As you can see Prissy’s Blog has been under construction, now remodeled, and is up and running again. That means I have no excuse for not blogging. But I’m sure I’ll think of some anyway. It’s pretty bad when I realize my last post was Father’s Day. And now October is peaking at me from around the corner with crisp air, colored leaves, football, and festivals hanging nearby. Have you noticed I only blog on ‘Something’ Days? Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and now a Fall day. Okay, I know I am the worst blogger inside the blogosphere world. I should get an award. How about a trophy, please, please, please? I’ve never won a trophy for anything. Never. It might as well be for being a lousy blogger. Here’s the thing… unless I have something to share I just don’t want to waste your time. Nobody, and I mean nobody, has time for anything, anyone, anymore. You know it. I know it. It stinks.
“I think I can, I think I can!”
I slipped on my armored dress, a splash of Flower Bomb perfume, and with a dollop of tiny courage headed for the recording studio. I felt just like that little engine. With my southern accent and all the critics awaiting, I decided I would narrate Far Outside the Ordinary. A committee of everyone I asked, along with my research, revealed the author of a memoir should be the narrator. Rats! I must say it was much harder than writing the book. When I was composing my narrative arc, the content, characters and everything that encompassed my story, I had to analayze and weave it together with careful planning. The brain was in charge. But when I isolated myself inside that recording studio, read my written words out loud through the microphone, well…it echoed reminders of those painful and dark months I wrote about. And it was brutal. This time I was sharing my story from a totally different place … my heart. There was more than one day I had to stop. But I returned and was determined I could do it. I knew my childrens’ children, and theirs, would hear Far Outside the Ordinary read by me. I was brave enough, but barely.
As I drove to the studio one day I was remembering a boy I knew decades ago. He walked with metal poles with his two thin arms slid inside the welded holes which supported his weight. He had strawberry blond hair with chocolate brown eyes. He was much smaller than the other boys in our Lake City, Florida, middle school. Rail thin, with a slightly curved spine, he wore very thick glasses and shoes with elevated soles.Whenever he would run into me somewhere his adoration was like a puppy waiting for a treat. I was his treat. One day as I retreived books from my locker, I heard him calling my name from afar. I looked over and watched as he raced down the corridor as fast as those cumbersome poles would carry him. “Prissy, Prissy, will you go to homecoming with me?” he asked. He was breathless but had the confidence of a rock star. It was so unexpected and out of the blue. I was unprepared. But I do remember looking into his brown eyes, so magnified by his glasses they were out of proportion for that tiny face. I saw this kind, soulful being who twirled his thin fingers and waited for my answer as though I was somebody important. I thought he might be an angel and it was a test. I said yes. Of course, I would. He was ambitious, funny, and so brave. He was fragile, yet fearless, and despite life’s challenges he had the courage of a lion. We went to the homecoming game that night. He sat smack dab in the front row stadium seat, his metal poles beside him, and watched as I cheered for our losing team. His smile never faded the entire night. A few years later he died from pneumonia. The boy’s name was Stevie Kuschell… polio did not define him. Thank you for teaching me the real meaning of courage, Stevie. I wish I could tell you how important your lessons were to me in your short life. As I pushed through narrating Far Outside the Ordinary your footprints were all over my heart.
There have been many readers asking when the sequel to Far Outside the Ordinary will be released? The truth– only when this ‘baby’ is well developed, healthy, full-term, and ready to deliver into this great, big, scary world. I want her strong enough to face the obstacles and challenges which, undoubtedly, await her. I’m sure it seems like I’m a worthless slug, the slowest writer on the planet — along with being the worst blogger in blogosphere — but, hey, it is what it is. Writing is my joy but I believe it must be done right, have significant value for others, or just not be written at all.
Besides, don’t forget, I still have an active eighteen-month-old named Far Outside the Ordinary that can’t be ignored. She still needs my attention as I guide her from the shadows to the spotlight. Like most eighteen-month-olds, she is a ton of work. I can’t turn my back on that butterfly for even a minute. I don’t want her getting into trouble, straying, wondering why I have forsaken her, and just when she flourished. What kind of mother would I be? But, yes indeed, I am working on my sequel…..look for it in 2016. By the way that’s around the corner. Yikes!
So what have I been doing besides making excuses for not finishing my new book? Well I’ve become a professional speaker. Stop laughing! Okay, I’m laughing too. I know, I know… imagine me with a microphone standing center stage. Say it isn’t so. Really it is quite remarkable for a girl who once stutterered. It’s true. I had such extreme anxiety during graduate school I gave my oral thesis to the professor standing alone in his office. Every other student gave theirs in front of the class. As we all know…life is what it is and not what you expect. I have evolved into someone else. Now I can stand before any audience, fearless, and share how I navigated my personal loss and found hope, purpose and meaning after living through such a random, senseless tragedy. I’ve shared my message with a variety of fabulous audiences for some pretty spectacular events– here, there, and yonder: Merrill Lynch, SunTrust, Altrusa, Philanthropic Educational Organization, Florida Transportation Builders’ Association, Author Forums and will soon be headed back to where my education all started, Flagler College, to give the keynote address for the Women of Vision ‘Power of the Purse’ scholorship endowment luncheon. I am honored.
Aside from the sequel, I have a big surprise! It’s different, fun and current. But, alas, I can’t tell you yet! I promise I will even if you didn’t give me a trophy. But a little mystery and suspense in one’s life is a good thing, don’t you think? Of course you do. Stay tuned….
Who wants a Give-Away? Here you go….
GIVEAWAY: Far Outside the Ordinary AUDIO is now available on Amazon. To celebrate I’m giving away 15 FREE COPIES. I will be randomly choosing my winners from Amazon and Goodreads’ reviewers. If you’ve not posted your REVIEW on Amazon or Goodreads, please do so to be eligible. I would be most grateful. For my winners, I will also include a Far Outside the Ordinary koozie and paperback all bundled together with the audio. A perfect Christmas gift, right? The deadline for your entry is October 15. The winner(s) will be selected on October 16. Good luck!!!!
So….that’s about it. However, I promise the surprise mentioned earlier will be shared with you very soon. I won’t wait until the next ‘Something’ Day…Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas.
Thanks so much for supporting me. I can feel your love, truly.
Warmest wishes and Happy October!
Prissy
Prissy, thanks for continuing to write such ‘from the heart and soul’ stuff. Whether it’s the book, a blog or just your Facebook posts… they elicit such strong emotions – all along the spectrum – and i find myself smiling, laughing, crying, bemusing and every other emotion i didn’t know i could feel at that moment in the day! It is truly a gift and i thank you each time for sharing.
OK, so that’s my trophy for you! Thank you sweet Prissy, Frannie
Can I just say “I love YOU”!!! Seriously, you are the sweetest person I know. Period. Borrow none.
Thank YOU for making my day beautiful:-) I have a trophy, I have a trophy, I have a trophy!!!!
Loved reading your latest blog this morning. You are such an inspiration! Can’t wait
for your new book as I know it will be a good one. Best to you, Neighbor and Friend
as you continue to soar and excel at your oh so full life! Betty
Betty,
You always say the sweetest things. Many thanks and heartfelt love:-)
Hello sweet Pi Phi sister! So proud of you! I’m fighting breast cancer still and winning. Currently radiating thru November. I like the new blog look, little engine! TTF
You go girl…..I have moved you to the top of my prayer list! Keep it up and give those “C” cells a piece of your mind. They SUCK!
Hugs and thanks for writing:-)
What a beautiful story about Steve,I too remember him well with that contagious smile and always going beyond. What a wonderful classmate. I’m sure many of us would like to say things to him that we never had the courage to do so as teenagers. As we look back over our early years of development, I’m sure many of us would not have ever thought about what out lives would be today and what life long friendships we have. We are so fortunate to stay connected. As I have said before I can’t wait for your next book, your love for family, friends, and writing is Extraordinary. Thanks for always remembering your roots.
Dear Kedra,
You always say the sweetest things. I’m so glad you, too, remember that sweet boy. Who would have thought I would still be thinking about him fifty years later? It speaks volumes to his impact on me. Sometimes, I don’t remember the name of people I met at a book signing last week. Actually, most time…..shhhh!
Look forward to getting there for one of those gatherings soon. Give everyone my love:-)
I haven’t read it yet but I would love to. I like your blog. I like your style. Where can I find “Far Outside the Ordinary “?
Thanks so much, Penny! You can go to my website: http://www.prissyelrod.com for a signed hardback copy. And you can find audio and paperback on Amazon:-)
Enjoyed every sentence of this blog. You make me smile. Pause. And look forward to what’s ahead. Please don’t stop speaking from your heart…..
You are so sweett, Ginny. Thank YOU!!
You’re back! Well done, dear one!
‘Bout time!!!
Hugs:-)
Prissy, So good to read your blog and see how you are doing. I read your beautiful memoir this spring after meeting you at a book fair in Apalachicola. You are amazing!
I know how busy you are. I have just written a new book, Bella Figlia della Mamma, (Mamma’s Beautiful Daughter), and am busy with all the marketing; ordering postcards, contacting libraries, and reading in schools. How can we find time to write a sequel? Would like hearing from you!
Hi Lorraine…I remember you. Congratulations of your new book. It is so time-consuming and only another author gets that. Thank you for your kind words. I swear, we need 30 hours per day, not 24, to get it all done. I go to the Library—and make myself write everyday. I don’t know if I will ever finish since thinking is a big part of the writing. I will, but Lord knows when. Good luck with your book and will look for it:-)
You might like reading The Mockingbird Next Door about Harper Lee’s (To Kill a Mockingbird) life in small town Monroeville, Alabama. Not much has ever been written about her, but a former Chicago Tribune reporter befriended her and ended up renting a house next door. It might give you some ideas on story format, etc. It is also just an interesting look into Lee’s life and that of her sister, Alice.
Thanks, Rose! My bookclub is reading it now:-)
Hey Prissy,
God is using you in such a powerful way. You have let Him turn your pain into remarkable healing. Imagine all of the strength and encouragement you are providing to countless others😊
You GO girl!!!
“There are thousands of tears I’ve tasted,
But none of the pain is wasted,
For all things work together for good, for all who love the Lord.”
Bless you, dear one!!
Dear Morgan,
You are so sweet! Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your kind, glowing praise. I can’t tell you how much it means to me.
I have no illusion that God is front and center with every thought, word and message I share. He guides me daily.
Many, Many thanks!
If I didn’t already know you, all I would need to know about your character is wrapped-up in the story about Stevie. With all the insecurity and self-doubt that comes with being a middle schooler, how many of us would have said yes to Stevie! I’m betting that you left a life-long foot-print on his heart, too. This was a Hallmark moment!
Your latest blog entry was fabulous, and I enjoyed reading every word. Thanks for the laughs, tender moments, and self-inflicted guilt (……defined as the anxiety felt from knowing that I probably wouldn’t have had your courage, empathy, maturity at 13 in saying yes to Stevie!)
Love everything about you, girl!
Aww…thank you sweet friend. Stevie probably was one of God’s angels. I think they surround us; we just have to be lucky enough to recognize their magic.
Let’s gather soon. We miss our dinners with the two of you.
Many, many thanks and hugs,
Prissy
Loved this post, Mom. So proud of you! I remember you telling me stories growing up about your date Stevie. You always told us “you always say yes to the first boy that asks you to the dance.” It’s a lesson I plan to pass on to my girls.
Thank you sweet girl! You and Sara B are my greatest accomplishment…. that’s the best of the best. And now, so shall be your girls and boyy. Love you.XOXOXO
Hi, Prissy,
I loved reading your blog! Thanks for sharing your wonderful sensitivity with all of us. I count you as a special friend from the first day that we met in our Writing Memoir class at OLLI. I enjoyed hearing every manuscript page that you shared with our small writing group when “Far Outside the Ordinary” was still a dream. Now, your dream has come true and your story is touching so many hearts! May God continue to bless you, your family and all that is yet to come!
By the way, “The Little Engine That Could” is one of the favorite books that I read to my two children, Teresa and Eric! My Kindergarten students enjoyed it, as well. What an inspirational message for us all!
Love and hugs,
Marie
Double hugs for your double reply. Keep writing, you hear me?
That was a blog entry worth waiting for! I’m looking forward to hearing your voice reading Far Outside the Ordinary – and it’s been a blast watching your beautiful butterfly evolve!!
️XO
And you have watched it from the moment of conception. Thank-you. Now come home soon so we can walk!!!
After Altrusa, I read your book in my moments of spare time. I was so excited to share it with the Lamb Girls, and my mom loved her personal book! My Aunts explained a neat connection for you and I – Mrs Callie Miller. I was privileged to ride in the back seat to church with her almost every Sunday to Pine Grove Baptist and had to talk her into sewing the dresses for my bridesmaids 25 years ago. She was afraid they wouldn’t be perfect as her arthritis was worsening, but they couldn’t have been more perfect! She just turned 103! I have purchased Ron’s book and looking forward to her story this weekend. Butterflies flapping their wings…….we feel the breeze of love from so many in our past that make us who we are today! Thanks for sharing yours!
Hi Lorrie!
Yes, what a wonderful story. Wow! I loved Ron’s book about Miss Callie. I plan to share it in a future blog. He has been so kind to me….nicest guy.
Many thanks…
Hi, Prissy,
Thanks for your inspirational blog! Your journey has been amazing. Congratulations on all of your successes. I’m grateful for our meeting in Writing Memoir class at OLLI, and for hearing “Far Outside the Ordinary” when it was still a manuscript!
By the way, “The Little Engine that Could” has been a favorite book of my children, Teresa and Eric, and my Kindergarten students, as well. It is has a great message for us all.
May God continue to bless you, your family, and all that is to come.
Hugs, Marie
Hello Marie!
Thank you so much. Miss you and hope you are doing good.
Keep singing:-)
You have no clue how much adoration I have for you! You are the whole package. I’ve been totally amazed at what you can accomplish, and you are certainly not a total slug. What you are is a wonderful wife, mom, and is it Nana? You’re also a loyal friend to many, especially to your BFF, Gayle Webb! And, you’re an extraordinary author! It’s totally ok that your blog was a long time coming. It was so worth the wait! The content is always funny, thoughtful and informative to me. When I see you walking in the neighborhood, I think to myself, how in the world can Prissy do all of just the things I’m aware of. No doubt in my mind that there are many, many other accomplishments! Thanks for your devotion to what real living is all about. I am honored to call you a friend.
You make me blush with your generous, glowing praise, Louise. Thank-you SOOOOOOO much. They call me ‘Sassy’ and they are my poodles and mutts. Hilarious!
Seriously, many thanks for making me feel special.
If you see me walking, logging those miles, get out there and next to me. I would love the company:-)
Prissy, I had forgotten all about Steve … How kind/sweet/everything for you to go with him..And back then, it wasnt something going “viral” (whatever that is) for all the world to see your kindness You just did it from the heart.. And actually may have been kinda fun…. Thanks for sharing this.
Olivia, to this day, I still believe he was planted on earth as angel, perhaps.
He was one of the special ones I never forgot. Ask my two girls and they will tell you I’ve talked about him since they were tiny tots.
Thanks so much for reaching out to me and commenting.:-)
You are simply the best thing since sliced bread! I’m so glad you and your pig tails found your way into my life!
Blessed by your friendship!
<3
This little ‘piggy’ loves YOU. You should be cloaned and I would pass your cute self around, sharing your love and goodness everywhere I went.
The blessing is mine!
Prissy, you are amazing woman! I feel like I have known you forever and I only met you after I read your book! Can’t wait to get the audio book and hear you tell your story and so excited to know your sequel is so close! I love you!
Thanks so much, Vi. I have a GREAT picture of the two of us together at the Barnes & Noble signing. I needed ‘fun’ since that was one of my first ones. You helped make it so; I’ll always be grateful for that.
Hang with me…. I will finish the sequel, especially knowing someone like you wants it. XO
Loved your blog. The story of Steve is wonderful. He was such a sweetheart. Have read your book and loved it. Waiting on your next one. Keep up the good work. PJ
Thanks Paula!
I’m so glad you liked my book, as well as the post on Stevie, remembering him along with me.
I can’t help myself…I just still remember him as Stevie, though I’m sure he would like me calling him ‘Steve’ by now, don’t you think?
Again, many thanks:-)
Prissy
So enjoyed your book! I’m in Lake City and was so sad to be out of town the day you visited our Altrusa Club! I understand it was a favorite for many of our members – – look forward to your sequel – – – but as I keep telling my friends – – when is the movie coming out!!
Hugs!!
Mantha
Hi Mantha!
I am just remembering I need to check my blog for comments…..and there you were. They you for sharing with me they were happy with their Lake City girl. I certainly loved meeting all of them and seeing those I already knew.
I’m so sorry I missed you too. Hopefully, I will get back there one day soon for another visit. I LOVED your Altrusa group. Movie, movie….let me just say it is in the hands of a screenwriter BUT—-those people are stranger than strange so I’m not sure I will EVER say yes. It is really weird (scary, really) but I will let everyone know if it is ever going to be a GO, you hear? Stay tuned:-)
Hugs to you too!
Prissy