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One of My Favorite Questions

When I visit school’s with Frankie one of my favorite questions I get asked is:  “What is your favorite thing about being an author?”

Wow – that is such a big question. There is so much I love about it! One thing I love is sharing Frankie with kids and knowing Frankie has a positive affect on them. It is very rewarding seeing all the smiles of the kids as they come by to pet Frankie after my presentation.

Another wonderful thing, which I was reminded of today when I checked the mail – is thank you letters from kids we have visited. You might be surprised at how many school’s actually don’t send thank yous. It seems a lost art, which is such a shame. But when I do receive them, like I did today, it instantly warms my heart. I have a pretty big collection of thank yous that I’ve saved and they are like treasures of gold to me.

Today’s thank you cards came from Shepherd of the Hills Catholic School. I can hardly wait to curl up in my big red chair later, with Frankie and a good glass of wine, and read the cards. No doubt I will find my eyes misting over with tears… as they always do when I read cards and letters from kids. One of my favorite things about being an author… indeed!

Cassy Tully-Fine Art Interviews Children’s Author, Barbara Techel

Artist Cassy Tully turned the camera on me after I interviewed her in the last two blog posts on her life as an artist and what it meant for her to paint Frankie.  She now interviews me on what the painting means to me… as well as what my writing studio means to me, and so much more!  Enjoy!

Please note:  The Frankie greeting cards will be available soon on my website.  Once I have them ready for sale I will be sure to let you know via my blog.

 

Sage Lewis, Creature Teacher

Sage Lewis, Certified Life Coach, Animal Trainer, Pet Whisperer, Healer, Author, Radio Person and Fun Person… wow, I'd say Sage is one busy lady!

I recently found out about Sage and her work.  In her June newsletter she wrote this:

"This June I invite you to hang more – to witness the beauty that stillness brings. Breathe in the fresh breezes with your eyes half closed from delight."

She wrote this because this is what animals have taught her.  It reminded me of all my animals have taught me.  When I first realized how vibrant the colors of life were it was because of the diagnoses of bone cancer in my chocolate lab.  It will be four years July 11th that she is gone.  She is an angel in my life that continues to remind me of the beautiful message she left behind for me, and now Frankie carries on that message on.  I really believe animals get this thing called life.  We humans need to pay attention to them.  I know when I do I am a much more peaceful, joyful, relaxed person.

I'm thrilled to say I will be on Sage's radio show, The Pet Playground on Sunday, August 23rd at 6:00p CST.  Hope you can tune in!

Sage will also be using her skills as an animal communicator to share her insight with me about Cassie Jo, my chocolate lab.  I've been wanting to do this for quite sometime, so can't wait to have this done.  I'll share what I learn!