It was a big week last week. Never mind Europe coming to a grinding halt (news that even reached me here in my usual oblivious seclusion), the big event last week in my world was the final of “So, You Think You Can Dance” in Australia. Now, you wouldn’t consider me a tv junkie in any shape or form – you know I don’t own one. But a ritual that spontaneously erupted in my life the past couple of months was a trek down to the bottom of the valley to one my forest neighbour’s place on a Wednesday night to get our weekly fix of these dancing superstar wannabes. We laughed, we cried, we sat in awe, we disagreed with the judges, we sided with our favourites, we clapped. It was a rich experience for me, made even the more delectable by dinner being cooked for me each week (thanks Janine and Lisa!).
2000 books in the next 100 days
With over 1 million viewers tuning in regularly each week (how do they work out that btw!?), I’ve been thinking about what made this show so spine tingling enticing for me and for others? My guess is that something magical occurs for us when we have the opportunity to be involved in the journey of people pursuing their dreams. People unafraid to give something their all, to bare their ambitions to all and sundry and channel their energy and focus into making their mark in the world, in whatever way makes their heart sing. This show gave us front row seats to witnessing these soul inspiring individuals on that journey. Along with tapping into an essential part of human nature; despite what we might be lead to believe by the nightly news, humans love supporting other humans. Let’s face it, we get a buzz from cheering one another along in life. A spark occurs from the depths of our being that recognises we’re all in this together.
Which brings me to what all this has to do with Stephanie Dale’s, My Pilgrim’s Heart. Well…Stephanie was the wonderful CouchSurfer who invited me into her home over a year ago. A home that became my home, despite her departure soon after my arrival. Yes, she was the synchronistic link to me making The Forest my home. Thanks for that Steph! Not only is she a kindred spirit to me on this life journey, but she is also one very talented writer. Her book captured my imagination as I journeyed with her on each page through her walk from Rome to Albania, and the inner journey she travelled about men and relationships. She has now embarked on the journey of baring her ambitions to the world, and as a self-publisher, she is channelling her energy into getting this book into the hands of people who will love such an honest account of what it means to walk thousands of kilometres, while trying to work out what a marriage means.
What I love most about Steph is how she has approached this “one step at the time”. She has said on numerous occasions its about the journey and not the outcome for her, but that has not stopped her giving this her all and setting her sights high. With the first print run of 1000 books moved in the first month, she has now set the intention of selling 2000 books in the next 100 days. You can join this book’s journey on Facebook. She is even offering free postage up until Mother’s Day if you buy online. So here I am, cheering from the side lines, in awe and clapping Steph. I’ll support you and do what I can to help you pursue this passion of yours. Go for it! Oh, and for those wanting a great Mother’s Day gift, or a birthday present for your ma or wife, or you want to just support someone I care about – go buy it!
