Monthly Archive: July 2014

Sunflowers & Growing Dreams…and LOTS of Gratitude!!

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Sunflowers & Growing Dreams… and LOTS of Gratitude!

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By now, you’ve probably seen me post things about the KickStarter campaign for publishing funds for the cook book. Oh, Forks!! just needs a bit of help to get the first publications done on the first few hundred copies, and then, will be able to sustain its own sales!! Little did I know that taking the leap to put myself out there would result in 32% completion of my $4,000 goal, with 26 days to go!!

I’ve got to admit… I couldn’t have picked a worse, or more complicated time to release this cook book, and attempt to successfully complete this publication drive. I’m eyeball deep in 6 different things I’ve written to say in court on the 25th to hopefully help the judge understand how detrimental it is for that horrible man that stole my Grandma’s life, and give him the MAXIMUM sentence allowable. And I’m also past the point of worry for my daughter’s looming heart surgery at the end of the month. That said, I also love a good challenge, and this will give me something to work on, instead of pacing the hallways at Riley…

If you’ve already pledged, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. If you haven’t yet, please consider it. Depending on your pledge, you’ll get copies of my books, swag, signed cook books, or even recognition and a message inside of the cook book itself! The nutrition labels help keep track of those calories, for you counters out there, and the pictures will help you to see what it “should” look like. Each recipe has an “ingredient” section, and many have “simple directions,” to avoid all the extra fluff that sometimes happens with written recipes. There are many options for substitutions in a myriad of the recipes, and there are over 100 of those! The cook book sits now at just over 200 pages!!

So, again, please consider helping me out. This would be such a huge break for my family!! Every little bit helps! Share, Share, Share!! Spread the word!! I’ve already got book signings lined up, and many MANY pre-sales ready to go! I would just love the ability to have a book to hand to my customers for their payment….not take their cash, and do a monthly order! I appreciate every second of consideration you give this!!!

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And, while all of that happens, my nervously excited-self took to the garden today, diving in with my husband, as I’ll not be seeing him much this week while he’s trapped at work. Thankful for his help on the weeds and such. Now to transition to preparing for the big Darling’s second week of camp…

THANK YOU SOOO MUCH FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT!!! PLEDGE! PLEDGE! PLEDGE!

July 20, 2014 OH, Forks! A Little Bit of Everything and All That's Gluten Free Cook Book 2014, , , , , , , , , , , , , , 0 Read more >

Mary, Mary Quite Contrary… How does Your Garden Grow?

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Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary… How does Your Garden Grow?

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Today was my first day back in my garden after nearly two weeks of knocking on Heaven’s door. (Yes, I think it’s a fabulous reference to my illnesses!) The garden beds are all exploding, and we picked our first basket full of green beans, and some peppers today. The sunflower heads are finally blossoming, and I cannot wait to see how big they get, as Darling #1 is really hoping for some awards! There are more tomatoes than I can count, so in a week or two, I’ll be canning like a mad woman again.

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Good news? Yes, there’s a bit. I’m on my way of getting past this last bout of illness, AND I’ve secured the first ISBN numbers for the Oh, Forks! Cook book coming to you in the next few months. I’ve also decided on my method of financial backing for this adventure, too. Just this week, a man was in the news for starting a $10 Kickstarter fund for potato salad. He got his ten dollars, and then $40k more! For potato salad! I’m planning to utilize this feature for a publishing push, in that, I’ll already have the book done. These funds will allow me to pre-print book copies to have on hand to sell! Much easier, and this also allows for the most professional “packaging” for the cook book, as well. If I can get these funds, I’ll also be beginning a campaign with the cook book that gives $1 from each book sale to the Scleroderma Foundation!!! I’m excited about the future plans for the cook book, and can’t wait to make those announcements closer to publication!

Bad news? Yeah, there’s always some floating closely behind me. Many of you know of the circumstances and situations my family is currently facing with my Grandma. On top of that, I’m planning an upcoming Riley trip, we’re dealing with ridiculously immature situations with an employer—due to their anger with others, and illnesses, work, medical bills, and about 500 other things all happening at the same time. I don’t do stress well anymore. Not that I can’t handle it, but my body refuses to. I’m doing my best to slow myself down a bit, without stopping any of the projects I’ve got. SO, my hopes for an August release may be a little overzealous….. but it won’t be too much longer, I swear!!!

Thanks for your patience! Thanks for your support!

July 10, 2014 OH, Forks! A Little Bit of Everything and All That's Gluten Free Cook Book 2014, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 0 Read more >