This series on launch team members for the release of Will Not See has been so fun for me. Because not only do I get to reflect and share the things about each member that bless me, I also get to learn new things.
My next member has written me some of the most encouraging emails. She’s always there to help find a missing word or dangling quote. But it’s more than that. Something about her changes the dynamic of our interaction when she steps into a conversation. She knows how to make things lively and invigorated (not that we often need help in that area), but she does it in a way that never creates tension or discord. So many people who like to dig into the harder, deeper questions also bring a certain “tone” with them, but that never happens with her.
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Meet Tina: A.k.a Mommynificent!
Tina is a book-loving, globe-trotting, home-schooling mom of five kids. Her greatest passions are learning with her husband how to live and love like Jesus and teaching others to do the same. She particularly enjoys teaching kids to worship and pray fervently and creatively. She loves music, cooking, and reading, and is a complete sucker for a good redemptive analogy! Tina blogs at mommynificent.com and desperatehomeschoolers.com.
So, I knew Tina would have a fascinating answer for the coolest place she’s ever been, and she didn’t disappoint:
I’ve been blessed to do a whole lot of traveling so this is a really tough one for me! I probably have to break it down a bit – most beautiful place is the Grand Tetons, most fascinating place is Myanmar, most peaceful place is Little Cayman, best literary trip was actually camping on the banks of Plum Creek (although planning and taking a cross-country road trip/camping trip using Madeline L’Engle’s The Moon by Night is a close second!), and my favorite place to live is a tie between Grand Cayman and Penang, Malaysia. I could go on and on about places in the world I love, but I’ll bless you by stopping there!
Speaking of coolness in Malaysia. When Tina’s daughter found out that my daughter loved the scarf Tina sent me, that girl badgered her father into going out right away to buy one for Lorna. Lorna LOVES that scarf!
As far as my books go…
Tina has been a part of the launch teams for both Madeline books, Jack, Carol and the Belles, and Front Window as well as the Christmas Lights Collection.
Since we often agree on our opinions on different books, I couldn’t wait to find out who Tina loves to read. She didn’t disappoint. Tina’s favorite authors are a nice combination of some of my favorites and authors I’ve never heard of.
They include:
Connilyn Cossette, Katherine Reay, Sharon Hinck, Jan Karon, Lucy Maude Montgomery, CS Lewis, Shannon Hale, Jennifer Beckstrand, Valerie Comer, and of course Chautona Havig! (That part is getting embarrassing. I regret teasing Florence now!)
As far as for why she joined the team, Tina said:
I love telling people about books I love, I love getting to know authors and helping them get the word out about their books, and I love free advanced reader copies of books!
Tina’s answer of, “picture book(s) about Willow’s childhood!” for the book she is most looking forward to reminded me that I have an email from the illustrator. Oh, and pictures to color for the cover! WOOT.
And Tina made the pick a side super fun, too:
Alexa or Madeline? Alexa because I love her willingness to be unique and I understand the way she thinks more than I do Madeline
Mac or Luke? Luke, but I can’t really explain why as I love them both
Joe or Keith? Joe. I adore Joe, and Keith kind of annoys me (in a good way, of course!)
Cassie or Kaye? Cassie even though I haven’t read her books yet. I’m storing them up for a huge binge, either when they are all done or when I need to read them to understand another of your books!
Wynnewood or Legends? I haven’t yet read either, but my 12-year old loves Wynnewood!
Question for Chautona: When are you coming to visit me??!! 🙂
Well… I’m kind of booked for 2017… how’s 2018 looking for you?
And stay tuned for Darlene! WOOT. I think I’m over halfway through the submissions now!
I can live with 2018. Thanks for featuring me and for your kind words! So glad to call you friend and be a part of your team.
I’m so glad to not be the only one actually mentioning getting free books to read…just sayin’…and Tina, you are gonna love Cassie!