PIGLET WILLY DEBUTS AT THE FOUR SEASONS BILTMORE

Miss Wilhelmina Whitewitch and Willy Charm the Crowd

By Bonnie Carroll

Four Seasons Chef Alessandro Cartumini was delighted to provide the beautiful high tea party for attendees of Piglet Willy’s book premier in the garden of the hotel, where a crowd of adults and children enjoyed an introduction, gift drawing and  reading by local celebrities and friends.  Author Alicia St. John, aka Wilhelmina Whitewitch signed books as SB Jazz Society performers entertained with some great old classics, and children enjoyed a petting zoo, queen’s croquet games and admired miniature animal hedges brought in for the occasion.

Miss Whitewitch spoke of the importance of literacy and did a short book introduction and presented gift books to the President of the SB Boys & Girls Club, and a representative of the Montecito United School PTA. These organizations will both receive a portion of the proceeds from book sales. Reading were given by Richard Mineards, Anne Towbes, musician Peter Clark and his wife Dallas.

The author shared how inspired she had been by Ray Bradbury. “Mr. Bradbury told me to follow my dreams and never give up,” said the author. She said she knew her friend and mentor Ray Bradbury, who was unable to attend the premier, would have been so proud to participate in this special day. “We all have this creativity inside us and we need to pursue them and keep working at completing our desires.” She directed advice to children in attendance to read, learn, grow and imagine! 

The book, marketing tools, imagination in the planning and implementing of this lovely event in the garden deserves great kudos. Congratulations! We were all delighted to be a part of Piglet Willy’s premiere adventure and recommend you go to his website to take a look at  www.PigletWilly.com.

“SOME DAY IT WILL MATTER”

 By Suzanne Geimer & Kelly Geimer Lance                                    

Every kid in trouble needs a special angel . . . We all have it in us to be one! 

Suzanne Geimer and her daughter Kelly Geimer-Lance premiered their boon “Some Day It Will Matter”. at at Chaucer’s Bookstore in Santa Barbara earlier this year where they met with patrons and signed books. 

This book shares their family story and is an inspiring example of the vital part communication and finding solutions can play in working through serious teen problems. Suzanne is the Founder and President of Special Angel, a nonprofit organization created as a result of her mother/daughter journey. Special Angel’s mission is one of helping children in distress.

The talented mother/daughter duo travels throughout the US singing and working with at risk kids by sharing their own story and their great music. They produced a CD “Turn on the Radio” which features the songs they have written and performed together. For information visit: www.specialangel.com.

John Walmsley, former child star on the Walton’s TV show is the musical director for the Special Angel Band and has performed with Suzanne and Kelly for many years.  “It is really touching to see the power of this musical journey we are taking together, and watching the kids react to Suzanne and Kelly is simply amazing” says Walmsley. For information visit www.specialangel.com.

LIFE ON A SHOESTRING . . .  IN BEVERLY HILLS? by Christine Redlin

It is not often as a reviewer I have the opportunity to share my take on a book written by a long-time friend and associate, but this month my friend Christine Redlin published an e-book that incorporated years of her life living in Beverly Hills as a single gal who creatively discovered, borrowed and invented a bevy of tools she implement to create a successful plan for living on a shoestring in one of the wealthiest cities in America.

If it was a birthday party for herself and her sister at a local restaurant where she knew the manager and would in advance arrange a public relations trade as payment, or dressing up like a clown to put on a children’s birthday party to raise enough money to pay the rent Christine was on it.

Her long-time involvement in the entertainment industry in a variety of career moves gave her access to some amazing people who all loved her enthusiasm and unquestionable creativity. On holidays she would show up with beautiful hand-made cards containing a lottery ticket and it was always a greatly appreciated thoughtful gift. One year as struggling actors we went down to the Laugh Factory for a free dinner, where to our surprise George Lopez donated his time to do a very funny routine and help us through a rough period; I will always love him for this. I never knew how Christine found out about these things, but she always knew where and how to make an extra needed dollar or get some special help.

I guess the most remarkable part of Chistine’s story is her relentless kindness in helping everyone around her, especially her mother and family. She has lived by the motto “where there is a will there is a way,” and has provided experience, strength and hope to everyone who has touched her life. I always said if she had been a general in the Marine Corp we could win any war.

I have seen her produce TV shows, Films, radio programs and do amazing marketing projects, but this book is the best yet. She is sharing secrets that we all need to keep our lives going in difficult times, both financially and spiritually. I must mention that Christine has a spiritual base that could give Billy Graham a run for his money, and she is one of the most inspiring people I have had the pleasure to know on this amazing journey we call “life.”

In these challenging financial times this book will prove to be a life-saving guide for any single gal or guy who reads it. The funny insights and inspiring advice in it will get you through any struggle with your sense of humor in tact. It’s a great read – enjoy it!         Bonnie Carroll, LBN

Life On A Shoestring … In Beverly Hills?

A whimsical and inspirational handbook on my life as a single woman, which offers helpful, cost-saving tips and ideas for a healthy and wealthy mindset for anyone to use, wherever you live!