Happy Thanksgiving

Sometimes you never know where your thoughts will take you. On Tuesday I was interviewed by AOL writer Gwen Parkes regarding my seasonal business.. Santa Letters, Mrs. Claus Visits, and Mrs. Claus calls. She spoke to me on the phone for about an hour, which was great! I'm thrilled that people are taking an interest in what I do. It's tough trying to be an entrepreneur, but on the other hand, it's very exciting. At 48, I never thought I'd try something new--that what I'm doing is for younger people. But you can't give up--you have to try. I know that some day something is going to finally pop and it will be great!

But.. the reason Ms. Parkes got in touch with me is because I'd responded to an article she'd written on AOL, told her about my business, and she got in touch with me. This is amazing.

Thanks to all who have been supporters, backers, and friends throughout all of this. Some of my supporters are people who I've known for many years, and many of you are new friends, which I truly appreciate. There are even people I've never met in person, but who've been there for me via email. I am thankful for all of you.

Love,
Julie

Mrs. Claus Gearing Up for the Holidasy

There's still plenty of time to request your Santa Letters, Mrs. Claus phone calls, or even visits from Mrs. Claus. I will be appearing for a home school group in Hollister towards the end of December, but I will also be at Book Smart on December 18, reading to the children and having a great time! I hope you'll contact me soon! I can be reached at Jengelha@aol.com. I am also very excited because I'm going to be interviewed today, November 23, 2010, by writer Gwen Parkes for AOL about my business.. Story Time Adventures www.storytimeadventures.wetpaint.com, and for "Christmas Magic" my seasonal 'Claus' business.

I hope to hear from you! This is the best time of year.

Merry Christmas!

Love,

Julie

Ah.. it's difficult to believe that Christmas is just a little over a month away! Are you ready for the big day? I wish I could say, "Yes, yes, I am!" I have some friends who have already purchased their gifts and wrapped them. They're the lucky ones, and the smart ones, too!

As for Mrs. Claus, requests for appearances are trickling in. The one I'm very excited about is appearing on December 18 at Book Smart book store in Morgan Hill, Ca., at 1 pm. I hope you will come see me that day as I read Christmas stories to my little friends!

This is to remind all of you that I'm available for personal vists in my neck of the woods, or I will send Santa letters anywhere in the USA, and make phone calls as Mrs. Claus. This will be so fun! Lots of holiday boutiques happening this time of year, too.

Merry Christmas!

If you want to contact me, call 831 635 9674. Can't wait to hear from you!

Kids saying the darndest things...

October was a busy month for me, portraying Sadie the Scarecrow. I appeared at the San Benito County Fair, Uesugi Pumpkin Park in Morgan Hill, at two elementary schools, and at Casa de Fruta in Hollister. Hopefully there will be more stints next year, but for a first-time effort, I was quite pleased with what I was able to do.

But.. on Friday, November 5, I worked as a substitute teacher for Ladd Lane Elementary School in Hollister. I enjoy working there because the staff is so friendly and helpful, and they have a good group of kids. I've worked there, on and off, since the beginning of 2008, so I know the staff and students.

Anyhow.. a few weeks ago I'd been hired to read as Sadie the Scarecrow to the kids in grades Kindergarten through second. When I came into the class yesterday, I told the kids I was the Scarecrow Lady. They even had my photo up on their wall! But here's the funny part...

I took a quick break during their snack period to use the restroom. The other kindergarten teacher was in charge of them for a few minutes. Once the kids are done eating their snack, they line up to go to the playground, and the teachers (me, in this case) act as yard duty.

Well, while I was in the restroom another teacher I know who teaches third grade, came by and told the kids, who were being a bit noisy, that they needed to listen to their teacher. She assumed that their teacher was the other one watching the kids. But 'my' kids piped up and said, "She's not our teacher, our teacher is the Scarecrow!" LOL..