Fictitious Friday Finale!

In two days, on All Saints Day, I will announce the winner of the Fictitious Friday giveaway!

STARBUCKS & A SUSAN MEISSNER NOVEL??
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What a treat!

Read on, answer the question in the comments, and enter for the LAST CHANCE TO WIN!!

I have had so much fun sharing bits of my favorite character's heart....ok, she's a real historical figure, but I have glammed her life up a bit--if you can consider just letting her live a bit glamourous.

Back in the 16th century, if you walked into a lesson (by a tutor, not a school teacher), you might find a Classical lecture on Plato or Aristotle, you know, those Greek guys waaaay back when?
And Lady Jane is known to have been a well-versed student, a studious young lady, a gal with her nose in a book.

In my novel, Lady Jane Lives, I do not change this about the reprieved queen, but I illustrate her heart with such knowledge. Here is our final peek, until you might read the whole story for yourself some day!

So, final question, 

Have you seen the old movie LADY JANE with Helena Bonham Carter and Cary Elwes?

They were young ones back then. It was my favorite movie in high school, and I tried my hardest to bring a fresh, new rendition of the Nine Days Queen upon the pages of my novel. But I soooo love that movie still and appreciate its accuracy, besides the gorgeous love story!

If you haven't seen the movie, please share your favorite love story...it could be yours, or a fictitious one!

See you back here on ALL SAINTS DAY to announce the winner!!

Happy Fictitious Friday!

Teen iPhone Be Gone: TBT with a Lesson

Waaaay back in the Nineties:

When I was in high school...maybe middle school (but I doubt it)... I would talk on the phone for hours--into the wee hours of the morning....on the WEEKEND. I didn't just play around after school on the phone. I didn't have instantaneous chats with my friends at all moments of the day. The drama of school and gossip and stressors was literally left at the school curb.

Flashforward to Present Day:

There's only one thing that my husband and I can take away from our teenage son as a consequence...have any guesses?

His iPhone.

Yep. That is his entertainment, his social media link, his chat board with friends, his radio, his calculator his...everything.

I have heard it said that teenagers actually NEED social interaction with their friends on a frequent basis. That, it helps with self-esteem and growing up. Isolating them is a no-no, because they feel out of the loop with the going-ons at school, peers, and the world.

I know EXACTLY how that might feel. It's no fun to be an island. So, I have been very careful when it comes to dishing out a consequence that involves taking away the device.

But you know what, sometimes the popular parenting research doesn't measure up to the uniqueness of your kid, your situation, and your own experience as a teen waaaay back when.

The other day, my son earned a major consequence....and like I said before, the only thing that's major to him, is his phone. Usual punishment is to limit his time on it more than normal. Don't want to isolate the poor boy (um...please coat that last sentence in syrupy sarcasm). But his behavior deserved a major kick in the SD card...seriously. I would have thrown the stupid phone in the trash if it didn't cost so dang much.

While our son stewed upstairs, wondering what our new terms would be for his lost attachment to his palm...my husband skimmed through his texts and social media...yeah, you might not agree with this invasion of privacy, but that's a whole other blog post.

You know what? All those things I mentioned that I left at the school curb in my day?? My son brings home with him...and they are with him from the time he steps into our "safe place" (read my last post if you wonder), until we pry the dang thing from his hands before bed. No wonder the kid has been a bear to live with! The kid has the weight of the social pressure with him all day, all afternoon, and all night long!

So, we've taken his phone without telling him when he will get it back. And honestly, I don't know if I want to even go there yet.

The kid has been....a kid again. He has been relaxed, happy, goofy, and actually talkative. The stress has literally been cut off with the power button.

In this new frontier of technology gripping the minds, hearts, and hands of our kids, is the consequence of going with the flow bigger than the privilege of living in such convenience?

I am sure my son will get his phone back...eventually. But it's going to be with much different restrictions than before.

I like having the kid back. This Throwback Thursday is pre-iPhone, pre-social media, pre-teen. Because sometimes, the past has its perks.

If You Let Us: A Parent's Cry To Parent

Son,

It's been a hard year. School's not as safe as it used to be. You used to say, "School's not about being social, it's about grades." And now, the social monster has scared away the focus on anything real.

Your heart is on a battleground and other kids are poking and prodding and trying to see just how tough it is. They don't know what they are doing, but it feels like they are winning a fight you didn't sign up for.

Your dad and I know what it feels like. Even though you think we don't understand...

We do.

It's a heart attack that nobody is ever prepared for. It's a fact of broken humanity that always seems like a blow...even if we say it could happen, even if the counselors warn you against it.

This battle just pulls you off your feet and makes you feel like an ant about to be smushed.

Being on the defense hurts on a battleground that appeared to be neutral. Starting from scratch is no fun when you've grown so much.

But there's something that Dad and I can do. There's a way we CAN help.

If you let us.

We can provide for you a safe place. When you enter these walls, we can give you sanctuary. We are here for you. And we want to talk. There's only a few things we ask:

Can you be honest when we ask "How was your day?"

Will you take a deep breath before you give in to anger?

And will you at least try and consider our advice- honest, well-thought out advice- before taking that next step?

That's all.

We just want to close the gap in our communication. We want to have this partnership with you in growing up. It's kinda what we're meant to do...just like you are meant to get through school, maybe find a sport or hobby, and grow up.

We've gone through the same growing pains as you. And right now, we are freed up to share in yours. To share...not take them away from you. That's not our job...and it's not in our ability. There's Someone who knows best. And He's the Guy who put us here to share in them with you.

Bud, we feel your pain, and we hope to ease your heartache by being your advocate, your safe place. We can help you grow stronger and wiser.

If you let us.

(Mom&Dad)

Upcoming Friday Series: Nano Newbie!

This week is the big finale of Fictitious Fridays!

 I am soooo excited to find out who will get the giveaway prize!

STARBUCKS & A Good Read?

Be sure to come by on Friday and have your last chance to enter to win.

Stay tuned for my next series as I participate in Nanowrimo 2015!

50,000 words in a month? I have just the book in mind... and it takes place when?? Any guesses?
Can't wait!

Writer, are you participating in Nanowrimo?

Fall Girl

My little girl is an enthusiast... 

She's a Fall Girl.

She squeals at the mention of pumpkin, or the newly crimson-colored leaves on the tree outside our house.

She dances around when I finally buy the ingredients for pumpkin pie, and she refuses bedtime until we make it (I sit here right now, smelling it in the oven while she could no longer stay awake for a taste).

Each day, she begs for hot chocolate and Halloween decorations. 

Her bright blue eyes become even brighter at the mention of the word "fall", the sight of hay bales, or the advertisement of an apple orchard or pumpkin patch.

My little girl LOVES Fall.

And I am so glad the sweet Midwest native gets to experience to the full!