Yesterday, the very first copy of my book in book form (they call this the “proof”) was delivered.  It took me hours before I had the courage to open the envelope.  I know, I know – most people would think that after five years of work, I’d tear into that package and hold it up, shrieking with delight while jumping up and down on the porch.  (At least, that’s how I always pictured it happening in my mind.)  But holding the package was like having Pandora’s Box – what if I hated it?  What if it looked horrible or I realized there were a million typos within that neither I, my copy editor, nor my proofreader caught?  What if I opened that package and realized that five years of work had not been worth the effort.  Anyway, I threw it on the passenger seat of my car and went about my day, finally having the courage to open it up while sitting alone in my car outside Border’s bookstore, hours after I received it.

And with the exception of a few minor changes, I liked it.  Loved it!  I still feel nervous  that I am the parent of the really ugly child who is wearing blinders–when you spend so much time creating, nurturing, and bringing something to life, how can you see anything but goodness within it?  Still, I am really happy with it.  And so grateful that it’s actually here and no longer just an image in my head.

Here is a sneak peek of the cover for you:  Give with Gratitude