Words and Perception

As you might know, my book Carriers of Genius has a release date of June 14, 2016. Joanna is one of my early readers, so she bought a copy in advance. When she held up my book, she said, “These are ALL your words.” I felt such a thrill that I almost spun around in circles like the head of the gal in the Exorcist movie.

Joanna is a mother and a good one. She talks to her son and blocks the rest of us out. Her comment reminded me of my favorite new mother line: use your words. But words are art, and interpretation fluctuates. Norman Rockwell’s mother, Nancy, told him to be noble and valiant. In his illustrations, he might have portrayed the opposite, with his mischievous characters and everyday heroes. Or maybe that’s how he understood her words.  

With regards to work, my dad advised me to do what I love, while my mom wanted me to get a job with good benefits. I followed Dad’s advice, and I think I followed Mom’s. She meant retirement and health benefits, while I pretended she meant my lowered blood pressure from twenty hours of piano and singing each week.

With my book, I am most happy that after fifteen years, it’s done. Now, with Joanna’s input, I can switch to the joy of the words I share. Sharing is caring. But don’t ask to borrow my sheet music.