Lost forever (not like the show, where they keep coming back again, and again, and again)

Every now and again I feel the painful twinge of loss. That feeling that clasps around your heart and gives a little squeeze. I've felt it again in recent days, and I'm worried that I won't get over it this time.

My mom gave away some of my books. Not just a box of random titles that I will never remember having read and would never pick up again, anyway. This box contained my prized titles.

They were worth nothing in terms of resale value. No classic first editions, hard to find, antique books. But, these books were worth their weight in sentimentality.

There were signed copies from my favorite writing professor from college. I was so embarrassed, taking the books in and asking him if he wouldn't mind signing them for me. I felt like a band groupie, blushing and nervous. The feeling was something similar to the first time I approached a boy I liked: awkward limbs, dry mouth, and fractured sentences. Those were hard to lose.

But then there was:
*an autographed copy of my next favorite writing professor's first published book
*the books I read and studied during my study abroad stint in England
*random, influential books from my childhood

Sigh. And let's not forget that the giving/throwing away, we're not really sure what happened to these boxes, all took place several years ago. I just can't let it go! It's not my mother's fault. They were in her basement forever, giving the illusion of diminished value. The truth being that their importance was so great to me, I had chosen to leave them in a 'safe' place as I took up a nomadic lifestyle, seeking out my place in the world.

When I finally settled in where I am now, I contacted my mom, asking when I could retrieve my boxes from the basement. She paused. Thought long and hard. Then told me that she was pretty sure there was no more of my stuff in her basement. I was stunned. I repeatedly asked her to check, check, and check again! She did. They were gone. I cried.

I know I can always go repurchase the books that were lost, but those new, glossy covered tomes would not bear the same scuffs, tears, bends, and tatters of experience the other ones possessed. Sometimes the loss is overbearing, knowing they are lost to me forever.

Other times I sort of giggle as I imagine someone picking one up and asking who the 'Lisa' from the inscription is. Then I imagine that very copy, years in the future, up for auction at Christie's, the description in the catalog posturing at who the mysterious 'Lisa' was and what her significance was to the author. I know this is ridiculous thought to imagine, but it somehow helps to think that my loss was for the greater good of the future, and will serve a purpose.

Of all the titles, in all the used bookstores in the world, I wonder who's reading mine?

Have you lost a book of enormous, sentimental significance to you?

Happy 1 Year to me!!

It just occurred to me what yesterday was. Well, St. Pat's, yes. THAT I remembered! I'm 50% Irish, so if I don't actively mark the death of a British kidnap victim, turned missionary (whose name wasn't even Patrick) with a Brit inspired Irish folk tune (Danny Boy), ridiculously colored hats, socks, beads, and beer, a leprechaun will leap out of the bushes and beat me with a shillelagh.

BUT, yesterday also marked the one year anniversary of my website launch. Woo-hoo! Yup, one year ago, March 17, I launched the, now defunct, OnlinePublicist website. It was a pretty big deal for me, as it took my little freelance side work and legitimized it. It was then that I know I would be pursuing this work for the long term. It was both terrifying and exciting. And has been one of the best things I've ever done.

I loved the site. My designer did a great job and I loved Googleing it. But, while I was actively a part of the book blog world by following, reading and friending, I still felt an arm's length away from it all.

And, thus, this blog was born! While it saddens me that the original site didn't made it to the one year mark, I couldn't be more thrilled to work in, on, and for your book blogging world. Now that this milestone has come, I can challenge myself to expect bigger, better, and more for the next year! And with BEA looming in the distance, I know that it is possible.

I cant thank you enough for being my friends, reviewers, advisors, and supporters. I hope that I have, at some point, made you feel as welcome and appreciated in this crazy online world as you all have made me feel.

Much love, Big hugs, & Heartfelt thanks,
Lisa

I always get around to it...eventually

Many, many moons ago (October 8, 2008, to be exact), CherylsBookNook nominated me for this award. I was super excited to be given my very first award, but sort of bummed that I had no outlet to post it and follow through on the 'nominate others' part of it.

But now...I can! So, even though it's taken me forever to get to it, I am getting back to this to finish it up. ;-)


The Rules:

1) Add the logo of the award to your blog

2) Add a link to the person who awarded it to you

3) Nominate at least 7 other blogs

4) Add links to those blogs on your blog

5) Leave a message for your nominees on their blogs!

I now bequeath this award to:
http://aceandhoserblook.blogspot.com/
http://www.girlscantwhat.com/
http://sassyirishlassie.blogspot.com/
http://corinnesbookreviews.blogspot.com/
http://lyndasbookblog.blogspot.com/
http://passionforthepage.blogspot.com/
http://superfastreader.com/

~*~*Have fun and pass on the love!*~*~