A LOVING AND BLESSED BIRTH TO "The Journey is Everything"
(Scroll down for photos and videos of the Book Launch Party)
WOW! What a loving, joyful, and overwhelmingly positive send off to my book! I couldn't have asked for a more blessed gathering. I am still basking in the light of everyone's love. It was indeed a celebration of life, of the healing power of love, all our triumphs over challenges of any kind, the skill and compassion of my doctors at City Hope, and the miracle of two stage four critters and a melanoma living on the far side of the moon.
I stood in front of you Saturday and saw a sea of open hearts, beaming spirits, and radiant light. The dojo was filled with such love. What more could I ask for? Someone said they thought 200 hundred people were there. I don't know. I do know that it was cozy and wall to wall warmth and joy. My apologies to the people that arrived after the presentation began and there wasn't space to come into the dojo. I heard later that there was a long line down the street. If i had known that was the case, I would have put my talk/readings on pause to somehow try to squeeze everyone inside. It touched me deeply to find out that all those outside were singing along to "That's What Friends Are For" as our ending anthem.
It was one year ago to the day of the launch that I began my last long haul of chemotherapy throughout last year for the aggressive lymphoma. It is such a testimony to following the light that shines, even in the darkness. With amazing grace, the light widened into a an illuminating path that led me to be standing among all of you on Saturday.
Thank you to my family, for their constant love and support. For all being there with me at the launch, my sisters deeply heartfelt and generous words of welcome and introduction, and for providing all the delicious food and elegant desserts. And eternal thanks for being with me every step of my journey in endless love in action.
To all my friends who worked so hard behind the scenes on Saturday to do the last part of the set up, answer questions, and stay to clean up so when we all left it looked like there had never been a book launch party. :-)
To Sensei Frank, for the loving sanctuary of Aikido-ai and for opening up the dojo to all of us for my book launch party.
For all of Team Suzette, whether you were there in body or spirit, for surrounding the launch of the book with the same love and support that has carried me throughout my journey.
To each and every one of you that carved time out of your precious weekend to join me in a memory that has a permanent residence in heart.
Some have asked how they can now BUY THE BOOK. Here's how :-):
1). My website: journeyiseverything.cc
2). Amazon: order the paperback or Kindle edition (also other online retailers).
3) if you are local, you can continue to order at the launch party price of $15.00 if you can pick it up before or after classes I teach at the dojo (Wednesdays 6-7 Saturday morning: 9-10) are best. Come and try some tai chi too! First Wednesday of the month all classes are free - Qigong: 5:30-6 Tai Chi: 6-7 pm. Aikido: 7-8:30. Also, soon I will have it available at Half Off Books at 6706 Greenleaf Avenue. It is always great to support our local Whittier businesses.
Some of you have asked HOW YOU CAN HELP. Here's how :-):
-As many as possible reviews of the book on Amazon carry a lot of weight with people looking to buy a book. Long or short, it will make a big difference.
-Send anyone interested to the book's website: thejourneyiseverything.cc for more information on the book and Team Suzette.
--Post a message about the book on Facebook and info for purchasing.
-Buy a book for a hospital, clinic, or friend going through a life challenge.
-Pass on any possible speaking engagements/ theme-related conferences to share my book.
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Sometimes it all truly catches me unaware. The journey. The reality of this moment in time. All the love and support. Two stage fours disappeared into the light. The immense blessings and amazing grace in my life. I truly rest in such awe, overflowing gratitude, and a tender, open heart to all of you.
I stood in front of you Saturday and saw a sea of open hearts, beaming spirits, and radiant light. The dojo was filled with such love. What more could I ask for? Someone said they thought 200 hundred people were there. I don't know. I do know that it was cozy and wall to wall warmth and joy. My apologies to the people that arrived after the presentation began and there wasn't space to come into the dojo. I heard later that there was a long line down the street. If i had known that was the case, I would have put my talk/readings on pause to somehow try to squeeze everyone inside. It touched me deeply to find out that all those outside were singing along to "That's What Friends Are For" as our ending anthem.
It was one year ago to the day of the launch that I began my last long haul of chemotherapy throughout last year for the aggressive lymphoma. It is such a testimony to following the light that shines, even in the darkness. With amazing grace, the light widened into a an illuminating path that led me to be standing among all of you on Saturday.
Thank you to my family, for their constant love and support. For all being there with me at the launch, my sisters deeply heartfelt and generous words of welcome and introduction, and for providing all the delicious food and elegant desserts. And eternal thanks for being with me every step of my journey in endless love in action.
To all my friends who worked so hard behind the scenes on Saturday to do the last part of the set up, answer questions, and stay to clean up so when we all left it looked like there had never been a book launch party. :-)
To Sensei Frank, for the loving sanctuary of Aikido-ai and for opening up the dojo to all of us for my book launch party.
For all of Team Suzette, whether you were there in body or spirit, for surrounding the launch of the book with the same love and support that has carried me throughout my journey.
To each and every one of you that carved time out of your precious weekend to join me in a memory that has a permanent residence in heart.
Some have asked how they can now BUY THE BOOK. Here's how :-):
1). My website: journeyiseverything.cc
2). Amazon: order the paperback or Kindle edition (also other online retailers).
3) if you are local, you can continue to order at the launch party price of $15.00 if you can pick it up before or after classes I teach at the dojo (Wednesdays 6-7 Saturday morning: 9-10) are best. Come and try some tai chi too! First Wednesday of the month all classes are free - Qigong: 5:30-6 Tai Chi: 6-7 pm. Aikido: 7-8:30. Also, soon I will have it available at Half Off Books at 6706 Greenleaf Avenue. It is always great to support our local Whittier businesses.
Some of you have asked HOW YOU CAN HELP. Here's how :-):
-As many as possible reviews of the book on Amazon carry a lot of weight with people looking to buy a book. Long or short, it will make a big difference.
-Send anyone interested to the book's website: thejourneyiseverything.cc for more information on the book and Team Suzette.
--Post a message about the book on Facebook and info for purchasing.
-Buy a book for a hospital, clinic, or friend going through a life challenge.
-Pass on any possible speaking engagements/ theme-related conferences to share my book.
-------------------------------
Sometimes it all truly catches me unaware. The journey. The reality of this moment in time. All the love and support. Two stage fours disappeared into the light. The immense blessings and amazing grace in my life. I truly rest in such awe, overflowing gratitude, and a tender, open heart to all of you.
Videos of the launch (choose either entire presentation (first video) or individual sections)
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The entire 40 minute presentation: welcome, introduction, author talk, two readings from the author, and final anthem.
Author talk Second reading: Everything Matters
Surrounded by my three sisters.
My talented nephew, Josh, serenades all with his guitar.
My sister, Jeannine, shares words from her heart.
One of the raffle prizes - my artwork! Love, Gratitude, Journey.
Singing "That's What Friends Are For."
A beautiful spread of food provided by my family.
Some of the selfless, loving friends that made the day flow with grace and perfection
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The Welcome/Introduction by my three sisters
First reading from the Gratitude chapter: A Thank You Note to the Cancer Giving thanks and ending anthem, That's what friend are for 
My sister, Kerry, giving a very heartfelt introduction to me.
It was cozy, overflowing with people, and filled with light and love.
The oh so talented musician and teacher, Mary Struckmeier, graces us with awesome music on her flute.
Some of the artistic, elegant creative desserts that were almost too beautiful to eat.
My sisters and I, along with the crowd, since "That's What Friends Are For."
My amazing physical therapy team from City of Hope, Ron Vanderbrink and Carla Dunham.
My sister, Cricket, welcomes the crowd.
My book buying station's dynamic duo, Tex and Rainee.
From left to right: My brother in law, Richard, nephew Josh, sisters (Cricket, Jeannine, and Kerry) and sister-in-law, Suzanne.
Surrounded by all the compassionate souls from the City of Hope Radiation Department. I love you all!
The first few people sign the guestbook.
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Dear, dear friends from my college days in San Diego and beyond.
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The Journey is everything blanket is a raffle prize.
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A hug from Shawn, the minister of the Spiritual Harmony Center just down the block from the dojo.
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Phyllis Burch, Administrative Director, from the City of Hope Radiation Department wins the original artwork entitled "HOPE." How perfect is that?!
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My three sisters and my brother-in-law, Edsel.
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The artist and baker beyond belief with all her creations. Thank you Jocelyn!!!
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Pre-launch preparation. Preparing the flower vases for the food tables!
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My Journey is Everything blanket (a replica of the 4 1/2 x 5 1/2 foot original that hangs at the entrance to the Jonathan Jacques Cancer Unit at the Long Beach Memorial Children's and Women's Hospital.
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My nephew, Josh, and brother-in-law Larry.
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Left to right: Niece Molly. Nephew Tally. Sister-in-law Suzanne.
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My oldest sister Cricket and her husband Larry.
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Jennifer (niece-in-law), Kerrigan (nephew). Cricket and Molly.
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