the day has arrived (don't burst my bubble!)
TODAY IS BE NICE TO MARGARET DAY; please mark it on your calendars, because my “new” life (which usually only Jack the Demon Cat bears witness to) is now flapping in the breeze. Out there. Appearing in a bookstore near you.
Yes, today is February 23, 2011: publication day for “And I Shall Have Some Peace There,” the memoir I started writing early in 2009, handed in that fall, and have watched gestate slowly since.
Andre Jordan, doodler supreme, author, and a pretty great friend, too, created this doodle (and this one, remember?) about my transition from corporate city type, to She Who Lives in the Woods. He even plays a part in the book.
To those of you who have been around awhile, thanks for all your support; to new faces, so glad to meet you. Have you bought a copy yet? Happy to help with that. :)
Look for Me and My Book in/on:
- More Magazine, March issue.
- The Martha Stewart Show, Friday, February 25th, on the Hallmark Channel (details and streaming on marthastewart [dot] com).
- People magazine; 3.5 of 4 stars review.
- MattBites [dot] com; Pam Slim’s Escape from Cubicle Nation (podcast interview); Pink of Perfection [dot] com; Rural Intelligence [dot] com; RetroRenovation [dot] com, White on Rice Couple [dot] com; Steamy Kitchen [dot] com; Gluten-Free Girl and the Chef; LargeHeartedBoy [dot] com; and The Happiness Project!
I loved your book, all of it. I’ve just turned the last page and I didn’t want this conversation to stop…
Although I have this dream of retiring asap (we were born the same year), reading the book I could picture myself five or 10 years from now, living at last my retired life, who will I be? The big question was already showing up at unexpected moments in my thoughts, but for allowing me to see it as it is, thank you. This is just one example. Wishing you great success for the future.
PS The bad language makes sense, even though there’s so much elegance in your writing, and the atmosphere you create with your blog, that it comes as a surprise.
Loving your book (not finished yet), your blog, your gardens and your photography. What camera? I enjoy writing, gardening and photography (Nikon D300s) outdoors enjoying nature. I am finding my “older” years my best.
@Sharon: I have a D-700 now, upgraded last year and frankly it’s too much camera for me; need to get some lessons on all the bells and whistles! But I need to have the bigger professional size files in case I ever do an illustrated book, so I had to make the leap. :)
Enjoyed your talented, wonderful, interesting book, but I didn’t enjoy the use of bad language. I’m not trying to burst your bubble. Good luck and woo-woo with your book.
Welcome, Tilly, and I hear you. Thanks for being forthright. I pondered that a lot — and then decided that in the couple of places where that was what I (in the moment of being angry, frustrated, whatever) had actually said, I would record it as such. You are very kind to give all your thoughts, thank you. Criticism offered in a constructive voice, with candor but not condemnation, is always welcome. :)
Good evening Margaret,
I did find your book, as you suggested ,”A Way To Garden” on Amazon and ordered the library copy. Your book ” And I Shall Have Some Peace There” is definitely calling out to me. Congratulations on the success of both your books!! You are such a bright star in an ever changing world that sometimes wears a dark veil. Your sharing of your peaceful existence, gardening advice, and wonderful recipes bring joy and a calming presence to so many who read you. Thank you!
I live on several acres on the Erie Canal where woodland creatures romp and nibble on my gardens. I try to plant some for them and some for me! Your Jack looks like my Pippa…white tuxedo and white paws and that enchanting face. Perhaps…distant cousins?
I search for the courage to leave my nursing job but yet still help those less fortunate than myself and enjoy the incredible gifts of nature. Perhaps someday!
May you always know joy and peace. MaryLou
Welcome, MaryLou. So glad you found the first book! I will ask Jack about any relations in that area; he doesn’t say much about his past to me, or where he came from. :)
Margaret! Hey Soul Sister (thank you Train). I too left the big city for a place in the woods, but alas I wasn’t brave enough to leave the job behind….and being the techno world it is, I was able to take it with me. We have lots in common, right down to the cat….I have a Tuxedo Maine Coon. Your book arrived today (thank God for UPS drivers who venture into the woods) and I’m already on page 61…can wait to read more.
If you are ever bored with your woods, come to my woods!
Blessings!
PS. Bring Jack
Welcome, Cindy…and yes, thank goodness for brave UPS drivers is right. Thanks for your warm wishes, and please stop in again soon. I’ll tell Jack!
I started your book yesterday- my first day of retirement from 37 years of nursing-I am savoring each tidbit- sadly our tupperware is already organized as my husband retired 2 years ago!!! Threshold-is exactly how I feel -that first day of school-happy hopeful and alittle scared! I am grateful to have you along for this next trek! Thanks bunches!
I did watch your appearance on Martha and it’s easy to imagine you leaving the hectic pace of New York and the corporate world. Even I moved 11 years ago to a semi-rural area and do not enjoy when I have to drive in to the Greater Cleveland area with all the traffic lights, autos, etc.
Here in my condo (it’s a small area) I still have room for all my plants and enjoy nature all around me, including the birds and some other critters. You did very well on the TV show and I may even make the baked beans, which I will have to freeze in portions.
Thanks for writing your blog and keeping us focused on the growing of all things. I’ll try to get your book maybe from the library.
Thank you, Rae, and welcome. I guess you understand first-hand how nice it is to get away from the city for “here” where we can be closer tot he natural world. I will keep on blogging and do hope that you stop in soon again.
Bravo on the beautiful and courageous choices you’ve made. I look forward to reading your inspiring story! Congratulations.
Thanks, Brooke, and welcome to the book’s blog. I hope you will enjoy the book even a fraction as much as I have enjoyed writing it. See you soon!
This book is not at all what I expected – it’s so much better, and I expected a lot, having read and still cherish “A Way to Garden.” I only put your new book down to go to work and sleep. I even woke up at 4 a.m. the first day I had it to read some more (and to take the dogs out). You are so honest and brave. Thank you. By sharing your fears, you make it possible for the rest of us to face ours.
Margaret,
I am so excited to FINALLY buy this book! You inspire me so much and I love this blog. Enjoy this day and be so proud of all you have done.
Thank you,
Pamela
Welcome, Pamela; I am excited, too. Long time coming! Enjoy it.
It is a great day!! Congratulations! Jack must be very proud. I know I am.
Should have waited for the Kindle version, now waiting for the printed copy to arrive (which my English bookshop has e-mailed me to say it’s being shipped today).
Congratulations!
A gazillion congrats! So glad the world finally gets to read your amazing book.
Well, This is the best book complete with so many of my favorite songs. Music is magic and combined with words does show a way to garden and a glimpse of peace.
Good for you. There is nothing wrong with a quiet, reflective life. All that “stuff” going on out there is soulless and I understand your yearning. You are my hero.
Not all that wander are lost.
Thanks to all, and welcome, VIda. Love the reminder: not all that wander are lost. Exactly! Thanks.
just bought the kindle version. :)
Great soundtrack, Margaret!
Congratulations, Margaret! What a wonderful day, with a soundtrack even :) Soak it up!
Happy rebirthday, Margaret!