Sisters woman creates unique book

Sisters resident Susie Longfellow has traveled the road of loss and survived.

Longfellow (pen name for Susan Bird) was the author of a humorous column for The Nugget that ran between 1990 and 1995. It was in an Erma Bombeck style of wit covering family and community through the lens of laughter.

The laughter ceased for Longfellow in 1995, and her journey of loss began. With all of life weighing heavy on her shoulders and not knowing if her shoulders could bear it all, Longfellow moved through life one moment at a time with each step she took.

"Here I was at 45, I viewed my life as a disaster," she said. "In excruciating pain and feeling so scared, I didn't have the energy to read any book that might help. But I could write out a verse on a three-by-five card, sit in my laundry basket (the only private place I had), cry, and read that card again and again."

The introduction to Longfellow's new book, "Sketching My Heart Out," continues on with, "That one three-by-five card grew to many cards. I started drawing (I use the term loosely) stick figures of me conversing with God, the drawings on the cards reflecting how I felt."

In time, Longfellow reached out to other hurting souls with the only means of comfort she knew: her sketches on three-by-five cards. The response back to her was tremendous. This moved her to compile all her little cards, transfer the sketches and words to letter-size sheets, have them laminated, and sell them. This successful venture led to suggestions of writing a book for those who hurt.

A friend and prolific author, Sisters resident Melody Carlson, gave input on the publishing company Longfellow chose and provided the forward.

Carlson said, "I first read 'Sketching My Heart Out' years ago when it was still in the form of some slightly rough-looking three-by-five cards. But the honest transparency of Susie Longfellow's story, told through childlike illustrations and scripture, was truly moving. And it remains memorable today... Because no matter who you are, life never goes smoothly, easily, perfectly - not for very long anyway. Oh, we can all be fooled into thinking that's how it's supposed to be, but sooner or later everyone is hit with challenges, disappointments, heartaches...And yet Susie bravely embraces these hard times with truth, humor, and hope."

"Some of us can't read while in pain. But, you can pick up this little book, flip to any page and be comforted," said Longfellow.

"I thought my primary target was women in their 40s. But I know of teens that are reading it and enjoying it. A woman in her 20s reads it nightly for comfort. It's truly for any hurting soul who needs comfort. My book is all about relationship.

"I've kind of exposed myself in this book," she said. "Living in a small town I am used to not having secrets. But it isn't a story about me. The reader can picture herself/himself in the stick-figure. It's about the journey from overwhelmed to overjoyed."

When asked what she's learned on this journey, Longfellow responded with reflection, "I wouldn't ever have chosen the journey I've been on but I've learned so much through it. I live a joyful, purposeful life now. Writing this book has given me a sense of accomplishment. My hope is it would touch someone. That's my goal from this journey."

Susan Bird, who lives in Sisters where she raised her three children, works as a broker with Coldwell Banker Reed Bros. Realty, and occasionally still sketches her heart out.

The community is invited to Longfellow's book debut on Saturday, August 29, from 9 to 11 a.m. on the side patio at Sisters Coffee Co. Books can be purchased at the debut directly from the author and at Paulina Springs Books and Sisters Cascade of Gifts.