The Best Gift Of All

After several hectic days, I can finally sit down at my computer and sigh because the busy holiday is over. I'm not complaining, it was a fabulous holiday, just busy as usual.

The boys got out of school early on the 22nd and we hurried to Salt Lake to the family holiday parties in a blizzard. The only time it snows lately is if we are headed out of town. After two nights of fun with the families, I took my youngest to do his Christmas shopping. Who knew it would be so fun to buy your Dad a Nurf gun tag game? The best part was the Sponge Bob Christmas wrapping paper he found to wrap his treasures in!

This season I took some young women to the care center in town to make some lovely ladies look even lovelier by fixing their hair. I also took along my book, "The Power Of A Penny," to give to some of the nice people there. I received lots of hugs and sincere, "thankyou's." One lady who had MS, was sooo.... excited to have the book. I can't describe the warm feeling I had when I left the care center knowing I had made someone else smile.

Speaking of making somone else smile, on Christmas Eve I was packing up the car at my Mom's house to head back home. I kept hearing a strange noise. I knew I had heard it before, but I couldn't quite picture what it was. Then a memory came to me of floating over Park City with my husband in a hot air balloon ride to celebrate an anniversary. Sure enough, I looked directly above me and there was the basket of a hot air balloon - maybe 30 feet up. And you will never guess who was in the basket waving. Santa and Mrs. Claus! This sight made me smile. There are still good people out there who want to spread Christmas cheer. Not to make money, but to just make someone else smile. I watched as the balloon quietly floated away over other neighborhoods so Santa could make someone else smile!

Merry Christmas

I received an email from Bret Van Leeuwen, the founder of Koins for Kenya which touched my heart. When we have gone to speaking engagements together, he has told about a little girl named Hope. He said he loved to visit her family, they were kind of his favorite. He said he usually doesn't take individual gifts to the people in his village which he sponsors, but he sneaks a few special dresses in for this family. The last time he went to Africa, he stopped by to visit and everyone ran outside excitedly to see him. After a few minutes he asked where two year old Hope was. Her mother pointed and said, "There is Hope." Bret said he looked where she was pointing and saw a little mound of dirt not far from their porch. It was covered with briars and thorns to keep the animals from digging up her body. She had died from dysentary. Bret's heart was broken. If he had only known she was sick, he could have gotten her help. He said he is especially sad because he doesn't have any pictures of her. The only thing he has is his memory of her in his mind.

He took a picture of her sisters in their new dresses from Baba Brett and he sent it on to me so I could see these beautiful little girls. Their names are Phyllis, Lucky and Nancy. Aren't their smiles amazing?
This story touched my heart because it helped me realize that even though times are tough and we may not be able to buy our children a bunch of material things for Christmas, we have good health and each other.

I am so grateful for all that I have and for friends like Bret VanLeuween that help remind me that my life is so blessed because I have a comfortable bed to sleep in, my children can go to school, we have clean drinking water with the turn of a handle and we don't have to walk miles and miles to get medical help.

Thank you Baba Brett for all that you are doing for the African people, but most of all for helping people like me realize that our blessings are overflowing, if we just stop and look.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Audio book available at the end of January!

Yesterday I received an email from the man who is going to do the reading for my audio book. I am soooo.... excited to finally get this done. I can't believe it has taken so long! Anyway - I will post the date it will be available as soon as I hear.

It's hard to believe it is Christmas time already! One of my friends is posting a Christmas story a day on her blog. Since I couldn't even do thirteen days of Thanksgiving, I don't think I will try this, but I think it is a fabulous idea! So when I get a minute here and there I hope to post a few of my favorite Christmas stories. Check back regularly and maybe you will find a new favorite!

Since I absolutely love horses - especially my two paints, this story is one of my favorites. It is called, "A Horse Traders Christmas."

It was two days before Christmas and Sven Nickelson hoped he could make a few more good horse sales for Christmas because he knew business would be slim after that.
Sven, locally known as, "Nick," was a horse trader who was known for his shrewd trades and high-priced horses. He always got all a horse was worth and more. He never traded without a bout, even if he was getting the best horse. He had a way making his clients feel like they had to have the horse he was selling and they would have to pay the asking price.
Nick was sitting by his stove in the tack room when he heard a car pull up. He got up and watched as a young woman got out of an older car that looked like it was ready for the junk yard.
"She's not going to buy anything unless it is the old mare in the back," he thought to himself. It was obvious she didn't have the kind of money to buy the good stock in his corrals.
"Mr. Nickelson, I'm Mrs. Jackson and my son Jeff wants a horse for Christmas. He has been wanting that pretty little paint in your corral for a few months."
"We'll he must be a pretty good judge of horses because that little pony is registered and well broke," Nick informed her.
If she must have the pony, he thought he could surely jack up the price. So he told her it would the horse was $1,000. He told her in the right place, that horse would bring twice that much. She told him that all she had was $250 and she would need a saddle as well.
Nick was almost insulted that she would offer that price for such a fine animal. He chuckled and told her that wouldn't even buy the old mare out back.
Frustrated, Mrs. Jackson told him she had to get that horse for her ten year old son. She said he had wanted a horse all of his life and had fallen in love with this horse. Tears streamed down her face as she pleaded with him to consider selling the horse to her. He told her that he makes a living selling horses, not giving them away. He told her when she could afford more to come back and talk to him.
Slowly she walked back to her car as she brushed the tears off her cheeks with her coat sleeve.
Nick watched and shook his head as he watched her drive off. The nerve of some people thinking they could get the best of him!
Nick had to pick up some feed, so he climbed into his pickup and drove to town. He kept thinking about the lady and her reaction to his position. He wondered, what business do people with only $250 to spend, have buying horses? Her money would be better spent for groceries and shoes for her kids.
At the feed store, he ran into a fellow horse trader named Jack who asked him how business was going. Nick told him about the woman who wanted to buy his horse for $250. "Why that horse is worth at least $750," Jack replied. Then he asked Nick who had offered that for such a fine horse.
Nick told him it was Mrs. Jackson - the new family that moved into the Olsen home. "Well that explains it," Jack said. Then he added,"Their boy has a terminal illness and I heard they don't expect him to live more than a few months. Her husband has been out of work since early fall and when he was cutting wood for spending money, a tree fell and broke his leg."
That explained why she had reacted the way she had, Nick thought. She had about as much as one woman could handle. "If only I would have known, I sure wouldn't have talked to her the way I did," Nick said.
After getting his feed, Nick drove home. The whole way he kept thinking about the lady's problems and the hope she had for a horse to make her sick boy happy during his last Christmas.
That night and the next day were really tough for Nick. All he could think about was that lady and her sick son. Then he had an idea.
Christmas Eve night, Nick found himself cleaning up an old saddle that had been in the back room. Then he found a bridle and a blanket. With a halter in his hands, he walked out into the corral and caught the paint. After washing and trimming the pony, he put her in a box stall for the night.
"You are going to make a little boy real happy tomorrow," Nick said as he brushed her mane. All night he had a warm feeling. He couldn't sleep for the excitement he felt as he anticipated the events of the next morning.
Finally, when he couldn't stand to lay in bed any longer, he got up and hitched up his trailer to the back of his truck. The saddle and other tack were lifted up into the pick up along with three bales of hay and a sack of grain.
"It's time, let's go girl," Nick said as he put a halter on and led her out to the trailer.
The sun was just peaking over the ridge as he pulled into the Jackson's yard. The horse was unloaded and saddled before anyone heard him. As he was tying her up to the fence post, Tom Jackson came hobbling out to meet him.
"We can't afford your kind of horses Mr. Nickelson," he said.
"Call me Nick, Tom. I came as a friend. I heard about your son and I know you've come upon hard times. If you will let me, I will leave this horse for your boy as long as he needs him," replied Nick.
Tom started to argue with Nick that he couldn't let him do that because he knew he could sell the horse with no problem when he heard his son yell, "My horse! I knew the Lord wouldn't let me down!" Jeff ran over to the pony and threw his arms around her neck. The gentle horse just stood there as if she knew this little boy needed her more than anything right now.
Nick helped him up into the saddle and then watched as the paint walked him around the yard. Jeff was beaming and laughing as he sat proudly in the saddle.
This had been the best Christmas Nick had ever had and he knew he would never regret his decision to help a little boy on Christmas day.

Thanksgiving

Day 5 -

I have had a tremendously busy weekend but as one of my best friends, Kim Hansen says, "It's all good."

Yesterday afternoon we had a family work party and got the house decorated with Christmas decorations. I admit that it is a bit early for this, but my husbands mother is coming out for Thanksgiving and she LOVES Christmas with all of it's decorations, so we pulled out every decoration we own and spent hours spreading cheer through out the house. Because of the economy this year, I haven't bought one Christmas decoration for our new house, but I am amazed that I still have more than enough decorations to fill every corner.

I keep thinking of the kids in Africa and how they have nothing, yet they are so happy and content with what they have. Koins for Kenya, or rather Bret Van Leeuwen has taught me, that we are so blessed to live where we do with all of the abundant blessings we have.

Day 4 -

I am so grateful for an amazing husband. I have been so busy with book signings for "The Power Of A Penny," and my new church calling as the Young Women's president, he has had to step in and be mom and dad. If anything ever happened to me, I have no doubt he wouldn't struggle at all to fill my shoes. He cooks, cleans, and does hair better than me. What a lucky woman I am to have him in my life!

New Penny design released

The U.S. Mint released the penny design which will replace the Lincoln Memorial on the back of the penny I grew up with. It is going to have the Union Shield on it which has thirteen stripes to represent the thirteen states that came together to form the first union. I am so grateful to the people who are pushing for these new pennies as a way to remind people of our past and the history that so many fought for so we can worship and live in a free country. I am also grateful for the Pilgrams who struggled and suffered immensely to provide a better life for their families which has in turn helped me in my life!

THANKFUL

Day 8 of Thanksgiving

I missed yesterday's "day of Thanksgiving" because I was in Salt Lake all day. I had the golden opportunity to talk about my book to the Holladay Rotary club and then to listen to Bret VanLeeuwen share amazing stories about his experiences in Africa. It just fueled my desire to go to Kenya! I'm so thankful for Bret starting up Koins for Kenya. I may be small just like one penny, but when combined with many others, mighty changes can occur!

Day 7 of Thanksgiving

I sat and watched my horses this morning and I am so grateful they came into my life. My husband gave me a beautiful black and white paint for my 15th wedding anniversary four and a half years ago and since then, a dozen other horses have drifted into my life in one way or another. I feel like they are my children in a way. Each one has a different personality. Some I get along with better than others. But they have all taught me to have confidence and overcome fear. The gave me a purpose in my life to overcome doubt and dispair. Don't get me wrong, I love my three boys and husband more than life itself, but they don't depend on me to feed them everyday and provide them with water. The boys are all pretty self sufficient, but if I don't take care of the horses, no one will. Not only are they amazing to look at, I love to get a "horsey hug" when I am down. There is nothing better than putting your hands under their manes on a cold day to warm them up!

9 Days Until Thanksgiving

My husband told me about a friend of his who has been so depressed lately he can't even get out of bed. He said he told him we all feel that way sometimes...especially lately with the economy, all the evil happening in the world etc. Then he said, I think we all need to go to Kenya and try living with out electricity, running water and the comforts we enjoy to help us be grateful for what we have been blessed with. Bret VanLeeuwen, the founder of Koins for Kenya tells some amazing stories of how the people in Kenya are living without any of these comforts and it makes me appreciate all that I am so lucky to have. Yes things are tough in the world right now, but I am grateful for all of the amazing blessings I am surrounded with.

Tomorrow I will be speaking the Holladay, Utah Rotary Club about my book, "The Power Of A Penny: The Priceless Journey Of One Penny," with Bret VanLeeuwen. I am excited to hear more amazing stories that will help me realize how truely blessed I am.

More of 13 Days of Thanksgiving

It was a very busy weekend so I am behind on counting down my 13 Days of Thanksgiving. Sooo......

Day 12 of my 13 Days of Thanksgiving

At my book signing in Grand Junction, I met a very nice man named, John Lichty. He was scheduled to do a book signing at Borders right after me. He wrote a book called, "Raising Charlie," which is about his golden retriever who died from cancer. One thing I have loved about doing these book signings is that I always meet new people. Meeting new people is like adding a new spice to a favorite recipe to make it better. I am so thankful I have had the opportunity to travel and do these book signings so I can meet people that I otherwise wouldn't have had a chance to meet.

Day 11 of the 13 Days of Thanksgiving

Yesterday, I had my boys pull out my old Christmas tree and I started to decorate it with some fun ornaments my husband and I bought while we were in Grand Junction. We found them in a store in the cute downtown area of Grand Junction called, Heirlooms for Hospice. It is a very special second hand store that sells items donated from generous people. All of the money they receive goes to Hospice to help families that are dealing with a love one who is dying. It is run by volunteers and they are so happy to be there.

In years past, I have donated a decorated trees to the Festival of Trees in Salt Lake and when I moved to Vernal a few years ago, I did a tree for the "Trees for Charity" which runs as a part of the Vernal Holly Days right after Thanksgiving. Times are tough right now and I thought I couldn't afford to do a tree this year because I usually spend $800 and up to decorate. But when I found these ornaments for .50 cents and $1, I knew I had to donate a tree this year. I am so thankful for the wonderful people who donated these ornaments. I am sure when they donated them, they had no idea that not only would they be helping the Hospice people, but their generosity would also be helping a child on another continent to have clean water to drink - possibly saving their life!

Day 10 of the 13 Days of Thanksgiving

I am so thankful for a Heavenly Father who places people in your life just at the right time to help you with something you need to learn. I have a son who is wondering if there really is a God and I have been struggling to help him know that God does live and loves him. Our Bishop, Steve Jones has stepped up and rather than preaching to Alex, he has made a special effort to teach by example.

The pilgrams dug more graves then they built huts when they arrived in this country but they still stopped and spent one day giving thanks to a good who helped them come here so they could worship as they desired. During this holiday season, I hope we all remember why we really celebrate Thanksgiving - and it's not just to eat turkey.

13 Days of Thanksgiving

In a recent Google quest for Thanksgiving poems for a church program I am working on, I came across a website where a lady encourages people to blog the 30 days of Thanksgiving. I am sad that I came across this seventeen days later than I did, but I am excited to blog my, "13 days of Thanksgiving."

Day 1 of Thanksgiving:
We woke up to our first real snow this morning. My husband and two older boys were so excited because they love to snowmobile. I am so grateful they are looking forward to spending time together doing something they love. I am grateful that they like to spend time with each other and that they truely love one another.

My youngest and I weren't as excited about the snow. I am more of a fair weather person, but it is beautiful!

Tomorrow I have a book signing scheduled in Grand Junction, Colorado. So, my husband and I decided to go tonight and take our boys for a little vacation. We are hoping to go see a movie, do a little Christmas shopping and enjoy each others company!

I didn't know that!

This weekend was busy as usual! We went to Salt Lake and stayed at the cabin with our neighbors the Baums. We had a little Halloween party with our kids and the next morning we went to Salt Lake so we could go to my nephew, Scott's baptism. It was so fun to be with all of my family, even if it was just for a few hours. Then we rushed home just in time for our neighborhood trunk or treat party. The weather was just perfect! Just chilly enough for a sweater but no need for gloves and a hat like in the recent years.

One of my friends was telling me that she read my book and she had another use for pennies. She said when her husband bought some flowers for her not to long ago, the florist told him to drop a few pennies into the bottom of the vase before filling it with water and the flowers. She said amazingly, it worked! Thanks for the tip Michelle!

Abraham Lincoln's Way of Saying, "Thanks"

I received a call from the president of the Holladay, Utah Rotary club. She asked me to come speak about my book on November 18th. Because it will be right before Thanksgiving, she asked me to tie my book into Thanksgiving. I told her I would try and after I hung up the phone I laid my head on my desk and thought - how am I going to tell people to be thankful for a penny? I started Googling Thanksgiving and to my great surprise I found a way to connect it all! (I love Google!)

Did you know that the person who inspired the first American penny - also declared that the last Thursday of November would be Thanksgiving, making it a national holiday? That's right - president Abraham Lincoln, in the midst of the civil war and other trials, came out with the Thanksgiving proclamation on October 3, 1863. He said people had forgotten God, who had preserved them in peace, strengthened them and given them so many blessings. He invited American citizens to solemnly, reverently and gratefully to acknowledge God with one heart and one voice with him.

I love President Lincoln. The more I learn about him, the more I am grateful for him and the courage he had to stand up and make a difference.

I definitely will look at Thanksgiving differently this year! I'm sad I won't be spending it with my extended family, but I am excited that I can start new traditions with my own little family.

Take a penny, leave a penny

Today was an unusual penny day. My sixteen year old son came home and handed me a penny and asked me if I had that one yet. As I looked at the shiny new Abraham Lincoln penny, I was in total shock! I asked him where he got it and he said it was in the "take a penny, leave a penny," cup sitting on the counter at 7-11 where he stopped to buy a drink earlier today. I was amazed because it was the third penny in the new series and I live in a small town where these new pennies don't just show up! When it first came out, I went on Ebay and paid $2.00 to get two of these uncirculated babies, and now one just shows up! WOW!

Earlier when I was waiting for two of my sons to get their haircut, I found the second penny in the new series just sitting on a display shelf next to some shampoo. This was the first time I had seen one of these pennies in Vernal. Soooooo...... two new pennies in one day, my aunt Joan must be looking down on me to let me know she is watching over me from heaven!

Maybe I should go on Ebay and sell this new penny for a ridiculous price of $2.00. Or.... maybe I will just put it in my wooden treasure box with the rest of my special pennies I have collected over the years and remember this special day!

A New African Friend

Yesterday was an amazing day! I went to the Cottonwood Country Club to talk to the Murray Rotary Club. I told them about my book and then introduced two very special guests who talked about Koins for Kenya. I finally got to meet Bret VanLeeuwen, the founder of Koins for Kenya. We have corresponded through phone calls, and emails but never officially met. I also got to meet Mr. Anthony Yama, who is the Koins for Kenya co-ordinator in Africa. It was amazing to hear about how bad it really is in Africa. They have had a two year drought and so they haven't been able to grow any food. They have been surviving on corn donations from the U.S. He said the women walk about five miles to get water which is shared with their animals as well as what they use to bathe in, and to drink and cook with. It was sad to hear that the infant mortality rate is very high there. Bret told about going to visit a family there and he didn't see the youngest daughter named Hope. So he asked the mother where she was and was shown a rough grave where she had buried Hope a few months before after she died from dysentery. It is hard not to feel gratitude for our way of living after you hear a story like that. Many of the Rotarian members bought books from me and I'm excited to donate a portion of that proceeds to Koins for Kenya to help with their amazing cause.

Third Penny now Available

The third penny in the 2009 new penny reverse series is now available. I haven't personally been able to get one yet, but it is in circulation. It is called the "Lincoln Professional Life Penny," and depicts Pres. Lincoln's professional life in Illinois. The final penny in the series is supposed to be released on November 12, 2009. When I looked on line, I was amazed that for $2.50 I could get one of the newest pennies. I wonder what President Lincoln would have said about spending $2.49 just to get a coin with his likeness on it. Crazy, that's what he would say!!!

Speaking of crazy, I have another crazy weekend coming up! I will be at the Provo Borders bookstore which is located on 4801 N. University Avenue, in Provo, from 1-3 PM tomorrow. I hope to see some family and friends there!

Then on Monday I will be speaking at the Murray Rotarian Club with the founder of Koins for Kenya, Brett VanLeeuwen and the director of Koins for Kenya in Africa, who is visiting the United States for a few weeks and speaking to many groups about this great cause.

Never a dull moment at this house!

Hidden pennies in Southern Utah

In my book, "The Power Of A Penny," one of the characters finds a penny in a gutter. Her grandmother tells her that whenever she finds a penny, if it is heads side up, she smiles and puts it in her pocket. If it is tails side up, she filps it over and leaves it to make someone else smile. This inspired me to do something fun on our recent trip to southeastern Utah. I had a pocketful of pennies which I would leave heads side up at some of the places we visited, hoping someone would find it and smile and put it in their pocket. It is fun to imagine the journey these pennies will make because there were tourists from all over the world there. So if you happen to visit Spooky Canyon, Hells Backbone or Calf Creek, look for a special penny and know that I am thinking about you!

The Pumpkin Man

My kids were out of school because of UEA, so my husband and I met some friends and went on a little trip. We started out in Green River, Utah at Rays Tavern - (our favorite burger spot in that area,) where we met an amazing man named Scott Babansky and several of his friends who had their trucks full of pumpkins to deliver to school children. The next morning we ran into Scott again at breakfast and he invited us to visit his pumpkin farm so our kids could pick out some pumpkins. As we talked to him, I learned that this man has a heart of gold and is all about making the world a better place for other people.

It all started when he was younger and his father had a few extra pumpkins in his garden. He called a school for disabled children that was near his home and asked if they would like some of his pumpkins. He probably had ten, but they needed 150 - so Scott's father sent him out on a hunt across two counties to find enough pumpkins for all of the children the day before Halloween. He said it was no small feat, but after he saw the smiles on the faces of the handicapped children, he knew what he wanted to do every year. He now delivers 20,000 -30,000 free pumpkins to school children every year with the help of his friends and family.

Scott took our kids to a special patch where there were special white pumpkins. He told them whoever could find the white pumpkin would get a robot. The kids were ecstatic! Each one of them found a special white pumpkin and all of them got a funny little robot. This kind man made a wonderful day for complete strangers - but it sounds like that is where he finds the most joy in life.

I was grateful for the few hours of fun that he provided for my family and the wonderful memory my children will have of that day, so I gave him a copy of my book, "The Power Of A Penny," as a way to say thank-you.

Take That!

When KSL channel 5 news ran a story about my book on July 24th, several people posted some nasty comments on the internet saying I shouldn't send my money to a third world country. So.... I just had to rebuttle and get the last word in. You can watch my You Tube video clip by going to: www.youtube.com/watch?v=-573k2jSnEU. If this doesn't link you to my video, type in: What are you doing to make a difference? on the You Tube website.

Let me know what you think. I know this is a very contraversial subject, but I think I ask a valid question, "What are you doing to make a difference?"

The worth of a penny to a new generation

I am always amazed when I am standing in line at a store and the person in front of me doesn't want to keep the pennies the clerk tries to hand them back as change. It is never an elderly person or even a mid aged person who rejects their change. The customer is usually 30 or younger. I always want to step up and tell the clerk I will take the coins if they don't want them, but then I would probably get some strange looks -- so I don't.

Does this new generation not understand the worth of every penny? Or are they just lax in their money skills? I know a penny doesn't buy as much as it used to, but when combined with 116 more, you have enough to buy a coke.

I must be getting old, because right now I am counting every penny I have and using them to provide food for my family in this wonderful economy. Maybe one day this new generation will understand the worth of a penny.

On November 6th, I have another book signing scheduled for the Borders Books in Costa Mesa, California. The address is 1890 Newport Blvd., from 6-8 PM. The following day, I will be at the Borders on 3333 Bear St., in Costa Mesa as well from 1-3 PM. Anyone who happens to be in the area on those dates I would love to see you!

Fetchin' Water Walk

The Koins for Kenya organization is a large part of my book The Power Of A Penny: The Priceless Journey Of One Penny. On Saturday, September 26th, this organization is going to host their first annual "Fetchin' Water Walk" at Rock Canyon Park which is located at 2620 N. 1200 E. in Provo, UT. Registration begins at 7:30 AM and the event will begin at 8:00 AM. Volunteers can go to www.koinsforkenya.com before hand and print out a collection sheet. Then, on Saturday, Sept. 26th they can experience what African men and women do every day to satisfy their water needs by walking to get a pail of water. This is a great organization where
100 % of all proceeds go directly to villagers in Kenya to help improve their living conditions and teach them skills that will last long after the volunteers have returned home.

On my end, I'm still trying to sell as many books as I can to help this great cause. So, tomorrow night I will be at the Uintah County Library - 155 E. Main St., in Vernal, Utah. I have been asked to come and talk about my book, The Power Of A Penny: The Priceless Journey Of One Penny and to discuss why I wrote it. Afterwards I will be doing book signings. I hope to see you there!

Double Dose of Old Abe

Here is another interesting penny fact - just in case you didn't know:

President Abraham Lincoln is the only person to be depicted on both the overse and reverse of the same U.S. coin, up until 1999 when the New Jersey quarter was released and has George Washington crossing the Delaware? I would be honored to even be on one side of the coin!

Im excited to announce two more book signings!

The first is on October 10th from 1-3 PM at the Borders in Provo, UT. The address is: 4801 N. University Avenue.

The second one is on November 14th from 2-4 PM at the Borders in Grand Junction, Colorado. The address for this venue is: 2464 Hwy 6 & 50. Just in time to start doing some Christmas shopping!

A Penny Richer

Thursday night, my wonderful sixteen year old son broke his arm motorcycling. He did such a great job of it that an orthopedic doctor named Dr. Burke Young had to be called in and he did surgery on Friday night to repair all of the damage. I gave him one of my books and he told me that when he was younger, his mom would always pick up a penny and say, "Now I am a penny richer." I'm sure a visit to the ER, a two night stay in the hospital along with the five hours of surgery are going to cost a pretty penny so I'm picking up everyone I can find!

Saturday morning we got to check my son out of the hospital just in time for me to attend a book signing at Gales in Vernal. Several of my friends came and bought signed books to give as Christmas gifts for their friends and family. There were also several Gales customers that I met who told me how much they enjoyed the book. One nice lady told me she really liked how the characters kept changing and the penny moved through the book. It was nice to meet so many nice new friends.

I know Saturday's are busy days, so for anyone who couldn't make it, I will be at the Uintah County Library on Thursday night from 6-8PM, for an author's night. I have been asked to talk about the book and why I wrote it and then do booksignings after. If you need more information, email me: thepowerofapenny@gmail.com

Power Of A Penny in Africa and Other Updates

Yesterday, the Koins for Kenya founder sent me some pictures from his latest trip to Kenya. He took some of my books with him and he said the villagers were so excited that a story was written about their Koins. He said up until about four years ago, books were rarely seen in their village, so they were excited to receive them!

An Author night has been scheduled at the Uintah County Library on September 17th from

6-8PM. I will be talking a little about the book and then be doing book signings afterwards.

It will be in the Commons Area of the Library - the address is 155 E. Main St. I hope to see everyone there!

Books now available in Manti, Utah

Once again I had a whirlwind weekend, but it was great to spend time with fun friends!

On Friday my husband and I went to Manti for the day to attend a friends wedding and while we were there, we found the most wonderful store! It is called manti Mercantile Village and they have anything and everything you could ever want - antiques, furniture, art work, childrens clothing, jewelry etc.... We started talking to the owner, Linda Nielsen and she jumped on the opportunity to carry my books and have a book signing sometime in October. As soon as I get the date I will post it. So the next time you are passing through Manti, stop at this awesome store. The address is: 155 S. Main St.

Friday night we got home just in time for our good friends, Todd and Sheree Robinson to arrive with their two cute girls for a weekend visit. We spent Saturday on Flaming Gorge boating with our good friends Ted and Lisa Labrum. Then we enjoyed some horse back riding, and four wheeling. After lots of food, laughing and fun times, the weekend ended with everyone worn out but happy.

Sheree shared an article with me from the latest Family Fun magazine while she was here. It had a lot of fun game ideas for kids using pennies. It had a lot of great ideas you might want to check out at http://www.familyfun.com/.

I'm sad the weekend is over because it was a lot of fun - but I am glad it's over because I am exhausted!

Koins for Kenya News

Today I received a little note from the Koins for Kenya founder, Bret Van Leeuwen. He just returned from an amazing trip in Kenya. He said he shot some great video footage of Kenyan dignitaries sitting in a row on the porch at the Koins Community Center reading my book. He said they were so thrilled with the thought of their "Koins" being part of a story, let a lone in a real book because up until about four years ago, books were rarely seen in their village. He said now that Koins has libraries in several of their schools, books are seen in the hands of the children all the time.

What an amazing thing! American children have no idea how lucky they are to have books and we have to force most of them to pick one up to read! Anyway, Bret said he shot about four hours of video footage to help me with a story KSL was thinking about doing and sadly, on a bumpy road near the village, the video camera fell out of a bag and was lost. A reward is being offered if it is found, so I am keeping my fingers crossed that it will be found because it would be wonderful to see this happen!

Bret said he did take a few pictures of the dignitaries reading, so hopefully I can post these amazing pictures soon!

First Day Of School

Is it possible to be happy and sad at the same time? Today is the first day of school and I am happy because I have the house to myself and I can do anything I want all day long. I am sad because the house is too quiet, and I miss hanging out with my boys.

I was thinking about some of the first days of school my boys have had over the past 12 years and one day stuck out in my mind. It was the year I had moved my oldest son to a different school when he was going into third grade. Of course he had the first day jitters, but they were exaggerated by the fact that he was going to be in a new school and not know anyone. I told him that it was okay to be a little nervous and that everything would be fine. He started crying and told me he wished I could be with him. My heart broke and I wanted to cry too. Instead, I thought for a minute and then found a bright shiny penny. I kissed it and gave it to my son and told him to put it into his pocket. Then I told him to rub it whenever he got scared and he would feel my love for him. This seemed to pacify him and he went off to school. A few days later, he made a new friend and when he came home from school he gave it back to me because he said he didn't need it anymore. Thank heavens for that penny, or we might not have made it through the first week of school!

Circleville Event Just Announced

I had a busy weekend which started out in Rock Springs with a book signing at Hastings book store. I had a wonderful time and met a lot of nice people. Last night I received an email from Andrew Tso who bought a signed copy from me while I was there. This is what he said about my book, "I loved it. I love how your stories send a positive message and encourages karmatic awareness." He was very kind and he excitely told me about a book he was currently working on. I love to hear about stories that other people have been inspired to write and I can't wait to read them!

I just had an event confirmed in Circleville, Utah for October 17th in conjunction with Kings English Bookstore. I will list more information about this event closer to that date. So if you are going to be in that area in October, keep checking back because I would love to see you!

Rock Springs Book Signing

For all of my Vernal friends who might be going to Rock Springs to do some last minute school shopping tomorrow, (Saturday, August 22nd) I will be at Hastings Bookstore which is located in the Plaza Mall, between 1-3 PM. Stop in and get a personally signed book or better yet, start your Christmas shopping by getting one for a friend!

The address is:
1451 Dewar Drive
Rock Springs, Wyoming

The phone number is: 307-382-6610.

I will be handing out chocolate pennies and hugs to all familiar faces!

Hope to see you there!

A NEW PENNY!

After I wrote The Power Of A Penny, I always look at my pennies when I receive my change. When I was in Page, Arizona last week, I happened to get the second penny in the new Abraham Lincoln penny series. I was soooo... excited! Okay call me a little obsessed with pennies, but it is fun to see the new ones come out! Next time you get a hand full of pennies, look to see if you have any of these!

Rock Springs Book signing changed

After being gone for ten days, I am finally home!!! On Friday, I was getting ready to leave Lake Powell to head to Rock Springs for a book signing, when I got a call from my publisher asking me if I could change the date for that book signing until Saturday, August 22nd because the book store hadn't received the books yet. So, dang I got to stay at Lake Powell a few extra days! Sorry to anyone who tried to come see me in Rock Springs - ( I highly doubt I have too many friends in that direction) but if you did I am sorry - I was sitting on a houseboat in the middle of the lake with no way to post a blog with the changes! So, I will be at Hastings Books next Saturday from 1-3 PM for anyone who is interested!

One advantage to living in a small community is I made the front page of the Uintah Basin Standard Newspaper! Here is the link if you would like to read this nice article: go to www.ubstandard.com and click on the story titled, "People, pennies significant to author" by ViAnn Prestwich.

I hope everyone enjoys the last few weeks of summer!

Next, Hastings Book Store

The book signing at Frost's Bookstore was great! Thank you everyone who came to support me - you are the best! It was fun to see old friends and family. For everyone who wasn't able to make it, I will be at Hastings Books in Rock Springs, Wyoming next Saturday, August, 15th from 1-3 PM. Hope to see you soon!

Frost's Book Store

See you all at Frost's Book Store tomorrow - Saturday, August 8th between 1-3PM! So you have no excuse - the address is 1980 E. 2700 S.

Every Penny Counts

The Vernal Express newspaper ran a story about me today. Being a small town newspaper, it isn't available on line. But here is the "just" of it:
I was inspired to write "The Power Of A Penny" after I found an old penny next to a gas pump. Remembering my own fond memories about pennies helped me to "put pen to paper in my new novel, which celebrates the unknown worth of a penny by following it over the course of a hundred years in circulation. Each different chapter is a different story about a person who receives it and learns a valuable life lesson. In a day and age when people are counting every penny, this book reminds people that every penny can make a difference."

It was a nice little article and I appreciate the Vernal Express running it for me.

Last week I received an email asking me why the free audio download for my book isn't available through Tate Publishing yet. When I checked into it, I discovered that supposedly last February they sent me information telling me that I needed to abridge my manuscript so it will fit on one CD. Some how I missed this memo, sooooo.... I am working on reducing the story by 7,200 words to make this happen. I have discovered this is not an easy task! Hopefully I can send it off by tomorrow and they can start recording it very soon. So thank you for being patient and I promise the download will be worth the wait! Until then, you will just have to enjoy my book the old fashioned way - by reading it instead of listening to it!

Uintah Basin Standard

One of my favorite quotes is by Pres. Thomas S. Monson. He says, "Let us relish life as we live it. Find joy in the journey." The journey I have been on this summer has been amazing! I have met so many wonderful people all because of a book about one penny.

A few days ago a reporter from the Uintah Basin Standard called to interview me about my book. We chatted for a while and she was very kind. She made a comment that put everything into perspective. She said something like, "It seems that you are just one simple person trying to make a big difference in the world. Just like one small, simple penny can make a big difference in the world." I can't wait to read the article and I will let you know when it comes out so you can link to the story.

I'm sad because the journey I have been on with my personal assistant/neice, Nikki, this summer, has ended because she is off to school in Indiana this week. She has been a great help getting my story out to the media and into bookstores and I will miss her tremendously! The thing I am the saddest about is that I won't be talking to her almost everyday. I know whenever she looks at a penny though, she will smile and think of the fun summer job she had with her favorite aunt.

I hope everyone that reads my book will stop when they see a penny laying in the gutter and think about the difference it can make in the world. When it is combined with other pennies, it can make a difference by providing clean water for a village or help a family that is struggling to pay medical bills for a sick child. One simple person can make the same difference when they combine their efforts with other simple people to make something great!

Another week of summer and more great book news

I can't believe another week of summer has flown by! Before I know it, the boys will be headed back to school and I'm going to be shoveling horse poop in the snow.

I have more great book news to share. As many of you know, a portion of my proceeds is going to benefit Koins for Kenya, a Utah non profit organization, that helps villages in Kenya through education and other efforts. Brett Van Leeuwen, the creator of this organization is headed to Kenya next week to open Koins newest school in the village of Majengo. In a ceremony to hand over the bore hole water wells Koins just finished, he is going to give copies of my book to the Minister of Education, Kilemi Mwiria and the Minister of Lands, Kombo Mwero. I am so excited and really hope that they enjoy my story. Like I said in my interview with KSL, although I can't pick up and go to Africa to be a part of the Koins for Kenya experience, I know that my pennies can make a difference. I hope that my book will bring attention to the fact that even though we have plenty of problems right here at home, we are so incredibly fortunate for what we have and it is still important to give back. Regardless of where you choose to help, what is important is that find something you are interested in and care about and find a way to help support that cause-whether by increasing awareness, recruiting volunteers, volunteering your time, or donating your pennies.

Book signing: Gale's Bookstore

I am pleased to announce another books signing event! I will be hosting a book signing at Gales Office Supply in Vernal, Utah. If you are in my neck of the woods in Eastern Utah, come learn more about The Power of a Penny!

Save the date:
Saturday, September 12th
1-3 P.M
Gales Office Supply and Books Inc.
4 West Main Street
Vernal, Utah 84078

My story on KSL has also led to an article in the Uintah Basin Standard, so it has been a busy, but great way to start the week!

KSL News story

My story aired on the 4 pm news on Friday. I was at my cabin with my family and some of my niece and nephews and that is why I was unable to share it with you, but in case you missed it, here it is. Please enjoy!

My Penny Story

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

KSL Interview

I am so excited because I did an interview with Candice Madsen for KSL this morning! My cute twin sister and niece Annie helped me get ready for my big T.V. debut and my mom and I ventured down to the KSL studios. Being around horses and maneur all the time, I usually wear my dirty cowboy boots, so this morning in heels was a big change from my daily routing...and I have the blisters to prove it. Filming was fun and I think I said everything I wanted to say about the book. I was a little nervous, but it hopefully it will turn out great. Candace said she would call and let me know when our segment will air, but it will probably be sometime tomorrow.

Candice Madsen and I filming my segment

As soon as I hear, I will post it so you can tune in to KSL channel 5 and hear about The Power of a Penny.

Book Signing: Hastings bookstore

I am pleased to announce another books signing even! I will be hosting a book signing at Hastings Bookstore in Rock Springs, Wyoming. If you are in the Wyoming area, come meet me and get your copy of The Power of a Penny signed!

Save the date:

Saturday, August 15th

1-3 P.M

Hastings Bookstore

1451 Dewar Dr.

Rock Springs, WY 82901

Located in the Plaza Mall shopping center

In other exciting news, I am meeting with Candice Madsen from KSL Channel 5 news tomorrow to talk about my book! I'll keep you posted on how it goes!

Book Signing: Frost's Books

I am pleased to announce that I will be hosting a book signing at Frost's Books in Salt Lake City. Come join us to learn more about the book, get a signed copy, and hear thoughts from me, the author!

Save the date:

Saturday, August 8th

1-3 P.M

Frost's Books

1980 E. 2700 S.

Salt Lake City, UT 84106

Pennies support a cause: Primary Children's Hospital

I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend! As you know, a portion of my proceeds will be donated to Koins for Kenya, and after my mom passed along some of her penny stories, I realized just how many charity organizations are impacted daily by the power of pennies. I already featured a video on the children of New York and their pennies at Rockafeller Center, and now I'll tell you a little about pennies making a difference at Primary Children's Medical Center.

This memory is a combination of both mine and my mothers. I remember the fun of helping collect pennies for a good cause. So, here is my mom's memory:

For many years the penny has played a role in a charity for the Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City. Each year, the LDS church had a penny march or "Pennies by the Inch." Each family was (is) asked to measure every member of their family, and add up the total inches. For every inch, you were asked to give a penny. I remember collecting these pennies in my neighborhood for several years. My children were generous with their pennies when they realized they helped many little sick children in the hospital get better.

It's amazing what a difference pennies can make. Clean out your couch cushions this week and donate all the change you find to your favorite charity cause!

Blog counter update

As many of you can see, I added a page counter to the bottom of my page. After some harassment from my brother-in-law Rob about the low number of page views, I had to explain to him that the counter was added on Friday, the day he viewed the blog.

So, like watching your pennies grow a penny at a time, I hope to watch the number of viewers reading my blog grow too-one page view at a time.

Visualization...what would a million pennies look like?

Sometimes, when people talk in terms of millions, billions, trillions, and beyond, it is difficult to visualize just what that looks like. Whether referencing the speed of light or the amount of money in Bill Gate's bank account, sometimes those numbers are just unfathomable. While paroozing the Web searching for pennies, I stumbled upon this fun little site that actually visualizes what various quantities of pennies would look like.

If you are looking for a quick distraction this Friday afternoon, check it out.

http://www.kokogiak.com/megapenny/default.asp

Penny fact: the cost of pennies

Did you know that the production cost now exceeds the face value of the coin because of the continual increase in metal prices?

So just how much does it cost to make and distribute pennies? For the first time in history earlier this year, pennies cost more to make than their vale at 1.23 cents per penny. The USA today has a great article talking about the future of the penny (and the nickel) and the costs associated with producing the penny. The article states that the US Mint is one of the few government agencies still making money, which I found really interesting.

Curious to learn more? Check out the USA Today article here.

Share your penny story: Betty Peterson

Momentum continues to grow for my book, and I can't believe how far we have come...and just how far we have to go. Frost Bookstore, another local bookstore in Salt Lake, has agreed to carry my book. Located off of 2000 E and 2700 S. Frost is another staple in the Utah book scene. Added bonus-there is a snow cone place in the parking lot, so you can pick up my book and a yummy summer treat to curl up with to stay cool in this raging summer heat.

This weekend, the Deseret News did a review of my book. This is my first encounter with less-than 100% positive feedback for the story, and it kind of made me take a step back at first. I then remembered that although I have put so much into this story and it means the world to me, not everyone is going to feel the same way-and that is okay. I am excited that this review will give me extra exposure locally here in Salt Lake...I just hope that the readers of the review still give the book a chance. As they say in PR, any news is good news, so I am going to look at this as a positive.

Today's penny story comes to us from my mom, one of my biggest supporters. Some of my story actually is based on some of my mom's strong feelings about pennies and I want to share her story with you today.

" Many of us believe our loved ones who have passed on leave us pennies of remembrance. My sister and I agreed she would leave me a sign. I have found pennies in the strangest places and at the strangest times in my life and I always acknowledge Jo when I do with a 'Thank you.' The one time the pennies from Jo blew my mind was on my 70th birthday. My three daughters and I were on our way to lunch at Trolly Square Spaghetti Factory . It was a rainy April day and at the front door in a rain puddle were '7' pennies. It made

me a believer-she remembered."

My mom getting loves from my horse, Copper Penny

My mom is probably one of the biggest supporters of the notion that pennies come from heaven. Similar to the story I mentioned earlier last week, pennies give her the reassurance that Jo is with her, every step of the way.

A penny saved...

In more great book news, you can also now find my book at Sam Weller's Bookstore in downtown Salt Lake. I am so excited, because this is just another example of local Utah businesses that are helping support my book. If you are in downtown Salt Lake and are looking for a good read or a great bookstore experience, stop by Sam Weller's bookstore on Main St.

Here is a question for you. Do you know who said, "A penny saved is a penny earned?"

If you said Benjamin Franklin, you are correct!

I am so excited because my oldest son Alex is back from Europe and my nephew Will is coming up to Vernal for the night so I am excited to have a full house again. Have a great weekend and don't forget your sunscreen and to keep your eyes peeled for pennies!

Pennies from heaven...or not?

I think it is so interesting the expanisive amount of information, sayings, and stories tied to pennies. Today, we will see both sides of a common myth and let you decide. So, do pennies come from heaven...or not?

Margaret Thatcher, England's former Prime Minister once said, "Pennies do not come from heave. They have to be earned here on earth." While the concept of earning your keep shows us the importance of hard work, many have a different theory.

In the June 29th, 2009 issue of Women's World, There is a story titled, "My Guardian angel," and readers were able to share their stories. One story, titled "Pennies from Heaven," a reader shares how while helping her friend sell her mother's house after her passing, pennies kept showing up all over. While showing the house, the potential buyer found a whole handful of pennies, which helped both girls have a good feeling about the buyer.

Three years later, our reader was asked to help sell the house again. With the markets taking a turn for the worse, the woman didn't know if it was possible, but as she was leaving the house, she found a few pennies in the exact same spot she had years before, letting her know her friends mother was still watching over her and the house. Contrary to Margaret Thatcher, they belive, "if you find coins frequently, or in odd places, it's likely that someone you have lost is saying, 'Hello-I love you!' The angels say, 'Always trust the feelings and thoughts that accompany an unusual sighting of coins-they truly are pennies from heaven!' "

So, I guess that leaves it up to you to decide, and maybe, both are in fact true. Nothing can substitute for good hard work, but some times, pennies can be your guardian angel's way of letting you know they are there.

Book update and rainy day play

Hello and I hope everyone had a great 4th of July weekend! Mine was busy, but it was great to spend time with my family. In terms of book news, I have lots of great things to report. My book has been picked up by The Edge magazine, and they are going to do a story and review of the book.

My book is also now available at The Kings English, a great local bookstore in Salt Lake. Thank you to all of you that submitted reviews on Barnesandnoble.com...we have had some technical difficulties the past few days trying to edit the information and getting it re-posted, but it should all be fixed soon.

Want to help? Go to your local book store and request the book, that way it will continue to gain extra exposure!

In penny news, my mom passed along this great little article from The Salt Lake Tribune back on January 9, 2009. The story was titled "Save those pennies for some rainy play" and it gave an ingenious idea to keep your kids busy on a rainy day. This tip, provided by Hilarie O'Connor, a mom of four children under six. Take two rolls of pennies, equalling 100 coins and hide them all over your house. You can designate certain amounts to certain rooms for your smaller children and leave the search open everywhere else for your older ones. Once hidden, let your kids start hunting for the coins. When they can't find any more, have them count their pennies. If it is less than 100, they have to keep searching until they get to the magic number.

What a great idea...I wish I would have thought of that sooner! Have a great week and keep those penny stories coming! You can send them to powerofapenny@gmail.com

Change created by change

When I googled the power of a penny, many very interesting stories came up. I picked this video to share because it is attached to a great story about school children in New York that saved their pennies to help others during the holiday season. This video shows all of the pennies they collected and it is pretty impressive to see what kind of change can be made by children.

Enjoy and have a very safe and happy 4th of July.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9oWWcuF2CFI

Penny facts: just how many are there?

My son Brayden loves to invent things and to know how things work. This got me thinking about the logistics of penny production and below are a few facts to provide some more insight.

Did you know that 30 million pennies are produced every day? That works out to be approximately 1,040 pennies every second. Do the math and that works out to be 300 million pennies in just 10 days, and just under 1 billion pennies every month. Now that is a lot of pennies.

The shelf life of each penny is approximately 25 years, so when you multiply the math above by how long each penny lasts, and that means there are plenty of pennies out in this world.

Between the length of time pennies are used and the large quantity produced every day, that means that millions of people cross paths with pennies every day.

Count your pennies

The rain has finally stopped (for now) and it finally feels like summer around here. With this summer heat, it makes me crave some cool summer treats.

My niece sent me her penny story, and her favorite thing to do is to save all of her spare change until she has enough to treat herself to a frozen drink. Her favorites are frozen chai tea and strawberry smoothies. In the winter she saves up to treat herself to some hot chocolate or apple cider.

This is the perfect penny tradition for keeping your cool this summer. You'd be surprised how quickly that change adds up, so count your pennies for a week or so and then treat yourself to a tasty treat!

Can you spot which is not real?

Here is a fun penny fact to start your weekend off right and it may even be a fun project to try with your kids!

Do you know how to tell if a penny is counterfeit? Use a magnet-if it sticks, then it is made of steel.

I know that when you count your pennies, they add up, but that seems like a really risky way to counterfeit money because of the sheer quantity you would have to produce and the high volume of steel you would need. Try it out (the experiment, not counterfeiting pennies), can you find any at home?

Penny redesign

In conjunction with the centennial of the Lincoln penny, the US mint has commissioned four re-designs of the penny. The new pennies will be released throughout the year and each depicts a different stage of Lincoln's life. 

The first two, which have already been released: The first is commemorating his birth and early childhood in Kentucky from 1809-1816. The second is his formative years in Indiana from 1816-1830. When released, people waited in lines to get them and they have been flying off the shelves of the treasury. 

The two remaining pennies include his professional life in Illinois from 1830-1861 and his presidency in Washington from 1861-1865.  

More information can be found at http://www.usmint.gov/mint_programs/lincolnredesign/index.cfm?flash=no. Keep your eyes peeled to see if you can get your hands on these hot commodities! 

Release day!

Today is my official release date for the book!  That means that you can find The Power of a Penny, the Priceless Journey of One Penny in bookstores near you today!  Go out and request it, and if they do not have it in stock, ask them to place an order for you online. Once you have read it, share your love of the book by going to Barnesandnoble.com and writing a review so others looking for a great read can find it too!

I can't believe this day is here!  Thank you to my family and friends for all of your support throughout this process!

Pennies around the world

As I mentioned in my last post, my son Alex is in Europe right now, and before he left, I sent  list of things he had to do while abroad, including throwing a penny into the Trevi Fountain for good luck. Yearly, thousands of American travelers throw pennies into this fountain, as if to say, "I was here and am leaving a little piece of me with you."

This got me thinking about all of the times I have traveled to foreign lands and ended up with a pocket full of coins that never managed to get exchanged back to american currency. If I have change from around the world, then chances are thousands of people that have visited the United States probably have left with some of our change, including pennies. Where pennies are potentially worth a fraction of a cent other places, my guess is that pennies can be found in change jars, scrapbooks, and souvenir boxes across the globe. It is my hope that when these guests stumble across their American change, that it brings a smile to their face to remind them of their time in our country. 

Life lately

Tuesday, I sent my sixteen year old off to Europe for 23 days hoping he would gain an appreciation for home and learn about history and life in a foreign land. So far I haven't heard a word from him, so I guess no news is good news! He wanted to go but was afraid he was going to miss out on something in Vernal with his friends. One day he will realize how insane that is - Vernal or Itally - they don't even come close when compared with each other. He went to the BMW factory in Austria on Friday, I checked his credit card balance and he didn't buy me one as I requested, so maybe he is mad at me, I don't know! I emailed him and told him it had rained everyday since he left and his good friend went to a family reunion so he wasn't missing out on any great motorcycling with his buddies.

We rushed home from Salt Lake that night and packed up to leave Wednesday morning to go to girls camp on Diamond mountain. Darren was assigned to come up as one of the priesthood holders and also to bring a few horses so the fourth year girls could do something out of their comfort zone. It was heaven for me because when we had free time, we got to go riding in some amazing country! It rained all day Thursday and the dirt roads became inpassable. One of my neighbors tried to drive up to get her daughter for a softball tornament and ended up walking eight miles with three little kids through the mud, rain and hail because she got stuck. Luckily it quit raining on Friday so we waited until about noon and it had dried up enough for us to barely get out. We had to leave the horses and that night I made Darren go back up to get them for fear they would discover the little white string penning them in could be broken through for greener pastures; miles and miles of greener pastures! It was amazing when we went back up there were only a few places that were still really muddy, for the most part we had a dust trail following us as we drove. Only in Utah can it go from being impassible and a muddy mess to a dry, dusty road within 24 hours! Anyway we made it home just in time because it started raining all over again yesterday and my neighbor said it was going to be impassable again.

Last night just as we finished eatting dinner with some friends, Darren got called out with his Search and Rescue squad to look for a lost ten year old boy near Spirit Lake. Brayden asked if he could join in on the fun and they didn't get home until eight this morning. They walked all night in the dark but didn't find him. Darren had to give a talk in Sacrament meeting and teach in Elders Quorum so he had to get back. I was sweating bullets before he got home that he wouldn't make it and I would be the lucky one to give his talk, which I stayed up late writing, so I guess it wouldn't have mattered anyway! After church he got a call that they found the little boy. Thank goodness because it is pouring rain again right now. I keep wondering if summer is ever going to come.

Tuesday is the big day my book comes out. It will be nice if anyone decides to buy it. I haven't received any response back from the newspapers etc, so maybe it will just be a family and friend book instead of a national best seller. Either way, if it makes one person feel good inside, it has accomplished what I set out to do.

Penny facts: the basics

In case you are ever on Who Wants to be a Millionaire and they ask you for facts about the basics of a penny, now you know. 

The US penny was named after the British penny. Pennies are zinc plated in copper and have a smooth edge around the outside. The penny is 19.05 mm in diameter and is 1.55 mm thick. 

Find a penny...

The 1978 hit movie, Greece, was on last night and I happened to start watching right when the T-Birds are about to race for pink slips. Marty spots a penny and says, "find a penny, pick it up, all day long you'll have good luck." Well, if you've seen the movie, you know how the rest of the story goes: Marty drops the penny in front of Kenickie, Kenickie hits his head, Danny drives to victory, so maybe the saying is true.

Can pennies really bring good luck? I think that this tradition helps remind us that with positive thinking something as small as a penny can brighten any one's day. It might even bring some added luck.

I was just thinking that a fun social experiment might be to take some pennies and leave them places for others to pick up, that way they can have good luck too. Just take one or two pennies and drop them on the sidewalk in front of a cafe you are having breakfast at, or at the gas station while you are filling your tank. Wait a few minutes and see if anyone picks them up and document their reaction.

Share your story: family tradition

Today's penny story was submitted by Bekah Hazen. This is a great story that reminds us it is the simple things in life that create some of the best memories.

My grandma is the definition of frugal. She collects buttons, reuses plastic bags and cuts napkins in half for Sunday lunch (only guests get a full napkin). But for all her resourceful ways, she always keeps penny's separate - saving them up in a decorative jar on a glass shelf in her hallway. When I was 9, the jar was purple... I remember watching the level of pennies rise week by week until finally, not one more could fit. As I was leaving her house that Sunday, she tucked the jar in my bag and told me to "get myself something special" - I was elated! I remember how special it felt to have a present, just for me, that my grandma had worked on for so long. The next week and new jar was up no the shelf and the collecting started again, this time a blue jar... and I began to understand. The next youngest in our family is my cousin, Walter, and he would be the lucky recipient once the jar was full. It was a simple tradition my grandma started, but sticks with me today... and every time I look at the purple jar on my shelf I think of her skill in making even the smallest items, such as a penny, such treasures in life.

It is still rainy here, so if you are looking for another rainy day activity, take old jam jars, tins, or boxes and decorate them to hold your change. Add your change regularly and watch your pennies grow until it is full. Use the money for a special treat, donate it to your favorite charity, or put it towards a family vacation.

Release count down: 5 days

Have you ever had a penny turn green over time? All of this rain got me thinking about the effects rain and water has on copper. If you are looking for a fun project to do on a rainy afternoon, go to www.chemistry.about.com and learn how to get dull or green pennies clean!

Share your penny story: pennies from heaven

It has been so fun to receive and read people's stories about pennies. Here is one submitted by Caroline Redmond for you to enjoy:

"I once heard that angels drop pennies from heaven, so whenever I see one on the sidewalk I know an angel is looking over me."

This is a great little memory. My mom actually has a similar story and knows that every time she sees a penny, her sister Jo is just checking in on her to say hello. Keep those stories coming!

Release count down-7 days

I can't believe that my book will be available in stores next week! With that, this week will prove to be busy, so here is a penny fact to start the week off right. 

Penny fact #5: In 1987, Disneyland introduced souvenir penny stretching machines. This started a rage of souvenir pressed pennies in thousands of tourist spots and helped pennies become collector's items. 

Do you have any fun stretched pennies? Let us know where and you will see it in an upcoming entry. powerofapenny@gmail.com 

Share your penny story: penny loafers

I am so excited to share the first of many more penny stories to come. Tory Freese wrote in:

"When I think of a penny I always think of my mom's penny loafers. When I was younger they were in style and she would wear them on special occasions. If I found a particularly shiny, good looking penny we would replace the old one in her shoe with the new."

It has been a rainy week here in Utah, but all is well. Do you have a story you'd like to share? E-mail me at powerofapenny@gmail.com.

Koins for Kenya

A big part of my book is the contribution of a portion of my sales to Koins for Kenya, a non profit organization that helps communities in Kenya. What does Koins for Kenya do, you may ask? Well, with little to no modern amenities, Koins for Kenya sends a team of volunteers to help build the community and all efforts are centered around education. After building a school in the community, the volunteers focus on teaching life skills in the areas of farming and education that will benefit the individuals long after the Koins for Kenya volunteers have left. Where many relief organization just supply food, Koins for Kenya follows the motto, "Give a man a fish, and he eats for a day. Teach a man to fish, and he eats for a lifetime." Started by Bret Van Leeuwen, this Utah-based organization is making a life-changing impact on many people's lives. 

Many people say pennies are worthless. However, this organization is the epitome of taking people's pocket change to make positive change in the world. This organization is a real-life example of the message of my book: never underestimate the power of a penny. 

To learn more about this organization, being a part of a project team, or how you can help, visit: www.koinsforkenya.com. You can also join the group, "Koins for Kenya" on Facebook and  you will be able to support the cause on Facebook soon. 

Penny fact #4

Fun fact #4: Prior to being made of ammunition shells in 1944, in 1943 at the Peak of WWII, pennies were made of zinc coated steel due to the high demand of copper for making bullet shells. 

Have a great weekend, and look for my post on Koins for Kenya on Monday that explains a little about the organization a portion of my proceeds will go to benefit. 

Learning as I go

I cannot believe another month has flown by and that my book will be available in just 22 days!  I have been mastering the art of Facebooking, a testament that you are never too old to learn new tricks, and trying to keep up with my boys and the horses. My books will be available on amazon.com as well and I am learning so much as I go throughout this process. 

There is so much to do and I am continuing to learn as I go, but now that the weather is warm, it has been great to spend lots of time outdoors with my family. We are headed to Lake Powell for the rest of the week!

To start your week off right, here is penny fact #3: From 1944-1946, did you know that some pennies were made from salvaged ammunition shells? This may have been the original start of the green movement! 

Penny fact #2

Fun Fact #2~ The Lincoln penny is the first coin to say, "In God We Trust."

Penny fact #1

As I mentioned below, one of the fun things I'll be doing on my blog is providing fun facts about the penny that you may not know.

Fun fact #1: Let's start with the basics. Did you know that the original 1909 Lincoln penny was the first currency authorized to be made by the U.S.? All former coins had been authorized by England.

Welcome!

Hi there! This is the first of many entries to come detailing my journey in writing and publishing my first book, The Power of a Penny. I am so excited to share my experience with all of you and learn all about your stories of how a penny has impacted your lives! I'll keep you up-to-date as we get closer to my book's release date and share what inspired this book, fun-facts about the penny, and other penny-related fun. If you are interested in ordering copies of this book or have any questions, please e-mail powerofapenny@gmail.com.

Enjoy!