interlude: a gift in the form of a beautiful book

Sometimes phone conversations take the form of magical excursions into truth, hope, possibility. I am blessed to have a group of women who show up for conversations such as these and push me to be more than I thought possible and expect me to do the same with them. One such conversation happened early last month between Jenna and me. She shared an idea and through our coversation the idea took form as it stretched until it had wings. She put the idea out to others and they answered her call and over a few short weeks, her idea has been lived and loved into reality into physical form as a full of wisdom and truth book called Lanterns: A Gathering of Stories. (Jenna, that girl, well, she is a rock star!) I am simply honored to have contributed an essay and a couple of photos and to be in the company of six amazing women. (And I am very glad to have some of my Christmas gifts taken care of!) Here is a bit more about this project.

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“Lanterns: A Gathering of Stories offers a kind light to weary travelers wishing for companions on the journey toward a well-crafted soul. Stories, poems, and essays offer signposts and gentle guidance, reminding readers that resistance melts away in the company of those who believe in the path set before us. By illuminating the ways we can move outside of our interior reflections into a more inclusive whole, this lovely book provides a way into togetherness that will encourage and inspire anyone longing for authentic connection around their creative work.” ~Jen Lemen, artist, activist, dreamer

Lanterns is a beautiful 48-page book featuring essays, poems, and photography about life, friendship, and creativity by seven women who are committed to living artful, soulful lives. Jennifer McGuiggan of The Word Cellar created this collection to celebrate the light of friendships that emerge from creative community.

You can pre-order copies of Lanterns through December 13 for holiday delivery. Learn more and place an order at The Word Cellar.

**A portion of the profits from Lanterns will be donated to Girls Write Now, a New York City non-profit that helps underserved or at-risk high school girls by enabling them to develop their creative, independent voices, explore careers in professional writing, and learn how to make healthy choices in school, career, and life.

Contributors 
Darlene J Kreutzer 
Liz Lamoreux 
Jen Lee 
Jennifer McGuiggan 
Rachelle Mee-Chapman 
Lisa Ottman 
Jena Strong