Meme – 9 things that made me smileWhen I first heard the word “meme”, I wasn’t sure what that meant. My children call my mom “meemaw”, but I don’t think that’s the same thing.
Someone asked me to “meme” 9 thing that made me smile today. It’s early. 7:55 a.m. So I’ll meme 9 things that made me smile yesterday.
A passion for writing
The discussion on The Writers View this morning is about mid-year goals.
My passion is writing, but right now you might be able to tell that around the Eller house. I do everything but write sometimes. I check the lint in the dryer. I blog (see!). I clean the kitchen. I check the mail obsessively. (more…)
4th of July
I saw pictures today of our holiday weekend. I realized two things:
I had a blast!
I need to lose 10 pounds. (more…)
ICRS – Staying home
It’s been interesting this week. I’m on several writing and speaking loops and the buzz is all about ICRS (International Christian Retail Show). They are talking about flights and shuttles and hotels, and interviews and book signings, and get-togethers.
And for the first time in eight years, I won’t be a part.
But it’s okay. I’m not supposed to be there this year, and I’m at peace with that. Other things are taking precedence and financially it just doesn’t make sense. I expected to nose dive when the buzz started. I love ICRS.
Last year I had two books coming out, one with Kregel and one with Harvest House. I had TV interviews, radio interviews, dinners and brunches and late night hang-out time with some of my favorite authors and speakers. I changed clothes at least twice a day, sometimes more as I jetted from one event to the next in the Hotlanta sun. I got to meet musical artists and hear their new songs and CD’s. I listened to speakers like Rob Bell. I perused the massive ICRS floor where publishers presented their new titles. I spent time sitting with good friends who LOVE the same things I do, like ministry and writing, and talked shop. I was one of the authors at the Personality party, an event where I got to meet some of my favorite writers.
But there was one moment that was better than all of those. A transforming moment.
I was in line holding a plate filled with delicious breakfast. It was a Harvest House Publishers brunch. Stormie O’Martien and her daughter sat nearby. Emilie Barnes and her sweet husband, George, were at the table behind me. Reps and media filled the room, waiting to visit with these A-list authors. Suddenly an arm slipped through mine.
“Sit with me,” the woman said, standing near me.
I turned. Kay Arthur.
“Yes, mam,” I replied. (more…)
Gliding down the Illinois River
Richard and I bought a raft. We live just a few miles from the Illinois River. Rafting and canoeing is big business, and at $20 a person (up to $100 per raft) it gets pricey. So we invested in our own raft, paddles and life jackets. It costs exactly $1 for a pass from the Scenic River Commission.
On Tuesday we made a trial run. We dropped off one vehicle at an exit point, and then traveled down the highway to find a public access.
“Hey babe, what’s the odometer say?” Richard asked from the back seat. (The canoe was tied on in a gotta-make-this-work fashion and somehow neither of our front doors opened because of it – I climbed in the window. Richard took the easy way in, opening the door and taking the back seat.)
“Two miles. No three. Oh, now we’re going on four,” I said.
It was 7:30 p.m. We left the house earlier, but the raft flew in the air four feet, causing quite a scare. Which is why we went back home, found some rope, and tied it inside and outside the car.
At the River, we untied the raft and set it in the water, threw the jackets in and jumped in. The river is high because Oklahoma has had a huge amount of rain. We floated away. The fun began!
An hour an a half later, we were having a blast. Large fish swam nearby. A large crane-like bird followed us. It was peaceful. No one, and I mean NO ONE was floating. A few people swam in public access areas. A few watched us from decks nestled at river camps.
“Where do you think that bridge is?” I asked. Sundown wasn’t far away. The night noises were humming and buzzing. (more…)
Oops!
Have you ever done something and instantly knew it was a mistake?
Right before I traveled to She Speaks I thought it would be a great idea to add some highlights. My beautician had cut it but didn’t have time to do anything else. I went home, bummed, until I saw Melissa. She and Josh were visiting.
I ran to Wal Mart and picked up a highlighting kit that promised to be easy and fun. I couldn’t wait to tell Melissa that I had handpicked her to help me with this hair project. And according to the box, there was fun to be had as well.
“Don’t ask me to do this,” she said.
I was surprised at her lack of enthusiasm. Melissa loves hanging out with me (a total blessing), and usually she’s game for a challenge.
“I’m begging you,” she said. “You’ll regret this.” (more…)
