Maria, I'm very, very sorry. Ken Beldon, Sandy's son who was my minister for a decade, would say, "We plan, and god laughs." It loses its charm when it's "our" plans being bollixed. And yet, I love that you looked to the star out the window and it brought hope. Recovery and renewal are flowing back to you. Be patient (OK, "try" to be patient). Lean into your daughters. Know that this, too, is sacred time. Your life, your book, the things you love and care about, the plans are akilter, but they are all still here, to be picked up and once again make their way in an uncertain world. I'm grateful for that, for you, and wish you joy and health and healing.
I went into two bookstores to order your book. The first one turned out to be a cool used book store in Easton. They said that they are open to a book signing. I explained that you were recently in the hospital. They said that a friend of yours, like me, would be welcome to just distribute your signed copies, but it needs to get put on the schedule. What if lots of friends of yours did this, I wondered. Then I went to a Barnes and Nobel. They said the book would need to be ordered and I would have to pick it up or pay for shipping. That store is not the closest one to my house, so I put off ordering it. My hope is that better than buying from Amazon, that we all make the effort to purchase your book through our local book seller, and inquire how to schedule a book signing/distributing of signed books event.
Thank you Maria for telling your truth and being who you are. I am 67 and have been a shamanic practitioner for over 10 years - I am so connected to nature; I can’t wait to read your book. Sending Love and Light🙏🏼
I have been there, every single word. Mine was 4 years ago. I was 49 then. I know what it’s like to see your life get upended like that. I’ve let go of things that weren’t working for me and forged a new path. It’s amazing how resilient the brain is and how life shows how to move forward in new ways. Hang in there!
Welcome to the day of the week, AM/PM pill box brigade! I had to succumb to it several years ago. It does get easier with time. Your new life is still much better than the alternative! I, for one, am happy you’re going to make it happen. You’ve got this!
Maria, this is beautiful. So grateful you were in good hands and not alone. Also, I asked Book and Puppet in Easton to order your book (they didn't have it) and Nanci at the Loving Piece is going to order it too. I bet either would be open to a signing. Timing delays are realignment, this is what I am hearing. xxoo.
I get it...it happened to me when both my parents started chemo treatments and I had to take care of them...and it lead to my nervous breakdown. I was never the same...I can't think about things the same way...I have to let things go and remind myself daily, "Stop!" when I start rehashing the past. I wonder what my life would have been like had a said 'no' to them. Our lives change in a flash...just when you think you've got it all together and know what you're doing, a wrench gets thrown into your cogs. Life will be different for you now...everything will have a different meaning. I'm sorry you have to go through this...I get it. I know you'll pull through and be a better person. Much Love <3
Dear Maria, I was shocked to see your post and hope you feel better soon. I had just completed your book yesterday morning after seeing posts about it on Facebook 2 weeks ago. I was easily able to relate to each and every chapter as a local mountain dweller, nature lover and gardening fan. I enjoyed the short stories in each chapter with the plant and animals perspective as I had never thought of their point of view. I also purchased several of your other books (family loved your mac and cheese) and am waiting for delivery of Mrs Peanuckle Alphabet series for my three young grandchildren under 3 to enjoy when they visit me. Please know there are people like me who feel like old friends just from reading your previous kitchen blog, books and newsletters. Take care on your road to full recovery so you can return to all the things you love.
Dear Maria. You've always been a girl and a woman who could manage through the meanders of difficulties. I'm so sure you will manage this new hurdle because you are a strong woman. Certainly of blood and flesh with weaknesses but you'll manage to find hope, resolution and happiness. I stil hope we'll meet again ! Much love. Karine
Well, Maria, now we all know: An attention-getting stroke is NOT the best way to promote a book. Now the rest of us don’t need to try it. Meanwhile, if you need a laugh, read this from Lit Hub.
Ugh! Thanks for the article. Too true! I do not recommend a stroke as part of a book launch strategy. Fortunately all my reviews have been positive…for the very few people who read it! 🙄
What The Actual Fuck.
A good book title.
I will buy your new book and I know you will be tour with it. Thx for always telling your truth.
Maria, I'm very, very sorry. Ken Beldon, Sandy's son who was my minister for a decade, would say, "We plan, and god laughs." It loses its charm when it's "our" plans being bollixed. And yet, I love that you looked to the star out the window and it brought hope. Recovery and renewal are flowing back to you. Be patient (OK, "try" to be patient). Lean into your daughters. Know that this, too, is sacred time. Your life, your book, the things you love and care about, the plans are akilter, but they are all still here, to be picked up and once again make their way in an uncertain world. I'm grateful for that, for you, and wish you joy and health and healing.
Thanks Kevin!
I went into two bookstores to order your book. The first one turned out to be a cool used book store in Easton. They said that they are open to a book signing. I explained that you were recently in the hospital. They said that a friend of yours, like me, would be welcome to just distribute your signed copies, but it needs to get put on the schedule. What if lots of friends of yours did this, I wondered. Then I went to a Barnes and Nobel. They said the book would need to be ordered and I would have to pick it up or pay for shipping. That store is not the closest one to my house, so I put off ordering it. My hope is that better than buying from Amazon, that we all make the effort to purchase your book through our local book seller, and inquire how to schedule a book signing/distributing of signed books event.
Thank you Maria for telling your truth and being who you are. I am 67 and have been a shamanic practitioner for over 10 years - I am so connected to nature; I can’t wait to read your book. Sending Love and Light🙏🏼
I have been there, every single word. Mine was 4 years ago. I was 49 then. I know what it’s like to see your life get upended like that. I’ve let go of things that weren’t working for me and forged a new path. It’s amazing how resilient the brain is and how life shows how to move forward in new ways. Hang in there!
Welcome to the day of the week, AM/PM pill box brigade! I had to succumb to it several years ago. It does get easier with time. Your new life is still much better than the alternative! I, for one, am happy you’re going to make it happen. You’ve got this!
Maria, this is beautiful. So grateful you were in good hands and not alone. Also, I asked Book and Puppet in Easton to order your book (they didn't have it) and Nanci at the Loving Piece is going to order it too. I bet either would be open to a signing. Timing delays are realignment, this is what I am hearing. xxoo.
Yes. Realignment. Thank you.
I get it...it happened to me when both my parents started chemo treatments and I had to take care of them...and it lead to my nervous breakdown. I was never the same...I can't think about things the same way...I have to let things go and remind myself daily, "Stop!" when I start rehashing the past. I wonder what my life would have been like had a said 'no' to them. Our lives change in a flash...just when you think you've got it all together and know what you're doing, a wrench gets thrown into your cogs. Life will be different for you now...everything will have a different meaning. I'm sorry you have to go through this...I get it. I know you'll pull through and be a better person. Much Love <3
Oh my goodness I’m so sorry. And thank you for your good wishes. And yes, life will probably be different and that’s ok. ❤️
I ordered your new book today...thank you for all you do.
😃
Dear Maria, I was shocked to see your post and hope you feel better soon. I had just completed your book yesterday morning after seeing posts about it on Facebook 2 weeks ago. I was easily able to relate to each and every chapter as a local mountain dweller, nature lover and gardening fan. I enjoyed the short stories in each chapter with the plant and animals perspective as I had never thought of their point of view. I also purchased several of your other books (family loved your mac and cheese) and am waiting for delivery of Mrs Peanuckle Alphabet series for my three young grandchildren under 3 to enjoy when they visit me. Please know there are people like me who feel like old friends just from reading your previous kitchen blog, books and newsletters. Take care on your road to full recovery so you can return to all the things you love.
Thank you so much!
Dear Maria. You've always been a girl and a woman who could manage through the meanders of difficulties. I'm so sure you will manage this new hurdle because you are a strong woman. Certainly of blood and flesh with weaknesses but you'll manage to find hope, resolution and happiness. I stil hope we'll meet again ! Much love. Karine
Thank you! Much love to you too!
Well, Maria, now we all know: An attention-getting stroke is NOT the best way to promote a book. Now the rest of us don’t need to try it. Meanwhile, if you need a laugh, read this from Lit Hub.
https://lithub.com/everything-is-riding-on-your-author-photo-mary-childs-on-what-to-expect-when-youre-expecting-a-book/
All of us book authors are nodding, and laughing painfully. That may be the only kind of laugh you have these days. Eight days until spring!
Life can change so fast, change the way we think of ourselves, our future, our confidence, what others think of us.
But Maria, your friends are here and we love you.
And tonight I’m ordering a book off Amazon!
Perhaps someday I can get you to autograph both it and Scratch!
My heart is breaking for you. I wish I had words of comfort and inspiration. I believe you are very lucky to be on your way to okay.
Ugh! Thanks for the article. Too true! I do not recommend a stroke as part of a book launch strategy. Fortunately all my reviews have been positive…for the very few people who read it! 🙄