Check out my Book Cover!!

Say Cheese!

This weekend is my author picture photo shoot (for the back of my book). We had to move it to Sunday morning, so I am on my own for hair and makeup. I doubt my typical wash-and-wear look will be appropriate, so I must experiment. Cute hats, anyone?

I’ve heard it’s best to not look too different from your every day appearance, as you don’t want to surprise “fans” at book signings. Ha…PHOTO SHOP, BABY!

Perhaps I’ll post a few on here next week...after I learn how to photoshop in a golden tan! :)

Get Organized...or Not!

Okay, so my bedroom is a disaster. I admit it. Occasionally, I will sift through the clothes and clutter and narrow down to a more manageable level. But right now, I’m starting to look like a tornado victim. So when we had a professional organizer come to work, I readily signed up for the class. Perfect timing, considering I will be merging my bedroom and office…SOON!

When she asked for volunteers to give their reason for attending the class, my hand shot up in a way it hadn’t since I was working to secure teacher’s pet status in the second grade. No way would I pass up this chance to get free personalized organizational advice! A behind-numbing hour later, she finally addressed my issue.

Her advice: “Don’t.”

Brilliant.

How Much Is Too Much?

When does being “real” turn creepy? For example, I can spill my guts on this cyberjournal in an attempt to be authentic and honest in the hopes that somewhere along the line someone will be encouraged, helped, or even entertained. But more realistically, random people will come across this page, read intimate details of my life and feel like they know me, and therefore can judge me on whatever issue I choose to reveal, all before having a real conversation.

As a writer it’s easy to get carried away when describing emotions and scenarios. If it’s fiction, it makes it all the more entertaining, but when it’s an autobiography, be prepared for a level of judgment.

Growing up in small town USA and living in a glass hill-top house thickened my skin, but there will always be a small part of me that still cares what other people think. But, in truth, I have a responsibility. Not to myself or to you, but to my God. And I believe He wants authenticity. What’s the point in hiding our weaknesses or failures? Does it make us weaker to admit our issues? Or does it take courage to stand up and admit we aren’t perfect? The only one who truly matters knew what we’d do long before we were even here. We can’t hide our emotions in some chamber of our heart and hope God doesn’t look there. But maybe there is an arbitrary line we should draw when posting in blog world. Wherever it resides…just know that what I post, is this sinner’s truth (in all its glorious creepiness).

"Do you think I am trying to make people accept me? No, God is the One I am trying to please. Am I trying to please people? If I still wanted to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ." (Galatians 1:10)

New Year, New Start

I spent the final weeks of 2006 yucky sick and the beginning of 2007 trying to recover. Despite the nagging weakness, I am extraordinarily excited about this coming year. I love starting new and fresh and having a entire year of blessings and challenges to look forward to. 2006 was a year of many changes and growth for me and a definite turning point in my life. I never want to stop growing and changing, but I am hoping many of the growing pains have been sufficiently dealt with. :)

I pray this coming year is extremely blessed and every day we will see what our God is doing in our lives. May we all find more of Him.

Here's to a great year!!