Monday – A Big Thank you to Jennie Fitzkee

On Saturday, I was running behind and trying to recover from losing my ten-year-old Mac to the dreaded black screen of death. During all my angst and confusion, Jennie did one of the nicest things anyone could ever do for an author. She wrote me a personal message accompanied by a photograph. The sad part is that I was so preoccupied that I didn’t get to the message until about 1:00 p.m. After viewing the post, all the trouble I had disappeared, and I could only smile.

Here is the photograph and the message.

Look what arrived today!
John Howell’s fabulous trilogy.
Hubby has demanded ‘first dibs’.

Dear John,

Thank you for writing great stories, as books are the result of  stories that need to be told – because your heart and mind told you so.  This trilogy is a testament to just that.  May your passion for writing and telling stories continue, so we the readers can get lost in your books.

Sincerely,

Jennie.

Wouldn’t this message and photo give you a big smile? It sure did give me one. Thank you, Jennie, for being so kind. You can see the post here

About Jennie

I have been teaching preschool for over thirty-five years. This is my passion. I believe that children have a voice, and that is the catalyst to enhance or even change the learning experience. Emergent curriculum opens young minds. It’s the little things that happen in the classroom that are most important and exciting. That’s what I write about. I was a live guest on the Kelly Clarkson Show. I am highlighted in the seventh edition of Jim Trelease’s million-copy bestselling book, “The Read-Aloud Handbook” because of my reading to children. My class has designed quilts that hang as permanent displays at the National Liberty Museum in Philadelphia, the Fisher House at the Boston VA Hospital, and the Massachusetts State House in Boston.

Top Ten Things Not to Do will be back next Monday.

 

79 comments

  1. Laura's avatar

    What a nice message! 😊 I’m sorry you had to deal with the black screen of death, though! Ugh! 😩

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      It was way too premature. I had purchased a new one but thought I had time for the conversion. Nope, the old one caught wind of the rival and took off. Thanks, Laura.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Laura's avatar

        Ughhh!! What a jerk thing to do!

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          The old-generation Macs are like that.

          Like

  2. Dan Antion's avatar

    Jennie is the best, John.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I agree. Thanks, Dan.

      Liked by 2 people

  3. Grant at Tame Your Book's avatar

    Fantastic, John. I admire Jennie, and if not for teachers, I’d be toast!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I think we all feel that way, Grant. Thanks for saying it. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  4. OIKOS™- Art, Books & more's avatar

    That’s wonderful, John! Jennie is one of the best when it comes to comforting. But your books are also great literature for everyone. Best wishes, Michael

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      She is a comforting force, Michael. Thank you for your wishes.

      Liked by 1 person

  5. GP's avatar

    I saw Jennie’s post and thanked her for being on your book tour. She politely responded that she was not on the tour. I was very pleasantly surprised, but what else can you expect from such a wonderful person!!!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I know, right? I was gobsmacked when I came upon her post. Thanks, GP.

      Liked by 2 people

  6. coldhandboyack's avatar

    What a wonderful thing to do.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      It sure meant a lot to me. Thanks, Craig.

      Liked by 2 people

  7. Jennie's avatar

    My goodness, John. I am humbled. It gave me great joy to post this on my blog, and even greater joy to know how surprised and excited you were when you read it. I’m so glad I made your day!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I just had to let folks know what a generous and thoughtful gesture your post was. It also came when I was down to my last nerve. The post demonstrated that the issues I faced that day were insufficient in the scheme of what is really important in life. I’m so grateful for your kindness, Jennie. Thanks again. 😀

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Jennie's avatar

        I’m so glad! You are most welcome, John. 😊

        Liked by 1 person

  8. Dave Williams's avatar

    A wonderful message from Jennie. Also, I’m sorry to hear about your computer problems. I hope they’ve been sorted out.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes. I was able to get an external monitor up and running so that I could recover the important stuff. Thanks, Dave.

      Liked by 1 person

  9. Esther Chilton's avatar

    That truly is wonderful. My laptop isn’t doing too well, so I feel your pain, but a lovely message like that means the world and makes everything alright again.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      It does, Esther. Thank you.

      Liked by 1 person

  10. Sue Dreamwalker's avatar

    Sorry that your computer gave its last breath John… But that smile and post from Jennie would certainly brighten your day my friend…
    I hope your new week gets off to a positive start..
    Hugs your way xx ❤

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Sue. I have updated my new computer, and all is well.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Sue Dreamwalker's avatar

        That is really good news.. My lap top here I use was new in 2016…. And runs slow at times… But I keep holding on faithfully… And have all backed up just in case too 🙂 xx

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          I have backups, too.

          Liked by 1 person

  11. Charles Yallowitz's avatar

    That’s awesome. Sorry about your Mac.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      The first bit of bad news was Apple would no longer support updates. The failure was a complete shock. 😊

      Like

  12. noelleg44's avatar

    What a lovely post and what a lovely fan!

    My computer is getting fritsy, a sure sign of old age.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      It was lovely. Thanks, Noelle.

      Liked by 1 person

  13. lois's avatar

    The smile you didn’t realize you needed. This is lovely.

    My brand new HP…some morning I wake up to a grey screen. Shut it down, start it up and all is well. Something ain’t right.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      No. It needs a look-see by a tech. I would call support and let them have access to it for a diagnosis. Sounds like some files are fighting each other.

      Liked by 1 person

  14. Jane Dalton's avatar

    John, how lovely of Jennie and what a lift for you. I hope your Mac is back up and running. Much love from us both. Xxx 🩷

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      The old Mac is on life support, but I must pull the plug eventually. Jennie’s post was such a lift, Jane. Thank you, and love back to you and Tim.

      Liked by 2 people

  15. Debbie's avatar

    Sorry about your computer, but those things can be replaced. What a terrific note from your friend (words of kindness last forever!!)

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      That is a great saying, Debbie. Words of kindness do last forever. Thanks 😊

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Jennie's avatar

        Yes, they do.

        Liked by 1 person

  16. petespringer's avatar
    petespringerauthor · ·

    Jennie is the kind of friend and teacher that anyone would love to have.

    I’m sorry to hear about your computer. I hope it served you well over the years.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      You are so right about Jennie, Pete. The computer served me flawlessly for ten years, and its demise was quite a shock.

      Liked by 2 people

  17. Author Jan Sikes's avatar

    Awww, what a perfect pick-me-up, John! Hope the transition to a new computer is fairly painless.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Jan. I had to find a way around the dead monitor, which I was able to do.

      Liked by 1 person

  18. Kymber @booomcha's avatar

    That’s a lovely message, John. What a kind gesture. It reminds me I need your books in my cart ASAP! 😀

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Jennie blew my socks off, for sure. Thanks, Kymber.

      Liked by 2 people

  19. D.L. Finn, Author's avatar
    D.L. Finn, Author · ·

    Sorry about that screen of death, John! What a wonderful and well deserved message. Makes all the hard work worth it.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      It does, Denise, thank you. 😊

      Liked by 2 people

  20. Darlene's avatar

    Jennie is a delight and is such aa awesome motivator. That’s what makes her such a great teacher and a super friend. Your books lined up like that look great!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Darlene. Yes, Jennie is the greatest.

      Liked by 1 person

  21. Gwen M. Plano's avatar
    Gwen M. Plano · ·

    What a wonderful gift! Bless her for sharing as she has. I can’t imagine a greater affirmation. Congratulations, John. 🌞

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I know I was absolutely blown away by the kindness of her words. Thanks, Gwen

      Like

  22. Teagan Riordain Geneviene's avatar

    John, thank you for sharing this. It gave me a smile. Jennie is a treasure — and so are you. Hugs to you both.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Teagan. Hugs back.

      Liked by 1 person

  23. D. Wallace Peach's avatar

    Nice! ❤

    Jennie is always thinking about what would be kind and fun.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      So true., Diana. She is a treasure.

      Liked by 2 people

  24. Linda Mims's avatar

    You’re an author and a gentleman. I’m not surprised you and your books are so well loved. I like where she says her husband wants first dibs.😄

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I like that too, Linda. Thank you for the kind words. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  25. T. W. Dittmer's avatar

    Wonderful, John! Jennie’s post is great! It’s good that your Mac was revived.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes, but only temporarily until I get all the passwords and essential stuff transferred

      Liked by 1 person

  26. Jacqui Murray's avatar

    Jennie is amazing. I was so excited for you when I saw her post.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      It was a thrill for sure.

      Liked by 1 person

  27. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

    Oh, yes, Jennie’s post brought a big smile to my face!

    Liked by 2 people

  28. Annette Rochelle Aben's avatar

    How wonderful John! Well-deserved praise.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Annette. 😀

      Liked by 1 person

  29. thomasstigwikman's avatar

    It is a beautiful post and beatiful photo. Jennie is certainly an impressive woman and as a parent to three kids I am grateful to all teachers. Congratulations John!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Thomas.

      Liked by 1 person

  30. Teri Polen's avatar

    A fantastic ending to a challenging day. I know it put a big smile on your face, John. Glad you got the Mac working again.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I had the biggest, Teri. Thanks.

      Liked by 2 people

  31. Marie A Bailey's avatar

    Oh, that’s wonderful, John. What an antidote to computer angst 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I agree. It was terrific.

      Liked by 2 people

  32. Lauren Scott, Author's avatar

    How wonderful, John! A message like that would brighten any author’s day. 🤗

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I agree, Lauren. It did just that. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  33. robertawrites235681907's avatar

    How wonderful, John 💗. Sorry about your Mac. That happened to me a few week’s ago and I lost my new story in its entirety 🤦‍♀️

    Like