Single and Sassy. Hopeless romantic with a sexy imagination and high standards. Loyal to a fault. Telling stories about real life the way it really is. Made of sarcasm, wine and everything fine.
I was reading a book the other day and ran across this line – “We are all just living in the gap between what is real and what we imagined”. And it got me thinking. What does that look like?
We all had an idea of what we thought our life was gonna be like when we grew up. What our family was going to look like, what kind of house we were going to live in and what kind of job we were gonna have. At least we were bouncing between a few narrowed down job options – fireman or astronaut.
Then we played ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’…graduated, went to college or started a job, got married early or joined the military. Or a thousand other options. The thing is – how many of us are doing what we thought we would when we were planning our lives out in high school? I can tell you I sure never thought about what a forklift was or that I was going to sell them for a living. Never crossed my mind.
March is my birthday month so it gets me thinking about my age and if I’m where I was where I thought I was gonna be at….this age. I’m not where I thought I was going to be when I planned out my life at the ripe old age of 18. And here’s the thing – it’s totally ok. It’s completely different than I imagined. That’s one of my favorite things about life. It’s never as I thought. Life is change. Life is sometimes hard. Life is full of surprises. Life isn’t fair. But all in all, life is also beautiful. And fun. And always full opportunities you didn’t see coming.
I’m one of those crazy people who is always looking for a new adventure and new people to drag along with me on it. And the cool part about it? I GET to do it. And I do. As often as I can. This life I live is one of the coolest things – and it was something that I never would’ve dreamed that I’d love. And I’m just over here having new adventures and dreaming new dreams and meeting the most interesting people along the way.
Let’s talk about some of those people. When I left Philly six years ago (yep, it’s been that long now!), I wrote a post about how it takes a village – this is normally said when raising children – but I was talking about how many people helped this big kid move her life out West. There were so many that helped me that January. I’ll never forget it. Missed that one? You can read it here…. It Takes A Village
After spending four years in Colorado, I’ve now been living and working in Tennessee for two years. On one hand, it’s unbelievable it has been two whole years already and on the other? Feels like I’ve been here longer. Hint – I really love it here. Doesn’t feel like home yet, but I’m finding my way.
Oh – back to the people. One of the most unbelievable things to me in this is the amount of people I’ve met and become good friends with so far in Tennessee. Most of them are work friends, but I’m also working on adding to my circle of personal friends. Some of these people have been so important to me and my navigation of the state, of my job and just life in the South in general. (Ask me about the list of “Southern Sayin’s” I’m keeping on my phone – it’s hilarious!) I’m so thankful for the people who have come into my life and the relationships we’re building here.
I have good news – I recently received a pretty cool promotion at work and it’s been a crazy six weeks of planning and understanding new roles and planning some more and – oh look – things are changing again!! As most of you know, I can get introspective and reflective when things like this come around. And I can’t take all the credit – there is a literal ARMY of people keeping me going from day to day and week to week. If you are one of the ones who have spent untold minutes and sometimes hours talking through all the things and giving me all the advice, thank you. Sincerely. You guys have meant the world to me and you are usually my favorite parts of the day. I couldn’t have done it without you.
I’m telling you about this because it goes back to what is imagined over what is real. When I made the decision to move to Colorado and start a new job, I had no idea what was in store for me. Those years brought me exposure to other companies, allowed so many new people to come into my life, and I got to spend weekends in the Rocky Mountains. Talk about a win/win. I also gained life friends and connections – those are priceless.
Then came the decision to move to Tennessee. Where I didn’t know anyone and had no clue what I was walking into. It was scary, exciting and all the other feels you can imagine. And now, two years later? I’ve been promoted, my income has increased, I bought a house, started therapy, met some great friends, and it feels like I’m just getting started.
Have there been hard times? You know it. Have there been ugly sobbing cries of WTF have I done? Absolutely. Have there been disappointments and unmet expectations? Of course. But the good days so outweigh the bad. And there’s so much to look forward to.
And the fun thing? I don’t even know what not to imagine anymore. Anything could happen. I’ve been getting challenged over the past weeks to not limit God and see what He has in store for me. This new job? I didn’t see it coming. And it makes so much sense. I’m being reminded that God is working behind the scenes for me – even on days I think I’ve been forgotten. I’m so thankful and super excited to get started.
It’s helping me believe there are still big things in store. I know there’s more people to meet and more opportunities to try and more adventures to explore. Maybe it even includes being swept off my feet by an Eric Lindros type hero. You just never know ; )
This reminder has been popping up on my phone for the last two weeks. It’s one I added for myself and something I feel strongly about. Why? Because it’s something I really like to do. But I keep letting other things get in the way. Or I think others won’t care or relate to things I’d like to say. Things on my heart or mind (probably both) which are more than likely things others can relate to, but I’ve convinced myself they won’t.
Have I ever mentioned how much I love data? I’m fascinated by charts and graphs and numbers and all the things that show the results of just about anything. I think it started with early Excel data but it wasn’t as cool until I started using a FitBit years ago. Steps. Sleep patterns. Activity tracking by time of day. It was beautiful – and the data was there to help me make better decisions. To know when I needed to get up and walk or how I needed to change my sleep patterns. I won’t bore you with how excited I get with work data, but it’s captivating!
Then came Spotify Wrapped. A audio/visual utopia of your music listening history of the past year. Every December, my siblings and I can’t wait for it to come out – and then we share all kinds of data with each other and laugh at how much John Tesh shows up in my favorite artist categories. (Month End and a need for calming instrumentals is a real thing people!)
Now, your inbox is filled with all sorts of year-end data – how many times you made a Dunkin run, how many different drinks you ordered at Starbucks, the varieties of hotel brands you’ve stayed, the list goes on. And you all know my personal favorite, the number of books I’ve read in a year!
This data is fun and made to look cool but we all use it to make better decisions or little adjustments for the next year. Subliminally or not, this data affects us. “I’m going to read more books of substance this year” or “I should not drink that much coffee on the road” or “I’m going to listen to more genres of music and expand my horizons”. These are some of the reasons I’ve turned into a real data nerd. Turn it into visuals that can help you shape plans and decisions to make changes and grow, and you’ve created a monster. Don’t get me started on fleet and sales data for forklifts – I can be a real handful ; ) Just ask all the IT guys I’ve worked with over the last ten years!
Then there’s the report that surprises you. One that sticks in your mind more than the others. One you’re not particularly proud or happy with, but that’s what I love about data. It doesn’t lie. And its’ most redeeming quality is that it can set you free.
For instance? Imagine my shock when I received my WordPress wrap up of 2023 and it showed I only wrote one blog post last year. One. That’s it.
The funny thing is – I have at least 20 posts that I started and never finished. Cause life got busy. Or I wasn’t sure just how vulnerable I wanted to be. Or I was just plain lazy.
Hence the reminder to write. Something. I need to get back into the habit of writing things down and editing posts so they’re readable. Of sharing life’s crazy triumphs and troubles – because of COURSE you guys can relate. Even if it’s just one thing. That’s what cool about life – we’re all doing it together and we all have different experiences to share.
So? This is the first of hopefully many posts of 2024. There’s a lot of real reasons why there were so few last year but it mostly comes down to it was a year of growth. Deep. Humbling. And painful. And wonderful. Glorious. And more importantly ? Liberating.
Honestly, I’m excited. There’s a bunch of writing projects just rolling around in my head and my heart that desperately want to be let out. One will probably be a series and I’ve held off starting it because I couldn’t decide what kind of voice to give it. Or figure out what message I wanted to tell through it. But you know what? The best ones write themselves. You just need to let it find its voice and then sit down and let it flow. That’s when you know it’s inspired. In this case, I just need to corral it all together and then let it do its thing.
This year has already been one of planning, self-work, wonder, surprises and challenges. And purpose. And calling. And “I just want to be on a beach escaping life”. It’s gonna be a fun one, people! Hang on – it could be a wild ride.
A few weeks ago, I received some really good news at work – a promotion and some wonderful perks that come along with one. It was a pretty low-key big deal and definitely welcome news. It’s always a risk when you move halfway across the country for a job and the promise of more – but I have to say it’s always worked out for me so far.
A new job in a new place is a little more to get used to than I like to admit, but it is always an adventure. The really awesome thing is that God always places someone in my life to help me figure things out.
Since it’s International Women’s Day and it’s all about women lifting others up, I’d like to thank my friend Nicole for being the one lifting me up so many times this past year.
Don’t know anyone around town? No problem. Want to check out some local restaurants? She’s there. You’re moving all by yourself? She was there armed with sandwiches, Sonic ice (I now understand how important this is!) and helped me unpack 6838376368 boxes. You love Christmas? She introduced me to one of the most incredible Christmas bazaars I’ve ever seen.
This woman has been there for me countless times in so many ways and for so many reasons. She’s taught me so much about how to just love on people – any people, anywhere, anytime. She’s so quick to give a compliment or thanks or just to smile at people.
So when I called to tell her my good news, she was so happy for me. And was uplifting even though I could tell it wasn’t her best day. And guess what arrived the very next morning at work? These flowers with this note. I was floored and moved to tears. But her note was the best of all – a woman celebrating another in their moment.
Nicole – thank you for being true to your very core. I’ve “known” you for years but I had no idea how incredible of a human you really are. I’m so thankful we got to meet in person, and that we’ve only grown our friendship since that day. I think you may have an idea, but I’m not really sure how well I would’ve gotten through this past year if I wasn’t for you. Seriously. You are a gem!
There are so many wonderful women in my life and I’m so thankful for the opportunities I’ve had to meet them. I’m not a girlie girl and didn’t always trust women or their intentions – it was always easier to be friends with the guys. But I’ve been thinking about something for awhile now and it has to do with taking chances and meeting people and seeing what cool female friendships develop from them. Some of my greatest friends came from random meetings and I’d love to talk more about it. Watch for more posts about this in the upcoming weeks.
Until then – lift up those women around you. You may never understand how much they needed you under their wings.
From the time I was a little girl, I was listening to some sort of music somewhere. My dad shared his love of rock, country and bluegrass with us kids by taking us to bluegrass festivals and shows in Lancaster and other local places; we were raised to love music and to appreciate the chance to see it live. (With the number of Spotify playlists my siblings and I share on a regular basis, you can say that love is alive and well!) Dad even rocked me as a baby in a rocking chair while he converted all his records to cassette tapes. Don’t judge – I know that makes me old!
Saturday nights in our house consisted of evening baths, my mom setting me and my sister’s hair in foam rollers for church the next day, and the Grand Ole Opry on TV. We watched Little Jimmie Dickens tell jokes with a big smile on his face, Patty Loveless belt out Kentucky ballads and scores of others sing from Nashville every Saturday night.
We were taught the history of country music and how the Ryman Auditorium, “The Mother Church”, was one of the most respected and revered musical venues in the country. Dad loved to play shows from the Ryman and even though the Opry wasn’t played there anymore, we watched many events recorded from that stage. So, you can understand the Ryman was a big deal to us.
Fast forward thirtyish years….
Moving to a new state and town is exciting, scary and kinda weird. You start a new job and your new coworkers are basically the only people you know. Literally. So, you make start to get to know people and make friends and go home to….well, yourself. Then you gather up your courage to try something new and start meeting people in the area. Showing up to things and making acquaintances…hoping that some of them will turn into friends. And – get this – some do! And it’s really awesome. But – you’re still in newish friend zone, so you don’t feel comfortable with asking them to go just anywhere yet.
I’m supremely lucky in that I had a friend in CO (here’s to you April!) who made me feel not all alone there and one I hadn’t met in person but had known for years here in Tennessee. I’m pretty sure Nicole was sent to make sure I didn’t have a mental breakdown those first few weeks and has quickly become one of the best people I have ever known. She is hilarious, kind to everyone and this woman has taken care of me from almost the day I hit Nashville. She’s also a classic dork like me who loves memes and never judges when I feel like I might get emotional. Oh, and she’s also a hockey fan – so, legit awesome all around.
Anywho…..Nicole took me to a few Preds games and I was surprised to find that the Bridgestone Arena is literally across the street from the Ryman and that both of them are gateways to the craziness of the honky tonks of lower Broadway. That corner is crowded, loud, crazy at all different times and just utterly fascinating. She showed me places to park, eat and people watch – and promised we’d get to the Ryman one day.
If you guys were friends with me during the “Concert Kim” phase, you know I love going to see live music and am usually checking to see who’s gonna be where and when, and if I can go see them. So naturally, I signed up for a bunch of email lists in Nashville and am starting to see artists here in town. And I know it’s not a big surprise, but there’s a lot of good music here. All over.
One day I got an email about upcoming shows at the Ryman and I saw The SteelDrivers were going to be in town on a random Thursday night. They’re a bluegrass band that have been around for a long time and used to have the Chris Stapleton as their front man. Yep. Stapleton. The guys at work in Denver introduced them to me and I’ve been a fan since I heard them belting out “Blue Side Of The Mountain” in the shop. I listened to them in repeat for weeks and “Where Rainbows Never Die” was my number one listened song on Spotify in 2020. By a landslide. It’s a freaking awesome song with a beautiful intro. Listen to it sometime.
I did something crazy and bought myself a ticket. So I went. All by myself. Parked in the garage Nicole showed me and headed to the Assembly Food Hall for dinner (which she also introduced me to) and got to watch some live music there as well. All the while thinking that, in just an hour or so, I was going to walk into the Ryman for the first time. It was weird – like I had some kind of uncanny awareness that something I had looked forward to for a long time was gonna happen. It was almost like I was scared to mess it up. As I said, weird.
An hour before show time, I walked across the street and didn’t even know how to get in. It was kinda funny – the doors face Broadway but you don’t actually go in there. There’s a path around the back of the building that winds through some statues of famous stars – including Bill Monroe – before entering into a courtyard that filters you into the building.
You guys – the AMOUNT of old people milling around that courtyard carrying stadium seats, lawn chair cushions and blankets to sit on cracked me the hell up! I knew the Ryman had literal church pews to sit on, but for some reason I wasn’t expecting this. I even saw one elderly lady push people out of her way with her cane. I’m sitting there cracking up with a crazy grin on my face. I seriously hope I’m that awesome when I’m that old.
Then I walked in. And felt a certain kind of way. Like I could feel this was a big deal. I was finally in there! There are stained glass windows, pews and a really cool staircase. I walked up those steps looking at the windows and just breathed “I’m here”. It was so surreal. It was just a building but it was like you could feel, smell and taste the history there. It was one of the coolest experiences I’ve ever had.
I walked down and sat in my pew (so cool!) and got ready for the show to start. Bill Cody, the guy that MC’s the Opry came out and welcomed us all there. The sound of his voice practically made me tear up – it was just like it was all those times we watched him on TV as kids. So freaking cool!
Troubadour Blue came out as the openers and those kids brought the house down. Their energy, crazy harmonies and musical genius wowed the whole crowd. These guys are GOOD. Really good. And their songs are lyrically entertaining. At one point during their set, the lead singer says to us “I know we’re probably not the ones you came to see and some of you may have been here before, but this will forever be the first time we play the Ryman”. And he choked up. We gave them a standing ovation. And my eyes were leaking a little bit. They were incredible. I follow their Instagram and they are still riding high on that emotion and it’s been weeks at this point. I wanted to find that guy and tell him I had no idea I was going to see them play, but the opening notes to their song was the first ones I would ever hear live at the Ryman. I’m still getting goosebumps.
Then, The SteelDrivers walked onstage and proceeded to blow us away for the next couple hours. They were so good – they have great harmonies, they’re all good musicians and I pretty much fell in love with them all over again. And their latest lead singer is simply a gorgeous man – just throwing that out there. They played twenty songs and I sang along with almost every single one. I was in my happy place watching this band play songs that had come to mean so much to me – and it was in the Ryman! It was incredible.
Oh Mr. Hot Stuff also told us at one point that it was his first time at the Ryman and we gave him a standing ovation as well. He got so emotional he picked up a towel to dry his face. It was cool. Then Tammy Rogers (one of the original members) thanked us for making it special for him and asked if any of us were there for the first time. A few of us raised our hands and everyone applauded. It was pretty cool. I also felt a certain kinda way about that moment.
They played my three favorite songs at the end of the night (of course they were last- they were the best!) and did “Where Rainbow Never Die” as the encore. The second those familiar notes of the intro were played, I couldn’t help it anymore. I gave up. The emotion of the night finally got to me and tears ran down my face as I tried to video it and bask in the making of that memory all at the same time. I will never forget that moment. It was emotional and sweet and all mine and it was glorious.
After they finished the song, they took a bow, we applauded them and the house lights came up. I followed the crowd down the stairwell and came out in the street to the neon lights of Broadway in the hot and muggy summer night. And walking back to the car, I had the biggest grin on my face. I looked up to the sky and just said “thank you”. I was supremely glad I went and so very glad I went by myself. I didn’t have to worry about someone else not liking them, or wanting to leave early or thinking that me fangirling over a freaking wonderful building was weird. It went better than I could have imagined and it was an experience I will treasure for a lifetime.
I called my dad when I got home just to tell him all about it. I wanted to share my exuberance with him as he was the one who started it all in the first place. And bless him – it was late as hell on the east coast and he still listened to me babble on and was thrilled for me. I love how life brings you back around sometimes.
A few days later I told my new friends about it and they said they would’ve gone with me (guess I should’ve been comfortable asking them after all), so they’re totally going to see Aaron Lewis with me in December! But I think Nicole said it best – that this experience would not have been the same and it would not have been so personal to me if I had gone with someone else. That this was something that was mine to do and to have – and that it was a night I would remember forever. And she’s so right – it really was.
So I hope you remember this story when you have the opportunity to do something you’ve always wanted to do. It may be scary or weird and you may have to go by yourself, but here’s to making new memories with your own fine self. And walking out afterwards with a big ass grin on your face because you had the time of your life and you wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Rock on.
Picture credits are by yours truly. Credit for the name of this post goes to Nicole 🙂
Do you guys ever experience this? You’re going about your own business and then someone plays a voicemail you’ve left them and all of a sudden you’re wondering if THAT is really what you sound like? Or you catch what you look like on a zoom call or FaceTime and wonder why no one told you your eye makeup was smudged and your hair is a hot mess?
We tend to be our biggest fans and our worst critics. We have this image of how we come across, how others see us, and how we impact others. Only to see a picture or hear a voicemail and then all bets are off. We spiral into a freefall thinking about how horrible we look, how much weight we’ve put on, and where the hell did all those gray hairs come from?
We tend to look at ourselves through a kaleidoscope that’s tinted with our own perspective. But you know what? That’s just as twisted as all the colors we used to see when we looked through those things. Because we shouldn’t be as concerned as we are with how we see ourselves (although I firmly believe we all need to fall in love with our own fine selves), as much as we should be concerned with how others see us. Just be kind. To everyone.
Now – let’s be straight here – I still struggle with what others think of me, but I’ve come a long way compared to how I used to be. I watched a TED talk recently where the lady was saying how we think we need “permission, community and curiosity” to have confidence. She slayed me. Really. Cause you know what? So often I’ve looked to others to raise my confidence when I don’t actually need it from them. I can have confidence in my God-given abilities, in my experience and in the opportunity I have been given to share them. If we give ourselves permission to defy expectations and surround ourselves with a community of supporters, who knows where our curiosity will take us?
So walk about in the confidence you’ve just given yourself to have and focus on others – that picture you’re wanting to see will paint itself.
Do you guys remember a blog post I did earlier this year about feeling unsettled and not sure what was next? (If not, you can read it here…Visibility) Well, that feeling morphed and changed throughout 2021, but it just wouldn’t go away. I just thought it meant different things. As in – I thought I was going to take on a different job within my current company, then I thought that would only be part of it, that I would be growing and be doing a few different things within my job. Or something that would look like that.
When fall came around, I realized I was pretty unhappy with the way things were going in my life and I kept feeling this pull to get away by myself for a few days and do some soul searching . The feeling became so strong that I finally booked a few days at one of my favorite places in Estes Park over Thanksgiving weekend. I wanted to take advantage of the time I had there so I prepared people – like a total nerd! I shut down social media, I packed food and drinks, and I created entire lists in OneNote of things I wanted to think about and work out.
And guess what? I went up there with a purpose and I held on to it with all that I was. I read through my journal I kept for the year, reviewed notes and ideas and got to work. The list of things I wanted to accomplish over the next five years, my lifetime and some things I’d just really like to have it in my life – all of those things got fleshed out and written down. (Honestly, I was pretty proud of myself.)
Of course, I took a few breaks to go to RMNP and into town. I even ate takeout from a really good Italian pizza joint by Lake Estes one night. I had a blast – even though I was by myself for four days. Soaking up the mountains and smelling the evergreens was definitely on the list and was definitely attained! I even stalked a few elk who tried staying at the resorts. Pretty sure I’ll always remember that weekend.
It was a God thing that whole weekend even happened and now I understand why. The events and conversations of the next few days after I came back set in motion something I didn’t see coming right away. Something big. I sure didn’t see it back when I wrote that blog in May. Or even when I did some soul searching in Pagosa over Labor Day Weekend. But life is funny like that. Sometimes things happen in small doses so we can handle it once it comes – or otherwise we’d be freaking the hell out when it does.
I’m not gonna lie – I did a lot of freaking the hell out over the next few weeks because I was scared to death of what was happening and what it was going to mean. And thanks to those of you who were there for me through those days- you kept me sane in a time I needed some help figuring out what to do.
So, what happened Kim? Why were you freaking out? Well, I have some news! I’m moving again. Yes, leaving my beloved “life in a postcard” Colorado for an opportunity in a new state. Think…Elvis. Music City. Smokey Mountains. Y’all – I’m moving to Tennessee! Yep. I’m taking my guitar and my dreams and faded jeans and moving to Nashville! Sike. I don’t own a guitar. You guys know that. But thankfully my musical skills were not part of my interview so I landed a pretty cool job that I’m really excited about.
The other cool thing? I’ll be in driving distance to all my family so I’m pretty stoked about that. Bob will be the closest to me so he’s thrilled that “we’re practically neighbors”. Nashville will sure be a lot closer to Charlotte than Denver!
However, I am once again moving somewhere where I know no one and not much about where I’m going. I’m less anxious about this than when I moved out West, but it’s still gonna be a thing to meet people and get connected again. So if anyone knows anyone and wants to send me some info, I’d really appreciate it.
Otherwise, if anyone wants to come visit or send me notes, please do! I’m excited at the chance to make a difference at a new company and to see where this one leads. I can’t wait to get out and explore the area and post more cool pictures for you guys to enjoy. Mostly, I’m really looking forward to learning and understanding why this was my “next”. I wrote a lot of cool things down during that week in Estes you guys – can’t wait to see what happens!
And just for the record, I had no idea during that weekend that in a few weeks I would be….Gone Country 😉
As promised, here are some of my favorite books that I read in 2021. Some of them were re-reads, some were published in 2021, and some were ones I finally got around to. Oh, and I have a new frontrunner for best “book boyfriend” and I read that one more than a few times!
In no particular order…
Making good decisions, setting boundaries, the permission to say no
The Best Yes was a good read about setting boundaries and giving yourself the permission to say ‘no’ when you just don’t have the bandwidth to do something or take on a new thing. I had the chance to see Lysa Terkheurst at our women’s event at church and I really liked how real she was.
I will read (and have read) every book Mariana Zapata publishes. This one came out in early 2021 and I read it as soon as it came out and again in December because it was set in Colordo and it really is that good. Zapata is the queen of the slow burn and her books are like “friends” and I read a few of them every year. TheWall of Winnepeg And Me and From Lukov With Love are two really good ones if you want to check her out.
Hint – listen to this one on audio! McConaughey himself reads it and it brings a whole different element to the book. Trust me. I would have never pegged our favorite Texan as a life coach/motivational author but he is money in this book. And mom – he cusses. A lot. So maybe get some earmuffs, ok? 😉 All in all, he’s freaking hilarous. And has the best stories – so check it out!
Honestly, I can’t tell you if I really even liked this book but I have it on this list because I consider myself a history buff and I don’t remember ever hearing about some of the events that happened during this book. This is a really well written book but the characters go through some really rough times.
This chick is partially crazy but she has some really good ideas about simplifying your life and decluttering. She is the one who has the blog about slimming down your wardrobe with Project 333. I can’t say I’m down to 33 items per season, but the goodwill bags have definitely increased this year! She also has some good ideas about simplyfiing your mind and life. This one was an audio as well and I’ll probably listen to it again in 2022.
This was one of the most enlightening books I’ve ever read. Both eye-opening and downright appalling, I had to stop listening every once in awhile. The research Wilkerson put into this manuscript is impressive. She breaks down racial discrimation and redirects to how America is set up as a caste system. It’s just as fascinating as it is terrifying.
This whole series is hiliarous and worth a listen. Definitely a fantasy series, so keep that in mind so you’re not surprised that the mayor of Mystic Bayou is actually a bear-shifter. The characters and the way they are portayed by the narrators MAKE this series. You’ll def be laughing out loud!
One of my favorite books of the year, this is an easy read and kind of a fable about a high-powered lawyer changed his life and came back as a new man. It made me think a lot about my work/life balance and how it can affect your health and general wellness if you let it get out of hand.
One day, one of my coworkers pulled up a chair next to mine at my desk and had me watch two episodes of Uncomfortable Conversations With A Black Man on YouTube and it made a huge impact on me. We watched one with a police station and one with Chip and Johanna Gaines and their family. This coworker was a close friend and he taught me a lot about what it is like to live life as a black man and how he and his wife are raising their sons. When this book came out, I ordered it right away. The day it came in, I picked it up to read while I was eating dinner and finished it that night. It’s that good. And let’s be real – Emmanuel Acho used to play for the Eagles so naturally I’m a fan. The fact that he is one fine looking man doesn’t have anything to do with it. At all. Sike.
So funny story about this book – It made such an impact on me that I told almost everyone about it. I sent the Love Languages test to my whole team at work and they all actually took it! We went over what everyone’s love language was as a team and it showed us a lot. And naturally, we group hugged the two people who scored the lowest on personal touch! A bunch of my friends took it and it was a really great exercise. Those of you who know me well can probably guess my two top love languages. Go ahead. Guess!
I was introduced to Kristen Ashley in November of 2020 by my friend Kellie and I quickly found out why she said she stacked every other author against Kristen Ashley. This can explain why and how I read 40 of her books in 2021. She’s a great author who can paint pictures and connect you with her characters in ways you feel like you actually know them. She also connects characters across series and when one pops up randomly, it’s like a friend just showed up unexpectedly. It’s a lot of fun!
Since I’ve read so many of her books in a short amount of time, I can legit do a blog post just on my favorite books. And, of course, my favorite men! From Luke Stark to Hop Kincaid to Hawk Delgado….I could go on for days. But Deacon Gates stood taller than all the rest to me. This series was full of non-heros and Deacon may scare the heck outta my momma, but hot damn is this man pure fire. He is quiet, he is fierce, he can be intimidating and he’s broken. But he is one hell of a badass who eventually figures his stuff out and comes back to claim his woman.
Pretty sure I’ve read and listened to this book at least four times this year. I love Cassie – the heroine – and how she has a bunch of cabins she rents in the Colorado mountains. And she helped shape a dream for me – one day I’ll be on my porch with a coffee or a beer and my feet up on the railing listening to the creek below me. Hopefully with a man who reminds me of Deacon Gates. Or Luke. Or Hopper. Yum.
Hint: this book has some themes you may not be expecting. Do some research before reading or just drop me a note and I’ll fill you in.
There were plenty more good ones from last year – let me know if you need any recommendations. Thanks for indulging with me and here’s to many more adventures between the pages in 2022!
Thanks to @mikaylaljohnsonn for sending the graphic
You know those posts you see about suicide prevention and how you can put it on your page so people can see it? I was one of those ones who see them, feel bad for those people and scroll on.
The thing is – that all changes drastically if it is someone you know. Or knew a long time ago. Or were somehow connected with. And then the meaning behind those posts changes dramatically – because now you see a real face. A life.
One day this last summer, I woke up and smacked my alarm a few times before finally picking my phone up. Those of you who know me know my eyes are terrible and I rarely have my glasses nearby because I mainly wear contacts. Well, as I checked my phone and – squinting one eye to try and see better – I did what most of us do in the morning and checked a few things. Then Facebook.
Sometimes I think we should have a rule – no checking out phones before we’ve had several cups of coffee, fresh contacts installed and are somewhat coherent. But, hey. Probably not going to change that anytime soon.
Anyway, that day the first post was one of those you don’t want to see – one with not good news. One of the girls from my Junior High small group (they’re now 28. 28! Gosh, I’m getting old!) had posted an “In memoriam” post with lots of pictures of one of her really good friends. And – I knew that friend. I knew that face. She was also one of the girls from that group.
The years I spent with the Junior High Ministry at Calvary Philly were some of my favorite ones. I had a blast hanging out with those kids. And I’ll always remember that first group I was with from their 6th to 8th grade years. I don’t remember everything about those girls, but I remember them.
Thanks to Facebook, we can keep in touch with people even when your lives follow different paths. And since I was connected to the one girl, I watched the other grow up. Of sorts.
Back to the post – even though I was squinting and still not awake, this jolted me. A young lady whom I remembered with one of the biggest smiles I’ve ever seen, and infectious laugh and dancing eyes. Knowing that life light was gone out cut me pretty bad.
Then I found out what happened – she had committed suicide. Even seeing those words still makes me still. This is a person who was raising a kid, moved to another state, found work and seemed to be doing well. (But I’m sure there was much more to it than the snippets I saw). She had been dealing with some rough things in her life and it must have been pretty difficult.
It made me remember that we don’t know what everyone is going through – and what they show outwardly is not often the whole story. There have been times when I’ve never wanted to show up to anything and did and was so on. Because I figured if I was overly outgoing, no one would ask any real questions. But that was just a mood – sometimes it’s a life.
That whole day I was distracted. Off. Heartbroken. For her – for her friend. For her kid and her parents. I didn’t really even know what to feel or how I felt.
All in all, it made me think of how we have the opportunity to influence others. To love others. We taught those girls over 15 years ago – heck, I’m grateful they even remember some of us. Who knows what type of influence we had? What influences came after us? What twists and turns their lives made?
The challenge here is to think about those close to you – and not so close to you. Those struggling and those you have no idea are struggling. All of them need to know they have someone around them to talk to. To call when there’s an issue. To love them and pray for them.
Here’s hoping they know they are so loved. That there are people somewhere in their lives who love and care for them. Who can show them their lives matter. And that they are so loved.
You know those people who always have the next goal in sight, their next milestone mapped out and a detailed plan of how to make that all happen? Yep. Guilty. I’m one of them. So what happens when you’re not sure what the next step is? No clue? No? Well, I’ll tell you. At least what happens to me.
Lack of focus. Intermittent laziness. Slight depression. Frustration. No sense of purpose. Questions if I’m in the right place. An inherent desire to find the missing….something.
Let me back up a bit. I’m the oldest child. Pretty bossy. A planner of next steps. And other similar traits. I was always getting ready for something. School. High school. Work. Travel. Back to school – college. Promotion. Better situation with more potential growth. I don’t really remember a time when I didn’t have something in mind. Something lined up. Something I was working towards.
The friggin awesome part of this story is – all the above? Done. Checked off. Accomplished. As outlined in past posts, insert and insert, I had a mountain of help along the way.
But I’m in this kind of a weird place now. I worked really hard, put in way too many hours, took a bunch of crap, but thank God, I was able to accomplish a lot of what I set out to do in this job in Colorado. It was awesome, took a nose dive, got worse, settled out, morphed again and got crazy busy and then finally settled down.
That’s not to say that anything is wrong with what I’m currently doing. Cause it’s not. Not at all. I’m working under 50 hours a week. I have time to think. Take on other projects. All the hard work of the past three years brought me to this point. Everything is good. But….I have no clue what is next. None.
Kim! You may say….there’s a ton of possibilities. Go get a MBA. Look for another opportunity. Go for a promotion. Volunteer. Start a side hustle. Go climb a mountain. Or start training to climb one.
But the funny thing is – I just can’t figure out what’s next. I was really feeling restless a few weeks ago and I went to the mountains on Easter Sunday to talk with God and figure it all out. You guys wanna know what His answer was? To wait. Yep. One of the hardest things ever.
So. I’m waiting and feeling some things out to see if they’ll work and if they’re what I would like to do. Nothing huge and life changing – because I need to wait to see what’s next.
Again, as this planet spins ‘round the sun, things are changing. I started writing this a few weeks ago, and then a few things happened to where I had to work a lot of hours lately. But, no biggie. We can handle that every once in a while right? That’s called life. But there are more changes coming that, while they may not affect me directly, they could change a lot of things.
I’m guessing the lesson here is to identify when you’re feeling restless, ask for guidance in that, and then see what happens next. I for one am pretty excited about the possibilities.
Eight years ago, my grandmother passed away – just five days before Christmas. That week was one of the most emotional weeks in my entire life. I’m pretty sure I cried 50% of the tears I’ve ever cried then. A week and a half later, on New Year’s Day, I woke up with this urge to write. It wasn’t like I had a choice, I had to write this story. Mom-Mom was like a force of nature – she affected those around her in a way they would never forget. She showed love and grace to all she came in contact with, and it was a great example for us grandkids. Someone recently asked me about the post I did that day and I found it buried in an old blog. I read it again myself that night and I swear it was like someone else wrote it. And confession – I sat there and bawled all over again. She was a great woman and will always be missed. But I think we can all agree – she sure left a legacy of grace.
Originally posted 1/1/2013 on A Step Beyond
Five days before Christmas a very great lady finished her race and walked into the arms of Jesus. She was surrounded by her husband of 60+ years and her nine children. PopPop held her hand and said “I Love You” and she answered him back “I Love You, Too” shortly before she passed away. This woman, Grace Heilman, left behind a husband, nine children and their spouses, 59 grandchildren and assorted significant others, and 32 great-grandchildren (with two more on the way). Family, friends, relatives, and acquaintances all came to pay their respects – most of whom mentioned what a great lady she was. And they were all right. But the amazing thing? I don’t think any of us fully comprehend just what an “Amazing Grace” she was. Speaking of “Amazing Grace”, it really was her favorite song. PopPop reminded me how one of her favorite lyrics was “When we’ve been there thousand years….we’ve only just begun”. It’s true, I remember her telling us about it and saying “Can you just imagine? 10,000 years and it’s just like one day!” Well MomMom, you don’t have to imagine it anymore – you’re living it!
Because MomMom just didn’t leave people behind – she left memories, lessons, and love behind. I don’t think one of us grandchildren ever got away from seeing her without a great big hug and a “do you want some ice cream and pretzels?” She loved us all – and even though our family grew in exponential fashion, she didn’t change. Her love multiplied right along with the rest of us. And we are a crazy, awesome, energetic bunch – but she never said a bad word about any of us. She may have corrected us and tried to help us through things, but I personally never remember anything bad she ever said about me. Unless you count the time when she said she liked hugging me and my brother best because “we were just like big pillows!” haha – but what can I say – she was right!
Over the last few weeks a lot of our family has been reminiscing about MomMom and all the wonderful things she did or said, or all of the funny things that happened. One of my favorite stories is the one PopPop tells about how he knew MomMom was “the one” for him. They were young and at a church picnic playing softball. It must have been summertime because they were all in their bathing suits. MomMom bent over to field a ball and PopPop said she was wearing a red suit so it looked like a big red heart when she bent over. And he was hooked! I remember when Lynn and Ryan got engaged and I went over to MomMom and PopPops with them when they broke the good news. PopPop told us that story then and had us all laughing. MomMom just looked at him with that big smile she always had for him and said “Oh, Niss….”. There are varying reports of the actual truth to that story – but we like to think its true just the same. Because we can all see it happening 😉
Momma reminded so many of us of something during the funeral – MomMom had 59 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren and she said all of them were grand! MomMom was like that – she thought the world of each and every one of us and loved us like we were the only ones in the world.
In the midst of all this reminiscing and over a few talks with my mom, I began to realize that MomMom fulfilled some of the scripture she loved so much. There is a lot of talk about being “good Christian women” and “becoming a P31 (proverbs 31 woman)” in our churches, but there are not a lot of real, live, existing examples for us to follow. But, not to worry, we found one. MomMom. Grace Heilman was a real P31 and I would like to show you how.
Proverbs 31: 10-11 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. Ok, visit PopPop. Ask him if he thinks MomMom was worth more than rubies. If she was rare and priceless. He will vehemently state she was worth more than any of the riches in the world. Then ask him if he trusted her. Not only with taking care of his family and house and finances, but with everything. And fidelity She would never have even dreamed of cheating on him – their love was true and lasting. Just ask him. See what he says. Ask any one of the aunts and uncles for that matter. They’ll tell you. And for those of you who cannot ask – take it from a hopeless romantic grandchild – he loved her above anything else and she loved him right back to overflowing.
Verse 12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. My notes in my Bible says this is for all seasons of life – and no one can deny she did this. She served PopPop all through their marriage with love and commitment. She cooked, cleaned, did 845,687 loads of laundry and took care of the family. She nursed them when they were sick, helped them through childbirth and raising their kids. And for the last five years, MomMom was the main caretaker of PopPop. Due to his health, PopPop was house bound and needed lots of care. Six or some months ago, he suffered a nasty fall and was flat on his back for about five months. Although her kids told her to slow down, she selflessly took care of PopPop – even to where it wore her out. She definitely did him good all the days of her life.
Verse 13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. MomMom loved to take us to pick berries and peaches and such. I know she took a lot of us various different places and I remember she took Tammy and I blueberry picking and maybe even strawberry picking. Berries, peaches, cherries, tomatoes ..she picked them all! As for her hands, only Jesus knows exactly how many meals they prepared, clothes they folded, tears they dried and hands they clasped. MomMom’s hands were full of life – literally. She acted as midwife for almost all of us grandchildren, some of the great-grandchildren, and helped out countless other women give birth. If the lines in her hands could only speak I’m sure we would be astounded by the things the “right hand hid from the left”
Verse 14 She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar. MomMom was a very generous woman and had a heart for those in need. She made meals for those who were sick or grieving helped out at various events, and even used to go grocery shopping for a neighbor who didn’t always appreciate her. She catered to a lot of peoples’ needs and was often the hands and feet of Jesus to those who needed it.
Verse 15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. With a big family, it is almost necessary to rise before the sunrise and start preparing for the day. I remember being at the house on 70th avenue in the big kitchen and watching MomMom rinse out the boys’ lunchboxes and line them up for the next day. Momma said that when she was working, she would come home at the end of the day with the rest of the working kids at that time, and PopPop, and MomMom would always have supper ready and waiting for them.
Verse 16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it, with the fruit of her hand she planteth a vineyard. MomMom always had some sort of a garden growing with vegetables of all sorts. She planted flowers and and had a lot of plants in her house. She loved to help things grow. She passed that along to some of her children as well. Momma loves to grow things and has lots of plants everywhere. I know Uncle Dean has a lot as well. The others may have some and I just don’t remember – sorry guys 🙂
Verse 17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengthened her arms. I’m not sure MomMom ever out-lifted Hulk Hogan or anything, but she was always trying to “lose 10 lbs or so” and did some walking. But I think this verse it a little deeper and is speaking about spiritual strength. MomMom loved many of the Psalms but one of her favorites was Psalm 121. Here is where she found her strength…. I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. Psalm 121: 1-2 Verse 18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. I’m not sure how it was in the early years, but MomMom was up late a lot that I can remember. She loved when people would come to visit (and often told us how long it had been since our last one 😉 and stayed up late talking to us or with PopPop when they were alone. She also would read her Bible every night and every morning. Again, MomMom, you’re slaying me here but I promise to do better.
Verse 19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. MomMom always had a sewing machine for as long as I can remember. She made lots of clothes and helped many people make their own as well – including some wedding dresses. She also taught my momma to sew. Mom made lots of our clothes growing up and some of her own as well. She made a beautiful peach dress for the cruise her and Dad went on, as well as a gorgeous red one for Tammy’s wedding. Mom also used her sewing prowess to open up her own business – Grace Irene Window Fashions! (and yes, mom is named after MomMom. They are both Grace Irene.) Verse 20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. MomMom and PopPop were always taking care of people. Whether by showing up and helping someone move, letting people live with them because they had to move, making meals and all sorts of things like that. They also gave to a lot of charities. Where do you think the stuffed bear and stuffed buffalo on the living room table came from? The Indian Youth Association! I really don’t think we’ll really ever know just how many people they helped through various means, money or otherwise. It really doesn’t matter. But what does matter is that we pay it forward. That we use their example and do good to others. For personal glory? Nope. Because Jesus said to help the poor and the needy and that He loved them just as much as the richest man in the world. MomMom and PopPop both would tell you that all day long. So honor them and God and give to those in need. For HIS glory, not yours. Verse 21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. I’m not sure how she did it, but I’m sure she came up with interesting ways to make sure all the kids were clothed well, even in the cold weather.
Verse 22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. Do you guys remember MomMom’s long purple winter coat and big purple hat she used to wear to church? They were beautiful! She really did love purple – and I think that’s why Momma loves it too. They both wear it well.
Verse 23 Her husband is known in the gates, where he sitteth among the elders of the land. Whether in business or in the church, PopPop was well known and held many positions of authority. He worked very hard to provide for MomMom and the rest of the family. However, I often wondered why this verse is in the virtuous woman passage, but I think I figured it out people! You know what they say, “Behind every great man is a great woman”! On a serious note, I did find one of my notes where it says this verse is about how she understands the calling on her life and on that of her husband – and she acts accordingly. MomMom sure did that. Verse 24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it: and delivereth girdles to the merchant. MomMom sure did make a lot of fine things, but knowing her, she would have given them away instead of selling them. And I’m pretty sure she didn’t deliver any girdles to the merchant – unless she was taking them back! Verse 25 Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. Character is what makes a person who he or she is. Let’s not forget her example to us – she did wear strength I never thought of MomMom as weak. Even the last few weeks when she was confined to a bed, she didn’t seem weak. Oh she sure looked weak, but then she would look up and begin to speak and the strength of her years and her faith were behind it. She was a tiny little thing when she passed away – but with a giant heart that never faded away. And honor? Her whole life was an honor – to God. And that is something we should all strive for. It would be honoring her and her life example if we did.
Verse 26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom: and in her tongue is the law of kindness. Almost everything MomMom said had a lesson behind it, whether she was telling a story, passing along news, or just teaching us something. She never spoke evil of anyone and always searched for the good in others. In this she slays me – I am so glad for her example of this because I fail miserably at it and I’m glad to have known someone who actually did it. And did it well. Maybe she can be one of my angels and help me hold my tongue 😉 Verse 27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Cooking, cleaning, scrubbing loving, nurturing blessing; there were many ways she took care of her household. She was always doing something – even if she was sitting down. She was exercising her thumbs!!
Verse 28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Just from the pure fact that all nine of them were surrounding her when she went to heaven, not to mention all the lovely things they did or said about her, all of her children do call her blessed. And PopPop? He knows it more than anyone else and will praise her to anyone and everyone.
Verse 29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou exceedeth them all. You know what’s funny? I can almost picture Jesus saying these words to MomMom when He took her into heaven. And do I believe He personally came to get her Himself? Absolutely. Without a doubt. He was welcoming one of His most virtuous daughters into His home. I’m bawling here just imagining it, but I truly believe this. She was Grace. She was grace. Personified. Verse 30 Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. Favor is the opinion of man and beauty will fade, but her countenance shined from within. Her heart shined before others and it shone as beauty. The secret to her virtue was that she feared God, she really did. He provided the increase from there. She did all things to honor God – no matter what earthly person she was actually doing it for. And she shall indeed be praised for that.
Verse 31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates. I think Solomon was talking about earthly fruits and the gates of the city in this verse and its true that MomMom did receive earthly praise for the works of her hands. But I can only imagine the rejoicing in heaven for one such as she who came through the gates. That she was proclaimed for her works and that she received a load of rewards at the Bema seat.
Grace Irene Richardson Heilman sure did leave a legacy of grace. Not just in actual Graces – because there are a lot of people named after her (Grace Irene (mom), Jaclyn Grace, Kathleen Grace, Graceanne and some others I’m not entirely sure of) – but in love. MomMom did a great many works in her life and they were all to honor the Lord. Not to get her into heaven, because her faith and acceptance of Jesus did that, but to honor her God and to help those that she loved.
During the last few weeks of her life, MomMom needed a lot of care. Many of her children pitched in and served her, slept over, fed her and took care of her needs – basic and otherwise. Every time she asked someone to do something, she said “I’m sorry, I’m sorry”. She didn’t want to be a burden and she was so used to taking care of things herself, so she felt terrible asking others for help. But, it wasn’t a chore to them – it was a pleasure. Melanie and I went to visit MomMom and PopPop one night in early December. We had a nice little visit with both of them and although she couldn’t talk much, she asked about us and our lives and how we were doing. She apologized for not getting us snack and wanted to know if we “wanted crackers and cheese or something”. We were amazed! This woman who could barely turn over by herself wanted to get us snack. She truly had a servants heart.
One of the nights my mom slept over she was reading MomMom her Bible. She was reading John 14 to her as she thought it was something she would like to hear. She hadn’t made it through too much of “In my father’s house are many mansions” John 14: 2a before MomMom stopped her and asked her to read Psalm 23. As mom started reading The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. Psalms 23:1, it was like MomMom couldn’t wait for her to get to the end. Mom was a little surprised until she realized what she was waiting for. MomMom wanted to hear the last verse. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. Psalms 23:6. Mom said MomMom could barely speak but she kept repeating that line: “and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever”. When Uncle Mart and Uncle Wayne came up, she repeated the same thing to them: “and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever”. You know why? Because she knew exactly where she was going. To heaven. To see her Saviour.
Her legacy is also a challenge – for those of us who have been loved and touched by her and her kindness in some way, we are left with the task of “taking up the mantle”. Of continuing her work and glorifying God in it. MomMom gave us a lot of love and a lot of examples of how to really become a Proverbs 31 woman. She probably never even realized she was one. She just did it. She lived her life loving her God, her husband, her family and her fellow man. So, her daughters, granddaughters, great-granddaughters, and others – let’s do this. Let’s take her example and attempt to live a life pleasing to God as a Proverbs 31 woman. Not because the church says so. Not to gain a husband (in some of our cases) and not for personal glory. But because it would glorify our father and we can all become virtuous daughters. And in doing so we would not just be honoring God – we would be lengthening her legacy. A Legacy of Grace.
Hoodies and High Heels 