1 | Cathy C. Hall Writes

When I was very, very young (we’re talking back when I was just Cathy C. and in 4^th grade), I worked very, very hard in school because I absolutely, positively had to be the best in everything. Because if I made a mistake, the world would end—or something way worse.

Yeah, I had a tad of that perfectionism thing going on. Until one day, my teacher took my hand and walked me outside the classroom. “Cathy,” she said, waiting for me to dry my tears over a 98 instead of a 100. “If God had expected you to be perfect, we wouldn’t have erasers.”

Thus began my quest to love the imperfect life that’s me.

It has not been easy—and honestly, there are times when I still expect perfection. But I’ll share a secret. It’s the times when I make mistakes that I grow the most—whether it’s writing, or singing, or gardening, or building, or cooking, or even raising young ‘uns.

I like growing. I like that I’m not that little girl who cried when she made one mistake, who worried and fretted all the time, trying to be perfect.

I’m pretty darn imperfect. And I’ve grown to love my life, imperfections and all.

I wrote today’s post as part of the WOW-Women on Writing’s “The Art of Loving Your Life” Blanket Tour celebrating the release of Chique Secrets of Dolce Amore by Barbara Conelli.

Barbara Conelli is an internationally published best-selling author, seasoned travel writer specializing in Italy. In her charming, delightful and humorous Chique Books filled with Italian passion, Barb invites women to explore Italy from the comfort of their home with elegance, grace and style, encouraging them to live their own Dolce Vita no matter where they are in the world.

Her latest book, Chique Secrets of Dolce Amore offers an intimate view into the unpredictable and extravagant city of Milan, its glamorous feminine secrets, the everyday magic of its dreamy streets, the passionate romance of its elegant hideaways, and the sweet Italian art of delightfully falling in love with your life wherever you go.

If you comment on today’s post on this blog or any of the others participating in The Art of Loving Your Life tour, you’ll be entered to win a signed copy of Chique Secrets of Dolce Amore!

To read Barbara’s post about loving life and view a list of other blogs participating in The Art of Loving Your Life tour please visit The Muffin.

It’s nearly the end of the month and I’m afraid that I still do not have my picture book manuscript completed for the 12 x 12 in ’12 competition.

But I’d marked Mem Fox’s delightful website and most particularly, her list of 20 Do’s and Don’ts of picture book writing. That list was like a condensed class in picture book writing, and very, very helpful.

But if I’m being really honest, it was stumbling upon Mem reading The Goblin and The Empty Chair that truly inspired me. First, because she so obviously loves reading, and the joy in her voice is absolutely contagious. Secondly, because it’s such a lovely story, and I’m such a sucker for fairy tale stories. And thirdly, and perhaps most importantly, I was suddenly transported.

Just like that, I was a much younger mom, trooping through the library, watching my kidders pick out books, and bringing me their treasures. And there was a Mem Fox book in the bunch, and oh, how we loved her books.

Mem Fox’s books first came out way back when the Junior Halls were very Junior Halls. And the The Goblin and the Empty Chair was published in 2009. So there’s hope for me yet.