I’ve been writing short reflections from my everyday life that provoke gratitude in me for well over a decade, posting my thoughts on this blog.

I had early hopes of garnering a following but accepted that whether I did or not, the practice did me a world of good!

After figuring out how I could create a more positive mindset, I developed a framework for a gratitude practice, centering on personal gratitude themes, which I believe anyone could employ to be more positive and hopeful.

I self-published two books and put together a zoom-enabled class on “intentional gratitude.” At this point, It became important to me to get my writing and message out into the world.

Unfortunately, I’ve struggled with “applicaphobia” (fear of having to do something by smart phone application). I’ve been a slow adapter to social media, Instagram in particular. So, not many people are familiar with my blog or collection.

Stephanie (Book and Wine Lovers Marketing) was thoughtful and extra patient with me as she arranged this week’s blog tour and special appearances on well-followed podcasts and YouTube shows. I can’t thank her enough.

Over this past year, through my own outreach, I have guested on a growing number of podcasts, largely covering the mental health aspect of gratitude, but I haven’t really made many inroads presenting myself to “readers.”

This blog tour has been a wonderful experience!  Many reasons.

The bloggers on the tour reviewed “The Best of No Small Thing” and posted their thoughts to their followings who added their own comments. I have actually been able to see what readers think.

The bloggers often post their reviews on Goodreads or to my book page on Amazon. Michele (@bibliovino) and Marie (@maries_world_of_writing) have been super nice to me as I learn how to use IG Live.

The bloggers are people who love books and encourage authors; a great combo in my book!

My zoom session with “Drinking with Authors” hosts was a surprise and a delight. (Another stop on the tour Books and Wine Lovers Marketing arranged.)

In advance of the conversation, I was asked to provide a headshot and bio (no surprise there), and I was asked to take a photo of my book next to the type of libation I would likely consume during the recording.

Whoa. I had to think about this.  I decided I‘d sip a Manhattan made with my favorite rye and boozy cherry garnish. I had a great time setting up the shot.

When we all synced up in our zoom room, after a brief sound check, I was reminded that the podcast and YouTube offering was for an adult or mature audience, that swearing, even reference to sexual content contained in a book, more than being allowed, was sort of encouraged.

Although my books are about mindfulness and gratitude, I’m not a saint. I don’t spend hours a day sitting in a dark room in front of a patchouli scented candle.

I just want to be happy, and I feel strongly about making the effort to examine my own life, my character and experiences, so I can deliberately give attention to things I can appreciate in life as it is.

I felt so liberated by the co-host’s instructions, by her permission.  Yes, I even said the “F” word.

Along with some questions I probably anticipated, like “What’s your next book project about?” I also fielded some unexpected queries.

I was asked about food combinations I really liked that others might consider weird.

I found myself sharing unusual details about a past book project where I ALMOST got a New York agent, and I talked about a stoned conclusion I came to as a teen about different food combinations tasting like specific colors. (I was convinced Canadian bacon wrapped around Mandarin orange segments tasted like magenta.)

Usually concerned about clearly explaining my personal theme-based approach to a gratitude practice, I just flowed with the conversation and dealt with questions as they came up.

I don’t know if I was speaking to my target audience, or if I was earning “likes” or “followers.”  The hosts made me feel at ease. I didn’t choke on my drink’s brandied cherry ­ – and I had a ball.

Having fun is no small thing.