Mindful Mending

Last Sunday I took a workshop in the Carousel Building in Asbury Park. The history of Asbury Park is fascinating. My mind is always a mixture of feelings with so many memories made there. But, most of all I love the new memories still being made. There was so much positive, good, happy, energy this weekend. Like it was each person's job to make sure more then 35,000 people left the town of Asbury Park feeling safe and content. One of my favorite parts of the Sea Hear Now festival is the Art and Artists it brings to town. This year, on Sunday Jenn Hampton and the Wooden Walls Project brought Ben Venom in from San Francisco for a day of sewing appliques. I loved his style of teaching. A few hours in the morning to make the applique. And, a few hours in the afternoon to attach it. I had to work in the afternoon. So, I realized early on I wanted to embroider my skull. I also wanted to do the work at home. Ben shared some great quotes. I now take notes on my phone so I don't forget: "A little danger is ok" in artmaking. And, the other notable one was "In order to succeed in life. You have to fail in public." In other words you have to put yourself out there in order to get any where. I hope to embroider the words on a cloth napkins to send him as a thank you! On 9/11/24 I turned on the tv for the reading of the names of the lost souls. I pulled out my smock and got to work. I used black thread and it was very soothing process to embroider the features of the skull. 9/11 is still a very emotional day for me, and I almost didn't go to the afternoon workshop. But, It felt real good to have it done to wear to the parade on Sunday. I have had strange timing this year with a mix of bad and good. But, being involved in something like this has been just the distraction I needed. It is clear to me: Music Heals. Art Heals and Writing Heals. But, it also can make you feel powerful, magical and super human. But, as life has it, I went through another scare this weekend. I had full body scan by dermatologist last week. On Friday morning I was given the news a new spot was found serious and to schedule an appointment with the plastic surgeon. Monday was my appointment, I was relieved to hear I would have surgery in 2 weeks. And, it would be nothing like I went through in May. It will be 15 minutes. And, I don't have to go under anesthesia. It is in the same area I had the melanoma removed. The funny thing is, it is out of sight and out of mind for me. So, I am just going to say for others to make sure you get checked. This area was looked at many times after my surgery, and it only was two months to have another pre-cancer growth to appear.

When I was involved with Diana Weymar's project for the Music Heals, it was the same thing. Started the project with no idea I had something to heal from. And, then very quickly I was diagnosed with melanoma. And, then I went to the exhibit the week after surgery AND have my friend up from Florida to join me. It is what I am now calling devine timing. But, it is a feeling. It is a feeling of these opportunities are being presented to me. And, I have the feeling of following through. And, that is the magic. Not having someone to talk to on a day like 9/11 is a horrible feeling. So, I was happy to be in of all places but the carousel building in Asbury Park. I can still remember the activists that fought to keep that Carousel from being sold. And, the days of Asbury Lanes being an art, music venue and rising to new heights. Only to be "improved". Asbury Park has redeemed itself this weekend and many times before. But, then things like hurricane Irene, super storm Sandy and covid brings us to our knees again. That's where my dad would say "No one said it was going to be easy". But, it is a miracle. I celebrate Diana's book because she has been embroidering for years and has brought it all together in a book. The name of her book is: Crafting a Better World: Inspiration and DIY Projects for Craftivists published by Harvest/Harper Collins. You can get the book here. She has 122,000 followers on instagram. I admire what she has created, which is a community to give a voice to anyone who wants to express their thoughts with embroidery. I can't wait to buy the book. Happy I embroidered again this week. And, spent a full week in Asbury Park living the dream.

Celebrating Elin Hilderbrand

Erin Hilderbrand's book signings are like a party. She picks a color theme. The waiting line is full of conversation. And, everyone follows the color code. It was fun looking at 300 Elin fans gathered all dressed in aqua. A couple of days before the event an email is sent with what color to wear. I loved the thoughfulness of it. And, how it helped her long time fans show their appreciation for her. The post it notes where they take your name were even aqua. When inside there was a festive scene of balloons. A huge arch framed where she would be signing. She is very gracious, and took pictures with each one of us. As, you can see from the picture, she is having fun. Lots of good cheer. She was particularly happy, because she could announce her book "The Perfect Couple" was coming to Netflix. The next day she announced it was 24 years in the making. As an aspiring writer, this is so important to see. I have been amazed in the last few years the first books of authors being on the best selling list. And, being made into movies in the same year (Lessons in Chemistry). Another part of this book signing, is I feel she knew her audience. And, her book tour took her to beach town book shops. Elin Hilderbrand is "Queen of the Beach Read". I would hear how much my friends would say after reading her books, they want to visit Nantucket. So, I felt lucky to be able to attend. Even if it was her my first read, and her last book written about Nantucket. So, this is why it is titled "The Swan Song". It was a great summer read for this year. And, I reccomend it. I have to admit Sidney Sheldon in the late 1970's was the only author I would get excited about. So, I am glad there are 23 books out there, I look forward to reading. I hope you visit my bookshop. I have figured out how to add sections. So, this week I picked some Elin Hilderbrand books. I do get 10% commission for books purchased through the link in my blog. If you purchase and the Butterfly Wrestler is not on left with my picture, sadly I don't get credit. I hope you are enjoying my new format. I will continue this until Christmas. And, next year I will be traveling with a new format.

September Brings Changes

I love looking at the school pictures on facebook from the beginning of the school year to the end. And, to see all the differences. This time of year I am trying to relax into a season of transforming into retirement. I am still working on my book. But, focusing on artwork to divide each chapter. Also, organinzing the format and outline. During this time I find it really important to start working on a marketing plan. And, putting my focus on other Authors. Listening to their stories and challenges. The picture above is Sona Charaiporta. I met her at the book signing for The Cliffs by J.Courtney Sullivan. There was a gigantic line for J. Courtney Sullivan. So, I decided to chat with Sona Charaipotra. And, the little time we spent together, I learned a lot. I wanted to say I appreciated the format the Author used bringing a friend was a great idea. Showing the importance of making connections, and supporting each other. The other was writing is a very isolating task and most writers are introverts. So, when it comes to marketing, it is expected to go to participate in speaking engagements. I thought the format of this event was great, because Sona C asked her questions. I really admired Sona Charaipotra for having her book Tiny Little Things on netflix. She is a young adult writer. The other favorite part of this event was that it took place at Rumson Country Club. A place I would never have been to, if it wasn't for the book signing. It was beautiful on the river with a vast horizon seen from the huge porch, where we had our lunch. The other reason I went was the ticket included a glass of prosecco. I LOVE having prosecco moments. I feel it is a little celebration in a glass. When it was time to get my book signed by J. Courtney Sullivan, I first asked her to circle a line from the book. It was the line that read "Most lives will be lost to time". I loved that line from where I had already read a few pages waiting for the event to start. There were certain times in my life I felt pressure to have a certain time line followed. I would call it wishing my time away. Sadly, I did this mostly when I worked each day. Wishing for my time at home. So, I thought my first year of not working would be different. It ended up being a struggle. But, that gift of time was greatly appreciated. And, it is helping me now to structure the best ways to spend my time. And, if rest is a priority, I take it. Sounds so simple, but really hard for me. Most of my time is now spent alone. And, so events like this I love, because it sets me up to enjoy my time even if I am attending alone. It makes reading a book more exciting when I have met the author. I also really appreciated the time this Author spent with each person while signing. She didn't have a photographer, and I felt awkward asking for a photo. But, she really seemed to enjoy meeting each and everyone of us. So, my conclusion is to value this time in my life. This is my time, and I love to spend it honoring other writers. This post would not be possible without Reese Witherspoon. At the same time my light of life was dimming, she shined a light on reading. I follow her website: Hello Sunshine. Ironically, Bruce Springsteen released a song Hello Sunshine at the same time. And, my first trip solo and unmarried I walked into a motel room and was greeted by a blanket shouting "hello sunshine". My mom once wrote into a card to me, I was like sunshine to her. So, I have been drawn to the books Reese Witherspoon has picked in the last few years. Her 100th book comes out in the next month. I found the event for the book The Cliffs on her website. It was her July pick. I get through all of the books I have read that she picked quickly. And, I always enjoy them. My favorite pick is still. Where the Crawdads Sing"". I loved the movie, too. And, I love the discussion I have had with friends about this book. I will do another post with all of the Reese's picks I have read. I have read about 10%! I wanted to do a reel on instagram with each one, but I have given them all away! Except for The Cliffs.