Face to Face

This past Friday afternoon, one of my friends met Jesus face to face. That alone makes me thrilled for her, regardless of promises that she will know no more suffering, pain, regret or anything else that is broken and sad. Of course, that means that we won't see her here again, which makes me grieve for us and our loss. I'm sad that Lisa won't be here for birthday parties, births, Anne of Green Gables parties, Thanksgiving, Easter... all those things.

It's such an odd mixture of feelings as we follow St. Paul's instruction that "we do not grieve as those without hope". What does that look like practically? How does that work out for Lisa's best friend who never planned for this to happen? How does that look for Lisa's sisters who don't have her support? How does that look for me who needs someone to challenge me like only Lisa did?

But then...I remember that Lisa now knows the answer to the questions. Although we can only imagine, Lisa knows the answer to "will I dance before You Jesus, or in awe of You be still?" She knows what the rooms look like that Jesus had prepared for her in His father's heavenly mansion.

At these times I remember that my understanding is so small, and God's plan is so big. In fact, it's like seeing through a foggy glass window - we can't quite discern what is on the other side. And that's okay. The most important thing is that we know there is something big happening on the other side of the fog and the mist, and that one day we will be a part of it.

"We don't yet see things clearly. We're squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won't be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We'll see it all then, see it as clearly as God sees us, knowing Him directly as He knows us!"

The Message / Bible (I Cor. 13:12)

Attempting to Unplug

Okay - so i'm finally getting some down time, and it's about time, if you ask me!

Dan is happy I'm taking time off (he's probably wondering where his relaxed, happy girlfriend went) and I'm happy too. However, I'm finding it really hard to totally relax. It's been a year packed with drama, drama, drama. Too much drama - which leaves me feeling slightly on the edge, even when I'm supposed to be relaxing!

Unfortunately, I think I haven't planned my days off well enough. I haven't laid around in a lounge chair yet. I love to organize things, cook, sew, watch movies... and I've done very little of that thus far (with only two days at home under my belt). Let's see what the next couple days hold - hopefully lots of organizing stuff, cooking, and more sleeping in - and more reading. (I'm currently enjoying a thriller entitled "The Pawn" - one I'll definitely have to pass along to my mom).

The way things typically go, probably by the time Monday rolls around, I'll have just figured out how to rest. Maybe I should have taken two weeks. Oh well, at least I'll not be sleep deprived any more!

Anyone got any tips?

REALLY Eating Royally

Okay, so more payback for my not-so-good week? Well, tonight I got the chance to dine at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse. Turns out, one of the benefits of touring with a famous chef is fabulous food and remarkable service. Good thing that it doesn't happen very often, or i'd have to buy a whole new larger wardrobe (or some really stretchy pants recommended by Julie Barnhill).

Anyhow, we just enjoyed one of the best meals i've had in a long time.

Oh. My. Word.

The chef, Jess, was fantastic. This afternoon he allowed us to take over his kitchen for a short while in order to shoot some film for an eTalk Daily interview, and then he invited us back for dinner.

The Ahi Tuna appetizer was delicious. The steak was absolutely incredible (and who knew you could cook ANYTHING at 1800 degrees?). The asparagus perfectly al dente. The creme brulee was PERFECT (and my favorite dessert), although Darren wouldn't allow me to lick the spoon or bowl (apparently it's not a compliment to the chef - could've fooled me!). And I topped off my perfectly round meal (and belly) with a decaf Americano that beat Starbucks hands down (and you KNOW that point is hard for me to surrender).

So, I guess the diet starts tomorrow... after lunch with Darren, of course. As one friend said to me once "I can almost hear myself getting fatter". But tonight, I'm smiling like a happy cat.

Eating Royally and The Rock

This morning was odd in the best sort of way. I am on an author tour with The Royal Chef. We were at Canada AM first thing this morning, and the guest interviewed right before Darren McGrady demonstrated his world-class, Princess Diana Bread and Butter Pudding was... you guessed it... The Rock.

Yes, The Rock. Also known as "Dwayne Johnson".

The man characterized by the phrase "Can you smell what The Rock is cooking?"

Oh, the irony. And really, it's just weird. But, it was cool to get to see The Rock in person, even if his biceps were outshined by his 7 year-old movie co-star as they promoted it in their interview.

Although it seems like perhaps it's divine justice for having such a stressful weekend, Dan said it's just not fair.

Life Unplugged

Since i've been disconnected, i've been fairly disconcerted.

When I started University in 1994, I got my first email account. I remember typing in a little computer lab on campus, and printing out my email on dot-matrix printers. In 1997, when I spent a year on a ship in Central America, email was a luxury that kept me connected to my family & friends. This week, 13 years after I got my first email account, with no internet connection, I didn't even know how I would communicate to plan an event. I couldn't print out directions. I honestly don't know how to cope without internet. I can't remember how to do this. I forget that I own maps. I forget that I own a phone.

I forget that being constantly connected has added an incredible level of pressure to my life. Pressure to know all things, do all things, be all things, and do them perfectly. It's also more expensive - more things to buy, internet connection to pay for.

There are some huge lessons in this, but now I need to slow down long enough to learn them.

Complaining Again?

Okay, so I gave up complaining for Lent this spring, and I think I might need to revisit that concept.

This past week has been frustrating - Dan was sick with sciatic nerve problems, and in miserable pain. I was out of town for work. My computer crashed and still isn't working. My internet is down. My cell phone died. The media tour i'm working on for next week has been problematic. And to top it all off, when I went to the bathroom at the hotel, soap squirted up my arm. Stuff has been happening with friends & family back home. Stuff has been happening with friends & family in Ontario. Enough wrenches have been thrown in my perfect plans this past week to make me run entirely off kilter.

However, those things are small things. They will pass. In five years, I will remember none of them. Good things are happening. I drove back and forth to Toronto a number of times, and was perfectly safe. No car accidents, despite my stressed out distraction. My computer will eventually get fixed. My friend Erin is here this weekend, and we've laughed enough to work off a few of the Jelly Bellys we've been eating. I had wonderful meals with friends at the Keg and Mandarin last week. Dan is feeling much better, if not perfect. I have the luxury of warm water and soap to wash my hands. I have a job that I love. I get paid to do things that I love. I have friends and family that teach me that i'm loveable.

So, to those who have endured my rants this past week, I ask for your forgiveness. Life is good, God is patient and endlessly gracious with me, and I need to state that far louder than my yowling at temporary inconveniences and frustrations.

Perhaps I need to do another 40-day complaint fast - maybe for, say, Rosh Hashana or something. (and maybe I need to fast from Jelly Bellys also)

I am now Emma Woodhouse!

My Jane Austen / P&P addiction just keeps growing deeper and deeper - this is a fun quiz to find out who you would be in Jane Austen's world. Who would I least want to be? Charlotte Lucas - my apologies if you, in fact, turned out to be Charlotte! It's simply that I am much more of an Emma Woodhouse...

Now to figure out how to convince Dan to take me to see the new movie!

You scored as Emma Woodhouse, Emma is possibly one of the most loyal characters of Austen, always wanting better for those around her and doing all she possibly can to make it happen. Her motives sometimes get in the way of her good intentions and her own opinions can end up ruling her actions, but she has a good heart. She loves to be social and is welcoming to most, unless they are too silly to tolerate. While she sometimes changes her behavior to make others feel comfortable, she knows who she is and is always bettering herself. Emma Woodhouse 88% Elizabeth Bennet 78% Marianne Dashwood 69% Lady Catherine 66% Jane Bennet 59% Elinor Dashwood 41% Charlotte Lucas 28% Which Jane Austen Character are You? (For Females) Long Quiz!!! created with QuizFarm.com

2 Free Women of Faith Tix for Giveaway!

Mostly only my Toronto area friends (and Dan) get to cash in on any of my work connections (we went to Joel Osteen a couple weeks ago - interesting...) but for once, I have some comp passes to something in the West!

So, if anyone in Calgary reads my blog - or if anyone who reads my blog has friends in Calgary... I have two free Women of Faith tickets (free - no strings) to the first person from Calgary who emails me or posts a comment! They're in section 121, Row 11, Seats 1 & 2. Pretty good tix! They're worth $150 together!

The conference is being held on August 17 & 18th (in just a couple of weeks!). So, let me know if you'd like to go!

Addicted to Jane

I admit it.

I've watched Pride & Prejudice too many times to count (the 5 hour BBC version - truly the only REAL movie representation). I try to convert others - i'm downright evangelistic about Jane Austen.

So, i've been excited about the forthcoming movie of Jane Austen's life, and in preparation have read Just Jane and Becoming Jane. Of the two, Just Jane was far better.

Any other Jane Austen afficiandos will be clap their hands and exclaim 'Capital!' with this novelization of Jane's life. I passed on my copy to Heather, who I imagine will start wearing Regency-era dresses while reading it. Nancy Moser did an excellent job of getting into the life and words of Jane Austen (and those of us who know books verbatim will recognize some key sarcastic phrases like, 'shelves in the closet, happy thought indeed!').

Not Quite as Dignified

So, my second most interesting meeting this year? (After Jim Caviezel, of course!) The Simpsons!

I still haven't seen the movie (waiting till next weekend) but can't get enough of the Spider Pig trailer.

The phrase "from the sublime to the ridiculous" seems to fit here.

Finally - Proof

Here it is, at long last, proof of my Jim Caviezel moment. And no, Kelvin, there is no Photoshop involved... anyone who knows me enough will figure that out. I do have a few questions though:

1. Could I wear a louder jacket?

2. Did I do something offensive to make Jim Caviezel stand away from me? Was he offended by my jacket?

3. Exactly how tall is Jim Caviezel? I was wearing heels - so was probably about 5'10" in this photo!

I can't wait to hear the full Word of Promise New Testament... everything i've heard so far is awesome.

Spilling Issues

I have realized that I actually miss something from my old apartment that i'd never thought i'd miss.

Black berber carpet. Ugly laminate floors.

Why? Because, no matter what you did, either nothing showed on the carpet or you could just wipe it off the old asbestos laminate floors.

Now, although i've only lived here not quite two months (and have only actually been here for about half of that time) i've already spilled 3 cups of coffee, one cup of tea and one margarita on my light beige living room carpet. And heck, with the enormous sofas there isn't much carpet to be seen! And although i've scrubbed and Dan has scrubbed (twice when he's come over now i've been on my hands and knees scrubbing carpet), although I bought "mean green" cleaner and used it generously, although I wished the marks away... they're still there.

So, i'll have to ask a friend with a steam cleaner if I can borrow the only machine that might make my carpet clean again.

Hmm... interesting spiritual lessons out of this? (Don't you love how I have to do that?) No matter what I do, I can't get myself - or my own carpets - clean enough. I have to ask someone else to help. I need a Savior. I can move furniture to hide stains, but they're still there. I try to clean myself up, but "I do what I don't want to do, and what I want to do I don't do", like Paul said.

I'm grateful to know a Savior who has cleansed me... and who leaves no stains - none at all. Everything that is forgiven is forgotten. It's done. It's over. No more judgement. Nothing. Nada. Pitched into the deepest part of the ocean. Completely over.

I'm also grateful to have a friend with a steam cleaner. I'll soon have her on speed dial.

And perhaps I should invest in a couple of spill-proof cups.

The End of it All

I can't believe it.

I finally caved and signed up for facebook. I had sworn that I wouldn't (kind of like how I wouldn't blog) but I've chosen to go for it and just start up an account and see if I actually use it. Thanks a lot, Michelle! Seriously, you're going to make me be all postmodern or something.

I was so happy being behind the times.

And you know what is worse? I have no idea how to really use facebook, so I need lessons. Pitiful when I need to find someone younger than me to teach me this stuff!

Gems in Atlanta

I have been in Atlanta the last week, and it has been packed with good things and great things. Have you noticed that often the great things are things that aren't planned, and come in small packages?

On Saturday night, I attended the Christy Awards - frankly, my favourite awards show in our industry. While the Christys honor fiction authors, they recognized Phyllis Tickle with a special lifetime achievement award this year.

If you don't know who Phyllis is, perhaps you should. In a nutshell, Phyllis took Christian books into the mainstream by working with Publishers Weekly magazine to start reviewing books written by Christians with spiritual themes, whether they be fiction or non-fiction. In so doing, she broke ground and allowed us to reach people with the written word who might otherwise never consider reading a 'Christian' or spiritual book. I am grateful that she did so.

Phyllis is also funny, wise, and an accomplished author. I am so grateful to have women like her as role models in this work we do - although there are very few. Her acceptance speech was one of those that you want to memorize, as it was profound all in and of itself. One thing Phyllis said was exceptionally profound to me, and served as a challenge to me as I keep serving in this industry, as my ministry and as my work.

Phyllis said,

“Let us say, we have worked in these fields,

we have enjoyed the crop,

and have loved the landowner that we serve."

May I continue to work in the fields that God gives me, enjoy the harvest and the crop He provides, and may I, above all else, love the Landowner that I serve. He is amazing.

Room of Horrors

Okay, time for a little honesty... does everyone have a room that looks like this after they move? It's the 'second bedroom' but looks more like a room of horrors. It will eventually be a room where I can keep my sewing machine set up, and unpack my 'library' onto bookshelves.

The living room, bedroom and kitchen are all organized and sorted out (mostly - except for trying to figure out huge lazyboy sofas in a not so enormous room).

Today is D-Day though. Dan is working on a patio with his brother, and i've got the day to sort out the nightmare room... we shall see how it goes. Meanwhile, i'm...erm... spending a little time blogging. No, don't call it procrastinating!

Please, tell me i'm not alone in this!

Yay! for a First Novel

A few nights ago I finished Feeling For Bones - the first novel by Bethany Pierce.

Feeling For Bones is a beautifully written memoir-like novel following a teenaged girl through life's upheavals. With a father who is a disillusioned, former pastor, a mother struggling to keep everything together, and a sweet, energetic much younger sister, 16 year-old Olivia struggles to find identity, and longs to be beaufiful. This is a creative novel, and a literary gem. I love finding great new authors, and am so happy when one has a successful first crack at writing the novel of the century. Well done, Bethany! (Plus - it doesn't hurt that it has a stellar cover design!)

Historymaker

A little late but better late than never, once again Historymaker in Chilliwack, BC was excellent.

Great moments:

* Searching for miles for a Dairy Queen with Erin, and Dan giving us internet directions from Ontario - and then waking up in the morning to realize that there was a huge DQ right outside our hotel all along.

* eating White Spot burgers at a Triple O's in a gas station with Heather & Paul, Dan, George and Darian. Excellent. Darian thought it was romantic.

* Darcy wanting a fog / lights show like this.

* Dan finding a kid in the bathroom with TH1NK tattoos all over his abdomen.

* Seeing kids challenged to be Scripturally literate.

* Sharing time with kids who want to live for Christ, and want to find out how.

* Sitting in the rain and chatting with a young lady searching for God.

* Driving a brand new Ford Mustang... over a curb.

Throwing Sofas

They don't make sofas like they used to. Seriously!

In the final stages of 'The Big Move' two weeks ago, the guys thought that they'd throw my circa 1960 sofa off the balcony - third floor balcony. I was getting rid of the sofa anyhow (it's remarkable - you can leave old furniture on the curb here!) and the guys deserved a break / some fun (it was 32 degrees C and horribly humid) so, out went the sofa. The sofa wouldn't die! They couldn't get the legs off of it, and it looked no different after hurling down three storeys than it did in my living room. Solid as a rock. And hey, I paid $10 for it three years ago!

Ahh... i'm sure that no one will be using my new sofas in 47 years... they just don't make sofas like they used to.

Now, my new sofas... hopefully they'll last at least 10 years. They cost a little more than $10, but they're great.

Chuck Norris

Since our friend Rainer keeps telling Chuck Norris jokes, now i'm more conscious of the guys. He also happens to be one of our authors! Not only is he Walker, Texas Ranger, but he's a fiction author. Who would have guessed?

Anyhow, today I got a very funny Chuck Norris Mountain Dew commercial forwarded to me. I love to watch the man crack his knuckes... as he prepares to roundhouse kick these guys!

13 Ellen Grafs in the US

And here you thought that one of me was enough...

This is kind of fun.

HowManyOfMe.com

There are 13 people with my name in the U.S.A. How many have your name?