AN UNINTENDED, EXTREMELY LENGTHY HIATUS

It actually astounds me that my unintended "hiatus" extended for as long as it did, but my only explanation can be chiseled down to one word: LIFE. That is it, in a nutshell. Not to diminish this at all, because my honest intention when I started this blog was to entertain, edify, enlighten and entrust others with my life's goings on as a wife, mother, actress and author. To spill the daily tea of my life. And tea, my friends, is something I adore and LOVE! I'm truly a tea connoisseur. 

Then suddenly, POOF! I pulled a disappearing act. But truthfully, to disappear was never my intention. And I do hope you will give me a chance to continue my "blogging journey" as best I can, and peek in once in a while to see if you find any of it remotely interesting, relatable, humorous, fun, refreshing, deep, strange, messy, cool, or any other adjective you can throw in that covers the realm of this weird thing we are trying to accomplish (LIFE). This is for you, for me, for us. I hope you enjoy this bumpy ride with me. It will be far from perfect. I can promise you that much, for certain. There may be future gaps, bumps, spills. But I will try my best to keep it real.

First, I lost my darling, precious mother-in-law Bettie Ferry. Mom Ferry was a gem. In the world of moms-in-law, I scored the Mother Lode (pun intended). That was so, so difficult. Bettie was not only one of the sweetest, purest and kindest women I have ever had the honor of getting to know over the course of the nearly 20 priceless years I was blessed to know her, but she showered me and my two babies with so much love that her love and caring will carry me through the rest of my time here on earth, on top of my own mother's love.

Speaking of my own mother, I lost her as well. Talk about life-shattering pain that never seems to end. Losing one's mother should never be a loss to be experienced by anyone, ever. Flat out, I just said it. It's just not right. It's just not meant to be endured. So for any child, adult, teenager, or anywhere in between, my heart so wholeheartedly goes out to you for losing your mother. It's just not something we humans should have to endure, ever. I am still experiencing the loss all over again every day. I wonder when it will begin to feel a little more bearable?

I also lost an uncle whom I had truly always adored, who was nothing short of a genius. My beloved Uncle Roy Arnold (my mother's baby brother) had been a university administrator and vice chancellor for the Department of Agriculture at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and had  worked as an educator there for over 20 year. He then transitioned to Oregon State University and had continued to serve in higher education as Dean of OSU's College of Agricultural Sciences, followed by Provost and then Executive VP of the university, after having earned both his master's and his doctorate. During my uncle's tenure as provost at OSU, he helped the university navigate significant budget reductions prompted by voters' adoption of property tax limitations that resulted in reduced state support for higher education. In other words, he was not only a huge advocate for land and agricultural development, education and higher education, but my uncle Roy had contributed greatly to future generations. Follow this link to learn more about my uncle's many amazing contributions: http://scarc.library.oregonstate.edu/oh150/arnold/biography.html  

I started really getting into my acting career in the last ten years, and landed over 47 acting credits on IMDb in onscreen roles through reality, TV roles, feature films-either indie or made-for-TV shows, bigger budget projects, smaller BG (background) roles, and infomercials, so during my long hiatus I kept busy. The pandemic did not stop me. It also kept my kids busy. I told them they can choose to be busy. They both stayed busy. My daughter McKenna is a budding artist, singer, and loves to act; she also continues to take mixed martial arts classes. Our son Carson is a very talented drummer and is in the marching band at his high school and is in jazz band. He started his own garage band and jazz ensemble, and is now in four jazz combos. He is also in honors jazz, and honor role at school.

My husband Mike supports us all, works so hard and loves to cook. He builds amazing things and is a great provider. We are so lucky to have Mike. He is a great father, husband, and really is a fun dad for the kids. He supports us in all of our acting and artistic endeavors, and is very patient. He built a very cool cornhole set that turned out nice. We have a lot of fun playing cornhole with family and friends, and going kayaking with him. Now he is working on building a cool "deck" for our above ground pool.

Like I mentioned, since I've stepped away, a lot has happened. I mean, A LOT.

A Post from My Son Carson!

My son was intrigued by this blog of mine; he is 8. So he wanted me to type a message to all of my readers:

(From Carson):
"I love my mommy she is the best mom in the universe and the galaxy!
:):):):):):):):):):):) she makes me happy."
--------------------

OK, honestly... I had NO idea that Carson was going to type that message just now. It melts my heart to see my big boy type on my computer/blog, a sweet message to me from his heart. That's what being a mom is about. Love unconditionally. Trust. Dependability. Have faith in your children. Give guidance and set boundaries while giving them freedom to learn. Try to trust your own choices.

And for me, one of the most difficult things is to just "let it be;" just let them play and work out their own differences; let them make mistakes and learn; let them skin their knees (not doing things dangerously of course, but I tend to get very anxious and protective), and being there for them to fix the boo-boos.

Well, any boo-boos I may have had today are all fixed. I kissed my babies goodnight, and they both told me they love me, just like every other night. The best moments in my day are when my kids and husband say "I love you" -- and we are a family who says "I love you" to each other A LOT. We also say "Sorry" and "I forgive you" a lot, too.

Have a splendid weekend!

 

OUR BEAGLE BROTHERS, Buddy and Diogi!

Two very important members of the Ferry household are our rescued purebred Beagles. Both of them are male, purebred (but "fixed" upon rescue), and both are now brothers. They have their own unique personalities (Buddy, the older boy, is sweet, affectionate, not too rambunctious but very protective of me and the kids; Diogi, the younger boy, is very energetic, almost hyper, loveable, probably has Doggy ADD, and loves to play with the kids a lot). Not sure which one barks the most, but Buddy and Diogi are tried and true members of the Ferry Family, good protectors, loyal and loveable, and LOUD. We love our Beagle brothers. They are Beagle brothers from different mothers.

 

PUPPY LOVE: My Kiddies, My Husband, and Our Two Beagle Brothers!

Hello Friends,
 
I've not yet mentioned much about a couple of family member in the Ferry Farm who are very important to all of us, and who are an integral part of the dynamics of our household.
 
I am referring to "Buddy" (age 9.5 yrs), and "Diogi" (age 5 yrs). Both of our dogs were rescued, both are purebred 100% Beagles with papers and microchips but definitely not show dogs. One reason is because they both have been "fixed" and the other is that their personalities are not of the show dog type. Our doggies are brothers in arms, double-trouble, mischief makers, and loveable, sweet, kid-loving playmates.
 
Buddy came into our family before we had our oldest child, Carson. Buddy was my loveable "baby" after I suffered from a failed pregnancy. He loved me unconditionally, let me hold him, bond with him, kiss him and cry with him in my arms for many months before I felt strong again. Of course, my husband was also there for me as well, in so many ways I couldn't even begin to mention. But something about an innocent, sweet puppy nestling in your arms while getting used to his new family and "parents" is so comforting, so pure, and so secure.
 
Diogi was rescued when I found out that a "young, boy Beagle" near Vegas was in need of a home because his owner couldn't keep him due to military travel and mobility. He had been an indoor dog, but once he got to our home became Buddy's new outdoor mate. He had been taught to jump up on your lap, and was a wild, high-spirited dog. But he is fun, runs around doing laps in our yard at night, loves to play with the kids, climbs our play center ladder and slides down many times a day, and is a handful. The two dogs complement each other well, as Buddy is a bit older and less rambunctious, and Diogi gets Buddy up, moving and playing. Buddy is a calming presence for Diogi. It works well.
 
So I felt like introducing our pets because they are important and much-loved members of our family.
 
I know the true meaning of "Puppy Love" because of our two boy Beagle brothers.
 
Suzanne

Onward and Upward... Day by Day...

So as I write this latest and long overdue post to my "Ferry Tales" blog, I reminisce back to a few years ago... I was taking my son Carson, then about 5-1/2 years old, to one of his many auditions. Carson got his first on-camera job at age 9 months, and has since been in a few short films. I had so much fun watching him taking his acting workshops and going to auditions for the first few years. Slowly though, I found myself wanting to have the experience for myself. This secret dream of mine had been locked away for a long time. I never felt like sharing it because I always thought it would sound laughable -- I mean, ME? Acting? Yeah, I just did not have the nerve... yet.
 
But a few years ago I decided on my own to start jazzing up my stay-at-home mommy and writing jobs by adding a third job: acting. I went very slowly, one day at a time, by checking out the casting websites. I was familiar with these sites thanks to Carson and his wonderful agency (CESD), so I joined a few of them and created my own profiles, using "selfies" as my head shots in the beginning. I wanted to start out as a background actor, or "extra," to get my feet wet.
 
Once I had shared my new ambition with my husband and family, and then my closest friends, the loftiness factor kind of faded. I was welcomed with encouragement and cheers and well wishes. What a treat!
 
I  did a few background jobs, then I had some head shots taken, then I got my nerve up enough to audition for a small speaking role in a children's feature film. I practiced and practiced and sent in my audition via youtube.com (which is not all that unusual, by the way). I did not get the gig. But I don't get discouraged easily, so I kept trying. And I signed up for my first acting class since high school. I had done three musicals in high school, which was a great experience for me.
 
Anyhow, about a month after I submitted myself for the small speaking role in the children's feature film, the same producers called me. They had enjoyed my youtube audition but had already cast the role. They were interested in my auditioning for another part in a different feature film. A role of a mineralogist. I thought this was amazing because I am kind of a nerd at heart and I wear glasses most of the time.
 
Well, fate took its course and I got the gig. This led me to an amazing ten days in the Philippines shooting all my scenes in TREASURE HUNTERS  ( http://youtu.be/wgpo7ZsA6S4 ). My next post will be about my experience in the Philippines and all the great people I met. It will also explain how that let to me being in about ten more features (some parts small, some bigger, and one more lead role) plus about 20 TV appearances (some parts small, some bigger, and a couple of leads), two infomercials and two game shows later, plus landing an agent. Things are moving and I'm taking it all in and loving every minute.
 
My husband has been so very supportive that I could not do this without him. My father, who once was asked to direct with Bernard Kowalski and had directed theatrical productions in high school, has been very encouraging. Even my mom and closest friends, my sister, my kids; everyone is happy to see me going down this new, exciting path. I still have a strong passion to write, but this creative endeavor of acting is also bringing me much joy.
 
Thanks for reading! I'll be back soon to talk about the Philippines.
 

Suzanne

My Latest Adventures in Acting

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dz-xHle_OK8

My interview with Eileen Rivera last July about my path towards an acting career, a dream I have always harbored and finally took the plunge! I have been very busy as a working TV/film actress ever since, and will soon post about more of the projects I have done or am doing... Including some new twists. Stay tuned for more.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=wgpo7ZsA6S4

Shameless Self Promoting: All in an Author's Workday

After my second book The Day the Stars Stood Still was published by BearManor Media in 2012, I started a crusade to publicize and immortalize my book "out there" via mostly social media channels. I used and am still using Facebook, Twitter, my own blog (this one), friends, my publisher's publicist (the best-selling author Michelle Morgan) and blog, LinkedIn, and email. I know there are other ways I've worked on promoting my writing career, including word-of-mouth, but there are too many to mention!

Of course, creating your own "buzz" (which I love to call "shameless self promoting" for up-and-coming successful authors such as myself -- hopefully!) is not always easy; it takes patience, creativity; more writing; spell-checking; inventiveness, and unique hooks.

My book launch party for The Day the Stars Stood Still was amazing. I've attached a few photos, and thanks to http://claibornelime.com/ and my husband Mike, everything went off without a hitch.

I've managed to have two interviews on YouTube; a television show for my first book titled Corinna the Christmas Elf (2009, Tate Publishing Enterprises) which was a national holiday special called "Happy Holidays America" and which played all across the US and into Canada, and had a segment featuring me at a book signing and being interviewed about my book. I was somehow squeezed in between Mariah Carey and Dolly Parton! Don't ask me how that happened... I've no idea, but I was very honored.

With lots of luck and even more perseverance (like, maybe 12 phone calls and four reschedules) I have also been interviewed by the infamous Mr. Joe Franklin on his Bloomberg Syndicated Radio Show (over 39 million listeners!) about my latest book -- this really made the Amazon sales spike; I've had several local book signings (one is coming up the day before the Academy Awards at Gatsby Books in Long Beach, CA http://www.gatsbybooks.com/ ), posts on Twitter, an article in the OC Register, Long Beach Gazette, Signal Hills Tribune, etc.

I'm on a quest to try to get some news coverage from a local news station, and perhaps more larger-scale book signings and radio programs. I'll travel a bit if necessary, and am always on the lookout!

My books are in many libraries, and have received several promising reviews. My latest baby, The Day the Stars Stood Still, has led me into a new world and introduced me to many amazing people and organizations devoted to Old Hollywood, such as Cinecon Classic Film Festival's book signings in Hollywood, The Hollywood Show http://www.hollywoodshow.com/ ,  Immortal Marilyn www.immortalmarilyn.com and the 50th anniversary of her passing (which included a book signing, pool party, private luncheon and tour at the Fox Studios with a raffle, which gifted me with a lovely Geoge Barris print of Marilyn herself).

I've met a handful of true artistic geniuses, wax figure artists, several who learned their techniques directly from Logan Fleming. I've also befriended some collectors of wax figures, including some gracious folks who loaned me "Spock" from the Star Trek TV series (made by Logan Fleming for Movieland) and "Granny and Jed Clampett" from The Beverly Hillbillies (made by Logan Fleming for Movieland) for my book launch party in Long Beach. I have been invited to do a book signing and presentation at Potter's Wax Museum in our nation's oldest city, St. Augustine, Florida this Spring.  I'm working on more local book signings. I had a great time doing a presentation and book signing for local authors at Vroman's Book Store http://www.vromansbookstore.com/ in Pasadena, where I practically grew up! The amazing video below gives a lovely testimony to Logan Fleming and one man's love of wax museums, wax artistry and Logan Fleming's creative genius.

 

As I continue on, trying to scrape up some spare time here and there for my passion to write (I'm working on two new books and have a new screenplay in my head), I will also forge ahead with my quest for shameless self promotions. All ideas are welcome: contact me at suzanne.ferry@verizon.net

 

I thank each and every one of you for your support and enthusiasm over my writing career!

Lime Avenue: Bixby Knolls' Best!

I am a very lucky girl to live in District 8 of Long Beach, the lovely Bixby Knolls community, and to have such fabulous neighbors. My neighbors have helped me find my dog when it got out, hold my child when a van came crashing into my kitchen on a rainy day so I could call 911 and calm down, and the latest good deed my wonderful community did was to plant 20 lovely Chinese Elm trees on my street. 

My neighbor and friend Melissa and I had a plan: I would write to our Councilwoman Rae Gabelich and simply ask for trees to be planted on our street to help beautify it, and because we are so close to Atlantic Ave (where it's all happening, especially on First Fridays each month -- so I'm not complaining), which causes a lot of cars to park on our street due to overflow. So to give our little block of Lime Avenue a "boost" in spirit and beauty, I wrote to Councilwoman Gabelich and she responded YES! After several more communications between myself, Melissa and our current Councilwoman, we set the plan into motion.

Petition was signed, names were written down, volunteers were lined up; a date was set, Melissa and I went to OSH to buy the mulch, and VOILA! We now have a lovely, tree-lined street. This not only helps with shade, privacy, aesthetics, but it also increases property value by up to 15%!

A special shout-out to our volunteers for all their hard work, for Councilwoman Rae Gabelich, who is completing her final term, for Rose in the Councilwoman's office, for Jerry Rowland, city arborist, for John Royce, who is President of the Cal Heights Neighborhood Association and a tree "expert" and to my friend Melissa Von Leffern for instigating this whole thing, down to the two of us watering all the trees on our street last night! It's been a joy and will continue to be one as we watch our baby trees rise above and grow great heights, much like the character of our neighbors on Lime Avenue in Bixby Knolls! Next on the list: Neighborhood Watch!

A New Year to Grow By

I can hardly wait as this Baby New Year grows into a toddler (hopefully without the tantrums!), then a young child (full of wonder and curiosity), then a teenager (out to conquer the world), a college student (ready to attempt being responsible in new ways, and find new goals and challenges), and finally, an adult who can sit back, kick up her feet and say, "I did it, and it was fun!" whilst listening to lovely holiday music, with the scent of cinnamon and pine and cocoa enveloping her. That sounds like a rewarding year, doesn't it? And it's beginning to unfold. I can feel it. I hope I am right about it.

Last year, the new adult in me who had learned new lessons, achieved new goals, made some new mistakes and mostly accepted herself more, winded down with the comfort of loved ones, filled with much gratitude... yet it was bittersweet. Literally two weeks before Christmas (my favorite holiday) I lost a dear friend who was and will always be very important to me and have a special place in my heart. His name is Logan Fleming, and he is the subject of my upcoming memoir (THE DAY THE STARS STOOD STILL: A Memoir about Logan Fleming, the Former Top Wax Artist of Movieland Wax Museum). This book will be published in 2012, exact date TBD (but soon!).

I am just sad that Logan will not be able to join us at the book launch party (date and venue TBD) and hold that first finished, freshly printed and published copy of his career memoir in his tired-yet-talented hands. Hands that had touched hundreds of the most famous celebrities of all time while measuring them for their wax likenesses; the hands which I had shaken many times, before our handshakes turned into true hugs of friendship. I do feel blessed that he was able to see an unfinished copy of the book with the cover very much as it will be in the final version, a copy which he will forever be holding in his hands and was so very proud of. I want to do everything possible to make Logan's book a success. It's very important to me to honor Logan in this way, and I'm going to work hard at it, praying it really catches attention and gets some decent reviews. I'm not a super-experienced, prolific or famous author and I cannot promise excellent reviews, but just finishing the book and getting a publisher makes me feel like a winner with good reviews. So in the end, I really just want to focus on the PR side of getting Logan's book out there for the world to read so they can get to know Logan just a little bit, and see what a clever, determined, kind, funny and talented man he was. I'm proud he chose ME to write his memoir. I'll be forever grateful. Rest in Peace, my dear friend Logan.

Houston, We Have a Publisher!

I'm so pleased and happy to announce that my latest book (memoir), The Day the Stars Stood Still: A Career Memoir about Logan Fleming, Former Top Wax Artist at Movieland Wax Museum by Suzanne Sumner Ferry, as told by Logan Fleming, has found a publishing home. We are in the process of taking the numerous and necessary steps to get our book into your hands. Please be patient, and I will keep you updated as frequently as I can so that you can enjoy this star-studded, Old Hollywood gem.

Logan is also over-the-moon about this latest news, and my dream is to hand him the first copy I receive from the publisher.

Have a fabulous weekend.

Best,

Suzanne Sumner Ferry

I am Looking for a Publisher for a New Hollywood Memoir that I Wrote

Read this article about my latest book project about Logan Fleming, the former top wax artist of Movieland Wax Museum. Our book is titled THE DAY THE STARS STOOD STILL.


http://www.ocregister.com/articles/fleming-280697-wax-says.html

New YouTube Video about my New Book -- Seeking a Publisher

Please check out my latest interview via Bixby Knolls TV and YouTube.com with Long Beach realtor Eileen Rivera. She interviews Logan Fleming, the subject of my latest book. This is a memoir called THE DAY THE STARS STOOD STILL. Logan is the former top wax artist and creative director for the original Movieland Wax Museum in Buena Park, CA.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3LdEQj_xzw

We are currently seeking a publisher for this great book.

Suzanne Sumner Ferry, Author

WARBIRDS, a screenplay by Suzanne Sumner Ferry. Story by Dennis Maguire, Danny Eccleston and Suzanne Sumner Ferry

WARBIRDS

During WWII, several handpicked beauties that are among the top female pilots in the country (and the first female pilots in the military, called WASPs: Women Air Force Service Pilots) risk their lives, create lifelong friendships and form passionate romances as they perform heroic ferrying missions across America out of Avenger Field in Sweetwater, Texas. Their sometimes life-threatening journeys across the country to deliver much-needed medical, food and emergency supplies while our male pilots fought overseas did not come without a price. Several of these brave WASPs lost their lives flying through dangerous weather conditions, and although these top-notch female pilots proved their aviation skills tenfold, they were met with prejudice and judged by many. Although these women epitomized glamour and beauty, they were not afraid to get dirty, sleep in dusty barracks, hide their romances or take risks. These women were young, sexy, and loved to flaunt their beauty in high heels as most of them were from America’s elite, but their greatest passion was flying for our country regardless of the sacrifice.

If you would like to read WARBIRDS please contact Brad Rosenfeld of Preferred Artists Agency at 818.990.0305 or contact Suzanne Sumner Ferry at suzanne.ferry@verizon.net

Registered with the Writers Guild of America, West

Always a Bridesmaid, a Screenplay by Suzanne Sumner Ferry

Always a Bridesmaid

By

Suzanne Sumner Ferry

You are cordially invited to read the quirky romantic comedy, Always a Bridesmaid.

In order to get her mother and friends off her back, a bridesmaid veteran decides to fake her own wedding to have her day in the white dress. Many unexpected romances and hilarious situations develop. The woman is finally slapped in the face with reality and finds the right guy for the right reason…

… Even though she may still remain Always a Bridesmaid.

This feature-length screenplay is written by Suzanne Sumner Ferry and available for your reading pleasure by contacting Brad Rosenfeld of Preferred Artists Agency at: 818-990-0305 or by contacting Suzanne at suzanne.ferry@verizon.net



HALF-LIFE, a screenplay written by Suzanne Sumner Ferry

“It is double the pleasure to deceive the deceiver.”  -- Jean de la Fontaine

Genre: Thriller



A disturbed young woman, raised in poverty and abuse, learns she has an identical twin that was reared in luxury. The troubled girl plots to take her sister’s life… both literally and figuratively. She takes on her murdered sister’s identity at a prestigious boarding school, with none the wiser. As she begins to befriend her dead sister’s lifelong friend and former nanny, many suspicions begin to surface. Her mental instability becomes more apparent and she learns her plan has not succeeded. Tables are turned and the desperate woman becomes a dangerous suspect. The hunter becomes the hunted in this fast-paced thriller.


Written by:
Suzanne Sumner Ferry
cell: 562.572.5660

This screenplay has placed twice in the semi-finals for the Page International Screenwriting Contest, 2008 and 2010

Agent:
Brad Rosenfeld, Preferred Artists Agency  818-990-0305


"A joy that's shared is a joy made double." -- John Ray

Flashback to the 70's!!

WOW. I mean, way cool, dude; what a trip... bitchin'! I had my 8th Grade Class Reunion last Saturday night from Mission Grammar School (San Gabriel, CA) Class of 1978! These are the kids I literally grew up with, whom I went to school with from 1st through 8th grades back in the heart of the 1970's. I'm talking bright pink LoveIt Jeans, Chemin de fer jeans (yes, I wore these in many styles!), hair styled with "wings" and all the lovely tunes of the 70's including "Afternoon Delight", "I Like Dreamin'" and so many more!

I must honestly say that my old childhood classmates are the greatest group of people and have all grown into such nice, intelligent, stable beings. It was such a pleasure to reminisce (and it was surprising how much we remembered, down to food fights at lunch time, who got scolded by which teacher and when, what our classrooms looked like, who was a cheerleader, where we first played "Spin the Bottle" etc) and also to try to catch up as much as possible on the last 30 or so years of our lives. It was amazing, mind boggling and just a blast to do this.

I had been a bit hesitant to go solo, for my husband would not really have known anyone and with him staying home we would not need to spend over $60 on a babysitter. However, it was the best thing I could have done. I was able to engage in many wonderful conversations, focus on those of my old friends who were present and not have to make sure my husband was having fun, not feeling left out, and included. I love bringing my husband to parties but I do not know if it would have been as fun for him as it was for me. We also were able to share our feelings about the unfortunate news of a few of our old classmates who had passed away. It was bittersweet at times and made me even more aware of how precious friendships are and how fleeting life can be for some. It really helped me count my blessings.

I would highly recommend to those who have an opportunity to attend grade school, high school or even college reunions to do so. I happened to enjoy school and have always loved attending reunions. But even if school was not your favorite time of life, it is amazing how the little, petty, unpleasant parts are long forgotten and the new, now, real people before you are what is left to focus on and enjoy at class reunions.

We stood in a circle and went around as a group, each sharing our feelings on what it was like to walk into the party, what our first thought was, what we were up to, and to just say hello to everyone.

I look forward to many continued friendships from this reunion, more gatherings and creating new memories from old friendships that are now being revitalized. What a blessing it was to go to my 8th grade reunion!

Fast Forward to Fall, but Get Ready to Fall Back

As summertime gets ready for a very long nap, the fresh, crisp tingle of Autumn is beginning to sneak into our evenings. I love this time of year! The memories of my childhood school years bring me back to new peechee folders that have yet to be scribbled on with initials of the boys I had crushes on, unsharpened pencils, plastic boxes to hold pink erasers, protractors, rulers and the like, and new lunch boxes. The best part was when our mother would buy us new school shoes, possibly an outfit (although, coming from twelve years of Catholic school did not exactly warrant too many "outfits" other than brand-new plaid uniforms and knee socks) or let us pick out our own book bags and the few extra doo-dads that made the new school year a little less painful. I actually looked forward to my first day of school each year, faithfully. I think it had a lot to do with this preparation, getting my reading lists and new books that smelled like new books, and my new "goods." And mostly, looking forward to seeing my school friends after a long summer break, comparing vacation stories and tans, and catching up on all the childhood "gossip."

I now think about my eldest child who is about to start his final year of preschool. It warms my heart and gets me a little misty-eyed as I share in the excitement of his new school year while taking him to find a new lunch box, thermos, shoes and book bag. He seems to be starting to share my love of the beginning of school, a fresh start, crisper evenings, with Halloween and Thanksgiving on the horizon.

As I try to keep my obsession with all things Autumn slightly at bay, I think of all my blessings, my family, and my life. I am truly content and optimistic. I love writing, my children are my pride and joy, and I've been blessed with such a warm-hearted, sincere and fun husband. I really could not ask for more.

It is just about time for me to start setting up new holiday book signings/events for my children's book (Corinna the Christmas Elf) and really jump into the search for a literary agent to represent me on my latest project, a manuscript I just completed (The Day the Stars Stood Still) which is to become a memoir based on "Old Hollywood", the Movieland Wax Museum, and all the glitz and glamour of the major movie stars who graced the big screen in the last several decades.

I once again feel optimism, inspiration, and a new beginning. I will work hard, try my hardest and then some, and we'll just see what happens. I have Plan A, Plan B and Plan C. I will be so happy if I am able to report Plan A or B in a few months, so let's get the ball rolling, welcome Fall, school, and new beginnings.

Here's to a fun-filled, crisp, fulfilling Fall season. Enjoy!

Hope you are all enjoying the cooler summer weather today!

Summer is Just a Stone's Throw Away

My beloved summertime is just around the corner and many exciting things are almost within reach. I'm making beautiful progress on my latest book, a memoir/novel set in the genre of Old Hollywood, stars and starletts and all the glitz 'n glamour that comes along with these things. My subject is providing a lot of very encouraging and thus far mostly positive feedback. I am hopeful that by summer's end, an agent-hunting we will go!

I recently attended a very festive event in Long Beach for Children's Day/Earth Day at Memorial Park. My friend and fellow author Billy Bonsangue (The Nightmare Navigator, tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book.php?w=978-1-60799-499-2 ) shared a booth space and we both did a book sale/signing. We both agreed to donate a percentage of our profits to the City of Long Beach Parks and Recreation, which was a perfect opportunity in honor of Earth Day. This was a fun-filled, sunny and busy day. Lots of children, interesting people, live entertainment (mostly children from around the world) including a band, parade, singers, dancers and more. Fun was had by all (including my family: Mike, Carson, McKenna, Linda and Orion).

After a quick trip to Amelia Island Plantation for one of my best friend's wedding and some much-needed R&R with Mike over Memorial Day Weekend, I will resume my exciting book project and start the brainstorming process for my late-summer marketing efforts with Corinna the Christmas Elf, ( http://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book.php?w=978-1-60696-931-1 )as well as begin a formal marketing plan for my new book. Many of these efforts will likely overlap, for as I ramp-up towards the holiday season the second time around with my children's book, I will be in the infancy of promoting my new book (title to be announced soon). This will be hectic, to say the least.

Therefore, it is a great thing and a major blessing that we have officially put the adoption journey behind us, at least the formal part of it. Our dear little baby girl McKenna Rain became our daughter legally and officially on April 12, 2010 in Orange County, CA. We could not be happier, and Carson loves "his baby" beyond words. This journey was an amazing experience on so many levels, and we have been blessed a thousand times over. Our little family is complete. Now as I continue my book writing career I have my two lovies and my dear husband by my side. I could never ask for more.

So as I watch the sunset of our Springtime in 2010, I eagerly await all things summer: birthday parties (mine, both children's and my husband's -- yes, we are all summer babies), bubbles, water splashing everywhere, sand and sea, fireworks, sunblock and hopefully a margarita or two thrown in. Being a summer baby, its in my blood to really feel ALIVE this time of year and I can feel that awakening already. It is a bit like the feeling of a New Year after you've put the old one to bed, swept up the last of the confetti and completed your New Year's Resolutions (at least, the list of them).

Happy Summer!

Suzanne

Post-Valentine's Day, and Moving Forward...

We had a lovely family Valentine's Day yesterday! It was great to share this day with my lovies, who are the foundation of my heart, and who make me feel like I have a home wherever I am. My darling husband Mike (the love of my life), our adorable children Carson Reyburn (3-1/2) and McKenna Rain (7 months) were the best Valentine's gift I could ever ask for. Just a simple day of playing in the house and taking a nice walk in the sunshine, eyeing the Olympics, doing some home projects and counting our blessings make the day a joy. To top it off, Mike decided to make me dinner: blue cheese crusted fillet Mignon, prosciutto and fresh Parmesan wrapped asparagus drizzled with olive oil, garlic mashed potatoes and a crusty baguette, complimented with a delicious bottle of Malbec and we had ourselves a lovely Valentine's feast after the kiddies went to bed. I really do count my blessings every single day, no matter what is going on, because I have the husband, the children, the FAMILY and the home I've always dreamed of having. Who could want more than that.

And I am thrilled to be continuing on my writing career journey. I'm making lots of major, steady progress towards my first complete novel/memoir centered around Old Hollywood memories and stars... I am so excited about this project that I can just never find enough time around my top priority job (being a mommy) to work on this book. Yet I am finding myself getting closer to the completion of the First Draft every week. I expect to have Draft 1 completed before summertime, and if all goes well my subject/partner on this project and I will be searching for or have landed a major agent by the beginning of this coming holiday season. This force of hope and excitement will drive me to completion...