Just yesterday I found out that I will have to make a two minute (timed to the second) presentation on my book.  It is called an elevator pitch.  That two minutes will determine whether or not I will be asked back to do a book talk.  I love to write.  I love word-smithing.  I can go to sleep and wake up in the middle of the night with a fully formed poem, the words having eluded me the day before.  I love to take my time and think when I sit in front of my computer – typing as I am, correcting, revising.   I am not so comfortable speaking in front of strangers, let alone a large audience.  I like to make eye contact.  My heart may start to pound and interfere with my thoughts.  I may turn red.  I may become aware of my hands, my feet, my shoes – and you know about my shoes.  My mouth may get dry.  I may wish I had a prescription for Xanax.

Once again, my marriage proved serendipitous.  Just last week, Phil signed both of us up for ongoing workshops in public speaking.  The group is called Toastmasters and I joined last night.  Here’s to my Phil for knowing what to do to push me along the way!  I was told that my little speech was funny, down-to-earth, honest, and that I used vivid, unique descriptors so I guess I came across as the author of this book, which has been described as honest, down to earth, laugh out loud…I am raising my glass to life!