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.

Growing Gratitude Naturally

Posted on March 20, 2013 by russtowne

A friend posted: “Begin each day with a grateful heart.” I “liked” that saying, and replied: “Is there any other kind, my friend? An “Ungrateful heart” seems like an oxymoron to me. I’ve heard of lots of folks with ungrateful … Continue reading →

Posted in Gratitude, Growth/Learning, Observations | Tagged Friend, grateful, gratitude, growing, growth, heart, mind, naturally, observation, quote | 6 Comments

I Like This Little Guy! Fly, My Friend! Fly!

Posted on March 19, 2013 by russtowne

At his request, each morning three-year-old Ray’s mother pinned a bath towel to the back shoulders of his size two T-shirt. Immediately in his young imaginative mind the towel became a brilliant magic blue and red cape. And he became … Continue reading →

Posted in Attittude, Believe, Children, Humor, Passion | Tagged authority, boy, Clark Kent, kindegarten, mikeysFunnies, Superman, teacher | 10 Comments

Posted on March 18, 2013 by russtowne

Originally posted on The Hand-Written Life:
“We believe that people have a huge appetite for being genuinely welcomed, connected with, touched, appreciated, and genuinely cared for.” Photo Credit: customoutfitters.com/timsplace When Tim Harris was fourteen years old, his dream was to…

Posted in Uncategorized | 8 Comments

Spring Is Doing Her Thing

Posted on March 18, 2013 by russtowne

Like a shy but beautiful young lady, Spring is slowly revealing her glorious beauty And vibrant spirit in ever-more-colorful ways For all the world to see a little more each day. Love, Russ

Posted in Beauty, Nature, Photos I Took, Poetry I Wrote | Tagged color, flora, flowers, glorious, lillies, nature, photography, photos, poem, poetry, red, roses, Spring, white, yellow | 12 Comments

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Posted on March 17, 2013 by russtowne

http://biggeekdad.com/2010/04/dublin-school-demolition/ I may have heard this one years ago, but it was sent to me by a friend and I enjoyed listening to it again, especially the Irish accents on this Saint Patrick’s Day. May it tickle yer funny bone … Continue reading →

Posted in Humor | Tagged boss man, demolition, fill your boots, Ireland, Irish, little girl, man, School, St. Patrick's Day | Leave a comment

There Is Greatness In Goodness

Posted on March 16, 2013 by russtowne

My Beloved and I watched the new Oz movie a few days ago. I just flashed back to a scene in the movie where a man with many flaws who has wanted his whole life to be great and failed … Continue reading →

Posted in Goodness, My Beliefs, Observations | Tagged fail, failed, good, goodness, great, greatness, Oz | 28 Comments

Sometimes It Takes a Hero, A Leader, And Teamwork

Posted on March 16, 2013 by russtowne

A boy is drowning in the ocean. A crowd gathers on the beach. A man runs out to try to save the boy. Despite his best efforts, he can’t drag the boy and himself to safety and begins floundering. The … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Breakthroughs, Courage, Creativity, Fear, Ingenuity, Inspiring, Vids & Stories That Touched Me | Tagged boy, breaks, broken, drowning, help, Hero, human chain, leader, New Zealand, NZ, rescue, teamwork, undertow, waves | 10 Comments

Inside a Space Shuttle

Posted on March 14, 2013 by russtowne

http://www.launchphotography.com/Endeavour_Flight_Deck.html I found this interesting, amazing, and informative, and thought you might enjoy it too. Love, Russ

Posted in Adventure, Photos That Touched Me | Tagged Endeavor, interior, shuttle, space, space shuttle | 2 Comments

The Harmonica Man

Posted on March 12, 2013 by russtowne

He’s 77 years old, has had 10 heart surgeries, quit taking all 15 of the medicines he was given, and then he decided to make a difference in the world for thousands of children. You’ll be amazed at what he … Continue reading →

Posted in Abundance, Adversity, Authentic Living, Challenges, Children, Commitment, Creativity, Following Your Passion, Generosity, Inspiring, Making the World a Better Place, Talent, Vids & Stories That Touched Me | Tagged children, harmonica, Harmonica Man, heart surgeries, music, School, strumsticks | 8 Comments

Seeing the Miracle

Posted on March 12, 2013 by russtowne

“If we could see the miracle of a single flower clearly, our whole life would change.” – Buddha Source: Lets Be Positive Together I believe that is both true and wise. I also believe it is true for each drop … Continue reading →