Christmas Memories

As I reflect on Christmas past, I think of those spent at my parents home as a young child and later as an adult with children of my own. Mama always had a way of making Christmas special and she worked so hard at having everything just right. This was from having the perfect tree, having it decorated just so, and selecting the perfect gift for each person.

There was always plenty of food to go around and for family to carry home with them. I think everyone agrees with me that Mama's have a way of knowing. My mama was famous for having numerous sweets available.

I know everyone has their own memories of what Christmas was like as a child; there were many not as fortunate as my sister and I were. There are some families with children that had barely any food for the table and no gifts under the tree.

For those having memories like that, Christmas feelings for them are perhaps not as happy as the ones I remember. I do know, however, that whether we come from well-to-do homes or from barely making it by that everyone can equally share the real meaning of Christmas.

It is because of the commercialism of Christmas that we all sometimes forget the real reason for the season...the birth of Christ Jesus. God in flesh came to earth in the form of a wee little baby and grew to be a young man who gave of His life for each of us so we all may be with Him forvermore.

Being Thankful

The cool fall air is upon us and so is November. It is the time of year that our thoughts and hearts turn toward Thanksgiving and family gatherings. This year is no different.

We find there are many things to be thankful for; heading the list is the Holy Trinity: God, the Father; Jesus, the Son; and the Holy Spirit. It is with much gratitude we lift our eyes to the heavens and give praise and honor to all the blessings we receive daily. Without His Love, Mercy, Grace, Forgiveness and so much more, where would we be?

We are thankful for our family and the love and support given by each family member. The discipline and dedication it takes to be writers takes a lot of time away from family time. Therefore, it means a great deal to us, as writers, to have support from family and friends.

Friends are not to be slighted in our list of things to be thankful for; they play an important role in our lives. The long-time friends, new friends, and friends we have yet to make are important to us. Friendship is a something to treasure for a lifetime and more precious than gold...it's priceless.

Being able to paint beautiful pictures with words from the heart that can bring laughter, tears, and melt the heart is a gift from God. It should not be taken lightly or abused. Having the skill to write is a gift from God; how we use it for His Glory is our gift to Him.

As Thanksgiving draws closer, let each of us look into our hearts and see the many blessings we have been given, let us give thanks for each one and show the love of God to all.

Happy Thanksgiving to All from the writing team of JoVa...Joseph and Vada.

INSPIRATION BY PHOTO

Joseph taking photos during his Texas visit in October. (His subject: a dead, twisted tree) He gets inspiration from photos and then writes poetry or prose. His love for nature has played a big role in many of his writings.

~Vada and Joe

OFFICAL EVVY AWARD NOMINEE 2009

JOE AND I RECEIVED THIS EMAIL FROM OUR PUBLISHER REGARDING OUR BOOK RIBBONS AND ROSES. NEEDLESS TO SAY, WE ARE VERY EXCITED.

"I have some exciting news for you! Your book is eligible to be officially nominated by Outskirts Press for the 16th Annual EVVY Awards. Since books must have a 2009 copyright date for consideration, this is a limited-time one-time opportunity that cannot be repeated, and time is short, so please read this email in its entirety for important information.

For the fifth year in a row, Outskirts Press is officially nominating only its very best titles of the year to participate in this Independent Publishers Association book awards event. The EVVY Awards recognizes the highest quality of alternatively and self-published books.

Fewer than 5% of the books we publish each year are nominated, so congratulations! Just receiving this email is an honor.

Congratulations, you book represents the very best Outskirts Press
offers."

A WELCOMED TREAT

Halloween night found Joseph and I in Hallettsville, TX at a family-birthday celebration. To our surprise and great delight, we met these two sisters. Read what one sister writes.

"My sister Audrey and I really enjoyed meeting you and Joe this past week end at Irene’s 80th. She and I took turns reading to each other your books. We feel asleep reading and read them on the drive home. What an impression you two left on our hearts. I’m looking forward to reading every page of those precious treasures. Keep up the good work and may God bless you and this wonderful adventure you are on.
Until we meet again.
Denise"

These two girls impregnated our lives and I know they will be an inspiration for us to, not only continue writing, but to write even better than before.

Meeting a Fellow Writer - Oct 17, 2009

During a recent book tour, Joseph met one of our contributors to our book Ribbons and Roses.

Elsie McKey Overstreet was raised in Lavaca County near the Navidad River, the youngest of 8 children. She graduated head of her class in Vocational Nursing from Del Mar College in Corpus Christi, Texas—now retired. She is a mother to one daughter, grandmother to one granddaughter and great-grandmother to two girls and four boys. Her writing comes from a “burning in her heart,” and she has a great love for animals.

Her Red and Green Tissue Paper story about her childhood Christmases will warm your heart. In addition, you will find her Tribute to Edna a must to read. You will see why Joseph and I have decided to donate a portion from sales to the homeless and hurting.

Look for more stories by Elsie in our forthcoming book Rockin Chair Cowboys.

BOOK TOUR IN OCTOBER

During the month of October Joseph A. Zapalac and Vada M. Wolter (writing partners) will be promoting their new book RIBBONS AND ROSES.

In addition to research for future books and taking photographs, Joe and Vada will be doing signings and readings. See schedule below:

OCTOBER 17 - 10 - NOON
EL CAMPO BRANCH LIBRARY
BOOK SIGNING EVENT *


OCTOBER 24 - 11 - 2 PM
FILL YOUR CUP COFFEE SHOP
RICHMOND TX - HWY 90A
BOOK SIGNING EVENT *

OCTOBER 25 - 1-4 PM
EL CAMPO MUSUEM
HWY 71
BOOK SIGNING EVENT*

OCTOBER 31 - 10 AM
FEATURED POET READING
FILL YOUR CUP - RICHMOND, TX

* SET OF REFLECTIONS & RIBBONS AND ROSES....$30 TO FIRST 20 CUSTOMERS!

IT'S OFFICIAL!

Ribbons and Roses is published! It published date: August 31, 2009.

REKINDLE THE SPIRIT OF LOVE IN YOU HEART

...with the collection of heartwarming poetry and prose that carry deep emotion and affection that tug at the heart. A sprinkling of God's Word is scattered throughout the book, much like the delicate fragrance of potpourri. This heartfelt collection will help readers to revisit time-honored values, to remind them that their lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God, and to encourage them to journal their thoughts and feelings on pages provided as they see God's plan unfold in their lives.

While writing this book, we were moved to do something to help those less fortunate--the homeless and the hurting. Our publishers at Outskirts Press are joining us in donating 25 cents from each book sold, to organizations and support the homeless and the hurting. By purchasing this book you have contributed 25 cents to worthy causes across the United States. Thank you for your participation in this work.

COUNTRY MEMORIES

I walked through many fields in youthful days.

My dog and I crossed many pastures.

Through wooded groves and cotton fields,

we'd roam under a hot Texas sun.

We'd bask in the peaceful countryside

while hunting for small game.

I enjoyed watching the flight of a lone eagle

soaring above in a clear blue sky,

his sharp eyes scanning the ground for prey.

What a pleasure it was to listen to the crows

chatter nosily in the distance, and to hear

the clear, whistling song of a meadowlark.

How I long to relive those golden days--

a time when life was simple on the farm

and youthful innocence grew with nature,

in fields, pastures, and woods of home.

I recall the muddy creeks and blueberry patches

where my dog and I once roamed.

It's nice to enjoy memories of the past,

of a time that never seemed to last.

Some things in your heart will change,

but, deep inside is that youth that

never forgets those country memories.

RIBBONS AND ROSES GONE TO PRINT

August 23, 2009 at 3:03 PM..our second book, Ribbons and Roses, has gone to print. It should be on the shelves soon middle of September! ISBN 978-1-4327-4445-8. Available http://www.amazon.com/ and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/ or ask bookstores and give them the ISBN #.

EVEN WRITERS HAVE TO EAT

DURING MY TEXAS TRIP IN MAY 2009, I ENJOYED COMPANY OF NEW FRIEND, TRUMAN, AND GOOD FOOD AT FUDDRUCKERS. THANKS, VADA, FOR SHARING THIS PLACE WITH ME.

SUMMER COUNTDOWN

Today begins countdown for summer and the approach of the fall. I love fall; it brings out the best in me as I breath in the fresh air and feel it nipping on the back of my neck. Of course, a bit of imagination is being used now with this Texas heat, but isn't that what a good imagination is all about. How many of you love the fall as much as I do?

DEVOTION FOR THE DAY

"Cast they burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee." Psalm 55:22

Have you ever told the Lord that he could save you, but you would carry your own load? This is how I felt today with the major editing job I had to accomplish.

WHAT A DAY!!

DON'T LET ANYONE TELL YOU THAT BEING A WRITER IS EASY. I TAKE THAT BACK! THE WRITING IS EASY; IT'S THE EDITING THAT WILL KILL A PERSON. I RECEIVED OUR MANUSCRIPT BACK FROM THE PUBLISHER AND SPENT ALL DAY LONG EDITING THE COPYEDITOR.

IT SEEMS I SENT THE MANUSCRIPT IN THE MS WORD 2007 VERSION AND THE COPYEDITOR OPENED AND SAVED IT IN THE MS WORD 2003 (COMPATIBLE MODE) WITHOUT LETTING ME KNOW. WOW! WHAT A DAY I'VE HAD!

MIRACLES DO HAPPEN

Hello Everyone:
We have been asked the question how we became writing partners so settle back and get comfortable as we tell our tale.

We attended high school together and even graduated the same year,1958, from El Campo High School. Following our graduation, we each went our separate ways and to living our own lives. We lost track of each other and even with the school reunions that followed it seemed we never attended them at the same time.

It was at the 50th class reunion in October 2008 that fate, luck, or the hand of God brought us together. The class had a silent auction and I was the lucky bidder of his three-ring binder of poetry and prose.

I emailed Joe, using the address he had written in the book to let him know I, was the lucky winner. Weeks went by and after much communication between us, we learned a lot about each other. You see, the only words ever spoken between the two of us all through our years in school were "Hi, Joe" to which there was never a response...except for a smile.

One thing we learned over a few weeks was that we that we both have a great love for writing. It wasn't long before he asked me to be his writing partner. When I finally said yes, the wheels began turning.

To make a long story short...within five months of my becoming his partner, we were able to learn the ins and outs of publishing and were able to have our first, Reflections, Memories Past published March 2009.

Reflections is a collection of his writings and my photography that centers on our hometown, country life, love of Texas, and tales of childhood.

Our second book, Ribbons and Roses, is scheduled to come out in late September 2009. It is a collection of both our writings, with splashes of God's Word throughout, and even space for the reader to write his or her thoughts.

We are very excited that a portion of the sales for each book of Ribbons and Roses sold will be donated to a non-profit organization for the homeless and hurting.

With two poetry books published, (almost) we felt we wanted to do branch out. So a third book is in the works. If you would like to contribute stories for our upcoming book entitled Rockin Chair Cowboys and other short stories Please send them to the following address:
V. M. Wolter
P. O. Box 722405
Houston, Texas 77272

These stories must be your original story and not taken from other material. They must be stories that touch the heart and soul with the flavor of ‘remember when’.

For each story, please give your name, address, and phone number. We will not be able to contact everyone who submits a story, but will certainly notify you if the story you submit is used. Manuscripts and photocopies cannot be returned.

“Father, I pray that you will bless our readers and keep them; that You will make Your face to shine upon them, and be gracious to them; that You will lift up Your countenance upon them, and give them peace.”
Amen

REFLECTIONS, Memories Past

Reflections, Memories Past represents poetry written with homespun values of love and friendship. ISBN 978-1-4327-2419-1 Perfect bound paper back available at www.amazon.com, www.barnesandnoble.com, and www.outskirtspress.com/memoriespast.

Joseph A. Zapalac's love for writing began in the early fifties as a young boy while writing letters to pen pals and he's been writing ever since. He currently resides in Illinois, but his heart remains deeply rooted in his home town of El Campo, Texas, and is reflected in his writings, allowing readers to revisit yesteryear.

Life's Crossroads

Life’s crossroads are many. They are filled with twists and turns. Lost are the few who are uncertain of which direction to go. Wiser they will be once they know they’ve found the right way.

Life’s crossroads will not be difficult to cross once there’s a sense of direction. It’s a common fact that everyone makes a wrong turn; no matter what or where that crossroad might be. It behooves us to stop, look, and listen before we venture into unknown paths. It’s then, and only then, you’ll have learned well the lessons of life and life’s crossroads