Thursday, December 20, 2012

I Resolved


Here we are again at the time of the year when we are winding down the past year and planning for the new.  I know—the world is supposed to come to an end tomorrow (according to the Mayan calendar.) I much prefer the Christian calendar that began when Jesus was on earth. He said in Matthew 24:35-36 & 44:
 
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”

At the beginning of 2012, I made several resolutions and wondered how long it would take me to break them. Here is my score card: finish unpacking from our move—mostly done; organize closets and my office—a work in progress; lose weight and exercise—Forget About It; publish my memoir—YAY, it’s done!

On December 16, I launched my book, Born Three Times, at a book debut and signing event at our church. It was a rainy, messy day but many people braved the weather and came out to support the effort and buy books. Additional books were purchased this past week by others who couldn’t attend. I am so blessed by the response and excited about new opportunities to share my story in 2013. Keep me in mind for speaking engagements at groups where I can tell my story and promote my book next year.

I received the following email from my friend, Neeraj Kamdar, who now lives in Kenya. With his permission, I am quoting his endorsement of my book.

“I just finished reading your book and I’m really amazed. Your story is just unbelievable and I want to thank you for sharing it.  It is going to be a source of inspiration for me when I go through ups and downs in life. It’s amazing to realize how far the world has come since you were a little kid in Burke. Who would have thought that just over a half century later, you would write your memoirs, publish it digitally, and someone in Kenya would download it and read it on an iPad.”

To order your copy, go to the tab at the top of my blog on the right called How to Order. Links are provided for you to download to your eReader or order a soft cover copy. Email me at friedasdixon@gmail.com if you would like a signed copy ($18 for book & postage.)

Please comment below and tell me about your New Year’s resolutions—past and present.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Two Late Bloomers,

Charles and Frieda Dixon

 

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

A Lot of Hot Air


We must be blooming idiots to think we could pack so many stressful projects into the most hectic time of the year. But, that is exactly how our December is shaping up.
After waiting months to receive a contract for further wind tunnel testing for his aircraft innovations, Charles finally got the go ahead to test two airplanes before the end of 2012. He recently spent two weeks at the Glenn L. Martin Wind Tunnel in Maryland, a state of the art low speed wind tunnel that has been actively involved in aerodynamic research and development since 1949. The tunnel is located near the College Park Airport, which is known as the “cradle of aviation” and is the world’s oldest continually operating airport. The wind tunnel operations continue the pioneering spirit of the airport in the testing of many past and current aircraft. He and his crew blew a lot of hot air through the tunnel to determine if his innovations will improve aircraft performance. Long days of trial and error achieved successful results which he will further prove in flight tests during 2013.
Everyone tells me the best time to market my new book is during the Christmas gift-giving season. So while he is working on his aviation dream, I am busy sending up trial balloons to find the most effective way to promote, Born Three Times.

Trial Balloon 1-Plan a Book Signing:   
My book debut and first signing will be on December 16, 2012 from 3:00-5:00 pm, at Towne View Baptist Church, 1115 Shiloh Road, Kennesaw, GA 30144. Please come if you are in the area.
Trial Balloon 2-Record a Radio Interview:
In the next few days, I will be recording a radio interview about my book and why I wrote it, which will air on Internet Radio. As soon as I learn the details, I will send them on to you. 

Trial Balloon 3-Encourage People to Buy my Book: 
See the “How to Order” tab above for all the details about ordering a soft cover edition or E-book download for your Kindle, Nook, or other electronic reader. 

Whew I am tired just thinking about it all and I need a better perspective. I have decided that no matter which way the wind blows with our earthly projects during the month of December, both of us need to take a deep breath and look for the real reason for the Christmas season. I am reminded of Jesus’ words to Nicodemus in the Gospel of John. “The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” (John 3:8). Now that is a real breath of fresh air!