Hi Everyone,
Seven weeks ago I had spinal fusion surgery, and feel tremendously blessed to be on the road to recovery. The months leading up to the surgery were incredibly difficult for me– I was in so much pain that I seldom left the house. I couldn’t stand up for more than 30 seconds nor walk more than a few steps. So you can imagine my euphoria at being able to walk the two blocks– without my walker– to the stop sign at the end our street! I posted this picture on Facebook last week, and was overwhelmed with all of the supportive and kind comments. 
Although I have read (and appreciated!) every comment, I have not had the energy to respond to each one– recuperating from major surgery is surprisingly exhausting! But I am pleased to report that I am starting to feel more like myself, and am looking forward to resuming traveling– and teaching– later this year.
Today seemed like a great day to begin blogging again because I have some exciting news to share: the hard-cover gift-edition of my book, When You Lose Someone You Love, launches today! I know many of you have have followed my journey since the original Kickstarter version of the book was published, and I want to say thank you again to the 400+ Kickstarter backers who made this possible. (If you were one of my Kickstarter backers, please leave a comment letting me know that you are still following, and you’ll be getting a special gift.)
The original Kickstarter book was 3.5 x 5.5 inches. The CompanionHouse Books paperback edition, which launched in October of 2017, is 4 x 6, and sells for $9.99, and the new hardcover version is 5 x 7 and sells for $12.99. In the photo below I am holding the two different editions so you can get a feel for the sizes.
If you are a newcomer to Zenspirations®, let me share that this book is especially close to my heart because it holds excerpts from the grief journals I kept after my husband died in 2011. It’s a gift of comfort for anyone who has lost someone they love. Here are a few photos of the new edition:
If this book has touched your heart, I would be grateful if you would rate it on Amazon. I would also appreciate your letting your friends and family know about the new version.
If you’d like to get a signed copy you can order it in the Zenspirations Webstore— or you can purchase your copy on Amazon.
Stay Zenspired,
Joanne
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You look so well Joanne…I’m so thrilled you are now able to get out again and the surgery was a huge success. What a wonderful book this is and a hardback edition is just perfect. You are such an amazingly inspiring lady. Hugs xx
Hi Joanne,
I am grateful for your recovery from surgery. I am one of your original kickstarter backers and am so grateful for you and your beautiful heart. Thank you for sharing your journey. You have ministered to me and continue to encourage me.
With love,
Sandie
I feel like a Godmother
I’m happy to see the book’s continued success. It was a pleasure to play a tiny part in the original campaign.
Yeah congrats on your launch and am so happy your recovery is going well !
Joanne, I’m new to your wonderful talents. Thank you for sharring them. So glad that you are on the mend.
You are an inspiration to everyone who is fortunate enough to be with you. Your kindness and generosity of spirit are gifts you continually share. This aura that is you creates a sun shower of love and caring that gifts people with uplifted hearts to begin to cope with so many of life’s hurts. I am so grateful to be among those recipients. And join all those who are thrilled and grateful for her beautiful recovery. Again being a role model for resolution, determination, commitment and gratitude.
Joanne dear,
It was such a wonderful surprise to see you and your dear parents last night….I cannot believe how fantastic you look after the difficult surgery and recuperation you’ve experienced.. I still cannot believe I was your Calligraphy student
back in the “eighties”…..and how you’ve grown and blossomed into a prolific artist. I am so very proud of you and your accomplishments.!!
Your work is EXEMPLARY and I thank you for the beautiful “JOANNE FINK” GIFT BAG filled with your lovely notes and
your HOPE CANDLE. You are so very special and I am so very grateful !!!
God Bless and keep up the inspirational work you continue to do.
Lots of Love,
Freddi Barson
That book was so beneficial for me after my husband passed away… I’m glad I got in on the kickstart… it was a kickstart to me too
Thanks
How wonderful that you are having a great recovery from your surgery. I am also one of your original kickstarter people backers And I took a class which you led at one of the International Calligraphy Conferences. This was in Virginia sometime in the 1980’s. Plus I have been a follower of your newsletters and blogs for a long time. Keep up the great recovery. May your body be much better after you get into physical therapy. You in my daily prayers. Hugs to you dear lady.
I’m new to your group and I’m glad to have found it. I ,too, had spinal fusion in February and I’m recovering and wear the wonderful brace you have in your picture! I’m formerly a pottery and because of my back, I’m not sure I can make pottery again, so I have been looking for another creative outlet. I”m so glad to be here. Continued recovery!