Time to BUY!!!

This is it!  It's time to BUY!  I'm finally flipping the switch on my web site on Tuesday, October 1st so you can BUY, BUY, BUY!!!  I know you've all been patiently waiting as you've been going through this publishing journey with me....so, here you go!  Place your orders TODAY!

Gulp!  It's a little scary and I must admit I've been a little gun shy to pull the trigger.  Why?  Aren't I excited and anxious to get my book out there to everyone who wants it?  Yes, absolutely!!  However, I'm a perfectionist to a certain extent so I wanted to make sure I had everything set up correctly, the back-end working, Pay Pal ready to go and all my shipping supplies in hand before I pulled the trigger.  So, if something doesn't work completely right bear with me while I figure it all out.  Throughout this whole process that's exactly what I've been doing step by step...figuring it all out.  Plus, I honestly don't know what the demand is going to be like, so I've been a little nervous to find out.  But, the time has come!  It's time to set my fears aside and let it rip!  Holy cow!

I'm in complete awe and wonder with the path that is in front of me.  Who knew?  I had no idea any of this would be part of my journey in life and now...now, I've actually written a book, gotten it published, had my initial hoopla of launching the book and even signed some books for family and friends.  What?!?!  Life can be so unexpected.  And most times it's not in the best ways (or those are the times we remember most), but this...this has truly been an unexpected surprise in my life.  So, with great faith and enormous trust in God I take each step with reassurance, excitement and purpose.  God is good and ever-present. 

So, as you go online to my web site (www.kimfenneman.com) to buy my book know that I've put every ounce of myself into my book, this process, the site, interview/blog postings and book signings to give back and make a difference for someone else.  Through God's grace and strength I'm honored and grateful to offer this piece of light to you.  May you find comfort, humor and understanding that you will carry with you and share with others.  Thank you for your tremendous support!  Blessings to you all!

Where Do I Recharge?

The whirlwind has come and gone...and I'm just plain tired.  But, there's still SO much to do!  Work (my day job) has been really busy leading up to a huge conference next week and there's never enough time in the day to get everything done for my "night" job...working on marketing the book, getting the website up, and all the other details of selling your own product!  So, where do I recharge?  Is there a station I can pull up to and plug into for some extra energy?  Is there a spa that can infuse a shot of pep in my step?  Or is there just a day or two where I can just rest, not think and just be?

Unfortunately, next week I'll be working at that conference and I can already anticipate being exhausted!  But wait, I'm already exhausted...how is this going to turn out?!  Just take it one day at a time...plus, I might possibly have to schedule in SLEEP!  We all have those times in our lives where life responsibilities/activities/schedules seem overwhelming!  How do we get through it?  Through God's grace, support from others, and probably a few moments of insanity that help propel us forward!

I don't need to recharge my excitement or enthusiasm for my book or the possibilities ahead surrounding the book.  It's everything else...work, being physically tired, daily responsibilities.  Sounds like I need a vacation, huh?  Not anytime soon, unfortunately.  But, tomorrow is a new day and with each gift of another day to try and make a difference in this life I get reinvigorated...as long as it's a full 8 hours of sleep!  :-)

So, if you're overwhelmed by life right now hang in there, find your time/space/place to recharge and then reach out to someone else who may need that boost to keep going!  Lean on others when you need it, but give back when you are able.  It's the best part of the circle of life. 

Hoopla Over or Just Beginning?

Cooler fall weather is upon us...cool, crisp, blue skies...my favorite time of the year!  I love the cooler temperatures, the hint of fire places being lit, football antics and tailgating, hot chocolate, colorful fall leaves and running outside.  It's also the calm before the storm of rushing through the holiday season.  So, sit back, enjoy the beautiful weather (hopefully wherever you are) and take it all in!

As I briefly reflect on the past two weekends, I'm extremely blessed for the truly amazing experience.  You only get one "first" of anything and although I may write another book and go through this process again (no plans to do so right now) it was all an unknown adventure for me that was exciting and humbling.  As I've mentioned before, I'm very sentimental about my hometown and the people there so last week's book signings only added to that heartfelt emotion for me.  The experience only grew my love for that community, our family and friends even more!  That's a true blessing and gift that I'm very grateful for.  And, I love that I could share it with all of them! 

Yesterday, I had my book launch party for very close friends and family where I live now.  Again, a few nerves beforehand but it was more because I was running all around town trying to get errands done before the big party.  But, to see my close friends there supporting me and their enormous excitement for me was truly humbling because I never thought I would be doing this...sharing so much of myself to so many.  So, now I'm curious to get feedback from those who have read the book.  All good so far, and of course, I'm not really expecting any negative feedback from family and friends...more what surprised them or what they learned about me or my experiences that they've now learned from.  In one conversation with someone yesterday, it did hit me a little bit that this was now real...but not completely.  Because after this, my next book signing will really be open to the public...the mass public...and not just a community where our family practically knows everyone or where I've invited only a few family and friends.  The next one will really be a display of the interest for my book and this topic.  And, thankfully for me it's a few weeks away so I can recover and get organized again.  And, add the purchase option to my website!  The one thing everyone has been waiting to know...when can they buy it online?  When?  October 1!!!! 

So, from the sincerest place in my heart....Thank you to all of you who have come out to support me these past two weekends!!  I am truly grateful for your love, support, enthusiasm for my new endeavor, and encouragement.  I have placed my faith in God throughout this journey and he has provided strength, courage, no fear, and determination to trust in Him each step of the way.  May His grace continue to bless this new path in my life.  And may He bless each one of you with new wonders and possibilities!

Sinking in yet?

I'll keep this post short since my last one was pretty long.  Has this whole thing sunk in yet?  Nope!  Not even close!  It may have brushed the edges, but the reality of this whole thing is still not within reach...at least not in my mind yet.  My heart has felt it, though, through the outpouring of love and support ...and unexpected surprises from family, friends and even strangers!  But, the two haven't connected yet (my heart and my mind) to fully grasp the gravity of what I've created, accomplished or that I could potentially impact someone else's life in a positive way.  That's my hope, though, to bring some light into someone else's life...to show them hope and a little humor!

But now people have actually read the book...straight through for many of you, so that should tell you it's a pretty easy read.  Seeing my aunt reading it right in front of me was pretty surreal!  And now, getting feedback from family and friends on what they thought of it is satisfying, exciting and a little nerve-racking at times...mainly because it's not just a book about knitting or how to plant a garden...it's a book about my life!  I'm putting it all out there!  It's a little scary.  But then again, it's invigorating and feels right.  There's always been a peace and a calm in my heart about going through this process and publishing my 1st book.  There's never been any hesitation or moment of doubt about it...that's how I know it's part of God's path for me. 

So, as I anticipate each new step in this unfamiliar adventure I hope that I can be fully present in each moment, be able to take it in with gratitude and give back to others with grace and respect.  The realization of what I've achieved so far will hit me one day, but until then I'll embrace each new day, every new step with a grateful heart.  And, I'll let you know when it finally hits me!

My 1st Book Signing...Truly Grateful

I survived a whirlwind week after returning home safely late last night from my 1st book signing.  So, how did it go?  Awesome!  It was what I had hoped for and so much more!  As we drove into town the night before, my dad was admiring all the corn fields and my mom was trying to take pictures of them all (as if she'd never seen a corn field before!)  We also watched the temperature drop as we got closer to my aunt and uncle's house.  Ahhh, the cool weather felt good...it felt like fall!

The next morning I woke up nervous, but ready to go!  I didn't really know what to expect or how many people would show up.  But, since the signing wasn't until later in the afternoon we had some time to visit some family.  We drove out to my other aunt and uncle's house so my dad could "play" in all of their gardens.  It was his equivalent of going to Disneyland.  He was in heaven!  Checking out their rows and rows of beautiful tomatoes, ground cherries (love!), cauliflower (so that's how they grow), and the biggest cabbage you've ever seen!  We brought home one that was 12 lbs!  The next garden had pumpkins...orange and white ones!  Beautiful!  In another garden they had popcorn corn stalks growing...yellow and white.  Who knew?!  Butternut squash, acorn squash, carrots, and I know I'm forgetting a ton of other veggies.  All perfectly grown and looking wonderful.  And of course, a whole lot of sweet corn that my dad absolutely had to bring home!  So, after a morning of what seemed like a bountiful farmers market, we headed back to my aunt and uncle's house where we were staying for a quick lunch before heading in town for the book signing.

As we got to the library, there was a sign with the flyer they had made (and that was posted ALL over town) posted outside the door with balloons on it.  Growing up, I spent numerous hours at the old library going to story time and other activities there.  But, I had never been in the new library until now.  It was beautiful!  I was thoroughly impressed by the look and feel of it inside and they recently added on a new area up front where our tables were set up for the book signing.  So, this was the first time the new area was really getting to be used for something special.  The kids area was creatively decorated and there was a whole basement level that we didn't even have time to see.  I was thrilled to be in that place for this special occasion.

As we walked up to the table a complete and unexpected surprise sat on my signing table...2 arrangements of flowers!  I thought maybe the library had bought them as decorations.  But, when the librarian told me they had come for me I almost cried.  They were from 2 of my aunts...one who lived there and the other from my aunt in TX.  I was overwhelmed by their thoughtfulness.  We got set up and 20 minutes before the signing officially started I had my first customer!  And then another...a family relative (who was directly related to my great aunt that died the week before at age 105).  And then the stream of people started!  I had given both my parents a job to do...my dad was supposed to take the money and my mom was supposed to get people to fill out a contact card and give them a receipt....nothing too hard.  Except, that I think most people were just as excited to come to my book signing as they were to see my parents!  We have a huge extended family in this town, so we know a lot of people...or at least my aunts and uncles and parents do!  So, needless-to-say my dad walked off the job after taking just 2 payments!  He ended up talking to just about everyone who came in...which I kind of expected since he used to be a farmer there and I knew everyone would want to talk to him.  My mom walked off the job for a little bit, but then saw that I was struggling to sign books, take money, write receipts and get people to fill out contact cards all by myself!!  So, she came over and started to help out a bit.  It seemed like a non-stop stream of people and I tried not to talk too long with any one person as I would always see someone standing behind them patiently waiting.  But, it was hard especially when I haven't seen many of these people since we moved or in several years.  Sooo many that came were very close family friends, actual family or friends.  It was SO wonderful to see ALL of them!  And some were complete strangers that had seen the promotions in other local newspapers and had adopted themselves or one gentlemen even drove an hour just to get a book for a friend.  Wow.  Thank you!  Two hours went by quickly...but, it was fun! 

One of the most meaningful conversations I had was with a very special lady who ran story time when I was growing up there.  I was so excited to see her!  I told her about all the things I remembered about story time and she was just thrilled to hear all of my fond memories.  I told her that it was because of her that being in this library now and having my 1st book signing here was so important to me and that it meant so much to me.  And, that I loved how the library had evolved and was continuing to grow.  It's such a wonderful building and it's because of the foundation that she built!  She's such a tremendous advocate for reading.  She still promotes it in surrounding communities today even though she retired many years ago.  Plus, she brought me an unexpected surprise in a little gift which was so thoughtful and touching.  I'm so glad she was part of my childhood and I was able to learn from her.  What a delightful lady!

As we got back to my aunt and uncle's house and read through the names of all that had come that first day, it was fun to hear about the conversations my parents and I had with them all.  And, since my aunt is my dad's oldest sibling, she had great insight and was able to connect all the dots for me as to how we're related to them, if we were.

The following morning I got everyone up and going since the book signing was right when the library opened around mid-morning.  As we arrived, one of my dad's cousins who used to be the library board's president showed my dad around downstairs and told him about the growth and expansion of the library.  They are currently building a reading park across the street.  We got all set up and one of my cousin's arrived.  She works in a library at a high school nearby.  She bought a book for their library and never thought she'd be talking to them about one of her cousin's books.  Seems strange to me too.  So, we talked for awhile until a gentlemen and his wife came up and wanted to ask a few questions.  After that, the wave of people began.  It seemed a tad slower than the day before as I was able to manage signing books, taking payments, writing receipts and getting people to fill out contact cards all by myself the entire time!  Yes, no help from the parents at all!  They're both fired!  ;-)  But, it was because more family and friends showed up and it was fun to catch up with all of them.  We actually had around the same number of people show up on both days so it was a great turnout!  Two of my teachers came and it was great to see them both!  Two of my dear friends showed up...both funny, goofy, lovely and amazing gals that I'm so glad I can still call my friend!  Several ladies that came told me that they were my dad's cousins, which I had assumed I'd get a lot of since we were back in our hometown.  I had heard their names before, but don't really remember meeting them as a child.  I recognized many faces from the community, but didn't know their names until they told me.  And, another one of my cousins came which was a little bit of a surprise since his oldest son was getting married later that day (and where we would be spending our evening).  But, I'm so happy he came! 

I'm truly humbled by all of those who came out to support me...friends, family, the community and complete strangers...to show their love, encouragement and excitement for my book.  It was still strange for me to walk down Main St. and see just about every business with the flyer promoting my book signings up in their windows...one after the other after the other.  Amazing.  Even after all these years this community is still supporting me.  Honored.  And, one family friend told my mom that the flashing digital sign that's in the middle of town was promoting my book signing on Friday.  What?!  I was on a digital sign?!?!  Holy cow!  Wish I had gotten a picture of that!  I've never been an autograph person...I've always thought they were silly...getting them from athletes or celebrities.  I'd much rather have a picture with them than an autograph.  And, now people want my autograph?  It's really strange and I don't think I'll ever get used to that part.  But, now people have the book and I'm curious to know what they think of it...if anything surprises them.  Holy moly...I guess this is real now, huh?  Yes, I'm still taking it all in...but feel so blessed by this past weekend.

So, now that the 1st book signing is over and most of my family have either seen the book cover or have bought the book I want to share the significance of the book cover.  In the back of my mind throughout the publishing process, I always wanted a picture of a barn on the cover but just didn't know what else I wanted on it or how it should look.  As you recall from previous postings leading up to the books being printed, the book cover was the very last thing to get completed and it was done at the 11th hour...just in time!  When I had gone back to my hometown in June for my class's reunion (the one I would have graduated with if we had not moved), I had driven over to our old farm to just sit and reflect there for awhile.  There's not much left there except one part of our old huge barn.  That's the only building left there...one last piece of my childhood still standing.  So, I took a couple pictures of it.  It was a drizzly day out, but I got some good pictures of it.  I had sent one picture of it to my publisher to see if they could incorporate it into the book cover.  I wanted good corn and a beautiful sunset, too.  But, apparently it's very difficult to find good corn and a good sunset together.  So, this cover was really pieced together with all the things I wanted.  I love the book cover!  It's bright, has great colors and it has our barn on it!  Our barn!  A piece of my life, my childhood, my family's life and legacy...one piece still standing and now will live on as part of history on this book cover!  My aunts, uncles and cousins that came all knew it was our barn.  They knew...and loved it!  I love that I can carry that piece on to other generations. 

I don't think I've completely conveyed how much it meant to me to have my 1st book signing in my hometown, with friends and family or exactly what the book cover means to me because it hasn't all completely sunk in yet.  I know it's real, but to completely receive all the love and support I've been given over the past weekend is overwhelming.  I'm humbled.  I'm blessed.  I'm honored.  I'm truly grateful.

How Did the 1st Book Signing Go??

Check back tomorrow because I'm traveling all day today, but will post all the details tomorrow!!!  Thanks for being a diligent follower and checking on my normal post day.

This Is It!! Off to My 1st Book Signing!

Work week done...check!  Yippee...vacation!  But, it really doesn't feel like a vacation.  It feels more like a really exciting business adventure...back in my hometown!  I write a lot about this place in my book and you'll find I'm pretty sentimental about it.  I'm not sure if that's just the girl in me or the country girl in me or what, but it just holds a very special place in my heart with a lot of special memories.  

I can't wait to see my family...aunts, uncles, cousins, 2nd cousins, possibly some great aunts and uncles, friends, maybe even some old teachers...oh, and eat some really good home cooking!!  Ohhh, how I miss my Grandma's wonderful cooking!  But, both of my aunts are fabulous cooks...something they got from their mother.  As well as my aunt in TX who makes all the classics every time we get together...reminding me of home and family!  I always get anxious to get back to my hometown because I have so many fond memories there...of the people and that place.  And each time I go back to visit and drive down Main St. (where there's no traffic light in town), it's still the same family loving, traditional, farming community that it's always been.  Sure, some things have changed, but for the most part not really.  I love that I grew up there and had those simple and traditional family values instilled in me.  I could see that beaming out of my friends when I went back for their class's 20th high school reunion in June.  My friends were no longer the 9 years olds I had remembered when I left.  They were now (mostly) married, moms and dads with beautiful kids and had the same values as what I remembered when I left.  It wasn't necessarily surprising, but really heartwarming to see, especially with their kids.  Love that!

So, onto the FUN part of my whirlwind week!  Although, I must mention the passing of my great aunt Frieda at the age of 105 last Thursday.  Sorry we missed you by a week, but I know you were surrounded by loved ones who celebrated the full life that you lived.  I'm in awe of your longevity and only hope to grace this earth as long as you did.  Family...that's what it's all about.  Again, prayers for safe travels up and back.  Hope you're all having a wonderful week!

A Whirlwind Week Ahead

It's going to be a wild and crazy (well, hopefully not too crazy) week ahead!  I'm traveling for work today for an event on the east coast.  I'm going to a beautiful, top rated resort but it's supposed to be rainy the whole time I'm there.  Darn.  I guess it won't matter much once I arrive since I'll be stuck inside conference rooms for the next couple days.  So, a couple long days ahead for work and then off to IA for my 1st book signing!

All the planning and preparation for this 1st book signing has been fun, new and exciting!  But, now it's almost here!  I started getting a little nervous on Friday when I heard the library is getting a great response from all the flyers around town, FB postings, newspaper promos and that many locals are talking about it!  That's what you want, right?!  The marketing efforts have created a buzz and that's always a good thing.  But, I think my nerves are mixed with anticipation and excitement.  I'm just SO grateful for all the support and good wishes.  I almost don't know how to take it all in. 

I had a good conversation with a co-worker this past week about how (mostly) women have difficulty accepting praise or compliments.  We just shrug it off and/or don't fully accept or receive the sincere words given to us.  Several years ago I had another co-worker compliment me on something and I shrugged it off and she told me to just say "thank you" next time!  I appreciated her candor and since then have done just that!  But, all the congratulations and support I've received over the past couple weeks leading up to this 1st book signing have truly been heartwarming, inspiring, and overwhelming.  I'm not sure I was expecting it and I'm definitely sure I wasn't ready to receive it.  Life has been too hectic and busy to actually take the time to take it all in!  I'm very mindful of that and really want to take in this moment...my 1st book signing...in my hometown!  This will never come again, so I want to be fully present in the moment...to receive it and to be able to take it all in with gratitude.

I honestly don't know what to expect, but I know I'm blessed by the opportunity and by my friends and family...and hometown community...that support me!  It means the world to me!  So, I plan to utilize the 12 hour drive up to IA to center myself to fully receive the events ahead...to calm my mind, slow down the non-stop to-do list that's constantly been running through my head for the past several weeks (this will be the hardest thing to do!), and enjoy the moment!  So, please pray for safe travel by land and air this week, and I hope you find the simple joys in each day ahead this week!  Blessings to you all!

Getting it ALL Set-up....

The books are here...now what?!  Getting the book picked up by a publisher, edited, produced and shipped was a process all in itself...check!  (If you were following one of my previous posts.) Now it's onto selling my books!  Here we go!

But wait!  I've still got a few (or in my mind several things swirling around) details to get done.  I've got to finish the website adding payment info...hello, Pay Pal (and learning about that whole process)...get all my shipping gear ready to go, and get all my supplies ready to go for my first book signing!  I'm getting there!  You should see all the lists laying around my house!  My mind jumps from one thing to the next (things weeks away) so I have to write down all the details as I think of them...or at least try to. 

And then there's the marketing of it all!  This is my home turf...what I do for a living, so this should be easy, right?!  It is and I have a marketing plan in place, but I just don't have the time to get it all done yet.  But, that's actually not a bad thing.  I don't necessarily need to do it all at once, right?  Back to one step at a time.  Although, once I posted on FB that I had received the books everyone wanted to know how to get a copy NOW!  The website is coming, I promise!  And, I'm trying to get a local book signing scheduled, I promise!  Throw in there a couple of work trips over the next couple of weeks and it's a little crazy...more so in my head!  A lot going on...but, I'll get there, I promise.  :-)

My first magazine article should be published soon, so stay tuned for that!  Plus, my hometown newspaper (where I'm doing my first book signing) is printing an interview I did with them about my book in this week's edition...on the front page!!!  What!!!???  Holy cow!  I didn't expect that.  Me?  Newsworthy...for the front page?!  Oh my!  I'm not sure I'm ready for that.  I'm not the "front and center" kind of gal.  This is going to be strange, surreal and again, I'm not sure when this is all going to hit me. 

I'm truly humbled by every one's support and enthusiasm for my book.  I truly appreciate it!  And, I look forward to seeing you at a book signing or sending you a book very soon! 

They're HERE!!!

Thank you for your prayers!  I received the books on Friday...but I was out of town, so I didn't get to see them until later yesterday evening!  Ahead of schedule...thank goodness...I could feel the anxiety building for a daily dose of worry starting all next week.  Now I'll just divert that worry to something else on my to-do list...that's how that works, right?!

Unreal...they're here....they're here!!  Now what?  Just kidding!  I've been doing double duty these past several weeks...working my 'day' job and then coming home to work my 'night' job.  But now I finally get to see the fruits of all my labor from my 'night' job!  Honestly, I'm more excited about seeing all my friends and families reactions!  That'll be the moment when I'm hoping it all kicks in a little bit...the reality of this crazy and wonderful endeavor!  Who knew?  I had no idea this was part of my journey, God's plan for my life.  It just happened.  Truly.  It just reaffirms my belief that God works in mysterious ways and I can clearly see how my path lined up over the past several years to get me to this point.  Wow.  In this moment I am humbled by God's glory.

And, it's not about selling books...it's about Him giving me the ability, the opportunity and the courage to share my story.  I'm typically a fairly reserved person and I like to keep most things to myself...primarily my life...ha!  Well, that is about to be shattered by my simple desire to try and make a difference...in just one person's life...in this world.  This is my small contribution to the greater good...it's exciting, it's scary and it's fulfilling.

Now the real fun begins, right?!  I have no idea what the demand will be or what the reaction will be from others (besides my friends and family who I'm SO grateful for ALL your support), but I guess I'm about to find out!  But, I trust in my intention for this book and God's light in my life.  Blessings to all!!!