Sparks & All Stars

I have a friend who says that God created night and day so we can have a chance to start over every 24 hours. I agree, but I also reason that each day is divided into just 24 hours so we have limits; I think without constraint I would burn myself up like a shooting star. There’s so much I want to do!!

I bring you the quick version of what I’ve been up to… Last weekend I went to Atlanta to “Spark & Hustle”, a conference for women entrepreneurs. (Details Here)

The women I met there were nothing short of totally amazing. It’s impossible to introduce all of them at once (there were 200+!), but I must mention Shameeka, aka The Broke Socialite, who launched what has grown into a very successful business with her blog in 2005. She is a hoot and a half – had so much fun with her. Then there’s my courageous friend, Alyssa, of VintageBodySpa who flew to the conference by herself at 8 months pregnant because she is so determined to stay home with her new baby. Leeann Staples of MaddyMoo custom handbags gave us awesome gifts in our goodybags and the list goes on... Joyce Bone of MillionareMoms blew me away with her story of mom blogger to owning a 150 million dollar company. Huh? Yep- you heard that right. Phenomenal.

The message that was engraved on my heart is: pursue your passion and believe in the power of your dreams!!

I’ll leave you with another star that made her debut on the cover of Sarasota’s Style magazine this week. Her mother is my favorite blogger, (You've got to read this post titled "Emily Post Would Hate Facebook") Uncommmon Blonde is the most sylish of all because of this accessory on her hip! I know you recognize my favorite baby:

Have a great weekend!

My New Book

I have a list of things to do as long as a football field and here I sit. Well, I can kinda count this as productive since it’s on my list to finally post something to my wonderful, fabulous and enduring friends in blogland. I know you’re my friends since you’re not mad that I haven’t been by to visit, haven’t so much as called and left a message. (i.e. stopped by and left a comment). Tolerance of inconsistency is the incense of a tried and true friendship, right?

In my new book, The Friendship Handbook, one of several that remain unwritten, here are some basic rules:
1) Total meltdowns with absolutely no apparent reason are allowed at least once a month. If more frequent, an explanation should be discussed.

2) Venting is allowed for 10 minutes at a time and then something positive must be shared. Just like sweet and sour, it has to be in balance or it’s not palatable.

3) Some conversations are best forgotten. Oh. Not to mention forgiven before they’re forgotten. But if they’re truly forgotten, then they are forgiven, right?

4) Bunny trails in conversation and hopping around quickly are totally okay; one doesn’t have to make sense to be understood.

5) Laughter is required.

I am going to do my part on the last item this morning as I just watched this clip by Chonda Pierce on “Britches” which is so totally a word I use (to the horror of my daughters). I’m disappointed that I couldn’t embed the video, but it’s worth the 53 seconds to CLICK HERE

I have lots to tell you and I'm hoping I will actually get it from my head through my fingers to the computer. I tried that Dragon Naturally Speaking program and it was hilarious but not effective. I don't think I have an accent, but apparently that program thinks I do.

Happy Saturday!

Two More Years in a Few More Blinks

I've passed my two year anniversary for blogging and when I read Sandy's post today, offering Link Love, I thought it a bit ridiculous that I couldn't seem to come up with a favorite post. Really? Do I think so little of my writing? Maybe. (That's not a line to manipulate you to say something nice - I think we are all just a wee bit critical of our own efforts at lots of things.) However, as I read through old posts, I saw a distinct thread in my favorites - they're about realtionships - with family, with friends, with God.

I wrote the words below about 2 years ago, and can't believe how thankful I am for what has transpired as Cupcake went off to a school that was not her first choice. It still amazes me how some of the days (and nights!) can pass so slowly and yet the years just whiz by. He orders our steps...

In the spring of 2008 I wrote...

It hit me this week that my baby will be moving out in 3 months. People have asked me what I will do with an empty nest and I have just laughed and said, “I’m pretty sure I won’t be bored.” Now I realize that flip answers won’t cover the absence my heart will feel.

Tonight I found comfort in reading the words of an old friend who loved my Cupcake deeply. I found her legacy recorded on the website of the college Cupcake will be attending. Concidence? I don’t think so. The Curto Collection is a wonderfully written history, but it is a reminder to me that love is eternal. Jo Curto has moved to heaven, so I have not visited with her in quite some time. She writes, “Until I quietly slip away while explaining the “s” form of the verb and join those others who loved TCC in that Great Classroom in the sky, I will continue to count my blessings, not the least of which is the opportunity to feel needed and to belong.” I feel like I have visited with her tonight after reading her papers online. I bet she would have written an addicitive blog had she had that opportunity.

Jo was the kind of neighbor you dream of having. Her door was always open but she was never intrusive. She would watch our kids in a pinch with no notice. She was intelligent, funny, kind, strong and altogether fascinating. She was the one who entertained our older children when Cupcake was born and then brought them in to meet their new sister. She became “Nana Jo” to Cupcake - I had always loved the name “Nana” and she happily went along with that. Of course I knew she had her docotoral degree, was a professor and a published author, yet she was very unassuming and never wanted to talk about herself. I am not surprised now to learn that she was a prolific author as well as mentor to many budding writers.

Her writing has reached through time and space to comfort and encourage. I am reassured to know that as Cupcake moves away, she will be living in the shadow of Jo’s legacy. Jo describes the college saying, “TCC is not its publications, not its programs, not its technology, not its buildings, but its heart and soul are the people, from administrators with awesome responsibilities to young people with faith that TCC will help them overcome fears and doubts, realize their dreams, and meet their needs.” Thanks for everything, Jo.

Ola, Amigas!

A mind that has been stretched by a new idea (experience) will never return to the same shape again. That fact is one of the main reasons I love to travel.

Freshly returned from a rich adventure in the Republic of Panama, I am brimming with impressions and aware that I could write a book about what I learned. Since you will be getting chapter installments once I have time to write them, I’ll simply start today with some sensory impressions; samples of some of the flavors of the trip.

Awakening before dawn and climbing into the hammock on my balcony to listen to the rainforest come alive. (I took this photo from my balcony my first morning there)
The sharp, rich taste of fresh Columbian coffee awakening the taste buds.

The sound of many languages; primarily Spanish but Portuguese, French, the dialect of the Amberan Indian and many which were unidentifiable to me.

The suffocating humidity that turned to steam in the afternoons when the torrents of rain fell in sheets from the low-hanging clouds.

The smell of decaying organic matter in the rainforest; not an unpleasant smell but the fragrance of accelerated cycles of life.

The holy hush of the deep forest that imparted the sense of being in a magnificent cathedral.

New friends, overflowing with the character of God and walking in grace and integrity. Not an ordinary person among them.

There’s another great thing about traveling; coming home! Life is good.

Friday – A la carte

1. One of my best friends sent me this text message this week:

“A friend knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you
when you’ve forgotten the words.”

2. I'm amazed at my good fortune at the wonderful friends that came into my life when Fireman married last August. Daughter-in-love is fabulous and her mom and I have so much in common it’s amazing. This week she was up visiting and we walked on the beach, laughed and shared thankful hearts. She recently took a trip to Dubai and it was fascinating to hear all about that. I love her!! (We even selected dresses for the wedding that were almost exactly the same style but in colors that suited each of us. Perfect!)

3. Cupcake has a mouse at her house. She was certain that it was going to come out and bite her while she slept but I assured her that it’s more scared of her than she is of it. Makes me extra-thankful that Builderman deals with any such issues around our house. I’m spoiled.

4. For several years, I have yearned for a small group of women that I could grow with and be challenged by. I recently stepped onto the Area Board of a women’s ministry that has filled that bill so well that I am in awe.

5. I’m headed to Alabama to see LouLou tomorrow. She is getting tired at 102 ½. When I hear this awesome song “Finally Home” by Mercy Me, I’m reminded that we’re pilgrims here. She’s almost home.


Enjoy the journey this weekend!

Nothin' Virtual About These Friends

My friend, Sara, gave me a blog award for friendship that really got me thinking. Who knew that blogging would result in special relationships with people you can be real and honest with and who will speak the truth in love to you? People you can visit with any time of the day or night? Who can make you laugh and make you cry. Who keep you current as well as take you down memory lane? Who knew??

I talk about my friends from blogs like I would any of my other friends. Trying to explain who they (you!) are to people who don't blog is like to trying to explain the ocean to somebody who has never set foot out of the desert. They just don't get it.

In this technology age, I know there are "virtual assistants". But I don't think of my blog friends as "virtual friends". You are very real. I find it interesting how Dictionary.com handles this word:

The instructions on this award say to pass it on. The bloggers who make up the rules to these things get a little carried away with numbers in my opinion, so I am whittling the recommended 8 down to just 2 people. These 2 friends are fascinating and I love to visit with them:

1. Hats off and it's a pleasure to know you, ADHDme. Fascinating and fun, a fireman friend. (Do you say firewoman?!)

2. Let me introduce you to Ballerina Girl. She's an American living in Brazil and just back from the most fabulous trip you can imagine. I promise you need to see these photos.

The truth is, if you are reading this, I want to thank YOU for honoring me with your time. And I would love for you to recieve my extended hand of friendship and post this on your blog. So if you needed an award today, you got it!

I love having friends not only all over the country, but all over the world! I hear "Road Trip"! One day....

I See What You're Saying - Christmas Edition

This is the second edition of "I See What You're Saying", a vlog carnival hosted by Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee. The idea is to enhance blog friendships by letting you see and hear your bloggy friends. I'm not sure if the cheesiness of making a video of yourself accomplishes that - but it's good clean fun. Thanks for stopping by.



P.S. My technical difficulties on the pre-lit Christmas tree are quite obvious here. I decided next year is the best time to fix the issue.

The Real Deal

Well… I’ve had confirmation that I’m supposed to do this seminar on marriage.

The first thing that happened is I had an “incident” at home. In order to protect the innocence (cough, cough) of certain parties, suffice it to say that I allowed myself to become offended. Then I held on to my attitude and the small issue escalated out of proportion. I trust that has never happened to you. Of course, I started having thoughts like, “who am I to teach on marriage when I’m still figuring this out myself!” Actually, how could I possibly encourage others if I didn’t walk it out myself? I promise I won’t misrepresent myself by saying I have perfected the art of being married. But I am happily married and continue to learn daily how to remain so.

The second confirmation (ahem) came through my best friend. She isn’t a blog reader, so I called to tell her what I’d decided on for a topic. She didn’t stop laughing for 5 minutes. This didn’t offend me at all, as she has been my friend for 30 years and she has seen it all. I figured she was just overcome with joy. I am happy to be able to bring so much amusement into her day.

I’ll leave you with a favorite story told by a pastor’s wife who was teaching on marriage at a seminar I attended years ago. She was recounting an “incident” in her home when she had made a costly mistake with their checking account. In anger, her husband said, “You sure are pretty but how can you be so stupid?” She came back with, “God made me pretty so you’d marry me. And God made me stupid so I’d marry you! I thought that was hilarious. I doubt if she really said that. I never think that fast on my feet - it’s like 4 hours later when good comeback lines hit me. (Probably for my own protection.)

So there you have it. I’m excited. Keep the comments coming on possible titles. I really like your ideas. The giveaway is open through Saturday and you can leave your thoughts on this post too.

SOS - Prayer Needed for Cody

I believe in the power of prayer. And I know that most of you readers believe in the power of prayer. Our son just called and a good friend of his, Cody, was in a motorcycle accident last night.

He is in neurological intensive care in Tallahassee and this is a critical time, with swelling and all the complications of a brain injury. We are speaking life to Cody. He desperately needs a second chance. He does not know the Lord. Yet. Cody is 23 years old.

We have seen miracles before and we know we serve a miraculous God. Thank you for your prayers.

I See What You're Saying

Welcome! Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee is hosting this Bloggy "Carnival" today as a way to see the bloggers that you visit. I am amazed at the "virtual" friendships I have formed that are wonderfully real and strong and valuable. I only figured out how to do the 60 second video that's on the camera, but it's a step. Next time, you'll get a full blown musical. (Just kidding.)

Best Friends Forever

My new BFF is Matt Maher. He sent me his new CD for FREE because I blogged about him! I love his new CD “Empty and Beautiful” and have played it countless times already. For your information, he also wrote “Your Grace is Enough”, recorded by another favorite artist, Chris Tomlin. This is the first time in eons I have won anything! And the first tangible reward I have received from blogging! (Oh, but who can count the value of the intangible rewards?!) It made my day when I received the gift in the mail.
If you missed his offer, you can get his CD here for the amazingly low price of $8.97.

Since I introduced my new BFF, I felt it was time to introduce my old BFF. Since I can’t live a day without music, we have been friends a long time. He’s always in tune with my moods and very willing to jump right in and agree with me. He never tells my secrets or talks back. The only strike against him is he never helps with housework. Meet my piano - isn’t he beautiful?!

Jo’s Legacy

It hit me this week that my baby will be moving out in 3 months. People have asked me what I will do with an empty nest and I have just laughed and said, “I’m pretty sure I won’t be bored.” Now I realize that flip answers won’t cover the absence my heart will feel.

Tonight I found comfort in reading the words of an old friend who loved my Cupcake deeply. I found her legacy recorded on the website of the college Cupcake will be attending. Concidence? I don’t think so. The Curto Collection is a wonderfully written history, but it is a reminder to me that love is eternal. Jo Curto has moved to heaven, so I have not visited with her in quite some time. She writes, “Until I quietly slip away while explaining the “s” form of the verb and join those others who loved TCC in that Great Classroom in the sky, I will continue to count my blessings, not the least of which is the opportunity to feel needed and to belong.” I feel like I have visited with her tonight after reading her papers online. I bet she would have written an addicitive blog had she had that opportunity.

Jo was the kind of neighbor you dream of having. Her door was always open but she was never intrusive. She would watch our kids in a pinch with no notice. She was intelligent, funny, kind, strong and altogether fascinating. She was the one who entertained our older children when Cupcake was born and then brought them in to meet their new sister. She became “Nana Jo” to Cupcake - I had always loved the name “Nana” and she happily went along with that. Of course I knew she had her docotoral degree, was a professor and a published author, yet she was very unassuming and never wanted to talk about herself. I am not surprised now to learn that she was a prolific author as well as mentor to many budding writers.

Her writing has reached through time and space to comfort and encourage. I am reassured to know that as Cupcake moves away, she will be living in the shadow of Jo’s legacy. Jo describes the college saying, “TCC is not its publications, not its programs, not its technology, not its buildings, but its heart and soul are the people, from administrators with awesome responsibilities to young people with faith that TCC will help them overcome fears and doubts, realize their dreams, and meet their needs.” Thanks for everything, Jo.