2013 is winding down so it's time to reflect on this past year. What a year! In some regards it seems like it flew by, but with the seasons of change coming and going it's all in good timing. I'm not even sure I can sum up this year...it's been a year full of new adventures, experiences, sadness and some disappointments...as all years seem to encompass. A year that started off in a new job (day job) and then the drive and focus to get my first book edited and published! As you're read throughout my publishing process, I took it one step at a time...one deadline at a time...and then, it was done! I had MY book in my hands!! Holy cow!
And then that started another new adventure, basically starting my own little business of selling my book! The promotions, magazine articles, blog interviews and all of the book signings were memorable and exciting new experiences for me. And, to kick off my book signings in my home town in Iowa was amazing, humbling and simply wonderful...a perfect and surreal beginning as an author!
The year was full of ups and downs, strengthening existing relationships and creating new ones. Lifting up family members in times of grief and struggle, and coming together to support one another as only families can do! Open to new opportunities that the book presented and enjoying all the feedback and stories from complete strangers about their adoption stories and how they've enjoyed reading my book! Now to get that excitement about my book passed on to others...word of mouth to promote more people reading my book!
The new year is right around the corner and another year full of possibilities awaits us all! New dreams, new adventures, new goals, new outlooks....dreams fulfilled, amazing new memories made, goals accomplished and changing our lives for the better all awaits us! I'm excited about the continuing opportunities promoting and sharing my book presents and the new people I'll encounter over the course of more book signings and interviews. And who knows what else this new year will hold...not only for me, but for you, too! Thank you for continuing to follow my story through this blog and I wish you a peaceful and joyful new year!! May you have numerous blessings in the coming year and share your gifts with those around you!!! Happy 2014!!!
Sunday, December 29, 2013
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
Sunday, December 22, 2013
Wishing you a Very Merry Christmas!
As Christmas Day approaches, I know it's been a hectic time of year for everyone, but the day is almost here and the true reason for the season will be remembered! So, wherever you are around the world I hope your celebrations, family traditions and new holiday memories are blessed with joy, happiness and peace!
Thanks for being part of my 2013!! Merry Christmas to you and your family!!!
Thanks for being part of my 2013!! Merry Christmas to you and your family!!!
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Finding Peace and Joy
As Christmas approaches and the end of another year is upon us, it's time for new memories, remembrances of holidays past and reflections of the year coming to a close. What surprises happened this year? What tragedies or challenges have you had to overcome? What personal growth have you made this year? And, what new goals do you have for yourself in the coming year?
As I hope for some quiet, reflective time of my own in the next few days to ponder all those questions, I hope I have answers to them. It has been a fulfilling year in the completion and publication of my first book! What an amazing accomplishment! I'm very proud of that. But, it always seems as if its the same things in life that mean the most. So, although the book has been a labor of love over the past couple years to get it published it's the everyday random acts of kindness by strangers or thoughtful gestures from a friend or family member that I'll remember most. However, I must say that as I continue to get feedback about my book by complete strangers I'm humbled and grateful for the blessing to touch someone else by my story. That's why I worked so hard to publish it...to impact someone else's life, to make a small difference, to shed some light!
So, as this year comes to a close I hope you have fond memories of this year, see how much you've grown and continue to have hope for a better tomorrow! Blessings to you this week!
As I hope for some quiet, reflective time of my own in the next few days to ponder all those questions, I hope I have answers to them. It has been a fulfilling year in the completion and publication of my first book! What an amazing accomplishment! I'm very proud of that. But, it always seems as if its the same things in life that mean the most. So, although the book has been a labor of love over the past couple years to get it published it's the everyday random acts of kindness by strangers or thoughtful gestures from a friend or family member that I'll remember most. However, I must say that as I continue to get feedback about my book by complete strangers I'm humbled and grateful for the blessing to touch someone else by my story. That's why I worked so hard to publish it...to impact someone else's life, to make a small difference, to shed some light!
So, as this year comes to a close I hope you have fond memories of this year, see how much you've grown and continue to have hope for a better tomorrow! Blessings to you this week!
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Tidings of Good Cheer!
I hope your holiday season is bringing you and your family good tidings of Christmas cheer! There's always so much going on at this time of year, so I hope you're taking it all in and enjoying every minute of it! It's a magical time of year!
This past week, I was in New York City on a work trip. I've been to the Big Apple many times over the years, but this is the first time I've been there during the holidays. There are a lot of iconic places I've seen on TV over the years, like the tree at Rockefeller Center or the angels leading up to it (I'm remembering Home Alone 2), Macy's or the artistic window decorations at the high end retailers. So, it was fun to get to see it all in person this year! It was all very festive and beautiful as snow fell down hard on the first full day I was there. It didn't stick, but it was pretty to watch falling down all day from the 29th floor of our office building. And, I finally got to see the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes perform from 6 rows back! Fun show that makes an ex-dancer want to get her dance shoes back on!
Thankfully there were no real delays going or coming at the airport, which was a concern especially this time of year. But, since I had been stuck in my house for 4 days due to a massive ice storm in my local area, my first trip out of my house was to slowly make my way to the airport. I'm thankful for safe travels and a fun trip during this hectic holiday season!
So, whatever new adventures, surprises, traditions you and your family may be experiencing this holiday season....I hope you are safe, healthy and filled with the true spirit of this wonderful time of year!! Blessings to you during this last full week before Christmas!
This past week, I was in New York City on a work trip. I've been to the Big Apple many times over the years, but this is the first time I've been there during the holidays. There are a lot of iconic places I've seen on TV over the years, like the tree at Rockefeller Center or the angels leading up to it (I'm remembering Home Alone 2), Macy's or the artistic window decorations at the high end retailers. So, it was fun to get to see it all in person this year! It was all very festive and beautiful as snow fell down hard on the first full day I was there. It didn't stick, but it was pretty to watch falling down all day from the 29th floor of our office building. And, I finally got to see the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes perform from 6 rows back! Fun show that makes an ex-dancer want to get her dance shoes back on!
Thankfully there were no real delays going or coming at the airport, which was a concern especially this time of year. But, since I had been stuck in my house for 4 days due to a massive ice storm in my local area, my first trip out of my house was to slowly make my way to the airport. I'm thankful for safe travels and a fun trip during this hectic holiday season!
So, whatever new adventures, surprises, traditions you and your family may be experiencing this holiday season....I hope you are safe, healthy and filled with the true spirit of this wonderful time of year!! Blessings to you during this last full week before Christmas!
Sunday, December 8, 2013
Iced In
It's day 3 of being iced in. The freezing rain and sleet came on Thursday and ever since then it's been one thick sheet of ice with another glaze of ice overnight. The temperatures are only suppose to rise above 32 degrees for a couple hours today, but then go below freezing again until probably Tuesday or Wednesday. Yikes! Three days is probably my limit, so come tomorrow I'll by itching to get out again. However, I have gotten a lot of work done around the house.
Unfortunately I'm suppose to travel for work tomorrow, too. I'm not sure that's going to happen with all the flight cancellations, traveling to the airport and the weather system that hit us is going to hit the northeast today. I know most northerners (in the U.S. and those internationally who live in very cold countries) are probably laughing at us southerners who become immobile when it comes to cold temperatures and ice. We pretty much shut down, hunker in and cook!
I was supposed to have my latest book signing yesterday, but we had already rescheduled it due to other circumstances even before our "great ice in". So, no more book signings until January. (January 25th - check out my web site for more details at www.kimfenneman.com) I'm hoping to spend the next several weeks ramping up my marketing plan and getting ready to do a full blown launch and marketing campaign that will kick off in January. Going to start the new year off with a full-fledged marketing attack! (Or at least that's the plan) So, maybe with a few more days of being iced in I can make some headway on my marketing plan....just trying to stay productive! Blessings for this coming week...and hopefully a thaw out!
Unfortunately I'm suppose to travel for work tomorrow, too. I'm not sure that's going to happen with all the flight cancellations, traveling to the airport and the weather system that hit us is going to hit the northeast today. I know most northerners (in the U.S. and those internationally who live in very cold countries) are probably laughing at us southerners who become immobile when it comes to cold temperatures and ice. We pretty much shut down, hunker in and cook!
I was supposed to have my latest book signing yesterday, but we had already rescheduled it due to other circumstances even before our "great ice in". So, no more book signings until January. (January 25th - check out my web site for more details at www.kimfenneman.com) I'm hoping to spend the next several weeks ramping up my marketing plan and getting ready to do a full blown launch and marketing campaign that will kick off in January. Going to start the new year off with a full-fledged marketing attack! (Or at least that's the plan) So, maybe with a few more days of being iced in I can make some headway on my marketing plan....just trying to stay productive! Blessings for this coming week...and hopefully a thaw out!
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Cherish the Season
It's Christmastime! So many traditions and meanings for this season, but there's one meaning that should reign over all others...the gift of life! It's simple yet so profound at the same time if you truly stop and think about it. Yes, we've all heard "every day is a gift" or "don't take life for granted", but at this time of year it gets buried underneath the decorating, shopping, baking, carols, school plays, holiday parties, etc. But, what is that one meaning of Christmas for you?
Yesterday, I was reminded of how short life truly is and how precious each moment we are allowed to grace this earth is...by the death of my manager's mom (granted, she was 80 and lived a full life, but cancer has claimed another life) and by a sudden health scare of a close family member. You just never know. You might see it coming from a relentless disease or it could just happen from a tragic accident. Life is short. It's worth repeating especially during this time of year.
Although sadly, many people are engulfed in grief during this time of year, as well, after losing a loved one either recently or even if years have passed. The holidays evoke a lot of emotions because they are mostly associated with our childhoods, joy, happiness, wonder and the goodness of humankind...if only for the holiday season. Holidays can be hard for a lot of people for a lot of different reasons. So, no matter what Christmas and this time of the year means to you...I hope you find some peace and comfort in knowing you are not alone, you are strong enough to overcome any challenge that comes you way and there is a shining light that will lead the way. So, prayers for each one of you who follow and read my blog that you cherish that one special meaning of Christmas this holiday season. Blessings to you today and everyday!
Yesterday, I was reminded of how short life truly is and how precious each moment we are allowed to grace this earth is...by the death of my manager's mom (granted, she was 80 and lived a full life, but cancer has claimed another life) and by a sudden health scare of a close family member. You just never know. You might see it coming from a relentless disease or it could just happen from a tragic accident. Life is short. It's worth repeating especially during this time of year.
Although sadly, many people are engulfed in grief during this time of year, as well, after losing a loved one either recently or even if years have passed. The holidays evoke a lot of emotions because they are mostly associated with our childhoods, joy, happiness, wonder and the goodness of humankind...if only for the holiday season. Holidays can be hard for a lot of people for a lot of different reasons. So, no matter what Christmas and this time of the year means to you...I hope you find some peace and comfort in knowing you are not alone, you are strong enough to overcome any challenge that comes you way and there is a shining light that will lead the way. So, prayers for each one of you who follow and read my blog that you cherish that one special meaning of Christmas this holiday season. Blessings to you today and everyday!
Sunday, December 1, 2013
The Holiday Season is Upon Us!
Wow, it's December already and the holiday season is fast and furious (RIP Paul Walker) even before it was Thanksgiving it seems! But, now we're into December so the houses that had their X-mas lights on several weeks before Thanksgiving...ok, it's now acceptable. I just finished all my decorating today! It usually takes me at least 2 days to get the house decorated and the tree up. And, I must say...I love my tree this year (tried the mesh ribbon in white and purple this year, which I love but it took me an hour just to get the ribbon up!)
Trying to get SO much done during my holiday break before going back to work tomorrow and my body has paid the price. It is aching all over the place! To add to my physical exhaustion and pain, I trimmed all my bushes and cleaned up/weeded the front of my house today, too. After a couple days of non-stop shopping (yes, starting Thanksgiving night), decorating and just normal household chores I seriously need another couple days to recover. I can't believe the holiday break is over already! I was busy every day and am wondering if I'll ever get a break...just to rest, recover and recharge. Maybe the end of the year will bring some down time my way. Lets hope!
But, in the holiday spirit of things...I must say it's always a fun time of year and I'm excited about all the holiday festivities that will occur between now and the end of the year. And honestly, I'm pretty much done with all my shopping, X-mas cards have been mailed and the house is brimming with holiday cheer, so now I can really just enjoy the season! I hope you enjoy this joyful time of year, no matter where you live, and really celebrate the meaning of the season! Blessings to you this week!
Trying to get SO much done during my holiday break before going back to work tomorrow and my body has paid the price. It is aching all over the place! To add to my physical exhaustion and pain, I trimmed all my bushes and cleaned up/weeded the front of my house today, too. After a couple days of non-stop shopping (yes, starting Thanksgiving night), decorating and just normal household chores I seriously need another couple days to recover. I can't believe the holiday break is over already! I was busy every day and am wondering if I'll ever get a break...just to rest, recover and recharge. Maybe the end of the year will bring some down time my way. Lets hope!
But, in the holiday spirit of things...I must say it's always a fun time of year and I'm excited about all the holiday festivities that will occur between now and the end of the year. And honestly, I'm pretty much done with all my shopping, X-mas cards have been mailed and the house is brimming with holiday cheer, so now I can really just enjoy the season! I hope you enjoy this joyful time of year, no matter where you live, and really celebrate the meaning of the season! Blessings to you this week!
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