Dog at the Tinsel Tree: Susie's Story
Gratitude & Hope (Two More Book Awards & Furever Home Prayers)
![Gratitude & Hope (Two More Book Awards & Furever Home Prayers) Gratitude & Hope (Two More Book Awards & Furever Home Prayers)](images/deniseleebranco/cache/images/deniseleebranco/proportion/LivingNowBookAwards2024-Bronze_w140_h140/LivingNowBookAwards2024-Bronze_08310112.jpg)
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
![Bronze in Memoir - 2024 NCPA Book Awards Bronze in Memoir - 2024 NCPA Book Awards](images/deniseleebranco/cache/images/deniseleebranco/proportion/NCPA%20Bronze%20Award%20in%20Frame%202024_w140_h140/NCPA%20Bronze%20Award%20in%20Frame%202024_06291045.jpg)
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
![Looking at Life Differently Post Concussion: Thanking God and the Angels Looking at Life Differently Post Concussion: Thanking God and the Angels](images/deniseleebranco/cache/images/deniseleebranco/proportion/June%202024%20newsletter_w140_h140/June%202024%20newsletter_06230712.jpg)
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)
![Winner in the 2024 Book Excellence Awards (Gift Book Category) Winner in the 2024 Book Excellence Awards (Gift Book Category)](images/deniseleebranco/cache/images/deniseleebranco/proportion/Book-Excellence-Awards-Profile-Winner-2-600-x-600_w140_h140/Book-Excellence-Awards-Profile-Winner-2-600-x-600_04190721.jpg)
I'll keep this month's newsletter brief. Until next time, keep striving!
Honoring a Beloved Dog & Cherished Rabbit with Book Awards & Online Interviews
![Honoring a Beloved Dog & Cherished Rabbit with Book Awards & Online Interviews Honoring a Beloved Dog & Cherished Rabbit with Book Awards & Online Interviews](images/deniseleebranco/cache/images/deniseleebranco/proportion/Illumuniations%20Book%20Awards%202024_w140_h140/Illumuniations%20Book%20Awards%202024_02170643.png)
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!
![First Book Award for Dog at the Tinsel Tree! First Book Award for Dog at the Tinsel Tree!](images/deniseleebranco/cache/images/deniseleebranco/proportion/FeatheredQuillFinalist-DogAtTheTinselTree2024_w140_h140/FeatheredQuillFinalist-DogAtTheTinselTree2024_02030245.png)
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.
Spreading Holiday Joy with Susie's Story
![Spreading Holiday Joy with Susie's Story Spreading Holiday Joy with Susie's Story](images/deniseleebranco/cache/images/deniseleebranco/proportion/Eskaton%20Holiday%20Craft%20Faire%202023_w140_h140/Eskaton%20Holiday%20Craft%20Faire%202023_12020150.jpeg)
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!
![Book Release Day! Book Release Day!](images/deniseleebranco/cache/images/deniseleebranco/proportion/DogBookReleaseDay2023_w140_h140/DogBookReleaseDay2023_10250913.jpg)
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!