Can't stop grinning

Forgive me for tooting my own horn a bit, but I just received an email that made me grin from ear to ear.

First, a little backstory. My third Harlequin Amish romance novel needed a lot of rewriting. This is because the completed manuscript involved a love triangle, written before I realized the Love Inspired line at Harlequin doesn't permit love triangles. Major groan.

This realization took place several months ago. I asked the editor at Harlequin if she could do a hasty review of a revised synopsis, which she did. She approved the revised synopsis, and I modified the first three chapters to complete the proposal. (A fiction proposal is always Synopsis + Three Chapters.) The working title for the story was "Eliza and Josiah" after the main characters.

When the proposal was accepted, I got to work revising the whole manuscript. And all the while -- writers will tell you this is a typical reaction -- I kept thinking, "This is ca-ca. It's nowhere near as good as my original manuscript."

But, deadlines being what they are, I got the revisions completed and sent in on time.

Then yesterday, out of the blue, I received the following email from my editor [note: Ruby is a secondary character]:

Happy Wednesday, Patrice!

I’ve just finished reading through Eliza and Josiah’s manuscript, and I have to say, you’ve done a really great job with this. I think it’s the strongest book you’ve written for Love Inspired so far. I particularly liked the ending, with Ruby and her broken ankle, and Eliza helping her. Loved it!

I’m very pleased with this, Patrice. Thank you so much for your hard work on the manuscript.

I’ll be sending it to a freelancer for line editing, but with the holidays, I’m not sure about timing. I’ll be out of the office starting Dec 23, so you may not see copyedits till early January.

Thanks again, and I’ll be in touch as soon as I can re: the next proposal. Have a great rest of your week! 

I can't begin to tell you how much this made me smile! What a major relief!

The new book will be entitled "Her Path to Redemption." I'm not sure of its release date, but I'll keep everyone appraised.

The ultimate curse

Reader Rob sent a charming email that concluded with what I thought was a wonderful "curse."

Ready?

"May you have a rich harvest of produce and familial love. It drives the feminists nuts!!"

Can I get an amen?

The true definition of 'rights'

Here's my WND column for this weekend entitled The True Definition of 'Rights.'

In response to the column, I got the loveliest email from a reader named Ray, who gave permission to reprint it here:

I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy reading your weekly article.

I get up on Saturday morning and it is the first page that I read. Upon completion, I smile and then I ponder on how I can use it this week. This weeks article gave a different insight that I can share. I usually call it stealing, but now have a different frame of reference.

Thanks and if you start a daily article, you know I will be reading it.

The power of willpower

A few months ago I received an email from a woman named Laura who had a question, and we fell into an email conversation. She told me a bit about her and her husband's story. They were living near Philadelphia and longed to move to north Idaho and start a homestead. As we chatted, I found myself deeply impressed -- not only by their attitudes and hard work in starting a home business, but by Laura's impeccable English (she immigrated from Romania when she was 18). They were working hard toward their goals -- learning, saving money, paying off debt, living frugally... in short, doing everything right.

A couple days ago, Laura dropped me an update: she and her husband are now the proud owners of a piece of property in the area! As you can imagine, they're thrilled to make the move and get started turning their new place into a small farm.

Laura gave me permission to post the following. I think you'll agree that these folks are taking the right approach toward moving rural.

As she says in her email, their story should be encouraging for all those who want to make such a leap. I wish them every happiness in their new home!

__________________________________

This has been our dream for the past two years... in preparation for it we have learned to can and "garden" on our tiny balcony, started cooking everything from scratch and stopped eating out, we have gone out to yard sales every weekend for an entire summer in order to gather cheap tools and watched many eBay auctions to get what we needed to start our homestead at a price we could afford. We saved every extra penny we earned from our jobs and worked very hard to build our businesses so we could afford to work from home when we would start our homestead.

We are now at the point where we will be able to sustain ourselves between our businesses and our savings and are confident that we can make it work. It'll still be a stretch but we now have confidence in our ability to be frugal. It is incredible to see all of our hard work finally paying off. We are beyond excited to begin this new stage in our lives.

If you'd like to share these last paragraphs with your readers, you are more than welcome to. If you do, I hope this will act as an encouragement to anyone who has a big dream of homesteading or living differently from the mainstream. We have gotten plenty of strange looks when people hear of our dream but we pushed through no matter what and now we are so glad we did. There were moments when we weren't sure if we were ever going to make it happen but it was all worth it in the end.

Thank you, also, for your wonderful advice and for conversing with me over e-mail for so long. It helped us narrow down where we would like to rent, and it also convinced us of just how nice and friendly North Idahoans are. I am very excited to be meeting more people there and making new like-minded friends in the area.

__________________________________

Congratulations to Laura and her husband!

Proud parents

Out of the blue I received a charming email from proud parents Billy and Marie, which I asked permission to share because it made me smile.
_______________________

Patrice:

First, my entire family thoroughly enjoys your WND articles, we read them every week.

Several weeks ago your article pertained to Home Schooling, we currently have three active students and my oldest daughter (20) finished up her High School curriculum when she was 16.

Please allow me to brag a little, my oldest daughter finished our program at 16, scored in the top 3% of the nation on her GED test, and worked a full time job as an Administrative / HR / Accounting Associate at the trucking company I worked at for 18-months.

She excelled and voluntarily departed to pursue her passion – writing. Last fall she self-published a book “Violet Eyes” under the name of Katharine Bond on Amazon.

The book she published is the first of a three volume series and while it’s not a “Best Seller” (YET), we are very proud of her and the limited feedback we’ve received is positive.

We could not imagine sending our children to Public School, we tried a Church School for my oldest when she was in 4th grade, not what we expected and resumed our Home School efforts in 5th Grade.

My daughter has excelled, we are not academic experts but my wife is committed and consistent and we use the best technology, curriculum, and instructional material we can and my wife approaches our Home School program as if it were a job (It is : - ))

Our home life and relationship with our children is enhanced by our Home School efforts and we will not have the issue facing us down the road of “wish I’d spent more time with my kids”.

When I set down to review their grades and home work; it’s a big deal for the kids and they receive the praise, coaching, and in some rare cases discipline necessary to keep them focused and productive.

In summary, anyone who does not Home School their family is missing out on the positive impact it can have on both children and parents.

Thank you for your continued efforts in promoting this outstanding practice.

Best Regards,
Billy & Maria

Kind words from a reader

It's been awhile since I received an email regarding my book The Simplicity Primer, so when I got the following, I was so charmed I asked permission to post it here.

Nancy wrote:

Hi Patrice,
Your book is amazing! I thought when I bought it that it was going to be a self sufficiency book about living in the country, etc. But I am glad that it is so much more than that. The best chapter so far (not quite done reading it yet) for me has been the chapter about husbands. I have used your suggestions and what a difference (for the better) it has made in my relationship with my husband, not to mention how much more help he has been to me since I tried your 'problem solving' approach for him instead of just nagging him to do something. We live on a farm so the more help I can get from him, the easier it is for me to get all of the my farm chores done plus work at my day job as a telecommuting software developer. Also the Silly Guilt, and the paper towel on the public restroom door describe me perfectly - sometimes I think we must be related! Just wanted to let you know I am really enjoying the book and plan to loan it to my daughter-in-law to help her figure out my son (clone of my husband) when I am finished. Thanks for a great read.

Ain't that sweet?

Some kind words

A reader sent me the kindest note. Brought tear to my eyes. Thank you for taking the time to write it, Janet.
______________________________

Patrice, once again I am indebted to you and your blog. Not just for the Cream Puffs (though I'm sure they are delicious), but for everything. Simply everything. As I log in to my PC daily I am assaulted with BAD NEWS from every angle, and I have my PC set this way so I can catch every sordid detail and remain 'on top of things' although I no longer know why this is important.

Well, I must tell you that I looked over the wealth of international bad news and bad lies waiting for me just now and I did what any sane person would do.... I jumped on over to your blog because I knew I would find a small corner of Eden. Rest for the soul. In the midst of all the worldly tremors and frights, we all need a good dose true daily life as God intended! I am comforted and uplifted to see photos of your new birthday calf (Congrats to both of you!) and your garden and canning jars and the milking stall. Thank you for providing a little bit of Heaven here on earth for us, especially in these days ahead.

As I write this, tomorrow is 9/11, and I will be spending at least some of it in prayer for our nation and what is ahead of all of us. As Elvis Presley once sang "I know not what the future holds, but I know Who holds the future, it's a secret known only to Him."

God Bless,
Janet in MA

Aww shucks....

I am trying (trying!) to catch up on my emails, and here's something I've been meaning to do for a couple of weeks: post some lovely charming notes from readers. After the hateful rhetoric from that nasty forum last week, notes like these are balm to a bruised ego.
________________________________________

Hello Patrice,

Alas, this is the first time I've ever written fan mail to a blogger, but I feel compelled to write you a small note.

I wanted to let you know that I am a huge fan of your writing, and I respect you immensely. I really mean that. Knowing your humility, I'd also say that I do indeed realize that we all have our faults and no one is perfect, but you still deserve much respect. Your articles are a refreshing reminder of certain values that are becoming (unfortunately) increasingly rare in this world. You speak articulately and intelligently, and I find myself being challeged in the ways that I plan to raise my children and conduct myself as a husband and soon-to-be father. I've expecially appreciated your articles challenging the "socialization arguement" against homeschooling. I admit that this used to be my arguement against homeschooling, but this is changing. I've been married for almost two years now, and we're expecting our first child (a son) in October, so this has given me a lot on which to think regarding my children's future education. Thanks for that.

Once we have our son, we're planning on my wife staying home during these critical and formative years. It's going to be difficult with one income, but God has taken care of us thus far, and I know he'll continue. I plan, however, to begin working on a home business venture akin to what you and your husband are doing. I know it's not easy (life often is not), but you guys demonstrate that with hard word and determination, it can be done. Thanks for being both an example and an inpiration.

Okay, I'll cut this short before it gets too sappy. In short: thanks for your words, your wit, and your uncompromising values. Keep it up. And may God continue to bless you and your family immensely.

Sincerely,
Perry
________________________________________

Hi Patrice!

I didn’t know whether to contact you through WND or your blog, so I grabbed what happens to be handier at the moment. I have been meaning to email you for some time, as I’m thinking we might be twins separated at birth.

(Well… except for the wee fact that I’d be the twin who was born first… by a few years….)

I first got to “know” you through your WND columns. I’ve been reading WND since its inception, and I was acquainted with Joseph Farah from back in the Sacramento-area days when he was editor of the Sacramento Union. I was active at the capitol in pro-family, pro-life causes, and we shared many of the same acquaintances. Those were busy times, as my husband’s job required him to travel constantly, and I was homeschooling our three young children. The nascent Internet did not offer the opportunities it does now, but I did write in other arenas –- op-ed pieces, position papers, white papers, radio, legislative analyses, home schooling journals, etc.

When you began writing for WND, I was astonished at how much your thinking reflected my own on so many levels –- a soul sister! -– and how ably you articulated your ideas. I enjoy your insights and humor. You exude that down-to-earth common sense and approachableness that draws others in. It has been a pleasure to read all your columns (even when the subject matter isn’t so pleasurable), and I have forwarded most of them to many others. I have, so far, two copies of your Simplicity Primer –- one for myself, and one to lend. Great job!

My husband and I met at a Christian college in Southern California. We never wanted to remain in that area; in fact, even back in college before we were married, we spoke of wanting to live in Idaho! But, as life would have it, we got stuck there for awhile. (It seems nearly everyone has to “do time” in California at some point in their lives.) As soon as he was able to transfer, my husband relocated us to Northern California -– a great improvement, even if not the ultimate dream. We lived in the foothills of the Sierra Nevadas NE of Sacramento, out in the country where we were able to raise our kids with room to stretch. Even Cherokee the horse swam in our pond.

We did a lot of research when Y2K approached. Long story short, we realized for the first time how totally dependent on the system we were, even living in the country. Neither of us knew anything of the old skills; both sets of our parents had been consumed with their careers. (They were part of that great company who wanted children but didn’t especially want to be parents.) So we were at square one.

We accumulated a lot of good resource materials and began the learning curve in earnest. The biggest plus was that we fled California when the Lord finally granted our request to move to (drumroll) -- Idaho! We are neighbors! We just celebrated the 12th anniversary of our move to the Bonners Ferry area. When I read in your blog recently about your hand lotion purchases at Wal-Mart, I wondered if that was the new one in Coeur d’Alene.

At this point we are trying to implement what we can by way of independence from a God-defying system, and –- as you have so coherently expressed –- investing in tangibles. I am so glad to have found your blog. I’ve spent many an hour following it and the links you have provided (which in turn provide further links, of course… ). Thank you for the scores of things you are sharing. You are building into many, many lives.

Thanks for letting me visit with you. I will leave you with a practical prepper tip: Buying and storing brown sugar can be a pain. Not only is it fairly expensive, but it can grow hard as a rock. Since white sugar is basically just brown sugar that’s processed to remove the molasses, that’s what I’m storing: cheap white sugar, which stores forever without problems; and bottles of molasses. For brown sugar, simply add molasses back into the white sugar (one tsp. for light brown, two tsp. for dark brown -– or to taste). The advantage here is that a little molasses flavor goes a long way for many things, such as BBQ sauce. For those who limit their sugar intake, a tiny bit of molasses along with something more healthy -– say, stevia -– packs a great flavor wallop. Add some molasses (and optional maple flavoring) to the sugar syrup from canned fruit and you have pancake or ice cream syrup. Molasses also has other healthy mineral content which processed white sugar lacks.

Thanks for your excellent work. May the Lord continue to bless you as you are blessing others.

Lynda
________________________________________

Thank you, Perry and Lynda, for your kind words!

Aw shucks

I received the nicest email today, posted here with permission.
________________________________

I'm a 74 year old conservative curmudgeon; retired probation officer/Special Education teacher and former 30 year resident of Ben Lomond, CA. I'm a graduate of a Jesuit university, University of San Francisco (not to be confused with San Francisco State) and currently live in [city deleted]. My 88 year old wife and I are both stroke victims... er... patients (don't like the "V" word) and thoroughly detest the inroads the progressives have made in our country. You, I regard as a "salt of the earth" American; a hardy, no-nonsense lady with a delightful sense of humor and solid Christian values. Those values are so in sync with Jessie's (wife) and mine, that I find our thoughts often expressed in your columns and, please forgive me, use them often on Face Book and personal emails. I do credit them to you, but am sorely tempted, at times, to leave off the quotation marks and your name, thinking to myself "Hey, Dick... that expresses to the nth degree what you think!" so the temptation to forget the quotation niceties and allow people to think I had an original thought (and occasionally I have had one) is very compelling; chalk it off to dementia or some other geriatric-related anomaly. Nevertheless, Jessie and I consider you a dear friend and compatriot. You are a cherished member of our Christian American Family. Thank you for you and yours.

Blessings,
Dick and Jessie

Left-handed compliment

I was clicking on referrals on my blog recently to learn where people come from to find me, when I came across this blog (WARNING: very bad language!) written by someone called "Ornery Expletive." He was reviewing a variety of blogs and offered me the following accolade (slightly cleaned up):

Patrice, on the other hand, is a hoot. I might be a left wing zealot but I have an open mind and this lady just kicks my ***.

Good on ya sweetie.

I swear, this lady kicks my *** when it comes to traffic. But if you want to read some good writing, she is off the charts and I know *** good and well you who come here have never heard of her.

I'll admit I grinned for an hour over this one. Thanks, Ornery B., for the left-handed compliment!

This gives me hope

Once in awhile I get an email from a reader that is so magnificent, it blows me away. Last night I received such an email from a young woman who clearly has her head screwed on straight. I wanted to post this to give encouragement to everyone.

She says she's amazed by me. Well let me tell you, I'm amazed by her. Here's a young couple who is obviously hard working and rising to meet their challenges. I wish there were more people like them.
_________________________________

Hi Patrice,

My name is Susan, and I've come upon your blog somehow while browsing the internet on how to garden. Let me give you a little history about me first. I am 25, married 8 years and have 2 boys ages 8 and 2. I work as a maintenance worker (a.k.a the babysitter) for Lowe's. My husband is a solar installer for a little company in town. Neither of us are high school graduates and have no formal education whatsoever. We both had incredibly toxic upbringings.

I wanted to write to you because I am AMAZED at all the things you do! I have been reading on your site and I feel like you are a role model, and a dang good one at that. My husband grew up in the country in Kansas, and has said how great it is, but me growing up in the city made me weary... what if we're not close enough to a hospital, how boring to not be close to anyone or anything to do! BUT I've always had an underlying curiosity. After reading your blog, how you get to be at home to raise your kids and be their role model and mentor... it's amazing. And growing your own food and raising your own meat... I'm just blown away!!! You have a true American dream. Not of driving a Mercedes or having the next hot gadget and owning 10 beachfront properties, but of true happiness and knowing the meaning of hard work, and most of all of family. Your blog is my new how-to guide.

You are so inspiring and your pictures are so breathtaking, and I just had to tell you that your site is a real eye-opener, and you are surely a blessing to many.

Thank you for what you do.

- Susan
_________________________________

My reply:

What a beautiful email! Thank you for absolutely making my day.

It sounds like you two had a rough start in life as well as an early introduction to some very serious responsibilities, i.e. marriage and parenthood. But clearly you are rising to the occasion with grace and strength. Seldom do I read such a well-written email from someone, formal education or not. That alone tells me you and your husband will do fine in life.

Lots of things my husband and I achieved were only achieved when we were older. Granted we got a late start on children (I was 33 and 35 when our girls were born), but remember that however difficult this phase of life may be for you, it's a phase that will eventually transition to another phase. That next phase will depend to a large extent on what choices you and your husband make. Set some goals and work toward them, and when you're our age you may be surprised how much you've achieved.

It's hard to start off so young with two children, but something tells me you guys will go far. Whatever your dream may be, whether it's moving to the country or staying home to raise your boys or anything else you long to do, if you keep making good choices you'll eventually reach your goal. Remember, those have to be GOOD choices. Staying out of debt is an excellent choice. Being the responsible and mature adults you clearly are is another excellent choice. Having a high work ethic is another choice. Keeping love and respect in your marriage is yet another choice.

For someone who isn't a high school graduate, it sounds to me like you're better educated (and certainly better spoken) than many with a college degree. People like you give me hope! God bless you and keep up the good work.

Kind regards,
Patrice Lewis

P.S. This is going on the blog. I want readers to know there are folks like you out there. Wow.

Awwww shucks....

This past week I received the following "Awww shucks" email from a charming reader. My first thought upon reading it - honestly - is "Wow, do I have this lady fooled!" What I mean by that is... well, read it for yourself before I explain:
____________________________

Dear Mrs. Lewis,

Just wanted to let you know how much I love reading your writings- as yet I have mostly been reading your articles on WND, but I plan to start reading your blog too. I am a 40 something stay at home mother of 2 boys, ages 17 and 11. My boys are my heart! All 3 of them... counting my hubby! I have been homeschooling for the last 3 years and we enjoy it, but I feel like such a failure compared to you! You are so efficient- homeschooling- crafting- canning and freezing food, gardening, and EVERYTHING else that goes along with 40 acres! Plus your writing! Please help me! I used to be so good at it- so efficient- I got everything done (and more) every single day, but now I wonder how I will get dinner done each evening. I feel like I am treading water and I can't seem to catch up or get ahead ever. Maybe you have gone through a period like this..? Probably not. You are very blessed with many gifts- you're good at all you do! Hopefully I will someday figure out exactly what gifts the good Lord has given me. I know the abundant blessings He has given me!

Anyways, keep up the wonderful work writing. You write what a lot of us are thinking. This country has become unrecognizable and just knowing that there are you and others out there who feel as I (and so many others) do- gives me hope. I fear for my boys' future, but I continue to hold out HOPE. Thank you for helping me do that!

Thank you so much for your time!
God bless you and yours,
Enjoy your day!
Kellie
Just a small town Minnesota mom
________________________

First of all, Kellie dear, please remove the idea from your head that I'm efficient, organized, talented, or any other misguided goddess-like notions you have about me. Seriously! You are so kind to think so, but perhaps I've managed to mislead all my readers into thinking I'm more impressive than I actually am. Please believe me when I say I'm just an ordinary north Idaho housewife! If you passed me on the street you wouldn't even notice me.

But I'm blessed with a few things that help foster these misconceptions (smile) about my mythical efficiency, etc. Here are some of them:

1. I have the world's most terrific husband. He's my best friend, the best dad, my editor, my household handyman, my I'm-hormonal-can-you-cook-dinner guy, and altogether my other/better half. There is no possible way I could do half the stuff I do without his staunch help and support.

2. Said world's most terrific husband works at home. I always knew how much I loved that, but I came to appreciate it even more when he took a temporary job in town last year and was actually (gasp) gone for a good part of the day. The girls hated it. I hated it. He hated it. We are so used to always being together that it was tougher than nails to have him gone. (But, I might add, he took that job because he's a Real Man who provided for his family during a time when we needed some outside income.) Thankfully he's back in our nest and everyone, especially him, is glad to get back to normal.

3. We homeschool. The older my girls get, the more I realized just what an unbelievable blessing this is. It's not just what they're learning; almost more important, it's what they're NOT learning. They're not learning to be sassy, or snarky, or boy-crazy, or irreverent, or mouthy, or any other deficiency normally associated with adolescence. Because we have decent, wholesome, respectable girls, our house is a place of peace. It takes only a short visit to a home with snarky teens to understand what a true blessing that is. Not, I'm not suggesting that ALL publicly-schooled kids are snarky, but it sure doesn't help.

4. We don't have television reception. Ditto the above thoughts.

5. We have faith. When I have a bad day that snarls me into knots of anger or frustration or whatever, I can take a deep breath and lay it all in the lap of God. Ahhhh, that makes me feel better.

Now Kellie, it sounds to me like you have most or all of this Blessings list yourself, so you're already ahead of the pack.

Recently I listened in awe, mouth agape, to a friend's description of her homeschooling day with her children. Talk about a paragon of efficiency and academic rigorousness! Oh my goodness! By contrast, our school days are pretty relaxed and don't take more than three hours max and usually a great deal less. While I'm awestruck by her schedule and planning abilities, we're a little too relaxed for that. Everyone's homeschool techniques are different, and you can only do what works for your lifestyle and personality. Don't ever ever ever be intimidated by someone else's techniques. Chances are you're doing just fine.

As for the skills you listed, namely my interest in canning, food preservation, etc.,... - well, I'm only good at those things because they're hobbies I enjoy. I could list a million and a half skills I'm NOT good at because I DON'T enjoy them. (Sewing!!!) Doubtless you have a laundry list of skills and hobbies that dwarf my puny accomplishments.

As for barely getting dinner on the table... oh Kellie, I laughed out loud at that because many's the time, at 4 pm, I'll say "What should I make for dinner?" and more often than not it's boxed macaroni-and-cheese or quesadillas. Me, efficient? NOT!!!

About the only thing in your email that sets me a little bit apart from any other housewife is my writing. I'm 48 years old, I've always wanted to write, and now in my middle age I've suddenly been blessed by the opportunity to do so. Have you any idea how grateful I am to WorldNetDaily for giving me an opportunity and a platform to air my views? I'm quite serious when I say they took a chance on a true Nobody when they offered me a column. God clearly had a hand in this and to Him I give all credit, but it was the WND folks who acted on His guidance. What else can I say? It was Divine Providence for sure.

So Kellie, rather than worry about what you can't do, please consider the things you can do. One of those things is to make a blogger's day, because it's a rare thing in today's society to take the time to drop a kind note to someone. You have no idea how much it means to me. So add "kindness" to the top of your list of skills and qualities.

You clearly have your priorities in the right place, namely your husband, your boys, your faith, your homeschooling, and other attributes. To paraphrase an old saying, at the end of your life you'll be glad you put your priorities into your home life rather than a career or other distinctions. So those are more things to add to your list of skills and qualities.

I don't know, Kellie - it sounds to me like you're loaded with blessings. Including the boxed macaroni-and-cheese dinners. Hey, at least you're there to make them!

So truly, the only distinction between me and millions of other dedicated housewives out there is I write about our life. I've said it before and I'll say it again: what makes you a perceived expert in something is writing about it. I'm no better than anyone else, I just write about stuff. But I stand in awe of my friend Enola Gay's skills and abilities, and we both stand in awe of our friend Lady Day whose domestic accomplishments are legendary in these parts.

So I guess the bottom line is this: While I appreciate your kind words more than I can ever say, I hope you don't have the impression I'm some kind of super-woman because I'm not. I'm an ordinary housewife just like zillions of other ordinary housewives. God gave me the talent to write, but He's given you talents as well. And I'll bet if you asked your closest friends what they are, they could rattle off a laundry list that would make you blush with pleasure and say "Awwww shucks."

And thank you for your email. It really did make my day.

Thank you!

Just a brief thank you to all of you, my wonderful readers.  Yesterday, when I posted about how to balance this blog - i.e. "fluff" vs. "serious stuff" - I honestly wasn't fishing for compliments.  I was just writing down almost verbatim the conversation Don and I had.

But compliment me you did, lavishly, and I can't tell you how much it means to me.  Thank you!!

Awwww shucks.....

In the last couple of days I just happened to receive some of the nicest emails and/or comments. I thought I would post them here by way of thanks.
____________________________

Dear Patrice,

I hope you don't mind me calling you Patrice, but I feel like I know you from following your blog. I just wanted to thank you for giving us "suburbanites" a look at what it REALLY is like to live the homesteading life. My husband even enjoys reading your blog, and he isn't big on reading too much of anything. I loved your post on hoarding (Aug 18 2010), and I love that fact that you speak your mind and say it like it is. Good luck with your newly planted wheat field. I wish there were more people like you, but then again it looks like I am living in the wrong area then. The pictures you post on your blog are priceless as well. The look from your backyard is definitely more appealing than mine- I look across the driveway at a long line of apartment buildings and a parking lot, with constant noise from a highway right behind us.

I don't know if you get a chance to read each email you receive, but I wanted to take a moment of my time and yours to say thank you again and to let you know your blog does make a difference. May God bless you and your family (and Lydia!)

Cathy in PA
____________________________

Hi Patrice,

I wanted you to know that I read your blog everyday and I finally realized WHY just the other day - it makes me feel closer to God and further away from 'The World', if you get my drift. Does that shock you? I read Drudge and WND everyday (plus a few others) and then I find myself immediately going to your blog to see what you are homeschooling your kids about or what you are canning or what you are writing about or what the temperature is there or whatever small trial God sends you (sorry about your clothesline!). You and your blessed family are a breath of fresh air and a delightful anchor in these fast-moving & alarming times. I have absolutely no control over the world events that are happening all around us, so I think of this whenever I read your material: "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Philippians 4:8

God Bless,
Janet in MA
____________________________

Reading your blog and that of Paratus Familia makes my heart sing. You have no idea how much I learn from you. We're buying property for community family bug out place and all of us have jobs/skills we're taking on. You keep me smiling, keep me honest about how hard it can be and I thank God for you.
____________________________

Dear Patrice;

I am one of those people who spends a lot of time on the news when I am on the Internet (we don't have TV). I read a lot of HotAir.com, FOX news, Rush, and conservative things of that nature. I find your blog a place of peace and sanity after all the crap I read during the day. When I'm really tense, I go there to unwind. I hope, after my husband gets his degree, we might be able to move up to your neck of the woods. I know farm living is a lot of work, but I'd love to live as you do (minus the dropped laundry line...LOL).

While I am a Taoist, and not a Christian, I am glad you are what you are. You bring a little peace into my world, and your descriptions and pics of your everyday living are very soothing to me. I found your blog by accident one day, and I return to it when the Internet shows me too much of a world gone greedy and power-mad.

Anyway, thank you.

Indira
Idaho City
____________________________

Folks, I can't tell you how much these comments mean to me. As you can imagine, keeping up a blog can be hard work. While most of the time it's fun, there are times it's tedious as well. It's feedback like this that absolutely makes my day.

So thank you. Thank you all.

Anti-snark of the week

What's an "anti-snark," you may ask? Quite simply it's the opposite of a snark.

I received the nicest email imaginable from a reader. I have so many wonderful and thoughtful readers who take the time to send me nice notes - and I thank you all from the bottom of my heart - but this one touched me deeply. I received permission from the writer to post it here.
________________________

Dear Ms. Lewis,

Thank you so much for your blog and for your column on WND. I am a 24 year old graduate student, currently pursuing my Master's in music (vocal performance). My husband is a 28 year old captain in the Air Force, and he is currently earning his Master's in electrical engineering. I listen to Glenn Beck and Rush, Ann Coulter and Laura Ingraham, but yours is the voice that truly speaks to me. You don't play politics; you don't get stuck in the "he said-she said" games. You do your research and speak your mind--something that is becoming increasingly rare in our world of political correctness. Thank you for the Godly example you set as a wife, mother, and writer. Thank you for unapologetically telling the truth and shedding light on the "Church of Global Warming." Thank you for being willing to live a simple and quiet life when so many are scratching and clawing for the limelight. Thank you for being a good researcher--I can always refer my liberal friends to your columns, knowing that you will have done your homework and that your thoughts will be well-articulated. You are consistent and inspirational, and I am truly thankful.

I pray that 2010 will bring countless blessings to you and to your family. Thank you again for everything you've done for people like me.

- C.C.R.