A year ago last April, Paradise Preoccupied was born. It came about as a spill over from all the stuff I wasn’t allowed to write about on adoption dot com, much considered “off topic” … some of which actually was … and the frustration I felt as being so stifled.
Life was so much different all those months and 199 posts ago, that I can only grasp the fringes of who I was then … that enthusiastic, secure, passionate, opinionated woman who felt her feet on firm ground and her hand never far from the tremendous support of a husband/best friend who would always be there for her.
Being the 200th post, though, means this has to have some future to it, and very fortunately I have a week coming up that has a bright side.
Tomorrow I’m scheduled to receive 300 copies of my book of short stories, “Papaya … and other seeds”, and begin working on marketing it for sale locally. The National Arts Council will be hosting a launch party for the book at which Sam and I will be signing copies. (Sam provided illustrations and is looking forward to autographing some, although I suspect he’ll tire of the endeavor before the demand slacks.)
A large banner will be going up on one of the main roads in town that just happens to be along Mark’s route to work that will tout the book with the cover and a photo of me along with some copy pitching sales, and I must admit to getting some enjoyment out of whatever annoyance factor this might cause his girlfriend, and him, too, actually.
I hope to have a site set up for Internet sales through PayPal soon for those not able to drop into a local bookshop in Victoria, but still interested in a copy.
I’m looking forward to July now, as the the 1st should see the public presentations, and the 4th will most likely be the date for the launch party. Although not a holiday here, Independence Day will hold some meaning for me if all this comes to pass as planned.
I am cautious in my excitement at this point, as things can always go awry, as I so well know, but I am very glad to have something positive to report for my 200th post.
Thanks to all who have been reading me since I started these writings from Paradise and welcome to anyone who happens to stumble across and decide to hang around a while.
I can’t tell you how much your support, advice and good wishes have helped me over the past months, and I look forward to another 200 posts where more good will be reported than bad and we can get back to laughing at foibles and taking down bad guys from time to time.
A collection of my short stories:
I'm in this one, too ...
And I'm in here, as well ...
Paradise Preoccupied 
Hooray! 200 posts! Great site, great blogs and many, many more to you.
Life goes through cycles, S, and we often find we are not the people we were “before”. “Different”, however, is not the same as “worse” and you will get back to being enthusiastic, secure, passionate and opinionated before too long. Feet on firm ground of your own making and hand never far the tremendous grip of those who love you.
Kudos!
Congratulations, all around!
I have only just started reading your blog and still have about 189 posts to catch up on.
Yay! I would love to get a copy of your book. That’s awesome!
Dee
Congrats on your book! What a terrific feeling to hold your work in your hands.
And happy 200th post.
You OWN both of these accomplishments. I hope there is much glory to bask in.
I’m in the same boat as Violetsky… lots of catching up.
Congratulations on your blogging journey so far.
Congrats on your book, Sandra!
Here’s to happier times for you in the brightening future ahead.
Congratulations Sandra! Success is always the best revenge!
Romee
Ah…what better thing than a banner with your beautiful, smiling face, displaying your great success and says subliminally:
“Good morning, cheating bastard. Have a sucky day!”
Huzzah!
Congratulations Sandra on the placement of the sign and the book (grin).
200 posts and I look forward to reading 200 more. All the best to “the best.”
Lisa S.
The success is wonderful, but the banner is priceless.
Congratulations Sandra!
I have been following your blog over the past little while and you have been through the wringer (to quote my Mum). I wish there were words that I could give you to ease even just a little of what you are going through.
Enjoy your success . . . YOUR SUCCESS!
You are an inspiration.
Happy 200th!!
Add me to the list of people who want a copy of your book. :0)
– Faith
Sandra
Congratulations on reaching 200 posts. Been reading your stuff for a long time since Jacq sent me the link and though it has been years since I was in the Seychelles this blog is a reminder of great time. From one small island dweller to another, though totally different hemispheres, your blog is always a great way for me to end my day.
Randall
Randall,
How nice to know that you’re reading along here. I had no idea.
Jac was a true life saver for me back in March and I’ll be forever grateful for her care. She’s the best!
Hope all is well on your island.
S,
Congratulations! This is a huge accomplishment. It’s hard to believe it’s only been a year ago last April that Paradise Preoccupied was born. I remember how happy I was when you started your own blog. You were so frustrated by having your free speech (and free spirit) squashed by adoption dot com. You were always in trouble for one thing or another!
Having your book come out is wonderful…beyond words. Plus a promo banner with a photo of you strung across the road where Mark has to travel to work is priceless! (Snicker) How sweet the smell of success. I swear I can smell it from here!
The last several months have been so hard for you…your strength and endurance are an inspiration to all.
Love and luck to you. You deserve the best.
Thank you