​Well, here we are in the last week of 2021!  If anyone had told me in January that I would write a children’s book this year, I would have laughed and thought they were crazy!  And yet, here I am, 50 weeks later, and I have just published my second children’s book – a new Bea Beluga story – and I still can’t fully wrap my head around it.  I do know, however, that it makes my heart happy and full, and I feel very blessed! 
 
Bea Beluga Makes a New Friend follows Bea as she goes on vacation with her family, meets Marnie Manatee, and then must work together with her new friends to find a way to keep in touch once she goes home!  Bea and Marnie get some help (actually they receive a lot of help!) from their friend, Gesi Gull!
 
This sweet story centers on the importance of friendship and keeping in touch with those we love!  Sometimes this is easier said than done … we have good intentions of staying in touch, but let’s face it - life is busy. 
 
As we enter this new year, lets make 2022 the year of connecting, reconnecting, and appreciating our friendships – both old and new!  I would love for you to join Bea Beluga on her travels in this new book as she explores new waters, meets new friends, faces disappointment, and finally finds a happy solution to her long-distance friendship!
 
I can’t wait to start sharing the book with our readers in the coming weeks!  It takes a lot of hands to spread the word and I would be grateful for your help in sharing and liking my posts!  I would also love to do a special reading of Bea Beluga Makes a New Friend, as well as the first book, Bea Beluga and the Magic Tutu!  Just let me know when and where, and I am there!
 
Finally, thank you for taking the time to read this and following me on this journey!
  Xoxo,
Carolyn

Can you believe that it’s October already?  I am amazed how fast the years go by as I get older, and it seems this year is flying by in the blink of an eye!  It’s been 4 months since the release of my children’s book, Bea Beluga and the Magic Tutu.  This cute little children’s story has led me to some beautiful new people and experiences! 
 
This week I had the pleasure of reading my book and doing a fun craft at the Holbrook Public Library with an amazing group of kids.  We read about Bea’s excitement about starting dance, her wonder at the beautiful sparkly magic tutu, her dedication to practicing her sport, her perseverance and trust when faced with adversity, and ultimately her most important life lesson – to always believe in herself!  As you can see in the picture, I had the perfect whale sweater in my closet for the occasion! (I guess you could say I have had a love of whales for a very long time!)
 
I’ll be the first to admit that the book looks a little bit girl-oriented and dance specific (think pink fluffy tutu!), but let me assure you that the message the book shares with our readers is that if you work hard and surround yourself with people you trust, you will accomplish whatever it is you set your mind to!  This is a message that anyone can relate, and one that kept me going earlier this year as I worked through the logistics of writing and publishing a children’s book and finding the perfect illustrator.
 
So, what’s next?!?  I will have my books on display at the Brockton YMCA Fall Family Festival on Saturday, October 9th from 10:00am-3:00pm, so come on by and visit and pick up an autographed book!  I will also be doing another author reading (and craft) at Thayer Public Library on Thursday, November 4th at 4:00. 
 
I will leave you with some exciting news!!  The second Bea Beluga book is currently being illustrated, so keep a look-out for updates on Bea Beluga Meets a New Friend – due out later this year! 
 
Be well!
Carolyn

Hey friends!
Things are definitely getting exciting here!!!  It's so hard to believe that it's been TWO months since I first published my book!  The love and support I've received since then has been nothing short of amazing ... truly humbling as well!  
I've witnessed the joy of children's reactions to Bea's story - had the chance to reconnect with old friends - and met some wonderful new friends since the May who have truly enriched my life.
As we move along, I am hoping to find some new places to share Bea Beluga and the Magic Tutu, via a book reading or story time or sharing the books in a retail setting ... so if you hear of any opportunities please keep me in mind and reach out!  
NOW for the most exciting news so far!!!  Bea's next book is in the works and should be released mid-fall ... so get ready for some sneak previews over the next couple of months!
Please reach out with any joys, pictures, questions, or just to say hello ... and enjoy the last few days of July!
Blessings,
Carolyn XOXO