Remembering Hurriane Harvey

Hurricane Harvey. A name that has been uttered in every local newscast in southeast Texas for the past year. 

Hurricane Harvey impacted many people. And although our family emerged from Harvey’s wrath virtually unscathed, many in our small rural community are still suffering from the floods that showed no mercy. People are without homes or in the process of rebuilding.

Since Harvey has been in the forefront of many Texans' mind during this one-year anniversary, I thought I'd repost the images I shared with you all last year at this time. Images that will be forever seared into my memory. Because every time I cross the bridge into town, I can't help but think about those floodwaters.

At one point, our little town was cut off to the west, north and south, leaving only one way in and out.

Grocery stores and other businesses were forced to close because of the rapidly rising river and delivery trucks were unable to get in to restock the shelves. Mail delivery ceased for a few days because the post office was cut off by flood waters.

And, oh, how they rose, swallowing whatever lay in their path.

Wildlife found themselves trapped.

And people had to be rescued.

Quiet little hamlets that usually went unnoticed were completely under water.

Yet despite the devastation, it was Texas' shining hour. People came out in droves to help their neighbors. People with flat-bottom boats and airboats made their way to flooded areas to rescue those who were trapped. 

In the aftermath, residents donated food, water, clothing... And months later, prom dresses for those young girls whose families were still living through the nightmare created by Harvey.

People cared. They came together to help. No matter their race, religion or politics, we were united. And, Lord willing, it won't take another tragedy for that to happen again.

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Three-time Carol Award finalist, Mindy Obenhaus lives on a ranch in Texas with her husband, the youngest of her five children and two dogs. She's passionate about touching readers with Biblical truths in an entertaining, and sometimes adventurous, manner. When she’s not writing, she enjoys cooking and spending time with her grandchildren. Learn more at www.MindyObenhaus.com 

Farm Fresh and Small Town Goodness

The beauty of a small town is that you know lots of people... Although our little town has grown, so we don't know everyone!

But being the only Pumpkin Farm on the west side of town has brought so many fun people to our doors! What an absolute pleasure this is.... Hi.

I'm Ruthy and I'm a people person.

Writers who are extroverts/people persons are in short supply. Did you know that? A lot of writers describe themselves as introverts.

I AM THE OPPOSITE OF THAT. ;)

I am not introverted... I am somewhat obnoxious at times. I say too much. But I love people!

People are the bread and butter of my stories. Strong personalities, winning smiles, sad looks, stooped shoulders, bent and broken....

oh, I love people and I love a good story.

This past weekend a customer thanked us for a donation to the local food shelf (when we have extra veggies, that's where they go.... then folks who can't afford supermarket prices or have the means to drive 30 minutes to the public market can have farm fresh veggies for dinner.... )

As she described her job, I realized she was a coming heroine. I could totally see the book, the story, her side of it, taking shape. I'm not sure where I'll set it, if it will be part of a series or on its own, but I can see her in my mind's eye...

And that's the bonus of liking people. Sometimes they set up stories for me. Sometimes a bit of music, even one line... sets a story.

The mind is an amazing thing. It's constantly working, and part of that work is sorting through the "drawers" of life as we live it. For some reason, my drawers intersect well and what's happening in the top drawer sometimes is the perfect match for the folded socks of a story in the bottom drawer.

And a story is born.

So right now, with farm work abounding, with nearly 30 DIFFERENT kinds of pumpkins taking over our yard... plus fresh veggies, baked goods, fresh jams.... the writing time is limited to my middle of the night panderings...

But in six weeks, I'm back to normal. In six weeks, the days will be filled with penning the stories I've been thinking about and formulating in my head for the past three months... and while I'm not silly enough to wish my life away, I'm looking forward to that season of quiet for seven months, and more stories on paper.

Having said that, I know that my outside activities feed my brain for those precious writing times... as I see a family, interacting. When grandparents stop by, acting as parents for children's children... Old ladies, grabbing one small acorn squash and two tomatoes...

An old man who used to love my zucchini cake... And who moved to an easy 55+ community in the village (even though he's closing in on 90) but still drives by to grab tomatoes.

When people are the fabric of our life, we weave a whole new reality. I've counseled gay couples on planning a fall wedding and a Muslim family on the joy of writing inspirational and Christian fiction.

God's put amazing opportunities in front of me.

HOORAY!

And He knows that as people, as mere humans, we rejoice and we suffer. But how blessed are we to deal with life in a country ripe with opportunity and second chances?

We had ice cream cones for supper tonight. I have no guilt! :)

They were really good.  The kids... and the cones!

I got the kids to the playground, jobs done, customers cared for and chicken in the freezer... and an ice cream cone.It's a good day on the pumpkin farm in the small town. And who can ask for more?

Ruth Logan Herne loves writing beautiful stories that touch the heart... and the soul. You can find her on facebook where she loves to chat with folks... or follow her on Twitter @ruthloganherne... or visit her website ruthloganherne.com. An author of over 40 novels and novellas, Ruth's work is loved by many... and being a people person, she loves them right back!