Mom, Thank You for Never Giving Up Your Dreams With Guest Children's Book Author and Illustrator Bonnie Kelso

It was such a joy to speak with my guest, Bonnie Kelso.  A graduate of Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), she's  been working in the arts her whole life and it seems to fit her perfectly.  As an illustrator of kid's books, she loves sharing her adventures in the outdoors from around the world with her readers. Her books are fun, informational and beautiful to look at. Bonnie was given some sound advice about  becoming an author and says "my specialty is making complex information more accessible."  Advice she was given when first starting out was "to write about something that you really care about and  know about.""Nudi Gill: Poison Powerhouse of the Sea" was released in 2023 and she loves teaching kids about Nudibranch-(sea slugs. pronounced noo-dee brink). Coming in 2024 are two more books, "Wonder of the Woods" and  "Quail Trail."Sharon, Bonnie's mom, had her head in a book from a young age. She loved her relationship with the characters and it became her safe and happy place.  Sharon worked hard in high school  wanting to get  a scholarship so she could continue on to college. She became an english teacher and eventually worked her way up from bookkeeper to  Exec Director of a Non Profit.  Sharon worked at "United Community Ministries and Micro Enterprise for twenty plus years.After retirement, Sharon still had more dreams and aspirations to pursue. What she was most moved by was making people laugh. Her daughters stepped in and encouraged her to pursue her stand-up comedy dreams.  They set up a Youtube page, "Sharon Kelso Comedy Diva." https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=sharon+kelso+comedy+divaIt's never too late to fulfill your dreams and Sharon Kelso is a perfect example of all the surprises life hands us, if we're willing to let go of our insecurities and take that risk! Both Bonnie had her mom practice Reiki.KIDS BOOKS:Nudi Gill: Poison Powerhouse of the Sea, Gnome Road Publishing, ©2023In a Cave, Written by Heather Ferranti Kinser, Gnome Road Publishing, ©2023Sea Smiles, Gnome Road Publishing, ©2024Wonder of the Woods, The Little Press, ©2024Quail Trail, Muddy Boots, ©2024 Wonder of the Woods, The Little Press, ©2024Quail Trail, Muddy Boots, ©2024Video- Facts: The Nudibranchhttps://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=580b38a03aa9e71a&q=nudibranch&tbm=vid&source=lnms&prmd=ivsnmbtz&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjfnKSujPqFAxVJm4kEHbMwBcUQ0pQJegQIDBAB&biw=1344&bih=788&dpr=2#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:fa81f280,vid:yE4yDALUVV4,st:0YOUTUBE LINK PASEO VERDE LIBRARY, NEVADA- MURAL ART TIME LAPSE:https://bonniekelso.com/murals-2/SOCIALS:IG: https://www.instagram.com/bonnie.kelso/    X: https://twitter.com/bonniekelsoFB: https://www.facebook.com/bonnie.kelsoBONNIE’S WEBSITE: https://bonniekelso.com/United Community Ministries: https://unitedcommunityministries.org/contact/    "Should Have Listened To My Mother" is an ongoing conversation about mothers/female role models and the roles they play in our lives. Jackie's guests are open and honest and answer the question, are you who you are today because of, or in spite of, your mother and so much more. You'll be amazed at what the responses are.Gina Kunadian wrote this 5 Star review on Apple Podcast:SHLTMM TESTIMONIAL GINA KUNADIAN JUNE 18, 2024“A Heartfelt and Insightful Exploration of Maternal Love”Jackie Tantillo’s “Should Have Listened To My Mother” Podcast is a treasure and it’s clear why it’s a 2023 People’s Choice Podcast Award Nominee. This show delves into the profound impact mother and maternal role models have on our lives through personal stories and reflections.Each episode offers a chance to learn how different individuals have been shaped by their mothers’ actions and words. Jackie skillfully guides these conversations, revealing why guests with similar backgrounds have forged different paths.This podcast is a collection of timeless stories that highlight the powerful role of maternal figures in our society. Whether your mother influenced you positively or you thrived despite challenges, this show resonates deeply.I highly recommend “Should Have Listened To My Mother” Podcast for its insightful, heartfelt and enriching content.Gina Kunadian"Should Have Listened To My Mother" would not be possible without the generosity, sincerity and insight from my guests. In 2018/2019, in getting ready to launch my podcast, so many were willing to give their time and share their personal stories of their relationship with their mother, for better or worse and what they learned from that maternal relationship. Some of my guests include Nationally and Internationally recognized authors, Journalists, Columbia University Professors, Health Practitioners, Scientists, Artists, Attorneys, Baritone Singer, Pulitzer Prize Winning Journalist, Activists, Freighter Sea Captain, Film Production Manager, Professor of Writing Montclair State University, Attorney and family advocate @CUNY Law; NYC First Responder/NYC Firefighter, Child and Adult Special Needs Activist, Property Manager, Chefs, Self Help Advocates, therapists and so many more talented and insightful women and men.Jackie has worked in the broadcasting industry for over four decades. She has interviewed many fascinating people including musicians, celebrities, authors, activists, entrepreneurs, politicians and more.A big thank you goes to Ricky Soto, NYC based Graphic Designer, who created the logo for "Should Have Listened To My Mother".MORE INFORMATION ABOUT SHLTMM PODCAST:Link to website and show notes: https://shltmm.simplecast.com/ and https://www.jackietantillo.com/Or more demos of what's to come at https://soundcloud.com/jackie-tantillo Listen wherever you find podcasts: https://www.facebook.com/ShouldHaveListenedToMyMotherhttps://www.facebook.com/jackietantilloInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/shouldhavelistenedtomymother/https://www.instagram.com/jackietantillo7/LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackie-tantillo/YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@ShouldHaveListenedToMyMother