Author and Artist Marianne Richmond

An "original" blessing ...

It started with this out of the blue e-mail...

Dear Marianne,

I just came across your website today and wanted to let you know how much I  enjoy your children's books.  I teach 2nd grade and have read Hooray for You! to each of my students on their birthdays for the last 3 years.  It has become somewhat of a "ritual" in our classroom.  One of the beautiful things that hascome out of this ritual is that the class has the book memorized by the end of the year from hearing it over and over again on everyone's birthday.  It is so beautiful to hear the chorus of 2nd graders recite from memory your lovely text as I turn the pages for them to see the vibrant pictures.  My husband and I are expecting our first baby this fall, and I already have a copy of the book waiting is his room for him.  I can't wait to read it to him on the day he is born and on every birthday that follows!

I am also writing to inquire as to whether or not you ever make custom art prints.  We are looking for a special wall hanging for our nursery with a specific Irish blessing that has special meaning to us.  Please let me know if you ever do custom orders such as one ...

So then I told her I'd be honored to take on such a special project ...

Do you think he likes it?

Ella Hope

Every year for the past seven, my girlfriend, Deb, hosts a holiday boutique at her home.  It started a bunch of years back when Deb said, "I want to have a holiday party where people can shop!"  So I brought books and cards and stuff and Dawn brought chocolate and a fun tradition was born.  The last two years, however, have been touched by a story that anyone who attended will likely never forget.  Last December 7, during our party, Deb received a phone call telling her that her cousin's 7 year-old daughter — Ella Hope Hauschildt — was diagnosed with an incurable brain tumor.  Fast forward to this year.  To help Ella's family, Deb decided to once again host her boutique, this time in honor of Ella Hope and her family — and to donate money to Ella's family to help with their mounting medical expenses.

In preparation, me and Deb gathered at my house and painted wine glasses to sell.  We bought most of them at thrift stores.  Others made coasters, food, earrings, and hand-painted cards.

Deb organized a raffle, too, where guests could win football tickets and dinner ...

When I arrived at Deb's house, she had just gotten a call that precious Ella had "gone unresponsive."  Unbeknowst to us, at 9:45pm that night — as we were buying raffle tickets and chocolate and books and Deb was changing into her red, crocheted pants ....

Ella peacefully passed away.

How striking that Deb's party bookended this diagnoses and painful passing of one sweet, bright light.  To read more about Ella, please visit her site at CaringBridge.org and type in Ella Hope.  There you can read about an extraordinary girl and her legacy of love, laughter and strength. 

Vintage Memories

My brother's family came up for the weekend.  Last night found me and my sister-in-law talking into the wee hours.  Talk turned to our collective parents -- who we felt we resembled more, both in looks and personality.  We chatted about her dad's playfulness, his unfortunate temper and her mom's undemonstrative nature.  We talked about my dad's extreme frugality, my mom's ability to speak to anyone, family traditions and lack thereof.  It seems easy to rationalize our positive and negative traits based on our parents ... or to poke holes in our upbringing based on what we feel we would have seemingly preferred.  What I think gets lost sometimes, however, are the loving moments which slip under the memory radar as we sometimes focus more easily on shortcomings or deficits. 

This is a picture of my dad and oldest brother, who is 46 years old.  I love this picture because it shows me that my parents, despite their challenges, enjoyed the sweet moments that we long to create with our own kids. 

I sometimes wonder how my children will re-tell the story of their childhood with a spouse or future sister-in-law.  I hope they remember these kinds of moments just as easily as they recall how their mom used to get really annoyed by the wet beach towels in every room of the house...

P.S.  My sister-in-law said she thought my dad looked like Kevin Costner!

Hey Sis

My 4th of July travels took me to a family reunion on my dad's side.  My dad was one of 7 brothers and sisters; he and his "youngest" sister are the only two living.  I caught this picture as the two caught up on things...

For the both of them, their memories of growing up on the farm are so vivid.  I wonder if either of them can quite believe 79 years have gone by.  My dad lost his hearing at 20 years old.  Because of that experience, he became an introverted, quiet man who pulled away from life.  My Aunt Jean (above) told me at the reunion of the brother she knew prior to his hearing loss -- he was valedictorian, sang in the school choir, acted in plays and won awards for speaking in public.  How I wish I could have know that version of my dad.  What a difference it may have made in my siblings' personalities and in our family life.  But -- behold the perfect example of "what is  ... is what is."  I can grieve the loss of a "what if?" but I cannot rewrite the past.  I am thankful that my dad still finds a soul mate in his sister and was able to share some precious time with her ...  Might this picture be you and a treasured sibling someday?

Airport Connections Part II

A business trip last week took me to, of all places, Arkansas.  Because I made the reservation without too many days to spare, I ended up with a VERY expensive ticket and one with connections.  A high-priced fare does not a smooth trip guarantee.  Every leg of my flight was delayed, between 1-3 hours.  One such delay had us on the runway, only to be taken back to the gate because of severe weather in our destination city.   As much as these annoyances make travel a burden, I always return from a trip with interesting connections of the human kind.

Steve
Sat next to Steve (an ENTS on the Myers Briggs scale -- yes, really) between Chicago and Arkansas and had a lovely chat.  If you go waaayyy back in the blog somewhere, you'll learn that I am a "plane talker," as in I actually will talk to people in airplanes verus completely ignoring them (unless, of course, they are sending out a serious 'don't talk to me vibe').  Steve is a meat scientist (who knew?) for a large food manufacturer.  He spends a good amount of time figuring out what people want to eat.  Did you know that the most appealing phrases out there are "I Love You," "I am Sorry" and "What's for dinner?"  According to Steve, that is.  I will tuck that away for future book writing.  He helped develped Lunchables during his career.  I told him my kids love the pizza the best.  He said that while researching the pizza concept, the company learned that kids loved the idea of cold pizza and parents were not thrilled.  Based on killer sales of the cold pizza, seems kids have tremendous buying influence.

Girl with the Pink Suitcase
Walked out into the warm Arkansas air at 11:30pm on Wednesday night and sat down next to a young woman (23?  25?) while I waited for my ride to the hotel.  She was shivering.  I offered her my sweater, surprised that someone could be cold in 80 degree air. While she wrapped herself up in my black cozy sweater, she explained that she was returning from Iraq that night, where she'd been for the last two years of her life.  She was used to the 115 degree temperatures there.  She said she hadn't seen grass for a long, long time ... and that it was "too quiet" here.  She had grown used to the constant sounds of tanks, choppers and conversation.  I asked her why she chose to come home now and she replied "to fight for custody of my kids ... with my husband who has decided he wants a divorce."  Oh.  She talked soooo quietly, telling me of her mother who was dying and of her young kids who she hadn't seen since November.  And she kept saying, "people over there in Iraq have really strong religious beliefs..."  My ride came before hers so I received my sweater and said ... "well, take care ... and thanks for serving our country."  Seemed kind of trite, but our dialogue left me feeling off kilter and blessedly status quo with my garden-variety drama.

Albert


This is Albert, the gentleman who drove the shuttle for the Clarion Hotel.  He brought me to my meeting and then back to the aiport.  He had moved to Arkansas from Kansas.  When he moved there a couple years back, he had a very nice pension from the company for whom he worked for his career.  Then one day, he said, "I got a letter, and it said the company went bankrupt, and I didn't have a pension anymore."  So, Albert got a job working for The Clarion Hotel ... and as a part-time forest ranger.  He called me Young Lady and talked to me about chickens.  He said he knows a lot of chicken farmers, and he said that farmers are figuring out ways to "grow up chickens" in 4 weeks verusus the "natural" 16 weeks.  I figured this is where all the controversial hormone stuff comes in.  And so he eats at KFC because he knows they use 16-week chickens.  I lost my appetite.

The interesting thing to me about all of this was 1) you never know what people are going to share 2) you couldn't make up what people do share 3) people tend to share a lot with me and 4)  The Girl with the Pink Suitcase and Albert never asked me one thing about myself ... which brings me to the Questions of the Day:  Do people prefer to talk about themselves versus asking of another?  Do people go on and on when given the chance because they rarely get an opportunity? Do most people hesitate to talk to strangers in the airport?

And you wonder where I get my book ideas from ....  :-)

Honored with Love...

Here's a heartfelt connection to share.  Three weeks ago, on our store's opening day, my former neighbor stopped in with a congratulatory geranium!  While shopping, Linda (neighbor) spotted our Love Celebrate! Plate and realized it would make the perfect "award" for an upcoming recognition dinner she was planning for the Minnesota Psychiatric Society.  The recipients?  Doctors, nurses and pilots who were involed in the organization's BRIDGES project.  I personally signed, customized and baked  37 plates!

A little background on this amazing volunteer effort:  In June, 2006, Minnesota Psychiatric Society and Minnesota Society of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry volunteers began traveling to Red Lake, MN to offer outpatient care to the small and isolated community hit so hard by the high school shooting the year before.

When the BRIDGES program began, the community had experienced a suicide rate that was approximately ten times the state rate among Native Americans in Minnesota (20 per 100,000) and almost 30 times the rate for non-hispanic Minnesotans (7.6 per 100,000). Since volunteers have been seeing patients in the area, the suicide rate has declined by 80%.

Another benchmark of success is that patient wait times for behavioral health services have been dramatically reduced from six months or longer to only a month. In the first six months, in 14 clinic days, the BRIDGES program provided 85 clinic visits, including 26 child/adolescent evaluations, 39 adult evaluations, 17 adult follow-ups and 3 child/adolescent follow-ups.

BRIDGES Volunteers have the pleasure of working closely with George Aurand, RN who is providing care management and community connections for patients. Through his position with the Indian Health Service Hospital in Red Lake, Mr. Aurand is seeing growing community referrals and notes that patient satisfaction is at the core of the growth.

Another partner, Angel Flight Central, coordinates private pilots who transport volunteers at no cost. The pilots provide their services as volunteers and their contributions are integral to our success thus far.

Saying Thanks

Hi all.  Wanted to share a copy of the sweetest note I received last week.  This is from the mother of one of my son's best friends, Christopher.  Christopher's family is originally from Korea.  His dad speaks little English.  His mom has a better command of the language, but still struggles at times to communicate her thoughts.  When I call Christopher's mom, I feel bad at how often I have to say, "can you repeat that please?"  She is always gracious.  Every Wednesday night, she drops Chris off at our house, and our family takes him to our church for Wednesday night kids' activities.  He eats dinner at church with us and then goes to the program with my son.  Last week, as Yung dropped off her son, she handed me a gift bag of green tea and this note...

Her sentiment brought tears to my eyes!  While she has trouble communicating in THIS country, her heart knows gratitude and how to express it in the best way she can.   What does that look like for you?  Is there someone who needs to know that you appreciate what he or she does for you?  An accommodating boss?  A kind neighbor?  A colleague who opened an opportunity for you?  A great referral  for a babysitter?  Remember it's the little kindnesses that make life a little nicer!  Sometimes a quick phone call with a VM of thanks goes a long way.  Other times a handwritten note is a treasure.  Even a brief e-mail or e-card shows that one's kindness is noticed.  Enjoy the week... MR

Airport Connections

I have a sister-in-law who has dubbed me an "airplane talker."  As in "one of those people" who engages someone in conversation rather than read a couple chapters in her novel.  I DO love to bury myself in a good book to pass a flight ... and as much as I often try to resist my seat neighbor -- it just happens. 

A casual, "so where you are going?"  turns into tales of career changes, marital woes (not mine!), raising children, invitations to various resorts, confessions, introspection and so on and on and on...  For better or worse, I am one of those people whom others will "spill their guts."  Regardless of whether I am offering much in return. That said, I HAVE had some of the most interesting connections with people whom I will never see again in my life.  Or perhaps I will.  I have learned things about myself and about others.  I have gifted myself with food for thought, interesting perspectives and insightful advice.  Not to mention, more than several book sales.  My husband just shakes his head at me ... I once sat next to a woman on the plane who worked for a Mpls. magazine ... who  sold me an ad ... who  invited me to lunch ... who  bought a bunch of books from me ... Just got a note from her announcing her 1st pregnancy!   

Last Thursday, I flew to Chicago.  Took me way too long to get there due to thunderstorms and many, many cancelled flights.  Same story on the way home.  In 18 hours ... 

1.  A guy complained to me about what a pain in the ___ the security lines are now.  Saw him 10 minutes later in the Starbucks.  There he started griping about the line in another restaurant.  Ran from this guy fast.

2.  Sat on the runway for 2.5 hours before taking off.  Listened to very funny flight attendant.

3.  While going to meeting -- A cabby started pouring out that his now ex-wife found an older, rich man and dumped him.  He told me he was going back to Europe where he can get a better job and find a woman.  Noted to self not to call this cab company on the way back and gave thanks for my 16-year marriage.  Had to tell this particular cabby to let me OUT and reassure him that it was OKAY that the address was one number off from what I first told him.

4.   Back in the airport later -- stopped at security for expired driver's license.  Extra searching for me. Learned about a hidden security check point that the workers told me is OHAre's best kept secret.

5.  Sitting at gate -- met young woman from MN flying from London where she goes to med school.  Tells me about Skype -- internet site that lets you talk free from anywhere in the world.  Let me read her People Magazine.

6.  Met guy travelling from Prague to meet girlfriend's parents in Mpls.  Told me stories of life in Prague.

7.  Sat next to older gentleman (75?) who was VERY tan because he still mountain bikes in retirement; he was on his way to Denver to meet his grandchild.

Everyone has a story -- take a chance sometime.  Call my connecting a skill or a sickness -- I sure do learn a lot....  Good night, MR

School Visits

Good morning!  It's finally sunny in Minneapolis.  Does wonders for the spirits.  Last week, I was traveling back from Oklahoma and was waiting for my flight in Chicago.  Next to me sat two weary ladies who had been delayed throughout much of their flight.  They lamented that they could NOT call in sick to work the following day as they were teachers in Edina, MN.  I gave them each of paperback copy of my book, I Love You So...  They asked if I ever visit schools and I said, YES!  So -- they committed to being in touch with me for a fall visit.  In just a few weeks, I'll be presenting at my own kids' school, teaching 3rd graders about how to publish a book.  This picture below was from an "Arts Alive" event I did in Columbia, South Carolina.  We talked about my book Hooray for You! and did self portraits.

I love visiting schools to do book readings and projects with the kids -- you can read about my speaking offerings on my website.  I also love connecting with women through various groups.  So if you have an event coming up that needs a speaker -- I'd appreciate if you think of me ...would be so fun to get out and meet you!!  Enjoy today, Marianne

Homemade is ultimate in Heartfelt

My daughter, Julia, was invited to our neighbor's  birthday party.  Jasper was turning 5, and his parents requested "no gifts."  This bummed out Julia, who loves to shop for anything.  Then a light bulb went on for her, and she said, "let's make him a puppy!"  "Well, allrighty then,"  I agreed. She was onto something and I was merely the facilitator.  "Get your paper, mom.  And glue and scissors."  Then she told me exactly what she wanted.  "Cut a circle for the head.  Another for the body.  And a strip for the tail.  Oh, and ears."  In about one half hour -- we had made a puppy for Jasper.  And my daughter couldn't have been prouder or more excited.  She added the spots and the face with her markers.  Oh -- and the collar and "J" charm (compliments of my scrapbooking box). 

We made a second, little brother puppy.  We wrapped the two guys up.  And added a card, which was a picture of Julia holding the older dog.  She lovingly carried this package of puppies to her room and put it in a "safe spot" until the next morning.

Let me ask -- when you know someone's "big day" is coming up -- do you a) run to the store and pick up a little something  b) order something online c) grab  a gift card or d) make something?  This is what I learned on this particular Monday evening...

Creating something from your mind and your heart is a gratifying way to give a part of yourself and your spirit to the recipient.  And that, I believe, is one rare and priceless gift.