My brain loves a good story

My friend invited me to hear Ann Patchett talk about her newest book Tom Lake at a book tour event. It was on a school night and I usually say no to going out after work, but this was an invitation by a good friend to meet a New York Times bestselling author and this time I said yes.

Ann was speaking at Senn High School’s auditorium. Listening to speakers in this kind of large setting can be especially daunting for me. When I have to rely solely on my poor auditory skills, it’s hard for me to track the speaker. I am easily distracted by sounds. I start looking at the windows or the ceilings or down at the floor, a lot.

Afterwards when people are sharing how much they enjoyed the speaker, I realize that I missed a lot of what was said again.

Discussions, poetry readings, plays, lectures, musical lyrics, speakers, readings from the Bible at Mass all require auditory skills. I miss a lot of what is being said all the time. My lack of auditory skills has caused me to often feel inadequate, especially when I was younger. Not so much anymore. I now understand that it has nothing to do with my intellect but more to do with how my brain works. If I catch one or two interesting things offered at a performance or by a speaker, that’s just good enough for me.

But not to worry! Ann Patchett was absolutely wonderful. She walked onto the stage, sat in a comfy chair, smiled and shared stories. I learned forward and listened without effort. I was mesmerized.

Lesson learned: my brain knows how to follow a good story even in a large auditorium and even when I am tired - and Ann is a fabulous storyteller. Thanks for a lovely evening.

Take it or leave it suggestion #10: Understand how your brain works.

This photo below was taken on December 25 in Rogers Park. This angel belonged to my parent’s manger scene and appeared every Christmas. I brought the angel to Chicago with me, and sometimes she still reappears at Christmas. She connects me to past traditions.