Sunday, November 20, 2011

WWJD

I was driving down to a book fair yesterday and contemplating my life as it stands at the moment. There is a constant tug of war between I should be in the studio or what is the next thing to write. I only lasted one day at the book fair. It was all good, I met a new friend, Mary who wrote 3 books, Mary Greenwood is an author, negotiator, attorney, human resources professional, and mediator. Her three books are How to Interview Like a Pro, How To Mediate Like A Pro and How to Negotiate Like A Pro which have won a total of 28 book awards. She has a nice award on her page. I want one! She wrote practical books with easy to learn practical tips on getting ahead.

Mine is a memoir/adventure story, so it's appeal is not as great. I am not being sour grapes about it. Twice in a week, I ran into two women, who don't know each other, and they both read my book. Both women shared with me the story of them being in some circumstance beyond what they were use to. At the moment of panic they both independently came to the same question, "What would Judy do?"

That was fun... they got out of their jams and it was nice that they thought of me.

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Do stories transcend time?

During my morning walk around the neighborhood, I came up with this question. At first, the obvious answer is 'yes', or to me it was. If you consider the notion that time is not linear, ie, past, present, future, but it is all in the now, and multdimensional at that, what happens to those stories that make up who we are?
I venture to say that those stories that are meaningful, character building, or emotionally biased are those that stick with us throughout. I can't remember what I did last Tuesday but I can remember the births of my daughters as if they were yesterday, not 30 years ago.
That segways me into books. I had been thinking of a book to introduce to the student I am mentoring, who has a fondness for animals but a dislike of reading as she has never found a good book. After much thought, I came up with White Fang by Jack London.... I read it years ago, it is set during the end of the 19th century and what I remember is more of the emotions,the excitement and the feelings associated with the story. I look forward to reading it again and reliving the details.

I have a couple of books that I read once every ten years. Each time, it is like vacationing with my old friends and the stories that they tell. What a treat.

Stories are timeless, all those who read the scriptures and holy books surely think so. These days where things change so fast, one minute your in and the next you are a 'who was that?" (Doesn't Heidi Klum and all the other copycats on Bravo say that?) I venture to conclude that it has everything to do with the story content not when it happened

Saturday, November 5, 2011

I am enjoying a good read

A couple of weeks ago, I went camping with a large group, as I signed up to help out with a Kayak Rendezvous here in Florida. I do not camp. So, I didn't have a clue how to set up my tent. That's when 'she who doesn't camp', asked for help from other campers. That is how I meant Warren Richey, the author of 'Without a Paddle'. I so enjoyed our discussions about our adventures. I could no more see myself paddling a 17 ft kayak around the state of Florida then could he take a 13 year old daughter around the world. What I am enjoying is the description of his adventures. There are some tender, heartfelt moments for sure in the book, but I love his story telling. I have laughed out loud more than one. It is fun to know an author and then read his book. I will have to meet more of them. I think I will head in to read some more right now. Thanks Warren!

Friday, November 4, 2011

Memories of a 13year old

I recently became a tutor to a wonderful, beguiling, charming young girl who is 13 and in the 8th grade. When we first met, I was amazed at how young 13 is. I couldn't believe that I took a 13 year old all the way around the world! What was I thinking? Did I want to go so much that I didn't think? Was Jill so mature? The more I talk with my student and get to know her, I can't help but remember what it was like to take a young person, just like her, on the adventure of a life time...