It’s no secret that I love Andy Andrews’ writing. When I was contacted by a rep from Thomas Nelson to read and write a blog review about his newest book, I jumped at the chance. This, my friends, is one of his best. It’s called The Heart Mender, and it’s all about forgiveness and second chances.

As with all of Andy Andrews’ stories, it is hard to tell where fact leaves off and fiction begins. The Heart Mender is set in the time of World War II, and is, like so many of Andrews’ books, set in the Baldwin County, Alabama, area. The story involves a German submariner who floats ashore in Baldwin County, after being shot and presumed dead by his Nazi commander. He is found on the beach by Helen, a waitress in a local diner who is still reeling from the death of her young husband in the war. If ever two people have a reason to hate each other, it is these two.

The story that unfolds is full of suspense, friendship, forgiveness. It is the story of moving forward, even when you have a good reason to stay angry. I love the way Andrews explains this concept: “If you forgive somebody for something he did to you, that means you choose to never allow that event to determine how you feel or how you act or how you treat that person. You may remember the wrong, but by choosing to forgive, you have disarmed it. Then it can no longer determine what you think, what you say, or what you do.” It’s a powerful lesson that could revolutionize the world, if only we would allow it to.

Welcome to Wandering Wednesday, the post where thoughts aren’t required to be organized, important or linked together in any way. We could call it “Random Wednesday”, “Scattered Wednesday”, or even “Who-in-the-world-cares Wednesday.”  But we won’t. It’s my blog and I’ll call it whatever I want.

1. My grandmother is doing a little better everyday. Her voice is becoming stronger. She understands what we say. She knows who people are. She even knows what she wants to say but can’t make the words come out. Her swallowing ability, however, has not returned, and that’s a big problem. She will go to a rehab hospital at some point, with the goal of eventually moving her in with my parents or my aunt. Thanks to those of you who have asked about her.

2. I am so pathetic at making decorating decisions! I had a spurt of creativity a while back, where I chose fabrics and got you all to vote on them. Remember that? By the time I got around to ordering fabrics, they were sold out of everything I had chosen. I was at a loss. However, I went this week to Seibels, one of my favorite local stores, and they had a beautiful bedding set-up that I adored. I could not afford to purchase everything from them, as their things can be a bit pricey for my budget. I did use the inspiration, however, to put together another look, with fabrics that were all on sale for DIRT CHEAP! Oh, how I hope it turns out like I see it in my head. That’s where the disconnect usually occurs. I get a vision in my head, but seem to have trouble making it come to life. I’ll give you an update when I make some progress.

3. I tried the new Dannon Greek yogurt today. Somebody had recommended it, and since we eat a lot of yogurt, I thought “why not?” It was really good. It’s thicker, heavier, and more filling than regular yogurt. It has a lot of protein and only 40 more calories than the yogurt I usually buy. I tried the honey flavor, but it comes in about five or six flavor choices.

4. Mary Anneliese has been in day camp all week from 9:00 until 3:30. I have missed her so much!! I’m feeling really good about my choice to homeschool again next year. I like having her around!

5. This is the hottest summer we have had in years, don’t you think? I’m melting daily, and I can’t get the energy to get things done. At least, not all the things I want to do.

6. The girls and I are going to pick blueberries at a blueberry farm tomorrow. I should have plenty to make lemon/blueberry jam in the near future.

7. I pulled out my sewing machine and a huge stack of fabric that I got for $4/yard at the Hannah Kate fabric sale last year. I need to get busy making some things for them. But… see #5.

That is all.

Happy Wednesday!

Well, this is a first. I am actually typing this entry, the entire thing, on my phone. Last night as I was doing some writing, my computer started acting cray-zee. About twenty error boxes popped up, and before I could get them closed there were forty more. I suspected immediately that I had been infected with a virus. I’m techno-savvy like that. After fiddling with it and running my antivirus software several times, I gave up and watched reruns of Will and Grace. This morning Jonathan woke me to ask if something weird was going on with the computer. I opened one eye long enough to convey a “yes”, because it was approximately 6:00 am, and who in their right mind is lucid at that hour? He took it in to the office and made a call to their computer genius William, who promptly confirmed my original diagnosis – a virus. In fact, many viruses. That around-the-block story all goes to say that if I have a few spelling or grammatical errors, don’t judge me. I’ve never typed an entire blog post using only my thumbs. It’s not as easy as it looks.

If I knew how to upload pictures into this post, which I clearly do not, I could show you photographic proof that we have indeed been in the water for the better part of this week. My laundry room is full of wet swimsuits hanging to dry. It is H-O-T this summer in Alabama, folks. We have survived only because of the splashpad and FWP (friends with pools). Today we hung out with our friends the Bostons at their home, and yesterday I took the girls to the splashpad, where I saw no less than eight pregnant women. Womenwho were in factso pregnant I was afraid we might see some birthing action right there in Gardendale. I have never felt so sorry for anyone in my entire life! Of course, they all seemed to be cool as a cucumber, while my non-pregnant self melted into a puddle on the sidewalk after ten minutes. But the littles had a ball, and that’s all that matters.

On a more solemn note, while we were swimming today, Jonathan called to tell me that my sweet little grandmother had a stroke this morning. She is 88-ish and has had a small stroke once before. From early indications, this one seems to be more severe. I am waiting to hear more on her condition from my dad once he arrives at the hospital. Will you add her to your prayer list today? She is my only living grandparent, so I sort of need her to hang around a little while longer! Thanks so much!