This beautiful shirt (you may have seen on FB or Instagram) was made by my friend Lisa up in Maine. She’s really talented. She knew I wanted to wear indigo to the book reading this weekend and just whipped this shirt up using katazome indigo from a workshop we attended together this past summer (blogged about here).
And that’s not all. She was a beta reader who read the entire manuscript. And that’s not all. She’s driving down from Maine to hear me read at NEWTONVILLE BOOKS this Sunday (Jan 26 at 2:00).
My mother was her art teacher in high school and her father taught me history. We go way back. Our brothers are very close friends.
Some scribbles got typed up yesterday and emailed to Deb. Deb is what’s known as a Critical Reading Partner. Much more involved than a beta reader.
Beta readers read when you are well along. Their responses can range from chapter edits to a general “I liked it.”
In the two years leading up to Deb’s publications (PROPHETS TANGO) and mine, we exchanged chapters with regularity. To do it again with new material feels like getting back in the saddle!
Early today. When it was 5 degrees.
We made only the Oakmont/Maplewood figure eight with Finn today. It wasn’t booger-freezing cold, but almost.
It was the kind of cold you really bundle up for, but it felt normal. Normal winter weather. Something people in Florida and Georgia can’t say right now.
Ah, yes, a perfect coming together of great spirits. Fabulousness!
You were only 6 degrees colder than us this morning 🤯😱
Where are you?
Dee~ Well, the thread that runs through this post is one love and friendship…the nicest thing of all. Enjoy this time ❤️
Nancy
Thanks Nancy. What I’m NOt saying is how much I can’t wait for the reading to be over.
you’re gonna be popular (sorry, couldn’t resist) … seriously, I totally get your apprehension … but with that gorgeous indigo shirt having your back (so to speak), you are sure to soar!
Break a leg … Liz A
Thanks Liz!!
The reading is going to be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life, not only for you, but for those who attend. Simply put, you’ve got this and it begins with the love of a dear friend to make for you, your special talisman, your indigo shirt that sets the stage. You’ve got this because of the knowledge that you carry, in the spirit of never giving up on this amazing story, that you’ve carried for twelve years. and now, it is your time to shine and you will. I could say so much more but the thing I want you to hold onto Dee is that your book is so important for it gives voice to a time in our history that will leave an indelible mark on all who read it. You have brought history to life in a way that is all too rare and you have done so with attention, caring and most of all, humanity.
AND you look absolutely terrific with your new haircut and you beautiful shirt, confident, bright and ready to go…and you will!
Thank you so much Marti. The best pep talk ever. No not a pep talk. A genuine reflection that really honors me. Thank you
Thank for sharing the back story of how you and Lisa became friends … and what a supportive friend she is. More than making you a shirt she made you a treasure. You’re going to do so great and having Lisa there to share this momentous day with you … well it just can’t get better than that.
I read Frozen River … liked it a lot.