Each Wednesday (or thereabouts) I’ve been recording a Curiosity Journal to recap the previous week using these tag words: reading, playing, learning, reacting and writing. Sometimes I mix up the order, just to keep you on your toes.
Care to join me?
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Reading
A few months ago, a representative for an author contacted me asking if I would like to receive a copy of a new book release. The publicist said I could have an electronic or hard copy.
“Sure!” I agreed. The book sounded interesting, so I was sure I’d find some positive things to say about it. “Could I have both? That way I could quickly read the electronic copy myself and then arrange for a giveaway of the hard copy on my blog.” I told her I felt that my readers fit the author’s target demographic perfectly.
The publicist thought that was a great idea, so I sent my mailing address. She sent me via e-mail a file that was, presumably, an electronic copy of the book. But when I opened the file, it was not: it was about five pages of materials related to the book, but not the book. I wrote a pleasant note explaining the file mix-up but never heard back; they neither replied nor sent a replacement file. What’s more, they never sent a hard copy of the book.
The book went on to become a great success, so my few words of support would not have made much difference. I assume that the publicist arrived at the same conclusion—why bother sending out a free book when already so many people are paying real money for it?
I understand that business decision, but the experience left me feeling very small and insignificant. And compared with the author of that book, I am small and insignificant, but why rub it in?
Writing
Numerous deadlines loom.
Learning
Sharing our stories can bind us together. I haven’t landed precisely on the best principles to follow in telling stories publicly, but I experienced this week how friendships can deepen when we risk privately sharing the things we’ve locked deep inside our hearts for safekeeping.
The trouble with long-term safekeeping is this: silently storing all of it away like that is often not safe at all. Sometimes the best decision is to gently and honestly tell the stories—the truth—of our lives. Though opening up is not without risk, we may find life, intimacy, trust, and freedom.
Playing
One afternoon last spring, I was walking across the soccer fields with my eldest daughter.
“Mom,” she began, “I have a question. I’ve seen kids in public schools and private schools wearing sweatshirts with ‘2012 Seniors’ printed on the back. Have you seen them?”
“Yes.”
“Well, I wondered if it would be possible to have something like that next year.”
She’s homeschooled, you see, so it’s not like we could just show up at the school office, plunk down twenty bucks for a 2013 Seniors school shirt, and be done with it. If we are interested in something, we have to make it happen.
“I don’t see why not,” I said. “You and your sister could create some logo designs for our homeschool co-op and add the 2013 Seniors thing as an option. We’ll have to phone around to find places that print shirts and get prices. Then we’d have to be sure the co-op leadership would agree to it. It’ll take several steps, but I think it could be done.”
Her face lit up. “Cool!”
Throughout summer, I completely forgot about it. Then, about a week before school began, that scene on the soccer field back in April flashed across my mind and I realized we’d better hop on it. Next thing you know, my artistic daughters designed two or three co-op logos for the front, and I phoned some local companies to get quotes for affordable silkscreening. We decided to go with The Art Press.
The girls gained approval from the co-op leadership, presented the designs for a vote, prepped the winning design for silkscreening, selected the colors, finalized placement for names and that ever-important 2013 Seniors print for the few who wanted it (non-Seniors chose to have a name/nickname printed on the back…or left it blank).
For just under two weeks, the co-op members could make selections and pay through a secure ordering page online (one of many reasons I’m thrilled with this company’s great work is because their ordering system, mySHIRTsize, made collecting group orders a snap). The Art Press scrambled to fulfill the orders—over twice as many as we’d expected.
What a delight to pass everything out this week! The shirts were a big success and my daughter got her wish…by making it happen.
Reacting
I awoke to a headache this morning, so I didn’t feel like wearing anything cute or slapping on makeup. I barely brushed my hair before pulling on my new co-op hoodie and heading out with my son for his cello lesson. On the way home, I drove past the library to drop off a book. My son asked to go in. Due to my haggard appearance, I hesitated. Then, when he begged to check out books, I reluctantly agreed. Who doesn’t want to support an 11-year-old boy’s reading habit? “Okay, but let’s not take too long. I look terrible,” I said. “I hope I don’t see anyone I know.”
“It’s okay,” my son assured me. “I’ll only take a couple of minutes.”
The instant we entered the lobby, I spotted a local news cameraman setting up a shot.
I can’t explain why—blogging instinct, perhaps?—but I pulled out my camera and snapped some photos of him (didn’t take time to think through lighting, composition or white balance, however). I justified my intrusion by figuring if he feels comfortable shooting footage of people in a public place, he should realize how it feels to have the camera turned on him in the same setting.
He looked at me with surprise.
“What’s going on?” I asked. “Controversy at the library?”
“No, no. It’s all good. You can ask Kevin.” He gestured toward the stacks, but I only saw a mom rounding the corner with her young child. Instead of hunting down the reporter, I simply headed to another part of the library, avoiding the cameraman’s lens.
Everywhere I turned, he was setting up for another shot from another angle. As my son and I checked out our books, I couldn’t resist snapping one final shot of him, since he was standing right there. He looked at me out of the corner of his eye as soon as he heard the loud ka-chunk of my Canon’s shutter/mirror. I grinned big. He nodded slightly and smiled.
Then my son and I skedaddled out of there before he turned his focus on us where we stood at the electronic checkout. Although I don’t think I should have worried. I believe that man and I held a tacit agreement that we both prefer to work quietly behind the lens, rather than be caught in front of it.
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I liked your “Learning” section this week. 🙂
I’m learning the impact; wish I knew precisely what steps to take. 🙂
Ann, you are such a wise lady. I learn so much from you.
The feeling, my dear Laura, is mutual.
The publicist actions were atrocious and to not send you advertising and not send the hard copy was unkind.
If I knew what the book was – I would not purchase it – so there.
I think the shirts was an excellent idea and your daughter is happy to that is great. Sorry about the headache, and I don’t like being caught in the lens either. Those snaps were nice that you took of the photographer.
Hazel, I’m so glad to know you felt similarly about the book–I did not reveal the name of the author or book because the author may not have been aware of some people dropping through the cracks, so I don’t want anyone to hold it against this person. And I didn’t want to sound like I was “getting back at them.” It may have been an honest mistake if they were overwhelmed with details, and I’ve made enough mistakes I need to be generous toward others…to be forgiven my trespasses as I forgive those who trespass against me. They offered the book and when they sent the email with the e-book attachment, whoever was in charge must have just checked me off the to-do list. I can imagine that happening.
I’m happy to report that medicine helped and my headache is gone–my mind is clear and focused just in time for the debate tonight!
LOVE this every week, Ann. Just love it. And I’m glad you’re opening up the story vault cuz I love to read and ruminate on any story you might care to share in this space. And let me just add this – have you ever really looked at yourself in the mirror, woman? I mean really looked, with an honest eye? Cuz you are gorgeous, honey. Yes, you are. And I’m betting, hoody and all, you would have looked great in that videographer’s shoot. Tell your daughter(s?) that their project is a huge success – looks great!
Diana, you are such an important voice in so many people’s lives. Thank you for being that voice in mine. 🙂
I did look pretty crazy, though. My eyes were super puffy from the headache and my hair was every which way. But I hear you. I do. Thank you.
The print on the back of the shirt turned out much larger than expected, but she still loves it and wears it proudly.
Concerning your experience with the publicist agreeing and then not following through: I would’ve felt kind of hollow and maybe a bit embarrassed. That’s an unreasonable reaction, because it wasn’t you that initiated the contact or asked for the first favor; she did, and then she dropped the ball. If it was merely an oversight or lack of diligence on her part, how well I identify with those failings! I don’t suppose it’s much comfort, but it seems to me that you were willing to give more than was asked of you by offering to publicize the book as a give-away; it wasn’t an extra copy for yourself.
The shirts: great idea!
The library story: very nice. Lovely to see a cameraman on the other side of the lens!
I usually try to be presentable when we “go to town”. The exception is the hardware store. I feel no compunction to alter my appearance beforehand because … well, it’s just a place to get something to finish a job. In other words, we’re working on something, have to stop and go buy materials, then come back and get back to work. However, last weekend, I was looking particularly pathetic in my work clothes. My husband (bless his heart), said I looked fine and no one would notice. However, a young cowgirl looked me up and down with a disapproving look as I walked past her in the store. Even though her own clothes were grubby looking, I would’ve been devastated by that kind of disdain years ago. I’m thrilled to report that it barely bothered me at all. Age really does have it’s benefits!
On learning to share our stories: I have battle wounds which serve as a reminder not to throw my pearls before swine; learning discernment and heeding it have not been easy for me. Discernment is the tricky part, because I’ve had wonderful support from terribly surprising sources before, and ugly, blunt words from others. There’s no substitute for hearing from God.
If you ever feel so inclined to write more on that subject, I’d love to read it. I think lots of us could relate to it.
P.S. – Kudos for your son on wanting to go to the library! It’s one of my favorite places.
Carla, thank you for your detailed reply! Love it when you take time to stop by and write a note.
I love the library, too!