I am so excited to share with you my new cover for book 2 (Camping at Mimi's Ranch)! My illustrator Joey Manfre did such a wonderful job! cant wait for the book to be out in print late summer!

Book interview

I would love for you to click on this link and share my interview with you.Have a great day! http://networkedblogs.com/vOtIc

Yesterday my son Preston had his eye appt. it was not the news we had hoped for! It was an emotional day! Then it was time to get new glasses and sport specs. The tech came out and said we cant cut the lenses here for his specs. he has to much prescription, it needs to be sent out for special! the way she delivered the message was hurtful to my son! I of course corrected her in a respectful manner! My son will and has had sport specs, so I guess you will make it work, because i dont like the alternative! Kids need to protect their eyes during sports! Preston said to me I guess they dont like people with bad eyes here! I said you don't have bad eyes and never did! and may I add how beautiful your eyes are! you wear glasses like millions of other kids do! We went on to pick out a couple of awesome new glasses! he is excited to get them! We had lunch and then bought him a pair of blk. dress pants, shirt,tie and vest for his continuation! he looks so handsome! I am very proud of my son! he works hard in school, great in sports, dirt biking, etc. Well mannered young man! He has been a great role model for kids that have to eye patch and wear glasses! Where Preston started his journey before patching to now! I am so glad he worked so hard to improve sight in his left eye! I am blessed to have such a wonderful son!

Ways to Help Kids Cope with Life Problems Through Reading

This post was written by Stacie Grissom, Reading Kingdom Blog Ways to Help Kids Cope with Life Problems Through Reading January 25, 2012 As adults, people always reminisce about childhood and think about how easy life was 20, 30, 40 years ago. There were no responsibilities, no stresses, no problems. But being a kid is never easy– especially a kid who is different and sticks out from the kid crowd. I’ve worn glasses since I was six and while I was never picked on, (that I remember) I do remember when my mom tried to make me feel comfortable wearing them around other kids. One my first day at kindergarten with my new pink wire-frames, not only did my mom buy tiny little doll glasses for my favorite doll, she also asked my teacher if I could do a special show-and-tell session to explain my new specs. Maybe it was because I am her oldest child or maybe she worries too much, but either way, there are many ways that parents try to help their kids cope with change. A great way to help kids deal with changes like glasses is through books. At my day job, I write for Reading Glasses Shopper where I’ve compiled a list of kids’ books about glasses, so I’m always on the lookout for a new book. There are books to help kids cope with divorce. Books on how to help kids cope with a new sibling. Books on how to cope with death, the responsibility of a new pet, friendship troubles, and life. One book that I read recently, Patch Land Adventures, helps kids with Amblyopia, or “lazy eye”. Patch Land Adventures is written by Carmen Swick, the mother of Preston who was diagnosed with Amblyopia. Just like my mom tried to help me deal with wearing glasses by requesting a show-and-tell session in school, Carmen helps her son with Amblyopia by writing a book. The coolest thing about living in the Internet age is that the power of the media does not rest entirely with companies like Conde Nast or Random House. Bloggers and self-published authors have a voice in the fragmented media world. If you have a passion for something, you can be heard. Patch Land Adventures is about Preston’s time wearing an eye patch to help correct his Amblyopia. The book shows that children can carry on with their normal activities and social interactions even if they are a little different–because everyone is different. Carmen shows that patching is not only easy, it can also be a source of imagination inspiration. Preston’s dreamscapes of Patch Land are fun and quirky, where everyone wears a patch and plays to their heart’s content. I admire any parent’s effort to make their child more confident and well-rounded, and I really admire Carmen’s passion for creating awareness of Amblyopia. Books and reading really can make a difference in a child’s life by making them aware that other people have the same struggles and that there is always someone who shares their experience. Stacie Grissom Stacie Grissom is a writer about all things glasses for Reading Glasses Shopper where she talks about everything from bifocals to sun readers. She is also working on a list of kids' books about glasses, so if you have any suggestions, feel free to comment! Stacie recently received her Bachelor’s degree in English Writing from DePauw University in Indiana. In her spare time, she loves to read, sew, and forage through thrift stores.

HAPPY NEW YEARS! 2012!

Happy New Years! Wishing you the best in 2012! May you find great adventures! http://www.patchlandadventures.com

Comments from a few people about Patch Land Adventues!

I would like to share with you a comment from one of the mom's that bought a copy of my book. It really touched my heart when reading it. Amanda Sayre Received Cameron's book the other day, was going to give it to him for Christmas but I couldn't wait. I wanted to tell you thank you from the bottom of my heart for using ur amazing gift in such a way to reach children with Amblyopia. Cameron has a hard time understanding (at four) the reasoning for his eye patch. He thinks he is the only boy in the whole world to have to wear one (his words) his reaction to your book, warmed my heart because I could instantly tell he realized he really isn't the only boy to wear one, thank you deeply for making my little boy smile and giving him the gift of understanding! Happy Holidays to you and your family from Cameron and mine! Carol wrote: "Carmen: Just received my books in the mail. It is truly a heart warming story. Can't wait to give them to all the children! Joey Manfre is an amazing illustrator. When is your next book coming out. Hi to all the family. Luv & Hugs, Aunt Carol" Rick Espino Carmen, you have done a fabulous job on your new book, Fishing with Grandpa! You have created a outstanding tool for adults and children to learn about vision related problems! Thanks again and I look forward to your next book!

12 workdays of Christmas for Books

Deb Jones Parker: Check out Day 3 of the 12 workdays of Christmas for Books. Today is all about the kiddos with local author Carmen Swick, and her book Patch Land Adventures Book One Fishing with Grandpa. Little Preston and his dog Beau both wear eye patches due to an eye disease, but they persevere and continue to enjoy what they love to do...like fishing. In Patch Land they do all sorts of things and enjoy many adventures. This is a feel good book that also helps to teach tolerance for those who may be facing challenges that we may not understand, but we can if we just take the time to try. Thanks Carmen! http://patchlandadventures.com/