I’ve written 26 books, but this is the sweetest one I’ve been associated with.

It’s called The Odd Duck Finds  True Love and it was written and illustrated by some of the Mansion residents. Maria and I are publishing it.

The book took two years to finish due to the pandemic, and Maria worked tirelessly and continuously to see it through. There was obstacle after obstacle but she did it, and it is a beautiful thing to see.

We are printing 50 copies of the book, 25 will be sold online on Maria’s Etsy Studio for $10 apiece (details to come) and 25 are going to the Mansion tomorrow morning to be given to the writers and illustrators and members of their families.

The Odd Duck Finds True Love took two years to publish due to the pandemic. It was written by five Mansion residents – Sharon, Clara, Claudia, Madeline, Peg S, and former activities Director Julie Smith.

It was illustrated by Maria’s art class under her direction. The illustrators were Peggie O, Clara, Claudia, Sharon, S, Debbie, and Maureen.

The plotline focuses on an odd duck who was the only one of his mother’s eggs to hatch. Mom and Dad were disappointed but accepted this as life, and loved him all the same.

“The new baby duck was always an odd duck,” goes the story. He grew up eating lots of bananas and once grown,  he packed his bag and set out in search of true love. He found a beautiful duck at the edge of the woods, and the couple faced danger and adventure.

All I can say is that the story has a happy surprise ending. It is a story about courage, love, and hope.

The book is seven pages long, but it’s a nail-biter. The illustrations will touch your heart. So will the story. All proceeds from sales will go to the Army Of Good’s Mansion Fund and will help purchase art and other supplies for the residents.

Julie and Maria both worked together to get this story done, and the residents, interrupted continuously by quarantines and the pandemic, never quit or let go.   After Julie left the Mansion, Maria took the project over and just kept at it.  A local graphic designer did the formatting, and Staples was helpful and pushed it over the finish line.

This is very important for the residents, some of the writers and illustrators have left the Mansion, one passed away. Most are still there, and they will be thrilled to see the story published as a book.

The book is a testament to the power of creativity, love and community. Maria and I are very proud to be a part of its publication.

At the edge of life, there is great spirit and love, if only people will listen. Love. Care. Hope. Maria and I will both post information about how the book can be purchased, and when, and where.