Friday, September 10, 2010

Feasting Friday- Big Bowl of Thank You

Chickens-

This will be brief, as the week has been a total whirlwind. We had a wonderful holiday weekend, including a lovely outdoor dinner party with dear friends, and a spectacular meal at Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard's Girl and the Goat (make. reservation. now. eat. everything.).  Seriously, I don't know what is haunting me more, my girlfriend's chocolate cake with whipped cream frosting, or Stephanie's ethereal chickpea fritters and luscious green beans and ridiculously yummy short ribs...

Sorry.  Distracted by deliciousness.  Follow her on Twitter @stephandthegoat

Anyhoo, this was followed by a trip to the Farm for an extended family BBQ on Sunday, and then a festival of preparation for my appearance on WGN.  Didn't see me on tv?  Check me out here...

 

Tuesday was book launch day, which started with the above appearance, and ended with a wonderful family dinner hosted by my amazing Charming Suitor at one of my favorite restaurants. 

And then of course we headed right into theHigh Holidays.

For those of you who might not be familiar, we just finished Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.  And like any new year, it makes you reflect. 

Last year at this time I had just initiated contact with Charming Suitor on a whim during a free communication weekend at an online dating site.  He hadn't replied yet, but I had made the first move. 

Last year at this time my publisher had agreed to postpone the release of my new book by a year in hopes the economy would bounce back enough to give the book a shot. 
Last year at this time I had just begun an ambitious new exercise and eating program to try and jump start a healthier lifestyle.

Last year at this time I decided that this blog needed more attention, some new features, and much more frequent postings.

This was an amazing year for me, and I must remember to pay it attention.  I met and fell madly in love with the man of my dreams.  Proving once again that if you are willing to believe, the Universe will provide.

I have lost a little over 40 pounds, with a lot of up and down and forward and back, and I have a long way to go to get to a true place of solid health, but I am on the way.

My new book is finally out, and getting some lovely reviews from amazing book bloggers and passionate readers, who are always the audience I care most about.

And I have given much more commitment to this blog, and as a result, I am now connecting to many more people like you. 

I am so very thankful for all of these blessings, and wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for your part in my joy.  I write because I have to write. But I always write for you.  And when you comment here, or enter a contest, or buy my other books, or post a lovely review on Amazon, or follow my tweets, or mention me on your own blog...it is a gift beyond price. 

So thank you, my dear Chickens.  I am grateful beyond all my words. And I promise to keep doing what I do, and so look forward to the journey we will take together in this new year.

In Jewish tradition, we start the year with apples dipped in honey, to be sure that the year starts sweet.  In many ways, you all are the apples and honey of my heart all year long.

Things will continue to be crazy through next week...so there may not be much posting here, but I will be Tweeting @staceyballis, and updating on my Facebook Fan Page, so if you aren't following or haven't Liked me yet, get on it!

Here are the weeks activites, I hope to be meeting some of you in person so I can tell you face to face how glad I am to have you in my world.

Monday September 13

Indy Style Television
WISH Channel 8 Indianapolis
My Indiana pals, please tune in at 9am to see me, probably cooking and chatting about the book, certainly trying not to yawn during segment

Tuesday September 14
7pm
Reading/Signing
Barnes and Noble Webster Place
1441 W. Webster
Chicago IL
773-871-3610

Thursday September 16
7:30pm
Reading/Signing
Barnes and Noble Old Orchard
55 Old Orchard Shopping Center
Skokie IL
847-676-2230
 
Friday September 17
7pm
Emcee for the Annual Grown Up Spelling Bee (yep, a spelling bee.  with prizes.  there may be slots available, so call and sign up!)
The Book Cellar
4736 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago IL
773-293-2665

Thank you again, and there will be more excitement in the coming weeks, so STAY TUNED!

Yours in Good Taste,
The Polymath
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10 comments:

  1. KarenSeptember 10, 2010 at 9:02 AM

    Just had to tell you that I literally started tearing up reading today's post about all the wonderful things this year has brought you. I am a huge fan of all you do and you deserve everything good that came your way this year. You've clearly worked hard at all of it and it's only right that all of that should pay off in joy. Congratulations on a great year.

    P.S. I'm still a tad bitter about not winning the lunch with Jen and Stacey contest, but I won't let that affect the sincerity of my well wishes to you today. :)

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  2. SarahSeptember 10, 2010 at 11:42 AM

    Shana Tova Stacy! Looking forward to reading your new book very soon.

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  3. HilarySeptember 10, 2010 at 2:50 PM

    I have to admit you made me tear up too, but I too have been doing my fair share of reflection the past few days, so it doesn’t take much ;)
    What a beautiful, amazing year it sounds like you had. I hope this year brings you all the same joys and more!

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  4. The Lazy MomSeptember 11, 2010 at 5:30 PM

    Fantastic post! It was written with such eloquence and grace. Best of luck to you. Just bought your new book yesterday and I can't wait to delve into it!

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  5. DebSeptember 11, 2010 at 8:58 PM

    So glad that I found your books this year too! You're a true delight and I wish you much success- because you deserve good things happening to you. My copy of the new book came in the mail today- can't wait to start reading!

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  6. Wedding QuestionsSeptember 13, 2010 at 12:07 PM

    Look forward to the new book, have put in my day-planner list of must haves.

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  7. JenniferSeptember 13, 2010 at 2:55 PM

    Ditto to the above. Reflection and thankfulness with grace and poise, it's wonderful to see all the blessings life has bestowed upon you.

    I watched your TV interview. What was it like being interviewed by Kathleen Turner?

    I think you and Jen should offer up another lunch - we might even bid for your affections! You could donate to a charity or cause of your choice. And because I thought of the idea, you could include me!!

    Seriously, congrats. I've asked for more of your books to be offered at every bookstore I go to. And, I ordered copies of all your other books - I bought them cheap off of Amazon, so you might not get paid very much, but hopefully people will see me reading your books and go buy their own copies!

    Congratulations,
    Jen

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  8. Beth D.September 14, 2010 at 6:54 AM

    L'Shana Tova Stacey! Wishing you a sweet new year brimming with possibility. Any chance of a book tour bringing you to the Boston area?

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  9. Stacey BallisSeptember 14, 2010 at 7:57 AM

    Wish I was actually doing a "tour", my book related travels are taking me to exactly no places beyond my hometown. But hopefully one day!

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  10. KristySeptember 14, 2010 at 8:25 AM

    Congratulations on everything you accomplished this past year! It's always wonderful to be able to reflect on the past year and have many more ups than downs, especially knowing how hard you worked to make those "ups" happen and knowing you deserve it. Your new book is amazing; I can hardly put it down! I especially love how detailed the food descriptions are. It all sounds delicious and makes me so hungry everytime I sit down to read....Congrats again and can't wait for your next book already!

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