From an aspiring writer, to a published author!

I can officially add the title of "published author" and "published photographer" onto the list of accomplishments that I have already had in my 24 years of life. Wow, how freaking cool is that? Honestly it has been a dream of mine to "make it big" with my writing. While I was so excited when The Oregon Coast Magazine featured a writing piece of mine in their magazine, I am even more excited with the fact that I co-wrote a book. A BOOK! I am so grateful, and so zealous to have had the opportunity to engage in the process of writing a book, never mind the chance to get it published.

Today was such a surreal experience for myself seeing my name on a book, as well as my picture. I kind of felt like Sandra Bullock after she won an Oscar for Best Actress from her beautiful performance in the Blindside. She was so humble, so gracious and so surprised--that is excatly how I felt today! Okay so maybe I did not have a lavish and absolutely stunning gown on, but I did have my awesome blue rain boots on after a field trip with fourth graders to The Great Salt Lake. A girl in my MAT program bought the book and then asked me to sign it. She actually wanted my AUTOGRAPH....mine! That was the first time anyone has ever asked me for my autograph and let me just say how cool of an experience that was. It's not everyday that someone wants your autograph.

Another surreal moment was when I read the first review on Amazon about the baseball book that I co-wrote. I could not believe that this stranger gave us five stars to start out his review. He was so complimentary, so honest and so nice. While I know all book reviews will not be that complimentary, it was a great way to start the process off.

I am so humbled, so happy and feel so incredibly blessed right now to have been given this great opportunity. Getting published is one of the hardest things, and here I am at 24 published. I feel like I am living a dream. Hopefully there will be other publications to come in the future, including at least one children's book.

I officially can cross getting published off my entire life bucket list. Yes, I feel so empowered when I can cross off something on my personal life list.