"You are free to think thoughts of worry or joy . . . Joy attracts joy." Rhonda Byrne

Something about the coming of the new year is both wistful and hopeful.  After a particularly difficult year, many people cannot wait to turn then page on the new year.  For others, after a year of good fortune and positive happenings, they are reluctant to open the new chapter, fearing that the year to come will not match the previous year. All of that being said, this Life is a crapshoot, with twists and turns and hills and valleys and level flats.  The best we can do is set goals and try to make them happen.

I am setting a personal goal of finding more joy in my life next year.  After a terrible year in which my GRADY GETS GLASSES publisher filed for bankruptcy, stealing all of my money and now standing accused of committing fraud.  Naturally, meetings with lawyers and bankers and Attorneys General have not inspired me with happiness, so it has been a difficult year, to say the least.  I have continued to present and sell the books I bought before this happened, but a small gray cloud has seemed to follow me.

The new edition of GRADY GETS GLASSES will roll out in hardback, size 8x10, in late January or early February!  I am thrilled with the new book, the redesigned layout, the richness of color, thickness of paper, and the glossy finish. The new hardback is far superior to the paperback in every way. Additionally, the coloring book will be 8x10 in a bigger paperback, with saddle stitching at the side.  I am renewed with faith in my publisher, faith in myself, and faith in the GRADY GETS GLASSES message that is helping so many children to acclimate to their glasses.  When I see children clutching their Grady bunny toy friend and they tell me that they are so excited to have a friend who wears glasses, I am filled with joy!  When I speak to a group of student teachers about my STUDENT TEACHING: THE INSIDE SCOOP FROM A MASTER TEACHER book, and they are grateful to have so many basics explained - important concepts that were not mentioned during college classes - I am filled with the joy of doing an important service for others, helping each person to be his or her best. After retiring from teaching, I missed that total joy of helping others, and I am filled with gratitude that my books allow me to continue my work of service in new areas.  Joy is a wonderful feeling, and I will continue to seek more and more joy through my work and personal life. 

Dear Readers, my wish for you is a year of purpose which brings you JOY.  Happy New Year!  Dede

As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions. 

Rittman Publishing, LLC ®

Please invite Grady Gets Glasses (and me) into your school.  if you are not in the Pittsburgh area, we do virtual field trips with a group called Field Trip Zoom. www.Fieldtripzoom.com  GRADY GETS GLASSES was the winner of Best New Children's Book 2016 from The Authors' Zone. For more information about The Authors' Zone, please visit http://www.theauthorszone.com/submissions/  

Visit Dede's webpage for complete details on her award-winning book, STUDENT TEACHING: THE INSIDE SCOOP FROM A MASTER TEACHER. Many colleges have made the book required reading. Signed copies are available  www.dederittman.com Dede is also a national speaker on The Three C's for Classroom success: Confidence, communication, and Creativity; Avoiding Teacher burnout; and many other inspirational topics. 

I LOVE writing. And I love writing children's books- my newest passion. Although it will be a ton of work, I am looking forward to selling my books.  Since I was a secondary teacher, I know that I have much to learn about elementary students, and I will have to follow my own advice and be my genuine self.  However, I also know that I am passionate about helping kids who have to wear glasses, and that GRADY GETS GLASSES sends a positive message. I am willing to work hard and do all the things that also made me a successful teacher for 37 years. I remain inspired! 

Elementary teachers in Western Pennsylvania and beyond - I am willing to come into your classroom in person or as a virtual field trip through a group called Field Trip Zoom.  Check them out!  http://www.fieldtripzoom.com/ 

Teacher friends- let me know if you want me to read GRADY GETS GLASSES at your school. I am willing to come in to discuss the creative writing process, why writing is important, and personal fulfillment through writing, along with reading my book.  I would appreciate the exposure, and I would make signed copies available for purchase in your classrooms following the reading.  Please email me at dederittman@gmail.com  The website www.gradygetsglasses.com now has plush Grady bunnies for sale!

Please like Dede's new page Grady Gets Glasses for updates about her children's book. https://www.facebook.com/gradygetsglasses?ref=hl 

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