READING AT THE BOOK LAUNCH – Photo by Johnny Palka
Throughout the evening there was a Knowing that THIS was a high point in my life. “Take it in,” the Knowing said. “Revel in it. Give this reading your very best attention and care. Oh, and don’t forget to ENJOY as well.”
The event was the Book Launch Party celebrating the previous week’s publication of my book, Meeting in the Margins. Folding chairs had been brought in and all the furniture had been rearranged in the dining room and the living room of Enso House, the end-of-life residence where I have volunteered as a caregiver over the years. The lights in all the rooms glowed; the friend-baked cookies were mounded on plates in the Garden Room, next to the tea and coffee and handmade cups; nearly 60 friends and neighbors were gathering, and some guests I hadn’t met yet; MoonRaker Bookstore was set up with piles of the newly-minted book for sale. Special-bought pens were waiting for me to inscribe books.
And then it was time to begin. I went to that place inside myself from which the best of my writing comes, that place where the essence of the people of the Margins meets the essence of me and tutors me. And from that place I read and spoke and for a few minutes I gave voice to our society’s invisible people, and they received the love and the affirmation of the assembled listeners. And it was very, very good.
It was, as the inner voice assured me – that Knowing voice of the wise people of the Margins – a singularly high point in my life.
[Meeting in the Margins: An Invitation to Encounter Society’s Invisible People is available at your local bookstore, and from Amazon.com]
This is such a fantastic HAPPENING. I am so elated for you. Sorry to be slow in posting a comment; I’ve been in the midst of this major move, swallowed up by it and all the grief of separations. Now I gotta, GOTTA find a way to bring you here, to the Jacksonville area!
Fly on, dear friend, to the greatest heights.
I wish I could have been at your launch party, Cynthia but I’m celebrating with you even now! I LOVED your book! What a beautiful testimony to the power of empathy. I can’t wait for you to do a reading in Lexington!
This is wonderful news Cynthia! Your work, writing, and generous spirit are a profound contribution to the world. I look forward to reading your book. Brava! Brava! Brava! Big round of applause.
Warmest regards,
Erin Fristad
Just wanted to wish your book a long and fruitful life. May it touch hearts throughout the world.
What a beautiful experience. There definitely was a divine presence that evening. You and your book speak to my heart. Thank you Cynthia.
I purchased the book through Amazon before it actually came out. I read it while in the hospital after surgery. Cynthia is an exquisite writer. She is able to relate imagery with her use of words. I found the book very interesting, but more than that, I want to read the poetry that she has written, as it is the way she writes that spurs my interest.
How can I not be proud?! YOU GO MOM!
Your inner voice speaks directly to mine though neither can truly gauge the impact of that encounter on the other. Love you, miss you, glad you are taking it all in. Ei
What a joyous event…I remember reading your lovely book in its earlier incarnation, and I am so glad it has been properly seen and acknowledged. Great fun to experience your uncomplicated rapture at being a published author. Brilliant!
I love how you let us inside the authorly mind/heart as well. I loved that whole evening. I really loved the book!!! And I wish I’d had more cookies. Everything so Whidbey Island wonderful–including you.
Congratulations on your book – you’re looking good. Wish I could have been there. I am certain all your Duner friends would feel the same. ox
Beautiful, Cynthia! Sending love and joy your way always.