Scribbles and Scrambles ~ Thursday Notes to Self -- and You

Indulge me while I rant.

I work in a medical clinic. My co-workers and I often have to gather information or give patients instructions. Important ones, unless a patient doesn't care if they have to repeat a fasting blood test, etc. etc. We've discovered this out-of-control phenomena wherein a high percentage of patients have a cell phone surgically attached to their head. Or maybe it just seems like it.

My favorite was the day I had a patient positioned in front of the x-ray box, lights off, target in place and the cell phone rang. Patient says, "I have to get that," just as my finger readied to press the button of no return. After what sounded like a life and death important conversation, NOT, we continued. We've posted signs, which people don't read, regarding our policy prohibiting cell phones in our exam rooms.

My three kids all work in people service industries and they say it's a problem there, too. One lady glared daggers at my daughter because she asked for ID with a check payment.

So for the sake of peace and for the love of common sense...could we all make a pact to put down the cell phone when making transactions or interacting with a live person who needs to help us in our activities of daily living? Unless, of course, you are formulating the cure for cancer, solving world hunger or ushering peace into the world...in those situations, I'll gladly wait.

Next thought....

Our son and daughter-in-law were married three years ago yesterday. Whoa! Where did that time go? They are a great couple and we love to be around them. So our gift? Hee,hee,hee, or shall I say gift with strings? A dinner or lunch on us and WITH us. Who needs stinking gift cards?

Last thought...

I hope not, maybe I'll say last thought I'll write about.

I find it extremely cool that people are discovering new authors and great books through book reviews, first chapters and interviews on the Dregs. Today a friend waxed enthusiastically about two books I blogged, ones she has now added to her "to read" list. Several weeks ago another friend told me she bought a book on CD because of my recommendation of the author's work.

Of course, this also stirs my angst... Oh, the crushing responsibility of it all.

Serials and Scenarios ~The Hunted

Mike will "visit" the Dregs on Friday. You won't want to miss his Q & A. In the meantime read the first chapter of The Hunted, visit Mike's website and click on the cover to visit the Amazon page for even more reviews and info.



My Review:


Advice to supernatural thriller fans -- pick up The Hunted, sink your teeth into it, and prepare for a wild ride. Debut author Mike Dellosso's prose is solid and descriptive. His characters are well-drawn, distinctive and believable. Twisted and fast-moving, the story delivers plenty of creeps and thrills. Dellosso delivers a solid plot line that intensified in the heart of the book and carried through to the end, no soggy middle here. Issues of faith were handled honestly and with sensitivity.

I whipped through The Hunted often reading "just one more chapter" and am giving it 4 enthusiastic stars. I found The Hunted to be a very well-written, intense first novel and I'm looking forward to reading more from Mike Dellosso.

Chickens, consider yourselves warned. You may find some scenes to cluck about...

Serials and Scenarios ~ Deep In the Heart of Trouble

I don't have a review or interview, but here's an opportunity to read the first chapter of Deeanne Gist's new novel. Deep in the Heart of Trouble.

You can drop in at Amazon, read a review here and here, or visit Deeanne's website.

I do look forward to reading Christy Award winning Deeanne's stories.

Serials and Scenarios ~ Parenting

I read and reviewed this book months ago and posted my review at Amazon. I just haven't gotten around to posting it at the Dregs yet, and now I'm glad I procrastinated.

Apparently someone has gotten hold of this book and sent out an alarm. Read the reviews and you'll understand what I mean.

Here is my review:

Absolutely the most informative parenting book I've ever read.

Regardless of your parenting philosophy, regardless of the age of your kids, I highly recommend you get your hands on a copy.

I have been a long-time Rosemond fan. His common sense "parents need to be the decision makers" advice has saved me headaches over the years. Our children have survived and thrived in spite of an occasional spanking and a heavy consequence here and there. Even though we see success, we are not done yet, and it seems that not all children are identical and what works with one might not work for the others. So, in the midst of kicking my own parenting behind and feeling like a failure, I picked up Parenting by the Book.

Rosemond begins the book with a breakdown of the psychology of parenting. Why do we seek expert opinion? Well, lots of reasons, most having to do with a lack of confidence in how we handle situations with our children. None of us wants to leave a permanent negative mark on our children's developing psyches. But Rosemond, a highly trained psychologist, takes all the conflicting advice, parental guilt, child manipulation and sheds a spotlight on it.

Once the flaws and untruths are revealed, he rebuilds the foundation of child-rearing with care and clarity. Oh, it's not easy. But it's a whole lot easier than what is being sold elsewhere.

Consider yourself warned, though. You need to be very aware that the old-fashioned approach to child-rearing as presented by Rosemond will likely step all over your psychologically in-tune toes. The Biblical components in this book may offend you, also. I loved the fact that Rosemond shared his journey from fringe to faith, other readers may not.

You honestly owe it to yourself to read this book. If you have ever paged through a Consumer Reports before buying anything, consider the value of a child and the value of your own sanity. Beg, borrow, or buy this book.


And I still stand behind it. This is why...we need to know the truth behind the teaching we embrace, don't we? Look at the big debate on evolution vs. creation or and intelligent design. Look at the political arena. I want to at least have the basic facts before making decisions. What mindset is behind the current and recent past child-rearing gurus?

I've been a Rosemond fan for years. Not because I consider my children as "better seen than heard" but because I love them enough to want to help them to have the best possible grip on life. Rosemond considers spanking a tool that occasionally might need to come out of the toolbox. So do I. Much of the Amazon hub-bub is over self-esteem. Rosemond mentions studies that show a high self-esteem in bullies and prisoners (which I've seen elsewhere). I'm all for a child feeling loved and accepted, but a child who has taken center stage in his own mind may find that the fall in later years is something he is ill-prepared to weather. Self-respect is a much greater goal.

I'm not a child-rearing expert on any level, other than the one wherein I have three children who have been spanked, and disciplined in love and are pretty solid citizens. They have also been delighted in, enjoyed, and cherished. Had they been allowed to rule the house, or if their self-esteem had been the primary concern, or if our marriage revolved around them, I don't know that they would have become who they are. And I wouldn't trade one bit of who they are for the emptiness of self-esteem. If you agree with me, go visit the page and vote on whether you find the reviews helpful, then get a hold of the book, read it and write your own review if you feel led.

Super Cinema Saturday ~ Bella

Bella far exceeded my expectations. Because it was promoted by pro-life and religious groups, I wondered if it would be stronger in message and weaker in art.

This film is a slow moving unveiling of wounded characters that are so full of longing, fear and regret that they limp through life with crudely constructed walls to protect their crushed hearts. Does anyone really know either of them? Apparently not.

Nina is terrified and pregnant and newly unemployed. Jose enters the picture as a friend when she needs one the most.

One day plays out but past and future appear throughout the day in memories and conversation. A final scene pulls the film together. Interactions with other characters enrich the film. Not only do we understand Nina and Jose, but we are given glimpses into the choices and relationships of secondary characters.

Fans of quick action movies are going to want to pass. Much of this film is characters talking and doing little else. This is a rich study of the strengths and weaknesses in humanity. The acting is impressive. The story of friendship and grace is powerful.

If you are looking for poignancy and a movie that will make you think, I believe you'll find those qualities in Bella. One scene in particular is heart wrenching and involves a child, so you might want to preview it before letting your young children watch it. Though characters were frustrated and angry in the movie, I was pleased to note, that they expressed themselves without flying F-Bombs.

Scribbles and Scrambles ~ Small World

I live in a city in Iowa. Really. We have interstates (two intersecting ones to be exact. We also have huge issues with drug traffic because of that connection.) Our Super Wal-Mart has been around for over a dozen years. We have a massive multi-screened theater and DSL. We aren't exactly snooty in the arts arena but we do have a hockey team and pull in some big entertainment names.

Right now you're probably scratching your head and wondering why I'm telling you this.

A tornado ripped through a town just 45 miles away from me. A Boy Scout camp was in progress and four young men lost their lives.

The next day, as stories were shared and shock was expressed, I found that I know four people who are connected to these young men.

My metro area population is half-a-million.

The size of the world never ceases to amaze me.

One young man was homeschooled and his mom belonged to an organization with a friend from church. My daughter works with a woman who's related by marriage to another casualty, a second friend at church used to work with the father of a victim. My co-worker's youth group is home of a young survivor who lost a close friend in the tragedy.

My heart and prayers go out to these families who are so connected in this huge world. The ripples each of our lives make in that world is humbling.

Serials and Scenarios ~ Robert Liparulo's Newest

Robert Liparulo has visited the Dregs a few times. That alone makes him a great guy. Here is a link to all his visits. You can visit his website, click on the book covers to visit Amazon and here to read the first chapter of House of Dark Shadows. Suspense lovers of any age are going to want to click and check some things out.

My Review of:

Shadows.....

If you are thinking about buying House of Dark Shadows, you may want to go ahead and grab Watcher in the Woods because once you reach... "Not the end" you are going to want book two within reach. These books are quick reads, too. Don't say you haven't been warned if you have to wait for the next book, and don't expect a resolution of the King family problems in book two either. I may have to have a word with Bob or the publisher about possibly speeding up this series.

Robert Liparulo respects the YA genre by refusing to dumb down his storytelling mastery. House of Dark Shadows delivers rich characters, intense action and crisp setting along with a strong vocabulary. Adults are going to love these books as much as the teens they're written for.

Centered around a family that has "no secrets," the story starts with foreboding and provides bang after wham after sucker-punch as the reader discovers one secret after another along with the characters. More questions are left than are answered.

Shadows introduces the King family, all named after royalty, as they are moving from city to country...make that backwoods. Not only does Xander, the 15-year-old point-of-view character have to deal with leaving friends and a girlfriend, his dad is now his principal in the smallest school he's ever attended.

Xander's folks then find a house they fall in love with. Lots of room, and full of character, creepy noises, shadows and odd acoustics. What's not to love?

Xander discovers how very strange the house is as the entire family is plunged into the truth of the secrets.

The intensity of the themes may be too much for younger or easily frightened readers.


My Review of Watcher...

Watcher in the Woods is the continuing story of the King family.

David King, 12-years-old is facing huge traumas while attempting to keep the outside world from destroying his chance of happiness.

Grasping hold of the King family legacy of bravery, David dives into the unknown to save his family at great cost to himself.

From the first word to the final "not the end" I cheered and cringed for the Kings.

I hope the next book releases very soon. This is book two in the series I'm going to recommend regardless of age or gender. I'd also love to see it turned into a movie.

Easily frightened readers might struggle with the intensity, otherwise, this is a powerful story well told.