Writing is like being able to put life into a snow globe. It takes the things that are too big and scary and reduces them into a form that I can put away when I want and look at from a distance. It also takes all that’s good in life and captures it into something I can take out when I want and look at close up and keep forever. It makes the bad things into something I can hold…and the good things into something I can hold onto. Both help so much that I need that little souvenir of life.

Sunday, July 20, 2014

Doubly Dyed in the Wool: Book Signing and Succinctly Yours #174

This is one of the few times I can say to anyone living in an exotic location: Too bad you don’t live in St. Louis, Missouri, because you really missed out on a great event last Tuesday. The Not Your Mother’s Books combination book signing event (NYMB…On Being a Mom and NYMB…On Family) was about as perfect as these things get. We were graced with uncharacteristically cool weather for July—which was a gift all its own because of the way the crowds spilled out of the independent and community-minded bookstore, STL Books, and onto the sidewalks of quaint, historical Kirkwood.

Wine and the most delightful little nibbles and noshes were served while NYMB...On Family coeditor Linda O'Connell circulated around exclaiming, "Eat! Eat!" Several contributors read their humorous stories. If that weren’t awesome enough, owner Robin Theiss donated 10% of all sales proceeds to Family Resources Center in support of their work to reduce childhood abuse and neglect. I admired the selection of books offered in that lovely store: classics, popular, children’s, local. Perfect. And as luck would have it, they ship books! Check it out if you’re so inclined.

Thank you again to NYMB coeditors Linda O’Connell and Dianna Graveman!


Succinctly Yours #174: Baa Wow

Many thanks to Grandma’s Goulash for herding us together once a week for Succinctly Yours, where willing participants are called to spin yarns of photo-inspired microfiction that is sheered down to 140 words or 140 characters. The bonus word this week was “quantify:”


After Granny’s eyesight went, it was hard to quantify the joy she received from her dog, Wolfie. So no one told her that he was, in a sense, a sheep in Wolfie’s clothing.  138
I find I have…a tendency to overwrite, to use two or three words where one will do better. I have to go back and cut and cut. ~John Steinbeck


18 comments:

  1. Tammy--It WAS a delightful evening, and the cooperative weather was a major factor.

    Poor Granny. Apparently her sense of touch has left her as well, unless she was thinking that Wolfie was a poodle...As always, you provide a real twist of a story to go with the photo.

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  2. Yes, let's hope Wolfie is a poodle. And doesn't know the commands, "speak" and "shake hands."

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  3. Haha. That was funny and completely adorable all at the same time. As to the big launch, I've been reading about it here there and everywhere. As usual, I'm on the wrong end of the country. lol Glad everyone had a great time.

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    1. Well now you know where you should go on your next vacation! ;) I'll settle for the cyber-visit, which I appreciate!

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  4. Yes, Tammy, Wolfie is a cute dog. But those sheep ears don't do him justice.
    I haven't been to St. Louis for several years now. It isn't on my way to any place
    that I go right now.
    ..
    ..

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    1. Jim, I'm sure Granny has said to Wolfie, "My! What big ears you have!" And he's replied, "All the better to hear you with, my dear...!" I'm sorry to hear St. Louie isn't on your vacation schedule, as it should be for everyone. ;)

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  5. So close, but yet so far! Wish I could have made the signing, but the timing wasn't right for me. Congrats on such a big turnout.

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    1. Wish you could've made it, too. Maybe next time!

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  6. Hari OM
    Baaa haaahhahahaha - that's a winner. Your event sounds fab. YAM xx

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  7. Loved it! Also loved the signing event. It was great fun to see you and so many other writer buddies. I had a blast!

    Pat
    Critter Alley

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  8. Thank you for the kind words. Thanks to your being there, our signing was a success.
    Your meme is a hoot. It reminds me of the eye glasses commercial where the woman calls her cat in for the night and it waddles through the door she says, "Come cuddle with mama." Then, the raccoon climbs in bed with her. You are so good at these!

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    1. Thank YOU, Linda. I know just the commercial you're talking about because I love that one.

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  9. You have a way with words... with EVERYTHING you write. Your recap on the event was awesome, like the event. I'm glad I was a part of it... with such awesome writers. My daughter (the spinner/knitter/roving lover/dog lover) would love your meme! Ha

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    1. I'm grateful you were part of it, too. Didn't think about it, but you're right about this meme and your daughter!

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  10. What a charming and appropriate intro. Spinning yarns and sheering words had me chuckling even before I read your wonderful Wolfie tale.

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  11. Thank you so much...for all of it.

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