Helen laughing over something really hush, hush. A whispered secret. And a picture of her wishing tree where everyone wrote down wishes for her and began tying them to the tree. Don’t we all need one of those? I want one for my desk, my jeep, my bedside table. I want to wish

until the stars come out, fade from night, and the roosters begin to crow. I want wishing for what’s good and best and noble to always be a part of my life. Because as long as we are still wishing, then we still have hope. As long as we still have hope, we have not given into indifference and weariness. Oh, and even the young men, the old men, the in between women – and small children – they do get weary!

Back in Nashville again for a few days before the Thanksgiving trip to NC & Philly and it’s been a whirlwind of book activity. Last night – The first B/day party for Parnassus Books in Nashville and it was so much fun to be there with other author friends to celebrate reading. (And to sneak off for an unplanned dinner with that great Dixie Writer, Lisa Patton. Was blessed to stop into Bookman/Bookwoman and sign copies of Praying for Strangers today because they keep selling copies like hotcakes! Stopped into my other book fix place and Today’s great Library finds included a few great mysteries. I literally walk in the library and start snatching books right off their display shelfs. Who needs to even look any farther when they do all the work for you? Then off to friend JT Ellison’s book signing and to meet her parents at Mysteries and More in Lennox Village. Oh, happy, happy joy, joy!

Tomorrow night we’ll be attending the great Token’s Show at the Ryman and you should too. What a line up! What a show!

AND THEN . . .

Join us this TUESDAY night for the 2nd EASTSIDE STORYTELLING EVENT where I’ll be sharing from Praying for Strangers, The Messenger of Magnolia Street, The Miracle of Mercy Land and a sneak Peek at the new novel. All in a highly quick and entertaining format I promise you. Plus there are musical guests – all being held at Rumor’s East. Free event but reservations required so Reserve now and join us for an Intimate evening of performance and storytelling.

Back to the Page to write and to a good book.

Ahhh, that feels so nice.

Halloween Clearstory 2012

It’s this kind of day on the hill. The photo explains why writers sometime need to stare out of windows to write. And why writers like little first graders can sometimes stare out the window for a long, long time – not hearing the teacher and not writing a word. The leaves fall a few at a time and yes, I am mesmerized, thankful, and feeling very alive in the middle of this autumn ritual.

Today has been one of those days however, that this writer gets a few words on the page. The City of Truth marches forward a few words at the time. Thank you to readers who ask, when, when, when will we ever get to read it. It’s why I keep returning to the page and writing. One. word. at. a time. It ‘s the way stories are told even if it takes many words to paint the full picture. It’s the novel I’ve carried around in a few old, typed chapters, my heart, and my head for ten years so I’m excited that it’s time has finally come. Although, the unfolding of that fully until it is in between the cover and in readers hands is yet many months ahead.

Halloween fast approaches but we are far removed up this winding hill from trick or treaters – those days where I grew up with sidewalks full to overflowing with little ghosts and goblins are long gone. But no doubt my clan of little cavebears – the Adorables, The Charmings, Miss Fancy and Mr. Smarty will all be dressed to beat the band and drum up sweets to share! (Save those little Reece peanut butter cups for me please.) Pictures forthcoming!

A few more weeks and I’m off to Florida to celebrate Mom’s 80th in style (shhh, she’s not sharing how old she is so it’s a TOTAL secret but doesn’t that year deserve a special something?). But I’ll be carrying with me stories to read, audio books, and a laptop waiting for a word count roll call.

I just returned from visiting with the ladies at the Annual Women’s Conference at the United Methodist Church in Canton, Ga. Thank you to Yawn’s Books for overseeing book sales and being so helpful in a thousand ways including – talking me in by cell phone! For those of you who attended and stood in line so patiently for books to be signed – THANK YOU also. I remember your faces, and your stories as you came through and spoke with me personally!

From CANTON to CAVING? Yes. I. Did.
It was only my second time going deep underground but Husband was waiting for me at the annual TAG (Tennessee/Alabama/Georgia) caver’s camp out weekend. The bonfire was quiet a spectacle and I missed the actual lighting of it but it involved some rather special effects, a flying rubber chicken, and fireworks. Hey, it was impressive enough to just see the fire blazing when I arrived. After that chilly, willy night we took to the road and headed somewhere into the mountains (I could never find again) to wander around for hours under the earth like dwarfs from Middle Earth. Ok. It’s not exactly like wandering. It’s crawling and slipping and hoofing but thanks to someone loaning me some great knee pads that stick to the slick, I made it through without major breakage. Will I go again? Actually, you betcha. Doggone if that different landscape hasn’t gotten a hold of me. But then I grew up on the Florida Coast taking regular field trips all my life to the Marianna Caverns. A gentle, guided tour but still I remember the fascination of dripping caverns and a timeless sense of wonder.

Home again to a stack of books by the bedside, more to read than I can manage, and a pocketful of words to write. Please remember to sign up for the newsletter by entering the contest for a free signed copy of Praying for Strangers. They are actually now going out on a regular monthly basis with more in depth news, a little attitude and even a special monthly prayer for readers and followers – all those friends along the byways and highways and small towns I’ve met over the years.

Hope you are out there enjoying some of this great fall foliage! Now, off to the annual Southern Festival of the Book!

A few nights ago we were at a dinner party at a friends house and talk of this and that circled the table. A movie here, a happening there. Then someone suddenly asked out of the blue, “Did you see Clint Eastwood at the Republican Convention?!” Which was quickly followed by most people asking, “What was that?!”

It just so happens that I had seen the performance. I came home late from a book event, walked into the living room, and without any prelude or understanding, saw Clint Eastwood giving his by now well known, impromptu speech at the Republican Convention. We are not Republicans. We are not Democrats. For the nature of who I am and what I do it works out best that way. As I’ve told people, half my readers watch Bill O’Reiley on Fox News and half watch Jon Stewart on Comedy Central. I speak to groups from both sides of that fence on subjects that have nothing to do with politics and I truly love them all. So my Clint Eastwood moment has nothing to do with political motivation. Something seemed not quite right with the performance for me. I didn’t want Clint Eastwood, not my Daddy’s Clint Eastwood, the rough and tumble western gun-slinger to be on stage beneath lights with make-up and an odd speech that wasn’t a speech. We don’t like our heroes to step off their pedestals or put on other shoes. Maybe it was because he didn’t seem to be simply making a statement but making it as Dirty Harry. The fact is, I don’t want Clint Eastwood to be, well, Clint Eastwood. I want him to be Josey Wales, the strong, silent type. A man of few words, a stump of a cigar between his teeth, a shiny, quick gun to shoot only the really, bad people. Or Dirty Harry with his infamous one-liners carrying a really big gun with which to shoot only the really, bad people. He represents a whole lot of things to me of which the one of most primary importance is of my Daddy laughing his Mutley laugh at some of Eastwood’s antics.

The moment the speech was over I took a deep breath, counted to ten, logged onto twitter and typed Clint Eastwood in the search engine block. Sure enough, the twitter feed was blasting the performance and it looked like fans were dropping like flies from Clint’s fan club mailing list. Out of the blue just one word came to mind. Grace. As in maybe we should just show him a little grace. Because in the middle of the twitter feed frenzy, I began thinking of all the things I’d done wrong in life and how happy I was that they couldn’t be publicized, and critiqued in the blink of an eye. I don’t make enough money for that kind of therapy. Then I started ruminating on the word Grace. And naturally it began to surface in a multitude of ways. At odd times and unexpected places.

Recently I attended a speech of Anne Lamont and picked up a copy of her book, Plan B Futher Thoughts on Faith. Reading a few chapters last night she reported that Bono of U2 fame has stated that Amazing Grace is his favorite song. There’s that word again. Out of all songs of all time I find that interesting. I know that song because its sung at every southern funeral I’ve ever attended and sometimes on Sunday. It’s one of the few I know the words to and can sometimes sing although I think I’m tone deaf.

And then I happened to be watching an episode of Saving Grace, a television show that ran for three seasons that is now off the air and only available through such places as Netflix. It’s a tough detective drama featuring a tobacco chewing last chance angel there to help Grace, (Holly Hunter) find peace with herself so she can find peace with God. I don’t know if that ever happens because I’m still on the second Season. For the record, I fast forward through the nude scenes but I have friends that probably play them twice. Nude scenes are just not my cup of tea. It makes me feel voyeuristic of which I’m not. But the way that the series focuses on some hard questions of the existence of good and evil in this world, of God’s place in the middle of it all, of why the element of grace exists and why we need it so desperately – that interest me intensely.

This morning I opened one of my little books for meditation and prayer, Always We Begin Again, and it fell to the page that begins – “Grace to us and peace.” The passage continues and offers these words, “Help us this day to both receive grace and to give it.” Which lead me to thinking about the people who get irritated and downright mad at me for not being better, or meeting their expectations. Then I ran through a list of people who irritate me and don’t meet my expectations. Their both pretty long lists.

I cracked open my old copy of Reader’s Digest Encyclopedic Dictionary and searched for the word. The first definitions all had to do with harmony in motion but it’s the one listed under the number five that hit home for me – Grace: Clemency; mercy.

And it’s just that simple. It something we need in desperate measure. It’s something we need to offer as readily as we hope to receive it. Those of us who deem ourselves good and upstanding citizens of the Earth, those of us who believe only in our ability to do bad, to make a mess of our lives and others. And those of us who understand we operate best when we move in a state of grace – both giving and receiving good portions as we travel.

Mr. Eastwood, if you have estranged your fans or confused them – I pray you may receive grace. I could certainly use a watershed of the same for every corner of my life.

As wonderful as it was to see old faces, to see my ‘sweetness’ Sue and to see how both those ‘older’ brothers and the ‘bratty’ brothers had all grown into very fine men, how that adorable baby sister with the curls had grown into a beautiful woman with her own family, how some of those people had – GASP – grandchildren of their own – I wish it hadn’t been so long. I wish we could live our lives in closer view of one another. That somehow we could be a part of as we journey on. And Facebook with all it’s wonderful pop ins and checking out recent posts, does not substitute for a cup of coffee and a conversation. It always serves as a reminder that the moment is now. That a little card, a simple stamp, a story from the past sent to a friend today could hang the moon for them that week. It’s remembering and the little things that keep us.

I’m off now for Canton, GA to speak, visit, tell stories, and sign copies of Praying for Strangers. (My apologies to family and friends I missed on this swing through. It’s been a mad 24 hour hustle just to make the service.)

Upcoming news – please continue to watch the website for news/changes/updates. You can also enter the monthly contest now to win a giveaway and sign up for my newsletter and appearances. And How cool is that? Give AWAY.

Be Blessed on this Friday morning. Stay Calm. Journey on.

River

Much of my road-tripping has been family related so as people ask me, “Have you been on the road much?” The answer is yes, yes, and yes. But much of it has been to kiss and hug The Charmings (grandbaby boys 4 & 4 months) and to see my youngest son off on his most recent deployment. I was delighted to be able to travel with his wife and family to Mississippi to spend a few days with him before he left for Afghanistan. I was not delighted to miss the two times he tried to ring me after he arrived. My cell phone stays glued to my hip for this reason but only a moment out of range or in the shower and OF COURSE. So I save the message just because it’s good to hear his voice. Such a Mama I am. God Bless all the men and women serving this country and may those deployed in war zones come home. Safe and sound.

If you’ve been popping in on the website lately you may have noticed that it’s been changing daily, that buttons are missing, that strange things are appearing in odd places but not to worry – the website is being simplified in distinct ways and some great creative material added so please stay tuned. You’ll notice the ‘talk to me’ button added but it’s not yet functional. It’s a way that you can drop by and say a quick word, get in touch, or listen to a recent hello podcast, or read a new note.

The Clearstory Radio page will soon have more ways for you to tune in and listen as well as access some of our favorite Classic Clearstory programs. And it has been a pleasure to bring you literary news and author interviews for years. And it has been FUN! I was having lunch today and someone asked me what type of music I played and I explained how I loved to play music that relates to the author. Their favorite song, music that inspired them during the writing of the book or music from the time period the book is set in. In addition, we have some great regular features, a spotlight on a worthy cause, a little piece called ‘Walking A Blog’ and more. If you haven’t tuned in for awhile or have never listened, oh, c’mon. Join us for a fun hour of author talk, book news, and musical interludes!

Currently – yes, I am on the road. Down Texas way and speaking very shortly at the Methodist Women’s Fall Brunch. It was the home church (I don’t think they are around today) of President and Laura Bush where they were married which I didn’t realize until I arrived. And actor Tommy Lee Jones is apparently from Midland, Texas but shoot, I don’t think he’s at the brunch today either. But some beautiful women that have decorated the tables to the point they are awe inspiring. (I’ll post photos here as soon as possible.)

Today’s event and tomorrow morning are focused on the story of Praying for Strangers. How it came to be. About the journey from there – - – to here.

I am so thankful as you read this that you are a part of that journey.

Blessings on this September Saturday!

You can book River Jordan to visit with your book club through Skype, iChat, FaceTime, Tango or by telephone. Contact her via e-mail at river@riverjordan.us. Please put “Book Club Visit” in the subject line.

1. After reading Praying for Strangers, what did you feel impacted you the most and was your personal “take away” from the book? Has it affected the way you view or interact with people on a daily basis?

2. We often read books that seem to preach or that teach us ways we should think about our faith and about one another. How has Praying for Strangers helped you examine the lens with which you view yourself or the world? In what ways has it adjusted how you see those around you?

3. If you were to embark on this type of journey of the human experience, what do you think it would be like in real life? What are your concerns about what that might entail? What are your “wishful thoughts” of what that picture would look like?

4. Many people feel their faith is a private issue. Others are more comfortable with sharing thoughts regarding their faith in different ways. How do you feel about discussing your faith or the fact that anything faith-related is simply not a part of your life?

5. Although a very ancient word, one with powerful and universal meaning, the word prayer itself has become politically and emotionally charged—sometimes even divisive. How do you personally feel about the word prayer? What images or memories does it evoke for you? Has reading the book given you a different experience with the word? If so, how?

6. Praying for Strangers includes true-life incidents and people, and occurrences when River Jordan encountered people in her daily life. What stories did you connect with the most? Why?

7. Strangers in the book are simply people we don’t know or haven’t met—yet. How do strangers play a role in your everyday life? Do you have a story in which a stranger has come to your aid without your asking? Or a story of a time when you were able to help a stranger in a spur-of-the-moment happenstance? Did the experience empower your life?

8. Today’s world and our real-life existence include many ways for us to connect with people through the Internet and social media. Do you feel these “advances” have helped or hindered our relating to one another on a human level? Why do you feel the way you do? Can you share examples?

9. We often wish to make the world a better place and to have some impact in our lifetime so that we may leave the world better off for our having been here. Do you believe this one tiny thing, praying for a stranger in your path, even if it’s only a silent prayer, could make a difference?

10. Many readers relate that reading Praying for Strangers has greatly affected their daily communication with others. How has your history of communication with the people around you been affected by reading the book? Are you more patient? More tolerant? Quicker to pay a compliment or offer assistance?

11. In reading Praying for Strangers, what has surprised you most in the story? What was the portion that you feel you would most like to relate to a friend? What would you tell your friend?

12. One of the continuing threads throughout the book is that a different person stood out every day as someone special to remember in a prayer. Those people came from all walks of life, all political parties, zip codes, faiths, and ethnic backgrounds. If you adopted this resolution for a day, would your choice of stranger be influenced by any preconceived notions? If so, why? If not, why?

13. If you have actually been inspired to start praying for strangers, what has been your experience thus far? How has it affected you? How do you think it has affected those you’ve encountered? Do you believe you’ll continue this adventure of the human spirit?

14. If you had one blind, wild, wide-sweeping wish for the world today, what would it be? Why? What do you think it would take for that vision to come to fruition?

Trice has a dream that propels the story forward. Have you ever had a dream that compelled you to contact someone or take a particular action? If so, what was the outcome?

Billy and Trice take to the road to bring Nehemiah home, to reach out and bring him back to his destiny. Do you believe the ‘road’ you’re on now is the one that has your name on it—your destiny? Would you change something about your path if you could? If so, what would be different?

Trice comes to Shibboleth under mysterious circumstances and secrets seem to surround her. Have you been the keeper of a friend or relative’s secret? Was it a treasure or a burden?

If you were to suddenly find yourself entering the town of Shibboleth “either in on the road or in your dreams”, where would be your first stop or the first person you would visit? Why?

Billy seems to believe that Nehemiah and Trice have very special gifts but that he himself has little to offer. Is this true? What gifts do you perceive that Billy possesses that are crucial to the ultimate outcome for Shibboleth?

In Shibboleth, two places represent the central gathering spots of the townspeople—the church and Kate’s diner. Do we still gather together to share our joys, concerns, or sorrows with ritual and regularity? Is it the same? If not, why not?

In the early part of The Messenger of Magnolia Street, God takes a ride in the back of a pick-up truck. Did you find that image delightful? Disparaging? Please discuss.

Like the Biblical Nehemiah of the Old Testament, our Nehemiah becomes the catalyst for events that affect the ultimate destiny of his people. What do you think would have happened if he had refused to return? What were the individual reactions to his ‘coming home’? Have you ever run away from something only to be forced to return?

Describe the relationship between Nehemiah and Trice. Was it crucial for them to be together? Do you believe in the concept of soul-mates?

The interconnectedness of the lives of Shibboleth’s citizens becomes more and more evident as the story progresses. Are our lives still connected to one another in our families and our communities? If so how and where? If not, is this factor important?

The town of Shibboleth represents ‘small town America’ and although it is located in the ‘deep South’ it is a picture of Everytown USA. Are the small rural towns becoming a thing of the past, a forgotten piece of folklore of America? What ideas can you share for ways in which the best elements of small town life, a sense of community can be preserved?

Throughout the story in the midst of everyday life, the supernatural touches down and invades the natural world. An angel watches and records the simple and profound nuances of their lives; God walks among the people of Shibboleth, and evil hovers and threatens to destroy. How have you seen the supernatural touch down in your life?

How has reading the story of The Messenger of Magnolia Street affected you? Has it inspired you to do something that you otherwise might not have considered?

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