Frankie is Launched Into the World!

Well, OK, Frankie was not literally launched!  Mercy, no!  Frankie and I launched her first children’s book, “Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog” on Sunday, Feb. 24th.  What a turn out!  WOW!  We estimated close to 200 people filled the Elkroom at the Osthoff Resort to catch a glimpse of the dog with tires.  And 160 books went out into the hands of Frankie fans.

This is a picture of my Frankie and my Johnnie.  When I first saw this picture my heart swelled with joy and tears filled my eyes.  It made me feel so loved to see them watching me as I did my presentation.  Looking at this picture reminds me how incredibly loved I really am.

The Friends of the Library ladies had a ball!  They were giddy with joy as people began to line up to buy books even before the event began.  What an incredible feeling to see that kind of support from family, friends and strangers for Frankie’s book.  The excitement was contagious and it was great to see so many smiles as books made their way down the line on the way to me to autograph and add Frankie’s special stickers made with her real paw print.

Here is my mom getting in on the action and finding a spot to sit next to me.  My mom’s support has meant so much to me.  She is one of my biggest fans.  Every joy and sorrow or challenge I have had in my life, I can always turn to my mom and work through it by talking with her.

This is the amazingly talented Victoria Kay Lieffring who brought the story to life with her life-like illustrations. She captured the personalities and spirits of humans and animals alike as well as capturing the quaintness of Elkhart Lake through her illustrations throughout the book.

Last, but not least my mom caught this picture of me.  She said this picture says that I look like I am living my purpose and passion.  I have to say I think she is exactly right!  I will never forget the launch of my first children’s book.  The feeling was like a dream as we drove home that afternoon… a dream that continues to unfold each day.  A dream I am so happy I went after and pursued.

Frankie and I are now getting ready to visit schools and libraries and already have two bookings for presentations.  I am excited to share our message with children and share Frankie with them.

So, yes, Frankie and her book is off and rolling…and with great momentum!  Weeeeeeee, here we goooooooooo!!!  Thank you to everyone who came to support us at our book launch!  And thank you to the Friends of the Library and the Osthoff Resort for sponsoring this event for me.  I am deeply grateful.

 

A Picture Book for Elders

I had the privilege to speak with Natalie Tucker Miller today.  Her concept for a picture book for elders is astounding and absolutely beautiful.  Her connection with the elderly and reading to them is so heart warming.  I invite you to visit her website and check out her book, "Lavender Ladies."  You can hear her read her book as the pages turn and just so you know, you made need a tissue.  http://www.ageless-sages.com/

If you have an elder in your life this book is a gift you can share with them.  I wish my grandmother’s were still here so I could read it to them.  So, I share it with all of you in hopes you will take some time to consider doing the same for that special elder in your life. 

An Awesome YouTube Video!

Check it out below.  I found this through a newsletter from www.angelanimals.net.

I truly believe animals are here on earth to teach us valuable lessons to life.  This video and the story behind it demonstrate it so well.  I needed a tissue… you might too.  🙂

YOUTUBE LINK: (www.youtube.com/watch?v=RuuesBhOR9g)

The story behind it (and this could be an urban legend, but it
looked real to us), a homeless man in Santa Barbara had a cat and
dog for his family. He would walk one of the streets everyday,
looking for donations.

To prevent his cat from having to walk too much, the man made a
harness that enabled the cat to ride on top of the dog. Then a white
rat decided to get into the act. The rat started riding on top of
the cat. As the dog, cat, rat, and homeless man go for a stroll,
it is a sight to behold.

The video is hilarious but also has a serious point. If only the
human kingdom could get along as well as these different species
in the animal kingdom that aren’t supposed to be able to tolerate
each other.

What do you think? Are there animals you have seen who demonstrate
what it means to live together peacefully in spite of differences?