The trials are real. The joy is real. The humor is essential.
Queen of the Trial:
The Unbeatable Story
(Book 1)
Laurie grew up in a small college town with one red light…great friends, great parents, and a faith journey that continues to this day. Growing up was simple, joyful, and full of thankfulness.
So how does that girl end up on Broadway and become a Tour General Manager for one of the biggest entertainers in the world? And how does that same woman respond to 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 has a heart attack/stroke? Good news - even with the cumulative effect of those events that happened within nine months, Laurie embraces the journey and becomes the Queen of the Trial.
Join Laurie as she takes you through the highs and lows of her unbeatable yearlong journey that is funny and touching, uplifting and impactful. Trials in life are hard, ridiculously hard. And as she trusted God with her future, Laurie shares her perspective and includes comments from friends and family to allow a 360 view of reality because one perspective is interesting, but adding perspectives from others is captivating. This is the true story of how one woman learns how to thrive and not just survive!
Enjoy an excerpt from the first book!
“QUEEN OF THE TRIAL: The Unbeatable Story” is getting refreshed! West Bow Press will be publishing the new edition and as soon as the relaunch date is announced, we’ll let you know.
Queen of the Trial:
The Crapstorm Sandwich Years (Book 2)
In 2008, Laurie co-created musical that was produced and 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 manageable spanning 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; 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 stay 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 her next book, 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, each with their own perspectives. She documents in real time how to laugh, cry, and share life with those around her. So please stay connected for more updates and follow the What’s next, God? I am tired, but I trust you journey.