Yesterday afternoon as I was trying to work through 100's of emails all needing my attention, I heard what I knew was the sound of the FedEx or UPS truck backing into my driveway. My mind went into over-drive trying to think of what I had ordered! Next thing I heard was the doorbell ring and the FedEx guy running back to his truck. I opened the door to find a small brown box with the return address of Globe Pequot Press and then I spotted the words FOUR-WORD SELF-HELP printed on the label. I must have been a little loud with excitement as Seth came out of his room to see what was going on. He had heard the doorbell and thought when I opened the door one of our friendly little lizzards had run into the house. No not today, probably because I scared it to death when I saw who the box was from.
Back in April I shared with you here my art submission had been hand-selected for inclusion in Patti Digh's upcoming book. It has been somewhere around 8 months since this project started for me and today I received my copy of this wonderful book. Simple Wisdom for Complex Lives fills this little 5 x 7" book page after page with Patti's words and art illustrated by artists from around the world. I spent well over an hour enjoying the art and four word quotes Patti gave each of us to illustrate.
When I first heard from Patti I was one of the hand-selected artists to participate in this project I was thrilled. The day I received my assignment, I could not believe how lucky I was. My four-word phrase was “keep fresh flowers nearby.” A few days before while visiting with the surgeon I had been seeing for the past 7 months, he asked, what is one thing you enjoy that you no longer do for yourself? I told him I loved having fresh flowers but that was the last thing I had on my mind as I was dealing with a stomach of ulcers that had all but gotten me down. Thanks to Patti, my assigned phrase and doctor’s orders, I once again was working on keeping fresh flowers nearby. I drew, painted, collaged and then I got my camera out. Now each time I see flowers, I think of Patti’s assignment and how this little four-word phrase has been such a stress relief for me.
This little book would make a perfect gift for yourself or someone special in your life. The book is due in stores in September or you can pre-order it here or by clicking on the book cover.
Debbie














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