by Roseanna White | Apr 28, 2011 | Thoughtful Thursdays, Uncategorized
I’m not a worrier. I am, in fact, convinced there’s a worry gene, and that my sister got it double strength, leaving me with a lack. And sometimes it definitely feels like a bad thing, this no-worrying. It makes me lax about things I should be on top of. I occasionally wonder if a serious issue would go too long without being noticed by laid-back me. Yeah, that’s right–sometimes I worry about not worrying. 😉
Last night I discovered something I do worry about, and worry about in spades. Brace yourself: the weather.
Yeah. (Sigh.) I get really worried about weather. To be precise, severe thunder storms.
Now, here’s the history. I was probably always a little scared of storms and such as a kid, but it got really bad when I turned six. There was a fire on the hill next door, on my birthday, and it gave me a real phobia about fire. And since I knew lightning strikes could cause fire . . .
I got over that. I even enjoy a healthy thunderstorm these days. Really, truly enjoy them. But now, apparently, I get pretty upset when they throw tornado warning/watches into the mix. At night. When I’m supposed to be sleeping, on the top floor of my house, with my kids on the main floor. (This fear started in high school, when graduation was canceled because of tornadoes that sent us all into the auditorium for a couple hours.)
For the second night in a row, we had those warnings. On Tuesday night when we switched over to the emergency broadcast thingy, a nice computerized voice was warning us that a system that “could” spawn tornadoes was spotted in Frostburg, moving east. Ahem–that would be toward my town, about fifteen miles away. The warning included “take cover immediately.”
Apparently those are magic words to make my latent worry-gene activate. Because I don’t think I relaxed until the warning expired at 9:37, and if David hadn’t stopped me, I would have had the kids out of bed and downstairs with us.
Now, that was for Tuesday, when the forecast just said “thunder storms,” no “severe” tacked on. Because they had reserved the “severe” warning for last night. And of course, the news was filled with man-killing tornadoes. We barely had clouds by the time we put the kids to bed last night, but yet again my TV was interrupted with tornado warnings. No rain or anything by the time I went to bed at 11, but I woke up when it started at 1:30.
And the worry kicked in. What if a tornado came while we were in bed? What warning would we have? Would the fire-siren go off? Was that it there?? No, wind. Just the wind. The really strong, gusty wind. And the thunder. And lightning. (Well, hey, at least I’m not scared of that anymore!) The kids were sleeping through it, which was good. But if there was a tornado, and we somehow had enough warning to get out of the top floor, would we have enough time to wake the kids? Could I run fast enough on my still-sore ankle?
Maybe we should all just camp out on the pull-out couch in the basement . . .
I prayed. And I prayed. I repeated like a mantra, “I trust you, Lord, I trust you, Lord, I trust you, Lord to take care of my family.” I listened to the thunder (which really wasn’t that bad. It’s kinda embarrassing how not severe this system was around here, considering my middle-night worry) and strained to hear the tell-tale signs of trouble.
At 2 I got up and checked the weather forecast, just to make sure there were no computerized voices telling me to take cover. The tornado warning was still in effect (is actually still in effect as I write this), but the computer now agreed that this storm wasn’t severe, just a storm. I felt a degree better. I went back to bed, told my hubby the update, and he said something along the lines of “Muh huh. Zzzzzz.”
I seriously don’t know how you midwesterners deal with this so often. Or maybe it’s because here in Maryland it’s not so common that I get so worked up. But as the storm moved off and I was jumping, now, at the silence (seriously, Roseanna? Now the quiet is making you nervous?? What do you think this is, the eye of a hurricane?), I put some consideration into worry and faith.
Here’s what I observed about myself. It’s easy to hide my worry when it doesn’t interfere with normal operations–like during the day, when I can just herd the kids downstairs to watch TV during a warning. And it’s easy to pray the right things, all the things I’ve been taught, in these circumstances. It’s not as easy to let go.
But you know what else? Trusting the Lord through our worry doesn’t always mean that we don’t worry. Sometimes we’re supposed to be worried enough to take care of ourselves and our families. This isn’t fretting, it’s responsibility. It’s okay that I was concerned about getting my kids to safety in the event of a tornado, okay that I was making a plan.
What wasn’t okay was that the worry was just as intense in the silence. But then I remembered that prophet (Elisha maybe?) who was running away from the evil queen, seeking the Lord. And He wasn’t in the tempest, and He wasn’t in the earthquake, and He wasn’t in any other fierce, terrible show . . . but He was in the whisper. As I considered that last night, I listened for the whisper. And my shoulders finally relaxed, I could smile at myself, and sleep took hold again.
This morning I woke up with a sore neck, sleepy eyes, and the conviction that even had an F5 ripped through the area like it did a decade ago, even if the worst had happened, the Lord would have been right there, taking care of us. Instead, He took care of us by doing exactly what I prayed and chasing the storm away. I reminded myself that it isn’t that the Lord isn’t present in the storms, the quakes, the violence . . . it’s more that we can’t hear His still, small voice until we quiet the rage within and listen.
Listen. Listen to the whisper.
I’ll probably always be afraid of tornadoes. That’s probably a fairly healthy fear, as fears go. I’ll probably wake up again when I know there’s a warning and be nervous. But you know what? Next time I don’t want to wait until the storm moves off to hear the whisper.
Next time, I’m going to find the whisper in the storm.
by Roseanna White | Apr 27, 2011 | Remember When Wednesdays, Uncategorized
I’m toying around with a new story idea. This one would be a Regency, the plot of which I shan’t reveal quite yet. 😉 But the first step for me is solidifying the characters in my mind.
I knew who my hero would be from the get-go, since I’m stealing one of my older ideas and revamping for this. Phillip
Camden can still be Phillip Camden, though I’ve changed the setting on him. But my heroine . . . she was all wrong in that old story (for this setting). So I started by changing her name, which is now Arabelle Denler.
I wasn’t at first sure what was going to make Arabelle so stinkin’ special. I mean, she has to be pretty because of the circumstances of the book, but she made me laugh in the first few pages when I realized she lives in hilarious fear that her beauty’s going to evaporate when she hits 30, just like Aunt Dora’s did (whoever Aunt Dora is . . .).
I haven’t described our fearful beauty, but I’ll have to in the next scene, and I’m still trying to figure out a few basics. You know, like hair color. 😉 I figured I’d base her on a template–my first thought being an actress. Then I thought (looking at the lovely cover of Georgette Heyer’s Friday’s Child that I had sitting beside me) that it would be fun to base her on a painting.
So. In trying to choose between brunette (my first thought) or . . . no, I present to you two pictures to help me choose. =)
The one I first found is for some reason a copyrighted photo, though the painting itself out to be public domain . . . but anyway, she looks somewhat like this other one, though the nose is different. Close enough for a basic description, though. Dark hair and whatnot.
(If you’re curious, the one I was actually thinking of can be viewed here.)
But then I stumbled upon Sir Frank Dicksee’s paintings and fell somewhat in love with his depiction of Miranda from Shakespeare’s The Tempest. Not that this was how I at first imagined Arabelle, but oh! the painting!! Gorgeous, isn’t it? I’m inclined toward making Arabelle fairer than I intended solely so I have an excuse to stare at it. =)
But preference of paintings aside, who has an opinion on which would make a better Arabelle Denler, great beauty who’s fearful she’ll sprout a beak of a nose at any moment?
Figure we might as well take a vote, LOL. No promises that I’ll obey the decision, but opinions are definitely welcome!
by Roseanna White | Apr 26, 2011 | Uncategorized
Today I’m happy to welcome debut novelist Tom Blubaugh to the blog to talk about his newly-released historic, Night of the Cossacks. Tom recently demonstrated his amazing courage by joining a historical list I belong to that has, now, one male member. =) You’re a brave soul, Tom!
Tom has generously offered a copy of his novel to one lucky reader, so as usual, please leave your comment below for a chance to win, along with an email address.
~*~
About Night of the Cossack
“In Night of the Cossack, Tom Blubaugh has created an interesting fictional account of a young boy facing a series of tough life-or-death decisions when forced into the life of a Cossack soldier. Readers are sure to be entertained by this tale of Nathan Hertzfield’s life, his struggle to maintain the upstanding character and morality set forth by his mother.” Michelle Buckman, Christy Award Finalist
~*~
About Tom
Tom Blubaugh, author of Night of the Cossack, is a freelance writer. He has written nonfiction most of his adult life. He resides with his wife Barbara in southwest Missouri where he is currently writing fiction. Tom and Barbara have six children and fourteen grandchildren. In addition to writing, Tom loves macro photography.
~*~
What’s your latest book?
Night of the Cossack, Bound by Faith Publishers, April 6, 2011
It sounds so interesting! What’s your favorite part of the story?
When Nathan and his captor develop a healthy relationship.
What was the hardest part to write?
A betrayal.
Those can definitely be tough.What do you hope your readers will get out of the story?
That life is a series of choices and right choices eventually will bring right results.
Is there a theme to this book?
Adventure and survival.
What’s your favorite genre to write? To read?
Historical fiction. Western adventure.
What are you reading right now—and what do you want to read next?
Sitka by Louis L’Amour
The Sovereign’s Daughter by Susan May Warren and Susan K. Downs
Other than the Bible, what’s your favorite of all the books you’ve ever read?
Pilgram’s Progress
Would you believe I’ve never read that (I’m ashamed to say)? What’s one of the oddest or most interesting things someone has ever said about you?
‘My enthusiasm turns people off.’ (go figure)
LOL. What would your dream office look like—and what does your REAL writing environment look like?
A glassed in studio sitting 100’ about a winding river through the Ozark country side.
A 12 x 15 room filled with books, collectibles and pictures.
What lessons have you learned through the publication process that you wouldn’t have guessed as a pre-published writer?
It’s as hard for a small independent publisher to get a book in a bookstore as it is for a writer to get a manuscript read.
Are there any people (family, writing group, editors) who you rely on when writing?
My critique group. They’re invaluable.
Aside from writing, what takes up most of your time?
Family and volunteer work.
If someone were to give you $5,000 to spend on anything you wanted, what would you buy? (No saving or gifts to charities allowed!)
An Alaskan cruise.
Hey, my parents are going on one of those soon! What writing goal have you set for yourself that would be the hardest (or unlikeliest) but most rewarding to achieve?
An autobiography.
Do you remember where you were when you got your first or most important call about a book contract?
Eating lunch at Panera Bread.
Yummy. =) If you could take your family on a vacation anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Europe. In particular France, Italy and Odessa, Ukraine on the Black Sea.
Surprise, right? 😉 What are you writing right now?
A sequel to Night of the Cossack.
Is there another author who has greatly influenced your writing?
Michelle Buckman.
~*~
Thanks so much for stopping by, Tom! Readers you can read the first chapter at Tom’s website, http://tomblubaugh.com. Purchase the book straight from the publisher at http://boundbyfaithpublishers.com!
Void where prohibited. Entry into the contest is considered verification of eligibility based on your local laws. Chance of winning depends on number of entries. Contest ends 5/10/11. Winner will have two weeks to claim prize.
by Roseanna White | Apr 25, 2011 | Word of the Week
I can’t say as I’ve ever understood why, when we comprehend something, we stand under it. So this week we’re working to understand the word understand. =)
According to the wonderful world of
www.etymonline.com (one of the best resources IN THE UNIVERSE!), this word, which has been in the English language pretty much since the English language has been, carries an old sense of “standing in the midst of.” And if you’re in the midst of it, you get it.
Now, the “under” is the tricky part. Etymonline quotes a few different expert opinions on why it’s “under.” They all agree it isn’t “under” as in beneath, but rather as in “between, among.” Take, as a modern day idiom that has survived with this meaning, the example “Under such circumstances.” We don’t mean we’re literally under these circumstances, but rather in the midst of them.
Some other Germanic languages have a word that means “stand before” rather than “stand under,” but ultimately the idea comes back to truly comprehending something when you’re very near it.
Understand? 😉
by Roseanna White | Apr 25, 2011 | Uncategorized
I once again forgot to do a drawing last week, so we’ll do a two for one. =)
The winner of Shannon Vannatter’s White Doves is . . .
Mary Ann! (amomwithablog@ . . .)
And the winner of Mary Ellis’s Abigail’s New Hope is . . .
Judy B! (judyjohn2004@ . . .)
Congrats to both of you! I’ve just sent you emails.
Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award winning author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary.