One Lovely Blog Award

Recently, I was nominated by Rich Weatherly, author of Closed Doors, a Trilogy, for the One Lovely Blog Award. I am very honored that he chose my blog. In the relatively short time I've known him, Rich has proven to be an all-around great guy to know. Of course, I shouldn't be surprised, after all, he is a fellow Texan and military veteran. I hope you will join me in visiting his 'Welcome To My Place' blog on a regular basis. Thank you Rich for this award and for all you do to help others. 

Now for “The Rules”:

If you are one of the nominees for the One Lovely Blog Award you must do the following:

• Thank the person who nominated you and link to them in your post. (see above)
• Share seven unknown things about yourself. (see below)
• Nominate other bloggers and blogs you like or admire... 15 or so if possible (see below)
• Contact the bloggers you nominate to let them know and to link them back to your post so they can read "The Rules", too. (Will contact them when I have a link to share)

Seven unknown things about Lynn Hallbrooks

1.  I am part Irish, which is only a problem when I'm upset.

2.  I was born in New York but have lived most of my life in Texas.

3.  I have sung a couple of duets at my church with my friend.

4.  I am about to be a grandmother for the first time.

5. I have judge the quality of children's books by the reaction of my Godson.

6.  I am a slow reader but I believe it is more of an advantage at times.

7.  I prefer silence when I'm reading or writing. Noise does not induce concentration for me. I'm not really sure how people, youngsters in particular, can  multitask like that. 

My nominees for the One Lovely Blog Award are less than fifteen.  After learning I was nominated, I made a list of blogs that I came across.  Each   blog posts spoke to me for different reasons. I hope that you will take a moment to see if they speak to you as well. Fair Warning some may require a hanky. 

Tracy James Jones

Alisha Paige - Ruby Vines - Wolfgang Pie

Jeff Bennington

Christine Cunningham

Jonathan D. Allen

Constance Wallace

Caleb Pirtle III

Norma Budden

Food Babbles

Shelley Workinger

Doug DePew

Once again, thanks Rich Weatherly for giving Call Sign Wrecking Crew on the Run, the One Lovely Blog Award.

Hope everyone has a lovely one!

Lynn Hallbrooks

co-author to David McKoy

co-owners of Call Sign Wrecking Crew, LLC

Memorial Day 2012

I met Marie Elaina Gordon on Amazon this week.  She happened into the Doug DePew (Military history/memoir) discussion board.  Doug and I were talking about some great news concerning his first book, SAT & BAF!: Memories of a Tower Rat.  After congratulating Doug, Marie shared a little bit about herself then asked if she could share a poem from when her first son joined the military. After Doug gave his seal of approval, Marie also shared some of her writing journey.  

"...I can only tell you how excited I was when a SCHOOL purchased "MY Grand-Mom Told Me.." for their earlier grades! A little girl posted a comment on Amazon thanking the author for helping her achieve her highest reading score of 104!!! That was ME Doug!! I kept writing and had a 2nd book in the series published!! A teacher had me come to her 90 students (grades 6 -8) and give a presentation on iambic pentameter - the format in which my stories are written. To be honest Doug, I never gave it any thought until then! She held up my book in front of all those young students and said:This is an excellent model for writing"!!!! I almost fell over Doug. Am I known?? NO - but my books are being read IN SCHOOLS!! My 3rd book (same format) is all about World War II - my best yet! Well Doug here goes... PLEASE ENJOY "MY TURN"

MY TURN

You're proud of your soldier, he's your son.
You can remember him on your knee.
You can remember the smiles - those moments of fun
As you held him and he giggled with glee.

You remember the very first step he took
You remember when he read his very first book.
You remember when you wiped his tears away
And how you tucked him in bed at the end of the day.

And of course you remember those days of fun
Halloween - Christmas - you remember every one.
The way his eyes opened wide from a present or two
The way he rushed to your arms saying, "I LOVE YOU!"

Then there were the days he would run to you
Shouting and crying, "I have a 'boo-boo'."
Softly, you'd say, "Don't be afraid,
This will help you heal, we'll use a band-aid."

And through out the years, you were always there
You offered support, you gave him care.
And no one would ever dare to try and harm him
Because they knew - if they did, with YOU they would reckon!

And today, it is you - who runs to him and cries. It is YOUR SON who is wiping the tears from your eyes.
He is dressed in a uniform and holding you tight,
Whispering words of comfort, "It will be alright."

Then he turns and walks away - it is time for him to depart.
His words and this moment FOREVER SEALED IN YOUR HEART.
One last time he stops and waves; saying, "Remember I'll love and miss you too.
But, NOW, you see, it's my turn, MY TURN TO PROTECT YOU!"


Marie Elaina Gordon
www.feelingsinc.com copyright 2003

I felt Marie's poem was very appropriate for Memorial Day, in part because of the "remember" theme. Not only that but Marie comes from a Military family. Her father was in World War II.  Marie and I bonded over the fact that we both have sons who started out to serve but had medical encounters that prevented them from staying in the military. 

I believe that Marie's experience with her first book might be inspirational to those just starting out on their writing journey. The main thing that I took away from it was that she has a poetic soul that "sings" to others. If you'd like to learn more about Marie Elaina Gordon, her work, and the things she cares about, then please feel free to visit Feelings Inc.  

I hope that you all have a safe and Happy Memorial Day. Don't forget what Billy Ray Cyrus shared with us, "All Gave Some, Some Gave All!"  So please thank those that have served, are serving, and the family of those that gave everything for your freedom.

Lynn Hallbrooks

co-author to David McKoy

co-owners of Call Sign Wrecking Crew, LLC

http://www.callsignwreckingcrew.com