Blogger ∙ Muriel Sluyter - Home and Family

I'm so excited to introduce you to this next blogger, Muriel Sluyter. She happens to be the most amazing woman I have ever known . . . she is my mother and is our blogger for the Home and Family block of yourLDSNeighborhood. When the position came up I called Mom immediately, I knew she'd be a perfect fit. Let me introduce you to her:

Born in Shiprock, New Mexico in 1938 Muriel has lived in several states in America but prefers her Rocky Mountain home in Colorado. A resident of the Southwest for the last thirty-four years of her life, Muriel lives on a small property nestled in the Dolores Valley. Mother, grandmother and great-grandmother Muriel is well-versed in the raising of a family in this day and age.

One of her children, Candace Salima, says "Mom knows the answers . . . if she doesn't know them she knows where to find them. She has a vast library, a thirst for knowledge and a hunger for progress. She treasures this country, it's Constitution and the lives of the millions of men and women who have died to maintain the freedom of American citizens. She is constantly reading, combing newspapers, magazines and interviewing individuals for material for her columns. She is one of the most insightful social commentary columnists of our day."

A columnist for several years, Muriel has developed a huge following nationwide as people pass her columns from family to friend and over the Internet. Because of this, this website has been developed to share her insightful columns with the world. Unafraid of offending, Muriel's columns are straight-shooting, sometimes funny, sometimes informative, sometimes horrifying as she relays without fear, the state of American society today.

1. What brought you to the Blogging World and what is your favorite thing about blogging?

My daughter, Candace, dragged me into Blogland. She's been my webmaster for years and now she told me that blogging is the way to go. It's been pretty fun exploring this new frontier. I'll admit, I'm not the most technologically advanced, but that's what I have my daughter for!

2. What intrigues you the most about blogging for yourLDSneighborhood?

I like being a part of sharing my experience with home and family. I am a great-grandmother who still actively works my small farm. Yet, nothing is more important to me than home and family. I have a vested interest in salvaging the family as I agree completely with President Gordon B. Hinckley that in order to save this nation, we have to save the family first. youLDSNeighborhood has given me the opportunity to participate in this very great venture . . . home and family.

3. What is your favorite thing about yourLDSneighborhood?

It's clean. The website has a clean attractive look, the vendors have quality products, the articles and blogs are informative and fun to read. Everything is family friendly, which is a huge plus in our world today. And last, but not least, the prize giveaways, to quote my grandchildren, simply rock!

4. Tell us something unique about yourself.

Hmmm, well . . . unique?

Check her columns out on the Home and Family block every Monday and Thursday. I promise, you won't regret it.

Return to the Neighborhood!

Blogger ∙ Alison Palmer - Books

We've had a change in the Neighborhood. I am so sorry to say goodbye to our Book Blogger, Anne Bradshaw. But I'm very excited to introduce Alison Palmer who will be our new Book Blogger. Alison is a published author, a nurse, a wife and a mother. Wow! We're in for some good reading!

So who is Alison Palmer anyway? This is the place to go if you want to find out more about her. She was born in Mesa, Arizona and has lived in Arizona, West Virginia, and currently Michigan.

Alison Palmer - The Author: Obviously, writing is her favorite past time, but she also loves to read (mostly juvenile and young adult). That will have to be expanded. She likes to spend time sewing, cooking, taking naps and long walks, playing piano or enjoying music, playing with her children and generally avoiding housework as if it were the plague.

So, I had to ask her a few questions so we could learn a little bit more about her.

1. What brought you to the Blogging World and what is your favorite thing about blogging?

I started blogging for money before I ever had a personal blog. What can I say, I like to get paid for what I write! I still do that. I’m more productive when people outside of myself are counting on me.

I did break down and finally start a personal blog when I wanted some place to just ramble. Ok, I also wanted to be egotistical enough to assume people would want to read my ramblings just because they liked me or something. Every writer, no matter how lowly their pursuits, still has a glimmer of a dream for stardom. Not necessarily huge amounts of claim and fame, but at least one other soul who claims your writing makes them a better person.

Yeah, I like getting paid, but I like making a difference even more. Too bad I can’t fill my bank account with all the warm fuzzies associated with creativity and enlightenment.

2. What intrigues you the most about blogging for yourLDSNeighborhood?

One of my favorite topics to write about is, and always has been, the gospel of Jesus Christ. Though I began my writing career in secular fields, my church related works are among the things I’m most proud of. It goes back to that old advice new writers often get, “Write what you know.” Well, what I know is that the church is true and that I love my Savior more than I could ever express in words. Though it defies expression, I like trying. It’s the process of getting to put those thoughts on paper that makes my spirit soar.

Because of this opportunity with yourLDSNeighborhood, I get to combine that testimony with another of my favorite things- books. My husband rolls his eyes at my perpetual “books to read” pile. The average number of titles in the stack at any given point in time is 13. Yeah, 13. Hey, I didn’t choose the number, that just seems to be the number of titles that will jump out at me all at once, crying to be read.

YourLDSNeighborhood gives me an excuse to share my excitement for good literature with people who can appreciate my standards and pull toward knowledge and spiritual enrichment. I get to ramble more and hope it makes a difference somewhere along the line.

3. What is your favorite thing about yourLDSNeighborhood?

One word: Diversity. It doesn’t matter what path of life you are currently on.

YourLDSNeighborhood meets you where you’re at in a down-to-earth, supportive and uplifting way. There’s something for every church member if you spend time in the Neighborhood.

4. Tell us a little about yourself: What your likes, dislikes, hobbies, hopes, dreams, etc . . .

I’ve already mentioned that whole reading and writing thing, right? Other than that I love being a mom. I love serving in the church. I love dessert. I love quiet times, and little ticklings of inspiration. Warm fuzzy slippers and nap times are also pretty high on my list. I despise sweating and housework.

My biggest dreams involve my children and my writing. I dream of actually seeing my kids through to the stage of normal, happy, functional, and stable adulthood without traumatizing or killing them in the process. (I’d like to be sane when it’s all over, too.) I dream of some day actually being able to support myself entirely from my writing projects in the LDS market. If you know anything about the LDS market, you know that’s a pretty lofty goal. So, I’m sorry to say I end up doubting myself and slinking back to my other markets more often than I’d like.

5. Tell us something unique about yourself.

Hmmm. I have very short toes.

6. What has been your greatest challenge to date?

See the above comment on my children making it to adulthood…

My biggest writing related challenge probably has to do with my own self-doubt and procrastination issues. I know I’ve been given a huge blessing, but I always feel inadequate in my efforts to live up to my potential. These inner conflicts are probably more challenging for me than any rejection letter I could ever receive. Those are just part of the business, but my ability to put my efforts, with full vigor and confidence, on the projects the Lord would have me do is a whole other matter.

7. What books/projects/songs are you working on right now?

I’m currently waiting with very baited breath to hear back on my first LDS women’s fiction project. It is currently under review for possible publication. In the mean time, I’m outlining and negotiating with my editors about a possible Book of Mormon tour guide project. I’m also scanning the horizon for next year’s Primary curriculum for my Sharing Through Primary Songs series and trying to catch up on some miscellaneous backburner projects between more routine writing commitments like yourLDSNeighborhood and LDSblogs.

8. What obstacles have you run into?

I feel I got started seriously writing much later in life than I should have. I always knew I wanted to be a writer, but those around me did not see that as a serious pursuit and I once again lacked the self-confidence to stand up for the promptings in my heart. In some ways it’s put me behind many of my peers that I admire and left me without some of the valuable skills that would make me a better writer. If I had felt that it was really okay for me to become the writer I dreamed of while I was still in high school I would have taken those aspects of my education more seriously.

Curses on nursing school! Sure, I don’t faint at the sight of blood but I go into convulsions when someone tries to explain grammar rules to me. Honest, just ask my husband. Oh, and I can’t spell.

9. What advice do you have for all the browsers in Blogland?

Be careful. Words are powerful things. They can hurt both those who read them and those who write them. It’s fun to just “surf” sometimes and see what comes up, but remember if something comes up you didn’t want to see you can’t take it back. As with everything, browse blogs for things that are lovely, of good report, and praiseworthy and all that stuff.

Also, set a time limit. It’s worse than any other media for sucking away hours in your day that you needed to fulfill other aspects of your self and your life.

10. If you had 3 minutes to give advice to someone headed into danger, what would it be?

Stop. Pray. Walk away.

If it comes after you, have faith that it will turn out okay.

It all comes down to the Lord’s place in your life. If He’s there, He’s the one you turn to first to help you find your way through anything. He’s also the one who shows you the way around to a better path.

Now, if I could get that through the thick skulls of my teenage children, they might actually make it to adulthood.

Alison, welcome to the Neighborhood. We're so excited to have you as a part of our team.

And to my browsing bloggers, drop by the Neighborhood every Monday and Thursday and visit the Books Block. You'll find Alison's reviews in the Newsstand.

Blogger ∙ Linda Scanlan - Sports & Recreation/Movies

Today I'm going to introduce you to Linda Scanlan, our blogger for the Sports & Recreation block of yourLDSNeighborhood. Linda is city born, country bred and is a Navy veteran. Her blood runs red, white and blue and, without question, she has lived a varied and interesting life. The survivor of a head-on collision which rendered her bed-ridden for a year, where she then moved to a wheelchair, on to a walker and to walking without aid at all. The years since that accident have been filled with countless surgeries, excruciating healing and physical therapy and through it all, she never failed to care for her family: One loving husband and seven beautiful children. A children's author, Linda's book can be found in bookstores around the world.

1. What brought you to the Blogging World and what is your favorite thing about blogging?

My mind runs rampant with ideas and thoughts. Blogging helps me get all the information out of my head. In other words, it keeps me sane.

2. What intrigues you the most about blogging for yourLDSneighborhood?

I love helping others. This is my small way of improving the world and forwarding the causeof Zion.

3. What is your favorite thing about yourLDSneighborhood?

The articles are "real". The ads also help me connect with areas I am interested in. I found the "Food Calculator" here and have been telling everyone else about it. The calculator has helped me tremendously with my Food Storage Inventory. It has also showed me where some of my holes are.

4. Tell us a little about yourself: What your likes, dislikes, hobbies, hopes, dreams, etc . . .

I thought this was suppose to be a short interview!! I love reading, writing and watching movies. All three help me relax. I enjoy scrap booking and my calling. My pure and simple hopes and dreams are to simply live life, day by day. I want to continue living life to the fullest. I am surrounded by most of my children and some of my grandchildren. I visit family and friends. If I can continue to publish and make life better for others, then I am happy.

5. Tell us something unique about yourself.

Unique, unique, unique. Hmmmm? Since my head on collision I can usually win any scar competition!! I have one that starts 5" below my knee and goes clear up to my hip. I call this a brag right!

6. What has been your greatest challenge to date?

Learning how to let go. Being able to see beyond the past and focus only the future. My past is filled with abuse, rejection, trauma (physical and mental), mistrust and more. It took me years to realize that those people don't control me anymore. I had to learn to forgive. I had to learn how to live again according to the will of the Father. That was hard.

7. What books/projects/songs are you working on right now?

"Beautiful Daughter, Beautiful Woman" is a book about women's self-esteem. Thanks to the last answer I have great insight on this topic and felt that I could perhaps help others who doubt their royal heritage. I also have four more children's books waiting for a publisher to pick up and four more on the drawing board. Any one who says life is boring must not get out of bed in the morning! There is no rest for the righteous.

8. What obstacles have you run into?

With my children's books it is all finances. The cost to print illustrations is outrages. I am trying to find a publisher who can see the worth of the books instead of the monetary value they would be to the company. You can't say I don't dream big! Also the physical energy required to get out and promote my work is daunting to say the least.

9. What advice do you have to give to all the browsers in Blogland?

Everyone has something to say...so say it to the world.

10. If you had three minutes to give advice to someone headed into danger, what would it be?

Look at the long term effect of your decisions. Is the road your on where you want to be? Remember that not only is this moment going to pass, but so is mortality. What do you want to present to your Heavenly Father when you return to His presence?

So that's a little bit about our blogger covering movie reviews for yourLDSNeighborhood. Drop by every Monday and Thursday and check out the Newsstand on the LDS Department Store block. Linda will help you to know which movies are great for showing to your family and which ones you should take a pass on.

Neighborhood Vendor - Old Providence Mortgage

Here's something new we're going to do. We're going to interview each vendor on the Neighborhood Blocks, starting with Nelson Barrs of Old Providence Mortgage. Since we face such a housing crisis in our nation today, I thought it might be prudent to get some advice from an honest professional.

From the Neighborhood we learn a little more about them:

We believe that the mortgage process represents a unique window of opportunity! At closing you will set in motion some basic plans that will profoundly affect your financial future—and we’ll help you make sound decisions and find financial peace of mind for years to come!

No one is better to help make those decisions than Old Providence! That’s because we’re committed to the financial values of provident personal finance, and our expertise goes beyond mortgage programs and rates!

In addition to low rates and fees, we offer many free services—and they're offered to everyone, whether you need a mortgage or not. -- Read More

Question 1: Will you tell us a little bit about Old Providence Mortgage? When it was founded, why it’s founders decided to go into the mortgage business and a little history behind the company.

I have been in the mortgage business for over 7 years now. I decided to form Old Providence as a sort of reaction to all of the crazy schemes that mortgage companies come up with all in the name of building wealth. Many of my colleagues have gotten involved in “equity management” planning in which they encourage people to finance their homes to the hilt and cash-out all of their equity in order to build wealth. Others have begun selling $3,500 software packages that supposedly help people pay off homes in 1/3 the time. The more I looked into these options for my clients the more I came to believe that what people really is just good old fashioned knowledge and discipline. Paying off debt (including your home) is very important to me - but the method of doing that has been around for generations. There’s really no magic pill, but there are very effective techniques. We teach those techniques for free, and we encourage our clients follow the proven, old fashioned principles of provident living.

Question 2: Old Providence Mortgage, according to your website,” are champions of provident personal finance and are [our customers’] partners in a life-long effort to live those values.” Can you explain exactly what promise you are making to your customers with that statement?

It means if you’re trying to stay out of debt, if you want to finance your home in a prudent and responsible way, then we’re the company for you. Mortgage companies have gotten into the habit of offering things like interest only, or 40 year mortgages. We try to help our clients find ways start their mortgage with the end in mind. We want our clients to understand their options, and see how these decisions affect their long term financial help. Clients are sometimes surprised at how affordable a 25, 20, 15 or 10 year mortgage can be.

Question 3: In today’s volatile and decidedly buyer’s market, what has Old Providence Mortgage done to remain above the financial fray currently besieging the nation?

We have always been careful to do what’s in the best interest of our clients - and they come back when they’re ready to buy their next home, or when their friends and family need a lender they’re quick to tell of their experience. Good old fashioned things like answering the phones every time they ring, taking time to explain options, and teach clients about the mortgage process. The loan officers that I have hired have also built their business this way. Too many mortgage companies focused (and many still do focus) on short-term profits for themselves instead of what will make their clients come back every time they need a mortgage.

Question 4: What advice can you give to potential customers in preparing them to purchase a home?

I would suggest that they speak to a loan officer early in the process - even a year or more before they buy a home. They should go through the application process and try to get fully pre-approved. This way the loan officer can point out specific areas of their application that can be strengthened before they buy their home, and they can also start to establish that life-long partnership that we hope to achieve with our clients. At the very least they should download some of the e-books that we have on our web-site intended to educate and make them comfortable with the process and requirements for buying a home.

Question 5: You have a wonderful learning section of your website, please tell us a little about that.

Part of our mission statement is that we are “educators first” which means we build relationships by teaching. We wanted that to show in our learning section. It’s a great place for people to learn about mortgage, debt elimination, and provident living without feeling pressure. We think knowledge should be free - and our web-site is one of the best ways to spread that knowledge.

Question 6: Why Old Providence Mortgage over other companies?

It really comes down to values and relationships - use Old Providence if you want someone who will encourage you to make sound decisions when they matter most. Also, our loan officers are very experienced, which helps reduce stress for the borrower - the same loan officer that quotes their rates and fees will take them all the way to closing, and will be there to make sure that we deliver what we promise. We take pride in closing loans exactly as they are quoted at the beginning.

Question 7: What does Old Providence Mortgage see for the financial future of this nation?

Unfortunately - debt is increasing. The majority of people aren’t saving - in fact many don’t know how to successfully save money. I don’t think we can really change that on a national level, but we can help our clients take a different path - a provident path that eliminates debt and risk far faster than most people may know is possible. The home-buying decision is a critical moment for many families - that’s why we feel we can make such a difference. We’re standing at this fork in the road pointing toward the provident path, and teaching people simple principles that have served our community for generations.

* * *

And there you have it my fellow bloggers, great advice from one of the yourLDSNeighborhood Vendors on the Service Block. If you are looking to buy a home, it is my recommendation you comb over the Old Providence Mortgage website and educate yourselves. Take the time to do it right and you won't be regretting a hasty and hard pressed decision later, as many are now.

Blogger ∙ Heather Justesen - LDS Department Store/Gardening and Landscape

Heather Justesen has taken on the task of writing for our LDS Department Store block, covering gardening and landscaping. We, at yourLDSNeighborhood, are so excited to have her on board. A small-town girl at heart, she will walk you through the intricacies of making sure your garden flourishes and your yard looks fantastic.

Heather lives with her husband, a dog, two cats, four geese, seven ducks and a slew of chickens, in the small town where she grew up. She works two part-time jobs (EMT being one of them) and works her writing in and around the edges of her day. She rarely turns on the television or radio, and if she took a test on pop culture, she's convinced she would flunk. However, there are worlds in her head just fighting to get out, so she writes. She writes women's fiction, mostly romance, but not strictly, and is working on a non-fiction title as well.

1. What brought you to the Blogging World and what is your favorite thing about blogging?

I came into blogging both because it's something most publishers expect from their authors, and it gives me an extra avenue of exposure for my writing--it's a natural kind of progression for a writer. It's also a way for me to be able to talk about things that matter to me, whether that's sharing my experiences with my outdoor projects, talking about my animals, or whatever. Oh, was I only supposed to list one thing?

2. What intrigues you the most about blogging for yourLDSneighborhood?

It's a great community to be part of and I'm looking forward to the challenge of writing twice a week on gardening subjects that are particularly relevant to us as Latter-day Saints.

3. What is your favorite thing about yourLDSneighborhood?

The diversity of topics I can learn about through the different areas in the neighborhood and the collection of writers out there.

4. Tell us a little about yourself: What your likes, dislikes, hobbies, hopes, dreams, etc . . .

I love spending time in the yard; watching my chickens, ducks, and geese chase each other around; writing; reading; and really hope to be published soon! I dislike the scratchy eyes and stuffy nose I get from dealing with the wild rye in my yard, hot oatmeal (mush) and canned peas.

5. Tell us something unique about yourself.

I'd way rather read a book than turn on the TV, and I hold conversations with our animals--but perhaps that's not so unique after all.

6. What has been your greatest challenge to date?

Deciding between Brownies Over The Moon Ice Cream and Fudge Ripple? No, really, I've had my share of challenges, but looking back none of them seem all that momentous compared to my mom's fight with breast cancer, or the young mother in my stake who lost her husband in a fire last year. I think it's all relative as even people with the most placid-looking lives have difficulties, and those who lives appear to be nothing but upheaval have calm moments. The real challenge is keeping those difficulties in perspective and trying to hold onto our faith that things will work out in the Lord's time.

7. What books/projects/songs are you working on right now?

Besides getting my yard (and house) in order--both never-ending projects--I'm editing a great story about a woman who is left as a single parent after her husband is convicted of fraud. My critique group has really helped keep me on track with this story, so it's coming along nicely.

8. What obstacles have you run into?

Myself. I love to procrastinate, or rather, I hate that I procrastinate, but I do it anyway. The book I'm trying to get published now could have been in the publishers hands a year earlier, but I kept putting off the final revisions. My vegetable garden should have been prepped and half planted weeks ago, but I've just barely gotten things going. I let life and distractions keep me from my goals. Perhaps it's the ADD in me.

9. What advice do you have all the browsers in Blogland?

Don't let yourselves get addicted to the computer--well, except for my blog, of course.

10. If you had three minutes to give advice to someone headed into danger, what would it be?

Keep a prayer in your heart and trust the Lord. Listen to the whisperings of the Spirit and stay aware of the situation around you. Our skills and the Lord's guidance are all we have to protect us in a dangerous situation.

And there you have it, our Gardening and Landscaping blogger. Drop by the LDS Department Store block twice a week and check out the Newsstand Articles. That's where you'll find Heather and her great advice. And Heather, don't feel bad, I'm just getting my garden planted this week. I meant to have it in four weeks ago too, it just didn't happen.

Welcome to the Neighborhood, Heather!

Return to the Neighborhood.