Book Signing Chronicles

People are funny. This fact has never been more apparent to me than over the last year of book signings. Although the quirks of dealing with the public are not exactly a surprise there have been countless moments where I just let my jaw hang slack and, “huh?”, becomes the best response I can muster. I have experienced everything from hilarious to bizarre; with poignant and touching revelations slamming me back to Earth just when I start to lose my faith in humanity. Mostly, I feel inspired by talking with people, but occasionally, those conversations make such an impression they become part of my “signing chronicles.”

At a recent Costco Book signing I met a jaunty “gentleman” in his mid-seventies. He leered at the book posters surrounding the signing table before strutting up to me. With a swagger and a yellow-toothed grin, he told me he had recently lost forty pounds. I congratulated him and took the bait, “How did you do it?” He took my hand and winked as he said, “I started chasing women.” This walking advertisement for Viagra then leaned in and asked if I wanted to help him lose five more. Hmmm. Tempting, but... no. Had I been as quick as my friend Katrina I would have shot back “Heck yeah. My herpes has not flared up in over two weeks.” But sadly, I just stood there, yet again, mouth agape. Perhaps some moments need no flourish to earn entrance into (cue theme music)…the Signing Chronicles.

Another memorable moment happened at a Deseret Book store. I had not even found my designated table before an older gentleman bounded in with the energy of a puppy, grabbed my arm and asked if he could show me a certain framed portrait of Jesus on display. Don’t ask me why he felt compelled to share. I went reluctantly with him to a separate section of the book store where he excitedly pointed to a famous image of Christ. He proclaimed it was out of this very picture that years ago Jesus had actually emerged, appearing to him—in person. Feeling sure I had missed his meaning, I agreed it was a great picture and truly projected the spirit of the subject beyond the canvas. Oh no, no, no. He immediately set me straight. The artwork was not what he saw, but an actual manifestation of a person had emerged from the painting into a 3-dimensional being.

Although I’m not arrogant enough to put limits on the faith of others, and I believe miracles occur on a daily basis, I stood there blankly, with no idea how to respond to this particular story. I was quickly reduced down to a head scratch and a “huh.” I navigated back to my signing table, more than a little relieved to be in screaming earshot of other people.

On the flip side sometimes I am inspired. One particularly humbling encounter was with a friendly woman in her late 50’s with beautiful eyes. She asked me to sign her book while we chatted about her weight concerns. She looked great to me and laughed amiably when I told her so. With refreshing honesty she went on to tell me that her sweetheart of 40 years had passed away one year ago and she could not discern what her body needed anymore because the loneliness and grief were paralyzing. She could not “hear” her needs because she no longer cared. I could not have known from her sunny personality that she was starving to death while compassionately engaging me, a perfect stranger. Her giving nature was revealed as she asked me questions and offered compliments. Meanwhile, she battled sadness inside. I will never forget her grace as she steered the discussion away from herself and back to me, where she attentively listened and inquired about my happiness.

There are many gifts in this world, and certainly one of the most unsung is the ability to lose oneself in the care of others. This sweet woman was blessed with a fountain of unselfish consideration, while at the same time experiencing adversity that could just as easily made her bitter and withdrawn. I learned more about managing grief in ten minutes with her than I could in years of therapy. My prayers and gratitude go out to her.

Tres Hatch is the author of Miracle Pill 10 Truths to Healthy, Thin, & Sexy.

The Golden Rule

My heart is heavy as I reflect on the last few days. Via book signings and personal conversations with dear friends I have been honored with the confidence of deeply personal information. Book signings are revealing experiences. Perhaps it is because my book has an emotionally vested topic, or perhaps it happens to all authors, but as I share my story and ask people about theirs, they tell me things I could never learn from a casual chat.

One man in his late twenties, with a slim build and long, lanky legs, hung back while I visited with two other readers. Finally, it was his turn, and he seemed apprehensive. To start off the conversation I asked him if he had ever had a weight problem and he told me he had recently lost 40-pounds. Obviously, he wasn’t in need of weight management advice from me. Instead, he struggled for words as he told me about losing his job a year ago. With a degree in psychology and years of work experience he was now working part time as a waiter, alone, living in a basement apartment. Clutching a rotisserie chicken (which would turn out to be his food for the next five days) he said the job hunt had all but shut him down inside. He had actually lost 40-pounds because he could not afford enough food. This soft-spoken stranger fought the tears as he revealed his true dream was to work in an artistic field, but he felt it would not happen because nothing had gone right for him in a very long time.

“I failed,” he said, “therefore, I will continue to fail.” This line of logic feels reasonable to the one living the adversity, but is profoundly false. Without wasting time, I quickly assured him he could do anything he wanted. He just stared at me. I looked him in the eyes and said it again. I then encouraged him to get out of his door, mix it up with a different crowd, take a less-than-perfect opportunity in his preferred industry, and segue that into a better opportunity. But, without a doubt, I told him he would succeed. With a dismissive wave he said, “You probably tell that to everybody who talks with you. Right?”

At that moment I had to be honest and I said, “No. I don’t tell everybody that. Just the people who need to hear it. Do not forget how powerful you are.”

He moved on with a hint of a smile and I continued to shake hands, sign books, and listen. I heard more heartbreaking tales of weight gain caused by: failed health, medication, divorce, death, financial hardships, unfair employment situations, and even a few uplifting success stories of people taking charge of their health and losing weight.

In my personal life the people I care about have recently been inundated with pending divorces, grown kids on drugs, serious hospitalizations of children, failed businesses, the stomach flu (working its way through a family with eight children), and married partners treating each other like enemies. Big sigh!

It is a precious trust for me to carry people's stories. I don’t take them lightly or make any judgments. In my own life I have been in many of these situations. But the common thread to them all is the need for kindness and love. Really, if we all followed the Golden Rule and treated others how we want to be treated, there would be an enormous relief of sadness. As Mother Teresa said, “If everybody would just take care of their own, we could ease the suffering of mankind.” By extending beyond my own sphere to help others, I truly make a difference; maybe not to millions, but certainly to one. If we treat others with compassion, forgiveness, and the kind of respect we, ourselves, enjoy, we relieve grief and prevent hardship. Ok, sermon over, but I have no doubt that love is more powerful than any negative force. And I am grateful for the reminder.

What a gift to talk with people. I hope not to waste these opportunities by failing to listen with my whole heart. It would be nice if my book grew into an international phenomenon and I became richer than JK Rowling, but if I couldn't spend those intimate moments with strangers, one-on-one, I would lose out. My thanks to all those that have been so gracious with me. I honor you.

Tres Hatch is the author of: Miracle Pill 10 Truths to Healthy, Thin, & Sexy.

Winter Citrus Salad with Gingered Yogurt Cream

This recipe was featured today on KUTV 2News at 5:55 a.m. It is a great way to use wonderful citrus fruit because with the arrival of spring, seasonal oranges, clementines and grapefruit are gone.

Although it may seem like a chore to peel and prep the citrus, the work is done in a snap with a sharp paring knife. No need to fuss over the orange and clementine segments. However, grapefruit sections should be separated from the membranes. First, cut away all peel from the grapefruit and then run the knife-blade down one side of the grapefruit segment and up the other. Work over a bowl to catch drips and squeeze the leftover pulp to extract all the fresh juice.

Winter Citrus Salad with Gingered Yogurt

Serves 6

Allow enough time to drain the yogurt overnight. It becomes thick and unbelievably creamy. To save time, purchase pre-drained Greek Yogurt in specialty markets.

3 large oranges, all peel and white pith cut away

1 grapefruit, peel cut away

4 clementines or tangerines, peeled

1 pomegranate or 2 Tablespoons dried cranberries

2 tablespoons honey

1 pinch Chinese 5-spice powder

1-pound plain whole milk yogurt

½ cup minced crystallized ginger

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

2 tablespoons brown sugar, plus extra for garnish if desired

Drain yogurt in refrigerator overnight in sieve set over a medium bowl.

Cut oranges into ½-inch rounds, then slice rounds into quarters. Separate grapefruit sections from their dividing membranes (see above), and cut each into ½-inch pieces. Separate individual clementine segments, or if large, cut into ½-inch pieces. Combine oranges, grapefruit and clementines in a large mixing bowl with all their juices.

Cut pomegranate in half. Submerge in a deep bowl of water and break white pith away from seeds. Pith will float to the top and seeds will sink to the bottom. Add ½-cup seeds to the orange mixture and reserve remaining seeds for another use. Alternately, add the dried cranberries. Stir into citrus mixture honey and 5-spice powder. Cover and refrigerate until cold.

Stir drained yogurt with crystallized ginger, ground ginger and brown sugar. (Fruit and yogurt can be made 1 day ahead). Cover and chill.

Spoon yogurt over chilled fruit and serve. Sprinkle extra brown sugar over top if desired.

For extra-special presentation, arrange fruit topped with yogurt in oven-proof casserole. Sprinkle brown sugar over top and broil in oven 3-4 minutes until sugar browns. Fruit will not be hot.

Tres Hatch is the author of: Miracle Pill 10 Truths to Healthy, Thin, & Sexy.