Lila Johnson's Blog - Posts Tagged "gratitude"
Almost There
I'm so excited that I can't seem to contain it. My new book, The Fat Girls Club is soon to debut. The e-book is almost complete in terms of formatting. The hard copy will be released next month.
It has been a long time coming.To see the characters move from my head, to the page to print is a dream come true.
This current book has been so fun to write and I hope that you, the readers, will enjoy meeting my new characters.
So to all my readers that supported my previous work, "Thank you." And believe it or not, for those that criticized it I still say "Thank you," because for every comment, I learn, I grow and become a better writer because of it all.
It has been a long time coming.To see the characters move from my head, to the page to print is a dream come true.
This current book has been so fun to write and I hope that you, the readers, will enjoy meeting my new characters.
So to all my readers that supported my previous work, "Thank you." And believe it or not, for those that criticized it I still say "Thank you," because for every comment, I learn, I grow and become a better writer because of it all.
Finding the Sunshine
Whew! As this, the last day of March tiptoes in, I'm taking a break to enjoy it.
I'm grateful for all that I've accomplished while the weather has changed from cold, to rain to high temperatures and back again.
My debut e-book, The Fat Girls Club is off to a good start after numerous revisions. The print version is in its last stages of completion.
While that was going on I still had to write my next story and read more books by other authors.
So to recharge my batteries, I'm taking the day off to enjoy the 70 degree weather and soak up some vitamin D. And just for fun I think I'll bake some Toll House cookies.
Watch out sunshine, here I come.
I'm grateful for all that I've accomplished while the weather has changed from cold, to rain to high temperatures and back again.
My debut e-book, The Fat Girls Club is off to a good start after numerous revisions. The print version is in its last stages of completion.
While that was going on I still had to write my next story and read more books by other authors.
So to recharge my batteries, I'm taking the day off to enjoy the 70 degree weather and soak up some vitamin D. And just for fun I think I'll bake some Toll House cookies.
Watch out sunshine, here I come.
Yikes! A New Year
Yikes! A New Year is just around the bend. In fact the last time I looked up from my keyboard, I saw Father Time heading to the left, his coat tails dragging behind him.
Didn't I just ring in the year 2018 a few months ago? I tried to be careful and account for my days as a responsible person would do. I made sure to give thanks for the mornings that I drew in a breath of air and released the worries of the day before.
I gave hugs, words of praise and thanks to those who deserved them; co-workers, store clerks, patients and strangers. If I missed one or two it wasn't on purpose.
In this outgoing year I learned that if I did not take care of myself no one would. I forgot that message along the way and became very ill for which I thank my primary care doctor for being on her toes and referring me to the right specialists.
Now I must start again with my exercise program and weight loss plan. I don't like being sick and I hate being overweight hence my books, The Fat Girls Club.
And that's another thing. I want to thank all the people in Kansas City who attended my book signings over the past three months. Their kind words of support as well as their book purchases, made setting up those elaborate table settings worth it!
Finally, I want to thank my 275,000 readers on Tripadvisor and over 400,000 viewers on Google Maps that pushed the numbers where they are now. And to you my supporters on Goodreads, "Thank You." You didn't have to read my messages but you did. You took time out of your busy day to read what I had to say. With a full and grateful heart I say, Many blessings to you today and well into the New Year. Cheers!
Didn't I just ring in the year 2018 a few months ago? I tried to be careful and account for my days as a responsible person would do. I made sure to give thanks for the mornings that I drew in a breath of air and released the worries of the day before.
I gave hugs, words of praise and thanks to those who deserved them; co-workers, store clerks, patients and strangers. If I missed one or two it wasn't on purpose.
In this outgoing year I learned that if I did not take care of myself no one would. I forgot that message along the way and became very ill for which I thank my primary care doctor for being on her toes and referring me to the right specialists.
Now I must start again with my exercise program and weight loss plan. I don't like being sick and I hate being overweight hence my books, The Fat Girls Club.
And that's another thing. I want to thank all the people in Kansas City who attended my book signings over the past three months. Their kind words of support as well as their book purchases, made setting up those elaborate table settings worth it!
Finally, I want to thank my 275,000 readers on Tripadvisor and over 400,000 viewers on Google Maps that pushed the numbers where they are now. And to you my supporters on Goodreads, "Thank You." You didn't have to read my messages but you did. You took time out of your busy day to read what I had to say. With a full and grateful heart I say, Many blessings to you today and well into the New Year. Cheers!
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
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
Drumsticks and Thanks
The last few months, August until now, have come and gone so fast that I think they were part of a half marathon.
Children went back to school, high school graduates started their first year of college and I thought I was losing my mind when my 11 year-old grandson said he was starting sixth grade!
I returned to Maui, Hawaii in September. How wonderful it was to see my former co-workers and hangout and talk and-cry. I completed the research for my new book, The Fat Girls Club Hawaii Five-NO, due out March of 2020. I also had a chance to spend time with my best friend, Martha. I've known her since the eighth grade. I showed her Maui from a non-tourist side since I lived there for nine months, six years ago. She loved it.
Halloween has come and gone. I've raked the leaves in my dads yard and with the help of his next door neighbor, we helped the elderly couple across the street, rake and bag their leaves also. It felt good. It felt right.
Now, in a matter of a few days, Thanksgiving will be upon us. I won't have the opportunity to go home because I have to work, but it will not keep me from saying a few words of "Thanks" for the blessings I have received from those who have supported my writing and the great doctors that have cared for me during my jaw dropping diagnosis, a brain tumor. I have a pending surgery scheduled for something totally different in December, before Christmas. And still, I give thanks.
So, to all of you, the readers of my blog posts and book series, I want to say thank you for your support and I wish you and yours a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving.
Children went back to school, high school graduates started their first year of college and I thought I was losing my mind when my 11 year-old grandson said he was starting sixth grade!
I returned to Maui, Hawaii in September. How wonderful it was to see my former co-workers and hangout and talk and-cry. I completed the research for my new book, The Fat Girls Club Hawaii Five-NO, due out March of 2020. I also had a chance to spend time with my best friend, Martha. I've known her since the eighth grade. I showed her Maui from a non-tourist side since I lived there for nine months, six years ago. She loved it.
Halloween has come and gone. I've raked the leaves in my dads yard and with the help of his next door neighbor, we helped the elderly couple across the street, rake and bag their leaves also. It felt good. It felt right.
Now, in a matter of a few days, Thanksgiving will be upon us. I won't have the opportunity to go home because I have to work, but it will not keep me from saying a few words of "Thanks" for the blessings I have received from those who have supported my writing and the great doctors that have cared for me during my jaw dropping diagnosis, a brain tumor. I have a pending surgery scheduled for something totally different in December, before Christmas. And still, I give thanks.
So, to all of you, the readers of my blog posts and book series, I want to say thank you for your support and I wish you and yours a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving.
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.
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.
Oh Fall
What a crazy wild ride the past six months have been. Masks, no masks. Will school start after Labor Day or will it start at all? Parents are having to unexpectedly don the hat of a teacher while college campus life has been chaotic for students. Our lives are like escalators; up and down and at times, totally out of control. Even the big box stores can’t decide if we should enter through one door on the far side of the building or not!
In the meantime, I’ve asked numerous people, how are you keeping your sanity during the madness? Some state that they are glad to have returned to work, others continue to do physical exercise for their sanity and yet others have taken to serious hobbies like sewing, painting and gardening. Visiting from a distance with masks have helped others to cope with the feeling of isolation that this whole shutdown has generated in people of all ages. I’ve noticed that with some of my dialysis patients, the staff is the only other human contact they have outside their homes.
During this continued time of uncertainty, let’s not forget about our friends and family members and reach out to them by phone if not in person to make sure they are okay. Do they need anything; groceries, a ride to the post office or doctor’s office? Almost four months ago, I lost my high school best friend to pancreatic cancer. A quick call or text to her family let’s them know I’m concerned and willing to listen as they continue to deal with their grief.
As fall and the change of the season approaches, let us move forward with blessings and thanks for our health, safety and for those who are able to work, employment. We know that life goes on so let’s enjoy our favorites that welcome the fall season. For my sister, it’s devouring all things pumpkin spice! For myself, it’s doing the research and drafts for the final book in The Fat Girls Club book series and raking falling leaves.
I want to say “thank you” to all my readers of this newsletter. Stay safe, healthy and positive in mind, body and spirit.
In the meantime, I’ve asked numerous people, how are you keeping your sanity during the madness? Some state that they are glad to have returned to work, others continue to do physical exercise for their sanity and yet others have taken to serious hobbies like sewing, painting and gardening. Visiting from a distance with masks have helped others to cope with the feeling of isolation that this whole shutdown has generated in people of all ages. I’ve noticed that with some of my dialysis patients, the staff is the only other human contact they have outside their homes.
During this continued time of uncertainty, let’s not forget about our friends and family members and reach out to them by phone if not in person to make sure they are okay. Do they need anything; groceries, a ride to the post office or doctor’s office? Almost four months ago, I lost my high school best friend to pancreatic cancer. A quick call or text to her family let’s them know I’m concerned and willing to listen as they continue to deal with their grief.
As fall and the change of the season approaches, let us move forward with blessings and thanks for our health, safety and for those who are able to work, employment. We know that life goes on so let’s enjoy our favorites that welcome the fall season. For my sister, it’s devouring all things pumpkin spice! For myself, it’s doing the research and drafts for the final book in The Fat Girls Club book series and raking falling leaves.
I want to say “thank you” to all my readers of this newsletter. Stay safe, healthy and positive in mind, body and spirit.
