Lila Johnson's Blog - Posts Tagged "gratefulness"

April Excitment

Hello!

April was an exciting time for me. So far, THE FAT GIRLS CLUB: PARIS BOUND is triggering laughter and wows from readers who are looking for escape, history and a little fun on the side. As Angela, Nicki and Sissy explore London and Paris, they find that sometimes when you think you know someone, you really don't!

I appeared on a local televised program, Better Kansas City on April 18th to share with viewers the reason behind the book series, the importance of friendship, taking ownership of one's health and that beauty is much deeper than skin level.

Thanks again to Sue and her staff at the Phoenix Gallery in Lawrence, KS and Brad Mitchell at Rockwood Books and Collectibles in Manhattan, KS for hosting my book signings. I had a great time meeting new readers and autographing my books for their collections.
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Published on May 01, 2018 18:58 Tags: gratefulness, television, travel, weight

Thank You

Have I forgotten to say, "Thank You"?
To those of you who have read my posts or decided to follow me, thank you. In our work filled, technology saturated, family encapsulated world, you took the time to read my posts to find out what I had to say and that means a lot to me. Sometimes I have to put down the ink pen and shove the manuscript to the side and take a moment to show gratitude.

"You exist only in what you do."- Federico Fellini
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Published on March 21, 2019 19:43 Tags: appreciation, gratefulness, gratitude, readers

Goodbye 2019

Can you feel it? There’s a buzz in the air that’s contagious. Not only is it the feel of Christmas but the New Year will be an even number-2020 and a milestone.
Christmas is my favorite time of the year. I needed a little cheering up to get my mind off of my upcoming surgery and decided to decorate my tree before Thanksgiving. I chose a Paris theme and had fun fixing up the 4 ft. rose tone tree with amusing decorations in vintage pinks, reds and champagne colors. I hid miniature ornaments throughout the branches to add some fun and merriment. In the evenings, after work, I enjoy turning on the Christmas lights, watching the tree glow in the dimly lit room. It’s the perfect way to unwind from a stressful day while viewing Turner Classic Movies or a Christmas DVD.
I also want to say “Thank you” to some fantastic people that have helped me during my journey as a self-published author.
The folks at Acclaim Graphics in Evansville, IN, have been with me since 2012. The team may be small in size but their work is as good if not better as the big-name companies. Kelly is a savvy business woman and her husband Joe, is sharp and on point with products produced by them. They are more like a family for me, someone that I can count on and trust. Acclaim Graphics won my heart with the first business card I had produced by them and they have kept me going with bookmarks and promotional products for my book series, The Fat Girls Club.
I found Blue Door Marketing KC, Inc. late one night while searching the web for a company to revamp my old and dated website. When a picture of the owner, Brian, popped up, I read his mission statement and knew right away I wanted to meet him in person to share my thoughts on what I anticipated for my website. Choosing Blue Door Marketing Inc. was the right one after our one-hour appointment. Now my revamped website pops with color, enhances my ideas and displays the energy that I have. Although Brian and I have known each other for a year, his kindness and business approach has made me a friend for life. His wife and business partner, Evie, is a sweetheart and their newest member, Shanice, offers a warm balance to this small business that packs a punch regarding style, affordability and customer care.
I would like to say, Joyce Mochrie, of, One Last Look, was a blessing in disguise. It’s a fact that it doesn’t matter how many times you read and re-read your own manuscript; you can never catch all the mistakes. This is where Joyce steps in. Her expertise as a Certified Copy Editor and Proofreader, has helped my work immensely. With a long and respected list of top clients, Joyce is down to earth and so professional in her work. She has edited two of my books in, The Fat Girls Club series and is scheduled to work on the third. I’m so happy to call her a friend, one that I respect and trust.
Finally, I want to say, “Thank you” to you the readers of my blog post. I appreciate the support you have shown me in the past year. Check out my website for the newest giveaway. I wish all of you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a bright, wonderful New Year.
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Published on December 21, 2019 16:05 Tags: appreciation, gratefulness, gratitude, readers

Celebrations and Thanks

As we continue to plow through the high temperatures, rules regarding wearing masks and the need to enjoy at least some remnants of summer, I’m happy to give thanks to the Lord above and my readers because The Fat Girls Club: Hawaii Five-NO made its debut on June 28th.

As an author, I couldn’t wait to release the fourth book in the series to my anxious friends (I consider my readers as friends) but found that I was biting my nails, hoping that the book will satisfy their curiosity while answering questions regarding their favorite characters; Angela, Sissy and Nicki. I’m already working on the final book in the series with a wham bam finish.

I have a secret to share. As stores like Walmart and Target begin to stock their shelves with back to school supplies, I have to contain myself. I am a huge paper fanatic! I love notebooks with loose leaf paper, twenty-five cent spiral notebooks and composition books. All that fresh paper sends writing jitters through my veins and I’m off into a new world of characters and situations.
See on the other side of the pen!
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Published on July 16, 2020 14:19 Tags: celebrations, gratefulness, happiness, thankfulness

A Purposeful Month

I had no idea that the month of March was a month of purpose and recognition until I did my research for this newsletter.

Besides being known as Irish American Heritage and National Women’s History Month, I’m sure you weren’t aware of a few quirky celebratory days that were recently recognized; March ninth, International Fanny Pack Day or the thirteenth, National Earmuff Day or National Panda Day that was celebrated on the sixteenth of this month. If you missed these, don’t fret, there are a few more on the way. The twenty-first is Absolutely Incredible Kid Day, and the twenty-third is Meteorological Day.

On a personal note, I endured a frightful experience while traveling from Springfield, MO to Kansas City. When a pickup truck, that did not have some items secured in the bed of it, moved in front of my vehicle, a hard plastic board flew up and obliterated my windshield on impact. I thank the Lord I wasn’t distracted because I could have easily rolled my truck had I not been in control of the steering wheel.

I’ve also been deep into unpacking as I push my way through a wall of containers, clothes, boxes and so many other things. It’s been a while since I’ve rented an apartment and dealt with all the work that goes into organizing and carrying out this task which involves movers, family and friends that volunteer their time. When things get a tad bit overwhelming, I’ve found solace in watching Peppa Pig!

Don’t judge me until you’ve watched a few episodes. This cheeky little piggie has helped me wind down from the stressors of Covid-19 news, staffing shortages and now moving. Sometimes the mind needs to wander, and the body needs laughter to heal.

“A good laugh heals a lot of hurts”- Madeleine L’ Engle
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Published on March 22, 2021 19:33 Tags: awareness, gratefulness, laughter, stress