Author Archives: russtowne

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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.

Work and Play

Posted on April 16, 2017 by russtowne

I wanted to clarify my comments about work and play I made earlier as it appears I may have been unclear. For me, work is mostly play, and play is nearly all play. I define work as something I would need … Continue reading →

Posted in Investing, Joy & Happiness, play, Uncategorized, Wealth, Work | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

What Works For Me

Posted on April 15, 2017 by russtowne

A reader recently wrote that said she struggled with the “work/live” balance and asked me to let her know if I ever solved it. Many face the same challenge. I have for most of my life. Here is my reply to … Continue reading →

Posted in balance, Joy & Happiness, Life, Uncategorized, Work | Tagged , , , , | 12 Comments

A Jarring Contradiction

Posted on April 14, 2017 by russtowne

I just looked at one of the walls in my office and this is what I saw. I had to laugh at the jarring contradiction that is my life. It’s easy to see why I’d never make it as an interior decorator. … Continue reading →

Posted in Children's Storybook Art Exhibits, illustrations, images, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 7 Comments

Today’s Quote

Posted on April 14, 2017 by russtowne

Oh what a terrible fate that would be. With love, Russ

Posted in Uncategorized | 10 Comments

It all began with her

Posted on April 13, 2017 by russtowne

Thank you for the reminder, David. There is still time, but it is slipping way. Russ Live & Learn Bob Greene, excerpts from I Actually Thanked A Teacher. Now 88, she gave me a refresher in the lesson I’d learned in first grade: … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments

Fear, Sour Grapes, Shrinking, & Growing

Posted on April 13, 2017 by russtowne

I’ve too often let fear keep me from doing things I’ve wanted to do. Or perhaps I just just didn’t want to do those things badly enough (though that sounds a bit like “sour grapes” rationalizing to me.) In more … Continue reading →

Posted in Aging, Courage, Fear, Growth/Learning, perspective, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 12 Comments

Today’s Quote

Posted on April 13, 2017 by russtowne

My fears are still there. Perhaps I’ll never lose them. I just face them and create anyway. With Love, Russ

Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments

“I’ll Cry a Little and Then Laugh Again”

Posted on April 12, 2017 by russtowne

Our 3-year-old grandson Alex comes up with the most profound comments. When an adult asked another grandson to stop poking or tickling Alex, they added,  “Although he’s laughing now, if you keep doing it he’ll eventually cry about it. Alex immediately … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, Grandparenting & Grandkids, Humor, Uncategorized, Wisdom | Tagged , , , , | 11 Comments

Held Back…

Posted on April 12, 2017 by russtowne

I love this great reminder. The whole world combined doesn’t hold me back as much as I do. With Love, Russ

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments

Excellent Advice from a 3-Year Old

Posted on April 11, 2017 by russtowne

On my Beloved’s trip back to Maryland with our son Brian and his family to help them navigate airports and the myriad challenges of traveling with twin three-year olds and an eight month-old, she received excellent advice: Three-year-old Alex said to her … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, Grandparenting & Grandkids, Humor, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 12 Comments