HERE COMES OCTOBER… 
This year the month of October is especially busy for me. Not only am I promoting two new books, but it’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and I’m scheduled to speak to several groups. Some are interested in learning more about this cancer in general. Others are specifically interested in the genetic connection and how this disease is passed down from generation to generation in some families. We’ve spoken here about my own experience with breast cancer.
Today, however, I thought it would be fun to let you know what went on behind the scenes before I made my first presentation this past Sunday. 
You might say it was a last minute frenzy…at least for me. After thanking the audience–about sixty people–for having me as their guest, I shared with them the same story I’m sharing with you now:
I had written and revised my talk over several weeks and thought I was ready for prime time. But on the day before the presentation, a friend approached me and said, “Tell me your joke.”
“Excuse me? What are you talking about?”
“If you’re making a speech,” he said, “you need to start with a joke. That’s the rule.”
I stared at him hard. “Do I look like Tina Fey? I don’t write jokes, just books.”
“Oh-h-h,” he said. “Then I wish you very good luck. You’ll need it.” And he walked away.
Did I want to hear this? But when I got home, I made a bee-line for my writing cave. This is the place where brilliant thoughts are supposed to rain down like manna from heaven. I sat at the computer, fingers on the keyboard and waited for brilliance. And I waited. And waited until I was so frustrated, I was ready to tear my hair out.
Tear my hair out?
“Idiot!” I said to myself. “You’ve already done that twice. And you didn’t like it. The third time is not going to be a charm.”
My hands were back on the keyboard. And my brain was flickering. I decided that breast cancer is like politics. A very lopsided subject. First it’s left. Then it’s right. God knows, there’s no middle. And like politicians, the ta-tas can’t be trusted. Now you see them. Then you don’t. They take off to fight some battles, and when they return, you notice that their territory might be a bit different, but still recognizable.
Next I decided not to worry about making any jokes. I knew that if I just put my breast foot forward, I’d be all right.
And that was exactly what I told that first audience before thanking them for letting me get this off my chest…such as it is.
My original talk followed this introduction, and for me, was a huge relief.
What I learned from this is that comedy is harder than tragedy, and that Tina Fey can sleep easy. She has nothing to worry about from me!
Happily, I was also able to distribute pamphlets on inherited breast cancer which were provided by FORCE – Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered. This is the only non-profit foundation in the country whose mission is solely to educate and raise fund for the research of inherited breast and ovarian cancer.
FORCE LOGO
As always, thank so much for stopping by. I hope to see you for the next edition of Starting Over–which is this Thursday. REALEASE DAY for Hopefully Every After. A new contest will begin on Thursday, so please be sure to visit 🙂
Look for Hopefully Ever After on October 3rd!
Available October 3rd
Your speech sounds wonderful–and I enjoyed your jokes. Enjoy October and the HOPEFULLY EVER AFTER debut.
Thank you so much, Pat! I appreciate your comment. And I miss you.
Your post was wonderful and inspiring. I am glad that it was a success and your trusted your instincts.
I think it was a success … there were lots of questions afterward, and that’s always a good sign. I’m glad you enjoyed the post.
Linda,
It’s so good that you are educating so many women on breast cancer. All cancer is awful, but breast cancer is so prevalent. Hardly a month goes by that someone I know doesn’t mention a woman of their acquaintance who has been diagnosed. Or people I know myself, some quite young. I just wish we could make some real headway. Every time they think they’ve made progress, it seems to outfox doctors and researchers.
I know it seems frustrating, but think of how many lives are being saved because of early detection. The publicity campaign for that has been effective–the need for mammos and self-exams — and the stats are good there. But there are still too many deaths. You’re right about that. Thanks for following the blog, Roz, and contributing to the conversation.
Thanks for keeping us abreast of your appearances, Linda. (Grin) Great job on your speech!
Another one who likes word play! Where were you on Saturday when I needed the help??? Thanks for sharing, Laney.
You are gracious under pressure and funny, too. Well done!
Deb
Thank you, Deb, but I didn’t feel too gracious when I was in my writing cave. All I could say was, think! Think of something. Oy, extra challenges I don’t need! I appreciate your confidence, however, so thanks again.
Thank you for sharing with me Linda
You’re very welcome. Sharing is what we do here 🙂