Daymaker - a person who performs acts of kindness with the intention of making the world a better place.
~ David Wagner, author of Life as a Daymaker; how to change the world by making someone's day ~

DayMaker - any thought, word, or deed that spreads happiness, compassion, or fruitful ideas.
~ Annis Cassells ~

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Sharing my Exciting News

The medium-sized mystery box, left by UPS, sat on the tiny wind porch. I hadn’t ordered anything. Examining the label didn’t give me any clues of the contents. Then, my eye fell on the blue illustration that encircled the bottom half of the box, and I read “Simon & Schuster.” Then, it computed. “My BOOKS!”

Last winter, I submitted a story to Chicken Soup for the Soul for their upcoming volume, Inspiration for the Young at Heart. All stories in the Chicken Soup books are true -- slices of the authors’ lives. Mine is about my motorcycling in the second half of my life and is called “Did You Ride that Thing?”

My story had been accepted for publication, and now, here were my copies. Opening the box, I held my breath and dove through the excess packing paper to reveal the books. What a thrill!


But there was more to come. Our friends Karen and Marilyn, in their enthusiasm, jumped right in and approached Harold Midyette, the owner of Books by the Bay in North Bend, about the book, my story, and my connection to this community. Within the hour, I was meeting with Harold, and we were setting up a book signing for August 27, from 1-3 pm! Now, that’s exciting -- and more than I ever expected to happen. 

But there was more good news to come, this time from a different source. Owner, publisher, and editor of Bakersfield’s Wellness Quarterly, Jerri Neptune, had mailed my hard copy of the Summer Issue. Filled with excitement, I flipped through to page 10 to see my article, “Friendship -- Rx for a Better Life.” The Wellness Quarterly is available for free at various locations around Bakersfield, or you can see the entire magazine online at www.bakersfieldwellnessquarterly.com

It’s been a fabulous week, one of validation and inspiration. It’s also been a time of gratitude for the support and encouragement of my family and friends, my writing groups, and my fellow Writers of Kern members.
~ xoA ~
Chicken Soup for the Soul. Inspiration for the Young at Heart, available in bookstores August 23


Posted by at
Labels: , , , , , , , , , , ,

18 comments:

  1. AlisonAugust 11, 2011 at 9:27 AM

    You rock! :-) What amazing accomplishments!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Kim MylesAugust 11, 2011 at 9:47 AM

    Congratulations! How wonderful on all accounts - great validation for you, and wonderful that your thoughts are reaching a larger audience!

    ReplyDelete
  3. BobbiAugust 11, 2011 at 10:11 AM

    Yahoo! Way to go, Annis! You deserve it for all the hard work you've put in. I'm so proud of you!

    ReplyDelete
  4. JuanAugust 11, 2011 at 11:32 AM

    Way to go, Mom! I'm glad you're getting recognized for all the greatness you bring to this world. I'm proud of you.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Annis CassellsAugust 11, 2011 at 1:46 PM

    Thank you, Alison, Kim, Bobbi, and Juan! I really appreciate your kind words and support. You all have certainly made my day! ~xoA

    ReplyDelete
  6. SuzanAugust 11, 2011 at 4:04 PM

    Congratulations Annis. This recognition could not have gone to a more deservng person. I'm planning to pick up a copy of Chicken Soup (if I can find a book store still open around here)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Annis CassellsAugust 11, 2011 at 7:27 PM

    Suzan,thank you so much. I sure hope you can find a bookstore still open in the Detroit area! ~xoA

    ReplyDelete
  8. Jan MAugust 11, 2011 at 10:48 PM

    CONGRATS ANNIS!!! I am so happy the rest of the world is finally catching on to how great you are!
    Well deserved with much more to unfold I am sure. I can't wait to get my new copy and to start the bragging rights. I have always liked that book and your addition just makes it that much more special. Love your blog too!
    Aloha, Jan

    ReplyDelete
  9. Annis CassellsAugust 12, 2011 at 12:16 PM

    Thanks, Jan ~ You have me laughing out loud. I've been bragging about my fantastic artist sis for a long time now. You will have a hard time catching up. ~xoA

    ReplyDelete
  10. Julie Jordan ScottAugust 12, 2011 at 1:03 PM

    I followed you here from the Writers of Kern facebook page. Loved reading your whole story! We are kindreds in many ways: fellow Bakersfield Chicken Soup published, Arts for Healing teaching, life coach and life loving souls! (Amazing we haven't met yet!)

    Congratulations on such exciting accomplishments!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Annis CassellsAugust 12, 2011 at 4:24 PM

    Julie, we'll have to meet for coffee or get together at Open Studio one day. Thanks for your interest and kind words. ~xoA

    ReplyDelete
  12. AnonymousAugust 12, 2011 at 6:03 PM

    YIPPEE - What a great front porch surprise. Hope to make it to your book signing. Hugs, Karen McGuire

    ReplyDelete
  13. AnonymousAugust 12, 2011 at 8:31 PM

    Congratulations!! How deserving you are of this recognition. Will there be a signing at Russo's when you return? I am puffing my chest out for you.
    Madeline

    ReplyDelete
  14. Annis CassellsAugust 12, 2011 at 11:01 PM

    Thanks, Karen. That would be great if you could be there. ~xoA

    ReplyDelete
  15. Annis CassellsAugust 12, 2011 at 11:03 PM

    Thanks, Madeline. Russo's is a possibility as Mike is very gracious about having local authors in. Also, another woman from Bakersfield, Caroline Reid, has a story in the same volume; both of us are members of Writers of Kern. ~xoA

    ReplyDelete
  16. Kathy WalkerAugust 13, 2011 at 11:14 PM

    How wonderful, Annis! You are the most talented lady. Congratulations on your accomplishments.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Annis CassellsAugust 17, 2011 at 10:59 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Annis CassellsAugust 17, 2011 at 11:00 PM

    Thanks, Kate. I appreciate your kind words. ~xoA

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)