Friday, May 22, 2009
Stand By...Each Other
The past few weeks have been dizzying to me. The uncertainty of releasing a new book—KNOWING one cannot control what happens to it—along with the sheer volume of work and travel that goes with the experience… Well, lets just say it can seem overwhelming.
It is not my intention to bore you with the details of a long process that in the end might leave you thinking I was boasting about how hard our team worked. Instead, my amazement at what has begun to happen with The Noticer has sent my thoughts in another direction entirely. As I mentioned earlier, one simply cannot control what happens to a book when it is out of the author’s hands. Neither an author nor publisher can control where it is placed in the bookstore, how it is placed in the bookstore, how long it stays in the bookstore, or whether the book even gets in a bookstore in the first place! So forget trying to force a book onto one of the significant best-seller lists…Even Amazon has become wise to the ways of those who would manipulate its ranking system.
What ultimately happens with a book is simply and purely up to the readers—word of mouth trumps all. Therefore it has been with grateful astonishment that I have watched you begin to tell others about The Noticer and it’s possible value in their life. In essence, I have seen a huge team of people do something that is simply impossible for a small team to accomplish… And I am inspired to think outside this tiny box.
As people who don’t even know each other, who do care and are willing to work, what might we accomplish that can be so much greater than a mere book for our community, our nation, our world, and our God? And why does our country seem so disconnected right now? How firm are we in the actions and beliefs that have allowed us to become divided along political, racial, even financial lines?
These are simply questions for us to ponder as we watch this short video of people who are significantly “apart”, yet have managed to come together in order to create something incredible.
So I ask you…who can we stand by?
Yours,
Andy








31 Comments
1. Bryan Hays:
May 22, 2009 @ 2:19 PM
"I have already given away my first order of 12 "Noticer's"
Nine to folks I never met before I gave them away.
Five of them, from a bagger at the local grocery store to a school principal I met by chance, have found me to tell me this is one of the most insiteful and thought provoking writings they have ever read."
2. Glen Kaiser:
May 22, 2009 @ 2:58 PM
"Andy,
I'd been reading another book and just finished last night then begun to read The Noticer. I stayed up too late and read about half of it - WOW! I hope to talk with you about it in the near future - You know I always have questions!!
Perception is a major deal and we can approach all things much better if we just see it as Surf and Turf with an Ocean view!!
May God continue to bless you and Polly and the boys - GK"
3. Mike Hayden:
May 22, 2009 @ 3:09 PM
"Andy, I can't help but see the upside of how we have allowed our existence from each other to appear so "disconnected"...
Is this "condition" giving many of us a chance to become fully conscious and responsible for our impeccability in action and even our own thinking? (ala your story of your smile and the checkout person...)
Are we evolving to be creatures that take more notice (and therefore gain the potential to do so much more??)
We can indeed stand by!!
Do enjoy this Memorial Day and remember those who the day honors.
-Mike"
4. Helen:
May 22, 2009 @ 3:13 PM
"Andy, I loved this book, as I have all of your books and audio sets.
I have never left a reply in the past, but felt moved to do so this time, as I am confident our country is well on the way to reconnecting now, like never before. I'm not talking about the daily news headlines, or the massive "clean-up" effort that lies ahead of us, but the bigger picture...I truly believe we are in the midst of great and positive change.
Thanks for posting and emailing the "Stand by Me" link...beautiful and amazing music.
All the best!
Helen"
5. Kelly Krei:
May 22, 2009 @ 4:00 PM
"Andy,
Thank you for signing my copy of The Noticer and for sharing your life and your message with your readers.
My wife and I took our sons for a tour of the high school they will be attending next fall; they, my sons, always attract stares from those that do not know them. Shortly after arriving however, both of my sons had attracted a following of new friends and future class mates that were more than happy to show them around their new environment. Upon leaving our sons waved goodbye and signed ‘thank you’ and they let us know in their own way that they feel comfortable about their new school and friends.
Our twin sons were born with Down syndrome and are for the most part, non verbal; so imagine if you will, how my wife and I depend on community, trust and respect from people we don’t even know.
You are right on the money Andy; we all need to pay attention to the small stuff:
Thou Shalt Love Thy Neighbor as Thyself."
6. Cindy:
May 22, 2009 @ 7:19 PM
"I just devoured The Noticer in one afternoon (the downloaded version because I couldn't wait for the mail copy from the brb program)! It is a fantastic book. I will be writing my review very soon, but I think I need to let it soak in a little bit first.
And I think I'm going to have to give a copy to my dad for Father's Day. It's customary for me to give him books on most any occasion but this one will be extra special. You see, I kept thinking as I read the book that Jones reminds me very much of my dad. And in that way I want to be just like him and even more...
Thanks for this and keep 'em coming!"
7. Lynn Hogeland:
May 23, 2009 @ 11:14 AM
"I am sure your book is wonderful even though I have not read it. However, I could not listen more than 2 seconds to the video/music. It did nothing for me and turned me off.
Perhaps a vocalist with a soft more melodic voice would have been more to my liking."
8. Bob Law:
May 23, 2009 @ 12:02 PM
"This vidio is absolutly FANTASTIC. I was singing and rockin' right along with them. Thanks Andy for sharing it."
9. Pam Fidler:
May 23, 2009 @ 12:12 PM
"Thank you so much for the video:
It shows the diversity of music cultures and yet a unity of need for us all to stand by eachother in our life's journey."
10. Bob Law:
May 23, 2009 @ 1:13 PM
"You have given me a gift. I watched this the second time with my wife, who is blind. We shared tears as we listened. Why can't we all get along? I think it is because we don't have the songs in our hearts. I went to the website and found another person making a positive change. Thanks again."
11. David Karp:
May 23, 2009 @ 2:21 PM
"I have just completed my second reading of "The Noticer". Given my excitement to devour the first reading, I now see that I missed quite a bit. During the second read, I have also gone back and read certain sections for a third time.
From my point of view, I am comparing "The Noticer" to "The Traveler's Gift". I first read "The Traveler's Gift" in November, 2004;
and read the book a total of three times in seven days. During the first two reads, I cried throughout the book. Since that time, I have read the book about 6 more times. In addition, I conducted a book study for eleven weeks (one chapter per week, 90 minutes per session, with a total of four people) on "The Traveler's Gift" using the book, the reader's guide, and "The Traveler's Gift Journal" chapters and questions.
It was one of the most unique experiences that I have ever had, and would like to continue conducting these book study groups.
With respect to "The Noticer", I also volunteered to distribute the posters to promote the book. I am a strong proponent of the ideas expressed in "The Noticer" now that I have read it twice. I believe that anybody will benefit from this novel. As I continue to absorb it, I will follow up with more commentary.
One of my goals, is to meet Andy Andrews in person some day. I am looking forward to the crossing of our paths.
Respectfully,
David Karp
Scottsdale, Arizona"
12. Sharon Murry:
May 23, 2009 @ 2:59 PM
"I haven't gotten to The Noticer yet, but it is here ready to read when I finish Island of Saints. I so wish I didn't have to work all day every day and do everything else at night so that I could read faster!!!
Your idea of involving all of your readers as a family exchanging notes, ideas, feelings, (and promoting your books) is a stroke of brilliance. As a person in sales, I can see that it is a fantastic marketing technique seldomly used as far as I know, but it is so much more than that; and I know that you intended it to be so. I always look forward to your e-mails. It involves all of us, which is something not often seen these days. I just gave one of the autographed books to my friend for her birthday. A few years ago, I personally got our great former Senator, Bob Dole, whom I had met a couple of times, to autograph his biography for her. She keeps them together as her most prized possessions. Of course, after seeing you in person yars ago, I would expect nothing less than excellence.
Even though I haven't finished Island of Saints, I gave a copy to a friend battling a matter of forgiveness, and she seems to be winning the victory! Keep 'em coming. This weekend I will be helping to collect food for the pets/companions of homeless people who have a homeless animal with them, and who are a great sense of joy to them, but they can't afford to feed them. I found myself thinking of you at that time."
13. chris:
May 23, 2009 @ 6:08 PM
"Dear Andy,
Your important words of The Noticer remind us that we not only need, and want, to be stood next to and up for in hard times -- but also in good times when we're tempted to be complacent and tolerate being good enough. Thank you for reminding us with your world changing team of people, words and dreams that there are infinite possibilities to turn our intentions and actions to. god bless your family. Chris and Rich"
14. Charissa:
May 23, 2009 @ 6:24 PM
"If the book makes me feel anything like that video just did- which I am sure it will- I just have to get my hands on it. Thanks for sharing that with us, I really enjoyed the diversity of the music too. I loved the washboard man! It reminded me of New Orleans, and it made me want to get up and dance. Can't wait to read The Noticer."
15. Karen Williams:
May 24, 2009 @ 8:59 PM
"You have such a wonderful blessing from God to be able to put into words what we really need - not want - from one another. I am giving the book to all of my children and donating it as a prize for every silent auction I am asked to support. This video is so awesome. The song is perfect and I loved that universal feel of it.
God Bless, Karen"
16. Bonnie Bartel Latino:
May 25, 2009 @ 1:24 PM
"In case there is anyone left on the planet who hasn't yet ordered or read "The Noticer," here's a link to my review in the Mobile Press-Register: http://tinyurl.com/r5jodg
This book is the perfect graduation gift!
~ Bon in Bama"
17. Bill Holtan:
May 25, 2009 @ 9:33 PM
"Andy we met about 15 years ago and my kids spent probably hundreds of hours listening to Tales from Sawyer Springs.
I was looking for a book to give as graduation gifts and picked up The Noticer to check it out for myself. I read it as quickly as any book I have read in years. What a great book and I will be giving many copies out as gifts.
Thanks again.
Bill Holtan"
18. Mary jo Castro:
May 26, 2009 @ 8:12 PM
"Loved the video! It's beautiful pictures like these that paint a thousand words. We must do more than speak mere words...we must act, act out of love. It's the answer to diversity, even when we disagree. Can't wait to read your new book! Your books are truly life changing. Thanks for all you do Andy. Your an incredible man of God!!! Mary jo"
19. Sheila Hodges:
May 27, 2009 @ 5:03 PM
"Once again you have provided a jewel to the Soul. The icing on this cake is it happens in my back yard, Gulf Shores with people and places familiar to me. I recognize the spirit of Jones. Sometimes in my middle age I swear I channel him. Thank you Andy...........I wish I could give every guest this book for their summer read when they check in for their vacation at the beach.
I always felt the uniqueness of this small piece of paradise. Now I know it wasn't just me!"
20. Janie Armstrong:
June 1, 2009 @ 2:06 PM
"Andy,
You are one of the most hilarious, inspiring people I have ever met.
Thank you for the contribution you make to each and every person you touch.
I look forward to seeing you again really soon.
Janie"
21. Debbie Starr:
June 2, 2009 @ 2:54 PM
""The Noticer" was an incredible book, Andy. Thanks for sharing such a powerful story. I have purchased several for gifts and will definitely share my copy with friends also (but they'll have to give it back so I can read it again!!) You are awesome!!"
22. Cyndi Merritt:
June 10, 2009 @ 11:34 AM
"Dear Andy,
I have bought more and more copies and "gifting" them to everyone I know. I am your newest cheerleader!
With each gift, I am passing on three items with no explanation; a leaf, a fork and a package of seeds.....peaks the persons interest and makes them run home and start reading. I've gotten a ton of thank you's...so I am passing those thank you's on to you and Jones.
I pray you are blessed and reap what you have sown in the lives of so many!"
23. Mary:
June 12, 2009 @ 7:44 PM
"Hi Andy,
Thus far I have read: The Traveler's gifts, The Noticer and Christmas Sox.
I have given the books as gifts and recommended them to many. WOW.
Easy reading, great message and easily applicable. I hope you come to Lincoln IL soon so we can hear you speak. I discovered your books through a friend who is a friend...
I look forward to more books. God bless for all the wisdom you offer."
24. Gregory Sonnenberg:
June 19, 2009 @ 1:23 AM
"Andy,
I just finished The Noticer and passed it along to my wife.
The entire read, both times, I invisioned Morgan Freeman as Jones - a movie version with him would be very cool.
I am waiting for my next copy so I can send to my oldest son in Iraq to go along with The Traveler's Gift I sent early in his tour (158 days left and counting).
Thanks for the books. I have enjoyed each of them many times and am certain there will be several more reads.
A proud father of an US Army soldier on Father's day weekend 2009,
Greg"
25. John Calvin Frederick:
June 21, 2009 @ 1:11 AM
"I want to thank you very intensely for your production , it is so uplifting and I have it saved on my
favorite's list . I play it many times over and over , it makes my day"
26. Dennis Rose:
June 24, 2009 @ 9:11 AM
"Just finished The Noticer audio book and it opened not only my eyes but my mind as well. It could not have come at a better time in my life as I have seem to hit an emotional bottom. I found myself laughing out loud for the first time in the two month funk that I've been in. Thank you Andy for starting me on the right path to recovery!"
27. Patti Coffey:
June 30, 2009 @ 10:45 PM
"Andy Andrews you have a gift for giving a gift at the right time in someone's life. You give me joy in my heart and cause to reflect on the true meaning of life; take time to notice it all! I have read The Noticer twice and now passed it on to a friend. Laughing out loud, dancing like no one is watching is now a normal part of my day, every day. Thank you Andy and your amazing team."
28. Bec Stewart:
July 8, 2009 @ 3:38 AM
"Andy Andrews, you truly have a unique gift to be able to bring characters to life through text!
I loved The Travellers Gift, adored Mastering the Seven Principles but The Noticer truly held me spellbound...I could not put it down!
In true gratitude for all that you are and all that you do,
thank you Andy Andrews....may we not have to wait too long for your next best seller to be released!
Bec in Golden Bay, Western Australia"
29. Christina Ciani:
July 15, 2009 @ 2:03 AM
"Dear Andy: it is 1:30 in the morning and 'no one' is here for me - except God - you see, I am a (happy!) single mother, who needed someone today. I noticed:
God stands by us THROUGH US! a friend put it best, "we can be LOVE for each other:
like 'God with skin on' "
who sings to me through your web site blogs
brings me my tears through your insights & reminders
holds my heart gently through those who know you
reminds me I can trust love - it is everywhere -
silently reaches out with comfort, laughter, a soft hand on my thoughts to turn me to peace...and Grace.
I enjoy promoting you - it is like reminding others to notice the joyful, soulful and wise brother they forget they have here on Earth...thank you. My single mother mother friends thank you, too. Why? Well, we're all teaching each other as fast as we can, and it was an important moment to know you expect us to achieve our dreams and destinies for your children. Not everyone in our children's lives see us, their mothers, as making a contribution to humanity as a whole.
Far from it. The bigger picture gets lost in the microcosm of many relationships so easily. It vanishes from their many people's hearts how this eternal life is one we are all co-creating. My mother friends sensed their importance when they were pregnant, but court cases, unavailable support and worldwide traditions focus on the "worthlessness" of the mother. It can be one heck of a challenge on the inside when you are beaten down from the outside in. When you are raising little souls who deserve nothing but respect, and your very best foot forward, you have to rely on God to send you people and inspirations - like you and your supporters here - so we are able to carry on with wisdom.
The world seems to forget the 'worthless mothers' must teach the future how to treat each other with kindness, love, compassion - and praise.
Through your work you raise the level of life for so many people who have an influence on a population of small children. Thank you...
It's 1:44 a.m...and I must get back to working on promoting my book and helping others to do similar work. You inspired me to persist -
without exception...again.
With Grace and Blessings,
Christina M. Ciani
IamthatIam
www.iamthatiampublishing.com"
30. Christina Ciani:
July 15, 2009 @ 2:06 AM
"p.s. pardon my sleepy typos...!"
31. John Calvin Frederick:
July 19, 2009 @ 4:22 PM
"Your YOUTUBE Production of the song
"Stand By Me" is absolutely fantastic. I have it saved on my favorites list and play it often . It is very uplifting and inspirational .
Thank You Again ,
John C. Frederick"