I have had little time to myself, let alone even remember to eat (as I currently eat dinner at 12:26a) which has been rewarding but also....draining. 

To catch you all up:

So August 23rd author event, Charlotte Book Lovers Expo, what a dream. The whole thing, a dream. Ari came with me, got to indulge with authors and other vendors. Made some amazing friends and supporters. She also had her first open mic Poetry contest to which she won. Her reward was her first trophy AND a whole publishing opportunity with Book Butler Publishing Company (BBPC). Can you say proud mom? I should also probably work on those poems to submit for their poet book. 

August 30th signing in Florance, SC will be rescheduled for sometime next year, adult responsibilities made that hard to manage in the schedule and to my fault, they didn't have any more dates for this year available. 

August I also welcomed my last two classes for my degree...thank goodness. What year is it? I feel like I have been in school for forever. Oh wait, in the grand scheme of things, I have attended school for a total of 26 of the 30 years I have been breathing. (yawn).

However, earlier this week I have decided to add some sequels to The Garden Beneath My Grief to which I am SO excited to announce, soon. 

September 1st marked National Suicide Prevention Month, I am super compassionate about this, if you follow my TikTok, there is going to be 30 days revolving around suicide, prevention, help, and facts. The more you know, the more you can prevent, and the more you can help. Did you know, 30,000 people a year in the US lose their lives to suicide? It's time we start making a change. This number is...grueling. That is 30,000 families that are grieving loved ones because mental health is still too far under the radar to get the attention it deserves. 

September 6th (today, I should really get some sleep...ahhhh, one day) I will be in Greenville, SC at Barnes & Noble for a book signing. If you are around the area...come seeeeee meeeee! I have goodies and a whole lot to say, about so much. So come have a coffee, come tell me YOUR story, I AM ALL EARS...well, if you keep up, I only have one working ear so come to the right side so I can hear you (humor helps me cope). 

Anyway, dinner is about three bites away from being done and I need some sleep.

All my love,

Shay