“Writing is like driving at night in the fog.

You can only see as far as your headlights,

but you can make the whole trip that way.”

E. L. Doctorow

(b. 1931)

 

 

 

Earlier this week I took myself to Pasadena for a book-signing with Anne Lamott.

 

 

I’ve read umpteen Lamott books, so I was pretty excited to hear her speak, live and in person. (Many thanks to Patty for informing me of this sold-out event.) I’ve been a fan of Anne Lamott’s autobiographical writing for such a long time, I’m not sure what I expected. But me being me, I guarantee I expected something. I didn’t just meet me, you know.

 

 

The talk and book-signing were held in All Saints Church, directly across from City Hall in Old Town Pasadena. The church was absolutely beautiful. I know it was dedicated in 1929, but I’m not sure of when it was built. I do know it houses multiple Tiffany stained-glass windows and a stunning Batchelder tile floor.

 

 

We were allowed into the church an hour before the event’s scheduled start time. I took an available seat in the second row and opened the new Lamott book: Stitches: A Handbook on Meaning, Hope and Repair. I was midway through the first chapter when a woman approached my seat and said, “Hello, Pew Two sinners!” It was Anne Lamott herself, offering to sign books before taking the stage. My seatmates and I laughed, passed our books to her, then watched her move to the next row.

 

 

I resumed reading, finished the first chapter, then looked around at the church. It was serene. I don’t often find myself in houses of worship, for fear of bursting into flames. But I do love a beautiful church, and this one certainly qualifies. When traveling outside America, I regularly seek out old churches. They hold great art. Their architecture is sometimes breathtaking. And if I’m lucky – like the time Mister’s Mama and I witnessed the “Liturgy of the Hours” in chant at the Abbey of Sant’Antimo in Montalcino, Italy – I can be deeply moved and shed actual tears.

 

 

 

At the appointed time, Anne Lamott was introduced and she spoke for around 40 minutes. Just talking. Just being herself. She then read from the new book’s first chapter, explaining what she’d written. Next came a Q & A session, which wrapped up the evening. The whole she-bang was only an hour, but I felt full. And I was glad I’d been there.

 

 

As I stepped out of the church’s embrace and into the crisp Pasadena night, I admired the City Hall across the street. It’s been there a long time, too. And is also gorgeous.

 

 

Driving home, I opted to keep the radio off. My mind was quiet and I appreciated the stillness. Making my way back to L.A., the car’s heater warmed my body and my soul. Though I could only see as far as the headlights could shine, I knew I’d be home soon. And I was content.

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