Wednesday, March 30, 2022

A Perfect Book - The Fine Art of Deception - by Alyssa Richards

 

  Why did it feel as though I had no control, like someone else was pulling my strings? I could feel it in the bodyguard, Ellen’s resistance toward me. Hell, I could feel it in the walls. Something was off in this place. But I didn’t have another choice. If I wanted this career— if I wanted to work—I had to move ahead with my plan. Even if I had to force it.
~~~

I've said it before--I love books! And this one was perfect for me... Why? Well, indeed, it is a perfect book! I got it as an ebook, but that made no difference. The formatting was, yes, perfect--with no errors within the book!

But that's not all, there were extra small touches to the book that makes me know that the writer is concerned about the gift she is giving us...even if we buy it ourselves... Little hearts, chapter breaks with an extra page...with a artistic icon, just to allow the reader to stop and enjoy the book and its story! Way Cool in my opinion! I've become a fan and have already purchased the other two books in the trilogy...

Deception--it seems like it is everywhere these days. This time, the author takes readers into the Art world--a place where there are countless ways to deceive...but Richards has taken it a step beyond what might be considered norm. She has also taken us into the world of the supernatural, the paranormal, which always adds a touch of excitement beyond the usual criminal actions, don't you think?

Madonna and Child by Bellini
Addie Montgomery was down to her last ounce of stability... She'd lost everything, including a lover that she was quite happy to be rid of... But, losing her job was a traumatic experience, for anyone, especially with her love for being in the art world, seeing all of the beautiful images that had been created by so many great artists, past and present.

She had an interview set up, even though she was not sure she wanted to work there. It was a problem because her father and grandfather had both disappeared while working there. Addie's memories was full of the past visiting with her family members... And she considered Otto, the last partner of the gallery, a close friend. Besides she felt he owed her this job as a research analyst. 

When she arrived, she met Ellen who had been with the firm since her early years of involvement. Now, Ellen seemed to resent her presence--she would have to find out why later when she had the chance--to "read" something she owned and explore her history... Nevertheless, when she arrived, Ellen escorted Addie into Otto's office to wait until he was finished with another meeting. There she saw Giovanni Bellini’s Madonna and Child. She could spend hours just enjoying and analyzing this famous piece of art. But sooner or later, she just had to...read...the... history... So while she waited for Otto, her finger touched just a small corner...it was an original! She saw scenes of Venice in 1480... Suddenly Otto was behind her, and she jumped, sliding her hand casually down to her side...  

Addie questioned, "Isn't It?" , even as he told her it was a copy, wondering what she would be told. Otto again denied that it was an original... And that began the intrigue Addie would experience as she was hired and started working for The Albrecht Firm. She was thrilled to be working again, and hoped she could find clues there as to what happened to her family... 

Addie was a psychic, with maybe even more gifts, but the only other one she had learned about was her ability to see ghosts. She was afraid of ghosts, even now as an adult. But her primary passion was to learn about people, objects and just about anything she could touch, including the walls of a building. But because of her abilities, she turned them off and on, in order to manage her life activities... And, then there's Jack, her dream lover from an earlier life...

Like a vision out of 1920, Jack, this beautiful man from my past, wears a pale blue button-down shirt that sets off his striking blue eyes and blond hair, slicked and styled with a side part. On his face is a rakish grin. Light pours in from beyond the French doors, surrounding his head like a heavenly aura, and the red-and-gold silk curtains frame his figure. He is like an elegant John Singer Sargent painting. I look forward to my regular visits from him. The dreams vary, the scenery changes, our discussions evolve, though he is always deliciously the same. Today we’re at a garden party, but we’re inside. The sounds of chatter and laughter filter in from outside. We’re alone, together. The rest of the world ceases to exist. The heat coming off him burns against my skin, even though he stands across the room.
I look down to see that I’m wearing a blue silk Delphos dress with Venetian glass beads on the sides—my favorite color and material. He’s walking toward me, and my breath catches. Jack’s an incredible vision. And the love he emanates is so all-encompassing it makes me dizzy. I feel safe, understood, and loved. “Did you see it?” “See what?” “How could you miss it?” He chuckles at my cluelessness as he circles around me, wrapping an arm around my midsection. I sink into his embrace. His warm cheek touches mine as his other arm slides beneath my own, raising it to point at a portrait over the fireplace. I gasp as I behold a large oil painting of myself wearing sapphire blue, my own blue eyes staring back at me. I feel the rise of his cheek against my face. His smile is brimming at his success at taking my breath away. The colors in the painting vibrate, the rough brush strokes alive with memories. It pulls me forward through time. My companion fades, and my chest aches with the emptiness where he once had residence. His absence is too painful to remember. 
Years pass in blurred strands of color around the edges of my vision. I hear crowd chatter, and a distant, slightly warped record of Duke Ellington playing “It Don’t Mean a Thing” serenades me as the painting comes to rest in the overcrowded stall of what appears to be a swanky Paris flea market.
Then, from somewhere outside my conscious world, I realize he’s back. It’s him. The man with the steel-blue eyes and the cream-colored suit is walking slowly toward me. I stand up to greet him. He reaches me and runs his hand over my hair, brushing it lightly off my face. “You’re here,” I say. “I am here,” he says, his fingertips grazing up and down my bare arm. “We don’t usually meet here. We usually meet there, where we used to be.” He says nothing, but a slow smile widens across his face. The love I feel for him spreads throughout my chest. 
“We’re going to meet here from now on,” he says with a smooth voice, a knowing look in his sparkling eyes. 
“Why?” 
“Because it’s time.” 
“Time for what?”
~~~

Addie was to exhausted from the...deceptions...of her recent past, so that when she was introduced to Blake by Otto, as someone with whom she'd be working, she was afraid...very afraid...because she was immediately and intensely attracted to him. But, exactly, who was he...and could he be trusted? Can anybody be trusted? Yes, she was told that by the ghost that was following Blake around--and it was obvious that he'd been... murdered!

The concert by Vermeer
Addie has one other character, a sister, Alexi, who also has gifts. She is able to help Addie work and think through all that is happening... Thankfully... Because before the book ends, she's going to be scared! Very scared! And during that time, she discovered exactly what was going on...

I'm already into the second book, couldn't wait. (One of the reasons I'm loving ebooks more and more, just download and you can start reading in a minute or two!) You've now met most of the main characters. As you read, you can begin to look for deception. Because as the ghost warned, "“You might want to think twice about who you spend your time with.” By the way, his name is Frank and "was" a member of the mob... Yes, the Mafia is here!

Loved this book from "cover to cover" (although I do miss a back cover blurb)... Past life, psychics, ghosts, and other paranormal gifts, merge effectively and completely into a tale of criminal activities within the art world featuring many of the great masters... And the major theft of many from a major museum will begin and run through, maybe all three books! I Can't Wait! If you're into sitting back, relaxing, and just enjoying...go get this trilogy and plan to read it in a weekend!


Paris Through the Window, Marc Chagall


Ok, I had to add this last painting...look at it closely, besides the cat, bodies are falling from the Tower... Wow!

Elder Care Tip
If your walker is not on wheels, you can buy what looks like little sleds to provide easier movement. Be careful, though, they will catch on wires and other items without your knowing. Still, I wouldn't want to be without them on my primary walker. I got mine at Amazon...

God bless
Glenda

Monday, March 28, 2022

Writing the Constitution... Completion Stalled - Continuing Discussion of Eric Metaxas' If You Can Keep It!

 

The Promise: 
Nothing is more wonderful than the art of being free, but nothing is harder to learn how to use than freedom.

—Alexis de Tocqueville, Democracy in America


In the heart of Philadelphia, in a Georgian brick building that still stands, one of the most extraordinary events in the history of the world took place. There, in what is today called Independence Hall, over the course of about one hundred days in the summer of 1787, some of the most brilliant men of that or any other era created what would become the Constitution of a new country. They were creating the legal foundation for a form of government that had never been tried before; and they were creating the possibility—and the golden and glorious promise—of something called the United States of America.

The key to the entire book is given to readers on the very first page! Did you pick it out... Did you think to yourself, "I didn't know that..." I did, and so did the author. In fact, my guess is that the majority of Americans don't know. And those that do are into history--big time! The United States is the first-ever democracy in America!

One person knew--Martin Luther King, Jr., in his "I Have A Dream" speech spotlighted it... the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence before it constituted a “promissory note to which every American was to fall heir.”

Centuries have passed and much had been accomplished. However, the fact is that that promise had not been accomplished immediately. Dr. King did not see it... And it has still not been accomplished, has it?

I didn't know, because as far as I am aware, it was never highlighted in public schools.  So, what about our country was different? It was a simple fact that never sunk in to most of us. Yes, we are the first country to have actually established a democracy! By now, we all know that a democracy means freedom--freedom for all... But, really, Metaxas confirms that the goal, freedom for all, has not yet been accomplished. In fact, could it be that we are now in danger of ever accomplishing complete freedom for all? Or, can we say that there has been a major stall...

Each of us--each American is given the responsibility for creating, and sustaining freedom... So, how did the Founding Fathers determine that now was the time to begin to formalize and create a government that would oversee what was largely expanding and already had been governing ourselves at the local, colony level? Indeed, there were already power struggles by those who wanted...more... 

One key factor was that the Founding Fathers gathered... believed...

It was a nation held together by an idea and by citizens who bought into that idea. They were of different backgrounds and different religions. Some of them lived in Maine and others in Virginia and others in Georgia—and others in all the colonies in between. But they all were Americans because they voluntarily believed in that idea. That a nation could be held together by people believing in an idea was unprecedented, as I have said. It had never happened before... And the idea in which they believed was...

Liberty

And one of the reasons they believed was that they had gained experience... Decade upon decade showed that no matter that there were different ethnic groups, or religions, still there was no real division within the colonies established by that time. Self-governing became routine. To me, that was important. We needed the time to watch and see what was to happen in America. Would it fail? Or, would it succeed... And, the entire world was watching...

Still, there were so many issues and so many people who had immigrated from other countries.  What would enable a group of people to be trusted to govern themselves and then actually to do so? I wasn't surprised, but had not really considered the ramifications of what Metaxas carefully pointed out... Maybe that's why each citizen needs to learn what he says? For, perhaps, these days, as we ask the question, can democracy survive? We must undoubtedly turn to the present division among America... And we must also look as Ukraine, a democracy, is facing an autocratic leader of another country who is waging war on it citizens...simply because of power and greed. We all know it; we see it there. But do we also think, is this where America might end up? Fighting for a democracy that is no longer able to say that we are all self-governing...together...

So what enabled the Founding Fathers to trust we could be self-governing?

Religion

...Religious freedom was paramount. It was always understood that one’s religion was truly free, which is to say not coerced nor mandatory nor affiliated with the power of the state in any way. This was also unprecedented...

Let's look at this subject as it, first, relates to what happened.  What we know is that many who fled their countries for America was for religious freedom. It was the norm at that time that most countries named a specific religion for its population. What we also know, though, is that all religions in the world have a basic form of accountability. It is that which had already developed in us to love, to care for our neighbors, to be trustworthy, to follow the words of that religion to which we belong. So, while we as a nation wanted liberty, we also, in our religious lives, answered to a deity. Indeed most of our moral training came from gatherings and teachings of our religious groups. 

Here's my first "yes-but." The reason is very clear, at least for me, that we no longer have those basic moral beliefs. At this time in America, we have many who escaped for freedom from murder or worse, enslavement, and have been turned away. We know that all religions are no longer given liberty to worship... Muslims, Jews, and those with Eastern religious backgrounds are now being personally attacked... We know that groups such as Proud Boys, the KKK, White Supremacists, QAnon--specifically all those who conducted an insurrection on the United States Capitol, and many others, no longer are willing to share liberty, freedom... or especially religious liberty... in our democracy. Fortunately, they are not the majority of citizens in America, as evidenced by the last election. But politics for political power's sake is now running rampant in America, again, in my personal opinion...

So what happened when the Founding Fathers work stalled... The document had been written, but consensus could not come...

Next: A Stalled Body of Founding Fathers Moves Forward...







Hi Again, I hope you will feel comfortable enough to question, to respond, to share your thoughts about this book (or my interpretation of what was happening or is happening)! Jot them down, or leave thoughts or questions as comments!

God bless,
Glenda

Saturday, March 26, 2022

What's Happening at Book Readers Heaven - Featuring Father/Son Writers Michael and Daniel Palmer--The First Family!

 

I just want to share a little, first... Hope that is okay with all of you... Had an unusual couple of days. Went to doctor's and had to go through the most significant regiment of x-rays on my body...ever...

Or maybe it seemed like that because I had to deal with the limitations of forced walking, with a walker,  in order to get into different positions to have my knees and left hip available and in right positions to be viewed by the machine... Many times, the attendants had to actually move my body into the positions they needed me to be in...

You know folks (yes, I smile when I say that and think of my--our president when I purposely do it...) Anyway, can you imagine having lived for at least seventy years and never been in a hospital...then, to have a complete body collapse and have to start from the beginning and learn how to walk again, building up the muscles in legs and arms to do the things that were usually instinctive, done with no conscious effort. I have come to depend upon the many inventions and creations that have been conceived and created by so many scientists and inventors to make my and our lives easier... We must all thank God for those who care enough to think and make...and heal... all things necessary to help make our lives as comfortable as possible.

I use two walkers routinely. One was mandated when I had surgery to have a tumor removed from my brain. It has no brakes, only wheels on the front. That means, I must actually pick it up to move in another direction. It's light, so it's easy to do and makes me more conscious of what and where I walk. 

On the other hand, my niece found a walker which has a seat, brakes and four wheels. I used this for shopping and was quite adept at taking care of myself years ago. By the way, the walker was given to my niece at a yard sale where it had been purchased for her father by the seller who asked why it was wanted. When she learned it was for "me," she gave it to us! I use it now to carry things like food and clothes from one place to another...

Apparently many older items can be found at thrift stores where they are donated when no longer needed in families... Soooo thankful people do this type of thing!

On the other hand, it is heartbreaking to see what is happening in Ukraine. Truly, it is a war between good and evil, especially as Putin doesn't care and is purposely attacking locations which are clearly marked as shelters, schools and other care facilities. Can we not see the difference between a democracy and a country ruled by an authoritarian, wanting only more power and greed being his only reason for committing such murders. Yes, to me, when there is absolutely no reason to kill, then it is murder. Putin is a war criminal as the world knows and watches...

The sad part is that, these days, there are criminals anywhere and everywhere. Their intent is to get what they want, with no concern about harming others to get it...

The book I stayed up reading all night after returning home from the doctor's visit, was an example of good over evil... I love medical thrillers and other mysteries based on this. It is important to see and know that good will win over evil, even if it is fiction. It troubles me because many books are based on truth. But they also inspire me to fight against the evil wherever it is found, especially in our country, America! 



The concert hall was sold out. Thunderous applause for her had just died down, and this was the brief interlude before the music began. Her heart beat so loudly she feared the microphone would pick up the sound. She stood alone in the center of a large stage, a spotlight targeting her as if this were a prison break. In her right hand she clutched a violin with a bright amber finish and stunning marbled flame, expertly antiqued. Scanning the hall, she searched for the rangy man with square shoulders and the slender woman who was an older version of herself. There they were in their usual location, third row: Doug and Allison Banks, her parents. Her name was Susie Banks, and she was their only daughter, their pride and joy. Without their support Susie would not be standing on the stage of the Kennedy Center, chosen from hundreds of hopefuls to open the National Symphony Orchestra’s evening performance with a solo piece. This moment had seemed inevitable from Susie’s earliest days. She was two years old when she played her first song on the piano—a ringtone from her mother’s cell phone she had replicated by ear. Soon she began plinking out melodies she heard on the radio. By the age of five, Susie could play Bach’s Minuet in G Major, never having taken a lesson. Words like “prodigy” and “special” got bandied about, but Susie did not understand what it all meant, nor did she care. She had found this amazing thing called music, and the music made her happy. The day her mother put a violin in her hand, Susie’s whole world came into even sharper focus. She felt a kinship with the instrument, understood it in a profound way. One year into her study she flawlessly performed Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 5 during a student recital. 


For Susie, the notes were more than dots on the sheet music. As she played, she could see them dance before her eyes, swirling and twirling like a flock of starlings in flight. She would practice daily, hours passing like minutes, her joy unfettered and boundless. She did not have many close friends growing up, always needing to practice, or rehearse, or perform. Yet she never felt lonely, or alone. Music was her constant companion, her first true love. Now nineteen, Susie was poised for a professional career. She had taken a gap year between high school and college to work on her craft. With hundreds of concerts on her résumé, she had hoped her stage fright would be a thing of the past. But it was present as always and would remain with her until she played the first note. This was a hugely important showcase. The conductor of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra was in the audience specifically to hear her play. If all went well, it was possible she would be moving to Chicago. Susie set her chin on the smooth ebony chin rest and pushed the conductor from her thoughts. All sound evaporated from the room. She had no sheet music to follow. She had long ago committed the Chaconne from Bach’s Partita No. 2 for solo violin to memory. She took one last readying breath,
drew the bow across the strings, and conquered the powerful opening double stop like a pro. The audience, the hall itself, seemed to vanish as she drifted into the other place where the music came from. Her body swayed to the rhythm and flow as Bach’s notes poured from her instrument. The bow and her fingers became a blur of movement. Susie kept her eyes open as she played, but she saw nothing while she felt everything. 
A brilliant shrill wafted from the violin, a melody sparkling and pure in triple time, followed by an austere passage of darker, more muted tones. Years of dedication, all the things she had sacrificed, were worth it for this feeling alone, such indescribable freedom. She had reached measure eighty-nine, near the halfway point. Drawing the bow toward her, Susie geared up for the next variation, where the bass became melodic and the diatonic form resumed. Up to that point her playing had been perfect, but suddenly and inexplicably came a terrible screech. Susie’s arms jerked violently out in front of her, the bow dragging erratically across the strings. Her chin slid free of the chin rest as her violin shot outward. A collective gasp rose from the audience. Shocked, unable to process what had happened to her, Susie repositioned the violin. Her professionalism took over. Her reset was more a reflex than anything. She drew the bow across the strings once more, but only a warbling sound came out. The next instant, her arms flailed spastically in front of her again in yet another violent paroxysm, as if her limbs had separated from her body, developed a mind of their own. She tried to regain control of her arms, willing it to happen, but it was no use. The wild movements occurred without her thought, like those body starts she’d been having before she fell asleep: first the sensation of falling, followed by a jarring startle back into consciousness. Only this time she was wide awake. No matter how hard Susie strained, she could not stop her arms from convulsing. It was the most terrifying, out-of-control sensation she had ever experienced. 
When the next spasm struck, Susie’s fingers opened. The violin slipped from her grasp and hit the stage floor with a sickening crack. Another gasp rose from the audience, this one louder than the first. Susie was helpless to do anything but stand facing everyone with her arms twitching like two live wires. As suddenly as those seizures came on, her limbs went still, as if a switch had been turned off. She raised her arms slowly, studying them with bewilderment. Then, she directed her gaze to the violin at her feet. For a moment she could not breathe. Murmurs from the audience reverberated in her ears. Bending down, she gingerly retrieved the broken instrument, fearing another attack was imminent. She stood up tall. The violin dangled at her side with a gap in the wood like a missing tooth. She searched the audience for her parents, but could not see them through the haze of lights and the blur of tears.
~~~


Suzie Banks is her name, a brilliant prodigy who recently escaped death at her home, from carbon monoxide. Both of her parents died. She was taken to the hospital where she is recovering... Although she was spared, the doctors are concerned about discoveries made while there...
 
Distilled to a few words, Karen Ray’s job description was: protect the president’s family with your life. The family consisted of Ellen Hilliard, aka FLOTUS, the first lady of the United States, and Cameron Hilliard, the first family’s sixteen-year-old son and only child. Karen is a Special Agent and supervisor in Secret Service and, right now, her time is concentrated on Cam, the only son of The First Family. As expected, Karen has come to deeply care for the family, and especially Cam. So that when concerns for his health arose, she was immediately just as concerned as his mother.

I'm sure I picked this book which was published several years ago because I wanted to increase my knowledge of both politics and the issues confronting the president and his family. It proved to be both informative for that reason, but also a fantastic medical thriller! Full of suspense, tension, and, of course, intrigue.

Karen is divorced from another main character, Dr, Lee Blackwood, a Family Practitioner. They have a son, Josh, who has a military background, but is presently considering what to do with the rest of his life... All three members of this family take a leading role in the novel.

And it all starts when Karen is concerned enough that she recommends to the First Lady, with whom she has become close, that a second opinion is needed, from that of the White Hall Physician, Dr. Gleason, who wants to start Cam seeing a psychiatrist. Cam does not want to go... From Karen's perspective, she isn't sure that Cam needs to go. And, his mother, Ellen, wants what is best for his son...

One other plot twist is that both Suzie, Cam, and the Family's physician's son all are involved with  the True Potential Institute, a unique educational center dedicated to helping D.C.’s most gifted children develop mastery in a variety of disciplines. 

You know, I could be wrong, since I had a bias going into this book, but it seemed to me that the writers prefer the time when Family Practice...and having a Family Doctor...was best. I wish that was still the case! I miss having a doctor with whom I can share every issue, and who comes to know me well enough to be able to consider my entire medical history, as it relates to my medical care. Believe me, without going into detail, what they call specialists these days can result in some really bad experiences for patients attended by them. And so, it was, that the Family Doctor, Karen's ex-husband, became the main male character and I loved him and how he was portrayed... 

I can still remember my last family doctor who was with me during the time I went into clinical depression. After many years together, when he told me simply..."you must choose between your job and your life," I quickly chose my life! And looking back, all the frustration, turmoil, and anger of what happened to me...when I came back to work...does not make me regret listening to my doctor and heeding his words...

The president is a centrist politically and often has different opinions with his wife. It was interesting to be able to consider what a centrist president is like--you never really know how he's going to react to...just...about...anything. I can see that this could be a good thing if he was able to evaluate each issue and act for the good. But I can also see that it may take him longer to be able to be seen as making the right choice or decision at times of emergencies...

And especially, when Cam, his son, is physically in trouble. In fact, his early symptoms, and later, were similar to Suzie Banks. Cam's predominant skill and love was as a chess champion. But lately, he has been unable to maintain the attention needed...and he has been losing... which could be making him depressed, but not necessarily clinically depressed...

So when Cam acknowledges that he knows something is wrong, but does not believe he needs a psychiatrist, conflict sets off one of the strangest, unusual, complex, and exhaustive medical evaluation that would, perhaps, ever occur... Because crime was happening... But the who, what, where and why of all of it became mind-boggling to everyone! Including me, the reader. And then the murders began. I was able to finally, almost to the end, know fairly confidently who the mastermind behind the deaths was...but not the why! This turned out to be one of the best who-dun-it mystery, suspense, and thrillers I've ever read. And I don't dare add anything further about the story~ You've got to read it to believe it! And it needs to be discovered as you read! 

I had read the medical novels by the Palmers, but did go out and pick up two additional political related novels...I must say as an additional incentive, if you need it, I've found that fiction novels are an exceptionally great way to learn more about the inner workings of politics! This is not necessary related to today's headlines, but it does show the frustration and interaction within the family of The First Family and how they prioritize family versus the demands of the nation. A significant reason if readers are interested...so I highly recommend!

Just a few more commends about what's happening with me... I had a number of concerns pre-surgery... I made sure I covered them. I hope you are doing the same. If you don't think you'll remember to ask, write the questions or topics down, like I did. My final question to the surgeon was about the percentage of effective recoveries... It is about 90%! Relief flooded me. Isn't it interesting how you can have something bothering you, but as soon as you know the truth, the reality, you feel like at least 80% of the burden is lifted? When the surgeon told me bluntly that the hip itself is in bad shape, I was relieved to know that the pain was definitely caused by and hopefully will be healed through the surgery. Sure, I'll need physical therapy, but I've been handling that for years... I'm just hoping and praying that I'll one day be able to walk again, even if I still have to use my trusty cane...for security. 

Walking...how precious it is... How precious is the body that God gave to us... And here's what I know and want to share with you! I Never Walk Alone!


God Bless
Glenda

Wednesday, March 23, 2022

The beginning... People Were Fleeing From Religious Persecution - They had Heard of A New Land - of Freedom!

 Good Morning! It's rainy here in my area of Pennsylvania. Cats have been fed, the first task I do each morning... So, let me tell you what I'm thinking. Upfront, I've never been in a location where I could join a book club...so I have no idea what actually happens or how it takes place...except of course what I've read in books! And that normally includes... eating... LOL  So grab a cup of coffee or tea, if you want, and, maybe some crackers and cheese, before you start reading...

Nothing is more wonderful than the art of being free, 
but nothing is harder to learn how to use than freedom. 
—Alexis de Tocqueville, Democracy in America

Books are my lifeline and I'm reading some awesome books! Right now, though, as I posted in one of my Facebook groups, when I first saw the picture that had been posted in

The world goggled at it. They also wondered: What would become of this great and strange bark? Would it sail long or soon sink? No one could know. And if it was to succeed and last, precisely how would it do that? How could it, being so very fragile? Why should it float for long? And yet it did. Whatever it was that they created that summer in that building has so grown and flourished in the more than two centuries following that it is simply without equal.

one of my Facebook groups,  hosted by Author Cam Rascoe. I realized just how much of a burden it had become for me--what I see as the present situation in America... I must immediately say that the book, If You Can Keep It: The Forgotten Promise of American Liberty, not only answered all of my questions, but also actually lightened my burden. You see, I really didn't need to carry that burden alone...In fact, many of you might also, probably, carry the same burden, alone, or with others, trying to deal with today's world. And, let's face it, nobody could have projected the pain, the suffering, the turmoil of the Corona Pandemic. That, alone, was enough to carry! But, there was so much more, wasn't there?

It felt like we were a divided country politically--and indeed we were as events will have shown. Yet, Eric Metaxas had written a book a number of years ago which was the answer. I didn't know, he admits he didn't know...and probably many of you guessed at it, like I did, but didn't really "know." what was behind our present situation.

Many of my Facebook friends have talked about historical events as leading to where we are. But, for me, Metaxas took it further. He did the research, which is provided in the back of his book, and set about discovering what the issue was... Simple? No, because you had to consider the historical context in which the evolution had occurred...

Most of us know from history that immigrants by the millions were flocking to the new land to escape religious persecution. Historically, most countries were of one ethnic group or of race. Most countries were tied to a specific religion and many books tell of what that resulted in. One in particular that has been written about often was that the church was normally behind what we now think of as witch hunts (even if that phrase was used incorrectly by a recent top official)... It was another God Incident for me that, as I normally am reading a fiction and non-fiction book at the same time, I selected another book I'd had in my library, to read--The Alchemist's Gift by Mark Giglio

As a side look at a somewhat related book, this time travel novel takes us back to the time when women were being burned--as known at this time, all were not guilty, except for knowing a lot about herbs, or, sometimes, just being in the wrong place at the wrong time... and, then, I am always frustrated to know that it was never the white man who participated in sex with other than their wives, who were accused; but rather, that the witch's wiles or potions were responsible. By the way, this book had a wonderful twist to it that made it relevant...fictionally...

Think about Thanksgiving and how the relationship between Indigenous Americans and the immigrants are portrayed... Indeed, consider that during the early years, many immigrants of different religions or races lived together, working on their new lands, beginning a new life. Towns and then cities were created and self-governed--learning as they went along what was needed to meet the basic needs of all those now living in America...

BTW, if you are already thinking of, "yes-buts," that's ok! Questions will undoubtedly start formulating... Make a note of it... Or feel free to add them to the comments section on each article so that we can clarify where necessary. My guess is that we will have covered most issues before we finish the book...

And so it was that as local governments handled much of what needed to be done to manage their areas, it soon became necessary to look toward something more. Perhaps a group, a government that would have some basic oversight duties and responsibilities?


A Constitution? A method by which fundamental principles that would become legal and used to govern what was a fast-growing expansion of the local towns, cities, and soon to be states?

Founding Fathers began to be selected for this important activity and the gathering of issues to be included started to be spotlighted for consideration...

It was 1787 in Philadelphia, in what we now call Independence Hall that, in 100 days, the most brilliant of those living then, began to create the legal document for what would soon to be The United States of America... Men like Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin, George Washington, James Madison et.al., most of the names are easily remembered even centuries later... It was a massive endeavor...and a first ever attempt to create a republic, with a sacred promise to those living and for the dreamed of future...

But it was not an easy task. Many had different opinions, concerns--just as are today. Finally discussions had stalled. Was it even possible to have believed this was possible? Because, even then, everybody in the world...was...watching...

Next...Writing the document...Completion Stalled...

~~~

On a Personal note, I'll be visiting my doctor tomorrow who will be doing my hip replacement surgery. The surgery is scheduled in May... This has been a difficult time. I cannot walk without a walker for support. I am in pain in every movement...and worse when I sit for a long time. But I had decided that since I was going to be in pain, I might as well be doing what I enjoy most... So, I've been blogging for a few weeks... Yes with lots of pain getting up and down from computer and getting moving again... I'll let you know more as my surgery gets closer... God Bless!

Tuesday, March 22, 2022

"I Don't Know Who You Are..." -- If You Can Keep It:The Forgotten Promise of American Liberty by Eric Metaxas

 Who I am...

It was not surprising to me when an individual recently said to me, "I don't know who you are..."

Have you ever received such a blunt statement from anybody? Well, probably more of us should, don't you think? I am now old enough to be able to remember at least 50-60 years ago. I have taken some detours, maybe especially lately it may seem to some, but basically I've been the same person I've always been...Me...

The key issue is how many have taken the time to know me? I think I've been fairly open with "me." But, then, I don't necessarily do much to do so, except as part of what I may be involved with... You know, like something is bothering me... or something has made me curious, so I do a little research to find out more. I've always been a "Why?" person. And if I don't have an answer, I probably will go buy a relevant book and explore what it says...using my desire to "Know Thyself..." I may or may not be influenced by what I read...to me, that's key. I don't read or listen to anybody and automatically believe it is truth... I've learned that the hard way. That skepticism has hardened over the last few years when many of us discovered just how much lying occurs in today's politics... 

Over 1.5 million have come to know me and the books I read through my blog... But as far as I am aware, nobody--none of my family or friends--routinely read my blog, or even have visited just once... Don't you think that if somebody  really did want to know who I was, they would seek out "more information"?

The question was somewhat related to religion...and somewhat related to politics... Most of my readers know that I claim Jesus as my Savior... But that, recently, because of politics, I don't claim to be religious. In fact, I've even talked about a little book I read years ago, How to be a Christian Without Being Religious. For me, I believe the Bible is inspired by God. I do not believe it should be considered the actual word of God. That is where I find I'm "not considered" a Christian for those who do believe that.

Why is that important these days? Well, because I am actually embarrassed to use the word Christian...given what has, in my mind, been used during the last 5 years, by evangelical christians, to conduct their desires within the political realm. Even to the extent of selecting a man, who only claimed, when asked, that he tried to be good, and then later proceeded to hold a Bible up for a photo op... While never, as far as I've heard, quoting scripture or even mentioning God in his life, although I could be wrong... 

Now that's not the key for me... Many cannot quote scripture, including me... I know some by memory, but it is the words that have always been captured in my heart and brain, rather than the ability to quote something, especially, part of something that is being used to create misinformation... and subsequent actions.

I can still picture Jeff Sessions, reading a scripture about obeying those in government...and then proceeding to deliver the new policy that would separate children from their parents at the border... 

Then I consider that the Catholic Church does not permit Joe Biden to take communion, because he supports pro-choice... Yet, I hear Joe quoting scripture, openly saying "God Bless..." as routine--so much so that it is clear to anybody who allows Joe to be heard, knows Joe as a man of God who works long and diligently to act on that foundation.

Get the idea of my confusion...just exactly "who" can be called a Christian, who believes in Christ, the Son of God...and the Holy Trinity...

There is a lot of confusion these days. Why would the evangelical christians support Trump to the extent they did/do? Has the corruption of power and egotism he exhibits meant nothing to those who claim him just because he is republican? If they don't see what I see, does that make me wrong and them right? Or vice versa? 

I'd like to share an event that was very important to me, which I've only shared with one person, until now. On the last day I was in the hospital for removal of a tumor from my brain, a hospital chaplain (title used to prevent saying a particular religion) came to visit me. I later realized that I had been overly affected by a pain medication, which I later learned was highly addictive and would not be prescribed again. Actually, I weaned myself away from it even though I still had some to finish, using instead my non-aspirin pain pills. The latter is important, I think, because when she came in, I was barely able to "NOT" begin to cry and to talk to her about my personal burden of the split of Christianity that I saw, purely because of politics... Without going into detail, as I calmed, she prayed for me... it was the first time I had spoken to anybody about how I felt God was leading me in relation to the political influence that had erupted as a certain set of Christians openly supported and defended the man who was then president--one who we later learned via the 2020 election, that the majority of Americans felt needed to be taken out of office.

But then, within my family, I was seen as somebody that nobody knew... I had not changed, except as I was being given guidance through praying and the Holy Spirit... Yet, confusion and discomfort and even anger was occurring...

So, I was led to another book!

As a book lover, I have hundreds of unread ebooks, which I freely add to my library if I am interested in reading. I really don't remember when I added the book but it's been out for a couple of years, so I probably added it at that time. Then one recent evening, I came upon the title, not knowing what it was, and opened it! It was another God Incident for me...

I'm about 3/4 of the way through reading... It is amazing that God gives me the exact book I need when I need it...

You see, I think of myself as an average American... My life has been full working and studying for the job but also having a church life with singing in the choir or contributing to music as needed. Like I said, up until about five years ago, there was really no reason for me to do something totally different... I was an Independent politically until I saw what was really happening and then I changed to become a democrat so I could vote in the primaries... I also began to "feed" on the news, trying to understand the chaos, but also trying to understand how my Christian life had all of a sudden become so very complicated, even to the extent of being judged... Was I really a Christian? Then I was told that Christians vote republican... Then I was told that I seemed to not consider the Bible the word of God (which I don't - there is a wide difference to believing that a book is inspired versus the actual word of God)... Was it me that was confused... Thankfully, the hospital chaplain realized my confusion enough to say that she thought I had been given a mission and that I should believe in continuing... which did not eliminate the confusion and frustration, but at least had given me a confirmation from a believer that I had been so lost without.

Many writers I've read and/or talked to, use their books to share their faith. A considerable number have been historical--something that could be helpful these days, don't you think? In fact, the author of the book clearly admits that he didn't know...what I didn't know... And I'm guessing that, maybe, just maybe, you, my readers may also not know... It's so important that I'm writing this article today, sharing the title, so that, if you wish, you might want to get a copy... 

Because, here's what I want to do. I want to host a book club review of this book... You don't have to participate, you don't have to even read the book...but I truly believe that this is a book that Americans need to be reading right now, today...or at least having the opportunity to learn about all of those things that I didn't know about and got excited just reading the book and thinking how to share the thousands of words that are so important, just because, as the author states, things started to change in America about 50 years ago... 

And I'm old enough to have been an intelligent participant beginning those 50 years ago! My American history is lacking and only what would have been taught when I was in school about 60 years ago, forms the basics of my knowledge...together with what I've learned through books! The specifics of American History to be shared may be as unknown to you as they were to me, Sadly... I'm not ashamed of that void in education, because like I said, I was working and studying for the majority of my professional life--just like many of you have been doing...  It's the reality of America right now that dual-career marriages are the norm for many... And there are many single female and/or divorced women with children who barely have time to even eat lunch, little on sleep all the hours that we need to.

Finally, I would share that in my early years, we were considered poor. My father had been killed in a mine accident before I was born. My mother worked constantly with home nursing, cleaning and even cleaning our local church, to which she always ensured we went whenever the doors were open. I was baptized at age 13, if my memory is correct. I consider my greatest gift of the Spirit from God is Empathy. He has given me the gift to understand what another person is going through. I think of myself as a "Doubting Thomas" related to religiosity. I wanted to "know" for myself...and I have been honored in that role all of my life... I've been led to read the books of many writers which would be ignored by many of the Christian faith. I have never lost faith because of those books, but rather gained a broader perspective on life in today's world because of them. I hope you'll take the time to read the following articles that will be based upon this book. I don't know how many I will provide...that's up to what is given to me as I start to write...mostly...but will also include my opinions, and welcome YOURS!


Book Description

In 1787, when the Constitution was drafted, a woman asked Ben Franklin what the founders had given the American people. "A republic," he shot back, "if you can keep it." More than two centuries later, Metaxas examines what that means and how we are doing on that score.

If You Can Keep It is at once a thrilling review of America's uniqueness—including our role as a "nation of nations"—and a chilling reminder that America's greatness cannot continue unless we embrace our own crucial role in living out what the founders entrusted to us. Metaxas explains that America is not a nation bounded by ethnic identity or geography, but rather by a radical and unprecedented idea, based on liberty and freedom for all. He cautions us that it's nearly past time we reconnect to that idea, or we may lose the very foundation of what made us exceptional in the first place.

For variety and to give myself time to reread and absorb a section at a time, realize I don' plan on using a lot of excerpts, rather I'll identify the topic, and then share and raise questions for consideration... maybe giving my own opinion, dependent on what is covered in that post. I will probably include other types of articles as well during the next week or so... But you can always check to find postings of recent additions... 

Some adjectives I would use for this book, outstanding research, timely, amazing, must-read, Affects all Americans, Has America Changed? Unknown Historical Events, Losing Democracy?

Saturday, March 19, 2022

Need a Fun Break? Check Out - The Music "Score" in Relation to Book Words - Spotlighting Niki Danforth's Hush Hush!

Merging music along with the words in a book is almost giving it movie quality as the words or the tune of a song runs through in the back of your mind as you learn how the main character uses music to support her efforts...especially if she is a PI!

Readers of Book Readers Heaven know that I'm a fan of this type of inclusion within the book narrative... Especially when I've loved the main character of the book! Ronnie Lake is my kind of woman! She's gone through a complete change in her personal and professional life, yet moves ahead to reinvent herself. First, she gained a friend and partner, Warrior... Then she started taking lessons and has garnered a Black Belt in Akido! Finally, she met a guy at those classes and almost became a cougar since there was a mutual attraction. It was she that decided that the age difference was too much for her to accept and, instead, they began to work together... Ronnie was interested in becoming a private investigator... Will was already licensed. So she began by helping him with his jobs... So, Will became her boss as well as friend...
Soooo, how does James Bond Come into the Story? Well, instead of accepting Will's attention as a life partner, she chose our first James Bond as her idol and counselor... After all, a woman needs to have somebody she enjoys interacting with as she ends each day... Of course, not everybody talks to that individual while bathing...
True, the main character, Ronnie Lake, spends her bath time with him... Seriously...dialogue included!
Ronnie has since become a licensed PI and has her first case, one which is a little more than a PI starts out working on. Nevertheless, when she is asked by the roommate of a local student who has disappeared, to find out where she is, Ronnie takes the job! Of course, the local police are also contacted when it was confirmed that the student was missing... So, this is the first book where she is intimately involved with the local officers.

“But what about you?” he asked, driving slowly through town. “Heard through the grapevine that you picked up a missing person case?” He looked straight through me with those gorgeous blue eyes that never failed to make my heart skip, even though our friendship was platonic. We also happened to work out together at the same Aikido dojo, although my black belt was considerably junior to his third-degree black belt. The dojo was actually where I’d first met him, and he happened to be a very interesting man, not just easy on the eyes. He and I always talked about all sorts of things, not only our investigations. “The grapevine?” I asked, pinning him back with an incredulous glare. “You mean the vast, interconnected network of private investigators who work the mean streets of rural New Jersey?” “Okay, you got me,” Will admitted sheepishly. “Rossi called me.” “What? That little snitch. Why would she call you?” “It’s actually gonna work in your favor if you’ll give me a chance to explain.” A small smile played at the corners of his mouth. “She’s really grateful about your tip regarding the missing person and the weird text messages. It may have even turned the tide in the investigation. This is no longer a possible runaway, they’re unofficially looking at it as a kidnapping.” “Well, that’s a relief. But how does that help me?” “I’m getting to that part. She didn’t specifically say I should or shouldn’t tell you the boyfriend’s name, so I’m telling you...

The actual words aren’t important, but it’s a tip-off that means we need the other one to call instead of text. Like maybe we want to get out of a situation, or we want to pretend there’s an emergency and we gotta get out of there.” “That’s actually a very smart safety move,” I answered, nodding. “I’ve seen quite a few social media posts recommending it. But go on.” “Yeah, but ours is really silly, it’s this song we heard once…” She paused, looking very vulnerable all of a sudden. This was no longer just two scared college students needing an understanding adult to dish out tea and advice. This had all the trappings of an actual case. She continued when I nodded encouragingly, my pen still poised over the paper. “It’s this song called ‘Loser,’ by Beck. It’s on satellite radio sometimes on this oldies channel. Anyway, we heard it one day and we liked it, and it became this kind of joke between us. When we need the other one, we text this line from the chorus and the other person knows to call and just go along with whatever we say.” “And what’s the line?” I asked, scribbling notes and ready to write it down. Jenae looked sheepish for a second, then continued. “I’m a loser, baby, so why don’t you kill me.” She started to sniffle, and Sally patted her shoulder. Good grief, I thought, that’s uplifting. “But after I started getting these messages from Mandy, I tried our code.” Jenae’s sniffle continued until she started to cry very real tears, and she choked back a sob. “I typed it, the whole loser part and everything, and she answered…” Jenae broke down, and Sally held her friend closer while she cried. I waited, but I really wanted to get the answer. I gripped my pen tighter. “Whoever is sending these messages didn’t know about our code. They wrote back, but it was something stupid like, ‘Haha, you’re totally not a loser! Why would you even say that?’” My pen tumbled from my hands and clattered to the granite countertop. Warrior’s and Peach’s heads popped up at the noise. They watched me as I scrambled to grasp it. I did and recovered by writing down the song lyric as quickly as I could. When I was finished, I sat up straighter but still at a loss for words. “So? Ronnie?” Sally finally asked. “Can you help?”

I pulled away from my house and clicked on my Bruce Springsteen playlist, still thinking about the frightened young ladies who’d come asking me to find their friend who might be in trouble. I turned up the volume on “Tougher Than The Rest.” Well It's Saturday night You're all dressed up in blue I been watching you awhile Maybe you been watching me too Of course, I would take the case. 


Truth be told, I also loved how little traffic drove these streets when it wasn’t rush hour. It gave me the confidence to sing along to my music at the top of my lungs, in this case Michael Jackson’s “Beat It.” It was becoming an anthem of sorts at the beginning of a new case, spurring me on whenever I’d come up against the usual roadblocks.


As I drove home listening to Pat Benatar’s “Hit Me with Your Best Shot,” my mind drifted over the conversation with Marilyn and Mrs. McDowell. No plans to leave D.C. after her husband’s resignation… “A paid snoop,” she’d said…and that callous reporter…everything about today’s lunch had been unsettling, to say the least, and more than a little bit off. What was her problem? Oops! Excuse Me... I used the bath scenes for Sean Connery--not--Ronnie Lake's artwork... My Blog, My Rules...LOL The more of Sean Connery, my favorite James Bond Actor, the Better!

After all, this case could be life or death, and I did my best thinking under the watchful eye of my black-and-white poster of Sean Connery as Agent 007, hanging in its frame on the bathroom wall.

I turned on my music and started with Heart’s “These Dreams.” I’ve always loved the wailing anthems and harmonies of the two sisters, and the music kick-started my creative and analytical thinking. I placed two giant poster boards and a marker on the tile floor next to the tub—I have a knack for being a visual thinker—and as water filled the tub, I scribbled some notes on the first one about the subject of my investigation.


Kidnapper? Or Killer? My thoughts were turning dark, and fortunately a more upbeat tune (if not exactly the lyrics) started to play, America’s “Sister Golden Hair.” I took a careful sip of my wine, making sure not to spill it in the tub. I sat up a little higher and noticed my dress from Marilyn’s luncheon still hanging on the back of the bathroom door... 

Yeah, this isn't a pic of Ronnie Lake but she is known to talk on the phone while bathing...

I stared up at the photograph. “James? Come on, talk to me. Back to this Mandy case. It’s a little bigger than some of my other ones. Don’t let me down now.” At the sound of my desperate tone, Warrior came into the bathroom and put his paws on the edge of the tub. I smiled at my faithful friend and rubbed his ears gently.
“Oh no you don’t, you’ve had your bath! After your little mud splash today, it’s a wonder that I managed to get you clean!” I stopped, my hand poised in midair as the hair stood up on the back of my neck. Warrior whined softly at my sudden silence and the change in my expression. “How did I miss that? Thanks James. I’ll get back to you about the missing young lovers later.” I stood up from the soapy water and grabbed a towel. “Come on, Warrior, we’ve got to go. And you’d better stay clean this time!”


I turned on one of my phone’s playlists to get me psyched and it started with, “Money for Nothing” from Dire Straits. It helped my frame of mind, because I despise P.I. “grey areas” like this one; I was sifting through someone’s private property and there was a very good chance she wouldn’t approve if she were standing in my bathroom. I had to use reason here instead of emotion. Would I want someone to exhaust every possible avenue if I were the one missing? You bet. I began opening apps one by one, figuring out which ones were her most widely used, which ones were still logged in, which ones might provide even a glimmer of a clue as to her whereabouts. I’d need to get out, dry off, and fetch my notebook for any of this to prove useful, but at least it was a starting point. Even just knowing where she’d shopped last could help.


This morning, he stayed practically glued to me. The BeeGees’ mellow “Massachusetts” played in the background while I casually threw my hair up in a messy ponytail and pulled on some old comfy clothes. I washed a few dishes, tossed in a load of laundry, then finally settled down with my notebook. The pictures I’d gathered from Mandy’s phone were arranged neatly all around the kitchen table. I raided my stash of giant poster boards and set to work on piecing together what I knew. I put Mandy’s board at the start of my line-up...


The background music had switched over to Phil Collins’ “In the Air Tonight,” his voice and the drums spurring me on. I stood up and stretched, reaching for the ceiling. In any investigation, there were occasionally moments when it all clicked. Those were rare, and they could almost leave you feeling like you had no hand in the case at all...


I opened the passenger door, and Warrior jumped onto his blanket. I turned on Pat Benatar’s “All Fired Up” and we were out of there. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I kept hoping that this case would be a silly metaphor for the year, that somehow the clouds would open up and release the rain if I could put all the pieces together. The symbolism of the rain might be a childish thought, but I was on my way to solving this case, I was sure of it. I started the car. I turned off the ignition... What was I doing?


It was time to leave. “See you around, Detective Rossi.” I got into my repaired nondescript work SUV feeling pretty good about how this had all turned out. Rossi gave me a wave and got in her vehicle. It seemed like the perfect moment to turn on some music. This time I chose the pounding instrumental start of Survivor’s “Eye of the Tiger.” turned up the volume, and drove away from the airport, singing about the “thrill of the fight” at the top of my lungs.

My personal thanks to Niki Danforth for creating such a badass female character and a funtastic series! I've read the entire series, always starting from the first if I can... I recommend you do that too.  This is the third in series... I just might do another one like this... What do you think? Did you enjoy learning about the main character's use of music during her work activities? Let me know! This one, by the way, was my personal favorite...