Laura Purdie Salas

Small Reads for Brighters Days

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I’ve Had Better Days

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Oi. Yesterday, three worrisome/bad things happened. First, I learned that a friend of my husband’s from his college days died Friday. I only knew him a little, but he was a kind, lively, funny guy–only 52. Second, my younger daughter flew off for several weeks in a couple of Asian countries that are not known for Wi-Fi, safety, or a love of Westerners. I got to Skype with her a bit, which was lovely, and she has arrived safely, which was a great text to wake up to this morning, but I know I’ll be worried until she’s back to Scotland. And third, my email.

Yikes. My email. I discovered yesterday that something was not “hooked up right” in my server, and any email people had been submitting via my website contact form had NOT been forwarded to me. Since October, I’ve missed out on numerous speaking invitations and lots of other questions and lovely emails. So I’m in the midst of trying to get in touch, apologize, answer, etc. What a mess.

Here are two email excerpts that made me smile on a not-so-great day:

I am a Youth Services librarian at the Greenville County Library System in Greenville, SC…While searching for quality materials to share with the 3-5 year olds that will attend, I came across your “Can Be” series. Wow! My co-workers and I were just amazed by how the pages were so beautiful and filled with wonder, especially for our program that focuses on inspiring children’s imaginations. You truly can’t read the books without smiling…Thank you for creating such stunning books that encourage children’s sense of wonder! All the best, Ashley Snelgrove

Lovely, right? And…

Hi Laura, I am a second grade teacher at Clay Lamberton Elementary School in Berlin, Wisconsin. My class is currently working on writing opinion letters…Here is a letter from Brooklyn in my class: Dear Laura, I like the back blurb when it says “What else can it be?”. My favorite part is when there is a picture of a house and when the trees are so colorful. But my favorite part is the leaves. Your are the best writer. Your Friend, Brooklyn P.S. I think you make the best stories.

I’m so thankful for you librarians and teachers who take the time to write to authors and illustrators. You don’t know how much that means to anyone making books for children. Thank you! (And now, I must get back to writing apology emails.]

 

Comments

  1. So nice to find some sparkle in the heap. So sorry that you missed out on so much!!!! Best of luck catching up and catching your breath! And I’m praying for your little girl!

    • Thanks, Donna–you and my other kidlitosphere friends are definite sparkles in the heap, too!

  2. Awww. Like the song says, “some days are diamonds, some days are stones.” Here’s to finding the diamonds. Hope your daughter finds ways to keep in touch during her time abroad. So sorry for the loss of your husband’s friend. And here’s to good juju for your email system!

  3. Sorry for the tough things, Laura. I’m glad there are good bits sprinkled in, and gladder that you can appreciate them despite everything else.

    • Thanks, Jen:>) The really tough things sure put the “just bad” things in perspective:>)

  6. Yikes, indeed, Laura!. But at least you found the problem so you can get it fixed. Glad you found some sunshine to help dispel the clouds. 🙂

    • Thanks, Marti–by the way, I just saw the lovely acknowledgement to you in Woodpecker Wham :>)

    • Thanks, Matt. Hey, just heard the Book Yourself Solid guy speak about his new book. Some really interesting things I’ll be applying to my speaking gigs:>)

  8. Ah, tech. We love it and we hate it! In spite of missing all that mail, there are some wonderful things you’re now receiving. Sorry for your loss of your husband’s friend. Each day we have is a blessing. FYI- I love your books, too!

  9. So very sorry for the loss of your husband’s friend. Prayers for your daughter’s safety. What lovely emails! Glad you discovered the issue with your email.

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