Tuesday, September 01, 2009

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.

18 comments:

Kathy said...

OH GOOD! I'm first. When I woke up this morning, the first thing I thought is today is the day Tracie's book comes out. It's not so often that I feel a kinship to people I barely know--but when I met you in June I knew immediately we were of a like heart. Your art and poetry are inspired. Both have brought new meaning to me. So, congratulations on this very special day. ~~Kathy

MB Shaw said...

What an amazing story - congratulations! You are rockin' it for sure!!

Mo'a said...

Congratulations.
Your story is amazing and inspiring.

Sandy said...

There is so much truth to the phrase: When one door closes, a window opens. You were able to envision a different plan and execute it. What wonders and joys you must feel standing on this side of a new door. You are so blessed and your book carries that same feeling. Congratulations again on the release of your book and thanks for sharing this story. It is one of encouragement and a reminder to follow your heart.

paperbird said...

So glad your path took you where you are today. Truly a blessing for you in your life and for us who benefit from your talents.

Today is my 32nd wedding anniversary so it is a special day for both of us!

Amy said...

I am just starting out on my own path trying to turn what I love and what I create into my job. Your success is inspiring and encouraging. I am very glad for you!

Carol Weiler said...

Everything happens for a reason! I can't wait to get your book. Blessings, Carol

layers said...

congrats on the anniversary of your book being published--- we go through so many ups and downs as artists but there is always that silver lining behind the clouds--- especially at sunrise.

Mary Green said...

I bought your book last week and like it so much I blogged about it.

If I'm in Wichita on the 17th, will you autograph my copy?

SheilasEmbroidery said...

Good things come to those who work hard. I know a lot of hard work went into your new book. It's fantastic, nearly half way through already. Thank-you for your inspiration and help in the UK - so much patience.
i hope you will be returning.

THISNTHAT said...

Hi, Found your blog via Hen's Teeth blog. Lovely to see pics of all the places you've enjoyed on your visit.
Lesley:)

Judy said...

Hi! Tracie Lyn,

You must be thrilled to bit now your book has arrived on the scene, I hope your book is an outstanding success. Congratulations on the publication of "Nature Inspired". Quite selfishly, I cant wait till my copy arrives though it has a long way to come across the Pacific to Tasmania.

LOVE STITCHING RED said...

I just CANNOT wait to get my hands on your book ...

Carolyn ♥

Els said...

Such a wonderful feeling, being published - especially with your own book! Great news, and you have my sincerest congratulations. Can't wait to meet you in person at Portland and offer my congrats f2f!

Catharina Maria said...

Your book has a place at my blog , I hope you have a lot of people to see your blog how nice your work is .
Your art is graet !
Love from RINI

Paula In Pinetop said...

My book arrived on Thursday and I'm having a hard time putting it down. Congratulations ! Job well done.

Lee Weber said...

I LOVE my book!! I arrived safely, and you packaged it so beautifully. I have to admit, I only flipped through it- as I', saving it for some quiet time and a good cup of coffee. HUGS and congrats!!

kslaughter said...

What a beautiful, truly moving post. I will be back often to visit you here~~thanks for sharing.