Woodbridge woman charts life's paths

Pamela McLoughlin

Nov. 2, 2009 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- WOODBRIDGE -- Sifting through 700 stories of life-changing moments to choose 50 for her new book series wasn't as hard as one would expect, Stacey Krone Battat said, because she was looking for something specific: an impact moment that in an emotional way changed a life for the better.

After some years in the works, the first in Battat's "Thin Threads" book series will hit stores across the nation this month, just in time to provide a jolt of inspiration Battat

during these trying times.

The collection includes the larger volume, "Real Stories of Life Changing Moments," and three smaller books of stories compiled by category: "Recovery and Survival," "Compassion and Giving" and "Love and Romance."

"I love people stories," said Battat, a former broadcast journalist. "So I feel I'm back to my ongoing mission in life. I'm the conduit to help them tell their stories and have others be helped."

Battat got the idea to string life-changing moments together to inspire others as she thought about how people connecting is so important in the business world. That got her thinking about how decisions, detours, timing and circumstances have such an impact on everyday life.

It could be a case of a guy missing an airline flight, and while angry and waiting in an airport bar, meets his future wife -- something that likely wouldn't have happened if he was on time.

One story Battat chose tells of a Wall Street trader who left his job to run a children's charity, and although his salary is just a fraction of what it once was, he's happier and more fulfilled.

Battat calls those situations "thin thread" moments, and says those thin threads that place new paths before us are much stronger than we think.

Battat believes they lead, connect and liberate people to live life to the fullest. Her hope is the book will help people recognize when they've come to such a path and make the most of it.

The books, first in a series of six, with the next one planned for release in August, are put out by Kiwi Publishing Inc., formed several years ago by Battat and her husband, Eitan Battat.

The Battats, who have three children, are in this one together as well.

"I'm the heart behind it; he's the brains," Stacey Battat said, referring to her husband.

Eitan Battat says he's in charge of application, much of it through a state-of the art Web site at www.ThinThreads.com.

Something unique about the series is that people can subscibe to it and also can send a personalized version of a Thin Threads collection of stories of their choice to a friend or relative for between $9 and $14. Eitan Battat said he had invaluable help from the Connecticut Small Business Development Center, a free service to people starting a business in the state.

The Battats used the Internet, as well as networking, to put out the word they were collecting thin thread stories, and once Stacey Battat had it narrowed down, a reading advisory team read and rated the stories by certain criteria.

Some stories needed rewriting or more information to highlight that thin thread moment, Stacey Battat said.

Stories are being accepted for future books in the series and can be submitted through the Web site or by mail to: Kiwi Publishing, Box 3852, Woodbridge 06525.

Asked if they ever felt like giving up during the three-year project, Stacey Battat said: "We just didn't quit the same day."

Newstex ID: KRTB-0141-39354084