Breast Cancer Awareness month and big news...
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Hello everyone--
Well, here I am, writing to you from paradise. My last day in paradise, as a matter of fact. Even as I write this, I'm packing up my suitcase and getting ready to fly out. I'll be home sweet home in no time. Back to gray skies and rain that doesn't take your eye out. :) No beaches, no hula dancing...
It's been a month of changes for me, I must say. First of all, I had a birthday this week (a fun time was had by all--mai tais in the tiki port with girlfriends), and it was a really significant birthday. I have officially outlived my mother. It makes for a lot of thoughts and memories and fears. I'm sure it's a big part of what led into the other big change for this month. I've talked about it before on the blog--in fact, I was inspired by this blog to really DO something--and I'm sure that none of you will be surprised to find that my BIG NEWS is tied to October, which is breast cancer awareness month. Those of you who guessed--right on!
I'm totally honest when I say that the conversation on this blog inspired me to take action. As you all know, Firefly Lane was an intensely personal book for me, and it has achieved a success that I never even dared to dream for. That, combined with our conversations over the past year, really showed me that this is my year. I wanted all this great talk of ours to convert into action as well. I wanted to give back in an appreciable way. I know we all support each other and our friends, but I thought maybe there was a way to go bigger than that. A way to bring us together for a truly important cause.
With that hope in mind, I have started a new project. Go to KristinHannah.com on October 1st and see what it's all about. I don't want to tell you--I'd rather you see it. I can't wait to hear what you all think. I know you'll have LOTS of thoughts and opinions. That's what I adore about this blog.
You are the very first people I'm telling about this because, really, you guys helped make it happen.
Anyway, I'm nervous and hopeful that you like it. :) Let me know.
Now I'm off for the mainland. I'll return with birthday photos. I promise.
aloha for now,
Kristin
Well, here I am, writing to you from paradise. My last day in paradise, as a matter of fact. Even as I write this, I'm packing up my suitcase and getting ready to fly out. I'll be home sweet home in no time. Back to gray skies and rain that doesn't take your eye out. :) No beaches, no hula dancing...
It's been a month of changes for me, I must say. First of all, I had a birthday this week (a fun time was had by all--mai tais in the tiki port with girlfriends), and it was a really significant birthday. I have officially outlived my mother. It makes for a lot of thoughts and memories and fears. I'm sure it's a big part of what led into the other big change for this month. I've talked about it before on the blog--in fact, I was inspired by this blog to really DO something--and I'm sure that none of you will be surprised to find that my BIG NEWS is tied to October, which is breast cancer awareness month. Those of you who guessed--right on!
I'm totally honest when I say that the conversation on this blog inspired me to take action. As you all know, Firefly Lane was an intensely personal book for me, and it has achieved a success that I never even dared to dream for. That, combined with our conversations over the past year, really showed me that this is my year. I wanted all this great talk of ours to convert into action as well. I wanted to give back in an appreciable way. I know we all support each other and our friends, but I thought maybe there was a way to go bigger than that. A way to bring us together for a truly important cause.
With that hope in mind, I have started a new project. Go to KristinHannah.com on October 1st and see what it's all about. I don't want to tell you--I'd rather you see it. I can't wait to hear what you all think. I know you'll have LOTS of thoughts and opinions. That's what I adore about this blog.
You are the very first people I'm telling about this because, really, you guys helped make it happen.
Anyway, I'm nervous and hopeful that you like it. :) Let me know.
Now I'm off for the mainland. I'll return with birthday photos. I promise.
aloha for now,
Kristin
8 Comments:
Been out of the loop again. We just started a new academy year and the beginning is always rather hectic. Combine that with the fact that I'm sitting here with a runny nose and sneezing with every sentence I write and you'll get the picture why I haven't been around for a bit.
I'll give you a quick walkthrough of some subjects that were talked about on this blog. Books, for instance. I just finished "The Lost Symbol" and even though I'm pretty sure I'll read the next Dan Brown too, I'm not completely overwhelmed either. Next on the list is a Paullina Simons novel called "The girl in Times Square". I remember reading another book (Tully) by this same author a couple of years ago, which I liked very much, so I'm looking forward to reading this one too. And yes, I do want to read Jacquelyn Mitchard's new book too, but that's just one of a whole bunch of books that are on my "to buy" list and I've already got a stack higher than heaven that I've bought but that hasn't been read yet. It's really pathetic! I could use a year off work just to catch up on all the reading I wanna do! Whenever the Dutch version of "True Colors" gets in the stores or I get the chance to read "Winter Garden", any other books will have to wait in line, though. I do have my priorities straight!
Other things: loved the video from Seattle and love the idea that I can see developing as we speak. I'm pretty sure Kristin's close to panicking at this very moment, cuz I notice the changes to the site are not 100% ok yet, but the main thing is that the end result will be something to be really proud of. I love the "wall idea", for instance. Not sure if there's anyone's name I wanna put on there, but I can think of a few women who lost the battle against the big C and who played a role in my life. Even someone whom I'm never met but who was my friend's mom, so when I look at her picture at my friend's home, I always kinda wanna ask her whether she thinks I'm a good friend to her daughter. :)
Personally, I do my little good deed every month by sponsoring a little girl in India. She sends me drawings and writes to me sometimes (someone translates her writing to English for me) and I get an update on how she's doing in school and health wise twice a year, so that's really cool.
Anyway... I guess I just wanted to congratulate our fearless leader (aka the Queen Firefly) on her wonderful ideas and her great new project. No reason to be nervous about something that comes from the heart. There's probably lots of blinking stars tonight, with all those women who have passed on, winking at you cuz they're so proud of you! :)
I do wanna see those b-day pix too. Gotta see what turning 49 does to a person, since my best friend is gonna be the same age in just a couple more weeks. I'll save the pestering until next year, when the really big milestone of age 50 is coming around, though. With some luck, you might actually start to look and act like you're old by then! :P
Love,
Leen
AWESOME! Your work and dedication to this cause is amazing. I just explored all the great additions to the site and proudly donated to the Firefly Fund. I am filled with pride to be part of the very beginning of the Firefly gals.
I'm so glad you did this! I hope the message of the Firefly Fund, and it's intended use, spreads in light speed! Way to go Kristin!
And, I must tell you - - your mother was such a beautiful lady. Thank you for sharing her with us.
=) Hugs! Lisa
I came here on October 1. I think the Firefly Fund is a great idea. I really like the Tribute Wall as well. I posted links to this site and the other pages on a message board I visit as well.
Happy birthday! I'm of the mindset that any birthday is reason to celebrate.
Happy Birthday and Welcome Home!!!
I stopped by today and I love the Firefly Fund! It's a great idea with some wonderful ways to keep everything personal as well as focus on a cure.
Happy birthday! I can't wait to see some pictures and hope that you are still celebrating. Life is precious and passing another milestone like a birthday is reason to continue to celebrate life. Which is what I see your new fund as being - a way to remember but also a means to celebrate life while moving toward a day when no woman will again die of breast cancer.
Well done!
Kristin,,
This is so perfect for you and I congratulate your for taking the leap! The subject is personal to you. You have woven the breast cancer theme into a beautiful and captivating story that touches the lives of many. It is so appropriate for you to take the next step and rally your readers to support the cause. You have taken a huge step in adding depth to your website. The idea of a Tribute Wall is absolutely brilliant! My mother passed last March from cancer, but not breast cancer.
Realize your'e working out the logistics of the web page right now. It is very attractive and draws you in immediately. I hope you add a very visible "Donate Here" button so it easy for those who want to participate. I add difficulty accessing the fund site and Athena Partners website.
Just finished Magic Hour -- read it in three days. I was spellbound by the story! All I wanted to do was read -- and then I didn't want it to end. I believe I only have "Comfort and Joy" to read, and I will have caught up with all of your books.
Again, I am so very happy you have taken this project on and launching it today was perfect!
To the success of your project -- Patricia
Leen, have you read Paullina Simons The Bronze Horseman trilogy? It's excellent. I actually find it difficult to read her others books after reading those. If you haven't, I'd recommend having the first and second book before starting as the first ends on a rather big cliffhanger.
I see that other have donated without problems. Don't know why, but I can not access the Firefly Fund. I clicked on Donate Now, Firefire Fund and Athena Partners and a white page comes up "Not Acceptable." I can access the Tribute Wall and the IBC site, but nothing else. Am I the only one?
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