We've shared our stories and connected with one another through the power of words. Now thanks to the Oswego Arise, we will get the chance to met one another in person!

Celebrating the kick off of Developmental Disability Awareness Month, every partcipant who submitted a story to Sometimes The Wind Blows Sideways: Our Lives with a Special Needs Child will be invited to a special get to know you session at the Oswego Arise Office in March.  The families will enjoy a casual dinner while socializing with one another. It will be a wonderful opportunity for both the kids and adults to make new friends!

Having a child with a disability, whether physical or mental, is a daily challenge.  Arise is a non profit organization that advocates for the individual and their families.  The following is their mission statement:

ARISE’s mission is to work with  people of all abilities to create a fair and
just community in which everyone  can fully participate.

We  embrace the guiding principles of independent living – that individuals
with  disabilities have a right to dignity, personal responsibility, and 
self-determination. ARISE offers advocacy and support services to people of all 
ages with all types of disabilities.

I am very excited to be teaming up with Arise to extend this offer to all of the people who shared a part of their lives with the world via my book. The feedback that I have got from my readers have been overwheleming. Over and over I have been told that Sometimes The Wind Blows Sideways: Our Lives with a Special Needs Child has brought inspiration, laughter, tears, and joy to many people's lives. This night will be a way to say thank you and to connect everyone involved. 

I love the digital age. Not only was I able to revise my print edition to add a bonus story, I was also able to convert my files into a kindle ready book. The title can be digitally downloaded within seconds to your kindle or ipad, which includes free wireless delivery via Amazon Whispernet.

Product Description from Amazon.com:

Raising a child with special needs can be both challenging and rewarding. In this special collection of short stories, families and caregivers share their struggles, laughs, and tears as they celebrate the lives of individuals who
have  triuimphed over unimaginable hurdles.
  
With topics that range from Autism, Down Syndrome, Cystic Fibrosis, Developmental Delays, Brain Tumors, physical impariments and even the death of loved one, this book is a wonderful resource for parents, teachers, friends and neighbors whose lives have been touched by a disability.

To purchase a kindle edition of Sometimes The Wind Blows Sideways: Our Lives with a Special Needs Child, you can click here:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00757ISSM

Since I am a member of KDP select, those of you who are a kindle owner AND a member of amazon prime, you can download this book free of charge.

To purchase a paperback of Sometimes The Wind Blows Sideways: Our Lives with a Special Needs Child, you
can click here:
http://www.amazon.com/Sometimes-Wind-Blows-Sideways-Quonce/dp/1466419180/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1328327597&sr=1-1

**Remember that customer reviews are always welcomed on Amazon.Com.

What a crazy week this has been.  With the release of my new book, what little time I have left after work has been spent between autographing copies, signing a contract with the bookstore, getting the stories ready that will be on display at the YMCA Christmas party, and preparing for the upcoming craft show this weekend where my book will be for sale at two different locations.

This Friday is a big day for some of the families who contributed to the book.  Their stories will set up for the public to view during the Christmas party from 6-8pm at the Oswego Armory.  I am so proud of everyone and the work that they did that I wanted to showcase their talent.  Many people are very excited about their big debut!


On Saturday December 3rd, you can stop by and visit me in Oswego, NY at St. Joseph's annual holiday craft show from 10-4.  The building is located on W.1st street across from the YMCA.  I will be selling autographed copies of my book at a special sale price.

Also on December 3rd you can find autographed copies of my book at the Mexico Presbytarian Church during their annual Christmas holiday expo.  You can stroll the town and take part in the Dicken's Christmas Carol, visit the many different churches that are holding craft sales, and get a jump start on your holiday cheer.  You will need to look for Lisa Buske's booth from 9-3, and while you are there you chat with her about her upcoming book as well.

The picture above is from the River's End Bookstore in Oswego, NY.  There have my book on their shelves in not one, but two spots in the store.  The first is under "Local Authors" and the second is under the "Inspirational" section.  You can ask for Sometimes The Wind Blows Sideways:Our Lives with a Special Need Child 
and the employees will be more than happy to assist you.  Remember that they do free gift wrapping for the holidays!

Last night I traveled to Rome, NY for my monthly writer's critique group.  I love going there and talking shop.  It's luxury a night out with just the girls.  But last night was even more special.  I was asked to autograph my new book!

Elaine W. Miller, author of Splashes of Serenity, bought one of the first copies of my book and asked if I would autograph it for her daughter.  I can't tell you what an honor that was.  I thought coming home to a large shipment of my own books sitting on my porch was exciting, but having people ask me to sign them was even more rewarding.

Starting tomorrow, November 30th, the River's End Bookstore will start carrying my title as part of their stock.  If you are in there browsing, please look for Sometimes The Wind Blows Sideways: Our Lives with a Special Needs Child as part of the local author section. 

On April 1st, 2012, keep your eye out for Elaine's new book We AlMarried Idiots. It is slated to be a wonderful book on marriage with helpful advise on how to fix life's little problems.

To say that I was busy this weekend would be an understatement.  My calendar was packed with opportunities to visit with friends and help some worthy causes along the way.  I came away completely exhausted, yet satisified knowing that I had contributed in helping others.

Friday night I got to go to a purse party at Lisa's house.  What is a purse party you ask?  Well let's just say that it a little slice of heaven for those women who loves bags and accessories. After browsing around for a while I ended up getting a new laptop bag that conviently happened to match my purse.  I figured that I needed soemthing a little more safisticated to carry around with me than my daughter's pink tote that is embellished with hearts. Lisa felt that it was a good choice because I would require something nice for when I go to speaking engagements.  I like her thinking!

On Saturday I worked the Brianna Bowl III fundraiser at the bowling alley. One of my oldest friends holds this annual fundraiser in her daughters honor and all of the proceeds go to the Austism Task Force. They were able to raise $2,077 dollars which will provide 4 college scholarships to help autistic children continue with their education.  Way to go!!!!

Sunday was the Parent's Of Special Children Jamboree and I couldn't resist offering to help work this as well. This parent driven originization provides respite for families who have children with all sorts of disabilities. Each year they hold this event to raise money to put towards the allocation money that each family receives.  The event consists of a chicken BBQ, a live band, activities for the kids, and of course raffles/prizes.  My daughter and I supervised an art & craft activity there and she was very excited to win a prize after playing some of the games.  If you would like more information on this originization there is a link to their homepage under my "links" tab above.