Love is a resolution worth making

Awesome graphic from my friend Jeff at Lefors Design!  http://www.leforsdesign.com/

This year was a big one for me.  My first children's book, "Bearful Bear and his new Moves" was published at the tail end of 2011, and I spent a lot of 2012 promoting.  I am pregnant with my third child, a girl due at the beginning of April, and also have plans in store for my second book.  Whew!  I'm excited for 2013, and feel like it's going to be a nice turning point in my own life, maybe because I'm...Shhhh...turning 30!

When it comes to resolutions, I typically think of regaining focus in what my life goals already have been. So this year....

My New Year's Resolution is to make Love my top priority every day.  It's a discipline, really.  In everything, discipline is the only way to make any resolution happen, and I'm going to make it more of a lifestyle in my own heart.

What is your resolution this year? 

I wish you and yours the happiest days in the coming year!!!

Love,
Anna

And the winner of memoir, "Sihpromatum" is....

And the winner of this fantastic memoir is.....

BARB PERKINS!!!!

Congratulations, Barb, and thank you for sharing the review with your friends on Facebook!  For new authors, every share is so helpful, and I know Savannah Grace will be delighted to send you a copy of her memoir!  She also mentioned that it will be signed by many of the folks in the book- exciting!

We'll be in touch, and I can't wait to hear what you think of the book.

Happy Reading!!!
Anna

We-Read Wednesday's Book Review- "Sihpromatum"!

The past few weeks have been crazy, leaving me behind on book reviews.  HOWEVAHHHH, it has nothing to do with the riveting and enjoyable book I have been reading over the past few weeks!!!  Savannah Grace's memoir called, Sihpromatum- I Grew My Boobs in China, is a hilarious, informative and fascinating read about her families spontaneous year-long expedition across China, Mongolia and Russia. 

After her parents divorce, Savannah's fun and carefree life with her friends, favorite dog, and normal family was quickly changed when her mother announced that her and her two older siblings, Breanna and Ammon were going to leave school and their home for a year of travel across Asia.  As the reader, you can empathize with the 14-year-old Savannah, who was obviously devastated to leave friends and also her worries about missing a year of school.  But despite Savannah's many begrudging, whiny pleas to her mother, they were off to an unknown world.

Savannah's writing style captivated me.  Her sense of humor made me laugh out loud and even cry when she had to say goodbye to her dog.  The reader learns a great deal about the countries and cultures her family visited along the way through dialogue in the story.  You feel like you are right there along with her, experiencing the awful bathrooms, delicious or unaproachable cuisine, and the beauty of the countryside and warmth of the people.   Sihpromatum reads like a great novel, yet you never forget that all of these crazy adventures actually happened to this girl!!!  Savannah wasn't afraid to bare all of the personal quandaries of travel as an adolecent girl in remote, nomadic regions where bathrooms were scarce, and food consisted of dry sour biscuits with sheep hair.  So, perhaps be forewarned if you have a weak stomach!! 

So...can I just say that I LOVE Savannah Grace?  At fourteen, her immaturity is actually endearing even if her complaining gets old- I mean, can you blame her?  So, don't be fooled in the beginning of the novel where you hear a lot of complaining!  As you watch her learn and expand her worldview throughout the book, she becomes ever more lovable, and I truly care about her and her family, and how their trip ends.  She is so funny, and so relatable that it didn't take long for me to become an actual fan of Savannah's. 

As the book comes to a close after a crazily near-death experience in the Gobi Desert of Mongolia, they are off to Russia, but we have to wait for the next installment of their journey to find out what happens next.  What surprised me when perusing Savannah's website (www.sihpromatum.com) is that their one-year itinerary turned into a FOUR YEAR trip around the world, and all I know is that I can't wait to find out what happens next in her journey. 

Don't miss the opportunity to read this book!!!  I am sure you will have some time over the holidays to read, or know of someone who would appreciate a memoir that read's like an adventurous and funny novel.  I actually loved Sihpormatum so much that I want to offer a GIVEAWAY.  So, share this book review for a chance to WIN a FREE copy of Sihpromatum!  Just write me a note in the comments section that you shared this review on your Social Media site, and you will be entered into a drawing on FRIDAY, December 7th.  Don't forget to check back Friday to see if you WON!!!!  Also, for purchasing, you can visit her website at www.sihpromatum.com or at Amazon.
Happy Reading,
Anna

A Perfect Gift for your Toddler and preschooler

Since I have a lot of new traffic moving through my site, and many of you being strangers (a big Bearful bear hug to you new followers!!!) I thought it appropriate to share a quick message about who I am, and what I do since we haven't been formally introduced. 

I am an author published with BQB Publishing company, a fantastic hybrid publisher who has truly helped make my little dream come true!  I published my first children's book last December called "Bearful Bear and his new Moves."  It is geared for preschoolers, and includes rhythm, rhyme, movement and vocal play so you can fully engage with your little reader!  I am passionate about language development through movement and vocal play because of my years as a Kindermusik Educator (shout out!), and seeing firsthand how this combo is a magic potion for helping our little ones build their language base and get a little exercise while they're at it!  Here's the the book trailer narrated by yours truly:

Bearful Bear and his new Moves has received many reviews, ALL of which have been 5 star (humbling!) and I am so proud of little Bearful and what we learn from him through his journey- like learning from our friends, trying new things, and bravery! 

So, consider adding "Bearful Bear and his new Moves" to your child, grandchild, or school's library this holiday season.  You can buy it online or your favorite book store!
 AMAZON
Barnes and Noble
BQB Publishing
ebook versions:
Nook
Kindle
Kobo

Bearful and I wish you the Happiest Holiday season filled with lots of love, quality time and reading!
Love,
Anna

A Rich Tradition

Over the past two days, I have had the priveledge of baking several recipes that were passed down from several generations back.  As I stand in my kitchen, I remember baking these recipes with my mom, brother and sister.  I remember the amazing aromas, the gentle music playing, the clinking of dishes, the conversations and laughter.  And then, I imagine both of my grandmothers in their kitchens making these same exact recipes.  That my grandmothers looked at these very ingredients, rolled out the same dough, sliced the same apples, and probably had gentle music playing and laughter with their families, too. 

I really miss them. 

I admit that I shed some tears this morning while baking these dishes as I thought about Gran and Grandma Tuttle baking these recipes.  But they weren't sad, smarting tears- they were more like chicken soup tears.  Rich and salty, remembering robust and meaningful lives that emulate this rich feast we enjoy every Thanksgiving.  It's the bountiful memories, love, and joy that surrounded the people of my life that make Thanksgiving what it is.  It makes the meal special, and every tradition that surrounds it carries a sentimental value that reminds me of the richness of my life, and all that I have to be thankful for.  I am thankful that my children will grow up with these same recipes- and the joy that I know it would bring me, my mom, my grandmothers and their mothers, to know that our lives carry on.  So simply, but so profoundly from one generation to the next.  Through something as simple as rolls, pie, or a caserole dish; we're a part of a legacy.  

To you and yours, a most thankful holiday!!!

Love,
Anna