Queen of the Trial:
Unbeatable [the whole story]
(Book 1)
Laurie grew up in a small college town with one red light that is surrounded by neighboring boroughs filled with dairy farms…great friends, great parents, and a faith journey that continues to this day. Growing up was simple, joyful, and full of thankfulness.
And what is it about that girl who ends up on Broadway and becomes a Tour General Manager for one of the biggest entertainers in the world that sets the stage for her to face five life-altering events right after turning 40? Will she stay joyful and thankful after being diagnosed with Stage 3 invasive breast cancer and joining a year-long clinical trial protocol? After her son is diagnosed with autism? During the final months of building a house? After her brother is sent to the war in Iraq? After her father had a heart attack/stroke? Knowing the cumulative effect of those five events that happened within nine months, does Laurie embrace the nickname of Queen of the Trial? Of course she does; I mean it’s a hit song in a musical already!
Join Laurie as she takes you through the highs and lows of her yearlong journey that is funny and touching, uplifting and impactful. And while sharing her perspective on all things happening during that time, in the book, she adds comments from friends and family because one perspective is interesting, but adding perspectives from others is captivating. And add to that the music and song lyrics that were her stabilizers. This is the true story of how one woman joked and prayed her way out of dark days and discovered a new, richer life filled with deep connections, continued laughter, and even deeper love.
Originally published in 2008 as UNBEATABLE [The Whole Story], “QUEEN OF THE TRIAL: Unbeatable [the whole story]” is getting refreshed! As soon as the relaunch is announced, we’ll let you know.
Queen of the Trial:
The Crapstorm Sandwich Years
(Book 2)
In 2008, Laurie’s first book was published, and her co-created musical was produced and is getting standing ovations every night. The future was bright with clear skies ahead, right? Well, maybe for a few weeks. Then came the economic crash of 2008 and Hurricane Ike in Houston ended the trajectory of the musical that was on route to Off Broadway. Brakes applied. Detour ahead.
At 46 years old, Laurie found herself in the sandwich years, the period in life when adults are caring for both their aging parents and their own children. And not just sandwich years – that description almost seems manageable. Adding the word Crapstorm to those sandwich years invites you into the stories in Laurie’s second book. Stories that include her dad battling health issues (heart, dementia) and his passing, navigating high school and college with her son, who is on the spectrum. Both were difficult, but they spanned ten years. But then came the last eight years… the unexpected death of one of her best friends; selling her home and moving four times in two years; COVID-19 shuts down the entertainment industry; another cancer diagnosis followed by double mastectomies; she chooses to separate and live alone, navigating uncharted waters; and her mom passes away after losing most of her sight 3 years earlier. And still Laurie says, “What’s next, God? I am tired, but I trust you.”
She lands a new job with great pay, great connections, and health insurance! Things were looking up until her dear sister-in-law was unable to overcome her battle with lung cancer. A piece of her heart breaks again. Then a self-diagnosed panic attack at a gala in Phoenix is actually a massive heart attack that culminated in an ICU in New York City since her LAD artery was 100% blocked for four days.
Laurie is a walking miracle. She believes that God allowed her to stay on planet Earth through divine intervention and amazing medical care. And she smiles. And she laughs. And she is uplifted by CCM/worship music and song lyrics of her favorite artists. And she reflects on the blessings that have been pouring over her for the past two decades – well, really, over sixty years. And she is thankful. And the fact remains that Laurie doesn’t take her gift of life for granted. Trials galore? Yes. Has she navigated them like royalty? Yes. Does that allow her to want to share her story of thriving and not just surviving with others around the globe? Indeed, it does. So welcome to the basis for the next bestseller, QUEEN OF THE TRIAL: The Crapstorm Sandwich Years.
The book will be written in conjunction with podcasts as Laurie shares the microphone with others who have similar journeys and trials, yet differing perspectives. She documents in real time how to laugh, cry, and share life with those around her. The stories and perspectives of those with similar life journeys will be included in the book. So please stay connected for more updates and follow the What’s next, God? I am tired, but I trust you journey.