2 Thoughtful Thursday 1/31/13

I have to say that being thoughtful has happened to me a lot over the last few days.  I have been working on my Grandmother's Stash to get things listed, but right along with all the things I am listing are things that my Grandmother and I made / bought / or worked on together.  For me it is very bitter sweet.  I truly miss my Grandmother, she and I were very close and had so much in common.  So, I'll show off my grandma - she is never to far from my heart or thoughts!!

Grandma and I

My Grandma

THREE generations of KRAFTY ladies!  My Grandmother, my Mother and myself.

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Next it is my privilege to be able to share with you the SECOND 1/2 of the interview with Lisa Wingate.  If you would like to read the first 1/2, you can here... Wacky Wednesday post.  One of the things that also make these books wonderful is that in the back of each one there is section of Discussion Questions.  This is for book clubs and groups to be involved even more in the 'life' of the book...I read them too!!

6) Firefly Island delves into some particularly timely issues, including a political scandal.  Where did you get the idea for the events that eventually threaten Mallory’s marriage and her new life?

Stories are stitched together in so many ways.  With every story I write, the end result is equal parts pre-plotting and serendipity.  The political scandal in Firefly Island was largely a product of serendipity and timing.  As I was writing the book, a local controversy was brewing in Central Texas.  I learned about it when I happened to attend an event in my hometown and sit next to someone who’d been fighting a David-and-Goliath style battle against political powerbrokers.  While the events in the story were only partially inspired by the ugly reality brewing, that little nugget of local intrigue  generated the perfect challenge to Mallory’s newfound life – a battle that she, with her experience in national politics, is uniquely suited to fight.

7) What do you hope readers take away from their journey to Firefly Island?

At its heart, even with the larger issues of political scandal and local challenges, Firefly Island is a story about families, friendships, about community--how it develops and why we need it.  Human beings are, at the most basic level, communal creatures.  There’s so much evidence that people are happier and healthier, that we’re more generous and open with one another, that families are stronger and children achieve more when strong ties of friendship and community are there.  These days, technology, busy schedules, and an on-the-go lifestyle compete with relationship-building activities, chipping away at the very thing we need the most.  So often, our society tells people that success is in not having to rely on anyone, but we were created to give and take, to need each other. I hope that Firefly Island provides a challenge to all of us, to see what we can contribute and what we can gain from the people we cross paths with in our neighborhoods and communities.  

8)Are you an avid social networker? Where can people connect with you online?

I love getting to know readers and new friends across the miles.  People can find me on:

 Twitter:   http://twitter.com/#!/lisawingate

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lisa-Wingate-Readers-Circle/132187520154779

Blogging Mondays at: www.SouthernBelleView.com

My website: www.Lisawingate.com

9) When you're not writing, what's your favorite way to spend the day? 

My favorite days are the ones spent hanging out with my sweet boys, doing almost anything outdoors.  Really, the best times in life are the simple, quiet ones with family.  As a mother who ordered girls but got boys, I have learned to go along on all the slimy, muddy, leafy, dusty adventures that boys crave.  Usually, I'll be the one with the bug spray, sunblock, and goofy-looking sun hat, toting the marshmallows and Hershey bars, and looking for a place to make smores.

10) Anything else you'd like to add?

Just "Thank you," really.  As much as I Iove writing, the story only begins with the writer.  It takes flight when a reader brings it home and dives into the pages.  I treasure each reader who gives my imaginary friends a home.  Without wonderful, book-loving people, I'd just be some crazy lady, sitting in front of a computer, hearing voices and talking to people who really don't exist.  Under some circumstances, they'll call in the men in the white coats for that sort of behavior, but thanks to kind, book-loving friends, I get to be a writer rather than a mental case.  It's such a joy, and one I've dreamed about since the first grade, when the wonderful Mrs. Krackhardt wrote on my report card, "Keep that pencil moving with that wonderful imagination.  I'll see your name in a magazine one day!"

Which brings up the last thing I guess I'd like to say.  If you get the chance, hug a teacher today.  Teachers are so often underpaid, overworked, and not given nearly the respect they deserve.  Without teachers, there would be no writers, no doctors, no bridge builders.  Teachers create the dreams by creating the dreamers.

I'm thankful to all the teachers and all the readers who have made my dream come true.  Without them, Firefly Island would still be just an idea, or maybe not even that.  The real-life people who share the story circle with me are truly the greatest blessing of all!  

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 I have a new listing today!!  This one was done it a 'western' theme!  The necklace is VERY long at 42 inches - and does not have a clasp!!  The bracelet is also a 'one size' fits all!!  It is fun and very easy to wear!!  What do you think??

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And here is my Flowers in a Row Bracelet... it is really coming along!!  You can watch it 'grow' on on my Fan Page or Google+ page throughout the day.

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Today's featured artist is: AndreaDesigns.  This amazing artist has been knitting for most of her life.  Like many of us she has made a 'life' of it.  With all the selections of yarns and fibers in her new home - in the United States - she fell in love all over again with knitting by hand.  And, you can tell.  One look at her studio and you'll see so many wonderful, bright and WARM creations!!  Remember, always support handmade artists, if you can - they create out of LOVE!!!

http://andreawdesigns.blogspot.com/

https://twitter.com/AndreaDesigns1

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Andrea-Designs/261799940252?ref=share

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Today I am going to leave you with this thought;

From a grandmother - or mother - to her daughter,

I remember how you assured me everything would be okay - even when it felt like it was the end of the world.  And, you were right.  Thank you!