You're a Teenager Now....

My oldest nephew turns 13 this coming week, but we celebrated his birthday on Friday.  He's officially a teenager now!  Eeek!  A couple years ago he said he didn't want to become a teenager, but now that he's about to become one he seems OK with it.  I'm not sure his parents are ready for it, but we'll soon find out!  

Do you remember turning 13?  Would you ever go back to those awkward years?  I wouldn't!  Growth spurts, mood swings, crying over the smallest things (mainly hair), acne, embarrassment by your parents, and the list goes on and on.  It's one of those times in life that we all go through and some get through it a little roughed up, others a bit more bruised and battered, and others find themselves isolated from bullying or other circumstances.  It's just a really hard time in life for a lot of different reasons...mainly just change itself.

Thou I can't believe my oldest nephew is 13 already, I'm excited to see his interests broaden and his views on life and the world come into shape.  It's a stepping stone in his life and I hope to help shape it with kindness, generosity, laughter and compassion.

Blessings to you this first full week of October!!

Re-locate?

How many times have you moved to another state for a job?  I've only done it once.  How many more times would you move for a job?  Would you ever move out of the country for a job?  It's crossed my mind lately.

The climate of complete nonsense, moral corruption, constant lies and disrespect has become a depressing norm that is chipping away at my sanity.  It's never-ending, sad, and has sucked all the life out of me lately.  Sigh.  How do you get through all the "noise" of the world and not let it get to you?  Do you drown out the noise or do you fight, fight, fight against issue after issue?  Where's the common ground?  Where's the balance?  Where's the sanity?

The grass my not be greener around the world...but, what if it is or could be?  What if people treated one another with respect, compassion and understanding?  What if people didn't treat one another like this label or that, or in this box or that?  What if there was a place like that?  Would you go?  Hmmm.........

May blessings fill up your days this last full week of September!

5 Years Already...

It's been 5 years since I published my first book, Corn-fed with Rice on the Side.  It doesn't seem like that long ago, especially since I've been getting regular reminders from my Facebook memories page.  Last week at this time 5 years ago, I held my first book signing back in my hometown.  It was an amazing and truly heartwarming experience that I'll never forget.  

It was an exciting time back then...knowing the book was finally being published, finalizing the book cover (see previous posts from 2013), waiting for the books to be shipped, actually receiving the books, doing interviews, seeing magazine and online promotions of my book and then my first book signing.  Such a fun and unexpected time!

Now, as I prepare for my next event next month, it makes me smile to think about all the events, interviews and people I've met so far through this unexpected book journey.  I'll be sharing my story at an adoption conference locally and look forward to adding to my fond memories of events passed.  I'm looking forward to meeting and hearing other's stories and sharing my story through a speaking engagement and selling my books at the conference.  Wish me luck!

Prayers of safety, comfort and strength for all those in the path of Hurricane Florence and all the flooding that is occurring now and in the days to come.  And, bless all the first responders who risk their own lives to save others every day!

Historic and Heartbreaking

As I watched the U.S. Open Women's Championship match yesterday, I found the environment electric and ready to see history.  The obvious sentiment of the crowd was to root on Serena Williams for her 24th major championship.  She was the odds on favorite to win.  But, on the other side of the net was an up-and-coming 20 year old from Japan who idolized Serena growing up.  It must have been surreal and incredibly exciting for her to stand across the court in her first major championship final.  However, it didn't end up being a "normal" match or championship final that we'd ever seen before.

Sadly, things went awry when Serena was given a game penalty after a warning and point penalty were assessed.  Right or wrong is another discussion for another time, but the awards ceremony were apt to be awkward, especially with a disagreeing crowd.  

Thankfully, being the upper statesman and aware of the circumstances Serena calmed the crowd during the ceremony.  In that moment, she proved to be a real champion (even though her previous 23 titles have already established that).  As the ceremony started and the crowd began booing, Naomi Osaka began to cry...not because she had just won her first major (which is why she should have been crying), but because she thought the crowd didn't think she should have won or that by her winning she disappointed them because Serena didn't win.  It was a heartbreaking moment.  She should have been all smiles, but instead she felt sad.  But, Serena recognized the importance of the moment for her and put her arm around her shoulder and started talking to her to comfort her.  She then told the crowd that it was Naomi's moment and they should acknowledge that.  "No more booing," she told them.  "Let's stay positive," she said.  That allowed everyone to come back to why they were truly there...to see a winner crowned.  Naomi absolutely earned her first major win and I hope she truly knows that aside from all the drama.

She's the first Japanese player (male or female) to win a major tennis championship.  Her win was historic, but sadly it was also heartbreaking because she couldn't fully enjoy the moment.  She was quiet and a little shy during her interview on the court and looked a little awkward parading around the court with the trophy afterwards....a little because I think she still felt embarrassed about winning (when she shouldn't have been) and because it was her first time to do it so she really didn't know what to do.  In watching her speak, I could feel her anguish and shyness.  I could sense the Asian culture creeping into her demeanor and I just wanted to give her a hug and tell her to smile!

But, with time I think she'll know without a doubt that she deserved to win that title and hopefully she'll be proud of how she handled herself during all the drama.  Congratulations to Naomi Osaka on your first grand slam title!!

May blessings fill your days in this week ahead!

Tapestry Conference

If you live in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, register to attend the Tapestry Conference on October 19-20.  The conference brings together experienced parents and professionals to teach on a wide range of topics that help support and equip local churches and families with the tools and resources to bring hope and healing to adoptive and foster parents, children and their families.

I'll be there selling my book, Corn-fed with Rice on the Side.  So, come out and get a signed copy of my book!  Stay tuned for more details to come, as well!

Register today at tapestryconference.org

May you have a blessed holiday weekend (here in the States) and a productive week ahead!

Little League World Series

"The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat."  That was the slogan of the Wide World of Sports on ABC many years ago.  It rang true watching the Little League World Series today.  This may be the first time I've actually watched the the final game, but I think I was a little more intrigued because it was South Korea vs. Hawaii.  

It was also a little more appealing just because both teams had so many Asians...ha!  Well, it's true.  I always find it interesting studying the faces of South Koreans...especially kids and young adults.  I guess I'm looking for similarities or something.  But, there were just as many Asians on the Hawaii team which was pretty cool, too!

I just kept smiling as I was watching the game seeing the pure excitement and joy in the athlete's faces.  The pitcher for Hawaii was smiling from the start and had a great smile!  And, the South Korean players had so much fun during player introductions that you couldn't help but cheer for both teams.  I loved seeing the happiness on their faces after a great play, cheering on their teammates, and especially the sportsmanship.  The Hawaii pitcher hit one of the South Koreans while batting and walked over to first base to shake his hand.  Classy.

But in the end, there was the joy and exhilaration from the Hawaiians for winning and the devastation and sadness from the South Koreans that truly summed up "the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat."  I felt so bad for some of the boys from South Korea who were crying, especially the catcher who took it particularly hard.  But, loved seeing all the hugs by both teams at the end.  So fun to watch and that's why we all love sports in some form or fashion.  

Cheers to the last week of August and may blessings fill up your week!!

Motivation for Monday

Another Monday is upon us and I'm hoping the following will propel you into a new week with a positive mindset and an uplifting outlook!

Acknowledging the good that is already in your life is the foundation of all abundance. (Eckhart Tolle)

You are strong because you are imperfect. You are wise because you have doubt.

A real sign of progress is when we no longer punish ourselves for our imperfections. (Yung Pueblo)

So far, you've survived 100% of your worst days.

A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor. (Franklin D. Roosevelt)

The man on top of the mountain didn't fall there.(Vince Lombardi)

Do what you love and you'll never have a problem with Monday.

Have a blessed week ahead!!