The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.
–Oprah Winfrey
Happy Birthday to The Life List!
It’s hard to believe that one year ago today, July 2nd, 2013, The Life List hit the shelves. And what a year it has been! I owe a huge debt of gratitude to all of you, my wonderful family and friends. Your love and support and enthusiasm these past twelve months mean the world to me. The book has exceeded my every expectation, thanks to my fantastic agent, Jenny Bent, and the entire team at Bantam/Random House. And I can’t forget my incredible friend/self-appointed assistant, Judy Graves, who still manages to laugh at the silly jokes I tell at my events, even though she’s heard them at least twenty times now!
Thank you to all of the accomplished, smart, funny women who’ve invited me to their book clubs. It’s been an honor coming into your homes, laughing and sipping wine, talking about life lists and dreams and who we want to be when we grow up. It seems I leave always wishing I were a permanent member of your club!
And a special thank you, dear readers, for your wonderful comments, the reviews on Amazon and Goodreads, and for the very touching messages you’ve sent me. Learning that the book made someone examine her life goals, or a daughter feel as if her deceased mother had spoken to her, has been the most extraordinary part of this journey.
Life really is a balance of laughter and tears, success and disappointment, and mine is no exception. In the midst of the book promotion, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. After two surgeries, I’m happy to report that I’m cancer-free and feeling great. I do believe that tough moments make the happy times that much more tender and, again, my deepest gratitude for the love and support of my friends and family, most especially my dear husband.
So, to every one of you who has cheered me on and championed the book near and far, thank you from the bottom of my heart. It’s been the time of my life, all because you were along to share it with me.