AUTHOR | SPEAKER | PHILOSOPHER | DESIGNER
November 2004
date:
11/1/2004
Dear Friend
October was an exhilarating month. Giving birth to Things I Want My Daughters to Know feels wonderful in every respect. There are times in all of our lives when everything comes together sublimely. Now is this time for me.
The National Book Festival was a thrill I will never forget. It wasn’t only the great evening at the Library of Congress or the visit to the magnificent White House, it was having my two daughters, Alexandra and Brooke, there at the festival with me that filled my heart to bursting. And, being able to talk about the advice I want to pass on to them. How fitting that we gathered together in the huge Home & Family Pavilion.
After hours and hours of signing Things I Want My Daughters to Know, Peter and I went to a favorite restaurant in Georgetown for a late lunch, seated out on a terrace in warm, dappling sunshine. I think I grew another happiness gene.
My life’s direction continues to lead me into some fantastic experiences. I'm always aware of just how blessed we all are to be alive – the gift of all gifts. Seeing friends in the audience from near and far was so exciting. I jumped for joy then and the glow is shining brightly still. Not too shabby a way to begin a national book tour for my 23rd published book!
Off to see the grandchildren and my girls:
After Nicholas, Anna and Lily went to bed, Peter and I enjoyed a delicious Chinese banquet conveniently delivered to Alexandra’s front door. We hadn’t see Brooke since she return from Maui on her honeymoon so it was a lively evening indeed.Off to Memphis for a perfect afternoon:
Again, friends surprise us wherever we go, sweetening our tour beyond words. From Memphis we went to Nashville, where I spoke at Lipscomb University. Our good friend, Kimberly Bean, gave a beautiful luncheon in our honor at her home. We were thrilled that our granddaughter, Julia Hoyt, a freshman at Vanderbilt, was able to attend.We’ve been criss-crossing the country: We went to Chicago twice, and Memphis three times, plus Atlanta and Connecticut. At a talk in New London, Connecticut, at the Children’s Museum Show House, a friend that I met at Omega Institute at the Living a Beautiful Life workshop over Labor Day weekend, Jennifer Dawson-Lawrence, got up in the dark in Nantucket to come participate. She took a 2 ½ hour boat trip and drove for three hours with her son André to surprise me with joy. Jennifer brought great pictures from Omega and a small fiesta pitcher of blue hydrangeas!
Our events in Atlanta were as much fun as you can imagine, where we also had meaningful visits with dear friends. Our first November date on tour is in Portland, Oregon. Please come, and bring your friends and family!
After the Connecticut talks, we were able to spend two days at our Stonington cottage, where I finished my manuscript Time Alive: Celebrate Your Life Every Day. I’m writing the Foreword, as my wonderful assistant Sharon puts my writing on the computer to get to the publisher on time. Soon!
I feel in the flow of amazing energy. I hope this newsletter finds you enjoying this beautiful autumn. Our good news doesn’t stop. Things I Want My Daughters to Know is now in a third printing! This is the quickest we’ve ever had three printings! Friends and fans tell me it is their favorite book – I’m thrilled!
More great news:
We’ve set a date for ourA reader sent me a sweet note:
Dear Alexandra,
Your books have provided wonderful insight and guidance over the years. Regretfully, I have failed to put into practice one of your most important admonitions -- that of time for solitude in order to maintain balance.
I admire your wisdom so much! The Art of the Possible, Gracious Living in a New World and Feeling at Home are special favorites. How does one ever learn "The Art of No?" I must practice that.
Alexandra, your work has led me to a love of quotations and to books by Madeleine L'Engle. Your love of France has reminded me of that country's special beauty, I must remember that!
Thank you so much for your uplifting spirit. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Signed, Pauline
Happy Thanksgiving. This has always been my favorite holiday, gathering together to give thanks for all our blessings. I’ve started a new book, Friends, and wish you to know how rich and full my life is because of you.
Great love to you.
Love & Live Happy
Wedding Day
Brooke's wedding day on her way to Calvery Church around the corner from our house. Alexandra and Peter, Alexandra B., Brooke (the bride), Nicholas (behind the fence), his twin sister Anna, and Peter Scott Roberson gently carrying Lily
Alexandra's dreamy view from her writing desk!
Alexandra and her Roses!
Alexandra and Peter enjoying a sunny day in Stonington!
Mrs. Brown's Table
Good News! Levenger has brought the Mrs. Brown table back. Call toll free (800) 544-0880 to get their gorgeous complimentary spring catalogue. Turn to page 43! Choose dark or natural cherry finish.
Grace Note
"We shall not cease from exploration and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time."
T.S. Elliot
Things I Want My Daughters to Know
