Be a Woman of Faith

All you have to do

is gather up your soul

and determine that

in Christ you will be

a woman of courage,

a woman of conviction,

a woman in control

of her fear,

a woman of faith.

- Sheila Walsh

Courtesy Interview.

A week or so ago, my sister had an interview with a great organization -- a courtesy interview, I was told. I met the gentleman who would be interviewing her a week or two earlier while exhibiting at a conference. I mentioned my sister was looking for a job and that I might put her in touch with him. I was excited for both parties, my sister being a great candidate and he seemed as though he would be a fantastic employer. The only pitfall was that her degree didn't necessarily fit the criteria of the job description. Regardless, I thought this could still be a good fit.

Well, my sister received a call and the interview eventually came and went. I happened to bump into this gentlemen for a few brief moments that afternoon which is when he shared with me that he really only called my sister out of courtesy to myself. At first, I was infuriated. Why would he say such a thing? How rude. However, he then proceeded to share with me how she truly impressed them. I was delighted to hear such news. She kicked ass!

A couple of days passed and my sister was called back for a second interview. Again, I'm fanatically excited for her. Within 24 hours a call is received, offering her the position.

Some people are offended at the thought of a courtesy interview. I personally think this was a blessing in disguise. Both parties received a pleasant surprise. I believe my sister was given an opportunity of a lifetime and she truly WOWed them. I learned a great deal from this experience and I'll fight for a courtesy interview any day. Sell yourself.... you're worth it!

Keb' Mo'

Earlier this week my friend Brandon called with some incredible news -- one of my favorite artists, Keb' Mo', was going to be in Kansas City at the 2005 Rhythm and Ribs 18th and Vine Jazz Fest. Words could not express my excitement. As of that phone call, I was on a mission to get there, no matter what!

Unfortunately, my weekend was already planned out and Saturday's events could not easily be re-scheduled. Soooo, the plan was to cut out a little early (noonish) and head up to KC. Keb' Mo' wasn't performing until 5:oo p.m.; however, the Blind Boys of Alabama were on stage before him -- so the earlier I could get there, the better. Mary, one of my girlfriends from undergrad who is also a blues/jazz fan, joined me for the road trip and concert. We had a BLAST!!! The weather was perfect, the concert was fantastic, and the crowd was energized. I honestly could have listened to Keb' Mo' perform all night long.

I introduced myself to a guy named Kurt who was up practically on the stage taking pictures, and asked if he might be willing to e-mail me some of his photos. After a short and pleasant conversation, I gave him my business card and received approximately 20 AWESOME pictures this morning. I'm soooo glad I asked, and I know a number of my friends would say... "Kelly, you're not afraid." LOL. I'm not!

What an incredible day! If you're interested in learning more about this artist, visit http://kebmo.com/. You won't be disappointed!

And, a special thank you goes out to JLD for introducing me to such a talented artist.

Laugh Often

"A day without laughter is a day lost." -Charlie Chaplin