Last night I launched my newest collection, Accidental Hymn. I was, as always, nerved up. But so many people came! It was so strange and wonderful to have such an audience. I couldn't tell who exactly was there, but I glimpsed names from many facets of my life . . . a woman I went to high school with, my son's theater teacher, writing friends from many places, my sister . . . It was stunning to feel so many virtual arms around me.

I have gotten into the habit of thinking of myself as a loner, as out of the loop. But that's not really true. Time passes, friends collect. It was incredible to feel your affection. Turns out I needed that so much.