Back to the Basics

...and how Books changed my Life.

Maybe it's not so melodramatic, but books have been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember, from story books as a kid to reading story books to my kids! There's always been a connection to words that I can't deny.

I've never been discontent--that I can label. I would never admit to needing an escape from "real life." But...in the long run, there could be something to it. At twelve I was diagnosed with diabetes. My love to read might have started then. I do remember my fondest times being with Trixie Belden. Little House on the Prairie. And, The Baby-sitters Club. And even the classics, like Bridge to Terabithia. Seriously?! Who didn't love that book? Or Where the Red Fern Grows? 

I'm often telling my kids to get off the Wii or turn off the television.

And it's probably the best thing for them. But part of me wonders if it isn't just the new escape. A good hour with Shawn and Gus on Psych is probably alot like reading a book. OTOH, let's not forget that the reading helps us use our brains a good bit more than the television does. The television shows us everything--no imagination. I remember reading Bridge to Terabithia and then walking through the woods, wanting my own story. I see my husband read books today, and then talk about "how life could be."

We need that. Need to hope and strive for more than what's in our living rooms. A good romance can teach us about the enduring power of Love. A good mystery can make us use our brains, figuring out who the bad guy is going to be. Really THINK about how to solve a problem. 

Reading can squash our fears. For example, this summer, I'm making my daughter write a report on moths. Yes, moths, folks. She fears moths to the point of refusing to go into a room--even to shower. So far, we've gotten to the point where we can talk about moths [did you know they can live as short as a week?]. I won't say she likes them, but having the facts is a far better resolution than just yelling at her that "moths are harmless! Quit being such a big baby!!"

So, tell me...how has reading changed your life?

December 14, 2012 -- A point in Time

Today, 26 people were killed at an elementary school in Connecticut, 18 of them children. I have to write that down...hold it close to my heart...make sure it's there for the years to come when I decide to look back on life. I can only imagine the heartache. It's not possible to write, in fiction, the sadness people are feeling today, and I keep having this urge to go get my kids from school.

Two parts make a killer--the mind and the weapon.
It's okay to admit that you want a change...I admit, I want a change [no, not Obama]. If that means gun laws, I'm willing to go along. This is not a revelation for me. It's just bone-weary sadness over the tragedy that has struck our nation once again. Something has to give. Something has to change...

I know the answer. Any Christian knows the answer. Unfortunately, the world does not know the answer. So instead we will continue to try to moralize the law. It's impossible, of course. Changing the laws will not fix that 20 year old's mind. The laws will not heal a killer, nor will the laws make guns disappear.


Today I was called an Asshole.
It bothered me a good bit.

After the lengthy, bullshit election year, I have to admit, being called an asshole was like icing on the cake. I want to bite back. I want to shut the world up and tell them all to mind their own F-ing business. I want a nice deserted island where I don't have to deal with people at all...ever, even if they are sort of family.

I want to know how a young man can shoot a gun 26 times...and no one stops him. How? How does this happen? How can this country survive in this divided state. It is true that a tragedy like this is merely a symptom. I fear what our country will go through in the after-math of this tragedy.

I grieve for the families...
I pray for peace.
With love,
Bethanne

Miracle Monday

Miracle Monday
Maybe this isn't so much a miracle, but it is a blessing...
See, Matt was originally assigned to the 82nd Airborne at Fort Bragg. He had the option to switch with some other guys in his class. Someone with Fort Riley. Another guy with Fort Hood.
We looked at those, too.
But I know my husband and he was looking for something a little further west...
Like Colorado or Alaska.

And then he called me a couple weeks ago with this great plan!
A four way!! This is where it gets a little complicated.
It starts out like a joke.
4 guys walked into a bar...
One, on his way to Korea.
One, going to Hood.
One, to Carson.
And another to Bragg.

hahaha. Anyway, we're going to Fort Carson.
And we're excited about it...