A Peaceful Puppy and a Final Push

Yesterday, as I was preparing for my first live TV interview, my thumping heart and racing mind were a clear reminder of why I picked a career that puts me on the back of a camera rather than the front.

You can see that the guest before me, there to spread the word about “Puppy Day” had no nerves at all as she sprawled on the counter and soaked up the love.

And – as often happens, the anticipation was actually more stressful than the interview itself. Tom Trtan and Shannon Fox of KOLR-TV, made it easy and, to my surprise, actually fun. If you’d like to see the interview, here’s a link http://bit.ly/KOLRTVHarper

One of the questions I was asked had to do with the “overarching theme” of this project and what came out of my mouth was that, in an era with no shortage of disheartening news, “Surrendering to Serendipity” reminds us that the world is actually filled with kind, open-hearted, wonderful people.

There are lots of ways this project and this book can be described. As you read it, you will learn much about America’s greatest river and its quintessential role in our history, our present and our very identity. You will sample the river’s endless moods and colors as it grows from a tiny stream to a massive force of nature. You will leave behind, at least for a time, schedules and agendas as we happily follow a raindrop on a 7,400 mile route that would look like a spaghetti bowl if we traced it. You will be on the great river in everything from a canoe and a sea kayak to fishing boats, ferries and a towboat pushing its massive flotilla of barges.

Yet, when asked to describe the essence of this journey in one sentence, there was no thought or hesitation – it is about the joy of making eye contact with someone who is known to be a friend before we speak. It is about the utter trust demonstrated when I was given the use of a 30-room, antique-filled mansion for a weekend. It is about being included in picnics, fish fries, birthday parties and quiet moments. It is about sharing joy in the simple things. It is about being continually reminded of the love that is the essence of all of us.

Sharing these moments in words and photographs is the best way I know of to honor the love, trust and kindness of all the beautiful people who are part of this adventure, so that’s what I intend to do.

Thank you, everyone, for your pledges and your efforts to spread the word! Thanks to you, we are right now at 71% with 11 days remaining. At this moment, that leaves $4,514 in pledges yet to be raised. We can do this!

Several people have told me that they intend to pledge, but must wait until payday or a new credit card cycle. This prompts me to assure you that your card is not charged until the campaign ends on November 4 – it is only a pledge until then. And that assumes that we successfully meet our goal! Any campaign that falls short of the goal, even by a small amount, receives nothing and no one is charged. It is all or nothing.

If you haven’t visited the Kickstarter site yet, this is the perfect time! Watch the video, read the Updates (click on the tab at the top of that page) and then study the Backer Awards. You can have your name printed in the book or have a book donated to the school, library or organization of your choice imprinted with your words in recognition of someone you love. There are wallpapers for your computer, postcards and prints ready for display. You can join us for the Book Launch Party and be honored there as a Backer.

Your pledge in any amount is truly appreciated. Pledges so far range from $1 to $1,000 and each is appreciated. Each moves us closer to our goal. If you can help push for the finish by spreading the word on Facebook, Twitter and other social media and in person, that would be awesome. It will be a beautiful book that will make you proud to be part of it.

Here’s the link…    http://bit.ly/KickstarterHarper

Love,    Gayle