What I Learned at the Erma Bombeck Writers Conference

I returned yesterday from the Erma Bombeck Writers Conference. Three days focused on humor writing was a fantastic experience and I learned a lot. Here are a few of my lessons from this weekend:

1. My name is on the United Airlines Do Not Fly List. Yikes! After the agent looked at the birth date on my drivers license, she waived me on. I'm guessing the person they are looking for is a bit younger.
2. Humor comes in a lot of different flavors: poignant, silly, laugh-out-loud, exaggerating, outrageous, touching, ironic.
3. A lot of success in life results from having the guts to try something new.
4. Everybody loves to laugh. (Well, I can't really say that was big news. I've always known that.)
5. There are a lot of really funny middle-aged women, and many of them are great at stand-up.
6. If you have a strong interest in just about anything, you can find people who share that interest and meet to study and enjoy that interest.
   

Fine Young People

Last night the Chicago music community paid tribute to Carlos Hernandez Gomez, musician, political reporter, man of faith, humanitarian – a fine young man called home to heaven much too young after a battle with cancer.

My son Dann opened the concert singing George Harrison’s words, “Give me love, give me love, give me peace on earth.” I have a lump in my throat as I type those words. I thank God for Carlos and Dann, Carlos' wife Randi, and all the fine young men and two women who performed in honor of their dear friend. Oh, and they also raised thousands of dollars for Living Water International to build wells in Haiti in Carlos' name – his last wish.

It's About Time

Dear friends, I am back to my blog. The plan is to keep it up regularly -- I will give it my best.

Today I want to share a link that will introduce you to two of my favorite online friends, Leah Ingram and Marla Cilley (aka the FlyLady). This excellent post offers you five valuable tips on two topics near to everyone's hearts: getting organized and saving money.

Click here for 5 Ways Being Organized Saves You Money.