Leaving a Little Glitter Behind

(My Book Table )

My debut book, making its way into the world, with two Book Signings in one week, and a little glitter left behind at each.

My daughter, my Wizard of Oz, was at both of them. She, from the moment we first laid eyes on each other at her birth, made me feel like I “Belonged” for the first time in my life.

Her life makes me remember to live mine, unapologetically, me. Hence, the glitter filled trees (far left), Prune People (traditional German art), the doily my beloved grandmother made by hand, the placement of our license plate which graced our car for our three years in Germany, the map my dad purchased and utilized all throughout our time in Frankfurt, various drink coasters from Gasthauses all over Germany and…lastly, the photos of Dad and Mom. My daughter wanted to be sure I knew they were present as she knows how I still grieve their loss.

Now, she did this all on a table about the size of a TV tray. The night was filled with about 30 old friends, always there for me, even though I am a hermit extraordinaire and have missed many of their “things.” I still get anticipatory anxiety that wallops me like a mallet.

It was Love Fest 2024. Hugs, laughter, stories, reunions, new friendships, smiles, photos, signing, and me holding back tears witnessing the beauty of truly good souls all in one place.

My Fairy God Friend, saving us when we needed it-a story that is private, and yet so important that you all know that she exists in our lives. Her wand is her tender, strong, true heart and a love that surrounds us with truth, confidence and the ability to make everything right.

And then, the night was over…two souls still there with my daughter and me, the four of us, standing, laughing, sharing the books we are currently reading and the promise to stay in touch. My Fairy God Sister, and Mr. Three-Stripe Adidas, thank you for closing out our night.

The glitter left behind…on that teeny, tiny table, glinting in the lights. Oh, it’ll be there for a while because that’s what glitter does. It did the same thing at my Book Signing on Monday. That too, was a night filled with such an outpouring of love, of laughter, of surprises, old friends, new friends, and the merging of both…oh, and my little sister. She flew in just to be there for me and my daughter. She is one of life’s strongest souls and is there when you need her. (How did I miss out on that strength growing up?)

And as I emptied that little table too, a little glitter was left behind. Glitter is like good love. They both stick. Oh, you know I’ll spread more. Sometimes, I keep it in my pocket and just leave a bit behind, hoping others will wonder where it came from and who left it.

Oh, I forgot to add, that my little book, is making it in the big world. Hmmm…maybe my “swag” for events could be packets of glitter to go with each book. I LOVE that idea!

Glitter Girl signing off for now. Gotta get ready for work. Thank you for reading my piece today. I am still recovering from so many social events (podcasts, interviews this past week as well), so if I haven’t reached out to you personally, I’m in a bit of a Hermit Mode. Oh, with a speck of glitter on my cheek.

Tell me what you leave behind. Tell me a story. Let me read about your life. You know I love the stories of others. Thank you!