Snow!

Finally, some snow! Jersey City and New York City seems generally about ten to 15 degrees warmer to me than Milwaukee, and their weather events are a day behind. So when I saw that a snowstorm was expected to hit Wisconsin and travel on as a nor’easter, I was like, whoo hoo!!! Snow at last! It wasn’t deep, not a huge snowfall, but area officials and regular folks took precautions. It was a generally well handled storm, and yes, it was beautiful.

silhouettes of two cats on a cat tower

My cats sensing snowy weather

Manhattan skyline under a stormy sky

The sky above Manhattan portends a storm

snowy city from above

The snowy city from my top floor apartment window

Snow-street-view

Street view

Silvia Acevedo and Jeff Miracola smiling with snow and a colorful sunset behind them

Snow and a beautiful sunset would make anyone smile

 

A diamond award?! For me? *gasps and nearly faints*

Every once in a while someone does something for you that melts your heart. That happened today, when I received this stunning keepsake from Lin Oliver and the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators. I’ve been a member of SCBWI since 2007 and was so honored to eventually lead my home state of SCBWI-Wisconsin as regional advisor. This big and beautiful desk ornament will get a special place in my home, and I will treasure it always.

Lin officially retired yesterday from running SCBWI full-time. She has touched so many lives that it’s hard to quantify how she’s influenced the world. What a life she’s led and what an amazing organization she’s built, one that’s still changing and growing and learning. And what a legacy she passes to her successors. She’s the gem here. I just got to be in her light. Thanks, Lin and SCBWI. I’m touched and amazed by this.

Silvia Acevedo receives an outstanding service award - a glass diamond paperweight - from the Society of Children's Book Writer and Illustrators

Silvia Acevedo receives an outstanding service award - a glass diamond paperweight - from the Society of Children's Book Writer and Illustrators

Silvia Acevedo receives an outstanding service award - a glass diamond paperweight - from the Society of Children's Book Writer and Illustrators

Silvia Acevedo receives an outstanding service award - a glass diamond paperweight - from the Society of Children's Book Writer and Illustrators