Close to my heart...

As many of you may (or may not) know, my sister Sandy was a Make-A-Wish kid.

Think I've mentioned it a time or two on the blog, but it's definitely one of those personal things that is so close to my heart I have to be in the right mood to share. You know what I mean? And right now, well, it's the absolute PERFECT time.

I have a chance to give back. When I think about those words, the thought of attempting to repay the extreme kindness that was bestowed upon us during such a dark time in our lives, I can't help but tear up.
The Make-A-Wish family of NC did so much for us during one of the most difficult times in our lives and they will forever hold a special place in my entire family's heart.

We were fortunate (understatement) and after many, many heartbreaking months of chemo treatment after chemo treatment, our story had a happy ending. My sister, who was diagnosed with two forms of Cancer at the age of 17 (shown here):

Just recently got married (check out her photo below from August 2011...isn't she gorgeous?) and is in full remission and our scare from so long ago is a long forgotten thing of the past.

It's times like these that I like to think back and remind myself that others just like us are going through what is likely the worst times in their lives. And they need our help to make their children's wishes come true.

Being able to help raise money and support the organization so that the gift they gave us so long ago can live on for another child is a true blessing. It means so much to myself, my family and to a truly terrific organization who makes dreams come true each and every day.

If you have any extra to give (even if it's just $1), or if you are in the NC area and want to join our team in the Walk for Wishes this Saturday, please just click the link below.

https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=490131&supId=337080018

Thanks in advance for being such a great community of friends and bloggers!

Release Day: Crossed by Ally Condie

Another book I've been anxiously awaiting!

(This is book 2 in the Matched series, book 1 can be found here!)

Buy Crossed here!

 

Book Description:

In search of a future that may not exist and faced with the decision of who to share it with, Cassia journeys to the Outer Provinces in pursuit of Ky - taken by the Society to his certain death - only to find that he has escaped, leaving a series of clues in his wake.


Cassia's quest leads her to question much of what she holds dear, even as she finds glimmers of a different life across the border. But as Cassia nears resolve and certainty about her future with Ky, an invitation for rebellion, an unexpected betrayal, and a surprise visit from Xander - who may hold the key to the uprising and, still, to Cassia's heart - change the game once again. Nothing is as expected on the edge of Society, where crosses and double crosses make the path more twisted than ever.

Happy NaNoWriMo to those of you participating!!!

I'll admit it. I'm a coward and a NaNo virgin.

It's too much pressure for me, and with a full time job and a toddler, I doubt I would even have time to sleep if I tried. And yes, I realize those are all pathetic excuses.

SO I'm curious. Who out there is attempting the insanity this year?

Are you prepared? Are you even online to read this? How's the first day going?

(On a side note, I'm always curious whether writers get on the internet more or less during NaNo because I can see it both ways. You may not get online and post as frequently but I'm sure when you're stuck or need a break, you're surfing like crazy.)

For those of you brave souls that ARE taking the plunge this year,if you leave me a comment I promise to stop by regularly this month to encourage you along your way!

Now stop reading this and get to writing that novel!!!