Updates, Appearances, Chad From the Book, and a Twist of Fate...

Dixie, Arlene, Chad ('Dewman'), Hunter, John, Rozeanna and Me in front of the 'Pharaoh's Fury' in Livingston, NJ, May 7, 2011. It was great to see Chad and many others!

Greetings Family and Friends!

  Well the book has been out officiallly for two weeks now and doing well in sales.  The first few days of May, Christ for Carnies was 'sold out' in the UK on Amazon.UK.Com. A huge thank you to all our UK friends!

  Also on Amazon, CFC has moved steadily up the Best Seller's List.  While we still have a ways to go, it is awsome to see the 777,158 rank, from the 1 million something rank the book started at.  This is awsome.. Thank you so much!  Don't forget, if you bought or buy the book, to please like it on Amazon.com (or the many websites it is on) and give a review!  Already I have 1 five star rating! This is awsome!

Appearances...

  While many book signings and other events are in the works, If you happen to be in the Honesdale, Pa area next weekend, (May 21/22).  Please come see Rozeanna and I at the Honesdale Main Street Arts Festival! This event happens every year, offers a multitude of artists for you to choose from, not to forget the charming stores in a 'Mayberry' setting like the Wallflower, and the great eateries , like the Trackside Diner! Oh, and since Caming Season is around the bend...don't forget to check out The Lodge at Keen Lake in Nearby Waymart, and thier historic Keen Lake Campgrounds.  You won't be disapointed!

I have joined up with the American Heroes Club! This wonderful company makes American Hero trading cards that every child should know.  The frst 20 people at each book signing get a special gift: A trading card portraying a great American! Please visit thier website at : http://www.heroesclub.org/!

Can't make it to Honesdale?

  That's ok.  Please keep tuned to this blog, and the brand new blogsite on Avventura Press website (AvventuraPress.com), for upcomming book signings and other events.  A special note- please visit Avventura's site and check out the blogs and books of the many talented Authors in the Avventura Press Family. Discussions, daily blogs and more! Plus, when you buy a book at Avventura Press, THE Author will sign them! :)  Don't like buying online? No problem.  Go to your favorite book store, and ask them to order it for you.  This includes Books A Million and Barnes and Noble!

Upcomming events include the Reo Diner in Woodbridge, and Lawrenceville, Ga, in October! Many, Many more in between!

I am sure you noticed the picture up top! That is our one and only Chad from the book! Along with Arlene, Dixie (Daisy was being shy....), Hunter, John, Rozeanna and myself! Chad is now with a show that brings him (and quite a few other friends of ours) to the NJ, Upper NY area!  Today is the last day of the St. Matthias Carnival in Sommerset/ Franklin Township, but you can bring a can to the Dewman and say hi at the upcomming festivals of Ramsey, Paramus, Ciniminson and many others. (Don't forget his friend Don, at the kiddie motorcycles, and ask him if he is feeling better. Poison Ivy! I just itch at the thought!)

Now for the twist of fate.....

 Once again, due to the lack of available jobs, in Roofing or otherwise......

We will be finding out today, if John will be joining Chad on the road!

As much as I would LOVE to grab a camper and join him, at least for the Summer because Rozeanna and Hunter have school now.... I do not believe we will be joining him. However- thier 2/3 ish hour proximinty from the house in PA DOES allow us to visit as we can, and revive the mission, at least part time.  We already enjoyed time with our Carnival friends, and assisted some folks with thier needs.   This is not an easy decision, but the fact he will be semi-close, plus the constant work and being on the books, beats any low paying, under the table, depend on the weather position (or none at all) that he has had for the last year and a half.  It is possible he maybe on the ride the "Fireball", so if you are out there and see John, tell him hello!

God has interesting timing for things to complete in a circle....maybe there is some unfinished business, as stated at the end of the book?

Hmm....Christ for Carnies 2: Back on the Road?

Stay Tuned!

Blessings,

Jackie D
Please visit the other websites connected with the book:
http://www.avventurapress.com/    http://christforcarnies.weebly.com/ http://jacquelyndienst.weebly.com/  and http://www.heroesclub.org/!

Christ for Carnies Featured in Hypermommy Magazine May/June 2011 Issue!

Times to get excited folks! Hyppermommy Magazine is running an article in thier upcomming May/June Issue about our book! The story, "We Traveled With the Carnival", gives a brief overview of the book itself, and tells you when and where you can pick up your own copy.  They are the first in a long line of media sure to come this way.  It is sooo exciting to see who picks up the story next!

More News!  Christ for Carnies Author, Jacquelyn Dienst, is going to be appearing at the 'Spring Fling' show held in Dixon City!  Watch for final details on the official date (either April 30th or May 7th), directions and more!

Still More News!  Many authors may be appearing at the Honesdale, Pa's Festival of the Arts, held May 21/22.  Jacquelyn Dienst is one of them!  Don't miss your chance for a signed copy and picture opportunities with several local authors, photography and so much more!

Please keep watch for updates on times, dates, and exact locations/directions!  There is much, much more in the works for this summer!

Exciting news! Congratulations, and an invitation from the Mayor of Orlando!

Dear family and friends!

  I have been getting great emails for a while now on the Acts of Kindness Campaign, coordinating efforts on Nominate Your Favorite Hero Day. But this is the first invite I have had to attend an event. More details are coming soon! But I had to share!  I am really hoping to make the event, and perhaps, make a speech. Exciting times are ahead!

Jackie Dienst

Dear Ms. Dienst,

On behalf of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, I would like to congratulate you on the upcoming release of your first book, “Christ for Carnies”.  Thank you for wanting to honor Orlando residents who have done simple acts of kindness or who have been generous towards their neighbors.

On May 14^th, Mayor Dyer will present his 2011 Mayor’s Neighborhood and Community Summit, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the DoubleTree Hotel on Kirkman Drive.  A segment of the summit will be devoted to honoring a Neighborhood Champion and a Community Builder.  These awards will be presented for the first time at the Mayor's Summit. 

Mayor Dyer values the contributions of non-profit and charitable organizations that help build a stronger community. To recognize these organizations and their volunteers, who have a significant impact on the well-being of our community, the Mayor has created the Community Builder Award. This award honors citizens who volunteer in community organizations that excel in their efforts to build a better community.

Mayor Dyer also values the contributions that neighborhood volunteers make to improve the quality of life in our City. In recognition of the many unsung heroes that work hard to keep their neighborhoods great, Mayor Dyer has created the Neighborhood Champion Award.

We encourage you to nominate a neighborhood champion and/or a community builder.  You can do that by going to www.cityoforlando.net , and visiting the Office of Community Affairs and the Office of Communications and Neighborhood Relations pages or by clicking on the links below:

http://www.cityoforlando.net/executive/nca/builder/index.htm

http://www.cityoforlando.net/executive/neighborhoods/Champion/index.htm

I hope you can join the Mayor and hundreds of active citizens on Saturday, May 14^th for his city-wide event. Mayor's Summit registration begins on April 1. Please visit our website: www.cityoforlando.net for details.

 

Best regards,

Marcia Hope Goodwin

Marcia Hope Goodwin
Chief Service Officer
Community Affairs
Office of the Mayor
City of Orlando
P O Box 4990
Orlando, FL  32802-4990
407-246-3501
Fax  407-246-3508

Are you an Egg, a Carrot, or Coffee Beans?

I never get tired of hearing this. Pastor Ron, Pastor Pat, and the kind lady whose name I forgot at the church dinner the other night gave the same sermon.  If you can get past the word 'sermon' you might agree with me that this is a wonderful story and so very, very true.

There once was a young married woman. She and here husband were having many problems, so she went to her mother for advice.  The mother listened, as a mother should, and sat quiet for a few moments when the daughter had finished.  Finally, she rose, and gathered up three pans, filled them with water, and set them on the stove to boil.

When the water was boiling, the mother went to the fridge and pulled out three items: a carrot, an egg, and a few coffee beans.  She put each item in it's own pot, and let them boil for around 20 minutes.

After that time, the stove was turned off, and the daughter, who had been watching and was confused, asked her mother what was the point.

"The point," said the mother, " is how each item has reacted to their adversity-the boiling water."

The mother then told the daughter to carefully pick up each item.

"THe carrot," said the mother as the daughter picked it up, "was proud. hard. tough.  The water-it's adversity-turned it soft. sad. It will never be it's prideful self again."

The daughter nodded and picked up the egg.

The egg, had a tough exterior, and a mallow heart. The water-it's adversity- changed all that.  Now, the egg is so tough,but it's shell is fragile.  The once soft heart within is now hardened.

The daughter approahced the third pot, and made an 'ummmmm' sound at the aroma that periminated the air.

The mother smiled.  "The coffee bean is what you wish to be like," she said.

"How?" the daughter asked. 

"Because, the coffee bean, the smalles of the objects, made the biggest change," the mother explained. " You see,  the coffee bean did not have a tough exterior.  It went in as it was-a coffee bean.  When it went through the adversty, the bean changed the avertisy.  It changed the water, by giving all that it had.   It still went through the 'pain' of transition, but, instead of growing bitter or hard, it gave of itself, and changed the flavor of the water.

Whats the point of all this? 

No matter what you go through, there is someone else out there who has it worse.

I take the case of Japan  and myself.

I used to live in my car.  I used to live in a tent wtih my children , a blanket for a door.

Yet, I had no reason or right to do so.

Why?

If I was stilll in that situation, I Would stil have no coplains.  Someone i n Japan wouold be wishing for a blanket to wrap thier loved one in, or to warm them after such a violent wave of dscontent.  Someone also would say- at least you can hug your children. mine were just swept out to sea. Or even, you have food, you have water. a place to lay your head.  Mine, everything I had, everything was swept out thanks to the water.                                                                                                     

When it comes right down to it, someoene always has it worse than you.  The question is- what are you going to do about it?

It also does not mean that you do for others and naught for yourself,  You are still going through adversity.  It is how you go in, and what you let out of your true stelf, that sets the stage. 

So , will you be like the coffee beans, and help someone else in need-that way, letting the flavor, aroma, and scent that is you?

Update on Act of Kindness/Nominate Your Every Day Hero/Book Launch!

Greetings everyone!

 In just a very short time, I have heard from the following Mayors/Aides of the following cities: Deltona, Florida; Sanford, Florida; Lawrenceville, GA; Millburn, NJ; Woodbridge, NJ; Pennsylvania; and Springfield, Mass, in a very favorable light! All of them are checking into what they can do to make these ideas become a reality, and it looks like my old stomping grounds of Deltona, Florida and thier neighbor, Sanford, will lead the way. 

I still have yet to hear from : Orlando, Ft. Pierce, and Vero Beach, Florida; NYC; WVA;  Tennessee, and our dear President of the USA, but I am confident I will soon!

 Also, this just in- I have heard from the Governor of Georgia today, asking me for proclamation language for him to start the approval process. Imagine that; A proclamation from the State of Georgia for an Act of Kindness Day, and Nominate Your Every Day Heroes! How exciting this will be!  They are also all in favor of me being there to assist in a cermony, as well as launch the book. I have a feeling this will be a very, very exciting summer!

Please stay tuned and posted as this exciting story gains momentum!

Stay strong in your dreams, folks, and remember- when somoene tells you that you can't, or it's impossible-Make it your duty to prove them wrong!

Blessings!

Jacquelyn D.

Carnival Lights Tour

Greetings!

Hot on the heels of the Acts of Kindness  and the Every Day Hero' Campaigns, comes the 'Carnival Lights Photographic Tour'. At least, the beginning of the campaign to make it happen.

As seen on Good Morning America a few days ago, I have decided to attempt to raise funds for top notch,professional mats and frames for the photos that will be in the book, 'Christ for Carnies.' I am also campaigning for sponsors for the tour, with hotel, travel and other expenses. Letters have gone out to prestigious galleries and art centers in Florida, Georgia, NJ, NYC, PA, Wva, TN, and Massachusetts to hol the events.  Like the Acts of Kindness and Every Day Hero, responses are favorable so far.. please visit my link <iframe src="http://www.indiegogo.com/project/widget/19167?a=87191" width="210px" height="400px" frameborder="1" scrolling="no"></iframe>  every day for updates, different images and  a video debuting soon. or www.indegogo.com  search for carnival lights.

In keeping with my vow to encourage folks, if you have a project, or even a small business you would like a helping hand to jumpstart- try these links:  www.indegogo.com www.kickstarter.com, nd www.crowdspring.com.   All the sites are free to join and build a campaign.and the more you are involved (updates, promotion, etc) the more exposure you get-and the site will also start noticing and promoting you!  So what are you waiting for? I wish you luck and blessings.

Things are happening in a whirlwind as Spring finally begins to make itself known!  A photo shoot is happenng this Monday in Honesdale's Central Park, if anyone wishes to come and chat with me about the book, or even the weather itself!

Act of Kindness Day

Greetings!

  Do you know someone who has performed an act of kindness? Perhaps a person, or even yourself, that brought an elderly person to the grocery store, or you shoveled the walk for your next door neighbor. Perhaps you passed a stranger that looked kinda down, and offered up a smile? One never knows- that smile just might have been the answer to a prayer, and helped that person find a reason to continue on.

In writing the book, I have decided that we as Americans, need that recongnition-A day for ourselves to b e reminded that we are a nation founded on love, faith and generosity.  It is in the  cities and towns across America, no matter how big, that the smallest kindness has made the biggest difference.

 Christ for Carnies is full of these kind of examples, from strangers that were there for the briefest of moments, to friends and family that had been around for a lifetime.

In light of all this, I have written to the Mayors and Governors of towns and states that we had been through with the carnival and in pertenant points of 2009, as well as our President, to proclaim a national 'Act of Kindness' Day.  It would be an awsome honor to have a simple speach at a local festival in the Spring/Summer/Fall of this year, and an award given out to these every day heroes. Nominations could be made by you, the people.

 As this economically weary nation is still reeling from the tragedy in Arizona, and approaching the tenth anniversary of 9/11, we need something to celebrate, and it is high time we celebrate something of our own.

Will you help me, in having this day proclaimed?  Email me if you support this, and we will plan it together.

Remember. Caring. Compassion. Getting Involved. The smallest act of kindness can make the biggest difference.

Jackie D.

Positive Scripture; About the Book

Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

 

 

I chose the following because it relates to my memoirs (soon to be released; Avventura Press) called 'Christ for Carnies'. The story begins with the loss of jobs due to the begining of the economoic downfall in florida, 2008.  My family, a typical, average American family, felt the effects keenly; we not only had to move into my parents house with a 2 year old, but just over a year later, another child was added to the mix.  Desperate for work to support his family, My husband, John, turned from the defunct roofing industry, to working as a carnie for a full season.

 

    The day after I dropped him off at the gate and began a life of a married single mom our lives drastically changed.  Nearly freezing to death, my husband called me with the request for blankets and a heater, stating he had nearly froze to death, and cracked open a George Foreman Grill for heat.  He told me stories of many who thought they would freeze, and a call to the Pastor resulted in a Prayer to the Lord and a miracle-enough blankets, sheets, etc. for all 350 workers, and then some. That, was just the begining of the mini-mission, Christ for Carnies, in 2009.

 

  Blankets soon became canned goods, clothes, and a dip behind the scenes in the carnie world few had ever seen. Learning about teardown; where, at the last day of the fair and a ten/twelve plus hour shift; the men and women begin the real work-tearing down the rides as the fair goers head home with wonderful memories and dreams of the next year.  Sweat, blood, tears flow the night and well into the next day-a non stop, 48 hour run to get to the next spot.  It was the most humbling experience to see how a few free bottles of water, donated sandwiches from kind-hearted folks who took an hour to make them, and some much needed coffee running through the grueling night  could make such a difference.

 

 The lord has many plans, and some we are never meant to understand.  In the middle of the season, my husband switched to a bigger show for more pay, and left me and my children at my mothers house for the rest of the year. Or, so we thought. My mother's death a mere month later placed my two youngest children and I without a place to call home.  I left the state, leaving my oldest behind with his father, and headed into waters unknown, only the Lord to guide me.  For a month I was lost, but a visit to the Statue Of Liberty soon reminded me of the utmost sacrifice our many ancestors had when they saw the Lady for the first time; many with just the clothes on thier back, what family had survived with them; a dream, and nothing but the future in sight, so help them God. This revelation had me racing towards my husband- to stand up with my man, keep our family together, and cling to GOD, while making the CHOICE to help all those we could along the way, even though we ended up in what is called 'The Devil's Playground'.

 

How did it all end? Did we loose our faith? Keep our trust in the Lord, or succum to the dangerous traps of sin that abound? Will our story inspire people to realize that, just a little bit of thier time, talent, or even a blanket, can make all the difference to one another? Just have to wait and see when the book is released near the begining of summer, 2011.

  

 

 

Book Contract Signed; Photographs Premiere at Prestigious Art Show

Carnival Lights and a New Face Start off Davis R. Chant Realtors Art Show 2011 Season

Hemlock Farms, PA- Need an escape from the cold? Tired of the snow?  Davis R. Chant Realtors has the perfect remedy as they kick off their mega popular art shows for 2011. The February show will feature a fresh face, Photographer and Author, Jacquelyn Dienst, on the Pocono art scene, who offers the colors and warmth of “Carnival Lights” and the “Promise of Spring.  The public is invited to meet and greet this new artist at  a Reception held in her honor on Saturday, February 5^th, 2011, from 5pm-7pm. Refreshments will be served.

“Now that the holidays are over, I am ready to start a fresh year with the art shows,” says George Schmitt, the Associate Broker and Office Manager for the Hemlock Farms office in Lords Valley .  “Jacquelyn has amazing photography, and we are proud to present her first solo show in the Poconos.”

Jacquelyn started her career at the age of five, when she followed her grandfather, the late Harold J. Brennan, out as he went to photograph his prize garden with a brand new camera he had just purchased.  After a few moments, the gentleman turned to discover the source of a strange clicking sound, and found his granddaughter with a toy camera mimicking his every poise and stance.  With a smile, he turned to her and traded cameras, saying, “Let’s see what you can really do.”  This kind, simple gesture started a life-long passion that has been perfected over time. Though Jacquelyn has an AS Degree in videography and basic advertisement, her technique and study of lighting, depth, and subject have been in the self taught field of trial and error.  Jacquelyn has worked at several portrait studios, including Picture People, and Wal Mart. Her debut to the Poconos was at the successful fundraiser, Art Extravaganza, this past August.

A fascinating element, however, has been the unique advantage Jacquelyn has had in capturing her many images over the years from several states.  Her father’s life work in real estate had the family constantly moving, sometimes up to three times a year. This exposed the artist to a plethora of subjects and lighting elements to study.  Jacquelyn has also aspired to become an Author, and that dream has come true, thanks to a recent contract with Avventura Press to publish her memoirs from the last two years. The book is about her family’s struggle and loss In this horrid economy and a mission they ran for to help the carnival workers, while the family held on to their faith and each other.  The book is due to be released approximately around the beginning of summer this year. Several of the photographs Jacquelyn will have present at the art show will be featured in the book, some are being licensed.  Jacquelyn has freelanced in 2009/10 for the Wayne Independent, freelanced briefly for Bailey Advertising and Design, and had written an article in “Connections Magazine’s” March 2010 issue.

The public can find out more information about the book at the following: http://www.christforcarnies.blogspot.com/; and visit Jacquelyn’s photography website at: http://jacquelyndienst.weebly.com/ .  Her email is sunshinenrose77@yahoo.com .

“The Gallery at Chant Realtors Lords Valley and the Hemlock Farms Cultural Arts are pleased to welcome photographer, Jacquelyn Dienst to its roster of exhibiting artists,” says Joan Polishook, Curator for The Gallery at Chant Realtors in Lords Valley. “Ms. Dienst has found inspiration in photography and her attractive images are a credit to her creative use of the camera.”

Upcoming events include Abstract Expressions and group show of works in varied mediums, March 1- 29,  and a newly inspired artist, Troy Mack in April.  Mr. Mack’s abstract figural in oils are not to be missed. A reception will be held on Saturday, April 2 from 5-7 PM.

“Carnival Lights” and “Promise of Spring” will be on public display through the month of February from 9am to 5pm, seven days a week. To see this collection of colors, you can visit the Lords Valley Office at 631 Route 739, Lords Valley, PA, 18428.  Please Phone: (570) 775-7337 for more information.

Chant Realtors is the area's largest independent real estate brokerage company and maintains offices throughout Wayne and Pike Counties, PA; including Milford, Hemlock Farms, Lake Wallenpaupack, Honesdale, Rileyville, and Hamlin.  Visit www.chantre.com for office locations, information, and to search every available listing in Northeast Pennsylvania.

Christ for Carnies

Dear Friends and Family!

It is with pure excitement that I am writing this blog! Dreams do come true.  I could go on about how wonderful it is, how I have looked forward to this since I was five. I could also spin pages of blogs on how hard I have worked for this, and how hard the life was, leading to the events of the book.

But I want to use this first blog to inspire people.

Keep reaching for your dreams, no matter how long it takes. For those days you want to give up, tie a knot in the rope and keep going. Let those who laugh at you, bring you down and say you can't do it, become your resolve to prove the opposite. Keep to your goals. Know you will pay your dues, but stay true to yourself, and to GOD, and you will never go wrong. Keep that faith, and reach for the stars. Your dream WILL come true. Mine did.