Southern Living Yankee

I should write here more regularly. I'd cure the world of insomnia. It's cold, it's gray, it's boooorring! That's all that's been happening here. So here are old pictures, saved for a desperate day like today. Click "add photo," click browse, click latest pictures . . . . spin . . . spin . . . spin . . . spin . . . spin Oh forget it. No pictures today, the whatchamacallit is experiencing technical difficulties. But, looking ahead, and leaving my cranky alter-ego behind, should be a fun and unboring week coming up for this Birthday Girl! I don't have plans for the actual day because I'm working all that day. But the following day me and the Fish are going to see the Narnia movie. We've waited this long and will be rewarded with seeing it at the cheap theatre for $1.00! Or maybe $2.00. I might also see Leslie that day and we will sip (coffee) and pray over a variety of neverminds. On Friday, Jackie and I are cashing in on our half-price, HOUR...

Last week at this time butterflies were puking in my tummy. At 1:00 last Wednesday I had to present my program to the Outreach Coordinator and PR Manager at work. Just me and the two of them in a big empty room. Gulp and upset butterflies. As you can tell, I survived. I even gave them a little sniffle and tear to the eye they admitted--not because I was so awful. :) They were touched. So on Monday I went to the retirement center and presented the program. Those people were so sweet! I really enjoyed being with them. In ten days I have another engagement for a totally different group so I don't want to gloat. But I'm thinking maybe I can do this. Another thing that happened last week was on Thursday I teleconferenced with another woman who does widows ministry. It was great to talk with a kindred spirit. Our husbands died within a week of each other, same year. And we talked about this tremendous passion and privilege to serve widows and help them know God's great plan an...

In which I talk to myself a lot, understand why the rest of the world hates us, and maybe I hate us, too. The talking to myself: Next Monday I have to present an hour long program at a nursing home. I'm actually pretty excited about this. At first I was even laughing about it--like who's going to fall asleep first--them or me? But now I have to present it to our PR manager so she can make sure I don't publically humiliate myself or, more importantly, my employer. So how does one prepare for such an event?--you gotta talk to yourself--a lot. And you can't say gotta. Once tomorrow hits, I have a little over 48 hours. Gulp. The understanding why the rest of the world hates us: My raw and cracked fingers explain it. The world hates us Americans because we are stupid. Why else would we buy a fake, pre-lit, 8 or 9ft tall Christmas tree for Jesus's birthday? Do Christmas trees even grow in Israel, and if they do, were they lit up and decorated while shepherds watched ...

Besides my mantra for the New Year of "Healthy and Strong," this video will also guide me. Bwwaaahhahahahahahah! WRITING uPdATE: Yes, things are up and down. Time is down, other stuff is UP. I'll be speaking on Jan. 24 for a library speakers bureau engagement; and then there's a chance to do some poetry with a writer's group in Feb. The widows blog is going well with over 100 readers each week. But I hope this is the year of the book! I dread the thought of submitting it--pray about that hugest of hurdles for me. Thanks for checking in on me. Hope the video gives you some laughs, and have a great week!

Merry Christmas! See? She did get the tree up in time!

Merry Christmas to each of you, dear family and friends. We love you and pray God's very best for you in 2011. Check back "next year" for more writing updates.