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.

Date Nights

Posted on February 8, 2012 by russtowne

My wife and I learned long ago that it was critical for the health of our marriage to have at least weekly Date Nights where just the two of us spend time together and at least some part of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Relationship Lessons Learned | Tagged communicate, communicating, Date, Dates, Intimacy, problems, Romance, talk | Leave a comment

Anger

Posted on February 6, 2012 by russtowne

“You will not be punished for your anger, you will be punished by your anger.”–Buddha

Posted in Quotes I Love | Tagged Anger, Forgiveness | Leave a comment

Keeping Lists

Posted on February 5, 2012 by russtowne

Some lists make life better and some worse. I’ve found that grocery lists come in handy, but lists of a person’s transgressions, failings, imperfections, mistakes, etc, do not. I’m blessed to have a wife who knows that the latter type … Continue reading →

Posted in Relationship Lessons Learned | Tagged blessed, blessing, blessings, Family, friends, Friendship, friendships, Happiness, Inner Peace, Intimacy, Life, Lists, Love, Loyalty, marriage, Relationship, Trust | Leave a comment

What I Must Have

Posted on February 4, 2012 by russtowne

There was a time when I hadn’t really thought through the relatively few things I must have to be happy in my relationships. The whole thing was kind of fuzzy to me. If I was asked the quetion on back-to-back … Continue reading →

Posted in Relationship Lessons Learned | Tagged Feelings, focus, focusing, Important, marriage, partner, Relationship, Relationships, terms | Leave a comment

Focusing on the Relationship

Posted on February 4, 2012 by russtowne

One of the best decisions I’ve ever made was when I decided to focus on improving my relationships rather than trying to improve my wife, friends, partners, children, co-workers, and others. When I focus on the relatiohsip I know that … Continue reading →

Posted in Relationship Lessons Learned | Tagged boss, boss. child, boyfriend, child, children, Decision, decisions, focus, Friendship, friendships, girlfirend, husband, Love, marriage, Relationship, Relationships, Romance, wife | Leave a comment

Lifting the Veils

Posted on January 29, 2012 by russtowne

I believe I’m at my best and my world is greatly improved when I’m able to remove or see through (if only temporarily) the many layers of judgment, bias, pain, fear, shame, guilt, and so much more that that I … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged blessed, blessing, Caring, friends, Friendship, goodness, greatness, Heaven, joy, kindness, Love, veil, Veils, vision | 1 Comment

Being a Friend

Posted on January 29, 2012 by russtowne

I rarely say aloud the words “as your friend”, but I think them often. And, I almost never say or think the phrase ”as my friend” about anyone or in any context. Being a friend to others is a promise … Continue reading →

Posted in Random Thoughts | Tagged Being a friend, Being there, Caring, Friend, Friendship, Grief, Helping others, Hope, Love, pain, Shame | 4 Comments

What Is Remembered

Posted on January 29, 2012 by russtowne

People may forget what you said and did, but they almost never forget how you made them feel.

Posted in Quotes I Love, Random Thoughts | Tagged Actions, Feel, Feelings, Forgiveness, Hope, Inspiration, Memories, Remember, Remorse, Shame | Leave a comment

Life

Posted on January 21, 2012 by russtowne

I just saw a quote from John Lennon that I’d never seen before. It resonated with me and I thought you might enjoy it too: “When I was 5 years old my mother always told me that happiness was the … Continue reading →

Posted in Quotes I Love | Tagged Happiness, John Lennon, Life, Mother, School | Leave a comment

Bay Area Songwriters

Posted on January 21, 2012 by russtowne

I started a Meetup Group called Bay Area Songwriters. It has grown to over 50 members. We get together to share our songs and songwriting tips, gigs, contacts, and more. The group is a lot of fun. If you have … Continue reading →