Finally! The book is here!
by Colleen Vanderlinden • April 29, 2009 • Miscellaneous • 17 Comments
I mentioned way back in September that I was writing a book, right? And then, sometime in January, I showed you guys what the cover looked like and waxed rhapsodic about how great it felt to see my name on it.
Lemme tell you—that was nothing compared to how it felt the first time I held my book in my hands.
I was changing the baby yesterday (with two in the house, someone is always needing a change, it seems…) and I heard my husband outside talking to someone. I figured it was one of our friendly dog-walking neighbors, and didn’t think anything of it. Then he came in with a box. And a huge smile on his face. And on the side of the box, printed in block black ink “Edible Gardening for the Midwest.”
I’ll skip past how my hands shook as I tried to wrestle through the packing tape, and tell you that picking up that first spanking-new copy of my book was almost (not quite, but almost) as sweet as holding each of my children for the first time. That moment, that instant in time, was the one I’ve dreamed of since I was thirteen years old. Of course, back then, I thought it would be my generation’s Great American Novel, but I had no idea back then that I would grow into a completely addicted gardener. It was sweet. Everything I’d dreamed it would be.
So, what did we do to celebrate? We dropped off two copies for my mother-in-law (who very sweetly oohed and aahed over it, as a good mom should) and we picked up coffee at Caribou and ended up at the office supply store, where I happily bought a new pen, pages for my Franklin Covey organizer, and envelopes.
Why didn’t we go to the nursery, you ask? Don’t worry, that’s coming this weekend 
So, anyway, the book is now available at Amazon, and your friendly neighborhood bookseller will have it as well (provided they sell Lone Pine books and are located in the Midwest.) You could go out and buy a copy right now (and I’d thank you for it!) but you might want to wait around a bit. I have a fun giveaway planned for next week.
Thanks to everyone who’s been reading this blog for the last three years. I didn’t know when I started that it would lead to one of my biggest dreams coming true.
I already said it on Twitter but I’ll say it again; Congratulations Colleen.
MBT–well, then thanks again
Wonderful!!! congrats and I can’t wait to read it!
I’m going to put it on my wish list for Mother’s Day!
Big congratulations!
What fun! Congratulations on achieving a dream. I’ll check it out!
Michelle–Thank you!
Laura—I hope you get it
Jim–Thanks!
Sande–Thank you!
Oddly enough, this is my first day reading your blog. Congrats on the book that’s so exciting. I live in Westerville (and also have 2 in diapers) and was so happy to stumble upon a Central OH gardener especially since this is my first summer gardening and I’m loving every second of it!
Oh, you’re in Michigan well, close enough!
Congratulations! It’s been quite a journey for you, I’m sure.
Most excellent! If I lived in the midwest, I would be clammoring to get my hands on it…
Congratulations of the highest order!
CONGRATULATIONS!!!! I would be just like you – ecstatic! I hope I can know for real some day how you feel right now. Looking forward to seeing the book in person!
Congratulations!!!
Congratulations — what a great accomplishment for you. I have been trying to get a copy and just yesterday was in the bookstore again saying, where is it? Glad it’s finally here.
Will look for your book in local bookstores.
I know you are feeling good.
Applause!
Congratulations! I’m in awe of all you do!!
Congrats! I’d be a proud Mama too!