Beverly Stiffler Smith

Here comes Peter Cottontail hopping down the bunny trail, hippity hoppity Easter has arrived. Just look what the Easter Bunny brought this year! Not candy, not eggs, not bones or dog treats but rather a whole basket full of our newly published children’s book. Our fifth picture book, Little Puppy, BIG Pout, was published on March 27th and went live on Amazon the next day....

Here Comes Peter Cottontail

It is so hard to believe today Jellybean celebrated her 9th birthday. Wasn’t it just yesterday she was a fuzzy 6-pound ball of cuteness? From the moniker of “Wild Thing” as a rambunctious puppy, to the current and quite appropriate title of “Diva” Jellybean continues to bring an abundance of joy to those she meets. At nine, Jellybean is still very much a puppy....

Birthday Girl It is so hard to believe today Jellybean celebrated her 9th birthday.  Wasn’t it just yesterday she was a fuzzy 6-pound ball of cuteness?  From the moniker of “Wild Thing” as a rambunctio…

I absolutely love how Shana Morrow, the talented illustrator of my children’s picture book series, captured Jellybean’s very real pout. If Jellybean does not get what she wants, when she wants it, this little puppy will throw herself on the floor and let out a sigh of frustration that can be heard in the next room. Watch out for the “puppy dog eyes” because they are coming next and they will get you every time!...

Now That’s A BIG Pout!

On February 4th I once again hosted an event our condo community refers to as the Winterfest Potluck Dinner. It is an evening filled with good food and fellowship, where neighbors come together for a few hours on a winter evening. I am beyond blessed to live in a community where neighbors become friends and work together to make this such a wonderful place to live....

Looking Back On February 4th I once again hosted an event our condo community refers to as the Winterfest Potluck Dinner.  It is an evening filled with good food and fellowship, where neighbors come togeth…

Just look at that face! Is it a smile or is it a smirk? I would tend to go with the latter. One evening while watching television, I looked at Jellybean and noticed this precious face looking over at me. Lucky for me, my iPhone is generally within arm’s reach. After snapping the picture, I looked Jellybean right in the eyes and said, “Okay little one, what did you do?” She continued to stare right at me and I’m pretty sure I detected a little twitch at the corner of her mouth. ...

I Know Something You Don’t Know Just look at that face! Is it a smile or is it a smirk? I would tend to go with the latter. One evening while watching television, I looked at Jellybean and noticed this precious face looking ov…

They say our loved ones are always around us. I have had quite a few experiences throughout my life to acknowledge that claim. After my husband’s passing, I experienced the common phenomena of blinking lights and familiar smells. There are two experiences, however, that stand out; My husband was a barber/stylist. He was obsessed with making sure my hair was always styled just so. ...

Heavenly Light They say our loved ones are always around us. I have had quite a few experiences throughout my life to acknowledge that claim. After my husband’s passing, I experienced the common phenomena of bl…

It’s that time of year when Jellybean and I begin to evaluate her year in terms of nice and naughty. Over the last few weeks, Jellybean has been joining me for my elder care sessions with Miss Bernie. Twice a week she brings her packed lunch, blanket, and a few treats along with her. She snuggles between Miss Bernie and I on the sofa as we enjoy the morning game shows. ...

A Whole Lot Nice with a Little Bit of Naughty It’s that time of year when Jellybean and I begin to evaluate her year in terms of nice and naughty. Over the last few weeks, Jellybean has been joining me for my elder care sessions with Miss Ber…

Hello world! It’s Jellybean here, puppy extraordinaire. I find myself reflecting on this year’s Halloween. Where was all the excitement, the mystery, the creative inspiration that usually gets rolling as soon as October arrives with its’ autumn vibes? Something was definitely off this year. There were no searches on Pinterest and no googling DIY puppy costumes. There was just a peek into my infamous closet for a hot minute and out came the Clarabelle Cow costume....

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Hello world!  It’s Jellybean here, puppy extraordinaire.  I find myself reflecting on this year’s Halloween.  Where was all the excitement, the mystery, the creative inspiration that…

Retired for a number of years, I still get to feed that kindergarten teacher hiding somewhere inside of me who is not yet ready to hang up all things kindergarten quite yet. I am blessed to babysit Jay (almost 5) and his little sister three days a week. At a year and a half, little Hannah already demonstrates such a love for animals. ...

Jellybean, Hannah and the Little Pink Cup Retired for a number of years, I still get to feed that kindergarten teacher hiding somewhere inside of me who is not yet ready to hang up all things kindergarten quite yet. I am blessed to babysi…

Thank you for all the positive thoughts and prayers sent my way. They surely worked because I received the best scenario possible today. It will be a lumpectomy followed by radiation treatment. Should be a piece of cake!!

I’m guessing by the lack of sleep last night I am more nervous than I expected I would be. It’s been quite the summer! I was diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia in June and now in August, breast cancer. Double whammy!! I meet with the surgeon today to discuss the plan of action. I am generally positive in nature, but still am praying for a simple lumpectomy. I just finished writing out my list of questions as I know there will will be a lot of information coming at me during the consultation. My neighbor and dear friend, Pam Bender will be going along as a second set of ears, note taker and all around good vibe spreader. Here’s to a simple, uncomplicated plan of action!

As I was zipping around the house today dusting, vacuuming, catching up on laundry and all those weekend chores that could no longer be ignored, I happened to catch Jellybean’s sad expression from her perch on the bed in the guest room. My poor, miserable little puppy: No toys to play with. No bones to chew on. Not a single ball to be found. ...

Guess I’ll Go Eat Worms As I was zipping around the house today dusting, vacuuming, catching up on laundry and all those weekend chores that could no longer be ignored, I happened to catch Jellybean’s sad expression from …

Sometimes life just knocks the wind out of you and it requires a little time to step back and look at life from a new perspective. That sums up the last five or six weeks for me. A routine blood test revealed that I have developed a form of Leukemia. As if that wasn’t scary enough, several weeks later my routine mammogram showed a “highly suspicious” mass and two enlarged lymph nodes....

Unconditional Love Revisited Sometimes life just knocks the wind out of you and it requires a little time to step back and look at life from a new perspective.  That sums up the last five or six weeks for me.  A rout…

For many people, the end of May signals holiday celebrations, the realization that long-awaited vacations are just around the corner, and a time to breathe in the warm air and bask in the summer sun. For me however, it signals Jellybean’s annual trip to the vet. If you have been following my blog for a while, you know that Jellybean, like her Mama, struggles with a bit of extra padding around the middle....

https://bevstifflersmith.wordpress.com/2022/06/05/no-way/

No Way! For many people, the end of May signals holiday celebrations, the realization that long-awaited vacations are just around the corner, and a time to breathe in the warm air and bask in the summer su…

I recently discovered there is a term for something that Jellybean does quite frequently. Apparently when a dog, or even a cat, lies down and stretches out its hind legs flat behind them it is known as splooting. Who knew there was such a cool word for this relaxing position? Some dogs do the one leg sploot and others engage both hind legs....

https://bevstifflersmith.wordpress.com/2022/05/23/the-sploot-scoot/

The Sploot & Scoot I recently discovered there is a term for something that Jellybean does quite frequently.  Apparently when a dog, or even a cat, lies down and stretches out its hind legs flat behind them it i…

Hi Mama! Did you call for me? Why are you looking at me like that? Did I do WHAT? Whatever do you mean? I don't know anything about it. OH....THAT! I might know a little bit about it. Jellybean’s Closet Naughty Little Puppy The Perfect Hiding Place Sloppy Kisses Beverly Stiffler Smith Children's Author

https://bevstifflersmith.wordpress.com/2022/05/08/it-wasnt-me/

It Wasn’t Me Hi Mama! Did you call for me? Why are you looking at me like that? Did I do WHAT? Whatever do you mean? I don’t know anything about it. OH….THAT! I might know a little bit about it. Je…

“What the world needs now is love, sweet love It’s the only thing that there’s just too little of What the world needs now is love, sweet love No not just for some, but for everyone…” This song, written by David Hal and Burt Bacharach and sung by Jackie DeShannon way back in 1965 came to mind after a recent conversation with one of Jellybean’s caregivers at her doggy daycare....

https://bevstifflersmith.wordpress.com/2022/04/24/canine-kindness/

Canine Kindness “What the world needs now is love, sweet love It’s the only thing that there’s just too little of What the world needs now is love, sweet love No not just for some, but for everyone…” This song, wr…

Birthday Girl April 1st has come and gone and this sweet little thing celebrated her 8th birthday. What a big day she had! She started off of course with extra lovin’ from her mama. Then off to daycare to celebrate her special day with her friends. There’s nothing like spending the day with your besties and sharing a cake specially made for you and your puppy pals. ...

https://bevstifflersmith.wordpress.com/2022/04/09/birthday-girl-extraordinaire/

Birthday Girl Extraordinaire Birthday Girl April 1st has come and gone and this sweet little thing celebrated her 8th birthday. What a big day she had! She started off of course with extra lovin’ from her mama. Then off to …

If today’s post has a familiar ring to it, that’s because I posted it back in December when I met with Shana Morrow, my wonderfully talented illustrator, to discuss my thoughts for book number five. Today, March 13th, we met at my house for a little brunch and the sketch reveal for the Little Dog with the BIG Pout. Woohoo!...

https://bevstifflersmith.wordpress.com/2022/03/14/little-dog-big-pout-revisited/

Little Dog Big Pout Revisited If today’s post has a familiar ring to it, that’s because I posted it back in December when I met with Shana Morrow, my wonderfully talented illustrator, to discuss my thoughts for book number five…

This week I began to pull together a variety of paper work in preparation for the filing of my 2021 tax return. I realized I actually had quite a good year as far as book sales go. Realistically, anything certainly had to be better than 2020 with the onset of Covid 19. Venues that normally would provide opportunities for Jellybean and I to share our collection of children’s stories simply did not exist....

https://bevstifflersmith.wordpress.com/2022/01/30/1000-and-counting/

1000 and Counting This week I began to pull together a variety of paper work in preparation for the filing of my 2021 tax return. I realized I actually had quite a good year as far as book sales go.  Realistica…

Look at that face! What are you pouting about now little one? Jellybean is such a complex little pup. As the subject of four children’s books and a member of Keystone Pet Enhanced Therapy Services, she plays the part of adorable, energetic, and loving puppy so well. Why then, for her mama, does she feel the need to use those soulful black eyes to turn on the biggest pity parties you have ever seen?...

https://bevstifflersmith.wordpress.com/2022/01/16/little-dog-big-pout/

Little Dog – Big Pout Look at that face!  What are you pouting about now little one?  Jellybean is such a complex little pup.  As the subject of four children’s books and a member of Keystone Pet Enhanced…

Jellybean must have thought it was tongue out Tuesday., Whether we have a personal connection or you know me through my blog, it should be of no surprise I have an immense photo collection of Jellybean. I have so many pictures my icloud is about ready to explode. I love taking pictures of my photogenic pup. She tilts her head perfectly, shows just enough of her pearly whites to create a canine smile, and those big, black eyes look right into the camera as she poses for her Mama. ...

https://bevstifflersmith.wordpress.com/2021/12/12/a-photo-session-debacle/

A Photo Session Debacle Jellybean must have thought it was tongue out Tuesday., Whether we have a personal connection or you know me through my blog, it should be of no surprise I have an immense photo collection of Jelly…

It’s been a rough week. Not only the hubbub of the holiday weekend, but a run in with a deer (Grandma truly did get run over by a reindeer) and all the hassles that go with insurance and rental agencies, as well as some community obligations have kept this girl busy and a bit frazzled. Finally, on this Sunday evening, I have a chance to sit down and reflect on my blessings, which are many....

https://bevstifflersmith.wordpress.com/2021/11/29/so-very-blessed/

So Very Blessed It’s been a rough week. Not only the hubbub of the holiday weekend, but a run in with a deer (Grandma truly did get run over by a reindeer) and all the hassles that go with insurance and rental age…

This week marks the return of York College girls’ basketball after a long delay due to the pandemic. It was a great excuse for Jellybean to rummage through her closet and pull out her bounty of York College t-shirts. After almost two years without this therapy obligation, Jellybean trotted through the gym lobby, down the hall and made the turn into the gym and across the side lines of the basketball court like she had just done it yesterday....

https://bevstifflersmith.wordpress.com/2021/11/14/shes-back/

She’s Back! This week marks the return of York College girls’ basketball after a long delay due to the pandemic.  It was a great excuse for Jellybean to rummage through her closet and pull out her bounty …

Drum roll please! Halloween 2021 is in the books and Jellybean had a blast dressing as a princess this year. She strutted around in her sparkly pink princess dress making sure the whole neighborhood could appreciate her beauty. After strutting her stuff, she settled down on her blanket which was positioned next to her pink pop-up princess castle. The kiddos sure had fun entering the castle to choose a treat. ...

https://bevstifflersmith.wordpress.com/2021/11/01/halloween-2021-diva-meets-princess/

Halloween 2021: Diva Meets Princess Drum roll please! Halloween 2021 is in the books and Jellybean had a blast dressing as a princess this year. She strutted around in her sparkly pink princess dress making sure the whole neighborh…

The teeny tiny little one I babysit is growing way too fast. She is already able to scoot herself out of her floor lounger. Which means, time to put it away. Or is it? Jellybean would have you believe it would naturally fall in her direction to be added to her already extensive collection of beds. As you can see in the photo, Jellybean is quite comfortable laying claim to this soft, silky, pillow-like lounger. ...

https://bevstifflersmith.wordpress.com/2021/10/02/jellybean-calls-dibs/

Jellybean Calls Dibs The teeny tiny little one I babysit is growing way too fast. She is already able to scoot herself out of her floor lounger. Which means, time to put it away. Or is it? Jellybean would have you …

You may think this a strange forum to send someone a happy birthday wish, but, I find it the absolutely perfect one. Jellybean and I would like to shout out a HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Demi Stephens! What’s that you say? You don’t know Demi Stephens? Allow me to share just a few descriptors: friend, smart, kind, funny, creative, supportive, encouraging, big-hearted, determined, life-long learner, adventurer, leader, and I could just go on....

https://bevstifflersmith.wordpress.com/2021/09/19/happy-birthday-demi/

Happy Birthday Demi! You may think this a strange forum to send someone a happy birthday wish, but, I find it the absolutely perfect one.  Jellybean and I would like to shout out a HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Demi Stephens!…

Have you ever thought you were going crazy? That was the case for me at the end of the day on Friday as I gathered all the accoutrements that go with a full day of babysitting an almost 4-year old boy and his 5-month old little sister. The late afternoon schedule for the sweet little miss consists of a bottle after her afternoon nap and a little play time on her activity mat as we begin to pack up respective back packs, clean up blocks, cars and trucks, and manipulatives that did not find their way to the appropriate bins prior to naptime, and then one last diaper change for the road....

https://bevstifflersmith.wordpress.com/2021/08/29/doggy-diva-to-cat-burglar/

Doggy Diva to Cat Burglar Have you ever thought you were going crazy?  That was the case for me at the end of the day on Friday as I gathered all the accoutrements that go with a full day of babysitting an almost 4-yea…

Hey everyone! Have you heard the news? There’s a new sheriff in town and Jellybean is her name. She’s dressed all in pink and is sassy and sweet. The platform she stands for is that there is no such thing as too many treats. She advocates for all her puppy pals there is always a good reason to give your dog (or at least my dog) a treat....

https://bevstifflersmith.wordpress.com/2021/08/15/theres-a-new-sheriff-in-town/

There’s A New Sheriff in Town Hey everyone!  Have you heard the news?  There’s a new sheriff in town and Jellybean is her name. She’s dressed all in pink and is sassy and sweet.  The platform she stands for is th…

One of my all time favorite Halloween pictures; Jellybean as a ladybug Every year about this time I begin to search online for ideas that inspire me to create Jellybean’s Halloween costume. Here we are, closing out July and I already have my idea. Not only do I have the idea, I already have the costume and all the accoutrements to go along with it....

https://bevstifflersmith.wordpress.com/2021/08/01/halloween-quandry-avoided/

Halloween Quandry Avoided One of my all time favorite Halloween pictures; Jellybean as a ladybug Every year about this time I begin to search online for ideas that inspire me to create Jellybean’s Halloween costume.  H…