My Someday List for February

for Christian Fiction Blog

I am reading Stacy Hawkins Adams, The Someday List as a part of her blogtour release party and also because she's my friend. The book is about many things, but since it's the top of the year and we are still playing around with the notion of resolutions, this book is a great tool for us to build wish lists, Dream lists or whatever we want to call a list to get us off our complacent selves. I've had a Someday List when I was a child. I made a new one when I became diagnosed with heart-failure.

Every day is a blessing for me, so of course my Someday List has a short timeline. I still have a challenge thinking long-term. I have gotten better and I am thankful, but it's still hard for me to do, so here goes my Someday List for February. Why February? It's my birthday month!!! Woot!

My Someday List for February

1. I am throwing myself a birthday party. (actually i am on Media Candy Feb. 3) Usually I talk about having one, but talk myself out of it, so I will be having a virtual one and real one. Somedays I wished someone thought enough of me to throw me a party, but didn't stop to think that that someone could very well be me.
   
2. I will submit my novel to a writing contest that has a deadline for March. Lately I've spent a lot of time on promoting my clients and friends, and not enough time writing. I want to become published someday...
   
3. I will write a story that I want to read not for the industry, but for me. Somedays I am dissappointed with the books I read. Somedays I'm disappointed with the stories I write. I wished at least someday I would write the book of my dreams and someone would love it as much as I did. But if I never write this dream story...
   
4. I will love my daughter so much. Sometimes I take Selah for granted and she's only eight years old. Not good. I'll love on her good that someday she will remember how much I love her.
   
5. I want to wear my new black dress very well end of February. I've been on WeightWatchers for a while, I can't wait for the day that my group see big changes. For me I want to be able to wear this black dress in my closet. I'm close, but not close enough. I'm tired of not being close enough. You know?
   
6. I will be my own Valentine and by myself roses and chocolate. I always wanted to do that. Again this goes back to me not thinking that I'm worthy to treat myself as well as I treat others around me. I have to kick that bad habit.
   
7. I am going to see a guilty pleasure movie by myself. Again I talk myself out of this, which is sad, since I have a free movie ticket.
   
8. I am getting my biz house in order. This biz is a sweet surprise. I'm honored, but I need to set up the foundation right, so I will be taking a week in February just for that. Sorry guys. Telling you now.
   
9. I am going to rest on my off weekends, and take no client calls on Friday. This thing is more ministry for me. I talk books for free and probably in my sleep, but I have a kid, I am physically challenged, and I thank God for my life. I need to honor this very weak heart I have and take care of it.
   
10. I am going to dance. I love dance and added it to my exercise, but got off track because of some family responsibilities, not anymore.

What's on your Someday List? Let me know.

Pray and Fine Balance to Meet Writing Deadlines

Continuing our Shine in 09 Series:

In this New Year what publishing goals have you set and how do you plan to accomplish them

Author Nicole Seitz answers....

This year, I have my third novel coming out in March from Thomas Nelson, A Hundred Years of Happiness. At the moment, I'm editing my fourth novel. When Happiness releases I'll have started writing my next manuscript, due later this year. It's all a fine balance, but I'm blessed to be under contract. I love what I do, so I plan to pray and take one day at a time. I want to focus on my goals and deadlines, but also to enjoy the ride.

Inauguration Events: Associated Press

SUNDAY, JAN. 18

_ Obama will kick off inaugural activities with a welcome event on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on Sunday afternoon. The event begins at 2:30 p.m. Beyonce, U2, Bruce Springsteen, John Mellencamp, Usher, Shakira, Sheryl Crow, Josh Groban and James Taylor are among the musicians scheduled to perform.

_ Presidential Inaugural Luncheon and Fashion Show at the Ritz-Carlton.

_ EMILY's List Inaugural Luncheon with scheduled guests including Cabinet appointees Hillary Rodham Clinton and Janet Napolitano, Sens. Kay Hagan and Jeanne Shaheen, and North Carolina Gov. Bev Perdue.

_ African-American Church Inaugural Ball at the Grand Hyatt Washington.

_ 2009 Latino Inaugural Gala with Marc Anthony at Union Station.

_ Aloha Inaugural Ball, organized by former Obama campaign workers, held at the Wardman Park Marriott Hotel at 7:30 p.m.

MONDAY, JAN. 19

_ National Day of Community Service event: To honor Dr. King's legacy, Obama, Biden and their families, joined by Americans across the country, will participate in activities dedicated to serving others in communities across the Washington, D.C. area.

_ Black Tie & Boots Inaugural Ball, sponsored by the Texas State Society, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center.

_ Green Inaugural Ball at the Donald W. Reynolds Center for American Art and Portraiture. Ball hosted by former Vice President Al Gore.

_ Huffington Post preinaugural ball at the Newseum.

_ Hip-Hop Inaugural Ball at the Harman Center for the Arts. Hosted by the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network, Russell Simmons, LL Cool J, among others.

_ A children's evening concert at the Verizon Center honoring military families. Event hosted by Michelle Obama, who will attend. Miley Cyrus, the Jonas Brothers are among the entertainers.

_ Obama to attend three private dinners to honor former secretary of State Colin Powell, Biden and Sen. John McCain, the 2008 Republican presidential nominee, for their public service. Dinners at the Hilton Washington, National Building Museum and Union Station.

TUESDAY, JAN. 20 (INAUGURATION DAY)

Gates to the Inaugural Ceremony open at 8 a.m. The inaugural festivities are scheduled to start at 10 a.m. on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol. They will include:

_ Musical selections of The United States Marine Band, followed by the San Francisco Boys Chorus and the San Francisco Girls Chorus.

_ Sen. Dianne Feinstein provides call to order and welcoming remarks.

_ Invocation by the Rev. Rick Warren.

_ Musical selection of Aretha Franklin.

_ Biden will be sworn into office by Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens.

_ Musical selection of John Williams, composer/arranger with Itzhak Perlman, (violin), Yo-Yo Ma (cello), Gabriela Montero (piano) and Anthony McGill (clarinet).

_ Obama will take the Oath of Office, using President Lincoln's Inaugural Bible, administered by Chief Justice John Roberts. Scheduled around noon.

_ Obama gives the inaugural address.

_ Poem by Elizabeth Alexander.

_ Benediction by Rev. Joseph E. Lowery.

_ The National Anthem by The United States Navy Band "Sea Chanters."

After Obama gives inaugural address, he will escort outgoing President George W. Bush to a departure ceremony before attending a luncheon in the Capitol's Statuary Hall.

The 56th Inaugural Parade will then make its way down Pennsylvania Avenue from the Capitol to the White House.

Later that day, the Presidential Inaugural Committee will host 10 official inaugural balls:

_ Neighborhood Inaugural Ball at the Washington Convention Center.

_ Obama Home States (Illinois and Hawaii) Inaugural Ball at the Washington Convention Center.

_ Biden Home States (Pennsylvania and Delaware) Inaugural Ball at the Washington Convention Center.

_ Midwest Inaugural Ball at the Washington Convention Center.

_ Mid-Atlantic Inaugural Ball at the Washington Convention Center.

_ Western Inaugural Ball at the Washington Convention Center.

_ Commander in Chief's Ball at the National Building Museum.

_ Southern Inaugural Ball at the National Guard Armory.

_ Eastern Inaugural Ball at Union Station.

_ Youth Inaugural Ball at the Washington Hilton.

Unofficial balls include:

_ Congressional Black Caucus Inaugural Ball at the Capitol Hilton.

_ Creative Coalition Inaugural Ball at the Harman Center for the Arts.

_ Recording Industry Association of America's ball for Feeding America.

_ BET's Inaugural Ball at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel.

_ Africa on the Potomac inaugural celebration at Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, Va.

_ American Music Inaugural Ball at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel.

_ Inaugural Purple Ball at the Fairmont Hotel.

_ Human Rights Campaign's Equality Ball at the Renaissance Mayflower Hotel.

_ Inaugural Peace Ball at the Smithsonian National Postal Museum.

_ Impact Film Fund ball.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 21

_ The president, vice president and their families will participate in a prayer service at the Washington National Cathedral.

Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Vocals Call: Honda's Battle of the Bands Atlanta

We're Seeking Singers for choir to perform at Honda's Battle of the Bands on Satuday at the Georgia Dome.

The Atlanta Chapter of the Gospel Music Workshop of America, Inc. is looking for singers to perform at the Seventh Annual Honda Battle of the Bands event at the Georgia Dome on Saturday, January 24th, 2009. We will be presenting a song during the finale' of this event. The choir will perform while a combination of all bands which amounts to 2500 band members will be performing on the field. This is promising to be an awesome event. We are seeking all persons to perform at this event The piece being performed is a choral piece. We are in need of 160 people so we encourage you to bring a friend as well. If you've never attended the Battle of the Bands, it's a wonderful day of excitement where bands that have won their divisional competitions come together for this national competition. You really get the best of the best. You'll get: Access to the Dome for the event, catered lunch, prime seating. The Next Rehearsal is Monday, January 19th at our usual rehearsal location The Lindsay Street Baptist Church, 550 Lindsay Street, NW, Atlanta, GA 30314. Mapquest shows as Lindsey Street. We'll be in the Heritage Church, across the street from the main sanctuary. If you have any questions or concerns, please email me at ralph.davis@atlantagmwa.org. Visit the latest from the GMWA Christmas Celebration with Ann Nesby: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajuq2-mUgO0

Sincerely, Ralph Davis The Gospel Express, LLC

The Atlanta Chapter Joins