I can’t help it. I’m an open book.
So, while I meant to write sooner and tell you how perfect my September Book Tour was, the truth is, I just couldn’t.
Yes, I had six magical gatherings. And the joy of sharing my story, my art and my heart with rooms full of the most loving and appreciative women (and some pretty wonderful men as well.)
Then, muck happened.
When I was up in San Francisco, right in the midst of the magic, I was gob-smacked by a devastatingly serious family crisis. The kind of thing that would have sent me straight to bed a few years ago.
But as I crawled through the muck of worry, fear, grief and anguish, I had a sense that the Universe wanted to see how just how committed I was to this idea of turning muck into magic.
If it weren’t for the unwavering support of my husband Will, who urged me to keep following my dream and to share the truth of what was happening with my audiences, I probably would have packed it up and gone home. But I am so glad that I didn’t.
But magic happened too.
By sharing my truth (and even some tears), my book-signings had a richness, beyond anything I could have imagined.
We laughed. We cried. We connected at a deep soulful level. And I discovered an unstoppable resilience that I didn’t even know I had.
When I got home, I have to admit I was depleted and depressed. So I allowed myself some time to do nothing. And to feel everything.
I read my own book and gave myself permission to “be one with the muck.” Now, after some quality time down there, I’m finally ready to spread my wings again and share.
Some magical moments from my book tour:
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- The first stop on my Book Tour was at our little temple in Ojai. I changed the name of my talk to “From Oy To Joy ” for the occasion.
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- Next, I was honored at the largest, most beautiful temple in San Francisco. 40 ladies lunched and 2 rabbis (which I must say, was a little intimidating.)
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- Do you have any idea how long I dreamed about signing my book? Like f-o-r-e-v-e-r.
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- Talk about magic. I really and truly saw this window right before giving my talk in Marin.
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- Here are some of the beautiful and light-filled Malibu dragonflies at Amy’s girlfriend gathering.
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- Roxanne delayed her moving day to come to my book party! (Now, that’s a soul sister for you.)
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- This colorful dragonfly landed in Sonoma.
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- Would you believe that Sean Penn spoke at Book Passages the day after I did?
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- Welcome to Amy’s Malibu Dreamhouse. What a place. What a day. What a friend.
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- Lovable Lynn threw me the most magical garden party. I adore this woman and her fabulous friends.
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- I’m so blessed to have Will as my flying companion for 33 years. (But who’s counting?)
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- OMG. Was I ever surprised and thrilled that Marta, our former nanny, drove 1 1/2 hours to see me. (Happy tears.)
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- Dragonfly invasion at Chaucer’s in Santa Barbara. (One of the last great bookstores.)
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- Plans for more events next year are fluttering around as we speak. To be continued…
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- Would you believe Sean Penn spoke at Book Passages the day after I did?
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- This Ojai “fetch” (that’s what you all a group of dragonflies), brought so much joy to the party.
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- You know that moment when you realize you are actually living your dream? This was that moment.
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- This is how I signed off my book talks. Though there was plenty of muck behind the scenes, there was even more magic.
Life just isn’t an either/or proposition.
Let’s face it, whether we’re talking about my book tour or your holiday gathering, muck and magic will always co-exist.
When muck happens, I say honor it. And give yourself some time to feel the feelings that come with it.
Then, give thanks for What Is. By finding what’s right even when things go wrong, we can transform muck into magic.
Speaking of magic…
Whether you were able to come to one of my book events (there will be more) or bought a book or shared my blog or just sent some good vibes my way, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I’m so grateful to be sharing this journey with you. (And if there’s something you’d like to share, please comment below.)
I WISH YOU MASSIVE MAGIC THIS HOLIDAY SEASON (and minimal muck).
With wings of love,
XOWendi
P.S. You can uplift everyone on your list by just flying over to my home page and ordering my book. It’s inspiration for ages 9-99. (Excuse me for being the Goddess of Shameless Self-Promotion. But ’tis the season.)
The section “Life just isn’t an either/or proposition “ really gave me pause. I tend to see things as either black or white…I have trouble with the gray.
And the the sentences that followed, I need to inscribe in my brain. Seriously, I have read them over and over and over. “By finding what’ s right even when things go wrong…”. Wow.
Thank you, Wendi! Love you!!!
Jane, thank you for this reflection. It means so much to me. I write these things and never know exactly where they are going to land. And they are usually I am writing them to remind myself as much as everyone else. Sending so much love to you. I hope we can see each other soon. xoxoWendi
Hi Wendi, I was so happy to receive your email update. If you don;t remember me by name, I’m the Laura who won your gorgeous art in the raffle at Amy’s house :> Hope things are smoother for you now, and I am wishing you and yours the happiest of holidays <3
All my best,
Laura Craven
310-463-0373
Dear Laura,
I am so happy to hear from you. It made me so happy that my art found such a loving, appreciative home. I actually wanted to put your photo on my post but there just wasn’t room. Thank you so much for reaching out. And wishing you a Merry and Happy. With wings of gratitude, Wendi