It’s a beautiful day in the neighbourhood, a beautiful day for a neighbour, would you be mine, could you be mine … *channeling Mr. Rogers* … and there’s a lot of blog-hopping going on today, which always guarantees a great time!
For some reason, I’ve been humming the theme song from the Mr. Rogers show all day. But … hey … his show was all about friendship and that’s what I’m talking about with my friend Jess today. I must be having some sort of psychic connection with Fred … goodness knows I watched at least a zillion of his shows when our children were small!
I’m hanging out at the Happiness Project with the fabulous Jess Witkins, a young woman with the most brilliant smile and a sunny attitude to match. How could you not want to rush over to a blog with that handle?
As well as spreading happiness, Jess is working on her first novel and we are all following her progress with great anticipation. Write on, Jess!
She’s been telling me recently about her fabulous book club and we got talking about friendship and … well … click right here and hop on over to join our chat. You know I’m all about friendship! We would love to hear from you AND THERE’S A GIVEAWAY INVOLVED. See you there!
To make the day even better, best-selling author and dear friend, Steena Holmes
… (um, she’s a bit on the shy side … could her photo be any smaller? Steena, we have to talk!)
Anyway, the awesome and talented Steena is here to share her exciting news! Her latest novel, “Finding Emma” has just won the 2012 Indie Excellence Award in the Fiction category. It’s a gripping, emotional story which I was privileged to read and review just as it was published and it is most worthy of all the kudos being received.
Along with that, Steena is contributing a portion of the proceeds from sales to the Missing Children Society of Canada.
If you haven’t read it yet, here’s the Amazon link. BUT WE ARE ALSO GIVING AWAY AN E-COPY HERE! Woohoo!
Steena has an amazing blog tour in progress, hosted by Women On Writing, and you can find a list of all of her stops on her website as well as details about a Scavenger Hunt … seriously! Honestly, this woman is creative! She has written some terrific posts that truly hit home about parenting … and the subject of chocolate does come up from time to time as well!
Just leave a comment below this post and then click here to go to Steena’s blog to leave a comment after you read her excellent post about her thoughts on winning an award. We will employ our highly scientific method of putting all the names in a hat and having my DH pick out the winner!
Ahem, pardon me for nudging Steena just a little to the side of the spotlight for a second to share the news that The Bridge Club was a Finalist in the Women’s Issues category for the 2012 Indie Excellence Awards. It was fun to find both of us there when they sent out the list of Winners and Finalists. Yay, us!
I know you are going to enjoy getting to know these two fine friends of mine. In the author/blogger community we often pop around to each other’s sites. It’s the cyber equivalent of meeting up at the local coffee emporium, martini bar, or chocolateria. Where do you like to hang out with your friends?
Patricia Sands 
I need to take a leaf from your book about blog-hopping, Patricia. This is excellent!
Thanks Niamh – you must come to hang out one day too!
would love to. you are very thorough and engaging
Mr. Rogers said, “Part of the problem with the word ‘disabilities’ is that it immediately suggests an inability to see or hear or walk or do other things that many of us take for granted. But what of the people who can’t feel? Or talk about their feelings? Or manage their feelings in constructive ways? What of people who aren’t able to form close and strong relationships? And people who cannot find fulfillment in their lives, or those who have lost hope, who live in disappointment and bitterness and find in life no joy, no love? These, it seems to me, are the real disabilities.”
As the parent of a daughter with Down syndrome, I find these words to be wise and true. Fred Rogers was the heart of not only television, but of this country, and we would all do well to emulate his gentle, loving ways.
V
Thank you for that beautiful quote and I could not agree more that his gentle, loving ways should be emulated. The world is often not the kind, inclusive place Fred Rogers helped us to see. One of my dear friends has a son with Down Syndrome and every day he reminds us how good the world can be.We need to work harder to make it so.
excellent post, Patricia. Miss Steena is a delight. Finding Emma is heart wrenching and oh so good. what a wonderful story. I can’t wait for the sequel. i’m off to check out Jess’ site.
Thanks for stopping by, Louise. You are so right. Finding Emma is an excellent story and one that hits home with every parent.
Thanks, Pat. Jess is a dear friend, and Steena did my book cover. Don’t know where she finds the time, but it looks good.
Don’t you just love how this online community reaches out to connect with each other? I’m sure your book cover is fabulous and look forward to your launch!
Yay to the both of you!!!! I bow to your greatness. You both tell beautiful stories, it’s no surprise you won awards. Bravo, ladies!
We bow to your greatness too and are so excited about your upcoming launch of “Souled”. I hope to read your book on the weekend and you can let me know when you want to come and hang out here!
Loved your and Jess’ conversation about friendship. Patricia, you and your friends are such an inspiration and a testament to how important and valuable friendship is to each of us.
I haven’t read Finding Emma yet but can’t WAIT!!
CONGRATS Steena on winning the 2012 Indie Excellence Award in the Fiction category and to Patricia on being a finalist in the Women’s Issues category for the 2012 Indie Excellence Awards – you two are both so deserving!! Woot woot!!!
Thanks for the enthusiastic support, Natalie!Love your woots!
Ohmygosh! Two very talented winners here. Congrats to both you and Steena. Very well deserved award for Steena and I hope you win the women’s issues award, Patricia. I’m off now to read your chat with Jess. This should be very exciting.
Thanks, Tameri! Have you recovered from your anniversary celebrations?
Congratulations, Patricia! Well deserved. And now I need to add Steena’s book to my TBR pile. 🙂
Absolutely add Finding Emma to that TBR pile!
Thanks for this window into some of the exciting developments in indie book publishing–there’s so much going on, it makes my head spin! Congratulations, Patricia and Steena. Good, quality work!
It’s quite amazing, Helen! You’re not alone in the head-spinning department! Thanks for your kind words.