I know this is seems like a small thing. And in all honesty, I have read lots of books this year. However, most of them are children's books. Maybe sometime I'll blog on the best kid books I've read... but not today. Today is reserved for a special book. A book written for adults. Like actual grown-ups. And I read it silently, not aloud to sometimes squirmy kids.
The book is called: The Puzzle: Some Reassembly Required by the one and only Katherine Devlin Flood. (To purchase the book simply click on the link provided in the title.) A portion of the book's synopsis is provided below, then I will give my personal insights on the book.
"Life was set on a comfortable path, until an awful night in June, 1985. College was almost done. Kati had so many dreams, and aspirations for her future. Suddenly, all of these pieces of her life were trampled and crushed by an awful car accident. The Puzzle; Some Reassembly Required, covers the time from this awful event to her marriage - the incredible breakthroughs along with the heartbreaking setbacks. The pages of this book will renew your belief in hope. Miracles do still occur! Learn to believe in your capabilities, rather than predicted expectations."
Quote from lulu.com
Without giving too much away, I want to share some of my personal reflections on Kati's book. **Spoiler: Kati survives the awful car accident.** As previously mentioned, I haven't read a "real, grown up book" for quite awhile. The ones I have started haven't held my attention long enough to finish (or I got too busy). I couldn't put this book down. Kati writes with such honesty and humor. You will love her grit and determination to live her life as fully as possible despite her traumatic brain injury. She has a wonderful way with words that really make her story come alive. I am not a medical doctor. In general, I feel like when I'm at the doctor (even for simple things) the words go in one ear and out the other because I just don't have a frame of reference for the words they say. So it is with much appreciation that Kati does not dwell on medical terminology. She does give some really good information early on in the book, but she doesn't continually bring up words that only people who have been in her situation can understand. It makes her book accessible for all readers. **Caution: the accident scene is very descriptive and hard to read.**
I had the great joy of meeting Kati, now 30 years after her accident, during a Bible study this past September. You notice Kati for several reasons. First, the obvious, physical reasons: she walks slowly with the aid of a cane. Then you notice Kati because, well, she's Kati. She has a great sense of humor and personality. Sometimes it requires a little more time to talk with Kati as her speech was affected as a result of her TBI. This doesn't mean she CAN'T talk! No, my friends, Kati talks. And I think in general, our culture (and me, personally) aren't good listeners. So I'm learning from Kati. I'm learning not to rush through things. I'm learning to listen. I'm learning to slow down. From reading her book I've learned the importance of being there (physically and emotionally) for people who are going through challenging circumstances.
There are really only two things I wish would have been included in Kati's book. First, her age at the time of various events. I know she does mention the years a few times and I know she listed her age at least one point in time, but for me I think it would have been a little helpful if her age was given right at the beginning, and then mentioned a couple more times just to keep me on track of where she's at. (The book covers the seven years following her accident.) And the second thing I would have liked to have seen are pictures of Kati at different stages following her accident and during her recovery. I've never published a book, so I'm not sure how complicated or expensive it is to add photos, but I think that it would be helpful for the readers to see Kati throughout her reassembly. Kati writes so well that it is really hard to picture her in those times where she is hooked to machinery, unable to talk, unable to walk, but able to hear and comprehend.
I highly recommend Kati's book. Kati is also currently in need of funds for a helper dog. I know Kati would appreciate any support. You can donate directly to that by visiting her GoFundMe account found here:
Helper Dog Support for Kati
Or you can purchase: The Puzzle : Some Reassembly Required.
SOME FUN YEAR END NUMBERS from Mama Hess Painting.
If you like numbers, keep reading. If not, disregard the rest of this blog except the part where I say, "thank you, from the bottom of my heart!".
If you follow me on Facebook or Instagram you have already seen this picture, but I think it's worth sharing again.
The total number of signs I sold in 2015 were 342 (including Etsy, Facebook, and live events). Some numbers that I don't have tallied are other things I sold, such as mugs, coasters, and cords. (Some of those things ARE included in my Etsy orders, but I don't have exact figures on those other items.)
I can hardly even comprehend those numbers. Three hundred forty-two signs in 2015. I truly can't thank you all enough for your support. I am so excited for what 2016 will bring. I have so many ideas floating around while I'm on break. I'm not sure how many I will actually have time to do for you all, but I am really excited about the new year.
So I end the year saying, "Thank you!" Thank you all for your kindness, for your generosity, and for your support of my tiny but growing business. I joked at the end of 2014 about a ridiculous goal for 2015. The goal was completely smashed. I thank you all for that. Can't wait for 2016! Talk to you all in the new year!
XOXO,
Mama Hess
