Greg and I have a walking route in our neighborhood that we've named the "Thayer Loop" after the name of a nearby street that's along the path. I think we started walking the Loop in March, shortly after we were asked to stay home and stay safe. Most days, I walk at least one Loop. If I'm lucky, I … [Read more...] about Looping: Update from the Ball Chair for 06/29/20
The Gift of Story with Dr. Judy Ho
Friends, I'm happy to share the "Instagram Live" session I recorded today with Dr. Judy Ho. Dr. Judy is a licensed and triple board-certified Clinical Neuropsychologist and the author of the fantastic new book Stop Self-Sabotage: Six Steps to Unlock Your True Motivation, Harness Your Willpower, and … [Read more...] about The Gift of Story with Dr. Judy Ho
Bookmark: I Am God’s Storyteller
A very long, long time ago, back in the days when people used to board airplanes and fly cross country to destinations and go to conventions with thousands of strangers, I went to Lancaster, Pennsylvania. While there, I ate pretzels, visited with colleagues, laughed, and learned. I also had the … [Read more...] about Bookmark: I Am God’s Storyteller
Rooted: Lisa’s Update from the Ball Chair for 5/25/20
As I type these words, it's Memorial Day and I'm sitting in my back yard listening to birds chirping and the wind blowing through the trees. Overhead, I hear a plane in the distance and the very low hum of traffic on a nearby thoroughfare. Greg is at work in the Emergency Department, so I have a few … [Read more...] about Rooted: Lisa’s Update from the Ball Chair for 5/25/20
#OutAndAbout: Lisa’s Update from the Ball Chair for 5/18/20
In Los Angeles, we've seen a loosening of some COVID-19 health restrictions. But this week that our mayor also formally announced that mask-wearing would be mandatory when we leave our homes. I have no problem with this regulation. I've trained myself to don a mask, even when it was not previously … [Read more...] about #OutAndAbout: Lisa’s Update from the Ball Chair for 5/18/20
Bouncing Back: Lisa’s Update from the Ball Chair for 5/11/20
“Faith is like a bright ray of sunlight. It enables us to see God in all things as well as all things in God.” St. Francis de Sales When I stand at the desk adjacent to my "ball chair" in my office, my view overlooks our front yard and the beautiful jacaranda tree planted in our median. The Los … [Read more...] about Bouncing Back: Lisa’s Update from the Ball Chair for 5/11/20
Your Gifts Matter: Five Loaves and Two Fish
One beneficial side effect of our sequestration during the pandemic is the fact that I've found more time to read each day. I've been working my way through a few novels with my parents during our daily read-aloud time on Alexa. At the moment, we're mid-way through Kiss the Girls and Make Them Cry … [Read more...] about Your Gifts Matter: Five Loaves and Two Fish
#PrayStrong: Lisa’s Update from the Ball Chair for 5/04/20
I may be losing it, friends. Here in Los Angeles, it feels like we are still weeks or perhaps months away from "normal" life. To be honest, even when our social distancing ends, I don't think that life will resemble what it used to be. My speaking engagements and travel have been canceled for the … [Read more...] about #PrayStrong: Lisa’s Update from the Ball Chair for 5/04/20
Give Your Loved Ones a “Virtual Gathering Gift” this Mother’s Day!
As we flip the calendar to May, many of us are thinking about how we normally celebrate Mother's Day and how this year will be different. The normal masses, brunches, and backyard gatherings will be replaced by zoom calls and facetime chats. To help you celebrate the special women in your life, … [Read more...] about Give Your Loved Ones a “Virtual Gathering Gift” this Mother’s Day!
#StayHome: Lisa’s Update from the Ball Chair for 4/27/20
Looking at the news today, we're beginning to hear about states around the country who are "reopening" and allowing people to venture forth from their homes. This hasn't happened in Los Angeles yet. Our current "safer at home" order has been extended through May 15. I have the sense that even if we … [Read more...] about #StayHome: Lisa’s Update from the Ball Chair for 4/27/20
Lisa’s Update from the Ball Chair for 4/20/20
Why did I decide to call this little weekly post my "update from the ball chair"? The past several weeks have given me an increased appreciation for the diverse functionality of my home office. I'm blessed to have my own space in our tidy little LA house. My office is part library, part workout … [Read more...] about Lisa’s Update from the Ball Chair for 4/20/20
Join Me for a Read Aloud!
On Tuesday, 4/21 at 11 am ET (8 am PT) I will be reading my children's book "I Am God's Storyteller" with my friends at Paraclete Press. Now, more than ever, it's time for us to share our stories and savor the stories of our loved ones. When creating this book in collaboration with my illustrator … [Read more...] about Join Me for a Read Aloud!
Jump Shot
Although the COVID-19 pandemic has shuttered theaters and waylayed plans for its theatrical release, Jump Shot--like it's subject matter--isn't giving up. The documentary, opening across streaming platforms today, tells the little known story of basketball icon Kenny Sailors. What, you've never … [Read more...] about Jump Shot
Lisa’s Update from the Ball Chair for 4/13/20
Hi friends! I hope this little post finds you well and at peace after our completely unusual Easter celebration. I have been musing since we began sequestering ourselves a few weeks ago about the best possible way to communicate with those of you who have been so supportive of my work. To be honest, … [Read more...] about Lisa’s Update from the Ball Chair for 4/13/20
The Banker
As it opens nationwide this week on Apple Plus TV, “The Banker” offers a dynamic look at an era from history that had a great impact on many but is still largely unknown. Inspired by the real relationship between Bernard Garrett (Anthony Mackie) and Joe Morris (Samuel L. Jackson), and their hired … [Read more...] about The Banker
The Way Back
Synopsis: Jack Cunningham was a high school basketball phenom who walked away from the game, forfeiting his future. Years later, when he reluctantly accepts a coaching job at his alma mater, he may get one last shot at redemption. https://youtu.be/GhtTc7R8yBk While it may appear to be yet … [Read more...] about The Way Back