The Hit List - A little help from my friends

I’m always amused when people say that they made it “all by themselves” with “no help.” Really? Unless you’re living off the grid and making every single thing by hand (including cloth, buttons, shoes, ploughs, etc.), your life is dependent upon others.

We’re all connected.

I am quite aware of that as I shop at my local grocery for the food I didn’t grow, slide on my yoga pants that I didn’t create, brew the mug of tea from the electronic tea dispenser that I would have zero idea on how to make, and type away on this computer, putting out this blog through an internet that I surely didn’t invent.

Other people make things happen in my life, every single day.

Every day I give thanks for the people who make it possible for me to exist. Without that help, my life would be way more difficult.

Same thing with my book.

If you’ve been hanging around my world this week, you might have heard that I’ve released a book, The Tarot Coloring Book. I’m mighty proud of it – it’s a fun, playful, hands-on way to learn tarot. (Psst..I’m a fun-loving DIY gal, so it’s my kinda thang.)

Although I do take credit for the work of writing it, I also love to give props to the people who have been super-supportive ‘n helpful on this whole book-writing journey. Because you know what? Every one of us benefits from a little help from our friends. I’ve been blessed with the best.

I seriously don’t know what I’d do without my crew.

The amazing staff at Sounds True – I could not ask for a better publisher. They’ve held my hand the entire way. I learned a lot from these pros about teamwork and making deadlines (I came in early! Ha ha!). I’ve also learned about staying with an assigned word count (not easy) and collaboration. A book is not done without a good team.

Alexandra Franzen, my writing mentor. I’ve been working with Alex for years – and I’ve learned so much from her about my writing voice, good habits, and more. Her suggestions helped me to shape this book the way it needed to be.

Megan Lang, the biggest grammar nerd on the planet. If you need an editor, this is your woman. She’s a perfectionist (Virgo rising!) but kind. For those of us with “comma problems” and other grammatical issues, she’s a godsend.

My dear tarot friends and colleagues, Briana Saussy and Joanna Powell Colbert, who cheered me on the entire way.

Tanya Geisler, who has helped me take that deep breath and step into the spotlight with confidence.

Mary Greer, for all the encouragement over the years. She saw something in me early on and has been an incredible source of support.

Same with Ruth Ann and Wald Amberstone. They have believed in me long before I knew I was ready.

I couldn’t do jack without my tech gurus, Nathan Briggs and Alison Monday. These two make my web-world safer, smarter, slicker. (Psst big props to Nathan who fixed a major snafu on launch day! He’s my hero!)

My kids, who keep me real. Can’t get a big head without these guys – they are quick to remind me of the “bread pan incident” any time I get too high-falutin’.

And countless other friends and loved ones and clients, who’ve cheered me on, believed in me, and been by my side this whole, incredible tarot-licious journey. Thank you.

Most of all, my gratitude goes to my husband. He is my biggest advocate, best friend, and the strongman I need by my side every single day. He’s the first person to say “yay you!” or “fuck ‘em” (when dealing with jerks). This man…is my everything.

Every day, I count these blessings. My posse knows that I need them and appreciate them. Because without them, none of what I do is possible. With a little help from my friends, everything is.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Getting my yellow on!

Other stuff:

OMFG The Tarot Coloring Book got a shout out on Hamilcast – the Hamilton podcast!

I might have to try this: how to create a tarot essence from Angelorum.

Renara got a new perspective on The Tower card after reading my Tarot Advice column.

Favorite post ever: The elegant art of not giving a shit.

How to fix obesity and hunger at the same time – a Q&A with Sam Polk.

Auctioning off your virginity? This woman is doing that…to help her family.

Inside the frozen zoo that could bring extinct species back to life. I wanna see a dodo bird!

Notice a lot of your FB friends checking in at Standing Rock? Here’s the scoop behind that.

Super cool: this model created makeup looks for every zodiac sign!

Hilary Parry talks to me – and has a Tarot Coloring Book giveaway for you!

I’m over at The Numinous: get your tarotscopes on and color your card with The Tarot Coloring Book.

A bit of info about the artist behind the Rider Waite Smith deck: Pamela Colman Smith.

7 things I learned from dressing up as David Bowie for Halloween.

Wild mushroom skillet pizza? I’m not a pizza fan but this looks nifty!

Photos of King Tut, Nefertiti and the whole tangled family tree.

Guitar sheroes: How She Shreds is changing the macho guitar industry.

Interesting read: the legend of Goddess Bunny, Hollywood’s forgotten, disabled trans star.

So cute: three piece rings that become animals when you wear them all at once!

Samantha Bee is America’s new comedian in chief.

What Tippi Hedren learned from Alfred Hitchcock’s harassment.

Want: Celebrate Everything! Fun Ways to Bring Your Parties to Life.

This looks interesting: The Hero Is You: Sharpen Your Focus, Conquer Your Demons, and Become the Writer You Were Born to Be (An Open Center Book) by Kendra Levin.

Sonia Choquette is one of my favorite authors: Your 3 Best Super Powers: Meditation, Imagination & Intuition.

Join me at one of these fine Midwest venues for wee talks or full on classes – plus book signings!

November 6th – TWO CLASSES one at 1PM and a second one at 4PM : Eye of Horus in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Tarot For Total Beginners – a two hour workshop. $30. Books will be available for purchase.

November 12th at 11AM: Barnes and Noble, Fields Ertel in Cincinnati, Ohio. Join me for a short talk + book signing! Free! Books will be available for purchase.

November 13th: The Boston Tea Room in Ferndale, Michigan. Tarot For Total Beginners – a two hour workshop. $22. Going Pro – For Aspiring (or already) Professional Tarot Readers – a two hour workshop. $22. Books will be available for purchase.