Sweetgum Knit Lit Society: Blog Tour

Sweetgum Knit Lit Society

I almost didn’t read this book. Boy would that have been a sad thing for me.

Glass Road Public Relations e-mailed me the information about the blog tour and I meant to respond and…life got in the way. It was almost a week later before I realized I hadn’t asked to receive this book. But better late than never, and in this case it was a real blessing to read. Once I received the book I devoured it—gone in less than 48 hours.

The Sweetgum Knit Lit Society—I know these women! I’ve met them or been related to them. I’ve watched them try to keep it together and then finally have to face the secrets that they’ve buried. Beth Patillo creates characters that readers will find so familiar that it is unnerving. I ended up caring deeply about all these women and the teen that they grudgingly admit into their book and knitting club. Hannah, the teen that becomes entangled in the other characters’ lives is also familiar to me. I worked for a short time in a facility for abused and mentally ill children. Hannah represents so many of the children I met.

Meeting monthly these women have grown close but not close enough to know all of the secrets that each have hidden. It is only with the inclusion of Hannah that some of the facades become apparent. Each woman and Hannah faces life changing choices that cannot remain deeply guarded any longer.

The Sweetgum Knit Lit Society—a fabulous book that I highly recommend. The only problem I have with this book is that it makes me want to learn to knit even more!!

From the press release--WaterBrook Press and Glass Road Public Relations:

Beth Pattillo (Heavens to Betsy and Earth to Betsy) knows how to follow a dream—even with a pile of publishing industry rejection slips to her name. She spent seven years on the path to her first publishing contract, and the characters in her newnovel, The Sweetgum Knit Lit Society, embrace Pattillo’s persistence.

Eugenie, Ruth, Esther, Merry, and Camille are not perfect women. They each struggle with love in their own way—unrequited love, forbidden love, overwhelming love, even lost love. Yet they battle on, meeting every month in the Pairs and Spares Sunday school room to knit, discuss that month’s book selection, and puzzle out their lives.

When Eugenie throws neglected and abused teenager Hannah Simmons into their midst, however, walls decades in the making come crashing down. With secrets thrown on the table amid the tangle of yarn, needles and books, one thing becomes certain: The Sweetgum Knit Lit Society will soon discover what’s most important in the complicated lives they lead.

About Beth Pattillo
Beth Pattillo is an ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and holds a Master of Divinity from Vanderbilt University. She and her family make their home in Tennessee. Her novel, Heavens to Betsy, won the prestigious RITA award from the Romance Writers of America. TheSweetgum Knit Lit Society is her fourth novel. To learn more, visit www.bethpattillo.com

Q&A with Beth Pattillo, author of The Sweetgum Knit Lit Society

Q. What was your inspiration behind The Sweetgum Knit Lit Society?

A. The book was inspired by the knitting group at my church. I loved the way a group of diverse women, from their teens to retirement age, bonded over knitting and prayer. I think book clubs experience a similar phenomenon. Something about knitting or reading together really helps to create authentic community. One of the things I enjoyed most about writing this book was looking at the world from such different points of view. Each of the women in the novel is unique. And the variety of ages and life experiences kept things interesting.

Q. In the book, troubled teen Hannah Simmons has seen her share of neglect and abuse before meeting the ladies of the Knit Lit Society. Do you see many teens like Hannah in the course of your work as an ordained minister? If so, what is your philosophy in helping them find healing?

A. Unfortunately, I’ve met a number of teens over the years that were neglected by their parents. I’m a strong believer in youth ministry because I know it can provide guidance and care that’s often missing in a teenager’s home. In the novel, Hannah happens to be poor, but I’ve found that income level, however high or low, doesn’t always correlate to the quality of parenting. The love and attention of a youth minister and/or youth sponsor can often keep a teen from making bad choices with disastrous consequences. Teenagers need to feel competent and valued. A strong youth ministry provides an opportunity for young people to find their spiritual gifts and use them. It also makes God’s love tangible and powerful.

Q. Since not every town has a Knit Lit Society, what would your advice be to anyone who has a "Hannah" in their life or knows of a teen in a similar situation?

A. Most teens need someone to listen to them without judgment or agenda. Mentoring, serving as a youth sponsor, teaching Sunday school and Bible study – these are all great ways to reach out to teenagers. As a minister, in a particular situation, I have to assess whether a teenager needs the help of social services in addition to the love and care of a church family. All ministers are required by law to report suspected abuse. Neglect, though, can be a bit trickier. Ideally, a minister can reach out to the parents as well as the teen to try and help the family become more functional and caring. I always appreciated my church members letting me know if they thought a particular teenager needed help. I think it’s better to get involved and ultimately find that the situation wasn’t as serious as you thought than to ignore something until a crisis occurs.

Q. Do you knit in your spare time?

A. I love to knit! I’m into hand-tied yarn right now, taking eight or nine different yarns in a particular color palette and tying 2-3 yard sections end to end. The result is wonderfully shaggy scarves or shawls that have real depth of color and texture. (I was inspired by the owner of The Shaggy Sheep in my hometown of Lubbock, Texas – a terrific yarn store!) I’m afraid I have numerous unfinished projects around the house, but one day, I hope to finish them all.

Q. You spent seven years waiting to publish your first book and now The Sweetgum Knit Lit Society is your fourth book. What advice do you have for novice or aspiring writers?

A. Aspiring writers have to persevere. For that matter, so do published authors. The publishing industry is a rejection-based business. Work hard, acquire a thick skin, be open to good criticism, and revise, revise, revise. As writers, we take our work personally, but the publishing industry doesn’t. Rejection is a business decision, not a critique of our value as human beings!

My other piece of advice is to write every day, even if it’s only a small amount. I run an email loop called Club 100 For Writers. The challenge is to write 100 words a day for 100 days. I’ve seen this practice transform people’s lives. Instructions for joining the group are on my website, http://www.bethpattillo.com/.

Grains of Gratitude

We survived another week “on the go.” But just barely, I’m thinking. The boys and I were about falling over on Friday when we arrived home. But it was a good week, better than last week. I am soooooooooo grateful.

Mr. Boo’s attitude was much improved and his schoolwork showed it. He found out the library we are visiting has comic books available for checkout and this was a great motivator—I don’t encourage buying comic books (they can be read too quickly) so this was a grand opportunity. We spent a couple afternoons walking the zoo (with much quieter patrons surrounding us) and spent one afternoon with friends. Grateful, grateful for a good week for Boo and me.

Roo had a great week, some new teachers in with the old and a hip hop class (Hip hop?? Is that crazy or what?). It was tasteful hip hop. And apparently it was fun. Roo has had a dose of confidence, although he is still a little nervous in the mornings. (I totally get what he is feeling because it has plagued me my entire life, so I am not too quick to try to push too hard.) We were able to get a pre-paid cell phone for him and that made me feel better about the days I didn’t see him for seven hours straight. I am grateful for cell phones. How did we ever manage without them?

I am grateful my husband has a good job, I am grateful my husband has a good job, I am grateful my husband has a good job—yes he is on the road again traveling. I will chant this mantra until he comes home. This, for some reason was a particularly hard parting for me. I guess I should add I am grateful that I’ve got a guy that I really miss when he is gone—means he’s wonderful to have around.

We had coffee on the patio before he left this morning and we talked about our life and some opportunities that seem to be presenting themselves. There appears to be an situation that we would have been thrilled about less than six months ago. Now we are seriously considering not following the lead, at least not seriously. We are still in this dinky duplex and are squished and bursting at the seams, but life is good, we are happy and best of all content. I mentioned to him that it has been on my heart to really try to memorize these moments. There will possibly be a day that we “have more” in the way of things, but I don’t know that we could have more in the way of happiness.

I’m grateful for the week ahead that the LORD has waiting for me. I’m praying that I can use each moment to serve Him who has given us each and every breath.

What are you grateful for??

Visit Christine at Brady’s Bunch the home for Grains of Gratitude.

Scripture & Song: Faith Lift Friday

I posted this over a year ago, but it's been on my heart, so I thought it might be okay to repost it for Sheryl's Faith Lift Friday. I also found a video clip to go with, so even better!

1Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

2Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2



Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus

O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s a light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!

Refrain

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

Through death into life everlasting
He passed, and we follow Him there;
Over us sin no more hath dominion—
For more than conquerors we are!

Refrain

His Word shall not fail you—He promised;
Believe Him, and all will be well:
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell!

Refrain



Visit Sheryl for an opportunity to have some uplifting words to carry you through the weekend.

Blessings,

Julie

What I Really Wanted to Say at Wal-Mart Was…

To the young lady who helped me in Electronics. You were very sweet.

To the customer screaming in the Photo Department— I am sure there was a mistake made, but I really, really believe the clerk did not have you in mind when he started his shift. The clerk did not get out of bed today, come to work and mix up all the photos, all the while chuckling maniacally—Really. I will bet on it.

To the Photo Department Clerk—good job—that customer was a PAIN

To the customer in Pharmacy—I will bet it really was Medicare’s fault. I will bet the pharmacist did not create a new rule on the spot just to make you stand there and yell at him. And your choice of language was really not going to make things move faster.

To the pharmacist—I don’t think you made it better when you told that customer that you were “a very smart person.” I really don’t think you saying, “I have a doc-toooor-rate degree.” really made him think you were doing a better job. You were patronizing and antagonizing.

To the woman who was digging in the video bin (you know—where they dump 200 different titles and mix them all up) pull your skirt down. Really. Please. And you might be just a bit old to be wearing a skirt so short in the first place. TMI, baby, TMI.

To the woman with seven children who I chatted with in about five different departments—You were a bright spot for that whole trip.

To the cashier at the front register—you did an awful job sacking my purchases, you were rude and it was fortunate I didn’t get the receipt asking me to fill out a survey. I would have done it today.

To Mr. “I own a Dodge Ram Daytona King Cab with a Hemi’—learn how to park.

Sigh…Writing about Walmart…I am in sad shape…

Meme--The ABCs of Me

I found this meme on Barbara’s Stray Thoughts and decided to borrow it. Feel free to join and let me know if you do. I’d like to see yours!

The ABCs of Me

Accent: Almost twenty years ago people used to say they thought I was from the Chicago suburbs. Now I have more of a lazy Southern-Midwest drawl.

Breakfast or no breakfast: Not often. Two mugs of coffee with creamer usually do it, although sometimes I will have some small protein.

Chore I don’t care for: You mean people like chores?

Dog or Cat: Both. One dog—Liberty (Libby) and one cat—Sidney.

Essential Electronics: My computer, my camera, my Nintendo DS Lite.

Favorite Cologne: Poison, Blue, Obsession, Opium

Gold or Silver: Silver if I have to pick—but I prefer mixed metals--brushed nickle, bronze, copper.

Handbag I carry most often: I’ve gone through a series of “cheapies.” Hopefully this fall I will find one “nice” one I love. I carried a Coach for years. I don’t like changing purses.

Insomnia: Often. Recently insomnia has been accompanied by hot flashes alternating with moments of freezing.

Job Title: Neither fish, nor fowl, nor good red herring, otherwise known as multitasking Mommy.

Kids: Two sons, Roo and Boo, ages almost 8 and nearing 11.

Living Arrangements: Duplex, Midwest suburb, Hubby works from home unless he is on the road.

Most Admirable Trait: Dogged determination.

Naughtiest Childhood Behavior: Thinking the world revolved around me.

Overnight hospital stays: When I was born, two for C-sections and one after a car accident.

Phobias: Severely claustrophobic, mildly agoraphobic

Quote: Joy is the great note all through the Bible. We have the notion of joy that arises from good spirits or good health, but the miracle of the joy of God has nothing to do with a man’s life or his circumstances or the condition he is in. Jesus does not come to a man and say “Cheer up.” He plants within a man the miracle of the joy of God’s own nature. –Oswald Chambers

Reason to smile: This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. Lamentations 3:21-25

Siblings: One sister, four and a half years younger.

Time I wake up: Depends on how late I stay up.

Unusual Talent or Skill: Fairly crafty (although unable to master knitting) and often able to cook something if I’ve tasted it at a restaurant without a recipe—sometimes it takes a try or two.

Vegetable I Refuse to Eat: Rutabagas

Worst Habit: Losing focus

X-rays: a few—once when I broke my elbow, once to see if I broke my back (thankfully it wasn’t), and after a car accident—of course there’ve been countless dental x-rays

Yummy Stuff: Chocolate, coffee, merlot, bread, cheesecake

Zoo Animal I Like Most: I love Okapis, followed closely by Tree Kangaroos, Red Pandas and Tapirs.

What is your alphabet meme like?

Mudbath

Aren't mudbaths beauty treatments?

Visit the hub for more WW.

A Rant About Zoo Goers

"Hey Rhino!! Turn around!! We want to take your picture!!" said a large, burly, middle-aged man.

(At a huge silver back gorilla) "Look at me sweetie!! Come on…look at me!" from a fashionably dressed woman.

Then there was the dad convincing his children to disobey the signs clearly posted.

That was just a sample of the grown-up idiocy Boo and I were witness to last week. There were the children in the school group roaring at the tiger, screaming at the monkeys and not sharing the pathways—but they were children. The grown-ups (and I am being generous with my description) in charge of them were mostly ignoring their behavior.

I know that zoos elicit mixed feelings from people. Some love them and some hate them and then there are people like me who really enjoy seeing the animals (I'll never be on a safari so it's my only chance) and know that for some species, zoos are keeping the species from extinction—but at the same time are saddened by the bars and cages and confinements. There isn’t a perfect solution.

But our hometown zoo is improving daily and our favorite zoo (about three hours from us) is fabulous about their exhibits and education. We are, for better or worse, zoo goers.

But there are days that I wish the humans were in the cages and the animals were free to roam. Boo and I had such a day on Friday last week. The zoo was packed with groups and families and the behavior was astounding.

After the San Francisco tiger incident at the end of last year I was amazed that people would continue to taunt the animals. I was saddened and confused why people don’t believe that rules apply to everyone, not just everyone else but them.

When we’ve visited zoos on days that crowds were low, I’ve noticed the animals appear generally calm and not depressed. The gorilla in question above looked very frustrated to me (not an expert—just my opinion)—the rhino was far enough away to just ignore the guy. But still—these are the reasons a lot of people don’t like going to the zoos in the first place.

These are creatures that our creative Creator made—for us to enjoy too!! But in this world of flashy entertainment, constant stimulation and loud excitement as a whole people have lost the ability to stand quietly and enjoy the majesty that the LORD made in the beautiful animals.

I think we’ve lost a lot.

What was I thinking?

I really had high hopes for last week. I had spent the two weeks prior cleaning and organizing and getting the items together for healthy lunches for on the go. I collected the supplies we would need and thought out a schedule (something I rarely do). I planned and mentally prepared. I thought we would be ready to face these four weeks of “on the go” with style.

What was I thinking?

I pictured dropping off an animated Roo at his classes. My mental image was of him confidently jumping into this new adventure maturely and without a backward look. Thoughts of meeting him at lunch time when I dropped his brother off included him giving my blow by blow accounts of his morning and eagerly awaiting the afternoon offerings.

I imagined idyllic mornings at the library (housed in a gorgeous historical building—lots of atmosphere) with my youngest son, Boo. I envisioned us working through his school work with ease, side by side; him doing his worksheets and reading willingly, nay—enthusiastically, anticipating his class at noon and the field trip following; me typing away (lots of blogging) on my laptop. I had a new laptop backpack so I could “blog on the go.” I just knew my Bloglines account would not have a single unread post in it.

Then in my reverie Boo and I would go explore the delights I had planned. And finally, exhausted, but happy, we would pick Roo up and the three of us would drive contentedly home to regale my husband with the highlights of our day. I imagined my husband and my sons and I all sitting cozily in our living room or out on the patio with time to spare just sharing our uplifting thoughts.

Yeah…uh huh…that was such a pipe dream.

We are not morning people here. And I am the worst. Scrambling to make lunches and wake the boys and put clothes together that match (for me—the boys have a dress code for their classes), trying to get out the door and dealing with rush hour traffic smacked me in the face on day one.

We were almost late the first day and Roo jumped out at the entrance, met by the security guard and I didn’t see him until lunch time. He had been apprehensive about a full day of classes and a large group of people he did not know. Monday was such an overload for him he didn’t have much time to think, but Tuesday I literally had to boot him down the hall to check his schedule and get in to class to warm up.

Then there was Boo. Sigh…

Boo is growing so I am going to attribute some of his behaviors to changes in hormones and chemistry, but he was not happy about anything. The library made him nervous. Actually I get that—it is in a very urban part of the city and there were some, well, some questionable people in the library, obviously there to get out of the heat and the elements. It was technically a “quiet zone” but there were lots of distractions.

Wednesday we stayed in the children’s area, but that meant I still had wireless but no plug in access and the battery on my computer doesn’t last that long—besides it didn’t matter. You know that dream I had of him joyously doing his school work—uh-uh, no way, not going to happen. I just put the laptop in my snazzy new backpack and focused on finishing worksheets.

He liked his Summer Intensive class. He is in with children mostly older than him, but did really well. And Monday I will say we had a nice time at the zoo. I let him use my camera and the novelty was good for a day. But Wednesday we went to the museum and he let me know in no uncertain terms he did not want to be there. The art made him “dizzy.”

Thankfully Tuesday and Thursday Roo was the only one who needed to go and Boo could stay home and just do his reading. That helped a little, but he was obviously missing his brother and really could not find anything fun to do. He was very helpful when I asked but nothing was as fun as it could be with no big brother to torment and play with.

Friday we went to the zoo again. I am going to write about that more in another post. But let me say, both Boo and I were amazed at the awful behavior of children and grown-ups there. Never assume people will be on good behavior.

Roo finally found his comfort zone in the latter part of the week. He made new friends and definitely learned new things. He is very talented and smart, but not always confident.

The week ended on a positive note, I guess—but not the way I anticipated. We found a groove. We will never look like a well organized family, but we made the best of it. I did get three days of walking in and some fun photos of Boo. Roo made some new friends, learned lots and was worn out (in a good way). And everyone liked the lunches. In fact the lunches may have been the high point…

Well, another week awaits—one down, three to go. Lets see how we do.

Happy Father's Day

What Makes A Dad

God took the strength of a mountain,
The majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun,
The calm of a quiet sea,

The generous soul of nature,
The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages,
The power of the eagle's flight,

The joy of a morning in spring,
The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity,
The depth of a family need,

Then God combined these qualities,
When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,
And so, He called it ... Dad

Author unknown

Just As I Am

Just As I Am



Just as I am, without one plea,
But that Thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou bidd'st me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, and waiting not
To rid my soul of one dark blot,
To Thee whose blood can cleanse each spot,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, tho' tossed about
With many a conflict, many a doubt,
Fightings and fears within, without,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind-
Sight, riches, healing of the mind,
Yea, all I need in Thee to find-
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, Thou wilt receive,
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve,
Because Thy promise I believe,
O Lamb of God, I come! I come!

Words: Charlotte Elliot
Music: Woodworth