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






















What a nice message! 😊 I’m sorry you had to deal with the black screen of death, though! Ugh! 😩
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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.
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Ughhh!! What a jerk thing to do!
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The old-generation Macs are like that.
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Jennie is the best, John.
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🥰
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I agree. Thanks, Dan.
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Fantastic, John. I admire Jennie, and if not for teachers, I’d be toast!
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I think we all feel that way, Grant. Thanks for saying it. 😊
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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
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She is a comforting force, Michael. Thank you for your wishes.
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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!!!
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🥰
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I know, right? I was gobsmacked when I came upon her post. Thanks, GP.
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😀
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What a wonderful thing to do.
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It sure meant a lot to me. Thanks, Craig.
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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!
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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. 😀
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I’m so glad! You are most welcome, John. 😊
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😊
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A wonderful message from Jennie. Also, I’m sorry to hear about your computer problems. I hope they’ve been sorted out.
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Yes. I was able to get an external monitor up and running so that I could recover the important stuff. Thanks, Dave.
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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.
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It does, Esther. Thank you.
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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 ❤
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Thank you, Sue. I have updated my new computer, and all is well.
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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
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I have backups, too.
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👍💖
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That’s awesome. Sorry about your Mac.
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The first bit of bad news was Apple would no longer support updates. The failure was a complete shock. 😊
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What a lovely post and what a lovely fan!
My computer is getting fritsy, a sure sign of old age.
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It was lovely. Thanks, Noelle.
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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.
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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.
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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 🩷
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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.
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Sorry about your computer, but those things can be replaced. What a terrific note from your friend (words of kindness last forever!!)
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That is a great saying, Debbie. Words of kindness do last forever. Thanks 😊
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Yes, they do.
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😊
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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.
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You are so right about Jennie, Pete. The computer served me flawlessly for ten years, and its demise was quite a shock.
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Awww, what a perfect pick-me-up, John! Hope the transition to a new computer is fairly painless.
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Thank you, Jan. I had to find a way around the dead monitor, which I was able to do.
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That’s a lovely message, John. What a kind gesture. It reminds me I need your books in my cart ASAP! 😀
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Jennie blew my socks off, for sure. Thanks, Kymber.
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Sorry about that screen of death, John! What a wonderful and well deserved message. Makes all the hard work worth it.
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It does, Denise, thank you. 😊
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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!
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Thank you, Darlene. Yes, Jennie is the greatest.
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What a wonderful gift! Bless her for sharing as she has. I can’t imagine a greater affirmation. Congratulations, John. 🌞
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I know I was absolutely blown away by the kindness of her words. Thanks, Gwen
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John, thank you for sharing this. It gave me a smile. Jennie is a treasure — and so are you. Hugs to you both.
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Thank you, Teagan. Hugs back.
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Nice! ❤
Jennie is always thinking about what would be kind and fun.
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So true., Diana. She is a treasure.
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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.😄
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I like that too, Linda. Thank you for the kind words. 😊
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Wonderful, John! Jennie’s post is great! It’s good that your Mac was revived.
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Yes, but only temporarily until I get all the passwords and essential stuff transferred
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Jennie is amazing. I was so excited for you when I saw her post.
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It was a thrill for sure.
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Oh, yes, Jennie’s post brought a big smile to my face!
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Love it. 😊
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How wonderful John! Well-deserved praise.
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Thank you, Annette. 😀
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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!
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Thank you, Thomas.
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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.
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I had the biggest, Teri. Thanks.
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Oh, that’s wonderful, John. What an antidote to computer angst 🙂
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I agree. It was terrific.
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How wonderful, John! A message like that would brighten any author’s day. 🤗
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I agree, Lauren. It did just that. 😊
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🎉😁
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😊
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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 🤦♀️
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