Calling all Chicken Soup lovers… Kevin Sorbo wants your stories!

Chicken Soup for the Soul, that is. Please see below for information as to how to get your stories published in a new book that Kevin is working on and donate much-needed funds to his foundation, A World Fit For Kids! How cool is that?!

****REVISED****

Looking for stories to help kids be heroes and also to benefit A World Fit for Kids!

Submission deadline is June 30, 2013.

Book goes on sale in October, 2013.

After the success of Chicken Soup for the Soul: Think Positive, our bestselling book for adults, we decided to make a version for children, too. We have teamed with Kevin Sorbo, who is not only a successful actor, known to many as the hero, Hercules, but is also the spokesperson and chair for A World Fit for Kids!, a successful mentoring program that trains teens to become heroes to the kids in their own neighborhoods by using the vehicles of school, fitness, sports and positive role models. The program is unique because of the powerful format of “kids teaching kids,” and its success rate is astounding! Working with more than 12,000 children in the Los Angeles School District, it has a 100% graduation rate in a school system that has a 54% dropout rate.

Bringing positive messages to kids at all socioeconomic levels in all kinds of schools is of paramount importance in a fast-paced world filled with technology and choices, temptations and challenges for children. Now, more than ever, it’s important for parents, grandparents, teachers and other mentors to sit down with kids, get quiet, and talk. And one of the best ways to start a conversation with a child is by reading a story about another child first.

That’s the goal of Chicken Soup for the Soul: Think Positive for Kids–to start conversations with children about core values, good examples, making good decisions, and having the courage to do the right thing. The values that children learn today will stay with them for the rest of their lives. We hope to contribute to the building blocks that create tomorrow’s wonderful young adults through this book for today’s children.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Think Positive for Kids will contain 101 stories that tell stories about issues that are important to children. It is geared for children 12 years of age and under. The stories can be read to younger children, read by older children, and discussed with adults. The stories will be personal anecdotes that are entertaining and also impart a lesson. For example, someone might write about that summer at camp when she got up the courage to invite an unpopular girl to her house, even though other girls made fun of her for doing it. Or someone might write about the time he found a $10.00 bill on the ground and turned it in to the teacher instead of keeping it, and was glad that he did because there was a new immigrant crying because she had lost that bill and it was her family’s money for dinner that night.

The stories can be just plain fun as well. Someone might write about the time that he spent a month practicing saying, “hello,” to a girl and then she said, “hello,” back and it was all worth it. That kind of story can help a lot of kids, too, as they wrestle with private social dramas.

Stories should be written in a way that kids can understand, but contributors do not need any special ability to write for children. Just focus on one theme per story, keep the message clear, and don’t talk down to kids or try to use “cool” language–they see right through that. We’d like to keep stories in the 500-1200 word range.

We are looking for stories from your own childhood, or about children you know, written in the first person, that both entertain and educate children, and that expose them to positive thinking and good values. These stories will show children how to make good choices… even when no one is looking, how to respect the needs and feelings of others, how to develop their own self-esteem, and how to stay true to their convictions. The stories will remind kids that each day holds something to be grateful for and show them that they are not alone in dealing with difficult issues.

Some of the themes and issues we want to address are:

• Bullying
• Relationships with friends and family
• Divorce
• Moving
• Crushes and relating to the opposite sex
• Self-acceptance
• Helping others
• Being different
• Physical and mental disabilities
• Following rules
• “Telling” on someone when it will help them
• Doing the right thing even when it’s hard
• How it feels to do the right thing

We are not planning to include stories that might be too mature for younger readers, such as stories about abuse. We are also a “Santa safe” company–we keep the magic alive for all our readers.

If your story is chosen, you will be a published author and your bio will be printed in the book if you so choose. You will also receive a check for $200.00 and 10 free copies of your book, worth more than $100.00. You will retain the copyright for your story, and you will retain the right to resell it.

SUBMISSIONS GO TO: http://chickensoup.com

Please indicate with your submission that you are a Kevin Sorbo fan… You might just go to the front of the line!

Select the “Submit Your Story” link on the left tool bar and follow the directions: http://www.chickensoup.com/form.asp?cid=submit_story

The deadline for story submissions is June 30, 2013, with the book going on sale in October 2013.

Here’s the link to order Chicken Soup for the Soul: Think Positive for Kids:

http://www.amazon.com/Chicken-Soup-Soul-Decisions-Self-Esteem/dp/161159927X

(Image left courtesy of Kevin Sorbo; image right courtesy of Chicken Soup for the Soul)

Kevin Sorbo in True Strength: “You can survive and beat your demon.”

Actor/Director/Producer Kevin Sorbo narrowly missed portraying DC Comics’ “Man of Steel” in 1993’s television hit, “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman.” Instead, in 1994 he contracted to play the mythological demigod Hercules that rocketed him to fame in “Hercules: The Legendary Journeys,” the number one syndicated TV program worldwide.

Sorbo didn’t know at the time that he would be tested three years later to truly become a Man of Steel.

Sorbo’s memoir, True Strength: My Journey from Hercules to Mere Mortal ̶ and How Nearly Dying Saved My Life (October, 2011, Da Capo Press), recounts how in 1997 following a United States press tour for his recently released first full-length feature film, “Kull the Conqueror,” he suffered an aneurysm in his left shoulder and three strokes in his brain that almost killed him. He openly discusses hearing two pops in the back of his head, as he describes internally hearing the strokes, that left him dizzy, nauseous and partially blind and connected to life-support machines in Los Angeles’ Cedars-Sinai Hospital with strict instructions to not move or he would “bleed out” (exsanguinate – bleed to death).

This is where Sorbo’s powerful, readable 276-page Triumph-over-Tragedy narrative begins. To say that it’s another Hollywood “Look at me” piece of tripe is grossly erroneous. Sorbo takes readers on his journey of pain, anger, frustration, self-pity, questioning and discovery minus the narcissistic trappings I deplore. He never begs for sympathy, and uses his difficult three-year recovery to encourage other people to have hope, never quit, and overcome their adversities.

Sorbo’s book is amazingly positive and useful. I frequently refer to it for encouragement while enjoying his colorful, casual, insightful style.

Here are some of my favorite passages that summarize Sorbo’s story. Perhaps his words offer a message to you, too!

Career-
“My three-month European summer vacation had ended up being three years of ‘the road less travelled,’ putting my plans for what I felt was my destiny on hold.

“…A sweet sadness came over me, but it felt good. The heavy shell cracked and light shone in, daring me to come out. I was filled with anticipation.” (page 12)

“After I had been in LA for a few years my hard work was paying off. I was booking so many jobs that my commercial reputation began to catch up with me. …In the three years leading up to Hercules I shot forty commercials. I knew I was doing well when my commercial agent showed me on the casting notice that the client was looking for a ‘Kevin Sorbo’ type. Of course, I did not get that job.” (page 14)

Fans-
“They all see me as Hercules, not sick or weak or vulnerable. I refuse to disappoint them. The relationship an actor has with an iconic character like mine is intense. …When Charles Barkley says in the Nike commercial, ‘I am not a role model,’ he denies the mantle of responsibility that accompanies everyone who reaches that certain level of notoriety. Though it is true that he does not get paid to be a role model, one cannot refuse the honor just by speaking out against it. It is sewn into the fabric of fame.” (page 111)

Depression and Hope-
“I wish I could say that I didn’t feel sorry for myself. …Thinking positive things when your health is absolutely tanking is difficult. You become self-absorbed: my vanished past, my lost future.

“…thank God I have and always have had a very strong will to live – to succeed, to win, to triumph. …To never give up. To fight for life. Because whatever ails you, you can survive and beat your demon. One way or another.

“You simply have to want life badly enough.” (pages 136-137)

God-
“Before my illness I was fully preoccupied with the material side of life. Moving at the speed of light, I ignored the spiritual side, the unseen. God created this world, but I was determined to live in it to the fullest, to get the most out of it…

“…Lying on the couch with nothing but spare time, I conversed with God and told Him my problems. I asked His forgiveness… …Before this I always wanted more. Now, I just wanted different…

“I thanked Him for not letting the strokes kill me and for giving me the chance to still be a father.

“I asked Him to make me whole again. But if this was the best I was going to ever feel, then I asked God to make me strong enough to handle it – stronger than I was now.” (page 143)

Recovery-
“My illness made me special – in a way that I never wanted nor expected, yes, but if I was to be special, then I was going to do something with that gift. I wasn’t a half-god or any part god. I was a mere mortal, with human limitations and problems, but I was determined not to behave like a victim anymore.” (page 218)

Family-
“…The knowledge that I gained through this painful journey has made me a better, stronger man today. Among other things, my health crisis taught me the great lesson that resting is also a doing – and a necessity. Now, early in the morning, when I am working in my office and one of my children comes in for a morning cuddle, I stop everything… to hold my child quietly, feeling his or her small, trusting weight upon me…

“Sam is an incredible partner on my journey, someone upon whom I easily depend. She is my link, my resource, and my advocate. …She understands I am a work in progress. My appreciation for her runs deeper than any physical issues can touch.” (pages 275-276)

Sam-
When asked about her favorite parts of the book and how their children react to Kevin’s illness, Sam kindly replied with this:

“My favorite parts of the book are the love story, especially the first meeting,” stated Sam.

“Also, I really like the parts I wrote…,” she joked.

“The kids were not involved in any of the sickness stuff, so they only experience it as a past tense event that we sometimes refer to when Kevin is struggling with his more persistent symptoms, which they are seldom exposed to.”

Kevin-
During a previous interview Kevin spoke with me about his excellent book:

“I think it’s a book people can relate to in a lot of ways, (and) I thought it was time to get it out there; it was time to tell the story. I hope this book is an inspirational book for people that go through and suffer through the same types of things: setbacks and illnesses, because if anything, you find out that everybody’s got a story; everybody’s had some things happen to them in their lives. To have that happen to me, somebody that was everything opposite of what doctors say should be when you get strokes – obesity, smoking, drinking, diabetes, high blood pressure, all these things, I didn’t have any of that stuff – so, for me to still get an aneurysm that sent all these clots into my body and have strokes come along with it, never give odds for that happening. So, it makes for a rather remarkable story, and, Thank God, a more remarkable recovery.”

Please see my complete interview with Kevin:  http://tinyurl.com/833at7u

Please see my interview with Sam:  http://tinyurl.com/7ckzys4

Purchase True Strength:  http://www.amazon.com/True-Strength-Journey-Hercules-Mortal/dp/0306820366

True Strength website:  http://www.truestrengthbook.com/

Thank you so much, Sam and Kevin!

(Photos courtesy of Kevin and Sam Sorbo)

Kevin Sorbo: One Man’s Journey from the Brink of Death Back to Life!

This week I wish to highlight Kevin’s fantastic book, True Strength: My Journey from Hercules to Mere Mortal  ̶  and How Nearly Dying Saved My Life (Da Capo Press). I am rereading it for the umpteenth time and think it well deserves a revisit.

First is from Rhonda, our wonderful friend and great reviewer from Georgia who beautifully captures Kevin’s touching memoir. Enjoy!

True Strength – An Amazing Story of One Man’s Journey from the Brink of Death Back to Life!

I’ve always loved autobiographies because I like reading about the lives of people: the struggles they endure, the successes they achieve, and the lessons learned along the way.

That being said, Kevin Sorbo’s new book, True Strength: My Journey from Hercules to Mere Mortal  ̶  and How Nearly Dying Saved My Life (published October, 2011), is one of the best I have read in a long time.

In this wonderful memoir, Kevin chronicles his early life in Minnesota, the beginning of his acting career, and his big break getting the role of Hercules (in “Hercules: The Legendary Journeys”).

“Hercules” became the most watched syndicated show in the world, and Kevin found himself being a household name. Love soon followed as Kevin met the woman who would become the love of his life and the rock he would lean on during his illness, his wife (actress) Sam (Jenkins).

As Kevin reveals in his book the illness struck suddenly, but not without warning, and turned his world upside-down. He went from a healthy, athletic and muscular man to a mere shell of himself in hours. This led to feelings of anger, frustration and deep depression. Thankfully, he had Sam by his side to encourage and support him. Of course, the illness did put a strain on the Sorbos’ marriage in the beginning, but their love proved to be strong enough to get them through.

However, it was Kevin’s own determination and will to fight back that serves as an inspiration to us all.

The main lesson to be learned here is that you can’t give up no matter the obstacle in your way. I have no doubt that Kevin’s strong faith in God played a big part in his recovery as well.

One thing that I love about the book is that many of Kevin’s friends and family members lent their perspective to the story as well.

Sam wrote several chapters detailing her feelings about his illness and her devotion to caring for him during such a difficult time. Michael Hurst and Bruce Campbell also wrote chapters about how the producers, cast and crew went out of their way to help Kevin when he returned to the set. As many fans remember, Kevin’s participation in the show was severely limited after he did return.

Kevin himself acknowledges in the book that those first few months back on the set were very difficult and awkward, not to mention emotional. In one chapter, Kevin reflects on the death of his “Hercules” costar, Kevin Smith, in light of his illness and the fact that he could have very well met the same fate.

However, miracles do happen, and Kevin tells us about the three most beautiful miracles in his life – his children: Braeden, Shane and Octavia, and how they have brought a peace to his life that he could have never envisioned 14 years earlier.

Back in 2008 when the OIKSFC (Official International Kevin Sorbo Fan Club) was still in existence, I submitted a question to Kevin about the book for the club newsletter. My question and his response were printed in Issue 23 of “The Sorbo Scrolls,” April 2008.

Here they are:

Rhonda: “I am very anxious to read your autobiography – what do you hope people who read it will learn from it?”

Kevin: “Hope people learn that determination and following your own dreams are the keys to a successful life.”*

I truly believe that anyone who reads this book will see that the above statement (from Kevin) is so very true.

From a personal perspective, I was reminded of my own life-threatening illness of five years ago and how I found the strength within me to overcome the situation and have a fulfilling life.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book. You will see a side of Kevin you have never seen before.

*Quotes from “Sorbo Scrolls” used with permission – Thanks, Stripe!

Please see the True Strength website: http://www.truestrengthbook.com/

Purchase True Strength: My Journey from Hercules to Mere Mortal  ̶  and How Nearly Dying Saved My Life : http://www.amazon.com/True-Strength-Kevin-Sorbo/dp/0306820366

(Kevin and Sam wedding photo by Joe Buissink; family photo by Sam Sorbo)

This deep male voice came on the phone and said, “It’s Kevin Sorbo here.”

Here’s the second part to Gina’s previous story about seeing Kevin at the Twin Cities Book Festival in Minneapolis, Minnesota: Ali’s phone conversation with Kevin…

For any of my friends that have not been on Twitter recently, I have a little story to tell…

Gina went to Kevin’s (Twin Cities) book signing and had advised me to have my phone ready. I thought she might try to get Kevin to talk to me via the phone, but I didn’t think he would have the time since we all know how busy the man is. So, Gina was tweeting away and told us to hush tweeting her ‘cause it was her turn with Kevin.

We stopped tweeting, and time went by and the phone never rang, so I had given up on it happening and thought, “Who knows, maybe Gina will pick me up a signed book ‘cause she knows there is no way I could afford one with me not having a job at this time.”

Then the phone rang and it was Gina. She talked for a bit and then started fumbling with the phone and told me to hang on. I heard her talking in the background and I figured she was asking her hubby, Chris, to hold the phone. Then this deep male voice came on the phone and said, “Hi, Ali.” I figured it was Chris pretending for a joke, so I said, “Hello.” And the voice came back and said, “It’s Kevin Sorbo here.”

“No, really?” I said. “I had to hear you speak again just to make sure it was your voice.”

“Yep, it’s my voice. I haven’t sold it yet,” he chuckled. At this point I was stunned. I knew he mentioned he was at the book signing and he asked me if I was freezing up in Canada yet. I replied with, and I believe I was squeaking by this time, that I wasn’t freezing yet, but would be getting winter soon, and that he must sell his voice because we all love it. (I know, stupid thing to say.) He asked how my family and I were doing and I answered with I don’t know what. I believe I was in the Sorbo Haze by that time. He said he just wanted to say, “Hi,” and an early Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, and to take care of myself. I think I said “Thank you,” but I can’t be sure.

After I got off the phone with Kevin I couldn’t type or speak at this point. So, using an old tried-and-try method I took my stick and pounded on the floor three times. (It’s a code between my husband Gerry and I that I need him.)

Gerry had been doing well that that day and was quite aware of what was going on around him. This meant he was able to come up the stairs without much difficulty. He entered the room to find me with my hands clasped over my face and my eyes wide. He looked at me and said with a smile on his face, “You talked to Kevin, didn’t you??”

All I could do was nod my head.

“You don’t need to talk,” he said. He came around the side of the bed, sat down, and gave me a big hug. “I know how important this is to you.”

He patted me on the back and held me for a while.

Once I was coherent again, he knew it was safe to leave me.

I then went on Twitter to let the Sorbo Sisters know what had happened. My first tweet was, “Guess who I just talked to? WOW! WOW! WOW!”

Nobody answered me fast enough. So, I tweeted again to get their attention.

“I just got off the phone with… KEVIN SORBO”

Still, no answer, so, I tweeted one more time.

“Someone talk to me and tell me I ain’t dreaming, for godsake!”

Twitter exploded.

I had questions thrown at me left, right, and center. People just kept coming on and throwing questions at me and asking me what was going on (and) what did he say. Finally, I decided to write it on Facebook so everybody could see it.

I added the link on Twitter and everybody just kept talking about it. Seemed like hours. I sent a special Tweet: “Just wanted to say thank you to @GinaNyxx and @ksorbs for making a dream come true. I spoke to Kevin Sorbo on the phone, WoW! WOW! WOW!”

So, for any of you out there that have doubted if Kevin can really be that nice, I am here to say that he can and is. Three cheers to an actor who can be that nice to a lifelong fan. I hope you all get the chance that I have had. I hope to get out of the Sorbo Haze in the next year, lol.

Picture reads:  TO ALISON!   HEY YOU!   LOVE & HUGS   TO ALLEYCAT!   XXX     KEVIN SORBO

Book reads:    TO ALISON  I WILL SHOW YOU TRUE STRENGTH    XX

(Photos by Ali)

Kevin Sorbo’s True Stength discusses a life he thought he would never see

Kevin Sorbo’s True Strength: My Journey from Hercules to Mere Mortal–and How Nearly Dying Saved My Life is really making waves. It’s a fantastic book that recounts the three strokes and an aneurysm that nearly killed him during the fifth season of Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, the number one syndicated television show that brought him fame and fortune, and his journey to recovery. In it he outlines how his frustration with traditional medicine led him to try homeopathy, yoga, and ancient Eastern medicinal practices, among other things, in his quest to be “normal” again.

I highly recommend this book whether you are a Kevin fan, someone who has experienced physical and emotional disabilities, or just simply love a good story. It’s a memoir written from several points of view, including his lovely wife, Sam, and close friends Michael Hurst, Bruce Campbell, and Eric Gruendemann, as well as a love story.

Sorbo traces his life and career history pre-Hercules. He finishes with his life today as a doting father of three young children, devoted husband, and busy working actor/director/producer, a life that on that fateful day in 1997 he thought he would never see.

Sorbo’s compelling writing style draws readers into his plight. He enables them to feel his pain of going from an extremely fit, determined 38-year-old Adonis with the world at his feet to an enfeebled, dependent, and suddenly unconfident, uncharacteristically paranoid individual.

This book deserves the world’s attention as a Number One Best Seller. How can we as Sorbo’s fans help?

I recently asked Sorbo that question for another publication. Here is his excerpted reply:

SW: So, how can we get the word out about your book?

KS: The only way to get the word out is if we can get all 10 or all 100 or all 200,000 (fans) to just constantly post the book on their own Facebook and Twitter (pages). That certainly would make a difference. It comes down to getting some good publicity out there by word-of-mouth. Whatever we can do to get this thing out to as many people as possible, and have those people email, tweet, and Facebook everybody they know.

Very cool! Check out, follow, and post these new links for the latest in True Strength news:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/True-Strength-Book/203864923020362

http://twitter.com/#%21/truestrengthbk

And don’t forget to tell everyone you know about his True Strength: My Journey from Hercules to Mere Mortal–and How Nearly Dying Saved My Life!

There you have it, my friends. Happy posting!

(Photo right courtesy of Wyatt Counts/AP; Kevin/Sam photo left courtesy of Neurology Now)

Kevin Sorbo at the Twin Cities Book Festival: You’re already stealing a hug!

Gina from Wisconsin was lucky enough to attend the Twin Cities Book Festival on October 15. Here’s her great story about her adventure, links to her vid and photos, and a cool surprise for another loyal Kevin fan!

When I learned Kevin was going to be at the Twin Cities Book Fair in Minneapolis, Minnesota, I wanted to go so badly. It’s only an eight hour drive round trip.

As always – when at all possible – my wonderful husband, Chris, finds a way to make my dreams of seeing Kevin Sorbo in person a reality. This would be the third time – Marcon 2007, ShoreLeave 2010, and now the Twin Cities Book Fair 2011.

For both conventions my husband worked tons of overtime to pay for the trips. I still need to write a blog post for each con. (I know… way past late on them…  Long story.)

Anyway… My wonderful husband made the trip possible. We left the house at 8:40 a.m. Saturday, October 15, grabbed some breakfast on the way, and put a full tank of gas in our minivan. Chris figured we’d get to Minneapolis from where we live then we’d have to fill up again on the way back about half-way home.

Well…  We made it all the way back to the gas station about 15 blocks from our house – 400 miles on one tank of gas in a minivan on a very windy day, plus, there was road construction just as we came in to Minneapolis. We were sure all that would use more gas. Oh, and once we got to the college, it took going around several blocks, trying to find a parking space, until we found a parking garage and got inside. Then we had to find out where Kevin would be speaking, and he would be speaking in 30 minutes.

We found the right floor then a nice lady told us where the room was that Kevin would be speaking in. Once a line started to form, we got in line. The doors opened seven minutes later and we all poured in.

My hubby put my wheelchair right at the end of the center aisle so I could videotape the whole 53 minutes of Kevin talking. The isle for walking was like an upside-down “T,” so, unfortunately, people walked in front of me several times and the lighting was dim as well, but the sound came out great.

After listening to Kevin talk for 53 minutes – he mostly did a Q&A and read the first chapter of his book at the end – everyone filed out of the room and some had already bought a book and formed a line. My husband went and bought the two books we needed. I already had mine from Amazon.com. My mom sent money for one, and we bought Alison (Aliykat) one.

We sat at the table and I watched Kevin interact with people. We wanted to wait to the end of the line. One time we got in line and got pretty close to him then there was a sudden surge of people behind us. We would let as many as we could go before us, some didn’t want to, we’d say I needed him to sign three books and a photo.

Well…  I had to go to the bathroom really bad, so we got out of line and went to a nearby bathroom. We got back to that same table and waited again for the line to shrink. This time when we got in line we did get to see Kevin. When I was about five people away, Kevin glanced out of the corner of his eyes, smiled, and waved to me, and I smiled and waved back. It’s nice when he remembers us, isn’t it ladies?

The guy in front of us wanted a photo with Kevin. Kevin stood up and walked around me. I was wheeled up to the side of the table next to him. While he was still sitting and talking to the man, his friend John called and he gave the phone to the nice lady who was assisting him to give his friend directions on how to get to the college. She handed Kevin his phone back and his friend had hung up. He asked, “Did he say he was coming here?” She answered, “I think he is.”

So, Kevin apologized to the guy and me saying, “I don’t want to miss him, so I need to know if he’s coming here or not.” He called his friend back and got an answer, and he stood up and walked around me. He was putting his phone in his (pants) jeans pocket, which drew my attention to his butt… LOL! He had on those snug black jeans we all love. Once the man (in line) left, Kevin turned to look at me, and I asked, “Can I have a hug please?” He bent down, hugged me and asked, “How ‘ya doing?”

I answered, “Better now,” which made him smile. He sat back down and I put my three books out in front of him then said, “One for me, one for my mom and this one’s for Ali. She just sent me a tweet saying, ‘write something naughty.’ I can show you the tweet if you want.”

Kevin laughed and signed Ali’s book, asking me how she wanted it signed, meaning Ali, Alison or Aliykat. I told him to sign it Alison, which he did. He asked me where Ali lives and we told him. He also asked where I live, and when I told him he said he thought he remembered I was from Wisconsin. He signed all three books and a photo for my niece. As he was signing he asked me, “So how are you doing?”

“Not so good,” I sighed.

He stopped writing, looked up at me and asked, “So what can we do about that?”

I told him the things my doctors have said and that losing the weight is key, but I can’t exercise because they don’t want me to move the hip. Like everyone always asks, Kevin also asked, “How are you supposed to lose weight, if you aren’t allowed to exercise?”

“They want me to get a weight reduction surgery,” I replied. “I want the lap band surgery, but my insurance says, ‘no;’ (that) it’s a cosmetic surgery and they won’t pay for it.”

Boy, that set Kevin off on a rant. He had a great deal to say about how wrong that is.

After he signed everything, I asked, “Can I get a picture with you and I’ll stand as usual? You know how I hate this chair.” He smiled and we both stood up. I put my arm around his back and my hubby was getting the camera ready, which ended up the batteries died on him. The sweet lady helping Kevin loaned us her spare batteries to take the photo. While they figured that out, I told Kevin, “I want a hug this time.”

“You want a hug this time,” Kevin laughed.

I laughed and nodded, “Yes…  All my other pictures with you are always so rushed. I never got a chance to ask you for a hug.”

Then I hugged him, and he joked, “He’s not even ready yet and you’re already stealing a hug.”

“Of course,” I laughed. “I’ll steal as many hugs as I can, Kevin.” (Which is when I stole three more: to hug him for Miffy, Simone, and Ali.) Kevin just laughed and hugged me back.

Once my hubby was ready, he and Kevin decided where it was best for us all to stand. We got the picture and told Kevin, “Thanks” and “Goodbye,” and we left.

We went and got bottled water, and I tweeted, “Oh those black jeans…  Sigh.” I love Kevin in those jeans, as I’m sure we all do. Twitter blew up my phone and I was getting a ton of tweets. I decided to try and accomplish my plan, if Kevin wasn’t too busy.

I went back over to his table. There was one lady there, and his friend John had arrived. Once the lady left, I wheeled back over to the side of the table where I had sat before. The lady that was helping him had asked him if he would sign a few books. When he had a free moment, I asked him, “Would you mind doing me a favor and say ‘Hi’ to Ali on the phone?”

He smiled up at me and said, “Sure, no problem once and done with these,” pointing to the books.

“That’s no problem,” I said. “I have to jump through hoops just to call Canada with my cell phone, so it will take me a few minutes to get through to her anyway.”

Kevin nodded, and I went about trying to call Ali. As I assumed it (would), it took three tries or four tries even. Once I got her on the phone, we each said, “Hello,” and then I told her, ”Hold on a minute I can’t hear you very well.”

I held the phone out and waited for Kevin to have a free moment. When he was ready, he took the phone and said, “Hello.” I’ll let Ali tell her part later on this blog.

See my video of Kevin’s 53-minute talk here:  http://nyxxkevinheaven.blogspot.com/2011/10/kevin-sorbo-at-twins-cities-book-fair_22.html

Here are a few photos I was able to take before the camera died: http://nyxxkevinheaven.blogspot.com/2011/10/kevin-sorbo-at-twins-cities-book-fair.html

(Photos by Gina)

Kevin Sorbo’s True Strength audiobook teaser… Nice!

Wow! Check this out! Here’s a nice teaser for the True Strength audiobook read by Kevin.

The entire book will be narrated by Kevin and his wife, Sam, on eight CDs, and will be available this month. I can’t wait!

See more information here: http://www.oasisaudio.com/product.php?prod=9781613750216