IN THIS MONTH'S ISSUE: Moms Artist Spotlight Tips for Connecting with Kids Virtual Talkabook Visits Zahra's Earth-Friendly Tip My Personal Gossip My Books |
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MOMS This month's newsletter didn't quite get out on the first of the month. But the whole month of May is great for celebrating mothers. Heck, we should celebrate them all year. There are birth mothers, step mothers, grand mothers, aunts, neighbors, and teachers who all fulfill the vast role of MOM in our lives. They nurture and guide us. They read and snuggle with us. They pick us up when we fall. They encourage us to do and be all that we can. They are always thinking of us. I'm honored to be a MOM and fortunate to have so many great MOMs in my life. “Motherhood is the biggest gamble in the world. It is the glorious life force. It’s huge and scary – it’s an act of infinite optimism.” —Gilda Radner |
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The Randolph Arts Guild recently began creating "Artist Spotlights" online and in their newsletter. In April, they posted a spotlight about yours truly. It also made the May 2021 newsletter. I was thrilled and humbled to be included in this new feature that celebrates creativity in our community. |
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TIPS FOR CONNECTING WITH KIDS |
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The publisher of my Thurston T. Turtle books recently asked me to present during an online event. Not only did I jump at the chance, I created a virtual background for the Zoom occasion. |
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The topic assigned to me was Connecting with Young Readers. In preparation, I dove into the recesses of my experiences both pre- and post-COVID. Then I came up with four tips that authors can use to engage children they meet at events, whether in-person or online. |
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Talkabook, a new, cutting edge virtual platform that connects families and schools to children's book authors, announced its launch on April 21. As a certified Talkabook author, I have several virtual visit programs available in Talkabook's vast catalog. Check out my commercial below and visit my Talkabook page HERE. |
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ZAHRA'S EARTH-FRIENDLY TIP |
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For the first time in more than a year, I somehow picked up a cold. It's a stubborn little virus that penetrated several layers of hand sanitizer and my custom fashion masks. When the over-the-counter remedies offered little relief, Zahra, the main character in my WIPs, suggested honey. |
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I heeded her advice. By adding a few drops of local honey to a hot cup of tea, I've been able to find respite from the coughing, sneezing, and scratchy throat that my doctor has assured me is not COVID. The farmers markets are open, so take advantage of the opportunity to stock up on local honey. |
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When I was in elementary school, I loved performing in plays. Back then, you didn't have to sing well to shine on stage. My singing voice isn't strong, so when my high school offered only musicals for wannabe thespians, I didn't make the cut. |
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But the acting bug continued to gnaw at my soul. In college, I took every oral interpretation of literature course offered. I created unique characters with my voice for years as I read books to my boys every evening when they were young. In 2013, that acting bug took hold and thrashed me this way and that until I landed at an audition for a bit part in our community theater's production of Neil Simon's The Prisoner of Second Avenue. I landed the lead role of Edna Edison.That's me below in the tie-dyed blue and white shirt and white, flowing skirt. |
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Since then, I've directed a play, designed lighting, and performed in several staged readings of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. In the meantime, a professional theater production company blossomed in our community. About once a year, they hold open calls for their productions. That's when novices like me who volunteer for community theater have a shot at paid, professional parts alongside real live broadway and screen talents. This summer, the professional theater company, RhinoLeap Productions, is producing The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, based on the book Rachel Sheinkin. It is a musical, but it has a bit part for a person of my age that doesn't require singing talent. Well, when my acting bug got wind of the opportunity, I had no choice. I had to audition. Armed with my Super Special Stick, I handed the director my lean acting resume and performed my little heart out. I got the part! And as luck would have it, Hubby got the part of my character's husband. We will be making our professional acting debuts together as Leaf's mother and father. If you're a fan of the theater, visit RhinoLeap Productions to learn more. |
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