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.

Posted on September 28, 2012 by russtowne

One of my heroes is Nelson Mandela. When he speaks these words he speaks them from a place of knowing the truth and wisdom in them at a very deep level. He is a stellar example of indomitable spirit combined … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 8 Comments

Town Rallies Around Girl Pranked For Homecoming

Posted on September 26, 2012 by russtowne

A cruel hoax nearly drove a girl to suicide, but her life was saved when her town rallied around her. When bullies at her her high school voted her onto the Homecoming elite (I forget the word used in the … Continue reading →

Posted in Bullying, Generosity, Kindness, Making the World a Better Place, Stories That Touched Me | Tagged bullies, bully, bullying, cruel hoax, generosity, kiindness, kind, Michigan, Ogemaw, Ogemaw Heights High School, suicide, West Branch | 19 Comments

Climbing The Mountain

Posted on September 26, 2012 by russtowne

“In this life we are all just walking up the mountain and we can sing as we climb or we can complain about our sore feet. Whichever we choose, we still gotta do the hike. I decided a long time … Continue reading →

Posted in Attittude, Choices, Quotes I Love | Tagged better, climb, favorite, Life, man, mountain, project, projects, sing, singing, way | 15 Comments

Friends Reunited After A Train Rides Into Space

Posted on September 25, 2012 by russtowne

A father sent his 4-year-old son’s toy train Stanley into space and filmed the entire adventure. The smile on his son’s face when he is reunited with Stanley is precious. http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/sideshow/father-son-launch-toy-train-space-video-222733570.html Russ

Posted in Adventure, Children, Fun Vids, Parenting | Tagged outer space, space, Stanley, train | 6 Comments

What Matters To Me

Posted on September 25, 2012 by russtowne

This post is dedicated to anyone who is in the midst of struggle, heartache, pain, and grief. Dark days of any kind. And especially to those who are searching for their gifts, for the meaning of life, or even the … Continue reading →

Posted in Challenges, Choices, Dealing with Pain & Grief, Growth/Learning, Pain & Grief | Tagged choices, choose, father, fiance', gift, gifts, Grief, heartache, lessons, Life, living, lung, lungs, Mother, pain, reason for living, share, struggle, student, student of life, surgery, Whooping Cough, wisdom, wise, wisely | 30 Comments

For Those Who Could Use A Smile Or A Laugh

Posted on September 24, 2012 by russtowne

Doctor: “You’re in great shape for your age, but I’m not a magician – I can’t make you any younger.” Elderly Patient: “Who asked you to make me younger? Just make sure I get older!” (Forwarded by Gretchen Patti to … Continue reading →

Posted in Humor | Tagged doctor, elderly, magician, older, patient, www.mikeysFunnies.com, younger | 4 Comments

A Candle In Their Darkness

Posted on September 24, 2012 by russtowne

If there are people in your life who come to you only when they need you, perhaps it is because they view you as a candle when there is darkness. (Paraphrased from something a friend recently shared in a public … Continue reading →

Posted in Quotes I Love | Tagged candle, darkness, Friend, light, need | 18 Comments

Those Who Really Belong In Your Life Will Come To You And Stay

Posted on September 23, 2012 by russtowne

“Don’t chase people. Be yourself, do your own thing. The right people–the ones who really belong in your life–will come to you. And stay.” –Will Smith (As seen on a Facebook posting by a friend who appears to have seen … Continue reading →

Posted in Friendship | Tagged be yourself, belong, Facebook, friends, Life, Magnetic Sponsoring, people, stay, Will Smith, yourself | 19 Comments

You Are A Star

Posted on September 23, 2012 by russtowne

I mentioned yesterday that I planned to find a few young children who have life-threatening long-term illnesses and are bed-ridden or hospitalized for extended periods and create (hopefully) uplifting and inspiring personalized songs for them that they and their parents … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Making the World a Better Place, Songwriting Adventure | Tagged bedridden, children, hospital, hospitalized, ill, illness, inspiring, kids, music, parents, sick, sickness, song, uplifting, You Are A Star | 19 Comments

“Unfinished Business”

Posted on September 22, 2012 by russtowne

I believe that you are in for a special treat with this post. Awhile back I had a conversation with Denis Loiseau my co-writer of most of my completed songs. In fact, if you don’t like my songs he is … Continue reading →