The Storyteller | Mary Vee

Photo by Mary Vee Advent 2016 has begun. Set aside the crazy aspects that take place, you know what they are, and think of the heart meaning of Advent with me.  Breathe in deeply. Hold the air. Slowly release. Ready? This is a time of wonder and preparation. Dedicate your thoughts for what is about to come: The celebration of the birth of Christ the King. Feels good, yes? For all the traveling I've done, I can't say I've set foot in every state from the extreme east coastal soil of the United States to the west coast. I've come close, though.  Another thing I have not done was preach the Gospel in every state I visited. I haven't even eluded to the saving grace of Jesus Christ. The gift of eternal life. What brings all of this up? Well, I heard an intriguing talk about the Apostle Paul this week. In Romans, Paul said the Gospel had been preached to the world. He had preached to the area from Illyricum to Jerusalem and had plans to head t

I met Michelle through My Book Therapy. She is a regular instructor for the Monday night chats. I couldn't wait to meet this wonderful lady in person at the conference. She manned the My Book Therapy booth, reaching out to writers to encourage them. At the MBT Western Theme Pizza party she wore her duds and had fun, even took a pic with me. She is a cheerleader, a supporter, an encourager, and someone who knows how to make you smile...and today Michelle shares this with us: Childhood Stories Photo by Mary Vee If you’ve ever lived in a small town, you might understand how I began to love stories. Small town folk are required to have an active imagination if they're going to stay busy.  As a pastor’s daughter, I spent a lot of my years in small towns. I saw the stories of families told at local cafes and the exaggerated tales of giant fish, 12 point bucks, and big foot.  People can light up the room when they tell a story. Everyone is drawn closer to hear the

Not all that long ago, men and women were hired to keep the light/candle burning in lighthouses.  They couldn't leave. If the light went out a ship might crash on the rocks and all on board perish.  Fog, storms, night all provided reason for the lightkeeper to maintain the lights. Many keepers lived with their families on the main floor, some lived in a home within a short walking distance.  Each one understood the severity and urgency of their job. Keep the light burning and save lives. Captains and sailors used each lighthouse for navigation, or ticked of completed portions of the journey . . .closer to home. In some cases the spouse would go to town for groceries. In others, the lighthouse was so remote groceries had to be brought by boat by those on the mainland. It took a special personality to be a lightkeeper. Enduring the quiet days and long winter nights, entertaining children who didn't have neighbors, no clubs or social events nearby, etc. Yet I don't re

I first met Cynthia..wait, I can't tell you, she is grabbing the keyboard away from me. It was a funny moment, one I will let her tell. Since that moment we have encouraged each other in writing and our personal lives. I am thankful for Cynthia, you'll see why in her words: Survival I initially met Mary Vee at the 2011 American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) conference in  St. Louis .  Mary and I couldn’t help but notice each other; you might say we had a “meeting of the minds.” The very last night of conference, right before the awards gala began, our eyes fell upon each other in a mutual “I can’t believe it” moment. Yep. That’s right. We’d unknowingly committed  the  social faux pas that’s driven many women to the brink of horror: we were both dressed alike! We’d chosen the same lovely white and black sequined jackets and color-coordinating black attire to accompany them. Some gals might have stalked away unhinged, but blessedly, we saw the humor in the situ

The last few weeks, words have been spoken in incredibly selfish ways. Opinions have blurted from lips without any respect to those listening or even the bystanders.  Bullying. Violence. Sigh.  Once upon a time two men living in two different countries in two different periods of time had a problem with the actions of their government. Each man thought through the problem and constructed a plan. They had a charisma, not good looks so much, instead, they each had a strong, creative mind and a devoted spirit to see their cause through to the end. This created an infectious following because their words rang true.   Thousands of their countrymen followed them in peaceful demonstrations, giving up time and devoting what they had to promote the cause.  Both men emphatically called for continued peaceful demonstration. A gathering to proclaim their issue with civility. No fighting. No killing. No looting. And if any of it sparked, the two men spoke heavily against it, squel

Today we give honor to all veterans by talking about those who fought  in Italy the day before Normandy. Photo by Mary Vee The day before the final battle to end WWII, American soldiers fought with  other  nations to oust the Nazi regime from Italy. The battle is little remembered because the great focus on Normandy. But the Italians haven't forgotten this sacrifice. Our guide stood before this field of crosses and passionately shared how these soldiers, most in their young twenties, never had a chance to go home and get married, kiss their girl, see their baby, go to college. They never had another Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Valentines Day. Instead, they gave their lives for a desperate cause. His vivid words brought tears to every man and woman in our group.  But the sacrifice of these soldiers came one day before Normandy and so isn't remembered. So I am sharing today. This was the battle the Nazi's were forced to leave Italy. A day the Ital

Election Day. A freedom so many have fought to give us. So many in other countries wished they could free do with secret ballot. I know, the choices are mind boggling. This year, more people have toiled over who to vote for. Both major party candidates have serious flaws creating problems for party alliance and independent voters. The mud slinging has escalated to a new high leaving the people of America without clear ideas what the candidates will do   in the office. Sigh. Still.  We need a president. And God can and will accomplish His plan with whoever is elected. The next four years are already known to Him. So, if you haven't yet.... Please vote. It is our right. It is our duty as American citizens To vote. Please make a choice and cast your ballot today if you haven't already.

I can’t explain what happens when you know you’re living the life you’re supposed to be living, only that it’s the best kind of freedom imaginable...Ashley Clark Ashley Clark is my dear friend from the Writer's Alley. Her smile and bubbly spirit could lift any grumpy heart and brighten a day beyond the nothingness. Today, Ashley is opening her box of pure encouragement. Enjoy!   The Best Kind of Freedom Imaginable First I want to thank Mary for having me on her blog today! I feel so blessed to know her as a fellow Alley Cat and as a friend. I guess you could say I have always been a writer. I can remember watching through the windows of my parents’ car when I was young, dreaming up stories about the people who passed by.    I’ve always loved language, thoughts, and ideas. And who can forget library story time? But fiction writing? For a long while, I never thought that was something I could do. Academic writing? Sure. Article writing? You bet. But  creative  wri