A LETTER TO HEAVEN

 Dec 23, 2013      Update.... It has been two years since we lost this precious child.  She is still with us in heart.  We lost her momma, we lost her, we lost my mother this summer and so many others, but still we smile with the memories of the joy they brought to all around them.


Mackenzie Beary, 11, of Finch Community died Friday, December 23 at her residence. She was born July 2, 2000 in Jonesboro to David and Teresa Beary. She was a 6th grader at Brookland Middle School and was a member of Central Baptist Church where she was involved with AWANA. She also enjoyed playing volleyball for the NEA Junior Olympics and snow skiing.


 When there is a young person like this who never gave up and reached out in the lives of so many she will live forever in my heart.  Diabetes is something that is not easy and this life was too short but she truly lived her life.


This is not the usual blog, but my blog is my voice to share so many things.  This is so much on my heart that I want to share it.  I wish that I could take this letter and place it in the hands of the little girl I wrote it for.  I wish that I could hold her and hug her and tell her we love her.  I said that I would write real and from the heart here and you can not get much more real than this. 

Right before Christmas we lost our niece in a tragic accident.  She left behind her two teenage sons and three small children.  She left behind a husband that loved her more than words could tell.  She left behind so many of us who will always keep her in our hearts.  We miss her so.  Teresa Beary will be missed by many.

Christmas was almost here again.  On Dec23 her little daughter died of a sudden illness.  Today is her visitation and tomorrow her funeral.  You can not imagine what a blessing she has been to all of us who knew her.  She …..Oh,…. how we will miss her.  I can not hold her, or hug her, or talk about her hopes and dreams.  So I write her a letter and I will share it here.

Dear Mackenzie,

            I had to write and tell you things that fill my heart.  I am so proud to say how special you are in so very many ways.

            Your years may be young but your insights and wisdom were so profound as you loved all around you.  Your ability to reach out to others caring, sharing, and inspiring was an example for others to aspire to achieve.

            Your physical beauty was breath taking with a smile that lights the room.  Your eyes sparkled and were filled with life and cheer.

            Your determination and confidence were impressive.  You did more than talk about someday you would be or do.  You did and lived and everyday touched the lives of all who knew you.

            Your courage and strength were exemplary as was your compassion for others.

            Your faith and conviction were pure and from the heart.  You did more than speak your beliefs, you lived your faith.  Such an example we might hope to achieve as we work and grow all of the years of our lives.  You were all of these things and more.

            There is no street address in heaven to send this so I’ll send it in a prayer.

            Are there angels that walk among us? This day I know for sure.  God gave us an angel and now he called you home.

            You live forever in our hearts. 

They have set up a fund for donations to help at the Liberty Bank in Jonesboro, Ar. for MacKenzie Beary.

SILENT NIGHT

SILENT NIGHT

‘Silent Night’ was my Grandmother’s favorite Christmas song.  When I hear the words it brings back wonderful memories and a silent sadness feeling the loss of the loved ones in my life.  The words, silent night instigate a mixture of thoughts and emotions.  The night may be silent because it is filled with peace, hope, and quite solitude.  It might be filled with silence because of loneliness, depression or even despair and hopelessness.  This is the time of year that can intensify emotions and memories.

Many people are busy buying all that they can to make the season bright and wonderful.  I do not believe that we can buy love or happiness.  I do think that if you can afford to buy what you desire, it can give you a wonderful feeling to give to others and be able to share something special with someone that you love.

Love is or should be the important thing.  There are so many people that are suffering hardship, misery, and pain.  It would be wonderful if we could reach out and magically make all things bright and wonderful filling the world with peace and love.  We have no such magic, but we do have magic of our own in each heart if we can find a way to bring it out.

If we take the time to care and share at this magic time of the year, we can make a difference.  It may be with a relative that has been sick or seemed down hearted and we take the time to visit or bring a box of cookies.  It could be helping a stranger.  It could be a wonderfully magic time watching the smiling faces of children as they find their brightly wrapped packages under the tree.  It could be sharing a few cans of food for the local food bank, a few coins or more if you could in the buckets as you hear the bells ring reminding you that this is the time of year you can make a difference.  Maybe you bought an extra toy to donate to those less fortunate.  You might let your own child take the toy in and feel a part of making the holiday special for someone less fortunate reminding them of how blessed and plentiful their own lives are and that we should never forget to reach out and help if we can.

Silent night may be a lonely night and a difficult time with sad memories.  I hear a lot of two kinds of thought.  You have those that are filled with the spirit of the season and smile with hope of peace and love and joy.  You also hear those who find comfort in the Scrooge syndrome of “Bah, Humbug.”  There does not seem to be a lot in between.  I sometimes find myself to be a little of both.

I have bright and warm memories of Christmas but also stark and desperate memories that bring a lonely, sad and silent feeling.  I hope that we can each and every one remember that there are those all around us that need the warmth of friendship and love or a helping hand at this most holy time of year.  I wish for each and everyone to find peace and hope for a bright and fulfilling future allowing their silent night to be one of joy to be alive and peace knowing that we are not alone in this world.  I believe that God is with us.  May God bless and keep you each and every one and you have a very Merry Christmas filled with love and the joy that comes in sharing and reaching out to others.  May this wonderful feeling fill your heart and stay with you through out the year and all of the years to come.

Merry Christmas

Linda J. Nance

LOVE LIVES IN THE HEART

There are so many things I have wanted to write about and have been excited about but there is only one thing that stands out and fills me with emotion today.  Last night it filled me with tears.  Not long ago I asked for help naming our new little puppy.  We chose PeeWee and he has been such a joy.  He was filled with so much life and radiated love.  He would run a play with my little grandson.  They were best of friends.  Every day when everyone went off to work or school, the little bundle of love was my buddy.  As the months passed he grew.  His legs were long and he could jump and romp and was filled with life and enthusiasm.  He would stand on his hind legs so he could lay his head in my lap looking up with eyes that radiated love and emotion without the need for words from this little animal to this lonely old woman.   He was a little guy with a big heart.

Yesterday just before dark I was out back starting the grill.  My grandson had just come in with his little friend who lives next door playing in his room.  My daughter appeared at the back door telling me to keep the kids here.  She had eyes filled with tears.  PeeWee had escaped and gone out onto the highway.  He had been hit by a truck.  It was bad.  I will not go into details.

When I came in the house I could not hold back the tears and when the phone rang with her saying she needed help from Albert because it was so bad and he was suffering…..I had already called Albert and he was on his way home.  She called back to say it was over.  He was gone.  I felt such loss I could not hold back the tears.  My dog had not died…my friend and companion had died.  My little buddy was gone.  There have been some difficult times in life and he always had a nuzzle, wag of the tail and a way to make me smile.  He was gone.  He is gone.

I could not hold back the tears and felt as if I could not breathe.  I felt a small hand on my shoulder and a voice near my face.  “Mamaw…Mamaw…what’s wrong.  Tell me what’s wrong.  It’s ok…Tell me.”

There before me stood two little boys who had romped and played with the little dog and loved him just as much as I had.  They had held him as a small puppy and ran with him everyday.  They had a right to know but did not need to see.  I told them PeeWee had gone out onto the road and was hit by a truck.

The shock flashed across the two little faces and they were ready to run to the little dog.  I stopped them saying it was too late to help him and they had to stay there with me.  I explained that Zander’s mom and all of the neighbors were there with him and taking care of things.

The look on the faces swiftly changed from shock to heartbreaking grief as what I had said became real.  “I love PeeWee so much, Mamaw.”  He could say no more as tears flowed down his little face.  His friend’s face crumpled into tears beside him as he added that he too loved the little dog.

I reached out before me and hugged a little boy in each arm as we cried to gather.  Today is still a sad day as we have talked and cried some more but we are trying to remember the good times shared and the love this little animal brought to our lives.

PeeWee and the little boy were best friends.  They were play mates.  They were more than a boy and a dog.  Little Zander squared his shoulders and said he wanted to write as note for PeeWee.  He wanted to do it himself.

As his Mom and Grandpa got things ready to lay the little dog to rest wrapped in one of Zanders baby blankets, Zander wrote his own note saying how much he loved PeeWee.  He then very seriously signed his name.

I could not hike that far outside without the oxygen and my small tank was out but my husband told me with deep emotion causing his voice to crack.  They gathered around and little Zander wanted to hold the flashlight so his Papaw could dig the hole.  He then solemnly read what he had written saying good bye to PeeWee and they placed his letter in the blanket.

I have a question…Is it silly to feel such loss and grief over a dog?  To us he was more than a dog.  To me he was my little friend.  The love shared will live in the heart.  I told my grandson that love never dies.  Real love lives in the heart.

A handful of love

You could see the love shared

Little PeeWee was in the hearts of the whole family

He had his own little bed but could find some strange ways to sleep here and there too

He was even friends and played with the cats.  They had adopted him.

It took a lot of kitty patience for his puppy playing but they were family

PeeWee was not to be left out where there were fun times or play times.  If you look behind the boy and his grandpa you see PeeWee waiting for his treat too.

LOVE LIVES IN THE HEART

I AM SICK…I AM TIRED…I WILL NOT GIVE UP…NOT TODAY

I have not been on line much lately and I had said before that I would try to be as honest as possible. I am sick again.  It is nothing like when they said cancer, but then again… it would help to not have chest pains and fight to breathe.  It would help to be able to clear the fluids and not cough like it has been for me.  I remember one time when I broke a rib because the coughing spasms were so intense.  I did have pneumonia then.  I thought that is what was happening again.  I hurt everywhere. When you are sick it is not only the physical efforts that you endure to try to get well or keep going.  There are emotional aspects that have such an impact.  There is fear and frustration as you try to keep going.  There is also depression.  It can be a worrisome draggy feeling or a deep dark place where some fog of life sucking oppression descends on the spirit and soul.  How we feel inside has a lot to do with how our body can function.  If I give up I will die.

Well, I am not going to give up….not today.  I still have so much I want to do and want to share.  I am just now getting the word out about the books.  I can use all of the help that I can get.   There is so much more to the story of the books.  Every single person who gets one of the books is holding more than just a good story in their hands.  They are holding more than the covers that I worked to make them special.  They are holding a dream in their hands.  I have said so many times it has been my dream to see some of the things that I write published and I am making those dreams come true.  I will not give up.  I want the books to be more than just a story…I want them to be a reminder for each person to never give up.  I want them to know that they may have to really work and things may not be easy but if they try hard enough then who knows what the future might hold.

As I write and share these things I want to be able to share them with the world but I also want to remind myself that as hard or difficult as things may be…I am not going to give up.  There are so many things that I want to do but I get so tired.  I am trying to spread the word about the books and hope others will find them of interest.  I want to be able to continue with the projects I have on my mind. 

I am going to write the sequel to The Pumpkin Field with my grandson.  It sounds crazy to think of a co-author that is six years old but I love his ideas for the next children’s story.  He has heard it dozens of times but always wants to hear it again.  I made that youtube thing so that I could share it there too.  I messed up in a fee spots but considering the health issues it turned out all right.  One day after I had read it to Zander he looked at me and said that is not all you know.  We have to write the next one.  I asked what he thought the next one would be about? 

He smiled and jumped right in explaining his ideas.  “At the end it says it was all a dream or was it?  Well Mamaw, it was no dream.  It was real and after he got through the pumpkin field he found a path on the other side.  He went down that path and the pumpkins went with him.  They find all kinds of things and have adventures and that one pumpkin that he thinks is his friend is not as nice as he thinks.  The scarecrow even helps him find his way back when he gets lost.”

You should have seen the light in his eyes and enthusiasm.  I can hardly wait to get started.  There are so many other things I am wanting to do too though.  I have met some wonderful people here on line and miss being able to visit with them but have not been too spunky as of late.  I am also working on editing the next novel I want to release.  I still have to think of a cover for it too.  I did one from a photo I had taken and one from a painting that I painted.  The children’s book I illustrated and did the cover with pastels.  I am not sure what I will do for the next book.

I also want to do a strange book that is not yet fully formed in my mind but is ever in my heart.  I have shared fiction and written this blog and the fan page on facebook but I want to write a book that is…it is…a little of this and a little of that and a lot of me.  I want to use portions of the blog that I am writing along with things I want to share such as short stories and poetry.  I want to continue with the Journey of Journey Home in a book that I can share thoughts, feelings, hopes and dreams.  I have no idea if any other person would find it of interest.  I may have to title it the ramblings of this old head.  I will find a way to make it a reality.  I think it will be special and hope it will have meaning.

I want to take the time to thank each and every person who has taken the time to share a kind thought and words of encouragement.  I want to thank you all for the prayers.  I believe in prayer and that I am not really alone.  I want to thank those who have shared information or advice to help me learn and work to make these things become realities.  Depression can be a problem but when I take the time to stop and really look at life I have so many things to be so thankful for.  There may be some stormy weather ahead here and there but there is also the sunshine or a sunset to set the evening sky ablaze.  I hope to do some more paintings,  I want to paint that path one more time.  I want to paint the sunset or sunrise which ever it is that you see when you look at it and the path that will lead me to where I need to go.

This is one of my watercolor paintings.

THE LITTLE STORY WITH A BIG REACH...THE PUMPKIN FIELD...AND THE WITCH

http://www.amazon.com/Pumpkin-Field-Linda-Nance/dp/1461044812/ref=la_B004PVDVR4_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1347995172&sr=1-4

I have to tell you about Thursday.  It was such a memorable day and one filled
with smiles.  I was excited and nervous.  A friend of mine had suggested I speak
at the Marked Tree Library and they were kind enough to invite me to come and
read my Children’s book, The Pumpkin Field.  If I thought about it too long, the
idea that it takes only minutes to read the whole story would cause me to worry. 
What I have always loved is how the children open up and we talk.  I love the way
it seems to open many conversations and ideas from so many of them.  What if this
time they sat silently?  They do not know me.  What if….and I began to get a bit
nervous.

.

That thought came long before Thursday.  My husband just smiled and reassured
me that it has always been a lot of fun.  The children always have talked with me
and always will.  He said that was part of why he loved the book so much.

I laughed and told him, “If that is part, then you might want to tell me another part. 
I have always been able to connect with the children.  I could feel their excitement,
apprehension, questions and so many things.  When people say to see through the
eyes of a child, I can feel with them in the little story.  I wrote it on purpose to try
to be able to reach out with it and do more than just tell a story.  I want it to be able
to reach out and let them to see more than they could before I read it and we talked.  
 What if all it is turns out to be, is a story about some Pumpkins?”

He started to laugh.  I did not think it was funny at all.  “You can worry all you want,
but in twenty years it has never failed.  You have always had as much fun as they do
and get into the story.  You can worry about it now, but afterwards you will be saying
what a good time you had.  I would bet on it.”

“It’s not that I want to worry…it’s just that I want this to be special for the kids.  I don’t
know if there will be
many that even show up.  If there are even a couple, we could have a good time.  This
little book has helped so many little ones and even bigger ones with some problems in life
as well as have fun.  When I talk about it it seems a lot to expect from a little story but I
do.  I want it to be special.  So many people have worked to make it happen and publicized
it.  I want it to be the best that I can do.  That brings me to my other worry.  I have
been feeling so bad.  It is scary how tired I am.  What if…..?????”

His response was immediate and no longer laughing.  “No one..NO ONE would blame
you if you can not do this.  They will understand.  If you feel like you can’t do it all you
have to do is say.”

As he was speaking he was looking closely assessing color, circles and how I looked. 
I mentioned that the children were all going to wear their costumes.  I had thought
about going as a witch but had nothing to wear.  I used to have a great outfit but
after so many steroids through the years the weight gain has been subhuman. 

He smiled and takes things in stride.  “We can go to town and get a witches hat.  
 You put on a little makeup and just have a good time.”

We went to town and the manager of the store we stopped at is a friend and
neighbor.  She mentioned that she had a hat at the house I could use.  It has
some grey hair on it but should work out all right.  I got some makeup but did
not like it as much as what I used to have.

When we got home I got started getting ready.  The make up did not look as I
wanted it to.  I used to have some that had a consistency allowing me to use the
chalk pastels and I could make a human face look just like the one in the book.  I
just thought of it as another art project but nothing seemed to work.  Albert laughed
and said I looked witchy enough to scare him so it was time to go.  We had to go to
the elementary school and pick up our grandson.  He was going to go with us.

When he and his Papaw got to the truck he did not get in.  He stood by the open
door staring at me.  “Come on and get in.  We have a long way to go.  What are
you waiting for?”

He looked so serious.  “Papaw, is that really Mamaw?  What happened to her?”

The frown and look on his face was priceless.  Albert leaned down closer to him
and they both stared at me.  “She sure is a sight isn’t she?  Kind of looks like a witch. 
She has makeup on.  That is all it is ….. a little makeup.”  Albert and I both had to
laugh but Zander was still checking me out before he climbed in.

I was nervous but we had left in plenty of time.  I did not know how long it would take
to check him out or drive and did not want to be late.  We arrived very early.  We made
it to Marked Tree and decided to go by the store and try to get some BC powders. 
They help me a lot.  I waited in the truck.  I do have portable oxygen but it still is
heavy for me to carry around and I tired easily.  I noticed many people who came
and went into the store staring at me with such odd expressions on their faces. 
None of them smiled and if I nodded or smiled they looked away and hurried on. 
I forgot about the make up.  I did not have the hat on and had completely forgotten
what my face must look like sitting there.  Now it makes me laugh.  Think of the
things they might tell about some strange old lady they saw at the store.

 

We stopped by and got Zander some chicken nuggets to munch on.  He loves those. 
I received the same odd looks there and it was Albert that clued me in.  “You worried
about if your make up was good enough and it sure seems to be turning some heads
so far.”

When we got to the library it was the same way.  I did attract some looks.  When I
went in I thought I would try to make a few copies of the coloring pages for the children.  
The people there at the library were so warm and welcoming.  The smile and greetings
meant so much to me.  I still did not know what I would say after I read the story.  It
was too late to worry and I did want to do the best that I could.  These people were so
nice.  I mentioned the coloring pages and that I did not know how many to make so I
made a few and then shared the file with the library so they could use it anytime they wanted. 

The friend of mine that had suggested this adventure arrived early too.  Now, I would
like to fully describe Carol Dabney, but there just are not the words to do her justice. 
She is such a sincere person who is a delight to be around.  She not only reaches out
helping others but she has such enthusiasm and excitement that she shared those things
as well as such talent.  She began to talk and sing to the children and they were delighted
and happily joining in.  You could see the bond and affections shared.

I was tired and sat down in a chair by the front surrounded by some fantastic
decorations.  They had done a lot of work and beautifully prepared with Halloween
decorations, posters and many things Pumpkin.  I had on my hat so I thought I
would fit right in.

Something that amazed and delighted me began to happen.  It made me smile then
and I am smiling now as I share this with you.  People were asking if they could
have their children’s pictures taken with the author.  They seemed proud when
asked if they would allow their photos to be used by the library and author and
eagerly agreed.  There was soon a line of people waiting to get their pictures taken
with me.  Each and everyone was so precious.  Some looked a little leery of the old
woman who resembles a witch…me.  Other children smiled with delight or glanced
shyly at me but we had fun.

When the time arrived that Carol announced and introduced me I was on…..I sat
down and my grandson was nearby to help.  In no time I was into the story and
sharing it with the children.  One child began to cry and for a moment I felt such
panic.  I had always tried to make the story real and put a lot into reading it.  Had
I made this little one cry?  Had I caused real fear?  That would be terrible and for
the moment I felt speechless.  There is a big difference between a good scary story
that has you wide eyed and listening to every word and one that has instilled real fear.

In the moments that followed the story was on it’s way.  The children were wonderful.  
It was such a special time.  After I finished reading we talked about many things. 
We talked about how we might get scared when we go out in the dark of night and
see shadows.  I asked them if it really was dark at night and all of them were so
serious answering that it was dark…very dark at night.  I smiled and asked if they
had ever noticed how beautiful the moon can be and how the stars sparkle like
diamonds all across the sky.  Things are not always as they seem even in life and
the things that cause us the most fear are….the things we do not understand.  I
went on explaining that the more we learn the less we have to fear.  I even asked
if getting good grades was important in school.  When I asked that I had parents
and children agreeing with me.  I went on to explain that what they learned was
more than a grade today…it is a gift for their whole future and all of their life ahead. 
Every word that they learn to read can open a whole world for them.  We talked
about all of the things we can learn and enjoy from books and that brought us to
spelling words.  Every word they learn to spell could be a word they use to write
their own books.  They will be used in more ways than they can count even if
they are very good a math.  We talked about many things and it was wonderful. 
They had smiling faces, serious looks and it was so special.

 At the end of my part, my grandson was standing beside me and I explained that
the next book I wrote for children was going to be one that was Zander’s idea. 
That would make it our book and we would write it together.  We already have
it started.  I explained what he had told me.  “Mamaw, you know how at the end
of the story it asks if it was a dream?  Well, it was not a dream.  It was real weather
others believe in it or not.  An there is more.  When he got past and through the
Pumpkin Field there was a path that lead into the woods and he finds all kinds of
things.  He even gets lost and the scarecrow helps him find his way out.  And
there is one other thing that is real important.  One of those pumpkins that acts
like it is his friend is not as nice as he thinks.”  I can not wait to do the whole book. 
When I tell about writing a book with a six year old co-author some might think it
is crazy or a lie but this is going to be great.

Each and every person that I met was so special.  I thank them all for giving me
such a wonderful gift as this day shared.  I want to thank the library for all that
they did and the awesome preparations they and Carol had done.  I was feeling
tired, very tired.  The day they had planned was not over.  They had cake, icecream,
punch and more for the children and all who were there.  They had prizes and gifts
and it was a day we will always remember.  I signed some books for some of the
people and talked to so many.  It was a wonderful day.  It is just a little story but
it has a wonderfully big reach.  I hope it reaches out to inspire, enlighten and allow
others to think and share thoughts, emotions, hopes and fears, dreams and joys to come.

http://www.amazon.ca/Pumpkin-Field-Linda-Nance/dp/1461044812/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1350144594&sr=8-1  

US

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UK
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 CANADA
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GERMANY
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FRANCE
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ITLAY
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SPAIN
http://www.amazon.es/The-Pumpkin-Field-Linda-Nance/dp/1461044812/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1350145104&sr=8-1

LET ME TELL YOU A STORY

I have been a bit under the weather but yesterday I got to feeling better and decided to try something new.  It has only been one year now that I have been on the internet and learning so many new things.  I have had to learn a lot about books and what it takes to make something you have written become a real book that you can hold in your hand and then that you could have as an e-book and still hold it in your hand.  Traditional or self-published, it is an amazing and often complicated or frustrating journey.  It has all been worth it.  I believe in the things that I have written.  The professor that I had for one of the college classes was discussing the idea to write for the concept of creating.  He abhorred the idea of writing for fame, or money.  His one criticism of some of my writing was that it would make wonderful material for movie of the week.  I asked what and why he would think such a thing and he explained that the characters and development of the stories would be intensely interesting in movie format.

I had no idea what he was really trying to say.  If a story is interesting I thought it would be a good thing.  If I could write something and someday go to see the movie that would really be fantastic.   I could not control the urge to laugh and he looked confused.  I told him that I wanted to be able to write and share a story and make it so vivid and realistic and interesting that the reader…or watcher…could feel as if they were there…they could understand the feelings and fears, hopes and dreams of the characters….they could see it, smell it, feel it and remember it.  I wanted everything that I write to be special in its own way.  I am trying.

It is almost Halloween.  That brings back many memories for me.  The children always loved to dress up and trick or treat.  They also love to hear the Pumpkin Field poem or story.  I have been getting messages and phone calls asking when and where they can bring their children to hear the little story and for me to tell it.  I have read it several times and have a few more to go. 

Yesterday I got an idea.  I know that I should be concerned about selling the books.  It is somewhat more popular during the Halloween season and that will soon be over.  Most people would never think of giving a book about a haunted pumpkin field with a witch around for Christmas but it makes me smile to see the little children light up with delight at even a copy stapled together for them any time of the year.

I know so little about computers what I had in mind seemed impossible.  The sound is still so low I can hardly hear it but I will learn and until I can do better I still want to be able to reach out and share.

I have had so many wonderful people communicate here on the internet that I think and feel of them as friends.  I may have never actually seen their face or heard their voice, but I have felt the emotion and heard through reading their words.  Now I want to share.  If you listen closely you can hear me read the little story.  I can share it with you and some of the drawings.  I was amazed at the reaction of my own grandson.  He has heard the story so many times and even has the idea for the sequel we will be doing together next.  I did it several times and thought he might tire of hearing it especially since we could not have the sound up on his cartoons while I tried to record it. 

He loved it.  He smiled and thought it was wonderful that he could hold his own book and listen and see on the computer screen as the words of the little story softly shared the tale.  The audio version is not for sale.  It is for anyone who wants to hear it or share it with a friend.  I just have to figure out how to post it in many places.  I have it on the facebook fan page….https://www.facebook.com/pages/Linda-Nance-Fan-Page/162224753802546

And it is   https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=309862462362965

When I made this little book it is amazing how long it took.  I might just be a bit slow but the illustrations were something that I wanted to be special and share emotion as much as the words.  I wanted to be able to not only talk with the children about the story but also the pictures.  They had to be simplistic but I wanted them to be filled with color and life bringing the characters to life even more as the story was read.  I wanted them to have attitudes and be of interest.  I tried my best with each and every picture.  They were not pictures to go with the story but pictures that were the story.

What I did is take some of the pictures from the book and read the story trying to put it all together so that I could read a story for you too.  My voice may be old and hoarse but then so am I and it is a Halloween story.  I hope that you like it and if you do pass it on to share with someone else.  I will be back to talk more about all of this and more.  I am supposed to read it to a group of children they hope will number 50 to 60 with a real bonfire and hotdogs.  It should be a day and I hope to get pictures then too.

I have been unable to get it to load here or on utube but have included the link to it on Facebook.  I am not sure what I need to do but will keep trying and hope that you like it.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=309862462362965

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Linda-Nance-Fan-Page/162224753802546