Books and Movies

It's not everyday a book you authored, or in this case, co-authored, gets turned into a movie. But recently that became a reality for me. The response to the Front of the Class movie that aired on CBS on Dec. 7 as a Hallmark Hall of Fame presentation has been overwhelming. As co-author of the book, my part in this was very small. However, I still received over 900 movie related emails and my web site was inundated with hits. It is very gratifying to know that the words Brad Cohen and I wrote about his inspiring life have touched and motivated so many people. It really is a wonderful feeling to know you made a positive difference in someone's life. Close to twelve million people watched the movie and I am sure many more will learn about Brad's wonderful message when the movie is rerun.

This is all importance for several reasons. 1) Brad is the kind of guy who believes his cup is overflowing, even though he has Tourette syndrome. In Brad’s words, never give up on your dream, no matter what, because if his dreams can come true, then yours can, too. 2) There were a lot of people who worked hard to make first the book, and now the movie, a success. So gathering a great team of people around you for support is important, no matter what your goals. 3) Never compromise on quality. Everything about Front of the Class, book and movie, has been first class, and I know everyone who has worked on the book or the movie is proud of their contribution.

Thanksgiving

So the turkey I cooked for Thanksgiving turned out okay even though the stove and oven caught on fire and I had to throw flour all over it. Thank goodness I had wrapped the turkey in tin foil because the nice fireman who came to my house said the chemical stuff they sprayed all over the stove and oven to be sure the fire was out probably wasn't good for the turkey. He also said the scorch marks on the walls might come out if I leave a baking soda paste on it overnight.

I learned something else new on Thanksgiving. You know those refridgerated dinner rolls you heat in the oven? They explode if you put them in the microwave.

It must be obvious by now that I am not a cook. I have tried and tried, but it is not something I do well, no matter how much thought and effort I put into it. For me it is a good reminder that we all have strengths and weaknesses and it is okay for a person to not do something well. That's because we each have many things we can do very well.

I think it is important to focus on the many things we each can do, rather than the few things we can't. And whenever I am reminded with firetrucks and smelly chemical foam that i am not a cook, I am filled with gratitude that I have food to cook and a home to cook it in. I may not have a stove to cook it on right now, but that is a temporary problem.

Here's hoping that during this holiday season eveyone finds many things they excel at, and even more things they are grateful for.