quick catch-up!

I posted this on my facebook page but I thought I'd put a little note on my blog as well, just for those not on facebook:

Things have been so busy that I haven't opened my reader mail since X-mas...and I realize that school is now ending. If something was sent that needed a response before school was over (a teacher who wanted bookplates for her students, for example), please e-mail gracelin.manager@gmail.com and I will try to get things out ASAP.  If you can, please include the number of students, address, the last day of school and any other pertinent information just in case I can't find the letter (also it will be faster!). I can't 100% promise my response will get there in time, but I will try!

how I spent my winter vacation

Just like last year, I felt like I had to finally answer all my reader mail* before the new year. I'm getting better--my return rate is about 4 months versus the 6 months(!), now!

But that makes it sound like responding to reader mail is a chore. It isn't, really. It's actually quite a joy. I love hearing from readers--what they like about my books, who they are...and their ambitious cats:

though, to be fair, this writer didn't tell me why her cats were so ambitious! I am very curious. Doesn't it sound like a book that needs to be written-- "All the Ambitious Cats?" Maybe she'll tell me in her next letter.


*helpful hint if you want a response: Please make sure you write your return mailing address on your letter--sometimes I lose/mix up envelopes and can't figure out where to send! Apologies to anyone who does not get a response at all, it means I misplaced your return address.

Pocket Pacy Picture of the Week

Aaditi would take Pocket Pacy to a Rocket Launching! Very exciting!

on my desk monday

 I'm finally answering my reader mail! I haven't answered since Rain Dragon was born so it's been piling up..and the only way I've been able to get to it is bit by bit when she is asleep. Grateful for baby monitors!

Pocket Pacy Picture of the Week

Amisa would take Pocket Pacy to Venice, Italy. I want to go too!

Pocket Pacy Picture of the Week

Reader Isabella would bring Pocket Pacy to the Great Wall of China!

I wish I had taken a Pocket Pacy to the Great Wall when I went, I hope she gets to go with Isabella!

Pocket Pacy Picture of the Week

Yasef would take Pocket Pacy to a football game!

Pocket Pacy Picture of the Week

Young Reader Apple Liu would bring Pocket Pacy to Where the Mountain Meets the Moon:

I hope she brings Pocket Pacy to the Starry River of the Sky in October!

Pocket Pacy Picture of the Week

Young-Min would take Pocket Pacy to her grandfather's house. Isn't that sweet?

*Don't forget, you can win your own Pocket Pacy by doing a drawing just like this! See details HERE!

Pocket Pacy Picture of the Week

Tyler would bring Pocket Pacy to a volcano! That is an exciting adventure!

*Don't forget, you can win your own Pocket Pacy by doing a drawing just like this! See details HERE!

Pocket Pacy Picture of the Week

Jenna would take Pocket Pacy to see the Liberty Bell!

*Don't forget, you can win your own Pocket Pacy by doing a drawing just like this! See details HERE!

Pocket Pacy Picture of the Week

Talia would bring Pocket Pacy to NYC!

*Don't forget, you can win your own Pocket Pacy by doing a drawing just like this! See details HERE!

Pocket Pacy Picture of the Week

This reader would take Pocket Pacy to the Louvre in France:

If she does, she could visit one of the original Pocket Pacys I left there!

  *Don't forget, you can win your own Pocket Pacy by doing a drawing just like this! See details HERE!

Pocket Pacy Picture of the Week

Ashyln would take Pocket Pacy into a fairy tale book...what a creative idea!

*Don't forget, you can win your own Pocket Pacy by doing a drawing just like this! See details HERE!

Pocket Pacy Picture of the Week

Reader Brynn would take Pocket Pacy to Atlantis!

*Don't forget, you can win your own Pocket Pacy by doing a drawing just like this! See details HERE!

Pocket Pacy Picture of the Week

Lovely reader Margaret sent this picture in:

She would take Pocket Pacy to the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee!

*Don't forget, you can win your own Pocket Pacy by doing a drawing just like this! See details HERE!

Pocket Pacy Picture of the Week

9 year old Annalise would bring her Pocket Pacy to Africa!

*Don't forget, you can win your own Pocket Pacy by doing a drawing just like this! See details HERE!

Pocket Pacy Picture of the Week

I've been sent so many lovely  pictures for the Pocket Pacy contest (so many that I had to choose winners by random drawing)! I've decided that I must share them. This week's picture is from Amelia, a young reader who would bring Pocket Pacy to fairyland!

I like Pocket Pacy's pink skirt and shoes, don't you?

*Don't forget, you can win your own Pocket Pacy by doing a drawing just like this! See details HERE!

last day of the year

2011 is ending! I plan on starting my resolutions and yearly conclusions at Chinese New Year (to give me some extra time) but today, I feel I must...

answer my mail!!

I really do love hearing from readers and it's important to me that if a child actually sat down and wrote me by hand that I should do the same*. However, it is time consuming and I've been letting the letters pile up since the summer. I'm a little horrified at myself for not responding sooner for requests for bookplates meant for X-mas presents (I'm just opening some of the letters now). SO SORRY! I've dedicated this entire day, the last day of the year, to write back.  I will get this pile done before the new year...I hope!

*helpful hint if you want a response: Please make sure you write your return mailing address on your letter--sometimes I lose/mix up envelopes and can't figure out where to send! Apologies to anyone who does not get a response at all, it means I misplaced your return address.