I was grocery shopping today when someone stopped me and asked if I was “Big Ryan”.  I told her I was and she smiled and began telling me how she was planning her husband’s 40th Birthday party.  Her daughter, who was a big fan, she said, asked if her Dad wanted to have Big Ryan come to his party. 

What a sweet thought!

People have given so many nice comments on the pics that I post of my beautiful daughter – so here are a few from Halloween… they are a bit late – but I’m still in the spirit!  And a gratuitous shot of the BOO on her butt!  As you can tell – we went with the monkey!  She was too freakin’ cute!  We did take her out trick or treating but she had enough after about 6 houses…

 

• 10 – The Leaves – it has to be the single greatest thing to watch leaves turn brilliant colors and then fall out of the sky all around you… almost like a skittles commercial!
• 9 – Hot Chocolate – It just doesn’t taste right until you can see your breath…
• 8 – Fireplace Smell in the Air – walking around my neighborhood is such a pleasant experience right now
• 7 – Dark Turkey Meat – I know white meat is better for you – but give me that unhealthy stuff any day of the week!
• 6 – Apple Cider – Hot Chocolate is not the warm beverage of choice around this time!
• 5 – Scary Movies – I am a movie buff – but I wait all year until it gets dark so early to watch the scary stuff!  Love it!  My favorite?  The original Texas Chainsaw Massacre…
• 4 – Warm Hats – Yes, hats are almost essential at this time to cover my bald head – but I love the warm feeling I get when I put one on!
• 3 – T.V. Specials – they come on T.V. and my DVR fills up very fast!
• 2 – Holiday Decorations – I know people say they come out too quickly in the stores – but I embrace it!  I mean, you can’t stop it, right?  So when I see the Holiday decorations appear – my heart skips a few beats!
• 1 – Eggs – Eggs?  Yes, eggs!  Nothing better when the weather gets colder to have hot breakfasts!  Eggs, toast and tea!

I was reminded of this book this past week by a friend who told me that, after I recommended this book to her for her son, she read it all the time to him. He loves the pictures and how each page has something large, cool, and sometimes scary! Jenkins illustrations are perfect to capture any kids imagination – make sure that you check out his webpage by clicking on his name above. He has a website that helps journey through his books in a new, magical way!

I know that Truro is quite the ride – but I have to say – I enjoy making the ride every time I am invited to tell stories there!  The library is such a clam, quiet place, well, until I get there :)  But even better – the kids that come to hear the stories are always an exceptional crowd – fun and energetic!

 

The Scary – but not too scary – Tall Tales were really fun to tell – I love the reaction that the Scarecrow gets when he finally learns how to scare the bunny away – and watching the kids at the end of that story is priceless!

 

Here is pretty girl all set for the crisp weather that lie ahead.  I like the word Autumn rather than Fall.  But we had fun this past Friday playing dress up – in fact here she is with her Hulk fists on…

My friend Joanna’s cat is sick.  He is going to be put to sleep tomorrow.  It’s even harder knowing I was the one who gave her the kitty.  He was a great cat – friendly and gentle.  He will be missed… a lot.  Goodbye Manny.

I had the wonderful opportunity to meet a group of Home Visitors today – and talk children’s literature with them.  I love talking books with other people who share that passion.  It had me thinking of some of the classics – and a scene in particular from the movie “Beautiful Girls” where Timothy Hutton tells the very young Natalie Portman that he can’t be her Christopher Robin.  He explains “That’s how the story ends – Christopher Robin grows up and he doesn’t need Pooh anymore.”  It’s such a sad, beautiful end to a fantastic story.  It started me thinking about all of the books I need to share with my daughter – including this treasure. 

Wouldn’t it be nice if Christopher Robin always needed Pooh?

 

It’s the little things – days like this that make me so happy to do the job I do.  The little things like an email from someone – like the one I got today:

“Dear Big Ryan,
I just wanted to personally thank you for your wonderful CD’s.  My son Sammy (6 years old) listens to them every single night before he falls asleep.  Sammy has always had difficulty with bed time but since we began playing your CD’s for him, he is more than willing to stay in his bed, listen to the stories and eventually fall asleep on his own.We first saw you at our public library in Sharon and he loved your stories.  Today as I was traveling with him in the car, I heard him in the back seat reciting your stories to himself word for word.  He particularly loves the story about Sarah and Amy and the baby brother. 
So thank you for your wonderful work.  I hope you can make it back to Sharon sometime soon. 
Sincerely,
Anat Stollman
Sammy’s mom”

Thank you Anat – for all the kind words.  You made me smile today!

 

October brings some of the most fun, entertaining stories!  Stories that are designed to make little ones laugh and give a little scare – but nothing that will give nightmares.  Call to schedule your October shows now!  Dates go fast so don’t hesitate to call!  (508) 641 5336 🙂