From My Window
The book launch of Winning: Grief in Your Words was a success. My daughter, Amy, helped with the launch, and we wore matching green sweatshirts that said, “abibliophobia, noun, 1. The fear of running out of books. 2. It’s a real thing.”
People raved about the lemon cake and the lemonade with fresh strawberries. They loved the door prizes too: coffee mugs, bookends, puzzles, keyrings, book bags, and more. Thanks to Peg Freel for taking the book launch photos and Charter House staff and residents who helped me celebrate the publication of my 45th book.
Conference Speaker
On November 11th I’m giving a Zoom workshop for the Compassionate Friends, “Got Grief Brain?” Many bereaved people have never heard of grief brain though they live with it. My workshop defines grief brain, gives symptoms of it, tells why it’s a normal response to grief, and offers ways to cope with this frustrating condition. I’m honored to be chosen as a workshop speaker for the virtual conference. Thanks to Amy Hodgson for making the PowerPoint slides.
Reviews
Though there are no print or digital copies yet, Grief in Your Words: How Writing Helps You Heal is already on Amazon. I’m gathering reviews for the front matter now. The reviews I’ve received so far are heartwarming. Here is one of them.
“In a time when so many of us are facing loss, Grief in Your Words: How Writing Helps You Heal, is an easy-to-follow, comforting companion through the many aspectsof grief. Full of practical and engaging activities, evidence-based suggestions, and inspiring words of wisdom, the book is like having a trusted friend, therapist, and a grief guide by your side at all times.” – Gary Sturgis, best-selling author, grief specialist grief speaker, bereavement facilitator and author of Surviving Grief—365 Days a Year.
Books are Great Gifts
If you have a child or grandchild that is five-to-eight years old, First Steps, First Snow is a lovely gift choice. The narrative is a poem I wrote years ago, published in the American Poetry Anthology. The poem is based on a real-life experience with my husband, John.
Carol Hill Quirk’s illustrations show an understanding of woodlands and the animals that live in them. First Steps, First Snow fosters mindfulness and an awareness of nocturnal animals. This book is a thoughtful choice for kids who have never seen snow—a relaxing, comforting bedtime story.
Quote of the Month
“Family is not animportant thing. It is everything.”
Every moment with family is precious. This photo me, my granddaughter, and great grandchildren was taken at a recent family gathering. The boys were a bit wiggly, but my daughter Amy was able to get a photo.
