« 53 Across: Infrequent Blogger | Main | Learning Something New Each Day »
September 25, 2007
Each Little Heart that Sings
I had exactly one half hour to stop in at Third Place Books to see one of my favorite writer friends, Deborah Wiles. I've been following her tour blog -- that poor thing has left more personal belongings behind on this whirlwind trip! -- and I just wanted to give her a quick hug.
But I got more than I gave. I got to listen to her read snippets of three of my favorite books: Love, Ruby Lavender, Each Little Bird That Sings and The Aurora County All-Stars. As I let her lively language carry me away to small town Mississippi, I was struck by something startling.
Deborah Wiles was having an absolute blast sharing her stories with others. I mean, the woman laughed out loud in some spots and I swear I saw tears at other moments. She stood up there and dared to enjoy herself. Imagine that.
That moment was better than a month of Sunday sermons for me. It was as if she had handed me a warm slice of homemade peach pie. It was that good.
Here is the gift she gave me: She reminded me to have fun with my own work, that taking pleasure in what you're doing is just fine, thank you very much.
It was sure a lesson I needed to hear. Hope it helps you, too.
Posted by kirby at September 25, 2007 01:49 PM