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8:09 pm
November 14, 2011
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laurap
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Week 2: “A Sound Among the Trees” by Susan Meissner Pages 83 – 161
OK. So, this one is very, very, very hard to stay on track and not read ahead! I know you are struggling with it, and as you’ve read in the forum, you’re not alone. This book is an amazing example of hooking the reader—and keeping us there. J
This week’s questions:
- Adelaide says “I shouldn’t have to tell the world that things aren’t always what they seem. Just because you hear a rustle in the trees, that doesn’t mean that the bogeyman is preparing to pounce on you the minute you turn your back. Sometimes the rustling is just God sending a breeze to cool your skin after a hard day in the blazing sun. But I suppose the notion of the bogeyman makes the story more interesting.” How was this true for our characters—even Adelaide—and how is it true in real life?
- Was it right of Marielle to read the diaries? What would you have done?
Have a blessed week, sisters!
Serving my King,
Laura
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3:01 pm
November 15, 2011
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ShellySCantrell
| | South Carolina | |
| Member | posts 182 | |
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Yes, Laura. It is SO hard not to read ahead. I stopped myself yesterday so that I could stay on track with the current discussion and not get too carried away. Plus, I want to relish this one… not speed through it!
Anyway….
1) I think this particular question speaks to some of our overactive imaginations, in one regard. On the other hand, there is something to be said for getting a notion, feeling, or nudge about something. I believe our intuition (which is really the Holy Spirit whispering to us) can hold clues to a lot of things in life.
This also speaks to perspective. If someone is walking around in fear, the perspective could easily be that the bogeyman is on the prowl. To someone who is confident in his or her standing with Christ, it's easier to have the perspective that God is gently sending a little blessing.
While I'm not sure if I have a good grasp on how this relates to our characters, I will say that it seems as if the rustling of the tress around Holly Oaks lends the question – "Just what is at work here?"
Even when Caroline comes home, she is fixated on the trees at one point.
Is Susannah's spirt looming? Is there something or someOne at work for His purpose? I'm intereted to find out!
*** And, I am intersted to hear how y'all answer this one… especially as it relates to the characters.
2) Good question! I'm not sure if it was right or wrong; however, I do believe that we are put in situations for reasons. Given the context of our reading, Marielle had been drawn to that studio since the beginning (it seems). Just like the "whispher in the trees," it seems as if Marielle had an other-wordly attraction to the old slave house. Could it be that Susannah's spirit is guiding her there? I get the feeling that Marielle is a key character in the healing that I hope to see take place at Holly Oak. Could the discovery of the diaries help in that process?
My instinct is to believe that she found them for a reason. If I felt like I had been led there, I would have read them, too. And, now, after hearing of some of the contents, it's pretty clear that answers lie (lay?) within those pages. I don't think the question is whether or not she should have read them… to me, the bigger, more important question is what to do with them…. how to help them fulfill their purpose. That's the struggle for me.
After all, in "The Violets of March"… the found diaries (that were meant to be found) played a cruial role in the story! If the character decided not to read them… hmmmmm……
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12:23 am
November 16, 2011
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Lane Hill House
| | Willow Springs, Missouri | |
| Member | posts 158 | |
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Post edited 12:25 am – November 16, 2011 by Lane Hill House
1) Adelaide was reminiscing about a newspaper interview given when her granddaughter Sara was a college student. Supposedly, it was to talk about her uniform making but it was a ruse to get in the door to get a firsthand account about Susannah Page. If we lived there, wouldn't we likely take our visitors past Holly Oak to show them the cannonball embedded in the wall and tell them the stories repeated from one generation to the next? And it was still standing!
Adelaide told the reporter that people would always think what they wanted. Adelaide was truthful about what she had read in Susannah's letters. There was no further need for embellishment. She was not going to defend nor go down in defeat by answering speculation. A fire is kept alive by feeding it. Was it fed by those living within, as well?
Hearsay has already formed it's own opinion. This happens when listening and getting pulled in. Untrue perceptions flood in until they seem real. By word of mouth or written, it needs to be searched out so as not to be deluded or swayed by what is heard or read. We become either part of the answer or part of the problem by what we pass on.
2) Marielle tells Carson she had read about Susannah's missing letters and wants to know if Sara knew about them. She waits until he and the children leave the next morning before asking Adelaide for the key to Sara's old art studio, telling her she would like to see inside and didn't want it to be awkward for Carson and the children by asking. In searching for the missing letters, she finds Sara's journals. She asks herself if it would be disrespectful to read them. But, would she find answers within? I, like Marielle, would have read them. The detriment is now there is an unintended secret. Will it be a help or a hindrance to know Sara's private thoughts? Marielle isn't sure what she should do with the journals or her involvement in revealing them. Would the same have been true if her husband had found them first?
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11:13 am
November 17, 2011
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jlkozar
| | Orland Park, IL | |
| Member | posts 7 | |
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Adelaide says “I shouldn’t have to tell the world that things aren’t always what they seem. Just because you hear a rustle in the trees, that doesn’t mean that the bogeyman is preparing to pounce on you the minute you turn your back. Sometimes the rustling is just God sending a breeze to cool your skin after a hard day in the blazing sun. But I suppose the notion of the bogeyman makes the story more interesting.” How was this true for our characters—even Adelaide—and how is it true in real life?
The truth in this for these particular characters is really displayed in Adelaides friend and her belief of the haunting of the house. I love the statement of I shouldn't have to tell the world — we hope people will learn from the way we live out lives and not believe gossip. In real life I believe we all struggle with this for some reason it is easier to live with the unknown and speculate then get out of the boat and follow and believe!
Was it right of Marielle to read the diaries? What would you have done?
I do believe it was right for Marielle to read the diaries — she needed to know the dynamic of Sara to understand the her husband and the relationship that came before. I would have read them without a doubt, but I also completely understand her wanting her husband to discover these things himself. She did not want it to look as if she was discounting what he believed to be the truth about Sara and she did not want to taint the memory of her.
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4:22 pm
November 18, 2011
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ShellySCantrell
| | South Carolina | |
| Member | posts 182 | |
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Amen, Sista Friend Kozar! "Get out of the boat!" That is the essence of faith–is it not?
If we want to walk on water, we have to get out of the boat. Our fears, insecurties and stuck needles (if you will) keep us in the boat. We have to reach out our hand to meet Jesus'. That requires stepping out.
What amazes me is that it only takes one step towards Jesus to show Him that we trust Him. He takes over when we take that step.
Kozar, your comment has me up on my soap box ready to preach a sermon! I'm on fire over all of this… and to think… a FICTION book could do that to a person! lol
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10:25 am
November 20, 2011
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Susan Meissner
| | United States | |
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I am enjoying the discussion here and I love to see these characters come alive on this forum. I don't want to be an intruder on any conversation but please let me know if you have a question or comment you'd like me to address. I'd be happy to chime in.
Love to all,
Susan
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4:34 am
November 22, 2011
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laurap
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Shelly,
I think we can officially say we have a new convert to fiction. You crack me up, girl. :)
Laura
ShellySCantrell said:
Amen, Sista Friend Kozar! "Get out of the boat!" That is the essence of faith–is it not?
If we want to walk on water, we have to get out of the boat. Our fears, insecurties and stuck needles (if you will) keep us in the boat. We have to reach out our hand to meet Jesus'. That requires stepping out.
What amazes me is that it only takes one step towards Jesus to show Him that we trust Him. He takes over when we take that step.
Kozar, your comment has me up on my soap box ready to preach a sermon! I'm on fire over all of this… and to think… a FICTION book could do that to a person! lol
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4:36 am
November 22, 2011
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laurap
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Never an intruder, Susan. We LOVE when you join in/check in on us. We'd be happy to answer questions too, as your readers. I can imagine that kind of feedback is hard to get as well. But, as you can see from the overflowing of positive comments, I would say that everyone is in love with your writing and this book. I'm a new fan. :)
Laura
Susan Meissner said:
I am enjoying the discussion here and I love to see these characters come alive on this forum. I don't want to be an intruder on any conversation but please let me know if you have a question or comment you'd like me to address. I'd be happy to chime in.
Love to all,
Susan
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9:54 pm
November 22, 2011
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Linda A.
| | Northwest, Wisconsin | |
| Member | posts 171 | |
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#2. I don't know if it was right or wrong but I think it was okay that Marielle read them. And yes, I would have read them too.
Life has been very busy for me this month and I haven't been able to spend much time here adding my insights and comments. I have been able to read all the others and really appreciate your comments and insights. And no Susan you are not an intruder, we love having you here.
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7:22 am
November 25, 2011
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Lane Hill House
| | Willow Springs, Missouri | |
| Member | posts 158 | |
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Linda A.,
I hope your husband and sister-in-law are doing well. Looking forward to your post catch-ups.
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7:28 am
November 25, 2011
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Lane Hill House
| | Willow Springs, Missouri | |
| Member | posts 158 | |
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laurap said:
Shelly,
I think we can officially say we have a new convert to fiction. You crack me up, girl. :)
Laura
ShellySCantrell said:
Amen, Sista Friend Kozar! "Get out of the boat!" That is the essence of faith–is it not?
If we want to walk on water, we have to get out of the boat. Our fears, insecurties and stuck needles (if you will) keep us in the boat. We have to reach out our hand to meet Jesus'. That requires stepping out.
What amazes me is that it only takes one step towards Jesus to show Him that we trust Him. He takes over when we take that step.
Kozar, your comment has me up on my soap box ready to preach a sermon! I'm on fire over all of this… and to think… a FICTION book could do that to a person! lol
Too funny!! Me, too. I think you would like Lady in Waiting by Susan Meissner as well, Shelly. Success with your photography eye is prayed for you! :)
Looking forward to your new post on week 3 discussion.
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7:35 am
November 25, 2011
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Lane Hill House
| | Willow Springs, Missouri | |
| Member | posts 158 | |
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laurap said:
Never an intruder, Susan. We LOVE when you join in/check in on us. We'd be happy to answer questions too, as your readers. I can imagine that kind of feedback is hard to get as well. But, as you can see from the overflowing of positive comments, I would say that everyone is in love with your writing and this book. I'm a new fan. :)
Laura
Susan Meissner said:
I am enjoying the discussion here and I love to see these characters come alive on this forum. I don't want to be an intruder on any conversation but please let me know if you have a question or comment you'd like me to address. I'd be happy to chime in.
Love to all,
Susan
Susan,
I wanted to tell you how much I am enjoying reading A Sound Among the Trees a second time. I am picking up on clues I missed the first time. I was so into discovering what what going to happen next I missed some of the important detail. Of course, until I was finished, I didn't know what the earlier details pointed toward.
I certainly would like to see a sequel of modern day Jane and devoted Lucy, how their lives developed after the last page of Lady in Waiting. An excellent, excellent book.
I sure hope I win the books Laura said were being offered as these are the only two I have read of yours. Thank you for all you do. A strong life depending on the Lord to produce strong characters.
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7:40 am
November 25, 2011
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Lane Hill House
| | Willow Springs, Missouri | |
| Member | posts 158 | |
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jlkozar said:
Adelaide says “I shouldn’t have to tell the world that things aren’t always what they seem. Just because you hear a rustle in the trees, that doesn’t mean that the bogeyman is preparing to pounce on you the minute you turn your back. Sometimes the rustling is just God sending a breeze to cool your skin after a hard day in the blazing sun. But I suppose the notion of the bogeyman makes the story more interesting.” How was this true for our characters—even Adelaide—and how is it true in real life?
The truth in this for these particular characters is really displayed in Adelaides friend and her belief of the haunting of the house. I love the statement of I shouldn't have to tell the world — we hope people will learn from the way we live out lives and not believe gossip. In real life I believe we all struggle with this for some reason it is easier to live with the unknown and speculate then get out of the boat and follow and believe!
Was it right of Marielle to read the diaries? What would you have done?
I do believe it was right for Marielle to read the diaries — she needed to know the dynamic of Sara to understand the her husband and the relationship that came before. I would have read them without a doubt, but I also completely understand her wanting her husband to discover these things himself. She did not want it to look as if she was discounting what he believed to be the truth about Sara and she did not want to taint the memory of her.
JL, I completely agree. The necessity of getting out of the boat into life. The Lord will lead us. We need to do our part and step out that first step. I trust Him.
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9:00 pm
November 27, 2011
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Linda A.
| | Northwest, Wisconsin | |
| Member | posts 171 | |
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Lane Hill House said:
Linda A.,
I hope your husband and sister-in-law are doing well. Looking forward to your post catch-ups.
Kathleen, my sister-in-law is doing great!! Praise the Lord for answered prayer! My husband is waiting for surgery. They have it scheduled for Jan. 5th. I know he is a little nervous. Thanks for your concern.
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1:01 pm
November 29, 2011
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ShellySCantrell
| | South Carolina | |
| Member | posts 182 | |
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Susan: I think it is wonderful that you are joining us here on the DB. It really is a privilege to interact with you. I agree with Laura – never an intruder. Please feel free to join in our conversations or strike up any of your own.
Laura: Yes, a new convert I am ; )
Linda: HI! It's great to see you back! And, I'm so glad to hear about your family! Wonderful news and answered prayers!
Kathleen: Thanks for your recommendation on Lady in Waiting! I checked out your blog ; ) and I am intrigued! : ) Also, thank you for your sweet prayers. You are awesome! And, I'm heading on over to week 3 right now. I took a bit of a break for Thanksgiving and was sick… but I'm back in the game now! : )
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11:13 pm
November 29, 2011
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Lane Hill House
| | Willow Springs, Missouri | |
| Member | posts 158 | |
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Linda A. said:
Lane Hill House said:
Linda A.,
I hope your husband and sister-in-law are doing well. Looking forward to your post catch-ups.
Kathleen, my sister-in-law is doing great!! Praise the Lord for answered prayer! My husband is waiting for surgery. They have it scheduled for Jan. 5th. I know he is a little nervous. Thanks for your concern.
Linda, What good news! Especially after she fell, I was concerned. So glad that she has been recovering! I am continuing to pray. One month away and may he be refreshed as he waits. Our Lord be exalted!
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11:17 pm
November 29, 2011
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Lane Hill House
| | Willow Springs, Missouri | |
| Member | posts 158 | |
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Shelly, I will be praying that you will be stronger and in good health as your soul prospers! Especially during this busy time for you.
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12:15 pm
December 1, 2011
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ShellySCantrell
| | South Carolina | |
| Member | posts 182 | |
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Thank you, Kathleen. : ) I am honored and humbled that you would pray for me. You are a gift!
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12:25 pm
December 2, 2011
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cammih
| | Siloam Springs, AR | |
| Member | posts 66 | |
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Is the contest over for November? I am still trying to finish my book! I purchased it a little late so just getting into it.. Loveing it though!
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6:41 pm
December 2, 2011
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Lane Hill House
| | Willow Springs, Missouri | |
| Member | posts 158 | |
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Cammi, It is never too late! Finish and we will look forward to all of your posts in the four-weeks. We check back with the dates on the posts. Glad you are enjoying it!
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