Friday, August 13th was my lucky day. I was camping on the Olympic Peninsula when I drove to access cell phone reception to check the ferry schedule. My first email was a “Hurray!” from one of my sage counsels. Here is what I read: Peace Corps Worldwide has selected In Search of Pink Flamingos as the Best Peace Corps Memoir of 2020-21. I sat in shock. Alone. I wanted to cry, scream, yell, laugh, or something. But instead I looked into the rain forest and felt thankful for being recognized for all my hard work. The meaning of my story had reached a broader audience.
As I sat in my car I thanked all of you, my readers and fans. Without your glowing reviews and comments, this Peace Corps award and my earlier CIBA award would have never happened. You helped my book get noticed and spread the word among your friends and family. You hosted me in your book clubs, interviews, and classrooms. And for that I am truly grateful. The seven years I spent writing this personal account of my life was worth every minute.
When I returned to my group campsite an hour later, I shared the news with my colleagues, a group of return Peace Corps volunteers from the Seattle area. How fitting to celebrate with fellow volunteers. Plastic cups of wine and beer bottles clanked as we basked in my moment of glory.
Click on this link to read the whole story. Feel free to leave a comment at the bottom of this link in the Leave a Reply box. This will connect to even more readers.
The Thomas Paine quote is my mantra: “The world is my country, all mankind is my brethren, and to do good is my religion.”
Susan E. Greisen 
Congratulations!! Well-deserved!!
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Thank you. You are one of my fans I wrote about in my blog!!!!!
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SUSAN, I’m So thrilled for you. I was with you during the process of writing and to see this wonderful outcome is just terrific. The award is so well deserved and I’m so pleased that other people recognize the heart and soul that was put into the book.
Congratulations my friend! Leslie
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Leslie, yes, you were at the beginning of so many of my endeavors. I remember you crying when I read you a couple of the chapters. Thanks for always being there for me. Love, Susn
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Susan, Well Done! Congratulations on this well deserved recognition of your amazing story telling skills. –
Sherri
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Thanks Sherri. Sometimes I have to pinch myself. All of this recognition during Covid, makes it seem like I’m daydreaming. Thank you for your support.
Love, Susan
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Congratulations Susan!
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Thanks Catherine, It is so wonderful to be recognized by a bigger audience.
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Congratulations Susan!! You certainly earned it! ‘Ofa lahi atu!
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Thanks for your kind comments ‘Ofa lahi atu!
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Congrats Aunt Susan!!!!
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Thank you my dear niece. Can’t wait to see you. It’s been too long!
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I’m so delighted for you! You are so deserving of the awards & accolades coming your way!
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Thank you Nancy. This seems to be the book that keeps on giving. I met so many new people since publication and reconnected with old volunteers from the past. I’ve been guest author to three book clubs this month and your next month. I look forward to it. Love, Susan
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Susan, Congratulations! Glad I was able to connect and read your book. Job well done!! 😍 Barbara
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