So Thankful

I feel in my heart that this needs to be a day of thanksgiving. It's been a stormy week. We've all felt some impact fromHurricane Sandy as she roared along the East coast, pounding out her fury, causing pain, destruction, outages and lost homes, but I'm thankful?!?!? You might think I say this a bit selfishly because we here in Maine were spared the brunt, but here's a little list of things that Sandy gave me to be thankful for- 

!. Hearing from friends that were in the direct path of the storm are safe. And you know what, most say that they're thankful! As the power is being turned on light by light, one (Tara lazar) is excited about doing laundry. Imagine! Others are excited about just going home. While others are pleased that they can offer what they have to their neighbors.

2. I never talk politics or about politicians on my blog, and I don't discuss who I might vote for. I don't slam, ridicule or make fun or disrespect any (sometimes I think things and want to shout out at someone else's blog) but I was so thankful to see Governor Christie and President Obama join forces to assess the damages and do what was right for the people of  NJ. 'nuff said

3. I'm thankful to be part of this community of children's writers. We have heart.  Kate Messner  has a fund raiser going that has lots and lots of great items to bid on...the figures are going up by the minute. I've copied the list here, but please go over to there to find out all about the auction. Doesn't this lit look exciting!

1. Manuscript Critique with Caroline Abbey of Bloomsbury

2. Manuscript Critique & Signed Books from Julie Berry

3. Manuscript Critique with Laurie Halse Anderson

4. Manuscript Critique with Jo Knowles

5. 20-minute Phone Chat with Agent Erin Murphy

6. School Skype Gift Bag from Author Laurel Snyder!

7. Perfect Your Pitch Package with Author Erin Dionne

8. Query Critique & Phone Chat with Agent Jennifer Laughran

9. Manuscript Critique with Agent Pam van Hylckama

10. Skype Author Visit with Laurie Halse Anderson

11. Skype Visit with Veronica Roth, Author of DIVERGENT

12. Phone Call with Poet & Author Nikki Grimes

13. Picture Book Critique with Author Jean Reidy!

14. Manuscript Critique & Phone Call with Egmont USA Publisher Elizabeth Law

15. Full YA or MG Manuscript Critique with Author Kody Keplinger

16. Picture Book Critique with Author Deborah Underwood

17. Skype Visit with Mo Willems!

18. Skype Visit & Signed Books from Author Linda Urban

19. Skype Author Visit & Signed Books from Sara Lewis Holmes

20. Skype Visit & Signed Books from Barbara O’Connor

21. Writer’s Care Package from Sarah Aronson

22. Picture Book Critique with Michelle Knudsen

23. “Free Pass” to Chronicle Books Editorial Meeting & Picture Book Critique with Editor Melissa Manlove

24. For Authors: School and Library Planning & Publicity Package from Kate Messner

25. Manuscript Critique with Author April Henry

26. Manuscript Critique with Author Sarah Darer Littman

27. Poetry or Picture Book Critique with Author Kelly Fineman

28. Author/Agent Tag-Team Picture Book Critique & Submission Package w/ Anne Marie Pace & Linda Pratt

29.Signed Fairy Tale Retellings & a Personal Letter from Author Diane Zahler

30. Manuscript Critique & Phone Call with Agent Michelle Witte

30A  (I apparently like the number 30 and used it twice.) Release Day Launch Package for your YA/MG Book from InkSlinger PR

31. Manuscript Critique & Signed Book from Editor Cheryl Klein

32.Month9Books 2013 “Books for a Year” Package

33.Skype Author Visit & Signed Books from Ellen Hopkins

34. School Author Visit with Sarah Albee (CT, NY, MA, & DC only)

35. New England School or Library Author Visit with Cynthia Lord

36. Signed Books (and a character named after you!) from Author Robin Wasserman

37. Query & Manuscript Critique Package with Author Tessa Gratton

38. 50-page Fantasy or Science Fiction Critique with Author Gwenda Bond

39. 3-Day Writing Retreat at The Writing Barn in Austin

40. Skype Author Visit with Newbery Medalist Linda Sue Park

41. Portfolio Critique with Penguin Art Director Giuseppe Castellano

Now that you've read Kate's list of prizes, let me say that I'm thinking of you, praying for you, and thankful for all of you. Take care and stay strong.