Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Can You Say, "Loopy"???

I'm on muscle relaxers and pain killers for some horrific pain I've had in my shoulders and neck.

About a week ago, our incredibly powerful, custom security alarm went off -- REALLY early in the morning (meaning, I was NOT awake yet, nor was anyone else!) I scrambled to get out of the bed trying to reach the control panel, before the migraine-inducing noise could knock me off my feet. As I stared through bleary eyes at the panel, I realized something was indeed amiss -- the garage door was open.

So, I throw my robe on (literally) and race out to the garage. The door was certainly open, but nobody was around. (Of course, our alarm could scare ANYONE away - it's so intense.) I checked out the perimeter of the house, (I know, I know, smart move in my bathrobe and unarmed against whatever could possibly try to get in -I've already had that lecture repeated several times, thank-you) - but there was nothing that I could find.

I did the smart thing. I closed the garage door and I went back to bed. :)

Later in the day, I felt like I had "wrenched" something in my right shoulder and neck. Ignoring it, (which is what I normally do, thinking, "oh, it will go away") I kept on with my crazy schedule and routine. The following day I had to speak, and then, that weekend I led worship at our ACFW Colorado retreat. I hauled luggage around and my 45 pound bag (yes, I weighed it - AFTER this adventure) full of music books for the weekend. (Thankfully, Stu grabbed it from me as we were loading up to go home, otherwise, who knows what damage I would have done!)

At the retreat, Holly and I were the last ones to go to sleep in our "room" and our other "bunk buddies" snored in a beautiful harmony of pitches and volumes. I tried to go to sleep, wrapping the poor pitiful pillow I had brought with me around my head. Sleep didn't come, and then I woke with a wonderful ache in my neck. Add to that, sitting at the piano for a few hours, and driving mountainous, curvy roads... I think I know why I'm having "issues" now. :)

Well, here I sit - propped up with pillows - trying to relax (which I don't do well, anyone who knows me, knows that I don't sit still or "do nothing" very well - I've always got to be "busy") Anyway, I have five bajillion projects around me, about one hundred phone calls to make, and over five thousand emails to answer. But - I'm "loopy." (Medications and I don't mix - so I try not to take them.) When you are "loopy" is probably not the best time to try to write the next chapter in your manuscript, or to add to your latest book proposal, or to answer email, or even talk on the phone. Good grief, I'm crazy enough already, I don't need people thinking I'm "loopy" too!

So, if you don't understand any of this - you know why. If I haven't replied to an email or phone call - you know why. (Of course, most of you have been extremely understanding of that since I get so much correspondence and the publicity keeps rolling.) And if you want to call me "loopy" - go right ahead. :) Right now, I certainly am. My five bajillion projects will turn into six bajillion projects, and my lovely group of volunteers will help me "catch up" - maybe by 2010. :)

I think I'll go take a nap. I don't think I have much choice, my body has decided that it needs one after that last pill!

Monday, April 21, 2008

Pillows, Toilet Paper and Huggin' in Wal-Mart

I was in Wal-Mart the other day with Holly. This little trip came at the end of the day, after we had been filming for Discovery Health Channel, and we found out that we had feather pillows on the couch. Yes, I know. Random find there, huh? Let me explain. I had been sneezing a lot during the day, sat on the couch, when something poked me. I pulled at it and a feather came out of the pillow behind me. Now, I had been told that those pillows contained "synthetic feathers." How does one go about making synthetic feathers? Good question. I have no idea. Anyway, I eyeballed this feather, and thought, "that looks pretty real to me!"

So, as the camera crew is packing up their gear - what am I doing? I'm taking all of the beautiful, satiny, covers off of the pillows and reading the tags. And I'm sure you've guessed it - they were all "real" feather pillows.

Side note: I tend to get "focused" on something and can't let it go. No comments from the peanut gallery, please.

This pillow episode, now had me distracted. I'm allergic to feathers, my husband is allergic to feathers, Josh and Kayla are allergic to feathers. (I don't think Holly is allergic to feathers, but four out of five is not a good statistic! Do you see how I got distracted?)

After 11 hours with a film crew, and completely exhausted, Holly and I took off for Wal-Mart. I knew we would have to give away the feather pillows, but now, there were no pillows for my massive couch. (And - we'd had so many people in the house that day, we were running desperately low on toilet paper. I know - you were waiting to see how I could possibly link feather pillows to toilet paper. Well, there you go.)

And so, there we were. In Wal-Mart. Late. On Friday night. We were relatively quiet (shocking, I know) as we picked out different patterns and shades of pillows to match my chocolatey brown, leather couch. As we headed the other direction for the toilet paper, Holly started to sing - getting quite a few stares from the other tired, late-night patrons. I picked up what we needed, and headed for the check-out. Holly needed to get some medicine, so I stood in line, trying not to think too much and tax my already tired brain.

I smiled at the lady in front of me and she said, "Those are beautiful pillows..." turning to her sister she said, "aren't those beautiful pillows? Oh, and feel the texture... those are SO soft...I just LOVE the colors you put together..."

Her southern accent rang out and I laughed and joined in the conversation. She looked at me and said, "Honey - you're from the south, too!" We hugged - (yes, hugged) - and no, we had never met before. That's a fun thing about us southerners, we tend to hug everybody and talk about everything - to anyone who will listen! :) Now, I know that is invading some people's "space" - and there are a lot of people who are not comfortable with that - but it sure was fun in Wal-Mart that night. We conversed about the pillows, cooking good ol' southern dishes, and then had a fascinating discussion about toilet paper. Yep, you heard me. Toilet paper.

Why am I telling you this story? (You're probably wondering if I even HAVE a point?) :) Well, the lady running the check-out lane next to us had looked unhappy when I first stopped in that line and started "making noise." She had obviously had a very long day, but I noticed she was listening to our crazy conversation. When I had moved up in line and was closer to her, she quickly turned around and said, "thanks for giving me a smile tonight!" Her comment was so brief that I didn't think a lot about it at the time, but just smiled in return. My cohorts and I continued to jabber in line, Holly joined us and we had our cashier laughing along with us by the time we left.

But since then, I have thought about her comment a lot. We all get so busy in our own lives, and our own stresses, that we don't think about the people around us and what they may be going through. Cultures are different all around this great country - and as we've moved around, I've noticed that a lot of people keep to themselves, because they don't know if it will be offensive to their neighbor to strike up a conversation or check on them if they haven't seen them in a while.

What this whole thing impressed upon me was that we need to reach out more. It doesn't matter where we're from, or what we were raised with. I think if we were all a little more friendly, there'd be more friendly responses. And you never know when someone might need a hug, or a smile.

It reminded me of our community and our Extreme Makeover experience. So many people reached out to us, that had never even met us. Yes, it was a TV show and a great way to rally a large group of people - but what an example it was - of people coming together to help "one of their own."

Now, if only we could figure out how to do that on a day-to-day basis. Can you imagine how we could change our world?

Maybe we could all start by smiling at one another, or not complaining in the line at the grocery store, not scowling at the person who cut us off on the interstate, or by simply loving one another.

Who knows? You might just be hugging someone in Wal-Mart next time I see you, or having a grand ol' time talking about toilet paper...

Personally, I like Charmin...

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

A Little Girl's Wish...

My precious little Kayla has been through a lot in her short life. She is now eleven years old, but has maturity beyond her age. She's had to face some really tough issues - including a lot of "seclusion" from the outside world, and the "normalcy" so many people take for granted - comments from people when they see her with her vest on, and don't understand what it is, or about her skin when her eczema was really bad - even a very intense brain surgery, with a long recovery.

Through it all - she has smiled. "Beamed" is an even better word. She is amazing and inspires me every day. Josh, equally so, as he cares for his sister and has such a servant heart.

Wednesday, April 16, you'll get to see us on Montel. As a special surprise, they brought David Phelps to spend the day with us. Kayla's smile was incredible, and we were even more impressed with the man who has been our favorite since the first time we heard him sing.

So, let me tell you about Kayla's wish. She's always wanted to go to a David Phelps concert, but it's just not possible for a little girl who doesn't sweat to be in a huge crowd of people.

ABC knew that we loved him and had asked for him - they brought him as a surprise during our Extreme Makeover - but Kayla did not get to meet him. (I am not complaining! We were on our trip, and the benefit concert was during the build - and the video we were able to see was AMAZING!!) Anyway, Montel's producers had asked me about what Kayla's wish would be. I told them about David - and so they took it a step further, and brought him to spend the day. What an outstanding surprise that was! And another amazing day!

But, David knew what Kayla's wish was. He and his manager - Jim Chaffee - invited us for a very special event. So, this past weekend, we were privileged to be a part of an incredible concert. There were so many people who prayed and prayed and prayed for this event. I know for some, it was very cold, but God made special arrangements with the weather, and Kayla was able to stay for the entire concert! In fact, it never registered above 65 degrees in the venue, and most of the time, hovered around 60! Kayla's temperature never rose, and she was even able to take her cooling vest off during the second half. God is so cool, and we are praising Him.

I can't tell you how many people cried with us that we were able to go. And to all of those who made it possible - Thank You. David is one of the finest gentlemen I've ever met, and his wife Lori is absolutely beautiful - inside and out. I was so blessed to get to chat with her.

Now that you've seen David on Montel and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition - and I've told you about what an amazing person he is - here's your chance to see him live and hear his incredible voice! Tickets are available at www.itickets.com

Here's part of his upcoming tour schedule. You'll be blessed for the experience, and if you get the chance, tell him hello from us - and thank him for giving a little girl her wish...

4-24-2008

Fort Smith, AR
No More Night David Phelps Live
Eastside Baptist Church

4-25-2008

Omaha, NE
No More Night David Phelps Live
Westside Church


4-26-2008

Grand Island, NE
No More Night David Phelps Live
Evangelical Free Church


4-28-2008

Shakopee, MN
No More Night David Phelps Live
Friendship Church


4-29-2008

Sioux Falls, SD
No More Night David Phelps Live
Central Baptist Church


5-1-2008

Madison, WI
No More Night David Phelps Live
High Point Church


5-2-2008

Indianapolis, IN
No More Night David Phelps Live
Indian Creek Christian Church


5-6-2008

Charleston, SC
Promotional Date - Not Full Concert
Charleston Convention Center


5-9-2008

Winchester, VA
No More Night David Phelps Live
Winchester Church of God


5-10-2008

Barre, VT
No More Night David Phelps Live
Barre Auditorium


5-11-2008

Worcester, MA
No More Night David Phelps Live
Mechanics Hall


5-12-2008

Middletown, OH
No More Night David Phelps Live
The Oasis Church

Go to the David Phelps page and the links are also there - or go to www.davidphelps.com

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

My Life Is An Adventure

Those who know me, should be laughing... hysterically.

Today, I finally finished a project that should have taken an hour or so, and yet, took more than three days! THREE DAYS! Wow.

You may be wondering what on earth could take three days. Well, a simple DVD needed to be made. Simple. Right? Well, to make a long story short - Our DVD recorder's remote was not working properly. So...
...insert new battery... still doesn't work.
...buy a new remote... it won't program (even after you try standing on your head with it.)
...exchange remote... it will program, but "ok" button doesn't function (and have you noticed that you can't choose anything or answer anything without the "ok" button? It's like needing an "enter" key.)
...reprogram again... now "ok" button functions, but arrow buttons do not.
...reprogram yet again... now nothing works except for the "power" button.
...return remote...
...buy a new DVD recorder.

Yes, this is how my life goes. The day before I need to drive 1500 miles, one way, across country.

But it's even better than that. Guess what happened the day before I started the DVD adventure?

One of our cars broke down, leaving Holly stranded on an exit ramp off the interstate. My husband goes to rescue her, and work on the car. Katie, the kiddos and I follow with the title to the car, in case it's dead and we need to "trade" it in.

Let's just say, this adventure involved a tow strap- me behind the wheel of an itty-bitty, non-working, VERY OLD Ford escort station wagon- being towed by my GINORMOUS, very expensive, Expedition Truck (our gift from Ford)- and a couple of REALLY steep hills. Has anyone ever done this? Let me give you my opinion: It's not a wise idea. Especially when you are in the tiny vehicle being towed. Have I mentioned that I had NEVER done this before? And that sitting in the little station wagon, mere inches from my truck, I realized how truly HUMONGOUS my truck was, and then the thought struck me - about how squished I would be if I hit it.

We did arrive at our destination (otherwise, I would not be writing this) - but the relief when I jumped out of that car...oh my goodness! Katie and I had never been so stressed. I don't think I took a breath for the entire twenty minutes of "tow adventure."

Anyway, my sweet daughter, Kayla, looked at Katie and said, "poor Katie, every time she's here, we have an adventure." Kayla told my friend Lori that today, and Lori responded with, "I don't know what you mean, Kayla! Every day is an adventure with you guys!"

And so the saga continues. Yes, tomorrow will be another adventure.
And we'll laugh our way through...

Montel Show Air Date

Just to let you all know:

Our air date is April 16, Wednesday

Check your local listings to find out the time and station or go to www.montelshow.com

Sunday, April 6, 2008

Dragon Light Name Contest

You guys have done a great job guessing! I've had a LOT of response, but we're not there yet.

So... here's your first hint. It's a "tumanhofer" that has this name, and you should go read the previous books to see examples of the length of the names of characters who are "tumanhofers."

Next time I update and give a hint, I will tell you about the prizes!

Keep guessing! And if you haven't read the DragonKeeper Chronicles (Dragon Spell, Dragon Knight, Dragon Quest, Dragon Fire) by Donita K. Paul, go buy them, read them, and you'll be SO glad you did!

Happy Reading!

Thursday, April 3, 2008

Laughing through the Mucus

For those of you who are squeamish of stomach, I apologize. My motto is to Laugh through Life's Challenges. Yes, I may cry for a little while - sometimes even fall flat on my face - before I pick myself up (actually God does that) and move on. But I still try to think about the positive and smile and laugh -(remember those verses in James about considering it pure joy?)

So, I have to say I'm sorry, because this will be one of those laughing through life moments! You may not get a lot of application, but I hope you enjoy!

I have been sick for a week. With that wonderful head-cold-sinus-junk that doesn't want to leave. I also have not gotten much accomplished through this horrific battle, and I definitely haven't made much sense! Well, I had a speaking event this morning that was truly of the Lord, but I had not been feeling (or sounding) well at all, and was a little concerned about even waking up! I actually prayed for the "snot" to at least go away during the meeting. :) (Wouldn't you know, this morning, I was leaps and bounds better? Amazing!)

Anyway, I was up there on the stage, speaking to this beautiful group of MOPS moms. I had a little "project" for them at the beginning and started in on my latest random thought as my cohorts passed out pen and paper. (Oh boy, watch out!)

I asked them what those little bulbous, sucky, thingies are - you know the ones - that you use to help suck the "snot" out of your little baby when they can't blow their own nose? They all laughed as they shouted out the answer and I told them I thought I needed to invent one that was industrial sized, and plugged into the wall, you know, to help us poor adults out. Because I cannot stand that stage of the "crud" when you can't sniff anything up and you can't blow anything out - it's just stuck up there, in that zone of mucus, that makes you want to perform surgery on yourself to relieve the pressure.

Thankfully, this was a group of preschool moms. They're used to wiping nasty little noses, mouths, and hands - having spit-up on them - and even changing "icky" diapers that make other people gag.

So, Yes. I laughed through the mucus. And we all had a good time. I was so blessed by this group of moms.

Hopefully, next time you have the "crud", you can think of this little story and laugh your way through. Because you CAN find the joy in every little part of life.

I think we're out of Kleenex.