Current Reading

June 7, 2010

I'm about halfway through Spoken from the Heart by Laura Bush. For the most part I'm enjoying catching a glimpse of what life was like for a First Lady. Sometimes I would prefer a little less detail. I don't really need to know who sang at the Inaugural Prayer Service, who went along to tour the Holocaust Museum. Yet those details fit names and faces into the days. I do like hearing the stories of how the First Family pays for their own food (I was surprised) and how President Bush saluted a soldier injured in the 9-11 attack, a high sign of respect, and waited for the soldier, who saluted back in spite of his infirmities. Without the details I might not hear of Condi Rice playing the piano at Camp David. So I am enjoying the journey, though at times I'm a bit impatient to get on with it.

At the same time I'm reading Booklife: Strategies and Survival Tips for the 21st-Century Writer by Jeff Vandermeer. As an author, I'm appreciating his expertise related to blogs and the many faces of social networking.

In God's Word to Women I've been learning about cultural kinship practices from biblical times. So much to consider and ponder in light of all I've been taught.

Published Works

Book
Sisterhood of Faith: 365 Life-Changing Stories About Women Who Made a Difference
This devotional book for women received the Young Voices Foundation 2009 Gold Award in the category of Inspirational/Spiritual.
Ten Men Who Made a Difference
Stories of ten men and how they made a difference.
Persons, Places and Things: Memories From the 1940s and 1950s That Molded My Life
Shirley's memories of growing up self-published for her grandchildren
Book Reviews
Book Review: Making Sense Out of Life
Practical guidelines to apply when the going gets tough.
Book Review: The Butcher's Daughter
The story of Sandra Lesher Stuban, an army nurse, with ALS.
Book Review: Scandalon
A compelling memoir of life in the U. S. and China.
Book Review: When I Lay My Isaac Down by Carol Kent
Inspiration for anyone facing a major life challenges.
Book Review: The Most Famous Man in America by Debby Applegate
A book about an influential but often overlooked man.
Book Review: What's So Amazing About Grace? by Philip Yancey
A book to help you appreciate the grace of God.
Tip Sheet
"5 Steps to Turn Memories Into One-Page Memoirs"
An article to guide readers in capturing memories of persons, places and things in one-page formats.