Riding a Rocket Ship

I feel a bit like Canadian astronaut, Chris Hadfield, flying high above the earth, except my feet are planted firmly on the ground.


My space travel is one of excitement and gratitude. 

Over the past two weeks, I have been honoured with winning two awards for my middle grade book, Spaghetti is NOT a Finger Food and Other Life Lessons.

The first I received was a  Gold Mom's Choice Award. I got so excited, I gave myself a migraine and ended up in bed for most of the following day.

Yes, I am made of that sort of tough stuff.

On Mother's Day, I received the second award - A Silver Benjamin Franklin Award. This time, I was able to rein in my exuberance and remained migraine-free.

I must thank my publisher, Little Pickle Press, for having the faith in my book and entering Spaghetti for these prestigious awards.

As Connor's story reaches an ever widening and growing audience, I can't think of a better partner to have in the journey.

Hugs to you, Rana, and all of Team Pickle.

Hot off the Presses...

...and into my Cool Hands!

WOOOOHOOOOOO!

My box of author copies of Spaghetti is NOT a Finger Food and Other Life Lessons arrived today!

So excited, I think I may stroke out. Must take a breath. Or twelve.

Happy Dancing as I type. Sounds impossible, but not when you are a pro like me.

I send a huge, heartfelt thank you to my publisher Rana DiOrio and all of Team Pickle. Most especially, Cameron Crane, Dani Greer, Khadijah Lacina, Sarah Seward, Leslie Iorillo, and Kelly Wickham. And a digital thanks to Aarti and Chintu Parikh of Kite Readers for creating the best digital book a writer could ask for.

And my congratulations to Spaghetti's talented illustrator, Sarah Ackerley. You brought Connor to life, exactly as I imagined.

I feel like that little youtube girl who sings,

"I love my life. I love my hair. I love everything."

 And to my supportive family and friends,

"I love you. I love your hair...I love everything about you!"

Spaghetti Dinner a Success!

Charlene and I, with a visit from Gavin.

What a night!

Charlene Walberg, President of Asperger Manitoba Inc, and I were overwhelmed with the incredible turnout for our 1st Annual Spaghetti and Potluck Dinner.

We planned for 85 and served over 150, running out of cutlery and plates! The Drew ran to Safeway to replenish our supplies so we could feed the starving masses.

Ok, so maybe they weren't starving, but still they devoured the scrumptious spaghetti and tasty treats.

DeLuca's pasta was DeLicious!

I need to extend an enormous thank you to Rosanna Deluca-Poole, of DeLuca's Specialty Foods for her generous donation of the best spaghetti I have ever tasted. 

My Rocking Book Trailer.

I was too busy to actually eat at the event, but I scarfed down a mounding plate of spaghetti once I got home. (I did not, however, morph into a cavewoman and dump any noodles on my head, Ala Connor.)

The evening went off without a hitch - beyond the mid event supply run.



Sarah & I getting crafty with signage

All thanks to Charlene, her husband Ryan, my husband Drew, my great friends Brenda and Laura and all my parents - especially my mom who thought of every last detail.

Mom, organizing the troops

And of course to Charlene's son Gavin and my girls Sarah and Emma who helped prep the tables and the kids craft section.

6 year old McKenna's picture she drew for me.  

We sold close to 40 posters, that were donated by Little Pickle Press, making $300 for Asperger Manitoba. 

Again my thanks to Rana DiOrio and her whole team for supporting not just me as a Little Pickle Press author, but also Asperger Manitoba and by extension the Aspergers' community in Manitoba.

But the best part by far?

Nearly blew a gasket, dreaming up witty messages!

Meeting so many incredible kids; Tait, McKenna, David, Alex, Gavin, Sam, Agustin, Cooper, Eric,and Carter. I know there were more, but I lost my paper with all the names written on it. I am a bit disorganized that way. Frustrating, but true.

I hope to see them all again at the book launch in spring, and I'll make sure to include their names when I blog about it!

I was able to squeeze in two readings and the kids had lots of questions for me when I signed their posters.

Looking out to the packed room and seeing my friends and family smiling back at me was my dream come true.

The Best Dad. Ever.

My fellow Anita, Pat.

The Original Anita.

My PR guru pal, Tish.

It takes understanding, compassion, and acceptance to build an inclusive community and this was a much appreciated way for you to show your support. 

Cyber Hugs for you all!

Meeting wonderful people, always makes me happy.

Up to Speed with Larry Updike was Exhilarating!

Gracious Host, Larry Updike

This week has taken me on a thrilling ride.

First, I found out that CBC's Larry Updike wanted me on his afternoon show, Up to Speed with Larry Updike, and then my publisher Rana gave me the news I've been hoping for.

Spaghetti is NOT a Finger Food is going to print! 

Woohoodleehoo!

I screamed myself hoarse when I read her email. Then I did the Harlem Shake with Zoe. Okay, I didn't actually do the Shake, but I could, if I knew how. I just need about 97 lessons.

But I have drifted. Again.

The Green Room is Actually Blue. Huh.

Being on the radio was a rush, a thrill, and downright giddyfying. No, that is not a typo. It is a state of being that I highly recommend. Try it. It's sublime.

Larry Updike is a pro. He guided me through the interview, carefully keeping me from the Dreaded Drift. Which I do. Often.

He asked all the right questions, ensuring our message was heard.

Having Asperger's Syndrome means you think differently not defectively. And being different isn't good or bad. It isn't a qualifier. It just is.

We spoke about Asperger Manitoba's 1st Annual Spaghetti and Potluck Dinner held this Saturday at the River Heights Community Centre. It's open to all Winnipeggers - both Aspies and Neurotypicals. It will be a safe and understanding place where those on the spectrum will find community, support, and acceptance. Click here to find out more!

Finally I got to announce, to all the world, or at least much of Winnipeg, the stupendous news: 

Spaghetti is NOT a Finger Food (and other life lessons)

Will be Available in Print this Spring!

I can hardly wait for my book launch, which I hope to hold at McNally Robinson Booksellers. It would be the perfect way to thank them for allowing my writing group, The Anitas, to meet twice monthly amongst the stacks, where we laugh our way through our critique sessions. Sometimes we get carried away. Occasionally Often we are loud. Still they let us return, week after week. This is how they roll. And we are so grateful.

Still don't know what all the fuss is about? Here's the Spaghetti book trailer:

Happy New Year - Blogging Style!

www.hellolidy.com

Happy New Year!

2012 was one fine year.

So many great things happened over those 12 months, that I was sad to bid it adieu, farewell, au videsen, good-night.

Yes, I watched The Sound of Music over the Christmas holiday. Twice. And replayed my favourite songs, singling loudly, proudly and completely tonelessly.

Nothing says Merry Christmas better than the sound of a yodelling, possibly dying, moose. 

You'd think my children would've been horrified. Nuh-uh. They were only mildly annoyed. They rolled their unamused eyes, with perfection, and popped in their ear buds, tuning out my loud braying. Kids. No accounting for taste.

But, 2013 has been rung-in with excitement and huge plans for the future of Connor and his adventures in Spaghetti is NOT a Finger Food and Other Life Lessons. 

www.themovieblog.com

Firmly at the helm and driving Spaghetti upward and onward is my fearless, tireless, and possibly genius publisher, Rana DiOrio. Every few weeks, she whispers to me another few words of her Master Plan, and my heart leaps, my mind whirls with the possibilities. Oh, and she has plans. Big, audacious plans.

Top Secret, "Jodi, you must keep this to yourself until the time is right," plans.

Argh. Being quiet is extremely difficult for someone whose dreams are soaring to heights only dreamt in private. Plus, I'm a might bit excitable. It's part of my very nature. It sits right next to my hyper rabbit-talk, and fidgety feet. It occupies the space where patience lives, in people other than moi.

And I've tried to keep pace with Rana. I've even tried to "out-think" her plan. To "expect" her next whisper, but every time she astounds me. Trying to keep up with her, is like chasing the wind - and she's a mighty Nor-Easter that is hell heck bent on success. (Keeping it family friendly, peeps.)

What I can share is the news of my upcoming 

Blog Book Tour, running January 7 - 13th. 

Come join us for some laughs and find out more about Connor and how he came to be.

Here are the dates and blogs that I'll be visiting: (Click on the Blog Sites and you will be magically taken to their outstanding blogs.)

January 7   - The Connor Chronicles
January 8   - Magic Dog Press
January 8 -  Maryann Miller's - It's Not all Gravy
January 9   - mom-ology
January 10 - Confessions of An Aspergers Mom
January 11 - Blood Red Pencil
January 12 - Leslea Tash
January 13 - Inneraspie

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ADVR54U/ref=cm_sw_su_dp