Wendy MacDonald – Cynthia Reyes

Author-gardener-library professional Sheryl Normandeau has this quote on her blog and it sums up my own situation well:

“I try to take one day at a time, but sometimes several days attack me at once.” – Jennifer Yane.

I’m far behind on blogging and promoting the new book. So your helping Lauren and me — by buying it, recommending it to schools, libraries and parents and sending us supportive messages — matters more than I can adequately describe.

These flowers are to thank you for your recent support of Myrtle’s new adventures.

Blog Photo - Flowers Orange

Special thanks to the following Myrtle the Purple Turtle fans:

Sheryl Normandeau, the Alberta writer, nature-lover and library professional; Sheryl’s posts and books are treats to the mind, soul and stomach.

Jennifer O’Meara, an outstanding Canadian journalist who will one day publish a book of her own, I know.

Blog Photo - Amaryllis striped CU

Lavinia Ross, the unique musician-writer and vineyard owner in Oregon, who, with husband Rick, runs Salmon Brook Farms. Listening to your music now, Lavinia!

Wendy MacDonald, the British Columbia writer-photographer-podcaster whose soulful poetry, pictures, prose and strong faith are a balm to the spirit.

Blog Photo - Spring 2018 Trillium duo

Laurie Graves, whose own fictional character Maya makes me wish I had a Book of Everything and could time-travel too!

Blessings to you all!

I’m moving at the speed of turtles this week (to quote Oscar at Hermit’s Door), but it’s been a turtally wonderful time for Myrtle (to quote Gallivanta).

First: Is this not the sweetest face?

Blog Photo - Myrtle book held by Aggeliki - 6 yrs old - mother Theano takes photo

Meet Aggiliki, 6, whose photo was taken by mom Theano, of Whitby, Ontario. Thank you, Theano and Aggiliki, for this delightful photo, and for loving Myrtle the Purple Turtle!

Second: Myrtle has been translated into French, thanks to Jean Long and Jessica Charnock.

When they first read Myrtle the Purple Turtle, Jessica noticed that Jean was translating the words into French as he read. They quickly offered to do a written translation for publication, and of course I said, “Yes, thank you very much!”

Blog Photo - Jean and Jessica

You may remember Jean and Jessica. A French-Canadian couple, he’s a former teacher and vice-principal, and she’s a former high fashion model, secretary and wine importer. Both are extremely creative (see my blog posts about their remarkable creations).

Myrtle will also get a French name! More on that later.

Blog Photo - St Thomas' Church Ext New and Old

Third: At my family church, St. Thomas’ Anglican in the village of Brooklin (northeast of Toronto), 7 year old Makayla marched up to me this morning. She clearly and politely requested her very own copy of Myrtle, paid for it, and waited as I signed it.

Blog Photo - Myrtle fan at St Thomas church

It was part of a successful fundraising book-sale at St. Thomas’ today. Money raised will benefit the parish’s good works.

Fellow author Paul Mason also kindly contributed books to the sale. We both feel privileged to do this. Our families have both experienced the loving kindness for which this church is known.

Blog Photo - St Thomas' Church LOVE stained glass — Above 4 photos by Hamlin Grange

Fourth, Myrtle has been blessed with more positive reviews. I’m over the moon with gratitude to these terrific bloggers who took the time to read Myrtle the Purple Turtle recently and review it. This is a magnificent gift and I thank you all:

Sally Cronin

Wendy Macdonald

Gallivanta

Sheryl Normandeau

Oscar Larson

And finally, an elegant, well-known friend of mine, who — to protect the guilty — shall only be identified as Rita D, decided to one-up my friend Mandy and me after we painted our fingernails purple. Yes, she had her toenails painted purple.

Blog Photo - Myrtle and Rita Purple Nails