Michelle Obama

I used to love politics. In fact, there was a time in my life when I was so enamored with our government and its seemingly infallible processes that I longed to be a politician myself. Yup, I was an idealist. A little naive. These days, I hardly dare to breathe the name of our president or engage in a conversation about any of the hot-button issues that seem to plague our country. It's just too bi-partisan. Too black or white, left or right. I worry that if a friend (or fellow blogger or complete stranger) hears my political leanings and disagrees with me, we'll no longer be friends. Sad, isn't it?

So, before you delete me from your blogroll or run screaming from my site, let me assure you that this is not a political post! My reactions to Wednesday night's State of the Union address are for me to discuss with my husband. My reactions to Michelle Obama are what I'd like to discuss with you.

I love her. I really do. Not necessarily her politics or her past choices or her stance on controversial issues. I just think she's an amazing lady, whether or not I agree with her 100%. Not only is she beautiful, classy, and articulate, I think she's authentic. I love watching her with her girls, and I chuckle every time I see her admonish the president of the United States with a wink and a smile. Isn't that exactly what marriage is like? I think she has a great sense of humor, and I appreciate that she's quick to laugh at herself and her husband. She doesn't try to act superior or holier-than-thou because she's the most watched and influential woman in the most powerful country in the world. Instead, she's down-to-earth, real, and approachable. During her husband's political campaign, many tried to label her an "angry, black woman." To me, she's just well-spoken, intelligent, and passionate. She's exactly the sort of woman I would like to be: an appealing mix of gentle mother, supportive wife, and strong, successful woman in her own right. Did I mention I think she's the best-dressed first lady since Jacqueline Kennedy?

Anyway, as I watched Michelle Obama during the State of the Union address, it struck me that we collect people as if they are tokens and try to take little pieces of them that we wear like accessories. I try to wrap my grandmother's kindness around me. I wear my mother's compassion like a ring--a constant reminder whenever I reach out a hand to help (or hurt). My dad's resolve is a warm coat. And the sphere of influence widens... All the way to the president's wife who makes me stand a little straighter every time I see her.

In many ways, I am who I am because of the people that I admire. I want to look like them, and I take the things about them that I love and make them my own. So, what about you? Who do you admire? Who makes you smile wider, stand taller, or reach for impossible dreams? I'd love to hear from you...

More Wide World of Publishing...

Since Monday's post was more personal, I'm answering a couple of questions today that pertain more to the business side of the publishing world. I don't know that I'm an expert, but I'll happily share what I've learned!

Sara Richardson is the author behind our questions today. She is... a lifelong storyteller... passionate about communicating reasons for hope. Previously she has been an advertising copywriter, an Internet communications manager, and a whitewater rafting guide. In addition to writing fiction, Sara has published nonfiction articles in parenting and family magazines. As a member of MOPS International, Sara enjoys speaking to moms’ groups. She earned a master’s degree in journalism from Regent University. Sara lives and plays in Colorado with her husband and two young sons.

Check out her blog at MomStories!

Sara's questions: 1) Does your publisher check on things like how many people are visiting/commenting on your blog? Do they care about things like that? 2) How did you go about finding the best agent for you? I have a couple of possibilities right now and I need to make a decision.

I'll start at the beginning and admit that I have absolutely no idea if my publisher checks (or even cares) about my blog hits. When I signed my first contract, I was encouraged to start a blog and begin the process of creating an online presence. It was a hard thing for me to do since I'm a pretty private person... But I get the spirit behind it, especially since I know how I feel if I go looking for information on an author and find zilch. It's very frustrating. (On the flip side, I can say that visiting an author's site/blog has caused me to go out and buy their book on two separate occasions. Online networking/marketing does work on some level.) Anyway, once I had a website and blog started, I invited my publisher to give me and my designer feedback. I wanted to know if they were happy with what we had created. I received some very helpful comments and critiques and changed the site accordingly. Now I just do my thing, and as far as I know it's a non-issue.

However, this topic seems to dovetail into a issue that has been at the forefront of my mind lately: branding. The longer I spend in the publishing business, the more I'm beginning to realize that if, when, and how you blog or whether or not you have a stellar website are not necessarily the most vital things you can do to help readers connect with you. It seems to me that authors who have a clear understanding of who they are, what they write, why they write, and who they write for are the most "successful" writers around. Of course, we measure success in a hundred different ways (and some of us could care less about the more traditional definitions of success), but I'm talking about authors who reach the greatest audiences... At any rate, I've tried to tackle this enormous subject in several posts: Branding (not the cow kind), Author Branding (a needle in a haystack), and How to Brand (a stab in the semi-dark). I actually never finished the conversation as the Christmas holiday fit smack-dab in the middle of these more serious posts, and it seemed like people weren't tracking with me. Who knows? Maybe I'll finish up the final two posts now... You've got me thinking. ;)

As for the agent question, my only advice is: go with your gut. I had three agents in the running when I had to make that difficult decision, and the deeper I got into it the easier the choice became. Of course I prayed about it, solicited the advice of my husband and friends, talked to other authors and industry professionals, and spent time on the phone with all the candidates, but from our first interaction my agent seemed to stand out. We had similar goals and visions. I appreciated her candor. She appeared to be excited about my work and eager to represent me. In a nutshell, we clicked. And it's been incredible. I couldn't ask for a better agent.

My Camera

Since I used my camera a lot this weekend (to capture snow-laden trees, the excitement of our One Body One Hope Liberian Luau, and to document my growing kids) it seems very appropriate that I'm answering Nikolyn's question today. Her blog, Answer to my Prayers, is a peek into the life of "an average, everyday woman who loves the Lord." She's a public health nurse, an intercessor, a wife and mother of four. Her youngest is a newly adopted babe with the sweetest, most kissable cheeks I've ever seen! Except for my own kids' cheeks, of course. ;)

Nikolyn's question is: What kind of camera do you use? I'm flattered to say that Nikolyn likes my photographs, and I'm happy to share the story of how I became an amateur photographer...

The short answer to the question is: A Sony DCS-H2 with a Zeiss lens. Sounds fancy, but it's not an off-the-charts camera. I love it for some things, loathe it for others. The truth of the matter is, we bought our fancy, digital camera a couple of days before we hopped on a flight to Ethiopia. We had everything packed and ready to go--clothes, passports, copies of our dossier, homestudy, important government papers, medicine (for us and our new baby), everything--except for a decent camera. I had a bit of a conniption because we were on our way to Africa for heaven's sake, and our camera was a gift I had received in college. Thankfully, Aaron had a little emergency fund stashed away and we decided to blow it on a good camera. The Sony was an impulse purchase.

But I've never regretted it! The photos from our time in Ethiopia are exquisite, and as I learned to manipulate the many settings (including aperture, shutter speed, and ISO) I started to have lots of fun. I have to confess that probably 80-90% of my pictures are just so-so. But every once in a while serendipity strikes and I end up with a gorgeous picture. And so does Aaron! His photos of last year's Liberia trip are absolutely stunning. National Geographic worthy. Ah, that's the beauty of a digital camera. :)

It seems appropriate to leave you today with (what else?) photos! I hope you enjoy them. And I hope you take the time to answer a quick question: Do you have a hobby that snuck up on you later in life? If so, what is it? How did you get interested in it?

Here are a couple of my favorite Ethiopia photos. Actually, all the shots of my new little son are my favorite, but these are quite nice, too! I think people imagine that Ethiopia is this desolate, barren place, but we found it to be strikingly beautiful. At least, in the mountains in and around Addis Ababa.

And here are a couple from our spectacular trip to Spain. The top one was taken at the castle in Malaga, a city at the southern tip of Andalusia. The door was photographed in the Moorish palace at the Alhambra. Words cannot begin to describe that amazing place.

Last but not least, a few portraits that Aaron took in Liberia. You should really see his entire collection--it's absolutely breathtaking.

Restaurant-Worthy Recipe: Stuffed Pork Tenderloin

I made the most delicious meal last night (if I do say so myself), and I just had to share it with you. It would be perfect for a dinner party or a romantic at-home date night when the kids are in bed. Who needs to go out when you can make something like this at home?

Here's hoping your weekend is filled with reason to celebrate!

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Stuffed Pork Tenderloin

1 1-lb. pork tenderloin

Filling:
2 cups chopped fresh spinach
1 small jar artichokes, drained and chopped
1/4 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup finely shredded feta cheese
1 tsp. fresh snipped rosemary
dash of kosher salt
fresh ground pepper to taste

Glaze:
1/2 cup frozen cranberry juice concentrate
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp. brown suger (optional--you may leave this out if you like it tart)

Preheat oven to 425. Cook spinach in a skillet with a small amount of water until just wilted. Drain. In a bowl, combine all the filling ingredients. Slice the tenderloin lengthwise, making a pocket. Spoon filling into the pocket (you'll have to stuff it in there, but it'll fit!). Secure with toothpicks if necessary. Place tenderloin in a shallow roasting pan, filling side up. Roast, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes. (Or, if you have a meat thermometer, until the thermometer registers 155 degrees. Since we don't have a meat thermometer, I sliced the tenderloin in half after 25 minutes in the oven. There was a tiny bit of pink in the middle, which is perfectly fine according to the USDA. We like it that way--if you want to cook it longer, no prob.) While the pork is roasting, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan combine the thawed juice concentrate, balsamic vinegar, and brown sugar (if you're using it). Bring to boiling. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, until sauce is reduced by half. (Don't let it reduce too far or it will turn into sludge!) Spoon over pork during the last ten minutes. To serve, bias-slice the pork.

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We enjoyed this yumminess with garlic mashed potatoes and fresh-frozen sweet corn (a taste of summer!). Homemade fudgy brownies with raspberry sauce finished the meal... Mmmmm. I could make it again tonight.

See you next week with more answers to your questions. Cheers!

Children's Book Winner!

Thanks to my adorable six-year-old (who is home from school again due to "inclement weather"), we have a winner for our children's book contest! Brandi is the lucky lady this week. Please email me privately with your snail mail address and a preferred age group for your book pick. Like I said before, this is a grab bag giveaway, and I want to tailor it to your kids or interests, so I won't even know what I'm sending until I hear from Brandi! I'll let you know what I send out after the fact.

Speaking of kids, I am yet again stuck inside with what feels like a houseful of rowdy boys. Granted, there are only two of them, but take into consideration the fact that we also have a dog and a rather tiny house, and things can get out of hand in no time. I'm the anti-TV mom, so I'm always looking for ways to keep them entertained and occupied during these long winter months when cabin fever reaches epidemic proportions. Since I loved sharing book picks with you (and reading your suggestions), I thought I'd share some kid-friendly, winter-weather activities, too. Have any good ideas of your own? Please share! No really, please share! I'm begging you--as a woman who hasn't managed to squeeze in a shower yet today, but has decorated glitter snowflakes, made homemade donuts, read dozens of books, and played animal train--don't be stingy with your good ideas! My sanity depends on it.

Keeping the Baart boys happy in the winter consists of:

Cooking/baking together. Simple, I know, but we have to eat three times a day, and I might as well make an activity out of it. My older son is perfectly capable of nearly anything in the kitchen--including cracking eggs with a little help. The younger one is eager (to put it nicely) and able to help with "big picture" things like dumping ingredients into a big bowl or smashing Oreos for a dessert crust. Sure, I have to do extra clean-up, but at least I was somewhat in charge of the mess.

Animal Safari. When the sky is overcast and we can't go outside, I arm my boys with flashlights and turn them into honorary African Tour Guides. While they are secreted in their bedroom, I hide their stuffed animals all over the house. No hiding place is out-of-bounds, from the tops of cupboards to nestled between the branches of one of our many houseplants. They must find every animal before their safari is over.

Games. Though we have many board and card games, we like to make up our own. My eldest likes to invent crazy rules and then force us to follow them to the letter. This time-consuming endeavor begins with a lengthy period of strategizing and planning, and always ends in giggles.

Balloons. The cheapest secret weapon I've ever encountered. A $1 bag of multi-colored, multi-sized balloons is a staple in our home. Blow up one for a game of volleyball. Blow up several (one for each member of the family) for a rousing game of hot potato (don't let a single balloon touch the floor!). Blow up the whole bag and go wild. We also like to take markers and decorate them with silly faces. It's fun to guess which balloon person will last the longest and which will be the first to pop.

Snowball Fight. We're big into playing outside in the snow (sledding, making forts, and just enjoying all that white fluff), but sometimes it's just not possible to bundle up and head outdoors. Like when it's -20. Boo. Anyway, a friend introduced us to the indoor snowball fight--a messy, but fun way to kill an hour. First, get yourself a new box of tissues (yup, it'll take the whole box). Enlist your kids' help to pull the tissues one by one out of the box and lightly press them into a little ball. Deposit all these "snowballs" in a laundry basket. When the all the tissues are gone, have you kids lay on the floor with their eyes closed and enjoy the "snowfall." I bury them in it. Then we make snow angels, play with it, and have snowball fights. Like I said, messy, but fun.

Movie-making. My kids are actors and love to make up elaborate plays. I tell them that if they can create an entire play, I'll videotape it and we can watch it on TV. It doesn't have to be a long play, but it does have to have costumes, props, and a point. Giggling at the camera doesn't count. They can kill hours planning it... Then all I have to do is tape and enjoy.

Okay, my list is exhausted. Of course, there's toys and coloring books, and playdates with friends... But we're always on the lookout for something new. Your turn. How does your family beat the winter blues???

Getting Published

Thanks for the prayers and well-wishes on our fun news! I'll keep you updated as things progress. As for now, back to answering your questions...

Lori is "on this journey called life along with my handsome husband and two spectacular boys." You can find out more about her at her beautiful blog, Beaumont Butterfly. It's filled with photos, quotes, and encouragement. Check it out!

Though Lori asked several questions, I'm just going to tackle a few today: How did you get your first book published? Did you send it off to publishers or agents? Did you have rejections at first?

My road to publication is rather unusual. Although, aren’t they all? Anyway, it’s a long, convoluted tale that actually began a year before I started to realize how God was weaving lives together for a purpose that I had only dared to whisper to my pillow. But I won’t bore you with all those details. I’ll commence with a conversation.

Aaron (on his way to Grand Rapids for 14 weeks to complete his denominational requirements for ordination in the Christian Reformed Church): I’m going to miss you so much!

Nicole (preparing to be a single mother for 14 weeks as her husband is incognito, studying church polity in G.R.-usalem): Not half as much as I’ll miss you!

(Wanton smooching ensues. You might want to avert your eyes.)

Aaron (finally tearing himself away): Just promise me that you’ll write while I’m gone.

Nicole: I always write.

Aaron: I know, but keep working on that book. You’re going to be a published author someday, and in order to accomplish that I believe you have to write an actual book.

Nicole: Whatever. My chances of being published are about the same as being struck by lightning. It’s all about who you know and I don’t know anybody in the publishing industry…

Fast-forward six weeks. Aaron’s still gone, I’m still single-parenting it, and God’s still (always) working in mysterious ways. One night while Aaron is in Grand Rapids, he shares a supper with the amazing couple who has agreed to billet him throughout his semester-long stay. During the meal they end up chatting about our family--in particular, me. When Aaron tells them that I’m a teacher, the lovely matron of the family asks, “But what does she really want to do?” The question stuns Aaron so much he tells her my secret (the truth): “She wants to be a writer.”

Turns out, this godly, generous couple just so happens to know the senior acquisitions director at a major publishing house. They promise to hand deliver 50 pages of an original manuscript to their publishing industry friend if only I can complete a few chapters and a proposal in time for Christmas. Madness ensues. I spend four weeks hammering out the intro to a new book, send it off with a wish and a prayer, and promptly forget about it. After all, could anything really come of this??? Only in a fairytale.

Three months later I get an email from the senior acquisitions director. I’d like to see the rest of your manuscript… The rest is history.

Yes, I have a Cinderella story. This is not usually how things happen in the publishing industry. But in my defense, my manuscript did sit in the slush pile for three long months. I have no doubt that the talented woman who discovered me was probably not a huge fan of the “as a favor to a friend” manuscript submission. And who can blame her? For all she knew, I had all the talent of a trained chimp. Thankfully, she didn’t ultimately think that, and (Praise the Lord!) I signed a two-book contract as a result of this unlikely connection.

Writer’s Tip: In some ways, it is about who you know. But you don’t have to be best friends with an industry professional to get someone to notice your work. Go to conferences and conventions, join a writer’s guild like the ACFW or the Christian Writer’s Guild, read publishing blogs and leave comments, research agents and discover who might be a good fit to represent you, make friends… You never know how God is going to use a connection (that might seem insignificant!) to open doors for you that you never dreamed possible.

The Grapevine: Children's Books

This month's edition of The Grapevine is going to take a bit of a detour from our regular format. Though I'd love to introduce you to a new author (and I will next month!), something in my personal life should be addressed before we go back to business as normal. You see, the rabbit died. Don't know what that means? Your grandma would! For those of use who aren't familiar with that 1927 lab test, maybe this will help... the stick turned pink, I'm exhausted and nauseous, and that sweet, teeny one in the ultrasound photos is a squirmy little thing.

Yup, the Baarts hope to be a party of five by July. I won't lie, it's been a rough road so far. I inject myself with Lovenox (a blood thinner) daily, take extra folic acid and progesterone, and have seen my perinatologist every two weeks since that first positive pregnancy test. But I'm firmly entrenched in my second trimester, and so far everything seems to be going good. With a history of four miscarriages behind me, I'm stunned by the level of peace that I feel... But I truly do believe that whether I hold a baby this summer or whether God sees fit to take her home, His plan for my life is even better than my wildest dreams. For now, we're going to hope and pray those plans include a healthy pregnancy and a baby this summer. I covet your prayers...

Anyway, I thought it would be appropriate this month to talk about children's books. We have an extensive, and much-beloved library, and I'm looking forward to sharing some of my favorites with you. In response, I'd love to hear about some of your favorite children's books! I have babies on the brain, and I'm a firm believer in reading to them from a very young age. In-utero, in fact. ;) In addition to sharing some of my favorite kids' authors, I'll be giving away one of my books. It's a grab-bag, you won't know what you're going to get until you receive it in the mail, but I will try to tailor the choice for the age group you request. So, enjoy my pics, and don't forget to bless me with a few of your own!

Sandra Boynton is definitely one of our favorite children's authors. Her books are witty, silly, and so much fun to read. They're geared more for the younger set, but my kindergartner likes to "read" them to his brother. (He mostly memorizes the cadence of the words and fills in gibberish when he can't remember how it goes!) The best of the best, in our humble opinion, are: Barnyard Dance, The Bellybutton Book, and The Sleep Book.

Robert Munsch rocks. I can't help believing that this Canadian author is still a six-year-old at heart, because he so obviously possesses the mind and soul of a child. His stories are outlandish and fun, and every one is based on a child that he knew or met at one time or another. A classic Munsch in our home is Aaron's Hair because it's all about a boy who has wild hair. If you've seen my husband (Aaron) and his (wild and crazy) hair, you'll know why we love this book. Other great choices are: Alligator Baby, Playhouse, and Just One Goal.

Laura Numeroff stole our hearts with If You Give a Mouse a Cookie. My kids adore watching the consequences unfold, and sometimes enjoy applying the same sort of logic to their own lives. "If you give me a slice of pizza, I'm going to want a glass of juice to go with it..." We own many of these books, and though they follow the same pattern, they never seem to get old. If You Give a Pig a Pancake is our top pick because we take pancakes very seriously at the Baart house. Mmmmm... pancakes.

No childhood library would be complete without a big collection of Dr. Suess. When I was a little girl, my two favorites were McElligot's Pool and The Sleep Book--two lesser-known books that are so charming and sweet I could get choked-up just thinking about them... Okay, that could be the hormones. All the same, if you haven't read those books, run, don't walk, to your nearest library and track them down. You're missing out. We also adore If I Ran the Zoo and Oh, the Places You'll Go!

Though my kids are only six and three, we are big chapter book fans. Even my little one will happily sit through several chapters of a picture-less book. But the stories have to be quick, entertaining, and full of adventure. We're currently hooked on The Boxcar Children. Tell me you're familiar with the Boxcar kids... If not, get thee to a library! Though these books might be considered old-fashioned by some, I love the exciting, kid-friendly storyline and the way that these kids rejoice in the little things in life. The whole series is a blast, but the first book is unparalleled.

Your turn! Tell me about some of your favorite kids' books. And don't forget to leave a comment to enter yourself in the drawing...