Susanpohlman.com » Moments That Matter

Moments That Matter

Welcome to our blog, yours and mine. I am happy to meet you and so glad you have stopped by. Perhaps you should pour yourself a cup of coffee or brew some tea, because I have a feeling that once we begin chatting, we may be here awhile. That’s what happens when friends connect, when like-minded souls bump into each other and find solace in the simple act of sharing life’s joys and complexities.

I will begin simply. Years ago I was introduced to the power of the written word when used to share a slice of life that mattered. My parents were moving out of our childhood home after thirty-two years. As a tribute, I recorded it in an essay and sent it out as a Christmas greeting. The emotional response to that essay was unexpected. Tears were shed, second copies were requested. It seemed the readers found themselves with two feet firmly planted in a moment that mattered. And it felt good.

I walk through my days much like everyone else, but once in awhile I am treated to something that stirs… simple kindness, a helpless look, unbridled laughter, a simple exchange between strangers, road rage, a comedic fumbling of words, an elderly man with red eyes brimming with tears. Moments that say to me…this is what it means to be a human being. Moments which reveal the soul at a depth where words are often inadequate to capture its essence.

Those of you who have read Halfway to Each Other will recognize that the story of our year in Italy was written in this manner. A string of moments, like knots on a rope, that enabled me to climb above my own limits and end up perched at the top with a new view of life as it spread out gloriously below.

Opinions and circumstances come and go, life moves in streams around us, TV news and journalists blur together as I try to keep up with it all, but give me a moment of pure humanity, give me a glimpse of raw innocence or yearning or naked anger and I will stop and give you my full attention. That is why I read: to give words to my aches, permission to my longings, and action to my reticence. That is also why I write.

This blog will be an experiment. I will begin by posting the chapters of the book that were cut for one reason or another. After that, I will pack a journal in my handbag and record the moments that tug deeply. Moments that matter. We’ll try this thing together, you and I, soul to soul.

Tags: Halfway to Each Other, Italy, Moments That Matter, Pohlman, Susan Pohlman

Moments That Matter | Susan | February 15, 2010 1:40 pm

26 Comments

By becky johnson, July 25, 2009 @ 4:32 pm

Susan, got an advance copy of your book at ICRS. Actually my literary agent husband Greg picked it up for me, knowing I am a lover of all things Italian. True confession: I’m not generally crazy about Christian published books, as the writing is often in authentic and substandard. (Yes even though both of us have written dozens of books in CBA!) But I am deeply impressed. I’m only about 1/4 of the way through and I’ve laughed, gotten teary-eyed and can’t stop reading. Bravo! And hey, if you by any chance do not yet have a literary agent, my husband is the BEST is the biz! (www.wordserveliterary.com) I think we’d need to meet you in Italy, however, to discuss it in person! I need a very good excuse to go there. Dreaming of Tuscany, perhaps next year!
By Lynn Pfeffer, August 15, 2009 @ 10:35 am

“A string of moments, like knots on a rope, that enabled me to climb above my own limits and end up perched at the top with a new view of life as it spread out gloriously below.”

Love it. Just love it.
By Windy Lynn Harris, August 15, 2009 @ 10:53 am

Susan,
I enjoyed every page of “Halfway to Each Other.” Thank you for sharing the moments that mattered to you on your journey, they touched me too. I can’t wait to read the pages that didn’t make it to the final draft!
Windy Lynn
By Susan, August 19, 2009 @ 5:07 pm

Hi Windy, Thanks for your comment! And I loved sharing all of those moments.
By Dawn Maria, September 7, 2009 @ 4:24 pm

Susan-

Your website looks wonderful. I’m getting excited for when I can walk into B&N and purchase your book. Congratulations again and enjoy this special month. I look forward to reading all about it!

-Dawn
By Susan, September 8, 2009 @ 5:32 am

Thanks, Dawn!
By Stephanie Baffone, September 17, 2009 @ 8:43 am

Hi Susan,
Wow, I can’t wait to read your book. Rusty at Phenix and Phenix told me to check you out and boy am I glad he did.
I am such a strong proponent of marriage and am sure I’ll be adding this to my list of must reads for my clients as well. (I’m a therapist..and aspiring writer, wife, not in that order).
Thank you for taking the time to write your story, Susan.
Blessings,
Stephanie
By Susan, September 17, 2009 @ 7:32 pm

Hi Stephanie,
Thank you for your comment. One of my hopes was to speak to the hearts of those who struggle and share the good news that life does evolve in unexpected ways if we open ourselves. Thanks for spreading the word!
Blessings to you as well,
Susan
By Audra Krell, September 21, 2009 @ 11:52 am

I’m so excited to read your blog Susan! Cannot WAIT for the deleted chapters. Thank you for answering the call the write!
By Susan, September 22, 2009 @ 7:32 pm

Thanks, Audra! And thank you for your wonderful review. I am happy to share the “lost chapters”! A new one is coming very soon
By Slinky and Bek, September 22, 2009 @ 8:23 pm

Looking forward to reading your new book. I hope your writing career takes off!

Fondly,
Slinky and Bek
By Susan, September 24, 2009 @ 6:03 am

Thank you for the good wishes!
By Dee Dee Fiala, October 18, 2009 @ 7:28 pm

Just finished your book and I feel like I had to say good bye to dear friends. What a wonderful journey of change of heart and change of … everything!! This book touches the soul because you allowed your soul to be so open and real. I cannot express how much I enjoyed it.
By Nikole Hahn, October 26, 2009 @ 4:14 pm

Beautiful! I am glad I stopped in today and experienced this breath of fresh air. Looking forward to visiting and chatting with you!
By Susan, October 28, 2009 @ 6:05 am

Thank you for stopping by, Nikole! Looking forward to connecting with you as well.
By Bonnie, October 28, 2009 @ 1:17 pm

We, the members of your old Agoura Hills book club, are so happy for your success and can’t wait to read your book for our January meeting! Stay in touch…
By Susan, October 28, 2009 @ 8:24 pm

Hi Bonnie! I miss you all and am so happy to get this! Thank you and can’t wait to share our story with this group of wonderful and dynamic women. Much love!
By Laura, December 3, 2009 @ 12:49 pm

I just finished reading your book. I LOVED it! There are so many pages I have marked to go back and re-read and think more about. Thank you for sharing your story!
By Susan, December 3, 2009 @ 7:30 pm

Thank you, Laura! I am so happy that you enjoyed our crazy year
Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Susan
By Kathy P, December 22, 2009 @ 10:13 pm

Hi Susan, Your book has inspired me to reach out and improve my marriage also. I feel like you were reading my mind about just being empty and going through the motions of life but not really living. My husband and I have always wanted to go to Italy and hopefully we will find ourselves there one day soon also. Congrats on a great book and finding your way to happiness from a fellow Daytonian.
By Susan, December 23, 2009 @ 9:25 am

Hi Kathy, so nice to hear from a fellow Daytonian! UD will always hold a special place in my heart. I am glad that our story has helped you in your journey toward a happy marriage. A little adventure with your spouse goes a long way. Italy is a great place to start Many blessings to you~
By Marty Powers, January 11, 2010 @ 1:06 pm

Hello Susan
I entertained most of my family last weekend and you were a highlight of our discussions. Colleen has read your work and has gotten us all anxious to read it. I was thinking back to the days when we would gather on your parents porch and play games and just enjoy the laughs. Who would have ever known a literary star was amongst us. Congratulations!
By Susan, January 12, 2010 @ 5:44 am

Marty! So nice to log on and see you here today. I am very nostalgic for 26 Ardsley these days (Christmas always has that power over me). Hope you are doing well. Maybe 2010 will host the infamous, and much needed, Hall/Powers reunion. I’m sure the new inhabitants of 26/27 Ardsley wouldn’t mind hosting..
By Jessica Sholders, January 18, 2010 @ 10:26 am

Susan, I just wanted to say that this book was acceptonal. I loved reading every word about your life. My favorite thing was your descriptions. In front of the courtyard of the Pope I loved the descriptions alluding to droping your cares like pennies falling into cracks and having nothing left but peace. On and on your descriptive words painted vivid pictures in my mind. I wish you would write another book. I want to say how much I appreciate the photos on this web site. I so wanted to see your family, friends, pizza, place you lived,etc. I just finished the book and have written down my favorite quotes in a journal. I have been to Italy but it was Tuscany and Florence, and Rome. So seeing your photos makes me want to go again. My husband is going to read your book next. I also want to send copies to friends. Thank you for being so candid about your life and marriage. Bless you and may you continue to write. Jessica Sholders, Laguna Niguel California.
By Jessica Sholders, January 18, 2010 @ 11:06 am

Susan, I did want to add a few more comments. My husband and I have been married 42 years. We have lived in Greeley CO for 37 years. Just this fall we moved back to California where we both were born and met. After 37 years in the same small town enjoying the same wonderful friends, business associates and family it was a real stretch to uproot. But this is where your story and ours meet. It has been a very positive change for us as a couple and individuals. We were stale both in our marriage and as individuals. So my encouragement to anyone who reads your story or this comment would be to go for a change if you have the opportunity. We did and despite some loniliness and saddness as your described also, we have benefited on every account by our move. Again, bless you as you continue on your journey. Jessica Sholders, L.N., Calfiornia
By Kim, January 18, 2010 @ 8:27 pm

HI Susan,

Saw an ad in Guidepost in December and thought I bet I’d like that book.
My family of 5 traveled Europe for 7 weeks 2 years ago and I loved Itlay.
I bought the book via amazon and throughly enjoyed every page. laughter, tears, thoughtful understanding, daring steps… I did not want the adventure to end. Oh I want to return. Just have to make my own adventure with my family. Thanks for sharing yours.