A Wonderful Time!

 Such a wonderful time we had at the book event for my new book, Candles in the Windows, A Christmas Romance, at the Andover Bookstore on Main Street in my hometown of Andover, Massachusetts. We filled the small space with smiles and laughter - family, long-time friends, and new acquaintances. Bookstores are special places, and this one especially so. I am filled with gratitude for bookstores, books, book lovers, friends old and new, family, and, especially, for having created the writing life of which I always dreamed. 

Welcome to the Andover Bookstore!

Welcome and Come in!

Long-time friends

My childhood friend Virginia, whom I have known

since 3rd grade, knitted this beautiful hat for me.

And a few shots during the reading/talk. 

My Book Event at the Andover Bookstore!

Please join me at the Andover Bookstore for a reading and signing event on November 23rd! Books are currently available at the store, or bring your already-purchased copy and I will sign it for you! 

Synchronicity, Hope, and Kindness

I want to tell you what happened with my meditation class this morning. It's an example of synchronicity, which always gives me hope and faith that we really do connect to and with a power greater than ourselves. That our hearts are being listened to.

I knew I wanted to use the Metta or Lovingkindness meditation, in which we send sincere wishes for happiness to ourselves and others. Today, I felt it was important to focus on sending those intentions to OURSELVES. There are many variations of the phrases, but I use:

𝑀𝑎𝑦 𝐼 𝑏𝑒 𝑠𝑎𝑓𝑒

𝑀𝑎𝑦 𝐼 𝑏𝑒 ℎ𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑦

𝑀𝑎𝑦 𝐼 𝑏𝑒 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑙𝑡ℎ𝑦

𝑀𝑎𝑦 𝐼 𝑏𝑒 𝑎𝑡 𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑒 (or at peace)

I also felt drawn to finding a Mary Oliver poem as the opening seed for the class - something that would connect nicely to the Metta practice. Originally, I thought of the poem, 𝑰 𝑾𝒐𝒓𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒅, and went to find it in a book of Oliver poems called 𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒓𝒔𝒕.

I opened the book randomly and landed on page 62, where I found the poem, 𝑰𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑺𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒎.

And when I read it, I smiled, because I knew the universe had sent me to the right poem. I want to share it with you here.

May we be the ducks when we are able.

And may there be ducks to shelter US when we need it

And, kindness IS a miracle.