So I’d heard rumbles about a surprise party some of my friends were planning to throw for me. I didn’t know exactly the details, but one of them mentioned it in passing a few weeks ago not realizing I didn’t know (look: I’m always glad for a heads up in such situations). This means I wasn’t entirely surprised when I arrived to my pal Alison’s toting a bottle of Costco brand champers (it’s QUITE GOOD especially for the price!) and there were more than the two friends who had lured me there in attendance.
Anyway, it turned out to be an affirmation circle. Like attending your own funeral, but far nicer. I’m very uncomfortable with people saying nice things to me at length, but I endured and honestly, my heart was so full. It’s one thing to know how you hope people perceive you and another to have your friends describe the you that you hope you are and apparently you must sometimes succeed at being?
If someone you know is going through A Time (one of the recorded messages a sick friend sent in said that my year has “risen to the level of Greek tragedy at times” and it’s the truth!), tell them the ways you think they are wonderful or, better yet, arrange a group to surround them with love. Even if they are uncomfortable, especially if they are uncomfortable, they need it.
And now, open thread! I’m hitting the road to Nashville for an event for Cassandra Clare’s fabulous new adult debut SWORD CATCHER (for which I got a gold manicure and everything!). If you’re going, say hi.
In the meantime, this seems like an opportune time for an open thread — toss out recommendations for things, start a conversation, or ask me questions. Anything goes! I’ll duck in to answer for the next couple of days.
A Perfect Circle.
Brought tears to my eyes.
Friends are everything... and fur babies!
So glad to see how much you are surrounded by love! And sending you mine.