Today, I have the pleasure of featuring friend, writer, and debuting author, Lisa Mikitarian as she shares with us a fragment of her journey into the world of literature. Her style is witty, honest, and humorous with a depth that grabs at the truth of matters with sincerity and grace.
Her Safari,
By Lisa Mikitarian
Lisa, what sparked the idea for your
collection Her Safari?
Before I ever thought about putting a collection
together, I wrote a short story called "Her Safari". It was based on a friend's experience. The depth of the hurt she felt at being
overlooked by her father moved me—tremendously. I don't know who my biological
father is—and it makes for a certain type of ache—that seemed to be mirrored in
my friend's emotions. And we had both come to a place of acceptance. So this story is a mesh of our feelings and
thoughts, and although there was a real safari, I've fictionalized the events.
What I love most about the story is that the main character
never realizes that it was her safari—she thought it was her brother's. But I, the author, could make that statement,
that realization on her behalf. It's a
little like God—the Author of Life—knowing the truth about you, and me, though
we may not know it ourselves. It's a
thought that gives me comfort.
It was after writing this story that it occurred to me
that it had the strength to be an anchor for a collection.
Remember to check out the
fabulous gift basket available.
Lisa has
partnered with Heart of God International Ministries, so that they’ll receive
the proceeds from books bought on their behalf. If you wish to benefit HGIM
with your purchase, there’s a special button on the publishers site at check
out (HGIM).
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lisa Renee
Sorbo Walsh Felsch Heidenstecker Mikitarian
I've never
been comfortable talking about myself. Then the other day someone asked
me about my name--my full name:
How's that
for offbeat? When I explained the parts, another friend said,
"Hey, your biography is in your name!" Well, shoot, my friend was
right. I owe her big time for helping me out of this coNUNdrum.
So here's my
personal bio--via the names:
Lisa: First
name given to me by Mom. It was in a book she'd been reading.
Renee: We'll
come back to this one at the end.
Sorbo: My
last name--listed on my birth certificate. But I can't say I know who my
father is. Perhaps one day. After I was born (in California),
Mom took me to live with Oma Heidenstecker in Germany. I refer to these
as, "The Stable Years." Thank God for Grandmothers:).
Walsh: Last
name of my stepfather--Mom married him when I was five. That's when Oma
brought me back to the States. Those were the grade-school and
not-so-stable years.
Felsch: The
last name of the family who graciously became my guardians when life got too
complicated at home. Those were the Junior High and High School
years. Those were kind of rickety years, too.
Heidenstecker: At
18, I legally changed my name to my Grandmother's, though I hadn't seen
her in a decade. I joined the Army, attended the Defense Language
Institute where I re-learned German. I was stationed in Germany for two
tours where I reunited with Oma--yay! Slightly wild and joyful
years. Learned to dance in the discoteca.
Sam blames me for all his
gray hair. I've NEVER seen him without the mustache.
Mikitarian:
The last name of the man I have loved (and danced with)
for 24 years: Sam Mikitarian Jr. A blessing before I knew
what a blessing was. Three children: Madeline, Spencer, and
Katalina. A dog: Dorian Gray
Renee:
Ah--now here's where the middle name fits in. It means born new. And
that's exactly what happened to me when I (along with Sam and Maddie and
Spencer and Katalina) accepted the grace and forgiveness of Jesus Christ.
It's here (about 18 years ago), that I began understanding that God created us
in community for a reason--to love and help one another while on this
earthly journey. I've felt strongly about this aspect of life ever
since.
Well, there it is. Me in a Nut-shell.
Thank you for stopping by. There will be a drawing to win a five-dollar
Starbuck’s gift card, for those who leave a comment here. The drawing will be
held September 24th. (The winner will be announced here, so please remember to
check back!)
Thanking God everyday for you.
