A Little Further Down the Road
The title is a parable of sorts implicating both physical and spiritual movement. In both regards, Cephas and I have moved a little further down the road. That just sprung a story idea in my mind. That is part of being a writer, too. Every new thought becomes another potential story idea. I'm writing today to let you all know that we have progressed and grown in many ways over the past few weeks. We have undergone many physical, emotional and spiritual trials and triumphs. The Holy Spirit has been made manifest in our lives in ways we did not imagine. We have had some miracles amidst our vehicle woes. We have met some wonderful other souls on this journey from California to Idaho. It promises to be a continuing exciting journey with many more blessings and trials. I am resigned to the realization that is the stuff of life. I embrace it fully and I accept that which cannot be changed.
It is a Rainy Oregon Morning
The rain is falling in a steady mist outside as I sip coffee inside and think about life with all its experiences- both rewarding and challenging. It has been a long couple of weeks for Cephas and I as we wrestled with a van that just is tired of going further down the road. The woes started months ago with the catalytic converters. Actually, the entire exhaust system went out because the converters were seriously clogged. Our "Old Blue", as our friend Emmett calls it, sat for a spell in Willits, CA. while we drove our Dodge Tradesman 300 around the nation. When the Dodge "gave up the ghost", we retired her to a salvage yard in hopes that her parts would be used by others. For a short time, we drove a little car that burned up in California. That set us out backpacking on foot and taking trains, the traditional way of course! Upon arriving back in Willits during a visit to Mom and our brother Ron, we pulled "Old Blue" from the campground storage yard to see if she would go down the road a little further. It has been about fifteen months since her wheels took to the road again. The troubles started about six months ago with the catalytic converters.
Cephas and I have spent the last week broken down in the "wilds" and remote places of Oregon. It has been a wild ride but a reflective time for us. Days have been filled with hope, with prayer, with frustration, with effort and with auto repairs trying to get "Old Blue" to roll the way she needs to roll. We are traveling to our daughter in Pocatello, Idaho who really needs our help. The going is slow and arduous but we will keep "inching" our way there. We have miles and miles to go over these Oregon mountains. May God put wings on "Old Blue" and carry us swiftly.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Our friend Emmett gave us the van he lovingly calls "Old Blue" while we were scouting for the 2007 Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma rainbow gathering. She has been everywhere imaginable since then. We love the gift of time and adventure that was gifted us from our friend Emmett. Thank you brother for all the love. What a precious gift. We have truly enjoyed the van's energy and the memories of you and your lovely family in Dale, Texas that it invokes
The Midnight Writer
Cephas and I have spent the last week broken down in the "wilds" and remote places of Oregon. It has been a wild ride but a reflective time for us. Days have been filled with hope, with prayer, with frustration, with effort and with auto repairs trying to get "Old Blue" to roll the way she needs to roll. We are traveling to our daughter in Pocatello, Idaho who really needs our help. The going is slow and arduous but we will keep "inching" our way there. We have miles and miles to go over these Oregon mountains. May God put wings on "Old Blue" and carry us swiftly.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Our friend Emmett gave us the van he lovingly calls "Old Blue" while we were scouting for the 2007 Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma rainbow gathering. She has been everywhere imaginable since then. We love the gift of time and adventure that was gifted us from our friend Emmett. Thank you brother for all the love. What a precious gift. We have truly enjoyed the van's energy and the memories of you and your lovely family in Dale, Texas that it invokes
The Midnight Writer
"All I've Got" Appreciation Screening
"All I've Got" Film
Production Photos by CJC Studios
with Jason Manning
"All I've Got" Appreciation Screening
If you get a chance to attend this screening, I highly recommend it. I viewed the trailer which I found to be dramatic, passionate, and inspiring. I am personally looking forward to seeing this Jason Manning film in its entirety. The mystery surrounding the life and death of Gary Wey intrigues me. I am left wanting more. I hope to find out more about the man and the artist who presented this story to the world.
Watch the official Trailer for "All I've Got"
Visit the "All I've Got" facebook page and follow updates
for this film soon to be released.
About the Movie
“All I’ve Got”… A feature film Written and Directed by Jason Manning. “All I’ve Got” is a dramatic adventure that will make you laugh, cry, and leave you to “Wonder”. Inspired by the true life and music of “Gary Wey”
with Jason Manning
"All I've Got" Appreciation Screening
May 16 at 7:30pm in MDT
If you get a chance to attend this screening, I highly recommend it. I viewed the trailer which I found to be dramatic, passionate, and inspiring. I am personally looking forward to seeing this Jason Manning film in its entirety. The mystery surrounding the life and death of Gary Wey intrigues me. I am left wanting more. I hope to find out more about the man and the artist who presented this story to the world.
Watch the official Trailer for "All I've Got"
Visit the "All I've Got" facebook page and follow updates
for this film soon to be released.
About the Movie
“All I’ve Got”… A feature film Written and Directed by Jason Manning. “All I’ve Got” is a dramatic adventure that will make you laugh, cry, and leave you to “Wonder”. Inspired by the true life and music of “Gary Wey”
| Genre | Drama/ Adventure |
|---|---|
| Starring | Jason Manning & Jamielee Eldridge |
| Directed By | Jason Manning |
| Written By | Jason Manning |
| Screenplay By | Jason Manning |
| Produced By | Jason Manning, Lynnie Manning, Bob Melanson |
More Production Photos
Watch for updates on this blog about the release of this
Jason Manning film "All I've Got".
Where do I go from here?
That is the question that I ask myself every day whenever I wake up. I have several projects in progress at this time and a multitude of endless ideas. Two of my main projects are very detailed stories that I have been working on for awhile. The main story is a novel that I'm writing called "On the Wings of Zion". I don't strictly focus on one project at a time because my ideas are fluent and sporadic. When I get an inspiration, I take the time to write it down. I even follow that inspiration in depth for as long as it lasts. Then I go back to other articles or poems or short stories or film synopsis that I am working on. As you can see, a freelance writer does not necessarily work on a regular schedule or on a scripted work order. I ask myself every morning, so where do I go from here?
The Midnight Writer
The Midnight Writer
Film Making: Then and Now
The Art of making films has evolved significantly in the past fifty years. This last decade, that evolution has forever changed the industry. New talent is emerging on the scene that embraces that evolved perception of film making, and thus, the essence of Hollywood. In years past, the very thought of Hollywood evoked images of people who were more like "the Untouchables" or royalty. It loomed in some distant place that was unreachable for many talented artists, actors, film makers and writers. Today's film industry is wide open and accessible to anyone with a bit of talent, lots of tenacity and fortitude and the will to make their mark in the industry. It has grown beyond the glittering lights, the polished personas of prima donnas and dashing gentlemen. Film making today has become an art form that embraces the art more than the money. There is not always money to be made in the industry but that sense of deep satisfaction and achievement is enough for many new talents in the film making industry today. It is in essence like discovering the Wizard of Oz at the end of the yellow brick road is actually just a man, like any other man, and not a wizard at all.
The Midnight Writer
The Midnight Writer
Summer is near so get your brakes checked
One of the main things on my checklist when I'm prepping for summertime travel is to get my vehicle brakes checked. This is one of the most important vehicle checks or repairs to have done before you venture out in the wild outback or travel far across country.
For those who are unaware, there is a part of the brake system that needs maintenence but is often overlooked. The CV Joints are a part of the steering and transmission function of your vehicle. It controls torque and suspension when driving or making turns. If this part breaks, then your vehicle will stop running. At that point, the entire drive shaft might have to be lifted in order to make the repair. Now I have been stranded along remote highways in need of serious auto repairs so I've learned to take precautions. Get your vehicle checked before you make any long trips. There are service centers especially equipped to make these diagnostic checks.
In case of CV Joint failure, you may have trouble making the repairs yourself. A special tool is required to reset the torque and the ball bearings are hard to pull out. I would highly recommend that you keep up the maintenance on this part to prevent costly repairs. Regular lubing with grease will save a lot of expense and mechanical failures later. If the worst case scenario happens and your vehicle needs the intense repair job, then consider taking it to a service station that specializes in Metal Fabrication. I would not recommend attempting this type of repair yourself unless you are a skilled mechanic. With all this in mind, plan those special summer travel vacations with ease of mind. Have a great and safe summer!
For those who are unaware, there is a part of the brake system that needs maintenence but is often overlooked. The CV Joints are a part of the steering and transmission function of your vehicle. It controls torque and suspension when driving or making turns. If this part breaks, then your vehicle will stop running. At that point, the entire drive shaft might have to be lifted in order to make the repair. Now I have been stranded along remote highways in need of serious auto repairs so I've learned to take precautions. Get your vehicle checked before you make any long trips. There are service centers especially equipped to make these diagnostic checks.
In case of CV Joint failure, you may have trouble making the repairs yourself. A special tool is required to reset the torque and the ball bearings are hard to pull out. I would highly recommend that you keep up the maintenance on this part to prevent costly repairs. Regular lubing with grease will save a lot of expense and mechanical failures later. If the worst case scenario happens and your vehicle needs the intense repair job, then consider taking it to a service station that specializes in Metal Fabrication. I would not recommend attempting this type of repair yourself unless you are a skilled mechanic. With all this in mind, plan those special summer travel vacations with ease of mind. Have a great and safe summer!
Two new characters surface in my book
I developed the story further last night with two new characters in my book "On the Wings of Zion". Claudia and James are teacher and apprentice in the scientific world of quantum physics. They are conducting experiments in order to assist the time keepers in their travels throughout time and space during the end time deliverance project. Their opposite personalities often clash but they have a deep sense of devotion to their work and to one another. James has an impish childlike side to his personality that he uses artfully to win over Claudia's heart, especially after one of his pranks backfires. James' pranks backfire often so he expresses this side of himself at every opportunity. Claudia is a serious researcher who truly believes in their end times angelic like mission to span across time and help awaken the lost ones. She is patient enough though to let the ascended ones decide when a journey should happen and who should lead the quantum jump. James is not so patient or trusting of the ancient ones. He tries to manipulate the missions to speed up the work. This causes some problems with the hierarchy while it also creates warps in the space time continuum. James loves to experiment with unstable elements!
I know you will love these two characters in "On the Wings of Zion" so come back often for updates on the story and the characters development. James and Claudia are a great asset to John and Sarah, two timekeepers who happen to be two of the ancient ones. My character development and dialogue building are still in their infancy on this book so it will be a long road finishing this project this summer. I'm excited about the way it is developing.
Thanks for reading my blog. I hope you will visit often so you can be some of the first readers to know when the book launches. Until next time, read more books! Enjoy life and peace be with you.
Cheryl Lynn Gardner
a/k/a The Midnight Writer
I know you will love these two characters in "On the Wings of Zion" so come back often for updates on the story and the characters development. James and Claudia are a great asset to John and Sarah, two timekeepers who happen to be two of the ancient ones. My character development and dialogue building are still in their infancy on this book so it will be a long road finishing this project this summer. I'm excited about the way it is developing.
Thanks for reading my blog. I hope you will visit often so you can be some of the first readers to know when the book launches. Until next time, read more books! Enjoy life and peace be with you.
Cheryl Lynn Gardner
a/k/a The Midnight Writer
A New Story is Born titled Room 22
I dreamed about this story last night because it was so strongly on my mind. "Room 22" is a story about an Iranian student who came to America to study so he could have a better life. His country was in turmoil at the time and many young men were dying in the wars and strife that was rampant in their country. It is a story that will compel us all to have such compassion on the Iranian refugees who flocked here during those years seeking asylum. I was so moved by the events of this one person's life that I will never forget him. I feel the story is worth telling, in his memory. "Room 22" suffered a tragic end to his life but I will keep the details a secret for the book. Watch for updates on my blog and facebook about the progress of this story. I just wanted to shout out the good news that my writer's block is gone and I am pumping out many stories. I found such a storehouse of good ones to share from my own memories.
I would appreciate any feedback on interest level in reading this story "Room 22". The title will be explained on the website when I create it. Until then, I leave you curious, I hope.
The Midnight Writer
I would appreciate any feedback on interest level in reading this story "Room 22". The title will be explained on the website when I create it. Until then, I leave you curious, I hope.
The Midnight Writer
Characters with Charisma, Personality and Real Feelings
This is my current project and ultimate challenge: to create characters in my story with charisma, personality and real feelings. Above all else, the characters in a novel or a movie have to be real so the audience can relate to them in some way. I am striving to reach the human soul of each character that I create so I can paint it like a tapestry on your mind as you read the dialogue and story line or see the character portrayed on a movie screen.
The novel that I am currently writing has complex characters to match its intricate plot. This is the greatest challenge of my writing career. I have a feeling it will also be my most rewarding. If the novel is successful enough to merit being transformed into a movie script, then I will achieve my life long dream to be a successful screenplay writer. Let me not forget to mention that the story is the reward in and of itself. The story deserves to be told, therefore I am writing it.
My current project is a novel titled "On the Wings of Zion" . I have created a webpage specifically for the story updates and information on my book venture. Additionally, I created a hubpage, a tumblr site, and a facebook page- all to promote my novel and prospective movie. Creating all these sites took nominal effort in comparison to tightening up the story plot and bringing the characters to life.
The main character that I have developed to date is John. He is a deep thinker with a complex personality. I believe that you will fall in love with John's passion and his compassion as well as his devout love for God. John's sense of duty to prevent the destruction of humanity is his driving force. That is all I can say about John without giving too much of the story away. You will just have to wait until the novel is finished to read more about John.
Dear Readers, I leave you with the promise that I will return with updates about my travels and my book. Blessings to you all.
The Midnight Writer
The novel that I am currently writing has complex characters to match its intricate plot. This is the greatest challenge of my writing career. I have a feeling it will also be my most rewarding. If the novel is successful enough to merit being transformed into a movie script, then I will achieve my life long dream to be a successful screenplay writer. Let me not forget to mention that the story is the reward in and of itself. The story deserves to be told, therefore I am writing it.
My current project is a novel titled "On the Wings of Zion" . I have created a webpage specifically for the story updates and information on my book venture. Additionally, I created a hubpage, a tumblr site, and a facebook page- all to promote my novel and prospective movie. Creating all these sites took nominal effort in comparison to tightening up the story plot and bringing the characters to life.
The main character that I have developed to date is John. He is a deep thinker with a complex personality. I believe that you will fall in love with John's passion and his compassion as well as his devout love for God. John's sense of duty to prevent the destruction of humanity is his driving force. That is all I can say about John without giving too much of the story away. You will just have to wait until the novel is finished to read more about John.
Dear Readers, I leave you with the promise that I will return with updates about my travels and my book. Blessings to you all.
The Midnight Writer
I'm so excited that I just can't hide it!
Travel fever has me in its grips! Maybe its just spring fever and the smell of new blossoms in the air has given me new zest for life! Or maybe its the warm balmy nights that inspire me to stay up a little later to gaze at the stars in the crisp night air. I'm so in love with life right now that I want to shout it from the rooftops. This is a great time to be alive!
There are so many new doorways opening up for Cephas and I right now. There are so many dreams coming true and so many miracles happening right now in our lives! I'm ecstatic. I am so in love with God for giving me a chance to be alive on earth in these times. Though perilous and uncertain times, I am filled with gratitude for the blessings that are unfolding each moment that I live!
Our family is drawing closer together and communicating more with one another. I am grateful for technology because it has opened the door for constant sharing with loved ones who are thousands of miles away. And we have strengthened our bonds with one another through venues like facebook and cell phones. Old family connections are being renewed by the same means. We are talking with family every day whom we have not seen in many years. This summer, we are planning reunions around the country with loved ones both old and new. Friendships are being sealed and new friends are being made every day. We have had the pleasure of meeting some facebook friends in person. It is such a wonderful experience!
I am so excited to be right here right now!
The Midnight Writer
There are so many new doorways opening up for Cephas and I right now. There are so many dreams coming true and so many miracles happening right now in our lives! I'm ecstatic. I am so in love with God for giving me a chance to be alive on earth in these times. Though perilous and uncertain times, I am filled with gratitude for the blessings that are unfolding each moment that I live!
Our family is drawing closer together and communicating more with one another. I am grateful for technology because it has opened the door for constant sharing with loved ones who are thousands of miles away. And we have strengthened our bonds with one another through venues like facebook and cell phones. Old family connections are being renewed by the same means. We are talking with family every day whom we have not seen in many years. This summer, we are planning reunions around the country with loved ones both old and new. Friendships are being sealed and new friends are being made every day. We have had the pleasure of meeting some facebook friends in person. It is such a wonderful experience!
I am so excited to be right here right now!
The Midnight Writer
Research is a large part of freelance writing
I have all these great ideas for articles, stories and blog posts. Every time I think of a new one, I sit down to write. Then the bare essentials of writing comes back to stare at me from that partially filled page. Research has to be done to verify facts before I can complete the article, the story or the post. This can involve hours or sometimes days, depending on the depth and breadth of the topic about which I'm writing. So the "publish" button will have to wait until I spend some time among those dusty shelves that I have come to love so much.
Research is an essential part of freelance writing. If you don't like to spend some slow hours seeking reference material then more hours reading and sifting, then writing may not be your forte. Just some advice to aspiring freelance writers. Learn to love the quest even more than the finished article.
The Midnight Writer
Research is an essential part of freelance writing. If you don't like to spend some slow hours seeking reference material then more hours reading and sifting, then writing may not be your forte. Just some advice to aspiring freelance writers. Learn to love the quest even more than the finished article.
The Midnight Writer
Santa Clarita is a beautiful mountain town!
Last night, we arrived in Santa Clarita, California. It was an arduous drive up and down the mountains for our van because of it's exhaust condition. The catalytic converters became clogged because a new one was improperly installed. So we climbed slowly up the mountain then down and enjoyed the majestic scenery all the way. It was worth the effort when we saw the beautiful cascading mountains and lush greenery. Finally, I see green trees! Cephas and I will be enjoying this lovely city for about two days before we head to Burbank, California to visit our friend Sally Kirkland. She has been in a rehabilitation hospital for about six weeks. Sally fell and broke her ankle. She had surgery so she will not be able to walk on her foot till about the end of May. We are praying for Sally and feeling so much gratitude for our health and well being. We are so grateful for the beauty that God created and that our eyes are able to view.
The Domain is restored and I'm ecstatic.
It took a couple years to restore my stamina for blogging after doing it steady for almost four years. I took a two year sabbatical, but I'm back and ready to fluidly flow those words onto post after post. I hope you all enjoy what you will be reading!
The most exciting news for me today is that eight of our domain names are restored. I finally fixed the CName aliases in Go Daddy today so the blog sites appear according to the new domain names.
This blog is my oldest and dearest to my heart blog is this one, The Midnight Writer. I started my blogging career with this as my main domain blog. It is also how the ghost name began.
The other blogs in the newly established domains are:
Mountain Spirit Productions
The Midnight Writer's Cafe
The Fifth Dimension World
On the Wings of Zion
The Making of a Walking
A Writer's Eyes
The most exciting news for me today is that eight of our domain names are restored. I finally fixed the CName aliases in Go Daddy today so the blog sites appear according to the new domain names.
This blog is my oldest and dearest to my heart blog is this one, The Midnight Writer. I started my blogging career with this as my main domain blog. It is also how the ghost name began.
The other blogs in the newly established domains are:
Mountain Spirit Productions
The Midnight Writer's Cafe
The Fifth Dimension World
On the Wings of Zion
The Making of a Walking
A Writer's Eyes
Original Articles. Constant-Content.
Dark Sky Festival in Harmony Florida
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