One day I had a talk with a friend from my long ago college days. He asked me, "Why don't you write your own books? I know you can write well and I've seen your art." It was the final push I needed to finally write and illustrate my first book. Thanks for the advice, Tommy.

The story takes place in two locations that mirror each other -- a classroom on earth and another in heaven. In both places, a student named Arilla strives to be the best that she can be. Like all of us, there have been times when you wanted to be selected and cried out, "Pick me!" We all know how to do that. But, Arilla thought about the process every time she wasn't selected, and made the necessary changes. Eventually, she was selected for the most perfect of all jobs.

This story about Arilla is inspired by my grandmother, the first artist in my family tree. Grandma couldn't draw like me, but she was very crafty. Her Christmas presents were always homemade. She made mittens, ornaments, slippers, and a whole lot more for each of her grandchildren. If you were very lucky, you might get a sweater, scarf, or cap. And, each grandchild received a quilt. It was entirely hand-sewn. Anything else was considered cheating.

I know it's a grandmother's job to have a lasting impact on the lives of her grandchildren. My grandma certainly succeeded in that. She had a positive influence on each and every person she met. This one's for you, Grandma!