Janet Fox, a wonderful author and sweet person

I found an author that I really loved quite some time ago. I found her book on the shelf and it said "autographed copy" and I'm a sucker, I bought it even though I hadn't heard of her. Well, I finished the book in one night and really, REALLY wanted another from her. I loved it so much after I read it, I had to contact her and tell her how much it touched me. Instead of treating me like a crazed woman, she was super sweet and it turns out we have some of Aggieland in common. So, I thought I'd introduce her here. Her name is Janet Fox and I've read Forgiven and Faithful, and am about to read Sirens. I will include the synopsis of all three books at the end of the biography, as well as her contact info and website.  Enjoy, I did.

I was born in New York City, but spent my grade school years in Illinois. My dad was an Episcopal minister, so we lived next to the church. I spent a lot of time in a quiet grassy corner of the churchyard reading and staring at the sky. My mom was a homemaker and she wrote many stories for children, which became my inspiration. I have a younger sister who now runs a gorgeous inn in the mountains of North Carolina.
I was in third grade, my teacher, Mrs. Weber, secretly sent a poem I wrote to the town newspaper – and it was published. I was so excited to see my name in print that I decided I wanted to be a writer.But my path to publishing wasn’t straight – in college I fell in love with geology, and went on to study oceanography, earning a master’s of science degree. I traveled to remote parts of the world, like the Patagonian Andes, and I sailed on oceanographic research ships, and even dove to the sea floor in the submersible ALVIN.But always, I returned to writing. And when my son was born, I began to write stories for him.Part of being a professional writer is learning about both the craft and business of writing, so I joined the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). With what I learned from this talented group, I sold a children’s story to Spider Magazine (“Why Dragons Don’t Have Handkerchiefs”, 2003; read it here) and a non-fiction article to Highlights for Children(“Hot Spot”, 2004; read it here).When my son went to middle school, he struggled with staying organized. I could see that there were lots of kids like him – and I discovered that there was no book for kids that would help – especially no book that would also make kids laugh. So I decided to write the book myself.I sold GET ORGANIZED WITHOUT LOSING IT to Free Spirit Publishing (2006), and it has been translated into six languages – including Vietnamese and Flemish.I taught middle school and high school English while I was mastering the skills I needed to write novels. I was lucky enough to land an agent at an SCBWI conference in 2005, and she sold my first two young adult novels, FAITHFUL (2010) and FORGIVEN (2011) to Speak/Penguin Young Readers, who also published my third YA, SIRENS (2012). My short story, JEWELS, is included in a regional Montana anthology, A COUNTRY BOOKSHELF READER (2014).In 2010 I graduated with an MFA degree in the Writing For Children and Young Adults program at Vermont College of Fine Arts. I’m now represented by agent Erin Murphy, Erin Murphy Literary Agency, and she sold my debut middle grade novel, CHATELAINE: THE THIRTEENTH CHARM to Kendra Levin at Viking. Look for it early in 2016.I live in Montana, surrounded by mountains and in the company of my husband and our rambunctious yellow lab. I hike, garden, knit, travel, sing (yes, I can sing, and thought I was going to go pro at one time), but most of the time you’ll find me doing what I love best: writing.

Synopsis of Sirens:Josephine Winter, seventeen, is sent to live with relatives in New York City after her bootlegging father receives a threat, but bookish Jo harbors her own secrets. She finds friendship with lively Louise O’Keefe and romance with sweet jazz musician Charlie. But haunted by the spirit of her missing brother, Jo uncovers a nest of family lies that threaten everyone she loves, and Lou, in the thrall of the dangerous, seductive gangster Daniel Connor, is both Jo’s best friend and potential enemy. As Jo unlocks dark mysteries and Lou’s eyes are opened, the girls’ treacherous paths intertwine. Jo and Lou together will have to stand up to Connor in order to find their hearts and hang onto their souls in the “decade of decadence.”

Synopsis of FaithfulIn 1904 Margaret Bennet has it all – money, position, and an elegant family home in Newport, Rhode Island. But just as she is to enter society, her mother ruins everything, first with public displays, and then by disappearing. Maggie’s confusion and loss are compounded when her father drags her to Yellowstone National Park, where he informs her that they will remain. At first Maggie’s only desire is to return to Newport. But the mystical beauty of the Yellowstone landscape, and the presence of young Tom Rowland, a boy unlike the others she has known, conspire to change Maggie from a spoiled girl willing to be constrained by society to a free-thinking and brave young woman living in a romantic landscape at the threshold of a new century.

Synopsis of Forgiven:Kula Baker never expected to find herself on the streets of San Francisco in 1906. The daughter of an outlaw, Kula is soon swept up in a world of art and elegance – a world she hardly dared dream of back in Montana. She meets the handsome David Wong, whose smiling eyes and soft-spoken manner have an uncanny way of breaking through Kula’s carefully crafted reserve. Yet when a mighty earthquake strikes and the wreckage threatens all she holds dear, Kula realizes that only by unlocking her heart can she begin to carve a new future for herself.

I would definitely read Faithful first, then Forgiven. I hope you take my advice and give this one a try. It didn't exactly leap off the shelf the first time I read the synopsis because I'm a big supernatural, non romantic kind of person, but I am so completely glad I read it. It was full of heart and I absolutely loved it. 

Check her out at www.janetsfox.com

Landon Evans Band

Landon Evans Band

The Landon Evans Band is a new name to me and fairly new one to the Texas Music scene. I saw them not long ago at the Rusty Duck in Calvert, a pretty awesome little place a bit up on Highway 6 from the B/CS area. It is worth the drive if you just want a non-crowded place to watch some Sunday football or hang out with friends. 

As the band set up for the night the guitar player, PJ West, pulls out some talent while warming up that sets the tone of the evening. I figured then that though the venue was small and not entirely full, it wasn't because the band didn't warrant it.

Landon, the band's namesake and lead singer, is 21 and a Senior at Texas A&M this fall. When people ask him where he grew up, he just says "Texas" as they moved around quite a bit. He has a little bit of every part of Texas in his blood. When Landon isn't into his music, he coaches football at St. Joseph in Bryan, and the feedback from one of his players says he is just as good at that as he is behind a mic.

Dan Hendrickson, Scott McCumber, Landon Evans, Matt Ray, and PJ West

While in Arkansas, Landon starting missing Texas, as every Texan does, so he picked up his guitar, learned how to play and started writing Texas Music songs. Evans didn't originally want to sing his music. His sister was the star, going to Nashville and recording. He just wanted others to sing the songs he wrote. While trying to find singers, he was asked to form a band. He agreed and now is playing his own music and doing it very well. His voice has a unique sound that fits in perfectly to the Texas Music genre, especially live. Landon connects so very well with his audience. You can find some of their songs roughly cut on their site listed below, but I say that if you want a true taste of their music, see them live somewhere around the Brazos Valley.

The band, Landon Evans (Lead Singer), PJ West (Lead Guitar), Matt Ray, (Drums), Dan Hendrickson (Bass Guitar), and Scott McCumber (Pedal Steel), have only been playing together live for a little while but they sound like they belong together. The playlist for the night included some original songs and some great old tunes like East Bound and Down and Ramblin' Fever. The sound was full of heart, their love of the music was absolutely apparent.

Landon Evans

We were there with my mom's friend and we celebrated her birthday there, Landon even begun his second set with a special "Happy Birthday" to her. He is a sweetheart, a sweet singer, and ladies, he is quite a looker as well ;o)

You can go to their site at www.reverbnation.com/landonevansband and check out some of their tunes. Keep in mind that Landon has only been singing for a few years and be amazed, as we were. They are recording an album so keep an eye out for that.

As we walked to the truck one patron's spirits were so high with the music still playing in here head, she didn't even mind the two Texas sized mosquitoes that stepped up have one last drink at her expense.  Her response? "It was a small price to pay for such a great evening."

Borrowing from and old English Pub tradition, pay a buck to put your name
on a little ducky and you'll always be welcomed back.

A retired Marine from Hearne honors his late brother and son in a beautiful way. Read and see!

A quaint nook in the corner of
this beautiful cabin

The following article and photos are from an article I wrote for the Robertson County News. I just wanted to share it on here because I love this story and I enjoyed writing this article and meeting such a great man that did some wonderful things for his country and for his family.  Enjoy.

Sergeant Major Vidaurri Higggins Sr. USMCR holds
photos of his brother Robert Earl Miller and his son
Vidaurri Higgins Jr.

       

 

        Retired Marine honors late
    brother and son

Kari Smith|Robertson County News

Sergeant Major Vidaurri Higgins Sr. USMCR sits in the middle of the cabin he proudly built, talking about his brother, his son, family members and the amazing people that helped him build this getaway in tribute to two very important losses in his life. When Higgins Senior’s brother passed away in 2007, he wanted to honor his brother, Robert Earl Miller, in a big way. He set out building a small cabin that would serve to remind him, as well as anyone who visited, of the importance of family. While building this tribute in 2013, Higgins’ son, Vidaurri Higgins Jr., tragically passed away. There are now two memorials standing on this spot, as Vidaurri Sr. dedicated the land to his late son and built a large gate with an “in memorium” dedication standing above the entrance.
Robert Earl Miller, Higgins’ brother, served in the United States Army for 18 years. After retiring from the Army, he joined the National Guard and the work force, working at Crane Plumbing and later at Alcoa Inc. until his death in a traffic accident. Miller left a wife and family behind.
Vidaurri Sr., Robert Earl, and Vidaurri’s wife Mae all graduated from Hearne High School before moving on to other parts of the country, and world. Miller was the first of the ten brothers and two sisters, born to Betty Miller, to pass away. Vidaurri Higgin’s Sr. lived all over the world during his 30 years in the United States Marine Corps. He and his wife Mae had three children, two girls and one boy, Vidaurri Jr. The death of Vidaurri Jr. left a large whole in his family’s hearts. Vidaurri Higgin’s Jr. was born in San Diego, California and graduated high school in Texas City, Texas. He attended 

The serene R.E.M Cabin, lovingly built in memory of Vidaurri Higgins Sr.
to memorialize his brother, Robert Early Miller. 

Prairie View A&M for two years. Higgins Sr. said that his son had a big heart, loved people and that he was a “pure artist.” He also said, with a smile, that his son always wanted to prove to his dad that he could “handle the country” and in the end, he had accomplished it. He worked on the cabin with his father and there are photos of this work in a photo album on display chronicling the process.
R.E.M Cabin, standing for Robert Earl Miller Cabin, is situated on a piece of land purchased by Higgins’ relatives in 1946 for $40. It has stayed in the family since then and has recently been transferred into Vidaurri Sr.’s care. The area is off of Highway 79 in Hearne in what used to be called the “Forty Bar” area, which in its day was not inside the Hearne city limits. The city limits were expanded and now include the area that this property is on. The cabin was dedicated on Saturday, September sixth in a heart-felt, tear-filled ceremony with many family members and friends present to unveil the hard work of the Higgins family and several others who were instrumental in making this dream a reality.
Vidaurri Higgins Sr. extended a sincere “thank you” to the people that helped him on this project, naming five people especially that truly made this happen. First, he thanks his wife, Mae Higgins, saying that she was his “right-hand woman” and that he owes her so much for everything she has given him. He also thanks Daniel Lehoski, Jason Lehoski, Percy Miller, and Carl Wilson, all of whom spent many hours and resources helping Vidaurri Sr., knowing how much this meant to him.
Such dedication and hard work is not only an inspiration, but a reminder to us all that family is important and that we should cherish the time we have to spend with them.

The front gate of R.E.M. Cabin. The gate and
land is in memory of Vidaurri Higgins Jr

My Review (or rant...) for The Delinquent Teenager Who Was Mistaken For The World's Top Climate Expert: An Expose on the IPCC by Donna Laframboise

*warning, this blog post has some personal views in it, if you do not share these beliefs, that is fine, I don't write to offend..I write for the same reason anyone else does...because I want to.  So, if you don't agree, don't read.  If you want to make an educated statement against what I say, I welcome it.  If you want to call me a poop head, don't bother, it won't bother me and it will make your position weaker.  All others, forget everything I just said.

Happy Reading...

I rarely ever download a book on my Kindle that I haven't sampled in some way first.  There are exclusions, like sequels and authors I know deliver every time.  So, I have so very many "samples" on my Kindle.  One such sample was The Delinquent Teenager Who Was Mistaken For The World's Top Climate Expert.  The bottom of the cover says it is supposed to be an IPCC Expose.  Well, I like to know what arguments those who oppose my views are going with these days so I decided to read it.  If, by chance, there was something to expose in the IPCC, it would be interesting to read about and interpret for myself.  I did not, in fact, download the entire book.  I decided to pass on this one after reading the sample because I thought it would be bad for my health.  The sample has two chapters, roughly, of the book.  I began arguing with the book immediately, so, I decided the rest of the book was not worth it.

My arguments are as follows..just in case you wanted to know...

In this book, the author compares the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change to a teenager who has only been praised, never regulated and therefore grew into a delinquent teenager who people are throwing praise at without any real discipline.  That this "child" who was never corrected had no self-discipline, that people have praised its brilliance and therefore it hasn't actually had to do anything to get such praise.  I have huge problems with that alone, but I won't go there.

She then picks apart things in a way that is, or so I thing, not properly thought out.

Example One:
The author talks about the IPCC winning the Nobel Peace Prize.  That it was praised for its work and the impact it had on the debate on whether humans were causing global warming.  Then she quotes the end of the Nobel chairman's speech.."Action is needed now.  Climate changes are already moving beyond human control."  She then goes on to tell us how old the earth is, how it has endured "all sorts of perfectly natural climate transformations."  and that the ice that covered 97% of Canada melted and "the Ice Age ended all on its own."  She says that "To suggest that the climate has ever been within human control is surely a bit silly."

Now, I agree that Earth is huge.  I agree that there were things that happened, regarding the climate of Earth, that happened in the human-less past.  But to say it is "silly" that the activity of BILLIONS of creatures using Earth's resources in a way that no animal ever has is actually impacting things is surely not looking at the scope of human abilities.

Also, she says that Earth ultimately had, and ended an ice age all by itself.  OK, BUT..there weren't billions of people that wouldn't survive an ice age then.  Some event, or events, caused a climate change then and because there wasn't a swarm of humans to protect, the earth was allowed to right itself.  Sure, we could think that way, the earth WILL eliminate the problem, US.  It is looking the other way to think we haven't had a hand in this climate change.  Just like meteors and such in the distant past, humans have hit Earth with a powerful force.  Those that believe in climate change crisis aren't ultimately concerned with the effect on Earth, necessarily, but in our relationship and dependence ON Earth.  We are concerned with keeping the earth in a climate that is livable for us.  It is ignoring the billions of people to rely on thoughts such as the author's.  You can't look at one piece of a huge machine and think you know how to run it, or, how to maintain it.  You can't understand the sentence unless you know the context of it.  So how can she make a statement on the insignificance of human impact on the climate if she doesn't have all of the facts.

She believes that because it is an intercontinental panel that "every country that chooses to send delegates to infrequent meetings is a godparent of the IPCC." She then says that with that many "godparents" this "child" is bound to be "spoiled" and praised for anything they do, equivalent to a mother, godparent, or grandparent putting any scribble a child does on the fridge and calling it art. This is a childish thing to say.  Climate change is a big issue, and anything that changes the terrible impact should absolutely be noticed.  It isn't as if they have discovered or challenged something that is unimportant. It isn't as if they are just doing more research on an already over-researched topic.  Until the countries around the world have implemented policies to stop the bad impact we, humans, have on the earth and atmosphere, it is imperative that we keep making noise about it...even if there are people who are tired of hearing it.  If you are tired of hearing it..be part of the solution and make it better. The IPCC isn't being praised because it is making noise.  It is being praised because the noise it is making has forced people's eyes open, and because of that actions are being taken and measurable improvements in the climate, in the Earth are being seen.  We now see that we can make a difference and we are not satisfied to sit back and watch as parts of our world disappear, whether it be wetlands, forests, species, or people.  If for no other reason than it woke up the world and empowered us to actually make changes, it should be praised.

At one point she talks about a conflict of interest..but doesn't really go any further than to just say it is there...at least she doesn't in the chapter in which she mentions it..and, as I don't care to read the whole book (unless someone who doesn't agree with me wants to have a discussion about the whole book..then I will suffer through the rest.) I didn't see any other mention of it.

The author also says that the IPCC admits that "scientific excellence" is not the only reason people are put on the panel. So. I would assume that when discussing something that has an impact so wide-spread, it would be logical to include experts in all fields.  When working on problems that are so huge, it is best to have a wide variety of experts to bring up problems that one group might not think of, or, like the gardener that made the huge discovery at Stonehenge, some scientific groups tend to think in very intricate patterns and sometimes miss the simple things. The best plans are made by groups of people that are of all different fields and education levels.

She also backs up her distaste for the IPCC with questionnaire results. A questionnaire was put on the IPCC website for "interested parties" to fill out.  She then uses answers from this questionnaire to prove her point.  She talks about how the IPCC is made up of many parties that just "want" to be there..well, so is the "data" she is collecting from questionnaires answered on the internet.  What qualifies these people to rate the work of the IPCC?  Furthermore, what makes the author qualified to make these statements about this climate change panel?  It seems hypocritical to say that the non-scientific excellent people do not belong on the panel..especially from a Women's Study major who started in 2009 blogging about climate change.  She used to be the vice president of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association..with an undergraduate degree in Woman's Studies.  How is she scientifically qualified to assess the progress and work of the IPCC?

The author seems to think that what the panel is proposing is something that will be bad for the planet, or its people. Like they are convening to decide whether to use nukes in Syria.  Why would you condemn a panel that is proposing things that, even if it weren't a huge concern, would made the world healthier.  Is it a horrible thing to ask that people and countries live healthier, that they leave the world in a shape that will be healthy for future generations...that we make changes in our lives and production that will allow future earth residents to enjoy the same beautiful landscape that we enjoy, and not wear masks everywhere they go because the smog is so thick?  If nothing else, it might, just might make people a little more aware of the other billions of people that they share the world with...Make us a more compassionate people.

My opinion of this book is pretty easy to see, and my opinion on the author is that she should stick to what she knows and go back to writing books on woman's rights, feminism, and civil liberties..Which, in my opinion...civil liberty advocates would be all for a world that takes into consideration the quality of life for everyone..I mean is civil liberties not concerned with equal rights for everyone, and the right to life, the right to bodily integrity..well..if we are choked out by smog while walking on the streets..someone else has infringed upon my right to life, and someone else is violating my body, I then have no control over what happens to it.

At least that is what I think...but...I could be completely wrong...your thoughts?