Author Archives: russtowne

About russtowne

I'm awed by the beauty of nature and the power of love and gratitude. Some of my favorite sensory experiences include waves crashing on rocky shores, waterways in ancient redwood and fern-filled forests, and rain. My wife and I have been married since 1979. We have 3 adult children and 5 grandchildren. I manage a wealth management firm that I founded in 2003. My Beloved is a Special Education teacher for Kindergartners and First Graders. I'm a published author of approximately 60 books in a variety of genres for grownups and children.

Why Bother?

Posted on December 20, 2013 by russtowne

I was asked by a reader, in essence: Why bother being kind if the world is headed for destruction anyway? I believe that we increase humanity’s chances for survival by being kind. When I’m kind, I feel good, the person … Continue reading →

Posted in Kindness, Making the World a Better Place, My Beliefs | Tagged destruction, Hope, kindness | 25 Comments

Light and Shadows

Posted on December 19, 2013 by russtowne

I believe that kindness is growing faster than hatred, as evidenced by so many examples others doing, sharing news of, and being inspired by kindness. Hatred is gradually being driven to ever-diminishing shadows as the light of love grows brighter. … Continue reading →

Posted in Kindness, Loss, My Beliefs, Observations, Optimism, Success, Writing | Tagged Caring, compassion, hatred, kindness, light, Love, shadows | 14 Comments

What Happened When this Man Stopped Listening to “People” and Started Listening to His Heart

Posted on December 18, 2013 by russtowne

http://wblk.com/nervous-man-blows-x-factor-away/?trackback=fbshare_mobile Source: Butch Dority shared this. What a great reminder to us all as to what can happen when we listen to our heart. Wish Love, Russ

Posted in Authentic Living, Beauty, Breakthroughs, Bullying, Choices, Courage, Dreams, Feelings/Emotions, Following Your Passion, Inspiring, Joy & Happiness, LIfe Lessons, My Beliefs, Passion, Talent, Vids & Stories That Touched Me | Tagged courage, faith, fear, heart, Love, naysayers, passion, singing, spirit, talent, X Factor | 4 Comments

All the Important Things

Posted on December 18, 2013 by russtowne

I was recently asked, “If you could make three wishes, what would they be? (Wishing for unlimited wishes couldn’t be one of them.)” I replied: “I only need one wish. I wish for lasting joy for everyone. I believe it … Continue reading →

Posted in Abundance, Joy & Happiness, My Beliefs, Observations | Tagged Important, important things, joy, observations, questions, wishes | 6 Comments

No Star In All the Heavens

Posted on December 18, 2013 by russtowne

A Most Unusual Christmas Tree Visitors who come to our home near the holidays are often struck by the sight of a most unusual Christmas tree. Instead of a fir or some other traditional kind, we have a palm tree … Continue reading →

Posted in Abundance, Adversity, Beauty, Challenges, Children, Creativity, Dreams, Family, Family "Fun", Gifts, Goodness, Gratitude, Illness, Ingenuity, Kindness, Loss, My Written Works Misc., Non-fiction Stories I've Written, Non-Fiction Writing I've Done, Pain & Grief, Parenting, Photos I Took, Strength, True Stories I've Written, Writing, Youth | Tagged adversity, beach, challenges, chemotherapy, children, Christmas tree, compassion, daughter, despair, Dog, dreams, Family, friends, Friendship, gift, gifts, heavens, illness, intenive care, joy, kindnes, Love, pain, palm tree, poor, sadness, star | 18 Comments

Hunger

Posted on December 17, 2013 by russtowne

“There is more hunger in the world for love and appreciation in this world than for bread.” –Mother Theresa The great news is that we have within us an almost infinite potential to give love and appreciation, and they are … Continue reading →

Posted in Abundance, Acceptance, Love, Photos That Touched Me, Quotes I Love, Relationship Lessons Learned | Tagged apologies, appreciation, ego, Forgiveness, hunger, Love, Mother Theresa, Relationships | 9 Comments

When a Company Gets it Right

Posted on December 17, 2013 by russtowne

The link below is to an ad for Apple. But it is so well done, I didn’t notice until the end when the Apple logo went up. Good job, Apple. http://allthingsd.com/20131217/apples-new-iphone-and-apple-tv-ad-will-make-you-cry/?reflink=ATD_yahoo_ticker Russ

Posted in Family | Tagged ad, apple, Family, holiday, teenager | 8 Comments

Moral Dilemna Holiday Humor

Posted on December 17, 2013 by russtowne

Lee, a seven-year-old boy, was asked to say thanks for the Christmas dinner. The family members bowed their heads in expectation. Lee began his prayer, thanking God for his mommy, daddy, brothers, sister, grandma, and all his aunts and uncles. … Continue reading →

Posted in Fun, Humor | Tagged fun, holiday humor, humor, Mikey's Funnies | 6 Comments

Guess What I Did Today

Posted on December 17, 2013 by russtowne

Guess what I did today: In my best Don Adams (Get Smart) voice: Would you believe: I bought a Lear Jet? Piloted a Lear Jet on a Medevac run from the U.S. to Mexico and back again? I needed to … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Lear Jet, Medevac, pilot | 22 Comments

Quiet Santa’s for Kids with Special Needs

Posted on December 15, 2013 by russtowne

For some children, visiting Santa at a shopping mall would have been a very bad experience, until now. http://www.today.com/moms/quiet-santas-help-kids-autism-make-christmas-wishes-2D11723567 I love it when ways are found to bring greater joy to others. With Love, Russ