I received an email earlier in the week from my editor, Terri announcing that the books were in the mail. With so many other things going on, I put it out of my mind and sallied forth. Yesterday, when it became too hot to garden and the seemingly endless watering was sufficiently conquered, I retreated indoors to my laptop and Facebook. Donna, on the east coast, announced that she had in her hands the real McCoy. I got excited. Maybe my book would be in today's mail. Well, after what felt like an endless wait, sure enough, "patience" paid off. It was here.
My essay is in the chapter titled, "Loss," right after Donna's sweet, heartfelt poems. It chronicles meeting and getting to know my dear friend Valerie and the moments that lead up to her suicide ten years later. Then the painful aftermath, concluding with the epiphany--the moment I knew all is okay, that somehow, in the midst of tragedy, in a realm we mere humans are not privy to, love has prevailed.
This book is all about epiphanies. The "ah-ha" moment, as Oprah would say. That glimpse into deeper understanding that breaks through the chaos, confusion and emotional unrest and sheds the light of hope and peace. We all have those moments. We can all relate.
I'll have my nose buried for the next little while. I need to hurry because Ricki's new book, BeBop Garden is coming soon and I'm equally psyched about it.
For more information you can visit the website.
Keeping with the garden theme...
This isn't a very good photo, obviously, but I wanted to show you the
Seven-Son Flower in full, late-summer bloom.
You wouldn't believe the bees! They love this (now) tree as much as I do.
Grace it must be very cathartic to share your experience and strength in this book. You should be so proud of the fact that you are published and can share your story with others.
ReplyDeleteBless your heart Grace for sharing this experience and the belief that love prevails. Those ah-ha moments are wonderful when they happen and we all do have them.
ReplyDeleteLove and hugs to you ~ FlowerLady
I'm so happy for you, Grace! Getting published is no small feat, and you deserve kudos. I just might have to go and buy this book.
ReplyDeleteHow exciting that YOUR book has arrived, how much waiting you have done! Thank you for sharing with us.
ReplyDeleteLove to see trees like this in full flower even if the picture is blurry. Sometimes we have those pictures that we just have to share.
Congratulations! It must be so satisfying to have the physical book in hand! Love that seven-son tree, too!
ReplyDeleteCongrats Grace,
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward to reading this book, such a wonderful way to put your thoughts and tribute in a form that will last forever.
Eileen
Congrats on the recent publication. I love ah ha moments.
ReplyDeleteYour gardens are lovely...as always.
How wonderful to be in print!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!!
Grace so glad to hear you received the book. I just love your essay about Valerie and am buried in the book as well. Hope we can chat more about it..congrats!!!
ReplyDeleteI am sorry for your loss ... But happy for your "it will be ok" moment. Without that peace that passes understanding, some things in life would be unbearable. It is fitting that you would post this news today.
ReplyDeleteGrace, congrats on being published ~ I hope the process of writing has provided you peace and comfort. I always enjoy your blogs, you have a soft and kind writers voice. Cheers, Jenni
ReplyDeleteSo glad you were able to move past the tragedy of losing your friend into something so wonder as sharing your journey with others. Congratulations on the book.
ReplyDeleteGrace girl congratulations on the release of the book .. I want to buy it to read but also to give to my friend .. she has gone through a very tragic time in her life and this might help her .. this tree is amazing! I have never heard of it before .. our very weird Mountain Ash (which is being taken out next year) always had the stinkiest? flowers I have ever had to smell but all the bess and other pollenators LOVED it .. smelled like fish gone bad : ( !!
ReplyDeleteLOL ... really ... I mean it !LOL
Joy
Congratulations on being published!
ReplyDeleteIt is the moments like these in life that we see how much of life is a lesson if our eyes and hearts are open!
Love the Seven-son tree.
Dear Grace, How exciting to have a published essay, but, so very sad that you lost a dear friend to suicide. xoxogail
ReplyDeleteYou are one of my online heroes Grace. Huge congratulatory hug!
ReplyDeleteI'm thrilled for you, Grace...now I must order that book. So tragic to know you've lost a friend this way, and the pain you went through...but so uplifting to know you were able to come to a point of peace. Is that Seven-Son a tree?? It looks big! I don't think I have ever seen one before;-) Hugs and peace to you, dear Grace<3
ReplyDeleteThat is so exciting! It always amazes me when tragedy is turned into something good - whether it be for the victim(s) or complete strangers. I would imagine your story will touch people you'll never even meet. Congratulations again.
ReplyDeleteI will be passing this book on to my sister who would much appreciate the wisdom and sesitivity.
ReplyDeleteHow exciting Gracie!!!! Are you enjoying the book? That tree is quite impressive.
ReplyDeleteI am so very happy for you and our world to have this amazing book available. Thank you for giving your gift of loving kindness.
ReplyDeleteI shall be looking for "The Moment I Knew".
Namaste,
Sherry
I only heard of Seven Son this last Spring and have only seen close ups so I've enjoyed this pix.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Grace!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Grace! I received my copy and read your story. It is a beautiful tribute to your friend Valerie. You are such a wonderful writer. I also enjoyed reading the other stories in the book. It really hit home hearing from other women.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Annie