following our dreams

This week was full of good news from loved ones who have, themselves, received good news. I am so proud of them!

ian s. cliffe

Ian got a job...on Wall Street. Surprised? Most of you know that he recently graduated with a master's in theology. His original plan was to take a few years off to teach high school prior to pursuing his doctorate. He spent months looking, but nothing was a good fit. The interviewer at one private girls' school, Ian's top choice, actually told him that they weren't going to hire a man (too bad Ian wasn't wearing a wire -- we'd never work again).

Last week, Ian finally decided to follow his dream and get into the restaurant business (for ages he's been talking about opening one when we get back to Wisconsin). He was hired on the spot to work at a not-even-open restaurant called Libertine. Although Ian is a little bit nervous, I'm amazingly calm about this massive career change because he's really happy.

james f.d. martin

The second bearer of good news is my dad. He's a United Church of Christ pastor, passionate about the music ministry. Last week, Dad heard that at this year's UCC musicians' conference, two of his songs were played -- the only composer featured twice -- which means they'll both appear in the new UCC praise song book!

honorable mentions

Two other family members have literary dreams in the works: A certain aunt is releasing an amazing cookbook and an uncle is working on a fabulous book, as well -- I know because I'm editing it! (Don't want to expose their identities and ruin any surprises...) I'll let you know when they're available. Order early! They're bound to be best-sellers.

If you'd like to be mentioned in my compendium of dream-following, please let me know!