As my husband, Ed, told me yesterday, while quoting Steve Martin's character, Navin Johnson, in "The Jerk", when Navin first saw his name printed in the phonebook, "I am Somebody Now!" (Dialogue & video below.) I just received copies of the Chicken Soup for the Soul, The Gift of Christmas book, in which two of my stories are published!
I wrote one story about how our family has taken photos of us wearing Santa hats in fun and unusual locations, for the last ten years or so. The other story is about my Nativity collection. I got the idea from my friend, Ruth Maldonado, and a gift from friends, Steve and Nancy Hanes, actually started the collection.
I wasn't expecting the books until later in the month, so it was a pleasant surprise when Ed brought them in. I received 10 copies of the book for each of my two stories. In addition, I will be receiving a modest check! I'm not only published, I'm PAID!
Seeing my name in print, does confirm to the world that I am a published "somebody," but it's more important that I KNOW I am "somebody" who is important to God. Actually, we are ALL "Somebodies" who are precious in God's sight. What a blessing!
This special gift edition Chicken Soup book, with deluxe endpapers and red satin bookmark, is available exclusively at Wal-Mart, and retails for $19.95.
I will be having a couple of book signings next month to benefit www.wellspringliving.org. This organization, on whose board I serve, provides survivors of childhood sexual trauma, including sex trafficking victims, a safe place to heal and "start over." Wellspring will receive all the profits, $10.00, for each book sold at the book signings. I will let you know when the signing events are going to be held, so you can help spread the word!
From: "The Jerk:"
Navin R. Johnson: The new phone book's here! The new phone book's here!
Harry Hartounian: Boy, I wish I could get that excited about nothing.
Navin R. Johnson: Nothing? Are you kidding? Page 73 - Johnson, Navin R.! I'm somebody now! Millions of people look at this book everyday! This is the kind of spontaneous publicity - your name in print - that makes people. I'm in print! Things are going to start happening to me now.
Harry Hartounian: Boy, I wish I could get that excited about nothing.
Navin R. Johnson: Nothing? Are you kidding? Page 73 - Johnson, Navin R.! I'm somebody now! Millions of people look at this book everyday! This is the kind of spontaneous publicity - your name in print - that makes people. I'm in print! Things are going to start happening to me now.
YouTube - 'The Jerk' (1979) - Phonebook/Sniper (Caution: Cursing in Video!)
How exciting! I am going to look for your book in Walmart. Congratulations!
ReplyDelete