Nicolette TeneciaNicole Nicolette TeneciaNicole

Meet Nicolette: The Social Butterfly with a Love for Books

Nicolette is the heart of her friend group at school. She’s always the first to say hello, quick to share a laugh, and never shies away from making new friends. Whether it’s playing games at recess or diving into the latest book with her best friend Lily, Nicolette’s day is filled with joy, chatter, and fun. But as much as she loves being surrounded by her friends, there’s another side to Nicolette that she doesn’t share with everyone—her loneliness when she’s at home.

I’m thrilled to introduce you to Nicolette, the lively and lovable main character of my upcoming children's book! Nicolette is a 9-year-old social butterfly who shines brightly in any room she walks into. With her curly brown hair, bright eyes, and infectious smile, Nicolette is the kind of friend everyone wants to have. She’s full of energy, creativity, and a deep love for books that will capture the hearts of young readers everywhere.

Who is Nicolette?

Nicolette is the heart of her friend group at school. She’s always the first to say hello, quick to share a laugh, and never shies away from making new friends. Whether it’s playing games at recess or diving into the latest book with her best friend Lily, Nicolette’s day is filled with joy, chatter, and fun. But as much as she loves being surrounded by her friends, there’s another side to Nicolette that she doesn’t share with everyone—her loneliness when she’s at home.

The Loneliness No One Sees

Despite her vibrant personality, Nicolette feels deeply lonely when she’s away from her friends. At home, the quietness feels overwhelming, and she often wishes she could bring the laughter and fun of her school days into her living room. Nicolette’s story is about more than just her cheerful nature; it’s about the feelings we all have when we’re alone and how we can find comfort in unexpected places.

Books as Friends: A New Perspective

Nicolette’s journey takes a beautiful turn when her friend Lily shares a simple but powerful idea: books can be friends too. This thought sparks a change in Nicolette, helping her see her favorite stories in a whole new light. With every page she turns, Nicolette finds herself surrounded by new “friends”—characters who laugh, cry, and grow just like she does. Suddenly, being alone doesn’t feel so lonely anymore.

Why Nicolette’s Story Matters

Nicolette’s story is a gentle reminder that everyone, even the most outgoing and cheerful among us, can feel lonely at times. It’s a story about the magic of books and how they can bring comfort, joy, and companionship when we need it most. Through Nicolette, young readers will learn that friendship can be found in the pages of a book, in the quiet moments of reading, and within themselves.

What to Expect in the Book

In my upcoming book, you’ll follow Nicolette as she navigates her school days filled with friends and fun, her quiet afternoons at home, and her discovery of the special magic that books hold. It’s a heartwarming tale of friendship, imagination, and finding joy in unexpected places. Whether your child loves reading, feels a bit lonely at times, or just enjoys a good story, Nicolette’s adventure is sure to resonate and inspire.

Get Ready to Meet Nicolette!

I can’t wait for you to meet Nicolette and join her on this journey. Stay tuned for more updates, sneak peeks, and release dates! Nicolette’s story is one that celebrates the joy of friendship, the power of imagination, and the comfort of a good book—and I hope it finds a special place on your bookshelf.

Thank you for coming along on this adventure with Nicolette. Here’s to embracing the magic of books, making new friends, and finding joy wherever we are!

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My Journey TeneciaNicole My Journey TeneciaNicole

Facing My Fears: A Journey to the Ocular Oncologist

Two weeks ago, I was referred to an Ocular Oncologist after a routine eye exam. For those who are unfamiliar with an Ocular Oncologist, it’s a doctor who specializes in eye cancer. Hearing the words Ocular Oncology through me into a tizzy. After my routine eye exam, I didn't expect to be referred to an Ocular Oncologist. I was scared, I was anxious and completely overwhelmed by the potential diagnosis.

I’ve always prided myself on being strong in the face of adversity, but nothing could have prepared me for the overwhelming fear I felt when I was told I needed to see an ocular oncologist. The word “oncologist” alone was enough to send chills down my spine, and the thought of potentially having cancer in my eye was terrifying. The night leading up to my appointment was filled with a whirlwind of emotions—fear, anxiety, and the constant battle to stay hopeful.

The Fear of the Unknown

As I sat in the waiting room, my mind ran wild with “what-ifs.”What if it’s cancer? What if I’m not as strong as I think I am? It felt like I was walking on a tightrope, balancing between hope and despair. The unknown was paralyzing. But amidst all the fear, I wasn’t alone. I was surrounded, supported, and lifted by the incredible people in my life.

The Power of Community

Through this experience, I’ve been reminded just how powerful it is to have a strong support system. My family, friends, co-workers, and church family rallied around me in ways that I will never forget. My family and friend’s words of encouragement calmed my fears. My co-workers were understanding and kind, giving me the space I needed while also keeping me grounded with their light-hearted humor and thoughtful messages. My church family’s prayers reminded me that I am always surrounded by God’s love, no matter the outcome.

The Day of the Appointment

Walking into the ocular oncologist’s office, I felt a mix of dread and relief. Dread for what I might hear and relief that the waiting was finally over. After what felt like an eternity, the doctor came in with my results. I held my breath as she explained that the abnormalities they saw were not cancerous. I was overwhelmed with relief, gratitude, and an unexpected rush of tears. The good news felt like a second chance at life, a reminder of how precious my health truly is.

My Greatest Takeaways

  1. Cherish Every Moment: In those moments of waiting and worrying, I realized just how much I’ve taken for granted. I’ve made a promise to myself to be more present, more grateful, and to cherish the everyday moments that make life beautiful.

  2. Lean on Your Support System: I’ve always been fiercely independent, but this experience taught me that it’s okay to lean on others. The love and support I received reminded me that we’re not meant to go through life alone. Sometimes, the strength we need comes from those around us, and that’s perfectly okay.

  3. Faith Over Fear: My faith was a constant anchor throughout this journey. There were moments when my fear seemed overwhelming, but leaning into my faith helped me find peace. It’s not about having all the answers or never being afraid; it’s about trusting that you are held, even in the scariest moments.

  4. Health Is a Gift: It’s easy to take our health for granted, but this experience was a wake-up call. I’m more committed than ever to taking care of myself, both physically and mentally, and to appreciating the gift of good health every single day.

Moving Forward with Gratitude

While the fear I felt during this experience was intense, it also brought me closer to the people I love, strengthened my faith, and gave me a renewed appreciation for my life. I am deeply grateful that I do not have ocular cancer, but even more so, I am grateful for the incredible community that surrounds me. This experience was a reminder that life is precious, and I am determined to live it with gratitude, courage, and a deeper connection to the people and moments that truly matter. Thank you to everyone who supported me, prayed for me, and walked with me through this. Your love was a light in a very dark time, and for that, I will be forever thankful.

With love and gratitude,

Tenecia Nicole

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