Body Building Weight Setup

Dear freinds,

Because my husband passed away on 11/25/09 I'm needing to sell this weight set.

My mother is coming to live with me and I need the room.

Gary bought the best his money could buy. He weighed 240 when he started using this setup, his bench had to be able to handle a lot of weight.

Weight Setup

Body Vision 547
Bench with Curl over and leg extension bar
Two barbell setups

Weights:
2 25 lb
2 11.25 lb
8 10 lb
8 5 lb
4 4 lb
2 2.25 lb
4 1.25 lb

2 25 lb dumbbells
2 20 lb dumbbells

I haven't set the price just yet, working on it. Please feel free to email me:

lionheartedkat@cox.net

Also own an Elliptical Machine

Paid $125.00 last year

Mandy Mouse Lives at Lydia House

Omaha author and Bible teacher, Tara Rye has created a long needed book for children, Mandy Mouse Lives at Lydia House is illustrated by Molinda Sunde.

Mandy Mouse Lives at Lydia House is the story of a Momma mouse and Mandy, an adorable creature with a curl that insists on flipping this way and that.

One day Momma mouse explained their predicament to Mandy. She’d lost her job and they don’t have even enough money for a jar of honey. Shortly they are evicted from their home and have no place to live. With no place to go, they got in their car and drove to a park not too far away.

Under the stars Mandy Mouse says to her Momma, “I love to watch the stars in the sky. They make me feel safe in the park late at night. The stars are bright and they give us light.” Momma Mouse smiled and patted Mandy’s head.

Although Momma and Mandy live in a car, the children at school do not know about the situation. After months of near starvation, Mandy cries out to God, “God will you show yourself to me?”

The results of that prayer are how Mandy and Momma eventually end up at Lydia House, a part of the Open Door Mission in Omaha, a special place for those in desperate circumstances.

Rye has added the Homelessness facts we need to know—three and a half million in our nation and two thousand in the city of Omaha are homeless today.

Although the story is about a mouse family, it pertains to the real facts around us. Mandy attended school and her classmates had no idea of her situation, or that she lived in a car. Every home should have Mandy Mouse in their library to create an awareness of the problems other families struggle with daily, homelessness is real.

Special Note: 100 % of the proceeds from Mandy Mouse goes to Lydia House to help with homelessness.

Allow the Blessing

I couldn't believe the grocery delivery to our front porch, but we were blessed today when a friend filled our porch with eggs, home canned chicken in broth (for my nausea days), potatoes, pears, apples, and a watermelon straight from the farm.

At the time I wondered how to say thank you, how to pay back the kindness. Then I realized, I can't do anything at this moment except let my friend bless me and she did. Way beyond what I could think, dream or imagine. Wow. And the potatoes were all scrubbed, too.

The same dear lady is going in for surgery on October 22nd and I’m inviting all my readers to begin praying for Dee Miller right now. She has spent her summer growing a garden and all fall harvesting, canning, and preparing for the winter months.

When I sent Dee an encouragement note tonight I realized I was coaching myself in writing to her. Here are some things I mentioned:

• Prayer is the Key to Heaven and Faith Unlocks the Door” (an old gospel song.) Every surgery is MAJOR MAJOR SURGERY and you need the body of Christ lifting you in prayer. Tell your friends, neighbors and church now. Ask them to pray for your medical team, your neighbors, your parents and your immediate family. The enemy will use whatever he can at our most vulnerable moments.


• Remember, the day after surgery you will be the most vulnerable. Two weeks after surgery you’re going to think "I should....." well forget it! Get smart girl, let your men pamper you. Take care of your body, you only have one. Three weeks after surgery your gonna think it’s taking too long to heal, remember SLOW IS NORMAL.


• Forget being wonder woman, you spent all summer being Proverbs 31 lady of the house, preparing for such a time as this. Allow yourself every moment of healing necessary.


• In the first stages of his cancer, Gospel singer Roger Bennett said a pastor told him, “People are going to want to help you and the best you can do is to allow them to bless you at this time.”
  
  That all sounds pretty motherly and preachy, but I’m actually talking to me. On Tuesday I way overdid, worked five hours and ran errands. By night I hit a pain-filled wall. I’m learning it’s okay to ask husband for things. He says, “This is all a part of my caregiver package.”

One last thought. Last weekend we stopped by Kmart where I bought lotion. The loudspeaker blared: “Blue Light Special in the Grill Section.” Well if Kmart can have their “Blue Light Special," I can have a Lionhearted Kat Middle of the Night Special.

Anyone reading this special can purchase a Capsules of Hope: Survival Guide for Caregivers for $5 off the going price. Normally $18, if you tell me you saw this special, you can have the book for $13 (plus s/h if necessary).

This is a win-win-win deal. Many of you have asked how you can help me, well buying Capsules of Hope will help tremendously. You have blessed me. You can read the book and share with a caregiver (maybe someone you don’t know well, but you just want to bless them.) And, my monetary gain helps me on the days I’m not working. (win-win-win).

Place your order at lionheartedkat@cox.net and mention the “Middle of the Night Special”
(Kat's Breast Cancer Photo shoot coming this weekend.)

Once upon a time a most fluffy bunny lived in Kat’s most beautiful front yard. She (must be a she, her little ones followed her everywhere) nestled under a front hedge where an inquisitive Kat watched her from her porch swing. Every so often, Mama’s head peeked from the hedge and then the little ones hopped out one at a time to nibble at the well trimmed delicious green grass.

Kat’s elderly neighbor Ethel said Mama Bunny and her little ones visited her yard, too. Often Ethel counted the babies and then email Kat, “Saw them all again today. They are really growing. I told them not to go into your back yard with the dog. Hope they heard me.”

Kat and Ethel enjoyed the bunnies for a couple of months. They never did have as much fun with the squirrels. The black squirrels hop everywhere and taunt Paddy dog continually. Never have had an albino squirrel visit our yard…..but today….

If you see the albino squirrel on my blog, let Teresa Slack know. Be sure and find all the other posted photos, too. There are about 15 squirrels out there. Teresa is giving away a $15 Amazon gift card and a can of mixed nuts to the winner with the most photos found first.

Have a fun day, I’m off to the hospital….think your travels on the net sound like more fun.
Still Lionhearted Kat

Check out these blogs to find the squirrel

Sandi Rog: http://www.sandirog.blogspot.com
http://www.thebookdoctorbd.blogspot.com
Mid Stutsman http://www.midsnovelidea.blogspot.com
http://www.midspointofview.blogspot.com
Elizabeth Bussey http://www.ebussey.blogspot.com
http://www.wisdomwalk.wordpress.com
James Tate http://www.Daneymoco.blogspot.com
Dianne Sagan http://www.diannesagan.wordpress.com
Kat Crawford http://www.lionheartedkat.com
http://www.sftlm.blogspot.com
Kelly Klepfer http://kellyklepfer.blogspot.com
Marion Marchetto http://www.marionmarchetto.com
Lisa Lickel http://www.livingourfaithoutloud.blogspot.com
http://www.lisalickel.com/cgi-bin/blog
Tamera Kraft http://www.wordsharpeners.wordpress.com
Penny McGinnis http://www.encouragementjourney.blogspot.com
http://www.pennyspicks.blogspot.com
Molly Dawn Edwards http://www.buuklvr81.blogspot.com
Carla Gade http://www.carlaspathways.wordpress.com
Sally Hanan http://www.sallyhanan.wordpress.com
Elizabeth Byler Younts http://www.byelizabeth.blogspot.com
Chawna Schroeder http://www.chawnaschroeder.blogspot.com
Teresa Slack http://www.youcanwriteanovel.blogspot.com
Karin Beery http://www.therehastobeabeginning.blogspot.com
Vicki Moss http://www.livingwaterfiction.com

Information Overload

NO MORE TODAY, PLEASE.

I’m on information overload.

I’ve read the books, talked to numerous breast cancer patients, researched on the internet and have now been in the offices of several specialists for more hours than I can count.

I have more appointments than I know how to juggle. When this Lionhearted Kat started to hide behind one great big paw, my caregiver man jumped into the arena. He asked questions, explained details I didn’t grasp, and patiently sat in a cool consult room for hours.

What would I say to a woman not yet diagnosed with breast cancer?

Did you know 15% of breast cancer is not detected in a mammogram, a self-exam is important.

1. Know your breasts well. They are not just something to fill out a blouse, or the “girls” as called by the two on “What Not To Wear.” They truly aren’t given to us to flaunt before a guy or get a husband. This is precious tissue, a gift just like our hearts, lungs, ears, eyes and limbs. We should understand what makes them work and every woman owes it to herself to self-exam.

2. If you detect something different during a self-exam, take care of it immediately. I waited six weeks. I’ve learned that six weeks makes a huge difference. Now I’m faced with Stage II cancer, not a simple lump easily removed.

3. Realize not all breast cancer is the same. Because your friend or your Aunt has breast cancer doesn’t mean you know the outcome if you by chance develop breast cancer. My Aunt had cancer and radical bi-lateral mastectomies. She did not have chemo or radiation. She did have hormone blockers. My cousins wife has cancer, also underwent bi-lateral mastectomies. She had six months of chemo and will have no radiation. Me, well, I have cancer, I’ve had two surgeries and unlike theirs, I’m blessed with having chemo, radiation and hormone blockers. Today I learned I’ll have another surgery after chemo.

4. If you are diagnosed with breast cancer, don’t be mislead into thinking you’ll lose weight. Today Dr. Rozak said there are such good meds to stop the nausea many BC patients gain weight. They sit around not feeling on top of the world and eat.

5. Unfortunately, one in four women will probably end up with breast cancer—70% will be hormone positive, like me. The good news about breast cancer, it is treatable.

Yes, I’m on information overload, but with my caregiver hubby chuckling in the corner making sure I drink my fluids, take my pills and sleep, with my family cheering me on and with the prayer support, I’ll make it through this another adventure—not one I chose, but I do believe even this is designed by the one who created me in the beginning.

Read Psalm 139…..God knew me in my mother’s womb and He still knows where I am today.

Scrapbook Encouragment and Support

It’s Tuesday night. Feels like I’ve lived a whole week today. Up at 4:30 a.m. Off to work with my sweet driver Sherri shortly after 5ish. At work I felt like I’d freeze one minute and rip off my clothes the next. I got so cold I plugged in my winter heater and used my sweater coat for a blanket across my knees—for all of about ten minutes—then it’s rip them clothes off and turn on the fan. See why I’m tired? It’s a lot of work dressing and undressing.

Cassie stopped by my desk about ten. “Did you hear the all call? We have a meeting up front.” She ushered me through the bare aisles. Obviously everyone else had listened. When we walked to the center of our company Cassie nudged me to the center of the group. I heard Dan, our President talking about Sarah, one of our sweet little co-workers who is moving to Washington. I assumed the meeting was to tell her goodbye. So much for assuming, the meeting was called for me. Yeah, me. I’m rarely at a loss for words, but this really really surprised me.

Dan handed me a beautiful purple, velvet covered scrapbook with my cute lion face from this blog on the front cover. What fantastic support. Four women did the scrapbooking, one did the photography, all my co-workers wrote me encouraging notes laced together with scripture.

I’ve felt very confident I’m not going through this cancer battle alone, but today all my co-workers assured me they are my support and they are praying for me. I couldn’t read the notes there, too weepy. I packed the album to my appointment this afternoon and shared it with several people while we waited. We had an ultra long wait because Dr. Silva had an emergency today. Today’s wait wasn’t bad, I made a new friend.

I saw a ball cap on an obviously bald woman, asked her if she’s a Dr. Silva’s patient. Yep, she is. We have an appointment to talk later this week. She’s a single mom with two teens and a twenty-six year-old. Her cancer has spread much further than mine and is now in her breast and her bones. She’s a nurse and works two jobs to keep her family together—how has she handled her chemo? Well, that’s what I’ll know by the weekend. In only the few minutes we talked I knew I’d met another woman to add to my list of inspirational and motivational mentors.

Funny thing, I know I have that dreaded disease called cancer, but I’m feeling pretty good, I look okay, and I know I’m loved. What more can we want in life.

There’s more to write about, but it’s time to call it a day. Check my caringbridge site to read more of the actual outcome from today’s consult.
Tomorrow I'll try and post a couple things about the book--several asked, it's so cool.
PS: I managed to learn the names of the nurse and a front desk gal, too. I'm learning this is important in my cancer treatment, more about that later.

Found a photo, but on someone else's computer without my photo manager and stuff, I'm lost. So here's the skinny for tonight. Had a great day. It's late and I'm finally wearing down. Thought maybe by now my friend Sharon might call back. We haven't seen each other in fifty years. She called this evening, while we are talking she's freaking out. "Oh, Kat, you won't believe this. I'm breaking out. Blotches everywhere. It's all over my legs." She checked her tummy. "Even my stomach." Sounded like allergic reaction to me. Assured her I'd find people to start praying. Hope it's nothing serious, but as we talked we were both thinking "Urgent Care" here I come.

For those who sent email, I can see you wrote, but for some reason on this computer, I can't view the messages. Grrr. Oh well, by the weekend and another computer I'll figure it out. (Did I say Roger where are you?)

Jill I see you are trying to put the crit group together on another night, great. My only problem is getting there. Possibly Teresa or Glennette will join, I'll check that out as we go along. Oh, well then there is this thing called "Cancer" that might interuppt my plans, too. I do hope you keep moving forward on your ideas anyway, you have my full support grlfrnd.

Then back to that thing that's interuppting my life. Did I tell you a six-year old gave up his window seat for me? He shrugged his shoulders like no big deal. Bobbed his cute little curly locks and grinned at me. "It's alright, I don't mind," he said. Then later when the flight attendant said, "Mrs. Crawford, you need a wheel chair, right?" That little guy looked at me, his eyes wide and said, "You handicapped?" Cute. You should have seen his mothers shocked reaction. Priceless. Kids are sooooo real.

But back to this thing. I've found myself saying, "Please be careful of my left arm, I've had surgery." That makes people think frozen shoulder, broken arm, or possibly pulled muscles. I realized tonight I avoid the C word. Gotta get wild and wooly with this THING that no longer lives in my body, but has created a hole in my future. Cancer demands respect, you can't avoid it, step around it or pretend it's not real.

Oh and one other reminder, it doesn't matter if cancer has history in your family. I only have one Aunt that had breast cancer. You see, cancer doesn't respect the gene pool. Remember ladies, be good to yourself. Have a mammogram once a year and self exam often. You only have one life, use it to the fullest.
PS: Have you found my other blog A Caregivers Corner? I did post there today for the first time in months. Life is just too full to get everything done I want to do before I'm done here.

I’m flying to Oregon tomorrow. Husband is choosing to stay home as #1 caregiver for Paddy dog, our special child still at home. This month Paddy celebrated his tenth birthday. In December 1999 Tilly, our second border collie died. I said no more dogs. Then I said no dogs until spring. Husband still took me to the kennels and even to the humane society. Those people really freaked me out.

We filled out all the adoption papers, answered a gazillion questions and then those people—I call them “those people” rather than other names—turned husband down. Said he wasn’t a good candidate to adopt because his dog had just died after ten years.

When we left there I thought husband might forget the dog getting, but he didn’t. The next day I called our daughter in Oregon after work. We were chatting away when a horrible ruckus took place on the front porch.

“Mom, what’s that noise?”

“Must be the neighbor kids selling something.” I let husband answer the door. In bounded three adorable border collie pups. One merle colored, one black and then this yellow fur ball with black patches, yes, that was Paddy Awfulous O’Reilly’s entrance into our home. He came straight from a pig farm. He’d rolled in so much farm stuff he smelled a fright and looked a deep tan/yellow cream colored. The owner gave us a Christmas discount when I continued to say “no dog.”

Husband gave Paddy three baths before he cleaned up real pretty.

Paddy’s smart as a whip. He shakes hands with both paws, plays dead, sits up, tells us where the cookies are and can spell forwards and backwards. He opens the door to let himself out and he also says his prayers. He’s also my protector.

Paddy is also smart enough to know when you enter a hospital you keep your yap shut. In December 2002 when husband was fading fast, our family doctor said to call our children from Oregon, “I’m not sure Gary will make it through the weekend.” That’s when I decided a paddy visit might stir husband from the pits. I asked my friend Jean to help me and prince that Paddy is, he walked through the hospital like a Champ winning Best of Show.

There are many reports about animal therapy, but I’m here to tell you, puppy visits aren’t always as beautiful as portrayed in the movies. Husband freaked when he saw Paddy. He grabbed his stomach and kept saying, “No! Paddy, No!” Afraid he’d have a ball of fur in his lap.

The good news is, we brought husband home from that hospital and he and Paddy still live in my house. I’m sorry husband isn’t traveling with me, but I love our Paddy dog and understand that he and his master need each other. The other really good news is, my visit to the hospital this month was only an overnighter. My cancer isn’t rare like husband’s pseudomyxoma peritonei. Hopefully, I won’t need a Paddy visit, I’ll manage all treatment from home. For that I’m so very grateful.

It's All About Perspective

There’s an email floating around, been out there for years, about the college student that writes home to her parents. Her dorm burned, she jumped out the window, a boy rescued her and took her home. She ends up pregnant but promises to get married before the baby is born. Then she mentions the young man is good to her although of different race and religion, “But after all Mom and Dad, you raised me to love all people.” She mentions she’s headed to the doctor with an infection she caught from the young man, but not too worry too much. That’s when she says, “Well none of the above is true, but I did flunk history and algebra, I just wanted you to see the problem in perspective.

I’ve read that email more than once over the years. Today I’m being faced with perspective. I’m headed for surgery. Not some rare disease like husband’s battle with Pseudomyxoma Peritonei (PMP). The surgery he went through is lovingly called “The Mother of all Surgeries.” No, my battle comes with cute pink ribbons, hats, and purses. Tons of books have been written and almost every woman is related to or has experienced this cancer.

As common as breast cancer is, it remains the #2 killer of women. (Lung cancer is #1). Still I needed perspective today. I don’t post a lot on the PMP support group, but I still keep in touch and read. One dear Dr. Loggie patient has been battling PMP since 1999. Recently she ended up in the hospital with infection in her pelvic region. Yesterday she emailed me to say the antibiotics got the infection under control, but where the tumor is located has broke out…she is flying from the east coast to see Dr. L again. She mentioned her dread of traveling in this condition.

After reading the email I thought about the many others with rare cancer, the struggles with fear of the unknown—I know my journey is doable. Thank you each one for your support, I need your wisdom, I’m trying to keep my listening ears available and a good perspective on my situation.

Know It Well

Just kissed the Wanna Be Armstong now Wanna Be Caregiver goodbye. He's off to an early morning ride.

It’s Thursday, the day I planned to sleep in, everyone said rest. Why not? Only I have this long “to do” list. The phone rang at 5 a.m. Sherri my daily driver said, “I’m sorry. You aren’t going to work today. Go back to sleep.” Talk about giggles and grins.

In the olden days I’d have been upset, today I realized with my list ahead Sherri did me a favor. I brushed my teeth, made coffee, pulled out a devotional book by quadriplegic Joni E. Tada. She’s a woman that always gives me perspective. How can I complain? She can do nothing for herself, someone serves as her caregiver 24/7 and without them she’d die.

Dear husband is moving into that caregiver role and wants to serve, but I balk at the idea. Well, sometimes. Last night I wanted him to spoil me and fix food. He truly doesn’t like thinking meals and nicely asked me to fix dinner. Okay, so what can a “Looking well” woman do? I fixed a nice balanced meal and he thanked me. Then I made a phone call to Mary Ann, a dear friend husband and I cooked and cleaned for from 1999 until 2002 when husband’s cancer interrupted our lives.

I sat on the front porch talking with Mary Ann and truth be known, I hoped my Wannabe caregiver might step up to the plate and he did. Before I finished talking with Mary Ann, he cleaned the kitchen. With Mary Ann still on the phone I returned to the kitchen and praised the man. I put the phone on speaker and Mary Ann said, “Hey, Mr. Caregiver I know a good book you might need for your new role.”

“Don’t have to read it, I’ve lived it, and know it by heart, I’ve heard it so much.”

What can I say? Capsules of Hope is at work even in my home.

Screaming Hope Anyway I Can

A torn paper surfaced on my desk today. It said, “Lance Armstrong is riding. He is screaming HOPE anyway he can.” I’d written that while listening to a commentator during the Tour De France. I probably wouldn’t have taken the time to watch this year, but in 2004 Dr. Loggie told husband to ride a bike to help his recovery. That summer husband became the Lance Armstrong wannabe. No, not modeling Lance’s lifestyle, but he’s tenacity. We’ve followed him during his retirement and watched him train for this year’s big race. We wanted him to win. He didn’t, but he still placed third.

It seemed to me the race was rather tame this year, until the day Lance revved it up. The newscasters were screaming he rode so fast and past others they didn’t think possible. Husband’s watched the repeats over and over again.

I don’t plan to ride a bike anytime soon, but I want to “Scream Hope” to others. Anyway I can. That’s not a bad legacy to leave behind.

A Plan Before Us

One can never consent to creep when one feels an impulse to soar. Helen Keller

We now have a plan before us. We did have consults with onology doctors, Tuesday, Thursday, and a plastic surgeon on Friday. Their offices are all over the city of Omaha, which I mentioned to husband sounded like a future nightmare of run here and there and lots of co-ordination of time and missed work.

Yesterday gave us an instant solution, I’m now scheduled for surgery August 14th.

After my surgical procedure July 28th, I beat myself up. I’m the woman that wrote the book and I did not ask nearly enough questions. When I arrived at the procedure center I planned for a lumpectomy, that’s not what happened. The surgeon did an excise biopsy—no sentinel biopsy, no core biopsy. All she did was remove the lumps.

Before the surgery, husband attended the consult where the surgeon formed her hands in large circle saying baseball sized lumps. She also said fast growing, needed surgery quickly. That is why I didn’t opt for needle biopsy—let’s get this stuff out, now.

Last Friday the surgeon walked into the room, sat herself on a stool and said, “It’s cancer,” and nodded her head emphatically. She suggested lumpectomy won’t take care of the problem. When I said, “With my history, do I need to consider bilateral?” the doctor agreed. She then said, “Meet with medical oncologist and plastic surgeon and then we’ll schedule the surgery.”

When we left the doctor’s office husband drove me to see Kevin (PMP patient) and Roni at Creighton. Kevin faces a much tougher battle than I do, they are here from The Bronx, and I wanted to give caregiver Roni a hug. What a blessing to spend time with them, pray with them, receive several hugs from Roni and hear Roni pray for our decision making.

Downstairs in Creighton, Holly, Dr. Loggie’s PA took a few minutes to consult with me. I’d remembered Dr. Silva being in the office with Dr. Loggie and his specialty, breast cancer. Holly highly recommended him and gave me his new phone number. (Loggie is husband’s PMP doctor and he wrote the forward to Capsules of Hope.)

Dr. Silva is a teaching doctor and from the moment he stepped into the room, we were his latest students. He explained everything, drew out the exact size of the lumps from the path report, showed me the pathology report; explained the type of cancer and why he suspects it is hormone related. I had taken twenty questions to the office, when the doctor prepared to leave, husband said, “My wife had a list of questions, will you look this over.” Dr. Silva took time to check each one, and answered those we hadn’t talked about.

There is more, but in only a few minutes we made a decision to follow Dr. Silva’s plan of action. On August 14th I will have a lumpectomy and any other necessary testing to determine further cancer involvement. I will post more about the treatment plan after that surgery.

When I talked about the possibility of flying to Oregon on August 20th for my 50th HS reunion, the doctor said, “Good idea. Yes, by all means go.”

All weekend I’d wondered about the results of chemo, how much time off work, how will husband manage if I’m down for weeks, maybe months. (I’ve watched others through the process.) Yesterday, we walked from Dr. Silva’s office with a whole different scene in front of us.

Roni sent me a scripture last night, 58:6-11. I’m not sure she realized, but in August 2002 I’d sent the 58:11 verse in Gary’s lunch: “The Lord will guide you always….” He has and is, please continue to pray for me and Dr. Silva and team. This is still cancer, I still face more surgery, but with God all things are possible.

I do have the impulse to soar—now to buy the ticket, please pray for the upcoming surgery, my medical team, and my flight companions.

My friend from Wordsowers writers group, Lee Warren compiled the information for a perpetual calendar, Inspiring Moments from the Great Outdoors. I bought one when they first came out and placed it near our printer at work. Many of my co-workers have commented on the bits of trivia. Today I read one that said,

“In 1934 the fastest wind speed ever recorded in the United States was recorded on top of Mt. Washington in New Hampshire. The wind reached 231 MPH.”

The idea of wind traveling that fast reminded me of where I stand right now. I feel like I’m on top of that mountain with stuff flying at me from all directions, the “stuff” is flying by me so fast I can’t get a grip on anything.

Oh well, whoever recorded that fastest wind speed ever, only experienced it once. That must mean this too will pass and later this week I’ll handle whatever comes my way. Until then, I’ll rely on the Lord, husband, family and friends to help me remember what’s absolutely necessary. The rest, well it really doesn’t matter in the game of life anyway, right?

Need Hope in a Capsule

The only way of finding the limits of the possible is by going beyond them into the impossible. -- Arthur C. Clarke

That quote came to my inbox, today. Isn't it funny how a quote, a sermon and a friend can change the outlook of the day. I’m dealing with some stupid pain that irritates me. Quit the pain meds, they just mess up other parts of my daily routine, so I just deal with the pain.

Now my mother never ever takes pain meds, neither does husband, but me, I’ll avoid the hurt if possible. However, I don’t like my life to feel out of control, like dizzy/sleepy all the time, or these other necessary bodily functions to be clogged up either—so I’m doing the Mom-Gary thing, no meds.

By the time we arrived at the St. Mark’s United Methodist Church to hear the Blackwoods, I’d slipped into a really good, feel-sorry-for-me-worried-about-the-finances persona. Then a friend gave me a hug (yeah, I guard my front). “No news yet?”

“Yes. It’s cancer.”

“You can beat this. I know several….” She listed off the many friends and relatives and for two seconds I felt miffed. Gary steered me into the sanctuary to hear the Blackwoods. Gospel music helps turn my thinking around. Then the surprise sermon, we’d driven an hour to hear the Blackwoods again, not realizing they were the opening for a sermon.

God and husband knew what I needed: Jesus feeding the 5,000, the impossible made possible not because of the disciples, the people or the boy’s lunch, but because Jesus turns the impossible into the possible.

When we left I hugged my friend and thanked her for being part of my re-focusing. Between her counsel, the message and the music, I’m back on track. Wonder how many times I’ll need to be re-routed in the next few weeks? Gotta remember, the Lord is all around me and hope, even a little bit of hope, even capsule sized hope can make a difference. I will not lose sight of hope.

Thank You For Your Prayers

For whatever reason this won't post correctly.

I slept well and now headed to work. Hope you figure out the problem and can find info. I'm headed for work and it's now daylight.

Want more info check out http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/kat2009

Life is what we make it, enjoy the journey.

Thanks for the prayers, I slept like a baby last night—awake every couple hours. (grin)
The good news is I listened to husband’s soft snore, realized he slept well, and then fell back asleep.

This morning I read Psalm 126. I love the phrase in the second verse, “Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy.” Decided today I’ll search for things that bring laughter to our household. Then I continued to read to verse nine, “Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. He who goes out weeping carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.”

Like I said, this isn’t about me. Truly thought the whole trip to a surgeon’s office had to do with other caregivers, their needs, there loneliness—how do I create a great awareness? After reading today’s devotional I know God has a plan to turn this into something I can neither think nor fathom.

Read the Psalm again and thought back to December 2001 when I whined to my friend Lynn, “My life feels like a little box. Do the same things in the same square every day.” Lynn gave me The Prayer of Jabez, where Jabez prayed God would enlarge his territory. Well no way in the world did I choose husband’s cancer to meet more people, but Psuedomyxoma Peritonei (pmp) definitely increased the size of my world.

Wonder what will happen in the next few weeks? Who will I meet? Will Capsules of Hope create a difference in another’s life or will I just write a new saga in the next book?

Welcome Cancer, the Fight is On

Tonight I'll process. Tomorrow I'll write more.
If you wish more info please check out www.caringbridge.org/visit/kat2009.

I keep saying, "I wrote the book, funny what I forgot while in process."

Thank you for your prayers. This I know, I'm confident God is at the center of my life, He knows the whole journey before me. I can fight the fight.

Still Lionheartedkat, Kat

An Evening Out

It’s early Friday morning, the day after the Blackwood Brothers Quartet concert. The only problem with the concert, I allowed the pain meds to wear off and now I can’t catch up, or is it because I left my pillow at home and that caused the problem? The pillow props up the left side and eases the drag on the stitches. I don’t know the answer, but I know I needed out of the house and I enjoyed every minute of the Blackwood Brothers Quartet. The guys always give a full performance, they clown, bring laughter and the gospel message.

Outside of our house I didn’t feel like a patient anymore. I grabbed four Capsules of Hope books to drag along and of course, we sat in the second pew right by the piano. DeAnn Johnson of Eagle Wings Promotions, and her son Kyle sat in front of us. Then a woman asked if the rest of the front row was taken. She glanced at me, her eyes opened wide. “Aren’t you Kat Crawford?”

Can you believe DeAnn and Husband had fun with that, “The famous Kat Crawford.”

When Joyce introduced herself, I remembered she’s the greeter at Greenwood Christian where I’m scheduled to speak on August 16th. What a fun visit. Joyce felt certain God arranged our evening, I think so too.

You know I can’t waste such an evening, I sold three books, handed out several business cards and it looks like I have another speaking date arranged. While sharing the Capsules of Hope info I met another cancer survivor. She struggled through breast and ovarian cancer and looked great.
Cancer is such a scary word, yet many people live through the battle—no one chooses the journey, it just happens. When Jimmy Blackwood closed the program he brought his friends up to date with his mother, she’s been diagnosed with a reoccurring cancer. A good reminder for all of us to pray for the Blackwoods and their families.

Worry is Waste

Got creative, used a pillow to prop up the hurts, tied the pillow in place and did some mega writing today. Then at

11:30ish I called doctor’s office. No report. Colored my hair, took a shower, peeled off the bandage. Actually, doesn’t look too bad. Different than the lumpectomy in 1980. I made a sandwich for lunch, took my pain meds, then played a game of chess with husband. No one should try chess and meds. It doesn’t work. He beat me.

Took a nap. Receptionist called, still no report. I now have an appointment at 10:15 tomorrow. So I’m going to figure out a way to cover my owie and think I’ll go see the Blackwoods tonight. Thanks for the prayers. beautiful flowers, emails, and phone calls. Honestly, I know nothing, so can share nothing.

Interesting how one can lose time while waiting, or you can choose to move forward. I've decided I'm not wasting this time. These are memorable moments. Husband's bike went on the fritz today, think we'll hunt for parts online. Gotta keep him moving, too.

Feelings Need Expression

Maxine says:
“If you need a shoulder to cry on, pull off to the side of the road.”

Sunday night, husband off playing table tennis, too late to call sane people in Omaha, exhausted and anxious, I called a dear friend for that “shoulder to cry on.” I know her well enough to understand she wanted to “bolster me up.” I also know she has counseled hundreds of people and spent a lot of time helping me stay on the right track in my lifetime. She’s a wise woman, and sometimes doesn’t understand me. She said rather loudly, “Hey, it’s a procedure for crying out loud. Lots of women have procedures. I know dozens who have faced tumors and lumps and lived through it. One woman had a huge tumor removed from her ovaries and it was benign.”

I shut up. After a moment of silence friend said, “You still there?”

“Yes. I’m here.” I took a deep breath, swallowed feelings, wiped at the tears that threatened and said, “Tell me about your week.” And for twenty minutes I listened. Then she said, “So is this lump the size of a walnut or what?”

“Husband saw the surgeon with me Thursday. She put her fingertips and thumbs together…..more like the size of a baseball.”

“Really. Well what….”
Of course I didn’t know the “Well what”. Funny how when we are so emotionally involved with the unknowns, our feelings need expression. This incident is one more reminder of how much I need to put on listening ears and allow others to speak, whether I can fix it or not.

This I know, this dear friend, like many others is praying for me. The prayers are getting me through each day, even when I don't know what the future holds, I can count on the fact that God knows the outcome.

No Dentures Needed!

It’s 4:30 a.m. I’m now squeaky clean and air drying. No hair products today, so why blow dry. My hair will fall limp either way. I read the procedure brochure already. Nothing, no water, no coffee, no pills—don’t take any medications anyway. No deodorant, powder, or face cream. This early in the morning, a naked face is pretty scary. But the worst is yet to come.

The instruction sheet says no jewelry, and bring a container for your dentures. Oh joy! Married over fifty years and today husband will hold my dentures and smile. He’s never had this privilege before. In fact, I nearly killed him once for walking into the bathroom while I soaked my pearly whites in Efferdent.

Now my mother walks around everywhere with no teeth. My cousin thinks nothing of leaving her teeth to soak—she carries on a right smart conversation with or without them. Not me.

Husband soaks his teeth, grins at himself in the mirror, makes silly faces at me, or tries to kiss me. Truth is, when he performed as Bashful the clown, that empty cavity made him pretty cute. Me, I chose a more together face for Sunshine the clown.

So today I step into another world, lose tissue and allow my family to see the real me. Funny how it doesn’t bother me to let the medical profession share in those moments, but family? Now how vain is that?

Just being honest.

Still Lionhearted, Kat

Note: Picture of Bashful and Sunshine by Bev May, Troy, Idaho

Yes, this is us. We make memories together. Can you believe that years ago husband and I spent time in counseling. There were days back then I didn’t like the guy I’d married. One such day the counselor told me husband and I needed to talk, really talk. He handed me a paper that showed a large elephant in the living room. “You two walk around the elephant like he’s not there. Someday, the smell will get to you…..” There was more to the story.

So now it’s all these years later and I’m really liking the guy, but we still have places in our lives we don’t discuss. On Sunday evening husband plays Table Tennis. Tonight he needed to leave earlier than usual to open the church doors. He’d finished watching the Tour De France and sat waiting to leave.

“Do you think we could talk?” Here we are, this old married couple. You’d think after fifty years anything could be discussed, but we neither one like talking about the tough topics. I patted the seat on the couch and he sat by me.

“Want you to know I’m planning on the best possible outcome next Tuesday.” Gary nodded his head. “But Hon, you heard the surgeon say, ‘decisions may need to be made quickly.’ If that happens, you have my permission to do whatever is necessary.”

Husband thanked me. He also said, “It’s sure different being the caregiver. I’d do anything if it were me going in for surgery. I’m praying for you more than ever before.”

When burdens are shared and discussed it’s easier to move on.

Looking forward to a grand celebration on Tuesday, it’s my anniversary of twelve years in my job. Pretty special day don’t you think? Wonder if I can get the nurses to bring in balloons?

Still Lionhearted Kat

Health Care Power of Attorney

Sunday morning I spoke in a worship service. It’s interesting how easy it is to put next week out of mind when you are focused on others. Half-way through my presentation I realized I forgot to give the scripture reference.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work; if one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! And verse 12: Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

I’m blessed, I have many friends and I know they are praying for me. I also have a special friend, my best friend, my husband of over 50 years now. Still, even though we are good friends and talk about many subjects, when we left the surgeons office on Thursday, we didn’t talk about what she said.

On Friday I did ask our daughter Marcy to come sit with her dad and made her aware she’d be part of the decision making process if necessary. I’m not choosing to look at the worst. Because I’ve faced the unknown of a lumpectomy (R breast 1980) before, I’m planning on the best possible outcome. Still, because of the surgeons counsel on Thursday, last night I prepared for the “What If?”

I found the Living Will, Power of Attorney, Health Power of Attorney and located our wills. After reading the material, I decided to update the Health Power of Attorney. Typed it up and tomorrow will have that notarized.

It never hurts to be prepared; it is something I can do to help my family.

Still Lionhearted, Kat

The Truth About Tuesday

What’s happening?

Already my emails and phone messages have managed to scramble the brains of others. Here’s the straight scoop as I know it. I have a lump. I saw one doctor, a surgeon, an ultra sound technician, a radiologist, a the squish and squeeze woman at the mammogram fun, back to the radiologist, the surgeons and right back to the first doc for a pre-op.

One dear friend—won’t name names, but she’s the wonderful mother of the young artist who created this delightful lion for me said, “Oh no. Oh really.” Her voice raised a notch or two. “They will take it out and then do the autopsy?”

What a hoot. Laughter is the greatest medicine and hopefully, there is no autopsy in sight. She continued, “I mean the ‘B’ word, not the ‘A’ word. Biopsy. Then they do the biopsy, right?”

That’s the plan friends. Yes, surgery Tuesday, biopsy to follow. Day surgery. Fortunately, no one lets you stay in the hospital these days. After all, that’s the place where you pick up nasty germs, even in the most sterile conditions. Besides, with my food allergies I might end up really sick eating hospital food.

I do not plan on working in medical billing next week, but if you want to schedule a Caregiver Seminar, be sure and email me. I still plan on being in Oregon by the end of August.

Watch this space for further developments. I feel quite confident this whole trip will end up with an exciting adventure of some kind.

Still lionhearted and getting more excited by the minute.
Kat

Better than Roses Anyday

In 2002 the surgeon arrived after an exploratory surgery to say, “Mr. Crawford you have Pseudomyxoma Peritonei.” She explained what she found and said she’d called an oncologist. When she left I called our middle child, Marcy.

This week husband said he’d see the doctor with me. “Not necessary. I’m going there and then to work.” I handled that first appointment fine. Had lunch with friends at CBWF and drove to the surgeon. I felt rather grand when I left there. After all, it’s a lump. Had one of those before. I know dozens of women that suffered with these problems.

Only the next morning when I realized the radiologist talked with the surgeon before he talked with me, I felt a bit squeamish. When he said I needed to call the surgeon for an appointment, I said, “okay.” Drove out of the hospital parking lot, down the hill, into a driveway, dug through my purse for the surgeon’s phone number. Couldn’t find it.

Husband wasn’t home. Didn’t want to call him anyway. He wouldn’t know the number and I wanted to tell him in person. So why did I call Marcy? Cause that’s what daughters are for.

Someplace in Capsules of Hope I have a whole thing about not leaning on your kids, they break. However, at that moment in time, I needed to talk about what happened. How I felt. Marcy couldn’t find the phone number I needed, but there is something about sharing the weight of what just happened.

Thank you, Marcy Lou, you are better than a dozen roses in my day, a sweet rare treasure.
Mom the Kat

Not About Me!

When I read Joni Tada’s devotional yesterday, I claimed it for me. I’d memorized Psalm 5:11 during another tumultuous time in my life. I pulled out the Amplified Bible, looked up the verse. The first part says, "But let all those who take refuge and put their trust in You rejoice....." The last of the verse says "....let those also who love Your name be joyful in You and be in high spirits." That's me, in high spirits.

This is Saturday. I drove to work at daybreak, finished a pile of inpatient charges and then saw the doc for a pre-op. Tomorrow I speak at the Louisville Christian Church, Monday I work and Tuesday I’m taking a break from work to visit with all those people at Bergen Mercy Hospital.

Remember I said, this journey is about someone else, not me. Yesterday a patient called all flustered with her bills. I empathized with her, while I set her up on a payment plan I told her how confused I’d been when husband struggled with cancer. “I work in medical billing and didn’t know what to do.”

The patient said, “I’m in the medical profession?” I moved from one screen to another and said, “Really, where do you work?”

“I’m a pharmacist at Bergen.” Guess what? That young lady is coming to meet me in surgery. Said she’d hold my hand. Are you excited yet?

Okay before Monday I still need to send off two articles, clean my desk, complete the legal stuff—P OA for daughter Marcy. Then must copy advanced directives and all that other stuff. Fortunately, we did all that legal stuff when husband was sick. That won’t take long.

Thanks for your prayers,
Kat still Lionhearted

One Lump or Two?

Unfortunately, this isn’t about a walk on the beach. That’s my dream, to return to Oregon in August and take time among the sand, sea and driftwood. But for now I have an interruption in my life.

A few weeks ago I noticed this thing, a hard spot in my left breast. After a few days I commented to husband, “Can’t figure this out. Think I have a lump.” Only I really thought it might be just a part of my changing hormonal chapter. (This spring the doctor suggested I wean myself off those HRT pills I’d taken since 1984. The hot flashes are a killer.)

Then I noticed a pain. “Quit being a baby, you probably slept wrong,” I coached myself. Only neither the pain nor the lump went away. Last weekend husband said, “Do something.” Monday I called and Tuesday morning I had my first appointment. That doc made an appointment with the surgeon before I left her office. Okay, that’s fine with me. Obviously this thing isn’t going away—we’d better deal with it.

I left the first doctor’s office, drove to Valentino’s for a Christian Business Women’s Fellowship (CBWF) luncheon. Over my salad and chatter with friends the speaker, April Kelly, convinced me I’m missing a huge marketing opportunity by not pursuing Linked-in. When I left CBWF I had great plans for all that new info, only first I had to see the surgeon.

Surgery I can handle, done this before, it’s okay. Only when I drove in the driveway and saw CANCER CLINIC blazing a trail across the front of the building, I felt a little a twinge of fear. (Just a twinge.) That’s when it hit me. This can’t be about any little ole lump, this side trip is not planned in my schedule. It must be a huge marketing excursion for Capsules of Hope: Survival Guide for Caregivers. I quick called a friend and asked her to pray for the person(s) I felt certain I’d meet.

Well the surgeon now has my book and said she’d write a testimonial. (Think I’ll refuse the surgery until she reads the book and writes the promised words. Hmmm.) Surgeon sent me to radiology for an ultra-sound. Ugh a little messy and quite painful. The radiologist said, “We need another mammogram to compare with the April one.” Ouch. After the squish and smash routine, nothing shows on the mammogram. Go ahead ask, “What does that mean?”

Bingo, the radiologist doesn’t know. The lump is about the size of a baseball and totally unknown. This I do know: I’m scheduled for surgery, Tuesday, July 28th at 9:15 at Bergen Mercy Outpatient. (Tuesday is my 12th anniversary of medical billing at Custom Computing Corporation—what a way to celebrate.)

Please keep me in your prayers,
I’ll write more tomorrow.
Kat still lionhearted

Tomorrow I’ll tell you who is on her way to OR to meet me.

This weekend I grabbed my mug of coffee and studied mission statements. I wanted to share a concise reason for my giving Capsules of Hope Caregiver Seminars. Writing a mission statement isn’t new to me, still I couldn’t define my goals simply.

• I truly wanted to brainstorm, but didn’t find any brains going my direction—two or three friends listened to me. Even husband gave up a few commercials during Tour De France, but no one came up with catchy, mind boggling perspective on where I’m going with the seminars. Okay, so I cracked open the books—not really, I used the internet.
  
  After hours of studying Disney, 3-M, Walmart and a few ministry statements, I found several words repeated: encourage, educate, teach, empower, offer help and hope. Finally I came up with a list of do’s and don’ts.
  
  The negatives:
• Avoid lengthy verbiage difficult to read or memorize.
• Avoid coined phrases familiar only to your circle of friends.
• Avoid promises you cannot keep.
  
  The positives:
• Focus on what guides your goals, be realistic and inspirational?
• State your purpose clear and concise, in ways to motivate others.
• Write for the one in need of your service.

The result:

Capsules of Hope Mission Statement:
To help the ordinary caregiver, whatever their circumstance—chronic illness, disability or terminal illness—realize they aren’t alone, help and hope is available. To create an awareness of how neighbors, co-workers, family, friends and the church can help the caregiver cope.

Purpose: To encourage caregivers, no matter their age or situation.

Vision: To create an awareness of the needs in a caregiver’s life.

Plan: To help people of all ages see how one ordinary person can make a remarkable difference in the life of a caregiver, one caregiver at a time.

In the process of building my mission statement I stumbled into a website where the author suggested every caregiver should build her own mission statement. What a great suggestion, only today I couldn’t find that same website, sigh.

This I know, when I finished the project, I felt empowered and inspired, ready to make more phone calls and schedule more Capsules of Hope Caregiver Seminars. I want to create a difference in the world around me before I leave earth.

Oh, be aware, I’m not into giving out cute mugs yet, but who knows what the future holds.

Capsules of Hope: Survival Guide for Caregivers

Celebrate with me. Capsules of Hope is done and available. It is more than a memoir, it’s a resource guide for most caregivers in almost any caregiving situation.

Designed for caregivers, those special people called to give of themselves, their time, heart and energy. Notice the emphasis on “time” first. To serve as caregiver demands giving up a leisurely soak in the tube, days of shopping the mall, and often a full night of uninterrupted sleep.

Because of a caregivers time constraints, this survival guide is written in capsules form—short segments. A caregiver can grab the book, read on the run, digest the bulleted survival tidbits and apply them to their day.

The book is available at Katherine Crawford’s Storefront on the publisher site, http://stores.lulu.com/store.php?fAcctID=3762689

Price: 16.95 hard copy
Price: 14.99 E-book



I

Cracking the Parenting Code

Cracking the parenting Code by Laura Lee Heinshohn is one of the best parenting books I’ve read in a long time. The book is built in an easy to read, investigative layout. Obviously the author did her sleuthing detective work ahead of time, her FBI questions and resolutions are thought provoking.

Heinshohn laid out the book in three parts: The Mystery, Solving the Mystery—Six Clever Clues, and Leader’s Guide for leading a 13-Week Small Group course. She gives practical insights for single parent families, how to uncover clues in your childhood, and seasons of parenting. Other tidbits: When children don’t feel heard, they don’t feel valued; how to teach children to care for others; understand your childhood and how it colors your own parenting skills; and learn the love languages.

The author realizes it takes more than a family to raise a child, even more than a community. She also is aware it takes a village to write a book. Her acknowledgement list gives credit to many involved in this most worthwhile project. All are to be commended. This is great baby shower gift for the new parent, a gift for a friend struggling with her child’s adolescent issues, and/or good for the parent with an adult child still at home. I especially appreciated the chapter on boundaries, “Mama Don’t…I Mean Do…Fence Me In.”

This is a great read even if you are a grandparent.

Market Your Book

This past year I held over 35 Cup of Comfort book signing events in churches, bookstores, and at work. What a learning experience.

In 2007 my author friends, Tara Rye and Audrey Hebbert joined me at Parables for a book signing. Then Audrey and I were invited to Barnes and Nobles. We sold 7 books in 2 hours and built a good relationship with the sales staff.

At the close of the signing the sales rep thanked us and said, “We’ll sell all of these before Mother’s Day. Easy sell.”

Didn’t she intend to order more books after Mother’s Day? Cup of Comfort Devotional for Mothers is designed to use all year.

I couldn't take a chance on no more promos. “I’m promoting Coffee Capers for the summer.” I opened the book to show the rep the layout design. “What about inviting people to learn about the mystery of being an author?” I kept talking, pitching ideas for future book signings.

“Call me, I like the idea,” the rep said. “Let’s talk.”

Lesson learned teach the rep how to market beyond the title, beyond the promo pitch, beyond that particular book.

It appears to me, when you write an article for a magazine or a SS handout, it leaves your desk and your job is done. When you write a story for an anthology, the author becomes a part of the marketing team. Develop a pitch. Think outside the "Comfort Cup" or is that, "Cup of Comfort?"

Intimate Issues by Dillow and Pintus

Authors Linda Dillow and Lorraine Pintus created more than conversations, woman to woman, in their book Intimate Issues: 21 Questions Christian Women Ask About Sex. This is not a clinical book and the authors say, “We are not sex therapists, psychologists, or sociologists.”

When you read the book you have a sense Dillow and Pintus are women like you and me, married to men like our husbands. Men desire an intimate relationship with their wives. The authors give clear direction and examples of how to develop a more desirable togetherness in a marriage setting. They also address issues of how to find forgiveness when a spouse is unfaithful, whether with another person or pornography; how to accept yourself when your body is aging and still allow your mate the pleasure of your body, lumpy or not; how to renew the love you felt for your spouse on your wedding day, to build a bridge into his world when everyday life demands all of your energy.

Intimate Issues is a book backed up with Scripture and many other authors and clinical studies. A great book for the pastor’s library, or to give as a tenth anniversary gift—something to rebuild the fire when the romance has cooled.

A woman asked, “If ‘this’ (her sexual temptation) is such a common problem, why isn’t anyone talking about it?” Dillow and Pintus answered, “People do talk about it—after the fact.”

The good news is, Intimate Issues is a book with answers—a much needed book for today’s women.

CONFIDENCE and . . .

“We need confidence in the Lord, not ourselves,” Joyce Meyer said on her early morning broadcast. I listened to her, wrote down that phrase and drove to work.

Later that morning a friend shared her Christmas tradition with me. I wrote a “as told to” story. Before submitting the story, I sent it back to the friend for her approval. She didn't email or caller. In the evening I called her home.

“Is it all right if she just emails you her response?” Her husband asked.

Talk about self-focused. I chewed nails in the wait. I felt certain she hated the article and didn't know how to tell me. All evening I fussed and stewed.

Fortunately, I was home alone and too tired to call anyone and whine. After I ate a sandwich and stuffed my face with Fritos, I did the self-talk thing. “Silly girl. Even if she hates it, so what?”

Then I prayed. “Father, help me to have confidence in you. You called me to write—either this story or another story."

The following day I received the email from my friend—“I loved the article just like it is. I hope you can use the story to inspire another family to create a Christmas tradition.”

So why didn’t she tell me that last night? Too busy with family or stressed from the day? Her reason didn't matter, my response did.

Once again I talked to the Lord. "Was this a test Lord? Well, lets see. What is my grade? A—I prayed first. (Nope.) B—trusted in the Lord and not self. (Nope.) C—stuffed my face but didn’t fuss too long. (yeah, well.) D—finally did all three in backwards order. (Yep.) F . . . "

So I received a “D,” at least I didn’t flunk. Did you catch the full impact of the lesson? Every interview will not have a positive outcome, no matter how well you write. I’m fortunate my interviewee liked the way I wrote her story. It isn't published yet, but maybe soon.

Moral of the story: Do your best and move on.

REJECTION

Today's message in red and green isn't reminiscient of Christmas, rather to spur your thinking. Audrey Hebbert's book gained the title Green Light Red Light from the simple idea: Red light means no. Green light means yes.

Sometimes when we receive a rection we become discouraged. Well hey, the next time you feel like quitting due to failure, read this:

Basketball superstar, MICHAEL JORDAN, was cut from his high school basketball team.


In 1889, RUDYARD KIPLING received the following rejection letter from the San Francisco Examiner "I'm sorry, Mr. Kipling, but you just don't know how to use the English Language."


The parents of famous opera singer ENRICO CARUSO wanted him to be an engineer, because his teacher said he had no voice and couldn't sing.


In 1944, Emmeline Snively, director of the Blue Book Modeling Agency, told modeling hopeful Norma Jean Baker (aka. MARILYN MONROE), "You'd better learn secretarial work or else get married."


While turning down the British rock group called the BEATLES, one executive of Decca Recording Company said, "We don't like their sound. Groups of guitars are on their way out."


In 1954, Jimmy Denny, manager of the Grande Ole Opry, fired ELVIS PRESELY after one performance. He told Presley, "You ain't goin' nowhere…son. You ought to go back to drivin' a truck."


BABE RUTH struck out 1330 times, but he also hit 714 home runs.

English novelist JOHN CREASEY got 753 rejection letters before he published 564 books.

Nuff said. Red lights happen, but like those hopefuls above, stop, take a deep breath and move forward. Set a goal for the new year and make it happen. Create a 2009 motto and hang it where you can see it easily.

My 2008 motto:

YOU CANNOT SELL WHAT YOU DON’T SUBMIT

My motto for 2009: Take time to breathe. Fully live each moment.

Remember, if your manuscript doesn’t publish now, it may in the future.

Pack Rats Zilch Writer's Block

Last year at this time, my cancer survivor husband (yes, he suffered rare cancer—Pseudomyxoma Peritonei PMP), helped me move my office from a dinky laundry area to an upstairs bedroom. The move proved several things to me:

I can store more stuff in small spaces than most.

I never throw out precious prized possessions. (found cards from our wedding; daughters notes from before she married—twenty-seven years ago; drawings from granddaughters; a promise from husband to stay with me forever and always—written on a napkin fifteen years ago, and an insurance policy I didn’t know I owned. The list goes on.)

Writers are pack rats with just cause. We need this material for the someday article, novel or possible big sale.

Freelancer should wait four years between moves. It’s dangerous. I cannot believe the dirt I found under my desk, and I thought myself relatively clean individual.

If I moved every year, I know I’d downsize more. This is too much work.

Are you experiencing writer’s block? Get healthy, wealthy and wise. Move your office. You’ll jog the fog, smell better, and release any writer’s block that might have accumualated.

HOUSE OF DARK SHADOWS

Robert Liparulo’s book, House of Dark Shadows, a hard back book with a photo to spook a mystery reader, is a great YA fantasy. Some would say more sci-fi than mystery, and yet the ominous sense of intrigue is a page turner.

There are readers that skip over the prologue, however, Liparulo’s tantalizing tale begins from the first page and the prologue’s last line is a definite page turner: “The door closed, separating her from her family forever.”

To move from that phrase to the tale of an ordinary relocation of a family, could be a letdown. Not so, Liparulo allows the reader to relax before stirring the imagination with “Big Foot” and a haunted house.

There are good qualities to this book: Pre-teen to YA will enjoy the story from the move through the haunted house; Liparulo uses all the senses to portray the scenes—and he succeeds in scaring the reader at times; the author gives a definite sense this is a decent family, they respect each other and work together; although not overly religious, good moral values are portrayed and church is mentioned. I liked the idea of a reader’s guide, also.

I realize the author and publisher set the reader up to buy book two, but in this case I felt cheated. If I were buying the book, I’d want more resolution. I still enjoyed the read from cover to cover.

Kat the reader