Happy Valentine's Day
In memory of my rabbit, Chole, I wish you a very happy Valentine's Day today. Chloe was a special little bunny who brought joy to me and her fans. Although she is now hopping around Heaven, indulging in a feast of veggies and grasses, her legacy continues to entertain and inspire readers of Rabbit at the Sliding Door: Chloe's Story.
I have exciting news related to my book Dog at the Tinsel Tree: Susie's Story. I'm thrilled to say that it won its 17th award as "Finalist" in the Dog Writers Association of America book awards contest, special category, Rio Award. I love how the award is for an article, book, or essay that profiles a dog who changed someone's life in a profoundly positive way. That's what Susie did for me. She was six months my senior and showed me a pet's unconditional love from the moment I entered her world.
Until next time, keep taking leaps of faith toward what your heart desires. It more than likely won't be easy, but it truly is possible.
Take the Shot
Last week, I went to the gym at a time that I normally don't. Turns out, there was a reason.
I caught an episode of Shark Tank on the treadmill TV and saw a struggling entrepreneur share a motivational quote from his late father. It was so good that I grabbed my phone and jotted it down: "Life's short. Don't wait. Take the shot."
I hope my latest news will also encourage you. Dog at the Tinsel Tree: Susie's Story has won its 15th and 16th book awards! The 15th was as a "Finalist" in the Gift Book category of the Christian Indie Book Awards contest. The awards ceremony will take place in March where I'll find out how it placed.
Thankful-Grateful-Blessed
Thank you, friend! I want to begin by telling you that I am forever grateful for your friendship and unwavering support. Although the demands of life may cause me not to stay in touch as much as I'd like, please know that you are very special to me. You are truly a blessing. Your encouragement keeps me moving forward, and I hope I do the same for you.
Ok, now, let's move on to the fun stuff! I'm excited to share with you that Dog at the Tinsel Tree: Susie's Story has officially tied with Rabbit at the Sliding Door: Chloe's Story for the number of book awards...14! There are still a few book award contests in which I'm waiting for the results and hoping to break this tie. Fingers crossed!
Gratitude & Hope (Two More Book Awards & Furever Home Prayers)
Can you believe that Christmas is just 17 weeks away?! I'm looking forward to holiday events and sharing stories of my beloved pets with readers.
Since my last newsletter, Dog at the Tinsel Tree: Susie's Story has won two more book awards: Bronze Medal in the 2024 Living Now Book Awards (animals/pets category) and an Honorable Mention in the 2024 Purple Dragonfly Book Awards (animals/pets and holiday categories!)
I'm hoping for more awards by the time Christmas arrives, but I'm especially praying that two precious brothers will have loving furever homes soon. My local shelter, FieldHaven Feline Center, helped me rescue them, their mama and three siblings (a long story and future article or book).
Bronze in Memoir - 2024 NCPA Book Awards
Dog at the Tinsel Tree: Susie's Story has won its ninth book award! I hope that with each award, you are inspired to make room in your own life to live your purpose. My fall and head injury were another reminder that, as the saying goes, "life is not a dress rehearsal." Do what you were called to do...now.
I meant to thank you for your friendship and unwavering support in last week's newsletter. I feel so loved and the feeling is mutual. Ever since I stepped into the world of writing and publishing, I have been blessed with more friends than I ever thought possible. Each of you has a special place in my heart.
Until next time, live life to the fullest and much thanks to everyone who reached out to me after reading about my concussion. You made my day!
Looking at Life Differently Post Concussion: Thanking God and the Angels
I've always been one to be fully present in what each day offers; someone who reminds herself often that tomorrow isn't promised. That reminder took on a whole new meaning in late April.
It's a long story but let's just say that a home's uncarpeted concrete foundation is super hard when you fall and hit it with the back of your head. I don't remember details until I was on a stretcher in an ambulance and the paramedic told my friends that he was taking me to a hospital other than mine. I corrected him, stating, "I go to Kaiser." Funny how the thought of a lack of insurance coverage is what got my brain firing again!
The paramedic politely told me, "No, we're going to the Sutter Trauma Center." All I could say with tears rolling down my face was, "Oh, okay." I feared the worst. It was the day after our family received upsetting news about my father's health—a very tough week.
Winner in the 2024 Book Excellence Awards (Gift Book Category)
I'll keep this month's newsletter brief. Until next time, keep striving!
Honoring a Beloved Dog & Cherished Rabbit with Book Awards & Online Interviews
There's been a lot going on since we last connected. Dog at the Tinsel Tree: Susie's Story has won its second and third book awards!
It was awarded Distinguished Favorite in the Gift Book category of the 2024 Independent Press Awards and Bronze in the Holiday category of the Illumination Book Awards. I can't believe it!
First Book Award for Dog at the Tinsel Tree!
I'm thrilled to share some exciting news with you! Dog at the Tinsel Tree: Susie's Story has won its first book award: Finalist in the 2024 Feathered Quill Book Awards: Animal-Adult category!
Rabbit at the Sliding Door: Chloe's Story also placed as a finalist in the same category last year. Even though I didn't place first, second or third, I am grateful and even more motivated to climb higher. (I am a Capricorn, after all. Once us goats climb one mountain, we're ready to climb the next!)
There's a quote in Henry Winkler's new memoir Being Henry that will always push me to keep going when it seems hopeless. He shares his actor's journey in a way that will inspire anyone chasing their dreams. He says, "If you stay at the table long enough..." whatever is meant for you will happen if you keep the faith.
Remember to Rest
I woke up this morning, after sending yesterday's newsletter, and remembered that I had a photo of my feline office assistants basking in the spring sun by my window. It was taken in April of 2022. My, how time flies!
I suppose because cat accessories are all around me, I didn't realize how much more luxury these three enjoy than just two cat caves and fluffy towels. See that two-tiered cat condo in the photo? Well, there are actually four in the house, situated in their favorite locations. Blankets on two beds and one sofa make for other cozy options. Cat scratching posts of various textures satisfy indoor cat needs (and save the furniture from destruction.)
In 2024, You Have the Power!
You may be wondering, why is Denise showing me a photo of a cat cave? She must still be tipsy from New Year's Eve celebrations.
I bought this pet bed for my feline office assistants. Actually, two caves for three cats to use, because there are two equally comfy spots on fluffy towels on wooden stands by my office window. That seemed to me like enough luxury accommodations for three cats, but you should see the look of disappointment in the eyes of the one who missed her chance to settle in a cat cave before the others and is forced to move to the towels by the window. Cat owners, you know. To them, it ain't the same.
This pristine feline cave with a plush, sherpa interior was the "purrfect" retreat for my three, furry office staff. That was my opinion. Turns out, it was not Mindy's.
Spreading Holiday Joy with Susie's Story
Isn't it wonderful how a room filled with holiday decorations does something to the soul? It instantly lifts our spirits by its beauty, brings back fond memories of past Christmases, and gives us renewed hope.
I participated in a holiday craft faire this past week. When I arrived and saw that I was assigned a table right in front of the gorgeous Christmas tree, I was ecstatic! It was the perfect location for a holiday-themed book.
Book Release Day!
No more waiting. The time has come! The dog in the photo was first in line to purchase a copy of Dog at the Tinsel Tree: Susie's Story and wants you to know that it’s a page-turner!
It IS Possible!
You know how I keep trying to inspire you to take that first step? To pursue your dreams no matter how impossible you think they might be to achieve?
Believe me, if you only knew how many balls I have in the air at this time in my life, you'd realize that you CAN accomplish anything, as long as you keep making even the smallest of moves forward.
Bronze in Memoir - Award #14!
Another Book Award? Yes, #14. I can't believe it either! Rabbit at the Sliding Door: Chloe's Story won bronze in the memoir category of the Northern California Publishers and Authors Book Awards (NCPA) contest. This book awards contest was the last one that I was eagerly awaiting results. You see, NCPA is where it all began.
Winner in the 2023 National Indie Excellence Book Awards!
The National Indie Excellence Book Awards presented Rabbit at the Sliding Door: Chloe's Story with Winner in the Gift Book category and Finalist in the Animals/Pets category. Maybe all I'm supposed to do today is show by example that what God has in store for you is waaaaayyyy greater than you can imagine!
Finalist in the 2023 Next Generation Indie Book Awards Contest (Gift Book Category)
Book award #12 for Rabbit at the Sliding Door: Chloe’s Story from Next Generation Indie Book Awards! I am continually both amazed and deeply grateful when another book award announcement arrives in my in-box.
Thank you for allowing me to share this honor with you. Reach for the stars, my friend. Rewards, like this, can happen for you!
Happy Mother's Day!
Trotting by to wish every human and animal mom, or combination of the two (referring to my fellow pet parents), a special day of celebration and remembrance.
Where would we be without our mothers? I owe my love of books to my mom. Every afternoon when I was a little girl, my mom asked me to choose a book from my collection of children’s books and she’d read it to me. I wonder how many of my favorites she had to read more than once!
Finalist in the 2023 Christian Indie Awards
Book award #11! First Place in the 2023 Christian Indie Awards (Gift Book Category.) I haven’t entirely figured out why God keeps blessing me with these awards, other than to say I believe He’s showing me that I’m right on track. Keep going! Keep improving. No matter how hard life can get at times, this is your purpose. You are destined to do great things.
Winner in the 2023 Book Excellence Awards Contest (Gift Book Category)
Book award #10! Winner in the 2023 Book Excellence Awards Contest – Gift Book Category. Are you as shocked as I am? I can’t believe it, and yet I feel validated. During the big gap (twelve years) between book number one and book number two, I worked hard at honing my craft. I attended countless writing and publishing conferences, meetings, and webinars. I read books on the subject, and I wrote…and wrote.
