From My Window
Keynote Speaker
There are many views from my window this month. I’m the keynote speaker at the Elder Network Fall Fling, a fundraiser to be held on September 17th at the Rochester International Event Center. “Because of You” is the title of my talk and it’s based on my 23 years of caregiving. The Fall Fling is an action-packed event with a live and silent auction, dinner, program, and after-dinner dancing. Thanks to Elder Network for this invitation.
The Compassionate Friends Conference
I was thrilled to be at The Compassionate Friends Annual Conference in Houston, Texas. Seeing the Open to Hope team and being with my daughter were the highlights of the trip. I networked with TCF members and spread the word about www.opentohope.com. Open to Hope has many resources for the bereaved—articles, radio, television, podcasts, webinars, and books.
I gave two workshops at the conference, Grief Doodling: A Snapshot of Your Grief Journey and Affirmation Writing: A Forward Step on the Healing Path. Both workshops were well received. “Come to Denver!” a workshop attendee wrote in the survey form. I don’ know if I’ll be able to attend the Denver conference but I will try. Thanks to Open to Hope for sending me to the conference.
Photos courtesy of Amy Hodgson.
Stand With Ukraine
My church gave away packets of sunflower seeds from the Ukraine. I saw the nearly empty basket in the church office. Only one packet was left, and I grabbed it. I mailed the seeds to my daughter, a dedicated, excellent gardener. She planted the seeds and green shoots appeared quickly. The sunflowers grew higher and higher. Bunnies ate some of the flowers, storms damaged others, and this one remains. It reminds me to keep standing with Ukraine by donating to medical and religious organizations
Photo courtesy of Amy Hodgson.
More Doodle Art
On October 1st I’m going to participate on the Handcrafted Bazaar at the First Unitarian Universalist church in Rochester, MN. The bazaar will be held in the church parking lot. Fifty vendors will display their wares and two food trucks will be there for hungry browsers.
I’m creating doodle art for the bazaar now: 5” x 9” matted pictures in clear envelopes, framed double matted pictures (square); 11” x 17” unframed pictures. When people see my doodle art the comment is usually the same, “I love the colors!” If I want a yellow sky, so be it. If I want a purple tree trunk, so be it. I’ve gone color crazy in a healthy way.
I’m looking forward to the bazaar and hope the weather is sunny.
Book Business
First Steps, First Snow will be officially released on September 13th. The children’s picture book is available in hardcover and Kindle formats. Here is the Amazon blurb.
Whether it’s changing seasons, changing scenes, or observing wildlife, nature adds wonder to our lives. First Steps, First Snow (based on a true story) describes a magical walk in the woods on a winter night. The poem guides readers on the walk and encourages the observation of nature. Watercolor illustrations show nocturnal animals that life in forests. At the end, the two children and animals are all snug and sound asleep—a perfect bedtime story for readers of all ages.
Reviews
More reviews are coming in for First Steps, First Snow. The Children’s Book Review says, “First Steps, First Snow is beautiful, timeless, and joyful.”
A NewGalley reviewer shared her feelings about the book.
With simple rhyming a tale of walking through the woods on a snowy day and being the first to make footprints is told by a lover of winter in Wisconsin. I enjoyed the animals and the children who looked for them. Well suited for reading WITH someone of any age. I really want to get one for my local public library (in Wisconsin!)! The illustrations by Carol Hill Quirk are delightful, colorful, muted, and imaginative. Reviewed by Jan Tangen. Five out of five stars.
Quote of the Month
There is something so special in the early leaves drifting from the trees—as if we are to be allowed a chance to peel, to refresh, and start again.
British author Ruth Ahmed, a synonym for the writing team of Anstey Spraggan and Dimmi Kahn.