Penny O’Neill isn’t a stranger here. You know her as Life on the Cutoff. Her comments are thoughtful delights.
When several Chicago area groups tapped my publicist for appearances, I must confess something embarrassing: I didn’t land enough gigs to justify the trip. Two committed groups fell through with no explanation. And from my expanded speaking experience, I knew what remained wouldn’t cover my expenses, even if every soul in attendance bought both books.
That never, ever happens.
I didn’t cancel my trip, though.
Because I wanted to meet Penny.
She offered to let me crash in her guest room (known as the B&B) and even volunteered to pick me up at Midway. A couple of days before I boarded my flight, she mentioned she’d invited a few friends to meet me. I dropped my bags in the B&B and slipped into her sunny kitchen. I expected a couple of ladies to show up for a brunch in a stranger’s honor. Instead, I met more than a dozen exquisite women.
I made many new friends as we chatted through the morning and into the afternoon. Some already owned copies of my books, thanks to Penny. Others left with autographed volumes of their own.
My life story is richer
because of Penny.
I loved hanging out in her kitchen, sipping hot coffee and watching her famed herds of deer pillage the snowy yard. She and Tom treated me like family, took care of me through the ups and downs of book presentations and lent an understanding ear while I ranted about toll roads. She listened more than her share, given my prednisone-induced hyper-hormonal state. She plied me with tasty food. She showed me spots about which she’s often written. She introduced me to one of her daughters, and I found yet another friend.
Writing may not pour dollars into my bank account, but my investment portfolio is priceless because it’s populated with Penny. With people like her.
With people like you.
If you don’t know Penny, subscribe to Life on the Cutoff HERE.
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19 Comments
I love reading these stories of your travels and experiences.
Plus I love knowing hearing about how much people like, respect and treat you like “family” since that is how I feel about you.
Your words are good and entertaining and but you are the magic behind them.
I’m glad you’re enjoying them, Kir. I loved meeting you in NYC, too. I’ve made so many new friends on my current junket. I’m always sad to move on to the next stop.
I am thrilled to not only see photos of you with Penny, Andra, but some of Penny’s smiling friends. I am delighted to read just a little bit more from your time on the Cutoff, and I wasn’t at all surprised to learn of Penny’s hospitality! What a bonus trip in so many ways. 🙂
We missed you, Debra. You would’ve been PERFECT with us. I dreamed the three of us got together for a girls’ weekend, and we’re going to make that happen!!
Okay, Debra, Andra is giving us a challenge. Come on over to the Cutoff and help count the deer. 🙂
An eloquent discussion of true wealth.
I keep re-reading this as I balance my checkbook……….
I need to climb into a book. When is your new one coming out?
Lori, such a loaded and frustrating question for me. Actually, I have a big announcement this week. Stay tuned.
what a gem she is! you couldn’t have asked for a better experience if you ask me. p.s. i’m now her follower )
You will LOVE her, Beth.
Thank you, Beth – and welcome. Andra is too kind to me. 🙂
You made me smile with this story. You have in fact met some wonderful people,
I’m determined to meet you, John…..though the closest I’m going to get to you is Houston in September.
Sounds like a great visit, Andra! You have friends everywhere now! 🙂
I still miss you and my time with you. I’m already scheming ways to come back to MA.
What fun it was to see this post, Andra, and all my friends, including you, in our kitchen where much of the action is here on the Cutoff. I’m so glad you came and though not everything worked out as you hoped, I was happy to help out with your investment portfolio. 🙂 Now, about those deer . . .
Penny is totally awesome!!!
Thanks, L. Marie. So glad Andra introduced us. 🙂
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