Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Only 100 Days Yahoo!!!

   So, for all of you who read yesterday's post Going Out of Business; Failure or Victory.  A new chapter has opened in my life.  I've thought about this for a while, but a few days ago, I knew.
    It's hard getting an affordable babysitter for all my kids.  Plus, my kids are wild and fun--they're rambunctious.  So, most the time when I sew, they stay with me.  The Scribe watches Doctor Jones, and The Hippie watches The Zombie Elf, but Sunday didn't go so well.  Things have been getting harder and I keep selling more and more.
   Last week, I'd sold a huge outfit, one that takes about twelve hours to make.  Anyway, while I sewed it, I suddenly realized I needed more thread.  I stood up, went to get more, and Doctor Jones sat on the pedal.
    My sewing machine whirred above her and that adventurer didn't even cringe. She just sat, smiling with a sucker in her mouth. 
    I was across the room, and even though I started running to get back in time, The Zombie Elf was too close.  He put his fingers near the vibrating needle, and . . . I barely stopped him from getting hurt.
    He looked at me and said something I'd yelled earlier that day, "This is too much!  I'm pissed!" he said and stomped away.
    That's when I knew, I need to quit. I don't care how much money it is.  I just don't care.  I took Doctor Jones off the pedal, but she cried, so I turned off my machine.  We unhooked the pedal and she's been hauling it around with her and sitting on it everywhere.  
    The Zombie Elf still doesn't know his fingers almost got sewn through. I knew a girl that happened to once.  I got to know her after the "accident."  I don't know if the accident turned her into a weirdo, or if she'd always been that way, but I refused to take a chance of that happening to my Zombie!
    Anyway, my sewing business has been a blessing in my life.  I was in business almost six years. I paid off my van, a good portion of my student loan from school.  It even helped us when the rain prevented Cade from working.  But with four kids, that part of my life needs to go on hold.  I'll take this opportunity to focus on my family (number one) and my writing (number two).  And as ironic as this is, it's exactly 100 days until my first book will come out.  I didn't realize that until yesterday.  Pretty cool if you ask me!



Release Date 11/18/11 (Zeke's Birthday)

My Journal about Zeke is currently in the review process. Yahoo!!!
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    I've been working my butt off and so far, I've gotten two big name endorsements.  Here they are:

EC Stilson has opened her heart and life to us through the "entries" in this book.  She takes us step by step through the joys, challenges and heartbreaks of being a wife and mother. It is a powerful message of hope, not only to those who have lost a baby born with defects, but to everyone who has had their dreams shattered and had to find a way to put life together again.
-Bob Deits
author of “Life after Loss.”


EC Stilson’s, The Golden Sky is one of the most beautiful books I have read in a long time.  Perhaps the word “beautiful” seems an odd choice given that the book journals the details of the death of her baby boy and it’s aftermath—but it’s not just a book about that terrible loss.  It is a testament to courage, it is poignant and honest, it is funny and it is sad. Ultimately it is a story of transformation, growth and healing—of herself, her marriage, her family and her relationship with God.  EC’s style of writing is conversational and captivating, and with each turn of the page this book will touch your heart.
Pamela D. Blair, Ph.D. Co-Author, of the best selling classic, "I Wasn’t Ready to Say Goodbye: Surviving, Coping and Healing After the Sudden Loss of a Loved One"



    I asked Susan Kane from The Contemplative Cat, if she'd consider writing a review for my upcoming book.  Please check her out if you have a chance.  She's AMAZING!  

    Here's her review:
    We all know there are hard times and good times in our sojourn here on earth.  We think that losing the car keys, or breaking an arm is part of the hard times.  But we are wrong.  The events that fill up the “hard times” category are much harsher and demanding than can be imagined.
    Recently I was invited to review The Golden Sky by EC Stilson, who has become a fellow writer friend.  In this memoir of the precious, short life of her son Zeke, Elisa shares an unblinking look at herself, her husband Cade, decisions and struggles they both faced, and the on-going grief and rejoicing for their son Zeke.  It is at times a joyous read where I experienced a loving extended family that surrounded and carried each other through the birth and death of a child of God.  It is a heart-rending read where I saw the tearing-apart that grief can do to a marriage.  Yet, it is also a triumphant read where I saw faith and love, a fierce mother fighting for her children and her marriage. 
    Elisa is a fighter, as she says that her struggle is “…a game of bloody knuckles…”  She realizes that God is the one rock in her life when she writes “…even in the hardest times, we step back for a second, (and) we realize God is with us the whole time…”  Elisa realizes that she may have appeared to be so strong to others, but she knew that “…inside I’m dead, like smelly corpse or something…”
    This is an honest book, an unwavering journal of a young woman’s struggle to be the best mother and wife possible when the ground underneath her is shifting every minute. 

Susan E. Kane

27 comments:

  1. I'm sorry for your business, but family do come first :)

    As for your book - I can't wait for it to come out. and even if I live on the other side of the world, If it's possible I will definitely buy it :)

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  2. Thanks so much, Baiba. You're such a doll :0)

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  3. In response to your question yesterday failure or victory? It is a victory my friend. I know how hard this is for you to put away but it can be temporary, your two littlest darlings safety is not worth money. Congrats on being a REAL mom that puts her kids first. That is rare these days and I am proud ot know you. As for your book. Having read it I can truly say it is beautiful.. I agree that this sounds strange but just Pamela Blair said you made me laugh and cry, and you opened up a very vulnerable time in your life to help others. THAT my friend is what makes YOU beautiful.

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  4. I think you should do your sewing business, write, and teach lessons, AND tote around all the neighbor kids (3 times a week). I don't know why you're being so lazy. ;)

    The journal is fantastic and I love you, man!

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  5. Even though I have already had the opportunity to read this BEAUTIFUL book about a BEAUTIFUL lady and her family, I am buying one for sure but I am going to send it to you to sign so when you make the New York time Top 10 book list I can brag! :)In no way have you failed, your a great mom, a great writer, a great wife, a great seamstress, a great musician.........the list goes on and on! You are the farthest thing from a failure there ever was! Love ya girl! Rebekah (scrappindesign)

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  6. Wow congrats on the awesome review. I would say something like, "EC rocks! Buy and read now!" =)

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  7. What a privilege to read that you are being published, Elisa. Your posting made me feel that I stood on holy ground.

    How can we order your book? Is your publisher taking pre-orders? Please let us all know as everyone who reads your blog will want to purchase and read your book. I'm so happy for you. Happy. Happy. Happy.

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  8. I tried to post a comment here but my crazy computer said your sight didn't exist. I had to post it on facebook. I am just about to get my billy club out and use it on this crummy computer. Watch, now it will post this. If it does, I am naming my computer skitzo.

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  9. Crap it did post it!

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  10. Wow all three of those endorsements are beautiful! But I have to say, Sane's was the one that made me cry. I love you Elisa, and your wonderful family! I know Zeke is so proud of you and all you have not just survived through, but thrived through! I will be buying a copy or two myself. Oh and does an autographed copy cost extra? I'd be willing to pay good money for that!

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  11. Dear Elisa--After reading your daily posts, those rave reviews come as no surprise to me. Your talent in writing--& parenting & sewing, etc, etc.......--is OBVIOUS! I hope THE GOLDEN SKY is only the first of many best sellers from a special LADY (!) I have come to love, without ever having met you in person.

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  12. I totally agree with fishducky. It's no surprise at all that you have received those wonderful reviews! You really know how to write emotions with true heart.

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  13. Awe! I loved Fishducky's comment as well. You are so special to so many people...

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  14. I can't wait till it comes out. I'm excited to read it. Love ya!!
    Celeste Stilson

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  15. These comments seriously made my day. You are all so wonderful and dear to my heart ;)
    -E

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  16. its difficult to manage both kids and business
    i will just suggest do not stop working i am sure you will manage just accept few assignments with no urgency.
    About your book its great.
    i like your narration

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  17. Thank you. Elisa, for commenting so enthusiastically on my blog posting today. And let me say only, that it takes one to know one!!!! Inspiration, that is.

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  18. I admire you for realizing something a lot of people in our society try to deny, but you can not do it all, all at once. There is one you and 24 hours in a day. Your sewing is a skill that will always be with you and something you can return to once life is less hectic. And congrats on your book being published.

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  19. I so get closing down shop. And it doesn't have to be forvever.

    For the record, my grandmother also sewed her fingers... nine kids... it was bound to happen.

    I will be looking for the book when it releases...

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  20. You're all so great.

    Dee,
    It will be for sale on Amazon, through my blog and on e-bay in November. I can't wait. It's coming so soon ;)

    -E

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  21. I can't wait until your book comes out! I can't wait to start reading it! I'm sorry about your shop. I understand though that your family comes before anything else. Hopefully as they get older you might be able to do more in your shop :)

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  22. I can't wait to read the book. I think you did the right thing with the sewing business even though it was a good source of income, you can always pick it back up when the kids are a little older.

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  23. First of all, congratulations on your book! What an accomplishment! It is great to know that it is going to be for sale at Amazon ( that is huge!). I can't wait!
    I'm sorry about your business but I think you made the right choice. You are closing one door and just opening another one!
    Stopping by from VB!
    www.essentialmamababy.blogspot.com

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  24. Wow, you have a lot going on. Maybe taking a break will be ok and then after the kids get a bit older, you can re-open. Or maybe you'll find a new venture! I closed up my biz before I even opened! My kids were 1 &3 and after 9 mos of planning and getting my biz license and all, I woke up one day and realized I needed to wait until kids were in school. That time is now and I'm gearing up again to open this fall or after the holidays. Congrats on your book - but sorry for your loss. Following from vb.

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  25. Hi. I just found you from VoiceBoks. Just reading this post has me hooked; I want to know more about your book and your story and your sewing. So I'll probably be stalking your blog today to get all caught up!

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  26. I love your quirky style :) Good luck with your book debut.

    I found you through vB :)

    Jenny
    Full Cart Full Wallet

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  27. Great reviews. Of course after sampling your writing on this blog I can see why. God gave you many gifts...................kt

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