Behind the Scenes
I have always wanted to be a children’s author. I actually wrote my first book when I was still in grade school (I may publish it some day). But, every time I sat down to write my stories life seemed to get in the way. I was always too busy. Too busy for anything, anyone, and especially too busy for make-believe and magic.
I was so busy I had lost sight of who I was, what I enjoyed, and the magic in every day life. The world is full of so many amazing things and I was missing them all.
In 2020 the pandemic forced my husband and I to close our restaurant. It was all I had known for 8 years. I was my busy. It was my identity.
Suddenly I found myself in stillness. At first I spent my time grieving, healing, and trying to navigate the fear and anxiety that came with the pandemic. But then, I began to embrace the idea of figuring out what I enjoy and just being in the moment.
I spent a lot of time reading and a lot of time (barefoot) in nature. I grew a garden, did some artwork, found my silly side again, danced in my living room, and enjoyed time with my husband and fur babies. I also quit watching/listening to the news and social media to free my mind of all the perpetuated fear and anxiety.
Then, in 2022, a good friend asked me to go on a yoga retreat with her at Vedanta in California. I went with only the expectation of having a good time, meeting people, and doing some yoga. I got so much more than that!
The last morning we were at the retreat our entire group went up a mountain, in complete silence, before the sun came up. We sat in a circle and sipped hot cacao while watching the sun rise. For only a few moments it rained…just on our group…and it was magical. As if the sky opened up just to acknowledge us. Then the sun rose (it was a full moon the night before) and it was magical. Then it happened…
The Tree called to me.
It still chokes me up to recall it all and to read I am the Tree. Because that’s exactly how it all happened…to me…that morning, on the top of that mountain.
When I told our group about my experience I was met with tears of confirmation and our leader exclaimed, “That’s a children’s book! Just as you told it to us! Write it down! Publish it!” And that is the moment I realized I couldn’t wait to do just that!!
One of the VERY BEST parts of bringing this book to life was finding and working with Stella Maris. I wasn’t sure a story about a girl listening to a bee and talking to a tree was relatable. But, Stella made it both relatable and magical! She retold the story with fresh perspective through her incredible images. It was a beautiful collaboration and I cannot wait to work with her again.
I had help from so many wonderful people and I am eternally grateful. My husband is always my number 1 fan and best business partner ever. My dad is an avid reader and writer with an amazing imagination, sense of humor, and fondness for adventure. (And always told me I would be a writer one day.) My brother, who is also a creative genius, was such a great editor and helped with so many content decisions. My entire family and family-in-law have been my cheerleaders and support team. So many friends have pre-read the book and been so excited about it!
Professionally, I could not have brought this book to market without Illustrator Stella Maris, Editor Cara Stevens, Web Designer Tessa Elwood, and Marketing Planner Tara Lewis.
And that’s a wrap.
Now go read the book.
