Why write?

I enjoy writing. I really do. 

But sometimes I get burned out. 

I lose inspiration

and direction

and confidence.

Getting started again is the hardest!

But I've had some stones in my shoe, 

spurs in my boot, 

kicks in the rear.

For starters, I've decided to create a special writing space for myself. 

Here is what it currently looks like:

Its going to take a litte lot of work. :)

But look at all those books!

HEAVEN!

Another motivation is this cute poster my daughter and her friend put together for me. 

"For the MOTHER" 

(hahaha!)

I just love that they recap the writing process for me and then tell me "Mom your AWESOME Believe in YOURSELF!!!!!"

I needed to hear that. Thank you!

Motivation #3:

Bryce wrote this awesome story in class. 

"Jack was in his bed. The doll had blue and red cracks all over. A bucket of blood and it was from people. The dolls eyes turned blood red. the doll started running at Jack. He raced out of his room. He saw blood eyes, red and blue..." (I took a little editorial privilege)

Ok, so maybe weaving a tale runs in the family and maybe someone wants to hear it. 

And that brings me to my final motivation - 
hoping that people want to hear what I write.

Whether its fiction or nonfiction, I write because I want to tell a story, but I also write because I want to be heard. 

I love the song "You Matter To Me" from the broadway show "Waitress." 

"Its addictive the minute you let yourself think,
the things that I say just might matter to someone."

So, its time to get serious about writing again. I need to clear thoughts and experiences from my mind so I can make sense of them, grow from them and be heard. I also need to finished a couple of middle-grade stories for my children before they aren't children anymore. 

Book Review: Peace Like a River

Peace Like a River, by Leif Enger, is one of the most beautiful books written. It is very poetic and a little slow to begin and for some in my book club, it was hard to get into. But for me, its like swimming in a beautiful ocean of words. 

If you give yourself a little time to immerse into the story, you will fall in love with 11-year-old Reuben and his family. Beginning with severe bullying and a drastic reaction by taking things into their own hands, the family is propelled into a cross-country trip to save their family. 

One of the best parts of this book for me, besides the beautiful writing, was the religious undercurrent throughout the entire novel. I just loved it. Miracles and prophets and the drive to do the right. Also, the character development and family development were so deep and meaningful. The relationships between Reuben and his sister and brother. And the role of his father as the bedrock of the family. Heart-breaking at times but always real and honest. 

Also, the setting is almost a character in and of itself. From the long stretches of road, to the snow, to the fiery crevasse. And the characters that come on scene to help and to hinder are drawn with distinct characterization. 

This is a wonderful book for young adult/adult. If you find it hard to get into, don't give up. It is worth reading! 

Book Review: The Third

Isn't this the craziest cover. I sort of love it and am creeped out by it at the same time. 

The Third is a fantastic book written by Abel Keogh. The story starts by immediately immersing you in the setting of a not-too-distant future that is focused on recycling and saving the earth. Laws of rule and order are passed and families are granted only two credits for children. Having a third or more is against the law. 

Right off the bat, Ransom saves a woman and her child from impending violence on a bus and in the process puts his own life in danger. This would be enough to keep you reading but when the twists and turns start flying, I couldn't put the book down. 

The best part of Keogh's writing is the way he envisions the future and puts his characters in impossible positions where the line between right and wrong is blurred. He does a good job of exploring the issues from every angle. I even found myself agreeing with a character that was in opposition to my own opinion. 

The plot is tight and intriguing and the characters are spot on. I couldn't stop reading and when the book ended.... well, I just can't wait for the next book to come out. 

This is a great book I highly recommend for new adult/adult readers. 

Book Review: Finding Beauty in the Best

"Finding Beauty in the Beast" is a beautiful fairy tale re-telling. Author Jessilyn Peaslee borrows characters from her first novel, Ella (and its companion book, Ella's Will) and turns the fairy tale on its head. In the best way possible. Princess Rose is a monster. Some call her a beast. Corbin escapes heartbreak at home and finds himself in Rose's kingdom and forced to present himself as a suitor. Every suitor is required to present a gift and his, though simple, is the one Rose picks. And so begins the tale of transformation, for both of them.  Certainly the best part of this book is the character development. Peaslee does a wonderful job of bringing Corbin and Rose to life and making them completely relatable. Corbin is kind yet still flawed in his interaction with difficult Rose. And Rose is difficult yet vulnerable at the same time. Their love grows at a slow simmer until it can't be denied.I also appreciated the sweet poetic word-smithing that is so fitting for a fairytale. Peaslee is a master at understanding the workings of the heart and the intricate complications of relationships. You can't help but learn something about yourself when you read one of Peaslee's book. This is a sweet fairy tale I would recommend for any age.

"A Three Dog Life" is a beautiful memoir by Abigail Thomas. Her husband was in a horrible accident which left him with severe brain damage. His body is still there but his mind is lost. Abigail is his wife and caregiver.

This book, written in essay form is so beautiful. If you know someone with memory loss, this book will speak to you. It certainly did to me. She delves into the realities of living with someone who can't remember one moment to the next. And openly admits to the difficulties in putting your loved one in a care facility and all the complicated feelings that accompany that. Thomas writes in such an honest way, it made me feel like I was sharing a drink with her in a small restaurant and there was not a care in the world. It's reflective and beautiful and heart-rending.  

Another great thing about this book is that because it is written in essay form, it is easy to read and much or as little as you need. And it gives you time to think and reflect. It's a book I could read more than once. 

Hymnbook committee Fireside

 


My mom, aunt Cheryl and I went to the most wonderful musical fireside in January! 

The evening was filled with speakers from the 1985 Hymnbook Executive committee. Michael Moody, who wrote Christmas songs with my Grandma (Mabel Jones Gabbott) every year for 20 years was the committee chair. So it was also a little bit of reunion for us. 

Not only did we get to listen to them speak about their experiences on that committee, we were able to sing many of the hymns with their instruction and a tabernacle organist on the organ. It really was wonderful!

One particular part that was delightful to me was hearing how they changed the lyrics to some of the older hymns so that they would fit better with the doctrine and fit the rhythm of the music as well.

The following hymns are organized thus:
Previos words:
You who unto Jesus for refuge have fled.
Because people had too much fun saying "yoo-hoo"
Changed to:
Who unto the Savior for refuge have fled.
("How Firm a Foundation" #85)

There is no tomorrow but only today.
Changed to:
Prepare for tomorrow by working today.
("Today While the Sun Shines" #229)

Only he who does something is worthy to live.
Changed to:
Only he who does something helps others to live.
("Have I Done Any Good" #223)

Tradition flees before its power.
Changed to:
Faithless tradition flees its power.
("Sweet is the Peace" #14)

Bear patiently...
Changed to:
With patience bear...
("Be Still My Soul" #124)

Switched verses 2 and 3
("For All the Saints" #82)

There were also several hymns that never gained the traction the committee had hoped for. They called these the "high Hopes" hymns:

"I Saw a Mighty Angel" #15
"All Glory, Laud and Honor" #69
"Arise, O God and Shine" #265
"Let Zion in Her Beauty Rise" #41
"Father, Cheer Our Souls Tonight" #231

I love the hymns of the church and I love being the ward choir director, immersing myself in these beautiful hymns of worship!

Writing Grandma's song

When President Monson passed away, I decided to change the hymn the choir was singing for January to a song that would honor the prophet. Immediately my mind went to the song my Grandma Gabbott wrote with Michael Moody in 1994. 

"I Heard the Prophet Speak"

The words were based by the teachings of President Benson. Later, Jan Pinborough wrote new words based on the teachings of President Hinckley. It was published in the New Era in 1996 and sung at the General Young Women's meeting. (She's wrote new verses AND a new chorus)

Well, I knew I wanted to sing Grandma's song. But I also wanted to honor President Monson. So I decided to make an attempt at writing new verses and keep Grandma's chorus. 

I went for a hike up Y mountain in Provo. I hiked it twice in a row, the whole time praying for help in writing the new words. And they came. I sang them over and over, in my mind and outloud, and as soon as I got to the top the second time, I sat and typed the words into my phone. 

I was so pleased with how it all turned out. The choir sounded beautiful! I felt the Spirit and also the influence of my Grandma as I worked on this. It was a sweet experience for me to feel like I was collaborating with my grandma in a way. 

Grandma's lyrics:

1. I heard the prophet speak; come seek the Savior's light. 

Be patient, kind, and gentle, be Christ-like, do the right.

2. I heard the prophet speak; inviting us to live,

respecting one another, and willing to forgive.

3. I heard the prophet speak; His words were like a dart,

That pierced my unbelieving. I come with all my heart.

Chorus: Yes, I will follow the prophet, he speaks for the Lord today.

And I will follow him gladly. I will walk the Savior's way..