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.

Spirit-Shiners

Posted on January 22, 2013 by russtowne

I just saw a saying that I like: “Spend time with those who make your spirit shine.” (Unknown) That sounds like wisdom to me. I believe the use of such time is really an investment rather than an expenditure, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Inspiring, Joy & Happiness, Making the World a Better Place, Optimism, Quotes I Love | Tagged better, friends, inspired, Life, readers, shine, spirit, spirit-shiner, spirit-shiners, world | 12 Comments

Posted on January 22, 2013 by russtowne

Originally posted on The Pledge of Kindness:
“Life is like a sandwich – the more you add to it, the better it becomes.” Being hungry stinks….as you know by now I have a soft spot for people who are hungry.…

Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments

Believe

Posted on January 21, 2013 by russtowne

I just saw this photo. Beneath it were two words that struck me like a drum echoing ripples outward and bouncing around in my brain: “Truth beckons.” So much message in two little words… Russ

Posted in Believe, Goodness, Quotes I Love, Truth | Tagged be, beckons, belief, believe, bouncing, brain, echoing, good, goodness, ripples, truth | 8 Comments

Ending The Cycle of Suffering

Posted on January 21, 2013 by russtowne

I just read a saying that perhaps not all that long ago I might have laughed at and agreed with, but now just saddens me: “KARMA: No need for revenge. Just sit back and wait. Those who hurt you will … Continue reading →

Posted in Forgiveness, Growth/Learning, Kindness, LIfe Lessons, Making the World a Better Place, Pain & Grief, Suffering | Tagged cycle, hurt, KARMA, kind, pain, revenge, suffer, suffering, wise | 10 Comments

Meet My Old Friend Duke

Posted on January 21, 2013 by russtowne

My Old Friend-Final Mix Here is a photo of my old friend Duke. I wrote the song “My Old Friend” as a tribute to him and to the special bond that many people and dogs share. A link to the … Continue reading →

Posted in Dogs & Other Wonderful Creatures, Love, Songs I've Written or Co-Written | Tagged "My Old Friend", Chocolate Lab, Dog, dogs, Duke, Friend, people | 10 Comments

When I Think Of Gina

Posted on January 20, 2013 by russtowne

The poem below is written for, and dedicated to, Gina, one of my earliest WordPress supporters and a dear friend whom I much admire. Thank you, dear Gina, for making my world better, brighter, and kinder. Russ When I Think … Continue reading →

Posted in Kindness, Making the World a Better Place, Nature, Poetry I Wrote | Tagged better, brighter, Caring, free, generously, Gina, girl, heart, kind, kinder, loving, shares, spirit, woman, wonderful, young | 10 Comments

Posted on January 20, 2013 by russtowne

So true, my friend. Thank you for the reminders! Russ

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

The Touch

Posted on January 20, 2013 by russtowne

When our children were young we were fortunate to have the option of being able to have a parent stay at home to raise our children while the other worked outside the home. My Beloved chose to focus her many … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Dogs & Other Wonderful Creatures, True Stories I've Written | Tagged boys, families, glass, gorilla, gorillas, mom, palm, San Francisco, San Francisco Zoo, silverback, touch, window, zoo | 8 Comments

What You Need To Say

Posted on January 19, 2013 by russtowne

Never try to write what You think people want to hear Don’t try to please your readers That’s not the way, my dear If you want to make a difference Write what you need to say Because that’s the only … Continue reading →