My children’s picture book, Bee Wars, will be published later this month. Like my other children’s books, A Gift at the Door and Bully Pie, I use photographs translated into cartoon-like images. The lovely tire horse (pictured above) has a cameo in several scenes in Bee Wars.

The swing holds special memories. My sister, Karen Bowman, first bought the swing for my parents who lived on a farm in Kansas. Grandchildren, cousins, and an occasional adult would ride this beauty in their side yard. A yard, I must say, that would put most parks to shame. When my parents passed, my sister graciously gifted the much-loved swing to my husband and me for our grandchildren. Although Karen is no longer with us, her gift of joy for the next generation flows through the memories of my grandchildren.