Dana Reading

One of the greatest things about the success of our book is that I've spent the last year in a veritable sea of the most amazing, inspiring, loving women, from coast to coast. Women we meet on tour, at appearances or at speaking engagements, the readers I've gotten to know through emails, the women at two blogger conferences.

Women who, before the internet, would never have been able to share their writing or photography, their humor or expertise. Women who have been through what Mia and I went through, to varying degrees, and come out the other side and able to share their stories with us. Women who were less fortunate and share their hope. Women who have overcome addiction or abuse, some of whom triumphed, some who are still struggling. Girls who are inspired by Mia to quit using. Girls and women who grew strong from their mother's love, those who powered through without it. Women going through the ups and downs of motherhood, like the gentle soul, Sue L., whose poem is in the last post.. Women who have raised their kids and chosen to rediscover and reinvent themselves, taking up pen, paintbrush, passport. Like Sara Becker.

Sara and her nineteen-year-old daughter, Dana, had both read our book and she wrote to thank you for the way we wrote about the mother/daughter relationship, which had resonated for her. She'd been taking oil painting classes and had done a portrait of Dana reading. She sent us a jpeg of the painting, because the book in Dana's hands is ours. Mia and I were delighted beyond words, really speechless (if you can imagine that.) It's such a beautiful work, not just for her skill as a painter, but for how much the painting is informed by her love for her daughter. I'm so proud and pleased to share this with you and hope it inspires you to explore the endless, exciting territory that is you.

Comments

[Anne]

A beautiful work, indeed. I wondered how it would be for you and Mia talking and interacting with women who have had similar experiences.

[Jeanne]

Blessings to you and Mia and all.
Our greatest gift is people loving people
and when we love we are but one step from Heaven.
Much love
Jeanne ^j^

May Angels protect you
May troubles neglect you

[suz]

I love the painting! And the obvious sentiment and intention that went into it. I am continuously surprised by the deep love women share in any way we can. The blessing of shared experiences and shared souls. Thank you!

[Alanna]

What a painting ... mesmerizing, truly. And there's story-telling too, Dana reading, yes, but also immersed, thoughtful, moved ... and perhaps, taking stock?

[sara becker]

this has been a big step for me to share my personal work
with the whole wide world. I would like to thank claire for
taking the time to not only share her life with us all, but to
continue on after the book with this blog. She has motivated
me to update my very old website, which no one else has been
able to do. So I thank you!