Community Love: Winners and a Blog Award!

We had four wonderful entries in this week's community contest - all so diverse and unique! Celebrity judge Laura Frantz had this to say about them:

"I am a terrible judge as I just LOVE them all!!"

Want to know what she means? Well, with the entrants' permission, I get to share them here with you so you can feel all the community love yourselves! So before I announce any winners, here are the four entries in no particular order:

Photograph Entry:

Submitted by Ariel from The Librarian's Bookshelf

Essay Entry:

Nerves coil in my belly and I take a shuddering breath. Is this really happening?
My knees turn to jelly and my hands quake in shuddering spasms. I slowly dial the numbers, for-certain sure this truly cannot be happening to me. I’m dreaming. It’s a mistake. She called the wrong number.
But she did say my name.
Good news.
It’s about my writing.
And it’s Susan May Warren on the other end of my answering machine.
“Hello, Warren Residence.”
“Susie?” My voice doesn’t sound like my own. It’s detached, distant and no amount of gulping is bring it back under control.
“This is she.”
“Hiii…This is Casey.”
“Casey! I’ve got good news for you! You’ve finaled in the My Book Therapy Frasier contest!”
Something within me breaks and the back of my eyes burn and threaten to leak. “Are you sure?” This can’t be true.
But it is. It is.
It. Is.
I hang up the phone a breath-taking five minutes later, I have to run out the door for my sister’s piano lesson is less than twenty minutes, but I instantly dial the number for my mom’s work.
I’m breathless as if I’ve run a marathon, grasping for air as though my throat doesn’t know how to work.
“Mama!” I squeal the news as best I can into her ear and I have to repeat myself several times over before it sinks into both of us.
I call my dad and the story repeats itself. All the time, the news is pounding in my head. I fire an email to a dear writing friend and run for the door with my sister in toe, determined to make her piano lesson. This is crazy! Is all my barely-functioning brain can compute.
Minutes later I swing into my mom’s work, still floating high on the euphoria that is sweeping my system like a cheap drug. I haven’t made it five steps into my mom’s work and “congratulations!” roll from the classrooms, reception desk and my mom’s office.
The news is spreading faster than a wild fire in a dry desert. I gulp, I smile wider than a mouth should be allowed and say “thank you!” at each opportunity.
I know these people. They’ve known me since I was in diapers and now they are celebrating in my success. Could it be anymore perfect?
I arrive home to a phone message from my dear writing friend and a squeal only one writer can give another when one of their own finds success. The grin is ever present, but I am humbled by the overflowing support.
I share the news on Facebook and friends spread the word on The Writer’s Alley, my group blog, Twitter. Can I wear out the words “Thank you”?
I determine it’s impossible.
Congratulations pour in, but it isn’t the praise that sweeps me away, it’s this amazing community of writers, friends and family. Many of them don’t know me that well yet, they’ve met me through one of my social networks, but they give of their love and support unconditionally. The kindness of people I’ve never met in person to sendme cards and warm congratulations
The kindness of strangers…but they aren’t strangers anymore. We are brothers and sisters in Christ, friends and family of the One True God, supporters even while one might be low, we are ready to lift the other up.
Community is often over-rated and under-appreciated. Not for me. Never again will I take for granted the friends I have made, the gift I have been given in a support that will not easily fade, wear away or rip asunder.
It’s family. It’s community. It’s all God.
###

Submitted by Casey from Writing for Christ

Poem Entry:

"Shared Tears"

Postponing the tear jerking task
As futile as trying to
Hold imminent tears at bay
Why doesn’t this pain retreat?
Time doesn’t heal, memories don’t soothe
I’ve left a thousand tears in this room
The sight of the silky films
Hugging shimmery satiny layers
Brings that familiar sharp sting--
Stoic eyes, straining not to weep.
We huddle around,
Dark granite contrasting light layers
Deft fingers brush over smooth, moist surface
Separating silk from satin.
A lone tear breaks free
A swift slushy staccato begs
My nose to join this tearful symphony
Twin rivulets trickle down my cheeks
I swish away tears
With the sleeve of my blouse
Will this stinging pain ever leave?
Years haven’t healed it.
The others sniffle somberly
Swishing away their own tears
A somewhat soothing salve
I step away to compose myself,
Prompting a fresh waterfall
Finally, the dreaded, mundane task
Everybody loves to loathe
Finds us swiping at the last tears.
Unspoken consent leaves
Silky remnants discarded,
While satiny layers are tucked away
For future use, future tears
With dry albeit red rimmed eyes
We quietly saunter away…
Blessed refreshing relief!
Till next time someone leaves us
A pail of onions to peel.

Submitted by Linda Maendel from Hutt-Write Voice

Photograph/Poem Entry:

Two Becoming One ...
embraced, enfolded, and upheld
by arms and hearts
that Love with
The Love
initiated by Father, Son and Holy Spirit
in community,
One with Another ...

Submitted by Sharon from Faith Hope Cherrytea

~ ~ ~

See how difficult it was for the judges to make a decision???

My mom and author Laura Frantz picked different entries for different reasons, and the third judge didn't get a chance to look over the entries (she had a wedding to attend, so she's forgiven!). ;) I almost thought I would have to do a random drawing in order to come to a decision! But thankfully my mom suggested my sister fill in as the third celebrity judge, and with her help we have a winner:

The essay written by Casey!

Congratulations, Casey! And to all those other entrants, your entries were all wonderful, and the decision was a difficult one. We appreciate your great reminders of the blessings of community. Thank you!!

And special thanks to our fabulous judges: author Laura Frantz, my mom, and my sister!!! ;) You all are awesome, and I'm so grateful for your help!

Oh, and there was one other giveaway for the interested entrants - the drawing for a copy of Mine is the Night by Liz Curtis Higgs. And the winner of this book is...

Faith Hope Cherrytea!

I hope ya'll have enjoyed this week of community! And I can't think of a better note to end it on than posting about a blog award given in love and passed on in love, as well!


I was given the Liebster Blog Award by three lovely bloggers: Cathy at Thoughts on Books, Casey at Writing for Christ, and Michelle at Sweet Treats & Inspiration. Thank you so much for the encouragement and support, my friends!

Be sure to check out their blogs if you haven't already! These ladies are so sweet!

Here are the rules for this particular award:

The Liebster is awarded to bloggers with less than 200 followers. It is an opportunity to shine the light on great blogs and their authors in an effort to build readership.

1. Thank the person who gave you the award and link back to them.

2. Give the Liebster Blog Award to five bloggers and let them know in a comment on their blog.

3. Copy and paste the award on your blog.

4. Have faith your followers will spread the love to other bloggers.

5. Have blogging fun!

Well, isn't this the perfect award for our community week? So let's share the love with five awesome bloggers!

~ Ruth at Booktalk & More: If you're looking for some fantastic reviews (especially for movies and T.V. programs like PBS Masterpiece), look no farther than Ruth's fantastic blog! Ruth is so awesome and thoughtful!

~ Julia at Dark Glass Ponderings: A sweet and caring person, Julia is a great friend and a great blogger! She's planning on focusing more on devotional-type posts in the future, to which I say bravo!

~ Casey at Operation Encourage an Author: I don't know if it's cheating to pass this award back to Casey through one of her other blogs, but I'm going to anyway! ;) This blog is so important, as it's a way for us readers to show our appreciation to authors. Be sure to check it out if you haven't yet!

~ Kav at Best Reads (2010-2011): Kav is super generous, writes great reviews, and is all around a wonderful person! I've so appreciated her friendship! And her blog offers AMAZING opportunities to learn about great books and maybe win some!!

~ Anne at Tales of Goldstone Wood: I have Anne's debut novel on my TBR stack, but despite the fact that I have yet to read it (and I can't wait to do so!!), I'm impressed by her blog and her sweet, humble attitude that shines through her posts. Many of her posts focus on her books, but that just makes me more excited to read them!

There you have it! You can show these great bloggers some love and extend our wonderful blogging community!

*Don't forget that tomorrow is the first day of the End of Summer Bash! And who's our first guest? None other than author Julie Lessman!!!*

The Community and the Whale

My last Sunday by the Sea post featured a whale in the Klamath River in Northern California. By the time I had the privilege of seeing her swimming below the bridge, her baby had already returned to the ocean. Many people were excited to see the mama whale and observe her majestic presence in the river. From locals to students from Humboldt State University, the whale brought lots of people to the bridge to marvel and to learn.

Sad to say, the mama whale never rejoined her baby out at sea. She passed away a couple of days ago.

I'd like to share a couple of quotes from an article in the Times-Standard here, as they fit this week's theme of community so well and show the positive side to this story:

"It brought a lot of laughs, smiles and a lot of conversation... She kind of liked it here. And, it appeared she liked people.”

"It brought many agencies and entities and concerned people together to work together to learn the abilities of each other and to know each other... We learned a little more about the science of whales, and the scientists learned a little bit more about the tradition of whales.”

~ Yurok Tribal Chairman Thomas O'Rourke Sr. ~

The Yurok tribe will be burying the whale "above the river near where she died."

If you're interested in learning more about the whale's story, please read the article on the newspaper's website. I got my information (and these quotes) from this article, although I had heard about the whale's death earlier from a friend.

My Review of Spring for Susannah

Here's a description of the book from the author's website:

"When Susannah goes to Dakota territory as a mail-order bride she finds something she never dreamed she would—true love.

With no prospects for marriage and her parents recently deceased, Susannah Underhill agrees to go west to the Dakota territory to marry her minister’s homesteading brother, Jesse. But Susannah is painfully shy, doesn’t see herself as worthy of love from either a husband or from God, and lives in constant fear that Jesse is going to ship her back to Detroit.

In spite of her petite size and the fact that Susannah doesn’t look like she could survive on the prairie, Jesse quickly discovers that his new wife is a greater blessing than he even hoped for. The years she spent as her father’s veterinary assistant allow her to save Jesse’s ox and twin calves and to help neighboring farmers with their animals.

But Susannah’s feelings of unworthiness are deeply rooted, and she can’t believe that Jesse’s praise—or the tenderness and love he shows—could possibly last. The thawing of her heart seems almost as distant as Spring in the midst of the winter blanketing the Dakota prairie."

My Rating: Summer

My Review:

From the moment Susannah Underhill steps off the train into the vast prairie-land of the Dakota territory, the reader embarks on an inspiring journey with Richmond's beloved and fascinating characters. Written with a sweet and open sense of honesty, Spring for Susannah is the story of a timid woman who has to learn to use everything she's been given to survive, and the man who loves her enough to encourage her to grow into the confident woman she can be.

Jesse Mason is a man who longs for companionship. He can't seem to stop talking and singing, giving him an unusual but irresistible charm. His experiences in the Civil War still haunt him, but he's still a man with vision and lots of love to share. His short prayers at the beginning of each chapter are heartfelt, and I love that Richmond offers the readers this endearing and authentic glimpse into his character.

His bride, Susannah, has a shy personality that clashes with Jesse's outgoing ways. Until Susannah finally starts to break free and live wholeheartedly - with a heart that "beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things" (1 Corinthians 13:7).

Spring for Susannah is a story full of history, romance, and vitality. Alternately harsh and beautiful, this book celebrates God-given perseverance and hope. A lovely and meaningful debut!

*With thanks to Thomas Nelson Publishing through the Booksneeze program for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.*

A Note About Community: In the time and setting of this story, people were scarce. But the characters that did call this part of the Dakota territory home formed a tight community - most especially Jesse, Susannah, and their homesteader neighbors Ivar, Marta, and their baby girl, Sara. I loved our hero and heroine's Norwegian neighbors and how they all had church services together, sharing a message, singing hymns, etc.

Here's a great quote from the book to illustrate the importance of community to the story:

"Last winter I tried to talk Jesse into leaving. Not anymore. I've grown to cherish the freedom, the openness of this land, the wall I plastered, the trees I planted. I can see God using me. Homesteading, building a community with people I care about..." (p. 321)

We Belong Together

Dear Blogging Friends,

What was my life like before March 2010? I probably spent a lot less time on the computer... ;) But seriously, I absolutely LOVE our blogging community!! Interacting with all of you has been a huge blessing in my life, and I'm so grateful to God for the dear friends I have made through blogging.

Thank you for taking the time to leave your comments, to send me e-mails, to pray for me, to cheer me on in my writing, and encourage me to seek God's will for my life. I pray that you have been as blessed by this blog as me!

The more I get to know all of you and spend time with you, the more I'm convinced that "we belong together" as a community of book-lovers and God-followers. I hope you agree. =)

Lots of Love,
Amber



P.S. If you missed it yesterday, click HERE to learn more about this week's community contest!

P.P.S. I'm over at The Borrowed Book blog today talking about various forms of writing and sharing one of the poems I recently composed. I would love to see you over there and hear your thoughts on poetry and the like!

(Video from YouTube.com.)

A Week of Community - Contest Rules!

Blogging is all about community. We follow bloggers that have similar interests as us, leave comments to join in discussion and encourage one another, and form friendships based on our commonalities. I love blogging!

So this week we're going to celebrate community in its various forms, from our blogging friends, to church groups and family. And to kick off the week, I invite you to enter a contest that will remind us of what we have to be thankful for in our relationships! (Please read carefully!)

The Community Contest

Basically, the premise of this contest is to create something - be it a photograph, a poem, a short story, a drawing, etc. - that in some way demonstrates and celebrates community. Here are the rules:

• You have between now and Wednesday night (August 17th) at 10:00 PM (PST) to e-mail me your entries at amberstokes@corban.edu. If your entry is not a written entry, just e-mail me a picture of it (or the photograph itself, if that's what you're entering).
  

• Your entries will be judged on two criteria: quality (ie: image quality, grammar, etc.) and theme (how well the entry incorporates the idea of community). It doesn't matter when you created your entry, as long as it's your own original work. Only one entry per person.
  

• One winner will receive a $10 Amazon.com gift card. The top 3 entries (or more, depending on the number of entries) will be posted here on this blog on Saturday, August 20th (either as images or as written pieces).

Who will be judging your entries? Let's meet our celebrity judges!

Laura Frantz

"Laura Frantz credits her grandmother as being the catalyst for her fascination with Kentucky history. Frantz's family followed Daniel Boone into Kentucky in the late eighteenth century and settled in Madison County, where her family still resides. Frantz is the author of The Frontiersman's Daughter and Courting Morrow Little and currently lives in the misty woods of Washington with her husband and two sons."

KC Frantzen

"KC taught fifth grade, worked for an oilfield supply company, a pharmaceutical company, then embarked on several entrepreneurial endeavors. She volunteers with a variety of projects, including the Joni & Friends Wounded Warrior Getaway.

KC and her husband enjoy traveling just about anywhere, which helps formulate ideas for her stories. The family lives in the Tennessee hills - two humans, two Arabian horses and several rescued dogs, including May."

Note: KC has a busy week ahead of her, so she might not be able to judge. But if she has the time, she and May are happy to be on board!

Brenda Stokes

That's right - I've recruited my mom as a celebrity judge! ;) Fisher-woman extraordinaire and an absolutely amazing mother, my mom has graciously agreed to help judge this contest.

One Last Note (Or Two):

Remember, I need your entries by Wednesday night at 10:00 PM in order to give our wonderful judges enough time to judge the entries. Yes, there is a prize, but most of all I'd love to have this be a fun way for us to creatively remind each other of the blessed joys of community in its various forms!

Bonus!

When you e-mail your entry to the contest, let me know if you'd like your name added to a bonus drawing for Mine is the Night by Liz Curtis Higgs. The winner will be determined using Random.org's "List Randomizer," so this drawing has nothing to do with whether you win the contest or not. U.S. residents only, please!

(With thanks to the publisher for providing a copy of Mine is the Night to give away to one of my readers!)

I know this is a lot to take in, so feel free to ask me any questions in the comments section! And be sure to return throughout the week for community-themed posts and book reviews!