What's new, now, and next?

IMG DESCR: detail of sturdy tree branch with purple blossoms coming out of the trunk
Photo credit: Janine Kovac

If you told me a month ago that I'd be scrambling to buy a gallon of off-brand hand sanitizer, I'd have told you that you've been reading the wrong tea leaves. And yet, here we are. (UPS has promised delivery sometime this afternoon.)

Here in Oakland we are in Day 4 of Shelter in Place and so far we are all healthy enough. We've got enough toilet paper, enough eggs, and a working Internet connection. Spring is springing and the neighborhood has decided to do an Applause-a-thon ala Italy and Spain to thank our first responders in the age of COVID-19, albeit at 7pm. 10pm is too late for us!

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LOVED IT: The Thank-You Project
by Nancy Davis Kho

photo credit: Jennifer Graham Photography

The year Nancy Davis Kho turned fifty, she decided to write fifty thank-you letters. Many were to family, friends, and old flames. Some were to people who'd already passed. And few weren't to people at all but to places, passions, and inspirations.

IMG DESCR: turquoise blue book cover featuring an open white envelope overflowing with flowers
Cover design by Amanda Richmond

And then, she compiled her letters and most importantly, her reflections, and put them in a beautiful book that is as funny as it is inspirational. Nancy's quick wit and melodious turn of phrase make the book a joy to read and make the idea of a personal thank-you project seem do-able and manageable.

I had planned to feature The Thank-You Project to promote an April event that Moxie Road Productions had planned with Nancy.

Of course, that event has been cancelled (at least in the in-person version) and it's a funny coincidence (or maybe not so much, huh, Nancy?!) that my review lands at a time when practicing gratitude is just as important as washing hands.

Available online and at your favorite indie (check ahead! Many indie bookstores will deliver!)