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!

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.

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.