and now it is proudly displayed in my apartment where i can look at it and catch a smile any time, knowing my book has touched someone else in a positive way. :) happy holidays! find YOUR smile today. :)
A children's book about one woman's battle with breast cancer, as recalled through her young daughter's eyes.
this is what it's all about...
and now it is proudly displayed in my apartment where i can look at it and catch a smile any time, knowing my book has touched someone else in a positive way. :) happy holidays! find YOUR smile today. :)
thanks i am giving
I am thankful for my family. Each and every one of my family members has shaped me into who I am today, and I couldn't be more grateful for them as a whole. But I am especially thankful for my Mama, and for all her doctors and the scientists who made it possible for her to beat her breast cancer, as well as all those still dedicated to finding a cure and helping other Mamas, sisters, grandmas, friends and so on...
Lastly, I am thankful for all of the support I saw this last October, as I mentioned before, in window fronts and inside of businesses. It means that more and more people are raising money to get us that much closer to a cure. And just to see folks working together, toward one common good, is something we should all be thankful for, always. It's something that for some reason doesn't seem to happen enough in today's world, with people getting side tracked, discouraged, distracted or just plain thinking they can't make a difference no matter how hard they try.
I could go on for days I suppose, in terms of what I am thankful for, but I think you get the point. OH and lastly, I am thankful for glitter, and all the things it makes sparkle, no matter what time of year, but especially around the holidays, where it seems like more people appreciate/use it and it's not considered a hassle. Haha. ;) SPARKLE ON THIS THANKSGIVING!!
Lastly, I am thankful for all of the support I saw this last October, as I mentioned before, in window fronts and inside of businesses. It means that more and more people are raising money to get us that much closer to a cure. And just to see folks working together, toward one common good, is something we should all be thankful for, always. It's something that for some reason doesn't seem to happen enough in today's world, with people getting side tracked, discouraged, distracted or just plain thinking they can't make a difference no matter how hard they try.
I could go on for days I suppose, in terms of what I am thankful for, but I think you get the point. OH and lastly, I am thankful for glitter, and all the things it makes sparkle, no matter what time of year, but especially around the holidays, where it seems like more people appreciate/use it and it's not considered a hassle. Haha. ;) SPARKLE ON THIS THANKSGIVING!!
just AWESOME: go Kellie! :)
So I saw this article about Kellie Pickler dying her hair pink, and it
reminded me I had an update to report! ... which will be coming very
soon!
But first I want to say a quick word about Kellie, and her fantastic show of support for the cause. I think it was last month that she shaved her head on behalf of a friend diagnosed with breast cancer.
What an amazing gesture! (Nice to see a celebrity getting attention for such a kind deed rather than having a mental breakdown or something! Sorry Brittany).
Anyhow, I've got one thing I need to do before I can wrap up what my update is about, and then I'll be back to share!
cheers for now! especially to Kellie P! :)
But first I want to say a quick word about Kellie, and her fantastic show of support for the cause. I think it was last month that she shaved her head on behalf of a friend diagnosed with breast cancer.
What an amazing gesture! (Nice to see a celebrity getting attention for such a kind deed rather than having a mental breakdown or something! Sorry Brittany).
Anyhow, I've got one thing I need to do before I can wrap up what my update is about, and then I'll be back to share!
cheers for now! especially to Kellie P! :)
Busy Busy Bee!
Alllright! So, not to make a liar out of myself, and despite the busyness and chest cold developing into bronchitis, I am back! And with SO much to share about MvM!
I've been sharing my book with folks as I've been meandering around lately and it's paying off! At a recent stay at a wonderful little Inn up in Windham called Beds on Clouds, I had the pleasure of befriending the owners, Rebecca and her husband Susumu Sato- a famous photographer now retired from Manhatten. Rebecca was his agent back in the 70's/80's and he was renowned in his industry taking photos of celebrities like Seigfried and Roy and even Andy Warhol! WOW! The Inn is, simply put, one of the greatest places I've ever been.
The decor is funky and eclectic with a divine color palette and array of modern-Renaissance flare. And Rebecca and her husband couldn't be more hospitable! The delectable breakfast in the morning, prepared by Susumu, included fresh veggies from their backyard garden and freshly baked croissants. And Windham is a charming little town! About 40 minutes from where I live it was a great little escape to take the back roads and check out the early fall foliage.
After chatting with Rebecca I learned that a dear friend of hers was diagnosed with breast cancer. I mentioned my book, and she was eager to see it (though I didn't have a copy with me).
So I returned to the Inn the very next day with a personalized and signed copy for her and she was thrilled. So thrilled she said she would put a few copies up in the gallery for sale! As stated LAST October, the going price during breast cancer awareness month is $15.
Another spot I recently visited in Delmar, is a place close to my heart. My long time family friend, (so long she really IS family) Mary Vail, owner of Joyelle's Jewelers on Delaware Avenue also agreed to display and sell my books! Mary is the sweetest and has the most beautiful boutique items on top of the fantastic selection of high quality jewelry. If you're on the lookout for any jewelry, or even a fine gift for a friend, then Mary's shop is where you need to go! Not only will you find the best selection, you will engage with some of the kindest customer service folks you could imagine. :)
I also made a last minute run out to Denooyer Chevrolet's 'Ladies Night' event: a fundraiser for where all proceeds were going to Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, to donate three signed copies of my book for their silent auction. The organizer was thrilled when I showed up, (though I did apologize for my late arrival/crashing her event, haha) and quickly set them up on the table with a flyer advertising this blog and giving my contact info for those so inclined to check me out. It was a super event full of great vendors like Shush Shoes, (which has the most ADORABLE and trendy shoes!) food, pink balloons and even a PINK Chevy Camaro!
Lastly, those who know me might remember that I worked at Emma Cleary's Cafe on New Scotland Road in Slingerlands all through and even for a little bit after college. Karen the owner is a doll and happily accepted a few copies of my books for sale this month! The small cafe is what I would consider the best example of small-town, good-old-fashioned, great quality food and service. From breakfast to lunch, to the delicious treats she bakes daily, everything is so fresh and delicious! So much so that despite leaving to jump start my writing career I couldn't help but scoop up some goodies every chance I got and even managed to get my coworkers hooked on her cookies! A short email to the gang upon my return yielded everyone in the office coming to my desk to ask for their favorite kind.
I really feel so blessed to have met and been close to such amazing people and have close friendships, new and old. Being able to share my book with anyone it could touch or give hope to is all I ever wanted. And seeing it become a reality through such fantastic places and awesome people is just unreal. Thank you THANK you to everyone who is helping me share Mommy vs. the Monster. And THANK YOU ONCE MORE!
I'm not done yet! It's SO nice to see all the local businesses and organizations with pink ribbons in their windows showing support for the cause. And so, there are many more places I'm hoping to visit and share my book with. As always, portions of the proceeds will go to various cancer research, awareness and support organizations. First though, I'm off to get my pink hair extension... ;) More to come!
I've been sharing my book with folks as I've been meandering around lately and it's paying off! At a recent stay at a wonderful little Inn up in Windham called Beds on Clouds, I had the pleasure of befriending the owners, Rebecca and her husband Susumu Sato- a famous photographer now retired from Manhatten. Rebecca was his agent back in the 70's/80's and he was renowned in his industry taking photos of celebrities like Seigfried and Roy and even Andy Warhol! WOW! The Inn is, simply put, one of the greatest places I've ever been.
The decor is funky and eclectic with a divine color palette and array of modern-Renaissance flare. And Rebecca and her husband couldn't be more hospitable! The delectable breakfast in the morning, prepared by Susumu, included fresh veggies from their backyard garden and freshly baked croissants. And Windham is a charming little town! About 40 minutes from where I live it was a great little escape to take the back roads and check out the early fall foliage.
After chatting with Rebecca I learned that a dear friend of hers was diagnosed with breast cancer. I mentioned my book, and she was eager to see it (though I didn't have a copy with me).
So I returned to the Inn the very next day with a personalized and signed copy for her and she was thrilled. So thrilled she said she would put a few copies up in the gallery for sale! As stated LAST October, the going price during breast cancer awareness month is $15.
Another spot I recently visited in Delmar, is a place close to my heart. My long time family friend, (so long she really IS family) Mary Vail, owner of Joyelle's Jewelers on Delaware Avenue also agreed to display and sell my books! Mary is the sweetest and has the most beautiful boutique items on top of the fantastic selection of high quality jewelry. If you're on the lookout for any jewelry, or even a fine gift for a friend, then Mary's shop is where you need to go! Not only will you find the best selection, you will engage with some of the kindest customer service folks you could imagine. :)
I also made a last minute run out to Denooyer Chevrolet's 'Ladies Night' event: a fundraiser for where all proceeds were going to Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, to donate three signed copies of my book for their silent auction. The organizer was thrilled when I showed up, (though I did apologize for my late arrival/crashing her event, haha) and quickly set them up on the table with a flyer advertising this blog and giving my contact info for those so inclined to check me out. It was a super event full of great vendors like Shush Shoes, (which has the most ADORABLE and trendy shoes!) food, pink balloons and even a PINK Chevy Camaro!
Lastly, those who know me might remember that I worked at Emma Cleary's Cafe on New Scotland Road in Slingerlands all through and even for a little bit after college. Karen the owner is a doll and happily accepted a few copies of my books for sale this month! The small cafe is what I would consider the best example of small-town, good-old-fashioned, great quality food and service. From breakfast to lunch, to the delicious treats she bakes daily, everything is so fresh and delicious! So much so that despite leaving to jump start my writing career I couldn't help but scoop up some goodies every chance I got and even managed to get my coworkers hooked on her cookies! A short email to the gang upon my return yielded everyone in the office coming to my desk to ask for their favorite kind.
I really feel so blessed to have met and been close to such amazing people and have close friendships, new and old. Being able to share my book with anyone it could touch or give hope to is all I ever wanted. And seeing it become a reality through such fantastic places and awesome people is just unreal. Thank you THANK you to everyone who is helping me share Mommy vs. the Monster. And THANK YOU ONCE MORE!
I'm not done yet! It's SO nice to see all the local businesses and organizations with pink ribbons in their windows showing support for the cause. And so, there are many more places I'm hoping to visit and share my book with. As always, portions of the proceeds will go to various cancer research, awareness and support organizations. First though, I'm off to get my pink hair extension... ;) More to come!
Building Strong Survivors Zumba for the Cure!
On September 21st I attended 'Zumba for the Cure,' a Zumbathon fundraiser for Building Strong Survivors, a non-profit
organization established in 2011 dedicated to spreading cancer awareness throughout the
Capital Region. Partnering with Gold's Gym in Guilderland, News Channel 13, and 99.5 the River the event took place at the College of Saint Rose Gymnasium in Albany.
I was there in support of my Mama, who was Zumbathoning (is that even a word? haha) with my Aunt Debbie (my dad's sister and my Mom's Zumba partner in crime) and one of my best friends, Jenny, a fantastic Zumba master who was leading a portion of the 'thon as well.
My mother had originally asked me to do face painting, which I learned in a workshop as a kid. I used to face paint at the New York State Police 'Bring Your Daughter to Work Day' (where my mom worked) and also events at my church as a teenager. More recently I revived the practice at such events as the Voorheesville Memorial Day Parade, on behalf of the Jim Nichols Memorial Foundation, a scholarship foundation in memory of my dear friends' late father/husband. The last two parades I was stoked to see people leaving donations for the free adornment of fireworks and stars and stripes on their kids' faces.
So when I went to stock up on paint for the Zumbathon, I was simply going to go with the tried and true multicolor pack I usually bought. But something caught my eye on my way to get it. Since it's close to October (which mean's Halloween) they had grouped all the face paints and such in one aisle standing display. And on one side was regular paint, where on the other was GLITTER. Glitter paint, glitter glitter, and glitter tattoos! I was captivated by all the different options. (Anyone who has met me for more than 10 minutes usually learns that I have possibly the strongest love on the earth for glitter or anything shiny.)
But was it appropriate? Would people want glitter tattoos? What IS a glitter tattoo? As I stood examining the kit and considering whether it would be equally a) difficult b) messy c) expensive, a woman working at Michael's tapped me on the shoulder and asked if I had any coupons for my shopping trip. I said no, and landed myself a sweet discount coupon, which eliminated factor c). (Thanks mystery Michael's lady!) The directions on the back made a) seem comparable and in the end, factor b) seemed silly because in my eyes glitter NEVER leaves a mess... it just makes everything sparkle! SO, low and behold: I was sold!
I would have Zumba'd myself but I had shoulder surgery two weeks earlier so I wasn't cleared for any hardcore jamming yet. So instead I was putting free pink glitter tattoos on participants in the Zumbathon (pink and purple hearts and ribbons mainly). They had set up a donation bucket next to my glitter station, and I was again thrilled to see folks dropping extra money into the bucket on top of their registration fees.
All participants rocked it out and had a great time, and in the end they had raised around $2,000.00 at the event. Portions of proceeds go to different organizations including The Children's Hospital at Albany Medical Center, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer and Bravehearts.
Check out the Building Strong Survivors recap of the event and page.
All in all it was a great event that was close to my heart for multiple reasons. Even though I wasn't breaking a sweat with everyone I was happy to be there to bling people out for a fantastic cause! :)
I was there in support of my Mama, who was Zumbathoning (is that even a word? haha) with my Aunt Debbie (my dad's sister and my Mom's Zumba partner in crime) and one of my best friends, Jenny, a fantastic Zumba master who was leading a portion of the 'thon as well.
My mother had originally asked me to do face painting, which I learned in a workshop as a kid. I used to face paint at the New York State Police 'Bring Your Daughter to Work Day' (where my mom worked) and also events at my church as a teenager. More recently I revived the practice at such events as the Voorheesville Memorial Day Parade, on behalf of the Jim Nichols Memorial Foundation, a scholarship foundation in memory of my dear friends' late father/husband. The last two parades I was stoked to see people leaving donations for the free adornment of fireworks and stars and stripes on their kids' faces.
So when I went to stock up on paint for the Zumbathon, I was simply going to go with the tried and true multicolor pack I usually bought. But something caught my eye on my way to get it. Since it's close to October (which mean's Halloween) they had grouped all the face paints and such in one aisle standing display. And on one side was regular paint, where on the other was GLITTER. Glitter paint, glitter glitter, and glitter tattoos! I was captivated by all the different options. (Anyone who has met me for more than 10 minutes usually learns that I have possibly the strongest love on the earth for glitter or anything shiny.)
But was it appropriate? Would people want glitter tattoos? What IS a glitter tattoo? As I stood examining the kit and considering whether it would be equally a) difficult b) messy c) expensive, a woman working at Michael's tapped me on the shoulder and asked if I had any coupons for my shopping trip. I said no, and landed myself a sweet discount coupon, which eliminated factor c). (Thanks mystery Michael's lady!) The directions on the back made a) seem comparable and in the end, factor b) seemed silly because in my eyes glitter NEVER leaves a mess... it just makes everything sparkle! SO, low and behold: I was sold!
I would have Zumba'd myself but I had shoulder surgery two weeks earlier so I wasn't cleared for any hardcore jamming yet. So instead I was putting free pink glitter tattoos on participants in the Zumbathon (pink and purple hearts and ribbons mainly). They had set up a donation bucket next to my glitter station, and I was again thrilled to see folks dropping extra money into the bucket on top of their registration fees.
All participants rocked it out and had a great time, and in the end they had raised around $2,000.00 at the event. Portions of proceeds go to different organizations including The Children's Hospital at Albany Medical Center, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer and Bravehearts.
Check out the Building Strong Survivors recap of the event and page.
All in all it was a great event that was close to my heart for multiple reasons. Even though I wasn't breaking a sweat with everyone I was happy to be there to bling people out for a fantastic cause! :)
Okay, I'm really going to keep up...
Well it's no secret that I am not very good at keeping up on communications on this blog. Ha. My last post was in May, when I had what I (still) consider a brilliant idea to come up with a jingle writing business (which has gone no further than where it was back in May, with the exception of me singing my jingle for Bry's Jingles to maybe 6 more people---er, test subjects rather. And so far, it has tested well in the market!)
I did write a country song, for my Daddy, and I managed to pay a high school friend and successful musician to write and record a track for me, (for the soul purpose of putting onto a tape, YES, tape, for my father to be able to play at will in his Oldsmobile... it was top of the line in '89) so I do count that as a win... but I find myself in awe that it is coming up once again on October, and I have let so much time go in between! Not necessarily wasted time by any means, but that I haven't kept up on events I attend or folks I actually get to share my book with.
But that's all going to change I tell ya! From here on out (or at least through the end of this month) I will be a machine for blog posts! All 3 of the people who even know this page exists will be bombarded by updates and recaps of updates and teasers about upcoming updates and then I will update those too! ... Okay, okay. Maybe that's a little much. But I am pledging to do more with this blog in this month for a few reasons: 1) it's Breast Cancer Awareness month 2) I have more time 3) 'cause that's what bloggers do?!
Whatever the reasoning, I have to admit that when I started this thing I really took for granted how much time and effort it takes to make it interesting and up to date. I guess I've just never been a 'computer is top of mind' person outside of my job. I wake up and get an idea, then get in the car and drive to help me hone the idea and shape it (it's how I wrote my country song, jingle for my jingle writing idea, and more...) and then I stop at Stewart's and reflect on my idea as I stand in line to pay for a Gingerale and some chocolate frosted Donettes (great combo by the way... although the local Stewart's staff might think I am a diabetic based on my frequent purchase records). Then something shiny distracts me when I get home or somebody wants me to go to Michael's Craft Store or my nephew calls and says, 'Aunt B: Come over to my house' and I drop everything and just go do whatever.
I am not complaining, as this methodology so far has proven (at a snails pace) to still get me a sense of accomplishment, but what it really comes down to is me sort of taking for granted all the fantastic blogs by other people that I frequent and how much work goes into them. I mean, I've opted for the short-cut blog, on Blogspot, (which is a fantastic site/service, don't get me wrong) and I still can't pull it off. There are bloggers out there with their own web page and ability to post photos and text and they've got ads running across the top, sides, bottom and so on, and they update every other day or so, or at least once a week. (I am realizing this is all making me sound extremely lazy, but I must emphasize that there is a HUGE difference between laziness, and being easily distracted... the latter of which I am a sufferer.)
But now that I have my Mama on the case of Amazon books, and a few more relevant stories to tell, (besides my newfangled ideas and inventions: like my 'kids clicky ice cream squeezy cup') it seems the best time to get my a$$ in gear and really do something that matters... to somebody, somewhere. Maybe it will only matter to me, or me and my Mom, and that's really a-okay. :)
I guess it sorta comes down to the idea (and I am sure famous quote of some sort, by someone I don't know) that if you have a song, but never sing it, how can you expect anyone to like it? They can't like it if they can't hear it, and they can't hear it if you don't open up the pipes and lay it on 'em. Like the American classic 'Field of Dreams' featuring Kevin Kostner in his (first) prime (*he's totally on the verge of a second coming, I can feel it!!) says: 'If you build it, they will come.' Well, I've got the supplies and I'm looking to really break some ground on this thing, so 'hold onto your butts!' -Samuel L. Jackson, Jurassic Park
More to come! (for real!!!) ;)
I did write a country song, for my Daddy, and I managed to pay a high school friend and successful musician to write and record a track for me, (for the soul purpose of putting onto a tape, YES, tape, for my father to be able to play at will in his Oldsmobile... it was top of the line in '89) so I do count that as a win... but I find myself in awe that it is coming up once again on October, and I have let so much time go in between! Not necessarily wasted time by any means, but that I haven't kept up on events I attend or folks I actually get to share my book with.
But that's all going to change I tell ya! From here on out (or at least through the end of this month) I will be a machine for blog posts! All 3 of the people who even know this page exists will be bombarded by updates and recaps of updates and teasers about upcoming updates and then I will update those too! ... Okay, okay. Maybe that's a little much. But I am pledging to do more with this blog in this month for a few reasons: 1) it's Breast Cancer Awareness month 2) I have more time 3) 'cause that's what bloggers do?!
Whatever the reasoning, I have to admit that when I started this thing I really took for granted how much time and effort it takes to make it interesting and up to date. I guess I've just never been a 'computer is top of mind' person outside of my job. I wake up and get an idea, then get in the car and drive to help me hone the idea and shape it (it's how I wrote my country song, jingle for my jingle writing idea, and more...) and then I stop at Stewart's and reflect on my idea as I stand in line to pay for a Gingerale and some chocolate frosted Donettes (great combo by the way... although the local Stewart's staff might think I am a diabetic based on my frequent purchase records). Then something shiny distracts me when I get home or somebody wants me to go to Michael's Craft Store or my nephew calls and says, 'Aunt B: Come over to my house' and I drop everything and just go do whatever.
I am not complaining, as this methodology so far has proven (at a snails pace) to still get me a sense of accomplishment, but what it really comes down to is me sort of taking for granted all the fantastic blogs by other people that I frequent and how much work goes into them. I mean, I've opted for the short-cut blog, on Blogspot, (which is a fantastic site/service, don't get me wrong) and I still can't pull it off. There are bloggers out there with their own web page and ability to post photos and text and they've got ads running across the top, sides, bottom and so on, and they update every other day or so, or at least once a week. (I am realizing this is all making me sound extremely lazy, but I must emphasize that there is a HUGE difference between laziness, and being easily distracted... the latter of which I am a sufferer.)
But now that I have my Mama on the case of Amazon books, and a few more relevant stories to tell, (besides my newfangled ideas and inventions: like my 'kids clicky ice cream squeezy cup') it seems the best time to get my a$$ in gear and really do something that matters... to somebody, somewhere. Maybe it will only matter to me, or me and my Mom, and that's really a-okay. :)
I guess it sorta comes down to the idea (and I am sure famous quote of some sort, by someone I don't know) that if you have a song, but never sing it, how can you expect anyone to like it? They can't like it if they can't hear it, and they can't hear it if you don't open up the pipes and lay it on 'em. Like the American classic 'Field of Dreams' featuring Kevin Kostner in his (first) prime (*he's totally on the verge of a second coming, I can feel it!!) says: 'If you build it, they will come.' Well, I've got the supplies and I'm looking to really break some ground on this thing, so 'hold onto your butts!' -Samuel L. Jackson, Jurassic Park
More to come! (for real!!!) ;)
HOLY TIME TRAVEL!?
WOW! Where has time gone? One minute I was reflecting over an event that happened in OCTOBER?! ...(of 2011) and it's 2012, and it's MAY 11th?!
I've been busy though, to say the least. Not in the ways I wish (ie, with MvTM) but in plenty of other progress making aspects.
For example: I've decided to start my own Jingle Writing Business.
Inspired by the few catchy jingles currently circulating local radio waves, and my own addiction to the power of said catchy tunes, I thought: we need MORE of these! the PEOPLE need more of these! I NEED TO MAKE MORE OF THESE!
And so it was born: 'Bryngles' by Bry: A jingle writing service of BAM Publishing and Copywriting.
As I am in the most preliminary stages of this idea, which include: 1) having the idea 2) saying it out loud 3) writing my own jingle promoting my jingle writing services, but not yet having recorded it... there will DEFINITELY be more to come on this development.
So tune in soon... same bat channel, some other bat time. Until then, cheers and Happy Friday! ;)
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