This Day

Gazing at the eastern horizon from my bed
this morning, I was just in time to see a
glorious sunrise. Feeling the crisp chill in
the air, I pulled the blankets tighter around
my shoulders, and I smiled, hearing little
birds chirping, happily feasting from a small
feeder on the back porch.

September 1st is a date that holds many
memories for me. For it is today that will be,
and forever shall remain, the official release
date of my new book, Nature Inspired.

My heart is overflowing with a multitude
of emotions today regarding this event...
wondrous joy and sincere gratitude, abundant
excitement and deep appreciation, a few
butterflies and complete rapture, are only
some of the ways I can think to describe
my feelings.

Exactly two years ago on September 1st,
life was much much different than today,
not so joyous, not so hopeful, as I was being
laid off from my position as senior product
designer/illustrator for an international
garden company that was suffering the
ill effects of a poor economic climate. This
same company would, in fact, eventually
close, unable to recover from the downturn.

And it was on that very day, when I seemed to
be facing one of the darkest moments, I decided
to put fear aside and take a leap of faith, to
embrace a different path.

With encouragement from both family and
friends, I charted a new course, a new destiny
from one of despair, to one filled to the brim
with beautiful dreams.

I have so, so many people to thank, both now
and then, for this beautiful day! My husband,
my parents, all of the members of my family,
my publisher and staff.

And, I especially feel a great sense of honor to
those I have met either in person or perhaps
only by correspondence, and the friends I have
made along this journey of life.

THANK YOU ALL for your support, your kind,
inspiring words regarding my book, my
workshops, my art, and for helping me
celebrate this momentous occasion by
visiting my humble blog. You have added
a richness to my being and a burning
glow of memories that have woven
themselves like threads into the days
that make up this one, wonderful life!


*** Also some additional bits of
information to pass along, I have
several beautiful friends helping
me celebrate the release with
giveaways on their blogs.
Bill & Kristin Steiner currently
have a post where you can
leave a comment for a chance
to receive a free copy. And friend,
Kelly Rae Roberts, will also be
hosting a giveaway very soon.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!
Hermila Knutson and Susan McPherson
are the winners of an original
artwork seen in my July/August
article of Somerset Studios.