Today was a pretty good day.
I spent 5hrs at the Schilling Community Center on Kadena Air Base selling books.
I didn't do bad, didn't do great, but shared my children's book series and vision with a ton of people and it made me feel good :).
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
YAY for me!!
A Girl named Charlie Presents... has been featured for the first time on a website that is not my own :). Please check it out here!
Monday, October 5, 2009
The first taste... of 'hate'???
This past weekend while selling books at the USO Bazaar I met and became friends with tons of other vendors. Most of the vendors were very friendly! We purchased products from one another and sent customers to each others tables. The Bazaar was completely dead all weekend. We were competing with the Grand Opening of the new BX which had been under construction since my family got to the island last year. It was pretty clear from the start that none of us would sell as many products as we'd hoped. Still we weren't in competition with each other and were pretty excited whenever any of us made a sale.
However I had an interesting experience with one of the vendors that didn't really make me upset as much as it made me wonder why people are a certain way.
This particular vendor was sitting directly across from me. When I set up early Saturday morning it was clear that we could be looking at each other all weekend so I made my way over to introduce myself. She was friendly enough. She said hello and smiled, but it was a stale smile, almost as if she were sizing me up.
At one point early in the day she asked if she could take a look at my book so I walked one over to her and she sat it on her table. She was Black and had a young daughter so I just knew she would buy it. Duh- what woman with a little black girl wouldn't buy a book titled "I LOVE my Cotton Candy Hair!" We made small talk and I bought a couple of lip glosses from her.
During the day we didn't get much traffic but my books were selling like crazy. I sold one to practically every other person that came by my table. Those with children and those without. Those with little girls and even those with a house full of boys. Everyone seemed to love the message. I was really happy and my vendor friends were happy for me. But I started noticing that whenever a customer at her table noticed my book sitting there, instead of pointing out my table- which bty all the other vendors did- she would distract them and have them look at another one of her products. Now we were all there to sell so I didn't expect her to send a customer to me mid-sale, but once said customer was walking away it would've been nice if she had pointed them in my direction.
Although my table was directly across from hers it was on the outer portion of the display area so if customers were walking through and their bodies were facing the center display area, I was easy to miss.
Toward the end of the day while passing her table en route to the restroom, I noticed that my book was underneath one of her chairs.
Is she hiding my book?
On the way back we made eye contact and she says, Oh you can just take that. So I smiled, bent my gigantic pregnant self over, and picked up my book. She never purchased one.
I didn't want to assume that this older woman would be hating on little old me so I just shrugged her behavior off as odd and let it go. I even went out of my way to say goodbye to her at the end of the day.
SUNDAY
There was maybe one customer in the bazaar the whole first hour, and she wasn't even really a customer, she was a friend of my nemesis (haha) there to get her makeup done on her way to church. I smiled at them a couple of times and at one point the friend pointed over at my table. When they were finished the vendor got up to do something and when she was gone her friend moseyed on over to me. She didn't have children and wasn't interested in buying a book, she was however interested in how I got mine published. I was super friendly and gracious and more than happy to give her all the info I could. I remember how frustrating it was when I was looking for a publisher and kept running into dead ends so I was happy to help her out. I even gave her my contact info incase she had questions later. Maybe it she just liked my personality but she asked more about my book and after hearing my story, decided she LOVED the message and wanted to purchase one. This would be the first purchase of the day for any of us! Now eagle eye across from me was watching the entire time. As soon as I pulled out my receipt book to write a ticket, she jumped up from behind her table and came rushing over.
Girl what are you doing? she says as she links arms with her friend.
I'm buying a book! Don't you just love these!? Her friend seemed oblivious to what was going on.
It's 10 after 10, you're gonna be late for church! Now she's actually tugging the customer in the other direction.
Smiling, I finish my receipt and chime in. You're pressed for time so you don't have to wait here while I sign it. Just take this to the cashier and when you bring back your stamped receipt it'll be all ready.
The day continued with the lady across from me doing everything she could to stop my shine. Even going as far as to get up and walk customers away from her table in a direction where they would be sure to miss mine. Weird right? But it didn't put a damper on what I was doing at all. Nor did it dim my spirit. I smiled all day long and still sold a book to almost every person who stopped at my table.
I viewed the day as a great success and her behavior as an anomaly that I hopefully won't run into much in the future.
However I had an interesting experience with one of the vendors that didn't really make me upset as much as it made me wonder why people are a certain way.
This particular vendor was sitting directly across from me. When I set up early Saturday morning it was clear that we could be looking at each other all weekend so I made my way over to introduce myself. She was friendly enough. She said hello and smiled, but it was a stale smile, almost as if she were sizing me up.
At one point early in the day she asked if she could take a look at my book so I walked one over to her and she sat it on her table. She was Black and had a young daughter so I just knew she would buy it. Duh- what woman with a little black girl wouldn't buy a book titled "I LOVE my Cotton Candy Hair!" We made small talk and I bought a couple of lip glosses from her.
During the day we didn't get much traffic but my books were selling like crazy. I sold one to practically every other person that came by my table. Those with children and those without. Those with little girls and even those with a house full of boys. Everyone seemed to love the message. I was really happy and my vendor friends were happy for me. But I started noticing that whenever a customer at her table noticed my book sitting there, instead of pointing out my table- which bty all the other vendors did- she would distract them and have them look at another one of her products. Now we were all there to sell so I didn't expect her to send a customer to me mid-sale, but once said customer was walking away it would've been nice if she had pointed them in my direction.
Although my table was directly across from hers it was on the outer portion of the display area so if customers were walking through and their bodies were facing the center display area, I was easy to miss.
Toward the end of the day while passing her table en route to the restroom, I noticed that my book was underneath one of her chairs.
Is she hiding my book?
On the way back we made eye contact and she says, Oh you can just take that. So I smiled, bent my gigantic pregnant self over, and picked up my book. She never purchased one.
I didn't want to assume that this older woman would be hating on little old me so I just shrugged her behavior off as odd and let it go. I even went out of my way to say goodbye to her at the end of the day.
SUNDAY
There was maybe one customer in the bazaar the whole first hour, and she wasn't even really a customer, she was a friend of my nemesis (haha) there to get her makeup done on her way to church. I smiled at them a couple of times and at one point the friend pointed over at my table. When they were finished the vendor got up to do something and when she was gone her friend moseyed on over to me. She didn't have children and wasn't interested in buying a book, she was however interested in how I got mine published. I was super friendly and gracious and more than happy to give her all the info I could. I remember how frustrating it was when I was looking for a publisher and kept running into dead ends so I was happy to help her out. I even gave her my contact info incase she had questions later. Maybe it she just liked my personality but she asked more about my book and after hearing my story, decided she LOVED the message and wanted to purchase one. This would be the first purchase of the day for any of us! Now eagle eye across from me was watching the entire time. As soon as I pulled out my receipt book to write a ticket, she jumped up from behind her table and came rushing over.
Girl what are you doing? she says as she links arms with her friend.
I'm buying a book! Don't you just love these!? Her friend seemed oblivious to what was going on.
It's 10 after 10, you're gonna be late for church! Now she's actually tugging the customer in the other direction.
Smiling, I finish my receipt and chime in. You're pressed for time so you don't have to wait here while I sign it. Just take this to the cashier and when you bring back your stamped receipt it'll be all ready.
The day continued with the lady across from me doing everything she could to stop my shine. Even going as far as to get up and walk customers away from her table in a direction where they would be sure to miss mine. Weird right? But it didn't put a damper on what I was doing at all. Nor did it dim my spirit. I smiled all day long and still sold a book to almost every person who stopped at my table.
I viewed the day as a great success and her behavior as an anomaly that I hopefully won't run into much in the future.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Loves of my life
Charlie and Sierra are so awesome.
This past weekend I had an opportunity to sell my books at the USO Bazaar. Typically these bazaars are extremely busy and being there is a great way for vendors to sell their products and promote their businesses. When I found out I was in, I couldn't pass up the opportunity. There was a problem though- the bazaar was open from 9a-6p on Saturday and 9a-5p on Sunday and vendors were required to be there all day, both days.
My main concern (aside from the fact that I would be missing church on Sunday) was what I would do with the girls. Luckily my friends Carol and Teresa came through for me big time. The girls spent the entire day with Carol and her kids on Saturday, then with Teresa and her family on Sunday. They were up early and went to bed late but they were well behaved and never complained.
Mommy has been extremely busy lately, more busy than they've ever seen me. We used to have down time to watch movies or just hang out between school and organized activities. Lately we haven't had that. That time has been replaced with phone calls, emails and running back and forth to offices and meetings. Sometimes our days are so busy and exhausting. Still they don't complain. They are such troopers :).
Seriously hoe did I wind up with such awesome little angels??
This past weekend I had an opportunity to sell my books at the USO Bazaar. Typically these bazaars are extremely busy and being there is a great way for vendors to sell their products and promote their businesses. When I found out I was in, I couldn't pass up the opportunity. There was a problem though- the bazaar was open from 9a-6p on Saturday and 9a-5p on Sunday and vendors were required to be there all day, both days.
My main concern (aside from the fact that I would be missing church on Sunday) was what I would do with the girls. Luckily my friends Carol and Teresa came through for me big time. The girls spent the entire day with Carol and her kids on Saturday, then with Teresa and her family on Sunday. They were up early and went to bed late but they were well behaved and never complained.
Mommy has been extremely busy lately, more busy than they've ever seen me. We used to have down time to watch movies or just hang out between school and organized activities. Lately we haven't had that. That time has been replaced with phone calls, emails and running back and forth to offices and meetings. Sometimes our days are so busy and exhausting. Still they don't complain. They are such troopers :).
Seriously hoe did I wind up with such awesome little angels??
Lonely
I miss my husband.
Marcus has been in the States for about 4weeks and it's really difficult being here without him. I have great friends, I have the girls and I have the launch of my new book to keep me distracted but I'm still lonely. I talk to him pretty much everyday but there's a difference between being on the phone with him and being on the couch with him.
I love being on the couch with him :).
One week to go. Wish me luck!
Marcus has been in the States for about 4weeks and it's really difficult being here without him. I have great friends, I have the girls and I have the launch of my new book to keep me distracted but I'm still lonely. I talk to him pretty much everyday but there's a difference between being on the phone with him and being on the couch with him.
I love being on the couch with him :).
One week to go. Wish me luck!
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
How to move forward??
It's been about a week since my last blog. I didn't send my normal blog update to anyone because everyone I know (shoot, everyone I've ever known) got an identical, easy to forward email announcing the launch of my new children's book series.
So much has happened since last week. Some of it book related, most of it not. But every time I sit to update my blog I find myself wondering what the heck to write.
I don't want this to turn into a blog about my business so I'm a little hesitant to share that stuff, but this children's book series is a huge part of my life, and that's what this blog is about right? I mean I can't very well write about my life and leave that stuff out?
Maybe I'll give all my normal updates and then at the end of each blog have a Series update... yeah, I think I'll do that and see where it takes me.
But I'll start tomorrow cause I'm exhausted.
So much has happened since last week. Some of it book related, most of it not. But every time I sit to update my blog I find myself wondering what the heck to write.
I don't want this to turn into a blog about my business so I'm a little hesitant to share that stuff, but this children's book series is a huge part of my life, and that's what this blog is about right? I mean I can't very well write about my life and leave that stuff out?
Maybe I'll give all my normal updates and then at the end of each blog have a Series update... yeah, I think I'll do that and see where it takes me.
But I'll start tomorrow cause I'm exhausted.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Exciting News!!!
Hey everyone,
Some of you are aware that for the past couple of years I've been tossing around the idea of writing & illustrating children's books. Like many parents I'm extremely conscious of the images Charlie and Sierra are exposed to and over the years I've found that there are simply not enough books for young children about loving yourself as you are.
With that said I am SO EXCITED to announce the official launch of my new Children's book series titled, "A girl named Charlie presents... Stories about loving yourself the way you are!"
This project means so much to me. I truly believe that every child should love and be happy with themselves and their differences, and each book in this series champions that principle. The first release in the series, "I LOVE my Cotton Candy Hair!" is available now on Amazon.com.
Please share this announcement with your family, friends, coworkers and fellow parents. I'll admit that I'm biased but I'm proud of this series. I really believe that the message of absolute self-love and acceptance is one that kids need and one that my series delivers.
Thank you SO much for your support.
Nikkie
Seriously, I'm so excited!! I can't believe this is real :).
Some of you are aware that for the past couple of years I've been tossing around the idea of writing & illustrating children's books. Like many parents I'm extremely conscious of the images Charlie and Sierra are exposed to and over the years I've found that there are simply not enough books for young children about loving yourself as you are.
With that said I am SO EXCITED to announce the official launch of my new Children's book series titled, "A girl named Charlie presents... Stories about loving yourself the way you are!"
This project means so much to me. I truly believe that every child should love and be happy with themselves and their differences, and each book in this series champions that principle. The first release in the series, "I LOVE my Cotton Candy Hair!" is available now on Amazon.com.
Please share this announcement with your family, friends, coworkers and fellow parents. I'll admit that I'm biased but I'm proud of this series. I really believe that the message of absolute self-love and acceptance is one that kids need and one that my series delivers.
Thank you SO much for your support.
Nikkie
Seriously, I'm so excited!! I can't believe this is real :).
Saturday, September 5, 2009
What's in a name??
Decisions, decisions...
Marcus and I are having a bit of trouble coming up with a name for the new baby. I don't know if boy's names just aren't as cool as girls names, but nothing I've seen or heard is doing it for me.
I need help.
Marcus and I are having a bit of trouble coming up with a name for the new baby. I don't know if boy's names just aren't as cool as girls names, but nothing I've seen or heard is doing it for me.
I need help.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Boy oh boy!!
Wow.
I'll start by saying the baby is healthy. He, and I'm not just saying that this time cause I feel like it :), is measuring well. His heart, brain, stomach, bladder and kidneys are all where they're supposed to be and doing what they're supposed to do!
At the ultrasound appt they took me back first so the tech could take all the required measurements. When he came up on the screen this is the position he was in.
Look at those legs!! They are so long. I mean, I though Charlie's legs were long when we saw her ultrasound but this kid's foot is dang near behind his head. That made me smile and I could literally see myself laying there when I was pregnant with Charlie and remembering how excited I was when I saw how long her legs were (they get the legs from me).
The tech, Mimi, took quite a few measurements around his chest and abdomen and when she came back up to his face here's what we saw.
Yes. He's sucking his thumb. Just like Sierra did in the womb. This actually made me cry. I mentioned in the previous post how this never gets old and it truly doesn't, couple that with the fact that I'm super emotional anyway and I should've known it would happen. So there I was. Laying there with Mimi. Tears streaming down my face. Smiling the biggest smile ever... and I can smile a pretty big smile :).
Once the required measurements were taken Mimi went to get Marcus and the girls. The only thing really left to do was to show Marcus the organs and reveal the sex.
I actually knew I was looking at a little peepee before she told us. I blurted out, "A boy!" But I didn't notice a reaction in Marcus until she told him.
Charlie was really happy... If you recall she's been praying for a little brother. Marcus is happy too- a little nervous because he's used to living in a house full of girls, he's comfortable raising daughters and this will be a whole new dynamic, but still happy.
I am beside myself with excitement. Yesterday afternoon I found myself thinking of the kids as teenagers. He's gonna have a very hard time dating girls. His sisters, I'm certain, will be very protective of him... I have a feeling Sierra will just be flat out mean to whoever he brings home- that makes me laugh.
Oh and did I mention how handsome he is.
I'm such a mom :)
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
I grow people, what's your superpower?
I LOVE being pregnant.
Well, after the first trimester I love being pregnant.
For me it never gets old. Although this is my third pregnancy every step is still so exciting. When we had our first ultrasound, I wanted to cry. The first time I heard this baby's heartbeat I was beaming. Now the baby is moving. I had been waiting for weeks to feel something and I have to admit that I'd been pretty disappointed, but now he's (yes, I still call the baby he) nonstop. I love it. The ability to grow another human being inside of you is so amazing. It blows my mind.
Tomorrow we find out the sex of the baby and once we do the next step will be to decide on a name.
We'll keep you updated!
Well, after the first trimester I love being pregnant.
For me it never gets old. Although this is my third pregnancy every step is still so exciting. When we had our first ultrasound, I wanted to cry. The first time I heard this baby's heartbeat I was beaming. Now the baby is moving. I had been waiting for weeks to feel something and I have to admit that I'd been pretty disappointed, but now he's (yes, I still call the baby he) nonstop. I love it. The ability to grow another human being inside of you is so amazing. It blows my mind.
Tomorrow we find out the sex of the baby and once we do the next step will be to decide on a name.
We'll keep you updated!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
