i have just got to put this out there...

i am such a sponge for positive thinking, self assertion books...

i rarely enjoy a book unless it makes me question how i think or compel me to change my thinking.
that being said,
i am just going to put this somewhat long somewhat personal thought and series of events out there and share...

in 2005, when my first books were released, primedia had a promotional marketing group (no longer associated with primedia).
think their main job was to promote books and sales, etc.
they had asked me where i wanted my books to be promoted and i IMMEDIATELY replied,
"i want the books sent to ROSIE O'DONNELL"
at that point her show was a part of my morning routine, i loved her down to earth candor, and i just felt she was the real thing...say it like it is, be who you are kinda gal. Besides i think we would be really fun at a party! AND more compelling is that she was and still is quite the enthusiast scrapbooker, mixed media and artist...she speaks my language! I LOVE THAT!

well, the promotional company kinda hesitated and said something to the effect of, "well, anyone else?"
long story short, i do not believe the books ever made it to Rosie O'Donnell.

so this thought of crafting with Rosie O'Donnell has always secretly been in the back of my mind.

then last year, Ali gave me one of Jeffrey Gitomer's books called Little Black Book of Connections
in chapter 3 it asks you to make a list of the people "that i am going to meet this year no matter what it takes."

the only person i wrote in on the lines was Rosie O'Donnell

and i did not make it happen.
i wasn't quite sure how to...i should have tried harder. i commented several times and ways through her blog in an attempt that MAYBE she would comment back, but she gets like 500+ comments who would expect her too.

a few months later while waiting for connections in the airport i bought another one of Jeffrey Gitomer's books, Little Gold Book of YES Attitude.

Again, when i finished reading, i was inspired by his thoughts and practicality of making things happen in your life and the power of believing you can.

in my heart i kept going back to this feeling that i had missed my window of opportunity to connect somehow with Rosie... i still kept thinking "maybe she has bought my books? i am a book junkie, i buy every kind of craft book i can get my hands on, maybe she does too?"

more recently, anticipating my 30 hours of return travel from S Africa, i bought a book in the Cape Town airport called The Secret, by Rhonda Byrne

Again the book is about the power of positive thinking and putting out good energy and getting it in return. i buy into that kinda stuff and i am trying my best to apply the practice of positive thinking into my daily life.
it is a really powerful read!

anyway, after reading it i was again reminded of the Rosie thing. i had never actually followed through on making that contact and it is still something i really want to do.

but today,
today i was compelled to post this telling and quite vulnerable story of myself because i have received the final reminder like a ton of bricks!

CHECK THIS OUT!!

like i said i am an idea book junkie, i buy them all!
yesterday in the mail i received my copy of Journal Revolution, by Linda Woods and Karen Dinino. i read their first book Visual Chronicles when i came out a couple years ago and loved it!

the journal revolution book was sitting with its back cover showing on my desk as i went to check my email this morning i saw this...look closely at what it says!!!!!!

if that is not surreal i do not know what is!

today, tomorrow, etc., i am going to do whatever i can to fulfill this quirky dream of sending my 3 initial books to Rosie as well as the 2 new ones in April...

maybe she would come to my event?

maybe we could scrapbook and podcast together?

maybe she'll think it is ridiculous of me altogether...but i will never know unless i try!

If you happen to have a friend, of a friend, of a friend, of Rosie O'Donnell and can help let me know...i will let you know how far i get.

Comments

[Jeanette]

I have no doubt you, the girl from Jersey, can make it happen. Send the books. One can only try.

I wish I could help. I've only seen Rosie in person once when I went to her show in NYC.

Good luck. :)

[Christine Campbell]

DONNA, SEND THEM TO HER!!!!

If anyone can do this, IT IS YOU!!!!

How cool would that be???!!!

Make it your mission - make it happen before the end of this year!!

YOU CAN DO IT!!! :)

[marci lambert]

you totally have to go for it. do not give up.

[andrea duncan]

i love rosie! we have different viewpoints on tons of stuff, but i admire how passionate she is about all that she believes.

[Maria]

Send her your books...she strikes me as one COOL person.

[Deborah P]

Yes, send her the books! What have you got to lose except postage? And what, potentially, to gain? Making a connection, that's what. There is NO downside to trying. In the meantime, keep up with the positive thinking.

Or, as Lisa Rinna says, say aloud what you want to happen. She believes that "putting it out into the universe" makes your dreams come true. Who knows? maybe she's right.

Keeping fingers crossed for you!

[Brenda]

Hi Donna,
We just met at Colorful Creations last weekend. I have to tell you that I have been to Rosie's blog a million times and at least half of those times I have talked about you and told her to go to your blog and to get your books... You both have the exact same creative style. She even does a painting a day....
GO FORWARD IN THE DIRECTION OF YOUR DREAMS! Rosie is what you want, make it happen. You are Donna Downey, you are a celebrity too...
Love you the most (Brenda, the one in the corner)

[Deborah P]

P.S. On a more practical note, you know Claudine Hellmuth, who has been (or is about to be) on Martha Stewart's show. Martha knows Rosie. Maybe you can make a connection in that way.

[suetreiber]

I can totally picture you hanging out with Rosie. Send the books!

[tammy b]

i hear ya.
she is the one celebrity i would love to be friends with. send her the books yourself. i bet she wold love them! did you not see her segment with the revolution girls? it was pretty great.

[Stephanie]

I met her when I went to see The View last December. She's not exactly what she seems on television.

[claudine hellmuth]

hey you! just put that thought out and it will happen!! Send her your books and you never know :)

[Lori Hudson]

I seriously bet she has heard of you. Wouldn't if be cool if she has always wanted to meet YOU?!

[Lynne]

Maybe you can get Ali to send one (or you can send one) to Jeffrey G. and see if he can help to make the connection work? (Just thinking -- he probably has or knows how to make a connection with Rosie?)... BEST of luck to you -- I have read each of the books you've mentioned, totally am in to it as well, and BELIEVE with all my heart that you can make it happen! You go!

[Beth]

cracks me up that you posted this...I too love Rosie...no matter how quirky others find her....I hope you make it happen (something tells me you will)....keep us posted

[kendra]

I have no connections to help, but I'm with you! Sending positive thoughts for you. :)
Yeah, she's someone I'd love to hang out with too. Good luck!!

[Susan D.]

i don't know her, but i did leave her a question, asking if she'd check out your blog, since you blogged about her today. (not in those words.) it was question 2100+ something for the day, though. eeek! who knows, maybe she reads her questions. good luck!

[patti]

well donna, i can't help you with the whole rosie thing...i wish i could, but i share the same fantasy about meeting my *idol* YOUR friend cathy z...but, alas, i don't have any books to send her:( what do you think i could send her that might tickle her fancy?? any help you could offer would be appreciated:)

[Lisa Cohen]

I don't know her but I thought that was so cool as I was reading MY OWN copy of this book last night - so cool that she's a visual journaler! You should definitely use this a "a sign" - contact her! I can't wait to hear what happens!

[Catherine Scanlon]

I triple dog dare ya, now you HAVE to do it ;-)

[Karen from Georgia]

I find Rosie SO inspiring! Although I think the majority of the world does not get her. She is very misunderstood.
Keep trying.

[Brenda]

Rosie says she reads every comment herself... Many of us posted today to send her to you... Maybe simply the power in numbers... She is doing the Martha show for a halloween segment.... Get into that show via your friend and get a personal intro... Don't just Dream it Do it!

[Audrey]

I bet she knows who you are!!!! SEND THE BOOKS!

[Heather T]

I bet she would love your books! I have a friend who's sister lives next door to Ellen Degeneres' ranch in Santa Ynez, CA...think Ellen and Rosie are friends? LOL

[jackie]

OK, first off I always dreamed of meeting YOU and it happened at CKC in St. Louis two years ago and I must say you were even more fun than I had imagined!!! Second, I share you dream of meeting Rosie, I had a secret wish that she would have me on her show to make Christmas ornaments or something... So if it happens YOU MUST post every picture and give us every detail. Then I think we should do a scrappin cruise with Donna and Rosie! I wonder what we would have to do to convince her? HMMM... Let us know. Jackie

[debi]

You GO girl!!!

[suzi finer]

Rosie is totally great, and a big supporter/contributor to the arts. I am so happy that she recognized the works of Linda and her sis, as it brought more attention to the outstanding message that they bring to the art world.
Linda and Karen are nice people. They are talented people. They've opened the creative doors to regular people who never thought they could create anything. Most importantly, they are generous. It's great to have your stuff brought to the public front with the help of people like Rosie, but when it all comes down to it, the art and expression is all that really matters. Journal Revolution is a fine example of a key to open that door.
Send out your work to every avenue available (and cross your fingers!) It just takes one person to open that floodgate.
Love.

[Nadia]

I know that you will meet her. I know this like I know that I too had that feeling and this may sound really hokey, but true! I really wanted to meet you cause as you said about Rosie I thought you would be a lot of fun and you SO were and are! I love reading your blog and the books are awesome and I loved meeting you in person. I had such a blast at Artistry and look forward to seeing you in St. Louis and then at "Inspired" where I will get to meet another fun gal - Cathy Z! Can't wait! It WILL happen Donna! Hold onto your hats girl cause she's gonna LOVE you!

[Jodi]

Hey there! Just so you know I just posted on Rssie's blog to visit this site.

Rosie makes me happy and the idea of you 2 in an art embraced pod-cast would be terrific!

Have a good weekend !

[Janice Stickles]

OK, Donna. The Universe has spoken. Can you hear its message yet? It's saying, "You must follow up on this." Everything is pointing you in this direction. Send Rosie your current books letting her know about the two forthcoming in April. DO NOT WAIT until then. Invite her to Inspire, too, to play with you and the other artists and participants. And as Kal would enthusiastically say, "GO!" (You and I met at your Bookbinding class at Colorful Creations.)

[Steph]

So very cool, how do you get the amazon buttons in your post? Good luck with meeting Rosie!

[monica in raleigh]

you know rosie is a scrapper - she did a few blurbs not that long ago about scrapping ---- she probably already has your book and is dreaming about meeting you as well! best of luck friend- looking forward to hearing all about it

[Monica]

I think I love Rosie as much as some people hate her. Ha!! I'm with the people who are telling you to post every single step of this 'meet Rosie' journey so I can live vicariously through you.

[Nicole Mc]

So, if you want to follow the secret, you need to start imgaging the moment you and Rosie meet, like YOU KNOW it is going to happen. Start dreaming of it right now!! I believe in you Donna, i dont know you and you dont know me, but this IS going to happen. You know it will!! ;)

[Paola Norman]

Donna, fistly, good for you and don't give up..never. I believe that is good to try diffrent avenues to achieve a goal. Posting this on your blog was a great idea.. there is power in numbers. Mostly importantly I would recommend that you don't focus on it too much.. know that your doing all you can then surrender it to the universe with the full intnet that when the time is right your dream will manifest. Visualize that it has already happened. And to all you wonderful scrappers out there lets all ask Rosie on her blog to write to Donna..she's bound to see a couple of our requests! Power in numbers! Take Care.

[Donna]

I love Journal Revolution, and I am so happy you are also a Linda & Karen fan! Do a podcast with them! They are so funny and creative, it would be great. I can't wait to see your J-Rev inspired scrapbook pages. Thanks for sharing your paintings, too!

[Shelly in the NW]

Donna,
i have emailed her myself via her blog on your behalf. I just think you two think alike on an artistic level.

She is coming out with an arts/crafts book herself in the Spring - should be interesting.

She reads a lot of blogs...i know i've sent her your link before too....

I am only a 'cyber friend' wish it were more

I'm sure it will be come true for you.

Maybe when you least expect it. :) or when you need it most.

Positive mojo your way...

[Susan Gilman]

Donna D....SEND HER THE BOOKS!! I bought your Decorative Journals book in March of 2006--and for WEEKS I created journals and projects from that book. (Still refer back to it often for inspiration and techniques.) I discovered your blog and was lucky enough to get in to your class at MLPA and that opened up so much INSPIRATION for my passion and hobby (art journals/scrapbooking/creating every day)...ROSIE WILL LOVE YOUR BOOK and she will LOVE YOU! And oh how I want to be there when she and you team up for a CLASS! I will be watching and waiting for news of it! Swirls!

[Peggy Lucas]

This is sooo exciting because I can just feel it happening. It's a natural and you guys will get along so well. I believe.

[Sandi]

You go girl! You can make it happen. I totally believe in this. DO IT! And can't wait to hear about you and Rosie!

[Sara]

You go send those books Donna!!! Go for it!!

[seeingred]

Good for you! I think Rosie would be a kick and since she always talks about her fascination with various people, I think she would understand why you are doing it and I think once she was introduced to you, she would be highly inspired and I could see you being good friends! Wow...is that a run-on or what?! Go for it, life's too short, you'll never know if you don't keep trying. I'll see you at Inspired!

[deb]

Okay, I think you should use some connections you already have. Claudine was on Martha not long ago. Rosie's gonna be on Martha coming up soon. There's gotta be a connection there somewhere. Have Claudine send Martha the books to give to Rosie. Sorry if I'm overstepping, but that's all I've got.

[Lain Ehmann]

So are you friends with Karen and Linda, the authors of Journal Revolution? Because I am buddies with Linda and can introduce you to her... and she knows Rosie... so???
Let me know!
xoox
Lain

[Jaclyn Venter]

Hey Donna! CHECK YOUR EMAIL! I send you Rosies publicists contact information. Her name is Cindi Berger!CALL HER AND TELL HER YOUR DREAM!!!!!!!

[grungedandy]

believe in your dreams & follow them where ever they may take you!

goodluck

*G*

[Sue]

Totally go for it! You have nothing to lose. Good luck!! Believe and it WILL happen!!

[Amanda]

Good luck getting in touch with Rosie!!! I had no idea she was a scrapbooker!! Very cool!!!!! Kudos to you on the postive thinking too!!! I'm trying that more and more every day (thanks to encouragement from a friend!) POSITIVE VIBES your way!!! :D

[tiddlypeep]

You go girl! - i tell my peeps that they can do and make anything they want happen - its all up to them - its a great belief to instill in our future, so that being said -get yourself out there and hand her those books yourself - she has probably read them at least twice over already...oh and i love your energy in your art - tis awesome!

[jenn]

the secret is an amazing book...follow it...do it....just believe! Its yours! :) You'll meet her!!!!

[Kim B.]

Um, Donna...my dearest friend from grade school is David Evangelista. He did her hair for her the entire time on her show (I've been there many times) and is godfather to her daughter Chelsea. So, holla back to a Jersey girl!

[Nicole Martel]

wow Ali, i hope you get to meet Rosie one day :) :) Just don't give up!

[Nicole Martel]

wow , i hope you get to meet Rosie one day :) :) Just don't give up!

[Melly]

I heard she was going to have some kind of craft kits on QVC in the future, and you have been on QVC.... so I was just thinking someone there might have some connections!

[b]

Ok, Donna. What a cool story. I really hope it happens for ya.

I had to make a "top 10 list" of things I wanted to do, in one of Becky's classes, and go to the Oprah show (which is like.....untouchable) was one, and guess what? It happened! Long story, it happened!

You can do it!

[Pauline Clark]

Haha Donna....
I actually bought Visual Chronicles after seeing it and it's authors on Rosie's Show. I, too, love Rosie, loved her show, loved her on The View. What's wrong with the rest of the world? Anyway, you dream to meet Rosie. I'm gonna dream to meet you. Someday, no matter how far it is, I'm gonna go to one of your crops/weekends/ or classes. Something where you are. Can't wait for the new book--bet Rosie would love it too. Maybe we all should do email blasts to her so she sees what a fan club YOU have. Good luck.

[Jacki]

you go girl! and please, when you are a BIGGER celebrity than rosie, stay as fun, and down-to-earth, and passionate, and as accessable as you are now!

we love you in south africa!

[Roni Hunt]

May I quote Nike, 'Just Do It!' BTW I'm going to her blog to mention you as well ala Susan D!!!

[Nicole]

Hi,

I posted on Rosie's blog many months ago that I think she should check your blog. I hope she does sometime. I know she would love it.

[Dawn Pruyn]

Okay, here's my little weird connection to Rosie. My mother-in-law's best friend's ex-husband is married to the mother of Kelly, Rosie's life-partner! My MIL has met her on several occasions, and my MIL's friend (a wonderful lady) is fairly close to Rosie, but I've never met her myself. Don't know how that could be helpful, unless maybe I could wrangle a better contact email or address for you.
I'll give it a shot if you want, let me know!
Dawn

[Christina]

I just wanted to tell you how much you inspire always but today, you really caught attention. I too read as many inspiring books as I can along the way of this thing we call life:) I know you can do it, you can craft with rosie, podcast all the fun stuff us girls like to do! Oh and if you do get to meet her, bring lots of glitter, glitter is the shizzznick to craft with! LOL
Peace girlfriend!
Christina

[Rosa]

This was very fun to read,i hope you have sent her your books,i doubt she doesn't know who you are ;0) I love Rosie too,best of luck,I'm sure you'll get your wish,hugs.

[Michelle from Raleigh, NC]

GO FOR IT!

I met her when I got to do the "opening announce" on her show in 2001. It was magic! I'll send you a link once I load the clip on youtube. xoxo, Michelle from Raleigh - who accosted you on the Charlotte airport shuttle last Thanksgiving ;-)

[Ginger]

Donna - Karen and Linda know Rosie. I also have another friend that "might" know her.

Ginger

[rosie]

hey
its me
send em
i would love to read em
e mail me
i will send u the address

ur work is beautiful

[Dawnie]

Hi Donna... I was just reading Rosie O's blog. She mentioned you and said she left you a comment here! I just came to take a peek. Guess what... she did...it's the post right before this one. I am so excited for you! I hope you get to meet her...I know you can do it :-)

Hugs to you... Dawnie

[Sarah]

How cool that you connected with Rosie!!! I hope u get to meet her one day. I read her blog daily. You both share the same witty humor. The power of blogging is a special when it can connect this way. Loving the video blogs!

[Scott Cotner-Young]

Yeah!!! It happened!!!!! SOOOOOO happy for you!!

[Dropping by]

Came by after seeing you mentioned on Rosie's blog. Really nice work! After reading how much you wanted to meet Rosie and then seeing her reply to you above I cried. I can't imagine what it would be like to hear from someone I wanted to meet that much. Have an amazing day.

[Brandi]

Hi, i love reading your blog. YAY about the Rosie stuff, thats so awesome how its coming true! Love your stuff...

[Grace]

After sending the books, you should leave a comment on her blog - she does read them and she responds to many, many of them on her video blog.

[Stephanie T.]

This morning I sat in Barnes and Noble for an eternity, looking at stacks of 'creating' books...and zeroed in on Rosie's contribution to 'Journal Revolution'...Wow. Who knew?
Our lives take on so many twists and turns without our permission...but with a little help,we have the power to make those secret dreams come true. Go for it kiddo...and don't look back!
Send the frickin' books...

[jjennifer Paganellli]

I am right next to you believe it and it will be so..thanks for sharing your wisdom...there are no coincidinces just winks..Jennifer

[Latisha]

Oh I love Rosie too...how fun would that be to create with her!
You need to find a way to get your books to her!! She would love you, it would be a love fest...
What you need to do is to do a class up in Connecticut/New York near her house and have it advertised big time, she might want to go to your class.
good luck
latisha

[donna downey]

latisha you do not know how much that would make my day. from your lips to gods ears. i keep trying!

donna downey
donnadowney.com
join the Campaign for Creativity