Friday, February 09, 2007

What do you think? Your thoughts matter here ...

I am narrowing down the Title search (not for my house, for the blog). And I'm beginning to see it was a mistake to ask for ideas for the title. Don't get me wrong--I needed ideas & in a way, I'm glad I asked. BUT, I realize now that in so doing, I will have to actually choose one of these titles. No, that doesn't bother me because I think the titles are bad. It will bother me to choose one and NOT choose the rest! I'm one of those people that doesn't like to offend anyone or hurt their feelings. I hate confrontation or conflict or disagreements of any type. That can be bad when something really does need to be said and I don't want to do it because it might hurt feelings. I am learning (perhaps a little late in life, but better late than never) how to be more honest and discuss openly the issues I have with others so that they do not become huge chasms between us, destroying our friendship.

But I digress ... choosing a title is going to be difficult. I think I will be ready to have the new one up by Monday. So, if you can handle the suspense over the weekend, this should give you something to look forward! If you want to vote, or submit an idea, there's still time. My procrastinating nature will probably prevent me from choosing one until Monday morning. (Don't forget that you can vote on others that were submitted in the comments section of my last post)

I'll give you a hint ... since the flavor of my blog is a bit silly and lighthearted, that's probably where I'm going to head with the title. Though sometimes I wish I were more serious ... well, you know me. It seems I just can't help it.

I just love posting those surveys. I am so excited that so many of you respond to them. Some of you totally surprise me--either with your specific answers or just the fact that you answered at all! Why do you think I enjoy those surveys so much? (I know, but I want to see if YOU know)

I want to congratulate my son Nathan. Last week his teacher started a reward system that allows the children who earn a certain number of points each week a treat on Friday. Last week Nathan had an ice cream. Today Nathan is going to school in pajamas; his reward was having Pajama Day. He is very excited about getting to wear his Cars pajamas to school. It was a tough decision which ones to wear, as he got a few new sets of PJs for Christmas & he loves them all. But Cars won out. So, way to go, Nathan! I'm so proud of my little man.

Our next door neighbor, Bill, has been caring for his wife for the past few years. She has Alzheimer's and she is very far progressed with the disease. The other day an ambulance pulled up to the house, in no hurry whatsoever. I feared the worst had happened. I took some dinner over to him that night. When I walked in, he introduced me to his niece. We made small talk & then I told Bill that I wanted to bring him over something to eat. Wanda said, "well, Bill, why don't you sit down and tell us what happened? Is she gone then?" And I was thinking, "WHAT?! She seems way too casual about it all. And blunt. Good grief!" Well ... I'm very happy to report that she has not passed away, but was rather taken to a nursing home. However, Bill is not happy about this. Though I can see that his family thinks it is a better situation because of how difficult it must be to care for someone like his wife, who seemingly has no idea that others are around, and no one's even sure if she is aware of Bill. Except Bill. He is confident she knows she's around, he is sure that Alma knows they sleep together at night. He thinks Alma tries to talk to him. I'm not saying I doubt Bill; he surely knows Alma better than anyone else in this world. But no one else is sure about that. The decision for Alma to go to a nursing home was not Bill's. He is very upset about it. Apparently Social Services decided the matter and went to court to have it ordered. So ... I ask you to pray for Bill, because he really misses his wife.

There's a guy from my church who writes for the Roanoke newspaper from time to time. I started asking him questions about how he got started, how someone would develop some credentials to hopefully lead to writing for a newspaper, etc. After a few email conversations, he said that he wanted to help me get an article in the paper. He has some suggestions for getting started. When I'm ready to write an article, he'll help me edit it, and he'll put in a word for me with his editor. He wants me to start by writing an essay (or more than one) to read on public radio. Now that I actually have this concrete step to take, I feel frozen! I can't think of a topic. I don't even know where to start. Do I write a devotional-type essay? Do I write an essay about raising kids? Do I write a human interest story?

What do you think I should write about? (There I go again, asking for ideas)

19 comments:

Brian Nicklaus said...

I would start with kid or human interests. Create a presence, readership, then ease into devotional type stuff.

don't avoid it at first, but don't try to much and drive away the people who need to hear about God with the first article.

just one opinion

TREY MORGAN said...

I agree with Brian ... If you can do something on or about kids ... people love that stuff.

I think you'll do great on it.

And, I'm anxious to see the new blog title. How about a Texas blog title? Someting like, "Hey ya'll." or "Howdy from the North"

Did you guys going to school today?

Lisa said...

I should probably clarify that with "devotional-type essay" I meant more of a moral lesson to be learned. I agree that I don't want to start out hammering people with the gospel when they don't even know me or like me (yet). I will probably go with writing about kids, but I'm still not sure if I'll be writing with comedy about how funny kids are or writing on raising kids or something like that. I need to read other people's essays to see what kind of feel they're looking for. I don't know if any of the other authors use humor or if they just inform with their essays. I'm terrible--I don't know how to be original.

Trey, Texas blog title?? I may have roots in Texas (I think that means we're practically related, you & I--no wait, that'd be West VA), but I don't know how to do Texas. By the way, you think that I'm north now?! To me, this is south! I guess it's all relative.

The schools were back yesterday, though we've had delayed openings the past two days. The reason for the delay was something about giving VDOT enough time to clear the secondary roads. Hmm ... they went to school yesterday, but for some reason the roads had to be cleared off more this morning. Not sure 'bout that. Though I'm glad the school administration wants to make sure all the kids get to school safe.

Jennifer said...

I don't know what you should write about...write about something you know.

I do like the title of your blog now, Lisa. I just like its message.

laura said...

okay... i am seriously resenting the Texas comments!!! Good things DO come from Texas, I promise :) I echo the sentiments of others in saying you should start with what's close to your heart, family and being a mom seem to be close to your heart and mind these days so i would say start there and see where God takes you.

Lisa said...

I KNOW good things come from Texas, Laura ... there's you, Trey Morgan, my mom, my Nana & Grandy, ... and ... um ... I know there's more ... hang on ... I'm trying to think ...

SOOO kidding!! I LOVE YOU, LAURA!!

Pat said...

You might ask your friend to suggest a direction? Or here's a thought - something about your kids that ties to the region. People like to read about human interest and children, and they like to read about themselves, so Christiansburg, Blacksburg, etc.

I know the writer's block thing- Sandra Humphrey suggested I submit something to Christian Woman after I contacted her when she took over as editor. And I never did. Didn't know where to start, what topic to choose, etc.

So go for it and have fun with it! (And expect to be edited!!)

Anonymous said...

I have always heard it is best to write about things with which you are most familiar - at least to start. Your posts about the boys and their activities (and cute sayings) could be a starting point. As your mom pointed out, you could write about places you and Dan have visited in the area, or things you have done since moving to VA. Maybe you could write about Virginia Heroes Day after doing a good research, thus learning as you went along.

You can do it - have confidence like you did in starting your blog. Have fun with it. Nana

Brian Nicklaus said...

the apostle paul wasn't a texan because he "learned to be content in whatever state he was in" unlike any texan who always rambles on about how great texas is.

Loni said...

Wow, exciting! You may be writing for the paper sometime in the near future! I am really proud of you. I would never be that brave (of course I can't write like you can!)

Lookin' forward to seeing what you finally decide your new blog title would be. It sure has taken you long enough! Sheesh, they thought I was indecisive!!!

As an added note, on the first day of chapel when they had the flag ceremonies they announce the names of each of the states as each state flag is marched down the aisle. If I remember correctly, it was always a contest between Texas and Tennessee to see which could out shout the other!

Lisa said...

Ha! Good one, Brian.

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