So True

and yet it's so hard to believe when the wound is fresh, isn't it?  I've learned that it's also true that we become strong in the broken places.   Let's celebrate our Light and our strength today!

                   (KindOverMatter.com via Ganesha's Place on FB; thanks for this post!)

Rainy Days & Book Reviews

It just keeps on a-raining here in Georgetown.  The lake is filled to the brim, white water gushing under the bridge like a miniature Niagara Falls.  I love rain, even lots of it; that is, on days when I can stay inside.  Somehow the rain slows me down, quiets the inner landscape enough to hear what's going on in my heart.   Rainy days grant permission to be only as productive as I truly want to be—not as productive as I "should" be.

Between yesterday's rainstorms,  a colorful visitor stopped by to snack at the bird feeder:  A Painted Bunting!  He wasn't spooked that I was sitting at an open window only inches away and talking on the phone, in a whisper after seeing him there.  A brave and beautiful fellow.  At one point, I could have sworn he winked at me.  What a thrill it was, this first sighting.   It seemed more likely he was AWOL from some magical movie set than outside my window.   Here's a photo; I didn't have a camera handy, so this one's from the web.
 

                                               

After the bird excitement, there was something else to be delighted about—a wonderful review of Dancing on Mars.   If only I could internalize these generous words, I'd be a whole lot braver!  Meanwhile, I'll just continue to feel very grateful.  Here's the review:

Lucinda Shirley opens up her life to readers in the warmest, most engaging and enlightening way. It is easy to relate to the changes and challenges she shares, especially as a southern woman. I love that she weaves her wonderful poetry throughout the book; it accentuates her wisdom, her questioning of the 'status quo' and her great sense of humor. I highly recommend the book... a great read! - L.P.

Have a delicious day, no matter what the weather may be in your corner of the world!

Sunday Morning Book Talk

I was excited to see twenty favorable reviews for Dancing on Mars at Amazon.  Okay, one was written by a cousin (who discloses the relationship),  and I do know some of the people who posted - but not all.  No blackmail or bribery involved!  Here's a link if you'd like to check out what they had to say. http://www.amazon.com/Dancing-Mars-Lucinda-Shirley/product-reviews/0985006617/ref=sr_1_1_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

More feedback is coming from men who are reading/have read the book.  A busy doctor e-mailed to say he has little time to read for pleasure, but wanted me to know he's savoring my book!  Feedback from one fellow (a relative) was that he believes I stand a good chance of going to hell — based on  my spiritual journey described in "Hundreds of Ways to Kneel."  Not sure whether to think of that as a favorable or unfavorable comment about my work.   I had fun penning a four-liner after he predicted my fate in the hereafter:

                                               I’m going to burn in Hell you say,
                                               Not believing the same as you.
                                               You know so well what’s in store for me,
                                                I’m delighted to have no clue!

A woman whose family has been friends with mine since early childhood wrote just after reading the "Notes from a Recovering Victorian" part of the book.  She clearly remembered something her mother told her when she was a little girl; what she shared brings me closer to solving one of the mysteries that has haunted me all my life.  I talk about it in the book.

Seems Dancing on Mars has taken on a life of its own now.  Y'all stand by.  No telling what I'll learn next! 

Upcoming Book Club Visit

Thank you to the members of  River Club's Ladies Book Club in Pawleys Island, South Carolina, for making Dancing on Mars their June selection.   I look forward to meeting with them later this month for discussion and Q & A.  An opportunity like this is - as I see it - an invitation to visit, not to stand and pontificate in a formal speech.  I'd like to hear from them about, for example, what, if anything, their  take-away was and what they liked best and least about the book.   Did they feel that the poems added to the reading experience or were they just a distraction?

It will be interesting to learn whether the questions posed at the book's end will be a jumping off place for group discussion—or whether they will go with whatever came up for each of them as they read it.   It's amazing how many identical issues we women share, and yet each of us is unique in the way we live our lives and express ourselves.  Ahhhh, yes.  Let's celebrate our commonality and our individuality!

Can't wait to meet these readers, very cool women!

The Urge for Going

You'd think a writer— a poet for Heaven's sake—would be an eager traveler, ever in search of new horizons.  She'd have an "essentials" bag packed at all times, right?  Sadly untrue.  This writer-poet tends to enjoy "Dancing on Mars" from home base.  Don't get me wrong.  I do like new places.  Once I get to a destination, nobody has more fun or, so I've been told, is more fun to be with —all modesty aside.  (Full disclosure: And nobody's more neurotic, but still fun.)

Here's the problem:  Generally, when the idea of a trip has come up, it's been presented when I'm either overwhelmed with a project or crises on the horizon, just turning out the light for a good night's rest, or feeling a bit wobbly from a diverticular adventure.  At such times the last thing I want to do is power up my calendar and start planning an event six months or a year from now.  Sorry, I can't dredge up the least bit of enthusiasm. 

 So, would-be traveling companions, please pitch your travel idea gently, as you would wake someone you love from a deep sleep, someone who needs caffeine and a little time to wander into an area of consciousness where critical thinking happens.  Key word:  Gently.  Ease me into the idea.  No jolting.  Don't ask me what dates next June are free (I keep as much white space as possible at all times), and please don't ask what my favorite destination might be when you're calling from the car revved up on a great idea, and I'm groaning in bed in the fetal position with my heating pad.  Just mention that you're having the thought; maybe we can talk about it soon.  You might suggest that I check out photos of this irresistible place you have in mind.  Sometime.  Google it sometime.  Key word:  "sometime."

I'm in the midst of all sorts of vicarious travel at this very minute.  No ticket, no dramamine required.

On this day my fairy goddaughter and her family are flying away for the summer.  She was packing four people for three months and two climates.  They will be headquartered most of the summer in Bermuda and visiting friends and family in France, Italy, England and Wales.  Can't wait for the photos and blog entries.

Today is the last day of a Grand Canyon vacation for my son and his family.  They're having a great time.  How I wish I could have clicked my heels like Dorothy and joined them for a day; sadly, I have yet to master that.  I'm working diligently on heel-clicking and the art of bi-location.  Until I become proficient in both, I'll look forward to hearing more about their experiences and seeing all the pictures.  It would have been beyond great to see the Bliss Bringer's face when she first saw the big hole in the ground at age seven!

 They visited Sedona, briefly, and liked it a lot; it's one of the few places I've always wanted to go.   Sedona might be their destination next year, I'm told– made them think of me.  It was the vibe, I suppose.  And they will invite me to go with them.  I hope the idea becomes reality—but I'm not ready to start planning just yet!   (My grandmother, Mammy, used to say "If you want your vacation to seem longer, invite your mother-in-law to go along.")   Catch me sometime when my feet are propped up and I'm glorying in a glass of wine; then we'll talk.

 Here are my precious peeps!

While I wait for wanderlust to surprise me, the view at home ain't too shabby.  The wildlife here is one word, not two.  The ocean's just down the road,  but I can see this, and more, from my bed!  No packing, no passport.   The lake is mesmerizing, transports me to new inner landscapes.

                                             Egret on the wing, heading for the dam

                                             Elder Great Blue Heron under the Magnolia

Happy travels, y'all!
                                          

Artful Words from "Quirks of Art"

One of the themes in Dancing on Mars is living authentically.   I've found the heart to be a reliable compass for getting me to that place.  Doing what we love and recognizing that it makes our heart sing—maybe that's how we best serve in this world.

 Don't you love this message by Quirks of Art and posted by a friend on Facebook?

                  
What was it you did as a child that got your full attention, held your interest so deeply that the hours seemed like minutes?  What does that for you now?  What, if it's going to be part of your day—or most of your day if you're wise—gets you out of bed, filled with energy and enthusiasm?  Whatever that is would be what makes you "come alive."  Let's go get ourselves a big helping of that! 

Another Review!

Is there a 12-step program for authors who compulsively check their book page at Amazon?  I've recently heard that, after receiving 20 or more reviews, a book is placed in a more favorable position  with Amazon.  Whatever that means, it would be great to have 20 positive ones.  Fourteen at last count, so six more to go!  

I keep hearing from men (and about men) who have found the book an "instructive and enjoyable" read.  That's great news!  What's especially gratifying is hearing from readers who identify with what I've written and honor me by sharing aspects of their own lives; sometimes they tell me about "secrets" that have held them back, saying the book has helped them let go.   As the book trailer said, "When we share our stories, something always happens."  

Here's the latest review:

5.0 out of 5 stars Life, May 16, 2012

By 

yoadrienne -

This review is from: Dancing on Mars (Paperback)

Life comes down to a series of choices. To hold on, to let go, to forget, to forgive. Dancing on Mars gives us the joyful and reasonable approach to complex issues that we all experience as we go through life. The impact of this book will stay with you for the rest of your life. Every woman should read it!