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Grateful Thanks

posted by Aunty Cindy aka Loucinda McGary

It's that time of year again, at least here in the Northern Hemisphere. After long months of planting, tending and growing, we're now ready for the harvest. In many ways, this year may not be as bountiful as years past, but there is still much for which I am grateful.

With the recent economic woes, my 401(k) is probably closer to a 200.5 but I still have a roof over my head, clothes on my back, and food in my stomach, and thankfully the same can be said for all my friends and family. For too many people in the world this is sadly not the case, and I try to never forget how very fortunate I am in this respect.

In fact, I have even more to be grateful for this year than usual! Just last month I finally saw my long held dream of having a book on store shelves come true! I was in a book store just yesterday, and got tears in my eyes when I walked passed the "M"s and saw three copies of my book sitting there.

Moving from first sale to debut book released has been quite a learning experience and I know I still have a long way to go before I am anywhere near a publishing expert. Still, I'm very grateful and feel fortunate to have had this opportunity.

Timing is so important, not just in the publishing business but in life. I'm grateful I met my editor when I did, and that Sourcebooks decided to start the Casablanca line when they did. I'm so thankful that my Casa Sisters and I have shared our experiences together. And most of all, I'm grateful for the wonderful readers who have embraced our stories and encouraged us with their praise. They truly have made this journey worthwhile and my most sincere and grateful thanks go to them!

Please share some of the things for which you are grateful. Have you had some unexpected things or experiences in the past few months that made you grateful? Someone you would like to thank?

Comments

  1. Lovely post Aunty Cindy

    I too am grateful for a roof over my head and that of my family and friends as well.

    I as you know am really excited about the coming births of two new grandsons due 13th Dec I thank my daughters for having them I already have a granddaughter and a grandson whom I love being with and the additions are going to make it so much fun.
    I would also like to thank the authors for writing such wonderful stories that take me to places I would love to see and for the great adventures along the way.
    Have Fun
    Helen

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  2. Thanks for getting us thinking, Aunty! I am grateful for my two beautiful children, who are healthy, happy and well adjusted--even if a bit mouthy at times (gee, wonder where they get that? Definitely Dad's side of the family...) I am thankful for my dad's continued good health, and for my lovely little dog Consuela who has been with me for 16 years in December and is still going strong and making me laugh. I am thankful for my DH who is my go-to guy for just about everything. And, I'm thankful that readers seemed to have enjoyed Line of Scrimmage. Bring on the stuffing!

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  3. It's easy to forget how lucky we are. Just the fact that we are able to talk to each other this way implies that we have incredible opportunities at our fingertips. I'm thankful for the wonderful new friends I have made this year, among many other things, too numerous to list.

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  4. Helen said: "I would also like to thank the authors for writing such wonderful stories that take me to places I would love to see and for the great adventures along the way."

    Readers like you definitely make all the hard work worth it, Helen! THANK YOU for wanting to spend time with figments of my imagination. ;-)

    And I'm both excited and jealous that you have TWO grandbabies on the way! HOW WONDERFUL!

    AC

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  5. You are so right, Cindy.

    I'm always grateful to my friends because they offer comfort when I need it and a kick in the butt when I need it.

    Linda

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  6. Hey Marie,
    I'm SURE my son gets his snarky sense of humor and mouthy-ness from his father too! ;-)

    Aren't dogs GREAT?!?! They give so much and ask for so little in return. My two girls keep me going everyday!

    AC

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  7. Christina,
    I often wonder how writers survived before the internet! It is such a comfort to find others who "get" what it is like to live with those characters talking to us, who have the same compulsions about creativity, and have "been there done that" and lived to tell us the tale! I am so very grateful for my many online friends, esp. all the other CasaBabes!

    AC

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  8. Hi Linda!

    You know the old saying: Thank God you can pick your friends, since you can't pick your family. LOL!

    Actually, I'm grateful for BOTH! My family many not always be as supportive as my friends, but I do know they always care.

    AC

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  9. Aunt Cindy,
    I'm grateful for a lot of things, but at the moment, first and foremost in my mind is that I made it to Las Vegas without needing that fancy barf bag you promised me!
    My family is fine, my books are doing okay, my house is paid for, and I've got some great friends!
    Bring on the turkey!

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  10. I never tire of thanking God for my husband, kids, friends, and extended family. Yearly it is at the top of my list, but always the absolute truth. This year I have to thank Him for seeing me through this writing/publishing process, which has not always been easy, but has taught me so much and continues to bring me such joy. And, I am very thankful I decided to drive up to San Fran in August, overcoming my shyness to meet all of you! It has been a fabulous year!

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  11. YAY Cheryl!
    I knew you'd make it to Vegas, margaritas notwithstanding. :-P ENJOY! We will be waiting for a FULL REPORT on your trip (with or without the turkeys).

    AC

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  12. Sharon,
    I was tickled pink to meet you in SF, too! The CasaBabes had such a GREAT time riding in the limos and dining at such a great restaurant. Here's hoping we can all do it again next year in DC!

    AC

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  13. I just had a call from a man I know slightly to tell me he was enjoying SEALed With A Kiss. He found it funny and true and deeply insightful about relationships.

    I don't think I managed to convey to him how much I appreciated his taking the time to pick up the phone and tell me, but y'all will understand what it meant to me.

    This day when the theme is gratitude...readers who "get" my books--that's what I'm thankful for.

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  14. Wow MM!
    That is sooo KEWL that he called to tell you he enjoyed your book! Yup, I know exactly what you mean.

    I received a note from my BFF's mother telling me how proud she was that I had followed my dream. Brought tears to my eyes!

    READERS ARE THE BEST!

    AC

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  15. Thanks for the terrific reminder, AC! I'm thankful for a ton of things, including my enormous TBR :) Topping the list is of course my family and friends, including all the terrific ones on-line! Book lovers unite, and all! ;)

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