Rock the Drop!

Today is Support Teen Literature Day and, along with that, it's Readergirlz annual Rock the Drop--a day on which participants "drop" books to be discovered by other readers (more details can be found by clicking on "Readergirlz" above and following the link).

Looking to support Autism Awareness Month and Rock the Drop? Here are two great titles to leave for future readers. As for me, I'll be dropping a copy of TSoLG somewhere in my hometown.

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A little bit of hope...

In honor of National Poetry Month and Autism Awareness Month, here is a gentle poem from the inimitable Emily Dickinson that speaks, I think, to all of us. And if you're feeling hopeful--and helpful--scroll below the poem to enter for a PRIZE!

Hope is the thing with feathers
by Emily Dickinson
Hope is the thing with feathers  That perches in the soul,  And sings the tune without the words,  And never stops at all,     And sweetest in the gale is heard;          And sore must be the storm  That could abash the little bird  That kept so many warm.     I've heard it in the chillest land,  And on the strangest sea;         Yet, never, in extremity,  It asked a crumb of me.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Feeding-the-Family Gripes & T-G-I-Friday Fun

T. S. Eliot called it "cruel" but, thus far (and despite launching a novel in February), April is shaping up to be the busiest month of my 2014. It's Poetry Month AND Autism Awareness Month. I'm THIS CLOSE to finishing a new ms. My sons are playing Lacrosse, Ultimate Frisbee and Flag Football which means that I am doing a lot of standing on sidelines in the rain. Oh, did I mention the kitchen faucet is leaking? And the garage is sorely in need of cleaning? And the family needs meals EVERY DAY? Okay, done griping. (Honestly, none of the above counts as a real problem.) Here comes the fun!

Over on Facebook, PENGUIN TEEN is doing a great Poetry Month book giveaway:

I'm sending some SWAG out into the world this month in support of Autism Awareness--you can ENTER HERE.

That's just the beginning. At the end of the month, @VikingChildren's will be hosting a Twitter Chat with MOI via the hashtag #TSOLG with prizes AND suprises! More on that soon!

Hope you have a fun and sunny first Friday in April!

It's World Autism Awareness Day!

Learn more about this disorder which impacts many individuals, families and communities around the globe by liking this Autism Awareness Facebook page.  That one simple click can help raise awareness (I mean, you're more aware right now, aren't you?) and understanding.

By way of thanks, I'll be giving away ANOTHER AWESOME The Sound of Letting Go SWAG PACK:
a purple-tastic water bottle stuffed with sticky notes, signed swag, rebellious (and sparkly) nail polish and more! All you have to do is like the Autism Awareness page via the Rafflecopter entry form below. Prize mailing is to US addresses only. 

Here are some additional resource links if you'd like more info:
http://www.autismspeaks.org/wordpress-tags/autism-awareness-month

http://www.autism-society.org/about-us/national-autism-awareness-month/

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Did you know that March 30 is National Pencil Day?

Go figure?!

Sharing the following picture because, to me, this is how pencils should live: In a messy pile next to a cinder block, thoroughly used, accessible, colorful, loved.

On another colorful note, I've tinted my Twitter pic blue in honor of Autism Awareness Month--April. Just recently, the news has been full of updates on the increased rate of autism diagnosis, new research on possible causes, and much more. It's an important year to stay aware--so much to learn!