On the way to Book Expo America 2009

Hello from 22,000 feet....over Iowa! Settled in row 17c of Virgin America's flight 404 to New York I am attempting to get my arms around the fact that I have written two children’s books, created my own business, and now stand at the threshold of the largest book show in the world, marching my way into a life that is on my terms. Even in my conversations with others on this trip or elsewhere, it is as if I’m telling someone else's story. It's pretty awesome! But what really makes me grin, the thing that makes my heart radiate joy and smile so big lately are the gazillion miracles in my life over this past six months. The jaw dropping syncopation of them is what really gets me. The amazing nature of it all is so much. Just randomly.... I met my friend Rob, and out of this chance meeting while serving for Jury Duty, which has to certainly be THE most unlikely magma of potential if ever there was one, I met my friend, Magal. Magal who, though many wonderful things, is critical to my journey in that she is one of those people who brings out the best in you. With her million-watt spotlight she helped re-introduce me to my long lost courage - O! Hello! I remember you.; then book number one; followed by droves of responses to the lark idea of posting a request for illustrators on Facebook; and the art director dynamo, referred by a friend, with her ‘Big 6’ publishing house experience offering priceless time, advice and direction ; the phone call from another friend I’ll talk to every 6 months or so, mentioning this book expo - the largest in the world- just in time for me to get ready; the previously mentioned beautiful soul from Jury Duty, who in the midst of creating his own empire, single-handedly got this website up and running (miracle 1) as first steps in making me his initial 'Dream Foundation' candidate (miracle 2); the event director at a major entertainment outfit stepping up to the critical task of formatting my web pages for greatest impact, and HER connection in Brazil creating my business cards and letter head on her own time; None of them, not a one, asking a thing in return. It has all been a very humbling experience. I am so glad you decided to stop in at this nascent moment on our journey. We have so much promise, and so much growing to do! This is a dream in progress, specifically one revolving around children. Our aim is insight, delivered in the easily understood world of pictures and poetry. Our stories for the 4-8 year old sow seeds at an early age so kids grow, like the Willow tree, flexible and well grounded. We craft stories in sight of self-confident children empowered and directed by an extensive network of roots reaching deep within for the nourishing fortitude of self-guidance; whom are copiously inspired by life’s joy via a lush openly receiving canopy of spirit providing them shelter and shade from its occasional storms, and at last, the joyous, laughter bearing fulfillment of providing that shelter and shade not just for themselves, but to those they love around them. Children are in my eyes our most precious resource. They remind us in their infinite wisdom to dream, be brave, and try new stuff, simply because it’s fun. Yay, fun! It is a pleasure to have you along on the adventure. Glad you could come!