Meeting Nathalie Lete

I swear wishes come true. A week ago, I would have thought I would have to travel to Paris to meet my favorite Artist. Natalie Lete made the calender I HAD to buy in 2023. The dishes I bought from Anthropologie last year to replace what I had sold. For my birthday this year I bought a new tea cup and breakfast bowl. And, a sticker book. When I saw she was coming to New York last week, I was excited. When I saw she was going to be at John Derian's store, I really wanted to make this happen. I have wanted to go to his store for a long time. I love to decopauge, but it usually comes out with bubbles or wrinkles. When I saw it was on a Tuesday, I instantly texted my son. It was eight minutes away from where he plays most Tuesday nights. We had no problem parking, and we ended up eating at his favorite restaurant. There was a pretty long line. It wasn't until I got the book in my hands signed, I knew why. She signed each one in calligraphy and drew a picture. Oh my! SO SO SO special. This was the best book signing ever! When I just put the keywords Labels in for this post, some other ones came up. It said "Nathalie Lete Ebay out with blue in with new....follow that dream.". Times like this I realize my Pollyanna way of thinking is completely having faith with patience knowing dreams come true. Thanks to my son for especially making this a fun dream come true.

Cheer Up! Things Are Going to Get Worse

Who am I to feel like she has a voice today? I am the broken hearted. I try not to bring up politics or religion at the dinner table. I try to listen, more then talk. I am naturally very quiet. I am a follower and not a leader. Wellll.....it ends up I am all of those things. And, I ended up a leader working in management for decades. Why? Because, I am born and raised an American. I can be any of those things and be a good American. We all can. I woke up this morning after voting. I watched Hallmark movies last night. I got up with the sun, after seven solid hours sleep. I was SO tempted not to open my laptop. I was going to join a health club with a swimming pool. I can now do this with my medicare, and it's free. I was going to put my beach chair in the car. In New Jersey it is a beach day in November. It is set to be 79 degrees. I am still going to do all these things. But, I was going to wonder the whole time. Who was elected president last night? I was going to celebrate how long I could go, without actually knowing. And, deep down really feel how in my real life, it didn't really matter. But, I opened my laptop and read an email from Marianne Williamson. And, saw who was elected President. I then went on to Kate Bowler's email. And, she gave me a video to help me navigate through this day. It is where I got the title for this post. I laughed out loud of this quote from a nun. Kate Bowler is the Author of "Have a Beautiful Terrible Day". A book I listened to on my way home from the Smokey Mountains this Spring. I am also including the video in my email today. It is your choice to watch. I realized how much I miss older people in my life as I age. If you seek the wisdom of an 85 year old smart writer please proceed to be comforted by his wisdom. The video is here He talks about the value of a journal. And, this is also my passion. Something I will be sharing a lot on this holiday season. My advice for today is to rest into it. I might turn on some TV with commercials in a few days. Lets celebrate! No more political commercials. No more advertising the Great Divide of our country. We are one nation under God. God Bless America!

She Wishes

She looked in the mirror. Took a deep breath. And, began to sing her daily tune. It went like this. Inhale breathe and begin. "ME me Me mee ME MEEEEEE"! Exhaling, and proceeding with the business of her day. This was an exhilerating feeling. She never felt like this before. But, days, months and years went by. She realized this was the most different feeling she had in her whole life. She was putting herself first, above all others. And, surprisingly she couldn't believe how shameful, guilty and sad it made her feel. She continued to sing her song each day. After a couple of years, she was made a birthday cake. It was for her and her best friend. She was among friends and their families. The room darkened and became quiet and still. The cake was brought out with candles flittering. We all proceeded to sing a joyful tune of happy birthday. When it came time to blow out the candles, she couldn't think of a wish. A lot of time went by as her friend was concentrating on making the perfect wish. So, she just concentrated on her friend's wish, and hoping this wish came true for her. The next year she celebrated her birthday again with her. Before she left for the trip to Florida to visit her, the area was hit with two strong hurricanes. She worried and fussed whether to bother them in the days before her trip. As soon as she arrived, she realized her wish came true for her friend. She had decided to make a shorter work week. Clearly, she could see the difference it made in her life. She realized watching life evolve, watching wishes come true, is the best birthday gift ever! Song of the day: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BH2KtmVp1CA Arrow by the Head and the Heart Quote of the day: The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing. Walt Disney

It's Not the End

My favorite little tiny bird I saw eye to eye with was the Carolina Wren. It was on a branch right next to me, as I was walking up to the river one day. It was singing a sweet song. One of my favorite Authors Suleika Jaouad has the written a new book. The Book of Alchemy A Creative Practice For An Inspired Life. It was the best selling book last week on my website. AND it does not come out until next Spring. I had read her book Between Two Kingdoms. A very hopeful, but truthful journey through her battle with cancer. It made me question how I was thinking. And, when I did get my diagnosis of a malignant melanoma it made me wonder a lot and think of her. I think it helped me through it in a way. Most of all her book was full of the reality of the questions and doubts that run through your mind during a time of complete uncertainty. And, by writing it out, it helps get it out of your brain. But, revovery is tough, as this is the only thing you can think about. Her weekly prompts on her newsletter: The Isolation Journal are very deep. And, really has built a strong community of survivors. And, the reality is there are more people and friendships kindled who are lost to cancer. So, it is the about grief and acceptance of great losses. This can drain you or it can motivate you. And, for me this was the scariest part. Because, at one point I was really drained and felt very isolated and hopeless. Thankfully, I can go to bed one way, and wake up feeling completely different. I really think it is because of the computer. And, then I get afraid of being addicted to the satisfaction of knowing there is a community in my lap top. This is something I noticed during lockdown. The uptick in the dependency of the computers in most interactions taking place, now is astounding. I spend my mornings on the computer. And, my days spent out of the house are my best. I make the most of painting, journaling and watch TV at night. But, I really prefer to get out and walk, shop and most of all work! I hope you enjoyed my three little paintings of birds this week. They also hold a bird in the back of the canvas. Maybe, I can take a video today to share. Quote of the day: Hope is the thing with feathers-that perches in the soul-and sings the tune without the words-and never stops-at all. And sweetest-the gale-is heard-and sore must be the storm-that could abash the little bird that kept so many warm-I've heard the cillest land-and on the strangest sea-Yet-never - in extremity-it asked a crumb-of me. Emily Dickenson Song of the day: The Tiniest Birds Sing the Sweet Songs The BE Good Tanyas

Go Your Own Way

I am having a breakthrough in my writing of sorts. But, it ends up how I want to write my second book. I will save all the details after next year. After I get it all together. It has been hard to focus on my blogging. Because, I didn't really want to share it yet. But, I felt compelled even though a lot of this process is a work in progress. This morning I wrote about Elizabeth Gilbert in my book list in my shop. This is what I said: I was lucky enough to win a scholarship at Omega Institute last year. The workshop I attended was lead by Rob Bell and Elizabeth Gilbert. It was called the Art of Creation. It had a little bit of everything including some drawing exercises, meditation and lessons on how to get unstuck. During the years 2013 and 2015 I wrote a blog called : Paris London Asbury Park. I wanted to write a book about being an empty nester. We still owned our store, but I went back to work full time. It was probably the busiest I had ever been in my life. Way different than raising twins, which took place at home. This was a long commute, Keeping the books for the store. Filling in at the store on my days off. But, the book I wanted to write was going to be personal. And, how we were navigating the empty nest. And, how our life was filled with days spent in Asbury Park. A city that was being raised from the ashes of the riots (in early 70's) like a Phoenix. Now that I am divorced, I don't want to include anyone else in the book I write. I also read Big Magic during this time. And, was a follower on social media. She really resonated with me. I subscribe to her substack. I look forward each Sunday to her posts. Her practice for more then twenty five years is to write herself a letter to herself from LOVE. I enjoy reading this each week and a special guest contributer also writes thier letter. I have tried several times to do this and just can't seem to do it. And, the last few Mondays I was going to write the letter and share it. And, I feel I am still too vulnerable. And, honestly love is the most complex feeling I am still sorting out. But, what I can write about is my own practice. I live right across the street from some woods. And, the birds sing to me most days as I leave, and arrive home. I decided to listen to the birds. And, wonder what they would say to me if they could talk. Oh God, I am imagining the lady on the steps of St. Pauls in London feeding the birds, already. This visual is from Mary Poppins, by the way. But, anyway I started writing poems. And, for me it is my very own comfort I have created for myself. Last week I completed three little paintings using acrylics. It is very different from watercolors. They break all the rules of painting I learned in college. But, these processes of breaking the rules and "going my own way" is helping me i creativly. And, sharing something I am not particularly proud of is also helping me with my confidence.

Begin Again

I have been trying to write this post for about a month. I turned 65 and feel it is an important number for me. But, it has passed. I didn't really feel very different going into it or after. I guess it doesn't mean that much to me. Yesterday, I changed my pocketbook to get ready and prepared for some traveling. I saw a picture and looked and wondered "what is this picture of my mom doing in here?". It was a sticker the hospital made the day I had surgery in May. It was black and white. I kept staring at it. It took me a very long time to realize it was me, and not my mother. It really disturbed me. Enough, so, I wondered as I caught glimpses of myself in windows yesterday. Should I change my hair color? Should I start wearing make up again? I thought I should stand taller and smile more. I guess it was an awakening. I really haven't felt myself since Sea Hear Now in Mid September. I was a different kind of tired. I had to get another growth removed. I fell and really hurt my ribs. I haven't taken an advil even, to feel better. I just accepted all of the pain, and waited to feel better. I am happy to say I feel like myself again. But, then again after seeing the picture, I felt like my mom. I realize I associate a lot of the aging process, as my mom did. I am saying things, like my mom would. And, as always, I don't like it. I am not my mom, I am me. So, as I write this, I want to be grateful to be here in this world. My biggest wish is for me to age gracefully AND naturally. I want most to be what my mom wanted for me---to be a free spirit. Wouldn't that be the wish for all of us? It is such an easy role to play. But, it really is hard for me. I still worry so much, and still struggle to be kinder to myself. It seems to be the constant theme of my writing. But, writing does free my mind, by getting it out and on paper. I am really looking forward to getting away for a little bit. It is then when I feel the most free. I like getting all my ducks in a row. So, I can get away and not think of my responsibilities. Aging is really an amazing process. And, I think I mentioned this before. I still feel it is an uphill battle. I don't want the feeling of going down hill. It is an easier feeling. But, time goes by fast enough. And, if you take your foot off the brakes, you might have life go by so fast. And, that is not what I want. I think life is better as a struggle. It makes you appreciate it more. Who wants to just see it fly by?

“In the third trimester of my life, I can’t pretend to be anyone other than who I truly am.” — FRESH HELL Tina Brown's Diary Whether you’re in your first, second, or third trimester of life, I ask you: Have you reached this point yet, of being who you truly are? Or are you still pretending?

This is what I read in an email from Susan Cain when I was trying to complete this post. Susan Cain wrote the books Quiet and Bittersweet. I listened to Bittersweet in Audible. And, it helped me immensely to get to know my creative self better. When I saw she was starting a community on Substacks, I wanted in! Thankfully, through a scholarship I was welcomed into the community. It is very engaging with emails, social media and face to face calls about twice a month with a guest. All of my favorites have been featured, and I have only missed a few of the live calls. There is a video to revisit, also. But, what is coming into play here is a common thread of divine timing. My primary doctor told me last year, what I needed most was support. For a quiet person like me who hates to ask for help,this put me in a state of crisis. Here I am naturally quiet, but I am going to have to pay someone for therapy, ask for help, or I am going to break down. I did two therapy sessions which were helpful. But, honestly they stressed me out more then anything. Through Susan Cain's live video calls they are better then therapy. And, through the timing of each and their message, I am reminded of devine timing. And, I believe I have recieved support in devine time. Just when I need it. Someone in my life comes through with something I need to talk out or write about. And, I feel it is helping me in the direction of my writing. It is uncanny. Most of all, because I DON'T have to ask for it. It finds and comes to me. Susan Cain has hit this chord with me. And, it brings me closer to why I want to write a book. It is because I want to reach someone in a time of their need. I want to be hope for someone who is struggling. I want a person who has reached the end of their rope, to BELIEVE there is always, always hope. At any age, we struggle for an answer to a struggle. We all have different personalities and approaches to life. Susan Cain always reminds me of the beauty of listening to sad music. But, what I have learned in the beauty of someone's else music or words, it stays with me. It lives inside, and somedays it comes back out in a form of a painting or words on paper. It is a gift from God. And, the more we are aware there are others like us, the less alone we feel. Thank you Susan Cain for writing about Leonard Cohen's song this week. And, thank you devine timing for me to have painted three birds, and each one with a message. When I listened to the song Anthem this week I knew I heard it all before. I saw the documentary of Leonard Cohen at the Garden Theatre about three years ago. I loved his story. It is pretty tragic, and he seemed tortured at times from his gifts of talent. But, at the end of his life he went back on stage. And, one night, they caught on film, he skipped with joy off stage. Song of the day: Leonard Cohen's Anthem Quote of the day: Eleanor Roosevelt: “You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, 'I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along. ' You must do the thing you think you cannot do.”

The Spectacular Fiona Davis

One of my favorite book signings last year was Fiona Davis. It was held in The Spring Lake Community House. One of my favorite buildings in the whole world. I still get the feeling of awe when I walk in. And, it holds very special memories for me of my childhood. It holds the library and the place I would visit Santa each year. She filled every seat in the theatre again. And, took the time with photographs of everyone in attendance. I really loved her interview. She has lived and worked in New York City her whole life. First as a actress and then as an Author. She made a core group up of author friends who support each other. Each one of the books are not just a romance of characters, but the building in which the story takes place. I was excited to read the book The Spectacular, because it took place in Radio City Music Hall. Another building which holds many special memories for me. The book was a fast read, and I passed it on to my daughter. I was thrilled to visit the show The Spectacular with the Rockettes last Christmas. I look forward to reading The Lions of Fifth Avenue which I purchased at the New York Public Library store this year. I went to the New York Public Library for the first time before I opened my Bookshop. I started a format on my blog to help promote my bookshop. And, I lost my way. Not sure if I have been sharing the right link etc. I even thought I had written a blog post about Fiona Davis, already. But, I created a whole list on my Bookshop, and this first paragraph was taken from there. This is a learning experience at it's best!!! When I figured out how to organize the lists it was a win! This week it was announced the bookstore Thunderoad books will be trading places with Kate and Co. which is amazing. The store will now be facing the lake with more light and space. It is really nice having a bookstore to visit in my hometown. And, they have been bringing the best authors to town, like Fiona Davis. I think one of the most encouraging things I learned about Fiona Davis was she graduated from the town's high school I now live in. I am really looking forward to reading her newest book, which is available for pre-order. I am also looking forward to visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where the "The Stolen Queen" takes place in January 2025. If you would like to join me, please don't hesitate to contact me.