Now that's Slightly Off!

Calling All Writers, Wanna-Be-Writers, Book Writers

2010-03-03T06:54:00.001-08:00

Do you like to write, but never take the time?

Do you have a book in your head or your desk drawer that you want to show to the world, or at least your mother before you die?

Are you a writer ready to change careers because you just can't seem to make any money?

Do you just need to get away and the thought of writing by a lake sounds peaceful and intriguing?

If you said "Yes" to any of the above questions then come join me at two upcoming writer's conferences this summer! First you can Write-By-the-Lake in Madison, Wisconsin from June 14-18. Hosted by the University of Madison, this inspiring, supportive, nurturing and informative conference has daily classes in fiction, non-fiction, poetry, screenwriting, creative non-fiction, manuscript critique and more. My class will be on how you can earn multiple streams of income as a writer. I believe diversification is the key to a career as a writer and I have experienced a wide variety of products and services that participants will explore and execute in the week we spend together. Class size is limited so that personal attention can be given to each student. Click on the link to read all about it. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to e-mail me at deb@slightlyoff.com http://www.dcs.wisc.edu/lsa/writing/wbtl.htm

Then, in August, just like Thoreau, you can spend your time in the woods contemplating life as you write at the Green Lake Writer's Conference in Green Lake, Wisconsin from August 22-27. Held on the grounds at the Green Lake Conference Center, you can take week-long workshops in Non-fiction, fiction, inspirational writing and poetry. In addition, there will be seminars on children's writing, book writing, and manuscript critique. I will be presenting the pre-conference seminar on How to write a Book the Slightly Off Way. One of my writing mentors, Marshall J. Cook, author of many books and UW-Madison writing instructor, will present a seminar titled after his book, How to Write with the Skill of a Master and the Genius of a Child. If you have any questions or would like a brochure mailed to you, please e-mail me at deb@slightlyoff.com or click on the link for more information http://glcc.org/glcc/files/conferences/Writers%202010.pdf

Don't wait for "someday" to follow your dream! Remember my motto, "Success is doing the thing you say you're going to do some day." That's it. Don't put any expectations or stipulations on it, just get out there and do it!

Mom Shares Story of Young Singer

2009-10-20T08:36:00.000-07:00

Ask my kids and they’ll tell you it’s not easy having a mom who claims to be a motivational speaker. I’m sure they’d tell you she doesn’t know when to turn it off. Not only will she create a cheer to encourage you to eat your vegetables, but to clean toilets too. And if you even whisper that you have a dream, look out! She won’t let up until you start pursuing it and make it come true.

My youngest daughter discovered this at age seven, when she took first place singing, “Break Away” by Kelly Clarkson at a county fair. There was that moment right before Jenna was to perform when she froze. She looked at me and said, “Mom, I can’t do it!”

After some encouraging words, I pushed my little duckling out of the nest and onto that huge stage, praying all the while that I had made the right decision. When Jenna came offstage beaming, and happy with her success, I felt good about the pushing.

I thought it would be easy after that, with Jenna begging to audition every chance she could get. Instead, she seemed more reluctant. She sang confidently in her children’s choir, but when solo opportunities came her way, she resisted. Even though she was told time and again that she sang beautifully, she passed on my many requests to take her to auditions.

Although I shared all of the Super C and Kick “But” methods that had helped many of my clients run races, write books and meet goals, it didn’t seem to help the person I wanted most to motivate. At 13, the same age my son begged to quit piano, it seemed time to stop pushing.

I knew only too well what she was going through when she finally whispered to me one day, “I don’t think I’m good enough.”

I could only whisper back, “I’ve been there too, Jenna and if I had only known, at 13, that everyone felt that way, I would’ve made different choices.”

It was time to let go and trust that Jenna would find her own motivation when she was ready. And she did, only a couple days later. What I had failed to do in six years, Oprah did in one hour! She interviewed Taylor Swift, the 17-year-old country music sensation and Jenna watched enthralled. Now, she is so determined to pursue her dream that she begged to go downtown to audition for American’s Got Talent!

Of course this wasn’t the time to tell her that the odds of winning were as good as winning the lottery and that we’d be standing outside in long lines in the rain and then inside in more lines for the entire day! And so, I kept quiet. Instead, we went. And stood in line. All day. In the rain. And into the evening.

It was magical.

And Jenna felt like a winner.

And her mother was inspired.
***
Jenna wants to inpire you too! Click here to hear Jenna on You Tube.
Leave her a comment!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssLgNRs46Z4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJtPAqcfbhQ

Slightly Off Super C Stars, Kickin "Buts"

2009-10-20T07:25:00.000-07:00

EVERYONE IS KICKIN “BUTS” – YOU CAN TOO!!!!

Check out the Super C Runners! They all won a Super C t-shirt and the right to say, I'm Slightly Off and Lovin It! Whether they were inspired simply by knowing they could outrun me, or from taking one of my on-line courses, this group of friends and family found a way to overcome their "buts" and run a 5K.

And they're not alone! Read on to meet some other Super C Stars!
Cathy Reichl (Kneeling on the right in photo), newsletter reader, completed the How to Run a 5K the Slightly Off Way program and ran not only one 5K, but four more since April 09!
Cathy writes: Thank YOU for EVERYTHING you have done to make this such a great experience! You are a fantastic organizer, motivator, encourager, support system, and source of information, all wrapped up in one!

Monica Clauss attended the Wisconsin Women in Banking conference and embraced the Super C concept to reduce her anxiety and increase her success both at work and at home! Read about her amazing changes and discoveries:

At Work:
I am a chronic overachiever/perfectionist and find it to be crippling -- it is hard to make a decision or take a chance when you fear anything less than an A+. I have been using your "earn a C" concept daily and my purse feels so much lighter! I am currently working on my MBA and am taking online classes. Online classes require constant online discussion postings. I often find myself stuck when writing my posts because I am trying so hard to be eloquent and intellectual, and earn that A+. When I allowed myself to "earn a C" the words just started coming out. And guess what... I earned an A+ after all.

I was a super C rockstar at one of our meetings at the bank this week. I used to get very nervous for these meetings and had trouble speaking up. This week, I relaxed and didn't worry so much about getting an "A". I spoke up frequently and confidently in the meeting and someone e-mailed my boss stating that they were impressed that I knew more about the credits than the loan officers did.

At home:
I usually get nervous about hosting get-togethers at my apartment. I aimed for a C on memorial day, relaxed and didn't stress about getting all of the details perfect. Everything went great and I actually enjoyed having company over instead of constantly worrying about the details.
And that’s not all!
I learned to enjoy riding, instead of constantly "training for an A" by allowing myself to earn a C when I ride my horse. Surprise, surprise… when I relaxed and stop putting pressure on both of us my rides went better, I accomplished more, and fully enjoyed myself. My relaxing hobby is truly relaxing again.

Jodi Schwefel is a busy mom working full time in the banking industry. She was feeling overwhelmed about the birth of her second child. Her perfectionism was taking the joy out of parenting. Although she couldn’t attend the Women in Banking conference in the Wisconsin Dells, I shared the concepts and coached her on how to let go of the Supermom syndrome. She writes:

I am feeling much better…with your advice, I’ve been disciplining myself to “stop and smell the roses”, and to spend quality time with my little one…life is so short and goes so fast that the “little moments” cannot be overlooked. I try to operate on the principle of enjoying the only moment I’m guaranteed, which is right now. I have given myself permission to earn a “C” for the very first time in my life, and I’m LOVING it!!

Ali Payton attended the Dr. Slightly Off presentation on overcoming our “buts” to health at the ISSRT Conference in Springfield, IL. Afterwards, she followed my Kick But Pledge for 30 days and drastically reduced her intake of soda and energy drinks. Ali writes:
I recently attended the ISSRT Conference in Springfield and listened to your speech. I thought that it was great. I was also the student who was in the front row who got busted out about drinking energy drinks. I have not been drinking them nearly as much and am also trying not to drink soda either. I drink lots of water and Gatorade now. I break down every now and then though and buy either a soda or an energy drink. Maybe once a week, but I was drinking a soda and energy drink everyday, so I think that's pretty good!

Mary Arnold of Illinois attended the School District Professional Development day seminar and has been kicking “buts” when it with her photo albums, one of those nagging tasks that continued to haunt her. She e-mailed four weeks in a row to win a Super C T-shirt and is still making progress!

Mary writes: At the in-service (for administrators of school district) you made me realize I can kick those “buts” if they are getting in the way of something I really want to do. I've wanted to work on my pictures for so long "but" I kept thinking I needed long stretches of time when in reality I just needed the inspiration & to realize I could work on it a little at a time, like week by week. Once I was communicating with you every week, I felt inspired to keep going. Because you really seemed to care about what I was telling you, it made me want to keep going. I've never gotten to the point that "I didn't feel like doing it," although sometimes I decide to take a nap instead and then maybe work on more photos the next day instead. The satisfaction of finally getting my pictures organized, plus thinking of how proud you were/are of me keeps me motivated!

To find out how to buy a Super C t-shirt and a booklet to motivate you - contact deb@slightlyoff.com

Solution to Business Challenges is a 5K Away

2009-08-28T07:46:00.000-07:00

Are you experiencing challenges in your company, department or place of business? Do you need everyone to step up, do more or learn to get along? Don't spend another dime on a sales trainer or roll out another new policy or program. The real solution is only a 5K away! The benefits in myself and those I've coached have been life-changing. You will see the same amazing transformation in your company, department, or organization when you experience the camaraderie and achievement of training and finishing a 5K together.

This program and my personalized coaching, whether on-line or in the office, will empower you and your staff to be ready for a 5K in less than three months. Whether the participants run, wog, or simply walk, the results of increased productivity, improved communication, reduced stress and many more benefits will be experienced by all!

IT’S NOT YOUR AVERAGE, BORING TRAINING PROGRAM!
****
THINK YOU’RE NOT A RUNNER?
HATE EXERCISE?
TOO TIRED AND ACHY TO START?
THINK RACES ARE ONLY FOR THE SUPER FIT?
THINK YOU’D GIVE UP TOO EASILY ??

THINK AGAIN!!

is the program for . . .
Beginners
Non-exercisers
Lapsed runners
Couch potatoes
Sweet potatoes,
Only-to-the-mailbox Walkers
Lollygagger’s
Skeptics
and
YOU!!!

In 2006, I was the biggest skeptic, non-runner, non-exerciser on the planet. By the end of 2008, I have completed 9 5K’s and logged many running miles. I’ve been able to lose and keep off the 15 pounds, which had always eluded me. I increased my confidence, and changed the entire way I felt about my appearance. AND that was just the beginning. . .

RUNNING MY FIRST 5K SHATTERED MY PERSONAL BELIEF ABOUT WHAT I WAS CAPABLE OF DOING AND ACHIEVING!! ONCE THAT LIMITING BELIEF WAS SHATTERED, I BEGAN TO EXPLORE AND DISPEL MANY OTHERS.

YOU WILL TOO!!!

IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT RUNNING!!

I can say this without a doubt, if you commit to this, simple, yet powerful program, you will have INCREASED ENERGY, A DECREASE IN DEPRESSION, LESS STRESS AND ANXIETY, MORE CREATIVITY, and IMPROVED CLARITY OF THOUGHT and FOCUS

WHAT’S SO GREAT ABOUT THIS PROGRAM???

LOW EXPECTATIONS!
YOU WALK FIRST!
YOU WOG NEXT!
YOU RUN WHEN YOU’RE READY!
AND BEST OF ALL –

YOU DON’T EVEN HAVE TO RUN
TO EXPERIENCE THE SAME RESULTS!

Let me repeat that. . .
YOU DON’T EVEN HAVE TO RUN
TO EXPERIENCE THE SAME RESULTS!

Start out running? Not in this program. Based on my experience and the advice from my advisory team of experts, people fail because they lack knowledge of the mental, physical and spiritual aspect of running.

The Slightly Off 5K program is unique in that it will include several different types of learning and training. Instead of simply going on-line and finding a running schedule, I will help you achieve success by focusing on motivational tools that work for YOU. This is a highly personalized program that focuses on the mind, body and spirit connection. In 3 short months, you’ll be ready for your first 5K.

WALKERS ENCOURAGED TO JOIN TOO!
If you are just beginning, or have been advised that running is not for you, but still want to experience the thrill of accomplishment, renewed energy, confidence and excitement that comes with finishing a 5K, then this program is for you. Walking your first 5K is as powerful as running it. And the consistent walking program will benefit you in more ways than you can imagine.

Why me, Deb DiSandro? Am I an expert on running? No way! As a matter of fact, I've never won a race. I'm an average runner, but a professional encourager with a proven track record of of helping people reach their personal goals. I’m someone who knows what it’s like to struggle. I’m someone who has given up and overcame the “buts” to begin again and win.

I’m your professional encourager and coach and I want to help you. If you have a question I can’t answer, my advisory team of experts are standing by, ready to share their wisdom and guidance.
DEB’S COACHING INCLUDES:

Teleconferences (both live and recorded) with experts in running, health, success coaching, and inspirational stories, spaced throughout the program to give you that boost of confidence and encouragement just when you need it – with experts in running, nutrition, success coaching and more!
All recorded so you don’t have to be there!

*3 or more Weekly E-mails to help you keep your goal in the forefront of your day (tips, quotes, assignments)

*5K Training Schedule designed for your level of fitnes

* Initial Questionnaire and weekly accountability check-in to keep you on track

*Assignments to keep you moving toward the goal

*3 Private Coaching Sessions with Deb to help you along they way!

*Deb will run the race with you – for those near Chicago, IL – ends with Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning in Naperville, IL. If you’re not in the area, Deb will try and meet you or help you find a race.

* Certificate of Achievement and Slightly Off t-shirt for those who complete the program and run/wog or walk a 5K by the end date.

*Have a question? E-mail Deb (all e-mails responded to in a timely manner)

Here’s just a sampling of topics covered
Proper Running Gear
Proper running form
Proper Walking form
How to set up a Running Schedule
The power of visualization
Health Benefits of Exercise
Creating a vision board
Proper breathing and the many benefits.
The amazing power of water
Why affirmations work
How to eat to fuel your 5K
The power of writing and journaling
Creativity awareness
Overcoming your comfort zone
Prayer in its many forms
Discovering your purpose
Changing your thought patterns
The power of a rest day
It’s More than about Running!
How to prevent injury

Contact deb@slightlyoff.com and learn how you easy it is to get started.

Sign Up for How to Write a Book the Slightly Off Way

2009-08-24T08:51:00.000-07:00

I am excited to announce that the first How to Write a Book the Slightly Off Way was a great success! The next class officially begins September 23rd, but registration is open now. Space is limited to the first 20 participants, so don't wait until the last day!

We’d like to help you get that book out of your head and onto paper! Read what participants from the first class had to say:
**
Thank you so much for the wonderful writing workshop. I've always said "I'm not a writer, but I've got a lot to say!" Your class helped me discover that I can write in a way that makes people want more. Both of you were so giving of your time and expertise as were the guests you interviewed. Some day when I see my book for sale in the store, I know who to include in the credits! Deb and Diane!
Laurie Guest, CSP
First-time writer
Non-fiction, self-help
Any potential students are free to contact me by phone or email. 815-758-5580 or blocked::mailto:laurie@SolutionsAreBrewing.com
***
After sitting on the first chapter of my novel for two years without any action, I decided it couldn't hurt to sign up for Deb and Dianne's class, which suggested I could write my novel in six months. Well, I was not convinced, but signed up anyway. What do you know, it worked! Six months later I had completed the first draft of my novel. The weekly assignments, twice weekly writing tips, monthly teleconferences with other professionals, plus constant support and encouragement from these two ladies was exactly what I needed to get the job done.
Dorothy Tedlie (dtedlie@aol.com)
***
It took me forever to get started writing my book, but with Deb and Dianne's encouragement, and lots of good ideas for getting past the block, I finally got started and haven't stopped since. Writing a book the Slightly Off Way has given me the structure and the freedom to write the way I need to. The conference calls were stimulating and informative, and getting to know some of the other students was a bonus. For reticent writers, for any writers, I can and will, highly recommend this course. Carrie Daniel chlobin@msn.com
*****
I strongly urge anyone who is interested in honing their writing skills to take your online workshop. I found the weekly tips to be valuable, and the readily available advice via phone or email made us aspiring writers feel connected to a lifeline, not just set adrift. The phone conferences with professionals in the industry also gave us inside information about how to improve our writing, and how to present it in an acceptable format.

No matter what level of competency a writer has achieved, there will be some advantage to the tips and advice from Deb DiSandro and Dianne Morr. In my own experience, I needed the structure of a workshop plan to goad me into the discipline of writing even when the inspirations were slow in coming. Their critical comments and suggestions were also helpful, and gave me new ways to express my thoughts.
Susan DeVan rdevan@juno.com

HOW TO WRITE A BOOK
THE SLIGHTLY OFF WAY

Deb DiSandro, owner of Slightly Off, and Dianne Morr, owner of Morr Creative Writing Services, along with an advisory team of experts including. . .
Editors
Literary Agent
Book Manufacturer
Best Selling Authors
Published Authors
Self-published Authors
Writing Professors
will coach you through the process from idea to finished draft.

This program teaches you methods that work to help you achieve success; and of course, it will be fun!

*CONFERENCE CALLS
We kick off with a live Conference Call – Deb DiSandro and Dianne Morr, will share their expertise, an outline of the six month program, upcoming conferences and YOUR first assignment! Can’t be on the call? That’s okay! All calls will be recorded! All assignments will arrive by e-mail so you can go at your own pace.

FOUR or More Conference Calls with other EXPERTS IN THE FIELD – featuring inspirational stories from successfully published and self-published authors, advice from editors, publisher, literary agent, spaced throughout the program will give you that boost of information, confidence and encouragement just when you need it. (Recorded so you can play back at your convenience)

* Initial Questionnaire and Accountability Check-ins - to solidify your
intention

*Weekly Assignments – to keep you on track

*Slightly Off Tips and Tricks - to keep your goal in the forefront of your day

*E-MAIL YOUR QUESTIONS - We’ll help you find the answer!

* CRITIQUES INCLUDED!! – One from Deb and one from Dianne – both offering their areas of expertise – Deb on overall story and theme – Dianne on the mechanics and grammar. (up to ten pages of a general critique)

Begins September 23rd and lasts for six months!
That's right, six months and YES, you can write a first draft in six months.
Where will you be on your book if you don't start today?

WHAT’S THE PRICE FOR ALL THIS????

ONLY $299

That’s right!
LESS THAN $2 A DAY TO MAKE YOUR DREAM COME TRUE!

BECAUSE WE DON’T WANT MONEY
TO STOP YOU FROM EMBARKING ON
THIS EMPOWERING AND LIFE-CHANGING
JOURNEY
Ready to Get Started? Click on Link: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=7501699

Poet Publishes First Book at 89!

2009-07-07T11:16:00.000-07:00

It's easy to put your dreams up on a shelf for "some"day, but Charles Denton, age 89, took it down, dusted it off and discovered that dreams don't have expiration dates!

Last October, I was critiquing manuscripts for an author fair and Charles shuffled in with a binder of hand-written poetry under his arm. In a short time, I not only fell in love with his work, but with Charles himself. Soon I was typing and submitting poems for publication and meeting with Charles on a weekly basis.

After a few rejections from poetry journals, I asked Charles if he would like to self-publish. I'm glad he agreed. His poetry is meant to be shared and preserved. Crossing Purposes is now available and can be purchased and shipped for $15 (e-mail deb@sligtlyoff.com to order copies.).
Reviews –
“Charles Denton writes from the heart. He is a close observer, whose poems mirror the wondrous complexities of existence. Richly tempered and finely textured, they take us not to a distant place or time, but to a finer inner self.” – John Lehman, founder Rosebud Magazine http://www.rsbd.net/ and poetry editor.

“A thought provoking and rich collection of poetry with just a hint of southern charm. Mr. Denton inspires you to reflect on the profound relationships in nature, and in your own life.” – Deb DiSandro, author and writing instructor

Charles is an inspiration to us all and his poem, Dream Reaching, may just be the motivation you need to pull your own dream off the shelf.

Dream Reaching
by Charles Denton
How far is one’s spirit cast down
Beyond his reach, seemingly
Beyond his effort to endure
For a time perhaps
But not beyond his dream
For the dream is like a cleft
Where fingers grip
And each vision reaffirmed
An uplifting niche
On a gaping chasm wall
Where the sands of misadventure
Sift in choking dust
And the rocks of failure
Pelt heavily the upturned face
So that the being entire cries out
To bow the head and hunch the shoulders
In beaten retreat
But the drawing dream
Will not accede
And one has but to grip it
With the eye
And not set it loose
For there is no depth
Greater than the sight
Of a dream embraced

You’re all invited to Charles Denton’s Book Signing!
For those local to Chicago, please join us:
Sunday, July 19th 1-4 p.m.
Driscoll’s Pub (815-436-0992)
201 Vertin Blvd., Shorewood, IL 60404
(No reservations required. Drop me an e-mail if you plan to stop by)
deb@slightlyoff.com

Just Thinking about Teeth

2009-06-29T06:38:00.001-07:00

Today is another day that begins after another restless night. At midnight, I was roused out of a deep sleep by a phone call from my mother, who is in the hospital. Since she couldn't get the nurse to do what she wanted, she called me and wanted me to call her doctor.

I only had his office number. All it would tell me is that if this was an emergency, call 911 and then, most likely, they would take her to the hospital, which is exactly where she was.
So, although I couldn't do anything about it, I lay there contemplating all of the things I could do, might do, for hours. In the morning, I called her to see how things were going.
She had received some relief she said, but not much.

"Is anyone coming today? I need my teeth. You can just stop over at my place and bring them here with a bag of things."

This is a question that tightens my stomach. It's a question that's asked almost every other month, for the past year and a half, which is how often she's been hospitalized during that time period.

As a humorist and mostly motivational speaker, I have abandoned this blog, along with other career projects because of such phones calls and questions and other interruptions related to the care of my mother, too numerous to count.

Today, I read about a women who blogs daily about her spouse's illness and I wonder if I had blogged about my struggles over the past year, would that have been helpful to others? Would it have been helpful to me? Just thinking. . . as I contemplate whether to cancel my meeting to bring my mother her teeth.

Morning Exercise Raised My Bloood Presure

2009-01-30T06:11:00.000-08:00

Went to the Y this morning. Exercise can be healthy, unless you're watching the news and happen to catch the story about your Governor being impeached. You may be burning calories, but the anger you feel inside, can't be good for your heart.

Although, that story didn't raise my blood pressure half as much as the one about Drew Peterson, the guy "suspected" of killing two of his four wives. He has announced plans to remarry. The fiance, a 24 year old, is living in Peterson's house with her young children! She says she can't imagine Peterson did anything to those women, because he treats her so well.

Well, now my blood is boiling.

Where do all these powerless, insecure women come from???

The truth is, they come from everywhere.

It's not so much that women have been taught to depend on men for food, shelter and clothing, although historically that's true, but that many of us still believe we can't stand on our own two feet!

We talk the talk, "No man is gonna tell me what to do!" - but we don't walk the walk.

We dismiss our talents and dreams and subsist on "making a living" until some Prince comes along to rescue us.

We've got to stop depending on the Prince! I say we, because I too have depended on a prince to make my life better. We've got it backwards, ladies! We make our lives better both financially and emotionally, the man is only there to enrich our lives. If we don't turn it around, we end up with men like Peterson.

Past generations fought for the right to vote, for equal rights and equal pay, but if young women today are still involved in these types of relatioships, then the right message didn't get across!

The old messages run so deep, we don't even realize it ourselves. This became clear to me when Obama was elected President. I was watching Will Smith on Oprah. As a young boy, Smith said his father instilled in him the possibility that he too could become Presdient. And Smith conducted his whole life with that mindset. It shaped his future.

It was then I recalled the message I had received as a young girl. When my mother and I cleaned the house, I wanted to make it shine and sparkle so that if the President ever came to visit, we would be ready! Smith saw himself as President, I saw myself as the housekeeper of the President!

Don't get caught up in the semantics, ladies. This is not about housekeeping. I know women who run housekeeping companies and they are definitely in charge. It's about how we see ourselves.

Are you powerful or powerless? Do you have the power to lead our own life, embrace your own talents, make your own way, without a man?

If there is one person in your life who is worried about the guy you're currently with, please, please, read this again, and again. If there is more than one person worried about the guy you're with, back away from the prince and get help now.

Mistakes Are Worth It

2008-05-20T13:05:00.000-07:00

Based on my Slightly Off philosophy, I’ve learned that mistakes can be a good thing.
When you not only accept, but embrace your mistakes, you can bring a positive energy to almost any situation.

My godchild, Claire, was to make her first communion. It was a special day, which called for a special gift, for this sweet, petite, tomboy who would rather be in soccer cleats and shorts than in a white, frilly dress. With only a few days before the event, I finally found it – a beautiful pewter cross. At first glance it appeared almost masculine, but hidden in the intricate design were a few tiny pearls. The inscription at the base of the cross read: Bless My Goddaughter.

That night after dinner, I couldn’t wait to show, Claire’s godfather, my husband, the cross. I waited for the expected response, and wasn’t disappointed. “This is perfect for Claire. Great job, Deb!”

Beaming proudly, I handed it to my daughter for her expected praise. But it didn’t come.
She stared at the cross, and said, “Um, mom. . . gee, uh, I hate tell you this. But this actually says, ‘Bless My Granddaughter.’”
I put on my glasses, grabbed for the cross, and sure enough, that’s exactly what it said, “Bless My Granddaughter.”

In the past, I would’ve beat myself up for myself for such a silly mistake and fumed about the wasted time and effort. But this time, it took only a second for me to shift my perspective. I laughed. My husband laughed and then my daughter joined in. The shared laughter and good mood made the trip back to the store more than worth the trouble. In addition, I shared the story with my goddaughter’s mother and she had a good laugh too. But the best laugh was yet to come.

At the communion party, my godchild opened her card and the cross. Once again, I took the opportunity to tell Claire and her sisters about the almost “granddaughter” gift. And once again the room filled with laughter. But it was my daughter, who sat reading the card, who prompted the biggest laugh. She suddenly looked up at me, shook her head and said, “Um, mom, I hate to tell you this, but this card says, “Congratulations on your Confirmation.”

As my e-mail friends would say, we were all ROFL (Rolling on the floor laughing).
Who would’ve thought mistakes could bring so much joy into the world.

Now that’s Slightly Off!

Video!

2008-04-30T15:32:00.000-07:00

Beauty Beyond the Alley

2008-04-28T10:55:00.000-07:00

I was once told that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Well, my eyes are getting pretty bad and it seems more difficult to see beauty all the time. After 48 years on this planet, I see uglyness more easily. Destruction, war, murder, negativity, even everyday stress, cloud my vision and distort my perceptions.

I wonder, have I become too cynical, too jaded, too old???? To see the beauty beyond the alley?

In the Chicago neighborhood where I grew up, behind every apartment building, two-flat or single brick home, was an alley. The place for all things, dirty, rotten, and smelly resided there. Large rusty cans filled with garbage, stood in the back of each home, buzzing with stuff to keep Oscar the Grouch, flies and soon-to-be flies (if you've lived in the city, you know the disgusting white larvae I'm talking about!) content for a lifetime. The alleys themselves were strewn with junk that never made it to the cans.

You might think it the least likely place to find beauty, but as a curious kid, I discovered it all the time.

Gravel and dirt covered the pitted cement and if you looked closely, you could always excavate a diamond or two - a rock with specks that sparkled in the sun, or a piece of colored glass just the right size to hide in your jewelry box and show to your best friend, if she hadn't tagged along for that particular expedition.

The rusty wire fence along one side was often dotted with another wonder, wildflowers, which quickly became bouquets we presented to our mothers or to have and to hold at our pretend weddings.

And these were only the most obvious treasures. If you were willing to go beyond the alley, peer around the garbage cans and brave barking dogs to peek over gates or between the slats of tall fences you might just get a glimpse of heaven.

Because in some backyards grew gardens of Eden. My eyes gazed upon flowers with shades of color so vibrant, I would catch my breath. In other small spaces, rows of green sprouted vegetabes, or a water pond mimicked the sound of a babbling brook, or gingerbread playhouses with white laced curtains sat nestled in the grass.

An alley is a Slighlty Off place to find beauty, but it's a good reminder that if we look beyond it, there is always beauty to behold.

Let's look beyond the alley today!