GOING POSTAL

I love getting to know my readers on a personal level. Never have I referred to my readers as fans. To me, readers are friends I have yet to meet in person.

Fans are different, or so I like to believe. For example: I am a HUGE fan of Johnny Depp, which means I will never know him on a personal level, and, thankfully, my husband is kind enough to overlook my slight obsession. :)

Kelly, a reader I met on Wattpad back in 2011, is awesome! She has my full admiration. Allow me to explain. Kelly lives in Singapore. We have exchanged emails for quite some time. Back in September, she mentioned ordering one of my books through a site.

It was a pirate site. I told her how pirates worked, and thanked her for her support. Granted, authors make zero royalties through pirating sites. However, Kelly got the book she wanted in a reasonable time.

KUDOS to those pirates! They provided excellent customer service.

When I told Kelly, she could order the books directly through me at a much cheaper price, which included autograph and poster. She was delighted. 

*shakes head* If only I had known what it would entail.

     

      Kelly ordered Desired Nights. I headed to the post office and got the rates for shipping. One of the options was by paddle boat, and it would take up to three months! 

      We exchanged laughs about Jaws and bad weather. In the end, we chose shipping by air.

The first time I shipped the book, I put a little surprise in the package. A handmade fairy book mark, and an autographed poster that matches the book, The Secrets of Albion Falls.

On November 5th, 2013, I got a call from customs. I forgot to claim and add a value to the bookmark. Bad Sass, I know!

My logic?

What good is a surprise when there is a list written on the outside of the package?  I told them what it was and tried to pay over the phone. 

It did not work.

Kelly did not deserve an extended delay. Nervously (because that's who I am), I quickly put another package together, without the bookmark, and shipped it right away. Then I gave my sincerest apologies. 

It was and is unfair to delay any shipments.

Bad … bad Sass! I am a strong believe in customer service, and I don't like disappointing friends.

Over the next few weeks, we exchanged virtual teas. Kelly sent me virtual hot chocolate and hugs, during the ice storm. 

The ice storm video links are below.

Video 1

     Video 2

     Video 3

    Video 4

We chatted about the different ways we celebrate Christmas, and sent New Years wishes to one another… sadly, no mail arrived to either home. :(

On January 8th, 2014 Kelly sent this email.

Hi Sass~~

*Tea party~* ;P

Need a little help from u... erm.. Is there like any tracking available for the book you've sent me? Cos I still haven't received it yet.. Sorry for the trouble yet again… sorry really sorry....

Sending u lots of and hugs~ & hot choco too~

      My response?

      Sass Cadeaux

      Are you kidding!!! Oh my Goddess this is crazy! I'll look into it and get back to you. xoxox
 

      I rushed to the post office and explained everything. The ladies were helpful. They began a full investigation and warned that it may take a couple of days. 

      On January 10th, I received this message.   

Sass!!! I just received the book!! Sorry for the trouble I made u went through. Thank you so much! It's awesome! I'm so happy n excited I received. Hee Happy happy so happy! Lots of hugs! Tytyty

Attached were pictures and awesome stickers. 
      
Kelly is a blast to chat with, and I love knowing her! She is a blessing, as are all my readers. :)
 

      The postal investigation continued. 

      It has to. 

      There is a book, bookmark and poster floating somewhere in customs. :)

      So why entitle this blog, Going Postal when clearly there is a happy ending?

      Well my friends, to this day I have yet to receive the first package I sent. Normally, I would be upset, and would inquire about the investigation daily. No ... not red faced or calling people names. However, a strong letter and follow up phone calls would be added to my daily regiment, but they are not.

      Why?

      How can I be upset when I have readers like Kelly? 

      It is impossible! 

      She got her book and poster.  She is happy, and we continue to have our virtual teas. We share life stories, and, you know what? I learned a long time ago that if it wasn’t for bad luck, I wouldn’t have any luck at all.  

      With readers like Kelly, I am blessed, and I would rather cherish my blessing than pray for luck.

      Wishing you all the BEST adventures in reading and in life,
     
      Sass

      )O(

Milk Does the Body Good

Like any other morning, I shuffled my way down the hall and few stairs, while checking each bedrooms as I passed.

Nice! I thought, The boys went to work with dad, which means I get uninterrupted writing time.

The welcoming silence confirmed it. I was alone.

"Sweet," I whispered and turned on the kettle. 

While prepping my mug, I notice the empty milk jug sitting on the counter. In Canada, we have bagged milk. Knowing fore well it was my youngest, because I recalled him telling me he finished the jug while we were watching Under the Dome, but I did not care.

Nothing was going to ruin my day! It is Tuesday, and I am alone with the voices in my head!  

That's alright, at least 'Kiddo' did not leave an empty jug in the fridge. Kudos, Mom, you trained him right! I mentally praise myself while heading to the fridge.

I search the fridge.

"Darn, guess I'm going shopping today."

I take a bottle of water out of the cupboard and head to my writing area, because NOTHING is going to stop me today!

Now, the OCD in me must do things a certain way. 

 

1) Turn kettle on and prep mug

2) Let dogs outside while waiting for kettle

3) Make tea

4) Take first sip while waiting for dogs to come back in

5) Retrieve bottle of water from cupboard

6) Light candle, say prayer and create ambiance by turning on music or a form of background noise. It is the best way to block traffic and other unwanted interruptions.

7) Emails

8) Updates

9) Write! Until I notice the dust. :(

While reading an email from a fun reader, I am quickly wrapped up into her story, when, suddenly, a man snorts behind me!

No joke!

I literally scream and stumble to my feet. 

That is when Copper (my 140 something pound dog), jumps up from behind my seat while barking and backing into the chair.

It causes a domino effect!
The chair startles him more, he spins back and head-butts the chair, which causes me to back up when the chair crashes into my foot.

"Copper, it's momma!" I shout as I back into the computer stand.

Fact: I am FAR from graceful!

Luckily, I catch my laptop (by the screen) while the stand topples to the ground.  

Copper sees me, and I've see those wide eyes before, they usually occur during thunderstorms.

Damn!

"Wait," I command, while carefully placing my lifeline (laptop) onto the couch and my wide bottom onto the coffee table, which by the way, has wheels.

*shakes head* Smart like dump truck, I know. However (inserts pathetic attempt to defend self), for the record, it was not even seven in the morning!

Copper (the coward) puts his front paws onto my lap, smothers me with kisses and away we go! He takes me for a ride across the living room.

Why did this happen? Well ... yesterday, on Facebook, I foolishly welcomed Monday with open arms and not a darn thing happened! Lesson learned, and I will never welcome Monday until 9:55pm. Clearly, Under the Dome is the only reason to welcome Mondays. 

Because eventually, it will bite you in the Sass. 

Brightest blessings,

)O(

TATTOO TIME!

When you read the title, did you automatically think of Tattoo from the TV show Fantasy Island?

Do you remember when he would run up the main bell tower to ring the bell and announce the arrival of a new set of guests at the beginning of each episode?

<---- He would shout, "The plane! The plane!"

If you were expecting Fantasy Island, then I am sorry to disappoint because this blog is about body ink. 

I absolutely, positively ADORE tattoos.

Yep, I said it! This old bird loves hearing the stories behind the art people proudly display.  

Sadly, I do not have any artwork to share, but if you have read Sweet Expressions then you have read about the tattoo that I would love to have.

This is not it, but I truly love the script.                                               ---->

Over the past few years, my admiration of body ink has grown to a near obsession. 

It is usually the first thing that catches my eye.

Whenever I see someone’s art I immediately ask, “Is there a story behind it?”

I love hearing the stories, and I have found that many tattoos are attached to a lost loved one.   

It is a wonderful way to create or continue the legacy of some special ... long after they have passed.

Therefore, I am reaching out to you!

Do you have any tattoos you would like to have highlighted on my blog?

Do they have a story behind them or did you pick the art for another reason?

If you are proud of your ink and are willing to share, please send a picture along with the reason you selected that particular design to s.cadeaux@hotmail.com and depending on the number of emails I receive, it could be displayed here!

*Please Note* I deeply respect privacy, and if you want to share but not have your tattoo featured, I will happily respect your wishes.

Looking forward to hearing from you, along with seeing your incredible artwork.

Wishing you the best adventures in reading and in life!

Brightest blessings,