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.

How the Meeting with My New Co-Writer Went

Posted on September 14, 2012 by russtowne

The first hour or so of the meeting was spent with my asking questions about the industry and Kevin answering them. Some of the questions were regarding various ways one can make money in the business. (I’m a businessman and … Continue reading →

Posted in Song Lyrics I've Written or Co-Written, Song Updates, Songs I've Written or Co-Written, Songwriting Adventure | Tagged "My Old Friend", "Shadow Of Our Love, "The Man Of Few Words", Denis Loiseau, draft, Kevein Harris, lyric, lyrics, Neworks, re-write, song, songs | 19 Comments

For Those Who Could Use A Laugh: Choose Your Password Wisely

Posted on September 14, 2012 by russtowne

(Caution: This joke is a bit off-color in that it uses the 5-letter word for a male appendage. Please do not read this post if a joke containing that word will offend you. It is not my intention to do … Continue reading →

Posted in Humor | Tagged computer, husband, joke, lady, man, wife, woman | 11 Comments

Loyalty That Knows No Bounds

Posted on September 13, 2012 by russtowne

I just read a most amazing story about a dog named Capitan who has kept watch over his human’s grave for six years. While that’s incredible all by itself, there’s more to this story. A LOT more. When his human … Continue reading →

Posted in Dealing with Pain & Grief, Dogs & Other Wonderful Creatures, Friendship, Love, Stories That Touched Me | Tagged Argentina, Capitan, deceased, Dog, Friend, loyal, Loyalty | 11 Comments

Cheerios Fun With Younguns

Posted on September 13, 2012 by russtowne

My Beloved is a genius. She used Cheerios in various ways to raise our children. Between meals, when they were hungry, she put some Cheerios onto their high chair trays. It gave them something to do, to play with, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Creativity, Family "Fun" | Tagged beloved, Cheerios, fun, genius, My Beloved, potty, potty train, son, toilet, younger son | 15 Comments

Grateful Generosity

Posted on September 13, 2012 by russtowne

I just saw a post from I Stop For Suffering (I love that site) that showed a photo of a man holding a cardboard sign that read: “I have a job, I have a home. Could YOU use $5?” Now … Continue reading →

Posted in Generosity, Gratitude | Tagged $5, generosity, generous, grateful, gratitude, home, job, man | Leave a comment

My Old Friend

Posted on September 13, 2012 by russtowne

I plan to soon send posts about the very productive meeting with my newest song co-writer, and about Cheerios Fun With Younguns, but right now I wanted to briefly share with you a decision I’ve just made. I plan to … Continue reading →

Posted in Dogs & Other Wonderful Creatures, Friendship, Love | Tagged best friends, cardboard box, Duke, Friend, friends, loyal, mansion, my best friend | 22 Comments

My Subconscious Mind Is a Real Pest Sometimes, But Can Be Handy to Have Around

Posted on September 12, 2012 by russtowne

I was awakened about two hours before I planned to get up this morning by ideas that would not let me sleep. It must have occurred to my subconscious mind as I slept that I’m wired to work on small … Continue reading →

Posted in Adventure, Creativity, Following Your Passion, Songwriting Adventure | Tagged co-writing, co=write, collaborator, collaboroators, fun, having fun, I've already won, song, songs, Songwriting, won | 9 Comments

$700,000 Happy Ending For Bullied Bus Monitor

Posted on September 11, 2012 by russtowne

A Canadian man who thought he’d be able to raise $5,000 to send on vacation a 68 year old woman who had been bullied by students while doing her job as a bus monitor has actually raised over $700,000. A … Continue reading →

Posted in Bullying, Generosity, Inspiring | Tagged $700K, Bullied bus monitor, Canada, Canadian, students, suspended | 22 Comments

You Are A BIG Part Of My Inspiration

Posted on September 11, 2012 by russtowne

Thank you. All of you. Those of you who read but don’t comment provide an audience for my work. Nearly all creative people want to share their work. You give to me an opportunity to do so and I’m grateful. … Continue reading →

Posted in Abundance, Adventure, Authentic Living, Creativity, Following Your Passion, Gratitude, Songwriting Adventure | Tagged Americana, being myself, blog, films, fun, gifts, heart, Inspiration, Norman Rockwell, Rockwell, sentimental, share, sharing, song, Songwriting, spirit, that's who I am, won | 22 Comments

Day 2 and a Project/Co-Writer Update

Posted on September 11, 2012 by russtowne

Day two of the conference was also excellent, but more for the industry contacts and networking and for hearing some fantastic music and learning, rather than for pick-ups. Our song was presented only once on Sunday and didn’t fit for … Continue reading →