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In Memory of Stephen Bly
Mar. 29th, 2012 03:08 pmStephen Bly was my first favorite author. I was very sad when I heard recently that he passed away last summer. I have so many great memories of turning page after page as Steve led us on adventure upon adventure. It was strange to hear of his death, because I was looking forward to his upcoming release (which I have since found out was finished by his family) and adding some of my favorites among his novels to my personal bookshelf. Since he had been so recently on my mind, it seemed extra sorrowful to realize that he has now penned his last words. My sister and I both decided to read at least one of his novels as our own personal memorial to this noteworthy author.
I have been reading Stephen Bly books for at least 20 years. I can trace part of my love for historical fiction back to those days of reading his novels as a preteen. There's not a shortage of Bly-based memories, either, as I counted on Steve & Janet's website yesterday and the current count of Bly books I've read is 56. Fifty-six! That's a lot of moments laughing out loud, a few tears shed, and innumerable hours on various literary trails.
To honor this man who has been such a part of my reading life, I present to you this list. Some are funny, most are serious, and I hope they will bring a smile to your face.
15 Things Stephen Bly Taught Me
1. Dreams are worth pursuing, no matter how young or old you are.
2. Some things are worth dying or taking a bullet for: your home, you friends, your faith and your family.
3. Children are precocious and need adults to take them seriously.
4. Seek justice. Live justly.
5. God can change even the darkest heart.
6. Every woman is worthy of protection and respect, no matter her background or situation.
7. Something is sure to go wrong on a wedding day.
8. Cowboys and silk shirts do not mix well.
9. True friends will stick with you and be part of your life for years to come.
10. The main men in your life will often be a little sweaty, a little dirty, and in need of a shave.
11. Orange popsicles will always make you feel like a kid.
12. Love does not always happen at first sight -- or first fight!
13. Laughter brightens tough days on the trails of life.
14. A relationship with God can be as natural as breathing.
15. Real heroes are the ones who make a difference in the lives of others.
I had always assumed I'd get to meet Steve in person some day, since I've had the privilege of meeting some others whose written words have inspired me. Now that he's passed on that meeting will have to be postponed until Heaven. There will still come a day when we get to exchange howdies... it will just be a cloudless, perfect day and part of a better adventure than we can ever dream of now!
I have been reading Stephen Bly books for at least 20 years. I can trace part of my love for historical fiction back to those days of reading his novels as a preteen. There's not a shortage of Bly-based memories, either, as I counted on Steve & Janet's website yesterday and the current count of Bly books I've read is 56. Fifty-six! That's a lot of moments laughing out loud, a few tears shed, and innumerable hours on various literary trails.
To honor this man who has been such a part of my reading life, I present to you this list. Some are funny, most are serious, and I hope they will bring a smile to your face.
15 Things Stephen Bly Taught Me
1. Dreams are worth pursuing, no matter how young or old you are.
2. Some things are worth dying or taking a bullet for: your home, you friends, your faith and your family.
3. Children are precocious and need adults to take them seriously.
4. Seek justice. Live justly.
5. God can change even the darkest heart.
6. Every woman is worthy of protection and respect, no matter her background or situation.
7. Something is sure to go wrong on a wedding day.
8. Cowboys and silk shirts do not mix well.
9. True friends will stick with you and be part of your life for years to come.
10. The main men in your life will often be a little sweaty, a little dirty, and in need of a shave.
11. Orange popsicles will always make you feel like a kid.
12. Love does not always happen at first sight -- or first fight!
13. Laughter brightens tough days on the trails of life.
14. A relationship with God can be as natural as breathing.
15. Real heroes are the ones who make a difference in the lives of others.
I had always assumed I'd get to meet Steve in person some day, since I've had the privilege of meeting some others whose written words have inspired me. Now that he's passed on that meeting will have to be postponed until Heaven. There will still come a day when we get to exchange howdies... it will just be a cloudless, perfect day and part of a better adventure than we can ever dream of now!
