![Good morning, neighbors! First of all — a humble bow to Mr. Fred Rogers, who wa…]()
Good morning, neighbors!
First of all — a humble bow to Mr. Fred Rogers, who was a great and good man.
Secondly, I love this quote.
Let us take a moment this morning to be grateful for the helpers of this world. And if you happen to BE one of the helpers of this world — whether in a professional or simply instinctual capacity…then thank you and god bless you.
This subject is on my mind today because last night I spoke in Staten Island at an event for the New York Immigration Coalition — an organization composed of over 200 tireless groups, all fighting for the rights of immigrants and working for reform of America's tragically broken immigration laws.
Those of you who read my book "Committed" know that I am what they call "an impacted American" (somebody whose life was affected by U.S. immigration policy) on account of my Brazilian-born sweetheart having been quite randomly kicked out of the country in 2006. The year I spent inside the crazy system of the Homeland Security Department, trying to get my beloved back to me was one of most stressful times of my life. I cannot imagine what life feels like for couples, families and children who are trapped in such webs for years, or even decades. I am one of the lucky ones. I had the means and the good fortune to have my sweetheart returned to me. But since then, I've become a staunch advocate for immigration reform and a path to citizenship for the numberless good and hardworking people who still live in the shadows — and who do not have the voice that I have.
So…back to the praise of HELPERS. I was awed again last night by the example of people who dedicate their entire lives to helping the powerless and the dispossessed. Underpaid lawyers, overworked advocates, exhausted social workers, concerned educators, generous medical workers — they are all heroes. Often it is thankless work. They may not see the fruits of their efforts for years — or perhaps ever. But it is God's work. And when you meet such good and devoted people, giving so fully of themselves to those who have nothing…well, all you can do is bow.
Have a beautiful day, everyone —
Liz
via Elizabeth Gilbert’s Facebook Wall
![Good morning, neighbors! First of all — a humble bow to Mr. Fred Rogers, who wa…]()
THE EVENING COUNTDOWN CONTINUES…
Dear Friends –
Lucky 13, my sweet ones. Only 13 more days until "The Signature of All Things" is published! We have passed the two week mark, officially!
And what better way to celebrate this notable day (the day in which I am quoted on record in the New York Times telling literary elitists to go f**k themselves — so PROUD!) than with a cake dedicated to this slightly devilish, crooked, wicked number? Yes, perfect, indeed!
By the way, if you want to read the article in question, in which I also am on record as somebody who eats for lunch two sides of bacon, three fish tacos, a Snickers bar, and a chocolate cake (again: PROUD) you may click right here:
https://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/22/magazine/eat-pray-love-get-rich-write-a-novel-no-one-expects.html?_r=0
And if you want to pre-order the novel, you can do it right HERE:
https://www.elizabethgilbert.com/books/the-signature-of-all-things/
So that is my wicked post, for this great night of the number 13!
(Also: Super cute cake, this one. Adorable. Love it.)
Big kiss and sleep tight,
Liz
via Elizabeth Gilbert’s Facebook Wall
![Good morning, neighbors! First of all — a humble bow to Mr. Fred Rogers, who wa…]()
THE BIG ONE.
Hey y'all…
This weekend, the New York Times is running a long profile of me in their magazine section, but they put the story up online already today.
Crazy hillbilly photo of yours truly (pickin' greens and sweatin' in the sun!) but it's a super earnest and extremely generous story by Steve Almond, who came out to Frenchtown and worked really hard to get to know me. I think he got to know me. We went inner tubing on the Delaware, after all. Can't know anybody better than that.
Super grateful.
HERE GOES:
https://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/22/magazine/eat-pray-love-get-rich-write-a-novel-no-one-expects.html
Love,
Liz
Eat, Pray, Love, Get Rich, Write a Novel No One Expects
www.nytimes.com
The post-guru literary career of Elizabeth Gilbert.
via Elizabeth Gilbert’s Facebook Wall
![Good morning, neighbors! First of all — a humble bow to Mr. Fred Rogers, who wa…]()
Dear Ones —
So…I've been doing a lot of interviews in the last few weeks about my new book, "The Signature of All Things". And I've been interested to see this question coming up again and again:
1) "By writing this novel, are you trying to get away from the legacy of Eat Pray Love?"
I find this to be such a curious assumption — that I would ever regard the legacy of Eat Pray Love as a prison, or a punishment, or a ghetto. The journalists I speak with seem to think that Eat Pray Love is something I must be trying to escape, or to put behind me, or to conquer. Or that I must be desirous new and different readers, or some new and different literary identity.
Well, the simple answer is: No.
Why would I want to run away from the legacy of Eat Pray Love, when that journey completely changed my life? And why would I want to separate myself from the passionate, heart-driven readers who sprang up around Eat Pray Love, and who are now part of my life every single day?
I don't know if they get it, but I keep trying to explain to the reporters (one after another) that I KNOW I will always be associated with Eat Pray Love, but that I don't mind that in the least — in fact, I consider it a badge of honor.
That said, my destiny is to keep writing. So I will keep writing — novels, memoirs, whatever comes next. Some of the books may be similar to EPL, but others may not be. People will either read my future books, or they won't. I can't control any of that. The only thing I can control is my commitment to pursuing my creative curiosity wherever it leads me, for as long as I am capable of working. And this time, my curiosity happened to lead me into a historical novel about botanical exploration. Next time…who knows? But I'll follow that thread of curiosity wherever it wants me to go! Because I've never found a better secret to living happily.
But the main thing I keep trying to explain in all these interviews is that I don't intend to leave anybody behind with this novel, or with anything I may ever write in the future. EVERYONE IS INVITED. After all, I wrote "The Signature of All Things" for you guys — for you, my dear readers. Not for the critics, not because I'm seeking some new identity — but for you.
I just wanted you to know that. I wanted you to know that you are ALL most warmly invited to join me on this journey, too — as you have joined me on my other journeys in the past…but only if you really want to, and only if it will bring you pleasure. (Trust me, there is no obligation: YOU HAVE ALREADY DONE ENOUGH FOR ME IN MY LIFE, AND I AM ETERNALLY GRATEFUL!) Just know that you are always, always, always very warmly invited.
As for me, I'm just gonna keep making books.
So that's what I'm thinking about this morning, as I sit by the phone, waiting for the next interviewer to call. And I just wanted you all to know it.
Thank you for being lovely and amazing,
Liz
https://www.elizabethgilbert.com/books/the-signature-of-all-things/
via Elizabeth Gilbert’s Facebook Wall
