At 14 years-old, I became the delighted godmother and aunt of a newborn, Michelle (Larson) Stimpson. Her middle name, "Joy," embodies that of the spirit she exudes to others. Her consistency of character has always uplifted and affirmed people throughout her life. Michelle and I have been blessed to have an interchange of roles amidst our friendship. In recent years, the tables have turned as her gifts and skills have been honed, luring me to be taken under-wing now and then as one of her coaching clients. What a thrill to have this caring woman tune-in and listen to me compassionately and in a very purposeful way! She guides me quickly back on-track. Her coaching has helped me stop, zero-in, focus, and act—whether it's regarding a relationship, organizing my house, a problem, or my life dreams. Michelle's expertise is appreciated and her coaching helps steer my heart! And I feel taken seriously. Because I am so imaginative, I need different tools to grasp and visualize and crystallize my heart and thoughts. Besides, we all need a cheering

section to be boosted and inspired.

In the process of wading through the world of clutter and being overwhelmed, needing to say "no" to people, and making new choices, Michelle helped me pin down what I value most.

I came up with my "blank." I love the "blank canvas," the "blank paper," open space, quiet time alone, days with no agenda. They all trigger what I love: To be creative, to write, to paint, to "be," and most of all to pray and talk and be still with God. The verse where God says "Draw near to me and I will draw near to you" embodies this hunger—this "blank"—which to me is fuel to then go back out where I am called…to my husband, my kids, my grandkids, family, friends, and to the world.

As a little girl, Jane's dream was to write. Following the death of her third child at age 7, she wrote "Blankets: A Grief Journey" and "A Fistful of Agates." Now a Grandma, she is pursuing her wish to write books for kids.

Her new children's book, "Rosie With Rose-Colored Glasses," is about Rosie Rumbles who was born with rose-colored glasses…she loved looking on the bright side of life! A run-in with a bully challenges Rosie's heart in this story of life and forgiveness. To purchase your copy, go to www.sailingonhope.com.