DISH Customers Alert: INSP is BACK!!!

image credit: INSP

INSP shared this comment:

"We are pleased to announce that a short-term contract extension has been reached that returns INSP to the DISH Network lineup, effective immediately. INSP will be available on channel 259, the same channel before it was removed on April 1, 2016.

 

A big “Thank You” to all our faithful viewers who have shown us such remarkable support. We appreciate you! Please stay tuned for further updates!"

My thoughts:
Wonderful News! INSP is a great wholesome, family friendly channel with programs like "The Waltons", Jill Wagner's new weekly series "Handcrafted America", and those good old Cowboy "the good guys always win" Westerns!

Welcome back Home on DISH, INSP! I'm happy for you and all DISH viewers!

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In Rememberance, "Goodnight Earl Hamner", Creator and Narrator of "The Waltons"...

Earl Hamner on The Waltons porch

Surrounded by his family, Earl Hamner, best known as the Creator and Narrator of "The Waltons" television series... passed away on Thursday, March 24, 2016 at the age of 92.

From the beginning, and still today, we devoted fans welcome Earl Hamner's show, The Waltons, into our homes with high regard, knowing each episode will give us a warm, heartwarming family story and values we can always depend on. Based upon his own upbringing and family life growing up, The Waltons in a way over the years have become extended members of our own family. The character of John Boy, on the series was based on Earl's Hamner's own childhood days growing up in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains.

Earl Hamner, creator of The Waltons with Richard Thomas (John Boy Walton)

Earl Hamner pictured in front with cast members of The Waltons
Kami Cotler, David Harper, Eric Scott, Jon Walmsley, Michael Learned,
Ralph Waite, Ellen Corby, Mary Beth McDonough, and Judy Norton

Video Clip via INSP, of Earl Hamner talking about The Waltons and John Boy...



Born on July 10, 1923, Earl Hamner, Jr. was the eldest son of Doris Marion Giannini and Earl Henry Hamner, Sr. Earl would eventually have eight siblings, one more than portrayed on The Waltons weekly television series... Cliff (Jason), Marian (Mary Ellen), Bill (Ben), Paul (Ben), Audrey (Erin), James (Jim Bob), and Nancy (Elizabeth).

Earl Hamner pictured with his family, Mother and siblings...

Earl Hamner pictured on porch with Cast Members of The Waltons
image via: 2013 Entertainment Weekly article
Ralph Waite (John), Michael Learned (Olivia), Mary McDonough (Erin), David W. Harper (Jim-Bob),
Eric Scott (Ben), Earl Hamner, Jr. (Narrator), Kami Cotler (Elizabeth),
Richard Thomas (John-Boy), Jon Walmsley (Jason), and Judy Norton (Mary Ellen)

According to Earl Hamner's official web-site, "Money was short, and books were a luxury they could not afford. Their "library" consisted of the Holy Bible, (the King James Version), and a manual of bee-keeping. Doris and Earl strongly encouraged all the children in their growing family to excel, and Earl Jr. became interested in writing at an early age. He was writing his numbers at the age of two and reading at four. His poem "My Dog" was published on the Children's Page of the Richmond Times-Dispatch when he was six. Earl claims he knew he was going to become a writer from that day."

While studying at the University of Richmond, in 1943, Earl was drafted into the army. "Hamner then spent several months at the 19th Replacement Depot in England learning how to diffuse land mines, one of the most dangerous of Army jobs." via his bio. "Two months after D-day he landed on Omaha Beach, and, because his officers had discovered that he knew how to type, he was re-assigned to the 542nd Quartermaster Corps which he served in Paris. He loved Paris, learned to speak French, and made friends with the French people including a special girl named Jeanine. It was here, after the end of the war, that he began in earnest sending off stories for publication and amassing rejection slips."

Earl Hamner, served in the US Army 1943-1946
image via: http://www.allaboutthewaltons.com/ham-fam.php

After being discharged from the army in 1946, he found work in radio, and in 1948, "received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a major in broadcasting from the College of Music of the University of Cincinnati." (source)

Earl's own life experiences during the depression were the basis for his writings and the eventual Waltons TV show, beginning with his novel, The Homecoming, which first became a Christmas TV Special. Before the success of The Waltons, however, he wrote episodes of The Twilight Zone, and the movie Spencer's Mountain was based on his novel.

Earl Hamner married Jane Martin in 1954. They had two children, Scott and Caroline. Both had roles, as teenagers, in The Homecoming Christmas Special when it first appeared on TV, CBS, in 1970.

The Waltons - The Homecoming Special

Writing was a part of Earl Hamner, all of his life, from that first moment he learned to read at a young age of 4. At a time, when a man, or even a young boy, was expected to work with his hands and money was scarce, I would say that was quite fortuitous of his parents to instill the love of learning at such a young age, especially in that day and age, where times were truly hard.

Young Earl Hamner Jr.

Image Credit: Media Heritage

If you would like to know more about Earl Hamner's life, writings, and TV shows, I encourage you to visit Earl's web-site, and read the tribute given there, written by Earl's devoted friend, James Person, Jr., who wrote Earl Hamner's Biography, Earl Hamner From Walton's Mountain to Tomorrow.

Biography of Earl Hamner

The Waltons series began in 1972 and ended in 1981. Six Reunion movies followed, with the last one airing in 1998, A Walton Easter.

The INSP web-site gave a wonderful tribute to Earl that includes heartfelt, touching statements from The Waltons cast members. Thankfully, we can continue to watch The Waltons every weekday on the INSP television network and hear the amazing voice of Earl Hamner narrating the story.

Earl Hamner at John Boy's desk
Courtesy: Ray Castro, Jr. on Earl Hamner Storyteller Facebook page 

The Waltons Home - Saying Goodnight...

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Earl Hamner's dear family, friends, and the cast members of The Waltons, who I know are like family.

Earl's son shared that his dad died peacefully in his sleep, so it is appropriate that we all say now...

"Goodnight Earl".

We are grateful to Earl Hamner for the joy he has brought into our homes and our families lives each time we turn on The Waltons and return to a simpler time. I pray the legacy of this endearing series will carry on forever...

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A Joyful *Happy Easter* Weekend to All of You + Easter Specials on TV!

Vintage Easter Card image via: wordpress blog

EASTER WEEKEND on TV…

From Good Friday to Easter Sunday UP will be airing stories from the Bible.

on UP, Friday - March 25, 2016:

Mary, Mother of Jesus - at 5pm/4c.
Jesus - at 7pm/6c.
The Passion of the Christ - at 11pm/10c.

on UP, Saturday - March 26, 2016:

The Ten Commandments - at 12:30pm/11:30c.
The Greatest Story Ever Told - at 4:30pm/3:30c.
The Passion of the Christ - at 9pm/8c.
Judas - at 11pm/10c.
Mary, Mother of Jesus - at 1am/12c.

on UP, Easter Sunday - March 27, 2016:

See the Cable Premiere of Grace Unplugged at 7 PM/6c. (repeats at 9PM/8c. and 1am/12c.)

image via: UP Press Release

The Ten Commandments starring Charleton Heston

See the amazing story on ABC, on the eve of Easter – March 26, 2016 at 7 PM (4 Hours!)
Check your local station for time airing!

image via: Paramount Pictures - source

On Easter Sunday, March 27th, on the Hallmark Channel

Due to popular demand, Karen Kingsbury’s The Bridge Part 2 at 7pm/6c. will premiere for the first time on the Hallmark Channel!

A Christmas movie in March - and on Easter Sunday, no less!

image via: Hallmark Crown Media Family Networks

Click Here for more details on Karen Kingsbury's The Bridge Part 2.


Following this special premiere, is an all new episode of...
When Calls the Heart, titled: Heartbreak at 9pm/8c.

Storyline via Hallmark: "Abigail is reeling from the unexpected arrival of Becky and Cody's aunt, who has already made plans to take the children home with her."

image via: Hallmark Crown Media Family Networks

Click here for more details on When Calls the Heart, Season 3!



A "LOVE"ly Marathon - Easter Sunday, March 27th, on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries:

See the series of Love Comes Softly movies...

image via: Hallmark Crown Media Family Networks

Times listed below in Eastern Standard Time:

9:00 AM Love Begins
11:00 AM Love's Everlasting Courage
1:00 PM Love Comes Softly
3:00 PM Love's Enduring Promise
5:00 PM Love's Long Journey
7:00 PM Love's Abiding Joy
9:00 PM Love's Unending Legacy
11:00 PM Love's Unfolding Dream

Click here to see the complete order and details of all the Love Comes Softly Movies.



TCM will have specials on March 27th Easter Sunday…

Barabbas at 2:45PM/1:45c.
King of Kings at 5:15PM/4:15c.
Easter Parade at 8PM/7c.

Easter Parade

TBN will also air Biblical Movies:

The Passion of the Christ
March 25 at 4:30 PM (est)
March 27 at 10 PM (est)

The Greatest Story Ever Told
March 26 at 11 PM (est)

The Passion of the Christ

INSP Easter TV Specials:

On Good Friday – March 25, 2016:
see The Waltons Easter Story Part 1 and 2 at 3pm/2c. and 4pm/3c.

on Easter Sunday, March 27, 2016:
Jesus of Nazareth at 12:30 PM/11:30c.

Uplift - TV:

Will have a 30 minute special on the making of the new theater release movie: Young Messiah
See it on Good Friday– March 25, 2016 at 10:30pm/9:30c.

NOT Airing on TV this Easter...

An Easter themed movie, sadly not being shown this year, is The Waltons last reunion movie "A Walton Easter". It is a very nice family movie that is typically shown each Easter. It is, however, available, thankfully on DVD.

Also... Unfortunately, as many of you already know, there is not a listing this year on ABC, or any other station, for the Charlie Brown Easter Special, “It’s the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown”. I know all Charlie Brown episodes are something truly special and dear for each holiday, so the whole Peanuts gang will be wholeheartedly missed this Easter Season.

You can, however, see the animated movie HOP on Freeform (formerly ABC family) - March 26, 2016 at 10:30pm/9:30c. And, on Easter, March 27, 2016 at 3:30pm/2:30c. and repeats at 10pm/9c.
The Disney Channel will also air HOP, as it has several times this week, once more on Friday March 25 at 5:20pm/4:20c.

Plus, the sweet cartoon Mickey's Great Clubhouse Hunt airs on March 26 ....
on Disney Channel at 7am/6c.
on Disney Jr. at 7:30am/6:30c.
on Disney Channel at 10am/9c.
on Disney Jr. at 6pm/5c.
on Disney Jr. at 9:30pm/8:30c.

then again on Easter Sunday, March 27:
on Disney Channel at 8am/7c.
on Disney Channel at 11am/10c.
on Disney Jr. at 12pm/11c.
on Disney Jr. at 8pm/7c.


There's also the all New Easter themed cartoon...
Kate and Mim-Mim: "Mim-Mim's Eggscellent Easter"

See it this Weekend on Disney Jr.

March 25th at 7pm, 10pm, and 1:30 am
March 26th at 3:40pm, and 1:30 am
March 27th at 5:30pm

There are also several adorable Easter themed Max and Ruby Cartoons airing this Easter weekend on Nick Jr.

You may also find Religious Easter Cartoons on TBN on Saturday Morning, March 26th.

I pray you all have a very Blessed, Holy, Joyous...

Happy Easter!

"Jesus said unto her,

I am the resurrection, and the life:

he that believeth in Me,

though he were dead, yet shall he live."

~ John 11:25 KJV

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Say Goodnight to THE WALTONS Home...

The end of an era has come. Recently I read an on-line article, which stated producers from the TNT network believe "little remember" the long running television drama series "The Waltons". Therefore, in order for them to proceed to what they deem as progress, "The Waltons" home, where interior shots were filmed for the series on a Warner Brothers Studios stage in Burbank, California, has been destroyed, so they can make room for, and I quote: "for buzzy, edgy fare". In a nutshell, that is essentially more thrillers and crime dramas.

The Waltons Home - Exterior
image: DVDtalk

According to the article, the new boss at TNT, Kevin Reilly wants to re-make the network over with a new vision, in the course of the next three years.

This particular paragraph about "The Waltons", in the article, jumped out at me and I must say, offended me, my family, and millions of TV viewers, past and present:

"Such comfort food was fine in an era of passive television viewing, when there were relatively few choices. "The Waltons" didn't have much competition. But it's also, in Reilly's view, little remembered. People actively choose what shows to watch now, and they need some flash and critical attention." (excerpt from article: "New Management Maps a Radically Changed TBS and TNT")

image via: theopulentpoppy.blogspot.com

"Comfort food?" Yes! "The Waltons" are Americana as apple pie. Sadly, this is reflection of the times in which we live, as the family unit is being torn down. The Waltons were and still are a comfortable place to visit for an hour. They are family and always make you feel at home. A moral teaching was often given in each episode that taught us right from wrong. Love was not thrown away like trash, as it is in most television programs today, but was respected and cherished. Set in the Great Depression era, "The Waltons" series is also a great historical teacher, as it depicts the hardships of that time.

Since many first welcomed "The Waltons" in their homes in 1972, and as it continued to Season 9 in 1981, and then later on with reunion movies, re-uniting specials, etc... the show has continued on since those days in re-runs. And, still today, it remains on TV! With all the entertainment choices available, numerous channels at our very fingertips... many still happily, purposefully choose to watch this beloved series, whether it is through re-runs, streaming sources, or DVD. Why? Because we love the lasting truth of family values, hard work, togetherness, faith, heartwarming stories, and lessons learned during good and bad times.

Looking back now, I am proud I grew up watching the re-runs of this beautiful series, and I pray many children and families will again do so today. The stories and the family feel like they are a part of me. It's a world where cell phones and hand held gadgets don't exist. Is it peaceful? Yes. Perfect? No. It's real. Emotional. Tough. Hard times can test and try anyone's faith, but in the end coming together as a family at the dinner table is such a beautiful moment for the Walton family, when everyone joins hands and bows their head in prayer, as Daddy or Grandpa, typically says grace.

image via: allaboutthewaltons.com

No matter what Hollywood creates or destroys today, in the name of progress, "The Waltons" iconic home will forever live in the hearts of all Walton fans as a place of love and beauty, a treasured home-place, where everyone jumps up to greet you and welcome you home with a warm embrace, where Momma and Daddy tuck you in at night, where you feel safe and loved, and where everyone takes a turn to say "Goodnight".

Do you still remember or watch "The Waltons"? I certainly hope and pray many families will continue to gather around the TV and watch this beloved, heartwarming series together. I know I think of it fondly and in spite of all the options out there, I still choose and always love to catch a favorite episode in re-run.

The Waltons continues to air today in re-runs on the INSP network, weekdays at 3pm/2c., 4pm/3c. and 7pm/6c. Thank you INSP for carrying this beautiful series on your network for all of us to continue to enjoy watching with our families today and hopefully for many years to come!

You can find all Nine Seasons of DVDs of "The Waltons" at Amazon plus the Reunion Movies!

If you have a special memory of "The Waltons" or would like to share your thoughts on this article or "The Waltons" home - please share in the comments below...

Please read the comments below for details on a Waltons Reunion and how to get The Waltons back on the Hallmark Channel.

Would you like a Walton Christmas Movie? Click Here!

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