Words Matter...

 

Words Matter…

By John W. Vander Velden

June 28, 2025

Some year ago, as I began to take my writing seriously, I was told that I needed some sort of internet presence. That a few posts on Facebook and Twitter just wasn’t going to cut it. That was early 2012 and though I had no idea what I was doing I began blogging. I honestly did not know what a blog was, when I set up my google blogger site. It was a time for experimenting.

But I did have a mental picture of what I intended my blog to be…something literary.

After much thought and preparation, I started Ramblings…Essays and Such…in March of 2012, and for years I generated new content each week. It had been my hope to offer something of merit and if I was fortunate a bit of name recognition would come of it. And though other writing demands have kept me from adding many new posts these last years, the Blog has, at present, 447 posts, most under 500 words.

There are among them a few that have gotten a steady number of page visits, such as Misty Morning and Hot Summer Afternoon, but most have only received fifty to sixty page views over the 13+ years. But there is an exception. Broken Teacup, first published December 31^st, 2015.

Yesterday, Broken Teacup surpassed 75,000 pageviews.

Even as I watched the view count approach that magic number, I found myself amazed at how those particular words have touched so many. I have received comments from all around the globe, and have been deeply touched by those kind words sent in my direction.

So today, I celebrate, that the gift God has given this often broken and mended man, Broken Teacups’ success. That the words within that blog post has achieved notice far beyond my expectations.

It is proof, you see, that words matter.

(320 Words) 6-28-2025

Page by Page

 

Page by Page

By John W. Vander Velden

 

There have been several things going on in my life these last months. It has been difficult to carve out the time needed to work on my writing project. But I do my best to attack the second editorial revisions of When Light Comes Unexpected the fourth book of the Misty Creek Series. For I know readers of the series await the next instalment, and I continue, page by page, to work on the near final draft.

I am handling this book differently than the three before it. Perhaps because writing these books has, for me, been a learning curve. So on this draft I will sift through these pages three times.

Step one: I am going over my editor’s comments, making changes when I feel best, but considering each comment she makes carefully. I agree with most of her suggestions, but not all. She understands me quite well, and that helps the both of us as we work on this book.

After I go through fifty or sixty pages, I begin step two: I print off three chapters at a time to be read out loud. I find that combination of verbalizing the pages and seeing them on a medium other than a computer monitor, helps me catch mistakes.

That leaves step three: After I make changes from step 2, I load those three chapters into my tablet and allow my electronic reader to read them to me. This is an important step I learned on my third book. The machine reads what is on the page not what my brain thinks is on the page.

So how far have I gotten into this task.

I have completed all three steps on 330 pages out of 518. That being said I have completed the first step to page 400. So you can see I have done the lion’s share of the heavy lifting.

But the work continues…page by page.   

(320 Words) 10-18-2024

Twist My Arm

 

Twist My Arm

By John W. Vander Velden

 

When it comes to writing, I am still learning and expect to for as long as my fingers trip over the keys. In most ways, writing is a solitary endeavor. Yet like all things there are those outside influences that even those, who work on their lonesome, will face.

For writers one of the more common things that they face is the dreaded deadline. I, myself, refuse to accept deadlines imposed by others. It is one of the advantages of being self-published. But there are times I self-impose a date for finishing some portion of my writing task. Timetables I set are different―sorta.

But the dreaded deadline, even if it is my own, is not the only outside force I face. Though I will not pretend, I know or understand the mechanics of this language I am forced to use, there are times when someone suggests that I rearrange my words or stories simply, because. Because, I am told, it is what readers expect, or a thousand other reasons, many touch on marketing and today’s trends.

You need to write more like…(fill in the blank)…or… (fill in another blank).

There was a time I might have buckled under, but not today.

It hinges on a great bit of advice, I received from the manager of a bookstore, that hosted one of my book signings. Greg said, “John if you write like everyone else, all you are going to produce is a book like everyone else’s, and there are enough of them already.”

You see it is about, what writers call, voice. And each of us that dare, to thread words on strands to form stories, tries to develop a voice. Something unique, something that is as individual as the person telling his or her tale. I am like no other individual―why should my words be set in exactly the same patterns as another.

I believe my editor understands this, as she carefully coaches me in my writing growth. Helping me clarify, without sacrificing my style that is like no other. She does not put words in my mouth, or indiscriminately butcher sentences I have crafted. And I thank Kristina for her understanding and patience.

But I also will stand firm in my desire to stay true to my voice. I try to put music into the language I write. When I read the lines I must hear the tone, and when things work at their best feel something. No, not every line carries that music, but I want enough of them, so it is not some once in a book experience.

Once a writer friend looked at me like I had lost my mind when I said, “I write for the way it sounds.” And I do. At times that battles with clarity. At times it seriously breaks the rules of writing, but in the end, I believe, my readers appreciate the effort.

You see, when it comes to my writing style―I refuse to allows others to twist my arm.

7-14-2023 (510 Words)

409 In Ten Years

 

409

In Ten Years

 

By John W. Vander Velden

 

Ramblings...Essays and Such... began as an experiment, and March marks the completion of my Blog’s tenth year.  Fact is I had no idea what a blog was when I began in 2012. I had read that as an author I needed an internet presence. Whatever that meant.

I did a little research.

Small quantities of knowledge is a dangerous thing.

I hadn’t even looked at anybody else’s blog before I began. Yet I had an idea and found a platform that was free. Free is good. And I figured I would post one thing each week. But what would that one thing be? I could post bits about writing. But in truth knew less about writing than blogging. So instead I began writing short pieces.

100-300 words pieces were my goal. Originally. For no particular reason other than I felt certain readers would be put off if I rambled on and on. So with those parameters I sat down at the keyboard and wrote more than fifteen shorts before I posted my first. I would not commit to something like a blog for less than six months, and having four months of material gave me a smattering of confidence.

So March of 2012, as I had said before, I began my blogging career. If you can call it anything that approaches a worthwhile endeavor. I’m not certain I can. At first it was like a party where no one came. In some ways it still is. Once in a while one of my posts got a few page views. But things began to change a bit in 2016. The numbers went up just a bit. But then about two years ago something happened. Someone discovered an old post, Broken Teacup. It went form an obscure post with ten or twenty page views to my most read essay. To date Broken Teacup has been read over 17,000 times. No, that is not viral, but I would say it is at least bacterial.  

So this is the 409^th post on my blog. 409 short essays, poems, and something I call micro-stories. There would be more but I reduced the amount of new material I contributed in 2018 so I could use the time to focus on other writing projects. Also in my inexperience early on I deleted many of my early posts. Thought I could not have over twenty posts on the blog at a time.

Silly me.

I have restored many of them and will add others in the future. But all the same 409 bits of writing seems like a sizable quantity.

10 years.

Some might commend me for persistence. Others might ridicule me for my folly. Whether anyone sees my blogging as plus or minus doesn’t really matter to me for I continue to trundle on.

So I thank you for taking a few minutes out of your Saturday to read my words. And hope you have found my words worth your time.

I thank you...409 times. (498 Words) 3-11-2022

October Open Spaces

 

Open Spaces

By John W. Vander Velden

Vol, 21.10

October 25, 2021

I have been reminded, repeatedly, that Halloween is this weekend. Not that I am big into ghosts and goblins or witches and such, though I have written a spooky stories in the past. But the approach of Halloween is a certain sign that the month of October is coming to its conclusion.

Where does the time go?

I suppose that’s a question we all ask ourselves. Especially those of us that have some frosting blended within the few strands of upon our heads. Time rushes onward and carries us along like it or not.

But October’s ending means we are well into autumn...a season of transitions.

 So on this rainy day, we’d gotten most of three inches overnight, I consider how the summer’s warmth had slid into late September and most of October. Oh it wasn’t oppressive by any means, just warmer than usual. I told Jackie just yesterday that we normally get the first killing frost around the middle of October.

That’s the farmer in me.

But even as November approaches we haven’t had even a light frost this year. Yet the weather is a changin’. The leaves are falling and there is no doubt the days are shorter. I am reminded that each year is different. It helps to keep us on our toes. So enjoy the good weather days, and bundle up for the others.

Now for a bit of writing news.

I have finished the first pass of the editorial revise of my next book. A major task completed. I am, presently reading With the Sun’s Rising, the third book of the Misty Creek Saga, out loud to Jackie. It’s her first exposure to this volume and an opportunity for me to catch errors I have missed. Things like repeated words, echoes my editor calls them, or opening too many paragraphs with identical words. I keep my eyes open for “crutch” phrases. Word groups I use far too often. Fact is each time I read through a manuscript I stumble onto mistakes, but reading the text out loud, verbalizing the scenes, helps to catch many of them.

I also have three Author Events scheduled in the next six weeks. The first is less than two weeks away on Saturday November 6^th from 2:00PM until 4:00PM, hosted by my friends at La D’zert Café, 401 N. Michigan Street, Plymouth, IN. I am very excited to once again have the opportunity to meet with readers face to face.

The next events will be in the Bell Memorial Public Library, downtown Mentone, Indiana on Tuesday evening, November 16^th, 4:30PM – 6:30PM. I love going to libraries, don’t you? The third will be in Fables Books downtown Goshen, Indiana, on Friday evening December 3^rd 6:00PM until 8:00PM.

If you’re in the area of any of these events, please stop by.

Well I need to wrap things up, so let me close with something Eloise Jenkins shares within the pages of With the Sun’s Rising, when she tells Elizabeth that, Change is not the enemy.

I for one HATE change, and maybe you do as well. But the Handcock’s Bluff shopkeeper’s words carry some truth. Living means facing changes. Some are appreciated. Many are not. But we can, with God’s help, continue our life’s journey, accepting the changes that come. And in the end find that change never intended to undo us.

So as the weather changes, as this month ends and another begins, as we look toward the end of this year, we recognize that each day...each and every day...brings with it changes. Embrace the new days. Experience the new opportunities, knowing that you are never alone, for God is with you, today, tomorrow, and always.

Blessings,

John

 

 

April Open Spaces Vol. 21.4

 

Open Spaces

Vol. 21.4

April 24, 2021

 

April showers bring May flowers is a phrase we have heard since our grade school days. There are so many ways to interpret those five words. Of course we, as children, took the phrase literally, perhaps we still do. And it, in of itself, is accurate. Early spring rains are needed for the glory of the season to arrive. But if I were to look deeper, I can see that those five words are important guides for other seasons, for other situations.

I can imagine a child yearning to play outdoors. The cold bitter days of winter are behind and warmer temperatures are coming. Yet this child stares out the rain streaked window feeling trapped indoors, unable to run barefoot in the greening grass, longing for the full spring to arrive.

The springtime of that child’s dreams.

For winter’s snow might have been glorious in December and January, but by mid-February the gray days and frozen fingers had lost most of their appeal. March came and it brought the promise of a long winter’s ending, and April, well it excites with its promises.

Yet now this child feels trapped by...the rains of April.

So I will remind us all of what I see as a deeper meaning of April showers bring May flowers. We are to be patient for grander things are coming. For each of us have faced, and many of you are continuing to face, times of stress, times of disappointment, times of pain. It is easy to believe that those rainy day times will never end. That the flowers will not bloom, that the May of our lives will never arrive.

Do not be discouraged.

Have faith that God has something better than dark rainy April days ahead for you. Sunny times of May might seem far off but it draws nearer with each day. Courage friends...and patience too, yet have confidence, for it is coming.

So what has this writer been doing these April days? There always are many things that demand my attention. The lawn for one. The lawns I care for had become quite lush and a little too tall when I hacked them back the first time last week. I also spent some time cleaning up the farm yard following the tree trimmers earlier in the month. Life goes on. Now that Jackie and I are fully vaccinated we had intended to drive south and visit Nick this April. Changes in Jackie’s work requirements at the pharmacy have pushed those plans back a bit. How far back remains unknown. Of course, when I can, I sit down at THIS keyboard and tap out words strung together. The revision of the third book in the Misty Creek Series continues. Hope to have some time to work on that project when I finish this one. You can see I do not have to deal with boredom considering the projects on my list.

I’m nearing 500 words on this newsletter so I will wrap things up.

It is our hope that your April was a GREAT month, and that you look forward to May and all the colors of spring it will bring. That God has kept you safe and well and will continue to do so until we have the opportunity to meet.

Take care,

God bless you and your family,

John

February Open Spaces Vol. 21.2

 

Open Spaces

Vol. 21.2

By John W. Vander Velden

 

February 25, 2021

 

Greetings from my small corner of the world.

What a February we have had. Jackie and I had been enjoying a relatively mild winter until...brrrrr...the temperature crashed. But the last few days of this month have been mild and the snow that was stack around us is melting. A stark contrast to the snowy frigid weeks at February’s beginning. Now most of the yard is visible and only small ice patches remain.

We can tell that the days are noticeably longer and watch as the sun breaks the horizon closer to true east. Though we may yet have snow storms, with each day, spring draws closer. Yet I try to enjoy every day...the snowy ones too. For I remind myself of two things. One is what my father told me often, don’t wish your life away by wanting a change in the seasons, and two, God gives me this day...today is a gift...

So that is what I will wish for you today...that you will find something enjoyable in each day. February’s included. That you grab hold of each twenty-four hours with both hands and make the time special.

One last point about February, it’s my birth month. I guess that has always made it special. I remember the three birthdays I had as a child living in central Florida. You could expect some warm, almost hot days, before the month’s end. But for a kid that really didn’t matter. I remember one particular February day. A hot sunny day, the 19^th, I was on top of the old ‘49 Dodge truck, helping lash down the canvas that covered our family’s belongings. I remember, correctly or not, that it was 80 degrees. The neighbors came to say their goodbyes. I looked down at the three of them. My classmate, Susan, her younger brother Duwayne, standing with their mother. The profoundness of that moment did not register with the just reaching ten year old boy I was.

Not then.

But that image is burned into my memory. A reluctant wave of the hand, surely our parting was a certainty...but not necessarily desired.

Perhaps those words can remind you of the precious value of EACH day. For there is something magnificent slipped within those twenty-four hours. You may be like the kid high up on the top of a truck unable to recognize the magic moment at the time. But notice or not the magic happens. Open your eyes and hearts to the possibilities...the amazing instants.

Now for a few words about my writing.

Life’s obligations have stolen most of the time since our last visit. When I flipped over January’s page of the calendar, I began the first editorial revise of the third book of the Misty Creek Saga. The work has been intense, during the time I could pry loose for the task. I find myself behind schedule...again...but doing my best. Kristina has given me so much to think about, and I find comments on each page that set my gears to whirling. Times I must shake my head and walk away from the keyboard in order to figure out my next step.

I find it at times a mix of frustration and awakenings. Having an editor like Kristina, someone I trust, someone that knows my writing as well as she does, is a blessing. Kristina pushes me. Though I will not follow every idea she presents, I appreciate that she offers her expertise and guidance.

So what can John tell you about the timetable...when this book will be finished...at this point...NOTHING.

Sorry...

One other point before I begin the closing. Have you been watching my videos? When it comes to getting out there to see you, whether it is a book signing or some other event, COVID has been a stick in the spokes of my wheels. So in the interim, I have done a few Virtual Author’s Events. Short videos of 10-13 minutes. You can find them on my YouTube channel or at John Vander Velden Author’s Facebook page. If you’re curious check them out.

I have, once again, run long, so I will close with these few words. Love is the greatest force of all the powers that surround us. But remember the single source of love, all love, is GOD. We live in a world where too often it seems that hatred is in control.

But what is hate?

For if cold is the absence of heat...then is not hate the absence of love. And I, personally, believe that genuine love can conquer even absolute hate. 

Remember GOD loves you...and always will!

John  

   Visit my web page www.johnvandervelden.com My World of Words

 

 

September Open Spaces Vol. 20.9

 

Open Spaces

Vol.: 20.9

By John W. Vander Velden

 

So the summer of 2020 has officially ended. We have been so blessed to have had a string of delightful days of late. And though it remains incredibly dry, the recent days of cooler temperatures have aided in the preservation of greenish grass. But even now the first signs of autumn are appearing. The crops, corn and soybeans are changing. Here and there fall’s presence can be seen in trees as well. Yes, friends the season is changing.

Many will be pleased that we have nearly completed another month. Each of us look forward to turning this pandemic, we are enduring, into a memory. It is hard not to allow COVID-19 to be in our thoughts, yet even now, after the months beneath its shadow, we must remain diligent. Remember that we are all in this together, and if we unite in our actions, perhaps we can eliminate COVID’s threat once and for all. But it will take a UNITED effort, for together we WILL surely stand, but if we are divided success is less certain.

Jackie and I have remained well, which is incredible considering that she works in the public. Let no one tell you differently, masks, hand sanitizers, and frequent hand washing DOES help. For our continued health is proof enough for me.

It is our hope that you and yours have been spared from the harsh effects of COVID. That you have found ways, perhaps new ways, to enjoy the summer now behind us. One thing is for certain these last months will leave memories and stories we will share in the future.

As for us we have taken a few outings, not far, not long. Always using our best efforts in social distancing etc. Even so we have had those moments when our obligations have placed us in groups which left us a bit concerned. Yet we, as I said before, remain spared. But August was a month where tragedy came too often to our little family, and those we care deeply about. We are praying that the rest of 2020 will spare us the pain August gave.

Now for a bit of writing news.

This month I began the first round of revisions of a book length work, tentatively titled House on the Lake’s Shore. You may remember I finished the draft in May and it has been set aside and waiting. Putting things on the back of the shelf is one of the steps I use to turn ideas into publishable materials. I have been working, in the interim, on another book length piece titled Severed Ties. The plan was to put down that project while I revised my primary objective. But you know how plans go. By the end of August the first draft of Severed Ties was so near to completion I continue chipping away at it in small snippets of my writing time.

As for the revision it goes pretty much according to plan. It is a lengthy draft, and to do a thorough job it will take time. My editor has let me know she is anxious to set her teeth into the work. But she understands that with my many obligations it takes me more time than other authors. But 1^st revisions are just one of the many steps House on the Lake’s Shore must endure. So my friends be patient as the story moves forward...slowly but surely.

So I see by the word count that I have nearly used my quota for this month’s Open Spaces. Let me close with these few thoughts. As the year winds down, I wish you contentment. Contentment is a greater goal than happiness. For if we are content, happiness will surely follow, but it we continually chase after happiness we will never be content. I pray that God provides you with what you need, for so many are left short of the basics we take for granted.  And lastly, that the Master of the Universe protect and keep you safe in this world that has so many dangers, known and unknown.

Blessings,

John 

Amazon Links:

Misty Creek

Elizabeth's Journey

  

To Race Onward

To Race Onward

By John W. Vander Velden

 

It was cool yesterday when I pulled down my bicycle and took it out. Most mornings, if I decide the weather’s fit, I take a short ride. The stretch of our road that remains paved is not long, just from one crossroad to the next. I don’t like driving on gravely ways, if I can help it, so it’s just to the cross road and back.

Our road is quite narrow, so I wait until the neighbors have gone to their employment and the school bus has passed, so I have the road for myself. Yes, that makes it safer and I prefer it that way.

It gives me time to focus.

But it was cool yesterday and I began to consider the wildflowers along my way. The tiny daisy like flowers were covered with new buds, a day or more away from bursting into a fresh bloom. You see they and other plants knew that the season was about to change and seemed to be racing onward...to finish this summer’s task.

The length of the days had begun shrinking in June, but now as we pass mid-September minutes of daylight disappear from each day. I miss the swallows that abandoned the farm late August. They knew as well, racing on their wings to warmer places of longer days, even while summer’s heat raged on.

These things remind me that we too, those perceptive to notice, are racing onward. We rush, forward we hope, aware that time, be it daylight or broader, the allotted time of our own days, is not infinite. There are things to do! Important things! Or so we think, and time runs shorter with each sun rise.

I feel that way myself these days. I see ALL the projects I WANT to complete. Birthdays remind, this stack of weary and aching bones that my calendar does not stretch to infinity and beyond. Well it does actually, of that I am confident, God will care for me one day, but my time on the green side of the sod is another matter. It is that quantity of time that concerns me often as I race forward.

And that is how it often feels. When I set my lifelong task of farming aside, I recognized that the NEW challenges, I picked up in its wake, would keep me hopping. And that is good. But I KNOW the list of stories in my head will likely exceed the time God has set aside for my work upon them.

Oh how that once drove me crazy...this feeling that no matter how hard I raced onward I would not...

You get my meaning. But with the completion of Elizabeth’s Journey my second novel I felt I had completed something important. At least important to me, and I hope it was important to you as well. Though I’m not proud enough to think so, perhaps it was even important to God.

Now I have a new mindset, I take on this new writing challenge, House on the Lake’s Shore, The title is tentative folks, and pray each day that I am allowed to finish THIS project. And when it is finished I will begin in earnest on the next. I’ll not, or try not to in any case, concern myself with all the stories waiting in the green room for their own opportunity to slip out of my cranium and onto the page.

So I will race onward in short sprints, even though each feels like it is marathon in length, and not worry about the next track event.

For it will be enough and I thank my God for the opportunity and the time He has given and the stories He has provided. (629 Words) 9-19-2020

August Open Spaces Vol. 20.8

 

Open Spaces   Vol.: 20.8

By John W. Vander Velden

 

August 26, 2020

 

Now that August comes to its conclusion, we know that summer is nearing its end. I hope you have found ways to enjoy your summer. For most, Jackie and I included, the summer of 2020 has been unique.

We did not take our usual summer escape this year. Dreams of Door County, Wisconsin will remain for another time. But we haven’t remained locked behind our doors either. Of course there is work’s demands. Work being very different for the two of us. My work is very close to home, Jackie’s is...well a little further away. Yet we have enjoyed the summer within its limitations.

I feel that every day is a gift from GOD. Even days under the shadow of a pandemic. The attitude makes it easier to get out of bed in the morning. Yet it remains difficult at times to be excited by EVERY new day, but I believe being so motivated is worth the effort. You may find comfort in the fact that I do FAIL to find rosy glasses some morning. Maybe more often than some.

Here the school year is beginning. COVID-19 shapes the way schools have opened. Many continue off sight learning. E-learning it is often called. It strains teachers, students, and parents, trying to find the best ways to teach, the best ways to protect children and staff. Things will remain different for a time, but I am confident it is only temporary.

 Though our school years are behind us, behind our son’s well, the virus yet influences our lives. Jackie and I do our part. We wear our masks, avoid crowds, practice social distancing, use hand sanitizer often, and wash our hands. We recognize that all of us face this danger together, and small things can make big differences. And fortunately our household remains well.

It is our hope that yours is also.

Now for a bit of writing news.

Next week I begin revising the draft I completed in May. Taking on that project in earnest means the other project on which I had been working must be set aside. Though I regret leaving the book length work I have worked upon these months incomplete, I know I will return to it on my next “dead writing time”, such as when  I send the revisions to the editor. I have no idea how much time will be needed for this first revision, but it is my hope to complete it early next year.

I will keep you posted.

Now I have reached the end of this installment of “Open Spaces”. Take care my friends, make your choices carefully, consider the needs of others, especially the weak and vulnerable, share kindness, and above all remember that GOD loves you.

May His love comfort you and ease your mind during these unprecedented times, and that He guide your feet to open spaces where you will find peace.  

With CHRIST’s love, and blessings,

John W. Vander Velden

Author of Misty Creek and Elizabeth’s Journey

 

         If you wanted the link to my 1^st Virtual Author’s Event here it is....

 

https://youtu.be/DTCx2-9tB2A

    

June Open Spaces 20.6

Open Spaces   Vol.: 20.6

By John W. Vander Velden

June 29, 2020

Hello dear friends.

June is very nearly in the rear view mirror and we are less than a week away from Independence Day.

How will you be spending your Fourth of July?

Will it be different this year?

Each of us have faced a variety of changes in the way we conduct the normal things of our life. Certainly Covid-19 has had its effect hasn’t it? But we need to remember that this pandemic will not haunt us forever. But even though we understand that this disease’s grip upon our lives will soften, we must remember that point has yet to arrive.

So I hope that each of you continue to take care, and by taking care you will help to protect yourselves and more importantly the vulnerable that surround you. Especially those which fit within the category of increased risk.

And yet there are other events that have pushed their way into our world. Though it might be difficult for us to understand the frustration that has driven others to make their voices heard, should we not take the time to listen? Those of us that have never been forced to face the bias that others need to deal with each day, might minimize the need for dialog. But those voices ask for more than just words, or promises, they expect action. But it is this man’s opinion, the change that will at long last end their suffering, must begin within each of our hearts.

Some years ago conversations I had with two very different individuals helped me to understand the situation more clearly. That freedoms I take for granted were not allotted to every citizen. Those conversations have changed me and I hope that you honestly consider the life of others and try to see things from their point of view. And in doing so perhaps you will be able to feel for their needs as well.

Yes, we live in an imperfect world filled with imperfect people, but it is up to each of us to do what we can to move things in positive ways. Hopefully one day everyone will look deeper to see beneath the surface, and no longer label others based only upon preconceived concepts.

Is it too big a dream for our country? I would hope not.

As for this writer in Northern Indiana, I have remained busy.  Busy is good. Yet it sometimes feels as if the things that keep me busy also separate me from the tasks I wish to do. Finding time to mutilate the keyboard has been more difficult these last weeks.

Yard work is SO demanding.

However there have been other responsibilities tugging at my life. And that’s OK it’s life after all. So with one project on a deliberate hold until September, I work on another project, a standalone, when I can find the time. There’s not much I can share about these projects. But know that the writing has not stopped.

But I have tried something new. Have you seen the videos?

With the cancelling of my Author’s Events and Book Signings I felt the need to reach out to readers all the same. My internet provider was so gracious to offer its customers a larger amount of data for the months of April and May, which helped. I never filmed a selfie-video before let alone posted it online, but mine require a sizable chunk of my data allowance so I don’t post them often. If you haven’t taken the time, please check them out on my Facebook Author’s page, John Vander Velden Author. Let me know what you think. I might post them on YouTube if I find a way not to use a month’s worth of data in the attempt.

So as I close this newsletter. It is my hope and prayer that you and all those that you keep within your heart remain well. That you remember that life’s adventures are not tied down to the usual events or expectations. That you open yourself to experiencing each day. For each day is a gift from God, a time to be savored filled with possibilities and events that are often unexpected and yet profound.

So until next time,

Blessings,

John W. Vander Velden

Author of Misty Creek and Elizabeth’s Journey 

    

Open Spaces Vol. 20.3

Open Spaces        3-27-2020

Vol. 20.3

I don’t think any of us would have, a year ago, imagined the place we find ourselves at the end of this month. So as we face Covid-19, let us each do our part but not live in fear. Don’t get me wrong there is plenty to be afraid of in this life, and this virus is one of them. However scary as this might seem it is not the end of the world. Friends we will get through this if we all work together.

So most of us are penned up at home. Fact is I normally am, well for the most part. I have given up a few regular outing like going to church, which is a big deal. But by and large I’m working from home or around the farm. There’s always stuff that needs to be done, you know fixing stuff, yada, yada, yada. Soon yard work will do its share to occupy my days. Life goes on doesn’t it?

And then there’s my writing. With all my author’s events put on hold I have a bit more time to assault the keyboard. If you knew how badly I type you would understand that my computer is the victim here. But none the less, I pound, backspace, correct, pound a bit more, and eventually a page is finished. I won’t share what I’m working on but it is enough to tell you I am more than half way through a first draft.

Please don’t hold your breath, or continue to ask me, politely, as you always do, when it will be finished. This book which I am currently working on is a very LONG way from completion. I expect it will take at least THREE YEARS before it reaches publication. That’s 1095 days friends, and I will have to push things to get it done in 2023. But I will finish this project, if God wants me to complete it, and I think He does.

Shifting gears here. Misty Creek and Elizabeth’s Journey have the most wonderful fans. I cannot say how touched this man of modest talent is by the comments I have received. Over and again I have been told how much you have enjoyed these books. The fans of these stories are what pushes me to strive for the very best that I can do. Just the other day someone called to share how much she enjoyed Elizabeth’s Journey. Calls or letters or E-mails like that humble me. I thank God that He has given me this talent, and the determination that keep my fingers, as clumsy as they are, driven to continue.

So as we come to this month few of us will ever forget, know as the days grow longer we will overcome this challenge. Stay safe and well my friends.

Again thank you my friends.

With God’s blessings, Christ’s love, and Holy Spirit’s comfort,

John

Rainy Days and Thursdays…

By John W. Vander Velden

 

It’s raining and it’s Thursday and I am at the keyboard…again. I really shouldn’t. My to do list stretches from here to, well I don’t know where but outa’ sight anyway. But rainy days do that to us don’t they. They give us the feeling that we should be doing something but the weather gets in the way, and so we head off on a tangent, taking time we should not use on endeavors unplanned. 

Writing has become an important task in my life. I suppose that years ago it was unimaginable that I would spend the thousands of hours tapping away letters into words, words into sentences, sentences into stories. But even now as I plan to change the oil in the trusty PT I find myself putting this rambling together. 

 Rainy days set my mind ta thinkin’. We’ve had a powerful lot of rainy days this year. I guess I’m still not completely thunk out. But the fact is, and I know it better than anyone else, I’m way past the middle of my years. And though I have so much I hope to accomplish, I really shouldn’t be typing right now but doing some of it. I understand that I likely won’t do all the things I hope to do. Sometimes that bothers me, it bothers me a lot. Sorry Mrs. Lambert. She told us that the only use for “a lot” was a plot of ground needed to build a house. But that being neither here or there. I understand that the time God will allot me to do the things I want to do is not infinite. And even if it were I’d probably just think up an infinite number of things to add to my list. 

Maybe I should make a list based on priorities. To get done, my “bucket list” first. Sounds efficient. But others keep throwing sticks in my spokes, adding obligations and such. Then are the unexpected things, repairs, emergencies, and of course heath issues that pop up like the head of a “whack a mole” demanding immediate action. Fix a gutter, wham, get the tire fixed, wham, repair a door, wham, go to a meeting, wham, wham, wham, and my to dos end up being not quite done or worse, not even started. 

Shut the machine down John, you have oil to change. 

But it’s raining. 

So?…The garage is dry. 

But it’s still raining. 

You need to get the oil changed and then work on the revisions. 

Yeah OK...but it is a rainy day...hmmmm. 

There are things to do and I best be at it, so I’m shutting down the old Gateway and going out into the rain on this Thursday morning…

 

(455 Words) 6-13-2019