Life is Tough – I Doubt I’ll Make it Out Alive –Stacy Gooch Anderson

Life really is tough, and as Stacy Gooch Anderson attests, the only way to face it is with humor. In her new release “Life is Tough – I Doubt I’ll Make it Out Alive,” Stacy recounts the lessons she’s learned along the way, and the laughs she had as well. Sometimes those laughs came long after the lesson, like the day she found that her son had accidentally hung himself from the blind cord and was turning blue. With the lightning-quick reflexes God grants to mothers in a pickle, she had him free within seconds, but then learned that her husband had been conducting an office pool on just when and how this child would hurt himself next. Don’t we all have one child who pushes every given limit? Stacy is glad to report, this particular son is still alive and doing well. For now.

I met up with Stacy this afternoon at Ottavio’s and we were greeted most enthusiastically by the owner, who showed us to his best table. As we waited for our drinks, I asked Stacy some questions about her writing career and life in general.

Tristi: (folding my long, slim legs under the table) Stacy, thank you for meeting me for lunch today.

Stacy: It was a pleasure, Tristi. I’m so glad you could make it, what with your nail appointment and all.

Tristi: (waving a perfectly manicured hand) It was nothing. After all, I couldn’t pass up lunch with you!

The waiter brings our drinks and takes our orders.

Tristi: Now, I understand you’ve had some success with “The Santa Letters.”

Stacy: (blushing modestly) Yes, I have.

Tristi: In fact, I understand Oprah is giving it to her entire staff for Christmas this year.

Stacy: Oh, that’s just a rumor. A very nice rumor, but definitely not true.

Tristi: And is it true that the mayor gave you the key to the city?

Stacy: Well, that did happen, but it turns out, he just needed the plants watered while he went on vacation. He wanted the key back when he returned.

Tristi: Bummer.

Stacy: No kidding.

Tristi: (taking a sip and then patting her lips delicately with a napkin) About your new book. The one with toast on the cover. What’s up with that, anyway?

Stacy: Well, life is hard, and if you don’t approach it with humor, you’ll be toast.

Tristi: Oh, I get it! Toast! (she laughs a little too loudly and the people at the next table glare at her)

The waiter brings our food.

Waiter: Are you celebrating something today?

Tristi: Yes! We’re celebrating the release of Stacy’s new book.

Waiter: (looking suitably impressed) You’re an author?

Stacy: (looking modest again) Yes, I am. And so’s Tristi. We’re both authors.

Tristi: (looking smug) In fact, we’re two of the best authors on the planet.

Waiter scurries away. It’s unsure whether he’s even more impressed, or if he’s frightened.

Tristi: Now, where were we?

Stacy: My book. The reason we’re here today, having this imaginary conversation.

Tristi: (glancing around) Imaginary? You mean, we’re not really out to lunch?

Stacy: Well, you’re a little out to lunch, yourself.

Tristi: (sighing) I wondered why I couldn’t taste my pasta. Okay, back to business here. Your new book is nonfiction, right?

Stacy: Right. Although, after reading some of the things I’ve been through, you might think it’s fiction.

Owner comes over, followed by red-faced waiter.

Owner: What is this? We have two authors in the restaurant?

Stacy: Yes, Tristi and I are both authors.

Owner: (clapping his hands) Guido! Mario! Come, we must sing!

The men gather around our table and burst into an Italian aria. As the last note fades, the ornery people at the next table look on in admiration.

Owner: That is the song we sing whenever distinguished persons such as yourself come to our humble establishment. We are rarely so blessed. I don’t think we’ve sung that song since …

Guido: (whispering) 1997.

Owner: Since 1997! That was the day Gerald Lund, Anita Stansfield, and Tom Clancy came in for dinner.

Stacy: Together?

Owner: That’s right.

Stacy: (shrugging) Okay …

Tristi: Now, back to the topic at hand …

Stacy: Just a minute. You’ve got imaginary spinach in between your teeth.


Thanks for the interview, Stacy, even if it was somewhat interrupted. And thanks for the words with which we parted, words I will never forget. You looked me in the eye and said, “I have a Life Saver for you. Remember. Fat people are harder to kidnap.” Apparently I'll never be abducted. That is a relief.

You can learn more about Stacy’s new book, and her other Lifesavers, by clicking here. You'll also find links to other reviews along this virtual book tour, as well.