Do You Remember What You Wanted to Be When You Grew Up? My Visit with Six Imaginative 7th Graders.

st. paul lutheran

 7th grade class from St. Paul Lutheran School

It was never in my life plan to be a writer or an author. But I’m so glad I followed the path that led me to this the past nine years as it has been an enjoyable ride so far.

Today I met with the 7th grade class at St. Paul Lutheran school. They are a small class of only six students. They are currently working on writing their own children’s stories and had emailed me asking if I’d come to their classroom to talk about writing and publishing.  A free lunch was the bribe and I got to pick pizza.  It worked!

So I was there to inspire them though none of them plan to be a writer or author someday. But I must say, they inspired me with their questions and stories.  At one point I asked each of them what they wanted to be when they grow up.  A policeman, a teacher, a mechanic, a ballet dancer, a youth speaker, and a pawn shop owner. And you know what? I could see each of them being just exactly what they said!

They asked me what it was that I wanted to be when I was their age. I couldn’t remember. But I do remember loving clothes and fashion which I shared with them, and that is what I did do for twelve years of my life, working at Kohl’s Department store as Visual Merchandiser.  I enjoyed that job very much. But one important thing I wanted them to remember is that no matter what they set out to do that if they change their minds and take a different route, that is okay too.

It was a joy hearing about the stories they are working on and the lessons they hope their readers will take away from their books. They will actually be publishing their books through a print on demand company and the books will  be available in their school library for the younger students to check out and read. I think this is such a win-win thing all the way around!

So even though I can’t remember what it was I wanted to be when I grew up, I was inspired listening to these young minds as they explore what is ahead of them. And I was very much inspired by their amazing imaginations as they now will work on completing their books over the next few weeks… which will likely inspire another younger generation. Cool stuff.

Available for Book Club Discussions. Touching a Chord. Book Giveaway!

chillin out with Joie

Chillin’ out with Joie, my inspiration and reminder that life is so good!

I’m really enjoying hearing from many of you after you’ve read my new book. I’m feeling so honored that my book is touching a chord. It felt incredibly vulnerable letting my story go out into the world. But those of you sharing your thoughts with me have truly touched me. Thank you.

One thing I’d like to do is connect with book clubs for discussion around any or all of the topics in my book. If you belong to a book club, we can do this via phone or Skype. If your group has never done this before in terms of phone or Skype, I can help with that. I’m also available in person depending on your location. For more information please feel free to contact me.

While I wrote my book mainly for women, I was deeply touched by an email I received from David, who is 49 years old. He gave me permission to share what he wrote to me.

“Through your work, you’ve helped me look at certain things that I’ve worried about in life a whole different light. Bailey had back surgery a couple years ago, and we were fortunate that she recovered well. However, our vet has told us that after looking at some x-rays for Rudy, she would most likely be susceptible to back issues. So, I’ve been stressed about that for quite some time, that is until I read your book. What a positive outlook it has helped me formulate on the whole situation. I’m sure that whatever happens, it will turn out to be a blessing.

I’ve also lost a lot of loved ones in my life, my parents in my 20’s and many other relatives throughout the years. Thus, turning 50 this year wasn’t feeling all that great, but once again, you’ve given me a few things to contemplate and for that I’m really thankful. I know that I have the best years of my life to come, sharing them with my loving partner of 10 years and our beautiful, very special girls that you see in the photo. I’m looking forward to get on with it now more than ever!”

I wanted to share this because as I mentioned, I felt vulnerable putting my thoughts out there. While at the same time, I realize so many of us struggle with some of the same issues. While these issues may seem ordinary, I came to see that if they stop us from living fuller, happier lives, then we need to start talking about them and encouraging each other.

In an upcoming Joyful Paws Jaunt blog stop later this month I’ll be talking about how being vulnerable actually helps us when writing memoir on Kathleen Pooler’s memoir blog. But even if you aren’t planning on writing your memoir, I’d love to connect with you and your book club for discussion around topics that do make us vulnerable and stop us from going after our dreams and our hearts desires.

**If you’d like to try and win a copy of Through Frankie’s Eyes, be sure to stop by The Mary Reader blog soon and leave a comment to have your name entered. You must also sign up to follow Mary’s blog to qualify and details on the right hand side of her page.

 

Look Who Is Reading “Through Frankie’s Eyes.” Join in the Fun and Send Your Photos of Your Pet with My Book!

RudyBailey

David sent this photo of his darling doxie’s Rudy and Bailey… and don’t you just love the cool chair?  I do!

So I think you all know by now how much joy my Joie and Kylie bring me, right?  If not, then that means I have not done a good job with my blog!  LOL!

At any rate, I started a board on my Pinterest page called, “Look Who Is Reading Through Frankie’s Eyes and I posted the notice on Facebook late yesterday afternoon. Do you have any idea how much joy you are giving me by sharing the photos of your sweet, adorable pooches (and one kitty so far!)?  My heart is swimming in pure happiness and joy!  This is so fun opening my email to find these photos you are sharing with me.

If you haven’t sent in your photos yet, join in the fun!  Check out all the cuties who are reading Through Frankie’s Eyes!  Email me your pictures at barb (at) joyfulpaws (dot) com.  Be sure my book is in the photo as that is part of the “qualification” to have your photo added to the board.