WHAT IF...A Children's book...CAN DO THIS!

My book “I Can’t See, But…I Can Imagine” arrived on the scene in December 2003. Although I have always loved to write, I never once dreamed I would actually author a book. In 1994 I began producing my blind grandmother’s wonderful music. Five are for children…..delightful! At the time I belonged to the local songwriter’s association. When the children’s songs were completed everyone loved them….especially children. I kept hearing things like, “Wow! They are awesome, but there is no market for children’s music.” I answered, “I BEG YOUR PARDON!! THERE CERTAINLY IS A MARKET FOR CHILDREN’S MUSIC!! They need music that is fun, funny and wholesome!” That was when I began to think. “WHAT IF I were to write a book for children? WHAT IF that book was wrapped around Grandmother’s children’s songs? WHAT IF the book included a CD that went word for word though the story and the songs? WOW! WHAT A PACKAGE FOR KIDS!
Truthfully, this has been a “God Thing” from the beginning. When I brought the records home in my lap on the plane from New Hampshire, they were so badly scratched, I could not understand most of the words. A year later we found written music we did not know existed. From that moment everyone I needed to help just ‘showed up’ exactly when I needed them. That was true when I produced the music and true when I wrote and produced the book. We have a ton of talent right here in Oregon! I was blessed to be able to tap into that. All of the talent, vocalists, sound studio, story tellers etc. are listed in the book. I am particularly blessed to have Sharon Bean as my illustrator. Incredible talent!
Since the book came out, I have spent hours/days/weeks marketing. The whole thing is a learning curve for me. I have been to 48 schools –grades K-5—teaching classes and encouraging children to read/write. This book has helped kids consider their family ‘roots’ and because it is a fun story about a blind person, it helps them to understand that is it possible to have a great life living with a handicap. I have had countless book signings, speaking engagements and lots of bazaars/farmers markets. It has been a ton of work, but a ton of fun as well.
Grandmother wrote one of the songs for ne—“Patty’s Puppy Pepper”—and taught it to me with one finger on the piano. At that moment I never imagined that she would have taken me on this journey. It is like she was telling me, “I CAN’T SEE, BUT…I CAN IMAGINE” YOU CAN DO THIS! “
www.icantseebuticanimagine.com