Feb 7, 2012 |
We all have those moments in life that seem so benign at the time, but leave a very lasting impression. This is the story of such a moment.
Remember Berry Sunshine’s Cat Antics from a while ago? Here’s one from many years ago.
We were living in our small apartment and I had hosted dinner for a few friends. Because the dinner table only seated four and there were five of us altogether, I allowed my daughter to eat at her snack table while watching television.
The meal was great: meatloaf and scalloped potatoes. I served up my daughter’s plate then called her back into the kitchen to pray with the rest of us. She resisted; she didn’t want to leave her table. But I insisted. When she went back to table a minute later, I heard her cry out: her meatloaf was missing!
Berry had decided she wanted to be part of the dinner party, and absconded with the entire meatloaf slice from Dot’s plate! I comforted her (her being Dot, not Berry), told her not to worry, we had plenty. And we carried on just fine.
Two days later my slipper had wedged itself under the sofa so I bent down to retrieve it… only to find half the meatloaf. Can you say “ewww!”??
It was a few years later in the same apartment when we decided to have a Mommy-Daughter Movie Night. I don’t remember what we served for dinner, but I do know that my daughter wanted to eat by TV light.
She got her drink. Then she brought in her napkin. Then she brought in her snack plate. We were both ready. But then the cats started to cry for attention. And food. On one side was Berry. On the other side was Fluffy. Wherever Dot turned, there was a dark whiskered face. And since the lights were out, she couldn’t quite see if they were trying to eat her plate, or her toes.
Finally in frustration, she stood up and hollered, “I just want to eat my stinkin’ food!”
The cats scurried. We started the movie.
And everyone lived happily ever after…
yeah, right.
To this day, when we’re really hungry, or when there are tons of distraction from any task at hand, you’ll hear us shouting that line.
Dot tells this story much better than me. I’m pretty sure I got a lot of it wrong. But she’s trying to get some sleep right now so I can’t verify facts. And I just want to write my stinkin’ story.
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
Feb 6, 2012 |
A few days ago I mentioned that I rejected a freelance writing opportunity.
While I know it was the right thing to do, I was disappointed. Disappointed with the lack of finances (and my need for more!), disappointed with a failed opportunity, disappointed with so much.
While endeavoring to be a paid writer I’ve also been trying to find a day job to pay the bills. That hasn’t offered much hope either.
So. I admit that God and I had a bit of a talk. Actually, it was more of a child kicking and screaming to get attention from the adult. Without actually throwing a temper tantrum, I admit that my heart really wanted to. I prattled off all my worries and concerns and the reasons I’m not sleeping as well as I used to and don’t forget the recurring knee injury and what is up with this cold weather and wind and by the way do you think just once I could win the lottery? Or at least a few decent writing assignments? Is that really too much to ask?
I learned a few things that day.
*First: It’s okay to cry. It’s okay to be sad and discouraged. It is not okay to wallow or lose hope. But it’s totally okay be tired and cry it out.
*Second: Crying can be good. Admitting your disappointments out loud can be cathartic. Telling your worries to your mother over a tear-stained coffee cup can even lead to some unintentionally humorous conversations.
*Third: God loves me and will take care of me no matter what. Even when He doesn’t give me what I want, He gives me what I need and protects me from what I deserve. What I think I need is not what I really need. And that thought terrifies me because I don’t like the unknown. But if all I know is God will take care of me, and my family, then that’s what I have to go on.
*Fourth: Proverbs 22:1 (NIV): “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” I could sell my writings almost anywhere. I could write the kind of stories that would sell big, but in doing so I would compromise my style, my faith, and my name. I could write for people who don’t care about quality. I could write, and get paid. But I’d rather keep my Good Name. Because in doing so, I’m trusting God for the rest. (See Bullet Three above).
I kept praying for direction answers my will to be accomplished. Until I realized this is the first of many rejection notices I’ll receive. I just happen to be the one doing the rejection this time. And I’m okay with that.
I’m a firm believer that when God closes one door, He opens another.
The same day I rejected this freelance opportunity, another one came my way. One that will be mutually beneficial to myself and the business I’m writing for. One that leaves me no doubt that God had this lined up before I even thought of rejecting the first one.
And then of course I felt pretty foolish for having stomped my feet and threw my fists in the air (no, not literally!). But it’s a good thing to know that God loves me know matter what. It’s an even better thing to know He knows what’s really in my heart.
Psalm 50:15 (NIV): ” and call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you and you will honor me.”
Yeah. I’m keeping my Good Name. Because it comes from My Father. And after all, Father Knows Best.
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
Feb 5, 2012 |
It’s been awhile, hasn’t it?
Be honest.
You thought you’d seen the last of my food posts, didncha?
Puh-leeeze. Like that could happen! I wouldn’t forget something as important as food!
Today’s the Big Day. The day when the Commercials are (almost) more important than the Show (certainly some will be more controversial!). The day when some people will love the Half-Time Show while others loathe it.
Today is Football.
And while my favorite team won’t be playing this year [I’m a Cheesehead!], my favorite foods will be on the table.
To start things off, I admit I’m going the semi-homemade route. Since I knew I wouldn’t have time to prepare all the snackage that I wanted to enjoy, I bought two appetizers from Schwans: their breaded Mozarrella sticks and their Cheddar and bacon stuffed potato skins. I really enjoy the ease of Schwans’ foods; straight from freezer to oven. And super delicious tastes! So it was a no-brainer to let them “cater” part of the Big Meal.
To add my own touch, I’m making a hearty amount of my Slow Cooker Turkey Chili to eat by itself and to also use as a topping for my Crescent Dogs.
Throw in some chips, dips, and maybe a few sliced and diced raw veggies, and it’s a par-tay!
There will be brownie bites and cookies for dessert, and the typical beverage options of water, juice, coffee, tea, and maybe a soda pop or two.
Will you be at a Super Bowl party? What’s on your menu?
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
Feb 4, 2012 |
I was recently offered the opportunity to blog for a Life Insurance Company on their website. Although that didn’t pan out, I’m pleased with what I began for them and wanted to share it here.
The idea was to write something to draw internet traffic to their website, which would, theoretically increase their business. So I came up with the idea of treating the Reader as if they were brand new to the idea of Term Life Insurance. It was going to be a six-part series: Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How. I only completed the first three.
Still, I think it’s a solid showcasing of my abilities to make a concise, intriguing entry. What do you think?
Part One: WHO, What, When, Where, Why, and How
Life Insurance: Who Needs It, Anyway?
We hear it all the time: “Who needs it, anyway?” It’s a common statement that so casually dismisses any importance tied to the subject. It’s often meant as a way of shrugging off any ties. When someone offends us, we wave back and grumble, “Well, who needs you anyway?!” When our car breaks down beyond repair, we give the same reaction. When met with a rude waiter at our favorite restaurant, we don’t leave much of a tip, do we? Who needs it…
But we do need it. In some way, shape, or form, we are in need of human contact. Of transportation. Of food and shelter. And, yes, even Life Insurance.
In this day and age, finances are a very scary subject. You’re probably asking yourself, “Can I afford Life Insurance?”
That’s the wrong question. Instead, ask yourself this: “Can I afford to not have Life Insurance? Will my family be burdened when I’m gone?”
Do you have enough funds free and clear to cover all expenses, once you’re gone? Are you the sole provider for your family? Do you own your house or are you still paying a mortgage? Do you even have enough for a decent burial? Or would your family have to incur more debt just to take care of your funeral?
Wouldn’t you like to make sure your loved ones are taken care of in the event something happens? Death is a reality. Inherited debt doesn’t have to be.
You don’t have any heirs to worry about your estate, you say?
Not sure what type of policy you would get, or how much you’re worth?
Don’t know where to start?
What the heck is this Life Insurance thing all about, anyway?
Come back to this blog as we hit the highlights and hopefully fix some misgivings you’ve had.
Got questions? Suggestions? Stories? We’d love to read what you have to say.
We’re here for you.
Part Two: Who, WHAT, When, Where, Why, and How
Life Insurance: What is it?
We get a lot of people who aren’t really sure what a Term policy is. And most feel a little silly asking.
“It’s Insurance, right? Shouldn’t this be easy?”
But let’s be real: in the Information Age, sometimes people still have too little (or too many) details to go on.
You have insurance on your home and auto that will provide financial assistance in case of loss or catastrophic damage.
Life Insurance is just that: an insurance policy on your life. If you die while your policy is active, the coverage amount will be issued to your beneficiary as they continue on.
Term Life Insurance is simply a policy that offers coverage for a predetermined amount of time (typically 10, 20, or even 30 years), with a fixed payment plan. Your plan, and your payments, never vary. It’s something you can count on!
It’s important to know that it doesn’t end there. You can always renew your Term Life Insurance policy, or convert it to a permanent policy that guarantees coverage at fixed rates for the lifetime of the policyholder.
Term Life policies are the most popular form of Life Insurance policies because, generally speaking, they are also the most affordable.
For someone who’s just starting out in life.
For someone who’s on a fixed income but still wants to provide for their family.
For someone who wants peace of mind.
Everyone’s insurable. Even if you think you’re not, you really are. Individual people require individualized policies, and we can help with that. No matter what you’ve heard, you’re never too young, too old, too sick, or too anything for a Term Life Insurance policy.
We’re here for you.
Part Three: Who, What, WHEN, Where, Why, and How
When should I get Life Insurance?
The question is direct. The answer is simple: NOW.
But there will be a million reasons to stop you. Young people feel invincible. Adults don’t have time to think about it. The elderly think it’s too late.
Let’s be clear: the only time it’s too late to get Term Life Insurance is when you’re dead.
Think of Term Life Insurance as a savings account for your beneficiaries. It’s your way of continuing to provide for them after you die, just as you’re doing now. And nobody knows the day or hour of their death.
THERE IS A 100% CHANCE THAT YOU WILL DIE.
Anything can happen: the healthiest person can be struck by a drunk driver. A slip-and-fall can cause internal injuries. Or you could just not wake up some day.
AND THAT DAY COULD BE TODAY.
Don’t you want to make sure your family doesn’t have more to deal with than they have to? If you could protect your loved ones from unnecessary heartache, wouldn’t you?
THAT DAY IS TODAY.
Term Life Insurance offers an easy payout after your death to assist your loved ones, just as you do while you’re living. There’s no condition on how the policy must be spent. Your family can use it to pay medical bills, take care of funeral expenses, or pay off other debts.
It could be your last chance to provide for your family. Who wouldn’t want to do that?
We’re here for you.
Feb 3, 2012 |
We’ve all heard it before. You can’t predict your life. Things happen. What you have designed for your life is not what God has designed for your life.
Blah.
Blah.
BLAH.
When I was a child, I lived in Michigan and planned to live in California and become a famous actress. Or a teacher. And I’d write about my dreams.
When I was a teenager, we moved to California and I planned to work at Disneyland. Or marry John Stamos. And I’d write about my dreams.
When I was in my 20’s, I went to college and planned to become an award-winning news journalist. And I’d write about my dreams.
When I was in my 30’s, I was a single mom trying to make ends meet. I planned to marry rich and spend the day being a carefree housewife. Or live in New York. And I’d write about my dreams.
Now I’m in my 40’s.
I thought by now I’d be married. I thought by now I’d be published. I thought by now my name would be known. I thought by now I’d be fairly debt free, fairly financially stable, fairly living where the grass is greener.
Life.
I still live in California.
I’m still a single mom.
I still believe in God.
And I still write. About my dreams. About my memories. And everything in between.
I write.
All the time.
“Life is what happens when you make other plans…”
I always tell people, I was born to write. I have ink instead of blood. I keep my fingernails clipped short to make it easier to type. I always carry a notebook and pen wherever I go. I have my own brand of shorthand, and I know how to write in the dark.
I can be inspired to write a sonnet by looking in a landfill of trash.
When I go to a movie, it has to be a really good one to keep me from being distracted with thoughts of “I could write that better” or “this scene should have been written this way”.
I have yet to make a living with my writing. I don’t have any national awards on my resume yet. People aren’t sending me fan mail. Yet.
But this I know:
I’m not settling for a change of plans.
I was born to write.
And I am really good at what I do.
I’m just waiting for the rest of the world to realize it.
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
