by kathilipp | May 30, 2010 | Because Sometime? I'm Just All Shallow - You Know? |
If you have not watched the first episode of So You Think You Can Dance this season go over and check the promo for it here.
Yes. Right now.
I’ll wait.
Amazing. Right?
I have to say I was an Idol drop off this year. (Not that I missed Paula, but it just wasn’t must-see TV for us.) We are cutting back on a lot of things – TIVO, cable, etc. But SYTYCD is going to be appointment TV for us.
You see, I’ve had quite an aversion to dance in my life. Oh I took the requisite Modern Dance class in Junior High. But, since I have become a Christian, the amount of bad worship dance I have been exposed to in my life is staggering. (Why is it that in order to lead worship in song you have to be gifted, but anyone who wants to dance can hop onstage whenever the spirit moves them?)
That is, until Easter, 2005. That is when I saw dance in the church done really, really well.
I was attending a church in Elk Grove and there were two young women (high school? college age?) who danced with two long pieces of fabric. At the end of the dance, they turned those two pieces of fabric into a cross.
I still get chills when I think of it.
That is often how I feel when I am watching SYTYCD.
There are dances that move me to tears. They are so beautifully (or sometimes comically) telling a story that it makes my brain think and feel in new ways. In our media-saturated life, it is rare that something can stand out, stand up and scream, “Look at me! Pay attention to me!”
So, so long Bachelorette. No rose for you.
Housewives from Jersey? I don’t need the drama.
Idol? I no longer worship you.
But today? We dance.
by kathilipp | May 25, 2010 | Uncategorized |
Isn’t it adorable?
It won’t be out until January 1st, 2011. Which makes me sad becuase I want to put it on my book shelf. (Something I love about my books? You can totally spot them from across a crowded CVS.)
I really, really love it.
I mean, I really do.
And how much do I LOVE her glasses that are just like mine?
Swoon.
OK – glory moment over. Back to writing the next book.
by kathilipp | May 24, 2010 | Me, Uncategorized |
Everyday, Jake the puggle (our pug/beagle mix) needs to be walked. (We live in a townhouse, and Jake is afraid of the back yard, so all official business must be accomplished on walks.) And between Roger and I, Jake gets walked, over two miles, every single day.
I walk him most mornings, and I have to tell you, generally, I really enjoy it. He is a happy dog, and except for the frequent “SQUIRREL” moments, he is pretty well behaved. I strap on my iPod, listen to a downloaded book, take a stroll in my complex, and generally enjoy my morning.
One of the drawbacks however (and trust me, I’m trying to be discreet here,) is that Jake does his business early in his walks. I, being a responsible dog owner, clean up after my dog and get to carry that little blue baggie for the rest of the .9 miles.
Here is where I am having problems.
You see, I was still enjoying our walks, blue baggie and all, until two weeks ago.
For the past two weeks, I have been carrying that little bag as I pass by a white truck. The white truck has a sticker on it that says “No Heifers – Truck May Tip Over” (Very reminiscent of the “No Fat Chicks” stickers from a couple of decades ago.)
I have to say. That little sticker evokes a lot of thoughts for me. Here are the thoughts – in numerical order:
- That guy is a moron.
- Why is it, no matter what time of morning I pass by the truck, is it ALWAYS there. Does moron not have a job? Did he expend so much energy picking out that oh-so-clever sticker and affixing it to the window of his car that, besides making beer runs, that is all he can manage to accomplish in life?
- I hate carrying this blue baggie.
- I know where I could put this blue baggie and not have to carry it any futher.
Yes, I KNOW that is not what Jesus would want me to do. And I know that even HAVING that thought is not a good thing.
But really, can you blame me?
(I comfort myself by thinking that surly Beth Moore has had some blue baggie/white truck moments. But probably not.)
by kathilipp | May 23, 2010 | Uncategorized |
When I was sharing about my gardening adventures this year, mynew friend Merideth, told me about some raised beds she wanted to put into her yard. Since she is a military wife, the idea of a mobile garden is appealing to her:
“I live in Fort Lewis (WA) too. We have strawberries that we grow and rosemary. The person who lived in our house before planted them. We are reaping her harvest. However, I was asked about what I want for Mother’s Day. We saw a square foot garden at the local spring fair. We talked to the master gardeners and well they gave us the blueprints for the garden. It is a garden on legs. I will post pictures when it is built for me for Mother’s Day. We are planting; Corn, cucumbers, cantalopes, green beans, onions, carrots and watermealons. The corn and carrots will have to be grown in the ground, everthing else will go in the box.”
Being that I have a 4 year old I think it will be a great learning experience for her and us. It will be our 1st garden, the best thing about the garden is we can move with it!”
Here are the plans that Merideth found online.
http://www.pierce.wsu.edu/mg/resources/WheelChairEnabledRaisedBed-RS011-2010.pdf
Not only would these raised beds be portable if moving, they would have the advantage of being Wheel Chair Enabled and easier for children, the elderly and those with back problems. Love it.
I want to do this for my herbs next year. (Hey, we just got a drip system in this year. Baby steps. Baby steps.)
by kathilipp | May 17, 2010 | Uncategorized |
Here is what we are giving up. It may not seem to be a big deal (in fact, many of our friends have never had these…) but it will definitely take some getting used to:
- TIVO (and you have to remember, I married an engineer who had THREE Tivos…)
- All non-essential internet services
- Radically decreasing our food costs (both eating out and grocery bills)
- Vacations
- Non-business books
- Some of our cell phone services
If you’re wondering why we are giving this stuff up, check out yesterday’s post.
So I’m curious – have you ever felt the need to get rid of stuff that was crowding your life and stealing time 
from your relationship with God or others? I would love to know what it is.
by kathilipp | May 16, 2010 | Uncategorized |
Ecclesiastes 7:30 JB “God made man simple; man’s complex problems are of his own devising.”
Let’s be clear. No one has ever confused me with Paris or Nicole.
But I do have one thing in common with the bleached blond duo – I’m trying to live a Simpler Life.
Roger and I have been toying with and dancing around the edges of what we want to live without. And then, two big realities hit at once.
- 1. We had more month left at the end of our checks each month.
- We have been feeling a shallowness in our spirits.
We have been so busy running around working for God, that we haven’t had a lot of time to be hanging with God. And let’s be honest, the amount of distractions in my life – almost all self-imposed – have not been helping.
Roger and I are going to be taking some active steps to not only live more simply on the outside, but also to make sure that the actions we are taking are a refection of a growing peace in our inner lives.
We are going to be giving up a lot of stuff, (a list of those will be posted on Tuesday,) but we hope to gain a lot of stuff in the meanwhile:
- More peace
- More connectedness with God
- More family/couple time
- More freedom to help those in need
Am I alone? Do any of you struggle with this desire for a more Christ-centered life? A less chaotic, simpler life? If so, would you be willing to share what your biggest struggle is?
Or maybe you have had some victory in this area. I would love to hear what got you to the place of peace.
by kathilipp | May 5, 2010 | Uncategorized |
I have a friend (we’ll call her Jesse,) who, over the years, has had, let’s say, a less than spectacular Mother’s Day each year.
It’s not that she doesn’t have a great husband – she does. But, her husband never really understood what a great Mother’s Day would be for Jesse. So he would do things she had asked for him to do months before – like repairing the screen door. Let’s just say that wasn’t what Jesse had in mind.
So years ago I suggested that she spell out EXACTLY what she would like for Mother’s Day. After three more years of disappointing Mom’s Days.
Jesse wrote her husband the following letter:
May 3, 2010
Hi Lovey,
I hope you receive this in the manner it is intended: to make Mother’s Day fun, your life easier and our day happier.
Here is a list of ideas that you might find helpful for Mother’s Day. No need to do all of these, feel free to choose from the list. I’d just like a day where for some part of it I feel special. If you or the kids do choose to go the gift route, please no candles, bubble bath, shower gel, lotion, manicure/pedicure certificates or perfume. If you guys decide to do something that’s not on the list, please let me know at the time because as you know I don’t get subtle hints. Also, I want to be able to thank you appropriately.
There is one non-negotiable. While I am not your mom, I am the mother of your children. At some point in the day please take the time to give me a hug, a smile and say thanks.
Ideas:
• Homemade cards from the kids (and you if you want, no pressure)
• A family walk or bike ride (I really enjoyed the hike)
• 2 hours in front of the TV to watch what I want, my way
• You and/or the kids could plan and execute at least one meal, or the whole day if you like (If you give me a grocery list before 8pm Saturday night I’ll even go get the stuff)
• Get the Sunday paper for me
• My choice: cookies or frozen yogurt (either you go get it or take me to get what I want)
• Take me to the store and let me purchase one magazine. Please don’t do this for me, I’d hate for you to get a duplicate because magazines can’t be returned.
• Send me to my room to read Dave Barry and laugh as loud and as long as I want
• Get fruit to make me a fruit salad – including any combination of the following: kiwi, cantaloupe, strawberries, blueberries, oranges, pineapple and/or pears
So that no one is surprised, these are the things I WILL NOT be doing on Mother’s Day:
• Laundry – to be done on Saturday (yes, I will need help)
• Cleaning the bathroom – again, to be done on Saturday
• Going out to eat – more trouble than it’s worth and every place will likely be crowded
One last thing. While life is unpredictable and no one can control anyone else, please consult with the kids to let them know that I’d like them to be on their best behavior for the day.
Thank you for helping me to have a great Mother’s Day. Love you. Jesse
Jesse’s husband THANKED her for the letter. He appreciated her spelling it out for him.
If there is one thing I have learned after writing two marriage books it’s this – the reason men stop trying to please their wives is that they fell like they will never get it right.
How do you think your husband would receive a letter like this? Or – having a frank conversation with him about what kind Mother’s Day would work for you?
How have you set expectations for how you celebrate your Mother’s Day in your house?
by kathilipp | May 4, 2010 | Uncategorized |
“Kathi – I have a quick question for you…”
Yep – I get that a lot.
So many people have a story to tell. Whether it’s their own, or one they made up in their head. And of course, the smart thing to do is get some advice from someone who has walked that path before.
So here is an excerpt from a letter I sent to someone – maybe like you – who asked the question – “How do I get started?”
Dear Friend –
You may know some of this stuff already, but in case you don’t, this is where I would tell any friend to get started.
First – here is my agent’s blog http://cba-ramblings.blogspot.com
Rachelle represents about 1/2 Christian market and 1/2 ABA (American bookseller asst.). She has GREAT info on her site for anyone in publishing. I always say, don’t tell her I referred you without reading EVERYTHING on her site about her process of submitting your manuscript. (And even then, let me know you’re dropping my name!)
Also here is another agent’s site for an agent who represents only ABA books:
http://blog.nathanbransford.com/
I love his posts. I would recommend that you look thought their old posting and look at Rachelle’s most asked questions. That would be a great place to get started.
Also, I would take a look at books that are similar to yours in genre. If you were writing a book about your cross-country trip with your cat you would need to decide is it more “Honeymoon with my Brother” but with a cat, or “Dewey- The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World”, but on the road. (I know each book is unique, but it helps to know where it fits to be able to describe it.) You need a concise way to describe it to editors and agents. (And don’t say, “There has never been a book like it in the history of publishing. You’re wrong. You just haven’t looked hard enough…)
Finally, the best way to get picked up by an agent/editor is to attend a conference. Start googling writer’s conferences and looking at what might work for you.
A writer’s conference is a crash course in getting published. Classeminars.org has a great conference each year, as well as the Writer’s conference at Mt. Hermon CA. but I’m sure there are some that are much closer to you if you’re on the east coast.
For non-fiction, you will only need an outline and usually the first two or three chapters. (Fiction you need the whole book to be finished. Those pesky editors want to make sure you have a good finish to the book!)
Those are just some things to get you started.
Q4U – If this is something you are interested in doing – writing – what are your questions? I will answer them in the coming days.
by kathilipp | May 2, 2010 | Uncategorized |
First – Here is the winner of our $25 Gift Card to Home Depot KAREN JORDAN!!! Be sure to email my assistant at kimber at kathilipp.com to recieve your prize – and congrats.
And hey – aren’t we all winners since we are all on our way to have fab salsa gardens? If you haven’t gotten started, you can check out all the instructions on last week’s post.
If you need some extra motivation, I am here to give you a week’s worth of recipe based on the salsa garden.
Here is what we have planted:
- a variety of Tomatoe Plants
- basil
- cilantro
- parsley
- peppers
- green onions
In addition to the salsa garden, we are also planning on planting some zuchinni and squash, and I’m going to see about planting some green garlic as well.
It has taken several days, but I have used my womanly wiles to pry Roger’s world famous salsa reciepe out of him. This is the same salsa that he and his brothers Rick and Randy and their lovely wives Debbie and Linda jarred for all of our wedding guests the day before we got married.
I promise you – bring this to any function and you will be the absolute hit of the party.
Roger’s Salsa
12 Tomatoes (or two large cans of crushed tomatoes)
1 can of tomato sauce (15 oz)
1 bunch of cilantro, chopped coarse down to the stemmy part
2 stems of green onion, chopped medium
1 red onion (I use two slices from the center
portion), chopped medium
2 jalapenos, chopped fine (leave seeds in) — if you
want mild salsa substitute Anaheim peppers; if you
want hot salsa substitute 4 habaneras.
4-5 cloves of garlic, chopped fine
Combine these ingredients in large glass bowl. If
tomatoes were room temp to start with, I add two ice
cubes and mix in. The following seasonings are very
approximate… I don’t measure. Add the following
seasonings to taste (measurements given are
approximately what I use… ish)
2 T fresh oregano leaves – chopped
1 T cumin powder
1 T coarse ground black pepper
1 T fresh basil – chopped
1 tsp marjoram
by kathilipp | May 2, 2010 | Uncategorized |
OK – first for the grand Prize winner of our 1000 Dates contest:
Brandy at Spotted Smile
Brandy wins a Flip Video Camera – how cool is that?!?
Here are a list of the other winners who all did a FAB job (check out theirblogs – I follow them all!) Each of them will win a library of books from Havest House – the best publisher in the world…
Amy Redelsperger
Heidi Holm (Facebook album)
Christy Richesin
Jeanie
Each of the winners can contact Kimber at kathilipp.com by this Friday and we will get your booty in the mail! Thanks to each of you for making your marriage a priority!
If you have not watched the first episode of So You Think You Can Dance this season go over and check the promo for it here.
