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Joan Ambu

Book Signing

JM Perez By JM Perez1 min read1.2K views

Early this morning I was one of the many authors attending a book signing at the Glen Avon Library in Jurupa Valley, CA. I was invited by Angela Horn, who is also a published author. I brought all four books, except my latest, Strength of The Small, which was recently released and didn’t get here on time.

It felt good to be in the midst of other talented authors, to get to know them as well as what they do and to share a little bit about myself and the things I love to do.

Author Joan Ambu at the Glen Avon Library in Jurupa Valley, CA

It was such a good experience and I learned that a Book Signing is not about selling books; rather, it’s an opportunity to meet others and gain exposure. You can view more pictures of the event on joanambu.com, my author’s website. The wonderful staff at the Library did a great job organizing this event and went as far as providing us with personalized lunch. It was an awesome day!

Author Joan Ambu at the Glen Avon Library in Jurupa Valley, CA

A heartfelt thank you, to those of you who have already purchased my books. Remember to check out the Giveaways section of this blog to win some prizes. For the rest of you who are thinking about acquiring a copy of either one of my books, the giveaways are open until October 31. Remember to leave me a comment with your email address so that I can contact you in case you are the winner.

Until then, Happy Reading!

Book Release & A Giveaway

JM Perez By JM Perez1 min read1.1K views

Today being the official release date of my latest book of Poetry, Strength of The Small; to you, my faithful readers, I want to give back with some giveaways.

Strength Of The Small by Joan AmbuHow to enter:
– Comment on this blog post.
– Like and Share this blog post.

Number of prizes: 1

Starts: September 9, 2012 at 3:00 PM (PT)
Ends: October 31, 2012 at 11:59 PM (PT)


Congratulations to Solange Nkouna (Liège, BE)
Selected using Random.org.

DIY: Wine Glass Lamp Shades

JM Perez By JM Perez2 min read1.1K views

What would you do if, suddenly, a few of your favorite wine glass broke? My guess is that most of us would toss them in the trash can. Others like me, who collect objects with sentimental value will find it difficult to part with them. We would find ways to repurpose/ reuse these objects in hopes of holding on to them and/or extending their lives.

A few months ago, I purchased a set of Eiffel Tower Wine Glasses from which two were broken. I refused to part with them and decided to store them in a safe place until I figure out what to do. This evening we had family craft time. While the kids were working on their projects, my husband used Loctite Epoxy to reconnect the glass handle to its base. I was busy creating and decorating the lamp shades. Now we have a new use for them.

Wine Glass Lamp Shades.
Wine Glass Lamp Shades.

Materials Needed:

• Wine glasses
• LED tea lights
• Scrapbook paper (8-1/2″ x 11″)
• Scissors / Decorative bladed scissors
• Glue pen/ Double-sided tape

Step by step:

1. Be creative and design our own template OR print out this template (by Good Housekeeping).
2. Trace the pattern onto your scrapbook paper. Cut out the shape with your regular scissors (use decorative bladed scissors along the bottom edge to add another element to the shade).
3. Use the glue pen or the Double-sided tape to one straight end. Wrap the other end over and hold together to form the shade.
4. Set the lampshade on top of your glass and voilà!

Memories: A Childhood Friendship

JM Perez By JM Perez2 min read843 views

Today I feel warm and joyful inside. I feel the same way I remember feeling as a child: free of worries and content.

 While growing up, I was blessed to have a Father (I still am) whose career took him all over the country. We never stayed longer than a year and a half on a set location. I had the opportunity to travel and make friends even though it only lasted for a little while. As we observe, learn and become aware of our surroundings; we connect and advertently share bonds free of prejudice at such a tender age. Those are the individuals we tend to remember for the rest of our lives.

 It was only in 1990 that we finally settled down in Yaoundé, Nouvelle Route Bastos.
Not too long after we moved into our home, a family moved across from us. An unconditional bond was formed and friendship was born right from the get-go between one of the kids and me. Stéphane instantly became my best friend and confidant. He was the handsome, awesome, loving and friendly guy from across our house, who would bug and nag at every opportunity he had. We spent countless hours after school talking about parties, sweet nothings and sometimes current events. That’s how we enjoyed spending our time instead of doing homework and preparing for the next school day.
He was a huge source of compassion. I cherish and hold those memories close to my heart. Those were joyful times, when life was so simple. Those were some of the best days of my life.

Stéphane & his beautiful Family.

Though we last saw each other fifteen years ago; I never stopped searching for him and asking around. For some reasons no one had the time nor the will to track him down including those I spoke to, who knew his whereabouts. It made me wonder if perhaps only fate could reunite us once again, as it was the case twenty-one years ago? I can’t help but wonder.

This morning I was blessed to reconnect with him. When I logged into my Facebook account my eyes immediately spotted his name. I knew then, without a doubt, that he was the one since we both shared a childhood friend. I jumped with joy as my heart leapt with excitement and gratitude.

It was so good talking to you, dear friend. Thank you for still being a part of my life; it thrills me beyond belief. I am looking forward to new beginnings.

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God.” – Romans 8:28 (KJV)

Vintage Pieces

JM Perez By JM Perez1 min read1.3K views

When it comes to beverages and to wine precisely; I am a light non-alcoholic wine drinker. I love wine glasses. There is something about them that I can quite grasp. Perhaps is the elegance, the feel and the shape of the glass? These glasses would definitely make for a lively evening.

Shop Information/Location:
Estate Liquidators
9461 Hesperia Rd, Hesperia, CA 92345
1 (562) 233-8199
Opened Tuesday – Saturday from 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

1940's Vintage Bell Wine Goblets.
1940’s Vintage Bell Wine Goblets.

I was so delighted to find a pair of Vintage Metal Plant Stand, which I restored. I started by washing it, removing the rusted areas with a wire brush and smoothing it out with a sandpaper. I primed first and spray painted it (to seal the metal surface and prevent future rusting). They are gorgeous and I can’t wait to use them.

Vintage Metal Plant Stand.
Vintage Metal Plant Stand.

The gorgeous set of wall hanging Greek Male and Female Head Sculptures was purchased from Linda Marie’s Enchanted Treasures.
19222 National Trails Hwy, Oro Grande, CA 92368
1 (760) 484-6300

Greek Male & Female Head Sculptures
Greek Male & Female Head Sculptures

I am grateful tonight, for these lovely finds.