author school visits

Back to School I Go

Back to School I Go
Frankie and I visiting Longfellow Elementary school in 2010
Frankie and I visiting Longfellow Elementary school in 2010

It’s hard to believe this photo is from over five years ago. One of the first of many school visits I did while Frankie was alive.

When Frankie passed away in June of 2012, while I loved visiting schools, I was burnt out having made over 400 appearances in a little over four years.

I did do a school visit with Joie, my second dachshund in a wheelchair, after adopting her in the fall of 2012 – a way in which I thought I’d carry on Frankie’s message. But then as many of you know, she passed away ten months later. We only made one school visit.

For a few years I felt lost and wondered what was next for me, while at the same time afraid to close a chapter that was so near and dear to my heart – even though in many ways I wanted to move on.

I did move on and am moving on in new ways, but remain open to opportunities that come my way.

So when a friend of mine, Jodee, who is now a principal at a school she loves, contacted me and asked if I’d do an author visit for K-4th grade students I was open to it, but a bit hesitant.

It’s been a long time since I’ve done this. And while I felt nervous if I could do it without my sidekick Frankie, I also found that I was excited about the possibility.

After talking with Jodee and what her reading team is looking for with bringing in an author, I knew I wanted to do this.

I’ll share some of the same messages I did as when I presented with Frankie, but will also have the opportunity to talk about how an idea is born, how it then becomes a book, and where that can all lead – just like it has done for me.

So back to school I go in either January or February – they are deciding on a date yet. But who knows, perhaps this will have me wanting to do a few of these a year.

Looking forward to embracing this visit and seeing how it goes!

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