just read: same kind of different as me

Last year, someone recommended I read Same Kind of Different as Me. When I saw it on the shelf at a charity book sale, I thought "why not? And, it is for a good cause." I had no idea what to expect.

This is a wonderful, true story focused around two men - who appear different, but share many similarities. One, a rich art dealer in Texas. The other a homeless man, formerly a slave. Brought together by a woman - married to the art dealer.

If you are looking for an inspiring story about how one life can make a difference, I recommend this book. I laughed out loud and literally cried at times throughout the story.

Denver Moore, the former slave, is often full of wisdom. In the final chapter he says:


"We're all just regular folks walkin down the road God done set in front of us. The truth about it is, whether we is rich or poor or somethin in between, this earth ain't no final resting place. So in a way, we is all homeless - just workin our way toward home."

As a sojourner, and a former nomad, these words struck a cord in my heart. It was many years ago that "home" was redefined for me. Home is not constructed by men. Home is not a designated geographic place. My home on earth is with my husband, wherever God leads. But, I am still just a visitor passing through on a journey to my final resting place in eternity. That perspective changes everything!

just Sheri, homeless and working my way toward home

Austin, Texas

In early December, I received an all expense paid trip to Austin, Texas. No, I didn't participate in a raffle or anything like that. It was work related. A company we contract with sent out a survey asking for customer input. I replied, not even sure they read those things. Apparently they do. To my surprise, the CEO herself called and said they were holding a user group meeting, flying some folks to their headquarters to share product ideas and I was invited. Nice! This definitely encourages me to complete more customer satisfaction surveys!

I had the opportunity to meet users from all over the US (though this is a global company) and learn from them. I left with many new ideas. Though I was the new kid on the block, one of the ways we use the system was featured as a best practice. Hooray! It's nice when hard work is recognized.

Austin is a great city. I had been there before. The trip was only a couple of days and we hadn't seen anything but the hotel and the corporate headquarters (and the short walk between the two). So, a group of us decided to get out one night. The staff dropped us off at a local restaurant/hang-out that was supposed to have some specialty items. Then they drove away. We walked up to the establishment to learn the entire place was reserved for a private party. Someone had a taxi app on their smart phone and called a cab, that is when the adventure began! 

As it turns out, there is a rule about cab occupancy. A four passenger maximum. We were five. We had requested a large vehicle knowing we wouldn't fit in a normal sedan and honestly didn't know the rule. We had already waited 40-minutes for this cab to arrive. That is when one of the ladies kicked her negotiating skills in to high gear.

She convinced the Cabby to let her ride in the back. She did this on the way to a new destination and on the way back to our hotel.

Here is a photo of the same type of cab outside our hotel the next day (not the same Cabby to protect the guilty and generous).

When travelling, there will be unexpected hurdles. Roll with it!

just Sheri, back to Virginia and my personal vehicle y'all

Christmas lighting

The girls and I did some other fun stuff in honor of the holiday season.

One night we made a trek (in rush hour traffic) to Baltimore, MD for the lighting of the Washington Monument. This is not the iconic (and now earthquake damaged) Washington Monument in DC, but the monument in Baltimore. The event is well attended and festive, with fireworks and all!

just Sheri, still exploring

community dinner before Thanksgiving

There are a couple of beautiful young ladies that I get the pleasure of hanging with from time-to-time. These are Phim's girls. Just before Thanksgiving the church I attend hosted a community dinner for those in need. I invited the girls to join me and they eagerly participated.

Here they are in the food serving line.

In addition to food, there were fun things (intended for kids) - face painting, balloon shapes, etc. This is one of the guys who lives in the woods. I've visited his camping spot. Here he is smiling, posing with his balloon. This was my favorite memory from that night. I am glad he willingly let me photograph him. Just a little bit of joy before he returns to the cold outdoors.

just Sheri, blessed by the smiles of others

Thanksgiving 2011

For the Thanksgiving holiday this year I did not have to cook a turkey - for that I am thankful! Kenyon was on-duty at the hospital and he and the other nurses were having a feast. He requested enchiladas, that was an easy request to fill. When the enchiladas were done, I got in the car and drove to Chesapeake Bay to meet up with the Williams family. They had won time at a waterfront property in a silent auction, I benefited from their charity.

I had never been to Chesapeake Bay before, though the name was familiar. What was amazing to me is how close it is to where we live, but how it felt like it was worlds away. A true retreat.

Angela and her sister-in-law Karen had prepared a feast...and beautified the table with clippings from outside.

I got to hang with young people that I don't get to see as much as I'd like.

I am thankful for a Thanksgiving with a family I love and for the experiences they have, and continue to, share with me.

just Sheri, blessed by friendship