Finding My Marbles - Softcover

Clare Sente; Troy Adams

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1935359045 ISBN 13: 9781935359043

Publisher: Book Publishers Network, 2009

Synopsis

Finding My Marbles is a book you can read and live. Discover the timeless principles that guide the characters in the book and that will help you in your search for a more fulfilling life! Monica learns the first principle from a 5-year old boy named Conor. Enjoy this sample. Monica was anxious to leave the store, but something about Conor reminded her of happier times... Monica carefully observed Conor... His bright, sky blue eyes were accented by a string of freckles sprinkled from one cheek to the other... His boyish grin was genuine. He looked sublimely happy to be purchasing a small bag of marbles. She noted how he watched the cashier scanning his bag of marbles with breathless anticipation. That will be three dollars and twenty-three cents, said the cashier with a hint of kindness in her eyes. Conor produced a wadded up five-dollar bill from his pocket and gave it toward the cashier without taking his gaze from the bag of marbles... The cashier efficiently made change... He had already opened the bag of marbles and was carefully admiring a green cat eye. His mother nudged him and motioned to the cashier, whispering something in his ear. He carefully placed the marble back in its bag and held out his hand to receive his change. He looked in utter amazement at the money in his hand... He stood glued to the spot, looking back and forth from his marbles to the money. He finally stuffed the money into his pocket and reached for the green cat eye again. Conor s mother nudged him again and prompted, Conor, what do you say? Conor beamed brightly as if he had just remembered a secret. He looked directly at the cashier and said with childish sincerity, Thank for my marbles. The cashier smiled at his joyous display of pure gratitude... Then the magic happened. Conor removed the green cat eye marble and held it up to the light. This is a good one, he said to no one in particular. Then, he resolutely extended the marble to the cashier and said, Here, you can have this one. An awkward silence followed. The cashier looked at Conor then at his mother then back at Conor. Thank you so much, she said, placing her hand over her heart. That is the nicest thing anyone has done for me this whole week. Monica felt a lump rise in her throat, and her eyes began to tear up. She wondered, why did this simple gesture pull on her heart-strings? The answer was suddenly obvious. She had just witnessed a demonstration of genuine gratitude, and it was a beautiful thing. As Conor and his mother left the store, Monica unconsciously stepped forward. The cashier, predictably asked Monica, Did you find everything you need? Without thinking, Monica replied, No, I didn t. Ignoring the cashiers confused expression, Monica asked, Where can I find a bag of marbles?

About this title

About the Author:

About Clare: I have enjoyed twenty years as a health educator, speaker and wellness consultant. Growing up in a family that encouraged healthy eating and physical activity, it felt natural to study nutrition and teach others how to eat better. My world changed when my oldest sister was killed in a car accident my senior year in college. I was in graduate school during my grieving process and discovered that even though I continued to eat well and exercise, I often felt bad and would get sick. This experience expanded my focus on health to include the mind, body, and spirit. The seven principles we outline in our book, originated after my participation in a health coach training program where I learned to slow down and practice mindfulness. I escaped my own joyless zone after my divorce and left behind a pattern that included minimizing my talents and doubting my decisions. Discovering and listening to my intuition has been my greatest gift and has led to my biggest adventures yet, including writing this book, creating financial stability, visiting Africa, Spain, and New Zealand, starting my own business, speaking my truth, and imagining my soul mate, Todd, into my life. After attending the Winter Wellness Forum in 2006, I set the intention of writing a book in a story format to teach these seven principles. A mentor advised, If you can accomplish a goal on your own, the goal may not be big enough. I asked Troy to write this book with me and together we created a story neither of us could have written alone. If you would like more information about my workshops, teleseminars, or keynotes, please email me at clare@clarityliving.com. About Troy: When I was in the 4th grade, I shoved a classmate. On my way to see the principal, my teacher intercepted me. She asked why I would do such a thing. I said that I didn't know and that I was very sorry. With her arms folded, she looked at me with love in her eyes and quietly said that she expected more from me. At that moment, she happened to find a marble lying in the grass. She handed it to me and said it would remind me to be kind to others. I still have that marble. Her act of kindness inspired an important part of this story. This teacher also told me that I had the gift of writing. Since the 4th grade, I have written poetry, short stories, and other creative works. Later in life, I wrote a dissertation, scientific articles and grants. To help me reconnect with the power of creative writing after a long academic career, I now keep a monthly wellness blog. In all my years of writing, I can honestly say that rarely has the writing process been as inspirational and fun as it was during the creation of this book. Clare and I have come to know and love the characters in this story and we know you will too. On a professional note, I consider myself a recovering academic. I co-founded a wellness company (Wellsteps). I created and host an annual retreat in Sedona, Arizona where my friends and I help people identify and realize their intentions (Winter Wellness Forum). I have been told that my Louis Armstrong impersonation is pretty good! To contact me for a speaking engagement or to hear me sing, email me at drtroy@cox.net.

Review:

Finding My Marbles is a rare find - a book that is so profound and at the same time such an enjoyable read! --Kristin Lems

I couldn't put this book down! It's short yet powerful, and I am motivated to put these steps into practice. --Carrie Phelps

Troy and Clare speak from the heart with a common sense story that lifts the spirit high as a kite on a windy spring day. --Brian Luke Seaward

About this edition

• Publisher: Book Publishers Network
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 1935359045
• ISBN 13: 9781935359043
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 92
• Editor: Julie Scandora
• Illustrator: Laura Zugsda