Go, Dogs, Go!

Posted on January 21, 2018 by russtowne

Go, Dogs, Go!

The story linked above is about two dogs who hounded, err Labradoodled, their humans to let them out at 4:30 am so they could save an elderly woman from freezing to death.

Sources: Kansas City Star and Leo @ Not All News is Bad

With Love,

Russ

 

Posted in Dogs & Other Wonderful Creatures, images, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

Mystery Bird & Beach Day

Posted on January 21, 2018 by russtowne

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Anyone know what kind of bird this is? My Beloved and I saw four of them in  a large tree as we explored a trail along the San Lorenza River near Capitola, California this afternoon.

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She suggested we drop everything and take a Beach Day today and we drove through the Santa Cruz mountains on a beautiful two-lane road to the small town of Capitola. We watched surfers, walked along the shore, enjoyed a picnic lunch,  soaked in the relative warmth of the sunny winter day, and were treated to the beginnings of a magnificent sunset. And to think I was going to waste the day completing about seventy or eighty pages of data for a report the government requires of companies in financial planning and/or investment management. There is always tomorrow, and if I die in my sleep tonight I’ll be grateful I spent the day with a beautiful woman in a beautiful place instead of sitting at my desk filling out forms.

With love,

Russ

Posted in Beauty, images, Nature, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 7 Comments

When’s Your Last Day?

Posted on January 21, 2018 by russtowne

Nature abhors waste, and the spirit or soul is beautiful and special. I equate death to transitions that waste nothing worth keeping, much as a drop of water can become a part of vapor, snow, steam, a cloud, sleet, hail, a river, or a mighty ocean. Each has substance, beauty, value, and power in its many forms and connections. It’s inconceivable to me that the human spirit/soul (and likely those of other creatures) would be valued as less worthy of great transitions than a drop of water.
With Love,
Russ

misifusa's avatarMisifusa's Blog

whensyourlastday

Do you think that your last day here on Earth is pre-determined?

Or do you think it’s a matter of circumstances?

Would you want to pre-know your death date (or not) if you could?

I know I may be opening up a big discussion here, but it’s a topic that has come to my attention recently through a few conversations with friends and I thought I’d ask you too.  (To my knowledge, there are no imminent deaths coming to my family/friends, so it’s just a question.)

But honestly, I think it’s a sad, but important topic to cover, to share our thoughts and to expand our thinking from others’ experiences.  Life is fragile and as my blog states, we only have the present moment for sure.  Not that I don’t plan for the future, but nobody knows for sure what’s on the horizon.  I’m not being morbid here honestly. …

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Batman, Pikachu, and Thomas, Too

Posted on January 20, 2018 by russtowne

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Photo Credit: Kristi Towne

The above images are of my three oldest grandsons and me as we walk from a train station in the Santa Cruz Mountains to Henry Cowell State Park to hunt for Banana Slugs among majestic towering redwoods.

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The boys think the slimy creatures are the coolest things ever. I was delighted to experience their excited reactions whenever another of the yellow beings with antennas was discovered among the redwood sorrel (the above shamrock-looking plants) and redwood needles.

With Love,

Russ

Posted in Family, Family Fun, Grandparenting & Grandkids, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

The Best Thing About Being a Writer

Posted on January 19, 2018 by russtowne

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I’ve begun exploring Goodreads in earnest. I highly recommend it for writers and readers. One of its many features gives readers the opportunity to ask questions of writers. Below is a question from the site and my answer.

What is the best thing about being a writer?

“I’m blessed with being able to learn much about myself as I create characters, settings, situations, dreams, fears, challenges, and settings to be experienced by readers in their own unique ways around the world. Writing creates the opportunity for writers and readers to learn more about themselves and others, fostering greater understanding and closer connections.”

If you already use Goodreads, I invite you to friend or follow me, and if you aren’t I recommend you check it out.

Goodreads

With Love,

Russ

Posted in A Writer's Journey, Uncategorized, Writing | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

My Books are Being Considered at Two Much-Loved Retailers

Posted on January 18, 2018 by russtowne

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Iconic children’s bookstore Hicklebee’s in Willow Glen and Modern Mouse Gift Shop in Alameda are considering featuring several of my books in their stores. I hope to hear back from both by the end of the month. If you shop at either store and love my books please let them know. I’d greatly appreciate it!  The same goes for any other stores that feature children’s picture books or books in general.

Thank you!

With Love,

Russ

 

 

Posted in Children, children's books, Children's Picture Books, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 10 Comments

Full Library from Tossed Books

Posted on January 17, 2018 by russtowne

Full library from tossed books

What a great idea: Take all the books people throw away and create a library for everyone!

Sources: CNN and Not All News is Bad

With Love,

Russ

 

Posted in books, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

in honor of martin luther king – dreamer and idealist.

Posted on January 15, 2018 by russtowne

This post is dedicated to the dreamers and doers who are making a positive difference in the world. May you succeed beyond your wildest dreams and what you accomplish create ripples that expand the goodness and greatness of humanity.
With Love,
Russ

With Love,
Russ

beth's avatarI didn't have my glasses on....

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Humor: A Good Thing Indeed

Posted on January 15, 2018 by russtowne

 

The young boy was spending a Sunday afternoon with his grandpa. Looking at pictures of his grandpa in his military uniform, the boy asked, “Grandpa, did you ever kill anyone in the war?”
“No champ, I never did.”
“That’s a good thing.”
“You’re telling me,” began grandpa, “I was the cook!”
[forwarded by Steve Sanderson]
today’sThot============================
All food is “Fat-Free” if you don’t eat it.
=======================================
Source: www.mikeysFunnies.com
With Love,
Russ
Posted in Children, Grandparenting & Grandkids, Humor, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

A 4-Year-Old Boy’s Logic

Posted on January 14, 2018 by russtowne

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My Beloved mentioned an incident that occurred during the holidays when when she asked grandtwin Zachary if he washed his hands after going to the bathroom.

He said, “No, Grandma. I didn’t need to.”

“Why not?”

“I didn’t touch the toilet when I peed.”

“How did you flush the toilet?”

“I used my elbow.”

With love,

Russ

P.S. My Beloved set him straight and he washed his hands.

 

Posted in Children, Grandparenting & Grandkids, Humor, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 8 Comments