Daily Thought

 

1. "Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant." 
2. -Robert Louis Stevenson

Get Your Copy of a Fun Read

Who has their hands on a copy of Fuzzy Ears and the Grocery Store Adventure? Makes a great read for the special youngster in your life. Now available at Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, Walmart.com, IUniverse.com, TreasureMaison. A fun read. Get your copy today.

Daily Thought

 

1. "Always remember that you are absolutely unique. Just like everyone else." 
2. -Margaret Mead

Daily Thought

 

1. "Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier." 
2. -Mother Teresa

Merry Christmas All!

 Best wishes for a safe and joyous holiday

Daily Thought

 

1. "If life were predictable it would cease to be life, and be without flavor."
2.  -Eleanor Roosevelt

Daily Thought

 

1. "Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people's thinking." 
2. -Steve Jobs

Daily Thought

 

1. "The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing." 
   
   
   
2. Walt Disney

Daily Thought

 

1. "The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." -Nelson Mandela

Daily Thought

 “Each writer is born with a repertory company in his head. Shakespeare has perhaps 20 players. … I have 10 or so, and that’s a lot. As you get older, you become more skillful at casting them.”

—Gore Vidal

 Looking for the perfect Christmas gift for the special youngster(s) in your life? A great read. How about a copy of Fuzzy Ears and the Grocery Store Adventure? Available at Amazon.com, Walmart.com, BarnesandNoble.com, IUniverse.com, TreasureMaison...Get your copy today!

Daily Thought

 “For your born writer, nothing is so healing as the realization that he has come upon the right word.”

—Catherine Drinker Bowen

Daily Thought

 “We are all apprentices in a craft where no one ever becomes a master.”

—Ernest Hemingway

Taking a Chance Can Lead You to New Discoveries!

 

I like when I have the opportunity to try new things. Recently I had the opportunity to try a chicken and waffle cupcake. It actually had a little piece of waffle, and chicken sitting on top. I could also taste a little syrup in it. I had never seen anything like this before, and must admit at first I was hesitant as I stood imagining what all the flavors combined would taste like on my palate. However, stepping outside the box led me to a new discovery. It was surprisingly delicious. As this year has been filled with obstacles, and change for most-it is a time to see what new paths we may find ourselves on. A path we may discover we truly love.

Thought for the Day!

There is always hope, and it is magical. You can’t ever stop believing in it’s potential, even in the most difficult times, hope is still there – Perching in the soul with its bright feathers, and humming continuously the sweetest song always.

Emily Dickinson

 

Who has their hands on Fuzzy Ears and the Grocery Store Adventure? With the holidays quickly approaching, this will make a great gift for the youngster(s) in your life. Now, available at Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, Walmart.com. TreasureMaison, IUniverse.com...Get your Copy Today!

Step Out of Your Box

 Recently, I had an opportunity to experience a cooking method I was unfamiliar with known as hot pot. I must admit, at first I was hesitant, and unsure of what to expect. I am sure most of us feel this way when it is something that requires us to step outside of our comfort zone. However, what I discovered was a tasty meal that was something I easily knew after the first few bites I would enjoy experiencing again. I was reminded that the confinement brought on by COVID 19 is bringing new discoveries to the forefront for many of us. Much of which may be welcomed because we are given an opportunity to discover new things which may bring enjoyment in to our lives. Moving forward I am going to see what areas stepping beyond my usual restrictions of writing will lead me, reaching forward when new challenges are presented, and the enjoyment I may find in the process of stepping outside of my usual box.

Thought for the Day!

 "Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing."

--Benjamin Franklin

Writing is Freedom!

 Once I discovered the true freedom that writing allows you to experience, I must admit it is one of my greatest passions. Each time I put pen to paper, I never know where I will end up. An escape from reality, allowing me to become whomever I choose. It is the opportunity to make dreams come true, and soon I will be able to share another one of my personal goals coming true. Stay tuned!

I Love This Quote!

 “Don't tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass.”

― Anton Chekhov

It is amazing how particular moments in life make you stop and think how certain individuals have touched your life path in some way. Recently, while looking at this quote again I was reminded of an English professor I had while in college. She recently retired, but she was the one who truly made me fall in love with writing. I can recall for the first ten minutes of each class, she had us pull out a journal and begin to write about whatever was on our minds. This was not a journal we had to share with anyone, but just a way to feel free. At first I found it difficult, unsure of what thoughts I wanted to express. But, soon I began to love it. In fact, I looked forward to those cherished times of writing silently. But, it was the reminder she would state before we began to write. We were told to write as if we were describing the situation to someone else, and wanted to bring it to life for them. The more I did it, the better I became at it. I then began to realize the true beauty of being able to allow someone to view things through your eyes. That is the true gift of writing.

Thought of the Day!

 

“Lock up your libraries if you like; but there is no gate, no lock, no bolt that you can set upon the freedom of my mind.”

― Virginia Woolf, A Room of One's Own

Fuzzy Has Landed In The Hands Of....

                                                                                                        

There is nothing more exciting for an author, than to see their work land in the hands of readers. So, as I look around I can see this week my work has arrived in the hands of another. Remember, if you do not have your copy yet, this makes a great gift for the special youngster in your life. Now available at Amazon.com, Walmart.com. IUniverse, TreasureMaison, Barnes andNoble,com. Get your copy today!

My Eye is Gone

 

It is amazing how you can be led back down memory lane in an instant. Today, I found myself making an emotional journey. Read the details in my latest article...

Who Has a Copy of Fuzzy Ears and the Grocery Store Adventure?

 Where has Fuzzy Ears landed? Now available at Amazon.com, Walmart.com, Barnes and Noble, IUniverse...Get your copy today. This makes a great gift for a special youngster.

Fuzzy Ears Has Landed Again!

 Where has Fuzzy Ears landed? Now available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, IUniverse...Get your copy. This makes a great gift for a special youngster.

 COVID 19 has caused so many of us to step outside the box. Do things we have thought about, but never got around to. Finish up those projects around our homes, read that book we are half way through, send emails off to an old friend or family member. It has also reminded us of the greatness in just sitting still. To listen to the chirping of the birds, the barking of a dog in the distance...We all must accept our new normal, learn how to find joy i but never got around to. Finish up those projects around our homes, read that book we are half way through, send emails off to an old friend or family member. It has also reminded us of the greatness in just sitting still. To listen to the chirping of the birds, the barking of a dog in the distance...We all must accept our new normal, learn how to find joy in that, remember how to reflect, and embrace a new me n that, remember how to reflect, and embrace a new means to just be. Grasp this day and make it yours, because you have been given the opportunity to do so. Just think of the possibilities.

Thank you once again for your support, As promised I would like to make an announcement today. You have cheered and supported me as I navigated through a personal project. 

Now, 200 copies of Fuzzy Ears and the Grocery Store Adventure will travel the country landing in each state- eventually reaching the hands of those that may not have had the opportunity to previously discover her. My heart is full.

Thought for Today!

Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.

Helen Keller

Though for This Day!

Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

A Thinking Moment

We could never learn to be brave and patient, if there were only joy in the world.

Helen Keller

A Child Often Brings the Humor

Children often add humor to the mix of a situation, and I love having conversations with them. I find myself continuously reminded why I have had an interest for many years in writing for them. A recent conversation with a kiddo put a mile on my face. A group just met my youngest daughter, and one youngster wanted to talk a little more as she left.

Me: That is my youngest kid right there.Kid: She is not a kid because she is SO tall.
Me: Once you have a baby, no matter how big they get they are always your kid in your heart.
Kid: I know you said you love Wonder Woman more than anything. Do you love your kid more than Wonder Woman?
Me: Hmmm. Of Course I do.
Kid: But didn't you love my Wonder Woman shirt the other day when I wore it?
Me: Of course. I thought you looked cute.
Kid: Do you love your daughter more than a Lamborghini?
Me: How do you know that big word when you cannot fully read?
Kid: From TV of course! They looked at me like I had asked the silliest question in the world.

Never a dull moment with kids...

Coming This Summer!

GUESS WHAT? You asked for it, and now it is happening? After writing Healthcare Under Duress: An 
Inside Look at the University of Washington Billing Scandal I needed to pause. Time was needed to recover from much that had happened. Many people have asked me for a while to put out an audiobook, but the weight of years of grinding to finish the initial battle had taken its toll. Now, the time is right.

In recent months I have received numerous emails from readers asking me questions about my experience, some I have heard before, many of my responses I have never spoken about. So, I will finally answer some of those questions for the first time. I will feature responses from an interview with my friend, whistleblower, Mark Erickson on my site as well. Would I do it all over again? Let me take you on a journey. It will be happening here because I am not finished, and with COVID running rampant neither is healthcare fraud. COMING SUMMER 2020!

Saturday, June 20th, Announcement Coming! You asked for it and I responded. Stay Tuned....
🦢🦢🦢🦢

Justice for George Floyd! 

www.cnn.com

With so much happening and putting our world into a delicate state now, these words make a powerful impact.

“Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.”

Martin Luther King Jr.

As I continue to feel more motivated daily, I urge myself to step and think outside the box. 

If I ever stop and ask myself why? I remind myself because I can. 

There are so many opportunities to do something good, and better opportunities to do something great.


"You can't fall if you don't climb. But there's no joy in living your whole life on the ground."

 Unknown

I

I am in full swing, and want to thank you all so very much for your support. If you have been thinking about contributing to my GO FUND ME account and have not done so yet, there is still time. I will collect funds through the end of this month. Any amount is appreciated.....I have passed my half way goal. When I started this adventure, I didn't know where it would go but I was willing to step out on faith and I am so happy that I did.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/fuzzy-ears-travels-the-country…

I love when my work lands in the hands of beautiful youngsters. Let's see where Fuzzy Ears has landed today...

When I sit back, and observe I see opportunity, and potential in their eyes. I see dreams to be fulfilled, and most importantly I see hope. Creating works that children can pass to one another is a joy.

Who has their hands on a copy of Fuzzy Ears and the Grocery Store Adventure now? Available!!!

“Life is about accepting the challenges along the way, choosing to keep moving forward, and savoring the journey.”

― Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart 

You ever have an AHA moment? I had one I hadn't thought about. A parallel between my long-time friend (since high school,) and my new children's book (Fuzzy Ears and the Grocery Store Adventure.)

 My friend detested her middle name, Rose, ever since we first met. She didn't want anyone to know that was her middle name, but shared it with me one day. From the moment I heard it, I loved it and started calling her by that instead of her first name because I thought it was fitting of the beautiful spirit she was and represented to the world. I became the only person that she allowed to call her Rose through these many years. Whether it was a letter, email, phone call...I always said "hi Rose." She knew it was me. Tonight, after having a conversation she informed me that after all of these years (and it has been many,) she has come to appreciate the name and now actually likes it. It made my evening. I knew it was beautiful all along, I just had to wait for her to catch up. Beautiful Rose.

Motivational Thought

“After nourishment, shelter and companionship, stories are the thing we need most in the world.”

― Philip Pullman

Fuzzy Ears and the Grocery Store Adventure

If you get your hands on a copy of Fuzzy Ears and the Grocery Store Adventure. Please let a friend know about it.

Available now...

Writing That Allows You to Reflect Repeatedly

                                                                                                                             
I love the days when I have an opportunity to look back and reflect on my writing that has impacted me. When I had an opportunity to share a story with the Chicken Soup for the Soul Series, I chose to write about my late grandmother, Martha. The Ninety Pound Powerhouse. It was a proud moment because she was a hero in my eyes.

Thought For the Day!

“Start each day with a positive thought and a grateful heart.” 

― Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart

Boys Love the Story of Fuzzy Ears and the Grocery Store Adventure as Well

While the main character of my new children's book is a little girl named Ruby, boys find just as much enjoyment upon discovering what happens when a day of fun turns in to a lost adventure.

Learn more today when you get your copy of Fuzzy Ears and the Grocery Store Adventure.

What happens when Ruby gets lost and finds herself on an adventure in the grocery store? How will she ever find her mother?  Fuzzy Ears and the Grocery Store Adventure answers these questions.

Now available at Amazon, Barnes and Nobel, IUniverse. Don't miss out! 

Fuzzy Ears and the Grocery Store Adventure

For years I have had a dream of writing. While I have been blessed to pursue my passion it has lead me down many paths: non-fiction, campaigns, websites...and more.

However, I have always had a yearning to write for children. This year I decided to make this desire a reality.

I am so pleased to announce the release of my latest work, Fuzzy Ears and the Grocery Store Adventure.

Readers are taken on an adventure through the eyes of a child named Ruby. Learn what happens when she becomes separated from her mother at the grocery store. Ruby learns the one thing she has disliked for so long, may be what can help reunite the two of them.

Clutter Can Speak a Life Story

I sat in the line of cars waiting silently for what felt like an eternity to get my fast food meal on a dreary Friday evening. Glancing around the parking lot there seemed to be many others that had the same idea of a “non- cooking evening,” on their mind as well. An older model Winnebago I recognized sat parked in a familiar spot. I had viewed it resting in this same spot several times as I drove down Sunset Blvd. It had also been spotted near the Renton airport on a few occasions after participating in local homeless feeds. Books, clothing, papers and a pair of heads were visible through curtains on the rear windows. Everything about its appearance looked dingy. A few restaurant employees stood nearby glancing at the vehicle, looked irritated, and could be heard saying “just go somewhere,” but on this day a pair of small fingers wiggling in my direction caused my temporary stare to halt. I noted they were pointing at the red and blue police lights that now flashed outside of their motor vehicle.

 Soon, an officer approached the door, knocked, and waited before being greeted by an occupant. Within moments an emotional conversation occurred that several of us in line could obviously hear, while pretending like we couldn’t. One behind the other with each word carrying more punch than the one before it came out in a trembling tone… “homeless, nowhere to go, all our things, unemployed, scared, keep moving.” It was in that moment my eyes were reminded that despite seeing this vehicle around the area for months, and it displaying one appearance, the clutter made another statement. A situation which clearly opened my eyes, and served as a reminder that things often become complex when a life event changes your current situation. While appearing unkempt, this vehicle was still home for a family. I began to ponder the question of where would I head if I had no place to stay? I shuddered unsure of my answer. We forget too often while looking through the lens, it can be any of us on the other end- in the blink of an eye.

Community service has brought this statement to the forefront of my thoughts over the past several months. I have been blessed to meet so many others, get to know them, and hear their stories. Many are in similar predicaments, and living on the streets. Some have tents and a blanket if they are “lucky.” Situations are complex and often challenging for most.  A daily pile of obstacles is a given, and normally difficult to emerge from. This often challenges beliefs and diminishes hope.

Recently I heard the story of a car that was missing a window, and filled with clutter symbolizing progress. Life had been filled with struggles. While the clutter in the car meant that there was no permanent residence at the time, it represented no longer sleeping on the ground and battling the elements each night. There was a roof overhead. Things were changing for someone, and this evening I was reminded that while we don’t always immediately see what should be celebrated in a situation, others can serve as a reminder of being appreciative of even that which many view as minor.

In this new year I take with me the knowledge that what we see and think we understand, we often do not. Clutter can mean this is one’s personal belongings that must remain with them because there is no permanent residence, clutter can mean if the items are left behind they may be stolen, or tossed by the city. It can mean a number of things. However, it doesn’t always have to be a negative. Clutter may speak the story that one is experiencing positive changes for their efforts. We must be non-judgmental, receptive to listening, constantly learning, and willing to help make a change if we are in a position to do so.