180.

This is my 180th post. I can hardly believe it, really. What have I been talkin' about?

Mostly randomness I think. Which is fine, since it pretty much sums up my life ... complete randomness.

I am starting to get over that gutted feeling. Nothing that a few days away from children wouldn't cure, I guess.

That's right, Frannie flew the coop and took some much needed personal time. I traveled to a land far, far away ... no I didn't vacation with Fiona and Shrek ... but instead attended a women's retreat in another state.

It was great. Moving. Tiring. Exhilarating. Overwhelming. Incredibly motivating!

I couldn't wait to get home and now I am ready to leave again. Isn't that how it works? You miss those darned kidlets so much (the hubby too) and then you return to them only to discover that they get on your nerves in about 2.5 minutes ... well maybe not that quickly, but close.

Anywho ... I heard some of the most motivational speakers I have ever heard, some of the saddest (girl, you think your life is messed up - wrong!) life tales, and some of the most useful wisdom that a woman could ask for.

I heard a woman named Tammy Trent speak, and her story rocked my soul. I suppose you could say that she had the perfect life, if there is such a thing ... Tammy is a Christian artist who was married to the man of her dreams (Trent) she had a very successful singing career and a great love for God.

In 2001 her perfect life crumbled. Trent dove into the beautiful waters of Jamaica and never resurfaced. The following day her family, who were desperately trying to join and comfort her, sat trapped in the states ... horrified as the terror of 9/11 developed.

Can you imagine? Me neither. Just when I think things couldn't get worse, they do. But they have never gotten to that point. And through it all, she has managed to keep her faith in Christ and help others ... all with humor.

Her book Learning to Breathe Again now sits on my bedside table ... waiting. I will read it next. I am just gearing up for it, I am pretty sure I will not stop crying (and occasionally laughing) through the entire thing ...

There is more to tell ... and I will. But if you have a chance, check out Tammy's website, you might love her as much as I do.

Frannie


It's a sad day when you find out that it's not accident or time or fortune, but just yourself that kept things from you.
Lillian Hellman


“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.” (Jeremiah 17:9-10)