THE DREAM IS HERE!

Today I opened my email to see an answer to a dream. A dream I have had for all my life. My book, Peachy Penelope, was on sale at www.authorhouse.com. I cannot explain the feeling I felt in my heart. The excitement boiling in my chest, and the joy radiating in my soul.

As a little girl I wanted to write more than anything. I would tell stories to myself, and make up scenarios in my head. I started writing poetry in the seventh grade. I had some published, one even in Teen Magazine my senior year of high school. However, nothing even comes close to seeing my name on a book.

I could not have done this without my husband's encouragement. I wrote Peachy Penelope for my own children, to teach them to count to ten just for fun. It was a pipe dream to say the least that it ever get published. But when my brother was injured and needed something to do all day, I asked him to illustrate the book. He agreed.

We finally got serious about the book this summer when I decided I did not want my first book to be published without my control. Therefore, I chose to research some different Print On Demand companies. I know...I know...I know. Many people freak when they say it was self published. But for me it was a means to an end. A way to get what I wanted, and maybe more down the line. My goal was to get a book published with my name.

Today that dream was realized. I now have a book out and there is nothing that can take away from that feeling. Sure, I hope the book sells who would not want that? However, my goals have already been met, and as soon as I put three copies away for my own children I will have all I need out of the book. A legacy fulfilled, a dream come true and a passion for believing in the little moments that make a big difference.

So, no I am not hanging my hat on the hopes that I will one day be a writer full time. I am a teacher and I love my career. I enjoy my work, and my students. They make the day meaningful. But now I can read one of my own books to my students, and what an accomplishment and a testament to the power of believing in yourself.

Thank you to all the wonderful people in my life. For believing in me and giving me the love and confidence when I needed it the most. I will never forget you, and hopefully one day I pray you will feel as happy as I do today. Praise the Lord, we did it!