Grandson + Bebe + Granddad: A Summer Afternoon in Brooklyn

What a delightful and delicious lunch in Brooklyn with our grandson. From the moment my husband and I held his hands outside the apartment building to returning him home two and a half hours later, he never stopped talking. What did he say? Indecipherable! Caught a word here or there, like "Mater," "Doc Hudson," and "Lightning McQueen" in the movie "Cars," "Mahones, touchdown, yay!", "vroooooom," "That's a blue bus," staring at the Heinz ketchup bottle and making pretend he's reading, "Five, five, five." One story was followed by another.

Received a text from his mother later: "Spoiler: It's a lot of stories about cars, Formula 1, and most of them end in crashes."

 

Reporting back: Reading of "My Stroke in the Fast Lane" at Hudson Valley Writers Center was a hit!

More than 35 people came to the reading and book talk on a July Sunday at the Hudson Valley Writers Center. It was quite the hubbub. And quel honneur to be interviewed by my memoir mentor, Susan Hodara.

I became teary as we drove up, remembering the classes I took at Hudson Valley Writers Center. It's in the former Philipse Manor train stop. Sweeping view of the Hudson River. Cozy beyond. Its proximity to the tracks makes one stop talking until the train has passed.

A few pix:

After the stroke, I had to relearn how to walk, talk, swallow, type & drive. Intensive speech, occupational, and physical therapy helped transition me back to life. I began writing the book when I was still at half-mast. A writer friend asked me how I wrote it, especially under such compromising circumstances. My response: "It was like running up a mountain with a 103-degree fever and in labor." 

I am glad to be here, back to my magnificent life, to inspire so many with my journey & recovery.

Many thanks to Mary for graciously hosting the post-event party at her beautiful home, just steps away from the Writing Center. And thanks to everyone who came to the reading to hear my story.

xxbb

"My Stroke in the Fast Lane" reading & book talk at Hudson Valley Writers Center: Sunday, 7/13 @ 4:00pm

I am so excited about this upcoming reading of My Stroke in the Fast Lane: A Journey to Recovery. First of all, it's at Hudson Valley Writing Center, where I took memoir classes with the esteemed writer, teacher, and memoir mentor, Susan Hodara. It was just after my stroke. Each week, we had the assignment to write a few pages, and then read them aloud in class. I remember going up to Susan after one of the classes and apologizing for speaking so softly. I was actually embarrassed that my voice was so muted.  Wow ... I've come a long way from that beginning. 

"Writing a memoir is hard, and you did it under compromising circumstances, to put it mildly," Susan said recently. "This is a testament to your grit and commitment to yourself."

Along with giving advice to those struggling with their stories, we'll also discuss:

When, during the recovery process, did I decide to write a book? Why? 

With my right hand so floppy, especially my pinky and ring finger, how did I eventually connect my brain with my fingers so that I was writing again? 

What impact has my book had on readers and listeners? 

How has having the book in the world affected my life?

Etc. 

This will be my twelfth reading and book talk. I'll let you know how it goes!

A hug from Susan Lucci: A poignant moment highlighting our shared journeys of resilience & hope

Susan Lucci, an unquestionable icon in daytime soap opera history, appeared in ABC-TV's "All My Children" for the entire run of the show (1970-2011!!). I was one of three survivors honored by Susan at the American Heart Association gala, "The Heart of NYC." A heart survivor herself, she gave this stroke survivor a big hug after introducing me and sharing my story with the audience. It was a poignant moment that highlighted our mutual journeys of resilience & hope.

A Zany, Homemade Birthday Cake

It is truly my honor to make a homemade birthday cake for good friends. Here is one I just made for one of them turning 70, (I know the candles show "3-0," but I thought it was funny because I remember celebrating her 30th, 40th, 50th, and 60th birthdays.)

They take hours to bake and create. I'm considering making these for hire. What do you think? Is your wish to have a homemade birthday cake next year? (Leave a comment!)