Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Meeting Janette Oke

It was a lovely day. Verne took me to a delicious lunch at the local steakhouse and we enjoyed delightful conversation. I love that after so many years of marriage we still have so much to talk about. After supper tonight, Autumn, Collin, Abigail, and I headed to the local library. It was advertised about a month ago that one of my favorite authors, Janette Oke, would be speaking tonight.

We arrived about an hour and a half early as we wanted to get good seats. Indeed we did. We were able to sit in the very front row! I found Mrs. Oke to be very personable.

She spoke for about 30 minutes. She told of her childhood on the prairie in Canada, growing up in a 25 x 25 foot cabin. She was one of eight children. She has four children of her own, and fifteen grandchildren.

"The value of a book is not determined by what you pay for it, but by what you gain from it."
Janette Oke, April 24, 2007

After speaking, Mrs. Oke asked if there were any questions. She patiently answered each one. Autumn and I were curious as to what she thought about the movies that are featured on the Hallmark Channel. We do enjoy the movies, but they are NOTHING like the books. I wondered how she felt about that. As avid readers, we wish that the movies were just like the books.

Mrs. Oke explained that she has no say so about what happens with the movies. Her publishing company owns all of the rights to those decisions. While she never said that she didn't like the movies, she did say, "...You just have to forget about what you have read, and enjoy it (the movie) for what it is." I found her to be wise!

When the last questions were answered, Mrs. Oke moved to a table where she was seated to sign books. She graciously signed each book that was handed to her. She took time and talked with every person who stood in line, and allowed everyone who desired to take their picture with her. We had fourteen books signed and she was thoughtful enough to write something unique in each one of them.

We had a lovely evening in our small town. I was impressed that Mrs. Oke made time to visit our tiny corner of the world. Thank you Mrs. Oke, not only for your writing, but for the lasting impression that you made upon our family tonight!


25 comments:

Diane @ A Watered Garden said...

What fun!! I've enjoyed reading her books as well. What a privilege to meet her in person. Diane

Portrait of Peter said...

She does sound an inspiration to all book lovers.

A wonderful event and of being able to discuss various topics too.

Trella said...

I how wonderful! I enjoy her books as well. It is so nice to know that is is wonderful in person. I also wondered about the movies:)

Christy said...

WOW!!! I love her books, I started reading them when I was 8, and I still reread them.

She is a wonderful author and I am so excited to hear that she is just as wonderful in person!!

Momma Roar said...

How very cool to meet her! I've only met one author - Liz Curtis Higgs, and that was a neat experience - I'm sure your children will always remember that.

Karen said...

What a wonderful experience, I'm sure! I love her books, too. Great slide show!

Ash said...

How lovely. It sounds like you guys had a wonderful time!

Sheri said...

What a special evening for you and your family Tracy! And thank you for sharing Mrs Oke's statement: "The value of a book is not determined by what you pay for it, but by what you gain from it."
How true! And, I really enjoyed the pictures of Mac's birthday. What a handsome young man you have... praise the Lord for his love for Jesus!

Jennifer in MS said...

How fun!! I know that was a neat experience!

Randi said...

I love her books! They were the first Christian ones I read years ago!

Anonymous said...

I've read every single one of Oke's books...and am longing to read a new book by her. Does she have a new book out? Please say yes.

How wonderful you and 3 of your sweeties were able to be part of this event. :o)

Anonymous said...

one more thing...

love the new look of your blog. :o)

Tracy said...

Sherry,

She was not promoting a book on this tour, and didn't mention anything new. Sorry!

Trella said...

Tracy,
The picture looks great! It is easy once you know what to do.

I used Corel Print House to make a banner with my pictures. I new they had a banner option and maybe that would give me the width and I looking for, and it did!

I really haven't had the time to do much more than that, and figure out anything else.
Blessings,
Trella

Barbara said...

Interesting. An author that I have not heard of in this part of the world.

Anonymous said...

Ooh! Yet another change for you blog-look. It's fun trying new things ~ I like this one too (soft blue with porch/rockers).

Anonymous said...

okay, so how did you get a picture in the title area of your blog?

Tracy said...

Sherry,
I have been wondering the same thing for a long time! It is so easy once you know what to do! I'll email you the link for instructions.

Lori said...

Wow! That is so neat that you got to meet her.
I like her books too.

Lori said...

Thanks for showing the slide show. It was fun to see the pictures.
I have the Love Comes Softly series!!

Jennifer said...

Oh Tracy, what a wonderful experience! thank you so much for sharing, and yes... she seems like a very wise lady.

I have only read a few of her books, but they were all wonderful... and yes, I also agree that I wish they could make movies more like the books!

Beemoosie said...

I love her books too!! How fun for you!! Thanks for sharing!

Christie Belle said...

Oh, how exciting! I am going to have to pick up one of her books, now:)

Elise @A Path Made Straight said...

I can't believe you got to meet her! Hers were the first Christian novels I ever read - and I still love them.
I agree about watching the movies and forgetting everything you ever read about the characters - they're nothing like!
Thanks for sharing this, Tracy!

Mrs. Hurzeler said...

I am Canadian and during my first Christmas break from Bible School my mom had it arranged that my Grandma and I could go to what is called "The Steeves Pumphouse" in Hoadley, Alberta. And what that is, the house where Janette Oke grew up, and our guide was her sister, I believe her name was Joyce. It was such a wonderful experience. I was able to look at the handwritten manuscripts, then the typewritten ones and then of course the computer printed ones. There was a huge aquarium filled with the letters that Mrs. Oke has recieved, and her sister mentioned that Mrs. Oke always tries to write back. And she gave me her home address. LOL. And what was so special was the fact that Mrs. Oke's sister opened up the property for my grandma and I to see when normally they are only open in the spring, summer and fall but when she heard that I was in Bible School she was glad for me. And Mrs. Oke's sister took me aside and said I am so pleased you are in Bible School, and I know Janette would be too. God Bless.