Soul Stirring

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“When your soul stirs, take attentive note.”

So begins a beautiful book that my friend, Gayle, gifted me several years ago.

Simply Soul Stirring: Writing as a Meditative Practice has been a wonderful reminder to “be in the moment” both in writing and life.

I hope you’ve experienced those occasions where you feel pure joy…where you feel happiness down into your soul.

That feeling where your soul simply lights up.

There are always so many of these moments at our Claire’s Day celebrations.

But there’s always one that stands out.

Sanaa Orra, one of our amazing Read for Literacy/Claire’s Day team members approached me last week with this sweet child and her Mom.

“Julie, this C.A.R.E. Award winner came to the offices looking for you.  She said she wanted to get a picture with Claire’s Mom.”

Be still, my heart.

I congratulated this young girl on receiving the award in Claire’s honor for improving her reading skills. We chatted a little bit about what she likes to read. About the fun day she had. About how proud I am of her for working so hard to become a better reader.

Before they left, I gave her mom my cell phone and asked if she would be so kind as to send me the picture.

 

 

When I got the text later, the string of photos captured the essence of all our team does to continue to share Claire’s legacy.

With tears in my eyes, I texted the little girl’s mom back.

I told her that it looked like her daughter had an excellent Claire’s Day.

And I thanked her for supporting her reading journey.

Her mom’s response?

“Ms. Julie, she had a great time. Thank you for a wonderful day yesterday.

 

The following images are a perfect reflection of that excellent day.

 

 

After receiving her award, Toledo Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Romules Durant was on hand to congratulate her. Dr. Durant has joined us every year since he began serving in this role.

Those little ones are so fortunate to have such a dynamic leader guiding their futures.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This picture of the little one and her teacher caught my breath. How the light shines on Claire…and continues to shine on the day!

We are so grateful for the hundreds of teachers who nominate their students for the award annually.

As one educator told me last year, “This is my favorite day of the year!”

Of course, part of the magic that happens at Claire’s Day is for children to have their books personally signed by the author or illustrator. Here is award-winning author/illustrator Bea Jackson with this little one. Look at just how proud they both are of their work.

Thank you to all of our Claire’s Day partners, from the incredible Read for Literacy/Claire’s Day staff to our partner schools, sponsors, volunteers, the Toledo Lucas County Public Library, Gathering Volumes bookstore, authors, illustrators, and attendees.

You all stir our souls.

 

 

My Winter of Content

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With all due respect, William Shakespeare, but this winter has been anything but full of discontent.

Just the opposite.

For those of you who have been following our travels in our motorhome, you might recall that two years ago we traveled around Florida. We stayed for a month in Port St. Lucie, renting a lot at the Motorcoach RV Resort here. We had a blast meeting new people. An incredible bonus was hosting our long-time friends Curt and Rita for a weekend filled with adventures from kayaking to renting a boat.

Fast forward two years.

Brad and I considered replicating the same tour through Florida again this year. But then I remembered the hassle of trying to find decent, and affordable, places to park our rig throughout the state. The experience was like trying to get front row seats to an Adele concert the day before. (Not that I’ve ever done that, but I will say I’ve seen Adele in concert with our son, Ian. Best. Concert. Experience. Ever.)

I digress.

So, last April, after winding down a six-month western sojourn in the coach, our daughter, Kyle, joined Brad and I at the Rubini family home in North Carolina. After a glass (or two!) of wine, I decided that maybe we consider actually buying a lot at the resort in Port St. Lucie we loved so much two years prior.

I’ve determined the best decisions are made when wine with one’s daughter is involved. We looked at the resort’s website. I found one I thought was ideal. Kyle thought better.

“I think you want to be on water,” she said.

Ultimately, we discovered “our” spot, one that I call “the little engine that could” site. It was a sad little puppy, it’s neglect apparent.

I can’t resist a rescue.

We bought the lot.

If there was such a thing as an RV renovation reality show, we’d be featured.

We sold the tiki that was onsite to our neighbors.

That paved the way to create our new space. It involved having a section of landscaping (including a huge royal palm) moved, designing and building an entirely new tiki, complete with kitchen, living and dining space. And, all of this involved the process of getting every step of the way approved by the resort’s Architectural Review Committee and making sure appropriate permits were obtained.

There was a big hiccup in the works from the start, where what we perceived as our lot was actually common ground. Never mind it had a brick wall and gate on the perimeter, offering the illusion that it was all our lot. But then again, I digress.

All’s well that ends well.

This winter has been filled with making new friends through all the amazing activities the resort offers. From a weekly biking group, to pickleball, to yoga and water aerobics classes.  We joined an off-site golf club which expanded those new friendships as well.

We both feel so incredibly blessed to have met and made new friends at this stage in life.

With my best and forever friend and partner, Brad.

Toledo friends came and visited, and connected with others in Boca Raton too.

 

 

A “bucket list” item of visiting each of the Seven Wonders of the World began with visiting Mexico and touring Chichen Itza with Kyle, her husband Will, our son Ian and his partner Adam in February. Family time is always precious time.

 

 

 

 

Finally, in this new, beautiful space, I finished a writing project that has been on my mind and heart for awhile.

After receiving an incredibly supportive critique from members of the Society of Children’s Book Authors and Illustrators several months ago, I forged full steam ahead.

Today I completed the first draft of my initial middle-grade novel, and it feels so good.

Stay tuned for any developments on the project as I work toward having the work traditionally published.

As we leave this little slice of paradise, making our way north, spending time with family and friends on our way, I send my very best to the many who have been so kind to us over this winter.

Thank you for making this a season full of content.

And then some.