Category Archives: Cool People

Beware the Question, “Any Questions?”

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I’m starting to think meaningful story times with the girls is one of Hubby’s new year’s resolutions. He’s been reading more to them. Which to me reminds me of my teaching days when I had the kids make reading circles and discuss a chapter from a novel. Fun to the fun for this writer/reader lover. I just don’t know that Hubs planned for the interesting insights and discussions that have risen from our first two couch times. But then again, when you have a room full of tweeny-bopper girls and you throw in a precocious five-year old, you have to sort of expect the unexpected.I invite you to be a fly on the wall of our living room Christmas morning [Think good-looking, non-bugging type of fly…and read on.] 🙂

Hubs: “So we’re going to read a little of the Christmas story before we open presents.”

Three older girls: “Okay Daddy.”

Sarah *the five-year old: “But, but, but… okay.”

Hubs reads the first few lines of Mary’s story from the book of Luke, when an angel comes to her and tells her she’s having a baby. And Joseph takes her to Bethlehem and there was no room in the Inn. Most of you have heard this classic take of the birth of Jesus, so I won’t rehash all the details.

Then Hubs says, “Do any of you have any questions?”

Third Princess: “I just have one: What does the word, ‘union’ mean Daddy, because you read a part that said, ‘Joseph did not have union with Mary,’ or something like that.”

Hubs and I exchange glances. Neither of us expected Christmas morn to turn into a birds and bees conversation. Whatcha gonna do? Continue reading →

Going Deeper with the Deep Hits Tour

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So they don’t call me Rajdeep for nothing! I like to dig deep when I meet someone, especially when I like them. That’s what I get for reading all those Encyclopedia Brown and Nancy Drew books growing up. Somewhere deep down, I think I’ve always wanted to be an investigative reporter of sorts. But in the end, its people I adore, individuals and their stories, and when I am drawn to you, I just need to ask you a question. Or two.

Hubby, accepting this side of my quirky personality, in conjunction with supporting my writer dream, splurged on a V.I.P. pass for me for the Deep Hits Tour, in hopes that I could get up close and personal with some of the performing artists and write-up a story or two. Of course. Truth is, I’ve never been a V.I.P., and I had no idea what the extra ticket actually encompassed.

I arrived on the day of the concert and hubs and the girls dropped me off in the already assembling line an hour before the doors opened. Wow. Did that  guy in the front camp out last night? I’m glad I got here when I did. There are at least thirty or so folks in front of me.

When the doors open, I stroll in, following the crowd and adhere to the usher’s directions, “You can make your way up to the stage. There are no assigned seats.” So what do I do? I walk right up to the first row and find the one empty seat next to a big guy who is sort of spilling over to the empty seat and put my purse and coat on it. “Is this seat taken?” He shakes his head no, so I say, “It is now.” Continue reading →

Deep Hits Tour … From Philadelphia With Love

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When I met hubby, he was a junior at the University of Miami and a deejay for the campus radio station. Each Sunday morning, he had a three-hour slot called, “Music With Meaning,” and he played the latest and greatest hits from Christian bands, new and old. When I started to listen to something other than the radio, I thought the only faith-based bands out there boiled down to Michael W. Smith and Amy Grant. Totally dating myself here, but I had to be honest. I’d stick the radio for inspiration.The summer I met this tall, dark, goatee-sporting fella, he drives off one day with the music in his car blasting. And all I can think is, “What does that hot guy listen to? That sounded like some fun tunes playing on his stereo.”

Then one day he offered me a ride. And I got my first nibble into his world. Of music. He was into it. All of it! And he knew a lot of bands, groups I had no idea existed. Then when, the end of that first summer together arrived, too soon, we began dating and moved into the challenging world of long distance relationships. But I’m a writer. So I had no issues dropping him a line or two… or three or four in one day. Ask his roommates. I sent him a lot of letters! I was smitten, what could I do? So I just poured my heart out on paper. All day. And all night! Continue reading →

My Thanksgiving Crafty Girl

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So while all my girls love the holidays, Princess #2, Nitha who we like to call “Nee-Nee,” goes into each calendar celebration with the enthusiasm of a Wedding Planner. One who loves her job, of course. 

Nitha has always been artistic, and if you give her a bunch of anythings, she sees the potential, and turns them into something. Some kind of art. 

As my first middle child, she and I relate on many levels. We’re both easy-going. Take quick showers. Love the colors red and purple. And move on quickly from conflict or life’s troubles. For a middle child, I feel like she has a pretty good sense of who she is, her tastes, and her interests. 

And although I’m not the most artsy person, it’s fun to watch Nitha create, and even more fun to receive a gift she’s spend many minutes putting together. Because each piece she works on, she gives away. And she really thinks about the recipient of her gifts: their personality, favorites, and interests. Art is Nitha’s love language, but she molds her creations to reflect her future owners of her art work. I think that’s pretty cool. 

The above gallery is a little reflection of her collection. She worked on this for a few days as a gift for her teacher. Because she’s thankful for a lot this Thanksgiving, and most definitely for her teacher. Enjoy! 

**And you? Do you get into decorating the house for the Holidays? Do you have a favorite Thanksgiving dish you’re looking forward to? What are you thankful for this November?

Who Will You Fight For?

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About two weeks ago, I ventured into NYC, by myself, to see a movie. Trade of Innocents opened Columbus Day weekend, and I knew I had to see it, with or without company. Upon returning, I wrote a little blog/movie review and was delighted to receive an email a few days later from one of the film’s producers. Laurie Bolthouse sent me a little note.

Dear Raj,        

Thank you very much for taking the time to go out of your way to see “Trade of Innocents.”  It’s been a faith stretching experience for our family to produce it. …  It’s very difficult to get people to a theater seat unless it’s the Avengers, but I do see change and beautiful things happening under the radar.  

Again, thank you.

Sincerely,

Laurie Bolthouse, Producer “Trade of Innocents”

I reacted like a little kid who receives a return letter from Santa! I was stoked! A real live movie producer emailed me! Piddly little writer me!  Continue reading →

Once Upon a Hero

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I fall in love. A lot. Doesn’t take much, actually.

Smile. Make me laugh. Buy me a drink, and my heart is yours.

Kidding, Hubs. My heart only belongs to my Sunshine, and anyone who knows me, knows, I am INTO my Hubs!

But I am drawn to people who wow me—with their stories. But not just any ordinary story. The stories that magnetically captivate me are the ones that involve a hero. Especially when I’m listening to the details. And find out that the hero of the story is standing in front of me.  Continue reading →

45 Reasons My Parents Still “Do!”

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 *This is a RE-Post from Last October.

Today is my parents’ 45th Anniversary! I loved writing this little fun list about the couple that inspires me daily when it comes to dedication, devotion, and friendship in marriage! I added #44 today to share why I look up to them! Because they truly live out their vows, and we’re kicking it up a notch and celebrating in style on October 27th with friends and family! Yikes, that’s only a couple weeks away! Stay tuned for a romantic blog down lover’s lane that week! 
  1. Mom loves Dad.
  2. Dad Loves Mom.
  3. Mom cooks.
  4. Dad eats. Continue reading →

Moved… to Ask a Few Questions

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When I last left you at the Hilton on Movement Day, the opening session had just began and Ajith Fernando was speaking in front of the thousand plus attendees in the Grande Ballroom. But I hadn’t finished my morning volunteer duties, so I can’t say that I heard much of what he said. As I made my way back to the registration desk, a big guy, sporting a serious bottom goat is speaking with my supervisor. I guess my next person is up. I wait on the side until she finishes reviewing his schedule.

“So, where ya from Rick?” I can’t deny the fact that I’m a little curious as to how this guy got on the VIP list. He looks a little shady.

“Portland.” Well that explains it. Kidding. 🙂

“Cool. Have you been in the city long? Had a chance to do anything fun yet?”

“Nope. But my wife is out with some friends of ours having a great time while I’m here.”

This one’s a bit of a wise guy. I read his name tag: Rick McKinley, Pastor of Imago Dei. “You seem kinda young to be a Pastor?” Don’t know why I said this! Maybe it was the conversation about age with Tim Keller. 

“Yup. But I also started the church. Twelve years ago.”

“Very cool.” We’re about to enter the green room, so I warn him. “It’s not green.” Then tell him a little about myself and my writing dream. We have a nice chat and he tells me to shoot him a copy of my book when it comes out. As I leave Rick to powder his nose, I think to myself, I hope I get to hear him speak. Something tells me he’ll make me laugh. Continue reading →

What Moves You?

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I wake up at 3:28AM yesterday to attend New York Leadership Center’s Annual Movement Day. Although registration doesn’t open until 8:00AM, volunteers are asked to arrive at the downtown Hilton at 5:30AM. Unfortunately, no LIRR lines from Locust Valley leave early enough to get me there, so I can either drive into the city and take my chances finding parking or carpool with my two friends and get dropped off at the door. I choose the latter, but it comes at a price. Sleep, of course. Because I have to be at my friend’s house at 4:30AM, and just typing all these before the sunrise clock times is making me drowsey.

As I line my toothbrush with toothpaste at 3:30AM, I notice my lips. Oh No! Not again! Continue reading →

Meet Hannah! She’s EPIC!… SoulFEST2012 VLOG

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Like I mentioned in recent posts, one of our favorite aspects of summer music festivals is the chance to discover new bands and find up and coming music to add to our iPods! Isn’t everyone looking for that next great song? Well, one night, while jamming to the main stage evening shows, one of the Security Volunteers who I’ve already introduced myself to says, “Hey, do you want me to get you an interview with the female singer of Epic Season?”

“Sure.” Who is Epic Season? is really what I’m thinking. But I love meeting new people and what could it hurt? If anything, I hope it will help me to develop my journalism skills and also give my readers a fun and new way to learn about what’s out there, musically speaking.

“You’ll love them!” She assures me. 

And she was right! Epic Season had their first real breakthrough at Soufest. Paul Colman on the Deeper Well Stage told them, “The only thing wrong is that I’m not producing you.” How fun!! Continue reading →