A Poem About Sorrow

I wrote THIS POEM when I heard about a tragic experience an acquaintence was going through. The story is not mine to tell, so I won’t go into the details here. But I will say that I was very moved by what she had to endure.

I think too often these days, we try to push people past their grieving periods. Because we care, our empathy puts us in the midst of their pain. But we’re not well trained in how to handle that, so we just want to get it over with as quickly as possible. But for the person suffering the loss, the grief, the comfort and healing does not come quickly.

Posted in Uncategorized, Writing | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Thanksgiving Dinner with Friends

My friend Jennifer Oliver O’Connell had invited me to join her and her husband for Thanksgiving, along with a couple of their other friends, Amy and Joyce. Jennifer is one of those people who loves to cook, so her holiday feasts are certain to be delicious. And the company is always good too.

As I prepared to go over there, it occured to me that it would be amusing to take the Creature along for the evening. He invariably adds a “Certain Something” to pictures, and so I figured posing him with the food could be fun.

Somehow the camera focused on the turkey more than on the Creature. I suppose that was a reflection of my own state. I’d eaten rather lightly on Wednesday, and by the time I’d arrived at the O’Connell’s place, the only thing I’d eaten was a buttered Kaiser roll. Jen’s turkey was delicious.

Here, the Creature checks out the dressing. Which he approved. Jen did a terrific job with it. But what appealed to me more was her yams – they were really good. She also had some baked mac and cheese at hand as well. I rounded out the non-meat offerings with a greens and tomato salad, with poppy seed dressing.

But there was also ham.

Jen garnished the ham with chopped pineapple, which definitely made the ham very tasty. It was so tasty, in fact, that we nibbled on it while waiting for the rest of the feast dishes to finish their close encounters with the oven.

It was a pleasant evening of light conversation – telling stories about our families, discussing odd things that we’ve seen show up on Facebook. We watched the Charlie Brown specials on ABC, checked out Person of Interest (since Jennifer likes the show) and then wound down our evening.

The blessing was to be in such comfortable company.

 

Posted in Friends | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

A Poem for Thanksgiving

I’ve been a little bit out of practice composing new poems. The pieces I’ve been posting on the website have been older works. But THIS POEM was written today.

It’s a challenge to walk in faith, trusting what I believe to be true of God. But I have come to this day with a renewed sense of thanksgiving and trust in the Lord.

Hollywood Presbyterian Church has a service Thanksgiving morning, and this has become a special thing for me. As I enjoyed the service this morning, I thought about many things: about the trying times I’ve been going through lately, about all my friends who are also facing difficult things. I thought about those friends who don’t believe in God (for whatever reason) – I suppose they consider my declarations of faith in God to be an unfortunate delusion. But from my side of the fence, I can only shake my head. All my life I have had a sense of the presence of God, so I quite literally cannot imagine what that must be like. I have disagreed with God, resented and tried withdrawing from God, but I have never been without a sense that He was always there, waiting.

So, whether my readers believe or not, I wish them a wonderful day of Thanksgiving, and hope they have many things to celebrate this day.

Posted in Uncategorized, Writing | Tagged , | Leave a comment

GLAWS Agent Roundtable event

Yesterday, the GLAWS Special Speaker Event was a panel of literary agents talking about their side of the business, what they look for, how they go about placing books with publishers. The discussion included the changes that e-publishing and the print-on-demand self-publishing options are bringing to the book business. The Ray Bradbury Room at the Palms-Rancho Park Library was packed to the gills with avid writers. The agents gave a lot of information to the attendees.

Afterward, GLAWS hosted dinner at Maria’s Italian Kitchen for some of the agents, and made the opportunity for members to talk on a more one-on-one basis with them. I really enjoyed the time, and even got to pitch one of my own projects. It was gratifying when the agent said he’d be interested in seeing that manuscript when I finish it. Motivation! Definitely time to get the nose back to the grindstone.

When other things in life are such big question-marks, it was nice to have something happen that had a touch of “ego-boost” to it.

Posted in Events, Writing | Tagged , | Leave a comment

A New Poem Added to the Website

I just uploaded a new poem to my Gallery. You can find it here.

I wrote this poem when I was still an undergraduate. A campus ministry hosted a retreat for college students one autumn weekend, and I took part. The retreat was at a Methodist Assembly campground that my church used for its retreats, so it was a generally familiar place. On the Friday night of the retreat, there was a gathering at a campfire near the small lake on the grounds. I’d left the cabin with a few other young women, but once we were off the path, crossing the uneven ground heading toward the campfire in the near distance, we realized that none of us had brought a flashlight.

I looked at the long yardage between myself and the campfire and thought of all the possibilities for stumbling that hid in the darkness — tree roots, rocks, uneven ground, holes. But then it crossed my mind to just say, “I’ll trust the Lord to watch out for my feet.” I also thought of the Apostle Peter when he saw Jesus walking on the water coming toward the boat. When Peter got out of the boat, he too could walk on water those first steps – as long as he kept his eyes on the Lord. It was when he looked away that he fell into the water.

So I stepped into the darkness, and kept my eyes on the campfire ahead of me. And there was not a single stumble for me.

This isn’t one of my most sophisticated poems, but after having gone through a stressful period recently, I’m pleased to be reminded of that evening and the adventure of stepping out, trusting my feet to God’s care .

(Check out the Works Index for other poems.)

Posted in Writing | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Premise 2011 Thanksgiving

This has been a week for social activity, that’s for sure.

Today, Premise celebrated its Thanksgiving fellowship. Rather than our usual evening of intensive prayer in our small groups, we gathered together for a sit-down Thanksgiving dinner and a large group time of worship and prayer.

2011 Premise Thanksgiving

We do like to talk with each other a lot.

2011 Premise Thanksgiving

The above group are waiting for the last dishes to be heated up. I believe it was the mashed potatoes that we were waiting on. When they were brought out, and the pans with the cut turkey, and all the other sides that were brought in (pot luck), we could all dig in. The turkey was wonderfully juicy and delicious.

2011 Premise Thanksgiving

That’s Nathan Scoggins with the guitar at the far end of the room. Our current fearless leader played host and master of ceremonies for the afternoon (we gathered at 3 and broke up in the early evening). He’s been doing a terrific job leading the fellowship the last few years, fostering excellent teamwork all around. His wife, Kate, did a lot of the coordinating for the day’s festivites – for which we gave her special thanks.

There was a bit more time over dinner for simple conversation, something at which Premise members excel!

2011 Premise Thanksgiving

The table decorations were simple but satisfying, visually, a nice autumnal display. Dried split peas were added for a dash of color (well, of course they were dried – I can’t imagine decorating with wet split peas!). And because I was relaxed and enjoying the occasion, I felt like being a bit silly briefly. I was curious if I could hold my hand still enough to balance a split pea on each of my fingernails — ta da!

2011 Premise Thanksgiving

 

Yeah, “amazing” achievement, isn’t it?

In all seriousness, it’s a wonderful thing to be in the midst of such a warm company. The joy of our time of fellowship creates a special atmosphere for those who are striving to stay constant in their faith while dealing with the stresses and strains of working in the entertainment business. The original definition for Premise had been for writers, directors and producers (with a few agents and lawyers added to the mix), where the members meet together and pray for each other. That’s the biggest activity we have: an hour and a half or two hours of intensive prayer for each other. In this last year, we’ve fostered the start of a second group for actors, following the same model. And those who are participating in the Premise Actors’ group also joined in this Thanksgiving celebration.

There’s also something special about being in a room with 60 or so people all raising their voices in harmony singing praise songs. It is indeed a “sweet, sweet sound” – in our ears, at least, and hopefully in the Lord’s.

The last of the desserts were inhaled by the dining scavengers as we wrapped up. I like to think of this as an excellent beginning to the Thanksgiving season. (Because Christmas for me does not begin until Advent.)

Posted in Events, Friends | Tagged , | Leave a comment

CAPS Plays Pictionary

For the November meeting, CAPS gathered for an evening of Pictionary, that game where someone from one team has to draw a picture that represents a selected word, without using letters or numbers. Getting artists to think of words apparently can be a challenge. But it made for a lot of fun.

Jim MacQuarrie MCs Pictionary

Jim MacQuarrie MCs Pictionary

 

Jim MacQuarrie play Game Master duty, and explained the game. And then we launched into attempts at guessing what the designated drawer (we took turns on each team) was trying to convey. Some of the words from the game cards were not easy.

 

 

In this case, the word was “translator”, which took a bit to get to.

CAPS plays Pictionary

My first time at the easel, I got the word “cowgirl”. Oh gee thanks.

CAPS plays Pictionary

 

Terrible looking cow there. But on the other hand, not one I’ve had much call to draw.

Tone Rodriguez got “visitation”.

CAPS plays Pictionary

 

Kirby Shaw got stuck with the action word “untie”, and did a pretty good job with a two part rendering.

CAPS plays Pictionary

 

Pat’s first attempt at the board, was a challenge. Here he gets the word.

CAPS plays Pictionary

 

Then he started drawing.

CAPS does Pictionary

 

The word he’d gotten was “kosher”.

Here’s part of the gang (the other team, actually) conferring.

CAPS plays Pictionary

 

Some of the words were fairly easy. One of my other words was “yardstick” – long narrow rectangle with marks on it, which I then proceeded to draw a foot above – the word was guessed before I even finished the second foot. Another word I got was “ugly”, which really stumped me – I couldn’t think of the characteristics that would quickly convey the word. It happened to be a word that both teams had to do, and when I glanced over at the other team afterward (they got to the word first), I realized that I just didn’t have a cartoonist’s quick, exaggerated thinking (my opponent had drawn a face with really bucked teeth, and a HUGE nose with a wart on it.

After the “official” game was over, we made Jim do one. And he had to think about it.

CAPS plays Pictionary

 

The battery on my camera (which I hadn’t gotten fully recharged) started to give out during the game, so I didn’t capture everything. But these pictures give you an idea of some of the fun we had.

We continued on after the “official” game, by having someone come up with a word and making one of the members draw it. Initially, we still went at it as teams, but that devolved into a full group challenge. “Coriander” was given to Pat, and he eventually broke the word into parts. The comic geeks among us were whispering we’d have just drawn the DC Comics character Starfire, as her personal name is “Koriander”. I admit, that when the gaming move to the whole-group challenge, I gave the latest vict– I mean, artist are really challenging word. “Memoir.” Poor fellow, he really did try very hard to get images there, including that it was a word from the French. It stumped the group — but it amused me very much. I sat there laughing away as the group were tossing out all sorts of words, and the artist was getting frustrated because he couldn’t think of anything better than what he had drawn (which was pretty sharp).

All in all it was a very fun evening.

Posted in Friends | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Christmas Cards For Sale

For a few years now, I’ve had my original Christmas cards for sale on my website, but I hadn’t really updated the page with newer designs. Well, today, I am happy to announce that I’ve redone the Christmas card gallery page — as you can SEE HERE.

These cards are intended to reflect the religious nature of the holiday. Nearly a decade ago, when my Christmas card list crossed 200, I realized I couldn’t continue purchasing “secular” holiday cards as well as ones that more clearly addressed what the season means to me. So I decided to start designing my own cards and get them printed. Just about everyone who knows me knows I am a Christian, so it would hardly come as a surprise to them regardless of their own beliefs that I might choose to send a card that explicitly mentions the birth of Christ. I realized that for me, the point of sending the cards was to celebrate what is important about the season to me.

So, if you are like me, looking for Christmas cards that actually speak to what you want to really celebrate about the holiday, check out my gallery. The cards are simple, direct, and highly distinctive. They give pleasure to the recipients as well as the sender.

The cards are sold in sets of 20 (including envelopes). Payment is made through PayPal. I process the orders as soon as I receive them, and get them into the mail by the next business day. Shipping is by Priority Mail, so don’t forget to include your mailing address when you order. Although shipping is covered by the list price, California state and local sales tax will be added automatically.

The holiday season is coming faster than you think it is! Order now and have your cards in time for the beginning of Advent!

UPDATE: 8/21/2017 – I’ve temporarily suspended selling my Christmas cards, for a number of reasons. I’ll do another update when I’m ready to put them back up on the market.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Golden Apple’s Party for the DC New 52 Launch

Golden Apple – the comic shop in Hollywood that has been “my” comic shop for … well, for a long time now – had a party Friday night to mark the end of the massive re-launch that DC Comics undertook in September. They got a lot of the talent for various books to come in for the after-hours party, and included DC Comics Co-Publisher and writer on OMAC, Dan DiDio. A sizable crowd turned out for the event.

Golden Apple New52 party

When I arrived at the store shortly after 7 p.m., the staff were busy at the registers ringing up sales for attendees. They had offered free raffle tickets to anyone who bought any of the Number 1 issues of the DC 52 at the party. Since I’d already picked up all the titles I was going to read, I didn’t intend to make any purchases. But as things turned out, I did buy two issues – but not of DC comics. I realized I’d missed picking up issues 2 and 3 of Sergio Aragonés’ Funnies. So I got those. The staff, lead by the “Queen Bee” of the shop, Sharon, gave the customers speedy service.

Golden Apple staff

Golden Apple staff

The Talent took up their places, and the line for the autographs snaked around the store’s interior.

Golden Apple New52 party

They had two signing areas, the counter in the above picture, and a set of tables in the following one.

Golden Apple New52 party

Of course, the big deal about the party, in a way, was that Dan DiDio would be there. He showed up and was upbeat about how things have gone over with the re-launch. Of course, that is his job and it was a party.

Dan DiDio at Golden Apple

Dan DiDio

He does a good job of connecting with the fans.

Golden Apple New52 party

Dan DiDio and fan

It got pretty crowded and hot inside the store. Out back, they’d set up tables and chairs and had refreshments for attendees. It was much cooler out there. A nice place to relax. And it had the added benefit of catching sight of an aspiring superhero (or, alternately, a comic book reader in training).

Golden Apple New52 pary

Apparently, Young Green Lantern likes Oreo cookies. The crumbs were still evident on his face when he checked out the paparazzi (me).

All in all, a fun evening out. I had some nice conversations along the way, and then came on home.

Posted in Comics, Events | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Introduction to “For Love of Sophia”

Pallas Athena, the Goddess of Wisdom“For Love of Sophia: The Mythic Tradition of the Wise Woman”

The attached PDF file is the text of the paper I presented at Mythcon 34, the annual conference for the Mythopoeic Society, which was held at Nashville, Tennessee (July 25-28, 2003). Some of the elements in this paper, about the figure of the Wise Woman, were informed by the work I did developing The Scribbler’s Guide to the Land of Myth.

In the paper, after discussing the components and tradition of the mythic Wise Woman, I then look at J.R.R. Tolkien’s Goldberry and Galadriel in The Lord of the Rings and Charles Williams’ Sybil Coningsby in The Greater Trumps.

In the paper, I make reference also to The Consolation of Philosophy by Boethius, Joseph Campbell’s The Hero of a Thousand FacesThe Aeneid by Virgil, and The Epic of Gilgamesh.

READ THE PAPER.

Posted in Papers | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment