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.

thoughts to remember in the coming new year and moving onward, courtesy of mr. rogers.

Posted on December 31, 2015 by russtowne

Originally posted on I didn't have my glasses on….:
mister rogers on love love isn’t a state of perfect caring. It is an active noun like “struggle.” to love someone is to strive to accept that person exactly the…

Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments

More Thomas-isms

Posted on December 29, 2015 by russtowne

Our 3-year old grandson Thomas has a cold. After we played, it was time for his nap and for me to get back to work. Thomas gets especially creative at nap time. His excuses can be a little unusual. I … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Grandparenting & Grandkids, Humor | Tagged children, Grandchildren, Grandparents, humor, superheroes | 14 Comments

From the Other Side of the Door

Posted on December 29, 2015 by russtowne

If you’ve seen the movie “Frozen”–and if you have young children or grandchildren you’ve probably seen it many times–you’ll probably recall the scene where the younger sister is begging her older sister who is locked behind a door to come … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Grandparenting & Grandkids, Imagination, Parenting | Tagged children, imagination, make-believe, Olaf, Snowman | 27 Comments

Another Surprise Christmas Gift: The Newspaper Article

Posted on December 28, 2015 by russtowne

My Interview with the Campbell Press article As I rearranged our over-stuffed recycle bin the day after Christmas I noticed a copy of our local newspaper. In the holiday rush and with all the family we’d hosted it had been … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Events and Interviews | Tagged article, books, childrens', newspaper, picture | 25 Comments

Finally Free

Posted on December 27, 2015 by russtowne

I’ve always gained so much more than I thought I’d lost whenever I had the courage to let go of that which I ignorantly clutched so tightly for so long. With Love, Russ

Posted in Attachments, Courage, Decisions, Freedom, LIfe Lessons | Tagged attachment, courage, decisions, freedom, life lessons | 17 Comments

Not Quite Ever

Posted on December 27, 2015 by russtowne

I found this post to be especially profound. It offers much wisdom and understanding in a relatively few words. I can’t say it was unexpected (I’ve been reading Colleen’s blog too long for that.) But it was, as is so … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments

THE MORNING AFTER THE ZOO’S CHRISTMAS PARTY…

Posted on December 26, 2015 by russtowne

FUNNY! I reblogged it.

Posted in Uncategorized | 10 Comments

A Different Kind of Christmas this Year for those Who’ve Lost Loved Ones

Posted on December 25, 2015 by russtowne

A Different Christmas For all who miss loved ones this holiday season… I experienced this on Facebook and was deeply touched by it. With Love, Russ

Posted in Loss, Love | Tagged Christmas, death, Family, loss, Love | 7 Comments

They Were Dancing in the Streets!

Posted on December 25, 2015 by russtowne

Purple Fox and the Heebie Jeebies I received a Christmas day surprise when I went onto Amazon.com to find Purple Fox and the Heebie Jeebies was released on Christmas Eve! This is the story that my co-writer Josh Friedman and … Continue reading →

Posted in Children's Stories/Poems I Wrote, Family "Fun", Fiction, Fiction I've Written, My Written Works Misc., Teamwork, Uncategorized, Working with a Co-Writer, Writing, Writing Project Updates, Youth | Tagged author, children's book, picture book, writer | 4 Comments

A Monstrously Good Idea

Posted on December 23, 2015 by russtowne

A Monstrously Good Idea A mother at her wit’s end is helped by a stranger in an unusual way. I enjoyed this story and think you will too. With Love, Russ Shopping 5-Days Before Christmas, and the Kindness of One … Continue reading →