The you beneath the surface

I'm excited because tomorrow (3/9) I get to talk about abandonment issues and being authentic at Quail Ridge Books in Raleigh. It's a cool and cozy indy bookstore that has great book talks that promote thought and discussion.

http://quailridgebooks.com/event/saltinthesugarbowl

One theme that runs through my novella, Salt in the Sugar Bowl, is that in our media-obsessed era, people can easily lose touch with their true selves. We change ourselves trying to be who we think we should be, who others will deem attractive-- all the while sabotaging our chances of being accepted for who we really are. Because if we alter ourselves trying to fit the images we see, then that's false advertising. Adorning ourselves is one thing, but recreating ourselves according to false standards is another thing all together. We must always remember:

We are not our hair, nails, and makeup.
We are not the car we drive.
We are not the job we have.
We are not the house and furnishings.

We are something much deeper, elemental, and unique. Unless those qualities are shining through, and unless the adorning is reflecting that core person, we haven't laid a foundation for a satisfying life. All the glitz, glamour, fantasies and showcasing are just the surface. No wonder so many relationships and marriages are tremendous disappointments. It's like thinking you're sticking your spoon into a bowl of refreshing ice cream and find it's whipped butter. Nothing wrong with either one, but it wasn't what you wanted or expected.

Salt in the Sugar Bowl is available at Barnes & Noble, Cary, Barnes & Noble New Hope Commons in Durham, and at Quail Ridge Books. Or you can order your copy of Salt in the Sugar Bowl at amazon.com. It's also available from the publisher, Main Street Rag.

Read a review: http://www.heraldsun.com/lifestyles/books/x1385734997/REVIEW-A-saga-of-leaving-and-returning