T.O.P.'s Tuesday ~ A Handmade Book Signing Table

Okay, so I spent months running my parent's anniversary book through my brain - only sharing the ideas and thoughts with Ed and Mags in order to surprise my parents. Last week, they opened their gifts to see When the Waves Subside ~ There is Hope reflecting memories of family times along Lake Ontario. I couldn't stop smiling. It felt good to see how my words touched their hearts and I especially loved that I surprised them. Of course their response, "Paybacks are better." 

My payback...a handcrafted table built by my dad, wood burned by my Mom, and sealed with love from both of them. A little green on the leaves and stems of the four roses places in the corners of the table, a light pink stain to match the rose on the cover of Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey, and my name with the word "author" wood burned along the front. 

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Dad gave me a piece of paper last week and said, "Sign your name the way you will for your books. Now write the word, author. Good. Thanks, that's all we need." 

I never thought they would use transparencies to copy my name to the table. They are too clever. 

On April third, I'll sign a book dedicated to my sister, on the anniversary date of the last time we knew where she was, and the entire time ~ a reflection of my parent's love will remind me of why I write. There is hope and healing...

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Thank you Mom and Dad...it is beautiful!
It will make April 3, 2013 even more special.

Due to the amazing shine and reflective quality of the table, it was difficult to capture its true beauty with my camera.

And no book signing is complete without...

After the table was finished, Mom thought, "It needs something. 
Easter is the Sunday before the release of Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey. 
I know..." Mom drew her bunny. Dad went to work in the carpentry shop. 
They met in the center to paint, bling, and detail these two adorable bunnies. 
Mom even made grass with Easter eggs scattered about for them to rest on. 
Too cute...I love them, don't you? Rascally rabbits...

What's the significance of T.O.P.'s Tuesday?

Our Tuesday blogs are titled, T.0.P.'s Tuesday and will provide you with information relating to the release of Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey. It might be an upcoming speaking engagement, the cover, an excerpt, or bizarre tidbits about the publishing process you may not be aware of.

Why is it called T.O.P.'s Tuesday? Great question! Heidi played volleyball for the Bishop Cunningham Jr./Sr. High School until it closed in 1992. On February 14th, 1992 the Palladium Times (an Oswego, New York newspaper) named my sister, Heidi M. Allen athlete of the week. This was exciting and we were all proud of her but it was the name they gave her that stirred the most attention, "Tower of Power". 

What's New Since Last Week?

*BOOK GIVEAWAY ~ Ash Wednesday: Be sure to read tomorrow to learn how you can enter to win your copy of Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey before its release in April.

*My 2nd book, When the Waves Subside - There is Hope, a book written in honor of my parents and the strength and miraculous ability to survive a parents worst fear, the loss of a child.

*The Blog Tour continues - if you've missed one, visit the "Book Reviews" page on my site. There is a direct link using the cover of my "Where's Heidi?" book

*"Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey" Book Release & Signing Party are scheduled for April 3, 2013, 6 p.m. at the River's End Bookstore located on 19 West First Street, Oswego, New York*BIG NEWS: You can PRE-ORDER your books through The River's End Bookstore today! Call 342-0077 or email, info@riversendbookstore.com.

*Author/book portfolio - aka "Media Kit" to send out to bookstores, libraries, and media: I have one ready for the bookstores and hope to get them out in the mail today. If all goes as planned, the information packets for libraries will be completed, printed, and mailed before next Tuesday.

*Contact book stores, libraries, and other potential venues for book signings

*Keep my eyes focused on HIM...

*Join me in prayer for the protection and provision of our family as the release of Where's Heidi? gets closer