I wish I hadn’t grown up in a house where, as my mother said a couple of years ago, “I guess you kids were just scared all the time.” But if I hadn’t, I wouldn’t have the empathy I have.

I wish I hadn’t married my first husband (who treated me the way my father treated my mother). But if I hadn’t, I wouldn’t have written the poem that became the song in The Rocking House.

Lay down, lay down

all those Oughts and Shoulds and Have Tos.

Lay down, lay down

the mask you wear for a face.

And go,

out there,

where there are no lines or boundaries,

where you thought there were no maps,

but you were wrong.

There is a brilliant blazing map,

and it’s laid out on your heart,

and it shows you the way every time.

It’s never wrong

or missing.

It’s good in all locations.

All you have to do

is listen and make choices.

So feel what you feel,

do not be afraid,

your heart will not betray you,

even though it’s been betrayed.

And it wants to take you out there,

and it wants to lead you upward,

and it wants to take you to the sun.

So, go.

Go to the clouds, the sky.

Go to the truth beyond the lie.

Go.

Go to the moon, the stars.

Go.

Be well.

Go.

Sweet Baby Lover is my memoir, but The Rocking House is the story of my life. It’s for anyone who ever lived in a house that rocked—and especially for those who still do.

The Rocking House is hot off the printing press, in glorious, luscious color (the pinks!). I am so happy with how it turned out.

My favorite comment: “It’s heartbreakingly beautiful. It will change lives and save lives as well.”

To celebrate, it’s on BOGO sale: if you buy one, I’ll send you two, now through tomorrow, December 2nd.

Chewing the Cud of Good

Thankful for meeting virtual friends in real life.