Clyde and Blossom the Butterfly Team Up to Encourage Early Childhood Literacy

Posted on August 6, 2015 by russtowne

Clyde and Blossom

http://childrenreadytolearn.com/blossom-and-walter/blossom-reads-to-you/

The above links take you to videos featuring Pamela Beckford (aka Blossom the Butterfly) reading all three of my Clyde stories, and books from other writers. The shows can be seen  on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UComcyobVdFKg2FzBT0m5W8g

This is all part of efforts to encourage early childhood literacy by Pamela and the United Way of Wells County.  Thank you, Pamela Beckford and United Way!

If you are an independent writer of children’s books, I recommend contacting Pamela regarding possibly having your creations featured in this wonderful program. I found Pamela a delight to work with and enthusiastically support her program.

With Love,

Russ

Posted in Children, Children's Stories/Poems I Wrote, Fun Vids, Making the World a Better Place, My Written Works Misc., Project Updates for Children's Stories/Poems I Wrote, Vids & Stories That Touched Me, Writing, Writing Project Updates | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments

The Results Are in

Posted on August 5, 2015 by russtowne

A heart-felt thank you for all those who took time out of your busy lives to share your preference regarding the V.G. and Me line construction. Option #1 (with its longer lines)  crushed Option #2 by a ratio of about 2.5 to 1. It looks as though I should have kept it the way I originally wrote it.

Despite the vote, I was still torn because I agree with some of the comments that children might find shorter lines less intimidating and easier to read, and they can form fun shapes on the page, but those attributes were off-set by the fact that the shorter lines would probably make for a longer book (which can create-attention-span challenges for the youngest children) and that adults tend to make most book buying decisions and most of the adults surveyed preferred the longer lines.

As you’ve probably guessed by now, I plan to use the option #1 format for both V.G. and Me and for The Grumpadinkles.

With Love,

Russ

Posted in Fiction I've Written, My Written Works Misc., Project Updates for Children's Stories/Poems I Wrote, Writing, Writing Project Updates | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

Which Do You Prefer?

Posted on August 5, 2015 by russtowne

For one of my children’s stories, V.G. and Me, I’m debating between using the following two formats. I’d greatly appreciate your opinion as to which of the two options below you prefer. Which feels easier and more fun to read, is smoother flowing, and more rhythmic?

Thank you!

With Love,

Russ

 

Option 1:

I walked toward a distant shore

I always wanted to explore.

When I was nearly halfway there,

I had a really scary scare.

As I watched a butterfly

Flutter by in the sky,

I tripped into a prickly bush

With thorns so sharp, they hurt my tush!

Or:

 

Option 2:

I walked toward

A distant shore

I always wanted

To explore.

When I was nearly

Halfway there,

I had a really

Scary scare.

As I watched

A butterfly

Flutter by

In the sky,

I fell into

A prickly bush

With thorns so sharp

They hurt my tush!

 

 

Posted in Rhyming, Writing, Writing Project Updates | Tagged , , , , | 31 Comments

Clyde

Posted on July 30, 2015 by russtowne

This post brightened my morning , Clyde is grinning from ear to ear, and even got a grin out of Hoozy Whatadingle. Thank you, Pamela! I’m glad the children and you enjoyed the story.

Pamela Beckford's avatarYear 'Round Thanksgiving Project

What a delightful morning I had. I got to read to about 40 children getting ready to go into kindergarten in less than two weeks. Luckily it wasn’t 40 at one time – they certainly have more energy than I have 😉

Anyway, I have been reading to them throughout the summer. But I usually read whatever book they are reading that day. That has been fun because in most cases, it is the first time I have ever seen that particular book – but we are able to still read, ask questions, talk about the pictures, etc.

But this morning I decided to take my own book. So I grabbed my book Clyde and Friends which is a compilation of three different books about Clyde. Clyde is a green giraffe and the stories are written in a delightful rhyme with crisp colorful illustrations. So this morning I read about…

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Struggles, Suffering, Joy, and Connection

Posted on July 23, 2015 by russtowne

Too often when I’ve focused primarily on myself it has led to greater struggle and suffering. When I focus my efforts and energy on creating and maintaining relationships and communities that share similar priorities, values, ethics, and goals, I often find the struggle and suffering is replaced by love, kindness, and a sense of connectedness that brings me great joy. Blogging is one such community for me. Thank you for brightening my life by being in it.

With Love,

Russ

Posted in Connection/Connecting, Joy & Happiness | Tagged , , , , | 20 Comments

I’m Delighted By This News

Posted on July 12, 2015 by russtowne
I have a passion for make reading fun and accessible, especially for those with reading challenges. It is important to me and a legacy I’d love to leave the world.
Pamela Beckford of United Way of Wells County Indiana has selected my children’s books for use in their early literacy efforts to help young children learn to read. A part of that effort is to make and post You-Tube recordings of fun books being read. I received an update today that three of my children’s books have been recorded and will soon be available on YouTube, with more  to follow. I’m delighted that through the efforts of United Way in Indiana my books will help more children discover how fun, entertaining, and rewarding reading can be.
Thank you for supporting my writing efforts and for your friendship.
With love,
Russ
Posted in Reading | Tagged , , , , | 27 Comments

To The Couple That Just Paid for My Plane Ticket…

Posted on July 1, 2015 by russtowne

Acts of kindness, compassion, and love can be found everywhere if we look for them. Even when we can’t see them with our eyes we can create them with our hearts.

With Love,
Russ

Kindness Blog's avatarKindness Blog

To The Couple That Just Paid for My Plane Ticket...Thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

You don’t know me. You couldn’t have known that my train was delayed by nearly 40 minutes; you couldn’t have known that I sprinted through the airport to get to the check-in desk. You didn’t see the airline employees inform me that the plane had already departed, and you didn’t see me sink to the ground and break down. You didn’t hear them tell me I’d have to book a new ticket, as they wouldn’t change one for a missed flight — well over £100, split between my boyfriend and I to get me home, just gone.

You couldn’t possibly have known how lost, alone, and utterly devastated I felt in that moment.

You did see the airline employees leave, and you saw me stay. You walked over, you made conversation. You gave me a hug, and you asked if…

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Hearing The Heart Behind The Words

Posted on June 29, 2015 by russtowne

I like to believe it isn’t a coincidence that “hear” is embedded in the word “heart.” It serves as a reminder to me to truly listen with my heart. I love your post and the Lincoln quote. Thank you!
Russ

dianasschwenk's avatartalktodiana

We should be too big to take offense and too noble to give it. – Abe Lincoln

love-helping-people--large-msg-133072151221It astonishes me how many times I take things personally. The energy it requires to take offense can border on ridiculous.

Don’t get me wrong.

There are times when standing up against something offensive is warranted.

But we, as a society, have taken this too far for the most part.

I’ve spent a good chunk of my life working with vulnerable populations. Within this sector, well-meaning folks have declared certain terms offensive.

For example:

Many a supporter has said to me, “I’m concerned about homeless people and I want to help.”

Some might respond with, “…that offends me, I’d prefer if you said people who are experiencing homelessness.”

Instead of hearing the heart of the one who wants to help, they hear the words that offend them.

Ironically, those whom I have met living…

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The Wildest, Craziest Race

Posted on June 28, 2015 by russtowne

I smiled through this series of photos of the contestants and their vehicles and believe you’ll enjoy them. Sorry about the ads (which can be skipped.)

http://tinyurl.com/ohlebbs

Love,

Russ

Posted in Adventure, Challenges, Cheerfulness, Contests, Creativity, Fun, Humor | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments

How Long Is This Run?

Posted on June 26, 2015 by russtowne

I believe Napolean missed one: The heart is the most powerful of all. More than either of the other two it can lead people to sacrifice and even die for loved ones. In truth, even soldiers who were brought into battle by patriotism or coercion ultimately risk their lives for their beloved friends and loved ones. Thank you for this thought- and heart-provoking post.
Russ

kmabarrett's avatarKevin Barrett's Blog

There are but two powers in the world, the sword and the mind.  In the long run the sword is always beaten by the mind.
   ―  Napoléon Bonaparte
.
On This Day In:
2014The Importance Of Being Forgetful
2013Anyway
2012Habit Forming
2011And In The Other Hand(ful)
In Love With Words
Boundless Naïveté
Who Did You Say Signed Off On This Treason, Pat?

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