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.

Thought for the Day

“You are unique. You have different talents and abilities. You don’t have to always follow in the footsteps of others. And most important, you should always remind yourself that you don't have to do what everyone else is doing and have a responsibility to develop the talents you have been given.”
― Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart    

Everyone has a Story

Sometimes it is not the everyday things you do in business that teach the life lessons, but the simple life observations that touch your heart.

Learn more at my latest Renton Patch post.

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