not to believe all the rumors about this Birth.
We were “dragged” before a Tax Collector, and questioned seriously, with our guide being the one who paid and carried us through.
When we left there, more soldiers, and some peasants greeted us - with one opinion or another.
Soon, we were led further on, where we found a stable with a manger, and Joseph, Mary and Jesus were on display, while the Three Wisemen stood by, announcing their fealty to the Christ Child. They then told us they would NOT report to King Herod what they had seen and heard.
Leaving there, we traveled some distance toward a wooden cross that had obviously been recently occupied, and were met by the Pastor of the Church who explained what we had just experienced, and the message of the birth, death, and eventual resurrection of Jesus, and what that could mean to us if we receive Him as our Saviour.
Following this, we were directed a short distance to another building, where we received hot chocolate and cookies, since it was rather chilly. Then, a bus returned us to the other side of the campground to our cars.
A wonderful experience!
Friday, December 11, 2009
The Book Arrived!!
12/11/09
The first book arrived today, and Timi took some pictures of the event.
First, here's Carol Miller handing me the parcel, that was obviously the book.
Trying to get the "cussed parcel" open! Don't they know I'm excited?
.JPG)
Me, actually looking at the book for the first time:
Really, I'm acting like a kid with a new toy - or, more aptly, like a father viewing his newborn child - before anyone else did - except, of course, the publisher, or the mother, as the case may be.
I mentioned earlier that though the ISBN number won't work for a few weeks, the book may be bought - and 15 have already been bought - besides the 20 I bought for my friends at The Grand Court.
To buy a book from the Internet, type in "lulu.com", then click on "Buy". In the blank slot,type Mike Maddex, or Musings of a Story Teller Wannabe, then "follow your nose", with your credit or debit card ready.
Sometime next week after the 20 arrive, we are having a "book signing", or "autograph party", whichever you choose, where I will sell maybe 18 to Grand Court people at my Author's cost. I need to reserve 2 for Jessica Pikey, the Illustrator, and Timi Neff, the Photographer for the Author's Photo. Free to them, of course.
Thank the Lord for this experience. I pray that some of thse "musings" - even the funny and ridiculous ones - might bring a smile, or a serious thought to each one who reads.
To God Be The Glory, and in remembrance of my 65 delightful years of marriage to Jean.
The first book arrived today, and Timi took some pictures of the event.
First, here's Carol Miller handing me the parcel, that was obviously the book.
Trying to get the "cussed parcel" open! Don't they know I'm excited?
.JPG)
Me, actually looking at the book for the first time:
Really, I'm acting like a kid with a new toy - or, more aptly, like a father viewing his newborn child - before anyone else did - except, of course, the publisher, or the mother, as the case may be.
I mentioned earlier that though the ISBN number won't work for a few weeks, the book may be bought - and 15 have already been bought - besides the 20 I bought for my friends at The Grand Court.
To buy a book from the Internet, type in "lulu.com", then click on "Buy". In the blank slot,type Mike Maddex, or Musings of a Story Teller Wannabe, then "follow your nose", with your credit or debit card ready.
Sometime next week after the 20 arrive, we are having a "book signing", or "autograph party", whichever you choose, where I will sell maybe 18 to Grand Court people at my Author's cost. I need to reserve 2 for Jessica Pikey, the Illustrator, and Timi Neff, the Photographer for the Author's Photo. Free to them, of course.
Thank the Lord for this experience. I pray that some of thse "musings" - even the funny and ridiculous ones - might bring a smile, or a serious thought to each one who reads.
To God Be The Glory, and in remembrance of my 65 delightful years of marriage to Jean.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Book Published
Finally!!!!!
The book is finished!
Not only that, but it is PUBLISHED!
Twenty-one copies are on the way to me, in about a week. The “one” is the “free” one I got when I paid $369 to get it published. The “twenty” are the ones I bought to sell here.
They will be available for sale on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, et al, in 6 to 8 weeks, by using the ISBN Number: 978-0-557-19742-2. Other Bookstores may buy them also, by using this number. The book is listed for General Distribution. The title is: “Musings Of A Story Teller Wannabe”. The author is Mike Maddex.
See below how to order RIGHT NOW (some friends have already done so) directly from Lulu.com, my Publisher.
For those new to this blog, I need to explain that the 44 chapters in this book have been compiled, edited and condensed from previous postings here. If you’ve read all the postings from the beginning, I guess you wouldn’t need the book.
Although, our granddaughter Kelly, who suggested the book in the beginning, was going to compile the postings as an archive for the family. Now, part of that has been done by publishing this book.
Also for those new to the blog, I should mention that I posted my first entry here just over a year ago, maybe a month after my wife Jean of 65 years passed over into the presence of Jesus.
Our son John and his wife Tonya, with whom we had been living for a year and a half, suggested that writing on a blog might help me occupy my time and thinking, now that Jean had passed on.
It was all foreign to me, but John gave me the address to use:
mikemaddex.blogspot.com,
and set me out on my own. Now, a year later, I’ve posted over 130 of these “Musings” on this blog, and I don’t seem to have run down yet. Such is the life of a “blabbermouth”.
In one sense of the word, the book is “autobiographical” - that is it’s about myself - what I’ve felt; what I’ve experienced; and how I’ve reacted to outside forces.
There are 3 chapters about my Christian Radio experiences; 4 about my 12 years of Elementary and High School attendance; two chapters on Cell Phones; some family happenings; etc.
I just got the word that though I will receive my free copy in a couple of days; the 20 I ordered, by next week; but it will be 6 to 8 weeks before it will be available by ISBN at book stores.
HOWEVER, contacting my source at Lulu Publishing indicated that the book may be purchased RIGHT NOW on www.Lulu.com, by listing either the title - “Musings Of A Story Teller Wannabe”, or by my name “Mike Maddex”. They say 27 books have been sold already. (20 of them to me).
I’ve talked to some who have bought it off lulu.com, and they say it is “very very easy” to do.
I think I’ll post this right away, so my friends may know how to get it before even the ISBN works.
The book is finished!
Not only that, but it is PUBLISHED!
Twenty-one copies are on the way to me, in about a week. The “one” is the “free” one I got when I paid $369 to get it published. The “twenty” are the ones I bought to sell here.
They will be available for sale on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, et al, in 6 to 8 weeks, by using the ISBN Number: 978-0-557-19742-2. Other Bookstores may buy them also, by using this number. The book is listed for General Distribution. The title is: “Musings Of A Story Teller Wannabe”. The author is Mike Maddex.
See below how to order RIGHT NOW (some friends have already done so) directly from Lulu.com, my Publisher.
For those new to this blog, I need to explain that the 44 chapters in this book have been compiled, edited and condensed from previous postings here. If you’ve read all the postings from the beginning, I guess you wouldn’t need the book.
Although, our granddaughter Kelly, who suggested the book in the beginning, was going to compile the postings as an archive for the family. Now, part of that has been done by publishing this book.
Also for those new to the blog, I should mention that I posted my first entry here just over a year ago, maybe a month after my wife Jean of 65 years passed over into the presence of Jesus.
Our son John and his wife Tonya, with whom we had been living for a year and a half, suggested that writing on a blog might help me occupy my time and thinking, now that Jean had passed on.
It was all foreign to me, but John gave me the address to use:
mikemaddex.blogspot.com,
and set me out on my own. Now, a year later, I’ve posted over 130 of these “Musings” on this blog, and I don’t seem to have run down yet. Such is the life of a “blabbermouth”.
In one sense of the word, the book is “autobiographical” - that is it’s about myself - what I’ve felt; what I’ve experienced; and how I’ve reacted to outside forces.
There are 3 chapters about my Christian Radio experiences; 4 about my 12 years of Elementary and High School attendance; two chapters on Cell Phones; some family happenings; etc.
I just got the word that though I will receive my free copy in a couple of days; the 20 I ordered, by next week; but it will be 6 to 8 weeks before it will be available by ISBN at book stores.
HOWEVER, contacting my source at Lulu Publishing indicated that the book may be purchased RIGHT NOW on www.Lulu.com, by listing either the title - “Musings Of A Story Teller Wannabe”, or by my name “Mike Maddex”. They say 27 books have been sold already. (20 of them to me).
I’ve talked to some who have bought it off lulu.com, and they say it is “very very easy” to do.
I think I’ll post this right away, so my friends may know how to get it before even the ISBN works.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Rylan's Thanksgiving
Jodi’s son Rylan attends the local YMCA “pre-school” program, while Jodi is working at Comfort Keepers.
She leaves him there each week day morning at about 7:15, and then goes to whatever client she is helping that day. Her help is NOT medical, but just about every other help that an elderly person might need. She regularly has 3 to 4 clients a week that she helps.
On the Friday before Thanksgiving, Rylan’s “school” had a Thanksgiving observation and meal. Each parent brought or sent a “covered dish”, for all to enjoy. They were invited to join with their child in the meal and celebration.
When Jodi found out about the occasion, she checked her schedule and found that she had to be with a client that day, past the time of the meal. Since she didn’t want Rylan to be there without another family member present, she asked me if I would like to be there, for Rylan.
Of course, I said “Yes”!
Fortunately, she prepared the dish - “cheesy potatoes” - that we enjoyed, along with the other “tasty” dishes others brought.
I arrived at the proper time, and Rylan was with the other children in the gym, with unorganized playing. He came right up to me and gave me a hug.
His friends followed, and more and more came, as they looked at my face, which had been damaged in my fall.
My nose was broken, and my forehead and the bridge of my nose were swollen. Both of my eyes were “black”, and the kids were “enthralled” with this “freak”.
(Any wonder?)
Nobody said anything, including Rylan, but there were plenty of them paying attention to me - especially the black eyes.
Finally, it was time to go to the next room where the meal was to be served. There were 6 or 7 tables laid out, and the food deposited on a shelf at the side of the room.
When came time to eat, one of the leaders had a child lead us all in a prayer of thanksgiving for the food (God is great, God is good, etc.)
The line formed on the left, and Rylan and I followed other children and their parents through the line.
As is the case with all “carry-in” meals, the food was outstanding.
We sat at a table with two other children and their mothers.
The leaders began distributing some of the crafts the children had made. Here’s Rylan and the “turkey” he made.
The other mothers (and I) began taking “group” pictures. Here are a couple with Rylan and Friends.
When we were just about finished eating, Jodi arrived from her client’s house, and got some food herself.
Then we bid goodbye to Rylan’s “school”.
Rylan and I followed Jodi to their house (Rylan wanted to ride with me), and with Jodi joining us, we headed for the Library. Jodi had some DVD’s to return, and some others to pick up. They don’t have a TV that receives programs, so they watch DVD’s and Movies all the time.
Jodi needed to do some laundry, and I needed to get back home to complete planning for Monday’s Town Hall meeting, so I delivered them to their car, and returned to The Grand Court.
It’s nice to have family around. When we stayed at John and Tonya’s for about a year-and-a-half, we had around us: 2 children; 4 grandchildren; and 6 Great-grandchildren - all in the same small town.
And, on the regular Thanksgiving Day, Jodi, Rylan and I will be joining Jim and Joyce’s extended family for a get-together in Centerville.
Thank God for family!
She leaves him there each week day morning at about 7:15, and then goes to whatever client she is helping that day. Her help is NOT medical, but just about every other help that an elderly person might need. She regularly has 3 to 4 clients a week that she helps.
On the Friday before Thanksgiving, Rylan’s “school” had a Thanksgiving observation and meal. Each parent brought or sent a “covered dish”, for all to enjoy. They were invited to join with their child in the meal and celebration.
When Jodi found out about the occasion, she checked her schedule and found that she had to be with a client that day, past the time of the meal. Since she didn’t want Rylan to be there without another family member present, she asked me if I would like to be there, for Rylan.
Of course, I said “Yes”!
Fortunately, she prepared the dish - “cheesy potatoes” - that we enjoyed, along with the other “tasty” dishes others brought.
I arrived at the proper time, and Rylan was with the other children in the gym, with unorganized playing. He came right up to me and gave me a hug.
His friends followed, and more and more came, as they looked at my face, which had been damaged in my fall.
My nose was broken, and my forehead and the bridge of my nose were swollen. Both of my eyes were “black”, and the kids were “enthralled” with this “freak”.
(Any wonder?)
Nobody said anything, including Rylan, but there were plenty of them paying attention to me - especially the black eyes.
Finally, it was time to go to the next room where the meal was to be served. There were 6 or 7 tables laid out, and the food deposited on a shelf at the side of the room.
When came time to eat, one of the leaders had a child lead us all in a prayer of thanksgiving for the food (God is great, God is good, etc.)
The line formed on the left, and Rylan and I followed other children and their parents through the line.
As is the case with all “carry-in” meals, the food was outstanding.
We sat at a table with two other children and their mothers.
The leaders began distributing some of the crafts the children had made. Here’s Rylan and the “turkey” he made.
The other mothers (and I) began taking “group” pictures. Here are a couple with Rylan and Friends.
When we were just about finished eating, Jodi arrived from her client’s house, and got some food herself.
Then we bid goodbye to Rylan’s “school”.
Rylan and I followed Jodi to their house (Rylan wanted to ride with me), and with Jodi joining us, we headed for the Library. Jodi had some DVD’s to return, and some others to pick up. They don’t have a TV that receives programs, so they watch DVD’s and Movies all the time.
Jodi needed to do some laundry, and I needed to get back home to complete planning for Monday’s Town Hall meeting, so I delivered them to their car, and returned to The Grand Court.
It’s nice to have family around. When we stayed at John and Tonya’s for about a year-and-a-half, we had around us: 2 children; 4 grandchildren; and 6 Great-grandchildren - all in the same small town.
And, on the regular Thanksgiving Day, Jodi, Rylan and I will be joining Jim and Joyce’s extended family for a get-together in Centerville.
Thank God for family!
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