Some recent blog posts:
http://spiritwomen.blogspot.com/2009/11/life-lessons-from-two-women-of-purpose.html http://spiritwomen.blogspot.com/2009/11/life-lessons-from-anne-and-francina.html http://www.meetup.com/womenofpurpose/calendar/11752401/
Dear Anne,
What a beautiful book you wrote! As a language and literature major in my past life, I especially enjoyed the easy and natural flow of your words the musical and rhythmic quality of your sentence structures. And above all, I love the informal and intimate atmosphere you effortlessly created between the writer and the reader.
Thank you for sharing Francina with us.
What a joy! Please do keep writing, you have a true gift. The story of your friendship with Francina is told so simply and with such grace it seemed not to just tell the story, but to embody the story. It is delightful and made me wish to know Francina too. That’s powerful. Thank you for writing it and I thank Matt for passing it along. Carolyn
I love your book and have shared it with my good friends and family. I actually read it one afternoon to four of my dearest friends. How beautifully you express your amazing friendship. I love the pictures also. Jody
85 pages devoted to Francina is certainly not enough, in my opinion. This book is like clean white sheets on your bed on Sunday morning. It is fresh and comfortable and ever so sweet. Its about friendship and faith and dance hall jams and little sandwiches with the crusts cut off. Sarah
I met Francina in 1968 and our friendship was cherished by both of us until her death. I remember well her meeting you and, of course, the accident. I have actually written a story about "only right hand turns." She was a joy, an inspiration, and my dearest friend. We used to laugh and cry together, talk about life. love, Wib, and God. Your book reminded me of so many times we shared and I knew most of the stories you tell about your friendship with her. I have the same photograph of her on my dresser and the Irish poem she cross-stitched in my office. A truly remarkable woman. A am sorry we never met but Francina told me so much about you that I feel we knew each other. I am so grateful that Nancy and Bill sent me the book. Thanks for sharing your lovely memories.
With kind regards, Kathleen (Kathy)
Dear Nancy
What a treasure you left with in the form of Anne Goodwin’s tribute to Francina. How she has captured the essence of Francina and has put it down for the future. ALL the children must have one. She truly was a Great Lady of The Old South..
I am honored to have known her and you and your wonderful family.
Thank you again.
With Love. Hal
(Francina’s family dentist)
Dear Anne,
How amazing your book was for me during this stage of my life. Age brings daily challenges, and how we react seems to measure our faith, ‘blood and guts’ and the strength of our support system. I have always prized my friendships and have treasured the gifts they bring into our lives.
Your book was beautifully written and expressed a caring, kind love for another human… that is what life is all about. I feel the ability in people when I meet them to have the capacity to shelf their egos, and draw the concerns of people into their souls.
Anne-you must keep writing. You present yourself so well in verse and so easily braid the pieces together. To more miracle moments with friends--- Jody (83 years young!)
"Anne's gift in writing ability surely captured Francina's spirit and love. She mentored in such a honest and simple way, that really touched people without hurt, and was a messenger of The Lord." "Anne Goodwin needs to be in The Smithsonian !"
Martha will write to you herself, but I wanted to pass on her "heartfelt appreciation in being able to relive moments with Francina while reading your wonderful tribute" Martha lived at Cross Creek when Mother did, and they knew each other very well.
Martha recalled when Mother made cheese straws for her when Martha was having a party, and many little daily things that were so special, in between those BIG MOMENTS and visits. Martha remembers Mother speaking of you so lovingly, and devotedly, but never really understood what she was trying to tell her until reading "Stay For Lunch"
Much Love, again !
Merry Christmas,
Bill
Anne,
It's raining and cold outside today here in the mountains. I love an occasional day like this because it's a quiet and cozy kind of time to be inside snuggled up in a comfortable chair and today I have the time to devour each and every word of your book about Nama. You captured her whole being so beautifully and I feel as though I have spent the morning with her once again. I got a little teary eyed in a warm sort of way as I was reading your book. I remember the many times she spent up here with us and I still miss her a lot. The house that she visited us in here, which she helped us move into in 1968, burned to the ground in 2004 so she never knew this new one but it is very similar and we've often commented on how she would have loved being a part of putting it all together and helping us move into it too. She always said that two of the things that excited her the most where houses and travel.
You are a very talented writer and I appreciate your ability very much. I love the way you inserted the pictures that were exactly the right ones to convey your thoughts as well as your words. They were well chosen. Thank you very much for sharing your thoughts and love for someone that we too cherished.
Love to Matthew and the boys.
Affectionately,
Nancy
By the way – I really love your book. So beautiful (the book and the content) and so originally done. I just love holding it! Myra
Thank you so much for the book about Francina. It was a tearful and joyful trip down memory lane. I remember the accident, her friendship with Anne, the waterskiing picture, the stories, and her great love and caring friendship. I never met Anne but heard many wonderful things about her.I finished reading the book wanting to write about my own friendship with such a vibrant, special friend. I have the same lovely photo of Francina in her white blouse on my dresser. I keep another small shot of her taken at Beech Mountain (so pretty in blue skirt and blouse) and the Irish blessing she cross-stitched for me in my office. Her presence in my life continues to inspire me. Her wisdom, love and gentle encouragement helped me find my way time and time again. In a little package,she was a giant of a woman. I will carry her in my heart forever. You would be amazed to know how often I think of her words or our time together. The memories have galloped through my consciousness all day today.
Dear Annie, Your beautiful book was waiting for me and I have sent you a check for the three copies and an order and check for four more. There are many special friends with whom I want to share this heartfelt and beautifully written story. It is more than a pleasant pause. It is the example of how those unexpected encounters enrich our lives and reciprocally those of others when we are open and kind. I truly loved it and want to encourage you to write others.
Addie
Dear Anne, I sat down at the airport to start your book and the next thing I knew, I was finished. It truly was a treat and I didn’t want it to end. I felt your love and warm smile on each page. You did exactly what I would have done in the same situation with the accident and the trip to the hospital. (That’s where it would have ended for me). You truly were her angel. I loved reading about the special friendship you developed. She was quite a lady. Holly