Farrell’s inspirational memoir touches all who feel they are broken, alone, have no hope in their future, and those who seek a true purpose for their life.
The story starts with Farrell’s crippling childhood anxieties to a desire to end the author’s life after believing there was no future or purpose for his life.
“If you look for bad things you will find them,” Farrell said.
Then after a divine encounter, Farrell turned the corner and sought one good thing a day. His sports participation and an eventual perfect national collegiate football record stand today as a testament to the amazing blessings God provides in life.
“This memoir was a way to thank my family, friends, and teammates who’ve helped me,” he said.
Listen in for a chance to win a signed copy of Farrell’s new book.
Sponsored by Doc Chavent, The Lowell Ledger, and UP author Hilton Everett Moore.
A minute of silence for the victims and the heroes
Updated Sept. 11, 2023
On this rainy Monday afternoon, I reflect back on that ominous day 22 years ago. I have just returned from a very successful selling weekend at the Silver Lake Dunes Apple & BBQ Festival and my suitcase is still unpacked.
I spent the rainy day writing about the upcoming Oakwood Cemetery Tour organized by the Lowell Area Historical Museum. The setting is almost the same as on 9/11 a long time ago in that aspect that I am still writing; this time for The Lowell Ledger. And I wrote a peaceful story about remembering individuals who contributed to the Lowell community.
As I walked the Oakwood Cemetery on a sunny Sunday afternoon in search of the headstone of the founder of The Lowell Ledger, Frank Johnson, I thought about the victims of the attacks. They too have their names on a wall and they also lived lives within the dash.
-stories of lives that were lived within the dash-
Oakwood Cemetery: Fourth Historical Walk
September 11, 2001
It was a Tuesday morning and the week was young waiting to be filled with reporting of the unknown news in the small community of Ionia. Nothing out of the ordinary; a few township and school board meetings and some nice human interest stories with heartwarming pictures of kids back in school.
That perspective changed in a few minutes.
As I was listening to the finance committee reports by the Ionia County treasurer Nancy, little did I know the events of that day would fill the newscasts around the world for years to come.
I looked up from my notes and saw the county administrator’s face twist in a grimace of total disbelief and dismay as he watched in shock the attacks on the towers on his laptop. He shared the news with us and dissolved the meeting.
Disbelief ensued and we left the meeting to watch the attacks at our office of the Ionia Sentinel-Standard in Ionia with my colleagues, editor Val Gaus, reporters Brandon Lacic and Katelyn.
I remember the immense silence after the airplanes were grounded for four days. I also remember a story we did about a preaching pastor, that we got into trouble for doing it.
“He was preaching,” said publisher Val Rose.
The newspaper headlines varied: “A day of infamy.” For some reason, I remember that one the most. Then my dad came over in the evening to consult the situation, while mom was in the Czech Republic and thought it was a horror movie on TV.
The patriotism that followed was amazing, as well as the camaraderie of the people. I hope the memories will never fade away for the sake of the people who died during the catastrophe.
Right now, I am still at a loss for words. I always hold a minute of silence for all the victims.
Copyright (c) 2023. Emma Blogs, LLC. All rights reserved.
In “A Mirage of Golden Glitter,” author Preethi Saravanakumar paints a breathtaking tapestry of reflections.
This book is more than just a collection of poems; it’s a voyage that resonates deeply, guiding readers to introspect, celebrate their authenticity, and cherish the shimmering threads of wisdom that weave the fabric of their lives.
A captivating symphony of emotions, wisdom, and self-discovery.
Even if the poems have difficult themes, they always have a good light-hearted ending, according to Preethi.
Listen in for a chance to win a signed copy of A Mirage of Golden Glitter.
Sponsored by Doc Chavent and The Lowell Ledger. Together we’ve been bringing you stories for 150 years.
For the Love of Books, the September podcast schedule of guests features both newcomers and all-time favorites. The newcomers are memoirists Rich Nelson and Michael Farrell.
True crime author Rod Sadler is back as well as poetess Preethi Saravanakumar, and Hilton Everett Moore. Don’t miss out on any of the episodes. The podcast is made possible thanks to sponsors The Lowell Ledger https://www.thelowellledger.com Doc Chavent and author Hilton Everett Moore. Author Emma Palova is the host and producer of the show.
I am currently looking for more sponsors of the show which has 117 episodes with Michigan authors representing all genres. It has 2.5k downloads. The podcast combines entertainment with tips for authors. The listeners get a definite idea about the authors’ books plus a chance to win a signed book in the giveaway.
As a bonus, I create special episodes before major authors’ events around the state of Michigan.
Here is a slideshow of September authors and their books. Enjoy.
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Silver Lake Dunes Apple & BBQ Festival
Author Emma Palova will be at this festival on Sept. 9 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It’s now only three days until the festival this Saturday.
I’ve been waiting for this beauty to bloom. Acidanthera is also known as peacock orchid. It has beautiful white flowers on long stems. I planted it only in May. Unlike their tropical counterparts, it wasn’t expensive. I only paid $9.99 for 30 bulbs. The ones planted in the pot are doing the best.
My other gardening great news is that one of our cherry trees is recovering and has new leaves. We also planted more plum trees for our plum brandies, and of course, it’s harvest time. The fruits are looking great. For info about our Moravian Sons Distillery go to https://moraviansonsdistillery.com/
I also canned blueberry syrup which is out of this world. We used it to mix our signature cocktail Blueberry Crush. I designed the cocktail after studying the basics of making a good cocktail.
Summer events & discoveries
I hate to see summer go. Overall, I had a good selling season. My best event was the Wild Blueberry Festival in Paradise, UP. I was there with seven other authors. We stayed in Paradise Shores Cabins which were excellent. Thanks to our hosts Mark & Melody Ricci. We discovered a hidden gem on Lake Superior- Crisp Point Lighthouse.
Last author’s summer event
Sept. 9 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Apple & BBQ Festival, Silver Lake Sand Dunes
Visit with us today Aug. 25 for some awesome summer tasting at Marathon Dutton on 68th St. In GR and Greg’s Git N Go in Middleville at 509 Arlington from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Wild blueberries, whitefish, lighthouses, shipwrecks, and deep blue waters with colorful agates, best describe the land on the shore of Lake Superior.
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula with its natural beauty and lore has attracted authors, artists and tourists for hundreds of years.
Perhaps it’s the wilderness and remoteness that people seek as they venture what is lovingly called UP North as soon as you pass Cadillac, and leave behind civilization as we know it.
The towns become smaller and traffic is less dense. The fields give way to woods and streams. Due to harsh weather, the trees are not as tall. Even if you were blindfolded and then threw away your bandana, you would immediately know that you’re UP North.
It’s a different feeling and atmosphere all together. The roads are narrow sometimes without shoulders. You feel like you’ve escaped it all. You leave behind old feelings, old landscapes and old habits.
You find yourself anew, refreshed as you ease into a slower pace, and immerse yourself in nature and the UP culture. The weather is unpredictable as are the waters of the lake.
You dive in to the cold water and look for water’s gems that come in all shapes and colors. You usually swim alone. The only strange encounters may be with a floating piece of wood. The bottom of the lake can be shallow far into Whitefish Bay, so you just walk in water.
The sky can be heavy with cloudsor as light as a feather. The colors blend or contrast like a painter’s palette.
Simplicity is the slogan. You go back to basics to discover something you didn’t know you had in you. The artists and artisans reflect that; from the flintknapper shaping arrowheads to Yoopers Sisters Jam at the Wild Blueberry Festival in Paradise starting tomorrow Aug. 18 through Aug. 20.
Authors at Wild Blueberry Festival 2023, Aug. 18-20
Freshly picked blueberries from Crossroads Blueberry Farm near Saugatuck pairs well with our Moravian Sons slivovitz.
The next tasting of Moravian Sons spirits and cocktails will be on Aug. 4 at Smitty’sin East Grand Rapids from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm and at Total Wine on M-6 and Kalamazoo Ave.
In her debut novel After the Before-Times, author Jan Leland portrays the story of seven people, who end up together at an inn on a lake in Michigan during the first year of the Covid-19 pandemic.
They find friendship, hardship, and ultimately resilience together.
Listen in for a chance to win a signed copy of After the Before-Times.
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