by Roseanna White | Dec 2, 2010 | Thoughtful Thursdays, Uncategorized
When Xoe was a year old, her grandfather came in for Christmas (he lives in South Caroline) and brought his new girlfriend–a super-sweet woman who was very excited to meet Bill’s granddaughter. They came armed with gifts. Lots of them.
The prettiest? A gorgeous little white box with rhinestone accents and silver flourishes, with a mirror on the top–perfect for a little girl to store her treasures as she grows up. I knew the moment I glimpsed it that Xoe would come to love this box. But for some reason, Glenda handed it over with a funny expression.
“I’m so sorry,” she said as we unwrapped it. “The name’s misspelled.”
I glanced at the top of the box, where the mirror was engraved with . . . Zox?
Glenda shook her head. “It was an elderly woman working, and she just couldn’t wrap her mind around the name. We said ‘It’s Zoe, but with an X.’ So we left while she engraved and came back to this. We didn’t have the heart to yell at her about it, but we’ll get it fixed.'”
Well, as things often happen when folks live states upon states away, we never got it fixed. Instead, we shared a laugh with them then (Zoe with an X . . . yeah, I totally think “Zox” when I hear that, don’t you? Snicker, snicker), and I put the box on the vanity beside one of mine.
For a long while, Xoe obviously didn’t realize there was anything wrong with the box. We put in it the money she got for holidays, her special necklaces and barrettes and bracelets, the beads from a very pretty bracelet that broke. Treasures.
Then one day, after Xoe had learned to spell her name, she was looking at the box and asked, “Mommy, what does this spell?”
So I told her the story of “Zoe with an X” and how now she has a Zox Box.
As lovers of all things Seuss, this became special and cute and quirky in our family. Now whenever Xoe comes across a dollar, she rushes to put it in her Zox Box. When she gets a special new necklace, she lifts that mirrored lid and slides it inside. She makes up songs about it.
The life lesson is probably obvious, right? So often things don’t work out the way we want them too, things get “ruined.” But who’s to say “ruined” isn’t right? Would a Xoe Box have been special? Well, sure. But anyone can get a box with their name on it. How many little girls have a Zox Box?
Mine does. And I love that she cherishes it. Makes me want to be careful to cherish those “ruined” things just as I do the things that turn out “right.”
by Roseanna White | Nov 18, 2010 | Thoughtful Thursdays, Uncategorized
I’ve noticed a trend lately. In action shows/movies, whenever bad guys are chasing the good guys through a public location, they always (and I mean always–I’ve counted at least three of these scenes in stuff I’ve watched the last two weeks) duck through some shiny, huge industrial kitchen. And more often than not, bullets follow.
Have you ever noticed that? Bullets turning heads of lettuce into cole slaw . . . ricocheting off polished carts of stainless steel . . . kitchen staff jumping out of the way and tossing bowls of who-knows-what . . .
What is up with that? I mean, I’m now laughing about it because I’ve noticed it in everything, but really. What’s the allure for the script writers, the choreographers? Does it make for exceptionally good blocking? Do the reflections off all that shining metal help with something? What??
So that’s my silly observation for the week. Pay attention, I bet you’ll start noticing kitchen-chase/shooting-scenes all over the place.
Anything you’ve noticed over and over in movies or TV?
by Roseanna White | Nov 11, 2010 | Thoughtful Thursdays, Uncategorized
Every now and then, I get tired. I get overwhelmed. I get bogged down with particulars, with comparisons, with frustrations. And that’s when the beast rears its ugly head.
Insecurity.
We all know it, right? It’s that voice that whispers in the back of our minds, “You’re never going to be able to pull this off. You’re doing a terrible job. So-and-so is so much better than you at this.” Which moves naturally into other whispered thoughts. “Why do you bother? Nothing ever works out like you want it to anyway. Just put it aside and take a break.”
I expect anyone who’s human goes through this from time to time. And if you’re like me, you can recognize it, but by then you’re already in its claws. Those voices tend to be sneaky, and they work fast. It only takes a few seconds for them to toss you into a downward spiral.
Those of us who are Christians know that when those moments strike, we need to pray, to give it to the Lord. I’ve tried quite a few versions of this. For years, I would pray, “Lord, send me some encouragement.” And he always, always did.
But lately I’ve turned to a different prayer. Lately I’ve stopped thinking that this is just a phase or a rut that He needs to pull me out of and have begun to see it’s one the enemy tries to push me into–and that I don’t have to go, certainly not without a fight. And if we fight in the name of Jesus, victory is guaranteed.
Several times over the past months, I’d done what I called with my friend, “Gave myself a time out and let God give me a talking to.” This is to combat the attitude resulting from that awful little voice of insecurity. And it works. Those feelings are never from God, so when I refuse to indulge them AND fill my mind instead with His word, with His truth . . . wow. It’s really amazing how things turn around.
Yesterday I had a headache, a mile-high to-do list, and I started hearing that nasty little whisper of, “You can’t pull this off, you know. It’s going to flop. And your WIP is just terrible, you’ll never get past chapter four.”
It only took me a second to realize this wasn’t something I had to indulge, that it wasn’t something I had to let be real. I squeezed my eyes shut then and there and prayed. I gave it all to Him, I soaked up His love, and I got back to work. (Okay, I also took a little nap to help the headache. Then got up feeling muuuuuuch better, so got back up to work.)
Fleeting thoughts need not rule us. Whispers need not find their voices in our mouths.
Because we serve the Word. We serve the Victor.
Whether we’re battling insecurity, fear, jealousy, or something more physical like exhaustion, illness, cancer, the battle has already been waged and won.
It doesn’t always feel like it–but it doesn’t have to. I have to remind myself sometimes that it isn’t about feeling. Feelings are emotions, which by definition involved motion–moving. But He never moves. He never changes. If we rest in Him, we don’t have to either. We can just be . . . at peace.
by Roseanna White | Nov 4, 2010 | Thoughtful Thursdays, Uncategorized
Actually, my hubby and I had this brilliant idea years ago, but we only ever remembered it when it was too late to implement for Christmas. Not so this year!
Curious yet? Biting your nails in suspense? Only, I suspect, if you’re not on any lists or loops with me–if you are, then you probably already saw my announcement. But just in case . . .
We’re putting together an online book signing! A what, you ask? A Christmas Book Signing Bash, that’s what. Over 50 (yes, I typed that correctly–OVER FIFTY) authors are joining up to sign books for you, and no one has to leave the comfort of their computer for it!
Beginning the day after Thanksgiving, the Christian Review of Books in conjunction with CrossPurposes Bookstore will be featuring these 50+ authors and their books, giving you a little sampling of fun trivia about them and then letting you order autographed, personalized copies of their books. They’ll sign them and ship them to you or your intended recipient, and voila! Things you thought you could only get from physical book signings are delivered straight to your door!
Pretty cool, eh? The author community obviously thinks so. Of course, we’re going to need help spreading the word about this fun event, so if you’d be interested in posting about it on your blog or any other forums you can think of (including announcing it at off-line locales as well), shoot me an email at roseanna (at) whitefireprinting (dot) com and I’ll email you the graphics and blurbs next week when we’ve got them!
Now . . . wondering who all you can expect to see at this shindig? Here are just a few:
Me (obviously, right?)
Laurie Alice Eakes
Stephanie Morrill
Anita Higman
Nicole O’Dell
Deborah Vogts
Trish Perry
Margaret Brownley
Mary Connealy
Lena Nelson Dooley
Cynthia Ruckti
Vickie McDonough
Rita Gerlach
Sandra Byrd
Martha Rogers
Melanie Dickerson
James Rubart
Maureen Lang
Ronie Kendig
MaryLu Tyndall
Kathi Macias
Vanetta Chapman
And more! But you know, I’m not copying my whole list. =) There will be Christmas books, biblical fiction, Amish stories, romance of every imaginable genre, suspense, mystery, young adult . . . something for everyone on your list!!
We’re a little excited over here. And a little overwhelmed with thoughts of it, truth be told. Can’t wait to see how all this comes together!
by Roseanna White | Oct 28, 2010 | Thoughtful Thursdays, Uncategorized
First, today’s my best friend Stephanie Morrill‘s birthday, so all you mutual acquaintances should go wish her a happy 27th. =)
Now as to my oh-so-broad topic for the day.
It’s been a busy week. Last Saturday was Xoe’s 5th birthday, which of course means that last Friday was spent making her cake. For those who tuned in last Thursday and saw my picture of “this is what I’m going to make, hopefully it’ll turn out,” here’s a picture of how it actually DID turn out. Not too shabby, eh? Xoe was tickled with it, which is what matters. =)
Her party went well–the kids played it up at Chick-Fil-A, and Mommy didn’t have to worry with the cake crumbs. Awesome.
Sunday I finally cleared out my closet and dresser, a task I have been putting off since MAY. Oh boy, can I ever procrastinate! Yesterday I carted off the three garbage bags of clothes I no longer wear.
There was a “supposed to” this week that involved a trip to North Carolina, which I am rather glad didn’t happen. I won’t get into the details of this impromptu vacation, the idea of which stressed me to the max, but we’ve all been a little under the weather (changing seasons–argh), so it was just impossible. Shucks. Really. (Though I could have done without the stuffy nose and headaches . . .)
Yesterday I got the full cover for Jewel of Persia, and the back is just as awesome as the front, as usual. I’m posting it below so you can see the awesomeness of the bracelet. =)
This Saturday my church is taking a trip into Pennsylvania to visit our parent church. Tomorrow I’m making a pumpkin flavored cake–no jack o’ lantern faces on this one, LOL–for the lunch following. The kids are staying here with the designated babysitter (my sister dear), and then that evening is trick or treating. Should be fun!
Thrilling, I know. I intended to have deeper thoughts today, but alas. Getting a book cover just totally consumes me, LOL, and I can’t think anything deeper than “Ooooooo! Aaaaahhhhh!” 😉
by Roseanna White | Oct 21, 2010 | Thoughtful Thursdays, Uncategorized
So on Saturday, my first baby turns 5. This feels pretty landmark to me. Five means school (yes, we’ve been doing that for two months already, but it still felt ahead of the game). Five means a more focused attention span. Five means endless coloring and playing with one toy rather than running around in circles (most of the time, LOL). Five means a KID rather than a baby, toddler, or preschooler. Sheesh. When did my baby get so big?
I’m enjoying this transition, for the most part, and we’re having fun planning her party for Saturday. Unlike past years when the family gathered at my house, this year we’re gathering at Chick-Fil-A instead. The kids will all get meals (I’d like to say on the house, but they’re on me, ha ha), t-shirts, and balloons. Moreover, they’ll get to tear around the play area rather than my living room. Mwa ha ha ha.
I’m still in charge of the cake, and this is what we’ve decided on. Though Xoe requested a scarier face. Which I find totally funny, since this girl’s a scaredy cat. =) (For anyone wondering how this cake is made, it’s actually really easy. Two bundt cakes, one turned upside down so the flats are against each other. The stem is an ice cream cone covered in icing. Cool, eh?)
And yes, that’s the extent of my brilliant musing today. I haven’t had my coffee yet, and my brain won’t kick into gear. My only other prevalent thoughts concern a vacation being forced upon me that I really don’t want to take, but why waste a blog post with whining? 😉
Oh, in good writing-related news, my first crit partner just got edits back to me on Jewel of Persia and now loves the ending she was iffy about on the first draft. Which is good, because I added a ton to the end as I deleted from the beginning. She’s the first to have read both, and I was sooooo hoping she agreed with me on its level of better-ness. Woo hoo!
Now. Coffee. Coffee, coffee, coffee, coffee, coffee . . .
Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award winning author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. Having successfully launched two homeschool grads, she now spends her time writing fiction, 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, as well as a fantasy series and contemporary mysteries and romances. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary.