I am a Pioneer Woman fan- and now an Aspire fan too

Laura and I went to see





But we ended up in line talking and visiting with



While we were waiting in the line all night we became friends with lots of people around us. This guy, Kevin Hall, is a local author . He and the PW are published by the same company. He came to see and experience her huge success. He kept saying how incredible it was for her to be so popular so fast. Kevin told me his book is about the power of words. I really wasn't sure what that meant, but mentally kicked myself every time I let "awesome" or "wow" or "cool" slip from my mouth. His book, from what I can tell, is more about using words to help yourself, from the inside. I think it will be interesting to read.
I've learned, the hard way, that I need to be careful of my thoughts, meaning having positive thoughts, building thoughts. (It brings new meaning to having wearing the armour of god, and using a helmet of salvation for your thoughts)

He gave me a free copy and in exchange I offered him my Pioneer Woman cookbook. I had got mine through Amazon pre order. The books at the book signing were all sold. During our long wait, he talked to me about the meaning of some words, like for'give'ness (giving someone something- totally) and also passion (something you love, and are willing to suffer for). He also used phrases I really liked. Talking about how he met his wife, he said he 'over-married' - he married someone better than himself. Also, "don't do what your good at, do what you are great at". While he went to his car, I was telling the gals around me about his book. One lady asked how one would find out what they were "great" at. When he came back, I kinda acted the silly that I am, and told him I had taken questions from the audience and had him tell the group around us his answers. Ya wanna know what the answer to this question is? He said, you are "great" at the things you have done all your life that others say- you're a natural at that, things you probably already know about yourself. It was very interesting

He has kindly offered a free copy of "Aspire" to any of my friends and family, if I understood his email correctly. So if you'd like to have one let me know. The books won't be available to the general public until Jan 2010.

Here's part of a press release on his book-
INSPIRATIONAL SPEAKER KEVIN HALL UNLOCKS THE SECRET MEANING OF WORDS IN GROUNDBREAKING NEW BOOK Hall’s ‘Aspire’ takes readers through a unique journey of self-discovery and purpose (New York, NY, November 5, 2009) – Highly sought-after leadership speaker and business coach Kevin Hall releases his widely appealing and highly anticipated inaugural book, “Aspire: Discovering Your Purpose Through the Power of Words,” which guides readers on a journey through inspirational encounters that individually reveal the inherent power of words. Hall had successfully printed and sold a limited edition of "Aspire" when he entered into a unique co-publishing agreement with William Morrow, an imprint of Harper Collins Publishers. While the book will become widely available in stores on January 5, 2010, thousands of passionate followers have already driven “Aspire” to on-line bestseller lists. Hall breaks down this secret vocabulary into 11 key words, which he creatively serves to his readers through a series of enlightening and sometimes heart-wrenching stories. Beginning with an encounter with a shopkeeper in Vienna, Hall discovers that one word, “Genshai,” could change the world for the better; and from here, the journey begins. Chad Hymas, a quadriplegic on a race to set a world record, introduces Hall to the deeper meaning of “Passion,” and Michael Jordan’s famed mind coach, Dr. Gerald Bell, unlocks the power of “Pathfinder.” Part inspirational text and part self-discovery workbook, “Aspire” challenges readers to discover their own true purpose by actively participating in the journey, essentially creating a register of individuals who have enriched their lives by embodying the outlined words in “The Book of Greats.” “Words have tremendous power for good or for ill. They can inspire or expire. The choice is ours,” declares Hall. “Using words and language that lift the human spirit creates a new paradigm in thinking. Instead of “What can I get?” our mentality shifts to “What can I give?” “Aspire” and Hall have already received immense acclaim from renowned leaders in the industry, including Dr. Stephen R. Covey, bestselling author of “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” who provides the foreword in this book. “Just as I broke new ground in human development over twenty years ago by uncovering the habits that make for a meaningful and effective life,” states Covey, “Kevin is breaking new ground by uncovering and revealing the true intent and meaning of the words that make up those habits.” ### About Kevin Hall Kevin Hall is a highly sought-after business consultant, speaker and coach. He was a partner in Franklin Quest, the precursor to Franklin Covey, makers of the Franklin Day Planner. As vice president of Sales and Training, he helped fuel Franklin's worldwide growth. Kevin is cofounder of the Statue of Responsibility Foundation envisioned by Dr. Viktor Frankl, author of “Man's Search for Meaning.” He has been recognized for his groundbreaking approach to uncovering the hidden, and often secret, meanings of words. Kevin is also credited with wordsmithing and trademarking the original slogan for the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, "Ignite the Fire Within." Visit Kevin Hall online at  HYPERLINK "http://www.powerofwords.com"

Let me know if you'd like a book- It's not what ya know baby!