DREAM BIG

Readers,

I wanted to send you a note of hope....DREAM BIG! Even if you think that your goals are too large and how could it ever happen for you...and how could you possibly do _______ (fill in the blank) when you can't even clean your room! You can do it! A dream is important...a goal is a dream written down. Make a plan. What do you want to do? Do you want to be a writer? Use a journal everyday and make up stories, log the events of your day, brainstorm......you can write -if you want to. Do you wnat to dance? Take classes..practice and practice again! You can do it. Everyone's dream seemed big at first...but when you practice and believe in yourself it gets more realistic everyday! I wanted to be a writer since I was in elementary school. Many said it would never happen so I stopped talking about it and started writing. When "Who I am...." first arrived in bookstores people were shocked! How did you do it? Wow! (they said) I've always wanted to do that........Don't just want! OPut it into practice.....this is how we make our dreams come true. No magic wand, or fairy dust..just a prayer and practice will make it come true. Dream big today!

UPDATE ON SIGNING AT NICOLA'S

I had a great time with the people who joined me in Ann Arbor at Nicola's yesterday! I was able to read stories to multiple groups of people, sign many books and have great chats with people. I also met a children's book author and was able to have a book signed from her. She happened to bring her daughter to the store to get a book signed and her daughter told me that her mom wrote kid's books:) we found it in the store and it was signed for me:) isn't it great that when you refresh others you are also refreshed? My next signing will be in Chicago on October 4th. I'll give more details closer to the date. If you stopped by Nicola's yesterday thanks for the support!

COME SEE ME IF YOU CAN............

I'm on my way to Ann Arbor for a book signing and presentation on "Who I am not what I am". I'd love to see all of my readers and those interested in reading. If you plan on stopping by please bring a friend that could benefit from this book. It's nice to be local this weekend...I'm really looking forward to being in such a fun and creative environment to share the message of this book. See you soon:)

School is back in...self-esteem should be top of mind

The leaves will begin to change color soon and children are back in the classrooms we all need to remember that this is a critical time to remind kids of their worth. One of the hardest challenges that students face growing up is encountering new classmates, schools and learning expectations. Let's make sure that all kids are constantly told how important they are. It is important to celebrate all aspects of a child, not just the exterior. Kids that love to read should be complimented on their love of books in word and action. Let's ask them about the stories that they enjoy, ask them why and buy them new books to keep their interest fed. Take them to libraries and other events that reinforce their hobby. I will be at at Nicola's Bookstore (Ann Arbor) this Saturday at 12 noon. I look forward to seeing all of the supporters of Whoiamnotwhatiam!

IF YOU BELIEVE YOU CAN OR BELIEVE YOU CANT...

If a dream exists in your heart it can come true. The best ingredient for being succesful is belief. Many people may try to make obstacles the culprits in limiting happiness, acceptance, etc. If the term no one is perfect is true (which it is) doesn't that mean that all people can acheive whatever their hearts desire? Potential is not enough we have to bring a true belief, faith and hardwork into play and we will see great results. I told two girls when I was in juinor high school that I would be an author one day.... they laughed at me. They had on name brand clothes and were in the cool crowd I wore my brothers hand-me downs and did not belong to a crowd but I believed that I could write a book and now I am able to remind little girls and boys all over America of the dream that is brewing in their hearts. If it is a book, a song or a medical degree it can happen if we believe in ourselves!

I LOVE NEW JERSEY!

Who I am not what I am! went to New Jersey last Saturday for a book signing at Newport Mall in Jersey City. This was a great experience for all who were able to share in the event. I met many diverse people who said that this book was exactly what they needed. Many came and shared their personal stories and much support for this book and its message. We also had an impromptu book signing at the New Jersey Sector of the New City Church of Christ. I met great girls who were ready to promote the message of self-esteem themselves. My next event will be in Cincinatti.....stay tuned!

THANK YOU PENNSYLVANIA!

I had a wonderful turnout to my signing at Borders in Oxford Valley Mall in PA. So many people were excited about my book and thought it was great to give their children a positive role model to look up to. One of the comments that I get the most at these signings is what is my inspiration for writing a book like "Who I am not what I am" My biggest inspiration is the thought that I could change the way others view the world and themselves with a few simple words. When people truly think about the concept of self-esteem and diversity they realize that these are important charateristics to pass on to their children but they don't always know how. Kids have questions about race, self and the world around them...how do we answer these things and still shape them to be upstanding respectful and valuing of others? The best way is to teach them that people are people .....we love the same things like icecream, bike riding, etc. Janelle is a visual to remind people that people that appear so different from us really are not hard to understand we just have to lend a ear and be open to what they have to say.