The Dance of Sharing and Karma: The Coffeehouse Magic of a Children’s Book

Hi,

I hope a little magic about my new illustrated children's book, Where Is Charlotte?:? A Personal Story-Song Book, captured in this brief essay helps bring big visibility to this enchanting read.? Feel free to share the essay, and to email or call with thoughts.? To more good adventures.?

Mark

Mark Gorkin

[email protected]

www.stressdoc.com

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The Dance of Sharing and Karma:? The Coffeehouse Magic of a Children’s Book

Call it karma, higher power, synchronicity, just world hypothesis, whatever.? Something delightfully wonderful transpired, followed by a karmic happening, just a short while ago.? Appropriately enough, the setting was Mad City Coffeehouse, in my hometown of Columbia, MD.? The owner of Mad City recently purchased six hardcover copies of my new book, Where Is Charlotte?? Or Where Is _______?:? A Personal Story-Song Book.? While prominently displayed, only one copy had been purchased… until today.? (I feel compelled to share that the woman who made the first purchase said her 3 yo niece loved reading and singing the 24-illustrated page book.? The story’s pithy and poetic lyrics are about a fun and feisty little fireball not easily discovered in her increasingly imaginative hiding places.? And the unfolding adventure is sung to the tune of Frere Jacques.? As it turns out, a perfect story-song narrative for a little niece who loves to play Hide-and-Seek with her aunt.)

Act I

Getting back to our magical encounter … I was in Mad City catching up with my buddy Rod, when I noticed the perfect threesome – daughter (who appeared to be about five), mother, and grandma.? I suddenly broke away from Rod, picked up one of the books and approached the three generations.? I quickly got a green light from mom and daughter to share with them my new book.? (I also quickly dismissed any notion of a sales pitch.)? After singing the first two pages, “Where is Charlotte?? Where is Charlotte?? I’ll find you!? I’ll find you!”, the little girl picked up the torch, and more confidently began singing, “Is she hiding in the closet.”? “Is she beneath the blanket?”? My new little partner was clearly enjoying reading and singing the story, especially as Charlotte continues to elude adult detection.?? And perhaps most animating:? Gatlynn, softly raising her best Charlotte voice, declares “No she’s not!”

Act II

At the close of our performance, which took about two-three minutes, I warmly thanked the trio, though still in a bit of a daze.? Having placed the book in its display area, I went back to the table.? Rod presciently responded, “Are you going to give them a copy of the book?”? “Duh!”? Of course.? Going to the counter, I whipped out a $20, then gifted the book to Gatlynn, despite the mother’s mild and short-lived protest.? My reward was seeing the broad smile on Gatlynn’s face and her increasingly widening eyes.? I proceeded to show the family how to substitute Gatlynn’s name for Charlotte the next time they do a sing-along.? Again, returning to the table, I was able to bask in and share that inner glow with Rod.? And there was more “soular power” to come…

The mother had Gatlynn approach our table to thank me.? (Rod later informed me that the little girl must have said thank you “ten times.”? I was mostly aware of how she was cradling the book to her chest.)? And as the mother was exiting, she turned to say that Gatlynn had just announced that “Where Is Charlotte? is her new favorite book.”

In addition to the warm interaction with the family, especially with Gatlynn, my glow reflected further confirmation (with the most demanding audience, a child), that the book had enchanting, if not magical qualities.? (And depicting Charlotte as a multi-cultural character changing her appearance, not just her hiding places, throughout, in no way lessened Gatlynn’s love for the book.) ?And, two minutes later, that karmic confirmation…

Act III

Not sure what Rod and I were discussing, but suddenly a senior gentleman approached our table with a newly purchased book in hand.? This fellow had witnessed the performance at the generational table.? It suddenly hit him that he had “a grandson’s birthday coming up.”? He “never expected to find a present in a coffeehouse!”? Upon getting some inside information, I gladly inscribed, “To Clay, May you and Pappy have fun reading and singing together.”

Final Reflection

So, what do you call this unexpected unfolding of shared humanity and community?? Is it Karma or, perhaps, higher power (as many of my 12-Step sisters and brothers would declare).? Whatever the source, I’m just grateful for the chance to be part of our little, spellbinding three-act play.? All the wonderful characters helped reaffirm the love that inspired the writing of the book, and the joy that emerges upon sharing its magic.? May we all find and embrace our Inner Charlotte!? Amen and (li’l) Women, to that!?

?? Mark Gorkin? August 2024

Shrink Rap ? Productions

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About the Author

Mark Gorkin, aka “The Stress Doc,” is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and acclaimed psychotherapist, speaker, author, and grief-trauma consultant. The Doc has been capturing people’s imagination on stage and page, on radio and screens for decades. In “Where Is Charlotte?” this self-proclaimed Psychohumorist ? blends upbeat psychology and playful poetic voice. Transforming his own childhood angst and hidden self, Gorkin weaves the inspiration of a vibrant little girl and a classic children's song. Storytelling, singing, and sharing brings new life to a timeless tune and beloved children’s game. To learn more about the author and his works, visit?www.stressdoc.com ?or email him at?[email protected] .