saying good-bye.....sort of

August 12, 2019

The worst and hardest part of even considering leaving California was that we had made some friends that truly felt like family. At the beginning of the year, we decided to put our affairs in order and finally buckled down and did our will. This was a very extensive process and came down to the awful question of “what if something happened to both of us”……..every couple has to tackle this……what if? what if you didn’t come back from that quick dinner date? what if you both left the kids for whatever reason….an hour, a day, or more, but one tiny wrinkle in the universe and you and your spouse weren’t returning. What do you do? Who do the kids turn to in their darkest hour? What if you have NO family close by……like, not even in the state?

I’m not going to go further than that but that’s where we were at the beginning of the year….taking care of business. And that’s when you begin to really assess the relationships you have with your friends and other families. Would they be there for you? Would they drop everything to step into your shoes for 24 hours or more?

It makes you think. Sometimes those friends are more valuable even if you DO have family close by —- as Dr. Laura says, “you can’t pick your family.” (For those of you who might not be too eager to think of family being your only option)

Anyway, the point is that as the year continued we felt more and more blessed that we truly have an incredible “family” in California. Making the decision to leave so much harder. I could have given a hundred excuses to stay. And if Brian’s job had brought him back to Los Angeles, we wouldn’t have left.

Those warm smiles, the holiday parties, the laughs and stories, and occaissional tears. As I pssed every playground, and so help me God I’d been to EVERY one, I could drum up stories from past years. I could see all our children as young tots on slides, in swings and cuddling on blankets laid haphazardly. I saw the coffee shops we’d dive into to load up for the next adventure. I laughed about dirty diaper incidents that only a mother can laugh about. I sighed over pets we’d said good bye to and wiped a tear at the ghosts of our children’s baby years.

I count myself as being incredibly lucky that when I landed in California, I literally bumped into an old college friend within several days. I had a great coworker who had moved from DC and Brian’s company had the coolest group of people that to this day we are friends with. I immediately connected with one of my best friends at work who introduced me to her best friend. When I moved to a new house, I met five women that brought me so much joy and then met a whole group of women that I cherish catching up with ——- and the list continues.

Thank you loved ones in California! We have been so amazingly happy and filled with joy over being able to call you all not just friends, but family.

I know it’s not “Good Bye” because in this day and age, travel and smartphones, etc. We will see each other! It’s really a thank you and I can’t wait to reunite.

To combine Pooh Bears deep thoughts with mine, “It wouldn’t hurt so much if it didn’t mean so much.”

Perspective

August 12, 2019

Funny how when you need some perspective it shows up ——- this time in a big, furry, chocolate lab body!

So, staying in temporary “housing”……more like a small apartment-hotel…..has been…..um…interesting. I probably should have done a lot more research on where we were going to be and what was around us to do, but I was pretty pressed for time before the move. And the purchase date of our house got bumped so this place has had a feeling of “blah” to me. I feel like I’m walking in deep mud —— trying to get to the “other side”.

As I was walking Pearl in the grassy area behind this place, a big chocolate lab came bounding over with it’s owner running behind it. The owner being a striking, tall, twenty something woman who looked like she hadn’t missed a gym workout in three years. I sucked in my gut and waved….”yeah, my dogs friendly.”

I needed to play it cool…….didn’t want to seem too desperate for a friend. That can be a turn off.

Anyway……we chatted and she told me that she and her husband, call California home, but had been staying in these types of places all over Texas for THREE years!!!! They work on a TV show that films throughout Texas and this was their “normal”.

Thankfully it was getting dark outside so the pure shock and horror on my face was diluted by shadow…..but she quickly said that they didn’t have kids and were saving for a house. Still…….could I have done that ? Maybe.

Also, she had just come from a barre class and gave me the downlow on the classes and gyms in the area and in my area, ten miles north. Can I just say that I plan on being a bridesmaid in her wedding? There was something warm and kind in her sculpted arms and chiseled jaw. I appreciated the fact that she struck up the conversation and shared.

It’s always nice to know someone else is in a similar situation and balancing it in another way —— perspective, man, perspecitve.

We made it to Texas!

August 12, 2019

It’s been a little over a week and I’ve been through an emotional journey.

First off, moving is hell. Pure hell. And we were lucky enough to have had movers pack us. To be honest that is both a blessing and a curse…….but more on that another time.

I found myself folding in on myself while driving from Los Angeles to Austin. Two kids, a dog, a cat and Brian and myself. Turns out a mini van fills up REALLY fast with dog food, cat food, pet beds, pet supplies, four suitcases, a cooler filled with candles and items that didn’t make it into the pack —- like checkbooks —- cleaning supplies, computers, ipads, and oh so much more.

We spread the days of travel out to four but could have done it in three. At the time it just seemed like a more reasonable pace. And once we landed in Austin, we’d be holed up in a residence inn, so why rush?

We arrived on a Friday and drove by our new, not ready yet, house on Saturday. I felt happiness and excitement but also a sadness. When Brian left to go back to San Francisco on Monday I could feel all the energy leave my system. WE WERE HERE. NOW WHAT?

Perfect me was supposed to land here with energy to spare. I was supposed to have utilized my gym membership to the bitter end and eaten super healthy and arrived like a warrior. Um……do you know me? Just about everything came before me going to the gym. Boy Scout camp that was a 45 minute drive away, packing, packing and more packing, helping the kids prep by saying good-bye to friends, etc. And to be clear —-once the stress levels start to rise, so does my calorie consumption. To levels that I can’t even talk about because it’s so shameful.

The reality was I arrived a post-travel fatty. I think we hit McDonalds 2x and not a vegetable passed my lips. Full sugar soda was my way of keeping my eyes open throughout the trip. The little gym at our temporary digs is pretty lame although I made myself use it a few times —— yeah me! So status quo on the non-warrior thing.

I think my kids have watched more YouTube and television than ever before, but I haven’t been lording over them on this because we all have our coping mechanisms. I wanted to call friends but I have nothing really exciting to talk about…..it’s more about knowing they’re out there and feeling their presence over the phone.

But it hasn’t been all loneliness and pining for California.

We visited some friends who just moved to Dripping Springs —— an area we considered. The beauty of rolling hills, country roads and amazing places like in the pictures delivered on what the future will hold.

I took the kids to see a charter school and the traditional public school and they were excited. We signed up for classes, visited our house several times, picked out paint colors, did back to school shopping and enjoyed time exploring the area.

The quite moments have been quite —— like pin drop quite —— but I think that’s part of the process —— coming to terms with the changes and visualizing our new life here.

So much more is happening in the next week —— thank goodness! This girl is ready to show the warrior! :)

new adventures await.....

July 9, 2019

I guess it’s time to share……that my family and I are moving to Texas.

Yep. Texas.

Until two months ago, I’d never set a toe on Texas soil. Now, I’ve visited for 2 whole weekends, driven around the South, West and North areas of Austin and have purchased a house! Wowzer!! Keep in mind this has all come on the heels of us preparing for our trip to Europe. Never a dull moment, eh?

Change is hard. But it’s also exciting. Refreshing and feels a lot like a well needed “reboot”.

When I first moved to California I had the wind at my back. We took surfing lessons, bought boards, walked hand in hand on the beaches, found exciting hikes, looked under every rock for jobs that satisfied the soul —— then somewhere along the way we got caught up in home remodels, diapers, depleting schedules and well…..you know how it goes. We’ve had opportunities come up over the years but we just didn’t have those strong winds blowing us along. Until now. Suddenly I felt the tickle of the breeze and as I explored the options and weighed the pros and cons, the breeze grew into a hardier gust.

I guess that’s how you know, right?

I had a friend who once gave counsel to a male friend, on the terrible relationship he insisted on chasing after. His lady of choice was a disaster — treated him like shit.

So my friend said, “Look, if love is this hard, then it’s not meant to be. It should be fun and make you feel happy. The beginning is the best part.”

I think her wise words apply to just about everything we do —- all those choices we make —— if it’s painful over and over then something isn’t working and you have to be open to change.

I’m not saying our life in California has been painful. Quite the opposite. We’ve got friends that feel like family. That’s the hardest part of leaving. And that beautiful ocean, sea breezes and (mostly) sunny days. But the wind is at my back and with every decision that we make, I feel another sail begin to billow out. I release the lines…….slowly……and know that the next adventure is waiting!

January ---- -the energy vampire month

January 22, 2019

I don’t know how anyone gets anything done in January. Making goals and starting them just never seems to get off the ground in this transitional month for me. God only knows I try, but everything seems to get derailed.

First off there’s the post-holiday jubilance (yeah! made it through another holiday with a cozy home, decorated tree, visits with loved ones, yummy food and downtime) which is quickly followed by the post-holiday-post-jubilance depression. (It’s over. Over. Over. Husband traveling again, kids buried in homework, everyone coming home with the latest virus and the cold reality that all the shit I’d left behind last year is looming in my face.) * sigh*

This time of year always feels chilly to the soul. I want to kill all the newbies at my gym. They’re screwing up my class schedule with their new found energy and resolutions. Where were you in October or November, huh? I was HERE……and now I can’t even get a spot in my class because you think you’re going to drop 10 pounds! SO ANNOYING!

For some reason I just felt myself slide into a rut and I can’t quite get myself up and out.

I feel like big changes are on the horizon —- some of them good and some of them requiring endless amounts of energy. I’m a bit paralyzed right now.

When I get my game plan together, I’ll share. But I leave you with this: take care of yourself. self care has never been as important as it is today —— crawling into bed an hour early, taking the time for a hot bath, scheduling that haircut you’ve put off or getting down to something on the endless list is the way to launch yourself back into a more aggressive goal chasing year.

So, if you’re like me and January isn’t your month of great energy and vision, then do yourself a favor and rest.

xo,

Planning for Europe!

January 22, 2019

IT’S HAPPENING! Passports have been purchased and jobs have approved vacation time.

Now, it’s time for the dreamy list of places and things-to-do to become a reality! It’s a little scary considering the cost. It seems like every month there’s some new high cost item that keeps hitting us up. Cracked tooth needs a crown, kid needs two teeth pulled, costume for ice show, etc, etc. But as we all know, these expenses just “keep on coming” and if you don’t throw a little caution to the wind and make some plans, then you never go anywhere.

On that note, I’m keeping my dreams and goals alive and kicking with a new podcast I’ve been listening to ——- Don’t Keep Your Day Job. I think you’ll like it. Many great episodes. You can scroll through and decide which one you find the most important or meaningful. Enjoy!

Travel - Cascade Mountians, Washington

October 8, 2018

Since we live in Southern California, it’s rare we see snow unless we travel to it.

We had the most wonderful invitation from our friends to stay with them in their lovely “cabin” (more like a full house!) in the Cascade Mountains.

Nothing is quite like the trek up the snowy hill with your sled and then the incredible ride down!

It’s about a 2 hour drive from Seattle. The look on our kids faces as they took in the winter wonderland was priceless!

And the fun would continue into the night —— which had it’s own special magic!

Cold snow, a hot fire, and the best of friends!

What could possibly top days of snow, laughs, and good food?

Why —— a sled ride through Leavenworth!

On our last night, we bought tickets to take this beautiful sled through some jaw dropping wilderness.

It was one of those adventures that we might have passed up because it was VERY cold and it wasn’t cheap. But I’m so glad that we did it……a memory we’ll have forever.

The sun began to set and before we made it back to home base, the sled pulled over and we were greeted with a roaring fire and hot cider.

It was really, really cold —- taking off gloves for pictures was pretty tricky!

We used:

http://www.leavenworthsleighrides.com/

They have a beautiful lodge too ——- so if you were inclined to stay there, it sure looked inviting!

Leavenworth is just an adorable town that will make you feel like you’re either in the Alps or on a Disney set.

I think you’ll love it! Put it at the top of your travel list —— especially if you live in S. Ca.!! Flights are getting cheaper and it really is an amazing part of our country!!

Travel - Asheville, North Carolina

September 21, 2018

We had the opportunity to visit Charlotte, NC.

I went to school in Georgia and had always heard of Asheville, NC and the gorgeous, historical Biltmore.

So….naturaly, the visit to Charlotte expanded into a visit to Asheville too. Yeah! And a little learning about one of our very influential families in the US and the grandest estates built in the USA!

You can read all about George Vanderbilt and his love affair with this area: www.biltmore.com

It’s really interesting…..the Biltmore was designed by the architect Richard Morris Hunt (he’s amazing!) and George’s love for the land extended into a passion for horticulture…..which empowered a movement in forestry! The Biltmore was a self sustaining estate. So many ideas of today, that happened years ago!!!

The “house” was started in 1889 —- and just getting the materials there was a construction job in itself. I could have spent hours, slowly walking through each room……leather wallpaper?! What! Every piece of woodwork is polished to a sheen, the artwork is beautiful, the furnishings grand and whispers of how this place looks over the holidays was echoing through the halls! But of course, we were with young children sooo…..

…….we enjoyed what we could —- pointing out fun details of what it might have been like to grow up in such an incredible home —— a massive library, a swimming pool in the “basement”, and or course……..acres and acres to play.

When we got home, I stumbled across this book:

The whole story is set in the Biltmore and in Asheville, NC!!!! It’s a bit scary in places, but I loved it! The kids hid under the pillows during those pieces.

We stayed off site, which was our only option at the time. Since our visit, the Village Hotel has completed construction and I’d highly recommend staying on site. Antler Hill village offers places to eat and a spot to grab an ice cream. There are MILES of trials and a winery if you’ve got kids that are old enough to hang out by the pool while you take a tasting! (Sadly, we did not experience this part!)

But we did pair our trip with a little adventure:

The kids first experience with river tubing! woo hoo!

This was something they STILL talk about. It was a three hour ride. (que the Gilligans Island theme music here) About half way through an enormous crack of thunder ripped over us and then came a downpour. I was nervous that we’d see lighting but I think the spirits of Vanderbilt were with us and a warm rain was all we dealt with.

The kids got into one tube and then put the other on top of them for shelter. To this day we call it “the clam shell” that saved them!

And they have been asking to go river tubing! Always a good sign that fun was had and a great family memory was made!

We used https://zentubing.com/

Loved the nice people and great tubes! We even stopped by Walmart to buy a cooler so we had snacks and drinks along the way!

BOOK REVIEW --- The Wizards of Once

September 19, 2018

Oh, how in LOVE with this book I am!!!

We read it as a family and just adored the characters, the story and this amazing world Ms. Cowell created.

I can only hope to be 1/2 the writer she is someday (soon)!!

The story focuses on two main characters —— Xar, the soon-to-receive-his-powers wizard boyband Wish, the soon-to-be-strong warrior girl. Taught from an early age that the world is wizard vs. warrior, they are pitted against one another from their first encounter.

Luckily for us, they are forced into an adventure filled with delightful creatures, like snow cats and thoughtful giants, and not so savory characters like Wish’s hard nosed Queen mother.

Cressida Cowell is the dreamer, creator and author of How To Train Your Dragon, and I guarantee we’ll be seeing this book hit the big screen! How could it not?

And did I mention the illustrations?

What’s not to love about a booked filled with pages of great story and wonderful drawings?

We spent evenings enjoying this book and looking at her creations by pencil on paper.

Put a little magic in your family tonight and get this book!

Travel - Grand Canyon - Oatman, AZ - Spring Break 2018

September 19, 2018

This Spring, I planned out a trip to The Grand Canyon.

It’s about a 7-8 hour drive from us and there are tons of things to do around the Grand Canyon. We’d hoped to pair it with Zion but this time of the year seemed a bit chilly to by hiking through spring run off in, so we tailored it to the big GC and Las Vegas.

My philosophy on travel is to have something historical/educational, something active and something for pure relaxation on every trip.

On our way out to the GC, we stopped in Oatman, AZ. It’s a one traffic light (literally) town. Mostly servicing only tourists with stalls for art work, fresh honey, home made soap, etc. And lots of trinkets.

Of course, our incentive to stop were the stories of the wild burros that roam around…..eager for visitors to buy the little treats and feed them!

These sweet little ones head home at 5:00 when things start to shut down. They reappear at 9:00 am when life starts back up!

There’s history here from the gold rush days. Sadly, we arrived with about 40 minutes to spare before the shops closed. It was enough time to feed the burros, buy a geode and walk around.

But the biggest surprise…….the incredible views on the drive back to the highway towards Flagstaff.

Take your time and stop in Oatman and catch a “shoot ‘em up”, old cowboy style gun show:

http://www.oatmanghostriders.com/

It’s all in good fun and I”m sorry we missed it! I doubt we’ll make it back this way again…..but I think we made some amazing memories in just a short time!

Will Dream. Will Travel.

September 19, 2018

For the past four years I’ve thought were going to do a BIG family trip to Europe.

But the dream was distant and the costs were irresponsible.

This fall I feel like it’s more important than ever for us to put our European travel plans into action. And there’s 9 months to plan it out and continue to save for it. I’ve been exploring so many websites with tips on using miles and how to use points, etc. Honestly, I think if we put every grocery bill on our mastercard (which earns us miles), we’d probably have free airfare! In fact, I feel stupid for not doing it!

I’m drooling over the pictures of delicious food, historical sites and beautiful views.

I, personally, see great value in taking your kids out of the country. I have friends who shake their head and say they’re saving for college and can’t do a big trip like that. I think a trip like this is more educational than anything college could give them. Living in a new culture, learning to navigate with a different currency, different language and absorbing the fact that it’s a big world out there ——- all of which, to me, are gifts for my children to gain.

If you’re dreaming of a big trip, but think its unaffordable, I’d encourage you to start googling families that do it REGULARLY on a tight budget. Then start planning. That’s 1/2 the fun anyway!!

Paris —— I will see you soon! I promise!

Lemony Snickett

August 10, 2017

This just in ----- we are on Book the 10th! Our goal to complete the series this summer is in sight!!

Every book puts us a closer to finding out how the Baudeliere orphans lives are going to unfold!!

Are they always going to be followed by Count Olaf? Will they find a parent alive? Who is Lemony Snickett and why is he documenting their story?

Netflix is working on getting the next books completed for their series, so I highly encourage you to prepare --- Lemony Snickett style:

By a ham at a grocer 10 blocks from your house. Put it in the refrigerator but do not eat it. Set a table setting for two. Make a bag of popcorn and purchase the next book in the Series of Unfortunate Events. Only then will you be able to know the horrible and horrific events of three orphans!!!

BOOK REVIEW ---- The Rosemary Spell

August 10, 2017

The Rosemary Spell by Virginia Zimmerman was a very good summer read. My 10 year old daughter loved it, and my 9 year old son would pop into the room to listen too.

My daughter finished her 4th grade year with a teacher who was all about poetry. This book's entire plot revolves around Shakespeare and his prose, so it was fun for her to hear passages that referenced her recent learning.

The plot is about a girl, Rosemary, and her best friend and his sister who love to read and have a friendship founded on summer days playing on a nearby river. A famous, local poet leaves a mysterious book in a locked cupboard, which Rosemary and her friend discover. What at first appear to be blank pages, become filled with writing and the poetry within the book may not be just poetry. Suddenly, the two friends are in a race to save a life and unravel a mystery.

I would say this book was a solid 7 (out of 10, 10 being the best of the best). Somewhere in the middle if felt like it dragged a bit. We did put it down for a couple of weeks because of a trip, so perhaps it felt that way because of the break. I'd advise to push through the middle and the ending will reward you in some high drama!

Another plot point is learning about the Alzheimer's disease. I don't want to give the plot away, but it does tie in within the idea of MEMORY. I was glad we read it together because we discussed the disease and about growing older. That element of the story was sad to me, but didn't bother anyone else. Probably because I'm getting older! ;)

BOOK REVIEW ---- THE FANTASTIC SECRET OF OWEN JESTER

June 5, 2017

I plucked the FANTASTIC SECRET OF OWEN JESTER by Barbara O'Connor off the library shelves because I loved the cover. The way the title was laid out and the water bubbling in the background made me think this was going to be a fantastical tale of a frog king or some underwater kingdom.

It was NONE of those.

Instead it's a story set in Carter Georgia. The main character, Owen, is living inhis grandfathers house with his parents. He and his two best buddies go to the pond and railroad tracks to play. (even though those two places are off limits!) Owen captures the biggest bullfrog, names him and builds a wonderful home for him. But when something falls off a train one night, the story really begins.

I don't want to give away what falls off the train because the discovery is part of the fun.

I'd say this story is a "slow burn"........it's realistic, funny, southern, and a sweet and charming. If you've grown up with woods and creeks to play in then you'll understand the smell of the leaves, the sounds of the pond and the excitement of discovery.

Emily, 10 years old, enjoyed it very much. William, 9 years old, who had only been able to hear a few chapters here and there, wanted to know how it ended. Always a good sign of a story!

Best for elementary school ages. Could be read in a day by a good reader, but we stretched it over a few nights.

BOOK REVIEW ---- Knight of the KItchen

June 5, 2017

"It was a good story. I liked the knight" ---- William, age 9

"I wasn't listening." ---- Emily, age 10 (who was listening but wasn't going to admit it)

The Time Warp Trio is a series by Jon Scieszka --- we've only read this one, Knight of the Kitchen. Three friends are celebrating one of their birthdays when a very special gift is opened --- a magical book. Within moments they are transported to Medieval Times where they must figure out a way to get home. Of course, battles with knights, giants and dragons MUST occur!

I'd say this book is great for an advanced 1st grade reader to a slower 3rd/4th grade reader. I think it's a fun story and we read it out loud in an evening. The writing is easy and the story moves quickly. How can you not enjoy a battle with a knight or dealing with a smelly giant?

Summer is Coming!!

June 5, 2017

A few nights ago I went to dinner with some friends and we talked a lot about books our kids were reading and enjoying. It was fun to hear all the titles and series that were out there being enjoyed by all types of readers.

One Mom talked about how her child never read and absolutely hated Harry Potter (WHAT?!?!). Another Mom talked about how her son would rather read more technical books, another child was into animal stories and one child that hates fantasy! (WHAT ?!?!)

But one thing is for sure ----- a good story is a good story!

Thanks to my friend Jamie, who took this picture of some of her kids favorites! We are planning on reading some of these titles this summer! Maybe you can too!

If you have some recommendations or comments on any of the Titles above ---- please comment! :)

BOOK REVIEW --- The Evil Wizard Smallbone

May 13, 2017

I couldn't help myself! I had to buy this book! I'd read the review several times and thought it would be a good one for my collection.

I wasn't wrong!

"The great white wolf ran through the woods......he was on the hunt and he was hungry.....the wolf wizard howled again..."

The Evil Wizard Smallbone by Delia Sherman is such a unique story! The main character is Nick, a boy of twelve whose down on his luck and on a bitterly cold winter night runs away. I'm sure you can guess where he ends up!

At the Evil Wizard Smallbone's bookshop/house/castle, Nick tells Smallbone he can't read and will be on his way after a hot meal and comfortable sleep. But he CAN'T leave. And so begins his relationship with Smallbone, the animals that live with him and the very magical bookstore.

The story goes much deeper with an especially dark, menacing wizard who is half man/half wolf called Fidelou. This ancient creature is determined to destroy Smallbone Cove, which was made and protected by the wizard Smallbone. And let me tell you....it's citizens are VERY interesting.

But why should Nick care? He's a kid on the run and all he cares about is getting far away.

Or maybe not?

This story has so much heart and was very exciting.

I can't find a website on Delia, but she's certainly written other books. I might have to check out

The Magic Mirror of the Mermaid Queen! Sounds wonderful!

BOOK REVIEW --- MY GYM TEACHER IS AN ALIEN OVERLORD

May 13, 2017

Yep, that's not a typo.....that's the actual title. My Gym Teacher is an Alien Overlord by David Solomons, is pretty darn entertaining!

We didn't realize this was the second book in a series.....so I'd recommend reading the first, My Brother is a Superhero.

But we figured out pretty quickly that the main character, Luke, who loves everything comic book related was very discouraged when it was his older brother who was awarded superhero powers.

And then his friend, Lara! Poor Luke.

Luke has a great "imagination" of his hideous gym teacher being an alien invader bent on destroying the earth. And of course, he's right.

The book was too advanced to read alone for my 3rd grader and I'm not sure my 4th grade girl would have read it all the way through. But reading it out loud was hilarious. I was able to explain some of the comic or TV show references and we could laugh about some of the silly things that happen to Luke.

This book is what I'd consider very modern with video games being a special crux of the story and a theme of todays technology.

We loved it and as we got into the thick of the story the kids were begging to keep going! Always a great sign of a fun book!

check out david-solomons.com for more info on the author

Geronimo Stilton --- The Empire

April 22, 2017

Geronimo Stilton and Thea Stilton have been some favorite books at our house for YEARS!

These books helped keep my daughter inspired to read when the reading at school was dry and not as interesting to her. This was right before she suddenly made the leap into much longer books like Harry Potter.

These books are fun and filled with the quirky, sometimes pathetic but always lovable character, Geronimo Stilton. He connects with the reader right away and you cringe over his crazy family members that drag him into insane adventure after insane adventure.

Amazingly Geronimo always comes out on top! With a positive attitude and a learning experience he turns into an award winning novel (in his world!).

The text is done in fun fonts, colors, etc. This makes the reading more fun and not as daunting.

My 10 year old daughter read many of the other series Geronimo and his sister Thea wrote. And even though she's now "too old", she loves looking through them at the library.

So, who is Geronimo?

Believe it or not, the books are from Italy! Elisabetla Dami is the author and these all started in Milan, Italy. Not only does Geronimo have a series of books, but he also has a fabulous web site, apps/games AND a show!!! Wow!!! Congrats to Mrs. Dami for creating a character that we love and then creating an empire!

Check it out!

www.geronimostilton.com