Today’s Quote

Posted on November 5, 2017 by russtowne

This has been true for me. Sometimes it has taken loved ones to repeatedly and patiently point out the newly opened doors for me. The opportunities were so obvious to others but I couldn’t see them despite the warm, inviting light shining through the open doors beckoning me to a brighter future full of new adventures, growth, and possibilities. I’m grateful to all who led me to the doors despite my temporary blindness.
With Love,
Russ

Posted in Uncategorized | 8 Comments

Way to Go, Wilbur!

Posted on November 3, 2017 by russtowne

duck_cover_b

I’ve added Wilbur’s name to the new version of the book about him that will have even more illustrations than the original. The new cover for Wilbur the Duck Who Flew Upside Down (aka “Wilbur”) also features the expressions on the faces of some of the other ducks in his flock as he flies upside down. The original cover only showed Wilbur due to its relatively small 8.5″ x 8.5″ trim size. The new book will be an 8.5″ x 11″ trim size so it allows for more space for an illustration. I believe the new cover is funnier and more attractive than its predecessor.

The original version of The Duck Who Flew Upside Down (aka “Duck”) is my most popular children’s book to date. It is also my personal favorite. I relate to Wilbur in many ways.

I plan to retire “Duck” when “Wilbur” is released, hopefully by the end of this month. It will be available on Amazon and elsewhere. If you’d prefer signed copies, perhaps with a note to the recipient, I’m taking advance orders for U.S. residents for $20 each and I’ll pay for the shipping via U.S. Media Mail.

In case you’re wondering why I don’t make the offer globally, the problem is highlighted in a recent example: I shipped four books to someone outside the U.S. and the mailing cost nearly equaled the total retail cost of the books.  I still love my dear friends who reside outside the U.S. and am grateful that most of you can still buy my books via Amazon (and possibly even get free shipping.)

With Love,

Russ

Posted in Amazon, children's books, Children's Picture Books, Children's Stories/Poems I Wrote, Project Updates for Children's Stories/Poems I Wrote, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 23 Comments

The Link

Posted on November 1, 2017 by russtowne

Friend and fellow author Seumas Gallagher suggested I include a link to the nomination site. D’oh! Thank you, Seumas! It is:

Goodreads Picturebooks Nomination Write-ins

Thank you in advance for your nominations and book reviews!

With Love,

Russ

 

 

 

Posted in Amazon, Children's Picture Books, Goodreads, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

A Delightful Surprise

Posted on November 1, 2017 by russtowne

This recent comment made my day:

“Russ, I went on goodreads today as they are voting for best books of 2017 and I nominated and voted for Flora Belle and Dreami Dragon. You may want to post to ask your readers to vote for you! Hope you don’t mind I nominated you! 🙂”

Thank you, Misifusa! I’m grateful for your nomination!  She went on to say:

“Put the word out Russ so you can get more votes on your amazing books!”

Now that’s what I call a couple of day-making comments!

Dear readers and friends: I’d greatly appreciate any nominations and/or reviews of my books on Amazon, Goodreads, or elsewhere that you are inspired to do.

Thank you!

With Love,

Russ

 

 

Posted in Amazon, children's books, Children's Picture Books, Goodreads, nominations, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 13 Comments

Today’s Quote

Posted on October 31, 2017 by russtowne

Thank you to the many kind, generous, loving, and supportive people who have helped me to grow from where I was to where I am. You are indeed the wind beneath my wings. With you, how could I not learn to fly?
With love,
Russ

Posted in Uncategorized | 6 Comments

goals.

Posted on October 28, 2017 by russtowne

I’m often delighted when experiencing glimpses of childhood through Beth’s eyes. This is one of those times.

With Love,
Russ

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

the kinders naturally understand the power

of a hard helmet and a soft puppy

when getting through a day.

—

“at the end of the day, the goals are simple: safety and security. “

-jodi rell

View original post

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments

A Basket Full of Fun

Posted on October 26, 2017 by russtowne

IMG_2570

Our grandsons Zachary, Alexander, and Raiden are playing pirate. Be careful or they might steal your heart, as they’ve stolen mine.

With Love,

Russ

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

A Clear Advantage

Posted on October 26, 2017 by russtowne

Transparent Solar Panels

What a great idea! I can see how this approach would have a clear advantage over non-transparant solar arrays. Every window in a car and on a house could be an energy generator and even retrofitted without removing them. Can you imagine what the future could be like if we solve humankind’s energy needs? Much less pollution and perhaps even fewer wars. Plus the brainpower and other resources currently focused on finding and exploiting today’s relatively dirty energy sources could be available to develop solutions to other of humankind’s pressing challenges.  I believe our need for non-polluting sources of energy will be met in my children’s lifetimes.  It’s an exciting time to be alive!

With Love,

Russ

Posted in energy, good news, Science/Research/Discovery, The Future, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Today’s Quote

Posted on October 23, 2017 by russtowne

This young girl’s spirit shined so brightly that she is still lighting the way for the world seventy-two years after her life was taken from her.
With love,
Russ

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Last Dance

Posted on October 22, 2017 by russtowne

A few autumns ago I was reminded of two lovers dancing when experiencing two dazzling falling leaves gracefully swirling around each other in a soft breeze as they reluctantly but inexorably completed their journey to the soil from whence they came:

Last Dance

They clung tightly

Knowing when they leapt

It would be forever.

Flirted with each other for months

Waiting for just the right moment

For the ultimate release

Then it came in a reckless rush

They simply let go

Gave in to a power greater than them

Caught in a swirling twirling sensation

Colors flashed as the world rushed by

Reveling in every motion

In the beauty all around

And with their partner felt a freedom

They had never known

Gloriously floating

Then softly touching the earth and each other

In a long and final embrace.

With Love,

Russ

Posted in Beauty, Freedom, Love, Nature, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments