Marissa Bloom's Book Launch

According to an old Eastern proverb, there are three accomplishments that mark the transcendental existence of an individual: to plant a tree, to write a book, and to have a child. My friend Marissa Bloom can proudly say that her pass through this earth will leave a lasting mark. She not only planted a tree but built a house; not only had a child but two; not only wrote a book but founded her own publishing company. Together with her husband Benny she runs Little Linden Press, which last month celebrated the launch of its first book: "All are family". And the logo for their company could not better illustrate the proverb.

Bloom and the illustrator of the book, Matt Kaufman, offered a gathering for friends and family, specially aiming to thank those who supported their Kickstarter campaign through which the publishing of the book was made possible. Marissa did a reading of the book and both authors signed copies at Loveland's new-ish, locally owned, health store, The Crunchy Grocer. People mingled and enjoy refreshments with music by local artist Franklin Taggart. Door prizes were donated by other local artists and stores, who showed in this way their support to the authors; attendees in turn supported their host by shopping at The Crunchy Grocer once the gathering came to a close.

Lightfolly was there to document Marissa's decisive first step into published authorship. It was inspiring and heart-tugging to see a dear friend and woman achieve a dream through hard work and community support, and share the success with those who made it possible. "All are Family", a beautiful journey through the world's diverse versions of family and people, and the first of a series Marissa has in mind, is available in local bookstores. I can hardly wait for more.