I have two copies of Life is a Verb…one that I write in and one that I’m saving because it’s just so stinkin’ beautiful.

I have three copies of LIAV, one which I will keep pristine (I read it, but I’m very careful with it) because it is the copy Patti sent me to honor my contribution to the book, one which I received at her retreat (that’s the one I write in), and one which will be a gift as soon as I know whose it is to be. As soon as I give that one away, I will buy another one. Never be without a giftable copy!

As you may recall, Patti, it was quite an adventure in self-confidence (trying to find some) and felt like I was opening myself to failure when I made my contribution.

Now, the book serves as a beautiful reminder of what one woman can accomplish when she has lots of friends and she is willing to call upon them, and she is willing to stand up for what she knows the right use of her own artful words will prove to be.

I use the book as one of my truth-telling sources. I open it at random and read what’s there, and it always informs whatever issue I am dealing with.

Here is what LIAV told me just now:
“I wonder…what gifts we don’t put out into the world because we are afraid of the response we might get.”

I’m grateful for the small part I played in LIAV and for the big lesson it provides me every day.

Patti,
I must share (confess!) that I have three copies of your book. The fact that I have multiple copies of a favorite book will come to no surprise to those who know me, or read my sordid tale outing myself a while back on my blog.

But REALLY! I have a legitimate reason for all 3 copies!

The last one I bought is my-
“I just know this will be the perfect gift for- well I’ll just keep it handy til I figure out who” copy.

The second one is my-
“I can’t believe what I did to my first copy the day after I got it in the mail” copy.

And the first one I ordered off of here was formerly known as my-
“It finally came!I’m so excited I’m throwing it in my tote bag to read in the waiting room- WHAT? I CAN’T BELIEVE I FORGOT I HAD A WATER BOTTLE IN HERE AND IT LEAKED ALL OVER MY BRAND SPANKIN’ NEW BOOK” Copy.

But after reading “How to read this book” it will forever be known as my-

“Hey! It’s a little warped and needed some clear packing tape to save the cover and some pages that were tearing but since it’s already “ruined” I feel permission to write freely and YES boldly in the margins won’t Patti be PROUD!” Copy.

And after reading all the ways people are using the book, my “gift” copy is hereby known as my-
“What a great idea! I think I will try that with my step daughter Adrienne” copy! Thanks to the mom and daughter for sharing that suggestion!
Z

Wow, I thought I was the only one who kept multiple copies. I cannot bring myself to write in my “dedicated” copy. I am writing like crazy in my “work” copy and I can’t seem to keep a gift copy around for very long. I always thought it to be unsophisticated to write in books after college was over. But on the video Mr. Brilliant can be heard saying that it is okay and I believe what that man says. He is smart (no, brilliant)…look who he married! When I pick up a book with marginialia, bet you can guess what I read first. Sorry, I have to go now, I have some writing to do in my LIAV!

Dear Patti– Surely you know Billy Collins’ poem Marginalia. It (along with Naomi Shihab Nye’s) is one of my favorites too. I actually wrote a blog entry about “Me & Billy Collins” inspired by that poem, and it comes to mind here, looking at how you wrote all over the margins of your book. Awesome! Now I really must find your book. xo

Link to Me & Billy http://babayagasplace.squarespace.com/heidi-musings/2008/10/8/me-and-billy-collins.html