Dalen Keys Blog - Author, Speaker, Writer

QUILTERS - Input needed on charitable uses of quilts

Dalen Keys — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 19:53:59 GMT

I'm working on a third children's picture book manuscript to follow in the series of Just A Quilt and The Mess. I am planning to feature charitable uses of quilts. Please send me a few words, Internet link, articles, etc on any charitable uses of quilts that you know of or have heard about. Thanks!

I'd even welcome the names of people or organizations I should contact to learn more!

How to Get a Man - an interview of Ruth

Dalen Keys — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 08:03:00 GMT

I had the fortunate opportunity to be invited to lunch at the hot new restaurant in town near the city gate called "Threshers." So many people are talking about Ruth and Boaz, how could I turn down an opportunity to talk with Ruth. I took the time to re-read the book of Ruth, it's short and a easy read. By the way, if you ever eat at Threshers, do try the Barley bread. Here is my interview -

Me: So, Ruth, what is your secret to getting a man?

Ruth: I attribute it all to my four step plan - hard work, smeel good, pretty clothes and boldness.

Me: You did indeed take a risk at the threshing floor!

Ruth: Things could have gone wrong for sure. A group,of guys, good food and a little drink - I sometimes wonder what I was thinking.

Me: I assume that was the boldness you were referring to earlier?

Ruth: A girl has to be hard to get and hard to forget, all at the same time. I had to show Boaz how I felt about him. I mean, he was no spring chicken, but he was a hunk of a man - still is by the way.

Me: But, you had set the stage for that night already hadn't you?

Ruth: Yes, with God's help. Naomi and I had just arrived and we needed food. I put on my cute sundress and matching scarf and searched out a field where I might be able to gather some grain. God, led me to Boaz's field.

Me: How did you catch his attention?

Ruth: I'd like to think it was my stunning beauty, but listen, I was the only woman out there. How could I not catch his attention.

Me: I think it was more than you being the only woman out there?

Ruth: Gleaning and threshing is not sexy. I don't care what anyone says. I was dirty, my hair was a messy and I'm sure I smelled like a donkey after working in the fields all day.

Me: Maybe, but you certainly caught his eye, even though you were a mess.

Ruth: Note to self, make an appointment to get Boaz's eyes checked.

Me: Then Naomi tells you to go to the threshing floor. That sounds a little kinky.

Ruth: I cleaned myself up, used the best perfume and wore my finest dress. I really looked good. The key to everything that night was knowing that Boaz was an honorable man. Sure, we were attracted to each other physically, but Naomi and I, knew that he would not take advantage of me. Too often today, a relationship is only about the physical attraction and not about the character of the individuals.

Me: Any final advice to our readers?

Ruth: Let God lead you to your partner and trust Him to do this.

The Hungry

Dalen Keys — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 04:52:18 GMT

According to the National Coalition for the Homeless, Fifty million Americans – one in five children - go to bed and awaken hungry. I encourage you to take one step to address this terrible trajedy.

Talk to your children about homelessness - get them involved. Charles T. Cup is coming soon!

follow me on Twitter @dalenkeys

Coming Soon! Charles T. Cup by Dalen Keys and Illustrated by Ron Wheeler

Dalen Keys — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 21:15:27 GMT

Charles T. Cup is a moving children's picture book about a tragic fall from wealth and fame, but finding happiness in a humble new life. Use this story to explore homelessness and community service with your family. The web site for the book is:
www.charlestcup.com

Follow me on Twitter

Dalen Keys — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 02:39:08 GMT

I've finally taken the step into Twitter. Follow me: @dalenkeys

Meteor Showers

Dalen Keys — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 04:05:56 GMT

So, tonight I hear on the news there will be meteor showers. These are events I absolutely love for some absolutely unknown reason. I'll pull a lawn chair into the middle of the backyard and stare at the sky in anticipation of the occasional streak of light zipping across the night sky. I'll sit tensely scanning always feeling that the really good ones are occurring while I'm looking the other way.

It seems like the best meteor showers are in the middle winter during a really cold night. This must be God testing my true dedication to the cause. Long ago God create the dust and debris that is now cascading into our atmosphere and even at the time he was wondering, "Will Dalen really have the guts to sit out there watching?"

Maybe watching for those streaks of light makes me feel connected with eternity - I don't know and I don't want to get too philosophical about it either. I just know I like it. Always have. When the kids were home, we'd sit out under the stars together. "There goes one, Daddy." Now, I watch alone, but knowing they have those fond memories too.

I do have one suggest, God, sir. I think it would be exceptionally cool if the meteors were accompanied with sound as they shot past. A roar, whiz, zing or tinkle, any will do from my perspective.

Welcome Home, Soldier

Dalen Keys — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 04:28:30 GMT

We made our usual trek to the Baltimore airport to pick up our son from college for the Thanksgiving holiday. As we entered the terminal, we heard a cheer echoing down the hallway. We were in a bit of a rush so we decided that we would have to check that out later.

So, once we had our son safely in tow, we made our way down the hall toward the source of the noise. We were surprised to find several hundred people lined up, three and four people deep, outside of the international arrival gate. Suddenly, the doors opened and a wild cheer roared as a man carrying his gear stepped out; a young man, a soldier, returning home. Cameras flashed, a troop of girl scouts handed him a box of cookies, mothers handed him snacks, high-fives from the crowd as he passed, and slaps on the back came from old men wearing their memories from service years long ago.

This same scene happened again and again as men and women warriors were welcomed home for the Holidays. It made me proud, it made me thankful, and it made me sad as I thought of those people that only had the memories of the one they had lost.

I was changed by this experience and I will always remember it. I'm glad I could be there to welcome home just a few of these brave heros.

Devotion in The Upper Room today

Dalen Keys — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 21:59:12 GMT

I have a devotion in The Upper Room today. I'm also their quest blogger. Check it out -

http://devotional.upperroom.org/devotionals/2011-11-22

Pocket Change

Dalen Keys — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 00:58:41 GMT

    As usual, I came home and emptied my pockets of the spare change I had gathered during the course of the day. Half went into my rainy day fund while the other half went into my bank that will eventually go to my church. Something looked different as I sorted through the coins. There was an old quarter lurking the group. Not just "kind-of-old" either.  This quarter was dated 1942. Wow - 1942!
    This quarter had seen World War II, Roosevelt, Kennedy and Martin Luther King. It had seen a time before cell phones and color TV. This quarter had seen the birth of microwaves, Sponge Bob and disposable diapers. This quarter had bought several cups of coffee in 1942 and now needed to be combined with many more to do the same. This quarter had seen Benny Goodman, Elvis, the Beatles. This quarter had seen the dropping of the nuclear bomb and it had seen terrorism as the Twin Towers fell. This quarter saw the first jets, the first computers and the first AIDS victims.
    And yet, even though it was nearly 70 years old, it was still a quarter. Maybe it wasn't as valuable as it originally was, but It was still doing it's job as best it could - even now. It was willing to go wherever it was needed. It was still dignified, even though it was worn. The memories had not made it cynical and bitter.
    I realize that I'm not trailing that far behind this quarter. I'm not 70 yet, but it looms in the near future. When I reach that age, will I be able to retain my value and stand proudly; even dignified. Or, will I sit back and rest in my golden years and let others step up.
    I guess when I'm dropped into the special place where old currency goes to rest, I hope I can be looked at as someone that delivered good things for mankind and be respected sharing all that I've learned and seen.

Release of my new children's picture book titled The Mess

Dalen Keys — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 00:21:33 GMT

I am pleased to announce the release of The Mess - my new children's picture book. The Mess is the sequel to Just A Quilt? Again, it's been an eventful release again - this time being celebrated with an unexpected early snowstorm (my previous book, The Sacred Mountain, was celebrated with an earthquake). I have to admit, I'm very pleased with the innovative genious of my publicity firm, Moving Heaven and Earth Agency, in arranging these unique and special book releases.

Description:

"Can a messy bedroom and a cluttered sewing room produce something beautiful? Find beauty in unexpected places through the eyes of six-year-old Tiffany in this heartfelt and fun story. Spiders, hedgehogs, and dark jungles await Tiffany on her adventures in Mommy’s sewing room. This tale explores the magic of quilting and the amazing beauty that comes out of the web of activities in everyday life. Enjoy this delightful book and its vibrant illustrations with your child."

The Mess is available on my web store (use coupon code "release-of-the-mess1" for free shipping through the end of November), on Amazon or contact me directly at dkeystone@comcast.net (I'm offering the book through me for $11.00 + $3.00 shipping through the end of November).

The Sacred Mountain is now available!

Dalen Keys — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 01:55:41 GMT

The Sacred Mountain is now available in my online store. You can visit it at www.dalenkeys.com and open the "online store" tab. I am celcbrating the release of the book with a special offer. Use the coupon code the "thesacredmtnrelease1" and receive $5.00 off your purchase.

The Sacred Mountain released today!!

Dalen Keys — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 01:34:42 GMT

Today was a surprising and great day! I arrived home to find a pallet of my new book in the garage. It's a youth/teen Christian fiction adventure titled "The Sacred Mountain." It will be available on my web store soon, but it should also be available local stores. Ask for it or let me know if you want one.

Back Road Quilt Shops - Nevada (Nev-aid-duh), Missouri

Dalen Keys — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 05:42:57 GMT

Too often I am caught up by the rush of life. It's hard for me to slow down and enjoy things going on around me. But, this week I had the absolute pleasure of spending time in Nevada (pronounced Nev-aid-duh), Missouri at the Bushwacker Days activities. This is small town USA at its best. Sitting in front of the court house in the town square while listening to Sober as a Judge (some older guys and gals of which one is a judge) play pop music on the main stage with town folks surrounding me on their lawn chairs let me take a couple of deep breaths and I could feel myself relax. I was able to slow down just a bit and watch the kids play. I even enjoyed watching the gathering storm clouds and lightening flashing on the horizon. It was great!

Quilters, when you come to Nevada, visit Nine Patch Quilt Shop and enjoy some time talking to Erica. It's a small shop but Erica brings it alive with stories of people and her exciting projects.

Try to visit on the third Thursday on the month and attend with the Buchwackers Quilt Guild meeting. There's only about 25 people there on a good meeting night. But, it's a fun group and the refreshments were yummie! Tell them Dalen sent you.

Better yet, visit Nevada in June during Bushwackers Days and bring a lawn chair. Sit under the trees in front of the court house and enjoy being part of a community again where the pace of life is a bit slower and the people really enjoy being around each other.

While in Nevada,

- stay at the Country Inn and Suites - very clean and a great breakfast is included,
- eat at Iguana Azul Mexican Restaurant. It is one of the best I have ever been at - my wife agrees. We don't say this lightly either - we love Mexican food.
- get a snow cone or ice cream at the place near down town (I can't remember the name of it). It was about a thousand degrees in the shade when we were in Nevada and the snow cone was the best thing I ever tasted.

Thanks, Nevada!
Thanks, Erica!
Thanks Bushwacker Quilt Guild! You're in my heart.

Upcoming New Book - pre-release information on Amazon - check it out

Dalen Keys — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 01:57:13 GMT

I found this on Amazon today. I'm excited! This is a substantial departure from my first book. This is an exciting adventure set on an Indian Reservation in Arizona. Will, Kate and Jake find answers to ancient mysteries while finding God's purpose for their lives. The book should be great for 9 to 14 year olds.

Spread the word - please!

http://www.amazon.com/Sacred-Mountain-Dalen-Keys/dp/1935265881/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1307063914&sr=8-4

Back Road Quilt Shops - Quilters Crossing in Tomball, TX

Dalen Keys — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 02:06:00 GMT

January 5, 2011

Quilters Crossing
108 Commerce Street
Tomball, TX 77375

It was such a relief to get a break from the cold winter weather. I stood in front of Quilters Crossing Quilt Store in Tomball, TX with my face turned upward toward the deliciously warm Texas sun. I wondered why I live in the frigid northeast when it's almost 70 degrees on this beautiful January day.

My wife and I pulled our gear to the workshop along a rustic brick pathway toward the classroom building set back from the main store. The classroom building was wonderful - beautifully lighted with plenty of space and electricity. Ask Deb to show you the classroom while you are there. She always seems to have classes, demos and groups using this space, but she won't mind if you peek in.

The shop itself is in an old house one block off the main street; just watch for the quilts hung from the railing on the front porch. Park along the street and go on in, or just relax for a bit on the front porch. The shop is not large but Deb and her daughter, Mandy, are fun to talk with. Nose around the four rooms of fabrics to see what you can find. They carry oodles of non-mainline fabrics with lots of fun fabrics for the young at heart. The back room is mostly dedicated to a collection of solids. There's a wonderful assortment of Fairy Frost fabrics in a section of another room. They also try to carry patterns that you might not see too often; so, be sure to pay attention and be sure to check out the projects hanging on the walls.

It is sometimes the unusual and small things that attract you to a shop. I enjoyed the occasional Pecan banging on the roof from the large tree standing beside the shop. I also enjoyed the stray kitty that lurked outside the shop. It often peaked in the front door. This kitty was certainly not suffering as the tender-hearted owners keep food and water in dishes on the front porch.

WHERE TO EAT?

The Whistle Stop Tea Room is just across the street from Quilters Crossing. Get there early because it is jam-packed by 11:30 am. I highly recommend the Tortilla Soup and the heavenly Bread Pudding that absolutely melts in your mouth. It is to die for (I think I embarrassed my wife when I picked up my plate to lick every last drop of the yummy rum sauce). Be sure to reserve your dessert when you order because they do sell out quickly. The locally homemade bread is terrific too - thick, soft and squishy.

Back Road Quilt Shops - Heavenly Threads Quilt Shop in Trinity, Tx

Dalen Keys — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 02:31:00 GMT

I'm starting a new series. I have the great fortune of visiting many Quilt Guilds and Quilt Shops as I talk about, and sign, my book, Just A Quilt? This often puts me in some very interesting towns and shops that are outside of the path most traveled. But, these shops and towns are often very interesting and it is a shame that more of us do not get to see them. So, I will share some of my experiences and the information I gather on these shops and towns as I travel around the country. I hope you find this information useful and that you have the chance to visit some of them.

January 7, 2011

Heavenly Threads Quilt Shop
334 Prospect Avenue
Trinity, TX 75862
936-594-1237

Patricia McCartney is such a wonderful person, but do not call her "Pat." She will be sure to tell you, "That's a boy's name; at least, where I grew up." My wife and I had the pleasure of spending the day with Patricia and she was so much fun to be around.

Tricia runs a lovely quilt shop in a small house in Trinity. You really feel like you are pulling into her driveway (unpaved dirt) and walking into her house; and in a way, you are. Browse the five rooms of fabric and gadgets but be sure to visit the Adoption Center. You can ask Tricia why it is called the Adoption Center. Guys, feel free to sit in the comfy lounge chairs in the front room. Those chairs are extremely comfortable!

I was surprised to find out that Santa often frequents this store. Tricia's husband is the spitting image of him and gladly fills the role as Christmas approaches. Tricia did not talk about it but in my opinion, she makes a mighty fine Mrs. Claus.

Be sure to talk with Tricia about all the charitable projects that they support. She has some really good ideas and samples.

I was moved by the Prayer Board. The names of people needing prayer for their issues and illnesses were listed. During the day, I heard customers talking lovingly about the concerns of the various people listed there. Tricia is thrilled to say, "People are being touched by the prayers and we are able to take their names off the board."

You might want to plan your visit to Heavenly Threads soon because it is likely to become a major tourist attraction. Tricia is on a mission to get into the Guinness Book of World Records. She is having the world's largest thimble fabricated which she will use as her sign in the front yard. I am sure the tour buses will soon be swamping Trinity as people flock to see this sight.

WHERE TO EAT?

By all means, you must eat at the Trinity Cafe in the heart of Trinity, TX. It is between the two traffic lights in town. There is parking along the street. Just pick out one of the spots amongst the pick-up trucks. You'll be having lunch with the locals who are friendly and welcoming. The special the day that we were there was fried catfish with a variety of yummy side dishes (fried okra, ranch-style beans, mustard greens, for instance). But, I passed up the special and had the fried chicken salad. It was very tasty and plentiful!

WHAT TO DO?

After you eat, go next door and shop in the Trinity Florist and Gifts. It is much more than just a flower shop. There are plenty of fun gift items, cards, wind chimes, jewelry, fashions; oh, and flowers too.

There you go, the first town and shop to be highlighted is Trinity, TX and the Heavenly Threads Quilt Shop. If you enjoyed this brief segment, let me know. Thanks for hosting my visit, Tricia!

Children's Devotion Published

Dalen Keys — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 15:55:00 GMT

I had a children's devotion published today - January 1 - on DevoKids. A great way to start the year. Check out the deotion titled "The Barn" at http://devokids.com/category/devotions/.

Happy New Year!

Lou C. Ferr's Altar Removal Service

Dalen Keys — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 22:25:00 GMT

Lou C. Ferr’s Altar Removal Service

Dalen Keys

Three Actors:

Actor One: Lou C. Ferr

Actor Two: Bill Z. Bub

Actor Three: Pastor or associate Pastor – use a real Pastor if possible

Pastor: SAYING SOMETHING IN THE ORDER OF SERVICE – MAYBE LEADING INTO PRAYER.

Two men dressed in workmen’s clothes, wearing hats and gloves come in the back.

Lou: I’m telling you. This has been a day. I bushed.

Bill (pointing at the altars): There they are, Lou. Let’s get’em and get outta here.

Pastor: Wait a minute, who are you guys?

Lou (Lou and Bill walk up to the Pastor. Lou gives his business card): Oh, excuse us. I’m Lou, of Lou C. Ferr’s Altar Removal Service and this is my partner, Bill Z. Bub.

Pastor: What?

Bill (showing the pastor a clipboard): We’re supposed to remove these altars. See, this is order number 666. We’ll just be a few minutes, Sir?

Pastor: But what’s going on?

Lou: Just another altar removal. It’s happening all over and we’ve been swamped.

Bill (pointing at the altar): These things are just not needed these days.

Lou: And they’re just not politically correct.

Bill: They make people feel guilty.

Lou: They really embarrass people in front of the crowd.

Bill and Lou: It’s just not right!

Pastor: But this is where people come to pray.

Lou (rubs finger across the altar like it is dusty): Oh, come on. They’re hardly used.

Bill: Trust me. No one will even miss them.

Lou (Bill and Lou nod knowingly at each other): And, besides, they’re not handicapped accessible.

Pastor: But, -

Bill: They’ve just gotta go. Hey, Lou, get that end (pointing at the other end of one of the altar sections).

Lou (Lou and Bill pick up one of the altar sections): You bet, Bill.

Bill: Hey Pastor, think of all the space you’ll have.

Lou: You could put up some bingo tables - or maybe open a bookstore.

Bill: You could be a bestselling author. All the Pastors are doing it.

Lou: Maybe sell some of those books by that Keys guy.

Pastor: But, --

Bill (points at the cross): Hey, you want us to get that cross out of the way while we are here?

Pastor: No way!

Lou: Just thought I’d ask. We’ll be right back for the rest of these (motioning with head or hand at the other altar sections).

Bill: Just go ahead with your service. You’ll hardly know we’re here.

Joseph on Sibling Rivalry

Dalen Keys — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 01:17:00 GMT

A spokesperson for the Egyptian Institute of Archeology announced today the successful translation of an important ancient document. The document is a scroll dating from 1885BC which was a portion of the country’s newspaper of the day (which was called Egypt Today). This scroll contains an exciting interview conducted by Egypt Today (ET) with Zaphenath-Paneah. Bible students will immediately recognize this as the Egyptian name for Joseph, the son of Jacob. We are pleased to exclusively share the translation of this scroll with you.

ET: Thank you for taking a few minutes out of your busy schedule to talk with us today.

Joseph: My pleasure.

ET: Joseph, Sir, you are second-in-command to the Pharaoh. You wear the Pharaoh’s signet ring enabling you to act on behalf of the Pharaoh. You are only in your thirties. How do you explain your success?

Joseph: That is a very good question. I am amazed myself. But, I have come to realize that I am only here by the will of God.

ET: Yes, the gods have been kind to you.

Joseph: Let me be clear. I said God, not gods. The one, and only, true God brought me to Egypt at just the right time.

ET: Oh, excuse me, Sir.

Joseph: No problem, I just wanted you, and your readers, to understand. God has intervened for me and He has intervened for Egypt during this time of drought.

ET: Speaking of the drought, we understand that your brothers recently came to Egypt and visited you.

Joseph: Yes, they did. They were suffering in this drought too and they needed food. I was excited to see them.

ET: How many brothers do you have?

Joseph: 11

ET: How is your relationship with your brothers?

Joseph: It’s great now; but, it wasn’t always so good.

ET: That sounds interesting. Tell us more.

Joseph: Oh, sure, you want me to spill my guts on my family’s dirty laundry.

ET: Sorry, Sir, but we have heard so many stories about you and your brothers. We’d like to know the truth.

Joseph: Seriously, it’s really no problem. I’m glad to share my story.

ET: Please do.

Joseph: My father loved me very much. You might say that I was a spoiled brat. I tattled on my brothers whenever I could, I flaunted any gifts that my father gave me. My father once gave me a special coat and, oh my goodness, I rub that in my brothers faces. I tell you, I was a brat.

ET: I heard that things got very bad with your brothers.

Joseph: Only if you consider being sold as a slave as “bad.”

ET: They sold you?

Joseph: Yes, they did. Was it right of them? Absolutely not. Do I now understand their motives? Absolutely, yes. It was my dreams that pushed them over the edge.

ET: Dreams?

Joseph: Yes, I’ve always been able to interpret dreams. It’s a gift from God that eventually got the attention of Pharaoh and probably saved my life; but, that is all another story.

ET: My little brother drove me crazy but I don’t think I would have sold him, unless the price was really good.

Joseph: Exactly.

ET: Looking back at those years with your brothers, what would you have done differently?

Joseph: I wasn’t acting out of love and respect for my brothers. I wanted to be the center of attention. I somehow knew that God had great things in mind for me but I didn’t communicate this well with my brothers. I was a brat.

ET: Love and respect. We could improve all of our relationships with more love and respect.

Joseph: I agree. Too often we are thinking only of ourselves, our needs, our desires. Love seeks the best for the other person; even brothers.

ET: But, things have worked out for you.

Joseph: Very true. God can take bad situations and work wonders. Looking back, I can see that I needed to go through those tough times. I needed to change the way I acted toward other people. I needed some humility.

ET: How are things with your brothers now?

Joseph: We are reunited. We have forgiven one another and we are friends. I thank God for that.

ET: Joseph, thank you for your time today. Your impact on Egypt has been truly amazing and we thank you for you service to this country.

Joseph: Thank you for your kind words; but, I am just doing God’s will. It has been a pleasure talking with you today.

Westward Ho! Onward to Colorado springs and Denver

Dalen Keys — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 02:46:00 GMT

We just had a great time in Colorado Springs and Denver! I highly recommend the following:

1. Garden of the Gods
2. Royal Gorge Bridge
3. Celestial Seasonings Factory Tour
4. The Chapel at the Air Force Academy
5. Buffalo Bill's Grave Site
6. Hammonds Candy Factory (don't forget to check out the "oops" room)
7. Bishops Castle (be prepared for Jim though)
8. Cliff Dwelling Ruins
9. Cave of the Winds.

And, if you are a quilter, you must add:

1. Being a visitor at a meeting with the Alpine Quilters in Evergreen and with the Smoky Hills Quilters Club in Aurora (just tell them, "Dalen sent you"),
2. Shopping at Holly's Quilt Cabin, the Great American Quilt Factory and Rita's Stitchery.

My daughter insists she is going to live out there now.