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.

Kids Say The Darndest Things!

Posted on May 8, 2013 by russtowne

WHY GOD MADE MOMS Brilliant answers given by 2nd grade school children to the following questions: Why did God make mothers? 1. She’s the only one who knows where the scotch tape is. 2. Mostly to clean the house. 3. … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Humor, Parenting | Tagged children, humor, kids, mom, moms, Mother, parenting | 22 Comments

Bob Dylan’s Definition of Success

Posted on May 8, 2013 by russtowne

“A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and gets to bed at night, and in between he does what he wants to do.” – Bob Dylan (Source: Robin Ruddy) I believe that is true for … Continue reading →

Posted in Following Your Passion, Joy & Happiness, LIfe Lessons, Observations, Quotes I Love | Tagged Bob Dylan, dancing, doing, doing what you love, drummer, following your passion, happy, Love, Robin Ruddy, Success, successful, tune, women | 9 Comments

SPPRAK Attack

Posted on May 8, 2013 by russtowne

Originally posted on GYA today:
Thanks to NBC Nightly News for this charming and inspiring story. Enjoy!

Posted in Uncategorized | 7 Comments

For Those Who Are Having A Challenging Day

Posted on May 7, 2013 by russtowne

Photo: Old West trading Post Love, Russ

Posted in Challenges, Children, Humor | Tagged bad day, challenges, child, children, humor, photo, photograph | 7 Comments

Grandsons Update

Posted on May 6, 2013 by russtowne

I had just finished reading a book to Thomas last night and had put it down. He picked it up and said “More” clear as day. Have I said lately how much I love my grandson and his parents? As … Continue reading →

Posted in Abundance, Children, Grandparenting & Grandkids, Gratitude, Love, Miracles, Photos That Touched Me | Tagged books, Grandchildren, Grandparents, Grandson, photo, reading, sharks | 23 Comments

Posted on May 4, 2013 by russtowne

A friend shared this story. I believe it to be true but have not Snopesed it. Whether the details are true or not, I believe there is truth and wisdom in the message it conveys. Love, Russ “A man sat … Continue reading →

Posted in Observations, Stories That Touched Me | Tagged commute, DC, Joshua Bell, metro, musician, rush hour, violin, violinist, Washington | 19 Comments

Jigsaw Sculpture

Posted on May 4, 2013 by russtowne

I am occasionally asked regarding how or where I get ideas for my poems, lyrics, and short stories. The ideas come from everywhere and everything. Sometimes a single word or phrase ignites a spark of an idea. Sometimes it is … Continue reading →

Posted in Creativity, Non-Fiction Writing I've Done, Observations, Story Writing Adventures, Writing | Tagged concet, connection, lyric, lyricist, lyrics, non-fiction, observations, poem, poems, poetry, readers, resonate, write, writing | 8 Comments

“No More Secrets/No More Lies”: Dedicated to All Who’ve Had Their Hearts Broken By A Dishonest Lover

Posted on May 2, 2013 by russtowne

In an earlier post, I promised to post a song or two. This one has an energy that is quite different from my other songs to date and is dedicated to everyone who has been cheated on, lied to, or … Continue reading →

Posted in Anger, Songs For Sale That I Wrote or Co-Wrote, Songs I've Written or Co-Written | Tagged Anger, betrayal, cheating, female vocalist, lies, lyric, Relationships, secrets, song | 9 Comments

Under 1 Roof: 12 Kids, 2 Women, and 1 Very Patient Man

Posted on May 2, 2013 by russtowne

For those who are tired of reading my poetry–and I imagine that your numbers are legion–I’ve decide to re-post a story and a song or two. Here’s a story for newer readers: Under 1 Roof: 12 Kids, 2 Women, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Abundance, Challenges, Children, Parenting, True Stories I've Written | Tagged Abundance, challenges, Family, humor, Love, relatives, scarcity, story, true story | 9 Comments

A Bad Day’s Brewin’

Posted on May 2, 2013 by russtowne

When I woke up Key sites were down Spent all mornin’ On work-arounds Cut a toe on a tack I didn’t see on the floor Jumped and banged my elbow On the edge of a door Bathroom flooded Sewer line’s … Continue reading →