Welcome to my website
So here it is. My first website. You found me and I’m so glad you did.
Lee Woodruff.com. Kind of scary. Like a brand: a type of ketchup, pantyhose or fabric softener. And there is a huge part of me, with only two books under my belt that feels like a complete fraud having a website at all. Don’t you have to BE somebody to have a website?
But here I am, a techno-peasant who has plunged into the world of on-line communications and I’m thrilled to be able to communicate with you, show you some of my work and listen to what you have to say as well. I will try to keep this blog updated on a regular basis.
I can honestly say that over the past two years, after the publication of In an Instant I have been honored to meet so many individuals and families who are facing their own challenges that life has hurled at them.
When someone has read the book, one of the biggest compliments I hear is when that person tells me that they can imagine we might be friends if we lived in the same town. As a writer, it is an honor to think about the connections made to everyone who reads something I wrote. It’s humbling.
I hope that with this new book, Perfectly Imperfect and with the first book, In an Instant, I have captured some of the many, commonalities in simply being a wife, mother, caregiver, sister, daughter, working woman, friend and all the many other ways we define ourselves.
I also invite you to contact me with your story. Sometimes just the act of sharing opens people up to continue healing or simply feeling part of a greater community.
And now – a list of this week’s fun words to say. I’m a word-collector and so when I come across a word I like, or dislike, (some of these are parts of the male anatomy involved in reproduction ) I add it to a list.
These are my current fun words:
Chucklehead
Thatch
Cinnamon
Destruction
Lycra
Naturally Lycra is the key ingredient in Spanx. Now most of you gals know what Spanx are. I like to tell my husband they are sausage casing for the female form. A modern kind of girdle. You are looking nice and tight in your clothes and then BAMM – when you peel the body stocking off at bedtime it’s like Cup-O-Noodles after you add the hot water.
Some secrets are best not shared.
Lastly — Do you twitter? Now you have a good reason to…
With Memorial Day coming up– I’d love for you to Join me and Tweet to ReMIND Tweet for Injured Troops on Memorial Day Weekend
ReMIND.org’s goal is to mobilize 400,000 Twitter users over Memorial Day weekend (Friday, May 22, to Monday, May 25). We want to send a message of support to the troops who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan and their families, and raise $1.65 million for local support services and resources to assist their recovery from the physical and psychological wounds of war. Each Twitter user must Tweet at least four times in order to attain our goal.
Let our service members and military families know that you recognize the sacrifices they have made. Pledge now. Tweet to ReMIND on Memorial Day weekend! http://tweettoremind.org/
Tweets for Tweet to ReMIND must include the hashtag #tweettoremind
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Comments are closed.
Deena Warner
March 20, 2009 at 2:35 pmI really enjoy your website!
Didi McCormick
March 23, 2009 at 4:21 pmLove your blog Lee and am looking forward to reading your new book!
Sandy
March 23, 2009 at 6:48 pmI loved your first book and can’t wait for my pre-order to arrive. The website is great–wish you were visiting Long Island at some point, but I guess we’ll have to try and see you in NYC.
Barb
March 26, 2009 at 12:13 amOh Lee, here I am sitting at my laptop far away in New Zealand. Waiting for winter. Missing my friends. And watching your video clip talking about your jewelery- it was like sitting on the beach at Slim and being funny with my dear friend… Thank you! More videos please, you look so great to me. Love,
Barb
Deborah Bernstein
March 27, 2009 at 12:44 amHi Lee,
I had the pleasure of meeting Bob a few weeks ago when he was filming interviews for the “Swimming Soldiers” segment at our villa on St. John. I recently released a book, “Yoga in America” and he mentioned that you have an active yoga practice. I’d be delighted to send a copy of the book to you. I’ve you’d like that, please email the your mailing address to [email protected]. I hope you enjoy the book – it has been receiving a lot of positive reviews and proceeds from the book support our fundraising to host future trips like the one we sponsored for Wounded Warriors when Bob was on island. Kind regards and best of luck with the blog…I know it talks a little while to get it up and running, so let me know if I can help in any way. Namaste, Deborah
Molly Nance
March 27, 2009 at 5:23 pmI love your new patch of the Internet park, Lee. And though I’m avid reader of blogs, Web sites and a FaceBook junkie, I haven’t yet made that leap to Twitter. Now I’m inspired. I’ll get on board and Tweet for the troups. What an amazingly easy and fast way to make such a profound impact. I tell ya!
Laura
March 28, 2009 at 12:40 amYour website and blog are welcome additions to my “favorites”! I can’t wait for your new book Lee; you have a beautiful way of writing. It is one that makes me feel like you are sitting next to me, talking on the porch (mine, yours or the Inn!) or a couch. Thanks for sharing your gift of writing with all of us!
becky tinlin
April 16, 2009 at 3:41 pmi was a little disheartened when i read the number 9 in your list of tips in this issue of Ladies Home Journal. I have recently had 3 major surgeries, I lost a brother-in-law and 4 days later i lost my sister. I lived for the moments when i could connect with someone who would simply say “the peace of the Lord be with you.” i knew instantly that my faith and my beliefs were truer and stronger and that my heart and spirit would heal. to not say anything that praises the Lord for His strength, His grace, His watching over me, His love, His guidance, His light in my life seems so foreign to me and to not have others share with me their love of the Lord is something I hope i never have to deal with. if not for the fellowship and the family of faith, i would not be here today to so much as read a book. I have followed the amazing journey that the Woodruff family has taken, the good, the horrible, the wonderful healing and I feel it was Because of God, despite people hiding their love and faith for fear it wont be “taken” as it was intended. God Bless you all. Good luck with your book, you are a talented writer—praise God for that.
becky tinlin
April 16, 2009 at 5:38 pmmy comment was not posted????? a simple opinion is not posted unless it is gushy and gooey????????? makes me wonder about many things here.
admin
April 18, 2009 at 11:42 pmhang on a tick!!! wait a sec— its just me managing my website– mother of 4, loser at technology and book coming out on Tuesday– I’ve been on the road for the past two days taking care of my Dad with Alzheimers– and now I’m back home. Just completed a home birthday party for my nine year old twins. I’m just logging on to the website now to see what is happening and yes– every comment (unless they are very cruel or dirty) will get posted. I’m not one of those people with “handlers” to do this for me though, so please be patient with me folks!
Becky, thanks so much for taking the time to visit the site and read the Ladies Home Journal article and to have read the first book. Between this website, email, facebook and alll the other things I’m supposed to be doing Im feeling really inadequate for not getting back to you sooner.
admin
April 18, 2009 at 11:52 pmBecky– I am reading from the bottom up so I just saw this. I have much to say about faith and in our first book, “In an Instant” it is very much laced through the pages. I don’t mean to suggest that people should “hide their faith” when they talk to someone going through a difficult time or worry it might be “taken as it wasnt intended.” I do urge people to say what makes them feel comfortable, but in talking to literally thousands of caregiver and people who are going through a rough time one of the most common pieces of advice I heard was the over-use of “trite” phrases– (not all necessarily laced with faith). Sometimes these canned phrases can sound like greeting card philosophy. That’s very different in my book than “the peace of the Lord be with you.” Im the first one to say, out loud and proud — that faith , family and friends were are still are my cornerstones, before during and after Bob’s recovery. We would not be where we are today without the “three F’s”
Wherever I speak publically, whenever I talk to people I am very quick to give my faith and relaitonship with God its proper due
I believe God is not in the tiny details of an awful tragedy. He doesn’t decide that this particular child will die or get cancer, that your brother-in-law will pass away or give you a reason to have surgery again, for the third time– and I am so sorry about that. He is just there– loving us always and helping us to heal in amazing ways.
I hope what I have said makes some sense and Im so sorry for what you and your family have gone through. I am so glad that your faith sustains you.
Beth
April 24, 2009 at 1:11 amHi Lee!
I’m so glad you have a website and a new book! I loved your first book (and recommend it to everyone) and was happy to see that you are still writing. Thanks for being a wonderful, funny, real, and thoughtful writer. I look forward to seeing what’s next!
all my best!
Patty
May 1, 2009 at 3:48 pmHi Lee,
Thank you so much for coming to KC to speak. I love your book.
I just finished reading the friendship chapter and it brought tears to my eyes. I know I’m reading a great book when it makes me cry and reflect. I am taking my time reading your book because I want to savor it like a good cup of coffee. Even though I have one child not four I can still relate to your words. I also lost my Dad a month ago and the hospitalization he had is still fresh in my mind. Your writing about Bobs hospital stay hits home. I have three sisters and I will pass the book on to them after I finish.
Thank you for your honesty and compassion. Please keep writing if you can. I look forward to future books. Have a great day!!
bob from THE OLD SCHOOL
May 7, 2009 at 1:13 pmHi lee,
Thank you for your article on the FOX opinion Blog. it was very touching and real!.
I would like to ask you to contact FOX and request that they redesign their blog to prevent “trolls” or ID theft on the blog itself. It seems that many including myself are the victims of anoying bloggers who simply log in using the identical ID of someone allready on the blog and countradicts and slanders everyone on the blog.
All that would be needed is for FOX to eliminat duplicate ID’s and since they have the ID and the email address that should be simple.
I have attempted to contact FOX directly but to no avail. this has been an increasing and anoying issue lately.
best regards and Happy Mothers Day,
bob dittmer
kazzles
May 15, 2009 at 12:18 amI’m so pleased I found your blog as I have been very curious to find out more about your family since I saw you on Oprah last year while I was recovering from my own MTBI. My father also has TBI from a quite serious accident so it was fantastic to see you on TV discussing.
I need to find out if your books are available in NZ to buy!
I truly am so pleased to see your husband has returned to work and that you are out talking about Brain Injuries – so much education needs to be done! I am sure Bob is still struggling with fatigue and memory issues as well – I would love to hear more about his return to work and the subtle difficulties. My father has said that people just don’t understand that he is not what he used to be, how frustrating it is to no longer have a good memory etc etc.
God bless!
Nancy
May 25, 2009 at 8:19 pmLee, I just finished the new book and I can’t tell you how deeply it moved me. Lots of experiences of you saying things I thought only I thought. I didn’t want it to end and I may start it all over again. It’s been a perfect morning out on my deck alone with iced tea, your fantastic book, a sweet dog and Kenny Chesney singing in the background-ain’t nothing better. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for both of your wonderful books. Keep em coming, I can’t wait!! Love Nancy
Debbie Wooten
May 28, 2009 at 6:56 pmDear Lee, You & your family have been in my mind so often. I was thinking of you yesterday and when I could not sleep last night I thought I would try to find a web site for you, not knowing you really did have one. Complete with a blog! I have been able to feel alot of the same emotions that you have. My husband was diagnosed with dementia when he was 63. He is now 67. During emergency surgery in Feb. he was diagnosed with a frontal lobe tumor. You think your life is going along really well then everything can change in an instant. I feel sad lonely and unloved while trying to keep my husband on an even keel. My thoughts and prayers are with you & your entire family as each new day unfolds. Sincerely, Debbie Wooten
Lee Woodruff
June 6, 2009 at 1:36 pmDebbie – I am so sorry for your journey and I hope the book brought you some comfort…it is a very tough journey and I wish i had the answers and a magic wand for all of the people i meet. god bless you
lee
Lee Woodruff
June 6, 2009 at 1:38 pmi love that nancy!
Lee Woodruff
June 6, 2009 at 2:14 pmi tried to get this taken care of for you– did it work?
Lee Woodruff
June 6, 2009 at 2:15 pmdid you ever get the book– perhaps through the internet?
Mary-Katherine Rogers
August 3, 2009 at 1:55 pmDear Lee,
Just finished reading Perfectly Imperfect. As an oldest sister of three girls growing up in the 60’s, everything you write about resonates, the last three chapters especially. I, for one, am glad you kept in #9 in What I Know Now. I am a person of enormous faith and mother of a daughter with Marfan Syndrome. When a child is first diagnosed with a potential death sentence, hearing “God never gives you more than you can handle,” nearly sent me over the edge. In fact, I think God frequently does give you more than you can handle at that moment and it is up to one to just keep moving forward in faith, that EVENTUALLY, you just might be able to handle it. I agree that all of those platitudes should be stricken from the English language! Keep up all of your good works and peace to you.
Hello Lee
August 3, 2009 at 6:33 pmWe met in Spokane Wa. a while back at a confirence put together by St. Lukes hospital. I would like to pass on some info. to you. You met with my wife as well and KXLY 4 interviewed us all. I am 2 year’s 4 month’s 3 days old today. Died 4 time’s that day, broke my neck and face in 5 place’s. Truely the hiden injury.
Thank you in advance
Susie
August 24, 2009 at 4:51 amWow. Read some of your earlier blogs and here are some thoughts: 1. You are brave. I’m not referring to bob but of course that but w how honest you are in your responses to comments.
2. You are generous. You don’t have to respond to peoples comments but you do. Very kind
3. I love words too. Some goofy ones I drove my family nuts w are: we drove the Yakima to winnemucca. ( a yellowstone trip)
berings. I got stuck on that word and used it constantly drove my husband mad. Concierge. Aw. No explanation needed. K.s.
Colleen
August 25, 2009 at 3:16 amI just would like to say thank you for giving me hope and strength through your own experience. My brother had a stroke a couple months ago which affects his word retrievel, language, cognition, etc.,. He struggles with memory but I just finished a phone call with him and he said something to me that he has been unable to say to me when we would end a phone call and I am crying tears of happiness. He said, “Love you dearly” I have not heard those words for so long. My sister-in-law and I have been staying positive after reading your story and know he can make it and so can we. Thank you
Rebecca Weber (Little Rock, AR
August 29, 2009 at 11:38 pmI’m reading “In an Instant” which I got while Bob was in Little Rock to speak. I recently shared it w/my niece whose huband is in the hospital from injuries suffered when a tree collapsed on him 5wks ago. Julie read it and is holding on to your experience as Frank recovers from his injuries. Anyway, now I’m reading it and came to your 1/31/2006 entry re: your arrival to D.C. You mention your friends Susan Baker and her husband, Robin, and I’m thinking, “I know these people”. I worked in the Dept. of Pediatrics when Susan Brady & Robin Baker did their residencies at the Univ. of Ark. for Medical Sciences. I’m soooo enjoying the book and it was fun to come across this little “blast from the past”.
Bob autographed the book for me and I’m planning to ask Frank to sign it once he’s able to write again. Frank awoke just this week and while very different, he & Julie have their own “In an Instant” story to tell. May God continue to bless your family and thank you for sharing your story.
Mary Edwards
November 15, 2009 at 8:21 amComments to add to the list of “What Not to Say”
Hi Lee,
I spoke with you shortly, at the end of the Brain Injury Association of WA event tonight. I felt very touched by the evening, the people I met and spoke with, some of whom I met tonight, others were part of my husband’s entourage of doctors and law office staff post accident.
I sent another note of thanks to your foundation’s e-mail address. I remember a piece that I forgot to write in that e-mail. You invited stories about inappropriate things that people say. I believe this one tops them all. It’s mine, so I get to put it on top.
My husband Bill was hit by a car while riding his bicycle home from work in the bike lane on Second AVE, downtown Seattle on October 2, 2002. I was in Santa Fe at school when I received the phone call from his sister. I returned to Seattle, Bill’s dad picked me up at the airport and we drove to Harborview, Seattle’s trauma center. I was asked to wait, as they were doing a procedure, I can’t remember details, other than I needed to wait down the hall. His brother was in the room as well and as we proceeded down the hall to see Bill, he tells me, “now that Bill has had the test, I’ll get the materials for him and get him a bible.” I was very patient with him and said something very nice – but I really did want to smack the daylights out of him and invite him to get the hell out of our presence.
Let me know if this is juicy enough to add to the list. There’s plenty of backstory to it too. He and his wife gave us bibles for Christmas one year. Not nice bibles, but crappy paperback ones that looked like pulp fiction. So I asked his wife, ‘what is this?’, in a conversational tone, thinking it was a work of fiction that she had recently enjoyed. She proceeded to describe to me what the FLIPPING bible is, as if, at 36 years old, with the name MARY flippin MARTHA, I didn’t have a clue what it was. I was floored. I still am.
Best to you and your family, Lee. Please feel free to call us for a cozy place to stay in Seattle if you are visiting and would like a more personal encounter with our beautiful State. We can share really bad brain humor. That’s one of the reasons I stick with my pain in the A** husband. He’s wicked funny. Mary Edwards 425-271-1979 PS, you’ve also inspired me to write. I have always known it will help me deal and heal.
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