Friday, September 16, 2011

I'm Writing a Book!

Yes, you already knew this, but I'm saying it again, because that is the reason I am not here as much as usual...I'm working on a book, and it's taking most of my energy. Well, the book and the video are...that is, the book, the video, the guild, our family, a fundraising event I'm trying to organize, all of the things around the house and garden that need work...you get the idea.

The other thing that really puts a damper on blogging is when my computer goes haywire, as it did this week. Trackpad issues with a Sony Vaio...when you search this on the web, a long list of links pops up. Hmmmmm...I never thought to check such things when I went to purchase a new laptop at Costco. I only knew that two family members have them and are happy with them.

I love Costco, and I appreciate their extended warranty and the concierge service they provide for all of their electronics, for free. It's much better than being in a telephone "chat" with Sony until 1:30 in the morning, believe me. However, my computer still wasn't working until yesterday, when I gave up on "free" help and called "our computer guy," Craig.

I've never met Craig in person, but he has had control over our computers from afar, and has diagnosed and solved every problem we've managed to throw at him - for me, my brother and his business, my dad and (I think) my sister, as well. He's awesome - and he gets paid to be awesome. Yesterday, I called Craig - which I should have done at the outset of the problem.

What do people do who don't have a Craig in their address book (or smartphone)? I wonder. He got us up and running, so we are nearly all set now - just a backup issue to resolve, and we'll be good to go. My trackpad is working. I can write again! Thank you, Craig!

So the book is written, but it needs to be re-formatted and the photos put into a separate file. That is what I'll be doing in the immediate future. I have a publishing team at CreateSpace helping me. It will be listed on Amazon.com when it's complete - and I hope-hope-hope it will be completed by Christmas. You will hear more about it here.

The remaining video interviews have been scheduled; they are with Katie's heart surgeon, the hospital chaplain with whom I felt the closest, and our hospice nurse. Once those interviews are all completed (the first week of October), we will begin the intensive business of editing the many hours of "gold" that Paul has captured.

The charity event is an auction of the quilts (shown in the recent posting here, and in more detail on Katie's Comforters Guild's blog). I want to share the spotlight with other friends who do good work and offer great products, so am trying to pull together a pre-holiday event to showcase their wares. If this all comes together, you'll be hearing about it here.
Close-up of one of the 3 quilts. Look at that beautiful, antique fabric!
- We have a honey-do list that is not of general interest, but it's big, and my honey-doesn't-do most of the items, so I'll be scheduling some helpers.
- Fr. Rohr is going to Portland to speak, and you can guess where I'm going to be when he does!
- The Ben Towne Foundation event is coming up, at which Gregg and I will appear in a brief video program.
Standing in our closet, trying to decide what to wear to the Ben Towne Foundation event.
You can laugh at me, but I've had to create an XL spreadsheet to keep track of all of these things and their individual steps and stages. It's too much for my menopausal brain to handle without visual backup, on the computer and on paper!

I think that's it. I have very little knowledge of what's going on in the news. We haven't seen a movie (in a theater) in months. Allegra's gift is still not finished (I'm at an impasse with the 3-D aspect of it). 
Sneak preview for Allegra
But I'm happier than I can remember feeling since Katie got sick, and that's something to write about.

Wishing you and yours a happy weekend!
Liger is almost always happy.

Remember to wear your GOLD gear for September!

"Sing joyfully to the LORD all you lands;
serve the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful song.
Know that the LORD is God;
he made us, his we are;
his people, the flock he tends.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
his courts with praise;
Give thanks to him; bless his name.
For he is good:
the LORD, whose kindness endures forever,
and his faithfulness, to all generations."
 
- Psalm 100

12 comments:

Karen said...

You are busy! But doing so many, many good things. Your rich and fruitful life has blossomed from a seed of sorrow. You could be hiding in a closet some place, but instead, you are out on the highways of life, doing ministry, serving so many, bringing hope and love into people's lives. You are amazing. Your lavender closet walls only tell part of the story of how amazing you are...but they are a great picture! I love that.
Put me on the order list for your book. I absolutely cannot wait to read it. Bravo, dear Karen.

Busy Bee Suz said...

The fact that you feel so much happiness makes my heart sing so darn loud....and I don't sing well. {but my heart does!}
You are busy....and busy with all good stuff too.
I can't wait to read your book. You will then be my favorite author. {don't let Stephen King know, he will haunt me somehow}
I love the photo of you in your closet...you are so cute!
xoxoxo

Anonymous said...

Wear THAT! You look fantastic!!
I can't wait to see you next week...
Thanks for the update on all your amazing projects.
lv, CT
xoxo

Everything Coastal said...

Hi.
Stopping in to see what the heck you are doing now, and like usual, I am totally blown away by what you can do and what you've accomplished all with grace, charm and a big smile on your face. You are simply amazing. Cannot wait to read your book - and see the finished video that you and Paul have worked so hard on.

Miss you, had a dream of all of us in Poulsbo last night. Not sure if I can wait until Christmas to come home.....

Caron

Teri Waag said...

Karen, AMAZING WOMAN of GOD that you are! WOW, I am inspired and know that Katie is the SPARK! THANKS for responding! You are ALL a ripple in the pond of life that keeps on giving. . . THANKS AGAIN!
Teri and John Waag

Jason, as himself said...

You are really doing some amazing things. I admire you so much; I wish I knew you in person. (Although I kinda feel like I do.)

Good luck over the next while with all of these great things. I can't wait to see your book!

Pam said...

I'm glad you got your computer fixed. I have live-in tech support in the form of my hubby. So I don't have to fret when something goes wrong with my computer. : ) You are so busy these days! A book! How exciting. I know it will be amazing and beautiful, just like you.

I love your outfit..and your kitty is a cutie. : )

pysanki.blogspot.com said...

I'm so glad to hear the life is so wonderfully full right now and that you got your computer issues fixed. :) Looking farward to seeing the finished book.

Angela & Adam said...

Oh! Can't wait to read the book...watch the video...and hug you! Miss getting to see you!! A walk soon? Or a glass of wine? Or both?

Anonymous said...

I'm so happy that you are happier than you've been since your darkest days hit. You are an inspiration!

Karen B.

AnnDeO said...

I feel your happiness reading this post. Congratulations on organizing - it is something I need help with, so many details. I'm glad the "work" is bringing you so much joy.

Jim said...

Karen, so glad to see that things are moving right along for you.....very busy indeed! The book must have been so therapeutic and fulfilling for you.
Good to hear you are happier....you have worked very hard to achieve this.