Happy Sunday! The sun is out. The birds are singing. The trees are budding, and my eyes are watering. It is most definitely spring here in southern Wisconsin. Track meets, dance practices, and work filled our week, as it does every week lately. Jim has been flitting back and forth between plants as there are some issues with customer stock that has everyone alarmed. Holly had two field trips this week plus statewide testing that kept her busy at school. Connor is still recovering from hitting a new low in grades and school performance. Hopefully, this is the lesson from the school of hard knocks he so desperately needs to turn things around. Meanwhile, I spent the week furiously trying to analyze numbers and assuage upper management on some issues. Actually, it was a pretty normal week in the grand scheme of things!
This week, I also found out that one of Holly’s fellow dancers, a junior in high school no less, recently wrote the first of a three-book series and is actively seeking a literary agent through which to publish it. Based on the brief synopsis and knowing this young lady, it sounds amazing, and I look forward to watching her journey as she goes from high school student to published author.
As for my own writing, I had the usual Monday reading recap. I also shared my thoughts on three amazing books: Rainbow Rowell’s Eleanor & Park, Courtney Summers’ All the Rage, and Suzanne Young’s The Remedy. I also submitted my application to become a writer at Book Riot. I know it is a long shot, especially given the fact that I am just one of over 1,000 applicants this time around, but I think it is time I push myself. Becoming a freelance writer or a regular contributor to a well-regarded online publication is the next path. I am equal parts nervous and excited, so now all I can do is wait to see if they like what I submitted.
It has been quite a month in the book blogging world, and this time, rather than scandal, we prove once again just how awesome we are as a community. First off, almost everyone knows by now that one of our own, Sheila from Book Journey lost her son in a tragic car accident earlier this month. I also know many of us are still reeling from the news and empathy for Sheila. The fundraiser to donate a bench at Sheila’s beloved library in memory of Justin was an amazing outpouring of love and support for Sheila and her family, and I know I speak for all of us when I say that I wish there was something else we could to do help ease her grief.
Most recently, Meg from Write Meg! gave birth eight weeks early to her adorable son, Oliver. He is currently in NICU at their local hospital and while he is getting strong, both Meg and Spencer need all the support they can. There is currently a fundraiser to provide much-needed gas money for their many trips to and from the hospital and gift cards for baby items, since she missed her shower due to the early delivery.
It is times like these where the capacity for love and understanding overwhelms me and makes me grateful for all of my blogger friends. We may disagree, be rocked by scandal, and fight like only friends can, but we are fiercely devoted to one another. We share our secrets and our problems, celebrate wins, seek advice, and turn to each other for solace. We know what is happening in each of our lives and with our families. We are all the truest of friends, even though so many of us will never meet in real life. Man, I love you guys!
You would be excellent at Book Riot. I hope you get it. Sheila’s news is still just so unbelievable and horrible that I think of it often. I hope all the msgs helped her a smidge at least. Enjoy your week.
Thanks, Susan!
The close-knit blogging community and friendships continue to amaze me. How everyone comes together in times of need, it’s truly a blessing. I hope things get better for your son on the school front. I’m sure it’s really difficult to see him go through this and I pray it improves!
I really hope you’re accepted to Book Riot! You are an incredible writer, just from what I know from your posts and reviews, and they would be so lucky to have you.
I’m glad for the sunshine and warmer temps, but my allergies are brutal – I totally understand!
Hope you have a great week, Michelle!
Thanks, Brandie!
Watering eyes, indeed. Thanks, Wisconsin! It’s either 40 below zero or it’s allergy season.
I’m always thinking of you and your kids. Things will be fine because you will make it so. Not that you’re a magician and not that bad things can’t and won’t happen. BUT I have faith that you and yours will always come through because you’re a strong family. 😀
Thanks, Jennifer! That means a lot!
It has been a rough couple of weeks for our dear friends. I saw the fundraiser via you and Trish on twitter, I am so happy someone started this, as I’ve been thinking of Meg and her little family.
Your words of supporting one another were never truer than what I’ve seen the past couple of weeks. Makes me happy to be part of such a wonderful group.
Wishing you the best with your Book Riot application…I think you’re a wonderful writer.
Hang in there with the boy, this too shall pass, and you are right there for him.
Thanks, Anita!
Oh – Sheila. I’m grieving deeply. Justin’s accident happened near to our home. I prayed for him before I knew he was Sheila’s child, and now, my heart, is just so sad. Sheila and her family are in my thoughts forever. Book bloggers are a sisterhood and community. We all know sisters are equal parts fight and love. Oh – and super good luck on Book Riot. I would love to see you over there. I think you have a great voice for the site. Bless you all! Belle
Thanks, Belle!
I know what you mean about Sheila. There are just no words.
I like how you put that – a sisterhood and a community. We can fight like cats and dogs but woe to anyone who tries to harm one of us.
I’m so glad you posted the fundraiser for Meg and Spencer!
It was the least I could do! I had two healthy and very full-term babies. I just can’t imagine what they are experiencing!
Lots going on in the book community these days. I wish you luck with your Book Riot application. They’d be so lucky to have you.
My son had a low grade period and it took a solid year of focus and lots of summer school to turn it around. With all of his activities he just could not handle it all. Now he is getting an academic award! So glad. Hang in there. They eventually figure it out.
Thanks, Ti! I figure it is a long shot, but I at least did something outside of my comfort zone!
I can only hope he is figuring it out. I don’t think things can get any worse for him, so if it took hitting rock bottom for him to receive his wake-up call, then that’s what it took. This last quarter of school should be very interesting to watch.
It finally felt like spring here in Minnesota too. We had a beautiful week, and awesome weather Friday and Saturday. I even got outside to read, my favorite thing. Thanks for linking to the fundraiser for Meg — I just happened to see it on Twitter earlier today. It’s such a good idea.
You are very welcome! I can only hope we can provide some solace for Meg and Spencer. I just can’t imagine what they are experiencing.
Wasn’t the weather gorgeous? I know we are supposed to take a downturn this week, which is going to be doubly difficult to experience given how pretty it was all last week and then this weekend.
I didn’t know about the fundraiser for Meg either. This is definitely the community at its best.
Isn’t it amazing? The book blogging community is the absolute best!
Thanks for this post – I wasn’t aware of the fundraiser for Meg. BEST to you on the Book Riot app! How cool. Have a lovely week.
I believe the fundraiser just went live this morning. I feel so helpless with all of this news, I figure it was the least I could do for Meg and Spencer. Thanks, Care!