tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10095890397074242092024-03-12T17:29:22.905-07:00ShadedDespoinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16783171274371499582noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1009589039707424209.post-14289718175970683382014-07-30T16:55:00.003-07:002014-07-30T16:55:50.922-07:00Something about TwitterAs I said I am working on maintaining updates on Twitter so any books I have been finding especially Free, I am tweeting the #Finds. Hope to add to this. Maybe even link both the Blog and Twitter together.9Figuring out the best way to do that.)<br />
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So definitely keep a watch there too!Despoinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16783171274371499582noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1009589039707424209.post-45536654445684356552014-07-29T17:44:00.000-07:002014-07-30T16:56:22.032-07:00Updating Me and the Blog<span style="color: red;"><i><b>Not Gone, Really I am not!</b></i></span><br />
<br />
I
am slowing working my way back into restarting and refreshing this
blog. Last year took a path I did not expect so my time was limited in
every area. I only did what I had to do, which took up most of the day.
So any time to myself was spent recovering from the long day I just
lived through with the knowledge that tomorrow will be more of the same.<br />
<br />
I did create a Twitter account which I am trying to keep updated. Here is the Link <a href="https://twitter.com/LoveShaded" target="_blank">Twitter</a> I am also on <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/DespoinaS" target="_blank">GoodReads</a>
which I am learning and still not that good at it. I know there are
buttons, gadgets, do-dads :) but for now I will just post the link in
here.<br />
<br />
There will be slight changes and in my dreams
maybe a new design. I did find a place that will redesign a blog for
free, I am just unsure if I am brave enough to do that. Plus I do like
designing this place, just not skilled enough on how to get what I want.
My CSS coding is not that good! (Basically non-existent!)<br />
<br />
On
the book front my reading time suffered too, so all the planned reviews
are still just that, thoughts in my heads or books waiting to be
read/finished. I have been encouraged that there seems to be a few more
writers and books available. Though not as much as needs to be or ought
to be!<br />
<br />
Mentioning my Dreams I do want this to be a
Haven for writers and fans of Inspirational/Christian IR?MC stories can
be celebrated and shared.<br />
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Please help me in this purpose.<br />
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<br />Despoinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16783171274371499582noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1009589039707424209.post-24194505001177948202013-01-21T20:11:00.001-08:002013-01-21T20:11:36.462-08:00Remembering...Today we honor a man who's life sowed a seed that this current generation is reaping. All people have others who set the stones for those who follow and I wanted to speak on the man who set the pathway for this to even happen.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">Charles W. Chesnutt</span></b></span>.<br />
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<a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR_kL1AfrccNowyamWhZ8230ATxUdCbYcWVonYIqbG_BcbzjGkCuNVOaw" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR_kL1AfrccNowyamWhZ8230ATxUdCbYcWVonYIqbG_BcbzjGkCuNVOaw" /></a><span style="background-color: white;"></span> <br />
I first found out about him when he was honored with a US Stamp. <br />
I had never heard of him so I immediately went to the internet to search for him. I was truly surprised that his name is so infrequently spoken. A novelist, early member of the NAACP, lawyer, and political activist.<br />
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I was even more surprised by an essay he wrote in 1905 for the <i><b>The Crisis; "</b><span style="color: black;">Race Prejudice, Its Causes and Its Cure"</span></i><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span style="color: black;"> And now to close, <b><span style="color: #660000;">may I venture a prophecy?</span></b> There are many who see the world through smoked glasses, and who view this problem of race solely from the pessimistic point of view, I think for my own part that it is in a healthy process of solution, which by sticking closely to correct principles and by acting upon them when the opportunity offers, we can help to further. <b style="color: #660000;">Looking down the vista of time I see an epoch in our nation's history, not in my time or yours, but in the not distant future, when there shall be in the United States but one people, moulded by the same culture, swayed by the same patriotic ideals, holding their citizenship in such high esteem that for another to share it is of itself to entitle him to fraternal regard; when men will be esteemed and honored for their character and talents. When hand in hand and heart with heart all the people of this nation will join to preserve to all and to each of them for all future time that ideal of human liberty which the fathers of the republic set out in the declaration of independence, which declared that all men are created equal,</b> the ideal for which Garrison and Phillips and Sumner lived and worked; the ideal for which Lincoln died, the ideal embodied in the words of the Book which the slave mother learned by stealth to read, with slow-moving finger and faltering speech, and which I fear that some of us have forgotten to read at all-the Book which declares that "God is so respector of persons, and that of one blood hath he made all the nations of the earth." </span></i></blockquote>
<i><span style="color: black;"> </span></i><span style="color: black;">You will notice that those words are quite <u><i>familiar.</i></u> How and when they reached MLK are not known but their impact on him is obvious. Even though Chesnutt is lesser known his hope, prophecy and words gave birth to a <i style="color: #073763;">Dream</i>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Here are a few places to learn further about him: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_W._Chesnutt" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a>, <a href="http://www.chesnuttarchive.org/classroom/biography.html" target="_blank">Chesnutt Archive</a></span>.Despoinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16783171274371499582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1009589039707424209.post-86882024649697265262013-01-14T20:44:00.002-08:002013-01-14T21:24:37.597-08:00Reader Alert!One of the first IR books I had seen advertised in general Christian book retailing is this book:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51ZWtK2QCuL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-65,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51ZWtK2QCuL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-65,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Zora-Nicky-Novel-Black-ebook/dp/B005MTBJ2W%3FSubscriptionId%3D1GVBN9WWNVXC5DBPE502%26tag%3Dkiq-free-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3DB005MTBJ2W" target="_blank">Zora and Nick</a></td></tr>
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I saw for today it is <b style="color: #660000;">FREE for Kindle!!!!</b> So if you have wanted to read this book this is the time. <br />
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Tell me what you, think. I will later since this will be my first time reading it too.<br />
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Mini note: <i style="color: #0b5394;">Love Simplified</i> is also on sale at Amazon. Despoinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16783171274371499582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1009589039707424209.post-73872273453042660512012-12-24T18:44:00.000-08:002012-12-24T18:44:59.523-08:00Just Wanted to Say....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVLocMbm97rxxLlxmKUuHN6ybLWXbZjtdKLHOxuWm88BmC5QPY4evoJ-V3w_uTmR_ZBHin-dk8a12sncU3Le4ChzYDG92UmVxtyTh01qb20_ctieepAKV1-h-FjhGfIuXCYb3Y6PacpqfJ/s1600/Merry_Christmas.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVLocMbm97rxxLlxmKUuHN6ybLWXbZjtdKLHOxuWm88BmC5QPY4evoJ-V3w_uTmR_ZBHin-dk8a12sncU3Le4ChzYDG92UmVxtyTh01qb20_ctieepAKV1-h-FjhGfIuXCYb3Y6PacpqfJ/s320/Merry_Christmas.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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Pray that everyone has a <i><b>Blessed Christmas</b></i> and the <i><b>New Year </b></i>is Full of His Love! Despoinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16783171274371499582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1009589039707424209.post-77546557537201217422012-09-12T19:09:00.002-07:002012-09-12T19:15:13.555-07:00Reader's Alert!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I just saw <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Veil-of-Pearls-ebook/dp/B007TRPKES/ref=tmm_kin_title_0" target="_blank"><b style="color: #b45f06;"><i>Veil of Pearls</i></b></a> was released in July. <b><i>Even better</i></b> at Amazon the ebook edition is on sale for <b>$1.99</b><br />
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<b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0067T607U?ie=UTF8&tag=kiq-pw-m-20" style="color: #b45f06;" target="_blank"><i>Firethorn</i></a></b><span style="color: #b45f06;"> </span>(ebook) is also on sale for <b>$3.99</b>.<br />
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While searching I came across <a href="http://inotherwords.terrijhaynes.com/" target="_blank">Terri J. Haynes' </a>blog, I was brought there my the mention of her book: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008WU7T2M/ref=s9_simh_gw_p351_d0_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=0NB4XSNG62ZP38TY8JX1&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1389517282&pf_rd_i=507846" target="_blank">Love Simplified</a><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTO7TAgGH71QwZ9kRLZ08pXnGBfqEz2IqcuetBmYS6PxYmPiJcGZ0DC3RAl3usChzvCyBho2jlPlpG9wLW8SgOV-V2zhOqgQOZvq-xhq4n5Al0zgaRcRadqck-AA65lvFRdNmrAIG58u0/s1600/LS_Final.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Love Simplified" border="0" height="200" id="Image4_img" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTO7TAgGH71QwZ9kRLZ08pXnGBfqEz2IqcuetBmYS6PxYmPiJcGZ0DC3RAl3usChzvCyBho2jlPlpG9wLW8SgOV-V2zhOqgQOZvq-xhq4n5Al0zgaRcRadqck-AA65lvFRdNmrAIG58u0/s200/LS_Final.jpg" style="visibility: visible;" width="129" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Tempest Day is an expert on helping others find love through her Connection Parties matchmaking service and the methods outlined in her bestselling book, Love Simplified. She’s one step away from becoming a celebrity matchmaker, the pinnacle of her career dreams.<br /><br />But when a seemingly simple interview on the nation’s most popular daytime television show takes an ugly turn, Tempest is forced to admit a secret she’s carried for years: She’s never been in love. The fallout is immediate and severe. So severe that the only way to fix the damage is to use her own methods on a reality TV show.<br /><br />Tempest soon discovers that love is anything but simple. The show and its cranky but handsome associate producer, Lance Moretti, challenges all that Tempest thought she knew about relationships, even her relationship with God. What starts as a desperate attempt to repair her reputation turns into Tempest’s biggest love connection ever.</i></td></tr>
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Sounds really good and definitely fits the description of this blog. So now I have done my job of making your <i>Shopping Carts</i> and <i>To Be Read</i> piles bigger! :) <br />
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Before I go<b><span style="color: #990000;"> Reminder </span></b>if you know of any books that are IR/MC and Christian/Inspirational please leave a message. I am trying to help readers and writers who want these stories to find each other!<br />
Despoinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16783171274371499582noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1009589039707424209.post-59938885639484336582012-08-20T21:28:00.001-07:002012-08-20T21:28:37.586-07:00Looking for....<span style="color: black;">Writers, Bloggers, and Reader. You!</span><br />
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<strong>First,</strong> I want to know if anyone is out there... <span style="color: #274e13;">Hello...(echoes,crickets)</span><br />
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<strong>Second, </strong>I am wondering if you want to contribute? <br />
Know a good book, review, or article?<br />
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<strong>Lastly,</strong> I need some help!<br />
I am learning as I go but a little guidance/input is aprecciated and wanted!<br />
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Despoinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16783171274371499582noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1009589039707424209.post-55089006022781201112012-08-13T15:51:00.000-07:002012-08-20T20:58:56.693-07:00Mini Reader Alert!One of the books I mentioned I am reading right now is <span style="color: #990000;">FREE </span>at Amazon.com<br />
Here is the info:<br />
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<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51dLqeBbeNL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-67,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51dLqeBbeNL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-67,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007RP7ASG/?tag=booksontheknob-20" target="_blank">Cooking the Books</a><br />
<br />Another book that is Free, with a female charater who has a Multi Cultural background is <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004IPPF4E/?tag=booksontheknob-20" target="_blank">Truimph of Grace</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51PEIzgkwAL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-67,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51PEIzgkwAL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-67,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Third in the Grace Series<br />
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<em>Hope you can pick up one of these. If you do, leave a note!</em></div>
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Despoinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16783171274371499582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1009589039707424209.post-45914081617363689912012-08-13T04:30:00.000-07:002013-01-14T21:21:26.820-08:00Still Here...... <b>Hope you are!</b><br />
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Sorry for the long time posting. I don't have a major reason just small things, and many Time Stealers. In the time away, in between dealing with "my world", I started 2 books. Have no idea when I will finish either. Hope soon.<br />
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Here is a very general ideas of what they are about ---<br />
Romantic Suspense, with lots of doses of humor. Both female protagonists have dry wit. Which helps one deal with death and the other life after prison.<br />
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Where I am at in the stories one has just entered into a relationship with a man of Greek heritage. Very different from her life, and the first time she has dating someone not of her "culture". I am wondering if he is really a <i>good guy </i>since she was warned that his kind are no good! Not, because of their relationship being interracial just from a older gentleman knowing her boyfriend's family.<br />
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In the other story the female really isn't ready for a relationship, except the one she has with Jesus. Being a Christian is new for her, just like living her faith away from her old, dangerous life. I am assuming though that the lawyer who prosecuted her will be adding to her complications. (smile)<br />
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I will be giving further updates....<br />
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<i><b>Serial Games,</b></i> OK, I finished that book a while ago. Just haven't Reviewed it,<i> yet. </i>See I am stuck. My review history is based on a few papers for school. Plus a few food products, <i>Cranberry Stuffed chicken, anyone</i>? <br />
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I read many reviews,especially now, and amazed how many people are quite good in expressing in a succinct way a whole book. I am not sure I can do that. I am working on being a Good Blogger who posts consistently. <br />
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So what do you think makes a <i>Great Review? What things do I focus on, and what helps you determine if this something you want to read?</i> <br />
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<b>Any help is appreciated!</b><br />
<br />Despoinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16783171274371499582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1009589039707424209.post-89098735676480274382012-05-26T09:24:00.000-07:002012-05-26T09:24:24.542-07:00Just Wanted to Say....<span id="goog_792232154"></span><span id="goog_792232155"><img height="300" src="http://images2.layoutsparks.com/1/159575/we-remember-flag-candle.jpg" width="400" /></span><br />
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<strong><span style="color: #660000;">Thank You</span></strong> to all those who are in Service to our Country!<br />Despoinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16783171274371499582noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1009589039707424209.post-87803200237541037312012-04-28T19:56:00.001-07:002012-04-29T20:38:17.838-07:00Never the Core.Those words repeated in my mind as I read this <a href="http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/book-news/religion/article/50572-sizzle-sizzle--fizzle-fizzle--.html" target="_blank">article</a> first posted on Tori's blog. <em>Sizzle, Sizzle, Fizzle, Fizzle</em>. Her focus was to question if she needs/can "cross over". <br />
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My response is found <a href="http://torilounge.blogspot.com/2012/03/amy-grant-syndrome.html" target="_blank">here</a> (will need to scroll down).<br />
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The thing that bothered me the most was the fact this question even has to be asked!<em> </em>Made me wonder<em> -----</em><br />
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<li><em>Why Christians do this? </em></li>
<li><em>Why not write(Create)?</em></li>
<li><em>Why is this always on things that never fits the imaginary "Core"? (Who created that any way?)</em></li>
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The article confirmed the limited view Christian Publisher's take. How they really Do Not know their readers.(One area Men do not count!) I know there are many readers who want books that reflect the world in all it's "Coat-of-Many" colors. <br />
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That is something I have always loved about the Lord. The very fact that all creation is diverse. Wolves to chihuahuas, Baby's breathe to Roses. Each distinct, unique and beautiful yet all Crafted by God.<br />
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If you read my response you will see until some years ago the lack of these types of stories never even occurred to me. <em><strong>I, who have a wonderful story of how the Lord brought together my parents!</strong></em> It wasn't until I was looking for something else did I see the <span style="color: #660000;">BLARING</span> fact there are No or very Few Christian IR/MC books.<br />
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So I do not believe this is necessarily intentional maybe the "thought" hasn't come to some. Yet part of me still sees a blinders mode to Christian Publishers. I know there are the writers and stories out there. Why are they being pushed aside? I mean is there really an overwheleming cry for Titanic stories? <br />
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I did see one encouragement:</div>
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Thomas Nelson senior V-P and publisher Allen Arnold says the biggest change he’s seen in the past year is the growing desire for fresh voices. <em>"Readers are less hungry to read the 14th novel from an author or a<strong> cookie-cutter series</strong> in a proven genre than [they are for] unexpected, <span style="color: #0c343d;"><strong>fresh stories from a new breed of Christian fiction authors who are rising up</strong></span>," he says.</em></blockquote>
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Fresh Voices = Opportunity. <br />
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So please Christian writers who have this on their heart do not give up! Please keep knocking on the door of Christian Publishers. There is an audience who shares your <em>passion </em>and<em> desire </em>as well as <u>need</u> your Voice!.<br />
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<u>Christian Publishers need to be aware Reader's are not 1 dimensional.</u> We can multi-task, listen to oppossing voies, and have many interest --- some of mine range from Cross Stitch, Astronomy, Swords, Precious Moments, Gardening, and Computer Programming. See I am not easily defined! Neither is anyone else. Can we now move past these "lines"? <em>Beyond the Core?</em></div>
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</div>Despoinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16783171274371499582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1009589039707424209.post-62203317432006050192012-04-10T04:02:00.000-07:002012-04-10T04:02:28.162-07:00Once againIf new here, you missed my earlier<a href="http://loveshaded.blogspot.com/2011/10/move-over-mr-webster.html" target="_blank"> post</a> explaining how I am defining the terms Interracial, Multi-Cultural. So I gave them their own home--- a new page. Found on the Left Sidebar in <strong><em>"What I Mean"</em></strong>. <em>Simple, hmm?</em><br />
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I think the biggest difference in <em><u>My Terms</u></em> is<strong> Multi Cultural</strong>. Many times it is code for African American fiction. See to me if a book is dealing with only one <em><span style="color: #783f04;">culture</span></em> how is that <em><span style="color: #783f04;">Multi</span></em>? <br />
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So for me, MC is any other relationship that does not fit in the IR category. <br />
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I also will shorten the 2 main terms with IR an MC. <br />
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I have come across a newer term <strong>Inter Ethnic</strong>. <em>What do think? Is that better than IR? How do you think these sometimes elusive terms need to be described?</em>Despoinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16783171274371499582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1009589039707424209.post-72542378938635737942012-04-07T00:30:00.000-07:002012-04-07T00:30:35.750-07:00Remembering<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>This week is the time we reflect on the <em>Longest, Strongest, Greatest <strong><span style="color: #990000;">Love Story</span></strong></em>, ever. I think this shows it all:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgivRJpvpFNVNQUo4lI5VlgjU7pk2liPI6VRH2U0MdS-8T_F1NTiK843H_RVSN7xSfMgUmNIAPyOptL6JIRrZu72LxHktfkABPPyWdLdpNVlGMUGa_GWMbXymhqX9zQRsJpwiKi2y0gtvEg/s1600/Cross+Love.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgivRJpvpFNVNQUo4lI5VlgjU7pk2liPI6VRH2U0MdS-8T_F1NTiK843H_RVSN7xSfMgUmNIAPyOptL6JIRrZu72LxHktfkABPPyWdLdpNVlGMUGa_GWMbXymhqX9zQRsJpwiKi2y0gtvEg/s320/Cross+Love.png" width="216" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greater Love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends, John 15:13</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Despoinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16783171274371499582noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1009589039707424209.post-2307043011562285862012-03-31T23:33:00.001-07:002012-04-10T04:03:24.630-07:00Welcome April!You are probably thinking this is about April Showers and May Flowers. Nope! This about me starting Anew... again...<br />
<br />
I disappointed myself! As you can see I did not post as often as I planned to. Even sadder with all the thoughts percolating in me. <span style="color: #666666;"><<head shake>></span><span style="color: #666666;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"></span><br />
All of this is new to me, not just the blogging --- me putting myself out <strong><u>here. </u></strong>By nature I am introverted (<span style="color: #666666;"><em>fancy</em></span>)<em>. </em>So that easy flow I see of others is not natural for me. <em>Another proof all of this is inspired!'</em><br />
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I also tend to be overcritical of myself too. (Great combo, huh?) Meaning I critique each line, word, period or comma that is typed. Can never believe how many times I began a sentence to then erase it all with the Backspace. <span style="color: #666666;"><<another head shake>></span><br />
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Not doing as I said has been weighing on me. I always want to keep my word, if only to me. So not keeping up like I said created a dread feeling and me falling further behind.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9mXBw_NodRiJ0YcDG4afC8J6O1tPnLlpUqFUO5W4wWpipg2zIURzof8RGyiwjhzs-KFAwe7v7uQlvw29jnjb86ag93oAOLY3WQXtC5PHOT7VNCUvBS8EB96a3VvrhSoWe6DPR8cERj91w/s1600/306773761_fa456d0fbd_s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9mXBw_NodRiJ0YcDG4afC8J6O1tPnLlpUqFUO5W4wWpipg2zIURzof8RGyiwjhzs-KFAwe7v7uQlvw29jnjb86ag93oAOLY3WQXtC5PHOT7VNCUvBS8EB96a3VvrhSoWe6DPR8cERj91w/s1600/306773761_fa456d0fbd_s.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Contemplating what to do, the phrase <span style="color: #38761d;">"Turning over a new Leaf"</span> came to me. Those words formed a new concept as one month slips into the next.<br />
<br />
Begin again and again if necessary. The book hasn't ran out of pages! <br />
Take this new month as an opportunity to accomplish my goal. Don't get bogged down with the List of ought to, or didn't finish. Instead start a new leaf.<br />
<br />
This idiom is recorded as early as <a href="http://www.wisegeek.com/what-does-it-mean-to-turn-over-a-new-leaf.htm" target="_blank">1500</a>, probably from the fact book binding and paper as individual "leafs" were becoming common. Reminds us to think of time as precious as paper while offering a new chance for everyone to change.<br />
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Wonder if Jesus telling the disciples to shake the dust off is the same thing? To leave the cares, disappointments, failure and ought to's, behind. Not accepted at one town, don't lose focus. Look up, go ahead, another place is waiting for you.<br />
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Sounds really good! All I have to do is live it. Take these words as a challenge and a <strong><em>Comfort</em></strong> to continue and turn the Page.Despoinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16783171274371499582noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1009589039707424209.post-71188034781298304452012-03-19T16:10:00.000-07:002012-03-19T16:10:34.780-07:00How I am feeling Today....<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.ucomics.com/comics/ga/2012/ga120319.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="113" src="http://images.ucomics.com/comics/ga/2012/ga120319.gif" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #741b47;">I Love Garfield!</span></em></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
This captured my mood. Will be posting later this week, been working on a few ideas. So hope this brings a little smile to everyone!Despoinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16783171274371499582noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1009589039707424209.post-90666586725433629902012-03-05T20:11:00.001-08:002012-03-05T20:13:36.989-08:00Reader Alert!In my last<a href="http://loveshaded.blogspot.com/2012/02/updates.html" target="_blank"> post</a> I mentioned that I had my First Comment from K. Victoria Chase. I was excited and pleased because I had just started following her <a href="http://torilounge.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a>. She is a new writer who's first series is IR Christian Fiction. <br />
<br />
The first book of her <em><span style="color: #b45f06;"><strong>Virginia Justice series</strong> </span></em> is out--------<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/catalog/SerialGamesCoverArt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/catalog/SerialGamesCoverArt.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><blockquote class="tr_bq"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">FBI profiler Maggie Weston has a reputation for identifying the most gruesome of killers. But her reputation is put on the line when US Marshal Brandon Worth walks into her office with news the one case that haunted her the most, John Michael Burrows, has escaped federal custody. Brandon needs her help; she understands how Burrows thinks and the best tracker on the east coast isn't about to pass up her expertise. Maggie and Brandon have to work together to catch a serial murderer and the closer they get to Burrows, the more their hearts become involved. While insecurities and bitterness threaten a budding relationship between Maggie and Brandon, an elusive killer terrorizes a small Virginia county with a game he plans on winning.</span> </em></blockquote></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There is a an Excerpt at her site as well as <a href="http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-270/Virginia-Justice-Book-One/Detail.bok" target="_blank">Desert Breeze Publishing</a>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have not read the book yet but I have downloaded a sample, so far so good. These are the stories I want to read and blog about. So will keep putting the Word out!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Oh, wanted to give the link to this <a href="http://readinnwritin.blogspot.com/2012/02/black-christian-fiction-authors-on_29.html" target="_blank">Blog Post</a> on Readin N Writing where she Highlights both Victoria and Charmaine T. Davis, who also has a IR Christian book coming out in March 2012: <em><strong>The Dancer and the Pitcher</strong>.</em> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It does seem a little trickle is happening. Yeah!!!</div><blockquote class="tr_bq"></blockquote>Despoinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16783171274371499582noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1009589039707424209.post-50379212215003329302012-02-20T01:51:00.000-08:002012-02-20T03:16:25.905-08:00Updates!I am a little behind on my posting, as you can notice, if you have been here before; the blog has a new look. It is finally feeling the way I want it too. So I hope it will feel right to you too.<br />
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I am trying to set a time for myself instead of just writing spur of the moment-- though I know that will happen( I have a lot of ideas twirling in my head.) I have also been visiting many blogs to get further ideas on what and how's on blogging.<br />
<br />
My tendecy is to be shy so this is a big step for me. I hope I can be informative, funny and a lamp in this. I have noticed in other blogs how easy and conversational their post are. Something I do want to imitate without losing<em> my voice</em>. <br />
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<em>My voice</em>- I am learning as I am typing. I do have one with strong opinions, hopefully insightful and thoughtful. <br />
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I am <u>Quite Pleased</u> to mention that I have my <strong>First Comment</strong> left by <a href="http://torilounge.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">K. Victoria Chase</a> form Tori's blog. She is a writer and will have her first book out in March. I am saving my money to buy it because it really sounds good and so fits the theme of this blog!Despoinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16783171274371499582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1009589039707424209.post-20151046293478139912012-01-31T22:48:00.000-08:002012-02-01T18:45:00.473-08:00Reader Alert!I just saw this book listed in CBD<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51-1Sjmtk9L._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-47,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51-1Sjmtk9L._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-47,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">I only know the description since I have not read any of this series, <em>Discarded Heroes</em>, before but with that cover I had to mention it. Here is the Blurb:</div><blockquote class="tr_bq"><h3 class="productDescriptionSource"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Product Description</span></h3><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> </span><br />
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<div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><blockquote class="tr_bq"><em>Don your tactical gear and enter the world of black ops and espionage within the pages of Ronie Kendig’s thriller Firethorn. Former Marine Griffin “Legend” Riddell, a fugitive from injustice, finds it difficult to trust anyone. Covert operative Kazi Faron, the woman sent to free him, has a dangerous secret that may jeopardize her life, mission, and the only man she respects. As Griffin and Kazi race around the globe to save Nightshade, the danger mounts. Will they find the culprit sabotaging their black ops team? Can their newfound feelings and trust survive when Griffin and Kazi face truth and terror?</em></blockquote></span></div></div></blockquote><h3 class="productDescriptionSource"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span> </h3>Despoinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16783171274371499582noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1009589039707424209.post-13099149167164015822012-01-17T21:05:00.000-08:002012-01-17T21:05:29.170-08:00New Year, New Hope!A new year alwyas brings the idea of getting rid of the old and embracing the new different. What we secretly have wanted might have the chance to finally come to be. That is my hope, there are so many things I want to change in my life, things I want to see in this year.<br />
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What are your hopes for this New Year?Despoinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16783171274371499582noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1009589039707424209.post-78934231755894409222011-12-31T12:14:00.001-08:002012-01-17T21:01:48.108-08:00As always...<blockquote class="tr_bq">I was searching my favorite phrase and came across a post about a woman who was dating a man of another "race". The comment that struck out to me is this <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">"Race is a social construct derived mainly from perceptions conditioned by events of recorded history, and it has no basic biological reality"</blockquote></blockquote>I never had thought of it exactly like that but that led me in another thought pattern, race as used by most people is no different than the caste system. Another way to control who gets what and who is in control = = = POWER.<br />
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It is so sad because as Christians we are given authority and the ability to carry out the work He is doing in us. We are powerful even when we don't feel like it(like me right now). When sin stripped us we lost our identity, we have been trying since then to get that back my making our own. Which of course never works only creates the urgency to get control any way we can. Hence we use force but even more subtle we use conditioning to gain what we want. Power.<br />
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I never saw the connection of the 2 so clearly race=power. Amazing how that force drives us to do such heinous acts especially in the Name of Christ. Yet if we are truly in Him we have His, just like the first man. How silly to lose something we already had.<br />
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I hope this makes sense. I came immediately here when these thoughts came and I just went with the flow!<br />
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I do hope anyone reading this or any other post will leave a message. I hope I am not just typing for me! <br />
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Hope everyone had a Blessed Christmas and will have New Year full of His Grace and Favor!Despoinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16783171274371499582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1009589039707424209.post-49574346291530421792011-11-25T08:28:00.000-08:002012-02-20T02:47:03.752-08:00Happy Thanksgiving!<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hope everyone had a Blessed and Happy Thanksgiving!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I juust received a email from M.L. Tyndall with an update about her new book:</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs088/1101883713395/img/44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs088/1101883713395/img/44.jpg" width="131" /></a></div><strong><em><span style="color: #666666;"></span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="color: #666666;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="color: #666666;"><a name='more'></a>Veil of Pearls</span></em></strong><br />
<div align="left" style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #666666;"></span></div><div align="left" style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; text-align: left;"><strong _yuid="yui_3_1_1_3_1322235425982640"><span style="color: #666666;">Release Date </span></strong></div><div align="left" style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: #666666;">July 2012.</span> </strong></div><br />
<div align="left" style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; text-align: left;"><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span _yuid="yui_3_1_1_3_1322235425982641" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><em><span style="color: #cccccc;">Charleston in 1811 is bustling with immigrants like Adalia, a runaway slave so light-skinned that no one guesses her past. Terrified her secret will be discovered, she settles into a quiet life making herbal remedies for a local doctor. But when Morgan, the handsome son of a prominent family, sweeps her into his glamorous world-a world in which the truth about Adalia's heritage would ruin them both-suspicions and petty jealousies are aroused. What will Morgan do when he discovers that the woman he has fallen in love with is a runaway slave?</span> </em></span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
<span style="color: #783f04;">I am looking foward to reading this book.</span></div></div>Despoinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16783171274371499582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1009589039707424209.post-35422594416096182332011-11-20T12:29:00.000-08:002011-11-28T16:07:49.128-08:00Am I the Only One?As I talked about before I do regular searches for the topic of Christian Interracial Fiction. I was surprised when I first did this search to end up mainly on sites that are erotic/romantica. That was the first time I had ever seen that type of fiction. I was curious to found out why the searches lead me to these "finds". Well, I got quite an education! <br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">The Education<strong>: </strong> </div><ol><li><div style="text-align: left;">Most IR have to be erotic/romantica. I don't know but I get the feeling if it doesn't contain sex, and very detailed, that relationship isn't explored. </div></li>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div><li>My reason for the search really was left unanswered. Even sadder is that was a few years ago and I still see a drought in the category. </li>
</ol><br />
I do not understand with all the categories of Christian fiction being explored more and the request for "edgy" CF that this topic is basically empty.<br />
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What do we do? How can these stories be encouraged? Where are all the readers who do want these stories but are normally given the erotic versions? Where are the writers who feel lead to express this other angle of love from a Christ view?<br />
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I know there are others who think this too. So lets meet and share our opinions.Despoinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16783171274371499582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1009589039707424209.post-7739253553097743052011-11-07T02:23:00.000-08:002011-11-07T02:23:21.518-08:00Random --- MixedI often do searches for the topic of Christian Interracial fiction and mostly the same answers are given. <br />
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Just yesterday I did the search on Yahoo's search engine. The first page gave me the answers I expect, the second page was the most interesting. It told me it had included "Mixed" into the category. <br />
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Wow! How persumptions on their part. I think I might have overlooked this idea if the results had actually given me the correct answers instead of<em> Mixed box lots</em> and <em>Mixed dinnerware!</em>Despoinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16783171274371499582noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1009589039707424209.post-11354039761391432042011-10-27T06:34:00.000-07:002011-10-27T06:34:40.791-07:00Okay...As you can see this a WIP blog. I am new at this, <em><strong>very brand new</strong></em>. So I am learning as I go. Most of the time everything works fine then comes the not so fine...<br />
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Recently I added the banner and reworked my <em>"About"</em> page. Something about all this is upsetting the blog. So my nice simple blurb on myself is blank on the actual page. Except it shows on the previews.<br />
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Today I came to fine the banner is missing! I had tried to change the code earlier but when problems arose I got rid of the <u>Changed</u> blog and re-upped the old one. No change! Well, worse it appears.<br />
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So if anyone can offer some help, I will take it! Praying for it! <br />
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I know, again I am a little OT. <em>Forgive, please!</em>Despoinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16783171274371499582noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1009589039707424209.post-62872986423878572842011-10-14T18:46:00.000-07:002012-02-20T02:58:25.209-08:00Call me Goody 2 Shoes!I have to admit I am very tired of that comment, Just the same to me as actors frequently saying "Playing bad characters is just more fun." <br />
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Now I am not saying that sometimes the Bad character isn't fun. I have seen and enjoyed many characters that worked that side. Yet in the End they are jailed, revealed and sometimes die! Point is the bad only last for a time---which I thought is the point!<br />
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Bringing this back to the title "the Goody 2 shoes" does go through Hell(yes,said it) but truimphs in the end. Again thought that was the point! Agree that the Good character needs depth, them having a bad thought doesn't show depth,----shows they are human. To me the struggle to do the right thing when all Hell is coming against you is the story I like to see. <br />
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Which to me is the story of the woman who went around showing everyone her gift. She was poor, yet generous and caring and unbeknownest to her, those actions were being watched. She did the right thing beacuse it is right. So when 2 brand new shoes where gfted to her, she proudly showed them off. <br />
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P.S. Wonder what this has to do with this blog? Well I was doing a search for Christian Interracial and came across a Blog asking <a href="http://search.swagbucks.com/?cmd=ct-rd-click&id=3671733&tp=w&ip=12.75.84.129&pd=false&b=0&f=0&hst=readinnwritin.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F07%2Fis-it-time-for-christian-fiction-to-die.html&frm=http%3A%2F%2Fdsclick.infospace.com%2FClickHandler.ashx%3Fru%3Dhttp%253a%252f%252freadinnwritin.blogspot.com%252f2010%252f07%252fis-it-time-for-christian-fiction-to-die.html%26ld%3D20111015%26ap%3D10%26app%3D1%26c%3Dprodegemeta3.swagbucks%26s%3Dprodegemeta3%26coi%3D374914%26cop%3Dmain-title%26ep%3D7%26euip%3D12.75.84.129%26npp%3D10%26p%3D0%26pp%3D0%26pvaid%3Dc0478db13992478bb9166c5fb7189045%26hash%3DA00FA4424ADC77A9C464CBC3C014EE12&ncc=0">Was it time for Christian Fiction to die?</a> In some of the response about Christian fiction I saw the words <em>trite, naive</em> and <em>idealistic</em>. Made me think, and valid points were raised,some of which I agree. Reading a few more comments I saw <em>those words</em> which for me are a <span style="color: #cc0000;">Red flag</span> before the Bull. <br />
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I want to be good, not boring; authenic but good. <u>God is good</u>! That is proclaimed many times in the Psalms. So being made in His image isn't it natural to want to have that same proclamation about myself. I want to be good. So call me a Goody 2 shoes!Despoinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16783171274371499582noreply@blogger.com