Smoke Signals

Some stories are worth reposting. I'll take another dose of laughter at Bella's expense.

Do you have one of those friends who will come for lunch to help you get rid of left-overs? I love that. Nothing fancy, just two friends enjoying a simple meal, some good laughs, and great conversation.

I have a few great friends who would join me for a meal of left-overs. The one I have in the town I'm now living in, is Susan. She's a whole lot of fun, and is the kind of friend that doesn't care if your house is in shambles, and you greet her at the door in your sweats, no make-up... basically looking like something the cat dragged in. Everyone needs a friend like that. Those friends of mine, you know who you are... God bless you!

Well, it was twenty minutes before Susan was to arrive, and I was doing some last-minute preparations. Candles were lit in the window which opens the kitchen to the living room. Love candles. Even the simplest of occasions calls for candles! I happened to look over to that same window, and to my surprise, I saw smoke billowing from my counter-top to my ceiling!! Are you ever amazed at how many thoughts rush through your mind in an instant? I actually reminded myself that no, it could not be the lunch I had on the stove, because my stove is on the other end of my kitchen! I stood there and looked at our cat, Bella. She had a look on her face as if she was saying, "What? What'd I do? Why are you looking at me like that?" It was in that moment that I realized that the smoke was coming from Bella! When she came through the window, her tail caught on fire! Okay, let me tell you, that you would be amazed at two things: 1. How much smoke can come from burned cat fur. 2. How incredibly horrid burned cat fur smells!

Well, great. Twenty minutes until lunch, and my house now smells like burned cat fur. Ugh! I quickly opened windows, and got the Febreze out. Did I mention that I threw the cat out? Let her send smoke signals outside! (Don't worry... I made sure I completely extinguished her tail first.)

Susan arrived. No lie... she said, "Wow it smells good in here. It smells like a hair salon!"

Home is Where the Heart Is

I have a friend who travels for his job. He travels the globe, and I must admit that I do get envious when I hear of his many destinations. My life, you see, consists of a ten mile radius. On days that I don't work, it's more like a two mile radius. I rarely "get out of Dodge," but thankfully, my Dodge is a pretty nice place to be. However, my eyes do thirst for scenery other than pine trees. Beaches, mountains, prairies, and bustling cities with towering skyscrapers would be a welcome view many days.

Through emails, I learned that within a week's time, my friend had been to Germany, spent the weekend in London, and then flew off to Istanbul. I cannot imagine! It sounds so exotic... so beautiful... so wonderful. So unlike Dodge.

Before I allow myself to get too envious, I must remind myself that the grass that is always greener on the other side can turn out to be... artificial turf. You see, artificial turf is pleasant to only one of the five senses. It may look pretty, but that's about it. And just how does this relate to exotic places? Let me explain.

I had to laugh when I read a letter from this globe trotting friend of mine. After being to the beautiful places I just mentioned, he said he couldn't wait to get back to Duluth. Hmmm... Let's just ponder that for a moment. Germany. London. Istanbul. How many breathtaking images flood your mind? Many, right? Duluth. Just doesn't do the same thing for me. Now, before you Minnesotans get too angry with me, please know that I love Duluth. When I am there, I get a wonderful feeling that I am so far away. Lake Superior and the North Shore are stunning. But as for now, it is the middle of winter, and winter brings bitter cold, and barrenness. Duluth to me, is just not exotic. It just doesn't rank up there with Germany, London, and Istanbul. (Possibly, because I've never been to those places.) Now to my point... When my friend was in the midst of the far away places, he said he couldn't wait to get back to a place that is so common... common in my world. You could insert the name of a place that is common to you. It is probably a place where many like to visit, but it is so close to home that it has become common, therefore not always appreciated. Longing for a common place after experiencing exotic destinations proves that home really is where the heart is. Home is where the green grass is. It fills all of the senses. There is no artificial turf at home. Home is real, it is genuine, it is what we need.

So, I am thankful to be in Dodge. As much as I long for exotic adventures, I will cherish the real grass. I will go barefoot. I will smell the freshly cut grass and remember that everything I need is right here. My suitcase may be empty, but my heart is full.

For Rachel...

There is something

sweet

and wonderful

about the sound

of a friend's voice.

Especially

when that friend is

far away.

Her voice

was musical...

it's sound

reassuring

and comforting,

like an old blanket

on a cool, autumn night.

The soft sound of contentment in her voice

brought peace to my heart.

I am happy for her,

for she is in a place

many long to be.

That special place in life,

when one knows

beyond a shadow of a doubt,

that it is

exactly

where God has gently placed them.

Shine on, dear one, shine on,

knowing you are loved,

and encouraged.

Encouraged to brave the storms,

to bask in the sunlight,

and to tread the cool waters of life.

You, my friend,

are an inspiration

to everyone you touch,

to everyone you meet.

For when they meet you,

it is more than the wonderful person you are,

the awesome creation God made,

that they see...

For when they meet you,

they see Jesus,

and are immediately comforted,

content,

and happy

in your presence,

even though

they may not know why.

Need a Rope...

Check out my friend, Rachel's blog; it is very inspiring. Up until now, you may have thought my Dare Chair has been mighty uncomfortable. Well, let me tell you, Rachel doesn't even have a chair. I think she needs a Dare Rope to strap you on, and pull you along for the wild, adventurous ride. Hang on for dear life, my friends!

http://alaskaatlast-rach.blogspot.com/

My Friend, Lisa

Here is my dear friend, Lisa. She is the one who gave me a gift I will never forget. Read on...

Who is Your Hero?

If you had the chance to meet one person, a person you wanted to meet more than anyone else in the whole world, whom would you choose? Oprah, perhaps? A musician, actor, composer, or a favorite author? What about a Nobel Peace Prize winner, or Billy Graham? Maybe it would be Bret Farve... there are so many influential people to choose from.

Let me tell you who I would choose to meet. Without a shadow of a doubt, my choice would most definitely be Greg Mortenson. Those of you who have been loyal readers of my blog will recognize his name; I post his quotes, or stories about his work, often. I call him the Three Cups of Tea Guy; you know, the former mountaineer/military veteran/builder of schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan... The Three Cups of Tea One Man's Mission to Promote Peace... One School at a Time, guy. The man who instantly became my hero as soon as I started reading the book. This is the book that I begged, pleaded, and challenged all of you to read.

Last Wednesday night, I had my breath taken away. I got to meet my hero. Greg was speaking in Duluth, and I was there, front and center. You see, this is what I chose to do to celebrate my 40th birthday. I had planned on going to Las Vegas to see Phantom of the Opera (a true favorite of mine), but as soon as I found out that Greg was going to be in Duluth, there wasn't a doubt in my mind as to what I would choose. My husband was thankful; I saved him a lot of money by going to Duluth for one night vs. Vegas for a few nights and a show!!!

Over 800 people gave a standing ovation to Greg Mortenson when he came onto the stage; obviously, there are many people who admire this man. He received another standing ovation when he was done speaking. I enjoyed every minute, and did not want the night to end. I kept trying to take everything in... every detail, every picture, every word.

An announcement was made that there would be no book signing following the speech due to the large number of people who showed up. The event planners had planned for a much smaller audience; the event had to be moved to the DECC to accommodate everybody! Needless to say, I was a bit sad that I wouldn't be able to thank Greg Mortenson for all that he has done, and to get him to sign my book. When everything was over, my friends and I hung out for a while. We saw Greg talking to some people on the stage. Oh, how I wanted to meet him! My friends started walking out. Too bad. Oh well, I was so incredibly thankful that I was able to see him, and hear his speech; that would be enough.

I was following my friend, Lisa, out the side door. She started walking up the steps to the stage. "You're going up there?!" Did I dare follow her? She looked me straight in the eyes and said, "I'm taking you to him." My heart started pounding. You've got to remember... this is my hero. This is the ONE person in the WHOLE WORLD I would choose to meet. This was my chance. I don't remember breathing. You see, my friend Suzee is the one who reminds me to breathe when I get anxious, and she wasn't with me. Well, we went up on stage, walked up to Greg, Lisa pulled me in front of her as she stepped back. That act of friendship alone, brings tears to my eyes as I type this. Lisa knows me so well... well enough to know that this was the greatest gift I could possibly ask for. She gave me the opportunity to meet my hero.

I'm not sure if I can even tell you what I said to Greg. How does one even convey, or speak adequate feelings and words when meeting one's hero? I felt like Charlie Brown's teacher... "BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH." I am sadly aware of my lack of profound things to say to this man. Oh well. I had the honor of shaking his hand, asking him to sign the cover of my book, and getting my picture taken with him. I look terrified in the picture; I was. Remember.... Suzee was not there to tell me to breathe.

I will never forget that day. As I have reflected on that special moment, there is something that overwhelms me. As much as I absolutely, 100% LOVED meeting a man I respect, honor, and admire, the thing that makes my heart overflow, is actually the act of my dear friend, Lisa. I have tears running down my cheeks as I am writing this. You see, I know she would have wanted to meet him. She read, and enjoyed his book as well. She gave up the chance of meeting him... she sacrificed that chance for me, and my dream came true.

Thank you , Lisa. This was my Cairo.

I feel very loved.

Happy Birthday

To

Shannon

and

Sheila...

Happy 40th Birthday!

I've been thinking of you all week.

Despite having a child with the flu on your birthday (Shannon), and having to celebrate without any adults, and having to make your own birthday cake (Sheila), I hope you felt cherished, admired, and loved.

Here's to two beautiful women... cheers.

Jeri Lyn

I've added a link to Jeri Lyn's blog. I need to tell you a little story about her. Back in kindergarten, we were in the same class, and inseparable. Unfortunately she moved away. Was I ever surprised when she moved back in second grade and we were in the same class again! Life was good. Once again, she moved away after second grade. I remember visiting her for a weekend when I was 9 or 10. No one was more excited about going to her fourth grade birthday party then I was! Well, the morning of her party, I woke up with chicken pox! Oh, how sad I was! I never saw her after that. She moved out of state, and we lost touch.

Fast forward about 17 years...

Through the years, I would often think of Jeri Lyn. While I was at my mom's visiting, I decided to try to find her. I don't remember how, but I did end up finding her, and gave her a call. Turns out, we had a lot in common after all of those years. I was thrilled to catch up with her! She is in Colorado, I am in Wisconsin, but that has not stopped us from rekindling our friendship. I've gotten to see her briefly once since that phone call 11 years ago. I am hoping that we'll some day get to spend some time together.

Is there a friend you haven't seen for years? Find them and give them a call! You'll be glad you did.

Family

A couple of months ago, I had the privilege of surprising my best friend Lisa, on her 40th birthday. She had no idea I was coming; I got to come up from behind at the restaurant, and cover her eyes. What fun! It was a moment I will never forget.

I ended up at her house for coffee, and was invited to stay for dinner. I had talked to her husband Steve, earlier in the week, and knew that they were planning a special dinner that night, since she was leaving for Florida a couple of days later. I really did not want to impose on their family celebration, so I cornered Steve when he got home from work. I let him know how strongly I felt about not wanting to impose. His immediate reply was, "No, your staying. You're family."

It brings tears to my eyes as I am typing this. "You're family." What a tremendous gift those words were. I've known Lisa for about 25 years; I can't imagine life without her. It's a long story, but Lisa and Steve met because of Steve's best friend, Curt, and me. We have history. History is a good thing, but the bond of friendship that crosses over to "family" is a gift from God. I thank God for Lisa and Steve, and pray that they will be blessed abundantly.

Do you have a friend that is as close to you as a sister or brother? Let them know... it will bless them beyond measure.

Merry Christmas.

Maira

A friend of mine died last Sunday... just a couple of weeks after she found out she had cancer. It was all so surreal. My brain just could not wrap around the fact that she was gone. I never got to see her when she was sick; never got to say good-bye. I still have her big round Tupperware that I never got around to returning. It just didn't seem real.

The last time I saw her was at my Pink Poker Night. Every so often, I host this fun-filled night. We play poker, our chips are Hershey's Kisses, or any good wrapped candy. We laugh a lot, sing along to Elvis, or Donny and Marie, Sonny and Cher... you know... the good stuff we grew up listening to. If someone is losing, we share our winnings. We need to relearn the game each time... we would definitely frustrate men! Whoever is on the winning streak gets to wear the princess crown, and everyone is dressed in pink from head to toe. (The date on the picture above is incorrect... I forgot to reset it on my camera.)

Maira raised the bar on the whole, "dress in pink" thing. I opened my front door, and there she was, looking like a bottle of Pepto Bismol! Not only was she completely in pink, but she had made a pink wig out of yarn! That night was her night. She won continuously! We kept telling her how lucky she was. Here it is just two and a half months later, and she's gone. My heart is heavy.

After Maira's beautiful funeral, a few of us went out for lunch. We had a glass of wine, and made a toast to Maira. While praying over our meal, Rachel told Jesus to tell Maira "hello" from us. As soon as she said that, a vision of Maira flashed in my mind. It was Maira in heaven. She was dancing joyfully, the way she always did, with a tambourine in her hand. She was with some others, singing and dancing away.
Jesus said, "Hey Maira! Robyn, Rachel and Lisa say, 'hello'!"
Maira stopped, turned to Jesus and yelled, "What?!"
"Robyn, Rachel, and Lisa say, 'hello'!"
Maira's beautiful grin flashed across her face, and she said, "Oh! Tell them 'hi'!!!"
She then went back to dancing and playing her tambourine.

I know she is the life of a party in heaven, just like she was here.

As for the next Pink Poker Night, there will be a chair for Maira. On it will be the Princess Crown. It will be retired... forever Maira's.

Are You a Bus Kind of Friend?

Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is
someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down.

~Oprah Winfrey

I love this quote! Not that I would know what it's like to have a limo, but I get what she's saying! I am so happy that I have friends who would definitely ride the bus with me! No matter how many kids I have had (I now have 4), how great my husband is, or how much I love my job, I have always needed my girlfriends. They're irreplacable!