Thank you for the after-the-holidays, pick-me-up!  (I hope I didn’t over hypenate this…James?)

We went by the post office and picked up the mail.  There was a large envelope from Pamela Osti.  Inside was a note and an abundance of emails and letters that you, my kind readers, had sent.  Thank you so much for taking the time to write, I loved reading what you had to say, and appreciate the lovely feedback. 

Unfortunately I can’t address all of them, but I’ve decided to pluck a few out to respond to.  I also wanted to share a short one with you.  It made me laugh and hug myself with happiness.  I’m not sure why, it just did. 

“I heard you read at the Parkdale Library.  I didn’t want to go because I thought it would be really boring but then I thought you were great!  After that I went with my class to the book store and got your book. 
I never liked a book before, other than Porcupine.  It was a really good book!  Please write some more about what happens after they see the porcupine.  I really need to know.”

This letter made me smile so big.  What I love most is when someone who isn’t a reader discovers the joys and magic of the written word.  And that it was my book that opened this world up for him is so special.  I get this type of comment or letter from students often and feel it makes all the hours I spend glued to my desk worthwhile.

J_________, I was very moved that you remembered me from the old WS days.  Thank you for the wonderful letter and for all the vivid memories that your words evoked.  As for the feelings of guilt that you have for the things you didn’t say to WS before she passed, that the last letter you wrote had something true of your life in it, telling her about the ring nose, is not necessarily a bad thing.  I imagine it was more of a gift.  Stretching her comfort zone a little past her narrow confines of what was appropriate and what was not.  That you wrote at all, when most didn’t.  We don’t know what her response was.  Perhaps she shook her head and harrumphed a little.  Okay.  Well, good.  Here is a woman who is close to death and maybe your letter caused a jolt of feeling, an emotion, something more real than the world of plies and pink tights.  Perhaps it brought the outside world in for a moment.  And can you imagine what she would have said, or thought, had she read either Singing Songs or Gemma?  Gadzooks.  No.  You wrote what was true in your life at that moment.  That is a gift.  Not something to be ashamed of.  And who knows who she was in her private life.  Maybe she even laughed and remembered a time in her youth when she was impetuous and in love.  With affection, Meg

Naomi, Thank you for your lovely email.  I hope you have been able to find my book.  I’m glad you enjoyed the reading so much. (I thought it was cool that my bookmark matched your braces too!)

Thank you Jackie B.  I’m glad your daughter was so taken by Porcupine.  I found my visit to her school very moving.

Carolyn, your email made my day!  I loved the image of Kendall coming home and keeping your family up-to-date as to what was going on with Jack when her class was reading Porcupine.  Loved it. 

And Donna from Surrey, good luck with your book!

Barbara, from the Village Books reading, no worries, I understood where your comment was coming from.  There is nothing to forgive.

Liz and Sophie, thank you for the lovely note.  I am so glad my voice made a difference.  xo

Stephen, I’m glad my blog reminds you of home and makes you feel warm.  Your email had the same effect on me. 

Thank you Marisa, I’m glad my blog makes you happy.  Very sweet the whole Thanksgiving reference.  ( Just curious, are you the one who gifted me with the beautiful painted turtle when I was on tour for Gemma?)

Hi Kellye, I’m glad you’ve found how writing can fill a heart. 

Jane, your daughter sounds very lucky to have you as a mum.

Elise, Thanks for the update.

Alysha, Thanks for your email.  You could try checking my books out in the library.  If they are already checked out maybe you could put your name on the waiting list.  I’m sorry,( but to be honest, I’m happy too,) that your friend loves my books so much that she won’t let anybody touch them.  Wow. 

Thank you Edgars for you email, I’m sorry that you’re sad that I’ve stopped acting.  I must say however, that it is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Several people have also written requesting autographed pictures.  Unfortunately I don’t do that anymore.  However if you find your way to one of my readings and bring a picture, I’d be happy to sign it for you at the end. 

That’s all for now.  I’m sorry that I wasn’t able to respond to everybody, but know that I enjoyed reading the ones that Pamela passed on.  Thank you for all of the good wishes. 

Posted by Meg Tilly on Saturday, January 05, 2008 in Chewing the Fat

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