A Few of My Favorite Places

Take a trip to three of them. Why are they special? They all welcome those who create, those who make art. I’m a writer so I’m glad I qualify . . .  because all three make me feel like I’m home!

                     #1 – Welcome to Riverside Art Center!  It’s in my hometown of Wapakoneta, Ohio.

They invite in artists of all ages! They’re known for their bucket of chalk at the door, ready for any artist to begin a new creation.
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Riverside helped me launch my first book back in 2019, and they’re still helping me today. I’m grateful!

​​They also support other local artists. Look around the store. and you’ll see so much creativity – from paintings to stained glass. Pottery to woodwork. If you’re looking for something unique for yourself, or for a gift, Riverside is the place to go!
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​Riverside is also known for celebrating Wapak’s most famous citizen, Neil Armstrong. Come in and find a way to remember the first man to land on the moon.

​ Look at the photo below on the left . . . The house at the top was Neil’s home when he was in high school. The basement is where he built the wind tunnel that launched all his dreams.

Below it is the picture of the Wapak movie theatre. I saw my first movie there . . . Mary Poppins. I think it’s old enough that Neil went there too. I wonder what he watched?!

The other photo is my favorite table in Riverside . . . jewelry! Riverside has some incredible jewelry makers. One of them makes things like elephants and octopi from silverware. WOW!

If you’re ever in Wapak, stop into Riverside and the other stores on Auglaize Street. There are so many great shops within a couple blocks. PLUS – the Summer Moon Festival is coming . . .  July 13th – 18th. I can’t wait!

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Postmark has both of my lake books. I dropped them off in June, and this is the first time I’ve been back. I looked all over the shop, but had trouble finding them. Do you see either book?
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The first time I took a walk through the shop, I found a shelf of books, but I didn’t see mine. I looked a second time, and that’s when I found them! We’re on a table with another children’s book. Its cover is gorgeous! Zoe is to its right, and Lake Fun is under Zoe.  
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I wandered through the shop taking pictures of the things that caught my eye. I admire artists, especially those who paint. Me, I draw stick figures! But I have a good sense of color, and what goes together.

The bird on the left caught my eye! I love the colors! I wish I had a place for it, but maybe that place is at someone else’s house.

​I love woodwork, like the bowls and cutting boards. I admire people who create things I can’t. Buying their work makes me happy.

I can’t do pottery either. The mushrooms caught my eye because they’re whimsical and full of color. I’m glad I can share them with you!
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The third shelf’s full of children’s toys. The giraffe’s my favorite. The rocking chair is close, if only I could tell who, or what, is sitting in it.

I love jewelry, and it was scattered through the shop. I couldn’t leave without another pair of earrings!
I also love whimsy, like the  purple bear, the golden seahorse, or the blue birdhouse. So cute! If you’re near Lafollette, stop inside Postmark, and do your own treasure hunting!

​                                                                #3 – Welcome to rindabeach.com!​

Welcome to my home online! Usually I share my blogs and book reviews with you, but now I want to show you how to shop with me, online. Hover over Books, and you’ll find my three titles. Follow along, and I’ll show you where to find each one!
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Here are my books in website order. Lake Fun came out last year and it’s found its niche on Amazon. It’s my highest-ranking book, but the only place you can buy it online – Amazon. Click on their link, and in seconds you’ll be in the checkout line.
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You can also buy it from me at any event, or, by sending me an email. I’ll work with PayPal and USPS to get a personalized copy right to your house, without ever leaving home! My favorite part – autographing it to you and your favorite lake!
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This is my 2nd book from the dropdown menu, but it was my very first, from 2019. I finished it in time for the 50th anniversary of the moon landing. Did you know building that wind tunnel was the first step Neil took towards fulfilling his dreams? I have the directions for a simple one in the back matter. It’s the length of your kitchen table. Neil’s – it took up most of his basement!

There are 2 online links to buy Neil from Amazon and Barnes & Noble, but it’s also on IndieBound. And like Lake Fun, you can buy an autographed copy from me. I’m only an email away. Neil is my favorite book to autograph – I always personalize it with something about your dreams. 
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This is my newest book, the last one on the link. Zoe is a chapter book with journal pages at the end. You get to be my co-author and illustrator.
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You can buy Zoe online from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, IndieBound, or BiblioKid Publishing. Or, you can use the PayPal link and get a personalized autographed copy from me.
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Pick one, two, or all three of my books to finish your summer of reading!
Don’t forget to pick up your free printable page and bookmark when you visit me online!