Where I have been…
Have you missed me? The last two years have been a carousel of high and low events, taking me on an unexpected ride. This new chapter has been a mix of challenges, joy, and opportunities for growth. Let us start with the unpleasantness leading to joy.
“Time with Tannia” had a HUGE security issue that forced me to take it offline. After trying to fix the problem myself and ending up creating a bigger mess, I decided to seek professional help. The result of a lengthy 1 1/2 year process is an improved version of my site.
Funny how lives twist and turn, lead us to interesting situations. My first picture book was originally written in English, “Joey Meets the Tooth Fairy.” We found a publisher in Australia, Old Mate Media, and were extremely happy with them. Nonetheless, after the illustrations were completed, we had a disagreement, which led us to go our separate ways. What to do? I searched for alternatives. I decided to publish the book in German. My younger son, who inspired the character of Joey, translated the book for me. In the process, he even found some flaws in the story, which forced me to rewrite some scenes. After the agony of going through endless review and editing sections, the manuscript was ready for publication. I chose the same publisher of my Spanish book, “El Espejo de mi Alma.” September 2022, its German translation, “Joey trifft die Zahnfee” was released in paperback and digital formats. Besides that bump on the road, the book received many excellent reviews. An edited version of the book will soon be available for sale!
Furthermore, I wanted to provide Joey the opportunity to promote his book and interact with his friends. This wish took us to a search for a user-friendly platform. After reading blogs from experts and visiting other authors’ websites, we decided to use Wix. Taking advantage of their “Hire a Professional” feature, we team up with Quite Often Agency (Luxembourg, Europe). Yes, I know Joey is a fictional character, but like Pinocchio, he thinks of himself as a real boy; hence “we.” Now, I will let Joey tell you more about his site.
“Thanks, mom. My site: Joey Paco Travels, https://www.joeypacotravels.com/ (2023) is my digital journal. I write blogs in English and German about my visit to the Tooth Fairy’s castle, our family vacations, and other odd adventures. I have a lot of fun writing blogs. What makes my site different? My fans, children (with their parents’ permission), or parents can contact the Tooth Fairy, Mom, or ME and receive an answer! Ahh, I almost forgot, you can also buy Merchandise. Gotta run now. Need to finish my geography homework! See you soon!,
Joey Paco”
Update on the English manuscript. It was professionally edited, and we are currently looking for a publisher to bring it to life!
More reasons to celebrate! Recently, I obtained my Intermediate German (B2 level) Certification. I owe that achievement to my dedicated tutor, Marzena Markowski from E-German. A tutor I can highly recommend because of her structured classes, great tips, and ability to explain complex grammar concepts in an easy-to-understand way.
This prepared me to keep writing the manuscript of my Oral History Project based on the period: before, during, and after Nazi Germany evolved from one book to a trilogy: Letmathe, Soldiers, and the famous Jehovah Witness Family Kusserow! Currently researching, collecting documents, and verifying the stories of my 20 witnesses. Sadly, only two are still alive. The rest of them went to eternal rest. Today, I just wanted to tease you and make you curious about “what is to come…” As time goes by, I will share more information about this project.
I close my first blog for 2025 by highlighting some curveballs that provided me with some opportunities to grow.
At a personal level, some family situations taught us that life is fragile, and we should treasure our time together!
At a professional level, difficulties are challenges waiting to be conquered, and I am ready for them. My Oral History Project keeps my brain cells active while sorting and evaluating data prior to putting the puzzle pieces together. Fun, fun, fun… Research- my favorite phase of this fascinating project!
At a spiritual level, I am thankful for the blessings and trials in my life, as they make me stronger, closer, and more dependent on God.
Thanks for stopping by and spending some time with me!
Tannia