Farewell...and Hello

Happy New Year!!!

As 2018 winds down, may you take time to reflect on all the goodness, twists and turns of the past year.  The good memories will reside in your heart because you'll remember how you felt in those moments.  All the twists and turns, and even the complete down times are all lessons to be learned from...for continual growth and insight into our frail and complicated lives.  The twists and turns keep us on our toes and shed insight into how prepared we are, how good/bad we react to situations, and how much we still need to learn.  Reaching rock bottom of a situation or in our lives helps us shed away what we absolutely don't need in our lives.  It rids us of the toxicity that has enveloped our lives.  And, hopefully it sheds a light on better days.  

Hope!  We all need hope in our lives...in good times and bad times.  Don't ever lose hope!

It's a cold dreary day here which is perfect for hunkering down and reflecting on the past year...and seeking hope for a brand new year.  Reflection is a good growth tool to use to help propel you to a better you.  It helps you to truthfully and sometimes painfully see why you made some of the decisions you made in the past and look at the results of those decisions with crystal-clear colored glasses.  It shows us where we need to improve areas of our lives and what we've accomplished, too.  It shows us how strong we are or not, how vulnerable we are or not, and how compassionate we are or not.  Seeing who we truly are when seeing our reflection "in the mirror" is an important part of our life journeys.  

Each new year is another year to start over...to start anew, to begin again.  It's a time to hope for our futures with excitement and anticipation.  A new year is a clean slate.  It's an opportunity to make your life what you wish and hope it to be!  So, take time to reflect today and tomorrow...and then, begin anew!

Cheers to 2018 and blessings for a new year full of love, laughter, good health and more compassion for one another around the world!!!

Merry Christmas to All!!

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas!! Enjoy time with family and friends making new memories and cherishing the time you have together.  In the midst of all the gift giving, Christmas cookies and holiday treats take time to remember the true meaning of the day.  Celebrate!  Remember.  Be grateful!

May Christmas blessings fill your house with love, laughter, joy, grace and gratitude!!  Merry Christmas!!! 🎅🎄⛄🎁

One More Week...

There's only 1 more week...until Christmas!  It's here!  Already?!  Yes, it's quickly approaching, so I hope you have all your shopping done and are planning your Christmas feast.  Are your Christmas cookies and other goodies all baked and ready to be consumed...or devoured in some cases?  Do you have all the ingredients for those special cinnamon rolls for Christmas morning?  What pies, cakes, candies, and other sweet treats are still left on the to-do list?  It's a special time of year, but a busy time of year that needs a bit of planning to get it all done.  And, you only have 1 more week to get it all done!  No pressure.

As you check off everything that is left on your to-do list, I hope you are enjoying (at least a little bit) each of your Christmas activities/tasks.  I hope you take in those special moments and cherish making new memories with your family and friends this holiday season!  It's still a magical time of year, no matter all the craziness going on in the world today.  So, just remember the reason for the season and believe in the goodness of your fellow man.  

I'm wishing you a productive, enjoyable, fun-filled and joyful week leading up to Jesus' birth.  May blessings of this magical season warm your hearts, lift up your spirits with hope, and surround you with love!!  Cheers to you and yours this holiday season!

Jolly Holidays!

Has it been a jolly holiday season for you so far?  If not, I hope it becomes one soon!  Some of us are immediate holly jolly little elves buzzing around as soon as Thanksgiving is over...or maybe even before Thanksgiving is over.  Others of us pace ourselves and slowly get into the holiday spirit as December rolls along.  And then there's those of us that have the grinch or scrooge mentality...on varying levels.  Where is your holiday meter set?

I'm definitely in the middle...slowly ramping up my holiday spirit as more and more festivities come up on the calendar.  Tree lightings, holiday craft fairs, Santa visits, parties, holiday shows and cartoons from our childhoods.  They all lead up to Christmas Eve service and dinner, and then Christmas morning of presents and stockings, followed by dinner with the entire family...at least in my family.  All the traditions that families hold dear are proudly embraced during the holiday season.  They make us feel young again, remembering all the holidays and traditions of our youth, and make us want to instill some of those traditions with our own families.  It's about the traditions and legacies of families passed down to one another from generation to generation.  That's what Christmas reminds us of each year.

So, whether you're fully enjoying the jolliness of the season or you're struggling to get through the holidays without a loved one for the first time or the twentieth time, may you feel the spirit and magic that the Christmas season brings...for those that believe!  Cheers to the jolliest season of all!

May blessings of the Christmas season fill you up this week and warm your heart!!

'Tis The Season

It's that holly jolly time of year!  Do you feel it?  Do you see it?  It's all around...everywhere you go!  Yes, the holiday season is in full force and there's no stopping it now!  I hope you are fully caffeinated and ready to go!

My Christmas cards are in the mail...December 1st, as always!  The tree is up and the house is as decorated as it's going to get this year.  A few more presents to buy, but otherwise I'm ready for this holiday season.  To kick it off, the latest Grinch movie today with all my nieces and nephews thanks to my mom.  She organized getting all the kiddos together to enjoy a fun holiday movie.  As I was watching the movie, I thought "wouldn't it be fun to live in Wooville?"  All the decorations were delightful!  It just all looks so simple and colorful on screen, doesn't it?

I hope the "merry" spirit of the season is invading your household...along with delicious baked goods (cookies, cookies and more cookies), festive decorations, joyful music, what the true reason for the season is and a heart full of giving.  Cheers to a bright and glorious holiday season!!

Blessings to you this first full week of December!

Shopping Frenzy!

Thanksgiving is barely over when the shopping frenzy begins!  It's that time of year again!  Let the shopping begin...proceed!  I'm sure many of you have already started your Christmas shopping...maybe on Thanksgiving Day, definitely on Black Friday, and probably some more on Small Business Saturday.  Next up...Cyber Monday!  The (seemingly) never-ending shopping marathon for many as the Christmas season kicks off.

Do you love the chaos of shopping on Thanksgiving night or first thing on Black Friday?  Or do you prefer to sit quietly in your pj's sipping the adult beverage of your choice while shopping online?  I've always done a little of both, but I think I'm finally done with going out Thanksgiving evening.  I dislike the rude behavior displayed by some just to grab a product off the shelf and would rather avoid the crowds of people shoving one another around.  It's just not a pleasant experience.

So, I'm halfway done with my Christmas shopping and almost done with my Christmas cards.  But, my cards will definitely be done and ready to be mailed out on December 1st!  It's just tradition (for me).

Yes, the holiday frenzy is definitely in full blast and it doesn't look to let up until the new year.  Sigh.  Are you all ready?  Are you enjoying it?  Hang in there if you're not.  And, try to find those moments that reflect the true spirit of the season.  Slow down, take a minute and enjoy those special moments!

May blessings fill up your holiday season with heart-warming new memories, special friends, family gatherings, and cheerful surprises!! 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving this week!!  I hope you enjoy your time off to rest, catch up with family and friends, and of course...to eat!  And then...shop!  I'm not sure the holiday means as much as it once was...when we slowed down a bit more to really engage with and relate to our families, instead of rushing around trying to get to place to place with our heads in our phones.  Now, Christmas is more of the focus than Thanksgiving and it's not even Thanksgiving yet!  The city Christmas tree where I live was up even before Halloween!

What happened to enjoying one holiday at a time?  What happened to enjoying the season as it comes instead of rushing ahead?  Everything is just so sped up now and everyone's in a rush to get ahead of the game, get a jump on things before someone else or get the "prize" before everyone else.  We're missing the joy of each season...of each holiday.  We don't slow down to just breathe and take it all in.  We just keep looking ahead and ahead and even beyond that.  Sigh.

I hope you slow down enough to just take a moment to enjoy your surroundings...filled with loved ones, and maybe even the ones you don't, all the laughter, stories being told, new games played, songs being sung, kids playing, football being cheered or jeered, and yes, all the delectable food to be consumed!  Enjoy it all. Take in the moment...or a few.  Enjoy the day...with waistbands expanded.

And, then rush to the stores for all those Black Friday deals if you must. ;-)

Blessings to you and yours this Thanksgiving!  May blessings fill your days with love and laughter!!  Cheers!!!

Happy Veteran's Day!

Thank you to ALL the veterans who have served and sacrificed for our country. Thank you for standing up and fighting for our freedoms, our safety and defending the honor of those that came before us. May their service never be taken for granted or forgotten! 

And, a special shout-out to my dad for serving in Vietnam where they did not return from war with a heroes welcome at the airport, or have parades in their honor, or receive newly built homes for the wounded, or simply receive the mental or physical care they deserved. They were the "forgotten" heroes that still suffer, sometimes in silence, even today. My dad is a hero. That's simply a fact. He earned a Purple Heart and Bronze Star fighting for our country. God bless him!

Please thank a veteran, not only today, but any and every time you see or meet one. They have given more than you know so that you can live the life that you want day after day. Lets make sure we honor them all with the dignity and respect they all deserve.

Blessings to all the veterans that have served our country in the past, present and in the future!!!

Month of "Stuffing"

Are you a stuffing or dressing person?  That's always one of the debates around Thanksgiving.  I guess it depends on where you grew up and what your grandmother or aunts called it, right?  I'm not a big stuffing person myself, but I've seen a lot of good looking recipes for it.

However, I feel like this is the start of holiday eating...and eating...really, really good food!  Actually, at the moment I'm feeling absolutely stuffed.  No good holiday food yet, but just thinking about all the holiday foods...desserts, cookies, cakes, pies, turkey, potatoes, breads, etc....makes me stuffed!  And of course, right now it's all about pumpkin spice this and that!  Ahh, another reason I love the fall....except that I always gain 5 lbs over the holidays.  Ugh.  Again, feeling stuffed!

It's just a given that we all eat ourselves silly on Thanksgiving...until we're in a total food coma!  It's tradition, right?!  It's what we do!  Ohhh, the holidays...what a tasteful treat you are!  There's too much goodness all around.

So, if you're looking forward to getting your "stuffing" on, just remember to drink lots of water afterwards, along with protein, fiber and get your body moving to burn some of that goodness off your hips.  Cheers to all the holiday "stuffing" ahead!

Wishing you a blessed-filled first week of November!!

Love Always Wins

What is going on in the world?!  That's a long and loaded question, but an all too common one these days.  Too much hate.  Too much acceptance of hate.  Too much division.  Too much promotion of division.  Too much lack of compassion, empathy and understanding!  It's just too much some days.

How do we get through it?  How do we move forward?  How do we feel safe in our own neighborhoods?  The world can be a scary place sometimes, but we need to stay focused on the good.  We need to remain hopeful and engaged.  We need to lift one another up and we need to see each other as human beings first...not all the labels and boxes we've all put one another in.  We need to stand up and let our voices be heard!  We need to VOTE for those that represent our values and ideals in the current midterm elections.  I voted early and am encouraged by the large turnouts around the country for early voting.  People are engaged and are standing up to let their voices be heard!  Don't let others speak for you...VOTE!  Get out there, educate yourself on the candidates and VOTE!  VOTE!  VOTE!

We can't let the hateful actions of this past week (in the States) dictate a fearful future.  Rise above the fear, love your neighbor as yourself and lets show that love wins...love always wins!!

Stand up, speak up and VOTE!!  May blessings of hope comfort you in the week ahead!

My First Solo Session...

For the past 2 days, my mom and I attended a local adoption conference.  It's the first adoption conference I've attended where I sponsored a table to sell my book and also spoke during one of the sessions.  It was my first solo speaking gig (and hopefully it wasn't too obvious for those that attended and are reading my blog for the first time), so of course a was a bit nervous beforehand.  But, I think it went well.  I wasn't nervous once I started speaking, but I wanted to make sure I got in everything I wanted to share.  So, I'm hoping the flow wasn't too off.  I received good feedback afterwards, so I'm hoping it helped answer some questions someone might have been having, or gave someone a different perspective on things, or gave someone an "aha" moment where something clicked, or even simply provided comfort to someone who saw themselves in my story.

It was a joy for my mom and I to meet so many wonderful people sharing their adoption stories with us.  We love hearing other's stories because as I've said before they are all different, special and unique in their own ways.  So, it's nice to share with one another and gain insight and understanding from one another.  

This was the first conference my mom has ever attended and she loved it!  She has that warm, friendly and approachable personality that she'll talk to anyone!  So, it helps when trying to draw people over to your table.  She loves to talk so much I had to tell her to dial it back a bit a couple times.  People have to get to the next session, I told her.  She's not a morning person and she got up really early to make it over to my house so we could get over to the conference to set up each morning.  So, I really appreciate all her support, help and waking up early each morning!  I couldn't have done it without her! 

Adoption can be difficult, hard, and messy at times, but it can also be so rewarding in so many ways for families.  The more parents can seek tools, resources, insights and different perspectives from people the better informed they can be, but parenthood doesn't have an exact road map...no matter if you have adopted children or not.  It's a process.  It's a journey.  To try and figure it out and I hope you remind yourself in those trying times that you're doing your best...and that's enough.  

I hope that in some small way, my story, my book can help shine a more positive light on the process and journey for you and your families.  I want you to find the humor in everyday situations or the silver lining in tough times.  Through laughter and love you'll get through it...you all will!  

So, if you missed out on purchasing my book at the conference or have been following my blog for awhile now and haven't purchased my book, now is the perfect time!  It's a great gift as the holidays approach, for your book club, mom's groups, or church groups.  Just go to www.kimfenneman.com.  You can purchase the book there or link to Amazon for the ebook.  Enjoy!

May blessings fill your week ahead with hope, inspiration and the courage to step out of fear and try something new!  

First Speaking Gig

Next Saturday I'll be speaking at the Tapestry Conference.  It's my first solo speaking gig, so I'm excited, nervous and a little bit anxious.  But, I'm sure it will go well!  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, if you are local come out and get a signed copy of my book!  This is my first official adoption conference to attend, as well, so wish me luck!!

Prayers for all those affected by Hurricane Michael.  May blessings of hope and resilience lift you up this week! 

Making Memories...

For the past couple of years, instead of giving my oldest nephew a material gift I've been giving him the gift of spending time with his favorite aunt!  I want to give him new experiences, new memories that he'll remember vs. just another Lego set or video game.  So, I'll take him out for a day or even let him spend the night.  I think those seeds of fond memories have been planted and I hope he looks back one day and smiles.

Today was his day with me and since my mom went to church with me this morning she came along, too.  We spend the afternoon laughing, answering trivia, trying to remember all the state capitals and more and more belly laughing.  I hope he remembers all the belly laughing today.  These are the kinds of memories I hope he takes with him...and passes them on, too.

This morning when my mom arrived I reminded her that 9 years ago yesterday my dad's mom had passed away.  It doesn't seem like 9 years have passed, but we reminisced about her and all my other grandparents that have passed.  They are all gone.  But, I remember them often and fondly.  So, I hope times like today...times that my nephew gets to spend with his Grandma are remembered with laughter, love and lots of smiles.  It's how we keep those that have passed with us and how we share their love and legacy with the next generation.  It's the passage of time, the legacy of lives past, and the love we hold for one another that links generation to generation.

May blessings of love and laughter fill your week ahead!! 

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!!

Rain, Rain....Keep Coming!

Finally!!  Rain!  That's a rare pronouncement in Texas in one of the driest months, especially towards the end of summer.  It's been a really dry summer and my poor lawn is feeling the effects of it, but we finally got some measurable rain and some cooler temps!  I'll take it...and more and more and more...but alas it'll end by Tuesday.  

I can't imagine living in a desert area or somewhere where it doesn't rain much, like Lima, Peru.  When I visited there for work years ago I went on a city tour and they told us that Lima didn't have drainage in the city because it doesn't rain that much there.  What?!  Really?!  I never heard of such a thing before, but it was true.  However, with climate change and how severe storms of every kind seem to be these days I wonder if that will change.

Are you a rain person or not?  What do you like to do when it's raining out?  Stay in with a good book, movie or try out a new recipe?  I usually catch up on a movie I've recorded or there's always a Hallmark movie playing.  But, after such a dry summer I'd be happy if it rained all week!

I know in the States there is flooding on the east coast and forest fires on the west coast.  So, I'm praying for both coasts and those affected by nature's fury.  May blessings meet you where you are this week and provide comfort, relief, and peace.

Saying Good-bye....

In a couple of previous posts, I wrote about a Korean couple that attended my church and sat in the same pew as I each week.  When I first met them I wondered why such an older couple (past retirement age) would be attending a Christian church vs. a Korean church.  I just figured as an older couple they would be set in their ways and in their culture and prefer a Korean church.  

Over the past few years, we've said hello to one another and more recently the wife would talk to me before the service started.  So, I got to know them briefly, but after I had my book signing at the church and she bought a book we started to chat more often at church.  I felt more comfortable asking her questions about the Korean culture...like what my Korean name meant (that's one of my previous posts).  Her husband didn't really ever say much to me, but would always nod his head to say "hi" when they arrived each week.  Over time, he didn't come as often and at the end of last year she told me that he wanted to start going to a Korean church and they wouldn't be coming to this church anymore.  I did find myself missing them a bit as the beginning of this year went on.  

I missed church for awhile in the spring and just started attending again regularly in July.  She was there with her daughter and told me that her husband had died in May.  I was surprised and saddened by the news and felt bad that I hadn't known sooner.  That Sunday one of the hymns we sang was "How Great Thou Art" which was one of her husband's favorite hymns she told me afterwards as she wiped tears from her eyes.  So, the past several Sundays she's been there, as have I so that we can catch up.  

She's moving back to New Jersey where her kids live next week.  It'll be sad to see her go, but it'll be good for her to be near her kids and grandchildren now since she doesn't have any family here.  Her son was at church with her today, so I got to meet him and I know she'll be well taken care of when she moves.  

Last Sunday after church we went to lunch.  We went to a Korean restaurant, of course, and the waitress spoke to her in Korean.  When she asked what I wanted to drink I had to tell her I only spoke English.  I asked her a lot of questions about different foods, customs and her kids, and we had a good lunch.  However, my chopstick skills were seriously lacking!  Seriously!  I did well enough to actually get some food in my mouth, but at one point the waitress stood next to me with a concerned look on her face as she viewed my chopstick skills.  No pressure.  No embarrassment here.  Sheesh.

Yes, I'll miss seeing her on Sundays again, but I know she'll be much happier living closer to her family.  I wish her well and think we'll keep in touch via email.  Blessings to her and her family as she makes the move up north.

And, blessings to you as summer continues to heat up in the final days before school starts again!

Second Half of the Year

There are only 22 weeks left in 2018!  How is that possible?  We're still in the middle of a blazing hot summer, but another school year will be starting for many kids around the country in only a week or two.  Back to school shopping is upon many parents, school zones will be lighting up again soon, and school stadium lights will be shining on Friday nights once again.  It's almost that time of year again.

I can't believe 30 weeks of 2018 have already passed by.  Can you?  Although I'm ready for the fall and the cooler temps and for my lawn to get a break from the intense heat.  But, I'm not sure I'm quite ready for another holiday season.  Considering that Hobby Lobby already has holiday decorations for sale in their stores it's hard to escape some places, but when it's over 100 degrees out it's hard to even think about the holidays.

As I try to come out of the fog from the first half of the year and look forward to the final 22 weeks of the year, I'm hopeful for a rosy outlook full of good fortune, happiness, and positive changes as the year comes to an end.  We can only look forward, move forward and learn from the past.  So, may blessings of growth, renewal and determination fill your remaining days of 2018!!

Monday Motivation

As another Sunday winds down, do you need some motivation to get going on Monday?  Well, I've got just the thing for you...to pump you up to tackle another week!  Check this out!  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26U_seo0a1g

Blessings for a productive, accomplished week ahead!

God's Vision...

Thought this was a good reminder of God's vision for our lives....

Five Loaves and Two Fishes

God uses

what you have

to fill a need which

you never could have filled.

God uses

where you are

to take you where

you never could have gone.

God uses

what you can do

to accomplish what

you never could have done.

God uses

who you are

to let you become who

you never could have been.

  -Philip Clarke Brewer

Posting Posts

I hope you're having a great week so far!  It's pretty much the middle of summer and the half-point of 2018.  Eeek!  Half the year is over already and it's about this time of the year that makes me ready for fall weather!  Yep, I'm over the heat of the summer already!  I just want some 70's for a week or two!  Where can I live that has average temperatures in the 70's year-round?

I've decided that after this post I'm only going to post on Sundays moving forward.  So, whether you've been following my blog from the very beginning in 2013 or found me sometime between then and now make sure you keep coming back on Sundays!  I appreciate your interest in my story and hope that in some small way it's given you a different perspective, helped pick you up on a bad day, or given you a tiny bit of inspiration in your own life.  All of my posts aren't about adoption or being adopted, but about how I live my life, my perspective on life, and yes, how being adopted might affect it...or not.  So, stay tuned for what trials and tribulations lie ahead.

Thanks for being part of my journey! I hope you have a blessed summer and enjoy each and every day!!

Countries Cheering...

The world is watching...a lot of sports right now.  With the World Cup down to the final four teams, the past couple weeks have been full of cheering fans from around the world.  Literally.  That's the global reach soccer has around the world and the level of fandom is epic in some countries.  Sadly, the U.S. didn't even make it into the World Cup this year so our fandom with soccer is at a faint hum.  But, it didn't take away from the excitement and agony of watching Russia vs. Croatia yesterday.  That was a good game to watch, especially since it came down to penalty kicks.  Gotta love it!

From the ruckus nature of fandom in soccer to the classic traditions of Wimbledon.  It too has been watched by many around the world over the past week.  Again, fans cheering on their favorites and their countries own is always special at this tournament.  The finals for the men and the World Cup final will both be played next Sunday.  It's going to be a fun-filled sports watching day for many around the world!

These kinds of tournaments are what makes you remember why you love your own country so much.  And, why it's so fun to be a fan and cheer for your country!  That's why I love the Olympics so much!  It unites a country no matter what internal or domestic chaos is going on.  It galvanizes a country toward a common cause and just for a split second (which is all it takes in some sports) it unites everyone.  As I've said before, there are too many labels in society now that we all tend to retreat to and then fiercely defend those boxes we've put ourselves in, instead of putting our selves in someone's shoes...literally.  Or seeing a situation from a different perspective, or even if we don't agree with another person's view then having compassion, respect and/or understanding for that person...that's what we're lacking these days.  Sigh.

But, keep on cheering for your favorites teams or person next week.  It should be fun to watch and I'm sure there will be thousands watching around the world.

Blessings to you in the week ahead!!

Happy 4th of July!!

Wishing you and your family a blessed 4th of July!!!

A Hot One...

As always, a June picnic in Texas is going to be hot!  Despite being another 100 degree day, we had a lot of fun and welcomed numerous new families to the DFW Holt International Family Picnic yesterday.  We usually have a good mix of families that have previously attended and new families, but yesterday we had many more new families attending which is always such a delight!  I know myself, my co-host and even my parents love meeting new families and hearing their stories.  We had so many families with children the same age, so there were a lot of new friendships made.  It was definitely fun to be a part of and why I continue to co-host (for the past 5 years).

Sharing stories, asking questions, and making new connections is what it's all about.  It's fun to get to know each and every family that attends and see the joy and laughter from their children.  And, it's so fun to talk to the kids!  I think that's my mom's favorite part!  As for my dad, I'll be talking to a family and they'll tell me something my dad told them earlier or ask a question about something my dad told them earlier.  My dad gets around to almost every family, too and enjoys hearing about their adoption journeys.  Obviously, it's what connects us, but each story is different and every circumstance is somewhat different.  As I've said before, there's no cookie cutter adoption journey or process because each child and each situation is different.  That's why it's so fun to get together at least once a year to share those stories and see how the kids have grown from year to year.

All the kiddos were such cuties and I pray they thrive in their new environments.  I pray for their parents and know that their loving and open hearts have already changed their child's life forever.  May blessings of love, self-confidence, happiness, and health be with all the families that attended yesterday and those that couldn't attend.  

And, as we enter into the 2nd half of 2018 (already!) may blessings fill your days and God's grace carry you through the tough days.  

Final Reminder...

Last reminder, our annual Holt International Family Picnic for the Dallas/Ft. Worth area is this coming Saturday, June 30th from 12-3 pm at Parr Park in Grapevine, TX.  If you live in the area (within driving distance), please make sure you register for the event here:  http://holtinternational.org/picnics/  

We'd love to see you and your family there!  Bring a picnic lunch for your family and just like last year there are plenty of picnic tables under the pavilion for everyone, so no need to bring lawn chairs (unless you want to sit out in the sun).  Make sure the kiddos wear their bathing suits so they can cool down in the splash park as it looks like it's going to be a hot one!  

I'm looking forward to seeing you this Saturday!  May you have a blessed week ahead!!

The Circle of Life

Last night, my mom, my sister, her son and my brother's two boys went to see The Lion King (the musical).  It was a fun evening!  The musical was wonderful and probably the funniest one I've seen over the years.  It was packed, of course, with lots of kids in the audience.  At one point where Simba is asking for help after his father falls, he says "Help! Someone?!"  And, a little girl from the audience says out loud, "Someone, please!"  It was so sweet.

The boys enjoyed it, as well as, the adults and my favorite part was probably the beginning with "The Circle of Life".  It's just such an iconic part of the show and as you're sitting there anticipating the start of the show it just gets you even more excited once it kicks off with that.  So, if you haven't seen it I highly recommend it, especially with your kids/grandkids.

The other cool part of the evening was driving into the parking lot (wait for it) and one of the parking attendants directing traffic saw the purple heart emblem on my parents car that I was driving.  She yelled at another attendant and told him we had a purple heart.  We felt a little embarrassed since my dad wasn't with us and he's the actual recipient of the award.  So, my mom told her that her husband wasn't with us and she said she didn't care.  Just to tell him that she was thankful for his service and that we could park that way (pointing forward).  We thanked her and I drove forward to a reserved section specifically for Purple Heart recipients (close to the front door).  We all were surprised, grateful and happy for the allowance to park there without my dad.  The three boys even took a picture next to the sign and my mom called my dad to tell him our good fortune thanks to his service.  

My dad is pretty humble about his awards (from the Vietnam War), but it's nice when strangers recognize his service and sacrifice.  So, if you see a veteran this week or any week, please make sure you thank them for their service and sacrifice.  I know they'll appreciate it!

Many blessings to all those that have and are serving in the military for our country.  May they be protected, feel the love and gratitude from a grateful nation and be given the support and services they need from their government and communities.

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day to all the fathers out there!  And, Happy Father's Day to my dad who is the quintessential farmer, hard-worker and supportive dad!  He's always there for all of his kids and grand kids and works harder than anyone I know.  He's been there for all of our games, performances, competitions and tournaments growing up, and now he's there as our home repair/fixer upper.  I don't know what any of us would do without him.

So, as you honor and celebrate your father(s) today, I'm wishing them many more years of being a blessing in your life!  Cheers to all the dads out there!!

2 Weeks Out...

Remember, we're just over 2 weeks out from our annual Holt International Family Picnic for the Dallas/Ft. Worth area on Saturday, June 30th from 12-3 pm at Parr Park in Grapevine, TX.  If you live in the area, please make sure you register for the event here:  http://holtinternational.org/picnics/  

We'd love to see you and your family there!  It's for local (TX) adoptees (young to adults), as well as, prospective parents.  It's a fun family outing, but it's also a great way to connect with other adoptive families in your communities.  So, take advantage of one of the picnics near you!

I hope to see you at our annual picnic for some food, fun and fellowship!  Wishing you cool blessings as summer heats up!

Shock and Sadness

Many were shocked this past week when they heard the news that Kate Spade had taken her own life.  How?  Why?  How sad and tragic.  How could someone so seemingly happy and successful do such a thing?  We thought the same things when Robin Williams took his own life a few years ago.  For me, I was more shocked and saddened by Williams death because over the years (through TV and movies) he touched me by his performances.  He made me laugh (a lot), but also touched my heart strings in movies like Dead Poets Society and Good Will Hunting.  So, I had more of an emotional connection to him.

I never had a Kate Spade bag, but I always checked them out while shopping.  Her clothes and accessories were always so cute, bright and cheerful.  You thought it reflected her personality, as well.  But, obviously she was in more pain than anyone could know.

And then, the shocking news that Anthony Bourdain took his own life, too.  How?  Why?  How sad and tragic.  He seemed to have the dream job...to travel around the world trying local cuisine and sharing those cultures, those stories, and those people with all of us.  He was poetic in his words, truthful, hard core and a little rough around the edges, but that's what was endearing about him.  What pain was tormenting him to take such action?

We will never know the true despair each was suffering, but what we do know is that they felt they had no other choice, no way out, the dark was greater than the light in their lives...and yes, that is tragic.  We all go into deep, dark places in our lives at least once because that's life, that's the journey.  There's heartbreak, pain, suffering and feeling like a complete failure at some point in time in our lives because we're human.  It's part of the journey.  But, not even fame, fortune, success, the dream job can cure all or make a person feel whole and worthy.  We all have to find that within ourselves...and if we need help to do that then we must be brave enough to reach out and ask for help. 

If you or anyone you know needs a helping hand, an understanding ear, or more professional help, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.  They are there to help you or any person in need 24/7.  Please reach out and ask for help.

May blessings of light and love shine down on you if you're feeling down or in the dark.  May you know you are not alone and there is someone who can help.  Hold onto hope, always!

Summer is Here

Summer weather has definitely arrived!  It's been hot and humid already this year, and sadly that means it's just the beginning of a blazing hot summer.  Ugh.  Hot, hot and more hot is to come.  I definitely don't love the heat...all the sweating (just standing still), the hot car seats, making sure my home foundation isn't cracking, the only sports to watch is baseball, and there's nothing good on TV.  

Yes, the berries, watermelon, cantaloupes, and other summer fruits and vegetables are good, along with grilling, swimming and some big box office summer movies.  I'm not sure it balances out, but finding the good in the perceived bad is always the silver lining.  There's always something to be grateful for, right?!  Right!

So, whatever "season" you are in, literally and/or figuratively, may you find the silver lining and the simple blessings of each and every day.  It's there if you just take a moment to look for it and appreciate it.  Don't miss out on those simple blessings!

May you find the simple blessings of each and every day no matter what season you are in!

Reminder: Holt DFW Picnic

Just a reminder as you flip over your calendar to June....our annual Holt International Family Picnic for the Dallas/Ft. Worth area will be held on Saturday, June 30th from 12-3 pm at Parr Park in Grapevine, TX.  If you live in the area, please make sure you register for the event here:  http://holtinternational.org/picnics/  

We'd love to see you and your family there!  It's for local (TX) adoptees (young to adults), as well as, prospective parents.  If you have questions about adoption or are waiting for your child to finally come home, we'd love to share our stories with you to help you along the way.  It's a lot of fun and there is a splash pad there so the little ones can stay cool.  Bring a picnic lunch for your family and we'll have some games for the little ones, too!

The kids always have a good time meeting other adoptees, but I find the parents enjoy it, too, getting to compare stories and share experiences with one another.  It's a fun family outing, but it's a great way to connect with others in your communities.  So, take advantage of one of the picnics near you!

I hope to see you at our annual picnic for some food, fun and fellowship!  May blessings fill up your first full week of June with goodness, calm weather and summer surprises!

What Are You Making?

My pastor sends out a weekly devotional email and I enjoyed the one he sent out today.  I hope you enjoy it, too!

One Sunday morning at a small southern church, the new pastor called on one of the older deacons to lead the opening prayer. The deacon stood up, bowed his head and said, "Lord, I hate buttermilk." The pastor opened one eye and wondered where this was going. The deacon continued, "Lord, I hate lard." Now the pastor was totally perplexed. The deacon continued, "Lord, I ain't too crazy about plain flour, but after you mix 'em all together and bake 'em in a hot oven, I just love biscuits. Lord, help us to realize when life gets hard, when things come up that we don't like, whenever we don't understand what you are doing we need to wait and see what you are making. After you're through mixing and baking, it'll probably be something even better than biscuits. Amen."

Whatever you are making, may blessings fill your cup with love, laughter, determination and resilience.  Happy "baking!"

Hot, Hot, Hot and Humid

Sorry I missed Wednesday's post!  This week just got away from me the last couple of days and it seems we've just gone straight into the middle of summer with temps in the upper 90's this week and the humidity creeping in each day.  Ugh!  By this coming Wednesday we'll hit 100 degrees which is about a month earlier than normal.  Oh no, it's going to be an abnormal summer which just means it's going to be blazing!  It only got down to 80 degrees last night/this morning which is no bueno!  

I'm not ready for the insane heat...in June, July, August and September.  It probably won't get back into the 80's until late October.  NO!!!!  All I can say is thank goodness for air conditioning!!

It is a holiday weekend and I definitely want to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday!  May we all remember why we are celebrating by acknowledging those who served our country and gave the ultimate sacrifice.  May we never take for granted the lives that have been lost defending and protecting our freedoms.  May the families of those who have been lost feel the love, honor and respect they deserve from all of us and a very grateful nation....now and always!

Blessings to all those we honor this Memorial Day weekend!!

The Finale...

To finish off my last 2 posts, this is it...the finale!  Tonight, the 3 finalists of American Idol will battle it out on the last show before the winner is announced on Monday night!  So, you know what to do...VOTE!!  

Per my last 2 posts, it would be nice to see the hometown girl win but as we've seen with American Idol, specifically, the contestants that don't win sometimes go on to bigger and better things than the actual winner...like Jennifer Hudson.  So, I won't be totally upset if she doesn't win because I think she'll have a good career and this just kicked it off!

Definitely tune-in and check out my hometown tonight when they feature it during Maddie's hometown visit from last week!  You'll see how big and proud a small town can support one of their own.  After seeing a lot of pics and videos over the past week, it'll be fun to actually see it on the show tonight.  So tune-in!!

Enjoy the show!  May you have a joyful week ahead!!

Hometown Support

A follow-on to my last post, Hometown Girl, about a current American Idol finalist from my hometown.  Yesterday, Maddie visited the school in town and the elementary kids all sang "Rainbow Connection" which is the song she auditioned with originally.  Then, they had a dedication at the gazebo across from the library to announce it was Maddie Poppe Day.  Next, there was a parade down Main Street, which means it was only about 4 blocks long.  And finally, there was a concert at the county fairgrounds where hundreds showed up to support their hometown girl!

Since I still have so many family and friends that live there and in nearby towns, I saw all the posts on Facebook yesterday.  It was sweet to see the kids sing the same song back to her and ironic that it's one of my favorite songs, as well.  I remember having that album and listening to it all the time.  And, I vividly remember one night putting on a little play for my mom with my brother to that song.  It was great to see everyone lined up on Main Street for the parade and they ended it on the street my grandparents used to live.  I recognized some friends and family in some of the parade pictures.  And, then I saw a picture of the two-lane road to the fairgrounds with a line of traffic headed to the concert.  Yep, that's a supportive and proud hometown for ya!

Obviously, Maddie's accomplishments of putting our hometown "on the map" as they say is much greater than my little book.  She's made national news and is representing our little town and Iowa in such a humble and kind way.  And, it's been great to see the town so excited and proud of her.  

I remember feeling the same support when I went back for my 1st book signing.  We moved when I was 9 and of course we've gone back to visit many times before I had published my book, but coming back 35+ years later and seeing all the support down Main Street was amazing!  That small little town supported me as really the only adopted child in town when I first arrived and throughout my short 9 years there, and they were supporting me again as an author coming back to say "thank you" to them for their acceptance all those years ago.  It was a poignant time for me and I'm so glad I got to experience it.  You can't put a price on the acceptance and support your community gives you, especially as a young child growing up (who in my case looked very different than everyone else in town).  I'm extremely lucky I grew up in that small farming community and I love seeing the same values and traditions that I grew up with still alive and thriving there as they continue to support one of their own.  It's a special place with special people!

Just a side note, I saw a post about the 3 finalists and the populations of their hometowns since they were all headed home for their hometown visits.  Gabby lives in the Pittsburgh area with 303,000 and Caleb lives in Georgia with around 13,000 in his hometown.  Our small farming community is 1,300 loud and proud!  So, for those watching the finale this Sunday, please vote for Maddie!

May blessings of acceptance and support be given unto you!!

Hometown Girl

Are you watching American Idol this season?  If you are watching (in the States), there's a contestant, Maddie Poppe that is from my hometown in Iowa.  Yes, that small farming community I write about in my book, Corn-fed with Rice on the Side.  That small town of around 1,500 are pulling out all the stops to support their hometown girl and it's great to see how they rally around their own.  They did the same for me when I went back for my 1st book signing in 2013.  

Small towns have a way of supporting their own that is special and unique compared to big cities.  It's organic, sincere and filled with overwhelming pride...everyone feels it.  In the big city it can seem more artificial or corporate, but a small town brings authenticity and a big bag of humble pie.  I think you see that in Maddie's performances.  She's original and authentic and I think growing up in a small town where everyone knows everyone has a little something to do with it.

So, if you're in the States...vote NOW (for Maddie)!  I would love to see my small hometown on TV during hometown visits and celebrate not only Maddie, but the town that supports their own no matter what!  I'm blessed to have been raised in such a nurturing and encouraging community.  Thank you!

Blessings to you in the week ahead!!

Summer Weather Has Arrived

It's not officially summer yet, but summer weather is here.  Boo.  It's been in the 90's all week and I toughed it out on Monday, but had to turn on the AC Tuesday morning.  Which means my AC will be on until sometime in November.  Boo again.

As always, we skipped over spring it seems like and went straight into summer.  It only feels like that because we only have a few weeks in the 70's and I don't feel like we even saw any 80's this spring.  But, here we are with a week full of 90 degree weather which also means that 100 degree weather isn't far behind.  Boo, boo, and boo.

I will say my lawn is looking like a luscious green carpet right now, my red oak tree is full and standing tall, and my garden is growing.  So, even though the weather isn't my favorite right now, some of nature's other beauties are looking pretty good.  And, isn't that what life is all about?  We might not like a certain situation or where we are at the moment, but if you look at things from a different perspective or just try to find the simple joys in each day there will always be something you can smile at that will carry you through.  Just keep looking for the small glimpse of hope that is always there...no matter what.  Sometimes it can be hard and frustrating, but just keep going...keep trying...keep getting up...keep the faith.

May the rest of your week be blessed with hope for a better tomorrow!

Labels

I'm growing more and more disdain for labels that "we" (society) puts on everyone and everything.  We label each other to the nth degree and can't see that we're all just human beings trying to live the best life we can...just like us.  We're putting people in boxes, corners and pitting one against the other because they're "labeled" this or that.  I'm so over it!

Why can't we just see one another for who we are without all the labels?  Why do we have to put up so many obstacles or borders around ourselves in order to let people see who we really are...or is it a defensive mechanism that we do it?  Are we boldly displaying our labels in order to keep others out?  These days it's hard to tell which is which.  Sigh.  

In the news recently, Sandra Bullock told In Style magazine that she wished people would stop saying "adopted kids" because we don't label our birth kids or one-night-stand kids, etc.  It's true.  Families come in all shapes and sizes and that includes how they were conceived or put together.  But, in the end parents are parents to a child whether they gave birth to them or not.  Parents can be a mother and a father, a mother and a mother or a father and a father.  They can also be siblings raising their younger siblings.  It's all about having a loving and supportive parent to help you grow, learn, and love.  It doesn't matter what or how that looks like and we shouldn't judge other families for not looking the way we think they should look.  We should all just be given the opportunity to build and create loving families of our own because we all deserve that.

I think those that have adopted, are adopted or are thinking about adopting get it.  They know what makes a family.  It's those that won't open their minds to what real families look like now that tend to show their hate and intolerance for others.  And, for some reason many of them feel compelled or think they have the right to share their hate online which is incomprehensible.  I've read some of the cruel and nasty posts people have made online about Sandra Bullock adopting two kids and saying that she's not a real mother.  How dare they!!  Those are the kind of people that need to keep their comments to themselves and also expose themselves to more families that are different from what they "consider" to be "normal" families.  They need to educate themselves and actually listen to other people for a change.

So, if you can just for one week...try to see those that you see and meet this week without putting a label on them.  Try stripping away our societal reflex of putting everyone we see and meet into boxes that we've created in our minds.  See if it changes the way you see people or at least maybe it'll make you aware of all the labels you are putting on people without even meeting them.

Have a blessed and maybe eye-opening week ahead!!