Dear Ann,

I am thinking of you. May your darling Angel Mother watch over you and protect you and everyone in your circle. May she be mighty, happy and beautiful forevermore.

00:01 – 01:53 October 9, 2025 Teresa Jade LeYung, San Francisco, California; added more photos, links and tags 16:55 October 9, 2025

Author Ann Tashi Slater says:

“I’m a writer and speaker exploring how our personal histories and cultural roots shape us and how we find meaning in a world where everything—including we ourselves—changes and ends. My new book, TRAVELING IN BARDO: The Art of Living in an Impermanent World (Sept. 2025, Balance/Hachette), interweaves explorations of impermanence in relation to marriage and friendship, parents and children, and work and creativity with stories of my Tibetan ancestors and Buddhist perspectives on the fleeting nature of existence, offering a new way to navigate change and live life fully.”

TRAVELING IN BARDO is available in hardcover edition, Kindle e-book, and audio book format.

Please support your local booksellers and public libraries.

Ann Tashi Slater’s website: https://www.anntashislater.com/

Ann Tashi Slater's poignant memoir TRAVELING IN BARDO: The Art of Living in an Impermanent World. Ann Tashi Slater in conversation with Sylvia Boorstein - photo by LeYung

Ann Tashi Slater reads the opening lines of her book TRAVELING IN BARDO: The Art of Living in an Impermanent World.

https://youtu.be/kAj-jkRT-8c   56 seconds filmed by LeYung

Ann Tashi Slater in conversation with Sylvia Boorstein at Book Passage in Corte Madera, California

Sylvia Boorstein , Ph.D. and Ann Tashi Slater at Book Passage, Corte Madera, California - photo by LeYung

With a foreword by NYT best-selling author Dani Shapiro and praise from Elizabeth Gilbert, Melissa Febos, Sharon Salzberg, and others, Ann Tashi Slater’s book has been named a Next Big Idea Club “Must-Read” for September 2025. Publishers Weekly calls it a “rich and freewheeling meditation on life, death, and impermanence.”

photo: author Ann Tashi Slater and adoring family members, Book Passage, photo by LeYung

Publishers Weekly calls it a “rich and freewheeling meditation on life, death, and impermanence.”

Ann Tashi Slater autographing her compelling memoir TRAVELING IN BARDO: The Art of Living in an Impermanent World - photo by LeYung

TRAVELING IN BARDO is available in hardcover edition, Kindle e-book,

and audio book format

TRAVELING IN BARDO - book front cover and back cover

Cheers to author Ann Tashi Slater and her poignant memoir TRAVELING IN BARDO: The Art of Living in an Impermanent World

Please write your reviews for Ann’s compelling book

https://www.amazon.com/Traveling-Bardo-Living-Impermanent-World/dp/0306835215

Ann Tashi Slater with new fans - photo by DS at Book Passage, Corte Madera, California

Ann Tashi Slater dedicates her book - TRAVELING IN BARDO: The Art of Living in an Impermanent World - to her husband David

Ann Tashi Slater’s website: https://www.anntashislater.com/

audience at Book Passage cheering for Ann Tashi Slater in conversation with Sylvia Boorstein - photo by LeYung 2025.09.27

I wish everyone vibrant health, peace and happiness always!

Sincerely,

Teresa Jade LeYung

Author / Blogger / Story-Theme Consultant / Photo Historian

https://m.youtube.com/@teresajadeleyung/videos

https://LoveMadeOfHeart.com/blog/  goes to Teresa Jade LeYung’s Blog on Wellness, Story Themes, Archetypes

Love Made Of Heart ®

(cette semaine mille merci, Anna, Chandra, Deborah, Emily, Kate, Kim, Kristiane, Linda, Margaret, Margie, Maria, MaryT, Nan, Neva, Sasa, MaryT, Sabine, Sasa, Sharon, Sue, Theresa, Dr. Amy Grace Lam, Dr. Jae Reed, Dr. Kerry Lilley,  Marie-Christine Cornet, Stephanie Wilger)

Dear Readers

I wish everyone gentleness for self and for all beings.

Thank you, Chiropractor Dr. Kerry Lilley, who says: “When exhaling, release the out breath twice. Release the trauma.”

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

In the book

IMMUNE:  Journey into the Mysterious System That Keeps You Alive

How The Immune System ACTUALLY Works – IMMUNE  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXfEK8G8CUI

Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20356007  says:

“Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. Also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression, it affects how you feel, think and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. You may have trouble doing normal day-to-day activities, and sometimes you may feel as if life isn’t worth living. More than just a bout of the blues, depression isn’t a weakness and you can’t simply “snap out” of it….”

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 

Merriam-Webster dictionary https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/depression says:

– a state of feeling sad: low spirits : melancholy

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Chiropractor Dr. Kerry Lilley says: “When exhaling, release the out breath twice. Release the trauma.”

I thank:

Dr. Kerry Lilley, DC  https://chiropracticbenicia.com/,

Dr. Jae Reed, DC  https://azureskychiro.com/,

Stephanie Wilger, NC https://stephaniewilgernc.net/,

Dr. Amy Grace Lam https://www.vibrationalenergywellness.com/,

Marie-Christine Cornet https://www.mariechristinecornet.com/,

Gilles Marin https://www.chineitsang.com/,

Stephanie Doucette, M.S., L.Ac  https://www.stephaniedoucette.com/

Loduskia “Dusky” Pierce, MFT  http://www.duskyswondersite.com/

and all the healers who have taught me how to listen to my Brain-Body communicate… how to continue fostering the Smart Brain Smart Body.

I thank all my loved ones for inspiring me to follow my passion – writing – which gets me out of depression.

Thank you for reading my blog post: “Health, My Reaction to Incidents, Depression, Immune System, Stress, Chronic Stressors, Chronic Inflammation, Diseases”

I wish everyone wellness. I wish everyone gentleness for self and for all beings.

Teresa_Jade_LeYung_wishes_everyone_peace_and_wellness - photo_by_Nan_and_MEK

Claudine's balcony garden, Paris

Dear Readers

I wish you a good day and night, always.

Thank you, Mr. Roald Dahl, for having written ESIO TROT (  esiotrot is “tortoise” spelled backward)

Thank you, screenwriters Richard Curtis and Paul Mayhew-Archer, for the movie ROALD DAHL’S ESIO TROT

When depression robs my creative energy to write, I look for “happy movies” to lift me which then inspires me to write about the themes in the movie which then leads me to resume working on my own projects.

Yesterday (June 3), the names (“tags”) of these two actors helped me find the movie ROALD DAHL’S ESIO TROT

Judi Dench (as Mrs. Silver) and Dustin Hoffman (as Mr. Hoppy) and James Corden (as Narrator)

Soundtrack includes Louis Armstrong’s singing “A Kiss To Build A Dream On” composed by Bert Kalmar, Harry Ruby and Oscar Hammerstein II.

https://genius.com/Louis-armstrong-a-kiss-to-build-a-dream-on-lyrics

This is a movie I want to watch again and again… it’s like re-living a joyful day.

In the movie… Narrator tells us:

“Mr. Hoppy, the hero of our story, lived in a nice flat in an apartment block in London. There are three things you should know about Mr. Hoppy.  He’s kind, he’s shy, and, most importantly, he’s not that guy in the hat.”

(Mr. Hoppy is the man holding the elevator door for  Mr. Mavrokoukoudopolous the old man with the hat and cane. By the way, since the setting is London. Elevator is called a “lift”)

At the fourth viewing of this movie … I see just how wonderfully the story is crafted.

At  two minutes into the movie – first foreshadowing of Mr. Hoppy’s door which is crucial for the “climax” scene.

He turns on his CD player – Louis Armstrong’s singing “A Kiss To Build A Dream On”

Mr. Hoppy reaches into his satchel and places into his fruit bowl – one apple, one orange, one banana.  He opens his refrigerator, we see one tomato.

Narrator tells us “It’s [This story is] going to be full of passion, surprises… as indeed is our Mr. Hoppy.”

As the volume of the musical instrumental increases, we see Mr. Hoppy affectionately tending to his balcony-garden; his irrigation system drips water onto the colorful plants.

Narrator says:

“The truth is, there were two loves in Mr. Hoppy’s life. One was his flowers. The other was his secret love that he kept all to himself. Like so many secrets, it was the most important thing of all about him. Because Mr. Hoppy was in love… with the girl downstairs.”

(“the girl” is the vibrant Mrs. Silver, a widow,, probably in her seventies. Mrs. Silver’s balcony is on the floor below Mr. Hoppy’s.  We hear her at around four minutes and thirty-three seconds into the movie when she says “Good morning, Mr. Hoppy.”  Then we see her.    Her main love is her tortoise named Alfie.)

By the end of the first five minutes, I am pulled into the story world.

By the end of the first seven minutes, I am completely hooked with these two characters.

At 13:36 when Mr. Hoppy has the courage to say something personal to Mrs. Silver, he can’t see from his balcony that Mrs. Silver (in her wide-brimmed straw hat) has just inserted earbuds and couldn’t possibly hear him.

At 28:57 we see the second foreshadowing with Mr. Hoppy’s door.

At 54:38 we see the third foreshadowing with that door.

LAUGHING LIFTS DEPRESSION

In the scene where Mr. Hoppy is approaching the lift in the lobby with THE gadget, Mrs. Silver (wearing happy colors) is coming out of the lift. She tells him that she’s going to a dance marathon to raise money for charity and that they need sponsors. Mr. Hoppy says he would like to be a sponsor, would donate a pound. When Mrs. Silver reminds him that this is for charity, he says:
“A pound a minute”

(I laughed out loud; laughing shifts energy, lifts depression. So does smiling for one’s self.  For me, laughing is a stronger elixir.)

I learned these British phrases:

“very good news”  -  In the lift (elevator), Mrs. Silver says:  “What a quiet lift. It’s very good news.”

She calls herself “a silly sausage”

“a good old knees-up” means “to dance”

The little boy’s mother says to her son: “I’m doing dinner.”

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

In the children’s book, Mrs. Silver never finds out about Mr. Hoppy’s using deception to win her affections; in the movie, her finding out that he used trickery serves as the climax of the story.

In the children’s book, there is no Mr. Pringle;  in the movie, this character serves as archetypes Herald and Trickster and is the person who creates complications for protagonist Mr. Hoppy.

 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3205394/

Directed by Dearbhla Walsh

Writing Credits:

Richard Curtis and Paul Mayhew-Archer

Based on the novel by Roald Dahl

Stars (in order of appearance in the movie)

• James Corden
• Salo Gardner
• Dustin Hoffman
• Richard Cordery
• Judi Dench

• Awards
  • 1 win & 1 nomination

In the movie, Mrs. Silver tells Mr. Hoppy and Mr. Springer that her favorite book is THE RAILWAY CHILDREN, children’s book written by E. (Edith) Nesbit

Sasa's vibrant garden 2024.05.22 photo by Jade

Thank you for reading my blog post: “Roald Dahl’s story ESIO TROT, Judi Dench, Dustin Hoffman, Balcony Garden, Love, Kindness Themes…Lift Depression”

Wishing you all the happiness that a vibrant garden would bring.

Sincerely,

 Teresa Jade LeYung

My short short movies of Paris 2024
https://m.youtube.com/@teresajadeleyung/videos

Love Made Of Heart ®

Dear Readers,

I wish you total wellness.

Yesterday – after receiving treatment from Stephanie Wilger, NC and two days after receiving treatment from Dr. Jae Reed, DC (treatments that get to the source of illness) -  I refreshed the banner of my blog to read:

“Story Consultant Teresa Jade LeYung’s Blog -  on Wellness, Themes, Archetypes”

I celebrate the Wellness Journey!

I celebrate dear friend / colleague Mary E. Knippel (“MEK”)!

Yesterday, a blog post written by MEK touched me deeply.

In Mary E. Knippel’s blog post of October 9, 2023 “An Unlikely Gift” Mary says: “… That’s how breast cancer is the gift that keeps on giving for me. I’ve learned to seize the day and reach for my dreams.”

https://www.maryeknippel.com/b/an-unlikely-gift

lovely_Mary_E_Knippel_with_her_beautiful_book_photo_by_Teresa_Jade_LeYung

I wish Mary (“MEK”) total wellness and abundant happiness!

Author / Writing Mentor / Speaker / Wise Woman Mary E. Knippel says:

“My clients come to me when they are overwhelmed about where to begin, what to say and how to make sense of the life-changing message they know they are here to deliver. I believe passionately everyone has a soul story of hope that the world needs to hear. I help my clients polish their words until their message sparkles and shines as a beacon of hope for those in search of a solution contained in my clients’ messages.”
https://www.maryeknippel.com/

When is Mary’s next Wise Woman Wisdom Retreat?  https://www.maryeknippel.com/retreat

Mary’s first book - The Secret Artist – Give Yourself Permission to Let Your Creativity Shine

Mary’s newest book – Written in Her Own Words: Wise Woman Wisdom

written by Mary E. Knippel, Dr. Amba Tobin, Clare D’Agostino, Eme McAnam, Ingrid Dick, Laura Ann Garris, Rebekah Lara, Rita Aguilar, Stacy G. Fisher, Tina Palmgren

Wishing dear MEK and You dear Reader total wellness and abundant happiness!

Sincerely,

photo of Teresa by MEK

I (Teresa Jade LeYung) wish everyone, wherever you are -  peace, safety, kindness, light, love, joy.

In the San Francisco Bay area, we have had heavy rain and wild winds.

During illness last week, I listened to the reading of THE LITTLE PRINCE (LE PETIT PRINCE by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry) three times. Thank you, dear Elisa Sasa Southard https://sasasouthard.com/, for having introduced me to this remarkable fable years ago. Took me long enough to enjoy this book!  Now I see why you love this story.

THE LITTLE PRINCE by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry narrated by Kenneth Branagh

At around 1 hour, 19 minutes and 50 seconds into the story …

Fox tells the Little Prince: “Here’s my secret.  It’s quite simple. One sees clearly only with the heart. Anything essential is invisible to the eyes.”

The Little Prince repeated the Fox’s words in order to remember.-”Anything essential is invisible to the eyes.”

Fox says: “It’s the time you spend on your rose that makes your rose so important.”

The Little Prince repeated  in order to remember. “It’s the time I spend on my rose…”

Fox says: “You become responsible forever for what you’ve tamed. You’re responsible for your rose …. “

Thank you, YouTube channel user Read Aloud Books https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvERNl6csog  1:45:45

Thank you, YouTube channel user Christopher Williams  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APG1upS8LDw  1:45:45

About Antoine de Saint-Exupéry https://www.britannica.com/biography/Antoine-de-Saint-Exupery

I wish to include in this blog post names of  other beloved authors of children’s books and books for young readers:

Maria Kawah Leung  https://mariakawah.com/ Mia and Happy Dog are the two main characters in LITTLE HEROES OF BAY STREET: And How They Stay Strong In An Unhappy Home

Frances Kakugawa  https://franceskakugawa.wordpress.com/  Wordsworth is the main character in Frances’s wonderful series.

Edward C. Hartshorn  https://www.amazon.com/Ghosts-Sandy-River-Edward-Hartshorn/dp/1953198007/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=  Scot and Clayton are the two main characters in GHOSTS OF THE BIG SANDY RIVER.

T.E. Watson  https://www.tewatsononline.com/  Paper and Wind are the two main characters in A PLACE TO BE.

Robert D. San Souci  https://www.kqed.org/news/10389946/mourning-childrens-book-author-robert-d-san-souci  and  https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Author-Robert-San-Souci-screenwriter-for-6022631.php

E.B. White (Elwyn Brooks White) https://www.britannica.com/biography/E-B-White

Beatrix Potter   https://beatrixpottersociety.org.uk/

Thank you for reading my blog post “The Little Prince, Little Heroes of Bay Street, Wordsworth the Poet, Scot and Clayton, Paper and Wind – Main Characters in Books”

Teresa Jade LeYung - photo by Nan and MEK

I wish everyone, wherever you are -  peace, safety, kindness, light, love, joy.

Sincerely,

Teresa Jade LeYung

Story Theme Consultant / Photo Historian / Author / Public Library and Public School Advocate

http://www.OurBeautifulBrains.com goes to Teresa’s Blog

Writing Coach Teresa Jade LeYung says: “I love helping writers identify the themes in their manuscripts to hook readers, and, build and fortify their platforms before and after publication. Reach out, not stress out.”

Love Made Of Heart ®

USA Federal government offering 4 COVID home test kits (2 boxes) for winter prep
https://www.covid.gov/tests or https://special.usps.com/testkits

Master teacher and practitioner of Chi Nei Tsang GILLES MARIN’s blog post: “Detoxifying from Vaccines with Herbs, Fruits and Vegetables”

https://www.chineitsang.com/post/detoxifying-from-vaccines-with-herbs-fruits-and-vegetables

Teresa Jade LeYung says:

“World Traveler / Teacher / Researcher / Writer / Photographer SASA SOUTHARD’s referencing Villefranche-sur-Mer leads to Jean Cocteau, La Belle et la Bête, films, movies, and Almost Ginger blog”

Wishes of vibrant health to everyone!

Thank you, Sasa Southard!  YOU inspire turning curiosity into fun research!

https://sasasouthard.com/

Recently while looking at links and photos provided by Sasa … I learned that Villefranche-sur-Mer is a harbour town and Mediterranean resort, in the Alpes-Maritimes département, Provence–Alpes–Côte d’Azur région, southeastern FRANCE.

https://www.britannica.com/place/Villefranche-sur-Mer says: “Villefranche, a picturesque old town, was founded early in the 14th century. Its ancient Saint-Pierre chapel was entirely decorated by the French 20th-century writer and artist Jean Cocteau.”

… which led to finding the 4-part presentation COCTEAU ET LA CHAPELLE DE VILLEFRANCHE : L’EGLISE ET LE POETE – in French language

Here’s Part 1 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9s2HLSMVPwU

Thank you, YouTube Channel User Chrétiens à Monaco!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Then YouTube cued up “Jean Cocteau speaks to the year 2000″  subtitled – 1962 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-x-wNiN4Hk

In 1962 Monsieur Cocteau was addressing a future audience! Wow!   Thank you, YouTube Channel User Camille P-LB!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Today, I found on YouTube the film written and directed by Jean Cocteau   ORPHÉE / ORPHEUS (1950) with subtitles / subtítulos / Untertitel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IZIwV7c3os

Thank you, YouTube Channel User John Potter!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Then, while looking up other films written by Monsieur Jean Cocteau https://www.criterion.com/films/610-orpheus, I see that the hauntingly beautiful film La Belle et la Bête was also written by Monsieur Cocteau

https://www.criterion.com/films/177-beauty-and-the-beast  says:

“Jean Cocteau’s sublime adaptation of Mme. Leprince de Beaumont’s fairy-tale masterpiece—in which the pure love of a beautiful girl melts the heart of a feral but gentle beast—is a landmark of motion picture fantasy, with unforgettably romantic performances by Jean Marais and Josette Day. The spectacular visions of enchantment, desire, and death in Beauty and the Beast (La Belle et la Bête) have become timeless icons of cinematic wonder.”

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Then as Sasa Southard would say …  I circled back to “Côte d’Azur région, southeastern France”  and found “Almost Ginger” blog!

TO CATCH A THIEF  filming locations in the South of France https://almostginger.com/to-catch-a-thief-film-locations-cannes/

Almost Ginger is an award-nominated cinema and travel blog aimed at showing film and TV lovers how their silver screen escapes can be a reality by documenting my own travels to filming locations and film festivals around the world.

https://almostginger.com/  says: “Almost Ginger is run by me, Rebecca Sharp. I’m a twenty-something avid cinephile and traveller, as well as a minimalist, optimist, Hufflepuff and proud ginger. Well, almost ginger. Originally from the Lake District in the UK, I split my time between there and everywhere else! I’m a full-time blogger and freelance content creator so as long as I have my laptop, I can work anywhere.”

 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Thank you!  World Traveler / Teacher / Researcher / Writer / Photographer Sasa Southard!

I celebrate YOU!

Did you know that Elisa “Sasa” Southard is the Queen of Talking Taglines and the author of classic “marketing / build your career by being YOU” book?

Elisa "Sasa" Southard--photo by Writers' Fanbase-Building Coach Teresa Jade LeYung

Ms. Southard’s book Break Through the Noise: 9 Tools to Propel Your Marketing Message contains entertaining and logical roadmaps for anyone who has anything or any service to sell. The beauty of Ms. Southard’s coaching is that, instead of giving us cookie-cutter methods, she guides us to focus on our uniqueness and to build from there. Anyone can be successful with Ms. Southard’s Tips on talking points and taglines

https://www.amazon.com/Break-Through-Noise-Elisa-Southard/dp/8130905094/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

Elisa Sasa Southard’s book BREAK THROUGH THE NOISE: 9 Tools to Propel Your Marketing Message had inspired me, Teresa Jade LeYung, to write my workbook BUILD YOUR WRITER’S PLATFORM & FANBASE IN 22 DAYS: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0983010005/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1670848622&sr=8-1

Wishing everyone a safe and peaceful December!

Jade - photo by Sasa Southard

Sincerely,

Teresa Jade LeYung

Story Theme Consultant / Photo Historian / Author / Public Library and Public School Advocate

http://www.OurBeautifulBrains.com goes to Teresa’s Blog

Writing Coach Teresa Jade LeYung says: “I love helping writers identify the themes in their manuscripts to hook readers, and, build and fortify their platforms before and after publication. Reach out, not stress out.”

Love Made Of Heart ®

Thank you to my pal Simone for this report:

“The State of COVID & the Triple-demic: A Conversation w/ Your Local Epidemiologist Katelyn Jetelina” https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=vu4rK8dAgnU&utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email  Thank you, Dr. Robert Wachter, chair, UCSF Dept of Medicine

“COVID Raises Risk of Long-Term Brain Injury, Large U.S. Study Finds” by Julie Steenhuysen https://www.usnews.com/news/top-news/articles/2022-09-22/covid-raises-risk-of-long-term-brain-injury-large-u-s-study-finds

Master teacher and practitioner of Chi Nei Tsang GILLES MARIN’s blog post: “Detoxifying from Vaccines with Herbs, Fruits and Vegetables”

https://www.chineitsang.com/post/detoxifying-from-vaccines-with-herbs-fruits-and-vegetables

2022 October 1, California;  October 3, 22:22

I, Teresa Jade LeYung (formerly Teresa LeYung Ryan), celebrate the 20th anniversary of my mother-daughter novel LOVE MADE OF HEART.

This is just the first of a series of Thank You as I continue celebrating LOVE MADE OF HEART and the kindhearted souls (teachers, librarians, booksellers, media folks, community leaders, friends and colleagues, mentors, readers and more readers) who have helped me speak up about:

– honoring courageous immigrants 

– inspiring adult children of mentally ill parents to speak openly about the stigmas

– helping survivors of family violence find their own voices

– speaking from the heart

What does “love made of heart” mean?

In the Chinese written language … the word “heart” is inside the words “grace,” “forgiveness,” “perseverance,” “compassion.”

The word “heart” is inside the word “love”…   one of the themes in my mother-daughter novel.

I shall dedicate the entire month of October to thank everyone who has helped me delivered my first novel into the world and all the readers. Many people have helped me but have never broadcast their kindness; I don’t know who they are; I thank everyone from my heart.

then Teresa LeYung Ryan, co-presenter with Elisa Sasa Southard and Kathi Kamen Goldmark at San Francisco Writers Conference - photo by Cheri Eplin 2004

Love Made of Heart: a Daughter, a Mother, a Journey Through Mental Illness
http://www.lovemadeofheart.com/Love-Made-of-Heart-a-Daughter,-a-Mother,-a-Journey-Through-Mental-Illness.html

I begin my thanks to:

My mother and all family members, and, the characters (Ruby Lin, Vivien Lin, Mrs. Nussbaum, Dr. Thatcher) who inspired my story.

The teachers who taught the 10-week course “Writing Children’s Literature” where I met critique group members Evelyn Miche, Cat (before she moved to Maine), Theresa Stephenson, Olga Malyj (who joined us for a few months).

To Kim McMillon who believed in me … way back when, long before I started writing. Dr. Kim McMillon, poet, activist, with over twenty years of experience producing theatre, is now an author and Black Arts Movement historian.

Everyone who orchestrated the 1997 Jack London Writers’ Conference, members at the California Writers Club and the Women’s National Book Association.

Everyone at East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) where I had a full-time job at headquarters; to my boss at the time – Robert Doyle – who said “yes” to my request for a 6-week leave-of-absence to complete one last rewrite of my manuscript.

Susan Canale (at EBRPD), Luisa Adams (author), Martha Alderson (author) for reading my last rewrite and giving criticism and praise.

Everyone at Regional Parks Botanic Garden when I got a transfer to a part-time position, especially my boss Steve Edward, Ph.D.

To my then spouse Lyle Ryan for supporting my decision to take a part-time position.

To literary super agent Stacey Glick (now VP at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret LLC) who said that my manuscript LOVE MADE OF HEART was the gem she had rescued from the slush pile.

To acquisition editor/director John Scognamiglio, president Steven Zacharius, publisher Laurie Perkin, art director Louis Malcangi, and everyone at Kensington Publishing Corp. in New York

To artist Linda Christensen for giving me a lovely author-photo.

To my sister (author Maria Kawah Leung) and all my friends who gave me courage to NOT hide behind the book.

To everyone who has “pitched” me to folks at their favorite libraries, book stores, groups, clubs, organizations, radio, TV, online programs … so that I could deliver the messages the themes in my book Love Made of Heart.

Thank you, Maria, for making Love Made of Heart birdhouse wind-chime.

Thank you, Claire Lomax, for handcrafting bookmarks that had my book cover and book spine on them.

Thank you, artist Chandra Garsson, for painting your rendition of the book cover onto my bookcase – one of my most cherished treasures. (attention-grabbing book cover that Louis Malcangi at Kensington Publishing Corp in New York had created)

Thank you, dear California Writers Club fellow-member, for gifting me your gorgeous Chinese robe which I have worn to many book events.

Thank you to all California Writers’ Club members!

Thank you to all Women’s National Book Association members!

Thank you, Elisa Sasa Southard, for teaching me how to create talking-points and talking-taglines, attention-grabbing press releases, memorable bios, and, how to have fun in the crazy world of book promoting!

More thanks to Elisa Sasa Southard, Margie Yee Webb, Luisa Adams, Martha Alderson, Angie Choi, Linda Joy Myers, Mary E. Knippel, Lynn Scott, and all the other talented and kindhearted authors who have co-presented with me since 2000.

Thank you, everyone, for reading and also buying Love Made of Heart for your friends, and, inviting your friends to my events, and for going to my events more than once.

Thank you, everyone, for writing reviews.

Thank you to the teachers / educators, including Professors Victor Turks, Miriam Queen, Patricia Costello, Dan Haytin, Sheryl Fairchild and their delightful students.

Thank you to each reader!

Publisher’s description of LOVE MADE OF HEART

The Chinese word for ‘love’ is made up of many brush strokes. In the center of the word ‘love’ is the word ‘heart.’ Love is made of heart…” Twenty-seven-year-old Ruby Lin has what many women envy: a beautiful apartment in one of San Francisco’s best neighborhoods, a busy social life, and a coveted position as manager of special events for the tony St. Mark Hotel. But it’s Ruby’s personal life that’s become unmanageable ever since the day her mother’s emotional breakdown forced Ruby to hospitalize her, shaming the family. Now, Ruby is caught in the crossroads between two vastly different cultures–one in which she is the American girl, raised on kitschy television shows and black-and-white movies, and one in which she is known only as Daughter, the eldest, fulfiller of responsibilities. In putting together the pieces of her mother’s life, Ruby finds herself exploring the wounds of her own past. Starting with a forbidden locked tin box and the yellowing photograph inside, Ruby embarks on a startling journey of self-discovery that takes her through a family history rife with violence, betrayal and loss that reaches back through generations, from China to America, and finally to the secret pain of a mother’s sacrifice. Like the Chinese calligraphy that adorns her walls, Ruby comes to see that “life is not a straight road, ” but a language drawn with many brush strokes, where every misunderstanding must yield to the simple message of the heart. Filled with warmth and wisdom, this luminous debut novel heralds the arrival of an exciting new voice in fiction as it explores the complex bonds between mothers and daughters, the choices that divide us, and the love that brings us home.

The above is book jacket text written by author Libba Bray for Kensington Publishing Corp. New York for my novel LOVE MADE OF HEART

In my blog posts of October 1, 2013 and November 29, 2013, I said:

“Thank you to authors Frank Baldwin, Carol Schaefer, Lydia Kwa, and Gus Lee for writing lovely advance praise for my book cover. I am so grateful!”

“Special thanks to Martha Alderson, Luisa Adams, Susan Canale, Elisa Sasa Southard, Margie Yee Webb, Kim McMillon, Vicki Weiland !”

“I thank powerhouse Stacey Glick (VP at Dystel & Goderich Literary Management) who found insightful acquisition editor John Scognamiglio (at Kensington Publishing Corp. New York) who guided my mother-daughter novel Love Made of Heart to the Sales Team, good-energy publisher Laurie Perkin, president Steven Zacharius, Debbie Tobias was Sales Director, Lou Malcangi was art director, by the way . . . booksellers do judge a book by its cover, Libba Bray, who is now a New York Times bestselling author of young adult books, for book jacket copy, Jacquie Edwards for copy editing, marketing team, production team, Jessica in Sales, Michelle who was Webmaster,and EVERYONE at Kensington and their associates, especially Nancy Suib & Anne Shulenberger, and Kensington Publishing Corp.’s superstars Lydia Kwa, Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston, Mary B. Morrison, Mary Monroe, Carl Weber . . .

If not for these people, I would not have had the opportunity to experience the publishing industry from the author’s perspective . . .  which then gave me the credentials to talk about “who” really is the most qualified person to build the author’s platform and fanbase.

Author’s Note to Reader on the last page of LOVE MADE OF HEART

Thank you for letting me share Ruby Lin’s story with you.  Many readers have asked me what the characters in the novel have done for me.  My answer is this: I’ve learned that behind every face is a compelling story.

Please remember me as a writer who says YES! to compassion for mental illness and NO! to domestic violence and child abuse.

Who is Mrs. Nussbaum?  She lives in all our hearts.  Just as we have the “child within,” we also have the “wise elder within.”  May you always embrace your compelling story and allow your Mrs. Nussbaum to embrace you.

Sincerely,

Teresa LeYung Ryan (now Teresa Jade LeYung)

Happy 48th anniversary to Kensington Publishing Corp in New York!

https://www.kensingtonbooks.com/pages/about/ says:

“2022 marks Kensington Publishing Corp’s 48th year in business, and it is one of the last remaining independent U.S. publisher of hardcover, trade and mass market paperback books. From the time our very first book (Appointment in Dallas by Hugh McDonald), became a bestseller, Kensington has been known as an astute and determined David-vs.-Goliath publisher of titles in the full spectrum of categories, from fiction and romance to health and nonfiction. In addition to the close to 500 new books, the company releases through its diverse imprints per year, it has a backlist of more than 5,000 titles. Kensington is considered a leader and innovator in such areas of publishing as African-American, cozy mysteries, westerns, and of course, romance.”

Author and Writing Coach Teresa Jade LeYung--photo by author Lynn Scott

Love Made of Heart:

– a 2002 nominee of the Asian American Literary Awards

– recommended by the California School Library Association and the California Reading Association

– used in Women in Psychology, First-Year Composition college course, Advanced Composition English-as-a-Second-Language classes

– read by students at Stanford University, U.C. Berkeley, San Francisco State University, City College of San Francisco, City College of Sacramento, Lowell High School, and many other wonderful institutions

– archived at the San Francisco History Center

– available at public libraries

This is just the first of a series of Thank You as I continue celebrating LOVE MADE OF HEART and the kindhearted souls (teachers, librarians, booksellers, media folks, readers and more readers) who have helped me speak up about:

NO to domestic violence and child abuse!

YES to kindness and compassion with mental illness!

YES to speaking from the heart!

I wish everyone wellness, kindness, happiness!

Sincerely,

Teresa_Jade_LeYung__photo_by_Nan_and_MEK_2019

Teresa Jade LeYung

Story Theme Consultant / Photo Historian / Author / Public Library and Public School Advocate

http://www.OurBeautifulBrains.com goes to Teresa’s Blog

Writing Coach Teresa Jade LeYung says: “I love helping writers identify the themes in their manuscripts to hook readers, and, build and fortify their platforms before and after publication. Reach out, not stress out.”

Love Made Of Heart ®

2022 July 31 California                  

Dear Readers,

I wish you and everyone around you – wellness, kindness, happiness.

I celebrate these two women -

Ms. Maria Kawah Leung and Ms. Goldie Hawn

Maria Kawah Leung is the author of a delightfully illustrated children’s book about a serious subject matter – domestic violence.   https://mariakawah.com/

LITTLE HEROES OF BAY STREET:  And How They Stay Strong In An Unhappy Home

(illustrators:  Maria Kawah Leung, Sandra Elyse Chavez, Maren Sleire Aasgaard)

This book is endorsed by Hannah Yeoh who is a Member of Parliament in Malaysia.

The main characters in LITTLE HEROES OF BAY STREET are Mia (a little girl) and her Happy Dog (who is much much more than a stuffed animal). Happy Dog is Mia’s best friend and confidant.

Maria Kawah Leung - photo by TL

Maria Kawah Leung says:

“I was born in Hong Kong but my family moved to San Francisco when I was almost two years old. I have happily been a teacher of young children for over 25 years and have taught in the USA (California and Massachusetts), China and Malaysia.

“My most rewarding experiences in life were working with children in pediatric wards, studying Chinese in Beijing, China and studying Spanish in Bogota, Colombia.

“I have also traveled to about 30 countries and all the continents except Antarctica. I have always enjoyed writing. Creating this book to help children feel they are not alone has been a life-long goal.

“Empowering children to overcome obstacles is my passion. This is why I wrote the children’s book Little Heroes of Bay Street and How They Stay Strong in an Unhappy Home.”

Ms. Leung adds: “I’m hoping that through my book… that every teacher would get a copy… and school counselors… nurses… so that they can be aware, and, look out for signs, and reach out to these children.”

Maria’s book is available in English, Chinese, Spanish and Bahasa Malaysia

To watch Maria Kawah Leung interviewed by Kim McMillon, PhD    https://youtu.be/p-YMEPfwp2Q   39 minutes

https://mariakawah.com/

Teresa Jade LeYung here …

As I watch Ms. Goldie Hawn’s keynote speech at Teachers College, Columbia University …  I think about Ms. Maria Kawah Leung as teacher, author,  children’s advocate.

Teachers College – Columbia University – Academic Festival Opening Ceremony Keynote Address: Goldie Hawn on Why Mindfulness in School Matters

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rh5-Pwj9T8E  39 minutes

Ms. Hawn’s foundation is MindUP  https://mindup.org/

Sincerely,

Teresa_Jade_LeYung_wishes_everyone_peace_and_wellness__photo_by_Nan_and_MEK

Teresa Jade LeYung

Proud sister of Maria Kawah Leung and proud auntie of Happy Dog

Story Theme Consultant / Photo Historian / Author / Public Library and Public School Advocate

http://www.OurBeautifulBrains.com goes to Teresa’s Blog

Writing Coach Teresa Jade LeYung says: “I love helping writers identify the themes in their manuscripts to hook readers, and, build and fortify their platforms before and after publication. Reach out, not stress out.”

Love Made Of Heart ®

Who inspires me this month?  In addition to dear friends, colleagues, mentors, relatives, neighbors, clients . . .

Artist Chandra Garsson  Photographer Chandra Garsson

Her photographs / arts inspire wellness for the heart.

https://www.facebook.com/butterflybonesandhummingbirdsongs/  and  https://www.facebook.com/chandra.garsson

artist Chandra Garsson with her "Fiddlehead Fern" photo by Teresa Jade LeYung

The members and volunteers at Western Service Workers Association

http://www.wswaba.org/

http://www.wswaba.org/

WSWA is a free and voluntary membership association built by and for our membership of low-income service, domestic, in-home care, part-time and temporary workers since 1975. WSWA is entirely volunteer run, without a dime of government or other “strings attached” funds. WSWA’s self-help 11-point membership benefit program – including emergency food, clothing, preventive medical care, non-emergency dental care, legal advice and “Know Your Law” sessions and more – helps meet immediate needs while we pursue solutions to the cause of low wages, lack of benefits and unsafe working conditions.

Thank you, Wisdom Teacher Marie Elena Gaspari https://www.linkedin.com/in/marieelenagaspari-94798747 , for introducing me to the folks at WSWA!

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Everyone at  California Clubhouse in San Mateo, CA

https://californiaclubhouse.org/

“Our Clubhouse offers hope, encouragement and opportunities to people who live with mental illness.”

https://californiaclubhouse.org/

Thank you, mentor Diane Warner, for introducing me to the folks at California Clubhouse!

Clubhouse International has succeeded in creating something that didn’t exist before a worldwide community that is changing the world of mental health. Through local Clubhouses around the world, we offer people living with mental  illness opportunities for friendships, employment, housing, education, and access to medical and psychiatric services in a single caring and safe environment- so they can recover and fully participate as valued and respected members of society.

Awarded the 2014 Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize for extraordinary contributions toward alleviating human suffering.

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Cynthia Tom, creator of A PLACE OF HER OWN

https://www.aplaceofherown.org/

https://www.aplaceofherown.org/

MISSION
A PLACE OF HER OWN (PLACE) is an art making-based healing organization dedicated to sparking and sustaining the well-being of women. The transformation series of workshops culminate in an art exhibition for women.

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Michael Larsen, author coach

https://larsenauthorcoaching.com/

Michael Larsen Author Coach

Mr. Larsen says: “My experience as an agent and the author of successful books on proposals, agents, and marketing  and co-founder of San Francisco Writers Conference and San Francisco Writing for Change Conference helps me provide you with the customized advice, encouragement, and mentorship you need to succeed.”

Look for Michael Larsen who will be at San Francisco Writers Conference 2020.

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Mary Tang  doing business as  SolutionsBAC

https://www.linkedin.com/in/solutionsbac

Ms. Tang consults for startup companies, privately-held corporations and sole proprietorships – helping them solve typical business problems as well as plan for sustained profitability and future growth. She’s assisted client companies with hiring technical, marketing, finance department staff; advised on headcount and HR-related matters. She also coaches individuals on career development, job search and interviewing techniques, managing workplace issues, life/work choices. She possesses degrees in Business and in Education.

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Mary E. Knippel, founder of Your Writing Mentor

http://yourwritingmentor.com/

Mary E. Knippel 2019 jamienease-com

Ms. Knippel says: “Let’s talk about where you are now…where you want to go…and how I may support you in the process.”

Look for Mary E. Knippel who will be orchestrating Independent Editors at San Francisco Writers Conference 2020.

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Victoria Sweet, M.D. and her book SLOW MEDICINE: The Way to Healing

https://www.victoriasweet.com/

Good medicine takes more than amazing technology; it takes time–time to respond to bodies as well as data, time to arrive at the right diagnosis and the right treatment.

Medicine, Dr. Victoria Sweet makes us see, is a craft and an art as well as a science. It is relational, personal, even spiritual. To do it well requires a hard-won wisdom that no algorithm can replace–that brings together “fast” and “slow” in a truly effective, efficient, sustainable, and humane way of healing.

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Frans de Waal and his book Mama’s Last Hug: Animal Emotions and What They Tell Us about Ourselves

https://www.ted.com/speakers/frans_de_waal

Frans de Waal studies primate social behavior — how they fight and reconcile, share and cooperate.

Dutch/American biologist, ethologist, primatologist Frans de Waal draws parallels between primate and human behavior, from peacemaking and morality to culture.

Thank you, mentor Diane Warner, for gifting me this eye-opening book!

    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Francis Bellamy (1855-1931)

https://www.ushistory.org/documents/pledge.htm

“I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

Story Theme Consultant Teresa Jade LeYung says: “I am inspired by big hearts and humor.”

    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Brilliant and prolific writers, comedians, entertainers, sages:

George Carlin

https://georgecarlin.com

George Carlin on Our Similarities instead of our differences – things that make us the same.

Thank you, CappyNJ, for https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgps85scy1g

George Carlin on little things we share. From his 1992 special Jammin’ in New York.

I learned two words from Mr. Carlin  – entropy; discography. Thank you!

John Cleese

https://www.johncleese.com/

John Cleese on Creativity In Management  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pb5oIIPO62g

Thank you, John Cleese training company  www.videoarts.com !

Wanda Sykes !

https://www.wandasykes.com/

Teresa Jade LeYung 2019 Paris, photo by Mary E. Knippel

 In March 2017, I (Teresa LeYung-Ryan) retired from East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD). My last post with the District was at the Regional Parks Botanic Garden  (aka “a living museum” ) as half-time Senior Office Assistant.  Another title would be “Email Pusher” (in my early career, that was called “paper pusher”). Honestly, so much of my work was communicating online, and creating and distributing documents electronically. Interacting with coworkers (at the Garden and District-wide), assisting visitors and callers, and working with volunteers had brought me joy to last a lifetime. I thank each person who has been kind to me.

Today August 5, 2017 at “the living museum” Volunteers will be recognized for their dedication helping Regional Parks Botanic Garden staff accomplish their annual goals and commitments. The Superstar Volunteers during the last 10 years of my career at the Botanic Garden include Ron Clendenen, Rosemary Clendenen, Sue Rosenthal, John Rusk – these folks had received special recognition from East Bay Regional Park District. I had the privilege of working with these four and many other superstar volunteers.  The beloved volunteers who are now angels watching over the Garden include Jenny Fleming, Es Anderson, Jock Anderson, Pat Eckhardt, Carrie Sprague, Miriam Pollock, Wayne Roderick (as you might know, Wayne was Steve Edwards’s predecessor as Botanic Garden Director). By the way, Steve has happily retired too; his successor is Bart O’Brien.

Volunteers, I celebrate you all!

I advise everyone to get a copy of this book – the book that has helped me help my father and my friends and their friends and families. I am NOT a medical student.; this book is for everyday people. Through the stories in Dr. Doidge’s books, I am able to implement changes and find more resources for my parent and friends.

The Brain’s Way of Healing: Remarkable Discoveries and Recoveries from the Frontiers of Neuroplasticity -  the second book by Norman Doidge, M.D.

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I am Theme Consultant/Platform-Building Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan who teaches my clients (writers and artists) how to reach out, not stress out, before and after publication –

* identify themes in your manuscripts so that you can rewrite with ease;

* identify themes in your intellectual properties and create scripts for your websites/blogs, pitches, query letters, press releases, talking-points, one-minute videos, photo slideshows, and the all-mighty blog posts.

Please visit http://LoveMadeOfHeart.com/blog and http://WritingCoachTeresa.com  for resources.

Coach Teresa’s motto:  “Reach out, not stress out. Help your fans find you BEFORE & AFTER publication”

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