Holiday
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!
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!
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.
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!
Freedom's Spirit Lives On
I can’t let a year pass without sharing this photo of Freedom in his Santa hat. It warms my heart every time. Not only does it make me smile (because he really didn’t want that floppy red cone with a white pompom on his head), it makes me wish I could hug the thick, winter-hair around his neck and thank him.
If it weren’t for you, Freedom, I wouldn’t have found the courage to write your story. If it weren’t for you, Freedom, I wouldn’t have been given this amazing writing gig that allows me to help animals all over the world. If it weren’t for you, Freedom, I wouldn’t have found my purpose.
Honorable Mention - 2022 Purple Dragonfly Book Awards
I’m excited to share that Rabbit at the Sliding Door: Chloe’s Story has won another book award: Honorable Mention in the Animals/Pets and Holiday categories of the 2022 Purple Dragonfly Book Awards contest.
This link will take you to the Purple Dragonfly Book Awards website where you’ll find a complete list of winners.
A Mother's Love for God's Creatures
How could the impossible happen? Pure luck with a bit of Divine guidance mixed in? Sounds good. That must be it.
Years pass and seasons change. It happens again. Twice? Five years later. How could that be? I’ll tell you how. It’s because God knows which of His animal guardians to call on when there’s an urgent need. That animal angel on Earth would be my mother. She has helped two lost cats find their way back home.
Christmas Miracle
I think the best miracles are those we hadn’t anticipated, much less imagined. It’s when we’re caught off guard, in a good way. God hands us something so mind-boggling, we can’t help but stop and marvel at His work.
I delved into genealogy research during the pandemic, curious to learn more about my roots. Though I wrote about those interesting discoveries in my upcoming memoir, I couldn’t wait to share our latest family miracle with you.
