Dear Reader,

Today’s guest author Kim Danielson practiced law on both ends of the spectrum. First as a public defender, and then as a corporate attorney. In 2019, she founded a nonprofit organization to support teachers impacted by cancer. In all her work, Kim has witnessed countless examples of transformation stemming from loss. This restoration is a major undercurrent in her writing and life. She lives in Denver with her husband and three sons.

Kim’s new book, ‘Piece by Piece: A Life Remembered through Things Lost’ offers a unique take on loss through the lens of stolen objects. When a home burglary strips Kim of heirlooms and other special keepsakes, she loses more than the items themselves. She loses important connections to her past, igniting grief both old and new. Perfect for anyone who has ever lost anything of meaningful value, this book provides solace, a new perspective, and a practical
template for preserving a legacy.

Kim is giving away three copies of ‘Piece by Piece.’ To enter, send an email to: caitlin@caitlinhamiltonmarketing.com.

You can reach out to Kim at: https://kimdanielson.com/contact/

Please welcome Kim Danielson to the book club…

There is a trail alongside a river not far from my home. For the last fifteen years, several times a week, I run on that trail. Actually, I should say that I used to run. These days, I’m a little slower and prefer the walk-jog variety, the wog. I know the path intimately. Sometimes I think I step in the same footprints, the ground is so familiar.

A few of us are regulars and somehow find ourselves on that trail at similar times throughout the week. There’s a guy who rides a recumbent bike with a large flag and rainbow windsock. Every single time we pass each other, he gives me a big wave and shouts, “Looking good! Have a great day!” I see a pair, likely mother and daughter, who stroll together every morning with their German Shepherd.

There’s one woman on that trail almost every time I am out there. She’s short, maybe five feet tall, and always covered head to toe with many layers, no matter the season. She has a large hip pack that is always stuffed to the brim. She wears a hat, balaclava, and oversized sunglasses. She walks with purpose, like she’s training for something. I encounter her at different points along the trail, so I know she puts in long miles. When we pass each other, it’s just a simple nod and wave, no words.

I think about her often. I know nothing of her, only her height, clothing, and gait. But over the years, I’ve created a narrative. I’ve imagined what she looks like. I’ve considered why she’s walking and why she’s always so covered up, even in the hot Colorado summers. I’ve written stories about her in my mind, filling in blanks with my own ideas.

Last week, I spotted her in the distance and readied myself to do our usual quick acknowledgment. But when she was about twenty feet away, she stopped and held her hand up, signaling me to stop as well. She took off her sunglasses and hat and pulled down her hood.

To my surprise, she looked nothing like what I had imagined. She had blonde hair and bright blue eyes and freckles on her nose. She was about ten years younger than who I pictured. She had a warm smile. She said, “Hi, my name is Gayle,” and her voice was not the scruffy, low voice I had attributed to her.

I stopped, grinned, and said, “My name is Kim.” She nodded, replaced all her accessories, and then we both continued in our opposite directions.

Just when you think you know someone.

— Kim Danielson
https://kimdanielson.com/contact/

Kim is giving away three copies of ‘Piece by Piece.’ To enter, send an email to: caitlin@caitlinhamiltonmarketing.com.

Thanks for reading with me. It’s so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com