Embarrassing!

/ roughwighting

Embarrassed, memoirWhen was the last time you were embarrassed?

Embarrassment is defined as mild to severe levels of discomfort, usually experienced when someone commits a socially unacceptable or frowned-upon act.

The older I get, the less embarrassed I am. Hey, take me as I am, or don’t take me at all. But one of the stories in my just-published “flash memoir,” Flashes of Life: True Tales of the Extraordinary in the Ordinary, includes a tale entitled “How to Embarrass Your Kids.” Readers have told me they relate to my (tee hee) gleeful moments of embarrassing my progeny. Not in a mean way, but ….

Well, you’ll see. I wrote about the subject eight years ago and posted it here: How to Embarrass Your Kids | roughwighting  

Last weekend two friends (and fellow writers) gave me (and my book) a “Launch Party.” This was a bit embarrassing for me, as 20 plus people (all vaccinated) attended to applaud my feat of publishing. I don’t like to be the focus at any gathering (introverts understand: I’m Late to My Party | roughwighting)

The setting was a lovely (and windy) backyard with bulging tables of appetizers, bite-sized desserts, white wine and sparkling water. blueberry cake, stain, laundry

Before I signed copies of my book, the attendees insisted that I read one of my stories. I choose the one about “embarrassing our kids.” Watch the short video of me reading. Besides wind and chimes, you can hear the chuckles in the background, which helped me relax and enjoy the party!

Flashes of Life is now available for the Kindle as well as a softback on Amazon or at Borgo Publishing. My book of flash stories will give you lots of chuckles, I promise, but perhaps also a few moments of catching your breath and thinking “yessss, life is extraordinary.”

83 thoughts on “Embarrassing!”

    • My friend who videoed me while I read the story sent it to me. I didn’t know she was doing that! I edited it down to almost nothing so the video wouldn’t be too long. Fortunately it was easier to hear in person. The laughs spurred me on! 😎

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  3. Pamela, yeah! 😀😀 What wonderful friends to organise a book launch party for you and ‘Flashes of Life’! The setting is beautiful, the cake slice looks delicious and it’s lovely to partake of your book reading! Almost felt as if I was there, wind chimes, breeze and of course joining in with the chuckles! I LOVE your latest book and have read it twice … each time finding new places to laugh, cry, each oozing with innate wisdom. Btw I’ve left review on Amazon U.K. and Goodreads. Congratulations again on the publication of a beautiful and unique book, my dear friend! Xx ❤️

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    • I never would’ve planned a “launch party” for myself but these friends were amazing – the ones who planned it and the ones who attended. I am so grateful that you are enjoying my book, and I can’t wait to read your reviews. Thank you thank you! 🙏💜

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  6. It was so wonderful of your friends to organize a launch party! I loved “How to Embarrass Your Kids” in the collection. I haven’t finished the book yet, but I’ll be sure to leave a review when I do. It’s a wonderful book. I can just see your kids in the car, turning every shade of red at your comments about the bicyclist—and in front of their friends! This just makes me laugh. I’m trying to remember the last time I embarrassed my kids. It was probably yesterday. I do it pretty often. Have a great weekend!

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    • The good news is that it’s much better to have a launch party in the beautiful backyard of a friend then in the middle of a bland conference room or quiet library. 🤩 I even almost relaxed! 🙃

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    • I wonder if it’s like this with you – most of my friends have no idea that I blog or write daily, but once I publish something, they are super supportive and happy for me. So although many are not writers (or understand the “need” for us to write), they are still “there” in friendship. A wonderful thing. ❤

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      • Same. A few follow a post here and there but most are surprised. I’m sure if I were ever to publish anything, they would be happy for me.
        It is a wonderful thing, indeed! 💞

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    • “The world’s a stage…” Please! No! Haha. Even though I knew everyone there was a friend and a wonderful supporter, that didn’t take away the stage fright. My main concern, Marian, was that the guests enjoyed themselves, and in the end I realized they really did. 🙂 ❤

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  11. I share the same philosophy as you about embarrassment. I am no longer inhibited after years of worrying about what others would think of me. I wish that I would have reached this point a long time ago, but I’ve gotten here at least. It actually makes me feel good about myself when others tell me things like, “I wish I had your courage.” They aren’t referring to a daredevil attitude, but the idea of trying things publicly that others would be too embarrassed to try.

    I’m looking forward to getting to your book in the next month. I typically read books in the order that I purchase them, but in this case, I’ve moved yours up sooner because I know it’s going to be fabulous.

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    • Isn’t that the truth, Pete, that we wish we had the self-confidence we have now, back in our 20s and 30s? I guess it’s something that needs to be gained. And despite my “this is me, take me as I am” attitude, I was still nervous about the launch. Would they like my book? Would they still like ME? Just human nature I guess, plus as you know, when we publish a book, we publish a part of our heart and soul.

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    • I WAS nervous when I was reading the story (I just show a snippet here). Thankfully I didn’t know at the time that someone was recording me. My thoughts at the time: What if I read this “funny” story and no one laughs? But as you can hear, thankfully there were lots of chuckles and comments. Phew!

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  13. How sweet of your friends to arrange a launch party. That’s so awesome, Pam. And windy indeed, but fun to hear your read. And wow, am I happy about the book being available on Amazon. Woo hoo. I loved the book and will do my best to convince everyone to get reading!

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  15. This looked like a great launch party. I enjoyed your reading too. It’s wonderful if you can make your readers laugh!! We’ve all embarrassed our children at one time or another. xo

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    • My daughter was in attendance at the Launch Party, and as I read the story about how her dad and I used to embarrass her and her brother when they were kids, she kept nodding her head and smiling. Fact is, she’s doing the same to her three now. 🙂

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    • Thank you so much, Balroop. The video was much longer but I didn’t want to “bore” anyone, particularly since the sound was quite light. But we lucked out so much with the warm evening, light breezes, and mask-less joy from all the vaccinated participants. ❤

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    • I think the evening was that much more special (and fun) because (finally) we could all be together, mask-less, laughing and gathering and relaxed on a warm June evening. Heaven! Many of my friends at the Launch Party didn’t know each other, but by the end of the evening they were all laughing and enjoying each other’s company. The BEST!

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  19. Obviously things don’t always go as planned. I’m glad you laughed and that in the end all is well. We do what we can, don’t we? And sometimes that includes embarrassing kids!

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  20. Wish I could have been there in person — I have SO enjoyed your book, and I certainly resonated with that particular piece. My favorite thing to do (still) is burst into song when something reminds me of it. Suffice it to say, this was mortifying to my children when they were young. Now they tend to just look at me expectantly as though they’d be disappointed if I didn’t perform :-).

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    • Isn’t this wonderful Elizabeth? Now you DISAPPOINT your (adult) kids if you don’t burst into song. I love the image of you singing loudly and joyfully in the middle of your day. To song and love and life. xo

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  22. Your yard and you look lovely. What a nice group of friends to throw you a launch party.

    I just ordered Flashes of Life. Can’t wait to read it.

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    • I’m quite excited that you are soon to read FLASHES of Life. I hope you enjoy it, and that my short (short) stories bring a smile to your face and heart. THANK you. ❤

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  23. Now that you mention it, Pam, I do blush less than I used to. My face used to get beet red. Often! I love the video you posted. Nice to see you and your voice. I placed a (homemade YouTube video on my blog for the first time and I had hiccups – the photos lose their quality on YouTube) I love everything about this post and your launch party. We have just returned from off the grid camping, although I did not have a chance to read your book, yet, for a very good, unexpected reason. I look forward to reading it this Summer. I am laughing out loud about your 2013 socks story. I can relate.😀

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    • I had to rush over to your blog site to read about the “very good, unexpected reason” you didn’t get much reading in during your camping trip, and got so immersed in it I forgot to answer your comment here. THANK you. I can’t wait for you to read Flashes on a relaxing “off the grid” kind of day. ❤

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    • Smiling at your comment, Nancy. I’m launched alrighty. I made it through the party and now trying to sit back and relax. Maybe fly a kite! Hope you’re having a terrific June so far. ❤

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  26. What a wonderful way to support your book, Pam. It was definitely windy out there, but you look very relaxed. I’d call that a successful launch! (P.S., I got your email. I’m catching up and will reply in the next day or so :))

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  27. I feel privileged to have heard the launch party story in person from you, Pam! It was so nice finally meeting you last weekend. I wish you continued success with Flashes. By the way, I read Birds of Paradise and Molly Finds Her Purr today. Wonderful reads. I’ll write and post reviews shortly. Can’t wait to deliver the presents. 🙂

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    • Meeting you was a highlight of my summer, even though summer isn’t even halfway over yet. But it was just such a joy seeing you and Mark and Maya and telling stories for several hours. And I was honored that you wanted to give your nieces the gifts of my two children’s books. So glad you enjoyed them. We need to communicate more because I have so many more questions after our get together.

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  29. I’m in the process of reading your new book, Pam. And it is very good!!! I recognize a couple of the passages from your blog, but so many are completely new to me, and I’m enjoying them immensely.

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    • I am so glad to read this Ann! And sorry I’m late to responding. Our California grandson is visiting. He is 12 and we are keeping him busy every day and vice versa. 😉 it is such a strange and fabulous feeling knowing that a woman I admire but have never met is reading my book out there and smiling. 🙏💜

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    • My friend sent me a longer video but I edited it shorter. Just wanted to get the notion out of how my listeners were enjoying the story. That always warms a writer’s heart! It also helps a writer be a bit less nervous. 😉

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  34. What a lovely thing your friends did for you, Pam, to have a book launch party. I thought the story was longer than 20 seconds, but you said you edited it. It’s okay to leave it as is. I read your book and left the review on Amazon and Goodreads a week ago.

    https://www.amazon.com/review/R33BYPQZYYW5NB/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv
    https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4069541629

    I’ve been here in Portland, Oregon with my daughter’s family and spend time with my granddaughters.

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    • Your review is wonderful, Miriam. THANK you. I’m so glad you enjoyed my flashes. Yes, I edited the video my friend took of my reading at the party (not the story!). It’s hard for me to download a longer video on my blog. Bet you’re having an amazing time with your family! ❤

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      • You’re welcome, Pam. I had a grand time with my family. ❤

        What I do with video is to save it on YouTube and post it on my blog. Diana did the trailer for my poetry book. I have the mp4 version and YouTube version to post whatever format that works. 🙂

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  35. Congrats on your latest book! We are too old to be embarrassed. Or maybe I should say too wise. What can happen to us that hasn’t happened before in some form or another, right? Reading in the wind? Easy-peasy!

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  36. I had such a good time reading this and then wandered away…twice! I don’t know if I’ve ever embarrassed my kids since they expect my odd behavior anyway. When I saw that your book was available on Kindle too, I bought a second copy and have been enjoying it immensely. I had a hard time putting it down last night. I couldn’t get the print big enough on Borgo. My tech abilities are limited. 😉 How wonderful and exciting that your friends threw you a launch party to help you celebrate. It would be hard to contain all that excitement. Best when shared. Congrats again on such a huge accomplishment.

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    • Laughing at your first comment- yes in ways our kids expect us to be “odd.” 🙃 Sooo nice of you to persevere and get the Kindle version of FLASHES IF LIFE. Thank you!!! And I’m even more thrilled that you’re enjoying the stories. 💚💚💚💚

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