Book Business
The French film crew—director, camera man, and sound man—have come and gone. Co-producers and co-writers Sylvie Gilman and Thierry de Lestrade came to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota as part of their research for a documentary about aging. The award-winning team has created many documentaries, including “Science of Fasting,” “Brains in Danger,” “The Altruism Revolution,” and “The Amazing Powers of the Gut.”
Since Charter House is owned and operated by Mayo Clinic, Sylvie and Thierry wanted to interview two residents, and I was one of them. The interview was supposed to take place in a guest apartment, but the film crew didn’t think it looked homey, and asked to film in my apartment. (Thank goodness I’m a neat person.) Filming began with Charter House supervising physician Brandon Verdoorn, MD, who asked me some questions and listened to my heart with a stethoscope.
The sound man wanted to record the ticking of the antique clock, a family heirloom, and held the boom mic over it. “This clock speaks to me,” I remarked. “It says good life, good life, good life.” Sylvie was touched by my comment. I was also filmed in the back bedroom where family photos are displayed. As I pointed to photos of my father-in-law, brother-in-law, and husband—all Mayo Clinic physicians—I cited some of their achievements. Sylvie said I speak from the heart.
Image from Google.com
When the film crew learned I ride an exercise bike in the Charter House Wellness Center they decided to film me there. They also filmed me in the park across the street. I was asked to sit on a bench and look like I was thinking and meditating (not sure how one does that) and then read a book. Filming was cut short by a fierce thunderstorm but resumed after the storm passed.
Sylvie and Thierry enjoy film making because it gives them chances to visit other countries and talk with people they wouldn’t ordinarily meet. “I wouldn’t have met you,” Sylvie explained. Though I may never see their documentary about aging, I’m glad to be part of it. What a marvelous, memorable day!
Reviews
Peggy, a friend of mine, sent me this email about giving Grief Doodling to grieving child. This is a touching story and I thank Peggy for sharing it.
Recently I took a sympathy note to a friend’s house, having learned that their beloved dog of 14 years had just been put down, and their daughter was struggling. As we chatted, I realized I had in my car a copy of Grief Doodling that I was taking to another friend. I retrieved the copy and gave it to the girl who had lost her dog. The father looked at it and said he wanted one too. Hopefully, he has ordered one for himself. It is a healing ritual we can all use at this time of great loss.
Photo by Kathy Meyer, RN.
Here is a review from an Amazon customer. Not surprising that Harriet Hodgson has written another wonder. Harriet’s own experience with grief and years of writing and numerous books, talks and appearances have aided many through the grieving process. As someone who has experienced grief, learning a new method applicable to all ages is remarkable. Doodling as stated, “It is the art of thinking,” says designer Steven Heller. The book’s beautiful and creative graphics and illustrations, interspersed with wisdom on dealing with grief, meld together to create a lovely unison. Anyone who has experienced a loss would be wise to read Grief Doodling and start doodling.
From My Window
Seeing the cover of a book for the first time is exciting and makes a book real. This is the cover of my forthcoming book, Daisy a Day: Hope for a Grieving Heart, a collection of 365 readings. Each reading is three or four sentences long—a boost for the day that awaits or during the day when energy wanes. The readings are divided into categories: Shock and Anguish, Coping and Finding Balance, A New and Meaningful Life, and Making Good from Grief. The message of the book: You will survive this awful and awe-full time.
Quote of the Month
I don’t dream at night, I dream at day, I dream all day; I’m dreaming for a living.
Steven Spielberg, Academy Award winning American film maker, producer, and writer.