Today is the day!! We’re holding the book in our hands for the very first time—and we’re giddy, completely overwhelmed. This is truly a dream come true. From the first idea to the final page, this project has been a journey—and we couldn’t have done it without the many amazing hands (from all generations) that helped bring it to life. We’re so, so grateful. 💙 We’re now making a few final tweaks before placing an order of 500–1000 copies (and yes, we’re figuring out how many we can squeeze into our garage before we start distributing books around the lake at shops, libraries, forts, camps, museums, general stores…maybe even ice cream shops 🍦?! ). We’re excited for the next part of the adventure.…book launch! #lakegeorgejourney #adkwriter #familybookproject #booklaunch #communityproject #LakeGeorgeLove #MadeInTheADK #LocalAuthors #SupportLocalArt #GenerationsOfStories #LakeToLibrary #BooksOfTheAdirondacks

When I first started brainstorming this book, I was told I should pick just one artist for all the illustrations. But that didn’t feel quite right to me… What if we went with 26 artists? One for each letter of the alphabet? Sounds amazing, but Lake George isn’t exactly overflowing with artists. So, I started thinking: could 5–10 artists work? Would the book still flow with such a mix of styles? I decided to take the risk and embrace the diversity of our community. And now, as I look at the finished project, I’m thrilled to say I wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s like a mosaic—each piece unique, yet together, they form something beautiful and cohesive. A huge shout-out to the 7 incredible artists who took on the challenge and contributed their unique talent to this book. @andrewthompsonart @shaundrabartlett @artbyshay6 @ottaviahuang , Chris Quinn, Wendy Soliday and Kathy Becker. Each artist was assigned up to 5 letters, and I am completely in awe of their work. And none of this would have come together without the brilliant work of our local designer, Chris Quinn. She made it happen—her vision and expertise brought all of these unique styles together. The artwork will be displayed at the Courthouse Gallery @lakegeorgearts in August, with the book launch event happening on August 15th. The display will run for two weeks, and I’ll be posting more specific details soon. I’m beyond grateful for the contributions of everyone involved, and I hope you love the final result as much as I do. 🙏🎨 #lakegeorgeny #adirondacksny #CommunityArt #LakeGeorge #synergy #DiversityInArt #Grateful #Localbook #BookEvent #ArtExhibit #LocalArtists #NYArtists #LakeGeorgeArtists #LakeGeorgeArtProject #Mosaic

Big milestone! We just sent the files to the printer for proof copies yesterday—such an exciting moment as we prepare for the book launch! 📚 Figuring out which printing company to go with has been quite the adventure. My first book, @Wildpreneurs, was published by HarperCollins Leadership. This time, I’m taking the self-publishing route. After a lot of research, I was grateful to find Book Baby @bookbabyofficial On the copyright page of Lake George Journey, we’re proud to say: “First Edition. Printed in the USA by BookBaby in-house at their print shop in New Jersey on G7 certified printers. Carbon footprint is reduced by using 100% recycled board stock for hardcovers, recycling paper scraps, and utilizing non-toxic, vegetable-based inks.” 🌱🌍 Thank you, BookBaby, for making it possible to print locally and minimize our footprint🐾 . We can’t wait to hold this book in our hands! The journey continues! Stay tuned for launch details! 📖 #SelfPublishing #BookBaby #BookLaunch #EcoFriendlyPrinting #FirstEdition

You’re the first to see this surprise addition to the book! As we’ve put the finishing touches on the manuscript and design, I felt like something was missing…but I couldn’t quite figure out what. Then, I woke up a few mornings ago and I had it...we needed a visual to illustrate the incredible synergy that is bringing this book to life. And so…here’s our Lake George Community Tree! This tree represents the many hands that have come together—family, artists, organizations, leaders, and friends around Lake George. Just as the lake, mountains, and creatures are interconnected, so too are we. It’s a living symbol of our shared journey, growing with more leaves, branches, and deep roots as we continue to nurture it together. Much gratitude to our outstanding designer, Chris Quinn from the @nlgyc Northern Lake George Yacht Club. Her brilliance is making this all possible 🙏. #LakeGeorge #LakeGeorgeNY #LakeGeorgeJourney #SupportLocalArtists #LakeGeorgeCommunity #Adirondacks #AdirondackArtists #LocalArtists #LakeGeorgeBook #LakeGeorgeLove #CommunitySynergy #UpstateNY #LakeGeorgeHistory #AdirondackLife #LocalLeaders #FamilyAndFriends #NYArtists #LakeGeorgeFamilies #ExploreLakeGeorge #LakeGeorgeCulture #NewBook #FamilyBook #BookLaunch

The raw manuscript is complete (finally!) and in the hands of our proofreaders🤓📖. Final touches are being added to the design, and we’re on the home stretch of this book creation journey that started as a seed of inspiration a year ago. 🌱 I can feel the energy of spring fueling our final push as we get closer to sharing the “Lake George Journey” with you all. 🛶 Grateful for this process and everyone who’s been part of it so far! Stay tuned for more updates — the journey is just beginning. #LakeGeorgeJourney #BookLaunch #SpringEnergy #WritingCommunity #AuthorLife #BookComingSoon #LakeGeorgeAssociation #LakeGeorgeLandConservancy #AdirondackCommunity #LakeGeorgeNY #LakeLove #LakeLife

I spy with my little eye…when I was a kid, I-spy books were my favorite! Turns out my kiddos feel the same ❤️. What about you? Here’s a glimpse of a page from our book - ‘R’ for Rattlesnakes, Rock Climbing, and Rainbows on Rogers Rock. Can you spot all the hidden elements that start with ‘R’? How many are there? This vibrant artwork by Shay DeRusso @artbyshay6 is just one of the seven different styles and artists who contributed to this book, ranging from classic watercolor to digital art. But don’t be fooled by the colorful images—this book isn’t just for kids! Short stories and fun facts are entertaining and educational for all ages 🤓. #LakeGeorgeNY #ADKLakelove #Adirondacks #LakeGeorgeJourney #LocalArtists #LGA #LGLC #ShayDeRusso #ExploreLakeGeorge #LakeGeorgeLife #AdirondackArt #FamilyAdventures #NatureLovers #ArtAndNature #LakeLife #AdirondackViews #SupportLocalArt #ArtForAllAges #OutdoorArt #NatureInspiredArt #UpstateNY #NYCArtScene #BookLovers #ArtBook #CreativeJourney

It all began with this notebook and a splash of inspiration last summer 💦. Sitting at our boathouse on Lake George, watching my kiddos play with their grandparents in the magical water, I felt an overwhelming love and gratitude 💙. But beyond the breathtaking beauty, I realized I didn’t truly know the lake—its history, its ecology, its community, its future. I felt hungry to learn, not just for myself, but for my children too. 🌱 This revelation led me to pick up my pen, dive into research and write a book 🤓. And WOW, Lake George has incredible stories to tell! Not to mention so many outstanding resources and organizations to learn from. I then began to reach out to local illustrators such as @andrewthompsonart @artbyshay6 @shaundrabartlett @ottaviahuang , brainstorm with conservation organizations @lakegeorgeassociation and @hikelakegeorge and connect with local leaders and friends @leewoodruff @carriemarieburr @heidsieck13 . Thus began a beautiful synergy that has led to this book. It has become a love letter to the lake—one that I hope will support how we care for it, for many generations to come. 🌿📚 We’re putting the finishing touches on the manuscript now. Our book, “Lake George Journey: An Alphabet Adventure” is for our kids, family, community and for all those who love Lake George. 💚 #LakeGeorge #FamilyAdventures #ConservationJourney #NatureLovers #GratefulHeart #LGA #LGLC #adirondacks #lakegeorgeassociation #lakegeorgelandconservancy #newbook #booklaunch

There’s something in the water here 💦. I grew up on a different lake, and while it’s lovely, there’s a reason that Thomas Jefferson described Lake George as “the most beautiful water I ever saw” and the Jefferson Project has earned the lake a reputation as “the world’s smartest lake.” As a relative newcomer, my mother-in-law quizzes me regularly: How many islands are there? What’s “Forever Wild”? How do we keep the water clean? These questions sparked our family’s alphabetical exploration. Each letter of the alphabet is told from a different perspective in our family. We hope you enjoy the journey as much as we have. Our book is coming…May 1st! #lakelove #lakelife #lakegeorge #Adirondack lakes #family #wildpreneurs