How I met Norm. . .

Everything was blissful with Gary and me for the next couple of months and we were about to enter into our first Christmas season together. I was eager to spend time with his family since the holidays hadn't been that much fun for me the past several years, with the exception of the previous year. In 2004, I had one of the best holiday seasons ever. I spent Thanksgiving and Christmas with Karen, Norm and all their family. It was magical. . .

I know I've mentioned Karen and Norm throughout this blog, but never mentioned how I came into their family. Long story short: In February, 2003, I surrendered my life to Jesus. I mean: surrendered every part of my life. Although I was a Christian since 11 years old, Jesus was NOT the Lord of my life until February, 2003. I had quit dipping in January of that year--a 19 year habit that had become such a burden between God and me. Then, in February, after drinking to oblivion and completely humiliating myself at a local bar, I surrendered everything two days later. I asked God to take the desire to drink out of my body, and He did. Yes, just like that.

I hungered to know Him more and to know His Word and what it said about me and to me. I went through some valleys during that time and seemed to have few friends that understood where I was. I prayed God would send me some new Christian women friends, and He delivered. I began Paula Heskett's Bible study, with her roommates, Pam and Cindy. Cindy and I met through our jobs. Paula introduced me to the Power of the Holy Spirit and I was baptized in the Holy Spirit. This all made so much sense to me! God wants us to live victoriously and gives us the Power of the Holy Spirit to do just that. But we must tap into that power. I wanted everything God had for me. I went through "deliverance" with Paula to rid myself of some chains and shackles that had kept me in bondage for so many years, e.g. insecurities, loneliness, fear of abandonment. I learned that "bondage" comes off like layers of an onion come off. One thin layer at a time. I've been back to see Paula several times for deliverance of over bondages that have reared their ugly heads. As I've grown in Christ, new things are revealed and I've gone to new levels. As Joyce Meyer says it, "New level, new devil." So true!

Okay, so back to Norm and Karen. In December of 2003, during my debut as an Angel in the Paramount Terrace Christian Church Pageant, I prayed, "Lord, I want to do something for You, something big for You, to show You how much I love You and to thank You for all You've done for me." That was my prayer many nights after rehearsal. My heart was full of gratitude for this new path I was on and I just wanted to show God how thankful I was for the freedom He'd given me.

Fast forward to September, 2004--while driving to Lubbock one day for work, a friend of mine, Jan Frisbee, called and asked me to pray for "Norm"...whom I knew as "The Big Red King" in the Christmas Pageant. I'd met him backstage the year before and he and his family sat about four rows behind me at church. Jan informed me that Norm had been on dialysis for some time after his two kidneys failed due to high blood pressure, and also after a kidney transplant, (from a deceased person.) Dialysis was hard on Norm, being a 6 foot 7 inch man. It took over four hours for him to complete one dialysis cycle. Jan said he was going back onto the "Transplant List", but that it might take four years to get a kidney, I asked, "What about his family, can they donate?" Jan said they'd already been tested and no, they couldn't donate. Then, out of my mouth, it seemed before I knew what I was saying, I blurted out, "What about mine? Could I donate my kidney to him?" Jan, who was a retired nurse, said, "You know, honey, I don't know? I believe you have to be similar blood types and Norm is A-." To donate, I'd have to be A- or A+. All my life, I thought I was A+, but told Jan, when I returned to Amarillo that afternoon, I'd stop by Coffee Blood Bank and get tested to make sure. Jan and I decided we'd both pray about this.

I hung up the phone and started praying out loud to God, "Lord, if this is You, please let us be a match. If not, if this is NOT something you want me to do, please Lord, don't let us be a match. Put an obstacle up so this won't happen. I want to be in Your Will, but I want to help Norm if I can." Inside, I was excited! Excited at the hope of helping someone in a "big" way. Was this an answer to my prayer? I definitely thought it could be.

Guess what? I got my blood tested and I am A-! I couldn't believe it! I was almost certain I was A+, but nope! A-! I was so excited when I found out, that I drove to the church where I knew I'd find Jan's van parked and put a note on her windshield that said, "I'm A-, the same as Norm! Call me!" Jan called and we both just screamed with joy. She took me to meet Norm and Karen the next day. Norm thought I was another "Dawn" from our church-the one who sung in the choir. So when I appeared, he was a little confused. At first, he didn't want to receive a kidney from a living donor because he didn't want to put anyone through the surgery and recovery, but his family and Jan convinced him this would be the best bet instead of waiting on a transplant for four years. Norm didn't think he could stay on dialysis that long, it was already taking a toll on his body.

Instantly, Norm and I hugged. Karen and I hugged. Within minutes, we were supernaturally bonded and within weeks, I literally became a part of their family. It was such a time of celebration and joy. Norm has two children, Kendra and Kyle. They were both married and have children. Kendra's children are Railey, Kellyn and Hogan and Kyle and Leesa's are Sydnee and Gage. I became like an Aunt to their children and we all enjoyed each other so much. I believe we met on September 16, 2004. On October 26th, we had the transplant. It was unbelievable how quickly all the testing went, which was unprecedented. We heard that sometimes, it can take up to 6 months to get all the testing done, the insurance approved, etc. But Norm and I were on a mission: we had to get the transplant done, and be recovered so we could begin rehearsals for the Christmas Pageant early December. Our doctors laughed at us because we were so determined, but they obliged.

Jan went with me and stayed in the hospital room with me on a tiny cot. She made such a huge sacrifice to do that for me, but she wasn't about to let me be in that room alone. I'm so thankful she was with me, too.

So, the nurses give me a "cocktail" shot to help relax me and then I got wheeled into some cold room where I was given something like an epidural shot to help ease the pain when I came out of recovery. Throughout the entire process, there was joy. I never feared the surgery or recovery because I knew God was with me. Now, that is a miracle all in itself considering that I am terrified of shots, needles or pain! Yes, I have a zero tolerance for pain...I'm a WHIMP! Okay, okay...there, I confess. I can't even be in the same room when Shorty is getting her nails clipped! It's that BAD! So, for me to go full steam ahead with all of the tests, which by the way, might have been the roughest part for me: getting stuck with those needles to test my blood many times. The strength to volunteer to have an elective surgery was from God and not me. I could not have done any of that on my own. (As evidenced by Shorty's Vet visits!) I do believe when God calls us to do something, He does equip us. He had to equip me, because I could not have done any of that without Him.

Okay, this story is longer than I thought, but I want to tell it so you, the reader, might consider kidney donation too. (Yes, I'm serious!) So, we had the surgery on Tuesday morning, I was released on Saturday. Yes, I was sore. But not as sore as I was when I had laproscopic surgery on my stomach 8 years before. And this was for a much better cause!

At the time of the surgery, I was working for Great Western Directories selling yellow book advertising. Commission only sales job. Our "season" ended in December, and by the time I had the surgery, October 26th, I had completed all my renewable sales for the year. That was another miracle from God. Members of our church anonymously donated around $3500.00 to give me, knowing I was without income during the three weeks of recovery. That was another miracle. It was exactly what I needed to make ends meet while I was off work. Norm's insurance paid for all of my medical bills, another miracle. And Norm and I were at every performance of the Christmas Pageant that year. It was a miracle. It was all a miracle.

So, that's how I met Norm. When I mention him, you'll know who he is and how he entered my life...or how I entered his life. His family was such a blessing to me and they took me in as their own, like an orphan. I was delighted and once again, simply amazed at the goodness of my God.

The Proposal

Gary had the ring several weeks before he proposed. He thought of many different ideas and ways and places to propose, but in the end, the Ranch at Wheeler won. It was the weekend of Britton's 18th birthday. So a few of Britton's friends were there and Bree was there as well. They all helped Gary with his master plan, which is really neat. Bree and I were cooking macaroni and cheese when Gary said he was going to go to the pond, or somewhere. I didn't think anything about it. Britton and Kirby went with Gary. Bree and I were having a grand time cooking up one of my favorite dishes...mac and cheese. Then, Bree says we need to "go,"...and I thought, Hmm? what's going on. I started to get an inclination that Gary was up to something, but wasn't sure. This was definitely not how I pictured the proposal, since I was in a mismatched sweat suit with no make-up and a bad hair day! I realize now, how I looked wasn't as important to Gary as who I am. (Over the years, that has become more and more comforting.)

So, Bree hands me a card from Gary and it tells me to head to the pond for my next "clue." Bree and I jump in the Ranger and head to the pond. We pull up and find Britton and Kirby there, holding a rose for me, from Gary. They tell me to head to the creek and stop before I go over the bridge. I left Bree at the pond with Britton and Kirby and they walked back to the house.

I drove to the bridge where Bree had made a sign and had it draped across the opening of the bridge telling me to "stop" and wait. I'm smiling from ear to ear because I know Gary is somewhere near. In a few seconds, he emerges from behind a big cottonwood tree trunk. He had a coat and tie on with his jeans and hunting boots. Oh, he looked adorable. On the picnic table were a dozen roses. I walked over to meet Gary and huged his neck before he said anything. Gary slowly rests on one knee and looks up to me with a huge smile...I'm smiling too. He asked me what I'd hoped he'd ask me since the third week I'd known him...."Dawn, will you marry me?" Ohhhh, again, I about melt to the ground. My heart is pounding, palms are sweating, birth mark is beaming..."Yes, Gary Wells, I will marry you!" He stands up to embrace me and places my engagement ring (I had picked out) on my left ring finger. We hugged so hard, I thought we might break. It was a wonderful moment in time. I'm so thankful his kids were there to share this with us...that made it very special.

We drove back to the house to find the kids waiting for us. They were excited-- we were all excited. The evening continued to be one of celebration as we cooked out for Britton's birthday and ate birthday cake. Later, the girls challenged the boys to a game of Pictionary and we smoked them! It was so much fun.

I later wrote in my journal: I can't believe such a beautiful man, whose heart is golden and his love for You Lord is so solid, wants to marry me!! He will be the spiritual leader of our household. I can't believe everything I've dreamed of is happening right before my eyes! And he loves me so much Lord--all my my imperfections, my past, my moods--He still loves me! Might I express this hope to some other women for You, Lord? Show me how!

To me, this was all so hard to believe it was happening in my life. Truly, a dream come true. Prior to picking out the engagement ring, I had to tell Gary about my past, all of it, because I wanted him to know everything about me. There were times, I labored for days, over the thought of telling him about some horrible choices I'd made in my past marriage. In fact, I tortured myself into thinking, once I tell him THIS, he'll be gone. Or once I tell him THAT, he'll be gone. He never left. He never even stumbled over his words when he responded to all that I told him. His response was this, "I see a pure heart in you, Dawn. I saw that the first day I met you and I still see it. We all have a past, and who am I to throw the first stone?" Wow. To this day, Gary never brings up anything I've confessed to him from my past in a negative way. Never. And I do mean never. He is not jealous, not insecure and loves me unconditionally everyday. Does it sound to good to be true? Well, every day, I thank God that I have Gary as a husband and this life. I am blessed beyond belief and I don't want to ever take that for granted.

I would say this: Don't settle for less than your dream. God knows your dream anyway and wants to give that to you. Seek Him and He will direct your path right into your dreams. He is a great God Who gives great gifts to His children. There is always hope in Jesus. Always.

The Official first "I love you"

I'm not sure how I went from the red desk analogy to the courtship of Gary and me, but here I am. I'd like to get to the "here and now" of our lives because I enjoy "writing" and this is a great place to journal the journey of life. But for now, you are stuck with the mushy, gushy, outrageously, ridiculous love story of our courtship. It wasn't all so mushy and gushy, but early on, he could do no wrong and I would have to pinch myself every morning when I woke up and after every encounter with him...just to make sure this wasn't a dream. It seemed like a dream to me, a very good dream-TOO good!

On June 25, 2005, Gary told me he loved me (first :)) There were times I doubted for sure how he felt because he is a guy, ya know? Guys aren't the most demonstrative people in the world and Gary had no "dramatics" in his personality...no, that was all left to me. Gary is the steady one, I'm the one off the chart. haha! For the past month, we'd been saying to each other, "I'm really falling for you..." but wouldn't ever come right out and say, "I love you," but this night was different. He told me how much I meant to him; how special I was and then, those three words that were music to my ears..."I love you." I could have melted right there in his arms. Finally, to hear those words! I could relax...all the tension and anxiousness had drifted away. I'd been feeling "in love" for some time now, but didn't really feel at liberty to say that to him-until now.
"I love you, too, Gary..." It was magical. We're going to make this work and it will be great. I still can't believe it's happened to me! Me? Lord! You picked me to be with Gary? Thank You, from the bottom of my heart!

It just keeps getting better. . .

As I read my journal from May, 2005-each entry tells about a man who keeps surprising me at every turn (and still does.) One night, after having a great conversation with Gary about my thoughts about having children...which, by the way, I gave him my "pat" answer: "I can't miss something I've never had," he was leaving and wanted to pray over me. Oh My! Had I died and gone to Heaven? As we embraced, ear to ear, he whispered the sweetest prayer over me, in his gentle voice and I thought I was going to melt, right through his arms. Funny thing, WE both said "this is too good to be true!" Normally, when I hear that statement, I run...but I learned something, when it feels too good to be true in a Godly relationship--its God at His finest!

Our courtship was one of grace, love, redemption and boundaries...four things I've never experienced in any relationship. We just wanted to spend time together to get to know each other, more and more. Our likes and dislikes, our temperaments, quirks, phobias, hang-ups--everything. I'd honestly never met a man like Gary Wells in my life and it was beyond difficult to believe God had put this man in my life for such a time as this. I AM blessed!

I remember the night we went to a fund-raiser at the Panhandle Plains Museum in Canyon, (he lived in Canyon at this time.) This was our "official" first date in Canyon, where he knew, once we were "seen" out, the buzz would be buzzing. I asked him if he was ready for that, and he said, without hesitation, he was. It was this night that I met Bree, Gary's daughter, and oldest child of two. I wrote in my journal: I met Bree tonight. She is a striking-got-it-all-together strong, young lady. Confident and ambitious. It was a little awkward because I didn't really know how she felt about her dad dating, but I tried to just be me.

I also met Britton, Gary's son. He'll be a senior this year. He's a tall, handsome, gentleman. Seems to have a sweet spirit, just like his dad.

We all seemed a little nervous at our first meeting, but his children were delightful, friendly and good-spirited about it all. That helped make that first meeting a little easier.

I've never felt more like a "fish out of water" as I did this particular night. I have never had children, and I didn't have a great role model for a mom, so I felt completely inadequate and ill-equipped at the idea of ever being a "step-mom." (yes, I admit, marrying Gary had already crossed my mind a hundred times before this night.)

One thing I did have in common with Bree and Britton was this: I'd lost my dad when I was 15 years old, (Britton was 16 when his mom died) and I'd lost my mom when I was 22 years old, (Bree was 21 when her mom died.) Now, that doesn't seem like a wonderful thing to have in common, but it was something of great significance that happened in all three of our lives that we could relate to through our pain. I knew deep down they were still hurting and grieving the loss of their mother. Even though I couldn't share their pain with them directly, I was sharing it with them indirectly-just by knowing the very heartache they were feeling and being able to empathize with them. This was something even Gary couldn't identify with because his parents were still alive and well.

It's difficult to know someone is hurting and even understand their pain, yet not be able to do anything for them or comfort them in any way. That's how I felt for Bree and Britton. It was tough and my insecurities were rising to the top, but God showed up and showed off, as He does in such a glorious way. Through my trials and insecurities (weaknesses), He proves to be strongest, which is what Paul says in 2 Corinthians 12:9. I had many weaknesses, so there was LOTS of opportunities for Christ's power to rest on me. :)

First "Real" Kiss

This was a totally, amazing day. It started off by Gary and me traveling to Wheeler to visit his ranch that he and his dad own. This is his "sanctuary" away from the hustle and bustle of life. I'd never been to Wheeler and I distinctly remember as we got closer, there were so many trees and even some valleys! Where had I been all my life? This didn't even look like the Panhandle of Texas as I knew it. I was anxious to see what the ranch looked like. I was also nervous, because his dad, Jimmy and step mom, Jerre, were there as well. Yikes! Meeting the fam!


It was great. Jimmy and Jerre were delightful and fun and I just seemed to click with them right away. Wheeew! that was good, that definitely eased my nervousness. The ranch is beautiful! It has a great pond, stocked with fish, acres of green grass with actual trees and valleys. I was simply amazed we were still in the Panhandle of Texas. I could easily see why this was Gary's "sanctuary." He also loves to hunt there in the winter, EVERY weekend! (I go some and stay home some too....imagine all the new little projects that get accomplished during the winter months!)


We came back to Amarillo and decided to go by Norm and Karen's house. I wanted them to meet Gary, officially, now that we had been seeing each other since the golf tournament. That was the last time Karen and Norm had seen Gary. And of course, they loved him! He met everyone that night - all the grand kids, Kendra and Kyle, just everyone...it was great.


We went dancing again and had a blast. After Gary took me home, while standing outside saying our "good-byes", he leaned in about 50% and I leaned in the other 50% and BAM! Oh my goodness. I'm just going to say this quickly-I thought to myself, "Oh my! He is a fabulous kisser!" This was a kiss that I had dreamed about for many years...finally, here it was, happening to me! I was in awe, yet again. It seemed at every turn, everything was so right. We had so many "connections" from our families and our pasts, that it just seemed uncanny. I was living a "dream" and didn't want to wake up, it was delightful.


I loved the anticipation that came over me every time I was going to see Gary on any given day. We both remained so giddy, people really got a little "sick" of our courtship. Yet, Gary's friends were so happy that he was smiling again. I was happy that I was with him as he began to smile again. I wasn't there all those years during the very rough times of Jatawn's illness, but having watched my mom battle breast cancer, I did have an idea how difficult and painful all those years must have been. I imagine it being so much harder as a spouse instead of a daughter.

Our love grew and grew. That night of our first real kiss, I wrote in my journal:


I know something about all this, but I'm not saying. . .You know, too, Lord.


I knew Gary and I would be married. I knew he would be my husband. Not just because he had a dachshund, or that he was a fabulous kisser. I knew he was going to be my husband because he was my heart's desire, through and through. God put that desire in me before I was born. He knew I'd have a rough past to deal with and Gary was going to lose his wife through a long, difficult battle with cancer. God knew just the man I needed and God knew just the woman Gary needed. It was us and I knew it that night...May 14, 2005. Three weeks after we met. I'm so thankful it was Gary. He is perfect for me in every way.

Soul Purpose Experience

Okay, I fibbed on my last post, but not intentionally. I told you I'd resume Gary and my love story as soon as I returned from my 2-day "Spa for the Soul" retreat. What I didn't know then was how wonderful those 2 days would be and how much I'd want to write about it when I returned to my red desk! So, while it's fresh on my heart, I'd like to share some of what I discovered, uncovered and released during those two days.

My friend, Teresa Snider, who is also my "promoter" for this blog, :) asked me to check out the website for www.soulpurposeexperience.com/ as a friend of hers was encouraging her to attend. When I went to the website to read about it, I began crying while reading their website! Is that crazy? I thought, "what is going on here? why am I crying?" I don't really know the answer, except that, what I read, touched a tender place in my spirit. I wanted to go myself! I told Teresa it sounded great and definitely to go. I also emailed Kristin (at Soul Purpose) to find out what the cut-off date to register for the Sept. 17-18 retreat was. It turned out, there was one spot open, so I encouraged Teresa to go. The next day, Kristin called me to reveal that a woman had to cancel at the last minute and now there were TWO spots open! Oh my, I immediately got excited and about what? I don't know? My spirit knew!

Gary was still out of town hunting and I knew I wanted to run this by him since the cost ($525) was over our $200 spending limit (without mutual consent.) Gary called the next day and of course, he said, "sure Babe, go! Sounds like a neat deal."

Okay long story short, so I don't get bogged down with all the details, Teresa and I headed to Lubbock on Wednesday. Trinity Ranch is about 15 minutes south of Lubbock, owned by Margaret and Bill Couch...Kristin is Margaret's daughter and they work as a team for this retreat. There were six women signed up and Teresa and I arrived the night before since the retreat began promptly at 9 the next morning. Kristin welcomed us to the "bunk house" which is a beautifully, decorated home with a basement and three bedrooms upstairs, a full kitchen and three full baths, very nice accommodations.

Here's what I got out of the 2 days I was there: the motivation for going to this, deep down, was that I believe God has a specific plan and purpose for my life and I needed clarity in order to figure out what it is. I chase rabbits all day, helping in so many different ways with so many different arenas of life, but yet, I didn't feel I had "reached my calling." I've been reading, The Simple Life and it too, speaks about clarity and ridding our lives of "clutter"...things that occupy our valuable time, but don't offer anything to our life. Hmm? I can think of many things, especially technology, minus this blog, since writing is something I do feel called to do :)

Anyway, one thing discussed at the retreat was to figure out what our "limiting beliefs and scripts" are that others have put on us and we have labeled ourselves with. The one that came to my mind right off the bat, but proved to be untrue was this: I am not talented. Turns out, that is a limiting belief and is very unresourceful to my life. In the course of two days, I realized my "definition" of talent was skewed just a bit and I do have talent, am talented AND creative. Now, some may say, Dawn, I've always thought you were talented. That's great, but it doesn't help me, because 1) my definition of "talent" isn't the same as yours and 2) my limiting script, "I am not talented" does not serve me at all. Therefore, I walk around feeling "untalented"...

Now, think about some limiting script that you say to yourself or that someone has labeled you with....? Can you think of one? Is that resourceful or unresourceful? There can be both kinds. But its the unresourceful scripts that keep us in that "box" and keep us from our purpose in life or trying things for fear of failure. Listen to yourself talk during the day and see if you don't speak limiting scripts as well...you might surprise yourself.

A resourceful script for me is this: I am creative and love transforming things. This is very resourceful for me because it motivates me to transform projects, ex. the desk, the cabinet knobs, organizing an out-of-control closet, helping others with their wardrobes, photography, etc. I learned that what I call "creative" can actually be called "talent" as well. But I limited myself only to "creative." Okay, so you get the message on scripts...which, by the way, come from "Belief Systems."

Furthering our knowledge of "self", a little more digging had to occur. More soul searching and I must become much more "emotionally intelligent." That's where I identify my feeling the minute it occurs, take a "check" of my body, what's happening...blood pressure going up? breathing increasing? heart rate racing? digestive system acting up? Instead of squelching the emotion, I ask myself, "what is this? where is this coming from?" In order to be keenly aware of my emotions, I got inside a round pen with a horse I'd picked. There was one paint horse, Prince Caspian, and I picked him immediately. (I love paint horses.) Prince had been a "Play Day Horse" and ridden hard and fast by many kids during his "day." He had to re-learn how to just "be" and not be so high-strung and wanting to go-go-go and do-do-do... Funny I picked him since that is exactly how I feel about life right now.

I have such a hard time just relaxing, just being. I thought that people would admire, accept, love me more if I DID for them...DID anything for them. This is something I've been working on for many months, but something I learned in just two days with Prince was this...when I was in the pen with him...I was perfectly content to just be in his presence. He was a beautiful, majestic, sweet horse. I loved being in his presence. I didn't want to leave his presence because I felt utter peace and joy. He wasn't "doing" anything...he was just "being"...he did it well and it brought much pleasure to me. Was it possible that I could just "be" in the presence of others and possibly bring them joy? Just by being me? Not rushing around trying to "do" for them? With some people, yes, I do believe that is quite possible. But I've taught most that I will do anything for them, so they might wonder what's up when I just start "being" and quit "doing"...some may not like it, some may not notice, and some may be relieved.

Now, I know that just "being" is not my purpose in life...no, I'm too high strung for that, but I will need to grasp that so I can slow down long enough for God to speak to me and for me to hear Him clearly. I've thought a lot about my purpose and this is something Margaret leads us through...

Right now, I'm leaning towards this: My soul purpose in life is to promote, inspire and encourage personal growth for myself and others, with lots of joy! I'm listening to God on this very clearly, before I put it in stone. I love learning and growing and I never want to stay where I am, no stagnation. I want to improve myself to be the best I can be, whatever that looks like...that is definitely something I'm passionate about.

Clarity of purpose....finding that thing that you love, that you feel you were made for and you can't live without...then purposing your life around it, knowing God made you just for that very reason. Wow, that's seems to simplify things, doesn't it? That was my goal all along.

Check out the website: http://www.soulpurposeexperience.com/ Amazing! Thank You, Margaret, Kristin, Connie, Prince, Teresa, my group and God...You, Lord are simply amazing.

"May the beauty of the moment be forever imprinted upon your heart." ~ Dawn Wells

(I awoke at 1:51 a.m with this quote running through my mind, I'd never heard it before~no doubt, a gift from my loving Father above."

Our first "official" date. . .

The next day, Sunday, we went on our "official" first date...you know, the kind where the guy comes to your house and picks you up? yea, that kind. Oh! And he was such a gentleman...he opened my car door! I love that. One thing I recognized right away about Gary is his very gentle spirit. He seemed so calm, most of the time, and his presence brought a calmness to my spirit. That has proven to be a VERY good thing since I'm not calm by nature and even off the wall, at times. Gary's gentleness "grounds" me. God knew I needed that.

We went to the $1.50 movie at Westgate Mall and saw Million Dollar Baby. Great movie, by the way. But more important than that, we held hands at the movie for the first time! Oh my, was that delightful. This relationship was moving in a positive direction at a healthy rate of speed, at least for me. Usually, it was, meet the guy, kiss him that night and THEN decide if you wanted to see him again. There wasn't much "getting to know" someone back in my past days. But Gary was different to me and for me. I was also a different person. All of this was really so new to both of us. He married his high school sweetheart and was married for 20 years! He hadn't dated in 20 years, so needless to say, he did feel like a "fish out of water", as he so cleverly put it.

As I said in an earlier post, this was all new to me because I'd never really dated someone serious where alcohol didn't play a large part in the relationship at the time. I've learned, alcohol affects relationships in many ways. Don't fool yourself. It does!

I remember thinking again, this was all too good to be true. He asked me several times why I wasn't taken? Many reasons, but the most significant reason was because I was waiting for him. My Happily-Ever-After.

I was so ridiculously giddy and continually smiled from ear to ear when I was with him. He smiled a lot too. Two weeks after we met, I wrote in my journal that I felt I was living a dream. It was hard to believe this was all happening to me. The relationship felt different than anything I've ever experienced on so many levels...especially the "maturity" level-despite the fact, I blushed every time I was around him! I desired to get to know him better, to understand him, to know what he'd been through and how he made it to the other side.

Funny thing I wrote in my journal on 5-10-05, was after a visit with my dentist, Dr. Duncan. Gary also went to him and had been in a few days before...I guess Gary had mentioned he'd met me and we'd gone out a few times...so when I sat down in the chair, Dr. Duncan called me "Mary Ann"...(from Gilligan's Island)...I knew exactly what he was implying. Mary Ann's real name is "Dawn Wells". I remember that all too well since I watched Gilligan's Island everyday after school at 4:30. I thought that was cute of him and hoped it was prophetic!

One thing I learned about Gary very soon, was that he was a marvelous communicator. That was not something I'd seen in most of the guys I'd dated before. However, that was one of the items on my list...so, I checked that off as "done."

Having lost my parents and many other loved ones, I could relate to the grieving part he was experiencing, but not to the part of losing a spouse to death. Divorce, maybe, but not death. Going through a divorce was much like a death to me and many times I thought it was harder than losing both of my parents. I survived both, thank goodness. Grief was something we often discussed. I prayed God would help me just "be there" for him as he went through that process. Sometimes, I thought, "this is all too soon, he is still grieving so much. But, I feel I helped him through some of that in a healthy way.

Our romance continued to blossom and we spent a lot of time together and conversed so much about our previous lives and how we got to where we were today. I found myself extremely attracted to his "easiness and gentleness," I even found it to be "sexy" but not in a lustful way, but a "chemistry" kind of way...if that makes sense.

So, I will continue the story in a few days. I'm heading to Lubbock tomorrow to attend a retreat, dubbed, "A Spa for Your Soul." Sounds good, huh? I'm really excited. My friend, Teresa, and I are going together and hoping to learn a lot about ourselves that will propel us into the next season God has waiting for us. I will be back on Friday evening and will do my best to post again on Saturday. Until then...my friends :)

Our First Dance

After the Starbuck's evening, which was delightful, our next meeting was at the Happy State Bank Downtown Branch open house...two days afterwards. I was again so ridiculously nervous, I couldn't keep my hands dry! Now, one thing that happens when I get really nervous or embarrassed or upset, is my birthmark on my neck becomes bright red...to the people who don't know me, it looks like a hickey...of all things!

So, I get to the branch and visit with Bill Bandy, Gary and Gary's other friend, Charlie Cox. If you know Charlie, and many people do, you know he is such a character and quite comedic. He loves to give people a hard time in a fun way. However, this particular night, he really GOT me!

I'm already nervous as a cat because it's only my fourth time to be around Gary and I'm still trying to impress him. It's obvious to each of us that we like each other, but we both are really nervous. So, Charlie proceeds to comment on the hickey on my neck and in front of everyone, asks if Gary gave it to me!! Oh my goodness, I felt the blood rush into my cheeks, my nose, my forehead, my ears...from my neck up, I was beet red! Even that embarrassed me to tears almost...not sad tears, but laughing tears. It's impossible to make the red go out of your face when you're that embarrassed. We all laughed at that one and still to this day get a good laugh from it.

The night was coming to a close and Gary asked me if I'd ever been to the Cattle Baron's Ball? I said, yes, I have. Then he asked if I'd like to go this coming Saturday night? I'm BEYOND excited that he asked...because it seemed like he was asking me on our first "official" date! Of course, I said YES! What does he do next? He hands me a ticket to the Ball and asks if we can meet out there between 7:00 and 7:30. I said sure. I have to admit, at that moment, I was a little disappointed that he handed me a ticket and didn't say, "I'll pick you up between 7:00 and 7:30." However, the Lord had been working on me regarding "boundaries" in this relationship. I couldn't remember going out with someone who seemed so emotionally healthy regarding boundaries in a relationship.

In my journal, I have several entries that I thanked God for showing me what a healthy relationship/courtship looked like. This was it. Even though I'd never been in a relationship quite like this one, I knew it was right and healthy.

It actually turned out well that he didn't pick me up because I was so nervous and distraught about what I would wear that night, I thought I might have to cancel going altogether! I think I changed outfits at least four times before I finally settled on a white pair of pants and a really colorful sweater set. My goodness, that took a long time. I finally arrived at the Cattle Baron's Ball and walked over to the table where Gary and Charlie and his wife, Tami, were at. Gary looked up at me and smiled. The butterflies in my stomach flew away and instantly, all was well.

It was this night that Gary learned that my favorite song is Sweet Home Alabama. I love to 2-step to this song as well. We asked the band to play it, but while I was there, it never played. Later, a few of us decided we wanted to go country & western dancing, so I ran home to change into boots and jeans...the white pants and sandals wouldn't cut it for 2-stepping. Well, guess what? Gary called me as I was driving down I-40 headed for my house and said, "guess what the band's playing?" He held his phone out to pick up the loud music and what did I hear? None other than Sweet Home Alabama! I couldn't believe it and neither could he.

We met at the Nat parking lot and thought about going in there to dance, but ended up going to Graham's Central Station. We danced and danced until our feet hurt. One particular song came on that I will never forget dancing to...The Broken Road by Rascal Flats..."God blessed the broken road that led me straight to you..." As we danced to this song, and held each other...the words washed over me as if the song was written just for us. I remember thinking, "Lord, this is too good to be true! How can I be dancing with this wonderful man? How did this happen? To me? I don't deserve a man as wonderful as him." This was a "dream night" for me. I completely enjoyed myself, danced with a wonderful man and didn't drink a drop of liquor. This might well be a first for me...a good first. I am a new person, yet the new clothes took some getting used to. I was trying, but it was all so hard to believe from my point of view. After all the bad I'd done, how could God give me such a wonderful night like this?

Although my spiritual clothes were new, there were still some old thoughts roaming around in my mind. The guilt, shame and condemnation from my past continued to haunt me-especially now that something wonderful was happening. (I would fight these old thoughts for a few more years before finally being free from them completely.)

When Gary drove me back to my car to drop me off, I had no expectations of him kissing me goodnight and that was a relief. We'd had such a great time and he said he'd be in touch. I was confident he'd call again because the night seemed magical.

Sure enough, I was about a block away and he called. :)) He asked if I'd like to go the movie with him the next day, Sunday. Possibly see a matinee`...he wanted to see Million Dollar Baby. And, of course, I said. . .yes.

Project(s) Accomplished

Hi Readers...I have to take a detour tonight from Gary and my love story to update you on the .. . .YES! the DESK! Oh, how thankful I am to have it finished. I told Gary it would be completed before he returned home from his hunting trip in Wyoming. (He didn't get an elk. :( They just weren't out and about as they usually are this time of year. I'm very sad for him, but I know there was a reason for him going up there. He LOVED the town of Jackson, WY and I hope we'll return there together on vacation. Needless to say, he's returning a day early! Yea! That part makes me really happy....and thankful I finished the desk and another project I took on mid-week.

Okay, so back to the "Desk". . .it took more work than I thought, as do most projects I get myself into...:) But it truly became a labor of love towards the end. On Wednesday night, after working all day on project #2 (cleaning out my craft/gift-wrapping/photography/sewing, etc. closet), I went back to assemble the desk. Mind you, this is after sanding, priming, painting three coats of red, stenciling, decoupaging, trimming out with beads, (of course it had to have beads!), and sealing twice. There weren't many parts to assemble, but at 10:30 at night, after an exhausting week and day of cleaning out the closet from Hades....I was about delirious trying to re-assemble the few pieces I needed to. But I was so stubborn and so determined to get it done before I went to sleep. I'm embarrassed to say, I was literally crying out to God to help me get a very stubborn bolt to go into place...I had run out of strength and this particular bolt was being extremely obstinate! I know the Lord was laughing at me. (In a nice way.) I felt Him tell my Spirit, "Dawn, why do you do this to yourself? Who's here pushing you to finish this? No one." I had no answer for the Lord. I don't know why I push so hard on some things and give up so easily on others. I consider myself "fickle", but it's not something I'm proud of.

Anyway, I did finally get the last piece of the desk assembled and I stepped back and gleamed at what I would call..."A Masterpiece." I don't mean that in a boastful way, I mean it from this vantage point: That desk was not much when I purchased it. It wasn't attractive on the outside or inside, but I saw great potential in it the moment I laid my eyes on it. I took it under my care and scrubbed off the outer layer to prepare it for it's new life...a brand new life, with a new owner who would LOVE it and cherish it because of how much blood, sweat and tears went into "saving" it. I smile every time I glance over at it, while it sits there so majestically in my living room. I'm proud of how it turned out. It's not just pretty to look at, it is completely functional for my needs.

Doesn't that story sound familiar to you? The Blood, Sweat, and Tears of Jesus Christ went upon the Cross to purchase you and me! He put so much into us and now He steps back and looks at His beautiful daughters and sons and gleams as bright as the sun. He is so proud of His creation and desire for us to "function" for His exact purposes. Otherwise, we might sit in the Thriftstore, useless, lifeless-wondering why we even exist.

Here's the deal...the "purchase" has already been made. YOU and I have a New Owner. Maybe there is some sanding to do, or maybe a little priming to get you ready for your new "look." (And does Jesus look good on you!) Maybe you've already been painted and now you're ready for some "detail" work...wherever you are in this wonderful refining process...know this: He will finish the good work He started in you...it will be completed. Isn't that comforting to know? No matter which phase we're in...He WILL complete the project. Oh my, that gives me so much comfort right now. I pray it gives you comfort too. The crown I put on the lower right corner of the door, (my favorite part of the desk), symbolizes that I am an Heiress to the King...THE KING of HEAVEN AND EARTH!

Romans 8:15-17 So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you have received God's Spirit when He adopted you as His own children. Now we call Him, "Abba, Father. For His Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God's children. And since we are His children, we are His Heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God's glory. But if we are to share His glory, we must also share His suffering. (NLT)

Okay, now to project #2. This was not really a labor of love. There was a lot of labor, but not much love. This large closet just kept getting crammed full of stuff, hobby after hobby went into this closet. And with my aforementioned "fickleness", there are many hobby items in there. Well, it got to the point that every time I opened the doors, I just cringed when I saw what was staring back at me. Total disarray. No organization at all. Until I pulled everything out onto the floor, I had no idea what all was in there. I surprised myself. I worked on that closet for two days and finally got everything put back in (that I kept) and everything off the floor. Now, when I open the doors, I get this feeling of great accomplishment and a smile crosses my face. That is good.

I liken that disorganized, crammed full, closet to my own life sometimes. I can really get overextended, even with many good things. I love helping people, volunteering and exploring all my many hobbies. But the other day, I listed all the activities I had my hand in and thought, "good grief....even too much of a good thing is still too much."

God and I are working some things out and I'm prioritizing my list. I love my life, don't get me wrong. I'm living my dream life: Child of God, Housewife Extraordinaire (hence my business card)

I heard so many times from Mom, "You don't need a man to take care of you. You need to get a college degree so you can take care of yourself." I believe those statements are wise , but I know now that they came from a wounded woman's heart. I lived by those statements for many years, but the truth has set me free. I have taken care of myself, been on my own, and did just fine...but I DO need to love Gary and be loved back by him. Not to take care of me, but to know what true love feels like here on Earth. He is a very close example of Jesus. He's shown me how Jesus loves me...except Jesus loves me thousands of times more than Gary. But at least now I have a reference point.

I'll continue with our story next post. I think I'll chill out tonight so I'll be rested and rejuvenated when my husband comes home tomorrow. For now, that IS my purpose... :) toodles :))

Unchartered Territory

During our phone conversation on Monday, Gary and I discussed that we would see each other the next day at the Business Connection and afterwards, meet for coffee at Starbuck's on Georgia. I was already smitten and completely beside myself! My feelings were swirling around in my stomach like butterflies. It was utter bliss to think a man such as Gary Wells was interested in me! (At this point, I hadn't fully grasped that God had made me brand new...I was not the Old Dawn anymore.)

After the Business Connection, Gary and I met at Starbucks. I can't even describe how nervous and excited I was to see him and sit down and talk to him. Remember, this really was about the first "kind-of date" that I hadn't met the guy while extremely intoxicated. I felt so "exposed" and vulnerable because I couldn't hide behind the psuedo-confident wall of alcohol I had used so many times in past relationships. I walked up to the front door feeling "naked!" This is it, I thought. This is me, in the "raw" with no blanket to cover over my insecurities. I prayed ferverntly that I wouldn't say anything ridiculous and that the Holy Spirit would speak through me. I grabbed a deck of cards that were in my glove box just in case there was an lull in our conversation. (Actually, that was my security blanket...we can play a few games of Gin to take the focus off having to keep the conversation going. Good grief! I was nervous!)

We sat at the back table, all by ourselves and talked comfortably with each other. Just for the fun of it, I pulled out my deck of cards and he laughed. He loves to play Gin and we talked while we played three games of Gin. To this day, he says I beat him 2 to 1, but I really don't remember. I am glad I took the cards in. (That's something we laugh about today.) There were a few times Gary became teary while talking about his late wife, Jatawn. The upcoming weekend was Mother's Day and the week had been hard on him so far. I clearly remember thinking, when he shed tears, how remarkable it was for a man to be so comfortable to share tears with someone he just met. I'd never seen a man do that. I didn't think of him as weak, but very strong. Strong enough to be "real" and not care what other's thought. THAT is a strong man. A very different "strong" than what I'd seen in my lifetime, but I liked what I saw. As exposed and vulnerable as I felt, Gary met me there with his own vunerabilities and exposed the very essence of his heart to me. I was in awe.

I wrote in my journal that night: Lord, thank You for the time I spent with Gary tonight. What a true blessing to know him, to know a man so righteous even exists - and to think You thought me worthy enough to meet him and spend time with him. It all seems a little awkward-not knowing when or if he may call again. THIS is unchartered territory for me. Actually, just spending time with someone on a friendly basis-no strings attached-is unusual for me.

Up until the end, I felt all went really well. He knew about my dipping in the past, I think from Jimmy, but he didn't reveal that until the end. He couldn't believe I used to dip. He didn't seem to overwhelmed by that. And when the evening was closing, he mentioned movies-he loved going to the movies. He also reminded me of the Downtown Bank Branch opening on Thursday and to come if I could. (Gary was never forward or assuming with me, quite the gentleman.)

He became tearful several times tonight-he is so not recovered from the trauma of losing his wife, although he said Jatawn told him to live his life-abundantly. He has no regrets and no guilt. The "first anniversary dates" will be hard.

Help me Lord to be the friend he needs in me. Help me Lord to put selfish ambition away. I felt the Lord whisper in my Spirit. . .Step back, Dawn, and let him grieve. Don't try to stop his grieving process. He has healthy boundaries. That's a good thing. All is well. All is well.

A New Kind of Love

Needless to say, when I drove off Friday, I had no idea how long the weekend would seem while waiting to hear from Gary. I honestly thought he might call THAT night! On Saturday, I spoke with Bill, and he assured me Gary was interested and he'd call. That's when I found out that Bill and another "cohort" had been secretly trying to introduce Gary and me, but just hadn't figured out how to do it. He was so glad we'd met at the golf tournament, but maybe a little disappointed he wasn't the actual one to introduce us. Nevertheless, Bill was delighted for both of us. He felt we would be perfect for one another.

Finally, Monday, May 2, 2005 rolled around and it SNOWED! Can you believe that? Well, of course you can if you're from the Panhandle. I marked that day on my calendar not because it snowed, but because Gary CALLED! Oh, you should have seen me pacing back and forth while we spoke on the phone that day. What's even better, is what I did after we hung up...you would have thought I'd just won the lottery! I jumped up and down, thanking the Lord, smiling, laughing and tearing up with overwhelming joy oozing from every cell in my body! I'm positive I've never acted like that before in regards to a guy calling. Something was different this time....that "something" was me. I was different.

For the first time in my life, at 40 years of age, I desired to enter into a relationship with a guy who loved the Lord. Also, for the first time in my life, I entered this relationship without the crutch of alcohol to minimize all my insecurities. That's huge since every past relationship had the effect of alcohol on it somewhere, somehow. And, for the first time in my life, I loved the Lord more than any man on Earth and knew a man could not provide all my needs as the Lord could. With that frame of mind, Gary had a fighting chance in a relationship with me. The "Old Dawn" expected Gary to fill that hole in my heart that was so deep. The "Old Dawn" expected Gary to make me happy and keep me joyful.

I read a great book while in my "valley" stage of singleness and working out my salvation with the Lord. The name of the book is Falling In Love with Jesus, by Kathy Troccoli. That book showed me that above all men, Jesus IS my Husband. All my needs are met through Him and I don't have to worry about any man not being able to meet all my needs. This was a huge revelation for me to get. Until the age of 15, I'd solely depended on Dad to meet all my needs. When he suddenly died, I fell apart. Then, when I married a man very similar to my dad, in hopes he could meet all my needs, I was completely disappointed and disillusioned again. No man can meet all our needs. They aren't capable and neither am I capable of meeting all of a man's needs.

Another resource I listened to while very single was Our Secret Paradise by Jimmy Evans. That CD was powerful and life-changing for my unrealistic expectations of marriage. From that resource, I learned that we're all messed up! Even my soul mate is messed up! No matter who it is, they are messed UP! Try to wrap your head around that and don't forget it! The grass isn't greener on the other side. When you meet a new person, hoping they'll be much better than the last one you had, guess what? They're messed up, too! Yep, you can't get away from hooking up with someone who's got issues. We all have issues. We all have some baggage from our past...maybe we've gotten rid of some of the heavy suitcases, but, no doubt, you're still carrying a backpack of some sort. The most riveting statement Jimmy Evans made in that CD was: "In relationships, we either heal each other, or hurt each other. We must learn to redeem each other from past hurts and wounds." That was profound to me, and music to my ears. The entire CD changed my outlook on marriage. I'd never seen a healthy marriage to model, so I was guessing at every turn. But when I listened to that CD, I realized, the "perfect" marriage or mate is not out there. That took me off the hook to try to be some "perfect" wife that I had NO idea how or ability to be. I also deeply desired to meet my Earthly redeemer. I had lots of hurts and wounds I carried around with me...but I could only imagine what it would be like to be with a man who would help me heal those wounds and redeem my past. Little did I know, my imagination didn't even have a glimpse of the goodness that was about to overcome my life. . .

DESK UPDATE:
Okay, I stenciled my design all over the desk; glazed over the entire desk with "burnt umber", and I decoupaged` leopard paper on a few key areas. I'm quite pleased with its transformation so far. I'm anxious to post another picture of it, but decided to wait until I have finished the transformation. Soon, very soon. :)

BOEUF BOURGUIGNON (Beef Burgundy) UPDATE:
Well, how do I put this, I was somewhat disappointed in the outcome of what took 5+ hours to prepare and cook. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the meal, but I guess I expected something more spectacular on my taste buds. It was good, but I must say, translated in American cooking, this is just a "Glorified Stew." I enjoyed the process and learned some new things and even purchased a "Dutch Oven" just for this recipe. I'd never cooked with a Dutch oven. Thankfully, our guests, Bree and Daniel, were a delight to cook for and serve.

I don't see myself making this recipe again, but I did order Julia Child's cookbook, Mastering the Art of French Cooking, and look forward to trying some of her other recipes, especially the one's that don't say: "difficult" beside the name. :))) toodles:)

He Had Me at "Dachshund. . ."

While driving to the fund-raiser to meet Gary and Bill, my stomach was full of butterflies. My palms were sweating and I was blushing from pure nervousness! It was ridiculous, but fabulous-all at the same time. This was the first time, since I'd quit drinking, that I really wanted to impress a guy. From what I knew about Gary, which was very little, he seemed to be a great man. I sincerely wanted to impress him, yet be myself at the same time. No small feat, might I add.

Upon arriving at the location, I'm so thankful there were others attending that I knew. That put me at ease, somewhat...It seemed awkward for Gary and me at first, but as we meandered through each studio room, talking casually, we ended up in the last room, which was a large recording studio. There were others milling around as well. A country song played over the loud speakers and I asked Gary, "so, do you country and western dance?" (referring to the song playing.) He answered, "Well of course, I'm from Dumas!" Great, I thought...that's one item marked off the list. That question seemed to get us talking about ourselves a little more...in the course of about fifteen minutes, we found out some remarkable similarities! We both liked flying in small airplanes....both my parents were pilots and we owned a Mooney when I was a child. I took flying lessons in recent years past. Gary was a pilot in his past! He had allowed his license to lapse and hadn't flown in several years...but just that similarity was quite interesting to both of us. We both like to give "correct change" when paying for something. I know, this is quite odd for two people to have this same quirk about them, but we did!

Now, the one thing on my list that Gary didn't possess was that he enjoyed NASCAR. Gary didn't follow NASCAR and never had. I used to be a huge NASCAR and Dale Earnhardt, Sr. fan, until he passed away. After that, the passion for NASCAR subsided substantially, but I still enjoyed it occasionally and knew I'd want to attend another race at some point.

But here's the clincher. . .a friend of mine came up to me while Gary and I were visiting and asked how Shorty did after her back surgery. (She had emergency back surgery in 2001, after herniating a disk and paralyzing her back legs. She and I flew a chartered plane to Stillwater, OK so that the Vet at OSU's veterinary school could perform surgery on her. We were there about 5 days and then flew back. She had 27 staples in her back, but healed remarkably well and is very spry for her 12 years of age.)

Okay, so back to my friend checking on Shorty...I told her she was doing well and had recovered nicely and uses her ramps now to get on and off the furniture. Gary heard us talking and asked what kind of dog I had? My face lit up with a huge smile, (as it always did) as I told Gary about Shorty, my precious, miniature dachshund. Gary said, "Really? I have a miniature dachshund, too." I could not believe my ears. I exclaimed and pushed him back with my two hands on his chest like Elaine on Seinfeld..."GET OUT! You do not have a dachshund!" He said, "Yes, I do." The look on his face was that of confusion. (Later he told me that he didn't understand my strong reaction to his answer.) I asked him what was his dachshund's name? He said, "Schnitzel." I thought, Hmm? that does sound like a dachshund name. I then asked, "What color is he?" Gary replied, "Dapple." Although, I'd never seen a dapple dachshund, I knew that color did exist, but I just could not believe my ears! I don't remember much of the conversation after that...

Later, we all three walked out together and Gary and I stood in the parking lot...I, completely amazed and dazed, and he, probably wondering what the big deal was about the "dog." :) Gary said he'd like to call me sometime and I told him my number was in the book...(looking back on that last statement, it seems kind of silly-I should have just given him my number, but there was something so gentle and unassuming about Gary that I didn't want to be pushy with him at all...remember, I was really trying to make a good impression.)

I got into my car and drove away before he did. The minute I was in the clear, tears welled up in my eyes. I was overwhelmed with awe. All because he had a dachshund...and I am not kidding. The fact that he OWNED a dachshund was the most beautiful, hand-wrapped gift, God could have given me-ever. God knew exactly what would steal my heart and He knew the perfect gift for me, just me. With tears rolling down my cheeks and running into the corners of a huge smile, I thought, I was just talking to my husband.

Happily-Ever-After Continues. . .

Okay, so Friday rolls around of the same week of the golf tournament. It's my last day to work my part-time/seasonal job for the Judge and I'm packing up my office. My friend and former colleague from WT, Bill Bandy, calls and wants to drop by my office to have me sign some papers for my retirement account. While visiting with Bill, he mentions a Republican fund-raising party to be held that night at the Route 66 Studio of Judge Houdashell. He asks if I'd like to meet him and Gary Wells there. Hmm? I think...this is the second time Bill has asked me to attend something...the first event was the 2 weeks before the golf tournament. It was the Kids Inc. banquet. Bill asked if I'd like to come and sit at his table. I wondered and asked who would be at his table, just out of curiosity. He mentioned some couples that I knew, his parents and Gary Wells. Gary Wells? I had heard his name before and knew he'd lost his wife to breast cancer. I asked Bill if it was "that" Gary Wells and he said it was. Nothing more was said and I declined the invitation to the event. Just didn't feel like going.

So, now Bill is again inviting me to an event, but this time, I KNEW Gary Wells and Bill was shocked when I told him I was headed to Gary's office after work to give him pictures from the golf tournament from Monday. Bill seemed really surprised, but glad I'd met him. I thought I might stop by the event if Gary mentioned it to me when I went to see him.

Bill helped me carry my belongings to my car and he also gave me a copy of Jatawn Wells' testimony that he had on CD. I listened to it on the way to Gary's bank. After listening to the CD, I felt I knew Jatawn on some level...maybe just from hearing her voice on that CD. Her testimony is one of faithfulness and perseverance and it was very interesting to listen to.

I make it to Gary's office and walk in and find him dressed in jeans and ropers! My first thought, "I bet he does know how to 2-step...why else would he have ropers on?" We chatted with small talk to ease our nervousness and then Gary asked if I'd want to meet him and his friend, Bill, at this fund-raiser...He was surprised that I'd just been visiting with Bill and he asked the same thing. With Gary's request, the light turned green and I agreed to meet them there......

The Desk: I've put the third and final coat of RED on it and it's looking good! I haven't quite decided how I might use this great stencil I bought for it...not sure what color to stencil on it or where...plus, I want to put some fancy trim on it too. All next week, I plan to really get down to business with the desk and have it completed by Saturday, September 12. . .