jharader

I am a Mennonite pastor in the great town of Lawrence, Kansas. I live with my husband, three children, two cats, two birds, one dog--and my daughter's mouse. I have degrees in biblical studies and English literature.

The link above will take you to the humor column I write for a local parenting magazine.

I like classical music--especially Bach's cello concertos. I also enjoy Americana music--bluegrass and folk. I absolutely love going to the Walnut Valley Music Festival in Winfield, Kansas.

Where to start? For a fun read, I like a good mystery. Agatha Christie is my favorite, but I've read all of her stuff and, unfortunately, she's not writing any more. Jane Austen is also good for a fun read now and then.

In terms of literature, I like the poetry of Mary Oliver, Emily Dickinson, E. E. Cummings, Billy Collins; short stories I like Poe, Mark Helprin, and most especially Flannery O'Connor (also not writing any more); novelists: Toni Morrison, Marilynne Robinson, Lee Smith, Reynolds Price, Barbara Kingsolver . . .

Nonfiction is usually not my reading material of choice, but I do like Barbara Brown Taylor, Fred Craddock, Rosemary Radford Ruther, Dave Barry (does that count?), Anne Lamott.

My husband has moved me to an appreciation of some of the classics--I especially like the Fred Astaire musicals and anything with Cary Grant.

Newer stuff? As Good as it Gets; Shawshank Redemption; Spinal Tap; Waiting for Guffman; Singles; Princess Bride

My craft of choice is card-making. I do a little scrapbooking, but don't really have the attention span for that. (Plus I forget to take pictures.)

I love pretty papers and am gathering quite a collection of stamps. I have a cuttlebug and a Cricut which is especially nice when I need to mass produce.

I am fairly new to the hobby and am enjoying learning new techniques.

I enjoy a wide range of artistic styles. I like subtle colors and natural images. I like bright colors and funky patterns.

I like witty and funny--but not cutesy or crass.

I love literary quotes and poetry--but not cliche phrases or verses.

And, while this is irrelevant to the swaps I plan to join, I do indeed love chocolate.

People get wierd ideas about pastors in general and Mennonite pastors in particular, so let me just say:

Yes, I have electricity (obviously).

No, I do not wear a head covering.

No, I do not need crosses, angels, and "Jesus loves You" stamped on every piece of mail you send me.

Yes, you can use a curse word here and there in your book reviews, poetry, etc.