Um … How do I deliver this?

Being a children’s author, I often speak to large groups of children. Sitting on author panels and participating in writing events etc. I speak to other writers, prospective writers and authors. However, there are certain events where the audience is a combination of both, adults and children. Depending on the age of the children, this can be quite challenging.

The message that I try to share is simply encourage imagination, teach the joy of writing, allow kids to express themselves via words, and of course spend time reading. Every now and then something comes up that force you to change the delivery of what you were going to say. This is exactly what happened to me last week, and I realized it as soon as I stood behind the podium.

As I looked around the audience, parents, students, siblings, small siblings, my immediate thought was, “ugh oh.” The original plan was to inspire, motivate and encourage the children, not unusual during an author visit, but there was such a mixed audience. I had met some parents; some were foreign and couldn’t speak English very well, but impressively where there anyway. Some of the siblings were in strollers, very small, and some were grandparents that had come out in support of their grandchildren. Teachers, staff members, principal, and others were included, a great group of people!

I thought to myself, now how do I deliver what I was going to say? I wanted the parents to realize, that even at an early age their children could be born writers. The children themselves may not know it yet, but the parents may recognize it first, as my mother had when I was a child.  The key was keeping the children’s interest and not bore them to death. A dilemma it seemed. Share with the adults without losing the kids. Normally I would give two different speeches and in two different manners, one geared toward children, and one toward adults.

As a child, my mom recognized something I didn’t.  Back then my mind raced all of the time, in fact it still does. Often the reason I think why writers can’t sleep; our minds never shut down, they just keep racing. I loved to write short stories and by the time I was nine years old, she encouraged me to write everything down that popped into my head. It was a life saver for me at times, particularly in school. If kids write down what distracts them, they seem to forget about it, at least momentarily. (For me it was, what if’s and can you imagines, poetry and short stories). I knew that I wanted to share that story with an example of how she embraced imagination with the parents, in case they have a child whose mind races at ninety to nothing as well.

I wanted the children to know that they’re never too young to write, but wanted it to sound like fun and not like a chore. Kids don’t write for fun anymore; they write because they have to, but can you even imagine what they could compile if they wrote down what popped in their heads at the exact moment that it did.  It could be an incredible story line one day, a story that they were supposed to write, a wonderful song lyric, a beautiful poem, you just never know.

I shared a story of when I was small. My mom embraced imagination and was a fantastic story teller, different than reading a book. She often told me and my sister beautiful stories. One day I ran into

For the love of words

I was the guest speaker at Meadowcreek Elementary earlier this week.  Speaking to hundreds of children at one time is not unusual and it never gets old. I always discuss the following things: the writing process that I personally use, how I got started, my favorite authors, my motivation and inspiration, and of course my characters Lilly, Boris & Jack, from the Mischief series, specifically Mischief in the Mushroom Patch.’ Also, it’s impossible not to mention Pearle, who joins them in ‘A Fairy Match in the Mushroom Patch.’

That day I told the children that when a writer writes a story, they never know who they’re going to touch and I demonstrated my point via Pearle’s story. (It’s beautiful and can be found in an older blog post). Even my latest novel, ‘The Ghost of Whispering Willow’ has a story behind the story. It just seems to work out that way and is often unintentional. I also told them that they shouldn’t worry if other people like their work. It’s their story and it can’t possibly be wrong. If they love their story first, someone else will likely like it. That’s where it all starts, someone liking your story and sharing it with others.

The children are always amazing, each and every one of them.  At the end of my presentation, several children wrapped their arms around me and told me that they wanted to be writers too. That’s when I knew that I’d accomplished what I set out to do. Share, inspire, and hopefully motivate the children I spoke with that day.
What I didn’t know during my presentations was that I had caught the attention of several teachers. Many stayed behind to visit, principal included. Three of them were aspiring writers, one was an author, and one wanted to dabble but hadn’t yet taken the first step, which was writing down their fabulous thoughts and ideas. We discussed the market, the changing industry, and starting a writers group. We also talked about the pieces we were currently writing.

Listening to these writers and potential writers, men and women, was refreshing. I understood where they were coming from. I have changed so much over the years. The way I write and my thoughts about writing, even my approach to writing my manuscripts has changed over the years.  Growth is a beautiful thing, and something one should never be afraid of. I choose to embrace growth; not to run away from or be afraid of it. Change is often good.

I received beautiful emails that day from several staff members, and invitations to guest speak at other schools that they were affiliated with.  I was certain I had done my job with the children, I just had no idea that my words would connect with the adults in the room. It was truly amazing. We all loved the same thing: words. Writers….For the love of words!

You Can’t Do That!

It is a busy time of year for everyone, Christmas, even a little hectic at times it seems. During the months of November, December and  January, I participate in many book fair fundraisers with one of my local Barnes & Noble’s, (Barnes & Noble Arlington at the Parks).

Spending all day with the children speaking to each grade level isn’t unusual, followed by a signing with children and parents in the store which is always fun, too. I sign copies of ‘Mischief in the Mushroom Patch’ and ‘A Fairy Match in the Mushroom Patch’ and a portion of the sales goes toward the book fair.

Last week a lovely little boy walked up to me, his hand in his moms, and picked up a copy of my Mischief book. We discussed two of my characters Boris and Jack, and I’m certain because he was a little boy, Lilly wasn’t on his mind. His mother smiled at him and asked, “Would you like that book?” and he beamed and nodded his head.

She handed me the book and asked if I could sign it for him, “Why of course,” I said. She asked the little boy to tell me his name and I proceeded to personalize his book. “YOU CAN’T DO THAT!” he exclaimed in horror. “Write in books!”

I laughed, his mother laughed and the little boy just stared at the sharpie in my hand, as if daring me to finish writing in the book. I continued to write and said the words  I wrote aloud as he stared in disbelief. “It’s Okay,” I said, “I can write in this book because I wrote it.”  The little boy’s eyes grew huge, “You wrote the book,” he said with such disbelief in his voice that I realized I had not visited with the boy earlier that day.

I explained I could sign the book for him because it was my work, and it was pleasure to do so. His mother asked if we could take a picture and of course, we did and I swear, the little boy never took his eyes off the sharpie. He acted as if he was afraid I’d write all over the pages of his book! It was the cutest thing ever. It was almost as odd as when a man asked me to sign a book and it wasn’t mine to sign. “I can’t do that,” I said. He asked me why and my answer was simple, “I didn’t write that one!”

YOU CAN’T DO THAT! …

Author Amanda M. Thrasher

Mansfield Writes!

A room full of adults and one beautiful little girl!

Diane Kelly, invited me to sit on the author panel for the fourth annual event of Mansfield Writes! Five authors sat on the panel that evening. Diane Kelly, she has written a humorous mystery novel, Urania Fung, writes fantasy, Bret McKinney, Screenwriter, wrote the script for “Music Within,” Emily March, New York Times bestseller and me. I was their very first children’s author and I discussed writing for children, creating an unbelievable, believable story. I also discussed writing and working with a small publisher.

To say the event went well would be an understatement, there were no chairs left in the library. Some people patiently stood and listened to  us speak. The authors on the panel were seated behind a table at the front of the room, and I watched the room fill up as we prepared. Urania Fung was first to speak. I listened, learned, and waited patiently for my turn. Diane Kelly was next; I did the same thing, listened and waited for my turn.

I glanced around the room as the other authors spoke; and it was then that I caught site of her, the most beautiful little girl you’ve ever seen. She was holding a book. Of all things, it was a Mischief in the Mushroom Patch book! She stood patiently in the back of the room, no seat to sit on.

As soon as I saw her, I couldn’t help but smile. It was an evening event and she was the only child in a room full of adults. There she stood with my book next to her chest. During the break I walked toward her and squatted down. Opening my arms, she jumped into them. I picked her up, hugged her tight, and introduced myself to the person that had brought her to the event. They said, “We saw in the paper that you would be here and she had to come see you.”

I visited with her for a while and we talked about Lilly, Boris and Jack. She showed me her ‘Mischief in the Mushroom Patch’ book, and I read aloud what I had signed for her the day she bought it. It was actually over a year ago at a signing, and I couldn’t even tell you which one. I had even written in her book, “You are a beautiful little girl, enjoy!”

She told me she wanted me to know that she had read the book, loved it, and wanted the new one. She asked if I would sign it and of course, I did. The event was amazing, but I will never forget that little girl. To me, that’s what all of this is about …  a room full of adults and one beautiful little girl!

Boys love fairies too…. gotta love it!

Author Amanda M. Thrasher

Being a children’s author, I spend a lot of time visiting local schools and speaking with children of all ages. I have heard and seen the most incredible things. Children often lose sight of the simplicity of ‘child like’  imagination, especially in today’s world. However, every now and then, you catch a glimpse of magic, such as during a recent visit of mine.

I was telling a story to younger children, not reading one but telling the story, it is different. I knew immediately I had captured the room. All eyes were upon me and the children were mesmerized, that never gets old! Half way through the story, I stopped talking and pretended to listen to the fairies, my fairies, Lilly, Boris, and Jack.

The teachers smiled as the children gasped, and we watched them look around the room for the ‘fairies’ that they thought were suddenly in their midst. It was a beautiful sight. Their eyes sparkled as they looked about them. They were so innocent and for a second they were not in that classroom, but they were actually in the middle of my story. I finished the tale and they all clapped. I continued to watch their little faces.

As the children lined up to leave the room, the coolest thing ever happened. A little boy, Mohawk and all, tugged at my sleeve. “I saw them,” he said, “The fairies, while you were talking.” I smiled at the beautiful little boy and I said, “Was it magical?” and he nodded his head, yes. “Perfect,” I said and he hugged me goodbye.

We all know that little girls love fairies; it is wonderful, but it was awesome when the little boy saw the fairies, too, if only in his imagination for a second.

Fairies, not just for little girls anymore, and it is beautiful!

The Mischief series

NC/NE Texas SCBWI Regional Conference

Recently I attended the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators conference. It was a very informative weekend. The event had several wonderful guest speakers and professionals from the industry. The rooms were filled with writers, awesome, to be among like-minded people.

Some writers had published works and some did not. Some were with large houses and some with small. Some were self-published and some did not know  yet what to do with their work. But it is safe to say that we were all inspired by the presentations given by author Bruce Coville and Tammie Sauer, and by guest speakers such as Random House Editor Wendy Loggia, Literary Agent Quinlan Lee, Simon & Schuster Illustrator/ Designer Laurent Linn, to name a few.

Highlights that I felt were the most valuable:

• Agents can have over 8000 submissions a year/ yes they are the gatekeepers, the advocates for the writers, contract negotiators and of course the ones that ‘sell’ or ‘place’ the manuscript with the editor that is the appropriate fit for your work. They are busy!
• Editors work very closely with agents they trust. They enjoy a ‘scramble,’ an overnight read and meeting where a decision has to be made a.s.a.p. in regards to the purchase of a manuscript about to go to auction.
• Editors want to feel something. The words are still the most important element of the work they review. A good story will grab an editor every time. Polish is important but creativity is just as important.
• (For Children’s) but could certainly apply to any manuscript: Grab the reader within the first sentence if possible. Definitely, within the first few sentences because a child will not give a book a chance if it takes too long to warm up.
• Most writers receive hundreds of rejections before finding a perfect fit.
• True writers write for the love of words. I BELIEVE THIS TOTALLY!
• Book covers sell books. Be careful with your artist. You may not always have a choice but trust your advisors.
• Great writing is often produced in blocks of time and not in massive word counts. I TOTALLY AGREE WITH THIS TOO. It is impossible to maintain the intensity it takes to create something amazing for hours at a time. Quality is better than quantity.

The 'Mischief' series

Ugh oh…. I can’t even argue with that!

I have three children and I love them all, but like most kids their personalities are different. My son, the oldest, is figuring his life out and doing a great job. My oldest daughter, well, she’s an over achiever at times but is holding her own. But then there’s my youngest. She challenges me on a daily basis and at times I wonder, “What on earth am I doing wrong?” But she is lovely and most of the time makes me smile.

During our usual drive home I asked the girl’s how their day went, all was well. Out of the blue my youngest said, “Mommy, I have something I need to tell you but you can’t get mad.” I explained that telling the truth was  important and that we would discuss once I knew what it was, she agreed to tell me.

“I got kicked out of class today,” she said. “What?” I asked uncertain I’d heard her correctly. She repeated it. “I was kicked out of music class today.” I was shocked, she’s nine. How does a nine year old get kicked out of class? Very calmly I asked her what had happened and she explained. Her explanation put me in a difficult position.

“A kid was playing the flute, really, really bad,” she said. “AND I couldn’t stop laughing because he was soooooo bad.” My face was expressionless as I pictured my daughter trying not to laugh, but knowing my daughter this wasn’t easy for her. She continued her explanation. “My teacher told me to stop laughing,” which was a reasonable request, “But I couldn’t,” she said. Then my daughter continued, “And when my teacher told me to stop again, I said have you heard him? Because he was really bad, but then the boy started to cry and the teacher told me to get out of his class!”

Well I was trying not to laugh. She shouldn’t have laughed at the little boy; that was wrong, but she’s just a little girl and evidently he sounded really bad. I explained to her that laughing at anyone, for any reason wasn’t very nice. I thought the best way to handle the situation was to have her apologize to the boy, her teacher and have her tell her dad when he got home. My daughter decided she would not wait to tell her dad, she wanted to get it over with and proceeded to make a phone call. It did not go as I expected.

She told the story again and concluded with, “And I don’t want a big discussion about this when you get home, because I’ve told you the truth and mom has it covered.” Oh my goodness, what will we do with that one!

The Mischief Series

Finished & I’m Thrilled!

If you are a writer you’ll know exactly how I feel right now. Absolutely ecstatic! My novel is complete; it is finished! I had an idea that I was able to turn into a beautiful story; perfect for my little readers, and with twists even I didn’t see coming until they started to unfold.

Like other writers I’m sure, I have work that I’ve written over the years that’s mediocre at best. I have some pieces that are sweet and good, some are just ok, and some are plain old awful! But this manuscript started with an idea that hit me in such a way, I remember pulling over on the side of the road and writing the idea down right then and there.

The second installment of my Mischief series, A Fairy Match in the Mushroom Patch, had just been released. My daughter and her friends were hanging out upstairs where I work. They asked what I would be writing next and I remember saying, “I’ll know when it hits.” I shouldn’t have said that! They all started asking can you write a book about such and such or  at least about this and that?  I explained that I don’t typically write that way; but I did make a compromise. They asked if they could be in my next project and I said, “Yes.”

So now I had three names of potential characters and no story. I don’t generate stories in such a way; so it took some time before an idea hit that would work, but it did. It was foreign to me at first using the names of girls I knew, because they didn’t match my characters. My main characters are actually boys, but slowly I tried to incorporate some of their traits as I fleshed the fictional characters out. It started to come together and every now and then, if you know these kids, you’ll catch a glimpse of them.

I baby sat this project for over a year; taking my time, writing carefully. I even discussed many of the elements with my mentor prior to starting it and during the actual writing process. It’s safe to say, “I love this piece!” I’m a firm believer that the writer has to love their work first, before the reader can truly love it second to that. If a reader lays down a book or walks out of a movie and says, “I loved that book or I loved that movie,” the writers had to love it first in order to bring it to life.

Now that my novel is finished and done, I can hardly express how I excited I am. Though not yet placed, I feel as if I’ve conquered the world. Now the time has come to consider my options; like other writers I will. That’s when the work really begins it seems! But for just a minute or a few, I want to take the time to revel and enjoy the fact that my manuscript is actually finished. Finished and I’m thrilled!

by Amanda M. Thrasher

Re-writing Chapter Eleven …Following Instincts

It’s very exciting when a writer’s manuscript leaps off the paper and comes to life. It’s interesting, at least to the writer, when it changes course unexpectedly. I’m certain that every writer has experienced this at some point. It’s a sit back and “I didn’t see that coming,” moment. At times it’s a “Really?” moment. Either way when the manuscript changes direction, it takes a minute to digest the new material, (even when you’re the creator of the work).

I have a story, a manuscript that I’ve been babysitting for over a year. I like it, no, I love it. I don’t know if others will, but I do, and that’s the best place to start. I truly believe if I don’t love it first, no one else can love it second. With that thought in mind, I’m hopeful my little readers will enjoy this piece once it’s complete.

I was certain that chapter eleven was perfect. I had it mapped out in my head prior to writing a word. Every single detail including dialog, scenery, even the pattern design on my characters comforter, (though I didn’t actually describe the comforter), I could see it in my mind’s eye. I wrote the entire thing as I believed it should be. So you can imagine my surprise when I woke up in the middle of the night and told myself, “Nope, that’s not going to work!” Really? Because I’ve already written it!

Normally I would have re-read the chapter to see if there was anything worth salvaging, anything at all, but I didn’t. I trashed the entire chapter and re-wrote the whole thing. Now that was a totally new experience for me. However, the re-written chapter was better. It made sense.  I can’t speak for other writers, but for me as a children’s author, the fictional pieces that I write still have to make sense and it does.

Chapter eleven now makes perfect un-believable, believable sense. That’s important when writing for children. Obviously it’s not real but it has to be believable. I can honestly say that I haven’t done that before, trash my work without reading it first. I believe I took a leap of faith that day. I trusted my instincts regarding my work.  I had no idea if it would actually work and it did. (Chapter eleven is a critical chapter 60 thousand words in and peaking).

Re-writing Chapter Eleven…it worked!

Author Jeff Savage & Amanda M. Thrasher Barnes & Noble signing, TX PTA Conference

Barnes & Noble Book Signing, Texas PTA Conference & Jeff Savage!

I was invited by Charley Carrol, Community Relations Manager, B & N, to sign in the Barnes & Noble booth at the Texas PTA Conference. Naturally I was thrilled and accepted. They’d expected at least 3,500 attendees at the convention center, and they had that many teachers, aids, parents to name a few on site.

I was going to sign for two hours, and I’d be signing side by side with another author. I had no idea who the other author was, but it turned out to be Jeff Savage. If you’re not familiar with Jeff, he is among the nation’s leading authors of non-fiction children’s books. He’s also a multiple award winner. He’s written over 177 books, and the A.R. program, (Accelerated Reader Program-kid’s chase those points), have accepted over 100 of those. I did not know that I would be signing with him, and that’s probably for the best. I think I might have been a nervous wreck, had I known all of his accomplishments.

He had come all the way from CA; I had come down from Fort Worth. As we visited I found out that he’d met and interviewed athletes such as LeBron James, Albert Pujols, Peyton Manning, Tiger Woods, to name a few. I write fairy tales, children’s novels, and I have an adult novel that I’m still baby-sitting. It’s not quite finished, but it’s waiting for me to return and pick up where I left off.

You’d never have known that this gentleman had accomplished so much in his field; he was so personable, had fantastic advice and pleasant to sign with. I met his boys, and we talked about my family. We discussed our roles as authors, agents, publishers, and what we would like to obtain down the road in regards to careers and our personal goals.

I held my own as we signed, each of us only having a few books left at the end of the two hours. But like anything in this world, when you have something that you love, and someone in your field offers advice or encouragement, you hold onto it and I did that day. Jeff said these words to me and they took me by surprise.  “You have to realize that you have accomplished so much already, remember that and forge ahead. Look at what you’ve done, remember you are the author, you wrote the words!” I was almost speechless. How did someone that had just met me, realize how long this road had been?

I will remember those words. I will also remember that someone so nice offered advice so  freely and warmly. TX PTA 2011- that was a great event for me, on a personal level.

(Special thanks to Charley Caroll, Community Relations Manager Barnes & Noble, (Arboretum. Austin, TX)

The 'Mischief' series by Amanda M. Thrasher

Lessons Learned Via Mistakes!

I don’t know a single person that hasn’t made a mistake, some more than others it would seem. I have made many mistakes over the years, personally and professionally. I would like to think that I’ve learned a lesson or two from those mistakes, and for the most part I have. But the truth is the lessons that stick with me the most are often the ones I’ve learned in my professional life.

I am starting to believe it’s because my professional life is such a huge part of me personally, my love of words and my need to write, that it’s difficult for me to separate my two worlds, family and work. Writing is constantly on my mind. Each time I work, I strive to improve; always room to improve is there not?

Having a big picture forces me to stay focused, since not a soul in the world will hand to me what I know I want. I shall have to go get it on my own. Knowing this makes me work harder. For this reason I believe the professional mistakes hurt more, but teach me more. The personal goal that I am trying to obtain means that much to me.

Family mistakes are often forgiven and easily fixed, that’s family. They tend to be a little more accepting of your faults and are willing to bend. The professional world does not care, it’s not their place. Family will be there despite your mistakes, the professional world has many other options. It’s the way it works and we know and understand that.

I recently learned a huge lesson; one I will value and will likely carry with me for years, minor to most people and yet such an eye opener for me as a writer. I’m certain some would say, “Well you should have known better,” and they would be right, I should have. I guarantee I will not make that mistake twice.

By now you may be wondering what on earth it was and I’ll tell you, hoping that you will not make the same mistake. It was simply this: I sent raw text to someone I thought should see what I see, and they didn’t. Looking back, of course they didn’t. They were looking for a finished, polished piece and it wasn’t. It was samples, raw, unedited and not even read by me for a second run through. Now, “Why on earth would you do that?” you may ask. “You should know better!” Simple! I had done it before with the same piece and had received the most fabulous comments one could receive, from a person I did not know and demanded respect and was from a large publisher, one I aspire to have my work represented by one day.

So….did this publisher see what I saw in this piece? I think so or they wouldn’t have sent such a lovely hand written letter back to me. Did the other person? I think they expected what they should have from me as a writer, finished polished samples as they should have been.

Will I resend that manuscript when it’s finished and polished, you bet I will! Did I learn my lesson…like you wouldn’t believe! “Hardest lessons learned the professional ones!”

The 'Mischief' series by Amanda M. Thrasher

What you didn’t know about a writer turned author

I can honestly say that I never once set out to be an author. Though I have written many pieces, to submit those for others to read never once crossed my mind. My love of words is just that, a love of words. I am comfortable with them. I enjoy watching the images from my mind leap off  the paper and come to life as I write them down. When it works, it truly is like magic. My mom made a request that I could not deny and my plan was no longer the one that was on the table. Now that the direction of my path has changed, the real work has begun.

If you are a writer at all, then you know that part is easy. It’s fun and at times hardly seems like work, though it can take years and years to finish a single piece. During my presentations I often say that there are people that write books and then there are writers, because there’s a difference. Some people have a story, writers have many stories. We don’t fret over one, because another will come along. (Not counting hard drive crashes, trust me a writers nightmare. I back up twice everyday).

Now that said, we nurture and take care of the pieces we write. We know our characters inside and out. Where they live, what they eat, what they drink, what they look like, who their friends are, where they dine. What they would say, what they wear, what they wouldn’t be caught dead in, and what will happen next. It’s what we do. We learn from the pieces we write. We know our good pieces and if you’re like me, well you certainly know your flat ones. I finish each piece no matter what, though I may file several. I personally will not tear down and strip a manuscript over and over, forcing it to work. If it doesn’t, it doesn’t. I finish it and I file it. This is completely different than perfecting a piece that  does work and is on course. Rewrites and re-drafts on those manuscripts are mandatory to narrate the story perfectly. Important words I’ll never forget via my Mentor, “Switch the switch, narrate the story.” (Thank you A.D.)

But once the manuscript is complete and your vision has come to life, the real work begins. The hard work; submissions, query letters, sample chapters being sent out, over and over for review. I send them out to this day and then forget about them. I never look back. It’s like a wonderful gift when a response or questions come back from a publisher via mail or email. Even a question about the piece or characters is validation that the manuscript has potential, and it’s a wonderful feeling knowing that someone else sees what you see.

If your work is available in the market place already like my Mischief series,  Mischief in the Mushroom Patch and A Fairy Match in the Mushroom Patch, then promoting your titles takes up a huge portion of your time.  Things change. You have to micro-manage your time between your love of writing and marketing the work that is available for sale. It is a necessary part of today’s publishing world; mandatory in order to obtain exposure as an author.  I believe everyone should have a ‘Big Picture.’ I have one. I know exactly what I want, but more importantly I know exactly what it’s going to take to get there; it’s not going to be easy. But it sure is going to be worth it! (It’s on my list).

I am often asked during my presentations, “Who is your favorite author?” My answer I always have to explain. My favorite author is Jane Austen. But more importantly, the author that inspires me the most and forces me to work harder is John Grisham. Though I’ve read severa

“You love them more than me… just saying!”

I actually heard those words today via my twenty two year old son, he was referring to his sisters. I wished I could say I was stunned or shocked or horrified, but I wasn’t. As soon as the words left his mouth, I couldn’t stop laughing. “What did you just say?” I said in between my laughter, “Seriously!”

When do kids stop being jealous of each other? I don’t know. My son is jealous of my girls, my eleven year old is jealous of my son; admittedly I call him my golden boy, because in my eyes even when he’s wrong, he isn’t. But I feel the same way about my girls, though not enough to stop parenting of course. My nine year old is jealous of my oldest daughter; I call her my brown eyed girl, and my little Lauren Boren, hates that name, (can’t say I blame her, but she’s been Lauren Boren forever), well she’s jealous of Zack’s son, Tyler. Vicious cycle as they say.

I asked my son why on earth he would say such a thing, and his answer to his dismay made me laugh even more. “I googled you at work,” he said, “and there were photos of you with both of the girls, blogs about them, even soccer pictures and you forgot me!” I looked at my son and said, “That’s your reason?” Once I’d stopped laughing I explained I hadn’t excluded him, and certainly hadn’t forgotten him. I even showed him a poem I had written; in the piece I had purposely used a photo of my children.

Now I thought this would have pleased him but I was wrong. When he read the poem he said, “Oh great! I finally make it when of your pieces and people think you beat me!”  OK, “What!” I said, “How did you come up with that?” and he said, “It’s a poem about child abuse and you put a photo of me there, nice one mom!” Oh my goodness. I had used that photo for one reason only, to show how beautiful and vulnerable children are, this photo demonstrated that. He still wasn’t happy! (He was playing). I told him I would write a blog for him, and he made me promise to tell the story of the child abuse poem and his photo. He did like it, the poem.

Sometimes no matter what we try to do, it comes off wrong. I’m still smiling about that conversation today. But this blog is for my beautiful son, Zachary Wade Mulroy Miller, Alica and Tyler.  “Son, I don’t know if this will make you feel better, but here is your official blog and I love you!”

The 'Mischief' series by Amanda M. Thrasher

Look at that girl, she’s got Nike’s!”

Last week was career day at a lot of schools, my children’s included. The school had asked if I could visit with the students and I committed to do so. I had actually been ill the weekend before and was feeling pretty puny. I even contemplated cancelling career day and the event that I had that evening. My youngest called my out and said, “But you promised,” and I had, so off to career day I went.

It went very well and the kids were amazing. Fortunately unlike other schools, this one did very quick fifteen minute rotations, and I was grateful given how weak I felt. Due to scheduling I was only able to visit with one of my daughters classes. My oldest daughter was very disappointed, especially since I had spent time with her sister and many of her friends.

I decided since it was career day that I would forge ahead and visit the Boys & Girls Club that was scheduled for later that day. I took my children with me. I rarely do this, for two major reasons. (1) When they are with me they often forget I’m working (2) I prefer to focus on the children that I am with at the time; if not, one eye is constantly on mine.

When I visit the club locations, I never know exactly where they’re located or what the financial circumstances are of children that attend the facilities. It matters not to me. If I can share and they can learn, well that’s what it’s really all about. This particular day my children learned an incredible lesson; one that I couldn’t have possibly taught them, though like most parents I have tried.

The room was full and my children were sitting to one side, listening to my presentation and watching my interaction with the children. All of a sudden the cutest little boy said, “Look, look, that girl, she’s got on Nike’s. She’s lucky!” He kept pointing and saying it over and over, and all the kids got excited. My little girl didn’t understand and turned beet red. They were pointing at her, over a shoe. She had worn Nike’s forever, but only because I thought it was a good shoe.

She asked me, “Why did they do that, why do they care?” And I said, “They don’t care that you have Nike’s, they think it’s neat that you have Nike’s.” I explained that they likely didn’t have any and would like some. That they weren’t trying to embarrass her, but that the shoes she took for granted every day, were the very shoes that they would love to have.

She asked if she could give him her shoes, and I thought that was a lovely gesture. But I explained that there’s a fine line between being helpful and insulting. I told her that there were many things that we could do, donate, give of our time, help when we could and be nice. This was a valuable experience for my children. That little boy was 8 years old and had been suspended from school for a year. He was excited because he was going back. He told me, “I met an author and saw a kid in Nike’s.” Took me 2 hours of my time; and yet he taught my children a life lesson that I couldn’t teach them, “Look, that girl’s got Nike’s.”

What inspired me to write “Quran Unvoiced Messages” is a Muslim friend of mine who challenged me to study the Book (Bible)…

What inspired you to write your book?

What inspired me to write “Quran Unvoiced Messages” is a Muslim friend of mine who challenged me to study the Book (Bible) and Balance of the Book (Quran) and find out the truth in them. The work on the said book was initially compiled for my Muslim friend (Mahmood the son of Shiekh Lemo of Niger State, Nigeria). I lost contact with him since our undergraduate days at Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Nigeria (1992), where we used to interact positively together after watching the Islamic scholar Ahmed Deedat of South Africa debate various Christian scholars around the world. On completion of the manuscript of “Quran Unvoiced Messages”, it became imperative for me to share my discoveries in the Bible and the Quran not just with my Muslim friend, but with all humans on messages for them in the Quran that is unvoiced by Clerics among Jews, Christians and Muslims due to their religious human traditions (or Doctrine of faith). Human ignorance of the messages contain for all of them (Jews, Christians, Muslims and other faiths) is one of the hidden reason behind the major cause of religious related violence, killing and wars on earth for centuries. The current acts of terrors under the cover of Islam by Al-Qaeda, Al-Shabbath of Somalia and other arms carrying Islam group or sects around the world is categorically condemned by God of Mount Moriah (Zion) who is the author of the Quran. The Quran also has much information for Jews and Christians that is of no value to Muslim readers. Any human that reads “Quran Unvoiced Messages” will have the opportunity of reading the whole Quran in an organized manner in accordance to messages intended for Jews, Christians, Muslims and all humans of other faith. The work also provide all humans with guidelines that will aid them study the Quran on their own and also to know the best available English Language translation of the Quran that agrees with Quran Arabic text provided to all humans by God of Mount Moriah through Prophet Muhammad. Any human that fail to listen to what God of Mount Moriah said in His name (Allah meaning Christ the son of Mary, Romans 9:5; Quran 5:17, 72 – 73) through prophet Mohammad, the God of Mount Moriah (Zion) will Himself called such a human or person to account (cf. Deuteronomy 18:15 – 19)

In 50 words, what is your book about?

Answer: The book titled: “Quran Unvoiced Messages voices out to all humans that Christ the Son of Mary (Allah) is the author of the messages revealed in the Quran. Religious clerics among Jews, Christians and Muslims are hindered from voicing these messages out by their human made religious traditions (or doctrines).

Now, in just 5 words (for fun), what is your book about?

Answer: Quran is authored by Christ

How will your book benefit the world?

Answer: The benefits of the book titled “Quran Unvoiced Messages” to all humans in the world are as follows:

• The book will create a medium whereby humans on earth will neither be harm or their properties destroyed by acts of terror by person(s) who are not hypocrites among Jews, Christians and Muslims (Isaiah 11:9). This Book informs all humans, especially world leaders on actions they should take against terrorist acting under the cover of Islam as directed by the Great God of Mount Moriah (Christ the Son of Mary or Allah) in the Quran.
• The book will create a medium whereby humans on earth will be full of the knowledge of their Creator (Christ the son of Mary) as the waters covers the sea (Habakkuk 2:14).
• The book will create a medium whereby Jews and Arab scientist will work together to verify (scientifically) prophecy on the Dome of of Mount Moriah as the quarry where the Blackstone of Mecca was cut by Rock Abraham and transferred to Mecca, so that the God of Isaac descendants will be the God Ishmael descendants (Isaiah 51:1 – 2).
• The book will create a medium whereby Jews, Christians and Muslims will know that their One and only God who is the Creator of all things is Christ the Son of Mary (Allah). This will serve as an avenue of peace and unity of purpose with regard to faith in the God of Abraham who is their father in faith (Quran 29:46 – 47).
• The book will create a medium that will enable humans to use their God-given freedom and liberty to voice-out the knowledge of the truth they discover from the Bible (the Book) and the Quran (Balance of the Book), which was distorted by human traditions (doctrines) of Jews, Christians and Muslims.
• The book will promote better understanding on the sincere faith of circumcised children of Abraham (Jews, Christians and Muslims) and to promote peaceful co-existence between them and other religions on earth based on God’s given freedom and liberty to all humans.
• The book will enable all humans understand the sign of the unity of the Bible and Quran as seen in the Dome of Rock of Mount Moriah (Zion) in Jerusalem. The sign of Jews departure from the way of God of Mount Moriah resulted in Jews lost of the Temple Mount (Mount Moriah or Zion) to Muslims who build a House of prayer (Dome of Rock) with twelve open channels for the twelve tribes of Israel to easily approach their “Rock” or “Stone quarry” which symbolizes their Great God (Allah) who is Christ the son of Mary (cf. Isaiah 9:6 – 7; Romans 9:5; Quran 5:70 – 73). The sign of Christian departure from the way of God of Mount Moriah resulted in Christian loss of lands where Christianity was planted by the disciples of Jesus (Apostles) to Muslims till this very date. All evangelistic plans by Christians fail to enable them reclaim these lost lands of the early Christian church. The sign of Arab departure from the ways of the God of Mount Moriah resulted in Arab Muslims being ruled by their Muslim slave (Turks) who as their masters founded the Ottoman Empire.
• The book will expose the mischievous activities of hypocrite Muslims and will empower sincere Muslims through measures outlined by God in the Quran to deal with them. This book will help humans put things right in Islamic communities on earth.

Are you inspired by any popular author(s)?

Yes, I am inspired by Christ the son of Mary (Allah) who is the author of the Bible and Quran. He inspired me to understand His voice in the Bible and Quran and this assisted me in writing the following books in addition to “Quran Unvoiced Messages”
Unvoiced Prophetic Interpretation
Unvoiced Conspiracy of Traditions: the contribution of Jewish, Christian and Islamic clerics.
Creator’s Unvoiced Plan for Humans.

All these books will be provided to all humans by Strategic Book Group.

There’s a castle in Texas? Pythian Home – Weatherford, Texas

(What I have learned and experienced during my visit).

Texas not known for large castles but there’s one, the Pythian Home in Weatherford. I recently had the opportunity to visit and spend time with the children that live there. I was amazed by everything I saw, experienced, and was so impressed with the children and staff members themselves.

Justice Henry Rathbone was a musician, writer and actor, performing in many plays such as the story of Damon and Pythias. Damon and Pythias, in the story, were members of a brotherhood established by the Greek philosopher, Pythagoras, supposedly had strict morals, were always truthful, honorable and possessed impeccable integrity. These were the traits that formed the historic basis of the Order Knights of Pythias. The foundation based on friendship, charity, good deeds and happiness of others, was demonstrated through the mission and building of the ‘Castle on the Hill.’ (These days the children are not required to have any connection to the Pythian organization for placement, they help who they can).

It was built in 1897 and opened in 1909, and was originally designed to house 250 people. The staff had offices and quarters on the first floor. The second floor was for orphaned children, matrons, teachers, classrooms, and an auditorium. The basement was sectioned into apartments for widows and their children. The castle was designed with the intent to add more quarters if necessary, but by 1914 there were so many orphaned boys that they had to build a wing just for them. In 1925 a girl’s dormitory was built. The last remaining widow died in the home in 1970 and there wasn’t a need for widows to live there anymore, BUT, there was still a need for the children, as there is today.

The home at one time was self sustaining, designed that way.  Having its own hospital, though small, raising their own beef, they even had their own dairy, garden and canned their own goods.  By 1972 the FDA changed the regulations and most of those facilities including the hospital and dairy were shut down.

They were no longer allowed to participate in the canning of their own produce and fruit. By 1976 they were not as self sufficient anymore.

The Home has suffered over the years, though children remain on site. It isn’t State funded and is operated mostly via donations and volunteers. The Pythian organization supports and organizes fundraises etc. for these children. All renovations are usually via volunteers, funds donated through fundraising events, and of course through the generosity of the community and others. The children always come first, and are very happy and well taken care of. They seem so loved and I felt as if I loved them immediately, you just couldn’t help it. They were full of smiles and energy.

I had the privilege of spending time with the children that live in the Home. They are beautiful, happy and healthy. They do attend public school and come home to the Castle each day. When I arrived they were getting ready to eat their dinner and I was invited to join them. After dinner we visited and talked about creating and writing, the love of characters, drawing and illustrating. They listened, no kidding to every word I said, even the littlest guy there. We made fairy wings and we, Strategic Book Group and me, donated books. (I’m going back with ‘A Fairy Match in the Mushroom Patch,’ I ran out and have promised to take more, they’ve been ordered).

The Texas Pythian Home, and the work that they do are truly amazing. I can’t do it justice. This home protects and takes care of the children whose families can’t, regardless

I have said these words many times and I truly believe them. “I am a writer by heart first and an author second to that.” Though admittedly I’m not an editor, trust me, there have been many times I wished I was. But what amazes me still is when the stories that we create as artists of words, come together in such a way that it works. It’s truly like magic to me.

Like most writers, I have many manuscripts that I’ve written over the years. Some I am pleased with, some I couldn’t care less about, some I have time vested in, and some I really love. Regardless of how I feel about my pieces, I do finish them all or since I know the endings of them already, I will finish them.

There have been pieces I’ve felt compelled to write, if only for myself. Pieces I wrote for others, such as my fairy stories. The original Mischief in the Mushroom Patch was written for my mom who was ill. A character such as Pearle, created per a request from a lady that bought my Mischief book. Now a friendship formed via a bond  through a fictional fairy honoring a beautiful girl that I never knew. The power of words; fictional or not, when they work it’s a magical thing!

I love it when I write something and my words leap off the paper and come to life.  When  I can read them back to myself and the scenes, characters and dialog that I’ve set up and put into motion, come together in such a way that the picture is laid out for my readers to see what I see. This has taken time and each time that I write I improve. I am now 45k words into my latest children’s novel and it’s working for me. As a writer it’s truly the most exhilarating feeling in the world. Words leaping to life; when it works, it’s like magic!

by Amanda M. Thrasher

Lorraine, Amanda, Kinsy, Jim & Elizabeth

Big Fish Eats Little Fish…“Maybe not!”

I’ve just returned from Austin. I attended the TLA, (Texas Librarian Association Conference), for the very first time.  I’ve attended many trade shows on behalf of companies that I have worked for in the past, but this show was very personal to me. It was a show I believed was important to me as an Author, and to my publisher as a company. I was right, and fortunately my publisher agreed.

This was a large regional show and I was nervous, but not for the reasons you may think. People and sales are actually a normal part of my life, but Strategic’s expo. team was over-seas at the time of this conference. Our regular booth was not available and the team was incredibly busy. But we pulled it off in a true ‘team’ like way. Strategic Marketing Director Kait Neese,  Nanci Lillies, and authors,  Kinsy McVay, Mitch Haynes, Joyce Gordan and me, just to name a few, worked together and had an incredibly successful show.

We spent time with librarians, children, book lovers, teachers, and even other companies that were  at the conference.  Our objective met. Put Strategic’s books in the hands of the people that would take the time to review and appreciate our work. We gave away titles, we signed books, took photos with children and even sold titles. It was wonderful. There were  large publishers there too, with well known authors, signing and giving books away as well, and yet we had so much activity at our booth.

It’s safe to say that we were not the ‘Biggest Fish’ that week, but we definitely held our own and we’re getting there. We had consistent traffic at our booth all three days and we had people that sought us out, we signed our work for them and took photos.  We shared the out-reach program for local schools with school representatives, and discussed programs that Strategic offers  libraries with the librarians.

I know that reaching my personal goal as author is completely up to me. If it were easy, well everyone else would already have what I want. It’s not. But I know exactly what I want, and I know exactly what it’s going to take to get there. I know that I have to stay focused, work really hard, continue to attend trade shows and signings, visit schools, and libraries, and most importantly write and stay creative.

But if I do those things, I have a better chance of obtaining that big picture that I’ve planned for myself.  I haven’t written it yet, the piece I have in mind. But I will. All of the ground work I lay now, as an author, will help pave the way for when I finish the piece I’m supposed to write. I will write it; I don’t know when, but I’ll recognize it when it’s the one. I want to be ready!

Big Fish Eats Little Fish…Maybe Not!

She called you WHAT!

Being a mom, I have my own children. Being a children’s author, I am often around children. I didn’t think at my age, there was anything that a child could say that would actually shock me, I was wrong. 

My daughters had a  field trip to our local zoo, and they both wanted me to chaperone their classes. It was decided between the three of us, that I would join my youngest daughter’s class, which I did. Initially I had five in my group; I picked one up along the way.

We were having fun, looking at the animals, drinking soda, eating popcorn, all the stuff you wouldn’t normally do if you were at school. Eventually they were starving and asked if we could eat lunch. “Why yes we can,” I said, directing them to a perfect spot. It was during lunch that we picked up our other little girl, (with her teacher’s permission, of course).

The girls were giggling and trading food, my daughter was proud I was with her. She was the little girl whose mom was there. Out of the blue, one of the little girls pointed to our newest little member of our group. “She called me TOILET!” she said, just like that. I swear, I couldn’t believe what I had just heard and naturally I said, “She called you what?”  The little girl repeated it, “She called me Toilet!” she said as plain as day. I was stunned. I was dying to laugh because it was the ultimate, inappropriate insult, I’d ever heard a child call another child, but obviously it was terrible!

 “Oh my goodness, why on earth would you do that,” I asked the little girl who had supposedly said it, not knowing what else to say. “That’s not very nice at all,” I added for adult good measure.  The little girl that had thrown down the insult smiled and continued to eat her sandwich. The other little girl was still pointing at her, but she wasn’t overly upset in the moment so I wondered when the insult had actually occurred. “She did make me cry,” the insulted little girl said, to which I replied, “I can imagine, I would have cried too!”

I was still looking at the little girl, the one that had said it. It didn’t faze her in the least. I wanted to laugh so badly, but not because she had hurt the little girls feelings, of course, but because I hadn’t heard such an insult before! The little girl finally laid down her food and spoke up. “Ah, we’re cousins,” she said, “We live together.” And that was that.

Well that explained everything, they’re like sisters and sisters fight. I suggested that they try really hard to say nice things to each other, at which point my daughter chimed in. “My sister isn’t nice to me!” I smiled at my daughter and at the other girls, “Well why don’t we all work on that, being nice to each other,” I said. And that was it, they kept on eating.  Toilet!  So inappropriate and yet so funny, at least it was in that particular moment. Really, she called you what!

“I have no idea who I am; but know exactly who I’m supposed to be!”

I have said these words often. Being adopted, I truly have no idea who I am. Being raised in a loving home, I know exactly who I’m supposed to be!  I can’t lie; I have often wondered if this love of words that I have, is linked to the life I never knew. Where did it come from; this need to write?

 I grew up in England. My memories are vivid and they’re good ones. A home filled with laughter and love; funny, I remember the laughter the most. I think it’s because my mom had the greatest laugh! We spent our time together doing the things I know realize that as a child, I took for granted. Theater in the woods, plays in the park, hiking, cave exploring, and picnics on the moors, horse-riding, long walks; always walking together across beautiful lush fields. I remember the ‘green’ of the fields, the color and the smell.

My parents always encouraged my need to write; I had plenty to write about. I attended the most incredible schools; small, church schools. Where service and religious education classes were normal; so unlike today’s world where church and State are separated. (I’m sure it is there now, too).

The buildings in England are truly magnificent. You can only imagine the history that runs through them. I remember as a child looking at the slabs of slate on the magnificent Cathedral floors and thinking how incredible the floor was…the floor! The stone pillars and the unbelievable art work, hand painted on the ceilings; so incredibly beautiful, that even as a child I was stunned and lost for words.

My parents made a point to ‘drag’ us (me and my sister), all over England. I am grateful that they did; though as a child, one never really understands the gift. We took grave rubbings of headstones that were in the early thirteenth century, can you imagine? Pirates and little John’s; the real little John, who wasn’t little at all over seven feet, they say.

Walks in Sherwood Forest and the Lord’s Houses, unbelievable majestic type houses; almost like palaces, I’ve never seen such since. The history and the detail of the structures can’t ever be duplicated and one can somehow feel the presence of the past. It simply engulfs your mind and spirit.

I know that growing up in England was an incredible thing; but the greatest gift and sacrifice was the one my parents made when they brought us to the States. Knowing that the life they were carving out for our family was the best possible one that they could provide. I am blessed to have known two types of worlds. But the greatest gift of all is experiencing the opportunities this country has to offer. My children will never know how good they have it; because, they’ve always had it!

I am a citizen of the States and a true believer in the ‘dream’ of this country. But I realize that my connection to England definitely made me who I am today! I keep my memories close to me; my mother’s laugh, theater in the woods, plays in the park and those incredible slate floors…floors!

Lilly, Boris & Jack, from NY to Oregon

Lilly, Boris & Jack …This is what it’s all about!

My friend said, “We’re touring and she’s working.”  Yet there I was; so I explained that I had commitments for a book trade show the next day. We talked a little bit about the book that I had written, and at that time it was Mischief in the Mushroom Patch.  Debbie, Jace’s, grandma, asked for a card and I gave her one. She must have purchased my book because we talked again. She said her grandchildren loved the book; naturally this made me very happy, and I so I sent books to her grandchildren’s s school. That made Debbie happy, Ms. Hagel, the teacher, very happy, but I had no idea that little Jace would be so touched too. I wished I could see those little faces as she reads the story. She describes them so beautifully. I shall ask her for a photo and if the parents ‘OK’ it, I will post. Lilly, Boris & Jack, loved in Oregon; now, that’s means something, if only to me. (Baby steps, massive strides, at least to me).

Ms. Thrasher,

Thank you so much for donating Mischief in the Mushroom Patch to our school library.

I began reading it to my kindergartners last week hoping that their attention spans were long enough to listen to a whole chapter in one sitting. Well, judging from the wide-eyes and silent bodies in front of me as I began to read about Lilly and Boris, I had nothing to worry about. We just finished chapter two and the whole class is is love with the characters, setting and storyline. 

 I told them I would be emailing you.  They wanted me to let you know the following…

They love Lilly and Boris and are very curious about who the other character is on the front cover illustration. They are concerned about Boris having a rash from the nettles but are confident that Lilly can help him because she is a good friend. They are also worried about Lilly and Boris being low on fairy dust and Boris being hurt. They are wondering how they will get back to the mushroom patch.  Several theories have been discussed…

Jace Wagoner is so proud that his grandma knows the author of Mischief in the Mushroom Patch.  It is wonderful to see him engage and speak out when he is normally pretty quiet. Thank you again for your thoughtfulness and generous contribution to our classroom. We all can’t wait for chapter 3!

 Sincerely,

Staci Hagel,

classroom teacher, and 28 enthusiastic and eager Kindergartners

Thurston Elementary School Springfield Oregon

Hobby turned gift-“Thank you Bill!”

I think it’s safe to say that most people have at least one child that participates in a team sport of some sort. My girls play soccer, recreational and select. If you are not familiar with select soccer, select changes everything. Try outs, contracts, mandatory practices, soccer games of course and tournaments.  The competition is intense, since the other teams the girls play are very competitive too. The commitment is taken seriously by all parties involved, our Coaches, (Kim Barb & Gary Collinsworth), our girls, (the whole team IFC 2000 and the club, IFC). At the select level, it’s no longer about just ‘fun,’ it’s a serious game. Naturally the parents are committed to the success of the team and we even have some grandparents that have never missed a game! (Let me stress; all of the girls involved want to be there, at this level the desire has to come from within in order to stick with such a commitment anyway).

As you can imagine during the soccer season our weekends are spent either at the soccer field or arena. My oldest daughter has been playing soccer for seven years; over the years we’ve managed to take some fabulous photos, but I’m ashamed to say not near enough. With the exception of ‘team’ photos, we have failed to take those beautiful action photos. You know the ones I’m talking about, shots that couldn’t possibly be recaptured. The ones that causes you to stop and stare for a moment longer than you normally would, or the photo that makes you say, “Wow that’s my girl!”

Well I did say we had great Grandparents on our team and I’m very grateful that we do! I received a gift that I didn’t realize I was missing; photos of my daughter playing her game, the game she loves. Action photos, game face on, focused and making moves on the field that can’t ever be recaptured. Simply impossible to duplicate! This gift came via Bill Leach. His hobby or love of photography, I’m not sure which, started when he took photos of his granddaughter, Kendall, playing soccer.  Bill brings his camera to every game and shoots photos of her and his other grandchildren. Since Bill was shooting Kendall anyway, he thought that he would shoot the whole team. To my surprise he offered to share those photos with the team. He placed them on a disk for each parent; a true gift for all of us!  “A picture’s worth a thousand words,” isn’t that how the saying goes?  How true it is.

It wasn’t until that moment, that I realized how long it had been since I had taken pictures of my daughter playing soccer. Always thinking there would be another game, another time to bring my camera. So many games, it had not become a priority anymore. I shall work on that; that girl, my girl, like the others, plays hard every single time! Another thought ran through my mind, how generous it was that Bill would shoot the photos and then take the time to copy and distribute them. See, great grandparents too!

I shall buy a better camera and try to do better a better job because you just never know what could happen. My daughter may wake up one morning and decide not to play; I doubt it, but you just never know.

Hobby turned gift-“Thank you Bill!”