Thank You Power

noreply@blogger.com (Deborah Norville) — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 23:10:00 +0000

I love Google Alerts ... it lets you know when people are 'talking' about you on the Internet. Got an alert today which brought my attention to the "Comeback Blog" where JS had some lovely things to say about Thank You Power. Among other things he said, "...here's the bottom line: if you're grateful for what you have, instead of grieving for what you don't, you're going to change your brain chemistry. More effectively than with Prozac or any of the other drugs on the market.

Hats off to Deborah Norville for reminding us of this simple and powerful medicine available to everyone without Rx and without charge: gratitude. Let's all try it together for 21 days....and make it a habit.....

JS said a few things he didn't get in the book (like the shoe thing with Kim -- you are right, it's a 'girl thing!' And he wondered why I didn't address the old Today Show story and the Inside Edition comeback (did that in Back on Track), but his review is greatly appreciated! So Thank YOU! You can read it yourself by clicking HERE.

Win a FREE Trip to New York City!

noreply@blogger.com (Deborah Norville) — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 03:09:00 +0000

This is for real! You can enter to win a FREE TRIP! to New York City ...which will include a visit to the set of Inside Edition and a chance to sit in on a LIVE taping of the show! All you have to do is log on to participate in a video web chat coming up on THURSDAY. Wanna know more??? Read on ...

This was set up through my publisher Thomas Nelson and the folks at GodTube.com -- probably an opportunity for GodTube to market itself -- (and for me to 'flog' my Thank You Power book -- but what the hey? It's a free trip to NYC. Click HERE to learn more!

Forbes Magazine Review of TYP

noreply@blogger.com (Deborah Norville) — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 16:56:00 +0000

Just received a copy of the March 10 issue of Forbes Magazine and should appear on page 20, but a review of Thank You Power! they liked it! Entitled "READERS WILL BE GRATEFUL," the article says "Norville's book is chockablock with helpful suggestions ..." and ends by saying, "Thank you, Deborah Norville, for what will become an ever needed classic."

Wow! What a great way to start the week! And thank YOU, Forbes Magazine, for the kind words!

Thank You Power Down Under

noreply@blogger.com (Deborah Norville) — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 14:16:00 +0000

"G'Day Australia!" They're hearing about the power of Thank You down under, as Thank You Power has just been published in Australia. This morning, I was on the radio with Joanne Traeger of Australia's Heart 1032FM! (That's Joanne's picture) It's a bit of a logistical challenge trying to schedule press interviews with folks on the other side of the world, but where there's a will, there's a way! Thanks to Joanne for a great interview -- and to Ian, the Thomas Nelson publicist in Sydney who made it happen. I am hoping to hear from readers in Australia as the book gets circulated!

Thank You Power Goes International!

noreply@blogger.com (Deborah Norville) — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 13:55:00 +0000

Thank You Power has left the country! Check out this picture ... it's from a Korean reader who emailed me a shot of Thank You Power which has hit the store shelves in South Korea! Thanks to Seun, who wrote to me, "Hi. I"m your Korean fan. I bought TYP Korean edition yesterday. This book give me a lot of help."

Well, Seun, YOU give me a lot of help by letting me know the message of the power of Thank You is spreading!

UPDATE: Looks like TYP is getting even more play: They want to talk to me for a one hour special on Thank You Power on Korean television!

Back in my Hometown

noreply@blogger.com (Deborah Norville) — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 19:22:00 +0000

It's intimidating to be asked to speak in your hometown. These people know you ... your family will hear what the 'gossip' is about you after you leave. It's much easier to talk to millions on TV than 400 people from home. Thursday, I was back in Dalton, Georgia -- my hometown. I was asked to come down and give the talk at the Chamber of Commerce "Share the Vision" breakfast. For me, it was a chance to publicly say 'Thank You' to so many people who were an important part of helping shape who I am. I had no idea it was going to turn into Deborah Norville Day! Complete with a key to the city! Wow! The Good Fairy in the Wizard of Oz got it right when she told Dorothy: There's no place like home. Read on ...

Flying down, I kept thinking of how my life is like a quilt -- lots of patches brought together. It's really more of a chenille bedspread, though. Each tuft ...seemingly disconnected ... that together form an interesting pattern. It's an apt analogy for me being from Dalton, cause the tufted textile business was centered there...all thanks to the perfection of the tufted stitch and later the multi-needle tufting machine -- the backbone of the carpet industry and the lifeblood of Dalton.

I talked about scout leaders, my fourth grade teacher, the Jaycees who sponsored the Junior Miss pageant that pointed me toward the TV path. I talked about what it was like growing up in a town where everyone knew who your daddy was... and consequently one behaved as a result. I reminded the audience that my hometown was a place where we celebrated other's achievements and figuratively hugged one another during the disappointments. I tried to publicly thank individuals who, all these years later, I still recognize as having a positive impact on making me the person I have become.

I also shared the message of Thank You Power and how its capacity to enhance one's thinking skills could be useful at this time in Dalton. The mortgage crisis has had a direct impact on the carpet business and times are very tough.

I was delighted by the applause and the standing ovation was gratifying -- especially since my dad and all three of my sisters, the lady who helped run the family office, the mother of my first boyfriend, my dear friend from high school, the man who headed the Jaycee's Junior Miss competition, the man who pointed the spotlight during the show, my scout leader's husband, the lady I used to babysit for, my high school pal's dad, and my backyard neighbor growing up were all there. I didn't expect what happened next!

The Mayor gave me a key to the city! The mayor used to be the boy whose backyard backed up to mine. The County Commissioner named it Deborah Norville Day in Whitfield County and gave me a proclamation! The head of the Chamber gave me a bunch of goodies. He's with the law firm that does the family's law work. And the Spirit of Vision award was given to me by my friend's dad -- himself one of the town's most successful businessmen -- who reminded the audience of how his daughter Susan and I struggled to try to wear contact lenses when we were in high school. She was better at it than I was! Then to top it all off, the Dalton High School Band came and performed all the old fight songs we used to play at football games. I was in the flute section and a flag twirler.

What a day!

What a beautiful reminder that we all come from somewhere and we all have someones -- plural -- who cared about us when we were little and are proud of us when we get big. And what a joy to say Thank YOU to the people who knew me 'way back when' whom I have certainly NOT forgotten now.

Guideposts Article

noreply@blogger.com (Deborah Norville) — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 16:13:00 +0000

The new issue of Guideposts magazine just landed in the mailbox with me on the cover. It's a nice article I wrote ... which kind of takes me full circle from the last time I was on the cover of Guideposts. The reaction I am getting from folks in just the first few days of days of the magazine being out is pretty amazing. To see the article and to see what people have emailed me to say about it, read on ...

You can click here for a look at the article. And these are some of the comments I have received:

I just finished reading the article in the February 2008 Guideposts about Gratitude. It couldn't have come at a better time for me. 2007 wasn't exactly the best year for my family. I lost both my grandfather and father within six months - only six weeks later my mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at the age of 61. (My father was only 63). I have struggled with all of this - but not being grateful for all of the good memories and thoughts I have of my family. I just wanted to thank you for reminding me, like the Scripture says, "In everything give thanks."

I just read your article in Guideposts magazine. I watch you on television, but feel like I know you personally now. Thank you for reminding me to be grateful for everything. I try to be because it does make me feel better. I have a 9 month old grandson that is the light of my life and I am truly grateful for that gift, as well as a wonderful husband, daughter son and son-in law.

Spreading the Word

noreply@blogger.com (Deborah Norville) — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 15:06:00 +0000

Nice mention of Thank You Power in Mary Hunt's Everyday Cheapskate column. Click here to get a link to it!

Gratitude Cake How To

noreply@blogger.com (Deborah Norville) — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 12:02:00 +0000

Lot's of you have emailed me asking how to make the Gratitude Cake I showed on the Rachael Ray show recently. Click HERE to access a printable PDF instruction sheet.

Rachael Ray Show - Deb's "Gratitude Cake"

noreply@blogger.com (Deborah Norville) — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 03:29:00 +0000

On Friday, I was a guest on the Rachael Ray show ... she's not a baker, but I am, so I decided to fix up a "Gratitude Cake" on the show. It's a great dessert for gatherings with family and close friends -- and the magic ISN'T in the cake -- but in the messages you tuck inside.
Someone just emailed me a link to a YouTube clip that someone posted -- so here it is: Watch it and maybe you'll get some ideas!

MediaBistro.com Interview

noreply@blogger.com (Deborah Norville) — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 22:15:00 +0000

Very cool interview with me on Mediabistro.com was just posted. One of the most 'real' chats I think any reporter has ever done with me. Kudos to reporter Diane Clehane who conducted the chat and wrote it up. You can read it here on the Mediabistro site or click here to read it on my other blog.dnorville.com. I can't figure out how to abbreviate posts on this blog!

Larry King Coincidence

noreply@blogger.com (Deborah Norville) — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 17:16:00 +0000

Got the following email ... wanted to share it with you...

Weirdest thing, coming home from a conference in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Sadly, recently separated from my wife and feeling, I guess lonely. I am walking into my parents apartment, where I am living right now, they are away. I am just coming from the airport thinking about my "situation". I am thinking, as I often do, that I am grateful for all of my good fortune, mostly to balance the thoughts of sadness I have now. I think about the fundamental difference between my wife and I and reiterate to myself, having considered this for years; the difference is in the sense of gratitude.

I am thinking this as I turn on the television throwing my suitcase on the bed and you are being interviewed by Larry King and of course you know the content. How weird right? And I consider in my loneliness how peaceful it is and at the same time how such a bright, young, intelligent and motivated beautiful woman not only considers these things but wrote a book about it. I guess the point is that I am grateful to have seen those timely comments and it gives me hope to ultimately connect with a potential mate of such a nature. Thank you. -- Randy

No, thank YOU, for writing. And yes, it IS a freaky coincidence -- but a good one. And isn't it interesting that you were thinking of your estranged wife at that time? I wonder -- what would happen if you contacted her and said, "Whatever happens with us in the future remains to be seen -- but I want you to know that I am grateful for the time we had together. Mention a few special memories, etc. In less than two weeks, I will celebrate my 20th anniversary. As I write this, I am on a flight to see meet my husband. Marriage is wonderful ... but like most wonderful things -- it doesn't happen by magic. It takes work and patience and long fuses and short memories (about the slights, I mean!) NEVER forget the good stuff! Give it a shot. I bet you she was lonely that same Sunday night... and who knows what her reaction might be knowing YOU were thinking of her? Give it a shot -- the worst that happens is nothing changes. But the best...? Well, THAT would be amazing! --Deborah

Read an Excerpt from Thank You Power

noreply@blogger.com (Deborah Norville) — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 18:40:00 +0000

One of the first articles featuring Thank You Power appeared in Reader's Digest -- and now the nice folks there have put the article up on line. Click HERE to read an excerpt from Thank You Power.

TYP message

noreply@blogger.com (Deborah Norville) — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 04:38:00 +0000

Got this email ...as I was just signing off for the night. I don't know why -- but it really made me feel good to receive it. A family member recently had surgery so I guess I am feeling especially kindly toward the angels who work in the medical profession ...

How nice of this lady to write:

Deborah...I had to let you know that I'm enjoying your book, "Thank You Power", very much. I'm a hospice RN and have found that I learn and receive more from my patients than I give. I, like everyone else, am tired and at times feel "burned out", but overall I feel very blessed to have this job. Thank you for such an uplifting book with great ideas to embrace life more fully. I'm sure this will come in handy with my work.

The Bell Rings for Thank You Power

noreply@blogger.com (Deborah Norville) — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 04:03:00 +0000

Remember in Frank Capra's "It's a Wonderful Life" how everytime an angel gets its wings, a little bell rings? I have heard a similar tinkling of bells alot lately -- as I have sense that people 'tune in' to the "Power" of "Thank You." Most recently, I heard it today ... when I was forwarded a column by New York Newsday writer, Patricia Kitchen. She was attending a breakfast I spoke at last weeks ago hosted by the Women in Communications Foundation ... their annual Gratitude Breakfast. Ms. Kitchen wrote a lovely piece in which she admitted it seemed a bit "wussy" to write about such things as gratitude -- but she shared a beautiful story from her own Thanksgiving journey -- a time when most travelers see the absolute WORST in people ... Ms. Kitchen found solace and friendly laughter among some total strangers on the airport bus. As I read her story, I heard -- ever so faintly -- the sweet silver sound of a ringing bell. I offer up Ms. Kitchen's columm here via this link. Enjoy!

Thankful living

noreply@blogger.com (Deborah Norville) — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 03:58:00 +0000

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving... our was. Family, friends, a turkey that was spectacularly delicious -- and so much to be thankful for. The list is too long...and too personal to post here. But I do hope you took a moment during this time reserved for our nation to focus on our blessings ...to do just that: focus on the many things in your life that can be considered blessings or benefits.

I have found this past year one of truly magical moments...ALL of them sparked by my new focus on what IS right in my life -- and the glorious elevation of my own spirits when I hear how others have been similarly lifted up by the recognition that there is POWER in gratitude. Check out www.thankyoupower.net/stories here to see some of the ways Thank You Power is building up other people. I pray it is a powerful force in your own life.

Blessings...

Deborah

A Thanksgiving Moment

noreply@blogger.com (Deborah Norville) — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 21:34:00 +0000

I stumbled across this quote earlier today while working on the computer:

"The Pilgrims made seven times more graves than huts. No Americans have been more impoverished than these who, nevertheless, set aside a day of thanksgiving." -- H.U. Westermayer

It stopped me cold actually. The added perspective it gave me of the deprivations of those hardy men and women who came over from England, enduring the horrible passage, the difficult conditions when they arrived. Those who survived truly were among the blessed. I have a forebear who was among them, a Mayflower passenger named Brown.

Truly -- those who survived DID have much for which to give thanks -- but that they took special time to set aside an entire day ...when so many truly life and death things needed to be dealt with .. is extraordinary.

This Thanksgiving ...let me be even more cognizant of the blessings God has showered on me.

Reader Email on the Power of Gratitude

noreply@blogger.com (Deborah Norville) — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:36:00 +0000

Lately, I have been receiving letters from readers that are SO touching, it's hard for me to process. The letter I got tonight from Judy is a good example. Read on ...

The last Monday in October I went to our regular Womens Night Out at my church. The theme was gratitude. The following Wednesday I went to a wake of a former church member's father where there was a current church member who suggested your book Thank You Power which I immediately ordered from the library. The following Thursday I went to the community college where I'd graduated from and a teacher I'd met at a cancer support meeting (I had breast cancer in 1995) offered me a makeover, not just for hair and makeup, but teeth and breast as well.

This past week I went to a local drug and food store and while in line with just 2 cans of Manwich and 3 apples, the woman ahead of me looked at me and said, "Can I see your stuff" meaning my meager groceries. She requested me to trust her and when I handed them to her, she handed them to the cashier who rang them up. In other words, the woman paid for my items and when she handed them back to me, said "You shouldn't have to wait in line for me." I've been unemployed/underemployed for about 3 years now,am in very dire financial circumstances and nothing ever really happened like that! Ever since I went to that church meeting and then got your book,though, things have been eerily changing. The makeover is in process and won't be completed for a while and it involves inner change as well as outer change.

Before I forget, has Sal Morales found a job yet? Do any of the "survivors" or other people in your Thank You Power book have websites?
Please continue to write more of these stories. --Judy

Coincidence? Maybe. Inspiring? You BET! Yes, Sal HAS found a job and I've kept up with the other wonderful people who've shared their stories through TYP. I'll post an update before too long about what all of them are up to! --Deborah

Deb Talks Thank You Power with Larry King - Nov 10th

noreply@blogger.com (Deborah Norville) — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 19:50:00 +0000

I'll be on CNN's Larry King Live tonight to talk about Thank You Power ... although since it is a Saturday, it's not exactly 'Live.' I taped the interview the other day ... and was delighted to run into my old pal and colleague Tom Brokaw in the CNN green room. He's on the show also -- talking about his new book!

Check it out and let me know what you think!

Another Take on "The Dress"

noreply@blogger.com (Deborah Norville) — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 16:42:00 +0000

Here's what New York Magazine's Intelligencer column had to say on the 'same dress' scenario the other night:

Jessica Simpson arrived at the Accessories Council Ace Awards at Cipriani-42nd Street to the ultimate nightmare! She was wearing the same sequined leopard frock as the evening's host, and it was Deborah Norville! Uncool. She huddled in the foyer for a confab with her mother. "Should I go home and change?" Jessica asked, according to a spy who was standing nearby. "Just change in the bathroom stall," counseled Simpson the Elder. "Are you kidding?" Jessica retorted. "I'm going home!" That's right, honey, you're not in Texas anymore. Jessica began stomping toward the door, but was pulled back — either by a rush of self-confidence or a wise PR person — and moments later was marching down the red carpet and presenting an award to the CEO of Macy's. It was the right thing to do, even according to her erstwhile teen-pop rival, Mandy Moore, who says that in the same situation, "I don't think I'd be embarrassed. Hopefully, we'd be rocking it in different ways." Yeah, and they were, because, by the way, Deborah Norville is 49. If anyone was freaking out, you'd think it would be her. But her calm reaction was met with approval by none other than the King of Zen, Marc Jacobs. "If the dress is what determines the individual, then the individual should work more on their character and what they choose to wear," he said. "You know what I mean?"
—Amy Odell

The link for the article is here.

Steve Harvey Show Appearance

noreply@blogger.com (Deborah Norville) — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 16:39:00 +0000

I have always loved listening to Steve Harvey's radio show -- and have been on a few times -- but never have I had the kind of response from a radio interview as I did today! The topic was Thank You Power and while we were talking about the book, Steve opened up the phone lines and a lady from Charleston, SC called in ... she talked about a Bible verse that came to mind as she heard me talk about writing down the blessings for which one feels grateful.

The lady was saying she was reminded of a Bible verse that encouraged one to write down what one hoped for and the Lord would help focus one on reaching those goals. She couldn't remember the citation of the verse and neither could any of the rest of us, tho I mentioned Thessalonians 5 which encourages us to give thanks in all things. Well, Steve's listeners sure did remember.

The verse was Habakkuk 2:2-3, "And the Lord answered me(Habakkuk)and said, write the vision, and make it plain upon the tables, that he may run that readeth it."

Keep checking back to the blog to see thoughts on how meaningful this verse can be!

Fashion fun -- NOT Faux Pas!

noreply@blogger.com (Deborah Norville) — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 16:41:00 +0000

Emceed a swanky event last night for the Accessories Council where a bunch of celebs were in attendance to hand out and receive awards. Among them, Jessica Simpson. I have always liked many of her fashion choices, but I really approved of the dress she picked last night! I had the same one on! We both are big fans of Michael Kors. (I don't know about Jess, but I paid retail for my dress at Bloomingdales).

Jessica looks terrific (she's wearing shoes from her Macy's shoe line, I think) and yes, that's me holding a 'very special accessory:' A purse I made with Thank You Power on the cover. It got a lot of laughs!

One of the celeb websites has a 'vote' for who looks best ... I don't think I'm going to win, but here's the address to cast your vote! Someone just emailed me that People.com has something on it too! Here is that link for People.com.

TYP meets the Santa Ana Fires

noreply@blogger.com (Deborah Norville) — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 00:07:00 +0000

Flew out to California for another book event and to play a part in Maria Shriver's Conference on Women. The Santa Ana fires had another idea. Flying in, the fires looked like rivers of lava. On the ground, the smoke was at times impenetrable.

I ended up doing Inside Edition from the staging area in Malibu, just moments after Gov. Schwarzenegger briefed the press on the state of emergency that's been declared here. As many as 50,000 acres have or are burning...thousands evacuated. It's a bad scene in many, many places. How many people here in Southern California are grateful tonight that they are still here -- even if their homes aren't.

WIN a copy of Thank You Power!

noreply@blogger.com (Deborah Norville) — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 14:29:00 +0000

I got an alert the other day that said "Win" a copy of Thank You Power. I was a bit confused about that, so I clicked through. It's legit. OverStock.com is offering copies of Thank You Power to folks who sign up for a sweepstates. It probably means you'll be on a mailing list as a result, but they definitely DO have copies of the book for winners! Learn more here:

Coincidence -- Serendipity???

noreply@blogger.com (Deborah Norville) — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 10:42:00 +0000

On Wednesday, I was the speaker at the Grand Rapids, Michigan Salvation Army Red Kettle kick off. You know, the bell ringing campaign during the holidays. I began my remarks with the word serendipity...and explained how lately, it seemed so many things that were 'coincidences' weren't. The lunch was 'thank you' to the SA's big donors. At the time of the invitation, there was no way they could know I had a book on "Thank You" and the power of gratitude.

I told the group how Thank You Power can help broaden your thinking. As I got on the plane to head to Dallas, I got a really cool email from a lady who had been there. Click on COMMENTS and see what she said. Coincidence? Or just the power of gratitude to show us 'mini-miracles' we hadn't noticed before???