ThE sUmMeR oF mY DiScOnTeNt

CHASING ORDINARY : SAVE THE DATE BUTTERFLY IN FLIGHT

ThE sUmMeR oF mY DiScOnTeNt

Hello Readers and Friends!

Would you like to repurpose your dining room table? Just write a book. I’m serious!

What a mess I’m living these days.

It’s okay though since my new book is now in our big, beautiful world. Finally! Lawzy-it sure took me long enough.

Hellooooooo Chasing Ordinary!

Before the actual launch of the book we had a *reveal* dinner. It was important for me to have our little peeps come. I wanted them to see my finished product so they might see why I misbehaved whenever they called me. Guilt. Guilt. Guilt.

“Can you pick me up today, Sassy?”

“When can I come over and play?”

“Not today darling angel, Sassy’s working.” I whispered with a heart in pain. Did I say guilt? Indeed.

When they arrived at our reveal party, I heard the three youngest hollering in unison, “Sassy’s on this book, look!”

They were shocked. I so wanted to believe now they understood my distraction and vacancy those days I ignored them. Perhaps a picture is worth 1000 words. Praise the Lord!

A week later Hearth and Soul was the perfect setting for a Not So Ordinary evening as my book was officially released. My heartfelt thanks to Susie, Serena, Candice and the entire staff who worked tirelessly spoiling me rotten. If you’ve never visited this spectacular store– you really don’t know what you’re missing. My night couldn’t have been more perfect. I couldn’t be more grateful to all those who came for support. People in line for me. Say it ain’t so.

It was Saturday- a week or two later. I had just returned from Thomasville, Georgia, from a Chasing Ordinary book-signing. It was *Independent Book Store* day. My thanks to Annie Jones, who owns The Bookshelf in Thomasville for inviting me. She has such a flare and it’s such a cool bookstore. Visit when you can, or shop online now: bookshelfthomasville.com/

When my signing was over, I packed up my paraphernalia and raced back to Tallahassee. We were going to a dinner party at the home of two of my favorite people-who happen to be fabulous art collectors. I had no time for a shower and barely time to change clothes. I washed my face, brushed my teeth, and grabbed a favorite pair of white jeans and cute pink shirt. No time for that wild hair of mine so I clipped it up and zipped my jeans. I heard my hubby calling out, “Let’s go!”

I slipped on my cute khaki wedges and laced them up. Yay! I was three inches taller immediately. “I’m coming!” I hollered, spraying my Flower Bomb perfume behind both ears. I gave myself one extra squirt for good measure- spending three hours in the hot sun. You be a nasty girl, Prissy!

Once we arrived at the party, I walked around studying all the sensational art (my passion) and mingling and yacking with friends. I meandered into the kitchen and began talking with someone I’d not yet met. Her name was Rita. She was another author, a memoirist. We clicked immediately and talked about our writing life- her book and mine. After a short while, I excused myself to get some wine. I poured the last sip from a bottle sitting on a self-serve bar. Yum, I liked it. But now it was gone so decided I would take a label picture. Pictures of wine labels help me keep track of the few wines I like.

Where did I leave my phone? I wondered. Then remembered it was outside where I had taken pictures of the lovely sunset. I went outside to retrieve it. Somewhere in the middle of the possible and impossible it happened. In a blink! One false step and my size six foot let me down. Literally!

I heard the crack, snap and pop and fell on my cushioned fanny. I looked down at my trader foot which looked detached from my body. A horrific sight.

I was alone in the dark and in a daze, still plopped where I’d landed. I felt like Humpty Dumpty and thought –What if all the king’s horses and all the king’s men couldn’t put me back together again?

Then I heard a whisper, “I’ll get help.” I looked up to see the author I’d been talking to in the kitchen. She was squeezing my trembling hand. Only later would I learn Rita (the author) was Rita Coolidge (the legend). I always loved her music. Now, I love her. I’m thinking she may well be the upside of this downside story. I’m also thinking I’m one big goof ball.

The ambulance arrived with a crew of rescue cuties wearing red shirts. The diners sipped delicious wine as they gazed at the state of me. What a way to ruin a good dinner party, Prissy!

As I waved goodbye –blinking my tears– they blew kisses. They should have been shouting ‘Good riddence you party pooper!’

I was hospitalized that night when hives broke out all over me- just to keep my fractures company. I’m a coward at heart.

After the swelling went down (four days later) surgery was performed to mend all the breaks in my tiny ankle (plate, screws, rod). But that wasn’t enough.

Nope. Cellulitis, UTI and shingles jumped on board me. Of course, they would. This holistic, organic, homeopathic being was infused with prescription drugs, foreign objects and so many things I’ve spend my life avoiding. As I profess to everyone, everywhere, everyday…we simply are not in control of our life. A mantra we should remember.

But this *cast potato* is in charge of her cast color. Hot pink, lime green and cerulean blue thus far.

Shakespeare and Steinbeck may have the kinship to The Winter of My Discontent. But, by golly, I’m staking claim to The Summer of My Discontent. Me. Me. Me. You hear me?

As I write this blog, I’m beginning my fifth week of immobility. No weight bearing at all. For this street rat–with a new book to market— it’s a bitter challenge. An injury sitting on top a wound.

But, I’m no downer. No sir. You see I finally graduated from a wheelchair to a scooter. From the bedside chamber to a throne. From no underwear to maybe underwear. Don’t judge until you try pulling your panties down with one leg inside a heavy cast– standing on the other leg– balancing and having to pee. The indignity caused by one cute shoe is brutal.

All of this whining is nothing. You want to know my biggest disappointment about this unexpected and fractured life? Too bad, I’m telling you anyway.

I was scheduled to leave for France on June 6th for three weeks. I pulled out my old travel agent hat, the one I wore on my head many years ago. Back then I took folks to Italy, Hong Kong, here, there and yonder.

I put together and recruited travelers for this France fabulous trip– all gathering at the summer home of Katheryn Ireland in Midi-Pyreneees, France. Two groups of women and two different weeks. I planned to spend a few days in Spain between those weeks.

Everything planned, perfect, and in place. Well, except my foot.

Here’s the ugly fact: This gal can’t travel internationally if she can’t stand on her own two feet. So, my good friends will now all travel without me and have a glorious time. That alone makes me so happy.

Above are my pictures from last summer. I met such beautiful women-inside and out. They were strangers when we met and now are wonderful friends.

By the way, I am already putting together another trip. May be in Italy. May be in Fall. Maybe!

Leave a comment if you are one of those who might like to tag along with me. I can promise you fun. That’s my gig.

My thanks to all who have written, texted, emailed and called after reading Chasing Ordinary. You have no idea how grateful I am for your kind words of affirmation–especially right now! How I love seeing all the posts on Instagram and Facebook.

A HUGE thank-you to those who took the time to post a review on Amazon after reading Chasing Ordinary. Amazon reviews are priceless jewels and I would welcome one from those brave enough to pen for me.

Thank-you in advance for that kind gesture. GoodRead reviews are a plus from all my Goodreaders, too:-) Enough begging, Prissy!

Okay AUDIBLE listeners who have asked, “What about Chasing Ordinary in audible?” Would you believe I was three chapters away from finishing.

Three chapters! When I can get myself back to the recording studio (in a wheelchair with no elevator) I’ll finish it. A few weeks max!

I have one hour left to read. How frustrating! So please stay tuned. My Southern accent is spinning full throttle for you.

Meanwhile, don’t forget I’m a contributor to Flamingo Magazine You can read my column by clicking Panhanding where all my *goings-on* are found inside every issue. Just subscribe and call it a day!

Chasing Ordinary is also now available on Amazon

There are signed copies at the following locations: Hearth and Soul; My Favorite Things; Weezies; BedFellows; Haute Headz; Midtown Reader; The Bookshelf in Thomasville, Georgia; Sundog in Seaside, Florida; and Downtown Books and Purl in Apalachicola, Florida.

And visit my website for signed and personalized copies: prissyelrod.com