Happy Birthday Eva & Dr. Seuss!

Ever since I was a little girl, I've loved Dr. Seuss books. Who doesn't? I think my love of poetry began by reading his books. It is not much of a surprise to me that I've spent most of my life writing poetry myself, and now writing my own children's books, because of Dr. Seuss.

I've written poetry on every subject I can think of, even some that I'll never publish, and some I publish under pen names. But writing for children is near and dear to my heart. Most of my children's books are dedicated to my grandchildren and the children I've known over the years in the schools I've worked in.

But on the day my first Granddaughter, Evangeline (Eva), was born, I knew I was on the right track, because she was born on Dr. Seuss's Birthday. To me it made perfect sense that she was born this day. I took it as a sign to stay the course and to never give up writing and continuing to pursue my dreams.

Being a grandmother, has given me the greatest joy and has shown me what love can really be. Of course I love my own children and being a mother, but being a grandmother is a new level of love, I didn't know existed. It's hard to explain, but other friends of mine who are also grandparents, understand. We give each other that knowing nod and smile, and have entered into a new phase in our lives, with the little ones at our feet. Eva is 3 today, she is a joy as well as her sister Takeda. The hugs I get from those girls last for days on end. And then I can go back for more.

So Happy Birthday little Eva, and to Dr. Seuss - thank you for filling my life with wonderful stories and poetry, there will never be another quite like you. You are my inspiration. And if my own books can touch even one child in a positive way, it will be because your inspiration is shining through.