Apart from my job of being a mother, my 'second job' as a writer has been a rewarding and affirming blessing that has taught me a great deal about the publishing world. It has also given me the opportunity learn a lesson in patience as I savor the joyful anticipation of my two upcoming children's books to be released in the somewhat distant Winter and Spring of 2016.
My little angel book (
May God Bless You with an Angel) was originally written as a prayer and meant only for my children when I first found out I had cancer. I wrote it so they would always know they were never alone through difficult things, but as importantly, through the simplest of things as well. But through my lovely agent, this prayer found it's way to a publishing house, and while I had no expectations of it becoming published, the rest, as you know, is history.
May God Bless You with an Angel was an unexpected silver lining that came during a time when I needed it most. It gave me the confidence to keep writing, the foundation to tell others my testimony, and the comfort that no matter what, my words would be forever in a book - for my children, my family, my friends, and for strangers in need of an Angel of their own.
This book also gave me a new dear friend in the lovely and talented Chris Shea (www.lifesighs.com). She is the best selling author and illustrator of numerous books and one of my very favorite artists. I couldn't think of anyone more perfectly suited to bring the words of my book to life in such a way as Chris did. Throughout the publishing process, and still today, among being my dear friend, Chris has also served as a mentor to me, providing just the right words of encouragement and advice at always the most appropriately needed moments.
In addition to the many lovely books Chris has written and illustrated, she also owns a darling store (LifeSighs) in the heart of La Mesa, California. Today she wrote me a lovely note about a young homeless man who came into her shop...please read for yourself:
Hi Lisa,
One of the advantages I have now that I have a store is being able to watch people look at my work. Sometimes people just come in and browse and don't buy anything but it is always an honor to have people come inside.
Today a really young guy came in carrying a bed roll and a backpack. He was very tan and pretty clean but pretty obviously was someone who lives on the street. He walked in and instantly walked over to my little table of books. He picked up May God Bless You With an Angel. He perused it and then asked me what one page meant. I started to explain he had just opened up the book to a page that was the middle of a thought.
"Oh," he said. "I guess you have to read it. Like a story?"
Then he asked me how much it was. I told him. He very reluctantly put it down and said he would come back after he went to the pharmacy, but I knew that wasn't true.
"But getting a blessing would be pretty nice," he said as he headed out the store.
I called after him and said,
"You know, an unread, unowned book is not a happy book. Why don't you just take this and share it. Read it and keep it or give it away. Make the book happy. Give it a home."
He seemed pretty bowled over. And it was such an odd juxtaposition, this homeless teenager and this red book with a yellow angel on it. He thanked me profusely and wished me blessings. I told him the same.
So that's a nice little example of how our book blessed a kid who really needed it today.
xoxo
Chris Shea,
Your forever SoCal Pal ~ Chris Shea
It was an unexpected silver lining in an otherwise unevetful summer day. Look closely for every silver lining...they don't only come after stormy weather.
xo
Lisa
