I am really fortunate to work at a bookstore. The multitude of books that have come across my purview at just the right time is amazing. I can justify any book purchase. I always chuckle at the bank’s assessment of my monthly budget that, according to their paradigm, always indicates a disproportionate amount spent on books. By the way, I do read all the books I buy; some sooner, some later; some in part, most in totality. I often read 4 or 5 books simultaneously and read all genres. There are books in every room of my house, audio books in my car since it is older and still has a CD player, books in my purse, and books in my tote bags that go everywhere with me. Quite simply, I love to read. Books are a great source of joy and inspiration for me.

I mention all of this to tell you about a picture book author, Kobi Yamada, whose writing has been an inspiration to me. It all started with the quote from his book Finding Muchness that said, “Create that which you wish existed.” I am sure that something similar has been said before, but this phrasing, and the picture that went along with it, created an Idea that has been with me for a while; an Idea that will not leave me nor has it dissipated. It is an Idea unlike any other I have ever had in my life because it compels me to write a biography about a maverick veterinarian in Colorado whose passion for helping animals extends worldwide. I tell you, there is magic to this Idea of telling a story about someone who makes a difference in life.

So, what should I do with this Idea? To get started, as Kobi Yamada describes in his book, What Can You Do With An Idea, ‘I built it a house, one with an open roof where it could look up at the stars – a place where it could be safe to dream.’ I also gave my Idea a lot of attention and still do. We are always doing something together and I can’t stop thinking about my Idea. Truth be told, Idea and I have become very close friends! And, as the book also says, paraphrased, ‘I like being with my Idea. It makes me feel more alive….it encourages me to think big….and then to think bigger….because it’s good to have the ability to see things differently.’

I have showed my Idea to other people, and even though some appear interested, they ultimately pass my Idea by saying it is not for them and that maybe someone, somewhere else, will be interested. Now that’s a fine how-do-you-do. However, they don’t know my Idea like I do. There is a vision here; an inspiring story that needs to be brought forth. Perhaps it is time for some remodeling? Now what can I do with my Idea to make it come to life for others so that they see the vision too?

Then it happened. Out of the blue. A knock-knock-knocking sound that startled both my Idea and me. An unexpected visitor!

As my Idea opened the door, a burst of light rays spread over the threshold reaching far into the interior of the house. In the doorway stood a glimmering figure smiling to beat the band.

“Who are you?” Idea queried.

“Hi, Idea! I’m Epiphany. I was sent to give you some help and have I got some news for you!”

Impressed by all the light and enthusiasm, my Idea and I exclaimed together, “Let’s have at it!” and we set to work.

The three of us had quite a party. Epiphany shared a new Idea and vision for the book including special introductions for each chapter. My Idea absolutely loved the suggestion and we are having great fun remodeling the house and adding other rooms.

“Furthermore,” said Epiphany, “you should typeset the book yourself. This will make for a most interesting biography in both subject matter and visual presentation. After all, no one knows your Idea and vision like you, so create it the way you’d like it to be!”

“Thanks for that insight and prompt, Epiphany,” I said. “I can definitely do that because I’ve done it before and I have the technology. This is going to be great!”

“You’re welcome,” said Epiphany, “Glad to be of service.”  

Epiphany has since departed but my Idea and I hope for another visit soon. I the meantime, I will share with you a nugget of wisdom that supports this journey; a nugget I just ‘happened’ to encounter while re-reading one of my many books. The book, by Melody Beattie, Journey To The Heart, contains daily meditations, one for each day of the year. The entry for December 2^nd is summarized with these words:

“Learn to use your imagination to create the life you want. Take time at the beginning to develop a vision, an idea about what you want. Visualize how you would like things to be. Then let your visions guide you where you need to go.”

Well now! So it is that I go forward.    

** With special thanks to author Kobi Yamada and illustrator Mae Besom for the inspiration and wisdom found in all your books.

Good day,

Melinda Grohol

12/1/2023