October has been a crazy month – one where I was gone more than I was home. Several engagements earlier in the month revolved around my Autism Awareness program.

On October 9th I left for Charleston, W.V. at 6:30 a.m. which, of course, means that I arrived at the Denver International Airport at 4:30. My first flight took off late and we landed five minutes after my connection to Charleston had already left.

I was diverted to Detroit for a three hour layover. The next leg took me to Cincinnati where I learned that my outgoing flight was overbooked. After another four hours I was en route to Charleston.

On every single flight I was graced by the most amazing companions. One special new friend, Debbie, was wanting to write a children’s book (we now are talking about partnering on the project). Another had a son with Autism and has already ordered my newest book (available in late November).

Still another companion was traveling to Charleston to complete in the Chili Cook Off. He came prepared with his meat and spices and shared a few wonderful tips on how he had already won numerous competitions.

IF my flight plans would have run “smoothly” and on time I would have arrived in Charleston at 4:05 p.m. – a full seven hours earlier. IF I would have chosen to scream and yell (as a few others chose to do) when I was bumped from my flight I would have lost out on meeting the most amazing people.

Finding the silver lining in life sometimes comes in the most usual packages – sometimes wrapped in a paper bag, sometimes in a Styrofoam cooler and sometimes wearing a pair of comfortable, old jeans.

Two days after I returned from West Virginia I left for Texas. I chose to drive so that my boys (on fall break) could go with me. We set off at 8:00 a.m. for the eight hour trip to my parent’s house in Hereford, TX.

The uneventful trip was a far cry from my plane trip and we arrived with over an hour before I was scheduled to speak to a writer’s group in Friona, TX.

The writer’s group, though very small, was full of life and talent and several members brought books they had written. Two that really stood out included one on Friona and area residents and another about a woman’s story after loosing her child. Both authors had spent countless hours of research and even more on the production. It was comforting to know that we had walked on common ground.

I was also blessed by the librarian at Friona – perhaps she really had wings that I couldn’t see… from the red carpet treatment the moment I arrived to her sharing a few personal goals that I’m praying about–I felt like family. It’s a Texas thang..

To top off the evening several members brought yummy snacks and my friend Diane brought her famous GF / CF sugar cookies (unbelievably good) to share. Everyone shared their accomplishments, struggles and goals. I left feeling like I had gone to a revival. Here is Diane’s cookie recipe. You won’t know you’re eating GF cookies!!

Diane’s GF Sugar Cookies
1 ½ c sugar
1 c butter or margarine
2 eggs
1 t vanilla
3 c + 2T GF flour mix*
2 t baking powder
½ t salt
1 ½ t xanthan gum

Blend sugar and butter. Add eggs and vanilla. Beat mixture on high until fluffy (2-3 min.). Mix the dry ingredients together then stir into the butter mixture. Spoon dough onto a greased or parchment covered cookie sheet. Flatten each cookie to about 1/2″ thick. Bake at 375º for 10-13 minutes.

For a richer, crisper cookie, modify the flour mixture as follows:
1 cup plus 1 ounce (2 T) Gluten Free Flour mix made with fine grade rice flour, such as available at oriental grocery stores.
1 cup sorghum flour
2 ounces potato starch
2 ounces arrowroot starch
4 ounces almond flour

Bette Hagman’s GF Flour Mix (from More From the Gluten-Free Gourmet)
2 parts white or brown rice flour
2/3 parts potato starch flour
1/3 tapioca flour

(Rice flour and tapioca flour can each be purchased at oriental grocery stores, often more cheaply than other stores.)

For nine cups of mix, sift together:
6 cups rice flour
2 cups potato starch
1 cup tapioca flour

I hope that you enjoy the cookies (as we did) and that your month was as wonderful as ours was. May you all find blessings in the moments given to you each day!

Are YOU still reading the hype and wondering whether to take a chance with the H1N1 shot or not?

This interview with Dr. Kent Holtorf, an Infectious Disease Expert, might answer the questions you were afraid to ask.

If Dr. Holtorf’s interview doesn’t answer your questions, this list surely will!

Eighteen Reasons Why You Should NOT Vaccinate Your Children Against The Flu This Season

If you have further questions, I welcome them here.

My newest book The Journey, Home from Autism will be back from the printer next month! Order your copy now under the bookstore link. Take advantage of free shipping by entering FREESHIP in the discount box.