Everyone's a critic

Wow. This past weekend, I got the first two reviews of my book, "The Lyncher in Me." What a strange experience, to read what complete, unbiased critics think of one's work. I have to keep in mind that these reviewers read a ton of books, they don't have to write a full article on my book, and the fact that they chose to--and had so many complimentary things to say ("hauntingly beautiful", "riveting", "unflinching") is quite amazing. Even those few areas in which one writer was more critical were okay. It took me some time to be settled with it, but I understand it's one person's opinion, and one person might value what another person finds unnecessary. It's good. Really! And the great thing is, the review is all over the country, so I can't argue with that.

Back on the homefront: We're mired in a kitchen remodel, in limbo. Our carpenter was gone for a week on vacation, leaving us with a sink and a stove and not much else. I keep thinking back to an older "Amazing Race" episode in which the contestants were to put together a desk from Ikea. After a dozen cabinets, I could do it blindfolded, drunk on a shrimp boat during a hurricane.

Ode to Fashion

A Farah suit can be devine
When standing patiently in line

One hand fumbles with one's keys

The other drums the counter, he's

wishing he had a suit that was made
sometime this past decade

But green is now the new charcoal

and fabrics from plants is a worthy goal

petroluem should stay beneath the earth
mixed with memories of dinosaur girth

Flip the lapel, flash a peace sign

A Farah suit can be divine

Hot Off the Presses!

So I got the "official" copy of my book last night. Very cool--stunning actually. The photo of the rope in in a matte finish, backed by stark, glossy white. On the spine, the title "The Lyncher in Me" stands alone with the faint shadow of a noose underneath. Looking inside the book, it's funny and a bit embarassing to see the photo of myself and Virginia Huston seated together (in summer of 2006), then comparing it to the author photo on the back flap (taken a year later). It's like a voting off episode of The Biggest Loser. What a difference 25 pounds makes. I sure could have done without that weight in that 104 degree Missouri heat, that's for sure. It's all exciting and scary as hell. But I'm so proud of the way the book has turned out--the endorsement quotes really lend an air of authenticity (Rebecca Walker's quote is wisely placed on the front cover, verically running adjacent the spine).

Last night, I sat down with my eldest son and showed it to him and it was great watching him beam as he looked at it. The parent of a teenager looks for those moments when their child allows a bit of admiration to escape the stoic, "whatever" demeanor...

A Swirling Mass of Activity

Sounds more interesting than it really is. If I was in the midst of anything swirling, I'm not sure whether I'd swat at it or crouch to the ground, close my eyes, and wait for it all to be over.

This last week was that kind of storm. Two separate school activities (concerts), piano lessons, an evening meeting for each parent and school conferences. This was all between Tuesday and Thursday. Friday was a church teen overnight (with the teen sex ed program). Yes, it always sounds way more salacious than it is--the teen sex ed group is having a co-ed overnight! Is it like that final jumping out of the plane after hours of rolling on the grass, practicing pulling the ripcord and hoping that the parachute opens? No, but it is a great program. My favorite story? The one in which the teacher demonstrates use of a condom by rolling it over the hose attachement of a vacuum cleaner. I felt compelled to clarify to my son that he need not aspire to such garganutan proportions, lest be be sorely disappointed.

The weekend concluded with my partner and the kids at a dinner party while I volunteered for the local schools foundation wine auction. A great time and always a wonderful reminder of how lucky I am to work with a community that supports its public education so wholeheartedly.

I talked with my editor today and she was excited to tell me that the "official" copies of my book, "The Lyncher in Me", are being released today. I'll be getting them soon. The public must still wait until March 15th, but I'll have a few to show off before then. She says it's stunning, a combination of glossy and matte finish that really brings out the artwork nicely. Apparently, the book received a lot of attention at a recent trade show she attended. I can feel the storm kicking up again...