Happy Summer! I hope you've been enjoying yours! Mom and I are opting to extend our stay in Massachusetts given the weather (for the most part) has been gorgeous! There is so much to do getting their place together to let go of - unless we win the lottery and keep it- prayers up! We're getting rid of as much as possible, though of course sorting through we're stopping to reminisce! It's amazing the rabbit holes I get lead down from a picture or object! We did get several boxes together and thankfully brought them over Cushing Market Place in Hanover, which supports the awesome work they do at the Cushing Center, for people of all ages with unique and diverse abilities! I will admit, I wasn't sure why Wendy, the market manager, was staring at me when I pulled my books out! It's usually my head, but turns out JUST before I walked in, she had been talking about wanting to create a children's author event -- PURE GOD-INCIDENCE! I was invited to sign books and read at their community Ice Cream Social. The day was full, like their mission promises, with hope, possibility and opportunity! The students hand made bowls that said MORE PLEASE to serve the ice cream in, and that is just how I felt...MORE Please of days like these! What a magnificent way to celebrate Pride Disability Month -- that's Awesome Emma in the picture with me! She works at a local bookshop Storybook Cove - she's a book lover and a new friend! My author heart, when she shared that she'd made our picture her screen saver!

Back tracking a bit, it's been a stellar summer, as I do love being on the road sharing my message of love. While we were in Maryland I was able to present at my Aunt Sandy's retirement community Mercy Ridge. They set me up in The Pub - which was both funny and fun - we had 30-40 people attend and sold nearly 60 books! It was well-received and the activities director said I'm welcome back. I love people who have been around for awhile and crafted my talk to... Before You Go, Know You Are Loved. The residents were happy to purchase signed books for their grandchildren, great grands, while some even got them for their grown children, or to have a copy for themselves! I'm all in for more of these events too please!

There's always more to share - follow my adventures on social media - Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram! I didn't even mention my trip to Maine where I visited my 98 year old buddy Mr Tonge and stayed with Judy whose 86 years young -- we had our own Thelma and Louise moment - though instead of speeding, we sauntered! Till next time...KNOW YOU ARE LOVED and Keep Shining!!

Laura's Love Note

Love In Action Activity:

My mom gave me this idea when I first began visiting classrooms. As most parents know children often want to hear the same book over and over! To make it more fun for them and YOU read it through once and then on the second time through mix up some of the words. You can tell them you're going to do this and see if they can catch you, or do it and see if they notice. As they get a little older have them mix up or make up the story. It can make a book you've read a bunch of times feel new! Also ask them questions about the book -- in I Love You More ask which animal isn't in the book, a giraffe, elephant or frog. It's fun to identify all the animals in I'll Hug You More -- I'll give you three hints -- the raccoons are only used on one page, there are no penguins in the book, and there are two dinosaurs, though they're not main characters! See, these books you've (hopefully) read over and over have just gotten more fun!!