wisconsin

Never Say Never

Never Say Never
My First Author School Visit April 2008

What a curious few days it has been.

I’ve been working on updating my bio, book order form, and letter of agreement.  All things I had in place five years ago when I did over 400 school and library appearances with my dachshund, Frankie.

For so long, I couldn’t imagine a day I’d do an author visit without my faithful, steal-the-show, wheelie dog, at my side. Even when my friend Mary mentioned that I could still continue to do author visits after Frankie died, I just couldn’t imagine it–it didn’t feel right to me. And honestly, I was burnt out.

But time has a way of sometimes changing one’s thoughts.

And it isn’t something I planned. But when a friend contacted me, who recently took a new principal job at a nearby school asking me if I’d come visit their school and talk about the writing process, life as an author, what empathy is, plus a lunch and learn with the teachers, I found myself curiously open to it.

Working on updating my forms I find myself excited about doing this visit in either January or February, which will be a morning session with k-2 and then an afternoon session with 3-4 graders.

I find myself smiling as I think about Frankie and how, because of her, I was able to gain the confidence to speak in public – and as you likely know that is most people’s number one fear!

I also find myself in sweet reflection recalling a reading I had done with Frankie with my friend, Dawn, who is an animal communicator. It was the day before Frankie passed away.

During that reading Frankie shared how she loved how I’d become much more relaxed as we did more and more presentations over the years. And how I’d learned to go more with the flow and not be so anxious and overly uptight about being oober organized – which I can tend to be – and something I never verbally shared with anyone. And Frankie was spot on!

So much I learned from that little dog who flew through the school hallways on her wheels, oftentimes looking like she’d take flight!

It was such a beautiful time in my life. And so it is now, too. Opportunities and possibilities to ponder and consider and take advantage of when it feels right.

While I could never imagine sharing Frankie’s story without her, here I am, ready to do just that and feeling happy in heart about it. While she won’t be with me, and I shall stand alone, it is the loving memory of her and all she taught me that I am never, ever alone…

And what a lesson in never saying never.

Thank you for subscribing to my journal posts.

“Sunshine on the Street” Rocked Acts of Kindness

sunshine 2

All it took was cardboard, paper, markers, positive words, and brave souls to stand out in the -4 degree weather yesterday…but oh, the hearts that were surely warmed from this act of kindness that spread throughout downtown Plymouth, WI.

This effort to spread a positive message throughout the community of Plymouth called, “Sunshine on the Street” was thought up by Dr. Cindy Munson and Chiro-Health Chiropractic Care Center, where I visit bi-monthly for an adjustment to keep this over 50-year old body finely tuned.

I had SO MUCH FUN taking part in “Sunshine on the Street” (that’s me in below photo with “you matter” sign!).

sunshine 1

All area businesses were invited to participate and stand outside their building from 12:30-1:00 pm and share a positive message, smile, and wave to all those driving by.

sunshine 5 c

As I saw some of the photos being shared yesterday and today on Facebook from the different businesses that took part, I got emotional. It was such a simple thing to do, but I have no doubt made a big impact. And as with anything you do voluntarily, it seems you gain more from it than you could have ever expected.

sunshine 3

While my lips were frozen from the biting wind, my heart was bursting with warmth for being a part of such a positive experience. The time flew by so fast and I really didn’t want it to end!

sunshine 4 c

So go out and spread some sunshine on your street today and keep the positive movement going!

sunshine 6

Photos courtesy of Ken Pannier Photography and Chiro-Health Chiropractic Care Center.

A Walk Around Elkhart Lake with Frankie and Me

Follow along on a walk with Frankie and me through the legendary Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin…

Railroad tracks leading into downtown Elkhart Lake….

Past the Osthoff Resort-largest resort in our small town of 1,100.  I worked there for the first four years when it opened…

Around the Osthoff (it is quite big so takes us awhile to walk around it)…

Front of the Osthoff Resort which looks out over Elkhart Lake…..

One view of the lake…

And another view of the lake…

Walk way past another resort, Victorian Village and Siebkens Resort is across the street…

Siebken’s tavern and famous sandwiches below and gift shop above (this place is hopping in the summer, especially during major race weekends!!)…

Portion of downtown Elkhart Lake- this is the Feed Mill with a Off the Rail Cafe and Gina’s Custom Framing and Gifts. We had a grocery store too, but it closed in January. Hoping someone else will open another one soon in the same spot!…

Love this old time looking clock downtown…

Elkhart Lake Train Depot (though trains no longer come through- but talk of them coming through again in near future- hope so!)….

Main drag and I love the little yellow house which reminds me of a doll house, and house next to it is actually an art gallery and owners live upstairs…

Lovely Easter Tree surprise to see…

Back home again… look real close to see who is waiting for us in the front door!!…

Time to head back to my writing studio so Frankie can take a nap.

Hope you enjoyed our little tour of Elkhart Lake!  Our walk is about 2 miles and I love it each and every time I go… and so does little Frankie!