Rebecca Wells has inspired countless women like my cute mom who all these years later still gets together with her “Ya-Ya” friends (they also call themselves the Go-Go’s). Rebecca herself missed most of the celebration around the success of The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood and the subsequent movie release. “At this point she was falling down, and didn’t know why. On the day of the premiere of the movie, she was in an MRI machine to rule out a brain tumor. After years of misdiagnoses, she was finally diagnosed with chronic neurological Lyme disease, which she has battled for the last decade… Suddenly, Rebecca and Tom were dealing with caregivers, medicine charts, oxygen tanks and canes. Rebecca entered the country of the very very ill, and for a while did not know if she would return… No longer on oxygen, free from IV lines, out of the hyperbaric chambers, liberated from daily injections of antibiotics, Rebecca now leads a life in which Lyme is mostly managed. She’s dancing again – in the kitchen, out in the yard, and in her books.” (from her website)
She’ll be speaking at the Southern Festival of Books on Friday, October 9th, from 1:00-2:00 pm in Room 16 at the Legislative Plaza.
Today, she’s answered a few questions for us – and you might be surprised by what she reveals.
What do you like to do on a rainy Saturday?
On Bainbridge Island in Washington State every Saturday with the exception of the last three weeks in August is rainy. What I like to do in that climate is leave town. In most every other climate I like going to a matinee.
What’s your favorite guilty pleasure?
I cannot tell you.
What household chore do you secretly enjoy?
Washing and drying towels is a sure-fire antidote to anxiety. This is not a secret to those who know me.
What is the most unusual thing you have ever done?
On the first date I had after my divorce, I was sitting around a bonfire and a bug flew into my ear. I asked my date to try to get it out. He told me no problem, he had four kids. I followed him to the bathroom and he looked into my ear with a flashlight and then put in a few drops of olive oil and I can’t remember exactly what happened next, but we had a good time together for a season.
Tell us something about yourself that no one else knows.
I lie too much.
Tell us about your pet!
Mercy came to me in the form of a ruby and white Cavalier King Charles spaniel. So I named her Mercy. She’s twelve now, deaf, and is unfailingly cheerful. I did nothing to earn her love. She is a furry little god. We are gods for each other. For by grace I am saved through this dog and through no act of my own.
What is your favorite hobby?
I have been meaning to get one. I’m going to get me one right now.
What did you learn in college, if anything?
That you can catch things that will stay with you the rest of your life if you aren’t careful.
Who or what makes you want to scream?
Ticks.
What brings you contentment?
Listening to live gospel music.
What do you worry about?
Being sick and alone. Getting fat. Global warming, nuclear war.
I never worry about people attacking me. I walk with Mercy at midnight. Even though she is a small dog and I am a small woman, we don’t worry about a thing. I sing early Elvis songs and Mercy is deaf and this works out fine. Everything in life works out fine.
Very glad to read that Rebecca has entered back into the world of the (mostly) healthy. I’ve missed her words. When I became a grandmom 3.5 years ago, my daughter asked me what my grand-girl should call me. My instant reply was “YaYa!” Divine Secrets is a book that has stuck with me.
Oh what a sweet name to choose! I love it! It has been a beloved book, and I also was relieved to learn that Wells is “back among the living.” Thank you so much for your comment. Xo
I especially liked this blog. Wonder why??? Forwarded it to my Ya Ya friends, of course. The six of us will be going to a festival at a pottery about an hour away this coming Sunday at 12:30 pm. All meet at my house and we’ll drive the “touring van”! Ya Ya’s on the Go Go again!
Keep on blogging! We love it!
Thanks so much, Mom! Sunday sounds like so much fun for the Ya Ya’s on the Go Go!! xo
just now catching up with all your blog posts re Southern Festival of Books. Thanks for this one as I may add to my list. So far am planning to listen to Geraldine Brooks, Pat Conroy, and Rick Bragg. I’m sure I’ll run into you there!
Yes, I bet we’ll see each other there, Sine! I hope so!! xo