A picture with my father when I was 18.
I am excited to share a new venture. This past week, I stood up and delivered my first story at a “Story Salon” event. The other speakers were wonderful and everyone was warm and friendly.
I’m glad I wasn’t too nervous delivering my first story. The theme was related to Father’s Day and a beautiful way for me to honor my dad who has been gone eleven years now.
I fondly remember my dad and how much he loved his family. His influence and love continues to shine brightly.
My son wrote this beautiful tribute to his grandpa when he was 14 years old.
TRANSCRIPTION:
November 18, 2004
My greatest influence in my life is my grandpa. He always pushes me forward. He is very smart. He has a quote that I like very much. “Life’s a battle.”
I think that this quote means you must try hard to make a difference in life. He is very intelligent. He was a math professor and a history teacher. I don’t think he understands the difference he has made in my life.
I am glad that I’ve been open to trying new experiences, like storytelling. (I’m still trying to forget about the new experience of riding an electric scooter, however.)
My passion for several other creative projects continues. I’m currently recording guitar tracks and a vocal for my newest song composition “Take My Hand.”
I’m also collaborating with another teacher on Insight Timer, who is an outstanding vocalist. Our version of “My Shining Star” is hauntingly beautiful. It will be available as a premium track on Insight Timer and on other platforms soon – stay tuned!
My song cover for “My Shining Star” in progress.
I am very thankful that my pinky finger has healed so well. I haven’t lost my step (or grip) playing tennis, which I have wholeheartedly returned to after recuperating for 5 weeks.
Artistically, my greatest focus has been drawing and compiling new mazes for a book. When I was 14 years old, it was a huge achievement that I published a maze book. It wouldn’t have happened without the encouragement and support from my father.
My dad helped me compose over two dozen letters that I sent to book publishers. I received many rejections before one educational publisher took a chance on a 14-year-old. Below is a scan of one of those actual letters I sent out over 45 years ago!
I have been creating new mazes, and each one has been very time intensive. It truly is a labor of love! This project might take me two years to finish and that truly is dedication. I imagine AI could replace me, but for now I revel in the uniqueness of each maze. I’m planning to reach out with letters to publishers in the hopes that I won’t have to self-publish my book. When I do, I am certain I’ll feel my father’s love with me!
I plan to start my pitch by mentioning that my maze of Barbra Streisand is hanging in her home office!
myjourneysinsight 
Judy, I enjoyed listening to your story about your father and his influence on your son. It’s a beautiful testament in so many ways. For example, something I know is that we are all connected and influence one another, even when we don’t know it. Your story shows this! Because of your father, your son grew to know that he could do anything he applied himself to, because he became a teacher, he influenced a student, who learned she could, too! I love it.
Your father sounds like he was a remarkable man ❤
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Aw, Katherin – thank you!! I love what you wrote! It definitely is a chain of positive effects – you are right about that.
I had to follow a strict time limit and there was so much that I left off. One important element that I wanted to state at the end, was the irony about how my son’s 5th grade report was about Nevada. That is where he ended up moving to! He owns a nice house there now, all of this from a child who was labeled with a lifelong disability. I did not mention that label, because he has outdone himself and doesn’t show it. He is aware that he has some limitations, but his compassion for children is extraordinary. Sometimes he’ll call me to tell me about several children having simultaneous meltdowns. I try not to remind him what he put me through lol!
And yes, my father loved him deeply and they had a special bond. I wish he could have known how things turned out, but I like to think he knew it all along!
Thank you, Katherin, for allowing me to expand upon this story with my reply to your beautiful comment!
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You’re welcome! That’s the sign of a good storyteller. You described his challenges; you didn’t have to say he had a disability 😉
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It sounds as if your father was a truly special man, and a great influence on your son as well. And good for you for pursuing new interests and ways to express your creativity. Finally, I’m in awe of the fact that you were actively seeking a publisher for your mazes when you were fourteen! That shows a truly independent spirit and “can do” spirit!
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Thank you so much for your kind words, Ann. I guess with my father’s encouragement I learned a lot at a young age. He helped with those letters to publishers. Now I am on my own and ready to send out letters again 50 years later! This book I’m currently working on is quite a project. I am excited for when it reaches completion. It is truly a labor of love!
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What a special post, Judy. And I loved hearing your story…and what a great thing for you to do! You are so brave. You put yourself out there and you try things. You should be so proud of yourself…as I am proud of you. Your dad sounds like an amazing human and your son’s letter is touching. Love this post 🙂
And happy your pinky is doing so much better and you are back to tennis!! LIfe is great!!
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Thank you so much for listening to my story telling, Lorrie! It did feel brave and I’m doing it again in a week. It definitely is good practice for the mind – to speak off the cuff. It’s hard to remember every detail that I want to share, but I figure it’s much more natural that way.
My dad was an interesting and wonderful person. He had challenges, in addition to being very loving. But I appreciated him and miss him.
My pinky is much better and life is definitely a wonderful place for me!! It’s wonderful to share with you and thank you so much for your beautiful comment!!
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I loved watching and listening to you, Judy 😊 And I am happy that you are enjoying all the wonderful things you are involved with.
It was nice to hear about your dad…and I am certain you must miss him terribly.
Here’s to all good things…😊💜
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Thank you so much, Lorrie! Yes! Here’s to all good things for both of us!! ❤️❤️❤️
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Wow! Judy! What an uplifting, inspirational blog post. I loved listening to your recollections about your father on Story Salon! It was bittersweet, but had so many silver linings! I’m also happy to hear about your healed pinky and your book! I always love your gumption! You go girl! 🤍🤍
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Thank you so much for your beautiful comment, Stacy – you made my day! I’m glad I could share my gumption (great word!!). I’m actually preparing to do another speech at Story Salon next week. This time it will be about my art career. It’s fun trying to summarize it all in 6 minutes or less. I’ll look forward to sharing it with you. Sending you much love, my friend! 🙂
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