As a writer of short stories, I LOVE this quote and post. Thank you, Beth.
With love,
Russ
short stories are tiny windows into other worlds
and other minds and dreams.
they are journeys you can make to the far side
of the universe and still be back in time for dinner.
neil gaiman
One of the highlights of our week is having a Skype call with our our middle son Brian, his wife Kristi, and our two-year-old grandtwins Zach and Alex. One of our traditions during the calls is for the twins and their “Papa and Mama” (my Beloved and me) to “High Five” each other.
During our call yesterday Kristi mentioned that when she and the boys were walking past a Halloween display they saw a moving skeleton that looked like it was crawling out of the ground toward them. Rather than being afraid, Alex ran up to it, put his hand up and yelled, “High Five!”
At least he least he didn’t say, “High Five, Papa!” to the skeleton!
With love,
Russ
Too good not to share!
With Love,
Russ
A mantra I use which has greatly increased the joy and decreased the sadness and disappointments in my life is:
“Be grateful for everything and expect nothing.”
As with many of life’s profound messages, it is easy to say but easy to forget when life throws distractions, hurdles, challenges, deadlines, and more my way. That is why I often repeat it every day. Through daily repetition I’m focused on making it a habit that is as natural for me as waking up every morning and resting when I’m tired.
“Be grateful for everything and expect nothing.”
It works for me when I remind myself of its life-enhancing power. I believe it is another important piece of the puzzle of the great adventure of life.
With Love,
Russ
For those who could use a smile today. From my blogging friend Chris the Story Reading Ape.
With Love,
Russ
(Genesis: When I saw two falling leaves
swirl around each other as they fell
to the ground, they reminded me of
two lovers dancing.)
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 in 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.
–Russ Towne
Misty Zebracorn Available Now on Amazon.com!
My latest book Misty Zebracorn was recently released by Amazon.com! It is a shorter book with a simpler story than most of my children’s books and I think kids 2 to 4 or 5 years old will love it.
Here is an excerpt:
My friend’s a zebra with a great big horn.
Misty calls herself a Zebracorn.
When we went to a beach, she caused quite a scene
when she stayed in the sun without sunscreen.
A bad sunburn turned her white stripes red
from the tip of her tail to the hair on her head.
When we went for a swim, all her stripes washed off.
Some folks laughed at her. One started to scoff:
“Why, you’re just a horse with a horn!”
I said, “This magical mare is a unicorn!”
—
(c) Copyright 2015 Russ Towne
All Rights Reserved
Written by Russ Towne
Illustrated by Jessica Catarino
With Love,
Russ
I was recently asked:
“So, I noticed the Record Label is Rusty Bear Music and one of your children’s books is about Rusty Bear…so what’s the story behind Rusty Bear. Curious people want to know! lol :D”
I thought some of you might also be wondering the same thing, so here was my answer to her:
I was named after the little boy character on the TV show RinTinTin named Rusty. Though Russell is my legal name I was known as “Rusty” as a child and adults who knew me then still sometimes call me Rusty. As I’ve been able begin reliving or be reminded of many parts of my childhood through enjoying time with my three grandsons and writing children’s books, I’m gradually reintroducing Rusty back into important parts of my life. The working title of one of my near-term future book projects is “Rusty’s Tales” and will probably include 3 or 4 of my children’s stories.
The Bear part of Rusty Bear comes from my love of redwood trees and animal carvings from redwood. My children bought a cute redwood bear for me a few years ago that now greats visitors to my small redwood grove. He can be seen behind my dog Duke on the cover of my song, “My Old Friend.” I named the bear Rusty.
One of my first children’s books is titled, “Rusty Bear and Thomas Too” and features a redwood bear that comes to life to help a little boy named Thomas rescue a bird family that is in dire straights. Thomas is the name of my first grandson.
One of my most recent books, “Zach and the Toad Who Road a Bull” features character with the name of my second grandson, Zach (aka Zachary). I’m now attempting to come up with a story worthy of my third grandson Alex (aka Alexander).
With Love,
Russ
With Love,
Russ
“Nature’s Symphony” http://www.amazon.com/Natures-Symphony/dp/B00AFIZA48/ref=sr_1_sc_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1377312639&sr=8-2-spell&keywords=Kvin+Harris+Nature%27s
“My Old Friend” http://www.amazon.com/My-Old-Friend/dp/B00B4T99EE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1377312778&sr=8-1&keywords=%22My+Old+Friend%22+Russ+Towne
“What Kind Of Man Does That?” http://www.amazon.com/What-Kind-Man-Does-That/dp/B00CIAGYIW/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1377313008&sr=8-3-fkmr0&keywords=%22What+Kind+Od+Man+Does+That%22
“No More Secrets/No More Lies” http://www.amazon.com/No-More-Secrets-Lies/dp/B00CK5CJOS/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1377313157&sr=8-11&keywords=no+more+secrets%2Fno+more+lies
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Russ Towne's A Grateful Man 