About the author and “Finding Harmony”
Someone once wrote this wisdom to me: “I love your name [Melodie]. Does it challenge you in a special way to be the note in life that makes harmony out of the diverse tones that often don’t make sense–until the melodic line is played with them?”
I’d never thought about that but ever since, I’ve kept that quote about making harmony topmost on my bulletin board and pondered if it were true. So that’s why I chose Finding Harmony for the theme of this blog.
I am a “Jill-of-most-media” writer: book author, columnist, editor, producer, script writer, websites, Facebook, Twitter—almost everything except novels, electronic games or apps. My husband and I have three adult daughters, five grandsons, and one dog.
I have been writing the weekly Another Way syndicated newspaper column since 1987 through my primary occupation when I was a writer/producer for MennoMedia. I am now happily retired. Mostly.
My purpose here is offering insights and encouragement (including from others) on how we can all find peace, harmony and all that grand stuff in our daily personal, community and wider world. Maybe. Whew.
I’m a Presbyterian who was raised Mennonite who married a Lutheran (talk about finding harmony) and worked for the Mennonite church for 43 years, ever since graduating from a Mennonite college after serving in a Mennonite VS program. You get the idea. Our church is a peacemaking congregation made up of house churches engaged in mission.
So that’s a little of where I’m coming from. Welcome.
findingharmonyblog 
Melodie,
I just finished reading your Mennonite Media memoir. It was fascinating for both the parts I knew and the parts that were new to me. As always, you are such a skillful writer.
I don’t know if you ever get back to northern Indiana anymore, but if so, I’d love to visit. I still find it difficult to think about the mistaken priorities that sabotaged Mennonite Media just as the social media age was dawning.
Best wishes in all of life, and thanks for a few hours of very interesting and emotional reading for me.
Thanks for commenting here! And nice to hear from you. I am glad you found some fascinating things to enjoy! Thanks for your compliment.
I spoke over at Bethany two years ago, and will probably be in Indiana this summer, but just a short time.
I have no regrets at this point regarding the directions Mennonite Media has gone, they are serving a useful purpose across the church. What I regret is that there is no effort to reach out beyond our own churches and people (I’m pretending to be Mennonite here, but as you know I am active Presbyterian–but we do go to some local Mennonite churches from time to time!) The years when we were producing thoughtful documentaries airing on ABC and NBC over 10 years were some of the best in my humble opinion–exciting and important work, I felt.
Any rate, I’ll try to keep in mind looking you up or connecting if we have time in Indiana. All four of our siblings (3 female, 1 male) and spouses (totaling 8 for the trip) are taking the Chicago train to Glacier Park for 6 days. 🙂 We’re excited.
Hope you are doing well and your family! I still remember how much my mother thought of your mother living across the halls from each other! Blessings, Melodie