Books and Gratitude

Scholastic Lucky Flyer, 1983.

When I was little, books lived mostly at the library and occasionally came home with me by way of treasures ordered from Scholastic flyers we received at school. I loved those days when the teacher distributed the neatly rubberband-bound piles topped with order slips bearing our names. I don’t think I ever verbalized it to my parents, but even then I was consciously building a library.

My family had a few books and a collection of encyclopedias that I adored on shelves on the back porch, but the only people in my extended family who had anything close to what I envisioned as a proper library were my Aunt Natalia and Uncle Wasyl. The shelves in their family room were filled with what looked like ancient and exotic Ukrainian books.

usedbookI loved the places that brought me books, but they were not really gathering spaces for book-loving communities. The tiny chain bookstore at the mall lacked designated seating spaces, so my best friend Cheryl and I would sit on the floor in the metaphysical section reading about dream analysis and palm reading, trying to find ways to predict or control the future.

Somewhere around junior high, I discovered the used bookstore on Addison Street, situated on the end of the block where we lived– past the Superette, past the bakery, but just before you reached the corner bar. It barely had room for customers; its narrow aisles were filled with classics and pulps, dusty shelves and tables overflowing. That’s where I would take my babysitting money and buy science fiction and fantasy paperbacks, sometimes filling a brown paperbag for $2. I still have some of those early purchases, and they are like old friends in my bookcase.

I discovered the Book Cellar not long after it opened in 2004. Serving good coffee AND wine, it was a community hub with excellent books and literary events. After having launched both Conclave: A Journal of Character and The Silence of Trees at the Book Cellar, there was no question in my mind where I wanted to celebrate the Chicago release of Geek Parenting.

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Photo by Mary Anne Rooney.

We had a wonderful turnout on April 16th–a beautiful, warm, Chicago Spring afternoon. I was overwhelmed by the number of friends, family, and strangers who came to listen as Stephen and I read from Geek Parenting, answered questions, and signed copies.

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Photo by The Book Cellar.

Out of the corner of my eye, I kept seeing passersby stop and peer in the windows to see why such a large crowd had assembled. It’s one of the charms of a neighborhood bookshop–the neighbors come by. Some even came in to listen, joining the lively audience who filled all the seats and stood in between the stacks. We answered a few questions; and then my sister cut the cake while Stephen and I signed books and chatted with people.

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Photo by Ellen Prather.

Sincere thanks to Suzy and her wonderful staff, to everyone who came out to the Book Cellar or has attended events in Seattle or Philadelphia, to everyone who has bought our book, has given it to friends, or has helped to spread the word.

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Photo by Ellen Prather.

Thank you. So much.

It has been a wonderful beginning to our Geek Parenting book tour, and we’re excited about the next few stops on the East Coast in two weeks (click here for dates and more information), as well as those still to come. 

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Delicious cake from Dinkel’s. Photo by Ellen Prather.

Geek Parenting is a celebration of the lessons we learn from some of pop culture’s most famous families, but it’s also a book about the different ways we share and shape our visions for a better future. We do it with stories and imagination, and we do it with friendship and community.

Thank you.

xxo

 

Spring Has Returned

“Spring has returned. The Earth is like a child that knows poems.” —Rainer Maria Rilke

February felt heavy and thick–a month of molasses. I was productive, but it seemed to take more effort than usual with little left over at the end of the day.

I was ready for March.

When it came, it felt like something in me thawed along with the ground. March brought with Spring, art, adventure, a new book in the works, and stories to polish.

The month began with a weekend retreat with friends on Lake Michigan,  several of whom I hadn’t seen in a few years. Precious time filled with laughter and reflection.

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This week, the fabulous Katelan Foisy is in town to meet with her Art rep and for other business.

With Katelan at Milk & Honey in Chicago
With Katelan at Milk & Honey in Chicago

I’m delighted she’s staying with us. The kids and cats have adopted her, and I suspect they may not allow her to leave.

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Her visit has been filled with new friends, late-night chats, and so much laughter. It’s food for the soul–easy and stimulating conversation about life and art, the people who inspire us, the places that capture our hearts.

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Julie and Katalan at the Ruby Room in Wicker Park.

This time with her is a gift. Katelan is a wonderful artist, a talented intuitive, and a treasured friend.

One of Katelan Foisy’s paintings.

Her tarot workshop at Madame Zuzu’s Teahouse in Highland Park was well-attended, comprehensive, and exciting. Katelan is currently at work on her own tarot deck (and I cannot wait to get my hands on it!)

Katelan teaching tarot at Madame Zuzu's Teahouse in Highland Park.
Katelan teaching tarot at Madame Zuzu’s Teahouse in Highland Park.

(Katelan’s been blogging about her visit, and you can read more here.)

As is the case with friends from afar, it will be hard to say goodbye. At the same time, it’s a blessing to have friends scattered around the world. Wherever they are, home is.  Their friendships help to make this world a little smaller and a lot more joyful.

Not Just On This Day

But every day, I am grateful for

the beauty of this life,

the quiet moments of awareness and peace,

the raucous moments of chaotic joy,

the love of family and friends,

the readers and listeners who allow my stories to engulf them,

the writers who have shared their words with me,

the creativity of so many artists who allow me to see and feel things anew,

the connections made possible by this modern life,

my Muse and the Mystery that compels me to write.

If we have ever shared anything:

a meal, a story, an adventure, or a conversation,

I thank you.