Today is our 23rd Wedding Anniversary. As I think about that, I am reminded that I was only 21 years old when I promised to love and honor in good times and bad, sickness and health and all the other promises we made that day.
My 21 year old self did not know what would be embedded in those 23 years. I knew we wanted children but did not think it would take 13 years for that to happen. I had no idea that we would live in seven different communities, both of us graduated from college, have two cats and three dogs, and that I would lose my dad at 32.
No- there were a lot of things my 21 year old self did not know. Like how much work it takes to keep communication going in a relationship. How much you have to give of yourself, or how loud your new husband would SNORE!! LOL~
But that 21 year old also had no idea of what a wonderful man she had. She had no idea of the caliber of man she had chosen. How he would support her and encourage her and make her laugh when things seemed hopeless, and how all these years later- she would still adore him. She could not have imagined how many times he would pray with and for her, and the little surprises he would shower on her.
I remember one Christmas that Rich sent me on a scavenger hunt and ended with a huge box. I kept opening and opening as the boxes got smaller and smaller until I opened a key. The key opened a drawer in our computer cabinet and inside was a ring box with a sapphire ring inside! I still don't know how he managed to afford it or hide it- but he did.
I would tell that 21 year old girl that when she would journey through one of the darkest times in her life (her grandma, grandpa and dad would all die in less than 5 months) that her husband would be right there holding her up, crying with her, and helping her through the mind-numbing pain. He would also be there for two of the greatest days ever....the day Kendall was born and the day Ian was born. How he cut each of their umbilical cords and was right there while they were weighed and measured. How he rejoiced in each child and how he continues to love and guide each of them now.
I think that in another 23 years what my 67 year old self will say to the 44 year old who is typing this now. What other sorrows and joys will we have walked through together?
All I can say is that 23 years ago my life was joined with another....and I am honored and humbled to have walked this journey with him....
I love you Rich!!
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Super Heroes are my Friends!
I've been trying to give myself some time off now that school is out and try and "dial down". What I did not bargain for was this past week.
I'm usually a very positive person and don't get too negative or depressed about things. And then this week happened. We really thought that my husband would get the job he had interviewed for which would bring some welcome relief to this 5 months of unemployment. I had auditioned for a show that I had always wanted to do and I had tickets to see my favorite band in the entire universe...RED. I had also planned on really getting on with my writing.
So- the hubby did not get the job- I did not get a part in the show- RED cancelled their concert- and I did not write much of anything. Yay! It seemed as if nothing was going according to my plan.
Here's what I am realizing this morning....we got to spend some time with a neat couple in the town my husband had the job interview in. We learned more about them and that they are the most gracious hosts you could ever want. I did my best at the tryouts and have no control at the outcome. It was simply not to be this time. But I do have some wonderful friends that I have met through drama and just because I am not in the show doesn't mean I will lose them. Some of my best pals in the world were with me when we found out the RED show was cancelled and they pooled their money together to buy me a necklace at the mall that has some symbols of my book on it. (cross, skull, lock, a wing, and a heart) They knew I was sooo disappointed and bummed out and showed their love for me by buying it.
When I got home last night, my best friend in all the world was there to listen to me share my feelings about all the crap that happened this week. I am so proud to say that next Saturday I will have been married to this friend for 23 years!
I got on Facebook last night to post what had happened and to check out what the band was saying about the cancellation. What it boiled down to was the venue was not safe. It was in a rough neighborhood- which is not a complete deal breaker with me- but the fact that it was dirty and had human waste on the floor of the bathrooms and the sound system was shot....was a deal breaker. I figured that RED did what was in the best interest of the fans. Yes I was bummed- but in the grand scheme of things...this was for our safety.
People from the venue had been posting things on their site that were not very nice at all..so I posted that I still loved RED (which I do) and that we had talked to people that worked in the mall that had told us the venue was not great. Another fan liked my status and sent me a private message. After messaging each other I find out that RED is her ultimate favorite band, she has done the Acoustic Experience (met them on the tour bus) has kids, and is writing her first novel.
Yes- you saw that right...not only had I met a fellow REDhead- I had (through the cancellation of the show) just "met" someone who I could relate to. My fingers could not type fast enough to reply to her. I'm not sure what will happen with this...but I do know that I have another person to call my friend- and she is in good company.
I have learned this week that friends are what it's all about. I am finally beginning to get it through my thick skull that the best of friends will stick with you no matter what you are going through. No matter what your attitude is or if you yell because you are trying to deal with the emotions, or if you feel like pulling away..they will hold your arms so that you can't run.
Another friend gave me a coin that has a very Celtic looking cross on it on one side and the words on the other side read; "With God, all things are possible". Someone had walked into the store she was working in and gave it to her. She had just gotten finished reading my notes of FB about what a crummy week I had and Friday night she gave it to me at our Girls Night Out. I was deeply moved by her gift, just as I was with the ladies buying the necklace last night, and my husband waiting up for me last night so I could vent my feelings to him. Even through the mess of the cancelled RED show last night...I made a new friend.
No one lives in a vacuum. We all need people around us to encourage and support us. Until this week I did not realize how important our friends are- not only in the great times, but in the dark times.
It's funny- as I am typing this on our back deck, my raven pair is going crazy this morning. They are calling to each other and flying and dive bombing and moving from tree to tree. They are two sleek black encouragers sent by the Ultimate Friend to let me know to keep going with my writing. To keep sitting in that seat day after day after day and write.
So you see....they are all my Super Heroes! I love you guys!
Do you have friends that are there not only in the good times, but the tough ones too? Let them know today what they mean to you! You won't be sorry you did!
I'm usually a very positive person and don't get too negative or depressed about things. And then this week happened. We really thought that my husband would get the job he had interviewed for which would bring some welcome relief to this 5 months of unemployment. I had auditioned for a show that I had always wanted to do and I had tickets to see my favorite band in the entire universe...RED. I had also planned on really getting on with my writing.
So- the hubby did not get the job- I did not get a part in the show- RED cancelled their concert- and I did not write much of anything. Yay! It seemed as if nothing was going according to my plan.
Here's what I am realizing this morning....we got to spend some time with a neat couple in the town my husband had the job interview in. We learned more about them and that they are the most gracious hosts you could ever want. I did my best at the tryouts and have no control at the outcome. It was simply not to be this time. But I do have some wonderful friends that I have met through drama and just because I am not in the show doesn't mean I will lose them. Some of my best pals in the world were with me when we found out the RED show was cancelled and they pooled their money together to buy me a necklace at the mall that has some symbols of my book on it. (cross, skull, lock, a wing, and a heart) They knew I was sooo disappointed and bummed out and showed their love for me by buying it.
When I got home last night, my best friend in all the world was there to listen to me share my feelings about all the crap that happened this week. I am so proud to say that next Saturday I will have been married to this friend for 23 years!
I got on Facebook last night to post what had happened and to check out what the band was saying about the cancellation. What it boiled down to was the venue was not safe. It was in a rough neighborhood- which is not a complete deal breaker with me- but the fact that it was dirty and had human waste on the floor of the bathrooms and the sound system was shot....was a deal breaker. I figured that RED did what was in the best interest of the fans. Yes I was bummed- but in the grand scheme of things...this was for our safety.
People from the venue had been posting things on their site that were not very nice at all..so I posted that I still loved RED (which I do) and that we had talked to people that worked in the mall that had told us the venue was not great. Another fan liked my status and sent me a private message. After messaging each other I find out that RED is her ultimate favorite band, she has done the Acoustic Experience (met them on the tour bus) has kids, and is writing her first novel.
Yes- you saw that right...not only had I met a fellow REDhead- I had (through the cancellation of the show) just "met" someone who I could relate to. My fingers could not type fast enough to reply to her. I'm not sure what will happen with this...but I do know that I have another person to call my friend- and she is in good company.
I have learned this week that friends are what it's all about. I am finally beginning to get it through my thick skull that the best of friends will stick with you no matter what you are going through. No matter what your attitude is or if you yell because you are trying to deal with the emotions, or if you feel like pulling away..they will hold your arms so that you can't run.
Another friend gave me a coin that has a very Celtic looking cross on it on one side and the words on the other side read; "With God, all things are possible". Someone had walked into the store she was working in and gave it to her. She had just gotten finished reading my notes of FB about what a crummy week I had and Friday night she gave it to me at our Girls Night Out. I was deeply moved by her gift, just as I was with the ladies buying the necklace last night, and my husband waiting up for me last night so I could vent my feelings to him. Even through the mess of the cancelled RED show last night...I made a new friend.
No one lives in a vacuum. We all need people around us to encourage and support us. Until this week I did not realize how important our friends are- not only in the great times, but in the dark times.
It's funny- as I am typing this on our back deck, my raven pair is going crazy this morning. They are calling to each other and flying and dive bombing and moving from tree to tree. They are two sleek black encouragers sent by the Ultimate Friend to let me know to keep going with my writing. To keep sitting in that seat day after day after day and write.
So you see....they are all my Super Heroes! I love you guys!
Do you have friends that are there not only in the good times, but the tough ones too? Let them know today what they mean to you! You won't be sorry you did!
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Eating Ice Cream From the Bucket
Wow! It's been awhile since I have blogged. It's May and that is always a busy month for school teachers. I had a big event at school that went great and Ian's 5th Birthday was Thursday, so things have been going full tilt!
That's not always a good thing though. Sometimes when you get going too fast and flitting from one event to the next- you lose focus. For me, it all came crashing down on Friday. I had a horrible headache and the day of writing that I thought I would have turned into a day of feeling sorry for myself. I allowed my thoughts to travel down dark roads and take me places I should have said "No thank you" to.
After all the fun and games on Friday- I turned right around and got right back into the thick of things and ended up doing things Sat. out of obligation. So this morning as I sat in church at the keyboard practicing for worship....I realized that I have not been taking time to rest and recharge.
When we got home from church and another activity.....I knew things had to change. I told the kids that they could watch a movie and play in their rooms and that Rich and I were going to watch "Return of the King". For me that movie helps me to "re-boot" my system and also gives me inspiration for my writing. My hubby and I had lunch while we watched and even popped popcorn.
After three and a half hours of movie (about 4 and a half after kids interruptions) we were ready to move to the next phase....Eating ice cream right out of the ice cream bucket! The kids thought it was the coolest thing in the world. I thought it was about time to switch things up a little. As watched my son dig his spoon into the huge mound of chocolate chip ice cream I realized that we all need to "break the rules" once in awhile- kick back and let things go for a few hours.
I'm such a list maker and dragon slayer that I rarely ever allow myself to do nothing at all. I need to remind myself from time to time that I need the nothingness so that my brain and body can recharge and I can be a better wife, mother, teacher and writer.
So have you had a chance to recharge? Do you need to grab some spoons and eat some ice cream out of the bucket today? I'm so glad that I did!
That's not always a good thing though. Sometimes when you get going too fast and flitting from one event to the next- you lose focus. For me, it all came crashing down on Friday. I had a horrible headache and the day of writing that I thought I would have turned into a day of feeling sorry for myself. I allowed my thoughts to travel down dark roads and take me places I should have said "No thank you" to.
After all the fun and games on Friday- I turned right around and got right back into the thick of things and ended up doing things Sat. out of obligation. So this morning as I sat in church at the keyboard practicing for worship....I realized that I have not been taking time to rest and recharge.
When we got home from church and another activity.....I knew things had to change. I told the kids that they could watch a movie and play in their rooms and that Rich and I were going to watch "Return of the King". For me that movie helps me to "re-boot" my system and also gives me inspiration for my writing. My hubby and I had lunch while we watched and even popped popcorn.
After three and a half hours of movie (about 4 and a half after kids interruptions) we were ready to move to the next phase....Eating ice cream right out of the ice cream bucket! The kids thought it was the coolest thing in the world. I thought it was about time to switch things up a little. As watched my son dig his spoon into the huge mound of chocolate chip ice cream I realized that we all need to "break the rules" once in awhile- kick back and let things go for a few hours.
I'm such a list maker and dragon slayer that I rarely ever allow myself to do nothing at all. I need to remind myself from time to time that I need the nothingness so that my brain and body can recharge and I can be a better wife, mother, teacher and writer.
So have you had a chance to recharge? Do you need to grab some spoons and eat some ice cream out of the bucket today? I'm so glad that I did!
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Finding the Perspective in Easter
I am not a stranger to writing from a certain perspective. I have written stories from different points of view for a very long time. I remember writing the Easter story from different points of view- Mary, John, a Roman soldier, etc. I tried to imagine what it might have been like to be there. To be that close to Jesus and the cross. I actually thought I had done a pretty decent job...that is until Friday night.
I play the keyboard for the worship band at my church and had been asked to play for the Good Friday service. I didn't mind in the least and knew going into it that the Crucifixion would take place on the stage where the band was set up. At practice on Monday, it was a little uncomfortable being inches away from Jesus lying on the cross and the soldiers hammering the wood of the cross. I tried to ignore the cries of the man that was portraying Jesus as they did this. He did not have the fake blood smeared over his body and it still made me want to get out of there.
Friday night, things seemed rushed and the band did not even get to do a sound check together. I usually don't get too nervous before I play, but that night I was going crazy inside! We had an important service to do and I felt we might not be ready- and our worship leader was losing his voice. We gathered in the back room to pray and our leader prayed this awesome prayer all about how the focus was on Jesus not us or what we did. It was a good reminder that it was all about Him and not about me.
As the team took to the stage, I found my heart beat was more regular and I felt ready for the service. Everything seemed to go off well and I was preparing to play "How He Loves Us" by the David Crowder Band. It is one of my all time favorite songs and I love to play and sing it. But Friday night as Jesus was led to the stage with just a loincloth and a crown of thorns, bloody lines across his back and blood dripping down his face; I had a whole new perspective of the love that God has for me.
As I was singing the words: "And we are His portion and He is our prize, Drawn by redemption by the grace in His eyes, If His grace is an ocean, we're all sinking. How He loves us, oh how He loves us, ....." I was suddenly and violently reminded of God's complete and total love for me. I always say that I am not a rainbow and puppy happy person, but I think my view of Jesus's sacrifice might have been.
What I witnessed happening right in front of me was powerful-yes. But as I was listening to the hammer hit a large metal plate and Jesus screaming I realized that the cross experience was loud and messy and horrifying and bloody. I was looking at love in its most organic. Someone loved me enough to take this kind of torture to atone for MY sins. Not his. He didn't do anything!
There was just something about having Jesus hanging on the cross just inches from me that has changed my viewpoint of exactly what He did on the cross that day. It has changed from merely being a detached observer to being right there.
It was a view point I had never had. Until Friday night.
It made me think of my view points of my characters in my novel and for some reason and I know that the experience I had Friday will help with my character's perspective.
I challenge you to look at things from a different view point today. You never know what you may discover. Happy Easter!
I play the keyboard for the worship band at my church and had been asked to play for the Good Friday service. I didn't mind in the least and knew going into it that the Crucifixion would take place on the stage where the band was set up. At practice on Monday, it was a little uncomfortable being inches away from Jesus lying on the cross and the soldiers hammering the wood of the cross. I tried to ignore the cries of the man that was portraying Jesus as they did this. He did not have the fake blood smeared over his body and it still made me want to get out of there.
Friday night, things seemed rushed and the band did not even get to do a sound check together. I usually don't get too nervous before I play, but that night I was going crazy inside! We had an important service to do and I felt we might not be ready- and our worship leader was losing his voice. We gathered in the back room to pray and our leader prayed this awesome prayer all about how the focus was on Jesus not us or what we did. It was a good reminder that it was all about Him and not about me.
As the team took to the stage, I found my heart beat was more regular and I felt ready for the service. Everything seemed to go off well and I was preparing to play "How He Loves Us" by the David Crowder Band. It is one of my all time favorite songs and I love to play and sing it. But Friday night as Jesus was led to the stage with just a loincloth and a crown of thorns, bloody lines across his back and blood dripping down his face; I had a whole new perspective of the love that God has for me.
As I was singing the words: "And we are His portion and He is our prize, Drawn by redemption by the grace in His eyes, If His grace is an ocean, we're all sinking. How He loves us, oh how He loves us, ....." I was suddenly and violently reminded of God's complete and total love for me. I always say that I am not a rainbow and puppy happy person, but I think my view of Jesus's sacrifice might have been.
What I witnessed happening right in front of me was powerful-yes. But as I was listening to the hammer hit a large metal plate and Jesus screaming I realized that the cross experience was loud and messy and horrifying and bloody. I was looking at love in its most organic. Someone loved me enough to take this kind of torture to atone for MY sins. Not his. He didn't do anything!
There was just something about having Jesus hanging on the cross just inches from me that has changed my viewpoint of exactly what He did on the cross that day. It has changed from merely being a detached observer to being right there.
It was a view point I had never had. Until Friday night.
It made me think of my view points of my characters in my novel and for some reason and I know that the experience I had Friday will help with my character's perspective.
I challenge you to look at things from a different view point today. You never know what you may discover. Happy Easter!
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Signs Along the Way
I have to say that the last two weeks have been very surreal for me. Just about every day I have run into a Bible verse, a person, a song, or something that has given me great encouragement as far as the novel is concerned.
Two weeks ago, I met Liz Curtis Higgs and she gave me great writing tips and she was just a wonderful lady to meet! Saturday I got to meet the Warden, whose writing is about as different from Liz's as can be- but when she talked to me, she also offered words of wisdom although a couple of those words would have to be censored! She told me to follow what my characters are telling me and write what I see and not to give a @#$% what other people think! And I needed to hear that- being the people pleaser that I am. It is funny that in the space of 10 days I had a chance to meet two authors. I could only think of two other authors I have ever met in person in my whole life!
So something is up. Today, when our special speaker that I thought was going to talk about Dinosaurs and Noah's Ark began to talk about dragons......well I knew it was yet another sign for me to keep going with this book idea. ( He had pictures of dragons on cave walls, in art, in sculpture.... it was crazy!) After that, I should have not been the least bit surprised when the speaker flashed a bible verse that had a raven in it on the screen. (I mean, if he was going to talk about two animals in my book those would be the two..)
I've tried a new brainstorming idea too. I have such a hard time visualizing things and thought that I would try index cards and put them on the kitchen table and when I am talking to Rich about concepts or characters, I could move the cards around and that would help. Turns out, not only does it help, but it has broken some things wide open! I am so glad I finally figured out what works for me.
I have been paying attention- the signs are everywhere! I told Rich last night that I feel a little like Elijah when God provided food for him in the wilderness. I keep getting what I need every day.
Oh- did I happen to mention that ravens brought Elijah the food? Yes- I said ravens.
Are you paying attention to the signs all around YOU? I encourage you to look for them and see how you are being provided for and sustained. It just may be enough to get you through another day. Your signs may not be ravens or dragons or authors; but you will know them when you see them.
Open your eyes!
Two weeks ago, I met Liz Curtis Higgs and she gave me great writing tips and she was just a wonderful lady to meet! Saturday I got to meet the Warden, whose writing is about as different from Liz's as can be- but when she talked to me, she also offered words of wisdom although a couple of those words would have to be censored! She told me to follow what my characters are telling me and write what I see and not to give a @#$% what other people think! And I needed to hear that- being the people pleaser that I am. It is funny that in the space of 10 days I had a chance to meet two authors. I could only think of two other authors I have ever met in person in my whole life!
So something is up. Today, when our special speaker that I thought was going to talk about Dinosaurs and Noah's Ark began to talk about dragons......well I knew it was yet another sign for me to keep going with this book idea. ( He had pictures of dragons on cave walls, in art, in sculpture.... it was crazy!) After that, I should have not been the least bit surprised when the speaker flashed a bible verse that had a raven in it on the screen. (I mean, if he was going to talk about two animals in my book those would be the two..)
I've tried a new brainstorming idea too. I have such a hard time visualizing things and thought that I would try index cards and put them on the kitchen table and when I am talking to Rich about concepts or characters, I could move the cards around and that would help. Turns out, not only does it help, but it has broken some things wide open! I am so glad I finally figured out what works for me.
I have been paying attention- the signs are everywhere! I told Rich last night that I feel a little like Elijah when God provided food for him in the wilderness. I keep getting what I need every day.
Oh- did I happen to mention that ravens brought Elijah the food? Yes- I said ravens.
Are you paying attention to the signs all around YOU? I encourage you to look for them and see how you are being provided for and sustained. It just may be enough to get you through another day. Your signs may not be ravens or dragons or authors; but you will know them when you see them.
Open your eyes!
Saturday, April 2, 2011
To Risk or Not to Risk....THAT is the Question!
One story that Liz Curtis Higgs shared at her presentation the other night was her desire to write a children's book. She already had written non-fiction books (Bad Girls of the Bible) and her publisher told her no. She said that she tried to let it go- but that desire kept coming back. She finally told her publisher that she would pay for the artist herself and buy the first 5,000 copies.
The publisher agreed and Liz paid the artist $12,000 and signed the agreement to buy the first 5,000 copies. When "The Pumpkin Patch Parable" came out- in the first two weeks 50,000 copies were sold! Liz and her husband were stunned! (Her husband had joked with her that they would be eating books for the next several years when he heard the deal Liz had made with her publisher!)
She went on to say that her children's books, including the "Parable of the Sunflower" and others about Easter and Christmas have gone on to sell more than 1.4 million copies. I know the books well, I have read them to my own children!
Liz went on to say that if you believe in something, there may be times that will be tested and you will have to take a risk. In that moment she pitched the deal to her publisher, she had no idea how the book would be received and she took a substantial risk to get the pumpkin book published.
Risk- the possibility of loss or injury. Peril.
After looking up that word in the dictionary I am no closer to being comforted by it- but the word possibility gives me a glimmer of hope. When you take a risk, you have the possibility of losing something or injuring yourself. It's not a done deal.
I just asked my husband what word he thought of when I said "risk". He said, gamble. I think he's on to something there. Liz believed in her story so much that she was willing to gamble her money on it.
Hang with me as I make a connection. Another thing Liz talked about was having your own writing space. I have a writing desk and a chair that sit in our living room. It's not much of a space-but it's mine. We have a mostly unfinished basement and there is a room that I would love to make into my writing room. It has windows and I love where it is. The problem is that it needs walls, a ceiling, doors, carpet, etc. I have gotten to the place where I can visualize it....a nice desk, my pictures and RED memorabilia on the walls, one wall for my character pictures and the map of my kingdoms, french doors, and a small couch. My hubby even gave me electrical boxes and switches for Christmas and I have Home Depot cards to help with a few expenses....
Here's the challenge....my husband lost his job in early January and I stopped talking about the writing room. We are in this place of not knowing what is going to happen with us and if we have to move it would be foolish to finish my writing room only to leave the house. But after listening to Liz I realized that I could take a risk and do it anyway. Or could I? I came home and talked to Rich and told him I really wanted to do this.
Does it make sense? No.
Do we have the money for it? No.
Do I believe it can become a reality? Yes.
Do I take the risk? That's the question isn't it?
I honestly cannot answer it right now. Remember, I am the planner, not the risk taker. Although now that I think about it, I may be more of one than I first thought.
1-Four years ago we said good bye to friends and family and moved 1600 miles away where we knew NO ONE.
2-We did two years of fertility treatments.
3-I interviewed for a job teaching middle school after I had a horrible student teaching experience.
4-I showed up at tryouts for a play at the museum here in town.
5- I decided to teach piano lessons.
Here's how those risks panned out:
1-We have many dear friends here and cannot imagine life without them! We love Southern Indiana and the people here! (accents and all!)
2-Kendall was born in Feb. of 2002.
3-I have taught upper grades for a total of ten years and love teaching! I can't imagine not doing it.
4-I have been in several productions of the Museum Theater Company and have made some great friends!
5-I have taught piano in three different towns and have had well over 100 students.
Hmmm, maybe I am more of a risk taker than I realized.
Now where did I put those Home Depot cards?
The publisher agreed and Liz paid the artist $12,000 and signed the agreement to buy the first 5,000 copies. When "The Pumpkin Patch Parable" came out- in the first two weeks 50,000 copies were sold! Liz and her husband were stunned! (Her husband had joked with her that they would be eating books for the next several years when he heard the deal Liz had made with her publisher!)
She went on to say that her children's books, including the "Parable of the Sunflower" and others about Easter and Christmas have gone on to sell more than 1.4 million copies. I know the books well, I have read them to my own children!
Liz went on to say that if you believe in something, there may be times that will be tested and you will have to take a risk. In that moment she pitched the deal to her publisher, she had no idea how the book would be received and she took a substantial risk to get the pumpkin book published.
Risk- the possibility of loss or injury. Peril.
After looking up that word in the dictionary I am no closer to being comforted by it- but the word possibility gives me a glimmer of hope. When you take a risk, you have the possibility of losing something or injuring yourself. It's not a done deal.
I just asked my husband what word he thought of when I said "risk". He said, gamble. I think he's on to something there. Liz believed in her story so much that she was willing to gamble her money on it.
Hang with me as I make a connection. Another thing Liz talked about was having your own writing space. I have a writing desk and a chair that sit in our living room. It's not much of a space-but it's mine. We have a mostly unfinished basement and there is a room that I would love to make into my writing room. It has windows and I love where it is. The problem is that it needs walls, a ceiling, doors, carpet, etc. I have gotten to the place where I can visualize it....a nice desk, my pictures and RED memorabilia on the walls, one wall for my character pictures and the map of my kingdoms, french doors, and a small couch. My hubby even gave me electrical boxes and switches for Christmas and I have Home Depot cards to help with a few expenses....
Here's the challenge....my husband lost his job in early January and I stopped talking about the writing room. We are in this place of not knowing what is going to happen with us and if we have to move it would be foolish to finish my writing room only to leave the house. But after listening to Liz I realized that I could take a risk and do it anyway. Or could I? I came home and talked to Rich and told him I really wanted to do this.
Does it make sense? No.
Do we have the money for it? No.
Do I believe it can become a reality? Yes.
Do I take the risk? That's the question isn't it?
I honestly cannot answer it right now. Remember, I am the planner, not the risk taker. Although now that I think about it, I may be more of one than I first thought.
1-Four years ago we said good bye to friends and family and moved 1600 miles away where we knew NO ONE.
2-We did two years of fertility treatments.
3-I interviewed for a job teaching middle school after I had a horrible student teaching experience.
4-I showed up at tryouts for a play at the museum here in town.
5- I decided to teach piano lessons.
Here's how those risks panned out:
1-We have many dear friends here and cannot imagine life without them! We love Southern Indiana and the people here! (accents and all!)
2-Kendall was born in Feb. of 2002.
3-I have taught upper grades for a total of ten years and love teaching! I can't imagine not doing it.
4-I have been in several productions of the Museum Theater Company and have made some great friends!
5-I have taught piano in three different towns and have had well over 100 students.
Hmmm, maybe I am more of a risk taker than I realized.
Now where did I put those Home Depot cards?
Friday, April 1, 2011
Doing Things At the Last Moment Can Be a Plan Too!
Here's the thing about me....I like to plan. I'm a planner and a processor, so I like to know where I am going and it takes me some time to think about what happens after the fact. I suppose those things make me the teacher and writer that I am. I don't do "spur of the moment" things well. For example, I had two months to plan when I met the guys in RED. I agonized over what I would wear, what I might say, etc. I knew it was coming so I was comfortable with that. It was something on my bucket list- so I had plenty of time to think about that.
Yesterday, I came home from school and got on Facebook and noticed that Liz Curtis Higgs (Christian Historical Fiction Writer) was going to give a free presentation at a library 20 miles from me in less than three hours. She has been one of my favorite authors for many years, ever since I picked up the book "Thorn in my Heart" which is the story of Jacob, Rachael and Leah from the Bible- but set in 18th Century Scotland. She was talking about writing, especially those who are writing their first book.
The moment I read the post, I knew I had to go. Yes, I had other commitments last night- and I prayed they would understand, but I had to get to that library! You see, five years ago I made a "Possibilities" notebook where I put people I wanted to meet, places I wanted to go, and things I wanted to do. I hadn't looked at it in years, but I know Liz's picture was on a page in between George Lucas (creator of Star Wars) and Emeril.
Here I was, with another opportunity to do something on my bucket list- but I had no time to plan! How would I handle it? I started by taking a few deep breaths and tried to pick out something to wear. I didn't have much time to agonize over it so I chose a royal purple shirt that I feel good in. I quickly got ready and two hours after I read the post- I was in the van driving to Jeffersonville. 40 minutes later, I was in a conference room in the library wondering how in the world I ended up there!
When Liz came into the room, the first thing I noticed was that she had an outfit on that was the same color as my shirt! It was a quiet confirmation that I was supposed to be there. Liz is a great speaker and had many good tips for aspiring writers. One thing she talked about was that if you want to get published....you need to have you back end in a chair! She basically said the same thing that Stephen King is quoted for-but she said it a little nicer!
Most of what she said, I already knew. It was again, confirmation for me. At the break, I took my book for her to sign and a picture of Ian. I had emailed Liz years ago when Ian was a baby to let her know that one of the reasons I named my son Ian, was because of the baby Ian in her book. As she was signing the book, I got up my courage and told her about the emails, and gave her Ian's picture. She said some nice things, and then I blurted out that meeting her was something I had in my Book of Possibilities and that I had it with me. She stopped for a moment and said she wanted to see it after the presentation if I didn't mind sharing it. I was stunned. I went back to my seat and she finished her presentation.
Before I left, I stopped by the table where she was signing books and showed her my Possibilities book. She looked at her picture and then at George Lucas and Emeril and asked, "So how are you doing on the other two?" We laughed and then she began to turn the pages of the book. On the next page I have some pictures of the two places I have always wanted to go....Australia and Scotland. She commented that her daughter is in Australia and that she has been to Scotland 12 times. I talked about wanting to go there some day and she suddenly asks me my name and I see her writing in a book. I said my name- then explained to her that I wasn't buying another book.
Liz looked up at me and said, "I know. I'm giving this to you." It was her non-fiction book on Scotland. Tears flooded my eyes as I told her that my husband was out of a job and other things I cannot even remember now. (Hopefully nothing too embarrassing !) As I swiped the tears from my eyes I realized that I was in the middle of a God moment. That God had somehow honored the fact that I did this spontaneous thing and trusted Him....so He was giving me the chance of a lifetime to talk to this wonderful lady.
I had my picture taken with her and we both commented on the color of our outfits! As I got into my van, I had to take a moment and try and process.....and did that all the way home. When I came through my front door, I looked for my husband and when I found him I launched myself into his arms and bawled like a baby!
This week I had been thinking about Joseph from the Bible and how God orchestrated his life so that he could be at the right time and place to save his family. I told the kids in chapel at my school that God had a bigger dream for Joseph than he had for himself. I discovered yesterday that God feels the same way about me. That His dreams for me are far larger than I ever imagined.
Something I realized while I was crying in my husband's arms was that both meeting RED and Liz was that they have happened less than two months of each other and both while Rich has been unemployed. I still don't know why all of this is happening the way it is...but I do know there is a reason for it all. And for right now.....that is enough.
What about you? Do you have a list of things you want to do before you "kick the bucket?" or a Book of Possibilities? If not, I encourage you to start one today. You never know what things to cross off your list if you don't have them! Dream big!
Yesterday, I came home from school and got on Facebook and noticed that Liz Curtis Higgs (Christian Historical Fiction Writer) was going to give a free presentation at a library 20 miles from me in less than three hours. She has been one of my favorite authors for many years, ever since I picked up the book "Thorn in my Heart" which is the story of Jacob, Rachael and Leah from the Bible- but set in 18th Century Scotland. She was talking about writing, especially those who are writing their first book.
The moment I read the post, I knew I had to go. Yes, I had other commitments last night- and I prayed they would understand, but I had to get to that library! You see, five years ago I made a "Possibilities" notebook where I put people I wanted to meet, places I wanted to go, and things I wanted to do. I hadn't looked at it in years, but I know Liz's picture was on a page in between George Lucas (creator of Star Wars) and Emeril.
Here I was, with another opportunity to do something on my bucket list- but I had no time to plan! How would I handle it? I started by taking a few deep breaths and tried to pick out something to wear. I didn't have much time to agonize over it so I chose a royal purple shirt that I feel good in. I quickly got ready and two hours after I read the post- I was in the van driving to Jeffersonville. 40 minutes later, I was in a conference room in the library wondering how in the world I ended up there!
When Liz came into the room, the first thing I noticed was that she had an outfit on that was the same color as my shirt! It was a quiet confirmation that I was supposed to be there. Liz is a great speaker and had many good tips for aspiring writers. One thing she talked about was that if you want to get published....you need to have you back end in a chair! She basically said the same thing that Stephen King is quoted for-but she said it a little nicer!
Most of what she said, I already knew. It was again, confirmation for me. At the break, I took my book for her to sign and a picture of Ian. I had emailed Liz years ago when Ian was a baby to let her know that one of the reasons I named my son Ian, was because of the baby Ian in her book. As she was signing the book, I got up my courage and told her about the emails, and gave her Ian's picture. She said some nice things, and then I blurted out that meeting her was something I had in my Book of Possibilities and that I had it with me. She stopped for a moment and said she wanted to see it after the presentation if I didn't mind sharing it. I was stunned. I went back to my seat and she finished her presentation.
Before I left, I stopped by the table where she was signing books and showed her my Possibilities book. She looked at her picture and then at George Lucas and Emeril and asked, "So how are you doing on the other two?" We laughed and then she began to turn the pages of the book. On the next page I have some pictures of the two places I have always wanted to go....Australia and Scotland. She commented that her daughter is in Australia and that she has been to Scotland 12 times. I talked about wanting to go there some day and she suddenly asks me my name and I see her writing in a book. I said my name- then explained to her that I wasn't buying another book.
Liz looked up at me and said, "I know. I'm giving this to you." It was her non-fiction book on Scotland. Tears flooded my eyes as I told her that my husband was out of a job and other things I cannot even remember now. (Hopefully nothing too embarrassing !) As I swiped the tears from my eyes I realized that I was in the middle of a God moment. That God had somehow honored the fact that I did this spontaneous thing and trusted Him....so He was giving me the chance of a lifetime to talk to this wonderful lady.
I had my picture taken with her and we both commented on the color of our outfits! As I got into my van, I had to take a moment and try and process.....and did that all the way home. When I came through my front door, I looked for my husband and when I found him I launched myself into his arms and bawled like a baby!
This week I had been thinking about Joseph from the Bible and how God orchestrated his life so that he could be at the right time and place to save his family. I told the kids in chapel at my school that God had a bigger dream for Joseph than he had for himself. I discovered yesterday that God feels the same way about me. That His dreams for me are far larger than I ever imagined.
Something I realized while I was crying in my husband's arms was that both meeting RED and Liz was that they have happened less than two months of each other and both while Rich has been unemployed. I still don't know why all of this is happening the way it is...but I do know there is a reason for it all. And for right now.....that is enough.
What about you? Do you have a list of things you want to do before you "kick the bucket?" or a Book of Possibilities? If not, I encourage you to start one today. You never know what things to cross off your list if you don't have them! Dream big!
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