Dear Friends,

This past week, Acorn reached one of his vision board goals. He went rock climbing with Button. They both said that their arms felt like rubber bands afterwards, but they reached the top and were rewarded with an awesome view of the creek.

If you’re wondering how I made these prototypes of Acorn and Button, it was easy. I started with a real acorn and a black button of similar size. I made stands out of foam rubber and glued the acorn and button to them. I drew Acorn’s eyes and eyebrows with a black magic marker. Then, I cut a dental pick in half and glued it to Button.

These little characters are fun for kids to play with indoors or outdoors. Their imaginations will be activated as they make up adventures and explorations for Acorn and Button!

If you would like a signed copy of Acorn and Button with free shipping: Acorn and Button

Dear Friends,

First, I’d like to thank those who took the time to review Acorn and Button on Amazon. It is so appreciated!

Secondly, I thought I’d just share a few illustrations that I like. I think part of finding your own illustrating style is figuring out what you do and don’t like. I’ve looked through many children’s book illustrations and I’m discovering that I’m mostly drawn to simple composition and shapes. I’m also drawn to people and their emotions. I like funny too. I don’t care for illustrations that are too busy. For instance, Richard Scarry’s book, What Do People Do All Day, gives me anxiety. My apologies to Scarry fans. I know he’s genius, but there it is. Here are some illustrations that I like:

​These are just a few illustrations of the many that I like. What are some of your favorite children’s book illustrations? Feel free to reply to this email. I’m really curious. Cheers!

Dear Friends,

If you have read Acorn and Button, would you consider writing a review? It doesn’t have to be long or elaborate. Here’s the link: Amazon
Thanks so much!

​Button was quite excited when he heard that a book had been written about him. He immediately began to polish his needle in case the paparazzi was nearby and wanted to snap a picture. 


“How does it feel to be famous, Acorn?” asked Button.


“I don’t know. I feel the same,” Acorn answered.


“Well, you won’t feel the same for long,” said Button. “You’ll be asked to speak at conferences. You’ll be asked for your autograph. Others will want their pictures taken with you.”


Acorn was stunned. “What’s a conference?” he asked.


“A place where everyone gathers to listen to you speak,” said Button.  He paused dramatically and then continued, “Your life will change!”


Acorn thought about that. He liked his life. He liked being home. He liked alone time when he could dream. And he definitely  didn’t like speaking in public. 


“But I don’t want it to change,” Acorn said, sniffling.


Button could see Acorn was upset and softened.


“Maybe I could go to the conferences and you could stay home,” he suggested.


Acorn was relieved. “Thank you, Button! No one is a better friend than you.”


“Quite right,” said Button modestly. “Come along. We must autograph the books I’ll be taking.”


Acorn smiled and signed his name on every book.

​Dear Friends,

You can now purchase Acorn and Button from my website. I’ll be happy to sign any book if requested. Just contact me on the website and let me know. Also if you want the book made out to someone, just send me the name(s) and I will do so. The price is the standard $16.95, but tax is included in that and there is Free Shipping! Here’s the link: Purchase Acorn and Button

I’m adding lesson plans, activities and fun stuff to the website. It’s all free! You can find it at Acorn’s Corner.

I’ve gotten good feedback from readers and it’s especially rewarding when that reader is a kid. You can read the reviews at Kid Reviews.

Christian Book is carrying Acorn and Button! I started working with Christian Book when it used to be called Christian Book Distributors back in 2001. They carried my curriculum called Government 101. It did well in the homeschool market. It was a wonderful experience working with Steve Tiller who was head of the homeschool marketing at the time. 

That’s it for now. Have a great week!

Dear Friends,
We are into a new year! May it be a happy and productive one for all of us. I spent the good part of a day revamping and re-organizing my website. I’m transferring newsletter activities to my website so that they are available there too. The activities can be accessed from Acorn's Corner.

I’m also working on chapter lesson plans that can be used in a classroom, a Sunday school, or homeschool. I’ll post them on the website and send links in the newsletters.

Button was quite put out when his vision board wasn’t included in the last newsletter. To make amends, I put it in this one. Wanting to be like His pal, Acorn made one too.

Dear Friends,

This is the perfect time of year to make a vision board. It only takes poster board, pictures that correlate to your goals and dreams, scissors and glue.

What do you put on your vision board? A vision board can include big goals and dreams like starting a business or taking the family on a big vacation. It can also include little wishes like getting a new vacuum cleaner. Intentions are something else you can include such as connecting more with family or nurturing gratefulness in your life.

Instead of getting stuck with the shoulds and routine of life, vision boards can help you focus more on the what ifs and possibilities.

Five years ago, my daughter, Grace, and I made vision boards. Two of the dreams on my board came true in the past year. One was my vision for a house with a fireplace and water nearby. The other one was to get the Acorn and Button book finished and published. My husband and I bought a house this past January with a big, stone fireplace and a running creek 20 feet from the back porch. This past October I published the Acorn and Button book.

Is a vision board some crazy magic that makes your dreams come true? No. But it is a tool that makes you stop and think about what you really want out of life. At least it did that for me. Did I keep it on a wall where I could see it every day? Again, no. But there’s something about actually pasting the pictures on the board that’s affirmative and intentional. It helps you remember and re-focus.

Grace and I made new boards for this coming year. You can see them below. And yes, I do want that Miata!

​Happy New Year, friends! May the coming year bring contentment, productivity and peace!

The Christmas Star

It was a clear, cold night and the sky was filled with stars.

​”Look at that big star, Button.” Acorn pointed to a particularly bright star in the firmament.

Button looked up and said, “That reminds me of the Christmas Star.”

“Christmas Star?” asked Acorn and waited to hear more.

“I heard It was a sign to everyone that a child had been born,” Button continued. “He was born in a stable and was called Emanuel - God with us.”

“Where’s Emanuel now?” asked Acorn.

​Button  was quiet for a moment. “He’s still with us, Acorn.”

Dear Friends,
My son, Ben, just sent me a picture of my grand-daughter, Violet, reading Acorn and Button. I guess some things really are priceless. I know some of you bought Acorn and Button to give to your grandchildren. That gives me such tremendous satisfaction. Thank you. With a full heart I wish you the best this holiday season! Hug your little ones. They grow up fast.

Dear Friends,
A big thank you to all who have purchased books! You’ve made my day, as well as Acorn and Button’s! A newsletter will continue being sent out with chapter lesson plans as well as activities. Stay tuned! Below you’ll find an acorn cookie recipe that is super easy and fun. Thanks again!

“What are we doing today, Button?” asked Acorn.
We’re making a special kind of cookie, my friend,” Button replied.
“Whatever kind they are, I know they’ll taste good,” said Acorn.
“Of course! I’m an expert chef!” Button exclaimed. “I believe you’ll really like this cookie because it’s called the ACORN cookie!”
Acorn gulped and felt faint. “You mean it’s made out of acorns?” he asked, trembling.
“Good heavens, no!” Button looked stunned. “We’re not cannibals! The cookie just looks like an acorn.”
“In that case, I’m happy to help!” Acorn said and gave a little skip.

Acorn Cookies

​Ingredients:

1. 24 milk chocolate candy kisses (such as Hershey's Kisses®), unwrapped
2. 24 mini vanilla wafer cookies (such as Nilla®)
3. 24 butterscotch chips
4. 1 tablespoon prepared chocolate frosting (from a can).

Directions

1. Smear a small amount of frosting onto the flat bottom of a candy kiss. Press onto the flat bottom of the vanilla wafer. Smear a little more frosting onto the flat bottom of a butterscotch chip, and press onto the rounded top of the cookie. Repeat with remaining ingredients. Set aside to dry, about 30 minutes.