KAREY SHANE

A Pretty Package

Karey Shane — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 09:42:35 -0700

I love wrapping things up pretty and sending them in the mail. This one was fun. Here's some pics: Fresh spring green, gold, and yellow. Makes you want to breathe. Amano Artisan Chocolates made fresh yesterday by Art Pollard. Oil of Spikenard. Smells unbelievably divine. It's the herb Mary used to wash Jesus' feet. Amano Artisan Crown of Thorns Honey Cordials. Infused with edible gold. The honey is imported from Yemen and costs $200 a kilo. They're full flavor is best enjoyed eaten fresh, within three weeks of being made. This package glows when you open it up!

Happy Birthday Oprah

Karey Shane — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 15:02:59 -0700

Since this is the last season of the Oprah Winfrey show, and since it's her birthday, I wanted to pay tribute to her. She is a woman who has had more influence on me than any earthly person other than my mother and Harriett Tubman, my childhood hero. I've included the first portion of Oprah's outstanding performance as Sethe, in the movie adaptation of Toni Morrison's Pulitzer Prize winning novel, Beloved. God bless you, Oprah.

The Lost Lamb and the Shepherd Dog

Karey Shane — Sat, 11 Dec 2010 11:12:37 -0700

This video footage I shot a few weeks ago needs no explanation. For those interested, I've written the story of how I came upon these sheep below the video. A few weeks ago as I was driving down Provo Canyon I saw a cream-colored line moving horizontally along a hillside that curved into Wallsburg Canyon. The hills and mountains by now were dry and brown. I couldn't figure out what would move like that on a hill. When I got closer I realized I was looking at hundreds upon hundreds of sheep that were following each other to new pasture. I pulled my car over and watched in awe. One sheep had ended up on the wrong side of the fence and as I heard him call out to the sheep who had stopped to graze on the other side, and watched a big, white dog come up to...

Red Skelton's Pledge of Allegiance Speech

Karey Shane — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0600

Do you know who wrote the Pledge of Allegiance, or the words to it? In honor of Columbus Day, let's listen to how a comedian you've probably never heard of, Red Skelton, recited the Pledge of Allegiance way back in 1969. He says a few things that might cause you to ask yourself, "How could he have known?" Please leave a comment below letting me know why this video is important to you. THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE, written by Francis Bellamy, 1892 I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." When I was a French teacher at Carden Memorial, my home-room students and I recited it every morning at Carden Memorial School, along with all the other classes. We raised the American flag every morning outside...

Butterfly Dress Up

Karey Shane — Mon, 17 May 2010 18:03:35 -0600

I had to post this picture I found on Rhomany's Realm. It's gorgeous! Not that I'd try wearing it to one of my book events, but it's nice to dream about.

Squeaky Clean Reads

Karey Shane — Mon, 17 May 2010 10:11:19 -0600

If you're like me, forever on the quest for good books that are clean and appropriate for you and your family, then I want to point you to a site my mom just told me about: Squeaky Clean Reads. A soon as clicked a few keys and saw Shannon Hale's books glowing on the screen at the top of their Young Adult page, I knew immediately it would be one of my favorite resources for books that are, what else?--clean reads.

My First Book Signing Ever

Karey Shane — Thu, 06 May 2010 07:15:31 -0600

Wow, I thought I was busy before the book was released. I had no idea what was coming, but it's all good! Here are a few pictures from my first book signing ever...r...r...r. It felt so, hmmm what's the word, complete--yes, that's it--to be there meeting people who were going to be reading Fair O'Nelli's story. My husband stopped by to bring in that easel you see, my sisters, Mom and Pops came by, too. It was one big hug of a day. And when I texted my children to tell them how many books people bought, they were proud as punch. I feel so blessed to be at this point in my life. Kids loved the Secret Speakers glowing orb. I wouldn't be here without you Mom! Love you, Pops! I love this picture. This little boy, and so many other children LOVED touching the Secret Speakers orb,...

Predict Oprah's Next Book Club Pick

Karey Shane — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 13:48:16 -0600

Secret Speakers is in the #2 spot on Goodreads Listopia! list called Predict Oprah's Next Book Club Pick. Thank you to everyone who has voted. I'm having a lot of fun watching the Secret Speakers community reach out to support Fair O'Nelli's story. Our 15 year-old son has Spring Break this coming week, so I'm busy finishing up a bunch of stuff so we can relax and enjoy being together. Please vote if you think Secret Speakers would make a good pick. Thank you.

One Million Butterflies

Karey Shane — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 07:33:17 -0600

In my effort to be a part of the Half the Sky movement, One Million Butterflies is about to launch, so let's make as many butterflies as we can to celebrate global education for girls! Just go to Experience One Million Butterflies to find out about the what's, how's, and when's. I believe this will a fun project for school groups and families, and my sister has already started making them with her family. We're on our way. I made five yesterday, so just 999,995 more to go! I'm really looking forward to seeing what will come from this important event. Experience One Million Butterflies.

The Future of Education {for Girls}

Karey Shane — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 07:19:09 -0600

A little video I put together while I was sick in bed with a cold last week. Please leave a comment and let me know what you think! Thanks.

Secret Speakers Online Launch Party!

Karey Shane — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 18:07:50 -0600

Secret Speakers has officially launched as of today, Monday, April 8, 2010. A big day. It's an online party with a fun contest at Bitten By Books. Click here to drop in and say hi: I'm coming to your Secret Speakers launch party right now! If you want to enter a contest that we're holding during the party, all you need to do is RSVP for the Party to Enter the Contest

Cynthia Leitich Smith Interview By Brigid

Karey Shane — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 00:32:00 -0600

Before Brigid does the interview, here's a fun teenage Did You Know? quiz, full of interesting and unusual facts about Cynthia Leitich Smith. Did you know . . .

Find Out Which of You Got Picked

Karey Shane — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 18:07:17 -0600

As promised, today I put all the names for the first ever Teens Do the Interview in a bowl and filmed in live so you'd feel like you were there when it happened. Watch the video to see whose name got picked. Of course, each piece of paper had the name of someone who had entered to have their name drawn. I'll be contacting YOU, whoever you are, so get your questions ready. And for those who didn't have their name picked, stay tuned for future Teens Do the Interview chances!

MYO Pen Pals: Veronica

Karey Shane — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 16:06:32 -0600

Today I got three letters from students in the after-school enrichment program in Swakopmund, Namibia called Mondesa Youth Opportunites. And it's my birthday. What a fun present! I've posted each letter separately. This is letter #3. My reply is below each student's letter. Their letters are unedited. Who knows, maybe we are looking at them in this video! Dear Mrs Karey Shane I have just heard about you now. My name is Veronica. My surname is Helao. I just want to know more about you. so would you like me to you about me? I am a black girl with long hair. I live with both my parents and live with my brother and two sisters. I live in Swakopmund in Namibia. I was born on 15 October 1998 in the capital city of Namibia, Windhoek, but now I stay in Swakopmund. I am in Grade 6A at Vrede...

MYO Pen Pals: Amy

Karey Shane — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 15:42:37 -0600

Today I got three letters from students in the after-school enrichment program in Swakopmund, Namibia called Mondesa Youth Opportunites. And it's my birthday. What a fun present! I've posted each letter separately. This is letter #2. My reply is below each student's letter. Their letters are unedited. Who knows, maybe we are looking at them in this video! Dear Mrs Karey Shane How are you doing? I'm doing well on my own. Well, this is my first time to write to an author. The way I imagine an author is a person with a lot of courage. A person that can deal with any kind of problem or at least try to solve them. About books, I like reading a lot of books. The books I love are mystery, romance and comic books. I would also like to know how you became a writer and what you usually did...

MYO Pen Pals: Armanus

Karey Shane — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 15:25:11 -0600

Today is my twin sister's--and of course--my birthday! My son called me last night to let me know he had just proposed to his sweetheart, and my daughter and family wished me happy birthday. They'll be spoiling my sister and I during a family dinner tonight. The next best thing about celebrating this gift of life that God has granted me, is that I got my very first letters from three Grade 6 students at Mondesa Youth Opportunities, in Swakopmund, Namibia. I've developed a friendship with one of the teachers there, Sue Wagner, who has a daughter that runs under my husband's coaching tutelage at BYU (Angela Wagner.) Angela and her team-mates are writing letters back and forth the the students, and more. Sue has given me permission to post the student's letters which you can see in separate posts in their unedited beauty. I've also posted my responses...

You Are Powerful

Karey Shane — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 00:39:00 -0600

Do you want to keep learning why girls around the world need education? This video is about seven minutes, so it's longer than some, but it's worth watching, even if you just watch the first part.

The Power of Girls Pledge

Karey Shane — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 04:09:00 -0600

I just took the Girl Scouts Power of Girls Pledge and thought you and your teachers might want to know about it! This is a picture of the website, and it's one of my favorite websites for girls so far! Way to go Girl Scouts! Keep up the good work girls. :) Take the Power of Girl's Pledge ! P.S. Come back here to let me know you took the pledge and leave a comment below! We'll be cool together. (Well, OK, you'll be cooler than me, but that's alright.)

Memorize This ! : Invictus

Karey Shane — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:00:00 -0600

How about celebrating our Memorize This series by starting with the poem that gave the name to Clint Eastwood's Oscar-nominated film about Nelson Mandela, Invictus, starring Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon?

How Apolo Ohno Trains

Karey Shane — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 05:01:00 -0600

How Apolo Ohno trains, and what led him to bring home eight medals from the Vancouver Olympics all starts with what he calls the most important part: preparation. As you watch this video, reflect on Pindar's challenge to, "Become what you are," and what it means for you.

Cynthia Leitich Smith Contest Moved to March 24

Karey Shane — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:48:57 -0600

Because of Spring Break, Cynthia and I decided that it will be better timing to do the drawing next week, on March 24. (It was originally March 17, St. Patrick's Day.) So, keep spreading the word about it! Sign up to be chosen to be the Interviewee in the post below! She'll still be doing the interview the last week of March. Cheers! Karey

Teens Get to Do the Interview

Karey Shane — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 20:28:36 -0700

Café Skill will be hosting an interview with Cynthia Leitich Smith in late March, but guess what? I'm not leading the Q & A. You might be the one, if you're between 12 and 18!

Thank You Deborah Kenny

Karey Shane — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 11:51:52 -0700

Thanks to a link I discovered on Rochelle McConkie's Facebook page, I've been following the ripple effect that Deborah Kenny started in education through her Harlem Village Academies. What she has done to raise the bar for teachers is revolutionary. Her approach focuses first on raising expectations for teachers! It's had such a strong impact on me that it's not only given me the courage to change the direction of my blog, but it has also brought back wonderful memories of my days as a full-time French teacher at Carden Memorial Private School where students stood when a teacher walked into the room, looked you in the eye when speaking, and called teachers Mr. and Ms. so and so. I was called Madame Taylor and the students in my classes all waited for me to invite them to be seated. This sort of respect is possible in all our...

New Standards in Your School

Karey Shane — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 07:36:05 -0700

How do schools in the United States compare to the rest of the world? You'll be shocked. Yesterday, Brian Williams did a segment called, New School Standards Raise the Education Bar. It's worth watching.

The Tapping Tool

Karey Shane — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 04:42:04 -0700

One of the most effective tools I've found for dealing with negative emotions is something called tapping (also known as Emotional Freedom Technique, or EFT.) This video walks you through the basics so you can find out for yourself if this tool works for you. Tap away!

Google Friend Connect

Karey Shane — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:53:03 -0700

I just added Google Friend Connect to my blog an hour ago. It's easy to do: just go to Google.com/friendconnect . I've been back here at least a dozen times to see if anyone's started to follow me. Somehow I feel like I did back at East Millcreek Elementary when I would wait to get picked for a game of Four Square. I am moving away from my computer right now so I can be productive and just let it flow. (And if you're wondering, almost all of the images I put on this blog were purchased from shutterstock.)

The Secret Speakers Giveaway

Karey Shane — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:27:14 -0700

Here's the story: I still have one Kindle left over from the big Kindle giveaway from a Secret Speakers event I held on Goodreads last year, where four were given away as prizes.

Book Bloggers Dinner

Karey Shane — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 15:26:15 -0700

Natasha Maw's Bloggiesta Challenge from last month culminated in a very fun round up with bloggers and local authors at The Golden Corral. It was wonderful to meet Natasha in person, finally. She's adorable! We both recognized each other immediately, which was fun. She introduced me to her husband, Taylor, and I realized he is not an Olympic athlete, but an Apolo Ohno clone. Shannon Hale, James Dashner and his wife, and another author--young enough to be my daughter--all took pity on me and included me at their table. Ha! Emily Wing Smith was one table over with Bree DeSpain, and other wonderful authors and bloggers. Taylor Maw joined us and we became fast friends with the common language of writing fantasy and illustration. I was in heaven getting to talk with someone who "gets" what's usually just inside my head. My cyber friend Jenni came over and introduced...

Ode to Richard Peck

Karey Shane — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 15:06:27 -0700

To Richard Peck I give high five--best done while he's still alive--for his one-word-to-authors' clarion call: "responsibility" to the story and its readers, all. I missed hearing Dr. Peck speak at The King's English last night, because I felt sick, so to console myself I've been watching Youtube videos. This video came from an SCBWI Master Class that he taught. Wonderful stuff.

The Secret Speakers Cover

Karey Shane — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 10:22:58 -0700

If you know someone who is publishing a book the self publishing route, here's a tip: make sure they know the printers guidelines before they create the files for the book cover and the manuscript. In my case that means knowing in advance what they use for .dpi image size, CMYK vs. RGB color, and text "blackness." I've spent hours and hours ( the key word is trying) to get things right for the Secret Speakers cover in order to meet guidelines for the book printer. Offset printing is definitely a different animal than digital printing. Long, long days working until I can't see straight. Lots of Pepsi. This is the final product. I've come to the conclusion that independent publishing is like running a marathon with dozens of finish lines. You think you're done, then WOOPS, you realize there's something else. Someplace warm with no computer and no...

We Are the World: New version / Original version

Karey Shane — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 22:00:48 -0700

After spending a 12+ hour day getting the Secret Speakers files ready to submit to the printer on Monday, it was, sigh, wonderful to turn on the TV and catch the entire We Are the World 25 video playing on CNN, thanks to Don Lemon. It's been a lonnng day, and this left me with such a good feeling. Of course, the message goes far beyond just making us feel good...we can all be someone's hero and make a difference. I've spent the last hour watching the old version, looking up why Taylor Swift wasn't in the new one, (which might have to do with cupcakes in Fundon?) and I'm about to post the old and new versions and the lyrics below (from the original version). There comes a time when we heed a certain call When the world must come together as one. There are people dying and...

Books of Wonder

Karey Shane — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 07:34:00 -0700

I stopped in Books of Wonder to drop by some pre-publication copies of Secret Speakers when I was in New York with my husband last week. In a spirit of 'hope for the best, but prepare for the worst,' I walked in with visions of having a delightful chat with Peter Glassman, whom I had emailed. Of course he would set aside a cozy spot of time to visit, just for me. I was sure of it, at least on the hope for the best end of it. As it turns out, he had left that morning for two warm weeks in California. Amelia, a very nice girl at the front counter, asked the buyer if she would meet with me. The buyer was, "buried in work" at her desk, which is Greek for the fact that I'm an unknown author, so why give me the time of day?...

8 Steps on How to Get Your Book into Costco

Karey Shane — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 16:56:19 -0700

I want to thank Jodi Jill for her article on how to get your book into Costco. I made myself known to our local Costco manager months ago. In fact, we had a couple sit down face-to-face visits and he was happy to share statistics with me on how well local authors are doing. Now we wave at each other in the aisles! Now I just have to follow the rest of these steps fromJody. Stay tuned to see how I do by the time April rolls around! Let me know if you have other suggestions. Here are Jill's Instructions: Step 1 Your first step is to head down to the local Costco. What you need to decide is whether your book or guide actually belongs at a Costco. You are looking for similar products in price point and area, but not so much in content. Step 2 Once...

The Principle of the Chinese Bamboo Tree

Karey Shane — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 21:46:09 -0700

Have you heard about the Chinese Bamboo Tree? It grows differently than other species of bamboo. Those who plant them nurture the bulb in the soil every day for four years, and nothing happens. Nothing. Then one day it takes off. Within one week it grows up to 90 feet tall. It almost sounds unbelievable. Yet, all that time the bamboo roots have been developing into a massive system to support the incredibly quick growth of the plant once it's matured. It seems to me that the life process of this miraculous plant works on a true principle. This principle is similar to tools we've been given to use in our own lives that allow all that is spiritual and divine within us to grow to its fullest potential. Our loving Heavenly Father has given us the nurturing power of prayer, much like the water, the whisperings of the...

Why is Texting So Lethal?

Karey Shane — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 16:51:16 -0700

When I heard about the Oprah's No Phone Zone pledge I didn't know how much it would effect the way I drive by simply choosing not to use my phone in the car. I just got back from running an errand, and I couldn't believe how much more attentive I was. What shocked me the most was that I was more present. I saw--really saw--real, living people: couples crossing the street, break lights in front of me, traffic lights changing. Wow. I wasn't thinking about all the things I had to do, or who I needed to call. I was shocked to realize just how dangerous I had become as a driver by using my cell phone. The fact that I chose not to even think about using my phone made me much more present and interestingly enough, more caring about those outside my car. I just took the...

The Gift of Pain

Karey Shane — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 12:53:06 -0700

Fibromyalgia has given me one gift. It's something that so many of us rarely experience because life is so hectic. It's something that is so simple that it's easy to pass by. It's something that seems so hard, but nothing could be easier. Quietness. For me, Fibromyalgia has helped me slow down these past three years. I wonder whether I would have rewritten Secret Speakers from scratch if I hadn't had this forced quietness filling my days. So, thank you Father for giving me quietness. At times it's almost too quiet and I feel incredibly isolated, lonely and even hungry, because I don't feel like I even have the strength to get something to eat. But thank you. I also wonder whether this is the reason I have finally, after three years, finally quieted down enough in my soul to realize that I am spiritually thirsty, and that I've...

Serenity Please

Karey Shane — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 12:32:53 -0700

I've been listening to Debbie Ford's 21 Day Cleanse on Oprah.com, and although right now I'm having a hard time doing things that require a lot of mental concentration, like write a letter, or write out statements about forgiveness, it's wonderful to discover that this is just one more drop to quench my thirst for peace, for meaning, and for love. It is, in a word, joy rising. Even with my physical limitations, how wonderful to discover that nothing can stop my spirit. One thing I've come to realize is that I want serenity in my life. Just that: a little serenity, please. I want to be able to respond to life with serenity in the same way tend my garden--with love. In my mind I see those images of a Buddha who's laughing, unbothered by the challenges of life, because he sees beyond the trivial. And so for...

Spiritual Rescue

Karey Shane — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 10:32:08 -0700

This mom has spent more time on her knees over the last few weeks than she has in a long, long time. Through a lot of prayer and pondering it has become very clear to me that I have a singular purpose on earth, aside from my cherished and divine role as a mother and wife. It sounds boring, perhaps, or maybe it sounds bizarre, but my greatest desire is for That Something Else: to fill the thirst and hunger I have those things which fill my spirit and give my life meaning, and purpose, that allow me to give and receive love, and that which allows me to know inner peace. I don't think there's anyone out there in this vast, beautiful, peaceful, yet tortured and chaotic world who doesn't want to feel like they belong, that they're connected, and that they have a purpose to fulfill. I...

Fibromyalgia Hurts

Karey Shane — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 22:45:15 -0700

You've just been bitten by 1,000 mosquitoes, only they don't fly away. They stay there for hours, days and sting doesn't go away. That's what it's like for the approximately 12 million folks who deal with Fibromyalgia. Another day you've hit your funny bone, and the pain spreads all over your body from your neck to your knees and the weird, agitating feeling stays for hours. Ever since Christmas my symptoms have been coming back in full force. Last Fall life was no less than fantastic, because I'd been going to physical therapy and felt the best I remember in 25 years at least. Wow. Eventually when we have the funds I'll start back up with it, but in the meantime, wimpola-ville! So, this is a post to explain that if I'm not blogging much in the next while, it's because frankly, all I have the energy to do...

Haiti and You

Karey Shane — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 19:48:49 -0700

I went to a meeting on the Haitian rescue efforts last night at UVU, put on by local Haitians. I felt helpless to know what to do, and frankly, so did they. Today on Oprah she announced that even donating $10 to the Red Cross can help. I've thought a lot about the suffering that we all go through in life, some much more than others, and I've come to one simple conclusion (still with so many questions): We either allow suffering to refine and define us, or confine and undermine us. It’s our choice. The words came to me out of the blue yesterday and I keep thinking about what they mean for me. Plus, it works for me because it rhymes. There are so many in pain. There are so many in this world who are enslaved, cold, hungry, ignored, or in the case of the earthquake...

How a Story Works

Karey Shane — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 16:46:04 -0700

Robert Jackson Bennett just posted the most near-perfect description of what story means to me on OrbitBooks. I've posted the entire thing below for my own reference on those days where I wonder myself why I write. And I would add that the way I see it, stories already exist. They just need to be written down by a party willing to put down the pieces of the puzzle as they float down, arrange them, or pause at times while more pieces arrange themselves. Stories, perhaps, come from God to help us see ourselves more clearly. And now, on to Robert Jackson Bennett's take on it all: Stories are interesting things. Trying to figure out how they work has been one of the more pleasant obsessions of my recent (and so far, brief) life. I used to think that a story was just a chain of events, arranged and...

On Your Mark, Get Set, Bloggiesta!

Karey Shane — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 10:17:35 -0700

OK, I'm officially beginning the Bloggiesta challenge Right Now. I just found out about it on Natasha Maw's Book Blog and what better way to spend a few cold winter days when I have a million other things on my list to do. Arghh! But it's calling me, so...out of Natasha's helpful list, this is what I'm going to work on: (I'll highlight each one as I check it off...) Write backup posts for a rainy day Work on series posts Put out invitations for author guest posts Clean up your tags, archives, books reviewed list, etc. Create a text file (or Google Doc) of cheat sheets (html codes, post url’s, etc) Improve your blog template, clean up sidebars, add a favicon, install those plugins that you’ve been meaning to do. Add or edit your about me page, review policy, disclosure policy, privacy policy, create landing pages (for example...

People Buying Boxloads. Wow.

Karey Shane — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 11:50:56 -0700

Wow. I just got a call and someone wants to come buy another box load of Secret Speakers pre-pub copies for her book club who wants to discuss it already. It's sort of surreal to realize people will not only be reading what was so much in my head for so long, but talking about it! Below you can see how I wrapped the copies for my kids for Christmas . . .

Together Time at Christmas

Karey Shane — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 17:03:07 -0700

Dear reader, This year was the first time in four years that my three children were here for Christmas. It was the best Christmas I remember with them, ever. Even though life isn't perfect, it is full of perfect moments. I feel so grateful. Patrick's children were out of town or with their mom, so we missed them. We had a blast snowshoeing, bowling, lazing around the house, playing board games, visiting family. It was all good. We served dinner for the homeless on Christmas Eve, which put our own dinner terribly late, and it was worth it 100%. These pictures aren't in any particular order . . . After one of many snowshoe races on Christmas Day. I was amazed what I can do with two Aleve and a Pepsi in my system! Wyatt is definitely in the lead. Woof, woof! The night before Dwight heads back to...

Homemade Christmas

Karey Shane — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 16:11:49 -0700

This year this mother did a homemade Christmas. It was all about love, since we didn't have a lot of money. Independently publishing Secret Speakers has put us in debt for the first time in our marriage. So I made seamless, felted mittens for the children and Patrick, and gave them each a copy of the book. First, a picture of their books all wrapped up for Christmas morning: Copies of Secret Speakers for the kids and Patrick. The next few pictures are of them opening their presents, wahoo! A long time in coming . . . Sadie and her mama-made mittens. Our 15 year-old son and his mama-made mittens Dwight's mama-made mittens were a disaster but Patrick wanted them since they were so uber thick. I made Dwight another pair. He liked them a lot better: Someone told me the kids would think getting the book was incredibly...

Secret Speakers A.R.C.'s Are Shipped!

Karey Shane — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 19:26:18 -0700

My husband, twin sister Gwennie and I just sent out the first 54 advance reader copies on Thursday, a momentous day. And how did I respond? Was I jumping up and down? Giddy? Whooping and hollering? No. I blubbered like a baby. My sister hugged me and kept patting me on the back, hushing out the words, There, there now. There, there." While she was hugging me, the most beautiful thing happened right next to this table full of books: I could hear the sound of her lungs breathing in and out as I felt the rise and fall of her chest against mine. At that moment, I felt like I was back in the womb with her. It sounds strange to say, but my memory of the sounds, the whooshing, the warm was crystal clear. I was just about to say something, then she pulled away and looked...

Megan's Happy Tree

Karey Shane — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 18:53:17 -0700

So I'm finally catching up after getting back from our trip to see our daughter and her family in California. I won't post close up pics of our cute grandsons, but I will post pics of what Megan calls her Happy Tree. Just by looking at the pictures you'll know what I mean. They are pure Joy Rising. Here are all three trees that comprise The Happy Tree: (Every time I try to load the photo it goes sideways. Shuckie Darn. You'll just have to turn your head to absorb the full effect of Joy.) They took pity on me (since I missed my flight, missed going with them to Disneyland, and missed the only sunny day of our trip) and took me to a place called Morton's for the absolute, bar none, by gosh by golly best steak dinner I've ever had. Here we are at Morton's: (Megan...

Father I Have Sinned

Karey Shane — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 18:37:50 -0700

"Father, I have sinned." That's what I told my physical therapist when my husband brought me in to see him on Friday. When Dr. Taylor told me in August that it would take about a year to fully recuperate from being in bed for so long with fibromyalgia, I didn't really believe him. But when I vivaciously attacked the shrubs in our front yard two weeks ago to bring them into neighborly submission--all the while belting out tunes from Oklahoma! about what a beautiful morning it was--little did I know it would put me right back on the couch. So, I'm doing my best to be a dutiful patient and take it easy, which is hard when everything in me is crying out to get ready for Christmas With the Children. It's going to be our first Christmas together in four, yes four, years, and I'm feeling so happy...

The Girl Effect

Karey Shane — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 08:57:51 -0700

I love, love, love this video. It's amazing! More info is available from GirlEffect.com but I've included it for you here so the downloads are just one click away. The first one is two pages. The second one is one you'd want to read during a slow breakfast, perhaps. I printed them both out to put in a binder so I can make notes. Download TheGirlEffect_FactSheet Download Girl_Effect_Your_Move

Half the Sky 2

Karey Shane — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 23:17:31 -0700

Reading Half the Sky is has brought the spirit of Christmas into my heart. I can't explain it. I'm having a wonderful time here in San Clemente with family; yet even though my feet are grounded in this cherished family time together--shared meals, making origami birds, playing board games and fishing off the pier--my spirit feels as though I've stepped on an invisible conveyor belt that's whisking me to a world of equally powerful purpose: to lift up the hands that hang down and strengthen the feeble knees. I arrived here two nights ago after slowly reading, outlining, and making notes of Half the Sky during my flight from Denver. I think I got to page 26 or so. After we all went to Morton's for an incredibly sumptuous meal, I went to bed exhausted. But the most amazing thing happened. I got chills just now thinking about it:...