Every Step of the Way

Got me some Hot Pants!

2012-01-28T16:01:00.000-08:00

So...my dreams have come true!

All I have to do to lose two jean sizes is to wear a pair of "hot pants" every night for two weeks.

Count.
Me.
In.

It popped up on my email today. It's the Groupon Deal-of-the-Day. Only $26 (regular $71) for a pair of bike-short lookin' pants that are supposed to "smooth thighs and other dimple-prone areas by galvanizing the skin's internal zamboni to promote a deep warming of body tissues and promote lymphatic drainage. This process boosts sweating by up to 80% and aids in eliminating the toxins responsible for cellulite. Ladies can sport HotPants alone or under other clothing while awake and active, asleep in bed, or executing a series of high kicks when sleepwalking." (Hmmm...cute copy to boot!) The pants are supposedly made of a comfortable bioceramic material (can you imagine wearing bioceramic material??!!!) that emits *~*infrared rays*~* to help wearers naturally and efficiently amp up weight-loss regimens.

Here's what they look like:

I assure you, I will NOT look like that while wearing them, not for the next two weeks, at least. Or even for the next two months. So, I'll wear them in my sleep, if I can stand it.

And yes. I ordered them. Of course.

Actually, I accidently clicked the "order" button, but then I thought the Universe might be sending me a message and I decided against cancelling the order.

If you'd like to have your very own pair of Hot Pants, click on this link to order.

Really, something's gotta give. I do yoga two days a week, but that's more for sanity than anything else. I've signed up to do Jazzercize again, and will begin next Tuesday. Three days a week. I'm determined. That, combined with my healthy-eating regime and the Hot Pants to make me sweat my fat away, and watch out...I may just end up being the skinny hottie was meant to be! (wink-wink.)

There's only 3 days left to order at the incredible low, low price! Let's start a Hot Pants sensation!!!

Blessings to all who read this!

Susan

T.G.I.F.

2012-01-27T05:26:00.000-08:00

TGIF!

No, I'm not talking about the restaurant, although I do have good memories of TGIF in Highland Village in Jackson. If you remember it, you're old like me. I loved the colorful Tiffany-style lights above each booth and I remember how sophisticated my friends and I felt when we sat in the bar.

Back in the day, the legal drinking age in Mississippi was 18, and we'd order up exotic drinks like tequila sunrises or Singapore slings. But I digress....

TODAY. IS. FRIDAY!!!!!

It's been a long week, and even though I have an extremely full day, just knowing it's the end of the week helps me to give a sigh of relief, knowing that the pace can slow just a little bit this weekend.

I am wearing multiple hats these days, but I'm not complaining. I wanted more work, and I'm getting it. My day started yesterday with a meeting at the Gulfport Police Station. I met with the Chief of Police, and someone from Parks & Rec. about the Walk to Defeat ALS I'm coordinating. It will be March 31 at the old V.A. Hospital. The place is better suited for a haunted house. It would be the ideal place to shoot a horror movie. But it does have pretty live oak trees and it's the ideal place for a fundraising walk. I think it's hauntingly beautiful...check out this video and see for yourself: Centennial Plaza.

Next I drove up Highway 49 and stopped in at Mt. Olive's City Hall, where I met with the mayor and the guy who runs their water system.

I'm doing work for the Mississippi Rural Water Association and my assignment was to write a feature article about the Mt. Olive water system for the Association's in-house magazine, The Faucet. The water guy was about as enthusiastic about water as a dog is with a bone. He loves his job and wanted to tell me all about water pressure, additives, valves, water tanks, pumps...my head was spinning, but I got all the information I need to write the article.

Then it was up the road to a little slice of Heaven I like to call Donna's #6 Produce.

I do their facebook business page posts and I had to take some new photos to use online. While there, I picked up some Florida strawberries (they smell divine...) and a sack full of white sweet potatoes. I've only had those one other time, when I was in high school (another very old memory) at my friend's deer camp. Later today, in-between writing about water systems and working on the ALS walk, I'm going to look up some recipes for white sweet potatoes.

The day ended with a "sip and see" at Leslie Puckett's house, where I got to meet her new granddaughter, Autumn, who is visiting from Alaska. The best part of the night (besides seeing Autumn's little pink painted toes), was seeing her meet her cousins Liam and Spencer for the first time. It was fun seeing Leslie with all her little chickens.

Thank God It's Friday!!!

Blessings to all who read this!

Susan

Waking up in Different Places

2012-01-26T08:36:00.000-08:00

For the tenth time this month, I've awakened in a bed different from my own. It's been a busy month!

My first trip was to Jefferson, Texas for the annual Girlfriend Weekend. Now, it wasn't just a weekend trip with a bunch of girls. It is a full-out literary adventure, with over 40 authors and 300 book club women from across the country talking about books.

In. Jefferson. Texas.

I know....

Kathy Patrick, THE Pulpwood Queen, has put together quite an event, born years ago in her interesting business, Beauty and the Book--part hair salon, part independent bookstore.

This was my third year to attend, and my sister, Sarah, went with me this year. She just had to see what it was all about. In the past, Pat Conroy and Fannie Flagg have been there. This year, John Berent (Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil, etc.)

and Tina Sloan (she played the character of Lilian Raines on "The Guiding Light" for a hundred years) were there. She wrote a fantastic book called "Changing Shoes." Read about it here.

We all had a ball.

We stayed in a bed and breakfast called The Captain's Castle.

It was my second year to stay in Bill and Angie Herlocker's beautiful inn. Staying in a B&B is so much more fun than staying in a generic hotel. Getting dressed and eating a wonderful breakfast at the dining room table with other guests is a great way to really know about a place, and to meet other folks. We met a vacationing family from Austin, some of the authors who were in for Girlfriend Weekend, and a mother-daughter pair who were in for the weekend.

I had a two-day turnaround at home before heading up to Nashville for the ALS Association Winter Walk Forum at the Opryland Hotel. I stayed with my bestest pal, Carol Terry, so I had to get up super early every day to drive to Opryland. It was worth it for the brief visits we got to have.

After a whirlwind grocery shopping trip at Trader Joe's in Nashville Saturday, I drove home, only to turn around again on Tuesday morning to drive to Bay St. Louis on the beautiful Mississippi Gulf Coast for an events conference. I had never been to Bay St. Louis, but I'll go back. It is the cutest, quaintest little town filled with wonderful antique shops, restaurants and the nicest people ever!

Today I woke up to a severe thunderstorm. I could have just stayed in that nice hotel room all morning, but I had to get up and drive to Gulfport for an 8:30am meeting with the Police Chief and Brittany Dyess from Parks & Rec. about the ALS walk I'm coordinating on the Coast. (Check it out: Walk to Defeat ALS, March 31, Gulfport, MS.)

Yep, I've been a girl-on-go, but so has Nicole...she's had speaking engagements all over the state this month. This morning she's in Tupelo, speaking to a group of high schoolers for the American Lung Association. I'm so proud of how she's turned a tragedy into a way to inspire so many others.

It's 10:30 now, and I'm just sipping on my first cup of coffee for the day, watching the rain outside PJ's Coffee Shop in Gulfport. It looks like the sun is trying hard to peak through the clouds.

Here's praying I make it home safely today. I'll look forward to laying my head on my own pillow tonight.

Blessings to all who read this!

Susan

Give Thanks.

2011-11-26T06:38:00.000-08:00

As most of you know, there's an abundance of things for the Marquez family to give thanks for. And we do.

This was our fourth Thanksgiving since Nic's accident. The first year, she was still an in-patient at Methodist Rehab, and she had to get a day pass to have Thanksgiving dinner with us. Jacqui Katool hosted it at her home, and Nicole enjoyed dinner while sitting in a wheelchair.

The next year, she was home, and we had dinner at our house. It was a joyful day!

Last year, I hit the wall. Exhausted. My strategy for Thanksgiving dinner was to keep my mouth shut and hope someone would invite us to their house. It worked! We had dinner around my parents' dining room table!

But this year was different.

I acquired a 10' long rustic farm table and that started a chain of events....like totally rearranging my house! My tiny dining room is only 10' x 10', so that wasn't an option. I had to put it in our den, which meant moving furniture around, or even out. But it was important enough to do, as it meant that my entire family could sit at one table for Thanksgiving.

This Thanksgiving was picture perfect...the weather could not have been better. The day started with brunch, which disappeared pretty fast.

Classic Breakfast Casserole is a family favorite, and a Thanksgiving tradition, usually eaten during the Macy's Parade, but as children have grown older, if they parade hasn't been Tivo'd, that doesn't happen any more.

Even though I cooked all day Wednesday, I still had some last minute things to do...like make the pumpkin pies.

Soon, the table was set...

Before long, the table was surrounded with family. The Marquez's on one side...my sister's family, The Jordans, on the other, with my parents sitting at either end.

I sat across the table from Matthew and Sarah.

My plate was filled way to full...

Yet, fifteen minutes later, it looked like this:

While my niece, Lauren, and brother-in-law Bob had an after-dinner snooze...

Sarah and I washed dishes...and washed dishes...and washed dishes....

Then we stuffed the leftovers into the fridge...

And of course, while we cleaned, the guys watched football. Two of Joe's best buds, Phillip Norton and Micah Pellerin, stopped in to watch whatever big game was being played...

Those are Joe's hairy legs stretched out on the ottoman. Joe graduated high school with Phil and Micah, and they are all still great friends. (Kudos to Micah, who is a first-round draft pick for the NFL!!!) Larry loved having all the guys over, too. He's just happy when he's with his "babies."

It seems like every year there is more and more to be Thankful for. Joe is leaving December 6 to go to Los Angeles for what could be the opportunity of a lifetime (stay tuned!). Nicole's motivational speaking career is taking off and she continues to grow stronger every day. Larry and I are fat and happy and in good health. And our extended family is doing well. The list of blessings we have is long.

Blessings to all who read this!

Susan

Orange You Glad it's FALL??!!

2011-11-03T10:04:00.000-07:00

Fall is my favorite time of year, hands down. Perfect weather--right when we thought we couldn't take another hot and humid Mississippi day, the weather has turned cool, making it a great time to take a walk, dine outdoors and enjoy doing just about anything without sweating!

One of the things I like most about fall is the colors: reds, golds, bronzes, yellows and ORANGE, which is one of my favorites. I've heard tell that orange is the color of insanity. Well, call me crazy, but it's one of my favorites, and there's plenty of orange just about everywhere you look this time of year.

Huge pallets of bright orange pumpkins stop customers just inside the doors of every supermarket. Pumpkin patches appear at fruit stands and church lawns. Pumpkins for baking, carving and decorating. I love them all, even those that aren't orange (since when did white or green pumpkins become a part of this season?)

Orange mums add a splash of color to front porches and the leaves are starting (trying!) to turn shades of orange, red and gold.

Inspired by the season, I brightened up my hair a bit (rather, Crystal Williams at Social Agenda Salon in Fondren did it!). The initial result was amazingly neon. I'm talking hair so bright orange that pumpkins everywhere would be jealous. After a moment of shock, Crystal quickly regrouped, squirted some toner all over my head and voila! A lovely head of gloriously bronze hair, perfect for the season!

I really just love all things pumpkin...from pumpkin pie to one of my favorite seasonal beverages;

Blue Moon Harvest Pumpkin Ale...kinda sweet, kinda spicy, very smooth.

Another fun orange treat is candy corn. CBS Sunday Morning did an entire segment on candy corn recently. While good on their own, my favorite way to eat them is mixed with equal parts of roasted, salted peanuts. Eaten together, it's the perfect combination of salty and sweet. Kind of like eating a PayDay candy bar.

If you'd like to see lots of ORANGE, head down highway 49 south and stop in at Donna's #6 Produce. It's on the right, just outside of Florence. It's a "you can't miss it" kind of place.

I recently set up their Facebook page and I'll be updating the content a few times a week. I went down to meet Donna and tour the place and wow! Was I ever surprised! It's a treasure chest full of not only fabulous produce, but homemade ice cream and fudge, pumpkin rolls (incredible!), preserves, syrups, jellies, sauces and more--all made on site, and an incredible gift department. And this time of year, everywhere you look it's orange: There are Vardaman sweet potatoes, pumpkins, satsumas...Please go to their Facebook page and "Like" it!

They say it's going to be a long winter, so don't let this beautiful fall weather pass you by. Get out and enjoy it...dance a jig if you feel like it...if someone calls you insane, just tell 'em the orange did it!

Blessings to all who read this!

Susan

Happy Fall Y'all!

2011-10-19T11:28:00.000-07:00

Happy fall y'all!

There's nothing like a little cold snap to give me a big attitude adjustment. I LOVE cool weather (I don't care for cold weather and hot weather, but warm and cool make me happy!).

I finally packed up all the shells and beach rocks and signs of summer around my house and pulled out my Halloween decorations. I'm not kidding when I tell you I have eight big orange and black tubs full of all things Halloween.

But this year, I'm dialing it down several notches. I'm drawn to vintage-looking decorations so most of the other stuff will go back in the attic. Plus, I'm not doing our "Great Pumpkin Massacre" pumpkin carving party this year, so much of what I use to decorate in the backyard for that will not be needed. We'll do the party next year, bigger and better than ever!

So here's what I've put out for the season:

I also tuck old Halloween photos away in those tubs, and this is one of my favorites:

Nicole was in the kindergarten, and I was pregnant with Joseph. Larry was a trooper! We trick-or-treated in my parents' neighborhood (Audubon Point) and had enough candy to last a year. Being frugal, I put aside assorted candies to fill Nicole's stocking at Christmas!

One tradition that's been long-standing in our household is making a big pot of chili on Halloween and opening up our doors to friends and family. It's a serve-yourself-off-the-stove affair to anyone who wants to stop in. I like to take mine out to the front porch where I can sit and hand out candy to neighborhood trick-or-treaters.

I don't have a standard chili recipe, although it always turns out pretty good. For years I used Carroll Shelby's chili kits, two per batch, and I double everything, using one pound of ground beef and one pound of Jimmy Dean bulk sausage. (There's a real Carroll Shelby--a race car driver who developed his chili kits on the side. Here's what Wikipaedia has to say about him.)

This year, things are going to be different. I have made a personal decision to eliminate as much processed foods as possible from my diet, and to eat as organically as possible. So this year's chili will include a pound of grassfed ground beef from Livingston Springs Farm from right here in Madison County, and perhaps some bison, which you can buy in the freezer section of Kroger and Fresh Market. My only concession will be regular Fritos, which I LOVE crumbling on the top of my chili, along with some grated cheddar cheese. (I grate my own cheese...the grated cheese that comes in a bag has ALOT more in it besides what should be in cheese...I'm just sayin'...).

I am going to use the chili recipe from one of my favorite blogs, "the kitchn." But wouldn't you know it...Paula Deen will be at Lemuria today at 5pm, signing copies of her new Southern Cooking Bible.

You just know that if she has a chili recipe in there, it's gonna be goooooooood....and probably not nearly as healthy as the recipe I linked to above.

So, what are you doing this Halloween? Wanna join me on the front porch for some chili? If so, bring a bag of candy for the little ones and the beverage of your choice.

BOO!

Blessings to all who read this!

Susan

ALSucks

2011-10-04T05:38:00.000-07:00

How did I get here?

I know many people who are advocates for one thing or another, usually because of a personal experience or connection. In our family's case, it's spinal cord injury.

So how did I become an advocate for ALS? And what is ALS anyway?

It started as a job. A way to make some extra money. That's all.

I could use the skills I had developed over the past 30 years in marketing, advertising, public relations and event planning to be the walk coordinator for the ALS Association of Louisiana/Mississippi. Twenty hours a week. Raise some funds, and plan a walk. Piece of cake.

But then something happened. I met Renee Lowery, the Patient Services Coordinator for Mississippi. I went to a support group meeting she led at Methodist Rehab in Jackson. Then I went to a support group she led on the Coast. I went on a visit with her to the home of a woman who had been diagnosed with ALS after being sick for five years. She was literally on her death bed. I listened as Renee spoke frankly, yet gently, to the lady and her husband, helping them to understand what they could expect in the coming months (turned out to be weeks, as the lady passed away soon after our visit).

Because of time spent with Renee, I've been able to meet courageous patients, suffering from this killer disease, and their wonderful family members and caregivers. I've seen the dramatic progression of the disease in some of the patients over the span of a few short months. And I've gotten mad. I hate this disease. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.

So what is ALS? It's a bitch, that's what. And it sucks. It may start with a slight dropped foot. Or a thick tongue. Or weak arms. It presents itself like dozens of other illnesses, so it's difficult to diagnose. The average length of time for diagnosis, as a matter of fact, is about 14 months.

The progression of the disease is horrible. Gradual, but nearly always complete paralysis. Patients must have a feeding tube in order to get enough nutrition. Most end up on a ventilator as they are unable to even breathe on their own. They are robbed of their speech, yet their brains are working just as well as ever.

Patients with ALS are literally trapped inside their own body. And it can strike anyone, at just about any age. Right now there is a 24-year-old single mother of three small children in Jackson who has it. And just recently, Steve Gleason, formerly of the New Orleans Saints, was diagnosed.

I spent last weekend in Metarie, Louisisana at the annual ALS walk there. It was amazing. There were teams walking in support of friends and family members who have ALS. There were teams walking in memory of loved ones lost to ALS. And there were teams who were simply there to support the cause.

And everyone raised money.

And everyone had fun.

And now we're doing it in Flowood, at Winner's Circle Park on Saturday, October 15. Registration is at 9am, the walk begins at 10 (just over one mile), followed by lunch, courtesy of Julep. (We had jambalaya in Metarie, of course!)

You can just show up and participate. There is no registration fee, but donations, of course, are welcomed.

You can actually sign up online to have a team at our ALS Association Louisiana/Mississippi Chapter website, then send your team link to all your friends so they can make donations.

I'm asking all my friends to go to my walk team link and make a $5 donation (or more, if they feel so inclined). If all my facebook friends (1900+) would make a $5 donation, that would be over $9000! My actual goal is $500, but I'd love to hit something in the middle.

If you come to my walk (The Walk to Defeat ALS), you'll meet Kelly Viator, who is the executive director of the Louisiana/Mississippi chapter of the ALS Association.

Kelly formed the chapter in a spare bedroom in her house in Baton Rouge after her mother, Margaret, passed away from ALS.

I took the photo of her mom's portrait in the memorial tent at the ALS walk in Metarie. It made me think of Ruth Harbison, our sweet neighbor and friend when I was growing up. Ruth lived across the street, and I spent much of my childhood in her kitchen and on her front porch. She always had time to listen to whatever it was I had to say. Ruth had the most beautiful blue eyes, and I will never forget the sparkling amethyst ring she wore all the time. I admired it throughout my childhood, then, as fate would have it, both of my children were born in February. Amethyst is that month's birth stone. Ruth suffered from ALS the last months of her life, and it was painful to watch her frustration at not being able to communicate with us. Larry would take her banana pudding from the Country Club, and at the end, she couldn't even swallow it, but she loved having the taste of it on her tongue.

ALSucks.

Blessings to all who read this!
Susan

P.S. I have my hand out once again today...and this is an URGENT REQUEST!!!

One of Nicole's dear friends, Donovan Childress, has been diagnosed with colon cancer. He is recovering from surgery and when he's strong enough, he'll have chemo. He's young, has no health insurance, and can't work right now. It takes time for things like Medicaid and Disability to happen, and in the meantime, he needs to pay rent/utilities/general living expenses.

If you'd like to help, please send a check asap.

Make checks out to his girlfriend, Nicole Luna,

and send it to my address:

120 Whisper Lake Blvd, Madison, MS 39110

and I'll get it to them right away. Thank you!

Everyone Has a Story...

2011-09-26T11:41:00.000-07:00

Wow. My head is still spinning. What a weekend!

I just returned from the three-day Memphis Creative Non-Fiction Writer's Workshop on the campus of the University of Memphis. Turns out that U of M has one of the top up-and-coming creative writing programs in the country, and one of our workshop's faculty members was Kristen Iversen, director of the MFA program in creative writing at the University of Memphis and editor in chief of the program's award-winning literary journal, The Pinch.

I could have been easily intimidated by the others in attendance. But as one of the workshoppers, Judy, said after her manuscript was critiqued by the group: "Thank you for giving me a 'safe place' to share my work." The connections in the room were amazing. Twenty people, most strangers, became close friends and found amazing connections with each other throughout the weekend. Nothing was held back, and while the critiques were very honest, there was a sense that the comments were made in order to make each other better writers. There was a lot of nurturing in that room!

And the stories! I was amazed at what so many of my fellow workshoppers had been through in their lives, and they bravely write about it, partly as a way to release themselves from the pain, and partly to share their resilience with others. I survived. You will too. Work through the pain and turmoil and you will be a better, stonger person. I'm living proof. Bob Cowser nailed it when he said "the bad things in life makes for a good story."

There was Carol from Huntsville, who wrote about the pain of placing her adolescent, ADHD son in a military academy to save him from himself. Terrence, from Santa Fe, was unknowingly a good friend of Arthur Leigh Allen, the Zodiac Killer, even naming his son after him. He had one of my favorite descriptions of the weekend in his manuscript: "Buddah meets Bubba."

There was Greg, a gentle soul who is also a creative writing professor in Arkansas and Porter, an accomplished journalist who has written a novel and is now writing articles as a platform to generate interest. Two really smart and delightful fellows!

There was Robert (left) and Ren (right), both from Fairhope, Alabama. Robert is a retired executive who is also an avid outdoorsman. Ren is the widow of the former president of the largest catfish producer in the world. Her story touched us all. One minute they were living the good life, the next, he was indicted by the Federal Government for price fixing. Two federal trials later, he was acquitted, but it came at a huge expense to their family, both financially and emotionally. I so admired her bravery in telling the story, and the manuscript submission we critiqued was amazing. Judy (in the middle) is from Memphis and her quiet demeanor belies the fire she has burning inside. I was so moved by her.

Bruce Thomas, a former weather man living in Kansas, made a remarkable connection with the workshop coordinator, Susan Cushman of Memphis. Both grew up in Jackson, Mississippi--on the same street! They lived five houses apart! Bruce graduated early from St. Jospeph Catholic School in Jackson, then headed to Mississippi State Universtity. He graduated college and went on to be a meteorologist, working at TV stations around the country. Yet, he didn't learn to read until he was 25 years old! Bruce has become a self-made millionaire with a business plan he put together to sell NOAA weather radios in grocery stores. This workshop was his first attempt at writing, and while it was rough around the edges, his passion showed clearly on the page. Susan and I were first facebook friends, then met in person at Girlfriend Weekend in Jefferson, Texas last year. She's an amazing woman and writer, and is working on her first novel, "Cherry Bomb."

I was so inspired and encouraged by these two women:

Besides winning, hands down, the best-hair-of-anyone-there award by Yours Truly, I was moved by both of their stories. In addition to being an amazing fine artist, Suzanne Henley (left) of Memphis is an incredible writer. All I can say is that I have never considered my bathroom to be a cathedral, but I'll look at it in a new light now after reading her manuscript! She is quietly brave. Reverend Connie Tuttle is another quietly brave soul who pastors a church in Atlanta. Her struggles and triumphs are spelled out in her memoir in a most beautiful way. These women have both been on long, difficult spiritual journeys, and their light shines brightly!

And everyone loved Harley, the Vietnam veteran who is desperate to tell his story as quickly as possible, as he is suffering from dementia. We never would have known it--in addition to being a gifted writer, he is delightful, if not somewhat opinionated, but he is as honest and transparent as they come and let us know his situation. One of my favorite parts of the weekend was his bantering back and forth
with Kristen Iverson.

Speaking of Kristen, she was wonderful! She thoughtfully critiqued the manuscripts in my group and led some very helpful discussions. I really love how she led the critique session, which led to me adding many new tools in my writing toolbox. Here she is (middle) on one of our coffee breaks:

Also in the picture is Alexis (left) an oh-so-brave woman who has lived a life of alcoholism that landed her in jail after a drunk-driving episode which resulted in a Texas socialite breaking her leg two days before her wedding. Now an English teacher for a community college in Vermont, Alexis is writing a memoir about her drinking life and how she--and those close to her--survived. Gretchen (right) is a retired college creative writing professor living in Atlanta, so I really took her critiques on my work to heart.

Bob Cowser, who teaches at Lawrence University in upstate New York, is one of the smartest, most well-red men I've ever met. We were introduced to him at the faculty book reading at Burke's Books in the funky Cooper-Young area of Memphis on Friday night. He led the manuscript critique sessions on Saturday, and his knowledge and high energy had me wide-eyed all day.

Neil White also read from his book, In the Sanctuary of Outcasts, which is something I can never grow tired of. It's one of the only books I've read all the way through more than once. He did a craft talk for our group on Friday, focusing on how to write a proposal that will sell. Good stuff to know!

The finale at the book reading was Kory Wells, a poet from Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and her daughter, Kelsy, who is a multi-instrumentalist roots musician. While Kelsy picked the banjo, strummed a fiddle and tapped (not all at the same time!), Kory read a few of her poems. We were all tapping our feet as we were transported to another place through Kory's poetry.

I had the pleasure of being a houseguest of a friend from my past, Emma French Connelly. I knew her another lifetime ago when she worked at an advertising agency in Jackson. Now she's a priest at St. John's Episcopal Church in Memphis as well as being a wonderful writer. While we talked about writing all weekend, Emma had to carve out time to do some more writing of her own--she had to write the sermon she preached Sunday morning! I was sustained by her delicious homemade granola and the warm hospitality shown to me by Emma and her sweet hubby, Robert.

Others there were my writing partner and partner-in-crime, Nancy Kay Wessman, a personal trainer named Tony, and Dan, both from Memphis. Tony got beat up over his essay: "Ladies, This is Why You are Single," but it was all in good fun. Dan wrote a journalistic memoir based on his father's experiences in WWII. Sheila, another Memphis resident, told me an amazing story about a night in Milan that I won't soon forget!

The icing on the cake was a chance to meet one-on-one with entertainment attorney and book agent John D. Mason. I learned so much in my 20-minute meeting with him on Saturday, and I was encouraged that he wants to see a couple completed chapters of my book.

It was a room filled with big characters. Big personaltities. Big stories. I could have been intimidated, but instead, I left inspired and uplifted. I can do this! I am a writer. And as Bob Cowser pointed out to us all, I am an artist!

Blessings to all who read this!
Susan

Are You Out of Your Gourd?!

2011-09-20T08:16:00.000-07:00

Are you out of your gourd?

That might be some people's reaction to an invitation to go to the Mississippi Gourd Festival in Raleigh, Mississippi. My reaction, on the other hand, was "Sure! Let's go!"

My dad called last Friday night and asked if I'd like to go to the Gourd Festival on Saturday. Because we had tickets to the USM game, I regretfully had to decline. No problem--the festival was on Sunday, too! Yay!

Luckily, Larry was off work Sunday and we both got to go. After a quick breakfast at the Beagle Bagel, gassing up the car and a couple more errands, we headed to my parents' home to pick them up. Then off we went to Raleigh. First of all, I don't believe I've ever been to Raleigh. With less than 1500 residents, it is still the second-largest town in Smith County, and it's the County Seat. For such a small town, it has quite an impressive courthouse.

After about an hour's drive, we arrived at the Smith County Ag Center, the site of the anticipated Gourd Festival. We arrived about noon, and we were all surprised to see many cars were already there. I knew it was going to be a fun event when I saw Felder Rushing's truck in the parking lot. How did I know it was Felder's truck? Well, who else has a rolling garden in the bed of a bright green pickup truck? As a matter of fact, I uploaded this photo to Facebook right after I snapped it with my phone, and almost immediately, Malcolm White remarked "Felder."

Inside, I was unsure of what I'd see. I'd never been to a gourd festival before. Not surprisingly, I saw gourds everywhere, of every shape and size. For some reason, I kept thinking of the television show "Hoarders," (probably because 'hoard' rhymes with 'gourd.') Nonethess, these people were as crazy about gourding as the people on TV are about hoarding.

The people who grow and decorate gourds, most members of the Mississippi Gourd Society, are a pretty creative lot. They "see" things in a gourd that the average eye may not see. I saw gourds painted to look like Santa Claus, fish, geese, snowmen, and much more. They were made into birdhouses, boxes and bowls. Some of my favorites were intricately carved with beautiful designs.

No part of any gourd goes to waste. There was gourd jewelry made of painted and polished pieces of gourds. And windchimes. And purses. Crosses and flowers and butterflies, oh my!

One of the most amazing items I saw crafted from gourds was a banjo made from gourds. Jason Smith crafts "banzas" and has even recorded a CD of the music strummed on the instruments. I could have listened to him play all day!

So my senses were bombarded with all things gourd-related, and I HAD to buy something to take home! I seemed to gravitate to Helen Looman's booth. Her gourds were very simple, clean and beautifully crafted. I found out later that Helen is a member of the Craftsmen's Guild of Mississippi. The one I loved the most was a simple bowl, stained with leather dye. It had woven pine straw around the top. Helen patiently explain her weaving technique to me, not realizing that I had absolutely no desire whatsoever to do what she does. I simply wanted to buy the bowl and be impressed by her work. Which is what I did. And here it is, in my house:

And because I'm a sucker for handmade Christmas ornaments, I got this little squash-shaped gourd painted up like a little Santa Claus:

It will hang on my Christmas tree next to my dried okra Santa! (I believe I'm going to get a "permanant" Christmas tree crafted by metal artist Stephanie Dwyer to hang all my special handcrafted ornaments!)

So, who knew how much fun a gourd festival would be? I suspected it would be an interesting outing, and I was right! So what adventure is next? Perhaps the http://www.greatdeltabearaffair.org/ on October 22 in Rolling Fork, Mississippi.

But before I can plan which festival I go to next, I have a couple of other big events to attend. The first is the Memphis Creative Nonfiction Writer's Workshop this weekend. I'm excited because I'll be making a pitch to several agents, and I'll be getting criquiques on a portion of my manuscript. (In case you don't know, I'm writing a book about Nicole's journey...). Also, I'm planning this year's Walk to Defeat ALS. It will be held October 15 at Winner's Circle Park in Flowood. I need all my friends to jump on board!

So, what are YOU doing this weekend? There's always something going on...just cruise the internet to find a festival, event, or activity and get out there and create some fun memories!

Blessings to all who read this!

Susan

In the Blink of an Eye

2011-09-16T07:43:00.000-07:00

"Start living now. Stop saving the good china for that special occasion. Stop withholding your love until that special person materializes. Every day you are alive is a special occasion. Every minute, every breath, is a gift from God."

--Mary Manin Morrissey, Speaker and Author

There are things in life that are just downright unfair. Like young folks being in the hospital.

Right now, at this very moment, three exceptional people are in hospitals around the state, and it hurts my heart to see them there.

The first is Nicole's long-time friend Tony Hill, who was hit by a hit-and-run drunk driver in Hattiesburg a couple of weeks ago. He suffered two broken legs and head trauma and is currently recovering at Forrest General Hospital. Right off the bat, several friends gathered to help out...a fundraiser will be held in Hattiesburg on October 2. A facebook group has been set up so that friends can keep up with his progress and to get information on the fundraiser.

The next is Donovan Childress. After a few days of feeling uncomfortable, he sought medical attention, only to find out he has cancer. He began chemotherapy this week at St. Dominic in Jackson. A fundraiser is being planned for Donovan at Hal & Mal's soon.

We first met Donovan when Josh brought him to Select Specialty Hospital after the two attended a music festival in Austin. Nicole had just been transported to Select Specialty Hospital from New York Presbyterian, and they were just the medicine she needed at the time. Donovan was funny and quirky and it felt like we had known him forever.

I learned later that he had been an elementary school teacher in Memphis and was looking to teach again in Mississippi. I can't imagine having a teacher like him!

The third is Katy Blake, an adorable young woman from the Coast who suffered a spinal cord injury in a canoing accident. She's back at Methodist Rehab for a couple of weeks, giving it all she's got to try to regain whatever function she can.

Katy went to high school with Caitlyn McNally, who was one of Nicole's personal care assistants. When Katy had her accident (a couple of years ago?), they went to see her at Methodist Rehab. I've gotten to know her on Facebook--she's precious!

People came out of the woodwork to help when Nicole had her accident. Here in Mississippi, we know how to rally when someone needs our assistance. The fact of the matter is that no one wants to ask, and it's difficult to accept help, but accepting the kindness of others is a blessing for those who do the giving. It's been heart-warming for me to see how so many people are now stepping up to support these three people.

What really strikes me is that in the face of each of their challenges, they all have a positive attitude. All are so grateful for what is being done for them, and each is looking ahead. Nicole has been making the hospital rounds, trying to visit with each of them, and it's hard for her her to see her friends in such compromised positions. There was a time, not too long ago, when she was the one who was compromised, and I remember how much all those visits from so many friends made such a difference. It was like being wrapped in love over and over again.

Life can change in the blink of an eye. We learned it three years ago, and these three folks have driven that point home again for me. My takeaway from this is that you can't waste your time wondering "what if." You can't fret over what the future will bring. Instead, you must live in the NOW...and appreciate every blessing that is presented to you in this very moment. We spend so much time in the past and projecting into the future that we totally miss the joy in the here and now.

The next few weeks will be filled with excitement for our family. Larry and I have primo seats at the USM game tomorrow, thanks to the generosity of friends. The weather should be perfect, so we'll enjoy heading to Hattiesburg. Nicole flies out in the morning to Honolulu, where she'll be a keynote speaker at next week's International Women's Leadership Conference. She'll be in good company--there are some very powerful women on the program. Being no fool, she's traveling with her hairdresser (who is also a very good friend)--a girl's gotta look good! And finally, I'll be heading to Memphis on Thursday to attend the Memphis Creative Non-Fiction Writer's Workshop. I hope that it will be the beginning of the end of the book I'm writing. (I've written most of it, now hoping the skills I learn in the workshop will help me polish it and market it.)

Please keep our sweet friends in your prayers. And today, focus on what's happening in your life right now--and find the joy in it...for you don't know what tomorrow may bring.

Blessings to all who read this!

Susan

You Should Write a Book!

2011-08-13T18:57:00.000-07:00

"You're such a good writer. You should write a book!"

I've heard that many times over the years, mostly from someone I've written a newspaper or magazine article about. Yeah, yeah...right. What would I write a book about? For ten years I've been writing magazine, newspaper and business journal articles. I've written articles for a technology magazine where I had to learn what I could about a difficult subject, then "dumb it down" for the average reader--someone like myself. I've written articles on interesting people doing interesting things, business profiles, articles about homes and other places, events, the arts and more. I know a little bit about a lot of things, which makes for great cocktail party conversation. Once I share what I know on a topic (generally 600-1200 words worth) I retreat for another glass of wine.

I was one of those people who could pull out a term paper at the last minute in college and make a decent grade. Research and writing made sense to me. It came naturally, thanks to some really good high school English teachers. I also had a good typing teacher (I think they call it "keyboarding" now). I used my writing skills to land my first job out of college. I was a copywriter at WDAM-TV in Hattiesburg, MS, where I wrote and produced television commercials for local businesses. That was the beginning of a long career in advertising and marketing at television stations, a department store, an advertising agency and a shopping mall. I wrote commercials, print advertisements, brochures, annual reports and press releases. When I left the corporate world to make it on my own, I began writing articles for several local publications. That's when folks started telling me that I should write a book, which I had NO desire whatsoever to do. I'm an instant-gratification kind of gal, so article-writing suits me just fine.

But then a BIG STORY fell in my lap. Or rather, fell six stories off a building in New York. When you get a call from a New York Police Department detective saying that your daughter has been found on the ground outside her apartment building, life turns upside down. Three years and alot of prayer, surgery, therapy, tears, laughter, blessings and friends later, a book is born.

I spent the month of May hunkered down in a cottage in Maine working on Nicole's story, but from my perspective. I don't have a title yet. From a spiritual standpoint, I've examined "Every Step of the Way," because we feel that God was with us all throughout the ordeal. And of course, Nicole had to take her "first steps" for the second time in her life while at Methodist Rehab. I am also toying with "The Fall and Rise of Nicole Marquez," although I doubt that will fly. I'm hoping a publisher takes interest soon and will have some sage suggestions.

I'm sending ten pages of the manuscript to Susan Cushman soon. Susan is the workshop director for the Memphis Creative Nonfiction Writer's Workshop in September, which I'll be attending and will have the opportunity to have my manuscript reviewed, as well as an opportunity to pitch the book to literary agents during the "pitch fest."

Now the polite remark made by well-meaning people has become my daily mantra. "You're such a good writer. You should write a book." O.K. I'm doing it.

Blessings to all who read this!
Susan

Riding into the Sunset...

2011-08-09T11:54:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since my last post. Too long. But I left the last post up for over a month so that folks could not only get easy step-by-step directions on how to vote for Blake Edward Thomas to have his car made over by Patty Peck Honda, but to tell why he deserved it. I believed from the day I first heard the commercial on the radio that Blake could, and should, win. He has a 1994 Honda that has seen better days, and he drives Nicole around in it, day after day, to the doctor, to therapy, to wherever she needs to go.

The exciting news is that **BLAKE WON**!! (That's a link, by the way, to their winning video!) Ahhh...the power of the internet! I must have sent out a bazillion emails, made an obnoxious number of Facebook and Twitter posts, and asked everyone I know to vote for him. Blake and Nic made daily videos that kept everyone who saw them entertained for a month. Thanks to all who responded. Now Blake's Honda is getting a full-out redo by the incredible folks at Patty Peck Honda! It's there now getting a fabulous "Pimp My Ride" experience, which will be unveiled Labor Day weekend. In the meantime, he's driving a loaner car they provided for him.

I wanted the car makeover for for Blake, but I really wanted it for Nicole, too, because she can't drive, and she is forced to depend on others to get where she needs to go. Luckily, she is approved by the Dept. of Rehab to have an assistant, and for several months now, Blake has been the one to help her do the things she is unable to do on her own. But all good things have to come to an end, and Blake is moving on to a higher paying job--one that is more in line with what he wants to do with his life. I can't blame him, but it's sad none-the-less. He's been very intuitive about Nicole's needs, and he has encouraged her and pushed her and she is in better shape now than she was when he started working with her. He's been a great friend to Nicole, and Larry and I have enjoyed getting to know him. He's a fine young man.

Blake is now training a few hours a week for his new job, and will start full time the first of November. At least Nicole will be able to enjoy his fabulous new ride for a couple of months. In the meantime, she will once again be looking for the person who will spend eight hours a day, five days a week with her. Know anyone? And if so, will they have a ride as cool as the one Blake will soon have?

Blessings to all who read this!
Susan

Help Blake's Honda!!!!

2011-07-04T09:10:00.000-07:00

Every now and then, life hands you an opportunity that you simply can't let pass. Right now, that opportunity is for Blake Edward Thomas to have his 1994 Honda Civic CX made over by the good folks at Patty Peck Honda if he wins the their "Help My Honda" contest.

Blake is Nicole's Personal Care Assistant. It's his full-time job, eight hours a day, five days a week. He helps Nicole with the things she's unable to do for herself. One of the main things he does is drive her. Everywhere. He drives her to physical therapy. He drives her to doctor's appointments. He drives her to the pharmacy. And he drives her everywhere else she needs to go day in and day out, because she is unable to drive herself--yet.

And Blake does all that driving in a car that has issues. BIG issues. Not long ago, the air conditioner went out, and we went in halves with him to have it repaired--over $800. It wasn't just so they could be comfortable. You see, with a spinal cord injury like Nicole's, the body has a difficult time adjusting its internal thermostat. Once she gets too hot, it's very hard for her to cool down again, and that can lead to a terrible (and fatal) condition known as autonomic dysreflexia. So having the a/c repaired was a medical necessity.

Blake is a hard-working, compassionate and reliable guy who has helped Nicole move to the next level in her rehabilitation. He encourages her, cares for her, and makes it possible for her to live an independent lifestyle. In addition to caring for Nicole, he is a talented musician and gifted artist. He plays in a band called Storage 24.

Storage 24. That's Blake, second from the left.

He also plays acoustic sets at restaurants around town.

Currently, he has an art exhibit at Cups in Brandon. (Go by, have a cup of coffee, and if you see something you like, BUY IT!)

Which brings me back to the "Help My Honda" Contest, sponsored by Patty Peck Honda and Clear Channel Radio. So, how can you help Blake get Patty Peck Honda to help his Honda????

Follow these easy steps. It's a one-time deal...

1. Log on to facebook

2. Type in "Patty Peck Honda" in the search bar (or click here)

3. "LIKE" the Patty Peck Honda page

4. Click on the "Help My Honda" contest link on the left

5. You will be asked to accept the App. PLEASE say yes. They will NOT share your info.

6. Click "VOTE"

7. You may have to scroll down a bit (DO NOT VOTE for Brittany, or whatever video may pop up). Look up Blake's name (you may have to type it in: Blake Edward Thomas).

8. When you see the video with Blake and Nicole, "LIKE" it.

That's it! You're done!

Blake needs to get as many "LIKES" as possible by July 25, so you can help by sharing the link to this blog with everyone you can. It will help Blake as he helps Nicole. And we will appreciate it oh, so much!!!

By the way, they had so much fun making their video (and Blake and Nicole want this makeover SOOOO bad) that they've made other videos that are posted on Nicole's facebook page. Be sure to check them out!

Do a good deed today. Please "LIKE" Blake and Nicole's video. And please share this blog post with your friends so they can LIKE it too. Remember. Blake Edward Thomas. Help him get Patty Peck to help his Honda. It's fun. It's fast. It's easy. And it will make your heart happy, I promise!

Blessings to all who read this!

Susan

Home Sweet Healthy Home

2011-06-14T15:36:00.000-07:00

Home sweet home.

I've been here for a couple of weeks now after spending a month in Maine. Being away from home for awhile gives a new perspective on home. Almost every time I go on a trip, I try to incorporate my favorite things I discover or enjoy back into my "normal" life. One of those things is a fresher, healthier diet.

I went gluten free on the trip. Doing so made me feel better and I dropped a few pounds. I ate more fresh veggies, salads and local foods in Maine, which I'm trying to do now that I'm back home. It's been expensive, but worth it. My priorities with food are:
1. Healthy (i.e. FRESH, not processed)
2. Local (I'm trying to eat foods grown/produced as close to home as possible)
3. Organic (Please--we're subjected to enough chemicals daily, must we ingest it with our food?)

Healthy is easy...fresh foods, not processed. It means more cooking and prep work for me, but I don't mind. It's a labor of love--a way to honor my own body, and to honor my family.

Local is challenging, but possible. It's a way to reduce our carbon footprint on the Earth (less shipping). I've enjoyed shopping at the Mississippi Farmer's Market at the fairgrounds, and last Thursday, I went to the new Livingston Market at the end of Hwy. 463. It's wonderful, and easy to find great organic produce, as well as treats like black bean hummus, polenta and local honey.

I actually bought a share of a grassfed cow which is currently grazing on chemical-free grass just a couple of miles up the road of my house. This fall, I'll have steaks, roasts, ground beef and more in my freezer. If you've never tasted grassfed beef, you're missing out! It's actually higher in Omega-3's than salmon!

Finally, organic. No pesticides. No fertilizers. Yet, it's way more expensive in the grocery stores. But at the farmer's markets, the price is right and the farmers I've met are wonderful!

There are no true "farm-to-table" restaurants in Mississippi, but plenty of local restauranteurs are making the effort to purchase from local farmers and the results are amazing! I wish they could all take a cue from Christina Sidoti of Paolina's Way, the number four farm-to-table restaurant in North America. I had the pleasure of eating in Christina's beautiful restaurant in Camden the night before we left Maine. The restaurant has its own farm. I was a little concerned at first, because their specialties are wood fired pizza, pastas and breads.

Since my diet is now gluten-free, that didn't leave many options. But Christina told me they could make a gluten-free pizza crust, and I can testify that the results were fabulous!

I'm slowly getting back to reality...working, writing, yoga, bookclub...it hasn't been that hard (except for the HEAT!). A month is a long time to be away, so it's good to see friends and family again. Larry did a great job holding things together here, but he was ready for me to get home! His turn to relax comes next...I'm thinking kayaking and relaxing at a friend's lakehouse is in our near future.

I'm still hula hooping--in the privacy of my backyard. It really is a wonderful way to whittle your waistline! If you want a real workout, both of my children are working hard to earn a living while helping others achieve their fitness goals. Nicole is teaching "Yoga Meets Dance" every Tuesday evening at 7:15pm at Joyflow Yoga in Ridgeland. Just $10 for a fun, invigorating class...no dance or yoga experience necessary. Drop ins are welcomed!

Joe is a personal trainer at the Courthouse on Lakeland, and he can put together a plan to suit your fitness needs. Give him a call at 601-383-2545 to schedule an appointment. You do NOT have to be a member of the Courthouse to train there with Joe.

I challenge you all to honor yourselves by eating healthy, especially now when so many wonderful fruits and veggies are available in abundance--and beat the heat by exercising indoors with either Nicole or Joe.

Blessings to all who read this!
Susan

God Links + Chowda = Happiness

2011-05-20T08:08:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had a series of events happen, and you look back on them and you're amazed at how things lined up so perfectly?

Like, you met someone who introduced you to someone else, who invited you to lunch, then touched your life in a special way?

Someone I know once referred to those series of events as "God links." As in, God links the right people together at the right time.

God has linked so many wonderful people to me in the past few years. My "circle of influence" has grown.

Steven Covey, the famed author of "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" says that your life doesn't just "happen." Whether you know it or not, it is carefully designed by you. He says the choices, after all, are yours. You choose happiness. You choose sadness. You choose decisiveness. You choose ambivalence. You choose success. You choose failure. You choose courage. You choose fear. Every moment, every situation, provides a new choice. And in doing so, it gives you a perfect opportunity to do things differently to produce more positive results.

I agree with Covey to a certain extent, but I also believe that God has carefully laid plans for all of us. When you put your faith in God, it is now His job to take full and complete care of you in every detail of your life. There is not an area or detail in your life that God will not be willing to help you out with – no matter how small or trivial you think it may be.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD,

“plans to prosper you and not to harm you,

plans to give you hope and a future."

--Jeremiah 29:11

Well, there it is. That was one of our "cling to" Bible verses when Nicole was in the hospital, and one I've meditated on frequently when trying to decide what to do with my life. The plans are laid, and God wants good for us--we simply have to live it!

Your language is a good indicator of how you see yourself. A proactive person uses proactive language--I can, I will, I prefer, etc. A reactive person uses reactive language--I can't, I have to, if only. Reactive people believe they are not responsible for what they say and do--they have no choice.

The people I've been linked to in recent years have been positive, creative, enthusiastic, giving, motivated and *happy.* I think that God has linked me with people who have the traits I most want/need at this time in my life.

I read an interview today with New York Times bestselling author, Gretchen Rubin, who wrote a book called "The Happiness Project: Or, Why I Spent a Year Trying to Sing in the Morning, Clean My Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristotle, and Generally Have More Fun."

Unlike Elizabeth Gilbert, author of "Eat, Pray, Love," Rubin didn't have the luxury of taking off for an extended trip to Italy, India and Bali. She has a husband, two young children and life to deal with. And while she was a generally happy person, she had an epiphony where she realized that people feel happy, but they want to appreciate it more, live up to it and not take it for granted. "It’s so easy in every day life to focus on the little annoyances instead of thinking about what a happy life you have."

Rubin started out by challenging herself to do things in her ordinary routine to make herself happier. One of the first things she realized is that she needed to get to know herself better. "I realized that I didn’t always know myself or live my life according to my own nature. The more I thought, ‘How could I become Gretchen?,’ the happier my life became. It began to reflect my interest, values, temperament much more closely."

Because I'm 53, and my children are adults now and my husband is very supportive, I do have the luxury of going away for a month. And being in an inspiring environment, away from everyday obligations, affords me the opportunity to think, reflect, get to know myself better.

Some people may think it's a selfish thing for me to do. And that happiness, period, is a selfish aspiration. I side with Rubin when she said happy people make people happy!

"What people don’t know is that a lot of people are troubled by the feeling that it’s selfish to want to be happy. They worry that if they have the elements of a happy life and they want to be happier, that they’re spoiled and preoccupied with themselves in a way that’s not laudable. Or they think that in a world that’s so full of suffering, it’s not morally appropriate to be happy.

Rubin's reasearch shows that happy people are more likely to volunteer; they give away money; they’re better leaders; they have better relationships with their friends and family; they’re healthier; they’re more connected to other people and people are more attracted to them. "I don’t think it’s selfish to be happier, because it’s by being happier that you give yourself the emotional wherewithal to turn outward."

I'm grateful for the God links in my life--the people, the events, the experiences and the opportunities that have one-by-one been linked together to bring me to where I am today.

You may be wondering what brought on this unusually serious post. Well, one God link led to another to another, and Jonni and I ended up having lunch with a wonderful new friend-of-a-friend in Camden, Maine yesterday. Because I respect her privacy, I'm not saying much more about it, but I will say that we all enjoyed the most spectacular cup of clam "chowda" at an iconic Maine restaurant named Cappy's. The lunch was so delicious and the conversation so riveting, that I forgot all about taking a peek at Alexander, the 150+-year-old stuffed seagull. I know....I'm just sick about it. Just so you'll know what you're missing, this is how they present a cup of chowder at Cappy's:

Blessings to all who read this!
Susan

P.S. Here's the series of God links that led to my wonderful lunch yesterday:

Wonderful, Wacky Maine

2011-05-19T07:51:00.000-07:00

The South has in no way cornered the market on crazy, kitchy attractions. Maine is simply chocked full of them.

One of my favorites so far is Perry's Nut House, in Belfast. You can't miss it...just look for the gi-normous squirrel holding the colossal peanut out front.

Inside, Perry's sells all kinds of nuts, as one would imagine, as well as about 30 flavors of homemade fudge. They'll give you free samples of the fudge, and if you're not careful, you'll be on a serious sugar high in no time.

It's kind of like a Stuckey's on steroids. Toys and wacky gift items, bumper stickers, postcards and magnets. But there's some really weird stuff as well.

Like Jay.

Jay is a real mummy.

Now here's the really crazy thing. The back-story of Jay, the Forgotten Mummy is that he was taken from Egypt as a souvenir by aristocrats, which was a common practice back in the 20's and 30's, so that they could throw fashionable Mummy Parties. They'd unwrap the mummies to see what loot they were buried with, then throw the bones in the fire. Becoming an unwanted family heirloom, the last owner of the Jay the Mummy decided it would be better suited as a display at Perry's Nut House.

You can't make this stuff up.

Perry's Nut House was founded in 1927, as was Moody's Diner, where we ate breakfast this morning. In 1927, it looked as though Waldoboro, Maine might be getting some automobile traffic from folks headed north up US Route 1. The Moody's thought it seemed like a good idea to build a couple of cabins to see if they could find any weary travelers looking for a clean, inexpensive place to stay the night. Travelers would stop in for a five cent cup of coffee or a ten cent sandwich, and Mrs. Moody would "up sell" them a $1-night cabin.

We ate breakfast at Moody's this morning. Browine and Jane are flying out of Portland today, so we decided to go have a farewell breakfast. It's a typical diner, complete with sassy waitresses who just snap their fingers and tell you where to sit.

The cabins are still there, but they charge a bit more than a dollar a night. At least they have wireless internet access.

In a little while, Jonni and I are driving up to Camden to have lunch with a special new friend at Cappy's. We're going for their famous "chowda," but I'm also hoping to see Alexander the seagull. Mounted in an ornate frame in a restaurant, Alexander had been dead for 150 years before he ran afoul of an obscure federal law that almost had him banished -- but the town rallied to save him. That should be almost as good as Jay the mummy.

I'm keeping my eyes peeled for more wacky attractions. And you can bet that if it's crazy enough, I'll share it with you. There are some things in this world you can't keep to yourself.

Blessings to all who read this!
Susan

Challenge Yourself!

2011-05-17T07:40:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, it's easy to just be...and that's OK. But other times, it's good to challenge yourself. Step out of your comfort zone. Try something that you will almost surely fail at a few times before you finally get it.

While I've been enjoying my time in Maine, without the normal concerns of my daily life, I have been "stepping out there" a bit, trying new things. Like writing a book--something I've never done before. And hula hooping.

Jonni did some research on Rockland before we ever left home, and she found a community center that offered yoga and other exercise classes. Since we do yoga twice a week at her house (we miss you JC!), we thought we'd continue that while in Maine. But then Jonni found a hula hooping class on Monday nights, and we mutually decided it would be lots of fun. We were right!

Our teacher, Maria, is a "Mainer" who lived in Wisconsin for several years then returned. She discovered hooping and took to it like a duck to water, losing 25 pounds without even trying. That was enough information for us to really get on board in a hurry!

Maria, like most hoop fanatics, makes her own hula hoops. We learned that the bigger the hoop, the less you have to work. If you use a smaller hoop, you have to work harder to keep it going. It's a great cardio workout, plus it strengthens your body's core. It's good for digestion, too, as it is like a little mini massage on your belly.

The first Monday night, it was just Jonni and I in the class. We got to know Maria and just had fun getting the hang of hooping after so many years. The first challenge was to hoop in the opposite direction of our dominant direction. It's like being right handed and trying to write a whole term paper with your left hand. There's nothing natural about it.

Jonni bought a hoop, and we took it home, with the intent of hooping every day until the next class. I did it a few times, as did she, but not nearly as much as we had both intended to. But I managed to practice hooping in my non-domniant direction, and it really did get easier for me over time.

The next week, Brownie was in town, so we took her to class with us. She showed us both up. It's like she has been hooping all her life!

And last night, we added a fourth person to the mix: Jonni's college roommate, Jane, who came to spend a few days with us this week. Jane just started hooping and never stopped the entire class!

Maria will teach us little tricks and techniques, then put some great music on and let us "freestyle," putting our little tricks together into a cohesive routine. The more we all did it, the better we became. I'd start out trying to do something over and over and over, with my hoop flying across the gym or crashing to the floor around my feet. But suddenly, I'd get it. And I'd try it again, and get it again! I felt such a sense of accomplishment! She's a great teacher, and has made our introduction to hooping so much fun. Check out her "Hoop ME" website.

Hooping has become really popular with the alternative music crowd. You see it at concerts alot, and alot of times the musicians will hoop as part of their act. Hooping has actually become a big part of music festivals.

What I like about it is that you need one piece of equipment: the hula hoop. You can wear just about anything, so no special attire is required. Although, alot of hoopers do like to wear flashy outfits, and that just makes me happy!

After getting a good bit of writing done last week, I took the weekend off to play and enjoy Maine. Yes, we have been eating WELL, but healthy. So many of the restaurants here serve organic foods, and most are locally grown. Also, gluten-free foods are easier to find here, and since I'm attempting to do a gluten-free diet this month, that's good news for me. Since I tend to post photos of my food on facebook frequently, Nicole asked if I was actually writing a cookbook while I'm here! Others have asked if I'm really writing a book at all, because all I tend to put on FB is about thing things we're doing and what we're eating. There's just not alot to say or show about writing, other than this is where I sat and wrote one day last week:

So, I don't write 24 hours a day. I've got to stop and eat. And when I do, I make sure it's something good! Jonni had been telling me about the famous Owl's Head burgers, so last week we drove to the Owl's Head General Store for one of their famous hamburgers...

I ate mine without the bun and honestly, didn't feel like I missed out on a thing because the burger was just that good!

Jonni's birthday was Saturday, and we spent the day going to Portland to pick up her college roommate, Jane, from the airport. I got up early and put up decorations around our little cottage to surprise Jonni when she woke up.

Brownie and I prepared a breakfast of quiche, orange juice and coffee. Jonni had her own special cup that I found at the Goodwill in Rockland.

Saturday night, we ate a wonderful meal at Suzuki Japanese restaurant in Rockland with Brownie's husband's cousin, Scott, his wife, Heidi and their son, Martin.

We ate lunch Sunday at a restaurant on the waterfront (called The Waterfront!) in Camden. I ate a wonderful warm spinach salad with smoked duck while overlooking the most beautiful harbor. (The photo below was taken Thursday evening before the rain rolled in on Friday.)

After lunch, we enjoyed a ride up to Lincolnville for a wine pairing at Cellardoor Wineries, located in an refurbished old barn that is simply breathtaking.

We ended the day with a birthday gift Jonni gave to US--a concert at the Strand Theatre in Rockland by Shemekia Copeland. Jonni made a great video at the concert that's worth watching:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-hSR9nunjw&feature=share

I have been able to slow down a good bit here, and really take in the beauty of this season in Maine. The forsythia is blooming everywhere and looks like yellow fire brushing across the landscape.

I've never seen as many tulips in one area in my life, and they are blooming everywhere.

It's easy to find beautiful things to look at, enjoy and savor by simply taking a walk around the yard of our little cottage.

My challenge to all of you who read this blog is to challenge yourself to do something out of your comfort zone...and to stop and see the beauty that's just under your nose. May you find joy in both!

Blessings to all who read this!

Susan

Food for the Soul

2011-05-15T05:37:00.000-07:00

Visiting a different place is one of the best ways to gain perspective. Anyone who travels alot will tell you this. When I've been away from home for awhile, I think about how I have been doing things and how I may want to do them differently when I get home. For me, that thing is how I eat.

I've been much more aware of the food I put into my mouth after taking a detox class taught by Jaclyn Ramsier last year. I took the class again this spring and everything really connected for me. I work hard to stay away from processed foods at all costs, and I focus on eating healthier, fresher foods whenever possible.

Here, in Maine, that's very easy to do.

I love that the restaurants here proudly list the local suppliers they use. From organic farms to grass fed beef, the bulk of what they consume is grown/produced very close to home. That means fewer trucks on the road, hauling things in from other places, which cuts down on fuel consumption and pollution.

One of the local foods we have been hearing about here is fiddleheads. The little sprouts from the ostrich fern can be found on creek and river banks in the northeastern U.S. for about three weeks each May. Lucky for us, it's fiddlehead season in Maine! We tried them a few days ago in a quiche, which was really a round-about way of eating the little delicacies. Last night, we took a plunge and ordered a fiddlehead salad at a Japanese restaurant in Rockland.

I can't help but post food photos on facebook....especially when the food is so good, and so different from what I eat at home. Fiddleheads just aren't something you can find at Kroger!

When I told friends I was going to spend a month in Maine, almost everyone said "eat a lobster for me!" It's no lie that lobster is as common here as hamburgers. You can just about get a lobster roll anywhere you go. Plus, lobster stew, lobster bisque, and lobster cakes. I ate my first whole lobster ever last Saturday, and we're going again to Youngs Lobster Pound today. (I wrote about it a few posts ago).

One of the most frequent comments I've gotten on facebook has been "aren't you supposed to be writing?" And the answer to that is, of course, I'm supposed to be writing. But I can only write about two hours at a time. For one thing, I get tired of constant typing. And the other surprising thing to me is that writing this story is very taxing, emotionally.

I handled Nicole's accident very well at the time. I held it together and went into "take care of business" mode from the very beginning. But going back and reliving it again for the book has meant facing fears and realizing the enormity of it all. Back then, I couldn't look beyond the very moment we found ourselves in. I had no idea what kind of road we'd be on or for how long. I guess because now I know, it is all so much more amazing to me.

So, I write, then I enjoy all this marvelous place has to offer when I'm not writing. It's food for the soul.

Blessings to all who read this!

Susan

Rock On.

2011-05-10T06:16:00.000-07:00

Up until now, when I thought of the beach, I thought of warm, tropical breezes, crystal blue water and white sand that you can sink your toes into.

The beach where we are staying in Maine is a far cry from warm, tropical and there is certainly a lack of white sand. But it is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful beaches I've ever seen.

Our little slice of heaven, otherwise known as Crockett's Beach, is a rock-strewn stretch.

It is difficult to navigate the rocks, as some are wedged in really tight, and others teeter at the slightest hint of weight. Sensible shoes are a must when navigating the rocks, as I learned the day I hit the beach in a pair of Birkenstock garden clogs. I ended up sitting on a picnic table and watching the waves instead of walking.

As a child, one of my favorite activities was to sit atop a pile of rocks and look for agates and other treasures. Every rock is different, and some are just exquisite. It's hard not to stuff your pockets with a load of special rocks.

I'm transported back in time when I sit on the beach here, eyeing all the magnificent rocks the waves have forced to the shore. Already, the windowsills in our beach bungalow are lined with special rocks we've found. There are literally millions of rocks covering the beach, but the ones in our windows have "made the cut." They were deemed special enough to haul home and put on display.

There's a legend here that if you find a "lucky rock," you will return to that beach some day. I've been on a concentrated quest to find rocks with a circle that goes all the way around it--that's what determines if it's a lucky rock. They are pretty rare, but Jonni and I have been finding some.

Even more rare is sea glass. It's just broken glass that is tumbled and smoothed by the sea then spit out on the shore. Our third roomie, Brownie, has been collecting sea glass on her visits to Maine for years. She keeps them in little glasses on her kitchen windowsill as a reminder of her days here. I am happy that I have been able to contribute to her collection. Finding a piece of seaglass is like finding a nugget of gold!

In the late afternoons, for about an hour, the tide goes out, and we can actually walk on sand. It's wet, gray sand, but much easier to walk on than the rocks. The one who loves it the very most is Cole, Jonni's dog. Amazingly, Cole can run on the rocks with great ease--we think he may be part mountain goat. But when he hits the sand, he's really off and running!

No matter what time of day, tide in or tide out, the beach is always a good place to sit, relax and just...be. That's something that's hard to do in our everyday lives. When at home, there's always the pull to do something--put in a load of clothes, straighten up the house, pay some bills. But when you're on a beach, simply listening to the rhythmic breaking of the waves and hearing the ocassional sea gull squawk overhead, everything else is forgotten, and it's just so much easier to relax and be in the moment.

Looking out at sea, with the horizon that seems forever away, it's easier to contemplate the vastness of the universe that God created. It also makes me realize that I'm just a very small part of it all. In other words, I am reminded that it's not all about me, which in turn makes my problems seem suddenly much smaller and insignificant.

I want to be like the rocks on the beach. Sturdy and strong, yet beautiful and unique among the millions of rocks out there. I want to be like a lucky rock to those I love, so that they'll want to come back to me time and time again.

So, today is a rainy, blustery day in Maine. Wind gusts up to 40 miles per hour. Brownie says it's like a mini-nor'easter. For me, that means a great day to cozy up by the fireplace and write.

Rock on!

Blessings to all who read this!
Susan

A Mother of a Weekend

2011-05-09T13:49:00.000-07:00

At the risk of this sounding like a glorified travel log, I can't help but share what a great weekend I had here in Maine.

But first, Happy (late) Mother's Day!!!! To all you mothers reading this, I hope your day was special and filled with love.

If you've been on facebook at all in the past couple of days, you may have seen a link to an article that was on the front page of Sunday's Clarion-Ledger. Billy Watkins wrote a very flattering piece on me, Nicole and our family for Mother's Day. Jonni was the "official" Maine photographer, shooting the photos of me outside of our beach bungalow. You can read the article here. Thanks for all the kind commennts!

It's been a wonderful weekend in Maine. Jonni's business partner (and our friend), Brownie Shott, arrived on Friday from Katy, Texas. We went into town and had a relaxing dinner and did some catching up.

Saturday was a perfect weather day. We eased slowly into the day, hanging out, drinking coffee and eating some of these:

They were delivered to our door late Saturday morning! It was a Mother's Day gift from my sweet hubby and chirren! After eating a few just to make sure they were good (they were!!!!) we got ready and drove up to Belfast to Young's Lobster Pound.

It's a warehouse kind of place where you go in downstairs and choose your lobster from a huge holding tank.

We all ordered a pound and a half lobster each, corn on the cob and Jonni got an order of steamers (clams). We went upstairs and sat at one of the many long picnic tables with a beautiful view overlooking the harbor.

Next we went to the Nut House...Perry's nut house where they had the most amazing fudge, nuts and all kinds of crazy curiosities. My favorite thing there, however, was Buzzy, the giant squirrel, standing out front.

Sunday we woke up to a glorious Maine day and spent some time on the beach, looking for sea glass and lucky rocks (more on that in a future post). We lounged around for the better part of the morning, all hanging out with our laptops, "tex-mexin' the the spacebook," comparing notes on news from home and just enjoying being in this beautiful cottage overlooking the sea.

We finally got ready for the day and headed out to Cellardoor Wineries, where they were hosting a special Mother's Day chocolate and wine paring. We tasted some of the most incredible hand-made chocolates from Sweet Marguerite's Artisinal Chocolates, each paired with a different wine. The winery itself was spectacular, overlooking huge vineyards and mountains.

From there we took a hour-long winding drive through rural Maine to the town of New Harbor, to the home of Scott and Joy Shott, Brownie's husband's uncle and aunt (keep up!). There, we met up with their son, Scott, Jr. and his wife, Heidi and their two sons. We all drove to Round Pond to a wonderful restaurant, the Anchor Inn, where they treated us to a delicious Mother's Day dinner. It was a special way to spend a special day.

Back home, Larry said they served over 875 people at the country club for Mother's Day. That's alot of vittles!!! Joe squeezed in a trip to the beach, and Nicole had a few speaking engagements, the most notable of which was her appearance/speech at the launch party of MS Legends magazine in Meridian last Thursday where Morgan Freeman was the guest of honor. I'm sooooooo grateful to Suzi Altman for sharing photos she took of Nicole and shared with me.

Today, it was get-down-to-business day. Jonni and Brownie took off to sell ads for the map they are doing while they are here. I spent some time doing ALS Association work, and going over writing notes for my book. Tomorrow, I'll be holed up in my little cottage right on the beach, writing the story that's in my head and heart.

Right now, it's off to hula hoop class!

Blessings to all who read this!

Susan

Getting Settled In

2011-05-03T17:34:00.000-07:00

My first full day in Maine--yesterday--was blissful, despite being sick, sick, sick. (I've developed a bizarre digestive issue...it's slowing me down a little, but I am determined to get better!)

Jonni and I just hung around yesterday, spending alot of time on facebook and relaxing. We went to eat lunch but I was unable to eat.

But we plowed on. Jonni found a fun exercise class for us: hula hooping! Off we went to the Lincoln Street Center for the Arts, where we met our teacher, Maria. This woman loves to hula hoop!!! She had all kinds of hoops in all colors and sizes that she made! She said she teaches hoop-making workshops. Incredible.
Because I had eaten very little all day, I didn't have alot of energy, but I had enough to show off my mad hula hooping skills! I have always been pretty good at it, and like riding a bike, it all came back to me yesterday.

Jonni bought a hoop, and we took it with us to the beach today when we went to walk Cole. Check out my hula hooping skills for yourself here, For the record, I had stuffed the front pocket of my hoodie with rocks I found on the beach. It did not make for a very flattering look, I know, but can YOU hula hoop that well??? Wait until next week...I'm gonna learn some tricks. I'll be hooper duper!

Today, Jonni took me out to see the sights. This really is a beautiful place. So quintessential New England. Lots of saltbox and Victorian houses. In the area where we are staying, many of the residents are lobstermen. It's not unusual to see stacks of lobster traps in someone's front yard or a truck bed full of colorful bouys. Up the road in Rockport, it's a little more upscale. We went to see the picturesque harbor there and it was full of boats.

We went to a wonderful shop today called Fiore , where they sell artisan olive oils and balsamic vinegars from Italy, Spain and Portugal. We tasted all flavors of olive oils and vinegars, and finally I decided I love the blood orange olive oil and cranberry pear balsamic vinegar. Divine!

Next we went to Cellar Door Winery, where we tasted six different wines and got away with a case full. It helped that one of our favorites was on sale at a ridiculously low price!

Tomorrow, it's time to get down to the business of writing. I've been organizing my notes and getting things ready to go to my little writing cottage across the street. It's supposed to rain here tomorrow. That's a perfect writing day!

I am a little sad that I'm missing the CD release party for Grady Champion's new CD, "Dreamin'." The party is at Underground 119 in Jackson, and they'll be premiering the video of the song "Weight of the World," produced by Jef and Brenda Judin of 4 Tell Films. I'm a little partial to it due to the woman who stars in the vdieo with Grady. See it for yourself here.

We may be in Maine, but we are well aware of the flooding that's happening now in Memphis, and yet to come on further south. Our prayers are with those who will be affected by the floods. I'm so impressed with the many efforts of my friends to help with disaster relief for the tornado victims. A group of women I'm associated with are currently collecting prom dresses for the girls in Smithville. It's such a little thing to us, but such a big ocassion in a teenage girl's life. Do what you can to help someone in these trying times!

Blessings to all who read this!

Susan

Where The Sun First Kisses The United States

2011-05-02T04:12:00.000-07:00

Four days. Three hotels. Countless Cracker Barrels.

The journey is as important as the destination, and our journey was incredible.

Mississippi. Alabama. Georgia. Tennessee. Virginia. West Virginia. Maryland. Pennsylvania. New Jersey. Connecticut. New York. Massachusetts, New Hampshire. And finally...Maine. We plowed on through, not quite able to make it in three days as planned. We just didn't have that last three hours in us the third day, so we opted to finish it yesterday. I'm so glad we did. Jonni took her time, driving the "scenic routes," and we saw some amazing things along the way. And the entire way, we had blue skies. The clouds were merely there as accessories.

The worst part of the drive was the ever-rising gas prices.

The fun part was that we took each adventure as it presented itself. Like day three, when we saw the exit for Hershey, Pennsylvania. The car practically drove itself off the exit and we drove seven miles down a winding road to stumble upon...CHOCOLATE WORLD!!!

This place was crazy...and huge! It was like an amusement park. We actually road the tram that took us through the chocolate making process. I took a video of it with my phone, but it really just looked like a bad acid trip.

Yesterday morning, we packed up for the last time on the road and took off...and almost immediately we stumbled upon the headquarters for Stonewall Kitchens. Jonni and I are both fans of their salsas, spreads, jellies, etc. It was a beautiful place, and we were disappointed we had already eaten breakfast at McDonald's, because they had a beautiful cafe.

On up the road, and before we knew it, we saw the Atlantic. We had to get Cole out to see what the beach was all about. A little skittish in the surf at first, I have a feeling Cole, the Road Dawg, will love it before the month is over.

On the way, we saw Kennebunkport, my favorite little town so far. And of course, if you're in Kennebunkport, you can see the Bush compound:

Finally, we arrived in Owl's Head and our little piece of Heaven for the next month. The view is where the Penobscot Bay flows into the Atlantic. Or, as my friend Walt Grayson so eloquantly described it, "where the sun first kisses the United States each morning."

So, here's the little cottage where I'll spend my days penning my book:

That's our 1930's beach bungalow in the background. And here's the view I'll have as I write:

I feel inspired already!

Blessings to all who read this!

Susan

You Be Thelma, I'll Be Louise

2011-04-29T18:54:00.000-07:00

It's the end of Day Two of an epic road trip. Epic for me, at least. I've never spent so much time in a vehicle, but I'm not complaining!

My traveling buddy, Jonni Webb, picked me up around noon yesterday. We got out of Annandale, up Highway 463, and I realized I didn't have my phone. Back that thing up!

Back to the 'hood, and I couldn't find my phone inside. Back out to the car, and there it was...on the bumper. It had ridden a few miles, was covered in dust, but was fine. I took it as a sign that we would be taken good care of on this trip!

About that time, Jonni gave me a little notepad. Here we go!

Well, after we made stops at two banks, Madison Fireplace and Patio, the Woofolk Building downtown, and finally, lunch at Annie D's in Brandon. Finally...on the road at 2:20pm. Me, Jonni, and car full of stuff for a month in Maine, and...

Cole---Jonni's possibly-autistic camera-shy dog!!! (Who, by the way, has been a TROOPER! He's a real Road Dawg!!!)

We made it to Chattanooga last night...but not without some anxiety. It seems the power was out in all of north Alabama...every exit we took was like a ghost town. Finally, we got to Chattanooga and went to the first hotel we came to. NO PETS ALLOWED.

So, on the next hotel...and what do you know?

So, Jonni begged. Yeah, she did...she said "we're soooo tired....we have a tiny little dog, he'll be no trouble..." and the guy behind the counter slips her a note...

OK. Shhhhhh....he put us in a room on the back side of the hotel, and we snuck Cole in for the night. We had no phone, no internet, no television...we were lucky we had electricity. So, we drifted off to sleep, forgetting all about....

THE ROYAL WEDDING!!!!

I got up first and went to get breakfast, and the tv was on in the hotel lobby. Tornado refugees were sitting around, eating waffles and drinking coffee, watching the wedding and forgetting, for a moment, the devastation they had escaped. I saw Kate in her dress, and got to see the happy couple kiss on the balcony. So much for that.

We got back on the road, and just a little north of Bristol, just across the Virginia state line. we happened upon something that looked like a nightmare. One of the tornadoes had crossed the highway. It obliterated a truck stop, and 18-wheelers were tossed and twisted all over the place. Cars pulled over to the side of the road and people got out to just look in awe at the destruction, and to take photos. Jonni snapped these:

It was pretty shocking...something we didn't expect to see, especially since we had driven on I-20 through Tuscaloosa and Birmingham and all we saw was lots of huge uprooted trees and toppled road signs.

It's been a long day, and we've enjoyed seeing the beautiful Appalachian Mountains most of the day. We're in Hagarstown, MD for the night. And guess what? They are replaying the entire wedding, just for us! Seems we'll be up to speed on all things royal...if we can only stay awake long enough!

Our hope is to make it to Maine by day's end tomorrow. I am looking forward to seeing lots of the East Coast on the way.

We are thankful for the traveling mercies God has granted us so far. We are praying for another uneventful day as we approach our destination.

Blessings to all who read this!
Susan

Heading Out...

2011-04-27T10:01:00.000-07:00

Twenty-four hours from now I'll be on my way! Jonni Webb and I are loading up her SUV with all the stuff we'll need for a month in Maine, including her dog, Cole.

We'll drive for about three days to get there...and I'm actually looking forward to the road trip. I'll be seeing parts of the country I've never seen before. And Jonni is a great traveling companion to do it with.

While we are there, I'll be writing a book on our family's journey since Nicole's accident. I've got alot in my head, and the year and a half of Caring Bridge we wrote, so I've got a book in the making for sure! Jonni is a potter, and she's designed some awesome lobster ornaments that she's going to try to sell to shops up and down the coast. She's also going to be selling ads for Front Desk (a tear-off map with restaurant ads that hotels give out to guests). So, we'll both be busy.

Nicole's journey has strengthened my spirituality for sure, and the book I have in mind will reflect that. Someone told me that "the closer you get to God, the closer the devil gets to you." I kind of think that's true...I've been tripped up every which way this past month. I've had some awful attacks that have seemed at times like a heart attack (enough to buy me a full cardio workup--and my heart is FINE) and at times it seemed like a gall bladder attack (lots of testing there, and a trip to the ER--gall bladder is fine!). The attacks zapped all my energy, leaving me useless to do the things I needed to get done.

Money has been t-i-g-h-t, and now we have all these medical bills to pay. But they can be paid another day...and I've worked hard in spite of the attacks so that I will have a little money coming in throughout May...enough to make sure I stay fed while in Maine.

So there! I'm going!

I'm leaving my sweet, supportive Larry behind. I'm leaving my miracle daughter behind. I'm leaving my now-maturing son behind. I'm leaving two high-maintenance dogs behind. I'm leaving my parents behind. Everyone will have to fend for themselves, because I'm taking one month to process what's happened over the past two and a half years so that I can share what I've learned in a book that I hope will glorify God as much as Nicole's healing has.

I'm still going to be taking writing assignments and doing work for the ALS Association while I'm there, so my time will not be spent lounging around. But I think a change of scenery, lack of daily obligations and a will to do something that will make a difference will make it all worthwhile.

I'll be reporting from the road, so stay tuned! Your prayers for our safe travels will be appreciated!

Blessings to all who read this!
Susan

An Evening of HOPE

2011-04-18T06:22:00.000-07:00

What a weekend in contrasts! Violent tornadoes ripped through our area on Friday, then we had the most beautiful weather all weekend. A good analogy for life...there will always be storms, but if we can just weather them, we can enjoy the beauty life has to offer. I've always heard that which doesn't kill us will make us stronger. Good for me...I'm stronger today!

Nicole's second annual "Evening of HOPE" was held Saturday night at the Arts Center in downtown Jackson. She did the event last year as a way to give back to the community that so generously came to her aid following her accident. A visit with Malcolm White (Executive Director of the MS Arts Commission) last year helped Nic to choose the "Ask For More Arts" program as the beneficiary. It's a program of Parents for Public Schools to assure that the arts are incorporated into the curriculum in Jackson Public Schools.

The event was such a success last year, Parents for Public Schools wanted to do it as an annual event. This year, recording artist Rhonda Richmond was the entertainment, and she did not disappoint. The food was provided by Parlor Market, a chi-chi new restaurant in downtown Jackson. It was amazing!

The poster was designed again this year by the ubber-talented Talamieka Brice of Brice Media.

One of the highlights of the evening was Cassandra Wilson's attendance. Nicole has been a big fan of Cassandra's since she was in junior high. She has every one of Cassandra's CD's and always dreamed of meeting her. She got the chance when she was in college. Jef and Brenda Judin were producing a blues documentary, and they were shooting in the Delta at the Shack Up Inn. They hired Nicole to be Cassandra's assistant for the day. What an honor it was for Nicole!

Fast forward several years, and there was Grammy-award winner Cassandra Wilson, showing up for Nicole's event! Exciting stuff!

Last night, I was watching a favorite new show "Undercover Boss." On the show, a young LPN who has had a touch life told the undercover boss, "I don't want what's happened to me to define me. I want people to remember me for my accomplishments." Nicole's accident will, in some ways, always define her. But her accomplishments will eventually be what she's known for. I'm really proud of what Nicole has accomplished so far, and I expect greater things to come.

I'm proud of Joey Joe as well...he had a wonderful weekend and is looking ahead. He's loving his job at the Children's Museum and doing great in school.

I've been writing all weekend...trying to catch up/get ahead. The bus (Jonni's car) rolls on April 28--next week--for Maine! Sooo much to do to get ready!

Blessings to all who read this!

Susan

Ain't No Roadblock Gonna Get in My Way!

2011-04-15T13:08:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had a plan, and a million roadblocks seemed to try to keep you from that plan?

My plan is to head out on April 28 to go to Owl's Head, Maine, where I'll spend the month of May writing a book about Nicole's accident and our family's journey.

The first thing to try to thwart my plan is lack of funds. But I'm determined to do all I can to cover not only the household expenses I typically cover, but Joe's tuition and the trip itself, not to mention rental fees for the house, and expenses for the month.

The second thing to get in my way is my health. I've been in relatively good health for a long, long time, and I'm eating healthier and doing more exercise now than I have in years. Yet, my body is turning on me...simulated heart attacks, which were really the result of critically low potassium. Then severe abdominal pain that sent me to the emergency room at River Oaks last night, sure that I was having a gall bladder attack. Now, thousands of dollars of medical testing later, we know that my heart and gall bladder are fine!

The third challenge is my friend Carol, who had major heart surgery Wednesday. Somehow, I've got to fit a quick trip to Nashville soon to be with her for a few days when she comes home from the hospital. There's nowhere on Earth I'd rather be.

And then there's life in general...lots going on...like the Jackson Ad Fed Silver Medal luncheon/presentation that I'm involved with, and the Southern Miss Founder's Day Dinner that I'm planning. And Nicole's got her big annual "Evening of HOPE" event coming up tomorrow night. (Check out her facebook page to see the awesome commercial she did at WLBT earlier this week!).

In the middle of all this, I've got more work than I've had to do in years. And less energy. I poop out fast and my house is falling apart around me.

So, it sounds like this may not be the best time to go to Maine. But since when do I do things when the time is right? As a matter of fact, if we all wait to do things until conditions and situations are just right in our lives, I'm convinced we'd never do anything!

Sometimes you just need to plow ahead, regardless of the roadblocks that are thrown up in your way. Nicole taught me that in a major way, and the best way I can honor her bravery and perseverance is to write her story for others to be inspired by.

So, we're T-minus 13 days and counting! If I don't answer your phone calls or emails, please forgive me. I've got a book to write, and alot of work to do before I can!

Blessings to all who read this!
Susan

One day at a time...

2011-04-08T05:20:00.000-07:00

Will this really happen? Will I really get to the point where I can leave for a month to go to Maine to write a book?

YES.

I cannot doubt this. God gave us a miracle when Nicole fell off that building. He carried her down, he sat with her on the ground and he guided the surgeons hands as they knit Nicole's broken neck and back together again. She's a WALKING quadriplegic. And that story has to be told on a larger stage. I've been encouraged by so many, assuring me that because this book will give God the glory, He will make sure that the money will flow to make it happen.

My little health scare has slowed me down a bit...critically low potassium will zap your energy and fast! But each day, as my potassium levels rise, I feel stronger and stronger. I've got a week's worth of housework to catch up on this weekend so I can focus on work again next week. I'm going to be gone three days next week to go to Chicago for training for the ALS Association walk that I'm coordinating, so I have to cram alot into the two days I'll be in my office.

And I'm also going to try to go to Nashville later this month for a few days to tend to my friend, Carol, who is having surgery on her delicate heart--valve replacement and triple by-pass--next Wednesday.

One day at a time...

Have you ever had a goal that seemed impossible, but you plowed forward as if you would reach it no matter what? I'd love to hear about it! I know the first step towards reaching a goal is believing you'll reach it.

Blessings to all who read this!
Susan

Maine or Die Trying...

2011-04-06T11:39:00.000-07:00

COUNTDOWN for Maine!

Sometimes, life hands you an opportunity that is so perfect, you would be crazy to pass it by.

I have been handed an opportunity to go to a place for a full month, where I can sit and focus on writing a book about Nicole's accident and our family's journey. That place just happens to be in a beach house in Maine. And the month is May. As in NEXT MONTH.

How am I going to make this happen, when our finances are tighter than they've ever been in our 30 years of marriage?

Well, I just believe so much that this story needs to be told, and the book needs to be written. And, just as when I got on that plane to New York on August 31, 2008, not knowing really what we'd find or how long we'd be there, or how in the world we'd ever afford it, I had faith that all would be OK. And it was. We were provided for. Nicole recovered. And even now, over two and a half years later, we may not have the disposable income we once had, but we certainly aren't starving. (Except for the self-imposed diet, which we are getting used to and is already making a difference!)

So I'm running on faith that the work I'm doing this month will pay off. I need enough money to cover the expenses I typically cover in our household, enough money to finish paying off Joe's tuition for this semester, and enough money to get me to Maine and back, and to be there for the month of May. Each day I just wake up and get right to work. It's the only thing I know to do!

And wouldn't you know, there's already been a hiccup in the plans. A big hiccup. After feeling rotten all weekend, I went to see the doctor, and he was freaking-out concerned. My ekg was "disturbing," and my symptoms were a real head-scratcher. A blood test revealed I had "critically low" levels of potassium--which perfectly explained my symptoms, including the disturbing ekg. Six huge horse pills a day for five days should do the trick. Best bad news I had heard all day.

Until the phone rang early yesterday morning.

Another blood test, taken later the day before, came back. Called a "D-Dimer" test, it can tell if you have a blood clot. My test came back positive.

I was told to high-tail it to the Madison Radiological Group for "stat" testing. "Right after I jump in the shower," I said. "NO. NOW," I was instructed. Scary.

They did a Doppler test on the veins/arteries in my legs. No clot there.

So they decided to do a CT scan. An IV with dye in it that made my body feel like it was on fire for about a minute...then four minutes of wondering if I really peed, or if it just felt that way (it just felt that way!).

All that to get some really good news: no clot!

But, the tightness in my chest and lack of energy has my ever-vigilent doctor concerned. Enough so that it seems I've bought myself another round of tests to make sure my heart is OK, including a stress test on a treadmill at Madison Heart Clinic tomorrow morning. Nothing to eat or drink past midnight.

While this is all certainly a bump in the road in many ways (lack of energy = not getting done all the things I need/want to do...plus the fact that our medical insurance deductible could buy a small island), I'm determined not to let it steer away from my plans to go to Maine.

And really, I look at it all as a blessing. Because I'm on a journey of my own towards better health and an active lifestyle going forward, and this is a little reminder of what eating bad foods and not dealing with stress in a healthy way can do to you. This little episode will make it much easier to resist tempting sweets and high-fat dishes, and much easier to hop on that treadmill each day!

Don't forget...I've got great gifts for graduation, Professional Assistant's Day (4/26), birthday, wedding, new babies, housewarming and more! Order your Scentsy products direct from my website and my profit will go straight to the Joe Marquez College Tuition Fund! I sure do appreciate it! Log on to http://www.susanmarquez.scentsy.us/. Tell your friends!!! :-)

Blessings to all who read this!
Susan

Reach out and Touch

2011-03-20T08:22:00.000-07:00

Watching the events of the past week unfold in Japan have been hard to fully understand/comprehend. First it was the earthquake--now they're saying it was a 9 on the Richter Scale. That's huge. Then the tsunami, with the most incredible visual images of the wrath and strength of Mother Nature. Cars, trucks and buildings, floating along in the raging waters. But all of that almost forgotten with the threat of a nuclear meltdown.

But what about the people of Japan who are having to cope with losing so much? I think back to our own post-Katrina experience, when we were without electricity for a week. In Missisisppi. In August. It was HOT. But it wasn't so bad. Neighbors came to the aid of each other, sharing resources and actually talking for the first time, in some cases. It was as if the world came to a standstill for a period of time. No rushing off to work or school. No ballgames or dance class or committee meetings. It was a time to stay home, and wait until the world as we know it could get back to "normal." And during that time, people pulled thawing meat out of freezers and fired up their grills and impromptu block parties ensued.

As our house sweltered, we went to a friend's house a few miles away who had electricity. We packed up food from our refrigerator and freezer and along with the new friend from Slidell, Louisiana (we met him in a gas line) we had a grand dinner party with much food, conversation and laughter in the middle of one of the biggest castastrophies to ever hit our state.

Recently, I received an email from a fellow blogger with a letter she received from an American friend who lives in Sendai, Japan. It reminded me of those Katrina days, and also reminded me of how resiliant and resourceful we can be. This letter was written on March 14, 2011:

Things here in Sendai have been rather surreal. But I am very blessed to have wonderful friends who are helping me a lot. Since my shack is even more worthy of that name, I am now staying at a friend's home. We share supplies like water, food and a kerosene heater. We sleep lined up in one room, eat by candlelight, share stories. It is warm, friendly, and beautiful.

During the day we help each other clean up the mess in our homes. People sit in their cars, looking
at news on their navigation screens, or line up to get drinking water when a source is open. If someone has water running in their home, they put out a sign so people can come to fill up their jugs and buckets.

It's utterly amazingly that where I am there has been no looting, no pushing in lines. People leave their frontdoor open, as it is safer when an earthquake strikes. People keep saying, "Oh, this is how it used to be in the old days when everyone helped one another."

Quakes keep coming. Last night they struck about every 15 minutes. Sirens are constant and helicopters pass overhead often. We got water for a few hours in our homes last night, and now it is for half a day. Electricity came on this afternoon. Gas has not yet come on. But all of this is by area. Some people have these things, others do not. No one has washed for several days. We feel grubby, but there are so much more important concerns than that for us now. I love this peeling away of non-essentials. Living fully on the level of instinct, of intuition, of caring, of what is needed for survival, not just of me, but of the entire group.

There are strange parallel universes happening. Houses a mess in some places, yet then a house with futons or laundry out drying in the sun. People lining up for water and food, and yet a few people out walking their dogs. All happening at the same time.

Other unexpected touches of beauty are first, the silence at night. No cars. No one out on the streets. And the heavens at night are scattered with stars. I usually can see about two, but now the whole sky is filled. The mountains of Sendai are solid and with the crisp air we can see them silhouetted against the sky magnificently. And the Japanese themselves are so wonderful. I come back to my shack to check on it each day, now to send this e-mail since the electricity is on, and I find food and water left in my entrance way. I have no idea from whom, but it is there. Old men in green hats go from door to door checking to see if everyone is OK. People talk to complete strangers asking if they need help. I see no signs of fear.

Resignation, yes, but fear or panic, no.

They tell us we can expect aftershocks, and even other major quakes, for another month or more. And we are getting constant tremors, rolls, shaking, rumbling. I am blessed in that I live in a part of Sendai that is a bit elevated, a bit more solid than other parts.

So far this area is better off than others. Last night my friend's husband came in from the country, bringing food and water. Blessed again.

Somehow at this time I realize from direct experience that there is indeed an enormous Cosmic evolutionary step that is occurring all over the world right at this moment. And somehow as I experience the events happening now in Japan, I can feel my heart opening very wide. My brother asked me if I felt so small because of all that is happening. I don't. Rather, I feel as part of something happening that much larger than myself.

While I sit in my comfortable, cool home on this first glorious day of spring, I send a prayer up to the people of Japan who are struggling, and at the same time I give thanks for the ability we have to comfort and help one another. Let us not wait until the unimaginable happens to exercise those traits, as there is always someone nearby we can reach out to today.

Here's an idea: Simply text "REDCROSS" to 90999 on your cell phone to make a $10 donation to relief efforts for Japan. The $10 will be added to your already-high cell phone bill! It's easy, it will make you feel good, and it will help others immediately!

Blessings to all who read this!
Susan

Enjoying Today

2011-03-18T08:27:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since I've posted a blog on this site. A long while. I've been distracted by a whole slew of things....work. Kids. Life.

One thing I've learned since Nicole's accident is to be more fluid. I pretty much take each day as it comes. Because no matter how much I plan, or how good my intentions are, there is almost surely something that will come up to thwart my plans. I just have to roll with it!

I have been very intentional the past few weeks, working hard to develop new freelance gigs. I'm in super money-making mode in preparation of my trip to Maine in May. I'm driving to Maine with my friend, Jonni Webb, and her dog, Cole. My reason for going: I'M WRITING A BOOK!

For all of those who read our Caring Bridge regularly, you watched a miraculous story unfold. It was just as hard for me to believe, and I was there, watching it all. If I heard it once, I heard it 100 times..."You HAVE to write a book!" So I am.

Why Maine? Jonni has been going there for years, and loves it, and she had an opportunity for a great rental deal for the entire month of May, and she asked if I'd be interested. I know that to write this book, I need to be away from home. Way too many distractions here.

So the next six weeks will be hustle, hustle, hustle...I have to make money to do this! I'm selling Scentsy as fast as I can, as that's how I pay for Joe's college tuition. (You can order online! http://www.susanmarquez.scentsy.us/). I'm writing, writing, writing for several publications, and doing some contract work for a couple of agencies and companies. It makes for a full and busy day...and in the end, I may just be able to pull this off!

I'm in the midst of chaos, but making it work. Joe has moved back home, and Nicole moved out of her house...which means my house is full of extra furniture, boxes, and all kinds of stray things. The things that used to be important this time of year--yard work, spring cleaning, planting flowers--have gone by the wayside. I just don't have time to deal with it. I miss it, but this year, I feel like I have a different purpose. It's now or never. Gotta getter done!

It's important to be healthy when you go through major changes or undertake a major challenge. I have been ignoring that aspect of my life, so when my yoga instructor, Jaclyn Ramsier, announced she'd be doing another detox class (I did it last year), I signed up right away. All this week, I've been eating salad, rice, beans, fruits and veggies. NO caffiene, animal products (including milk, yogurt, eggs, cheese), or wheat. Already I feel better. It's a good idea to do this from time to time. I'm thinking I'm going to do this for one week, once every three months. Larry's been doing it right along side me, and he's rediscovered the treadmill in our bedroom. That's a good thing!

What I don't want to do is get into such a whirling swirl that I miss what's going on here and now. I want to appreciate and savor each moment. I intend to enjoy this journey, regardless of the bumps that may be in the road. And I don't want to push people aside in the process. While my house may not be perfect, and my yard is full of weeds, I still want to enjoy this time in my life, and to look back on it with fond memories.

Blessings to all who read this,
Susan

Ooooh....That's Cold!

2011-02-04T06:46:00.000-08:00

Brrrrrrrr...............

It's cold outside!

I'm NOT a cold weather person. I'm not really a hot weather person, either. I'm more of a perfect spring or fall day kind of gal. My favorite temperature is about 75 degrees.

But today, we woke up to iced bridges and reports of wrecks around town. Last night a 12-car pile-up was reported on I-55 in Jackson around Northside Drive. Ouch. But the worst was the folks who got stuck on "the stack" for five+ hours. I hope they had snacks and plenty of gas.

It may be hot and humid in the summer, but I LOVE living in the South. I don't think I could weather a winter very well up North. Snow is a novelty...fun to watch for a day or two, but I've been in New York, Chicago and Minneapolis in the winter and I've seen the black, slushy use-to-be snow and it ain't pretty.

We've been to Venezuela for Christmas a few times, and when the kids were younger, they were tickled pink to go swimming on Christmas day. Larry's sister, Maky, has a pool, and we'd spend Christmas Eve with family and friends outside, enjoying the warm tropical breezes while the kids were swimming. One Christmas we went to the beach, taking a boat ride to a remote little island where we spent the day finding incredible brain coral and other beautiful shells on the sand. Now THAT'S my kind of "white Christmas!"

I did, however, enjoy the real white Christmas we had in Nashville a couple of months ago. It started snowing at 8pm Christmas Eve, and we woke up to a beautiful white Christmas morning. The best part is that when it was time to drive home a couple of days later, all the roads were clear. Nice.

I tend to err on the side of caution when there is a winter storm advisory in our area. My children, however, seem to laugh in the face of danger. Remember New Year's Eve, when there was a string of tornadoes and violent weather across Mississippi? Joe and Emily loaded up the car and drove to New Orleans! And yesterday, as most folks were getting off work early so they could avoid the icing bridges, Nicole hopped on a train to New Orleans to visit a friend. They are planning on driving back today.

Last night Larry had a heck of a time getting home from work. He saw wreck after wreck, and an abundance of red and blue emergency vehicle lights. Our friend Ginger Williams-Cook reported on facebook that her house backs up to the infamous "waterworks curve" on I-55, and her normally quiet home was filled with the sounds of sirens. It's been rough out there!

One of the great things about the South is that whatever the weather, it doesn't last for long. Last Saturday, it was 70+ degrees and sunny. The temps won't be quite that high this weekend, but the weather forcasts all call for an abundance of sunshine. I'll take it! I'm driving to Baton Rouge tomorrow for a training meeting for my new job at NAMI

The good thing about bad weather is that it gives me a great excuse to curl up on the couch in front of the fireplace and knit an abundance of baby and children hats. I'm selling them to finance my trip to Maine in May to write my book. So if you need a baby or child's gift, please email me at larssue@aol.com!

Blessings to all who read this!

Susan

Inside the Lump Was My Twin!

2011-01-26T06:46:00.000-08:00

After being a family member of a patient who spent six months of her life in various hospitals, I found myself back at another hospital again the other day.

My dad (known far and wide as "Papa Dale") had a small bump on his belly that grew into a larger bump that pretty much took on a life of its own. Because it was right where his waistband hit, it was particularly uncomfortable. Finally, he got in to see a doctor on Monday and was immediately admitted into River Oaks Hospital to have it taken care of.

He had surgery yesterday. Full blown general anesthesia operating room under-the-knife surgery. Which is always a little disconcerting. I wanted to be there during the surgery--and let him know I was there. But when I arrived at the hospital, his room was empty. The sweet nurse (they are SO wonderful at River Oaks!) called down to surgery and reported that he was still in the "holding area." I asked that they please let him know I was there. A few minutes later, after I got settled into the chair in his room with a book, the phone rang. It was a nurse from the surgery team, telling me they were getting ready to roll him into the OR, but if I hurried, I could come wish him well. Which I did. Whew.

For some reason, when I thought about that lump on his belly, I kept remembering the scene from "My Big Fat Greek Wedding." Andrea Martin's brilliant character, Aunt Voula, was meeting the oh-so-non-Greek Ian and his parents for the first time and relayed her very personal story: "Now, you are family. Okay. All my life, I had a lump at the back of my neck, right here. Always, a lump. Then I started menopause and the lump got bigger from the "hormonees." It started to grow. So I go to the doctor, and he did the bio... the b... the... the bios... the... b... the 'bobopsy.' Inside the lump he found teeth and a spinal cord. Yes. Inside the lump was my twin." (If you haven't had a chance to see one of my all-time favorite movies, watch the trailer or better yet, put it in your Netflix queue right away!)

My mind works in mysterious ways.

Papa Dale will be in the hospital for a few days so he can continue getting intravenous antibiotics and so they can be sure the wound is healing OK. Until then, my sister, Sarah (who drove down from Nashville last night) and I will take turns taking care of my mother and visiting Daddy in the hospital. The good news is that gives me alot of time to make hats (I'm calling them "Sassy Hatz," and am primarily knitting baby and children's hats, so if you need a baby gift, let me know!!!).

I'm reminded once again how much I appreciate doctors, nurses and other medical professionals. It's not a glamorous job by any means, and what they do requires a load of compassion. We are so grateful they studied so long and hard and they take their jobs so seriously. Thanks to you all!

Blessings to all who read this!
Susan

No TV, New Ride

2011-01-22T18:56:00.000-08:00

I've been without television for two weeks now.

I know!

I can hardly believe it myself. But we just got tired of Direct TV going out every time the wind blows. So we just let it go. In the meantime, Larry has been looking at other options. He had a guy with Comcast on the phone forever the other night, and I thought the deal was done. But in the end, Larry got tired, and told the guy he'd call back later. Hasn't happened yet...

So, we've had no TV. No local news. No morning shows. No Regis and Kelly in the morning (usually only background noise). No HGTV or TLC (like I need to see which house the rich people choose for their vacation home on "House Hunters International."). And no Real Housewives of NY/Atlanta/Orange County, etc. (So long Nene, Kim & her wig, Phaedra, Candy, and all the other housewives...)

The crazy thing is that I haven't really missed it. I have come to realize what a time waster TV is in my life. Work a little...take a break and watch TV. Wash clothes...turn on TV to fold laundry. And on it goes.

I came home from Girlfriend Weekend (the book/author extravaganza in Texas, in case you are reading this blog for the first time) with over 20 *FREE* books! In the past week, I've finished one Fannie Flagg book, read "Beguilded" by Deanne Gist, and have started Fannie Flagg's newest book. This morning, instead of stitting like a zombie in front of a home improvement show, I knitted a hat. A really cute hat. And that was before 10am!

Maybe it's a good thing we are without TV right now. That means that we have no cable bill. Which means that money can now go towards my new car note--the one I'll have to pay monthly for the next few years.

That's right!

***I got a new car! ***

My 2001 Impala, with nearly 200,000 miles on it, was dying an ugly death right before my eyes. We've poured $1500+ into it over the past six months, and was just getting worse by the day. When Larry had to run errands Monday, I suggested he take my car (I'm no dummy!). He came home in a car from the Watson Hyundai dealership in Canton (where he happened to be when the oil light came on in the Impala). After test driving a car a day for five days, we settled on a sporty 2011 Elantra Limited. (I must take a moment to testify how wonderful the folks at that dealership were to deal with. EASY and not pushy at all.)

You have to understand that I'm not big into cars. I just really want something that will get me where I want to go in a realiable and comfortable manner. (I keep thinking of those obnoxious car commercials that used to run a few years ago with the guy "singing," I Want a Car....I Want a Car I Can DRIIIIIIVEEEE!!!)

It had gotten to where I couldn't even drive the Impala out of town, which had me feeling a bit trapped. I like to know I can go when I'm ready!

Well, this little car is just as cute as can be, and it is fully loaded with all kinds of gadgets like Bluetooth so I can just push a button on my steering wheel to answer the phone, built-in XM radio, seat warmers, an iPod dock, etc. AND it gets great gas mileage, which is good, as Larry said he paid $2.99 for gas the other day.

Oh, and I got something else new. A job! With some of my regular writing gigs drying up (I used to write 4-6 articles for the Clarion-Ledger/Madison County Herald/NE Ledger a week, and now I'm down to two Faith articles a month for the Herald), I had to look for steady income. So I applied for/interviewed and got a job with the National Alliance for Mental Illness (again...I know!) as their special events coordinator. I'll be planning and coordinating the annual conference in April and a big fundraising walk in October, among other things. It's part-time, so I'll still have plenty of time to write, sell Scentsy (order online at http://www.susanmarquez.scentsy.com/!), sell cPRIME (order online at www.mycprime.com/smarquez!) and knit hats to sell. Sounds like alot, but I think I can do it all. Scentsy pays for Joe's tuition, and I want to sell enough cPRIME so that I can pay for Nicole to be in Pilates at least two days a week. The hat money is for me to go to Maine in May to write a book on Nicole's journey.

That Pilates thing is important...Nicole's therapy is winding down. Funding has been depleted and she's being cut loose by Quest (a division of Methodist Rehab). To maintain her current physical status, and to continue to improve, she's going to need to keep working out with Eclecius several times a week. Adding Pilates will help with her core body strength. None of that is covered by insurance at all...and we're looking at about $400-$500/month, so if I have to go without TV to help pay for it, I will.

Let me just give you all a bit of advice: stay off the roofs of buildings if you can...the cost of falling off of one is astronomical!

It will all work out...always has. We are thankful to have the "challenges" we have. We fully understand the alternative.

I'm asking a favor of all who read this. One is to post a comment below if you feel so moved...I sure like reading them! The other is to "follow" this blog. There is a difference between "subscribing" and "following." I'd love for you to do both, but when you follow it, I can get a better idea of who is reading it. And the more followers I have, the more excited I get and more motivated to write.

Blessings to all who read this!

Susan

On the Road Again...and Ready to Write!

2011-01-20T10:57:00.000-08:00

I'm psyched about writing again! Yep, I'm encouraged, motivated, inspired and ready to write!

What in the world has gotten into me? Well, first of all, I'm still on the "Girlfriend's Weekend" high! It was my second annual trek to Jefferson, Texas for the long weekend extravaganza that is all about authors, books, readers, and fun. I can't even say it's unorganized, because I think to be UN-organized, you have to first be organized, which that event is not. Yet, miraculously, it all seems to come together, and despite things not being done the way I'd do them, it's awesome! (And the best part is, I didn't have to do it, so who am I to complain?)

To give you an idea what Girlfriend's Weekend is all about, take a look at this:

Yep...that's Fannie Flagg, talking to the group about her writing life, and her new book I Still Dream About You. (Which I did get signed!). Later on that evening, she joined us at the "Big Ball of Hair," where everyone was to dress as their favorite book character. She came as a grown-up version of Pippi Longstocking. It was hysterical! I even got her to do a "happy birthday ~~Dolores,~~ DORIS!" video for my mama! (She got the name wrong the first time, then looked dead in the camera and said "Well Doris, now you know that I've gone completely insane!!!")

We were dressed as Kathy Patrick, the author of

(Which, by the way, you can get for one cent right now on Amazon.com.

With $3.99 shipping, that's only $4 for the book!) Our club took first place for our costumes!

Pat Conroy was back for a second year, along with his daughter, Melissa, who wrote a children's book called "Poppy's Pants." Many wonderful authors were there as well, including one of our bookclub favorties and Mississippi native, Neil White, author of "In the Sanctuary of Outcasts." Now, Neil is quite a handsome fellow, but he had to step out in drag this weekend, and I don't want to be the one to tell him that he makes one ugly woman!

That's Neil on the left, posing with one of our bookclub members, Cherry Prather. Don't let his looks fool you--he's a wonderful author, and if you haven't read his book, you should do so. Here are a few more pics from our fun weekend:

Fried Green Tomatoes, in honor or Fannie Flagg's visit.

A dozen or so Kathy Patricks posing with the REAL Kathy Patrick!

Jamie Ford, author of Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, with his wife

Enough said.

After dinner at LaMacha's, in the historic Jefferson Inn.

Pat Conroy signing his new book, My Writing Life, for Brownie Shott.

So, as if I wasn't inspired to write after going to Girlfriend Weekend, I've had several more literary experinces. Our bookclub (the BB Queens) met Monday night at Lemuria, where we discussed the book "Janeology," by Karen Herington. We met Karen in Texas, and she agreed to do a call-in during our discussion. It's always inspiring to hear the authors tell about their books.

Also this week, I went to a meeting of the Mississippi Writer's Guild, of which I am a member. Nancy Kay Wessman went with me, as we have decided to be "writing partners." I haven't been to a MWG meeting in several months, and there were lots of new faces there. It was fun meeting fellow writers, and hearing what kinds of things they are working on. Afterwards, I went to Nancy Kay's, and we shared what our plans and aspirations are for books written and in the works. We are going to pace each other, meeting weekly to hold each other accountable so that we'll do a better job of staying on track. My main focus now is preparing to write a book on Nicole's journey. I'm going to Maine the entire month of May to write. There are lots of ducks to get in a row before then, especially my financial ducks...I've got to make some money and fast!!!

One of the ways I'm raising money for my trip is by selling hand-knitted caps...hand-knitted by ME! I learned how to do it now long ago, and ever since I've been a knitting fool. I'm primarily making baby hats (makes a great baby gift!!!), but can make children and adult hats, too. If you want to give a thoughtful gift that will help a starving writer, let me know! I'm packaging them up really cute and they'll be ready to give. Here's one I made on the way to Jefferson last Thursday:

If you want a hat, email me at larssue@aol.com. I'll email you photos/prices of ones I have on hand,

or I'll knit one up in the color(s) of your choice!

I was motivated enough to write this blog today, and now I'm off to the next big adventure (a new car?! We'll see! Stay tuned!!!).

Blessings to all who read this!

Susan

Goodbye, 2010!

2011-01-10T20:38:00.000-08:00

The older I get, the faster time flies. I really believe this to be so. How else can you explain it being January 10 and I am just now getting around to writing my first blog post of the new year?

It seems I had it much more together last year. So, I'm putting my best foot forward and making an attempt to do at least as well this year, if not somewhat better. Don't want to put too much pressure on myself!

Last year, I did a recap of 2009 , complete with photos, lest I forget all that we did/accomplished. Recording those memories seemed really important to me following Nicole's accident, because it was a way to measure how far she's come. But in the past year, she has settled into a new normal. There is no need to point out each milestone, no matter how large or small...because they are more a part of her everyday normal life. I understand that so many people clung on to each accomplishment because it was a reaffirmation that all was going to be OK. But now we know that for sure. No need to convince ourselves.

But it doesn't hurt to look back...to see that the days weren't just whirring by, but that each month was filled with things that enhanced our lives. Days filled with friends, family, laughter and joy. So what if the bank account has been totally depleted? Our lives are rich and full with the many blessings that have been bestowed upon us!

January-February--March 2010
I went to a fun event called Girlfriend's Weekend in Jefferson, TX with ladies from my bookclub. What a hoot! One of my favorite authors, Pat Conroy, was among the many authors who were there.
The best part, however, was spending the weekend with girlfriends who are intellegent, motivated, creative and fun! These are women who don't wait for things to happen--they think them up then they DO IT!

Also in January, I lost the Nature Made GOOD MOOD BLOGGER gig contest. I came in second with over 10,000 votes. All that got me was a year's supply of SAM-e and a yoga mat. But, thanks for your votes!

This blogging thing has gotten serious, and I wanted to learn more. So off I went to Nashville to attend the Blissdom 2010 Blogging Conference at the Opryland Hotel. My friend, Nell Floyd, rode up there with me and we stayed with one of my bestest buds, Carol Terry. I learned alot about blogging--mostly that I am way behind on the technology curve and that I had alot to learn about Twitter, Tweetdeck, etc., but it left me wanting to learn more. The highlight of the event was seeing handsome Harry Connick, Jr. live in concert. I was really close to the stage, which was in a small little "nightclub" inside the Opryland Hotel. It was a night to remember!

There were some milestones in January as well...things to celebrate, and things to mourn.

Nicole had her last day at Methodist Rehab's outpatient therapy clinic in Flowood in January. She "graduated" to Quest, which focuses more on independent living skills. Her therapists threw her a big party.

Sadness came with the death of Bob Rall--"Chopper Bob"--a dear friend and that familiar voice we heard each morning on WLBT.

Valentine's Day and love was in the air. Joe has really fallen head over heels for pretty Emily White. They are rarely apart, and love to have their photo taken together. I especially like this one:

I had the opportunity to tell Nicole's story--again--in the February 2010 issue of PORTICO jackson. It's not an easy story to tell, but at the same time, I get so much joy sharing the fact that miracles do happen, and we had the blessing of having one happen in our own lives. I'm happy to share that story with the world, because it certainly gives people hope.

And speaking of HOPE, Nicole is simply shot up with it! So much so that she concieved, planned and executed "An Evening of HOPE" as a way to give back to the community that gave so much to her. The event benefitted a cause close to her heart: "Ask for More Arts," which helps make sure the arts are a part of our children's education. I was so proud of all she put together, from the dinner to the art auction to the dances. Oh the dances! She choreographed some very elaborate dances which were performed by students in the Belhaven Department of Dance.

You can see video of the dance here

The awesome poster was designed by Talamieka Brice. The video was produced by Jef Judin of 4Tell Films. It was also a night to remember!

I had the chance to take another girl's trip in March--this time to Fairhope, Alabama with my super wonderful nextdoor neighbor, Phyllis Geary, and some other fabulous women. We stayed in a spectacular home and went to an incredible arts festival. I was again surrounded by remarkable women who inspired me so much! (Did I use enough adjectives in this paragraph? If not, add stupendous and fantabulous anywhere in there!)

April-May-June 2010

Nicole and I spent Easter with friends Sunny and Crystal on the banks of the Pearl River where we witnessed a old-fashioned Baptism. It was a picture perfect day and such a special and meaningful way to spend the holiday.

A fun event was held at the Methodist Rehab Extended Care facility--a fundraiser for the Wilson Research Foundation. It was called Walk n' Roll, and Nicole's team raised over $1000! But the big thing is that she walked in the event--one mile--without assistance. A pretty big deal for someone who had to learn to walk twice!

She also danced a bit, too!

I just love new beginnings, and we got to witness a very special one when friends Domenick DiPaolo married Tiffany! What a fun wedding! Those folks from Philly really know how to party!

June is a perfect time for new things, and our favorite new thing this year is a precious baby named Liam! He's the grandson of my bookclub buddy, Leslie Puckett (who takes her role of "Oma" very seriously!" and the son of one of Nicole's high school friends, Cricket McIllwaine. He came a month early, gave us all a big scare, but in the end turned out to be the cutest, funnest baby ever!

Life was pretty uneventful for a few months, and that was a good thing. I continued to write, although the publishing world is feeling the effects of the economic crisis, too, and freelance work has been slowing down. More and more publications are using staff writers. Thanks to Anita Hand in Birmingham, I became a consultant for Scentsy. It's a great product and I'm having fun selling it. To see what it's all about, just visit my website! And yes, you can place orders online (this is how I am paying Joey-Joe's college tuition!)

July-August-September 2010

July 5, a much-anticiapted segment ran on the CBS Early Show. It was a segment about Nicole that was actually shot back in March (remember the Evening of HOPE? The CBS crew and Betty Nguyen were all here then...but the story didn't air until July!) It was a really good piece, and Nicole has used it at some of her speaking engagements. To see the segment, click here.

That's Paige Kendig (a producer from CBS), Betty Nguyen and Nicole, playing with Nicole's Wii Dance (which was later stolen...grrrrrrr.).

In August, Nicole made two really big moves. The first was a literal move--out of our house and into a rental house in Belhaven with roommates. The next was to travel to Seattle, Washington, ALONE, to attend the wedding of friends she made while she was an acting apprentice at Actor's Theatre in Louisville, KY. Jake and Ruthie became mine and Larry's friends, too, when Nicole was in NY Presbyterian Hospital. They came to visit often. Nicole made the trip to Seattle just fine, and it was proof that she is well on her way to total independence.

The house wasn't such a good deal, however. The landlord we were so impressed with turned out to be a real jerk, and we're pretty sure that the handyman stole her Wii. That's really unfortunate, as she used it often for therapy. She had the Wii Fit and Wii Dance. Now it's gone, and we can't afford to replace it. Bummer.

While Nicole was in Seattle, I went to Monroe, LA with my parents for the Beebe Family Reunion. Always fun to see others on the same family tree!

This summer, Nicole and I were honored to be Honorary Chicks at the Jackson Free Press's annual Chick Ball at Hal & Mal's. I had a great time with fun friends and felt honored to be in the company of the other Honorary Chicks that night.

Nicole's motivational speaking career has picked up, and that's a good thing for sure. She's made over 35 talks since her accident. Most have been to schools, civic clubs and local organizations, but she has made a few to some big groups at conferences, including the Mississippi Arts Commision conference and the Rehabilitation Association of Mississippi conference at Silver Star. She is now represented by the Premier Speakers Bureau in Nashville. Time to make a living!

The biggest thing to take place this quarter was mine and Larry's 30th anniversary. We always have intentions of celebrating big, but the follow-through doesn't always happen (we spent our 25th anniversary eating at Backyard Burger...). But Nicole made sure the occasion was celebrated in a big way with a surprise party at Hal & Mal's with many of our close friends. And yes, we really were surprised. And yes, it was loads of fun!!!

October-November-December

School started again and Joe continued to work hard at Holmes, majoring in occupational therapy. He also got a job at Majestic Burger that he really seems to enjoy. Go by during lunch and he'll be at the counter, ringing up your order! He and I are both distributors for cPRIME, an incredible band that is worn around the wrist that helps with balance, strength, flexiblity and endurance. We both love them (Nicole, Larry and my parents all wear them too, and they are all believers!).

It's another income stream for me, which is sorely needed, as all the medical bills have really caught up with us in a big way (as in, we are tapped out). Want to learn more about cPRIME? Check out my website (and yes, you can order online!) Another shameless plug!

Fall brought a performance at the historic Alamo Theatre for the CD release party of Eclektik Soul...

What's that? Special performance by Nicole Marquez???

A move to a new house for Nicole....

Nicole also went to Sedona, Arizona for two weeks to take a 100-hour certification course called "Yoga Meets Dance," and she taught a series of free classes at Joyflow Yoga in Ridgeland to introduce it to people here...

She's now teaching at Joyflow every Tuesday at 10:30am and 4pm, and Fridays at 4pm. It's a great workout that's lots of fun. PLEASE go, and take a friend...this will help pay Nicole's rent!!!

I attended the Oxford Creative Nonfiction Workshop in Oxford in November, in preparation of writing a book about Nicole's accident/recovery. I was overwhelmed, but learned so much. I'm ready.

Nicole's also finding her way into things that are close to her heart. She's on the board of the MS Brain Injury Association and she's on the MS Spinal Cord/Brain Injury Trust Fund Advisory Committee. I'm still very involved with the USM Alumni Association of Central MS (I'm president-elect!), the Whisper Lake Garden Club, and I'm excited to be on the board of the Millsaps Arts & Lecture series.

Nicole and I spent the first week of December in New York with sweet Megan Poole. Nic was asked to do a testimonial commercial for New York Presbyterian Hospital, so they flew us up there and we stayed several days at the fabulous NY Hilton, just around the corner from Times Square. It was a star-studded trip to say the least, and we will remember it always! Look for Nicole's commercial in a couple of months...(of course, I'll post links!!!)

Two divas...Nicole and Patti LaBelle!

Nicole, Tina Fey and Megan, on the set of "30 Rock."

Megan, Nicole and actor Steve Harvey in the studio of Good Morning America.

We also got to visit the wonderful folks in the Neuro-ICU at NY Presbyterian while we were there...It was especially fun seeing Mary Grace Savage (second from right) who was featured with Nicole in the PBS "NOW" segment called Nurse's Needed. (Check it out here).

Larry still works too hard and too long at the Country Club of Jackson, where they really are wonderful to him. He is grateful to be there after nearly 24 years.

My parents are doing great (thanks to their cPRIME bands!). We spent Christmas together with my sister's family in Nashville and were treated to a white Christmas!

New Year's Eve found us scattered--Larry at work, Joe and Emily in New Orleans, Nicole in Austin and Roxie and I hunkered down during tornado warnings at home.

And now it's 2011. And this week I'm heading out to Jefferson, Texas again with my girlfriends. This is also the year I write THE BOOK. I'm planning on spending the month of May in Maine to write. Joe is working on opening a retail store, probably in Madison, that will sell nutritional supplements. A bold move for such a young man. I have every faith in his abilities to make it happen. Nicole is wrapping up her therapy at Quest, and will soon be on her own altogether. I'm hoping she can earn enough money with her Yoga Meets Dance classes and motivational speaking to pay her rent/utilities and to pay for her daily workouts with Eclecius.

I have high hopes for you, 2011! We've been pushed down enough, and so far, we keep popping back up...that's something the Marquez's are really good at! I think we're all going to do just fine!

Blessings to all who read this!

Susan

Bah, Humbug?

2010-12-15T06:04:00.000-08:00

Here we are, all up in the 12 days of Christmas, and my house is not decorated (save for the wreath on the front door, which, up until Monday, was flanked by pumpkins and dead mums). Time has not been on my side this holiday season. That, and I'm just kinda tired.

It started with Thanksgiving--a time when I usually decorate as much as Christmas and really put on the dog. I love setting a festive table and having friends and family gathered 'round. Larry asked me about our Thanksgiving plans about a week before the big day. Jokingly, I laughed and said I was waiting for someone to invite us over. As the words came out of my mouth, I realized that was a really good idea, and I was going to hold out for an invite. Each day, Larry asked me again--did we want turkey? Pork loin? And yet, not a grocery shopping list in sight. I just wanted to get dressed and go somewhere else. And wouldn't you know, my dad came through! He called saying he had a ham in the freezer, and could make a green bean casserole and dressing. Instead of hauling all that food to my house, I suggested, how about we just go to their house? It was a plan! And we had a wonderful, relaxing, low pressure evening enjoying a great dinner and conversation. Perfect.

Now on to Christmas. Could it happen again?

Yep! My sister in Nashville decided that it would be fun to have everyone come up to their house. So that's what we're doing!

But once that decision was made, my desire to decorate diminished. Each day I think it might be THE day, but then writing deadlines and other work commitments get in the way. And it's been cooooold, which makes digging in the garage for Christmas decorations less than appealing.

And there are even more excuses...a five-day trip to New York last week...a couple of days of feeling under the weather...lack of discretionary income...it's enough to make me feel a little Scrooge-like.

Yet, I've once again had the pleasure of enjoying other's holiday decorating efforts. Monday, I went to my neighborhood's garden club Christmas meeting at Betty Foster's house, which was decorated absolutely beautifully. We sipped on eggnog and wassail as we played dirty Santa with garden-themed gifts. That night, it was my book club's Christmas soiree at the home of Diane Lisenbe, who decked her halls with festive decorations. I just soaked it all in...then went home to my wreath.

Neighbors have commented that they've noticed my lack of decorations--I usually go a little over the top with lights, bows, garland and such. It was something I started years ago because I wanted to make our home feel like a special place for Larry--who was separated from his family in Venezuela and who works so hard during the holidays helping others celebrate the season. And I wanted to make our home feel special for our children, imprinting strong holiday memories in their brains.

When Nicole was in Methodist Rehab, she had an overnight pass for Christmas, so it was important to have our home decorated for her return, and for our annual Christmas Eve open house. So many people wanted to come see her, and rejoice in her miraculous recovery. But now she's in her own place, and as a part of moving her in and feathering her new nest, I put up her purple (of course!) Christmas tree, decorating it with all her special ornaments, as well as decorating her mantle, stringing colored lights on her front porch and hanging a wreath on her front door.

Joe spends most of his time at the home of his girlfriend, Emily. He's helped her parents decorated their home for Christmas, so he gets to enjoy that.

We still have a week left before heading to Music City for the holidays. Do I drag all the decorations out for Larry and I? We are forgoing the open house this year. We have busy schedules up until we leave. And if I decorate now, I'll just have to put it all up when we get back. (Sounds like I'm talking myself out of it, huh?)

So this year things will be a bit different. I believe I'm going to shift my focus to the real reason for the season, which often gets sidelined. Instead of spending hours decorating, I think I'll be still and read the Christmas story. One of history's most profound events was not surrounded with garland, lights and tinsel. Instead, it was in a humble stable, illuminated only by a star shining bright in the night sky.

Will I feel sad not having a decorated home for the holidays? I really don't think so. There are enough festive decorations all around to fill my need for the holidays. I will take that stress off myself, and focus more on family, friends and faith, and in doing so, my heart will be full.

Ten days left before Christmas...and I'm not feeling any pressure at all! Merry Christmas!

Blessings to all who read this!
Susan

Travelogue: New York

2010-12-11T19:56:00.000-08:00

The more I go there, the more I understand why Nicole was happiest when she lived in New York. We had a chance to return this past week--for the third time since her accident two and a half years ago. And for the third time, we stayed at the wonderful New York Hilton, located in midtown, on Avenue of the Americas. To give you some perspective, it is one block from Radio City Music Hall, a couple of blocks from Rockefeller Plaza, a couple of blocks from Fifth Avenue, and a couple of blocks from Times Square. Perfectly situated in the middle of the universe for about a bazillion people who all came to New York this past week to do business, shop, see shows and to just be in the middle of the most spectacular Christmas displays I've ever seen. The city was alive, and so were we!

The purpose of this trip was for Nicole to do a testimonial commercial for New York Presbyterian Hospital--the place where her life was saved more than once, and where she was literally put back together again. Former Mayor Ed Koch did a commercial for them that was very well received, so they decided to get a few more former high-profile or big-story patients to come in and do the same. Nicole made the list!

Megan Poole, who was one of Nicole's personal care assistants, went with us. She is currently in the same theatre program Nicole went through at the University of Southern Mississippi. She was able to work around exams to make the trip, and we met up at the Jackson airport last Saturday morning for a big adventure. The star-studded trip kicked off with our connecting flight from Charlotte to LaGuardia...when disco diva Patti LaBelle boarded our flight! Of course, Nicole connected with her right away and by the time we parted ways, Miz LaBelle was telling me that Nicole was a "trip" and that she was full of "spunk." Well ring my bell and tell me something I don't know!

After getting settled into the Hilton and eating dinner at a brew pub around the corner, Nicole and Megan took off in a cab to go to a birthday party for one of Nicole's friends in New York.

Sunday we slept in a bit...then got a special visit from Annalisa Meyer, a young woman who was a patient at NYP the same time Nicole was. The last time I saw her, she was in a coma, sick with a rare form of encephelitis. Today she is a bright, beautiful college student at Columbia in NY. What a joy it was to see her doing so well.

After a lazy morning, we ate our fill for lunch in Whole Foods at Columbus Circle.

Then we loaded up for a trip to Chinatown, where we spent all afternoon walking and visting the many stalls filled with scarves, wraps, hats, sunglasses, and all manner of enticing items. We bargained and haggled our way through blocks and blocks of shops before calling it a day. (Nicole was on her feet, walking the streets of Chinatown, for a good three hours...a miracle, considering she is not even two and a half years out from her accident!)

Monday morning a car picked us up at the hotel at 6:30, and off we went to Silvercup Studios, where Nic's commercial was shot. She got true star treatment, doted on by a wardrobe stylist, hair and makeup, and just general pampering and coddling. We all enjoyed the wonderful craft services area with made-to-order omelets and waffles!

It didn't take long for Megan and Nicole to figure out that one of their favorite shows, 30 Rock, is also filmed at Silvercup.

After seeing Tina Fey at the 30 Rock craft services table while they were making a restroom run, Nic and Meg giggled and laughed like school girls. As it turns out, Nic's makeup artist, Dierdre, knew the set designer for the show and she arranged for the girls to go on the set and meet Tina. THAT was fun...and Tina Fey could not have been nicer!

Monday night we met up with several of Nicole's friends who are living in NY...her former roomie and apprentice at Actor's Theater, Raffie, and USM friends Zdenko, Emily and Jake. We all went to eat some good NY pizza at an old school place called Angelo's. Afterwards, I headed to bed, while everyone visited in Nic and Meg's room.

Tuesday we had another early morning...we were in a car on our way to the ABC studios at Times Square at 6:30am. We had VIP passes to Good Morning America, thanks to my friend Stuart Kellogg at WAPT in Jackson. We were guests of one of the producers, and we were whisked up the Green Room to wait for the show to begin. Lucky for us, they had breakfast there, and we helped ourselves to bagels and coffee. When we were finished, we were escorted to the studio where we watched Robin Roberts and crew do the news and weather. I got to meet Bob Woodruff (the journalist who suffered a brain injury in a blast in Iraq), and we also met Steve Harvey, who was amazed by Nicole's story.

The big excitement of the morning, however, was watching the STING concert in the studio downstairs...we rode the elevator down with Robin Roberts (who I worked with 25 years ago at WDAM in Hattiesburg!) and the sweet stage manager positioned Nicole and Megan right in front of the stage! Here's the interview Robin did prior to Sting's performance (sorry, you have to watch the commercial first...):http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/FallConcert/video/sting-releases-album-featuring-royal-orchestra-12331917

After the show, a car picked us up and off we went to New York Presbyterian for a visit with nurses and doctors. It was a great visit...we got to see our beloved Mary Grace Savage, who Nicole really bonded with while she was a patient there. We also spoke with Dr. Stephan Mayer, who wants Nicole to come speak at a medical conference next year in Toronto, and Dr. Lee, who stopped his very important rounds to give Nicole a big hug. It was great seeing them all again, and so good for them to see how far Nicole has come since her days on a ventilator.

We left the hospital and headed for Fifth Avenue, where we soaked in the incredibly creative and detailed store windows for blocks and blocks. We went in stores like Juicy Couture and H&M, where the girls went nuts. So much fun, and it was great being in all that hustle and bustle with people Christmas shopping.

What recession???

And after all that walking up and down Fifth Avenue...we WALKED back to the hotel! Hallelujah!!!

That night we had a chilling ride from the hotel to the theatre where we had tickets to see The Addams Family. We met another of Nicole's friends from USM, Kermit, in the hotel bar for a quick cocktail before heading to the show. When we went outside around 6:30 to get a cab, the line was forever long, and the traffic was in gridlock. Not a good situation for us, considering the show started at 7pm. A guy on a little rickshaw bike said he could get us to the theatre faster than any cab, so we hopped in and hung on for dear life as he swerved in and out of traffic. But he was true to his word...he got us there in one piece and earned a big tip for doing so!

Seeing Nathan Lane as Gomez and Bebe Neuwirth as Morticia was a huge treat, and the show was even better than I thought it would be. We had first row mezzanine seats (thanks, NYP!) and it was like they were singing directly to us! We loved it.

Wednesday, we had to pack up and head home. It was a wonderful, magical, exciting, memorable trip. Megan is a wonderful travel companion and she was such a huge help to Nicole and I. It was a great experience for her as well, so good times all around!

As soon as the commercial is complete, I'll share the link so you can all see it. Until then, be sure to watch the story the CBS Early Show did on her last spring (if you haven't already). Feel free to share the link with your friends...it's an amazing story! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ThCK-93wAME

Blessings to all who read this!

Susan

Starting Over in a New Place

2010-11-27T14:00:00.000-08:00

There's something about a new place that is so exciting. It's a new beginning of sorts...a new way of living life in a different place.

Nicole moved out of our house (again!) and into a rental house in Belhaven in August. She rented a room, and she and the other roommates had use of the common areas of the home. The only thing is that the common areas were decorated with the homeowner's things, including movie posters, a pool table, and other "man cave" accoutrements. The only place Nicole could truly make her own was her bedroom, and she definitely put her stamp on it.

For alot of reasons, that place just didn't work out. But Nic and two of her roomies found a better house, perfect for their needs. It's a little further south, in Belhaven Heights--a wonderful little Craftsman bungalow that has been completely renovated. It is absolutely filled with character and I believe it will be an ideal place for them to pursue their life goals.

Of course, Nicole's decision to move meant that the Marquez Moving Company would be resurrected once again. Countless loads of boxes, furniture, clothes, etc. were carted not only from one rental house to another, but finally, out of our garage in Madison!

As a matter of fact, the entire home, except for the other girls' bedrooms, was furnished from Nicole's collection of authentic mid-century modern pieces that at one time furnished her apartment in Hattiesburg. For the past three years, most of it has been in our garage, where our cars should be. But now, it's out of the garage, in her house, and it looks great!

The roomies moved in--basically putting their stuff in their bedrooms--then left town for the holidays. One to Chicago. The other to Atlanta. So that left Nicole, who just can't do all the moving, organizing, arranging and fluffing like she used to. I have spent many hours over the past week organizing their kitchen, decorating the living room, hanging pictures, and even decorating the mantle and her purple tree for Christmas. The finishing touch: Christmas lights on the front porch railing--a signal to the neighborhood that there's something fun and festive happening in that house!

Yet, I come home and have not one ounce of energy. I can go and go, do and do at her house, getting things just right...but at my own house, I can't seem to find the energy or motivation to get anything done. Maybe it's because my family is scattering, so the focus of our home is changing. I really just need to concentrate on feathering my own nest to make Larry happy and comfortable.

I really do think there is something life changing about moving into a new place. It's an opportunity to live your life in a slightly different way. Alot of time is spent imagining what life will be like in the new home. The dinner parties you'll have in the dining room. Making breakfast in the kitchen. Relaxing on the front porch. Movie night with the girls in the living room.

Nic and I talked about having the new house blessed by a priest. I think it's a good idea. My friend, Ann, had a house blessing party when they got settled into the home they built around the corner from us. It can't hurt...knowing that they willingly asked God to bless their home and all who lived in it and visited it is comforting.

I hope that this home is a place where Nicole and her two roommates can find happiness and that their friendships will grow even stronger.

Now it's time for me to rediscover my own home...and to enjoy my newly cleared-out garage!

Blessings to all who read this!
Susan

It's All About the Story

2010-11-17T07:47:00.000-08:00

After a weekend in Oxford, I am now looking at the art and craft of writing with entirely new eyes. Last weekend, I attended the Oxford Creative Non-Fiction Workshop in the Meek School of Journalism and New Media, located in the Overby Building, on the campus of Ole Miss.

First let me interject that as the daughter of an Alabama alum, I was not raised to be an Ole Miss fan. As a matter of fact, when I was a junior in high school my daddy told me that if I went to Ole Miss, I'd go to hell. I took that to heart, and went, instead, to Mississippi State. I stayed there three years before transferring to the University of Southern Mississippi (which, I might add, kicked Ole Miss's butt in football the last time we played them--in the early 1980's!).

I have not spent much time at all in my life on the campus of Ole Miss. I regret that now, as it is absolutely one of the most beautiful places on Earth. The Overby Building is just across the street from THE GROVE, one of the most iconic spots on campus, due to the elaborate game day celebrations that take place there. The trees on campus were putting on a real show, still full of leaves in all shades of orange, red and gold. And I loved the town of Oxford. The town square was vibrant and full of life with wonderful restaurants, shops and the famous Square Books.

I rode to Oxford on Thursday with Diane Williams, a famous Mississippi story teller. Needless to say, she kept me entertained with her stories on the two and a half hour drive.

The conference was organized and presented by Neil White, Susan Cushman (author of one of my favorite blogs, Pen and Palette) and Kathy Rhodes (a facebook friend whom I got to meet in person!). My first session Thursday afternoon was with author Neil White, who wrote one of my favorite memoirs, "In The Sanctuary of Outcasts." Afterwards, the conference attendees boarded Oxford's double-decker bus (an ode to Oxford, England!) and headed to the Square Books for the Thacker Mountain Radio Show. (Think "Prairie Home Companion," but with a real Southern flair!) There was music and readings by two of the conference instructors: Lee Gutkin (the godfather of creative non-fiction) and Ian Frazier.

Afterwards, I had the pleasure to go with Diane and her friend, Rebecca, to St. Peter's Episcopal Church for the annual Veterans's Day covered dish supper. It was like a slice of Mayberry. Veterans from WWII and the Korean War gathered in a fellowship hall festooned with red, white and blue bunting and balloons. Everyone sang patriotic songs, most without the aid of the lyrics provided. It made me wonder if we are teaching our children these songs the same way we were once taught them. Afterwards, we enjoyed the most incredible array of foods I've ever seen laid out on a buffet table. Those people know how to throw down in the kitchen! After dinner, there were a few more songs, and introductions of the individual veterans. Judge Lamb then administered the Oath of Service to the group of veterans. It was very touching. I felt honored to be there.

The rest of the weekend was filled with sessions on writing cinematically and, because we were talking about non-fiction, speaking the truth--telling the story as it happened, and learning how to fill in with information pertinent to the story. We truly studied the craft of non-fiction. I loved every moment of it! During the day, I met many of the workshop attendees--many from New York, California, Kentucy and other states. I was amazed that they came to Mississippi for a writing workshop, and asked several of them why. Most cited Faulkner, Welty, Grisham and the gang...I do live in a state that produces great writers! It made me feel fortunate that just a little over two hours up the road from my own home, I was sitting in a literary hotbed!

I got to know a few more of the folks who came to conference a bit better Friday evening at the reception held at Memory House, the home of William Faulkner's brother, John. Built in 1837, it's where John wrote Men Working, Dollar Cotton and My Brother Bill, a tribute to William Faulkner. I met several agents, editors, publicists and folks who are looking for the next big work of creative non-fiction. That was interesting, for sure!

So, now I feel much better equipped to write the book that must be written, but I also feel re-energized and ready to take my article-writing up a notch or two. I don't know if anyone will notice but me, but I know that to capture and keep people's attention, and to make sure they learn and retain what they read, there must be a story. It's all about the story, and everyone's got one to tell.

Blessings to all who read this!
Susan

Let Your Light Shine!

2010-11-06T16:21:00.000-07:00

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

This is a quote by Marianne Williamson, an internationally acclaimed spiritual teacher. I heard the quote while watching the movie "Akeelah and the Bee," about a young inner-city girl who goes to the National Spelling Bee in Washington, DC.

Akeelah's friend, Jordan, always told her that she could do anything she believed she could do. Yet, Jordan wanted to be a flight attendant. "You can't be a flight attendant if you've never flown on a plane," said Akeela to Jordan, just before she invited her to go to D.C. with her.

What is holding you back from doing what you want to do in your life?

I've had the great honor to be around some people lately who are not letting their "fear of success" get in their way. A very driven young man, Matt Steffe, was a guest in our home Tuesday night. Matt played college basketball and went on to coach Divsion 1 basketball in Oregon. The California native is a devoted husband and father to three beautiful young children. Yet, six weeks ago he quit the "sure thing" in his life--his full time job, to persue more than he could ever accomplish in a standard 9-to-5 career. Matt is the highest-producing distributor for C-PRIME, a company that my son, Joe, and I are now involved with. Matt is "on" almost 24/7, talking to those who are also high achievers, and encouraging those who want to be.

We got into this company at the worst possible time...or, the BEST possible time. We just weren't in a position to invest alot of money in a new business. Thankfully, this business doesn't require that. But I do have what it takes: time and the desire to help others become successful. And in so doing, I've had the joy of watching Joe develop and grow and be successful in this business right along with me.

Next week, I'm going to challenge myself again. I'll be heading up to Oxford for the Creative Non-Fiction Writer's Conference. I'll be meeting other writers, as well as agents who will hear our ideas and, well, who knows what will happen? I know I want to write Nicole's story, and this will be the first step in making that happen.

I'm so happy that I'm surrounded by people who are creative and who push themselves to do more.

My own dad learned woodworking--wood turning and wood carving--after he retired. And there's Jonni Webb, who went from a career in advertising/sales to following her passion to be a full-time potter. And Leslie Puckett, who creates wonderful herbal lotions, soaps and other potions. There's Brenda Judin, who uses her creative talents to write and produce videos. And Ann Frye, who continually pushes the envelope on creativitiy of all sorts. And Jacqui Katool, who is stepping out of her comfort zone to hold a trunk show of her jewelry on November 11 at Chandelier in Ridgeland. And so many others...including my own Nicole, who took a leap to travel to Sedona to take a 100-hour course, "Yoga Meets Dance," and is now working on putting together classes where she can teach others.

"We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone." Yep, you can teach an old dog new tricks. I'm learning new ones every day. Growing...learning...and feeling God's glory manifested within me!

Blessings to all who read this!
Susan

When Bad Things Happen...

2010-10-17T07:36:00.000-07:00

What's new pussycat?

It's not only a greeting, but it was a worldwide hit song in 1975.

By the sexy Tom Jones.

Who is now 70 years old.

There was a profile of Jones on CBS Sunday Morning today. He was back in his small home town in Wales, visiting his birthplace (in a rented house where his grandmother lived), his old church (where he sang a beautiful impromptu, acapella version of "The Old Rugged Cross,"--beautiful), and the home where, for two years, he stayed in seclusion in one room recovering from teburculosis contracted when he was 12.

That was the "ah-ha" moment in the piece. Because Jones said had it not been for having TB, he most likely would have been a coal miner--like his father and most of his friends.

He made a statement that rang so strong with me. "It was the best bad thing to ever happen to me."

Hmmmmmm.....

When something bad happens to us, we tend to think it is just terrible. But instead, perhaps we should look at it as a gift, because God pretty much always has good things in store for us on other side.

So... the bad thing becomes a catalyst for positive change. And then things that happen in your life that may never have happened had the bad thing not happened first.

Of course, our family understands that oh, so well...as Nicole is continually blessed with opportunities to inspire and motivate people through her speaking engagements--she has a platform now that she didn't have before, and her story alone makes people sit up and listen.

Take a moment and think back to the best bad thing that ever happened to you...and feel free to share it in the comments section of this blog (if you don't already "follow" me, please take a moment to do so!).

This little exercise may help us all to see things differently, and to be a little more thankful that God's plan for us is perfect, even when that plan includes "bad" things.

Blessings to all who read this!
Susan

Out of the darkness

2010-10-14T05:48:00.000-07:00

They're out! The 33 miners who have been trapped for 70 days a half mile below the Earth's surface in Chile finally saw the light of day yesterday. It was awesome seeing each miner break the surface, coming up in a tiny capsule.

I have clastrophobic tendancies. I used to get panicky in tanning beds, back when I used to lay in tanning beds. Sometimes I'd have to get out of the room altogether, feeling like I couldn't breathe. It didn't happen every time, just every now and then. But it was enough for me to stay away from a career as a miner.

As a child, I heard that you could dig your way to China. I was told that China was exactly opposite the United States on the globe (no, I didn't check that out for myself!). The idea was that if you dug a hole deep enough, you'd come out in the land of ricshaws and little coolie hats. I was up for the challenge, digging the hole in my own backyard.

Until I realized how hard it was for an eight-year-old to dig into the hard Mississippi soil. Mission aborted.

It's a good thing the Chilean authorities didn't give up so easily. I was so impressed watching Chile's president, who had a "gut feeling" the miners were still alive, thus directing a full-scale recovery operation. He's my kind of guy!

I think people give up too easily all too often. It's easier to give up. If you don't try, you can't fail. But you'll never move forward either...

Nicole recently took a big leap ahead, challenging herself and her "new" body to something most able-bodied people wouldn't attempt. She flew to Sedona, Arizona for 12 days to take a 100-hour certification course called "Yoga Meets Dance." The days were long--9:30am to 6:30pm in class, and a couple of hours of reading/studying at night. Many of the classes were held outdoors, on the beautiful red rocks of Sedona. So Nic had to hike. And she had to climb. And she did!

Before going to Sedona, Nicole didn't know she could hike or climb rocks. She didn't know she could touch her toes or do many of the amazing things she did with her body. Remember, she has 8" titanium rods that go from the base of her neck down her back, and more rods that go down her lower back.

She passed her certification exam, and is now ready to teach classes!

Just as the miners were released from the darkness of the mine, Nicole continues to be released from the injuries that could have defined her. All are free from being confined. The world is watching the 33 miners to see what they'll do next, and I believe the world is hoping that they will do something positive with their experiences. We want to learn from it, and become better people because of it.

Nicole could have easily resigned herself to life in a wheelchair. We've been told there are people with lesser injuries who are still in wheelchairs. As a matter of fact, we were told that was her fate. But Nicole, like the miners, had hope. And hope fuels action. And now Nicole can teach anyone how to use their bodies in a healthy way, including people with special needs. Including people in wheelchairs.

We may not be stuck in a mine, or stuck in a broken body, but we all have something in our lives that we allow to hold us back. Today is a good day to reflect on what we want to do, and how we've allowed either external or internal roadblocks to hold us back. How are we going to get past those roadblocks? I'm inspired by the miners, and by my own brave daughter.

It's time to get up and move ahead!

Blessings to all who read this!
Susan

I'm back!!!

2010-10-09T19:28:00.000-07:00

Wow. It's been over a month since I last posted a blog entry. That's unusual for me, but for some reason, I just haven't been able to stop long enough to write.

It's been a busy month, with lots of exciting things happening in our life. As I write this, Nicole is finishing up a "Yoga Meets Dance" workshop in Sedona, Arizona. It's a 100-hour certification course, so she'll be able to teach when she gets back. It's the next step in having a totally independent life again. The surprising thing to her is how flexible she is. With titanium rods in her neck and back, Nicole probably felt that she would be more rigid. But she's been able to keep up with everyone else in the class, including touching her toes! (The rods are flexible...who knew?) And the change of scenery has been just what she needed. And what a dramatic change of scenery!!!

I love these photos...and I'm so impressed, because they were taken with Nicole's iPhone. Look how blue that sky is! Twelve days of that would be good medicine for anyone!

My iPhone wannabe, the HTC Hero, still gives me fits. The phone and I are just not a good match. BUT, I did discover a cool app on the phone...it's called "Retro Camera." I had alot of fun taking photos of little things around my home. The app gives everything a vintage, grainy look. And I love the boarder.

I've been spending more time with Joe (yes, I have another child!) lately, and I've enjoyed it so very much. At 21, he has matured so much and has become such an impressive young man. He and I both signed up to be distributors for C-PRIME, a fashion technology company that sells bands (designed by Fossil) that help with balance, flexibility, strength and endurance. Everyone in our family has had great results, so we have decided to step out and sell them ourselves! It's been amazing...I have a team of over 65 people! I figure if it's good enough for Harry Connick, Jr., Tim Tebow, Evanka Trump and a laundry list of other celebrities and athletes, it's good enough for me!

This is my blue band...

Joe wearing a scarlet band and a grey band...

And Nicole wearing her signature purple band! (That's her yoga teacher, Beth)

Joe and I took a road trip to Dallas last week for a C-PRIME corporate meeting, where we learned more about the company and met the key players. We were both impressed and we're really excited about the possibilities C-PRIME can have in people's lives. Check out my website to learn more about it.

This weekend, he's gone to Atlanta with Emily (his precious girlfriend) and her family. My parents have gone to Nashville, and my dad will be taking a class (woodcarving!) up that way. So, it's while our family are all over the country, Larry and I are holding things down here at home.

I'm also doing my Scentsy thang...lovin' that, too! Don't know what Scensy is? Then check out this website!
It's alot of fun, and I love the products. I'll be doing an open house tomorrow (Sunday) afternoon to celebrate 10-10-10! What a fun, cool date that is! If you didn't get one of my social media invites (email/facebook/twitter), then consider this your invitation to come experience Scentsy tomorrow afternoon!
I've been getting ready for it all day today...the fun part is sniffing the over 80 yummy scents!

The monkey is one of the "Scentsy Buddies" for children. Each one has a zipper in the back that holds a scent pack. This one has a French Lavender pack and it smells sooooo good!!!

The bad news is that I scheduled the open house at the same time as the St. Philip Goat Roast, which we've gone to for the past two years. I'll miss that this year, but look forward to opening my home to friends and neighbors.

So that's it for our exciting life...busy, full, happy, and blessed. We're moving forward, not looking back as much, but when we do, we are still amazed at the miracle we've witnessed. And as we move forward, we don't dismiss that miracle, but we don't dwell on it as much. We are living life in the here and now, and for the first time in a long time, we are able to look ahead with hope, ready for the next adventure!

Blessings to all who (still) read this!
Susan

Little Things Mean A Lot

2010-09-01T16:28:00.000-07:00

Sometimes grand gestures are nice. Like when your daughter throws you a surprise 30th anniversary party. Or when your son pops in to mow the yard.

But the little gestures are what makes life sweet on a daily basis. Someone who does something unexpected for you. A kind word. Or....getting a card in the mail for no reason. (Mail...remember that? The paper stuff with stamps??)

And small things are often packed with a big punch.

My dad took up woodworking after he retired many years ago. As in, he took to it like a duck to water. He made a rocking horse and easel for Nicole when she was little. A wagon nd a toy chest for Joseph. (I think we must have put hundreds of miles on that thing!) And, for no reason other than to do it, he made a canoe. Why not? And it was a real work of art.

After going to the Campbell Folk Life School in Brasstown, N.C. with my son, Joe, a few times, my dad took a carving class and became hooked. When it is too hot or too cold to go out in his shop, he can sit in his climate-controlled house and just whittle away. (Idle hands are the devil's playground!)

One of the things he makes are little crosses. He keeps them in his pocket and passes them out to folks he comes across while he's out and about.

My sister, Sarah, goes on a mission trip each summer to Andros in the Bahamas. This year was the 25th anniversary (I think) and each person was to bring a special commemorative item to pass out. Sarah asked my dad if he could carve some crosses. A bunch of crosses. And he did.

So Sarah took the crosses to Andros, and gave them out. And they were a big hit!

Beautiful. I'm sure those children will treasure their crosses, and hopefully, the meaning of it, for a long time to come. Such a little thing that means so much.

One of the little things we do each year that means alot to others is to attend the Mississippi State Hospital’s (MSH) Annual Serendipity Art Show and Silent Auction TODAY (Thurs., 9/2), from 11 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. on the hospital’s campus in Whitfield.

Serendipity features artwork from MSH’s Art Services programs and Community Services Art Workshops, led by our sweet friend, Tony DiFatta. The show includes handmade paper, pencil drawings, ceramics, pastels, watercolor, acrylic and tempera paintings, crayon batiks and mixed media.

All artists are patients, residents or consumers of the hospital and incorporate age groups from children to adult seniors. The show features work from artists in Psychiatric Services, Community Services, Jaquith Nursing Home and Oak Circle Center Child/Adolescent Unit. The artwork will be sold by silent auction. Bidding will end at 6:30 p.m. All proceeds will be applied to the individual artists’ accounts.

While it means alot to the patients, it means alot to us too. It's a way to get some beautiful pieces of (mostly) framed artwork at a very reasonable price. And it's fun too!

Nicole bought this piece last year. Here she is, with Tony and the artist. It's a painting of downtown Jackson during the Mal's St. Paddy's Day Parade, which is one of her favorite events!

As you go about your day, remember to put forth a little effort to do a little something that will mean so much to someone else. When you do, it will make your day, too!

Blessings to all who read this!
Susan

What a Difference a Day Makes

2010-08-30T11:50:00.000-07:00

Just when you think life is clicking along just fine, something or someone can change everything, in just the blink of an eye.

That something for me was a phone call received on August 30, 2008. It was the call every parent dreads.

A detective with the New York City Police Department was on the other end of the line, telling me our precious daughter's body had been found on the ground outside her apartment building. The way he said it, I had no clue whether she was dead or alive. I had to ask.

Most of you reading this know the story. If you don't, check it out at www.caringbridge.com/visit/nicolemarquez.

So today is the second anniversary of Nicole's accident. Someone asked me just this morning if we ever thought she would have come this far in two years.

The truth of the matter is that I didn't think about that. I learned very early on, sitting in the neuro-ICU at New York Presbyterian Hosptial, not to project into the future. We had to accept what was happening right here, right now. I learned to live in the moment, because that's all we had. Her condition was changing so rapidly...she'd do great for awhile, then some horrible thing would go wrong in her broken body. We all became pros are reading monitors. We understood oxygen levels and all kinds of things I never thought I'd have a need to know.

And I learned to compartmentalize. In other words, mundane things like bills, the dog, the yard, etc. never entered my mind. I was focused on one thing and one thing only. Thank God we had such good friends and family who took care of those things and so many others so that we could just be, with all our focus on Nicole.

And here we are, two years later. And yes, looking back, I'm absolutely in awe of what Nicole has accomplished after injuring her body so badly.

A journey begins with one step, and we have truley taken this journey one step at a time, one day at a time. And because of that, the journey hasn't been too hard. And because the journey has been a slow, but steady one, we've all had time to see, hear, smell, taste and feel things we may never have experienced before, when we were all rushing and swirling through life.

We've made wonderful new friends, reconnected with old ones, and our life has been blessed many times over. Priorites have shifted, with a focus now on more important things in life. We've seen the affect Nicole's accident has had on Joe, who is now very focused in school, studying to be an occupational therapist.

If I could, I'd take it back in a heartbeat. Who would want this to happen to their child? Yet, it happened, and we can't take it back, so we all chose to accept what is, and to push on. Nicole, as it turns out, is a master at that. We have simply followed her lead.

And we are all the better for it.

Thank you doesn't begin to express our appreciation for the many prayers, financial gifts, support and love so many people have given us. We are forever grateful, and have dedicated our lives to paying it forward.

Just remember, one day, you can be on top of the world...

(This is Nicole on the same roof from which she fell, two days before her accident. The grayish building in the background is Harlem Hospital, her first stop on the road to recovery.)

And the next day, you can have the weight of the world on your shoulders.

(Nicole, a few days after her accident, in New York Presbyterian Hospital.)

It's up to you to decide if you want to get back up to the top of the world again, and how. The next time life throws you a curveball, just remember Nicole...if she can do it, you can too!

(Nicole and Joe, close to one year after her accident.)

Blessings to all who read this!
Susan

She's Rising!

2010-08-24T07:27:00.000-07:00

When you dream of a dream, know it won't be easy
Taking plenty of chances, fortify what you believe
Keep moving in the right direction
Finding the ultimate connection
Asking and receiving, what you are ready for

You'll be rising!
For more!

When you wish with all your might
Let your imagination take its flight
When you hear the voice my child
Increase your stride
Let go of intimidation
Trust and inspire
Then you will see the light

You'll be rising!
For more!

Hold it down my people
Don't give up
Letting go
Keep moving forward
Andi if you fall
Know that you can rise again
Rise again, keep your understanding
Oh, learn from your mistakes
Oh, it will come, it will come
It will come and you'll see
You'll be rising!!!

Those are the lyrics of the cover song of the wonderful new CD by Eclectik Soul called "Rising." They previewed the CD Friday night at the historic Alamo Theatre on Farrish Street in downtown Jackson.

Funny how life brings things full circle. When Nicole returned to Jackson following he accident, she was in Select Specialty Hospital for almost a month. Her occupational therapist there was an angel named Tarah Stewart. Tarah noticed Nicole either had music playing in her room, or that Nicole was singing almost every time she came to work with her. One day, she brought in a CD and said that her husband, Greg, was the drummer in a group called Eclectik Soul. We popped it in the laptop and we all instantly loved it!

Fast forward to Friday night. Greg wanted something BIG for the finale of the concert. That is when they were going to play "Rising." Well, every time Tarah heard the song, she thought of Nicole and her miraculous recovery, and she suggested that they ask Nicole to dance to the song.

So...you guessed it! Friday night, nearly two years after her accident, Nicole was rising back up again on the stage of the Alamo!

It was a fun night, with some great music! By the end of the evening, Nicole had Jello legs she was so tired. Before coming to the Alamo, Nicole had a gig as a 'Celebrity' judge for the Mississippi Opera Association's 'Dance with the Stars' event at the Old Capitol Inn along with Kathy Thibodeaux of Ballet Magnificat and David Keary of Ballet Mississippi. It was a long evening, but she did it. I think the song fit Nicole perfectly...she is certainly rising!

My son, Joe, is rising too...he's back in school and preparing to go to occupational therapy school soon. People like Tarah and Stephanie and Ashley, who are some of Nicole's outstanding therapists, have inspired Joe. I think he'll do well in that field. He's grown into such a sensitive and caring young man, and he's witnessed the importance of people in that line of work and what a difference it can make in people's lives. Nicole is independent again thanks to the therapy she's received. I believe Joe will make that same difference in the lives of his patients one day. And his girlfriend, Emily, is going into nursing, so how perfect is that??

As he pursues his career, Nicole is pursuing her career in motivational speaking. As a matter of fact, she'll be heading to Silver Star in Philadelphia tomorrow to speak at the Rehabilitation Association of Mississippi conference. She'll do a keynote address tomorrow and conduct a breakout session on Thursday.

Forgive me this proud mama moment, but for now, I'm just as pleased as I can be with both of my children!

Blessings to all who read this,
Susan

Happy Anniversary Baby!!!

2010-08-15T17:34:00.000-07:00

I feel like I'm the luckiest person on Earth today! I am still coming down from the high of Saturday night, when our amazing daughter Nicole surprised Larry and I with an anniversary party at Hal & Mal's. And I mean SUR-PRIIIIIIZE!!!!

We were clueless. And it's hard to pull one over on me, because I'm a detail person. It's a curse sometimes, but it allows me to anticipate, prepare and deal with just about anything that arises. Except, maybe, for a room full of people all facing the door when we walked in, many with cameras (which lets me know what it's like, if only for a brief moment, what Paris Hilton may feel like).

There were lots of special people there, friends old and new, from all phases of our 30-year marriage, including a few who were at--or in--our wedding. Like Carol, who drove down from Nashville for the night. And Sara Smith and Aline Germany, who were like my other mothers growing up, and of course, my own mother and father. We danced the night away to the tunes of Los Papis, which was a super special treat. And when Raphael Semmes and Lisa Palmer joined them, the evening was just perfect!

The best part of the evening was the pure love we felt in the room...the love Larry and I have for each other, and the love we have for our friends, and them for us.

I have to say that 30 years of marriage doesn't seem like that big a deal. It's been so easy, because lucky for me, this high-strung crazy white woman had sense enough to marry the most easy-going, laid-back, happy and nicest man in the entire world! It takes alot to rattle Larry's chain, and Lord knows, I've managed to do some rattling. But in the end, his calm demeanor and positive outlook has always helped me to be the best I can be. I know that I am blessed, and I am forever grateful.

We both come by our long marriages naturally. Larry's parents were married over 50 years, as have my own. We both had such good role models, and that's made a huge difference in our lives. I only pray that the same carries over to our children when the time comes for them to get married.

Joey Joe missed the party...he had a long-standing plan to visit Emily's dad in Atlanta. But we had a wonderful time this afternoon. He came over and cut the grass, then we went to eat lunch. We had a great visit. He starts school again tomorrow, so I'm praying he has another successful semester.

Ok, let's review:

--Marry the nicest guy on the planet, and hang in with him 30 years.
CHECK!

--Have a beautiful daughter, who can bounce back from anything to plan a faboo soire.
CHECK!
--Have a handsome son who gives me great joy as I watch him mature into a fine young man.
CHECK!

--Collect the best friends anyone can have.
CHECK!

Thank you to all who came to our celebration, and for those who couldn't, thanks for your well-wishes. Thanks for the food, the gifts, the fun and the love.

Blessings to all who read this!
Susan

Hot, but quiet...

2010-08-11T08:04:00.000-07:00

Baby, it's hot outside! I can't hardly think for trying to stay cool. I will consider selling plasma in order to keep the thermostat turned waaaaay down low! I have decided in my now-one-year-older age and new-found fluffiness that I do not like being hot. I'm just sayin'...

There's been alot going on in our wacky world! We moved Nicole out of the house last week, and into a house in Belhaven where she will live with three roommates. Everyone's been asking me if I'm sad, but I can't say that I am. I see this as a triumph! It's just not normal for a 27-year-old woman to live at home in the room she grew up in. Not for us, anyway.

While we've loved having Nicole at home, getting to know her on a different level, there's still that part of me that sees the tiny, petite girl instead of the strong-willed woman. She is, after all, the same size she was in the ninth grade, so subconsciously, I tend to treat her as if she's that age. We've gone through the trials of "pulling away" once already when she was a senior in high school, ready to spread her wings and go to college. The past few months were like living that all over again, ten years later. Emotionally, and thankfully, physically, Nicole was ready to move on.

So we moved all her worldly possesions on some of the hottest days in recorded history. Of course.

And as if moving wasn't enough to prove her ability to live independently, Nicole took a trip to Seattle for a wedding last weekend--by herself. Talk about letting go...

It was a giant step for someone who couldn't even walk less than two years ago, and she managed just fine, thank you very much. At this point, there's not much she can't do, and I have a feeling she's going to make up for lost time! I'm so incredibly thankful!

And now, my house is quiet and more conducive to my work...I can begin writing early in the morning without hearing loud music, or having to stop to fix breakfast. It's beginning to come back to me how much I enjoyed that when Nic was living in New York and Joe was away at school. As much as I love my little birds, I have to admit that an empty nest rocks!

I usually get up an hour or so before Larry, and I tend to hit the computer right away. Then Larry gets up and we have breakfast together, play with Roxie, and make witty comments on whatever stories are on the early shows, then he goes to get ready for work and I get back to my writing. It's a nice little routine.

Nicole will begin training her new personal care assistant today, and continue on with her extensive physical and occupational therapy, along with working out with Eclecius five days a week, plus a yoga class here and there. She's also working hard on her motivational speaking career, which is how she'll pay her rent. Just yesterday, she spoke to a group of about 40 United Methodist Women from Galloway Church at a luncheon at the Methodist Rehab Center. I was invited as well, and enjoyed seeing how poised and polished she's gotten. That was her 28th talk since her accident. But she's got to book some paying gigs soon! She's got a few people working on her behalf, mainly Brenda Judin, who will be helping to book speaking engagements for Nicole. Also, she's signed on with Premier Speakers in Nashville, so she can be booked that way as well.

I can't wrap up this blog post without mentioning the Beebe Family Reunion, which I attended with my parents, Joe and his girlfriend, Emily, last Saturday in Monroe, Louisiana. It's always fun to be around family, and there's just nothing quite like a covered-dish lunch! The star of the show was the halibut that the Birmingham family caught on their trip to visit cousin Larry in Alaska. They were so sweet to share it with us!
On the way home, we got my dad to stop at Daquiri World so we could buy lottery tickets. $10 later, we scratched off all the numbers to learn we won...another lottery ticket! But it was fun.

After a trip to Atlanta this weekend, Joe and Emily will start school on Monday...Emily in nursing and Joe in occupational therapy. I'm praying for a safe trip for them.

Everything and everyone seems to be settling into their rightful place. Now, if the weather would just cool off 20 degrees or so, I'd say life would be just about perfect!

Blessings to all who read this!
Susan

Group Photos

2010-08-02T00:02:00.000-07:00

If pictures say a thousand words, then what do the upteen photos on my facebook page say about me? People tag me in photos all the time, and there they are, for the world to see. Me, living my life, captured by someone's camera. Or phone.

I started going through the photos (I'm restless tonight..can't sleep...more on that later). I realized there are alot of group photos of me. Which made me realize how many groups I'm in, and how very different they all are. Ahhhh...diversity is the spice of life!

I've always loved group photos. What kind of groups people are in say alot about the individual. My earliest group photo was probably this one, which was back in the second grade:

Now, can you imagine how difficult it was to get 17 7-year-olds to sit on their sides long enough to take this photo? (How I wish I could figure out how to rotate this, but I can't, so just tilt your head to the left and you'll see me, the third from the left on the bottom row.) This could also be called the Tooth Fairy club, as all of us probably had some shiny quarters in our pocket from all the teeth we were missing at the time this photo was taken!

Just recently, I became a member of a new group. Honorary Chicks. And we were celebrated at the annual JFP Chick Ball. There was Beth Poff, director of the Jackson Zoo, and Julie Skipper, the guru of all things downtown Jackson, state representatives, attorneys, reporters, sales reps, CEO's, store owners, art museum directors, physical therapists and other community leaders. To be included in this group of women is a big honor indeed, but I was most honored to be celebrated alongside my daughter as lifetime "Chicks We Love." That made it all the more special!

Something I noticed when going through all the photos is that when chicks get together to celebrate just about anything, the main fashion accessories are boas and tiaras.

Here I am (in the green fur trimmed cowboy hat) posing with some Sweet Potato Queen Wannabees from Indonesia at the annual Mal's St. Paddy's Day parade. My posse is wearing the hot pink shirts...we are the Queen Wranglers, and it's our job to keep those Wannabee's moving at the right pace. You try it...

See, more boas! This is what happens when a group of women are set free on a weekend in Texas. It's the bookclub babes at the Pulpwood Queens Girlfriend Weekend. Don't ask...

On a more "sane" night, at our regular monthly bookclub meeting, there may be a boa here or there, but check out that corsage on Johnnie, the lady in white on the far left. That's her NAME TAG! Hard to tell in this photo, but there are a few tiaras being sported as well. And no, I'm not in the picture--I took it.

And when we get together for a cookout...we travel in style!

I have pals who will wear tiaras while out on a junkin' spree...here are a few of them!

Here's a fun group...my high school graduation class at our 25-year reunion. I'm front and center...in the black ourfit. I know....I was sooooo skinny (everyone skinnys up for their 25-year reunion. But I saw the photos from the 35th...and no one is that concerned any more!)

See, me in 2000...wearing a big shirt because I felt too fat...

And me in 2010...hiding behind a chair because I know I'm too fat. (But don't Nicole and Megan look cute? Ahhhh...to be young again!!!)

Another group I'm a part of harkens back to my college years...

It's the Central Mississippi Chapter of the University of Southern Mississippi Alumni Board. I'm president-elect, and part of what I do is attend the annual banquet and visit with some of our distinquished alumni.

At our annual board Christmas party, we collected things for Toys for Tots.

But my favorite group to be a part of is one of my own making. It's the group I'm most proud and most grateful to be a part of.

I'll be in another group photo next weekend when we gather in Monroe, LA for the Beebe Family Reunion.

Oh, and the reason I'm restless? Nicole is moving out tomorrow. We moved alot of her stuff today, and cleaned and cleaned and cleaned. I should be dead on my feet, but instead, my mind is going 90-to-nothing. I'm so excited about her big move to Belhaven. It's a triumph after all she's been through the past two years, living in hospitals for six months and then in the room she grew up in for another year and a half. I know she's ready, but the mama in me can't help but be a bit concerned. Will she get along with her roommates? Will she be safe? Can she manage on her own? I've let go of her before, and her wings got clipped. But she's two years older, alot wiser, and stronger than ever. She'll be fine.

Empty nest...get ready!

Blessings to all who read this!
Susan

Life is a Cabaret!

2010-07-25T14:21:00.000-07:00

What was supposed to be a ~~hurricane~~ ... ~~tropical storm~~ ... ~~tropical depression~~ ... rainy weather has come through this morning. There is nothing as wonderful as a lazy, rainy Sunday morning. Steaming coffee, a good book, and Roxie laying her head in my lap. Until there was a thunderclap, and she started shaking, and panting, and drooling all over me. Oh well...

It's been a delightful weekend so far. Yesterday I was struck with the desire (!) to clean out my closet, so that was good. Cleared out alot of stuff to take to Repeat Street. And to Goodwill. It's nice to walk into a clean, organized closet for a change.

Last night I got all gussied up to go to Hal & Mal's for the annual Chick Ball.

The Jackson Free Press created the Chick Ball in 2004 for two reasons: to raise education about and money to fight domestic abuse in Mississippi; and to showcase women musicians and artists to a diverse audience. This year, they decided to have some "Honorary Chicks," and Nicole and I were selected as "lifetime chicks." And honored we were! There was a private reception for us (called Chick-a-Boom) prior to the big event. Lots of good food, laughter, friends, great music and a wonderful silent auction with lots and lots of really good stuff.

This morning, a show I taped a few weeks ago aired on WAPT. It's called the WHOA show (Women who Hear, Obey and Act on God's word). The host is the bubbly Laine Lawson Craft. I met Laine at a monthly ladies' group I go to called Brown Bag Bible Buddies. We meet for lunch at Biaggi's (but they have other meeting places around town, too) and there's always a speaker who shares her testamony. Laine is a little powerhouse of energy, and she has started WHOA Ministries, which includes WHOA magazine and the WHOA show. I wrote an article for this month's issue of the magazine--the whole issue is on forgiveness, and my article was about how I had to forgive God for what I percieved as his ignoring my prayer to be with and protect Nicole. In the end, I had to ask for His forgiveness, for I let myself doubt Him. I pretty much told that same story on the WHOA show. You can see the show and read the magazine article by logging on to the WHOA Ministries' website. (And by the way, I still say the same prayer for both Nicole and Joseph each night, and I trust fully that God covers them!)

It's a busy writing week ahead. I've been writing more than ever lately, for magazines, business journals and newspapers. That's a good thing! And I've been busy working on some things concerning Nicole's motivational speaking career. She's ready to launch that full force, as it's time for her to make her own way again in this world. If anyone needs a strong motivational speaker for their annual meeting, organization, association, etc. please consider hiring Nicole. She'll definitely move folks with her message of motivation, perseverance and hope. (Plus, she has plenty of experience--a degree in theatre and over 27 presentations since her accident!)

My next big event is in the same place, same time: Hal and Mal's next Saturday night, when we'll be guests of Cindy and Megan Poole in the "Kit Kat Club's VIP section" to watch a production of Cabaret! I've heard it's wonderful, and can't wait to see it. And to get in the spirit of it all, Nicole came up with this outfit:

Actually, this was a photo shoot for an art project that Talamieka is doing for an upcoming juried art show. The theme is--you guessed it!--Cabaret. It's for the 5th annual Storyteller's Ball--The theme is "Life Is a Cabaret: Broadway Magic." The annual fundraiser benefits the Greater Jackson Arts Council.

Life really has been like a cabaret lately. Fun, full of surprises and happy!

Blessings to all who read this!
Susan

Crawling Through An Open Window

2010-07-19T05:53:00.000-07:00

It's Monday...the start of what I'm praying will be a good, smooth productive week! Olivia (Nic's assistant) is taking some much needed R and R time at the beach, so I'll be immersed in the Land of Nicole this week, which is busy, crazy, active, fun and exhausting. And of course, wouldn't you know, I have a very full plate myself with nine writing assignments due this week. Trust me, that's a good thing! It's just that this week in particular, I have to make every minute count.

Nic and I have been busy sending out a bazillion emails to folks letting them know of her availability as a motiviational speaker. After the piece about Nicole aired on the CBS Early Show, we felt it was time to get the message out that she's available to spread her message of perseverance and hope to the world! She's gotten some pretty positive responses, particularly from college campuses. Perfect!

It's amazing to see how a door closing results in a window opening. And while windows are a big more of a struggle to go through, what waits beyond is ususally better than we could imagine.

When I think about all the people we've met, friends we've made, experiences we've had since Nic's accident, I am grateful. Do I wish it would never have happened? That's a tough one. No one wants to see their child hurt in any way. But what I've seen instead is for my daughter to grow stronger, and to have a platform to touch others in a profound way.

And with her, with have all grown as well. We've learned to distinguish between what's important and what isn't. We've learned to slow down. And we've learned that God's plan for us is often different from our own, and to let it unfold naturally, perfectly.

One of the people who has come into our life is Talamieka Brice. We met her while Nic was an in-patient at Methodist Rehab. Talamieka is the graphic designer at MRC, and she and her husband, Charles, have been the best of friends to Nicole. They are such talented, sweet spirited couple. Avid photographers, they love using Nicole as a model. Not long ago, Nic and Talamieka went on an adventure that resulted in this. Enjoy!

I've watched Joe grow as well. He is now a committed student, growing in so many ways. I'm immensely proud of him and the decisions he's making in life.

I'd love some feedback! Have you had a door closed in your life? Did the window that was opened reveal an even greater plan for you?

Blessings to all who read this!
Susan

CBS is on God's Time

2010-07-07T06:09:00.000-07:00

If I've learned nothing else during this journey with Nicole, I've learned that God's timing is perfect.

In case you didn't know, CBS News came to town and did a "package" on Nicole's story to run on The Early Show. It was precipitated by a public relations company in Boston who handles p.r. for a company called Bioness. They make the device Nicole wears to increase function in her hands.

The timing, of course, was perfect, as the CBS crew came the same weekend as "An Evening of HOPE," which was the event Nicole concieved/coordinated/choreographed as a fundraiser for the Parents for Public Schools' "Ask for More Arts" program. It was also where Nicole came full circle, dancing once again, so it was a triumphant evening for her--the girl who was told she would likely never walk again.

But that was back in March. And now it's July. And six times Nicole was told the story would air on The Early Show, and six times the story was bumped. There have been oil spills, tornadoes, Joren van der Sloot, Princess Fergie selling out Prince Andrew...you get the picture. But each time, it was a bit more disappointing.

Then, Monday rolled around. The fifth of July. An extended holiday! No reason to get up whatsoever...except that Roxie needed to go outside. At 7a.m. And once I'm up, there's no going back to sleep. Dammit.

So I turned on the coffee pot and padded back to my office to see who was doing what on facebook...and around 8:05, I went back in the kitchen and was pouring a cup of coffee when I heard Betty Nguyen, Erica Hill and Chris Wragge all talking about--you guessed it!--NICOLE. Dammit again! Her story ran and I MISSED IT!!!

No, wait, I've had our DVR set to record The Early Show every day for three months! Now's the time to figure out how to replay something! And I did! I woke Larry up and he came running into the den (not really...he kind of did his just-woke-up saunter) and we watched it two or three times before the phone started ringing.

Paige Kendig, the producer of the segment, did a great job putting Nicole's story together. It was moving, compelling and inspirational. I only wish they had mentioned that she's going into motivational speaking. And that she still does incredible choreography. And identify Larry. And that she has a brother. But they didn't, and that's OK.

So...word started spreading that the story ran, and there were people who weren't as consciencious as me who did not have their DVR's set to record every Early Show, every day...but not to worry! I checked The Early Show website and THERE IT WAS! A photo of Nicole dancing in front of a grafitti wall in New York, and a link to the video!!! So, I did what any proud mom would do, I put the link all over facebook!!!!

And that all worked well for about an hour, and the picture and link were REMOVED. Say what????

Paige was on assignment in Spain (what an exciting life for a 27-year-old--why didn't I know about jobs like that when I was her age???). So what to do? Well, Pete DiPaolo found the "viewer feedback" page on The Early Show website, and we sent that link out and people inundated The Early Show inbox with requests for the video to go back up again. We all clicked on The Early Show page all day to see if it was there (I hope they don't think their number of clicks were up for any other reason!!!). But, at the end of the day, the video wasn't there.

However...Tuesday morning was a new day...and I got the sweetest email from Paige, letting me know that "Unfortunately the piece can not air on the web because there is a ton of music in the piece, and we do not own the rights to the music." Well, that explains it. Copyright laws. That's cool.

Not to worry...because I soon found out that the video was on You Tube!!! And since it's been up, it's already been viewed 2,366 times, because people have shared the link on facebook and email.

And finally...
you can see it....
here.

UPDATE! CBS pulled the video off You Tube as well...music rights. We have contacted the artist, Andrew Bird, to see if we can get the rights to run the video. In the meantime, here's the dance. ENJOY! :-)

Blesssings to all who read this!
Susan

Take Me Away...

2010-07-02T06:11:00.000-07:00

Calgon, take me away!!!

Remember that commercial (about a hundred years ago?). It almost became a rallying cry for moms. The idea is that you could leave the snot-nosed kids in another part of the house for a bit while you relaxed in a warm tub filled with sweet-smelling Calgon. That 20-minute respite would be all you needed to transform you into a calm, serene woman who could then handle anything the rugrats could throw your way.

That never worked for me. My little Einsteins knew how to knock on the bathroom door. Genius.

Here's something ironic...if a poor mom can't hardly catch a break to take a soak in the tub, how's she gonna have time to peruse an entire Calgon website with a blog that encourages women to twitter about their Calgon bathtime rituals?? Pa-leeeze!

Now that my kids are grown, I spend my days in relative solitude...working in my home office. I spend alot of time connecting with people on the phone, but for the most part, I can do it in my pajamas with a serious case of bed-head, even at 2:00 in the afternoon. No one here to judge my appearance but Roxie, (who's hair always looks good...lucky bitch). And the person on the other end of the phone is none the wiser (Ok, so maybe they are now...I'm sorry I'm not suited-up in my dress-for-success power outfit, but baggy pajamas are oh-so-comfortable). Another good thing is that I don't have to battle with this on a daily basis:

I believe if I had to go by car to work every day, this would work best for me:

By the way, that's the church I grew up in, St. Luke's Methodist Church in Fondren. I'd love to know the story behind that thang parked out front...

So what I'd really like is to just go away...NOT in a bathtub filled with some water-softening chemical, but somewhere different, exciting, interesting, relaxing, fun...just a change of scenery from my computer keyboard. Not that I'm complaining, because I'm not. I am grateful I am able to do what I do. But taking a trip has a good way of altering your perspective. It gives you a broader world view. My view has gotten narrow over the past few months, so I've gotten a bit of a travel jones. Too bad my bank account hasn't kept up with my wants/needs.

I saw a story on TV the other day about a couple in New York who STOPPED SPENDING MONEY for one year. They only bought absolute essentials--like food. No hair cuts (they did it themselves and it showed), no manicures, no restaurants, no coffee shops, no WINE, no movies, and they didn't buy any processed foods. They made everything from scratch. They entertained in their home more, invited people over for coffee (one whole pot of coffee doesn't cost as much as one cup in a coffee shop!), and in the end, they grew closer and saved a boat-load of money. The wife admitted it was difficult, but in the end, she was laughing all the way to the bank, because she wrote a book about her experiences that has landed her on all the early shows and Oprah, and it's selling like hotcakes. Good for her!

If you could give up one thing to save money, what would it be? I love to read your comments here on my blog...so feel free to share your thoughts. If you like what you read, and you're not signed up as a follower, go ahead and click the button to follow. I promise to honestly share my insights with you whenever the mood strikes me!

Blessings to all who read this!

Susan

Waste Not, Want Not

2010-06-30T08:04:00.000-07:00

I"ve been laying low lately...lots of work to do, which is a good thing because, like so many other folks these days, money has been tight for us. Being forced to live more frugally has been a good life lesson. Instead of spending money at the grocery store, I'm exploring my freezer, pantry and fridge. In doing so, I realize just how wasteful we've been. In cleaning and organizing the pantry I found four containers of mayonnaise, three of them opened. Jars and squeeze bottles, some full, some half empty.Same with mustard--we had three opened mustard containers.And three bottles of soy sauce (all low-sodium!). And I found lots of expired food. That really makes me want to kick myself in the butt! I HATE throwing away food!

Americans, overall, are really wasteful people. Since Madison began a recycling program a few years ago, I can't hardly throw paper of any kind away in the regular trash. I had to request a second recycle bin, because one never seems to be enough when they only pick up once a week. Boxes, junk mail, plastic bottles and jars--all go into my recycle bins. Because of that, we've gone from two garbage cans on the curb to one. That makes me feel like I'm doing a little something good for our environment.

As a freelance writer, I'm often on the telephone, interviewing people for stories I'm writing. I take notes on scraps of paper...all sizes and shapes. It makes for a crazy filing system, but for me, it works. And I don't ever have to buy note pads for home. I write up the sides of the paper, on the front and back and anywhere I can find a blank space. I know most people would look at that and wonder how I ever translate all that scribble into an article. I am amazed myself, most days.

Another area where I've noticed a good bit of waste is in the bathroom. I always love going into hotel bathrooms, mainly because they aren't cluttered with a lot of stuff. I get back home, and there are three different kinds of shampoo, a couple of conditioners, and six "flavors" of liquid soap cluttering up the shower. I'm determined to use what I have on hand until it is completely gone.

Honestly, I think we all have so much more than we think we do...it's hidden away in cabinets, pantrys and other places in our homes, long forgotten and unused. And speaking of unused, I'm diligently cleaning out cabinets and closets and taking things I no longer use to Repeat Street in Ridgeland. They sell my stuff, I get a store credit, and Nicole goes shopping there, where she finds the most amazing things, like this red dress she wore when she gave a talk last week at a conference at Ole Miss:

You can't see it well because of the podium, but trust me, it was perfect, and she got it for FREE, because she used the credit from my discarded items. That's the ultimate in recycling if you ask me!

I get a daily message from a website called Sole Purpose Community, written by Beverlee Garb, an author, speaker and Life Purpose Coach. My message yesterday said: Susan, you've been cleaning out your past, looking at your present, and dreaming about your future. The Universe has noticed your efforts. You are not going crazy - you are truly being lifted to a reality in which you have never resided before. Keep up the good work - you will soon be rewarded.

I'm anxious to get my reward!! :-)

What do you have that you can/should use? What do you have that you can get rid of? Simplify your life and you can focus on other, more important things!

Blessings to all who read this!
Susan

Random Saturday Thoughts...

2010-06-26T13:20:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning..I have nowhere to go, nothing to do, yet, I was up at the crack of dawn because Roxie wanted to go out. It's like having a baby all over again, but her main goal in life is catching either a bird or squirrel in the backyard. So it's in and out and in and out all morning.

Today, I can't say that I mind it all that much. I went to bed early last night. Sadly, I missed my 35th high school reunion last night at the Cherokee Lounge. I wasn't feeling 100%, and chose to stay in and rest. But thanks to Lyle Walker, I got to sit on facebook and watch as he posted picutres and video of the event. What I'm wondering is why he put photos of all those old people on there...and I'm wondering where all my high school friends were??? Actually, everyone looked great!

I think everyone looked great...the women were beautiful and the men all look so distinguished. Part II of the reunion is tonight. I'm going to try to make it. It's good to be around folks who have known you for so long. There's a history there that can't be found anywhere else. Go Lancers!

Things are quiet around here this weekend. Joey Joe has been studying all week for his final exam today in Anatomy and Physiology. He called a little while ago and told me he made a B in the class! He made a 100 on his muscle test on Monday. I think he's finally learned that hard work and dedication pay off in the classroom as well as on the football field. I'm so proud of him!

Nicole is in New Orleans this weekend, working as a production assistant on some television commercials. I'm sure she'll find some fun while she's there! Good for her...

All my chickens will come home to roost tomorrow, in time to celebrate my mother's birthday, and we're all looking forward to that. I'm going to treat the Louisiana gal with a meal of red beans and rice and bread pudding. We celebrated Father's Day with steaks last weekend, and now a birthday...I love having folks around my dining room table!

The International Ballet Competition is winding down this weekend. It's been two full weeks of dance, dance, dance, and Nicole has been in heaven. She's managed to make it to several nights of performances and she's spent hours on end as a rehearsal hall monitor. It's a job she's taken very seriously, and she's enjoyed it so much. To be so up-close-and-personal with world-class dancers from around the globe has been so inspiring to her. Nicole's more motivated than ever to work hard to make her body do more.

My friend Carol, from Nashville, will be coming to town this week. She'll be vacationing at her Uncle Jimmy's house in Brandon. Jimmy has a fabulous swimming pool, so I'll be taking a couple of days off next week myself for some cool pool time. Carol came down this time last year, and I took Nic with me to Jimmy's. It was the first time she had gotten in a pool since her accident. The boyancy of the water made it possible for her to walk across the pool effortlessly, which was fun to watch. She was barely off her walker on dry land, but in the water, she could walk across the pool and back effortlessly. It was so much fun to watch!

So that's alot of rambling...life is good and I'm happy to have a little "alone time" to get some things done. Here's wishing everyone a wonderful week ahead...

Blessings to all who read this!
Susan

Every Step of the Way

Got me some Hot Pants!

T.G.I.F.

Waking up in Different Places

Give Thanks.

Orange You Glad it's FALL??!!

Happy Fall Y'all!

ALSucks

Everyone Has a Story...

Are You Out of Your Gourd?!

In the Blink of an Eye

You Should Write a Book!

Riding into the Sunset...

Help Blake's Honda!!!!

Home Sweet *Healthy* Home

God Links + Chowda = Happiness

Wonderful, Wacky Maine

Challenge Yourself!

Food for the Soul

Rock On.

A Mother of a Weekend

Getting Settled In

Where The Sun First Kisses The United States

You Be Thelma, I'll Be Louise

Heading Out...

An Evening of HOPE

Ain't No Roadblock Gonna Get in My Way!

One day at a time...

Maine or Die Trying...

Reach out and Touch

Enjoying Today

Ooooh....That's Cold!

Inside the Lump Was My Twin!

No TV, New Ride

On the Road Again...and Ready to Write!

Goodbye, 2010!

Bah, Humbug?

Travelogue: New York

Starting Over in a New Place

It's All About the Story

Let Your Light Shine!

When Bad Things Happen...

Out of the darkness

I'm back!!!

Little Things Mean A Lot

What a Difference a Day Makes

She's Rising!

Happy Anniversary Baby!!!

Hot, but quiet...

Group Photos

Life is a Cabaret!

Crawling Through An Open Window

CBS is on God's Time

Take Me Away...

Waste Not, Want Not

Random Saturday Thoughts...

Home Sweet Healthy Home