Love Under Fire

Website:

www.loveunderfire.net 

FILM PICK: The Lost Room

Dear Gentle Readers,





 So many television channels and nothing to watch. Did you ever think that? I found a good one, completely by accident. The description did not pull me in, but there was NOTHING on and I needed a diversion, so I started to watch it.

Detective Joe Miller has this key thrust upon him by a dying young man. This key is to a motel room in Gallup, New Mexico that does not exist, Room 10 in the 1960's. Now I've been to Gallup, New Mexico, so this where it hooked me. More than that, this key opens any door with a key lock and a hinged door. But once you walk in, you’re in that missing motel room.  In the 60's. In Gallup, New Mexico.

His sweet and beautiful little girl becomes curious about this room and starts throwing her stuffed animals in one at a time. The stuffed animals disappear. Then SHE disappears, causing all kinds of custody court and police problems. 

Then Joe is forced to join forces with some wacky religious zealots who think this room, and it’s objects (like a pen, a comb, a box) are the pathway to God. 

It is on Tubi and also YouTube. Great writing. Great acting. Check it out. You won’t look at your comb or your pen the same way ever again. 

ART: David P. Hettinger, the Illinois Painter of Life

American David Hettinger is known as the Illinois Painter of Life.

He began drawing things he saw on television and movie cowboys around the age of eight. 

At thirteen he received his first set of oils by a local artist named Mike Spencer who ran a local barbershop near David's elementary school.

 

 His formal training began at the Academy of Art in Chicago under Joseph Van Brouck and learned  classical realism and the Techniques of the Fleming, Dutch, and Spanish masters.







After four years, David moved to New York City to study under famous New York artists David Leffel and Richard Schmid.







It is said that David Hettinger  paints "moments in life" or "emotion" rather than simply a scene or a place. He paints his personal recollections of a moment in time, complete with all the feelings attached. 



As usual, I claim nothing here as my own. 

Links to David Hettinger:
https://www.tuttartpitturasculturapoesiamusica.com/2011/11/david-p-hettinger-1946-illinois.html

https://www.facebook.com/DavidHettingerStudio/

www.rosereneefineart.com/davidhettinger/

https://www.tuttartpitturasculturapoesiamusica.com/.../david-p-hettinger-1946-illinois...

BOOK: FREE! Calming the Storm by Melanie Snitker

A marriage of convenience isn't exactly 

what she had in mind.  

  

After a rocky start, Rachel Peters finally has her life on track. Then a tragic accident takes away her sister and leaves her to raise her niece, Kendra, alone. About to lose custody of her last blood relative, Rachel is desperate to prove she can adequately care for her niece. On the verge of running away to keep Kendra, a new friend offers Rachel an opportunity she can't refuse.

Brandon Barlow has long admired Rachel. When her world begins to fall apart, he feels led to help. A marriage of convenience would enable him to provide Rachel and Kendra with a stable place to live, proper health insurance, and a viable shot at staying together. Once Rachel gained full custody of her niece, the marriage could be annulled.

His plan provides the perfect solution, until Brandon realizes he's fallen in love with Rachel. Through love and patience, can he help Rachel realize that, even when she experiences storms in her life, she's never alone? 

Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MGBXZQ2

Excerpt:

 Brandon felt like his heart was in his throat as he led the way outside. He thought they could walk to the pond. The path was pretty this time of year, and it would give him a few minutes to work up the courage he needed to ask her. He didn’t think he’d ever been this nervous before. God, please give me the words to say and the strength to say them. If this is Your will, soften Rachel’s heart to the idea.

“It really is so peaceful here,” Rachel commented at his side. She breathed in deeply. “It reminds us just how small we are in this world, doesn’t it?”

“It does,” Brandon agreed. He took in God’s handiwork around him and suddenly felt humbled. No matter what happens, Father, thank you for what You have done in my life.

As they approached the pond, he led them to a bench overlooking the still water. “Let’s sit here for a minute.”

Rachel did as he suggested. Kendra was admiring a small patch of flowers growing a few steps away in the grass. Rachel watched her niece for a moment, then turned to him. “What’s going on?”

Brandon willed his stomach to quit doing flips as he began. “I want to help you and Kendra. It isn’t fair that this is happening to you guys. You should stay together — you both deserve that.” 

Uncertainty marched across her face. He said another silent prayer and took a deep breath.

“Marry me, Rachel.”

As soon as the words were out, she jumped to her feet. He stood with her, holding a hand out to try and get her to wait. “Please, listen to me. I’ve got health insurance, the house, the job. It would hopefully be enough for you to get custody of Kendra. My parents were going to hire someone this year to help with the orchard. Melinda doesn’t need to be climbing ladders to pick apples in her condition, and she’s been tired lately between the pregnancy and Benjamin. They said they would love to hire you, which means you can put some more money away and Kendra can stay with you.” He smiled toward Kendra who had a small fistful of flowers and was on the search for more. “When it’s all over and the adoption is finalized, we can have the marriage annulled if that’s what you want.”

“If that’s what I want?” Rachel looked at him as though he’d suggested she hold her arms out and fly. “I would think it would be something we’d both want.” She put a hand to her head and closed her eyes, massaging her temple. “If I even agree to this crazy idea. This is insane.” She pointed a finger at his chest. “You’re insane!”

 “I just know I’ve been thinking about your situation, praying about it, and I can’t come up with any other way to give you a chance to keep Kendra.”

Rachel’s expression was quickly changing from surprise to annoyance. “Look, I appreciate your sense of responsibility, even if it is misguided.” She fingered her braid and then tossed it behind her. “But I’ve been on my own and I’ve survived. I’ll be fine here, too.”

 “And if you have to run?”

 “Then I’ll start over. I used to do it all the time when I was a kid. I’m no stranger to it.” The fire in her eyes dared him to contradict her.

Brandon could tell he was treading on thin ice at this point. He sent up a silent prayer for God to help him choose his words wisely. “I have no doubt that you are capable of starting over. You’re one of the strongest people I’ve ever met.” He took a step closer to her. “But think about the details. If you run with Kendra, they’re going to put out a warrant for your arrest for kidnapping. When you get to your new destination, how are you going to find a job? You’re not going to be able to use your real name if you truly want to hide. They’re going to want your Social Security number, to see your driver’s license.” He paused, knowing that his words were upsetting her. But they had to be said. “You’re not being realistic. Going someplace and starting over like that is going to be complicated. You’ll have to figure out how to create a whole new identity.”

 “I can do that. I will find a way.” Rachel clenched her fist and opened her hand again. She turned back to the pond, working her jaw as she thought. Brandon paused for a few moments, knowing that she was going to have to think through it all to make a decision herself. He watched as she focused her attention on the little girl nearby.

 “Rachel.” He waited for her to look at him before continuing. “You deserve better."

                                                              

Author Bio:

Melanie D. Snitker has enjoyed writing fiction for as long as she can remember. She started out creating episodes of cartoon shows she wanted to see as a child, and her love of writing grew from there. She and her husband live in Texas with their two children, who keep their lives full of adventure, and two dogs, who add a dash of mischief to the family dynamics. In her spare time, Melanie enjoys photography, reading, crocheting, baking, and hanging out with family and friends.

Follow Melanie at these links:

Website: http://www.melaniedsnitker.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melaniedsnitker

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MelanieDSnitker

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melaniedsnitker/

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/author/melaniesnitker

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/melanie-d-snitker

Schedule for August 13 - 17, 2018

Schedule

Mon., Aug. 13 - BOOK: Free Today

Calming the Storm by Melanie Snitker

Tues., Aug, 14 - ART: David P. Hettinger,

Illinois Painter of Light

Thurs., Aug. 16 - FILM PICK:

The Lost Room