I started to say that it all began with Friendship Circle, but it didn’t. Notquite. Well, sort of.

Itbegan when I moved to my current residence in a senior community. Ella, myneighbor, was quick to introduce herself. Having served on the city council andin various volunteer positions in her community, she was cordial and welcomingand diplomatic. Ella invited me to join her for a luncheon hosted by theFriendship Circle group here in the park. I realized too late that this was apotluck, but Ella assured me that as her guest, I wasn’t required to bringanything—actually, no one is required—and that I could consider doing so if Ichose to attend again in the future, which I did.

Twoof the first people I met that day were Ursula and Bob Thomas. I don’t believeI’ve ever met two kinder people in my life. Maybe. But…. Bob and Ursula areextraordinary people, warm, kind, intelligent, empathetic—and each one has agreat sense of humor. While I did not continue being involved with FriendshipCircle after the first few months, I have continued my friendship with theThomases.

Boband Ursula like to walk early in the morning, as I do, so there are times whenwe will see each other at 5:30a.m. (yes, it’s still dark), and we’ll stand inthe road and have a chat for ten minutes or so. It was during one of thesemorning chats that they mentioned their daughter, Shanon, had written a picturebook for children. The book, complete with cover design and illustrations, wasready for publication, but Shanon wasn’t sure which route in publishing shewanted to pursue. I offered to help her decide, and I encouraged her parents togive her my number.

WhenShanon called, I knew right away we were kindred spirits. Like her parents, sheis warm and kind and empathetic. She is also very generous; her sole purpose inmaking her book available to the public is to encourage young readers to bekind, to look for opportunities to show empathy. The book, Clara’s Scarf, islovely and sweet (and is available on Amazon).

Fastforward several months, and there I am, looking for an illustrator for my Dragon Singer Series. The search was not going well (that may be a profoundunderstatement), and it occurred to me to talk to Shanon about the illustratorshe used for Clara’s Scarf.

Andthat’s how I met (via email) Allie Myers. I know I keep saying this, but it’slike Allie is reading my mind. When I explain roughly what I want on a cover,she asks, “But what are the kids’ personalities like?” And bingo—she produces asketch that somehow depicts everything I was feeling when I wrote the scene.

Ihave been grateful for Allie’s amazing artistry, and for my connection toShanon, and my continuing friendship with Ursula and Bob. (What amazing parentsthey must have been to produce such a talented and wonderful kid!!) Then lastweek Shanon happened to be in town, and Ursula called to see if the two of themcould stop by. When they did, Shanon gifted me with the sweet little whitedragon pictured at the top of this post. He’s my new desk companion. Friendship!What an inspiration!

Maythe circle be unbroken, and may it continue to expand as those within it reachout a hand to others.