My cousin Anthony posted a video unwrapping a fresh copy of my book, Two Wheels, No Plans. I watched it about 300 times – so long that my cheeks hurt.
Encouragement means the world. I now know that I haven’t been doing it nearly enough.
Releasing any creative work is a bold act. If we are minimally prepared, we can repeat to ourselves “I’m proud. It’s good. I’m proud. It’s good.” But it’s a bit like walking onto a battlefield with your fingers crossed.
Then, out of nowhere, comes a message from a friend you haven’t talked to since college.
“I knew you wrote a book, but I didn’t know you WROTE a book… I haven’t giggled reading like that in a while – maybe ever.”
Poof! A thick wooden shield has appeared in your hand. And JUST in time to block that underhanded insult from an ex-colleague.
And here’s another friend. This one from middle school.
“If I didn’t know you, I’d think you made all this up… ‘Stupid potato shirt.’ Bahahaha.”
A shiny silver helmet.
I have many talented friends. Hannah Saucier makes the sort of paintings you’d want in your living room. It’s energy captured on canvas. No, really. Check her out. Our mutual friend Abigail Marsh specializes in textile and patchwork art. Chris Johnson is creating skateboard-punk gear from his living room. My cousin Andy Pinkerton is a badass guitarist. Peter Kroger is a singer-songwriter whose music pulls at the heartstrings. Oh, and Anthony, that cousin from the opening line – pianist and vocal coach. Beautiful music. Honestly.
What am I saying? Well, mainly, THANK YOU to everyone who has supported and encouraged me during the first week of the book launch. But also: let’s encourage our friends. Let’s remind them of how much we actually appreciate them. Whether it’s the way they keep their garden. The way they always dress so nicely. Their witty social media posts. Their uplifting spirit at the office.
Sometimes we forget how much it means. I certainly had.
Once again, thank you.
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