The Pretending

I freak out when I'm preparing a talk. I know I'm going to do it, and everyone else expects it. Before I put my butt in the chair to get the talk worked out, I email everyone on the planet to remind them that I need reassurance. Sometimes I ask for prayers and candle lighting. Any help that is offered, I take. The reassurance and assistance come rolling in as the afternoon wears on, and the talk is slowly shaped into presentability. Later, after the talk, I don't remember the freaking out part. I wish everyone else would forget it too. Let's just pretend.
Foto credit: Emmanuelle's Mom.