Cheery Cherry Blossoms: A Free Short Story and a Giveaway

A Free Short Story and Giveaway

We had a snow day up here in DC, so I decided a new Kiki Lowenstein Short Story was in order.

Anya has mono, and that means she's going to miss the school trip to see the cherry blossoms in DC. Read it here: http://joannacampbellslan.com/kiki-lowenstein-and-the-cheery-cherry-blossoms-comment-to-win-your-own-cheery-cherry-blossoms/

 The story will be available for a limited time. The giveaway ends tonight, March 23, 2018, at midnight.

Comment on the story and you could win a cherry blossom mouse pad, a cherry blossom sachet, a cherry blossom pencil and postcard.

Cherry Blossom Facts

Here are a few fun facts about cherry blossoms:

1. "Sakura" is the Japanese word for cherry blossom. The blossoms symbolize the beauty and transience of our lives.
2. This year's peak viewing is estimated to happen from March 27th to 29th.
3. Peak viewing is when 70% are blooming, and the Tidal Basin is a favorite spot for enjoying the trees.
4. The trees are the result of a gift from the mayor of Japan. The first shipment of cherry blossom trees arrived in 1910 and were so infested with bugs that they had to be destroyed. In 1912, a new crop arrived--and happily they were healthy.
5. There were originally more than 3,000 trees planted.
6. Helen Taft, wife of President Taft, presided over the initial installation. Since then, the cherry blossom trees have been a favorite projects of many First Ladies.
7. Cherry blossoms come in both pink and white.
8. Many DC area eateries offer special foods celebrating the cherry blossoms. There are also all sorts of cool cherry blossoms souvenirs you can buy.
9. Here is the link to the official cherry blossom site: https://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/about/history/

Comments

[Susan Neace]

I liked the short story very much. I note that the US sent dogwood trees to Japan as part of the exchange

[Elaine Viets]

Thank you for the short story, Joanna. One of my favorite memories of Washington was visiting the Tidal Basin when the trees were blooming. The falling petals were like pink snow.

[Hank Phillippi Ryan]

So wonderful! Thank you for all the cool info--going to the story right now!