Meaningful Quote

"You write in order to change the world, knowing perfectly well that you probably can't, but also knowing that literature is indispensable to the world. . . . The world changes according to the way people see it, and if you alter, even a millimeter, the way people look at reality, then you can change it." -- James Baldwin (24)


This quote makes sense to me. When we write, we write for a reason. Maybe we "have" to (it's assigned for a grade or a task at work). Maybe we want to share our day with friends on Facebook or in an email or text. Maybe we are inspired to write a song or a poem. With most writing, someone will read it, think about it, be affected by it. Will that change the reader? Will it change the writer?

In some small way, it usually does. It could be a temporary change (wow, nice wording. Cool. Interesting.) It could influence someone to visit the place you wrote about or avoid a restaurant with bad service.

I like that I might affect someone, that my writing could change someone, even for the brief moment he or she is reading my work. It matters. My time and energy were not wasted. I have thoughts, feelings, and experiences others care to read about.

My writing does not have to be "literature" meant to be read for the next 50-100 years by academics. It will not be made into a movie or book. Those are not my expectations. And that's okay. Considering the number of poorly written books and scripts, I would not want my blogging, especially, to be turned into something like that.

What have you read lately that has changed you in some way?

Food & the Fox

For the past few years, my husband and I have had season tickets to the Broadway Series at the Fox Theatre in St. Louis. It's been a great way to have "date nights" and sometimes "double date nights" with friends.

Usually, we go out to dinner before the Saturday night shows. When we are pressed for time, we have gone to The Best Steak House (located right across from the Fox on Grand Ave.). It's a cafeteria-style steak place, with very reasonable prices, good portions and fine food. However, I prefer the dinners at "nicer" places that take reservations. One such place is Kota Wood Fire Grill (next door to The Best Steak House). Their food is excellent, with fabulous appetizers (stuffed mushrooms) and desserts (a cupcake in a coffee cup w/ an espresso and chocolate ganache). We've been there twice, and all the food I've sampled has been above average. We tried the City Diner, near the Fox, with mixed results. I got the pecan banana pancakes (yummy) but my husband did not care for his chicken fried steak. A year or so ago, we went to the Grand Buffet at the Fox. That was very good, too.

The shows at the Fox are entertaining. Most of the Broadway Series shows are musicals, but we did see a drama, August: Osage County, last year. My favorite musicals seen at the Fox are Jersey Boys (which we are seeing again in May), Mamma Mia (seen twice), The Drowsy Chaperone, Grease, The Lion King, Shrek, and The Light in the Piazza. Few shows have been disappointing, but the ones least liked have been The Wedding Singer and Legally Blonde (but I like the movie versions). Just this past Saturday, we saw 9 to 5: The Musical. It had some great music and was well done. Diane DeGarmo (American Idol season 3) did great as Doralee (Dolly Parton's role). Last year Grease had idol alums Taylor Hicks and Ace Young).

If you have not been to the Fox, you should take in a show or concert. It's a fun way to spend an afternoon or evening. And you will be mesmerized by the architecture and design of the theatre as well as the performances.

I am from

I am from Judith and Charles, Betty and Eric, Ethel and John.

From air force bases around the world, small towns and large cities. From visits to family in rural Kentucky to a small town in upstate New York.

From Grissom A.F.B. and Peru, IN; Izmir, Turkey; Washington, D.C.; Shaw A.F.B., S.C.; Upland, IN; Ball State University; Chesterton, Lafayette, Indianapolis, IN; Tinker A.FB., OK; North Pole, AK; Eielson A.F.B., AK; San Antonio, TX; Sumter, S.C.; Lajes AB, Terceira, Azores; O'Fallon, IL.

I am from comfort food eaters: fried chicken, meatloaf, spaghetti, chili, cube steak, canned beans or corn. From ice cream and popcorn eaters.
I am from the nomadic life of a military child, from changing schools and making new friends. I am from a military dad and mom who was a nurse.

I am from non-church going but God-believing parents, attending whatever church I wanted to. From Baptist to Penecostal to Mennonite to Catholic.

I am from bowling leagues to Girl Scouts to marching band and youth group.

I am from a purple bike w/ banana seat, Volkswagens and Chevettes.

I am from Saturday morning cartoons and weekend movies--Jaws and Star Wars.

From Republican and conservative, from pro-military.
From Nancy Drew and Trixie Beldon to Bronte sisters and Diane Mott Davidson.

From Donny Osmond to Shaun Cassidy. From Barry Manilow to Michael Jackson. From Garth Brooks and Alan Jackson to Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum, and Brad Paisley.