Straight From the Lion's Mouth

HUSBAND NUMBER ONE

2011-10-10T16:33:00.005-05:00

Awe, my goodlooking husband number one, Gary Crawford, 1959.

In the fifties, photos were far and few between. I don’t have one picture of husband number one and me while a dating couple, yet my mind doesn’t forget. Funny how those memories hang around. Husband wore a suit to church every Sunday and even Wednesday nights. He wore “Kings Men” aftershave, which sent me swooning.

Later, after husband number four came along and I felt comfortable enough to tell him, I said, “You know I married you because you looked and smelled good.”

Sounds like a teenager’s reasoning, don’t you think?

CHECK the beginning of the story www.caringbridge.org/visit/kat2009

Savannah Says

2011-10-06T08:17:00.002-05:00

Recently Savannah checked this blog to see what Grams might possibly have posted about her. Well, I haven't talked about her for awhile. For two years I've written my journal on www.caringbridge.org/visit/kat2009.

When Savannah lived with me, she was my daily humor. Now she just comes to visit every other week or so—my guest room is her place to crash. Although she’s a full time CNA living on her own and she has celebrated another birthday, she’s still a little kid at heart.

Several months ago I put a basket on a shelf in “her” room. Every week I put something in there—a little change, a porcelain pig, a T-shirt, a cartoon or maybe a piece of jewelry.
Savannah usually greets me, but before she stops to call friends or turn on TV she checks her basket.

Wonder which one of us enjoys the basket joy more?

BLIND! NOW SEE!

2010-03-08T07:59:00.005-06:00

I've posted the story on caringbridge--but needed the photos side by side for effect.

Even in the midst of pain, laughter is a great way to start the day. What's funny in your world?

Enjoy, smile today.

2010-01-27T07:16:00.009-06:00

My naked face showed up in the kitchen. “Mom, take a picture before makeup.” Her first shot took my arms and feet so she aimed again. Then she stood in the doorway and said, “Well, me too. Take a picture of me before I dress for church.” She sounded like a five-year-old rather than my mom.

I giggled, snapped the photo and we started again. Me with makeup and jacket, Mom dressed in clothes, then I added the wig, not Mom. She didn’t add a wig. She popped her false teeth loose, hung them free in her mouth and smiled. “This is what I looked like years ago. Wish I had teeth that showed when I smiled.”

Today’s post is nothing but nonsense to anyone else, but Mom and I had fun and we were ready for church on time, too.

Necessary Fun

Laughter swallows up the pain,
it chases away the blues,
it allows us to talk about husband with joy.

Laughter takes us back to husband’s humor,
His mimic of Danny Kaye and the Court Jester,
His wearing out the “Ace is the Place” commercial.

Laughter creates smiles across the face
Smiles that erase the worry wrinkles
Smiles that tease away the loneliness.

Laughter is good, do something fun today.

Kat©2010

Enjoy,
Still Lionhearted, Kat

Mom's before wouldn't stay in the upper corner, sigh. The pictures loaded where they wanted and I don't have time to mess with them. Enjoy your day. We will too. I don't know what happened with the wig picture, oh well, you got the real me. Kat

HOW'S YOUR STRESS SCORE

2010-01-19T08:21:00.005-06:00

I stumbled on a stress score sheet husband and I used in the ‘80’s while counseling young people. The score sheet is messed up, yellowed with age, but relevant. I didn’t search for updated materials. This worked. It proved I’d better adjust what I can change, let go of what I can’t change, and ask God for help with the rest.

According to two men at the University of Washington, Thomas H. Holmes and Richard H. Rahe, if your stress points tally 300 or more you have the great possibility of a major illness occurring within the next two years. I’m already in the thick of a major illness and my stress points tally 592. I never thought I’d appreciate that old boxed life, filled with nothing but routine.

Knowledge is power, now that I know what I’m facing what will I do?

1. Journal daily—not the caringbridge writing, not blogging, but the journal where only the Lord can see, where I can release my anxiety.
2. I will endeavor to write on caringbridge.org/visit/kat2009 daily. I enjoy sharing with others.
3. I will give up my kitchen and quit stressing
4. I will begin to work from lists again—I learned to leave husband a list he could complete when and how he wanted. I can do the same for Savannah. She’s great help and doesn’t need a micro manager.
5. I will have devotions with Mom and Savannah. What a golden opportunity.

Nuff for today.
If anyone wants a copy of the stress sheet, email me:
lionheartedkat@cox.net

Body Building Weight Setup

2009-12-02T08:21:00.004-06:00

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

2009-11-09T05:46:00.006-06:00

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

2009-10-02T02:40:00.007-05:00

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.)

2009-09-16T09:39:00.002-05:00

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

2009-09-02T19:07:00.007-05:00

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

2009-09-01T19:00:00.003-05:00

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.

2009-08-21T01:28:00.006-05:00

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.

2009-08-18T18:38:00.001-05:00

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

2009-08-14T05:00:00.004-05:00

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

2009-08-13T08:40:00.007-05:00

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

2009-08-11T19:16:00.002-05:00

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

2009-08-05T06:49:00.004-05:00

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.

2009-08-03T19:44:00.001-05:00

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

2009-08-03T18:20:00.001-05:00

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

2009-08-03T06:00:00.001-05:00

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.

2009-08-01T09:35:00.002-05:00

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

2009-07-31T20:00:00.003-05:00

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

2009-07-31T07:15:00.003-05:00

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

2009-07-30T15:39:00.003-05:00

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

2009-07-29T11:15:00.003-05:00

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!

2009-07-28T04:54:00.004-05:00

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

2009-07-26T19:43:00.004-05:00

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

2009-07-26T19:04:00.001-05:00

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

2009-07-26T14:43:00.000-05:00

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

2009-07-25T15:23:00.006-05:00

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!

2009-07-25T14:15:00.006-05:00

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?

2009-07-25T14:00:00.006-05:00

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.

2009-07-06T09:50:00.008-05:00

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

2009-03-20T11:00:00.000-05:00

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

2009-02-24T19:13:00.003-06:00

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

2009-02-19T13:58:00.000-06:00

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

2009-01-24T16:17:00.005-06:00

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 . . .

2009-01-18T07:55:00.001-06:00

“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

2009-01-10T08:35:00.001-06:00

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

2009-01-07T08:57:00.000-06:00

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

2009-01-04T13:48:00.007-06:00

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

PUBLISHED FREELANCE AUTHOR

2008-12-30T08:25:00.004-06:00

In 1999 my computer sat in a tiny office in the upstairs alcove. By 2002 I felt like a seasoned writer and attended the Oregon Christian Writers Conference (OCWC). I paid Cec Murphey, a man who calls himself an “Old Curmudgeon,” to critique my work. He said, “Set your novel aside. If you finish it in the future, fine. For now concentrate on your real life stories.” I came home to build myself a great reputation as a published freelance author.

Five monhs later, my husband was diagnosed with a rare cancer. No longer could I sit at a keyboard upstairs. With help, I moved my office to the laundry room where I could listen to the needs of the patient, and work towards publication.

Five years after diagnosis, Gary helped me move my office upstairs once more. The move forced me to reorganize. In switching files from one drawer to another, I stumbled into those critique pages from Cec in 2002. Wow.

At first I felt embarrassed at my quality of writing, and then amazed. Cec slashed through several items, corrected my poor grammar, and then said, “Flesh out your characters. They need a sense of ....”

You get the idea. I might have quit if I’d received only the written critique, but the good news is, he may call himself the Curmudgeon, in reality he’s a great encourager and teacher. My checks these last few years are proof, that with hard work freelance authors can succeed.

Green Light Red Light by Hebbert

2008-12-29T10:13:00.002-06:00

From the first page of "Green Light Red Light" the reader is invited to see the unanswered questions in the life of sixteen-year-old Erika Slade. Why did her mother kick her out? Why does she feel so connected with Monica Moore, a ESL teacher in China? Why did she agree to a trip to China? Why is she stuck with a snoring seatmate?

The answers to these questions and many more are found in the pages of Audrey Hebbert’s first YA novel, Green Light Red Light. The book is filled with conversion stories, humorous incidents and you experience the lives of the Chinese in their historical setting.

Although this is creative fiction, the book is based on the real life experiences of a Nebraska woman dedicated to sharing the gospel anyway she can. Hebbert changed the missionaries name to Monica Moore to protect her while she continues her travels. Although Erika is not real, her story can be found in young people all around us. The reader isn’t cheated by the events, they are real, from the food, the hair cut and the conversions.

In Green Light Red Light Erica Slade learns about forgiveness. She faces many precarious weather predicaments and bed issues—she sleeps on a bamboo mattress and uses a pillow stuffed with corn kernels. She also experiences strange foods like snake brains.

Erika learned you can withstand many discomforts when you adjust your attitude and look to the needs of others. This isn’t a sweet-fairy tale all wrapped up in ribbons, however, the gospel is clearly shared and forgiveness is a major theme. Although written for young adults with a sixteen-year-old as the main character, the book is a good read, no matter what your age.

2008-12-29T09:46:00.004-06:00

My grandmother gave me the gift of daily prayer. Her gift didn’t come all wrapped up in ribbons— it came in visible hands folded in prayer before me. It didn’t matter who visited Grandma—friends, neighbors, children or grandchildren— she prayed at every meal and we all knew she prayed for us.

Grandma wrote prayer requests in an inexpensive spiral bound notebooks. About the year I turned ten she let me see my name written in her book. When I turned thirteen, Grandma told me she had my husband in her prayer journal, too. I giggled a lot, but I liked the idea of knowing Grandma prayed about every detail of my life.

This year I wanted to give you a visual reminder of how to pray. What better way than a pair of gloves?

The thumb is closest to you:
Pray for those closest to you, family, neighbors, and co-workers. .
The Pointer finger reminds us to pray for those in authority:
Parents, pastors, employers, and government officials.
Middle finger—the tallest finger is our “Praise” finger:
Take time to thank the Lord continually.
Fourth finger—the weakest of them all:
Pray for the sick, the chronically ill, the disabled, and those society considers weak.
Little finger—the smallest, the least important:
The little pinky is a great reminder of your needs—pray for self.

Grandma died many years ago, yet even today her legacy—the gift of daily prayer—lives on. She taught me to pray for others. I hope you have a blessed Christmas season.

Feeling Thankful, Kat

Green Light Red Light and Forgiveness

2008-12-28T08:00:00.002-06:00

Last year I wrote a devotional, it hasn’t sold yet, but when I started re-writing my review for "Green Light Red Light" by Audrey Hebbert, I ran into unpublished piece once more.

When I read it, I thought, "Wow, better search for more unpublished pieces and market them this next year." In the meantime, I'll share, “The Meaning of True Forgiveness.”

Read Psalm 55:12-14

“I hate you.” I heard my adult daughter’s voice over the telephone. She sobbed. Where did her anger stem from? I prided myself in being a good mom.

At a loss for words, I asked, “Can you tell me where those feelings and all that emotions comes from?”

My daughter poured out her pent up feelings, I realized she’d stuffed a lot of junk. We talked for hours. The next day we talked again and the next.

Finally, we understood each other and true, Godly forgiveness happened.

In Green Light Red Light, Erica Slade also learns lessons of forgiveness. Her mother kicked her and her brother out and they ended up at the Hope Shelter, where volunteer Monica Moore becomes their friend.

God is the greatest recycler of pain. He turns bad things into good.

Our daughter and I are much closer after we discovered the root of the problem. Because of her mother, Erica met Monica and learned about true forgiveness. Although there are no concrete fairly tale endings to Red Light Green Light, we know that young Erica’s heart is right with the Lord and she desires to forgive her mother.

Did you experience forgiveness this past year? Do you need to forgive? A YA novel and my daughter taught me that with God, forgiveness can happen.

CREATIVE CALISTHENICS by Main

2008-12-26T14:22:00.005-06:00

If you are looking for a book to improve your writing fitness in 2009, check out Creative Calisthenics by Terri L. Main. Each page is a tool to fine tune your writing skill level.

Several years ago the author, not a huge physical fitness guru, participated in a marathon to help raise money for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. She learned right away, you don’t just say, “I’m a runner,” and then complete the 26.2 marathon. She spent months training. It’s the same way for writers. Main says Creative Calisthenics is a compilation from her thirty years of experience.

The Table of Contents, the titles to Main’s inspirational and motivational prompts, jump-started my mind. I didn’t read each page in order, I found myself skipping from “Magic Doors and Secret Passages” to “Keepsakes.” The titles alone gave me an idea for two articles—I read the material and added two more ideas to my treasures for the future.

Main’s material isn’t only for fiction writers. Her ideas on “Freewriting” shows how to reorganize your materials and your thoughts from your research on a particular article. She references a book, too, Writing Without Teachers by Peter Elbow.

I agree with the author when she said exercising can be boring, but every author can have fun and add a new dimension of excitement to your writing by training your creative muscles.

Creative Calisthenics is a book to sit on top of your Thesaurus—right at your fingertips.

The Edits Go On and On and On

2008-12-22T08:49:00.003-06:00

“Authors are like pianists. They take classes, buy books, and practice their craft daily. There are few, if any, authors who feel inspired and magically write and sell a first book,” said Carol Umberger at Wordsowers, our local writers group. “It takes hours of studying, writing, and editing, and hopefully someday you publish.”

I remember when Audrey Hebbert came down to the final months before “Green Light! Red Light!” published. It seemed like her emails continually commented on “even more” editing. I couldn’t imagine what else she had to do, I’d worked on her initial drafts and I knew what a grammar guru she was, but now, these weeks, I understand both Carol and Audrey better.

Thought I’d learned a lot in the last two years, but obviously I didn’t know it all. What a process. About the time I think I’ve come close to the end of “Capsules of Hope: A Survival Guide for Caregivers,” I realize there is another missing piece.

Sandy Cathcart, an Oregon author and tax consultant sent me an email this week. “What do you mean no one told you the edits are hard? That’s what we teach at every conference.” Yeah, well I heard the presenters at these conferences. I still didn’t realize how much work was involved.

This morning I read sermon notes around Philippians 2:1. That big word “IF” slam dunked me. If the Lord gave me all the materials for the book, (and I believe He did), then He’ll help me through the process, however tedious.

Sign me out, getting a grip on the verse that says, “Do not be weary in well doing.”

Merry Christmas
(still searching for my 2009 Bible verse for the year.)

A Honey Bee Attitude

2008-12-19T07:23:00.003-06:00

Some people feel sorry for me when they see where I sit at work. (see previous post.)

In spite of where I sit, I interact with my co-workers, hourly. Sometimes more often than I choose. There is no aloneness in my corner. People walk past me to dump their recycle. The comment after their loud thud from the paper dump, “Wanted to wake you.”

There are others that meander past me to the storage cupboard a few feet from my desk, also.Of course I make the trip from the cubicle to the restroom at the opposite end of the building from me. (It must be a mile. It feels like a mile.)

It's my choice to be a "honey bee" buzzing with sweetness or . . . " You fill in the blank.

Although my hallway looks bare, I’m surrounded by needy people. This is my mission field, my Africa, China and India rolled into one. We have young and old, well off, and not too well off, co-workers.

My medical billing position helps pay the rent and buy the groceries. It is more. A few years ago I realized God placed me in this job on purpose. I speak to patients, caregivers, and insurance customer service reps every day. They are more than a voice on the phone, they are people with needs—I can choose to give them only answers to their questions or I can “delight their day” by letting them know I care.

Now my passion in life is to write. I know my written words are read by more people than I can talk to in a year, but isn’t great to know I can find happiness in both places.

Life is a journey filled with choices. I choose to be content in the medical billing world, my little cubicle in the corner—and my office at home. Yeah, I choose to act like the "honey bee," gathering and depositing sweetness wherever I can. . . off to the mission field this morning. Enjoy.

My Mission Field

2008-12-13T16:02:00.000-06:00

My cubicle is in the barest back corner of a large office. No one sits back further than me. In fact the next cubicle holds the recycle bin. Then comes the back corner where you find office supplies.

Recently I read where a woman strung a mini-clothesline from one corner of her office to another. She hung cards by clothes pins as visuals to stimulate her writing. (I’m thinking about this idea to stimulate my life in medical billing.) However, her story triggered a memory about several years ago when my husband's illness dictated a move.

First we lived in a 24 ft travel trailer while we regrouped and later, we inherited a 10 x 55 mobile home with a tip out living room. We were thrilled to have space once more. I converted the one miniature bedroom into an office. Space enough for my desk and a file cabinet.

I'd just read Barbara Johnson's book, "Stick a Geranium in your hat and be Happy." She talked about her “joy room” where she collected all kinds of fun reminders and inspirational thoughts. My office became my joy room and like the woman with the clothesline, I decided to paste visual reminders of happier times around me.

I immediately wrote to everyone I knew and said, "Send me happy cards and jokes, this world of illness feels like gloom and doom." When the cards arrived, I “stapled” them to the ceiling. Can you imagine my mother's horror when we needed to paint the room? I left for work and she pulled staples.

I didn't produce publishable material back then, but my "joy office" brought tons of inspiration for church dramas, newsletters, and cards to others. That ceiling plastered with those gifts of laughter brought lots of smiles to my face then and now.

Still smiling, Kat

THE MOON SHINES DOWN

2008-11-29T19:12:00.004-06:00

A never before published children's book, "The Moon Shines Down" by Margaret Wise Brown and illustrated by Linda Bleck arrived in my mail yesterday. I felt like a child with an unexpected Christmas gift when I gazed at the bright yellow moon over a Koala bear sailing down a river. I quit my tasks and read the book aloud.

It's been awhile since I read Margaret Wise Brown's books, but from the first rhythmic line, I recalled all the days with our children and grandchildren. Books like "Good Night Moon" and "Runaway Bunny." Brown had over a 100 books in print when she died suddenly in 1952. Her many unfinished manuscripts were all but lost.

"The Moon Shines Down" is a delightful story of how the same moon shines upon children everywhere and in every culture. I see this as a valuable book for teaching young children about race, animals, and God. The bright colors on each page will keep the youngest child entranced in the story.

"The Moon Shines Down" is a treasure from the front cover to the last page where a Koala bear sleeps in a tree. The publisher's introduction about the "story behind the lost manuscript" creates a teaching tool. A bit of history to help instruct our children on how old things are valuable and usable.

Thanks to the far reaching insight of Thomas Nelson--what a brilliant idea to seek the help of author Laura Minchew when the old sheets of forgotten words were found. I applaud Minchew for giving us Margaret Wise Brown once more. "The Moon Shines Down" promises to be a classic for children today.

Great fun, buy one or two....no children? Buy one for your neighbor's child.

CLASS -Life Extravagant!

2008-11-28T16:44:00.002-06:00

On FCW someone asked, “How do I get into speaking?” Tammy answered the post with good advice, “Take CLASS Seminar or join a toastmasters group. ”

CLASS stands for Christian Leaders, Authors and Speakers Services.)
http://www.classervices.com/ http://www.classervices.com/lifeextravagant.html

I did attend a CLASS workshop given by Marietta Littauer at OCWC in 2004. Marietta is excellent at her craft—great teacher, educator and encourager. She talked about building our life and creating our own ministry presentation. A one page bio; something you can send as a press release for media use. Littauer’s four page brochuret is CLASSY.

Her slick printed presentation shares Littauer’s motto: LIFE Extravagant! Love, inspiration, freedom and entertainment. By the time you finish reading the four pages, you know the woman, the man behind the woman, the titles of her books and what others say about her.

Getting out her now outdated brochure inspired me to build my own one page or possible two page profile of me. I haven’t authored ten books, but my caregiver survival guide is about ready to go to press….but I’m so much “more than a caregiver.”

Here’s my goal list for the next few weeks:
ü Search for 2009 Bible verse for the year.
ü Get my Wordpress blog up and running properly.
ü Make a decision on WIP—get it published.
ü Bring my Lionhearted Kat motto and mission up to date.
ü Build a brochure before I teach workshop at IDAHope January 30, 2009

Think that's enough. What are your goals?

Brainstorms Are Work

2008-11-24T08:00:00.001-06:00

I used to be extremely creative and kept even the young people going full bore. I came up with great parties. Had lots of ice breakers on hand and when I couldn't find cheap things to make at Bible School, I created ideas and prayed for more.

Now I work in medical billing and often feel too old to hob knob with the youngsters at work. My lunches are spent with the same women I’ve sat with over the last ten years. We are quite comfortable together, but my friends talk food, grandkids, and anything but writing. Sometimes I feel frustrated, maybe even a bit bored. Especially when the food scene is another recipe—with my allergies I quit thinking creatively about food.

This summer one of the young authors in my critique group asked for a brainstorming night. Wow, she inspired me. I felt the creative juices kick in—Yahoo. I’d have youngsters all around me. They could share about their new fangled computer expertise, the latest word fad, and I’d be inspired when they left.

I whipped together an idea starter and waited for the youngsters to arrive. You see them—four of us oldsters had the time of our lives. (The youngsters were tied up with kids, birthday parties and sickness.)

Joyce, Audrey, Karen and I learned there is tons of life left in us old gals and we are touching hundreds, if not thousands, for Jesus on a daily basis. Wow, what inspiration. Watch for the results of that night. (Audrey took this photo. Next post will show her smiling face.)

The Lion's Roar

2008-11-17T08:00:00.000-06:00

After ten months of living with Pseudomyxoma Peritonei (PMP), my husband’s rare cancer, I came to the end of me and yelled, “Help. God. Help.” That’s when I realized the Lord created a strong person inside of me—but I felt like a wimp.

That day I told my co-workers, “I’m no longer Kathy, I’m now the Lionhearted Kat.” Within a few weeks I added forty cuddly, stuffed lions to my cubicle as a reminder of my strength.

It’s now six years later, and husband is doing right well. Me, too, as long as I remember I’m not strong within myself, but because God lives in me. I’m still fond of lions, especially cutesy ones like the mural.

Becoming the Lionhearted Kat changed others parts of my life, too. About then a PMP survivor, Brenda Williams, built a website: www.pmpawareness.org. She invited me to write for the Caregivers’ Corner. With no particular format in mind, I created “CAPSULE OF HOPE”, just stuff that I learned on my journey through cancer.

Those Capsules have now become a part of my first book. Don’t know when it will be published, but soon. “Capsules of Hope: A Survival Guide for Caregivers” is more than a memoir, its daily encouragement and resources for every caregiver in most situations.

Have a hope filled day, Kat

"REFLECTIONS OF GOD'S HOLY LAND" A personal Journey Through Israel

2008-11-10T11:30:00.009-06:00

Eva Marie Everson and Miriam Feinberg Vamosh compel readers to enjoy every page of their personal journey through Israel.

Eva’s welcome shares an everyday experience of a fall. Yet even the mundane-can-happen-to-anyone-fall is an invitation to experience her thrill with new insight while on a visit to Israel. Everson wrote, “Today I fell into the Bible. Literally. And in love with God all over again.”

Although written by two authors,it is Everson’s fall that compels the reader to delve into the book, to consume each tid bit of fact on every page.

The photography is more than the usual family, “See my vacation snaps.” The reader can experience the realness of each location—you smell the salt brine of the Dead Sea, hear the water falls, and feel life as it exudes from the shops on the Via Dolorosa.

You sense the reverence needed to visit the cathedrals, you want to kneel to touch the mosaic floor of the “Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and the Fishes.”

I cried when Everson reflected on her experience when she touched the Western Wall.“I press my face into the wall and begin to sob. I don’t understand this. I thought I knew so much about prayer—about God….”

When a reader spends time absorbing the “Did You Know?” and “Reflections” pages found in "Reflections of God’s Holy Land", you understand Everson’s statement, “Here, I realize, I know nothing at all.”

When I closed the book, I too felt enriched and changed. This is more than a coffee table book to display the beauty of Israel, it is a heart and mind changing experience, a must have for anyone interested in the life and times of Israel.

I invite anyone that desires to feel God through His chosen country to buy "Reflections of God’s Holy Land." One for their home and two for Christmas gifts.

My thanks to Thomas Nelson, Inc for publishing this book, and Everson and Vamosh for sharing their experience.

A Freelance Author's Office

2008-11-08T08:45:00.000-06:00

A writers group talked about our office, where is it located? Door open or closed? File cabinets or boxes of files. Messy or clean.

I didn’t have an “office” until after my cornea transplant. In those months following my eye surgery, back when I couldn't watch TV or read, I struggled with depression and inactivity. One day I announced to husband, "I'm going to write a book."

Gary immediately set up a makeshift office for me in our family room. He seemed to understand my isolation wouldn’t be healthy. Where did I write? Anywhere. At the table/desk he created for me, on the front porch, or in the bathtub.

When I needed the "feel" of a small town for my novel scenes, Gary drove me through miles and miles of rural communities in Iowa. My happy fingers found lots to write while away from the confines of our home. Even the front seat of the car, or a picnic table in the park could substitute as an office space.

From the many posts about office space in our writers group, I'd say there is enough evidence to prove an office isn't four walls and a desk. An office is where the heart of the author finds peace and the power of the Holy Spirit flows through fingers—whether at the keyboard or a steno pad.

Just my last two cents.

JILL Hart--CWAHM

2008-11-03T07:33:00.003-06:00

Connecting with other bloggers is important. Check out Jill Hart of CWAHM. Five years ago Jill made an executive decision to establish herself in a stay at home Mom business. And she did.

Jill is a go getter and a highly motivated young woman. Her desire is to help her family income and be a work at home Mom. Can everyone accomplish what Jill has done?
I don’t know, but I’m taking lessons from her.

This is what I’ve learned:

Find a hole and fill it—Jill was one of the first Christian Work at Home Moms.

Live, dream, and plan passionately—set short and long term goals.

You need an active, well-edited, and easy to read website

It’s important to connect with other ‘like-sites’ to generate more traffic your direction.

If you have a product to sell, sign up with paypal.

Does adsense generate more visitors? Maybe? Probably it helps generate money?

So what am I doing about this stay at home business? Learning the ropes for now—and praying for wisdom, a teacher, a built in web-helpee.

The good news is, a new website is on my goal list. That is a major start in the right direction. I’m also sitting on the sidelines and applauding my friends like Jill.

Excited about the future, how about you?

Kat

DISPLAY BY LUKE

2008-10-29T16:24:00.001-05:00

A good display is a valuable tool for a book event. After I’d been involved in three book signings where I raced around to rustle up customers, I realized every author needs a sign. About then I watched an evangelist visiting our church set up his display.

I grabbed my husband. “Hon, you gotta see this.” I pointed to the tri-fold display. “I need one of those.” Gary walked all around the table and said, “Okay.” (Isn’t he grand?)

The next week he created his masterpiece from walnut, colored bulletin board materials, and piano hinges. The sides fold to the middle and wing nuts and bolts hold it together. The handle on top makes it easy to transport.

In years past I might have cut out cute lions and changed the scene each week. I don’t have time for cutesy. I post newspaper stories and a couple posters advertising my speaking engagements. It works. (My photo looks messy to me, but it worked great and stirred interest.) The display is easy to fold down and carry. I drape my soft cuddly lion across the top and if I have room, I pack six more lions with me for a conversation starter.

I've learned when i schedule an event I ask for a display table in advance. (Now I carry my own fold-up table I purchased at Shopko on sale.)

Carry a table cover. I’m using a white sheer table cloth, but I plan to purchase fabric to drape to the floor. The area will look nicer when I store the leftover books and boxes under the table.

One other thought: I love my display, but it isn’t practical to carry use it in some book events. An 8 ½ x 11 clear plastic standup—purchased at Office Depot for under $10—is great for events where a larger display isn't practical.

Food for thought from Kat.

VBS Curriculum and Crafts

2008-10-20T16:52:00.003-05:00

When my husband planted a church we were blessed with new abilities. God turned our absolutely ‘no finance’ situation into challenges to grow believers for the Kingdom.

We survived the first winter with a handful of new contacts and averaged 20 people in Sunday services. But the question kept coming up, “How do we grow a church when we both work and our new believers have no clue how to evangelize?”

“VBS in our backyard.” That sounds great, but we didn’t have teachers or curriculum. “What about Martha?” Our creative and musically gifted friend from our previous church lived a hundred miles away. Martha loved the idea and brought her two children and all her talent to our house TWICE each summer for the following five years.

One year, a few months before VBS, someone gave our church boxes of macramé beads. I had no clue what to do with them until after my husband drove me to the coast. We walked through forty or fifty touristy shops, but the one that specialized in Christmas stirred my creative juices.

“Hon, don’t know how we can do it, but take me to Martha. We’ll celebrate with a VBS titled 'Christmas in July'.” The three of us brainstromed and then I wrote the curriculum and Martha donated hours making little manager people from the beads.

While she designed the figures I combed the nearby woods for twigs to help build the barn. We askd our Landlor for shingles for the manger roof and the wood base.

The photo doesn’t do our manager scene justice, but fifteen, 4th thru 6th graders stood around a table to make their manager and glue on their ‘cute macramé bead’ people. Many of those kids were survivors of drug addicted parents and didn't have the Christmas manager in their homes before.

I enjoyed writing “Christmas in July” VBS materials—but I celebrated even more when some of those kids made commitments to Jesus in our backyard VBS—it didn’t take money, it took time.

Thank you, Martha, Rachel and Evan for making it happen. I look forward to seeing those VBS kids in heaven.

No longer do I have the conjured up manger scene of long ago, but now is the time to write a Christmas story for publication. Many magazines layout their stories a year in advance, now's the time to share. And "Wow." The manager reminds me it's only 60 days until Christmas 2008.

MEET MY NEIGHBOR GLADYS

2008-10-17T19:00:00.000-05:00

Meet my neighbor Gladys. I met her soon after we moved to Omaha from Oregon. My husband and I weren’t accustomed to the early wet, heavy snowfall. It looked like winter might go on forever.

On one of those nasty, knee-deep snowy days, we met Gladys’ husband, Bob—about 82 at the time. We later learned he’d survived a bout with cancer and a heart attack, but still he was out snow blowing the alley between our houses. Gary and I grabbed shovels and started helping and later, Gladys called us all in for coffee.

Later when I realized Gladys suffered from the winter ‘blahs’ I wrote funny poems for her. She enjoyed them and they brought a smile to Bob’s face, too. Somehow their smiles warmed my mired-in-winter- feeling-gloomy heart.

Both Gladys and Bob have passed away, but recently I read those old poems and today I found one of my last photos of Gladys. It was taken when her daughter surprised her with a visit to one of my book signings at Barnes and Noble—she was near 90. What a delightful surprise for both of us.

Of course, I have a new neighbor now and we correspond and visit. I even wrote her a poem, but my memories of Gladys are special. No one can fill that ‘Gladys’ spot in my heart. Funny how a photo can trigger beautiful memories, and remind us it’s time to build another memory for the future.

Think I’ll write an article: The Art of Being Neighborly

THROUGH THE STORM

2008-10-12T09:02:00.007-05:00

A real story of Fame and Family and Tabloid World

Lynn Spears

with

Lorilee Craker

Lynn Spears, mother of Jamie Lynn, Bryan and Brittney, gives us a book filled with heartache, a mother’s agony and the unsettling truth of the entertainment world. She tells the story of her unbelievable (and yet, sadly very true) naivety. How an ordinary family of father, mother and three children became the glass house surrounded with paparazzi, corruption and distrust. How does that happen to a family who believe in God and His guidance?

The book is filled with open confession of ignorance. From the Rolling Stone cover story where Spears says, “I had no idea the man was going for a lascivious angle,” to the confession of Jamie’s pregnancy. “What about our talks?” I cried to Jamie Lynn. “You told me you were a virgin!” Every mother’s heart will be touched and just maybe, make her question her own home parenting situation.

“Through the Storm” is more than a memoir, it’s the lives of five people laid open like a book to be read cover to cover. Some chapters are nothing more than He said. She said. The reader might wonder if Spears has a motive behind her words. Then comes the heart of the book—the realness of life when Spears says, I’d been passive in so many ways for so long, letting managers and agents and executives decide the paths my children would walk. Not any longer. Not while I was still their mother.

Lynn Spear doesn’t offer a twelve step program to help heal mothers of stars, but lessons of truth are proclaimed in every chapter. As parents we can help guard our lives by gaining wisdom from Spears insights such as:

1. A teaching degree doesn’t insure you will make the wisest choices for your children.
2. If you don’t face something when it is happening, you will have to face it later on.
3. Ignorance is not bliss and when you bomb you try again.
4. Often the mask of self-confidence hides a flesh and blood, scared-of-life woman.
5. At some point, a person has to file most regrets under shoulda-coulda-woulda
6. Shame is crippling and in the end serves no good purpose.
7. It is difficult to hold on to your core values when you have an army surrounding you.
8. Sticking close to family roots and legacy is important.
9. The biggest grounding force in life is faith in God.
10. Devotions and Bible reading daily helps one focus on the immediate.
11. Reflection says God isn’t surprised at our choices, or the outcome.

“Through the Storm” is the inside story of how one family, now well known around the world, grappled with fame and fortune and suffered the consequences. Every mother can learn from Spears mistakes—the question is, will they?

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV

Read the Eye of the Storm and walk in wisdom, Kat

Brad White the Piano Man

2008-10-09T08:48:00.001-05:00

Author Carol Umberger taught a lesson to our local writer’s group last week. She based her lesson on a book by Jack Bickham, “The 38 Most Common Fiction Writing Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them).”

One analogy she used immediately brought Brad White, the pianist for the Blackwood Brothers Quartet to my mind.

Brad is a humdinger of a pianist. His fingers fly across the keys. You call out a gospel song or a hymn and Brad can play it—from memory. When he isn’t traveling with the BBQ he travels as a soloist. Did his talent just happen? I don’t think so.

Brad started playing young and by the time he was a teenager, he taught piano to others. When he realized his students memorized the silly ditties they practiced, he wrote his own piano course using hymns. (yes, you can buy it—check his website. http://www.bradwhite.org/).

Carol said too many wannabe writers say, “I’m going to write a book.” She asks if they have signed up for lessons. “Well, no. I have this idea right up here.” Carol said writing is like being a pianist. You study. Take lessons. Read a lot and you practice daily.

Her illustration about the pianist helped me share my freelance challenges with my non-author family. I’ve felt for years they didn’t understand the process, but Carol’s simple analogy gave a crystal clear summation of start to finish.

Brad White understands the process. So does every dedicated author.

Now, back to my keyboard, it’s only a bit different than Brad’s.

Editorials Matter

2008-10-06T18:00:00.000-05:00

I did accomplish a lot last week, but I’m never satisfied with my production. Then when I felt stressed and anxious about my writing ability and our household finances, I happened to read an editorial in Discipleship Journal by Connie Willems. She expressed my feelings perfectly. One of her phrases smacked me in the head. “My weakness is a core condition.”

Yes. She labeled my problem. (Probably yours, too).I run around feeling stressed because I can’t get everything done. Never is there enough of me or hours in any day to complete my yesterday’s to do list, much less add today and tomorrows. But the beautiful part of the editorial is Willems shared the solution—Paul said it, “when we are weak we are strong.”

Go ahead and snicker if you like. I’m an old believer, taught the scriptural application to others and yet, once in awhile (like every month), I need that old lesson brought home to me again.

My lesson for the week: God waits with open arms saying, “Jump, Kat. Jump. I’ll catch you. You aren’t on that limb by yourself.” Then after he’s caught me I know He’ll say, “the rest of your mess will be completed in due time. Allow me to provide time and finances for you. Now relax.”

It feels like the Lord has handed me a beautiful bouquet. I’m so human and yet He loves me. He loves you, too.

I'd Rather Edit Myself

2008-10-03T19:10:00.004-05:00

In the past two years I’ve submitted many articles for Sunday School handouts. The usual story is 1200 words. Over time my writing improved and so did my sales. Once an editor said he needed a story for Thanksgiving—he didn’t give an actual word count, but his market said 500 to 1200 words. I submitted an 1100 word story and within an hour the editor emailed me. “Your story is what I’m looking for to fit an 800 word space. Do I have your permission to edit?”

I replied, “Give me until tomorrow and I’ll see if I can cut to fit your needs.”

Wow. It seemed to me every word was necessary to move the story forward, but I hacked away. Resubmitted and sold it. Sold the reprint, also. The experience taught me to think like an editor. That means I ask myself this question: If every word costs the company $1, do they need them all? Will they receive good return on their money?”

Sometimes I cut more—sometimes I think like an author and value every word, even my cutesy expressions and/or purple prose. This I know, I’m a better author than last year, but haven’t reached my goal of perfection—yet.
Go find the action. Cut some words tonight:)

Enjoy, Kat

Critiques and More

2008-09-27T21:27:00.003-05:00

In January 2006 I started a critique group in my home. I handed out guidelines at the first meeting.

Stringent guidelines. The kind with a Lionhearted bite in them, and yet, my whole desire was to help the young authors—wow, did I learn a lot.

My guidelines: Submit ahead of time, take time to critique others and remember, to ‘check your ego at the door. Use the sandwich method. Say something good, give comments about the piece and close with a positive.

However, over the months I found myself repeating the same instructions on each manuscript I edited. “Avoid passive verbs, and words like 'so, just, even, very, and ly.'” Often I reminded the authors to format their work. Almost every MS I wrote “Run spell check and read aloud.”

Finally, I grew wiser. I only looked at content, POV, and take-away. Little by little each author’s work grew stronger and many of the group are published today.

Now there are others outside the critique group who ask for my help, too. I’m upfront with them. “I’ll be glad to read your work. Gotta tell you, I’m dead serious about what I do. I won’t waste your time or mine....”

I don’t want to stifle a wannabe author and never would I intentionally wound anyone. After all, my whole purpose is to help every writer get published—that’s a win-win thing, isn’t it?

What about you, how do you critique for new authors? Or do you?

Thinking, Kat

Learn from Rejection

2008-09-23T20:37:00.000-05:00

Lisa, an author on FCW posted: “Ditch the mirror. Often we feel inadequate because we're looking at ourselves, in all of our flawed glory. Instead, we should be looking at God and reflecting his glory (by obeying his call to write/communicate).”

She nailed me. In recent days I realized how personal each rejection felt. I found myself talking to the rejecting editors. “You don’t even know me.” Or “Tell me how you want this article slanted. I can rewrite.” Or “Give me a chance. Try me. You might like me.”

When I stopped with the rhetoric shouted at deaf ears (obviously no one but the Lord and the PC can hear me), and took action, I moved beyond what Lisa calls the ‘self-focus’ to accomplishment.

I’m trying a new tactic—one Steve and Janet Bly shared with me long ago. “Before you send the article, list three to ten possible markets. When the rejection comes, send it out again.” Such good and timeless advice.

Why do I allow rejection to stop me cold or even focus on my feelings of inadequacy?

The times I’ve truly believed my article is good and written well, I’ve submitted it and when rejected submitted it again. Each of these well-written articles have a history—third market bought the article.

I’ve discovered I need a broader market base, but I’m learning from the best and growing daily—well, weekly.
Still learning, Kat

Awe, Writing! The Good Life.

2008-09-21T15:40:00.000-05:00

My author friend, Susan, sent an email to me yesterday. The subject line said: Being Accountable. She talked about her Work In Progress (WIP). How she is now accepting God’s timing and she mentioned what she accomplished this past week.

The line that struck a cord in me said:

Just keeping in my mind that I should be reporting in is keeping me on track.

I replied to Susan’s email and her response: “You’re also right about having someone say, ‘how ya doing?’ I belong to a small accountability group and we’re supposed to check in every Tuesday —but if one of doesn’t, the rest don’t either.”

Did you get that? Accountability.

Not every author has an accountability partner or a critique group. Some people are loners and do just fine without a nudge, but for me, posting my goals and accomplishments made a measurable difference in my writing.

Last January I posted how much I wrote, what I sold and what I gave away. When I compared it to the year before, I could see a definite increase in production. That encouraged me. Then I posted my accomplishments online and several authors emailed me saying, “I need to do that for me.”

Unlike my laid-back-pizza-eating-lionhearted photo, being a freelance author is work. Yet when I see my work published I think, “Awe, I’m an author. Such a good life.”

This is Kat saying build some sort of system to track your work, your sales, your blogs, your newsletters, even your encouragement notes. Do it now. You’ll be glad you did.

Late Bloomer-New Career

2008-09-16T19:46:00.002-05:00

No one told me about career building when I wrote the church drama, VBS and SS curriculum, or the Women’s Min Bible Studies. Never did I think the weekly bulletins and newsletters might be a step towards new life—I just loved being in the thick of the people and doing ministry.

So after many years alongside my preacher husband, Gary, I felt banned to the pew when he left the ministry. My world felt box like when we moved to another state where I didn’t know anyone.

Then in the spring of 1999, an eye specialist diagnosed me with Fuchs dystrophy. “You are legally blind.” My little world became more confined.

Rear-view vision tells me God used that period of my life for His glory.

That fall someone died that I might see. (What a story.)

A cornea transplant surgery promised me hope of vision, but no one prepared me for the fuzzy world I’d live in. A world filled with pain.

In my battle against the pain and depression, I announced to husband, “I do think I’ll write a novel.” I joined writer’s groups and my little box like world increased in size.

In the summer of 2002, I attended Oregon Christian Writer’s Conference where I paid Cec Murphey to read my manuscript. Cec suggested I shelve the novel and write my life experience stories.

Never in any of this did I see a career possibility—not at my age.

But look at me now. I’m working towards retirement—hopefully in the next few months—and a new career. Fulltime freelance author/speaker. And all the while the Lord had a plan.

Have a good night,

Kat in Omaha

Pleased to be an Author

2008-09-15T07:17:00.008-05:00

Last week a District Superintendent qualified the district churches. “We don’t have second-hand churches or less than stellar preachers. We do have many small churches in villages that pay little or nothing. The pastor is bi-vocational—that doesn’t make him or the church less than the mega work in the city.”

I felt like one of those bi-vocational pastors when the discussion of low pay for anthology submissions became a topic of discussion in an online author forum. I proudly reported I’m now published in eight anthologies and have several articles scheduled to release in four more. No, I am not earning a living on my writing yet, but I'm pleased to be published.

One dear soul gave me a dose of reality when she read one of my articles in A Cup of Comfort Book of Prayer. “Your just one of several?” Her frown and tone said, “That’s not a big deal.” But to me it’s a big deal. I had to work hard to arrive at this place in my writing. I’ve been out of school for years—grammar was never my strong point—it took hours of effort to learn the craft of writing and how to ‘please the editors.’

Besides, think about it. I’m only one of several in each anthology, but they are sold in Barnes and Noble, Target, and Walmart. Who knows how God might use one of my stories to touch a life in Kookamonga or right here in Omaha.

Wow, I’m a God called author, paid or not. I feel blessed.

Pleased to be an author in any form, Kat

Where to find me:

Soul Matters for Men; Soul Matters for Mothers; Grace Givers with David Jeremiah; A Cup of Comfort Devotional for Mothers; A Cup of Comfort Book of Prayer; A Rainy Day Book; White Picket Fences; Life Savors for Women

Procrastination can be Expensive

2008-09-10T21:55:00.002-05:00

Horrible lesson almost learned: Don’t hesitate, buy early.

Because I’ve only flown 5 times in my life, arranging a flight is scary. Someone helped me in the past. This year our Oregon daughter encouraged me to buy one early.

“I don’t have the time today.”

“Mom, give yourself permission to spend thirty minutes online. Go directly to the website for each of the airlines. You can do this.”

I messed around on the websites that night. Some fees were sky high and a few didn’t have flights where I needed to go. The next day I popped in and looked around again—didn’t buy. Then I asked a co-worker how they arranged their flights.

“Usually Travelocity or Orbitz.”

That night I compared those two. Will they run a special? Maybe I should ask ….I hesitated. Again.

Every where I looked I found United to be the only choice from Omaha to Eugene. So why did I wait?

A week later our Omaha daughter called and connected me with expedia. "Yes, you'll have an actual person to talk me though the purchase." I called and while we were on the phone the tickets went from $405 to $638.

I hung up quick, plugged back into Orbitz where I’d seen a roundtrip fare for $412. You never saw my fingers fly so fast. Phew. Job well done. I received my confirmation, wiped my brow, and thought “Wow, you almost missed this because you hesitated to make a commitment.”

I gotta learn procrastination is a killer and can be expensive.

Sighing, Kat

OVERCOME FEAR OF SPEAKING

2008-09-08T09:12:00.004-05:00

AFRAID TO SPEAK

How did I overcome the fear of speaking before people?

Practice. I learned how to speak before others when pushed lovingly by my husband (and the Lord) to fill positions in the church.

My husband entered the ministry 14 years after we were married. While he attended Bible College, I took classes offered for the wives and piano lessons, too. (Training is a big help.)

Although I’m an extrovert, I struggle with shyness. (Well I did at one time and still do if I’m in unfamiliar territory.)

Ministry in small churches is a great way to overcome a lot of self. Forced to lead the music, play the piano and direct the choir—in one church I did all three—taught me to care for others and forget about self.

At one point, I asked a piano instructor, “How do I get over being so nervous. I’m sure I’ll blunder.” He answered, “Why do you think people come to listen for your mistakes? Don’t focus on yourself. Your congregation (audience) is your best friend. Your champion.”

This last fall (a hundred years after those church settings), I spoke in several churches. I felt so inadequate, positive I had nothing new to say. My husband wisely said, “There may be only one person, but that one person has never heard your message before.”

More than once I heard, “The Lord sent you here for me.” I may not be the best speaker, but I’m the one the Lord sent to do that job.

Step outside your comfort zone this week and try something for the sake of others. Then watch God open the hearts of others to receive the message God has placed on your heart.

Have a beautiful week, Kat

SIMULTANEOUS SUBMISSIONS

2008-09-01T07:24:00.002-05:00

What is a simultaneous submission? You write one article and send it to more than one editor.

In the body of your cover letter you mention, “I am sending this submission to another publication.” Or under your signature you note: Simultaneous Submission.

When one editor buys the manuscript, be sure and let the other editor(s) know immediately.

The day I wrote an article for one publication and accidently sent it to another, I felt embarrassed. I quick wrote to Mr. First Sub Editor and apologized. In minutes he replied to my email. “Don’t worry about it. Just let me know if you sell it.”

When Mr. Supposed To Editor did buy the article. I sent that promised email to Mr. First Sub Editor, “Sold.” He replied, “I’ve withdrawn your article from our files.” Two weeks later, the same editor sent me a letter of acceptance for the same article.

I panicked. Did I tell the article as First Rights twice? That’s not legal or moral.

After several emails, we came to a solution: The two SS handouts are not overlapping markets. Mr. Supposed To Editor bought the article and had already sent the payment when the second one wrote his letter of acceptance. Legally he owned the first rights to my article. Mr. First Sub Editor said he was happy to pay for a reprint even though he will publish the story before Mr. Supposed To Editor’s publication date.

If that doesn’t make sense, well, believe me when I say it took me awhile to sort through this problem. I don’t want to repeat it anytime soon.

So how do you avoid the problem above? For me I don’t make it a practice to submit simultaneously.

One simple tip:

When you submit simultaneously log all info in an Excel Spreadsheet or hardcopy file. Change the font type and size, bold it, and color the text name. Then color the editors email addresses in the same color. Your eyes can track the submission easier.

Enjoy your day, Kat

Serious Writer

2008-08-27T21:28:00.005-05:00

I’m retirement age and still working four nine-hour days each week. Monday’s are set aside to write. Writing career? Never thought about the title, especially at my age, but then I say, “Why not?”

When I walked into the Oregon conference in 2002, I felt certain I carried a best seller in my portfolio. Then Cec Murphey (in a sweet way—despite his curmudgeonly spirit) said stash the fiction. In a few words, he steered me in the “right direction.” Write true experience stories, build a name for yourself, and become serious about the write business.

Grammar! Edits! Critiques! Writer’s crit groups! The whole bit.

Many from TWV2, FCW, HACWN and OCWC have helped me find my footing and hone my skills. “They” urged me to write goals, praises and seek a newspaper column.

Full of fear, I pushed myself to do them all.

The fiction best seller still lives in my computer, but someday....

Thank you to Cec and all others. Not enough space to name you, but the day I hit Oprah I’ll try to give you all proper credit.

Now you are smiling with me, right? But my dream career sits on the edge of my world. So I ask you, “If the Lord has changed my world this much, and brought me this far, why not see myself as a real author?”

Must add, my day job is not my career. It is survival.

Come visit again, Kat

Never too late to say, "THANK YOU"

2008-08-25T07:51:00.004-05:00

Time is fleeting and action of the essence.

When I left Oregon Christian Writers Conference (OCWC) I planned on sending “Thank You Notes” immediately. I purchased the notes while in Oregon with plans to write and address them during my layover in Denver.

That didn’t happen. I read a book, took a walk, mulled over what I’d learned and let my tired brain relax. A vacation of 16 days is wonderful, but when I arrived home life called my name.

Husband had worked super hard to have everything neat at home, but my cubicle at work, Wow. Desk piled high. Long hours. Each day I arrived home exhausted.

Then all the other deadlines to meet and look it’s already a month since OCWC. If I’m not careful the window of time for “Thank You” will have passed—or does it ever.

This weekend I received a "Thank you for your support" from our granddaughter and two emailed ‘thank yous’ for my contribution to the cancer support group. I felt thrilled with each note.

Great lessons for the week:

Thank you notes don’t need to be lengthy or clever—just sent.

It’s never too late to say “Thank You. I appreciated your workshop, your materials, your sharing, and/or your help.”

This week I plan on sending notes of thanks, how about you?

FCW an Online Writing Group

2008-08-21T20:11:00.003-05:00

What I’ve learned from FCW:

When I attend a Christian conference, I’m surprised when I meet authors not connected to Fellowship of Christian Writers (FCW) or any other online writer’s support group. I listen to their reasons:

v I don’t have enough time
v I’m on dialup and it’s difficult to manage the website
v I’m involved with a local critique group and don’t feel I need anything else

Sometimes I share what I’ve learned, other times I quickly realize the author doesn’t want my info. Okay, that’s fine, not everyone does need a support group, However, there are times I want to teach a class on how FCW is a powerful tool for an author.

What have I gained from FCW?

Years of valuable wisdom shared with me for free.

Someone suggested:

Write for a newspaper. I did. In the process I learned to interview cold turkey, make deadlines, and produce readable copy that pleased my editor.

Set weekly goals and post praises. When I put this tip in action I produced more and felt better about my writing.

Post lessons learned. Wow. I’ve a wealth of wisdom packed into these lessons and now I’m using them for my blog: Straight from the Lion’s Mouth.

Grammar Experts live at FCW. Ask questions, receive answers.

Not all our families and friends understand the world of an author, but on FCW we have prayer support and author support.

Kudos and applause for our FCW moderators and the rest of the gang.

and a sincere thank you from Kat

More information about FCW visit:
http://fellowshipofchristianwriters.org

5 Lessons Learned at OCWC

2008-08-19T05:21:00.001-05:00

Speak to the silent, the loner, and every editor/publisher possible. Speak, but also listen. Everyone has a story. Many authors, editors and even publishers bring a load of pain tucked in their suitcase between their clothes and their manuscript.
Take time to be alone. I sent my fees with a note, “I’ll fit into a cabin of three to save dollars.” Mentally I thought, “Lord, I know you placed Geneva in my cabin on purpose in 2002. Maybe you have a plan for this year, too. I’m open to share.” Then guess what? I had a cabin to myself. The Lord knew I needed quiet with Him. What a blessing.
Don’t expect every workshop to fit your every need. Often the class ranges from newbie to well-seasoned author and the speaker tries to answer all the questions in between. Take what you can from every class. When my husband served as pastor he told his Bible Class students, “Don’t try and digest it all. If you go away with one new truth or one provocative thought, you’ve done well.”
Go to every conference with a positive mental attitude and trust God to help you find your niche. Don’t expect to know everything beforehand. You are a first grader going to school. You’ll learn. Raise your hand and ask questions.
Expect miracles and write them down. Even the little answers to prayer.

Have a great day. I'm headed to my mission field called Medical Billing. Wonder who I might talk with today? Kat

INTERESTS AND HOBBIES

2008-08-18T10:30:00.001-05:00

In Sandy Cathcart’s workshop at OCW she challenged us to answer several questions. Number #8 intrigued me:

List your interests and your hobbies. Not only the current ones, but things you’ve learned in the past. My pen flew across the page.

Chess, table tennis, writing, reading, create and send cards/especially weird things you could never buy in a store. I crochet, knit and sew. I’m a florist, write and direct drama and clown. I’m a home decorator—give me what is your prized memory and I’ll create your color scheme and place of peace. I’m a Bible teacher. (taught every grade leave and age. Sometimes with a classroom of 5 year-olds up to teens.) Taught piano, cake decorating, calligraphy, and how to tye dye. And given a bit more time I’m sure I’d think about more.

You know when I look at the list I wonder why I’ve limited myself to my story telling—there is a whole lot more to me than just what I see on a daily basis.

Oh, here a wrinkle in my day. I eat lunch with the same 3 women each day. We tend to fall into the tried and true topics—you know, Grandkids, what they ate the night before, or another recipe. (Remember I have allergies and my culinary skills are hidden in the cupboard.)

After I read through my list of “me” I’ve decided to challenge my lunch buddies to talk about who they are. Now I’m wondering what hobbies and interests they’ve hidden from me all these years.

I’ll report back on my findings.

Without A Vision

2008-08-12T11:06:00.000-05:00

I’ve been asked how I managed a trip to Oregon.

I didn’t, God did.

I asked four authors to pray about my trip. One of them suggested I ask for a scholarship to the conference. Once before I asked for a scholarship and when turned down, I felt rejected and embarrassed. Yet, this year, I felt if I asked an author to pray and she felt I should ask, why not. I did and within an hour I received a “Yes.”

I didn’t know how much in $ that might mean, but I felt the Lord gave me confirmation to pursue my dreams. That also meant I had to tell husband I had plans where he wasn’t included.

Bless his heart, Husband said, “I’ve already been thinking you need to see your mother this summer. Go for it.”

Lord, you know my siblings need Jesus. Is it possible for me to speak in churches in their neighborhood? The next day I listed churches in the area, called fifteen. Called bookstores, newspapers, radio stations and asked to share COC books at the family reunion.

How did I do that? One call at a time. It is a lot of work, but the rewards now are awesome. My siblings sat in congregations where I spoke. The scholarship helped and I generated enough dollars to pay for half my expenses. Where does the other half come from? Money I’d earned speaking in Nebraska.

Funny, when I look at the overall picture I am involved in making the trip happen.

But think about it, my vision was not big enough.

What have I missed because I failed to dream?

Without a Vision...

Kat in Omaha

http://www.katcrawford.com

God Answers Prayer

2008-08-11T10:54:00.003-05:00

“Mom, what do you want for Mother’s Day,” our oldest daughter asked.

“A flight to Oregon.”

“Try again in my price range please.”

“I don’t have a desire list anymore. Why write things down or even pray about something I know I cannot afford?”

Before we hung up I suggested a couple items I’d like.

The next morning I realized why I didn’t write out a desire list like I had in the past.

In the past when I wrote out a list, I’d shop sales or second hand stores or save like crazy for a major purchase. Now I don’t have the time or money for shopping and there isn’t anything extra to save.

That day I wrote a list in my prayer journal: New computer. Attend family reunion in Oregon. Attend OWC. I added a couple smaller items, too: A banner long narrow banner to greet people on the front porch, a novel to read, and help with my publishing a book.

That same week a virus ‘killed’ my laptop and husband insisted I buy a new one. “Lord, I forgot to add I wanted a new pc without hassles and bills, but I will trust you for the finances.”

The following week I asked four author friend, “Will you join me in prayer? It will take a miracle for me to attend family reunion and writer’s conference. I have no way of making any of this happen.”

It is now August 9th. I attended the family reunion—the first time in 21 years. I also spent quality time with family and friends, spoke in churches, held booksignings, sold all the books I had shipped to Oregon and attended OCW Conference.

God is still in the miracle business.

Kat

God Uses Humans

2008-07-18T11:48:00.002-05:00

I wrote an article on Monday and submitted it to LIVE editor. On Friday I received a short note of acceptance and “you will receive payment shortly.” The same thing happened the next week. On Friday I did a Hallelujah Praise dance when a second letter arrived with promised payment.

When the check arrived I set it on the kitchen table for husband to drool over. Two days later the check still sat on the table, I figured we’d drop it by the bank on Monday.

Only Monday the carpet cleaners were to arrive at 10 a.m. Husband “invited” me to help him remove the furniture. We never made it to the bank.

The carpets didn’t dry. Monday night, despite the disarray I decided to fill out a deposit slip for the LIVE check, only I couldn’t find the check. I scoured the kitchen from refrigerator to pantry. From table top to floor. Leafed through a billion papers and moved lamps, books, photos and magazines. No check.

LESSON: A check is money. No matter the amount, it should be treated like a precious commodity, not an award to be ogled. Several people called Monday evening. I whined to each one about my lost check. All promised to pray. At 10 p.m. I said, “Hon, when you lose something, you don’t sleep.” He got involved. Looked in all the places I looked, but when he knelt on the floor he saw the check lodged under a chair.

There is something about his humbled position that really touched me. I had looked on the floor, but not like he did. I’d stooped from the waist to give a cursory glance under the table. I did not kneel.

Believe me, I did pray for the Lord’s help and I asked all those friends to pray I’d find the lost check, but when husband cared enough to get involved, I felt better. It seemed like he gave me a beautiful gift when I saw him get on his knees—maybe because he did more than just a mere ‘lookseecan’tfind’ type help.

Amazing how one lost check touched my heart?
Another lesson learned: God answers prayer in interesting ways. I might have found the check myself, but I’d have missed the gift of grace from my “I do care for your needs” husband.

Keep your eyes open—God is using a human to answer one of your prayer requests today.

Speaking of Speaking

2008-07-11T22:10:00.004-05:00

How did you get over the fear of speaking before people? That question reminds me of years ago when husband would ask, “How do you get to Carnegie Hall?” He’d wait a bit and then say, “Practice baby. Practice.” That’s the way to be the best, speaker, too. Keep going.

I became a speaker when pushed lovingly by my husband, and the Lord, to fill positions in the church. Gary decided to enter the ministry 12 years after we were married. While he attended Bible College, I completed classes offered to the wives and piano lessons, too. I am an extrovert, but unlike most, I struggle with shyness. (Well I did at one time and still do if I’m in unfamiliar territory.)

Ministry in small churches is a great way to overcome a lot of self. Forced to lead the music, play the piano and direct the choir—in one church I did all three—teaches you to care for others and forget self.

At one point, I asked a piano instructor, “How do I get over being so nervous. I’m sure I’ll blunder.”

He answered, “Why do you think people come to listen for your mistakes? Don’t focus on yourself. Your congregation (audience) is your best friend. Your champion.”

This last fall (a hundred years after those church settings), I spoke in several churches. I felt so inadequate, positive I had nothing new to say. My husband wisely said, “There may be only one person, but that one person has never heard your message before.”

After each speaking engagement I heard, “The Lord sent you here for me.” I may not be the best speaker, but I’m the one the Lord sent to do that job.

Kat still in Omaha

I'm a Wannabe Superwoman

2008-07-06T20:46:00.001-05:00

HOW DO I FIGURE OUT HOW TO WORK OVERTIME, clean house, keep the kitchen table free from writing trivia, backup the computer, practice music with husband daily, play chess over the evening meal, finish my goals, sleep (what? Who wants to sleep? It is such a time waster). And of course, start each day with the Lord.

Obviously I couldn’t do all the above, but I tried. I kept going for a time, but then I found myself crabby at work. No, I didn’t instigate any discord or spout off with bad words, but I didn’t find the joy in my job.

Before long I realized I had my list backwards. The “And of course, start each day with the Lord” needed to be first on my list and first in my day.

There are those night people who find their quiet time before bed. Me, I’m a morning person. I’m freshest early in the day so I give my freshest bestest me to the Lord and honestly, I do find more minutes in the day.

Never ever understood the tithing principle but I know from experience that when I give 10% off the first of our dollars, God increases the 90% to take care of our needs. It’s the same way with time—give him the best of your hours and He helps you work with greater peace.

Did I say you will be Superwoman? Naw, but try my approach. It works.

Have a peace filled day,
Kat
www.katcrawford.com

STRONGER BIO NEEDED, PLEASE!

2008-06-21T11:24:00.003-05:00

An online writer’s group discussed the importance of a well-rounded BIO. After I read the comments by professionals, I pulled out my stack of anthologies and read the short bio listed in the back.

What did I learn? It is important to write facts pertaining to the manuscript attached. You do not need a chronological bio with most submissions.

Most editors don’t need to know Kat Crawford is married for 49 years next Monday. She is still dedicated to her childhood sweetheart. She started chasing him the summer she turned ten and caught him when she turned 17. The Crawford’s have three children and six grandchildren.

Well, actually, if I were writing an article about grand parenting, that might be all right. Or if I wanted to show the importance of commitment in marriage, it might be the most important sentence in the bio....but for the anthology articles, it really doesn’t pertain to the material submitted.

Always write a bio in third person. Always.

I do believe I’ll write a cleaner, more concise bio next time around.

Just a bit smarter,
Kat

Brainstorming Works

2008-06-18T20:05:00.003-05:00

When a young author suggested our writers group hold a brainstorm session, I liked the idea. I’m old enough to be her grandmother and the idea of having a group of youngsters around sounded like a much needed evening to revive my tired mind.

I set the date for our brainstorm session. Then one by one the youngsters of Kat’s Kritters (critique group) emailed. They were committed to other activities.

Disappointment set in when I realized I’d have to think hard to inspire myself and the two ladies I expected to come—both of them older than me.

I moaned to husband, “Hon, I used to think creatively. Now I’m old. I see the same people, sit in the same pew, eat with the same co-workers. My world is too small to think in a ‘stormy brain.’ Husband laughed at me, but offered no solution.

At 6 p.m. on the night of the B-storm, I put my fingers on my keyboard and said, “Lord, I’m dry and boring.” Then ideas poured from my mind. In less than thirty minutes, I’d created enough material to stir the old fires in the tired minds.

The clock struck 7. No one showed. I quick jotted more mind-boggling-ideas and the old embers began to flame.

At 7:30, a woman who attended our writers group only once arrived. We didn’t bother with my fire starters, we shared and energized each other. The evening felt like a God planned event.

I learned I’m not dead yet, just thought I might be dying.

Signing out, one fired up Kat

When did I start to write?

2008-06-16T19:32:00.000-05:00

When did I start to write?

In the seventh grade, a teacher said I had a natural gift for writing. That encouragement never left me, however, being shy and fearful got in the way for many years. When my husband entered full-time ministry, I had open doors of opportunity.

“Honey, we need a newsletter.”

“Honey, we need a church drama.”

“Honey, we need SS materials that fit our particular church needs.”

Then in our first pastorate another preacher’s wife invited me to ‘help her’ write a devotional for the women. My friend did not work fast enough for me so I wrote my own. The women liked the booklet and asked for more.

When we moved to another town, the newspaper asked for a weekly devotional. Husband said, “Honey, you have the gift.” I wrote Sunshine and Smiles for two years. The community enjoyed the column, but when I look at them now I cringe, I used the knowledge I had at the time and God blessed the words.

At that time I met Steve and Janet Bly—they read my work, applauded my efforts, encouraged me and eventually, because of those two generous writers, the Standard published my article Secret Secret Sister. (Spent my first check three times. Grin.)

That is the beginning—my husband is still my biggest encouragement. He is also my WIP—smile.

Kat in Omaha
www.pmpawareness.org
www.katcrawford.com

2008-03-29T16:25:00.000-05:00

Do you remember watching a child take those first steps? Their hands flail around as they grope air to balance themselves on tiny feet while they take those baby steps.

For three hours this afternoon I’ve messed around taking funny little baby steps while trying to build a blog. Actually, this is my fourth attempt at my first post.

I started writing years ago. I’ve already been through my first submissions to editors and publishers. I’m way beyond the first rejection letter, firs sale and the first critique group. Yet writing is fresh and new to me daily and today I’m back at the beginning: my first post on my first blog. I feel excited probably because I learned several lessons in the process.

I tend to make things hard—hey, I couldn’t remember my password between my visits to the posting board.
I’d like cutsy stuff on the screen and spent two hours trying to load a photo that turned out way bigger than anyone could see and who cares?
Today’s experience reminded me of years ago when I spent a whole day creating a cover for a Woman’s Devotional only to find out the women read through it once. When I finally wised up and realized the ladies didn’t care about the cover, I spent more time on the content. What I learned is they enjoyed the insides—the meat of the message more than the package.
Today’s first isn’t a best seller, it won’t reach any great markets in life, but it is my beginning of greater things to come.

Stop by again to hear STRAIGHT FROM THE LION’S MOUTH,

The Lionhearted Kat