Dear Friends/Family,
At first I was afraid… it’d be my three children and me, but
that would’ve been totally okay because I love those little darlings. But then
Linda and her husband, Bill came in and I was no longer petrified.
Linda O'Connell and husband, Bill
A man and lady were occupying the room we had reserved, so
my daughter kindly informed them of the event and invited them to stay. It turns
out he is a writer and they would’ve loved to attend, but they couldn't.
Critique partner, Sioux and her friend Darice popped in.
Carrie (the gelato maker and friend of the family) graced us with her presence too.
Then long time friends of my son’s, Martina and Josh surprised us! And last but
not least, my older sister, Sue bounced in. My little sister, Ruth and her
husband, Bud had every intention of coming, but traffic made it impossible. No
worries.
from left to right: Martina, Josh, Darice, Sioux
from left to right: Rita, Jessica, Carrie, Suzanne
We started a little late and I began with a big No-No by
saying my story paled compared to others in the book. After the reading was
over I was told that my experience… okay, I don’t know the exact words, but I
received the message loud and clear, especially after receiving another in private. The sheer kindness of people…
well, my heart is more opened and I will be more positive about myself.
When I read, I go into some zone and I read well (there,
how’s that for positivity?).
Linda then read her story. I heard comments about how well
she read. And of course, she’s a pro.
Linda O'Connell
Linda and I both shared our experience meeting Ms. Gaynor
and how it was like sitting with friends… just like what we were doing right
then at the reading.
The ugly Christmas sweater meets disco winner clearly belonged to
my son, Casey. However, since a lot of folks missed that memo, we put
everyone’s name in the drawing and my sister, Suzanne won. She generously and
kindly turned to Josh and handed him the book. Josh later admitted that he knew
he was going to be the winner, but when his name wasn’t drawn, he was like, oh
well. But then when my sister handed him the book, his intuition of being the
winner was realized! (I love how those things happen, and watching kindness in
action.)
You can't really tell that Casey won the best dressed contest because he took off some of his decorations (a white jacket and white tie and another Christmas scarf wrapped around his neck), but can you see the Christmas lights in his beard?
from left to right: Rita (the baby in the story), me (Lynn), Casey, Jessica
Sioux had given Linda and me a Christmas card with a poem she created replacing the words to "Oh Come All Ye Faithful" with "Oh Come All Ye Writers." Sioux is one of the most hilarious people I know. The three of us belted out the song to Sioux's words. And let me tell you, we can't sing like Gloria Gaynor. The notes and chords that left our lips were funnier than Sioux's words to the song.
Seven more books were sold! Thank you! And the proceeds of the sales will go to a local shelter for abused women. If anyone knows of one, suggestions are welcome. I have a few (as in two) more books for sale and if you're interested, contact me at lober13(at)gmail(dot)com and I'll donate that money as well. I spied some copies at STL Books in Kirkwood, MO so you can always purchase a copy there... if you're local to the area.
Here's what you would have received as a gift for attending...
Handmade ornament with "We Will Survive... 2013" printed inside along with some glittery stuff
But because the holidays made it hard for those to attend, if you again email me that you've purchased a book, I will send you an ornament... while they last.
From the top and the bottom of my heart, thank you all for
your loving support and kindness.
And know that we all will survive… somehow.
left to right: Lynn Obermoeller and Linda O'Connell
