Signing "Still Lexie"

Thanks to my family and friends, as well as some strangers, who bought the 40 books the other night at my Sister's bar, Moose's Saloon. It thrilled me to meet people who did not know me or even of me that said they read the article in the paper and just wanted the book. That was a bonus.

Several lay on my living room floor. Those books have a purple sticky note with the eventual owner's name written on it and are spoken for. I gave very few books away, so don't feel bad if you weren't chosen. I'm still working to get those out so if you are one of those people, hold tight, I'll get it to you.

I'll share with you a couple strange interactions with strangers; the first man sat across from me and because it was Bar-Loud, our heads leaned in close together. He started out by praising the story he read in the newspaper but he quickly shifted his topic to God. There was a line of people waiting for signatures and it was time for him to move on so I told him I appreciated his sincere concern but that I was not a believer. And I thought it would end there but then he simply moved on to nutrition and mentioned refined sugars. I guess he really thought I needed his help. The line was growing so I told him I appreciated his suggestions but that I had done OK so far and was not looking for any of the help he thought I was in need of.

Next, an older man asked me how much I was charging. When I told him, he began counting out ones and throwing them in a pile in front of me. When he got to the last bill he pointed out to a letter A on a dollar bill and said, "You get an A for writing this book." That was cute so with a chuckled I thanked him but as I handed him the book he had just purchased, he said, "Hey! This isn't about Moose!"

I replied lickety split, "I'm his daughter!" And then I thumbed through the beginning of the book and found the picture of Moose and the actual bar to show him. "See," I said, "He's in here too! I talk about the Saloon a lot." He said he'd recently been able to return after having been kicked out, due to a misunderstanding. After picking up the book and turning to leave he told me he would maybe even read it. Phew, I still made the sale. That marketing degree is sometimes handy.

There may be a few books at Moostly Moose's and I don't have anymore at home. I know there are typos and my editor Heidi Ostrom has been great about trying to get things fixed. But as my sister says, "Everyone knows you have had a head injury, so they get it." The question now is whether I should print anymore. 

"Still Lexie" it is Out

    

Picture of a Picture

My favorite photo of dad hangs in the Saloon; Moose's Saloon in Kalispell, Montana. He is standing behind the ancient cash register (only recently updated). Money tray is open, I'm not sure it could ever be closed. His smile is all about how comfortable he felt in his home away from home and a look that said he might have been listening to one of his many regulars tell a joke.

I stopped by the bar to take a picture of that picture for my manuscript which is now complete. Yes, after 10 years my book is finished and at the publisher's. It was a quiet afternoon at The Saloon so I hailed the bartender for help. Because the photo hangs high on the wall, I figured he could get my camera, which is my phone, closer to it. When he came over and we were standing side by side I said, "Well, you're no taller than me..." As soon as the words were out, I realized he was far steadier than I and would do a better job. I had him turn the main lights on as not much daylight filters in the small, curtained windows facing main street and they are the bar's only windows. I apologized to the few locals sitting at the bar. He took the photo for me and with the photo in hand, I headed for a printer.

 What I thought was my last task, was to place pictures in my story and it was more difficult than I imagined. Although editor Heidi offered to help me, it turned out to be a one person job.

I should have collected photos to match what I wrote as I wrote but that would have made too much sense. Instead, when my pencil (metaphor for horizon of printer ink) crossed the finish line, and editor and proof reader Heidi had finished her work, my search for relevant photos began. Dad was in there, my book, and I had his photo but I needed more.

Throughout my competitive years, Dad put the 'ink' I got (newspaper articles, pictures and meet programs) into a photo album. One album became four and when my track career ended, he presented them to me.

Picture number one in the first album appeared in the Daily Interlake when I was an eight year old Timberette. It says something about me not everyone knew. I sucked my thumb. In the D.I.L. photo I'm reclining across my teammate Lisa's back as she lay on her stomach, chin propped by her forearms and with eyes closed my thumb is in my mouth.

That story is in my book so I had two of the pictures I needed. In the end, I found a total of 30 pictures. I perused Dad's albums, my own personal high school and college albums and a smaller one dad put together from my grandma Vi. Then, when I was tired of looking, sister Wally directed me to my father's books in the storage space above the dough room off the kitchen.

With a go-cup of white wine in hand, I headed up their. Not sure how many photo albums I looked through but I found some real treasures I don't remember ever seeing. They were pictures of me as a Timberette. The find made my day because, in my book, I talk a lot about my early years running.

Anyway, when I had my photos they went into my manuscript and it went to Scott Publishing. Phew!

"Still Lexie" My Final Edit

Yesterday I read my book after Heidi did her stuff, proofreading and editing, and made my final changes. After Heidi makes those changes I guess I'll be ready to publish. There are questions regarding permissions I will need to get. Many people show up on my pages and I have been as factual as possible with dates and durations. Also, I have leaned towards kindness whenever possible because I do not want my story to cause anyone discomfort.

I'm dealing with is a photo of Edwin Moses. He appears in a Sports Illustrated photo with me during the 1980 Olympic Trials. It is their photo so I guess I get their permission but there are other celebrity-like people who I refer to in stories; Mary Decker, Alberto Salazar etc.

But I can use those names in my blog without permission - I am only assuming even though I know I am making an ASS out of U and ME. So I wonder if I need to for my book. My publisher will certainly give me insight but I'm trying to get ahead of the problem because I am tired of dealing with "Still Lexie." Not just kind of tired, I am totally drained; weary to my core.

I started the book eight years ago and had it on me to do list for a couple of years before that so I think I can say it has been in the works for ten years. Ten is a good number, so I'll use that.

I think I will go with my kids' suggestion for the cover photo; a picture of me hurdling as a Duck. I know that was only part of my life to date but I think it is most of the reason I decided to write my memoir. Without my successes on the track I would not be able to make the comparison my tragedy brought; my journey took me from  'the top of my game' to not even carting the med kit or water.

You may be tired of my 'almosts' but it really is coming down to the line. Stay tuned, some more.

The Book Goes On

Still Lexie

By Lexie Miller Wyman

So I submitted my finished book to agents and publishers alike but those efforts were not heartfelt. I wrote "Still Lexie" for myself; it was therapeutic and helped me move on knowing I got my story out. And after writing off and on for 8 year, I simply wanted it done. Scott Publishing, here in Kalispell, will publish it and I'll get 100 copies to do what I want with. Scott will get it on Amazon for me with tag words like head injury, track and field, University of Oregon and Montana so that those interested can read it there or have a book printed and sent to them.

Right now "Still Lexie" is with my editor Heidi Ostrom. Her father George  is a hall of fame radio broadcaster whose station interviewed me upon my return to track and field here and my induction into Oregon's Hall of Fame. George is an icon of the Flathead Valley and reported here for over 60 years. 

The newspaperman was also a photographer, television host, author and public speaker. It is only fitting that Heidi be the one to help me get my finished book computer ready.

I feel the proverbial "weight" shifting from my shoulders but with bare shoulders I won't survive so I have told myself to keep writing, here. I have written in my blog on and off for some time and I smile when I see the readership of posts increase. I think I might be an approval seeker.

For years, I sought the approval of coaches, which was pretty safe, but years later while dating, seeking the approval of questionable men was not. When I look back, those dating days seem chaotic. Newly divorced, I was a middle aged, head injured teacher in my own classroom, as well as high school hurdles coach. I had many goals then, like getting through the day, but writing my book was not high on the list. I pat myself on the back for NOT over-seeking approval from the many odd men I dated.

Finding a mate came off my list after I cancelled my Match.com profile and moved home to Montana. I found and married the splendiferous Dan. I was still struggling in education as an aid. Also, I was coaching middle schoolers and one goal was to do so at the high school level. 

Now, I am no longer doing aid work and have realized the middle school track is where I belong. My book began to call and because life for me is without drama, I've been able to give "Still Lexie," all of my scrambled focus. 

Stay tuned for the actual unveiling!