So many good things lately!

So much good stuff has been happening lately, that I feel like I’m floating on happy and grinning so often!

I just moved, and didn’t have internet acess for a week and a half because my internet provider messed up. I felt SO internet deprived. (No, that’s not the good thing.) (laughing) I had a bunch of friends come over for a painting party, and then another day to help me move–and it was lovely! Including writers Erin Thomas, Aaron Thomas, Lena Coakley, Claudia Osmond, Debbie Ridpath Ohi, Nancy Prasad, and Aino Anto, and my friend Bella. They made it so much more fun than I thought it could be! I love my new place–it feels so good! Filled with happy energy of good friends.

And then I finally got internet access back last night–and discovered that SCARS has been nominated for the Stonewall Award (for lesbian/gay YA fiction) from ALA! Incredible! That is so exciting! And such an honor to be nominated.

And then I found out that Scars got a *starred* review from School Library Journal! (laughing happily). I didn’t realize this until my editor told me, but it’s a big thing. SLJ has limited stars that they give out–so it means a lot. And the review–oh, it is beautiful! I can’t wait til it comes out May 1st!

And then, today, when I was picking up medication for my little dog, I told the vet assistant about Scars being nominated for the Stonewall award, and getting a starred review. She’s always been so friendly with me, and it felt hard to hold in my happiness and excitement. She was happy for me–which felt so good! And then when I was turning to leave, a lovely man who was sitting in the waiting room holding his cat asked if I had the book with me and if he could buy it. (The one time i wasn’t carrying it with me!) I told him that he could get it on Amazon.ca, and he said he’d buy it as soon as he got home. (He said he’s an avid reader.) He got me to write down my name and the book title on a card, and he said after he read it he’d bring it back to the vet’s and leave it there for a month or so, and asked if I’d sign it. I said yes. (laughing) It made me feel so happy! It may seem like a little thing, but–it felt incredible. And it came from just me briefly talking about Scars (in a happy way, not bragging) to someone, and then talking with them both about books. People like that make me want to hug them.

So much happiness lately!! I wanted to share it. I feel like I’m bursting with it! (grinning)

I hope good things have been happening for all of you. What’s been making you happy lately?

April 21st, 2010