Mrs.D's Store

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

WHY DO I LOVE TO WRITE?


WHY DO I LOVE TO WRITE?
By Mrs. D.


Quietly twirling in the chilling air, the first yellow leaves touch the ground. The playful sunrays, which slip through the wide window each morning, don’t warm up my room today. The half-sleepy sun hides behind the horizon and slowly disappears from the cloudy, dull sky. Reaching for a warm sweater, I look at my restless cat searching for a comfortable spot beside my computer. Looking at the gloomy sky, which promises a long rainy day, I quietly sit by the window, watching the sad autumn knocking on my door.
Another summer has passed, and so have my worries. My first self-published children’s books finally saw the world. I attended a few book signings organized by folks from old-fashioned Smithville Village and introduced my books to many of my little fans. It was an exciting experience and a lot of fun. I met new fans and greeted old friends. I would gladly make this journey over and over again.
Nothing in this world could compare to how I felt when I met my first little fan. She was an exquisite 8-year-old girl who happened to like my book The Trees Have Hearts. Her beautiful smile reminded me of my own daughters, who arrived in this country when they were her age. As nervous as I was, I kept the conversation going. The girl was smart and outgoing, with warm, understanding eyes. Right away, she understood why I had written this book.
Throughout the conversation, I had a tingling feeling in my stomach, the same as I had when the UPS truck stopped in front of my house and dropped off a brown package with my first books inside. After many sleepless nights, working hard on my books, I could finally see them in print. Looking through the book Carlo the Mouse on Vacation, I finally realized what I had achieved. It was something I had dreamed of my entire life: I had written a book! It was a small children’s book, just 44 pages, but at that moment, it really did not matter. I was as proud and excited as if I had written 700 pages. To see my books in print meant more than being a published author. It was a moment of achievement. I had accomplished something I love. I always wanted to write.
As we well know, somewhere deep inside each person hides a talent. One day, this talent refuses to sit inside; it wants to sneak outside. This is the moment! Don’t let it slip away! Hold on to this chance with both hands. I promise that you will never regret it.
Many people have shown the world that they could do extraordinary things. This is great! We need to see astonishing things. But this world is not built only on amazing things; it is also based on small everyday things, done by ordinary people like you and me.
I was in my 50s when I started learning how to write in English. I took a chance. I do not know where this journey will take me, but one thing I know for sure: I would never quit writing. I will go all the way to the end and see where my road will take me. By nature, I am a restless soul who likes new discoveries. I chose a hard road. I am writing my stories in a language I do not feel comfortable with. It would be much easier to write in languages I know and then hire a translator to do the work, but that is not an option for me. I perfectly understand what I would miss.
The English language is the most soulful, deep, beautiful language in the world, the language most of the world chooses for business, songs, poetry, lyrics, and communication. The English language is a world of remarkable words, phrases, and writings. It is the pride of so many famous authors. Yes, it is hard to learn a foreign language when you are much older and do not attend school. Learn it anyway. Learn how to speak, read, and write in the language of Shakespeare. Trust me, it is well worth your effort. Push yourself harder and grab every word you can. When I wrote my first stories in English, I felt like a small child who had written her first word, “mama,” on a piece of paper.
It’s never too late to learn something new. It’s never too late to do something you love. It’s never too late to reach for your star. You don’t have to succeed in everything. Choose one thing you love and do it with a passion. It is okay to fail once in a while. In life, we stumble and we fall. Don’t just lie there. Get up and move forward. Keep walking and never look back.
I love to write. I love this beautiful language. I write because maybe someday, someone in this world may need my experience. I write because I have something to share. I hope that people who are afraid of new things will see that there is nothing impossible if you make up your mind and stick to it. I write for one simple reason. I love how it makes me feel: free.






























































































© All Rights Reserved by Mrs.D.Books.





Thank you for stopping by. I know you’re all busy and it means a lot that you would share your time with Mrs.D.Books.


Monday, October 1, 2012

HOW THE STORY OF CARLO THE MOUSE FELL INTO MY LAP



HOW THE STORY OF CARLO THE MOUSE FELL INTO MY LAP
BY MRS.D.

Authors are often advised to write about what they know best. I usually follow that rule and write about stories that are close to my heart. The story I am about to tell you, however, fell in my lap unexpectedly. To be accurate, it fell into the trunk of our car.
It was a sunny day when my husband and I visited my father in a Florida hospital. Leaving the hospital, my husband pulled his car in front of the entrance and started packing our belongings in the trunk. While I waited, I stood on the sidewalk and, shading my eyes with my palm, looked out at the coast, which was bathed in brilliant light.
The sun was bright and intense, shedding dazzling sunbeams on sparkling water. Caught in the net of the teasing sunrays, the waves lapping on the shore gleamed with unusual colors. Covered with crystal sparkles, a beautiful rainbow arched above the nearby bridge. From afar, it looked as if it were trapped under heavy layers of water. Amazed at the beautiful view, I lifted my eyes to the cloudless sky.
Suddenly, a little mouse slid down the canopy that covered the hospital entrance and fell inside our car trunk. Stunned, I closed my mouth with my hand. My husband looked at me in disbelief. Before we knew it, the unwelcome guest had disappeared between our luggage. Laughing, I could hardly believe my good luck. A story about a hospital mouse was unfolding in front of my eyes.
At first, we tried to scare the little intruder out by making noise and moving the luggage, but the sneaky mouse disappeared without a trace. Upset, Mr. D, who is highly allergic to any hairy creature, opened all the car doors and unpacked the trunk. Watching him, I saw an opportunity for a story.
At that time, I did not know much about the life of mice and had no idea why they would choose a hospital as their home. The concept of a story about a tiny adventurer immediately came to mind. A hospital mouse had decided to go on vacation!
With no other choice, we drove back to New Jersey with the mouse in our trunk. Watching my husband traveling for eighteen hours with a mouse inside our car is another story. Someday I will make a comic book about a shrewd mouse and the annoyed Mr. D.
Though we laughed all the way home, my husband also jumped at the slightest noise. Besides being allergic to animal hair, my husband was also apparently scared of mice. Sneezing nonstop, he finally made it home. As he parked in the garage, he opened the trunk and left our car and its hidden occupant to the cat.
I felt bad for the little mouse, whom I had already named Carlo. In my mind, the Florida mouse resembled one of our friends, who was born in the same hospital our little guest came from. He later married a beautiful red-haired wife and has three red-haired daughters. What a beautiful family of mice, I thought. I could not sleep that night. The story about a Florida mouse stuck in my mind.
In the morning, we carefully opened the garage door. Afraid of the mouse, my husband armed himself with a broom, but I stopped him from entering the garage. I wanted to see our little guest alive. I quietly walked to the garage door and looked inside through the narrow window.
To my surprise, Carlo was sitting on the edge of the car trunk staring at our cat, Nyda, who was lying on top of the car. They appeared to be having a pleasant conversation. I quietly walked away.
Cooking dinner in the kitchen, I glanced outside through the window. The cat was leaving the garage. Shortly afterwards, Mr. D. walked by the window with a broom in his hands. I wanted to stop him and quickly opened the garage door. Carlo the mouse was sitting on the doorstep, as if he were waiting for me to let him into the kitchen.
Scared, I slammed the door and ran to the window. Carlo left the garage in a hurry and ran toward the lake. What happened next was pure imagination. In the next few days, I wrote the story “Carlo the Mouse on Vacation” and let my husband read it. As he did, he laughed and insisted that I publish it.
After I published “Carlo the Mouse on Vacation,” some readers wanted to know what type of life Carlo lived in the hospital before he fell into our trunk. I thought about it for a while, and then decided to go back in time and write another six funny stories about Carlo’s life inside the hospital walls. I then connected them to the existing book, “Carlo the Mouse on Vacation.” In addition, I included an extra story about how Carlo met his favorite cook, “Bam.”
In December, this project will move to the illustration stage in the publishing process. It will take a year to publish the first four books. I am very excited about this project and can’t wait to introduce you to the mischievous Carlo the mouse as a baby and a teen.
The manuscripts are ready, and I am now working on the next few books about Carlo the Mouse in Paris. Many of you who read “Carlo the Mouse on Vacation” remember that the story ended with Carlo trapped inside a pizza box, which was handed to a man in black.

          Here is a sneak peek for you: The next few books will take place on the streets of Paris and will be very intriguing. Spies … betrayal … and a war between international mice… Mr. D. and Carlo will never get along.
 I am dying to tell you more, but this is as much as I am allowed to reveal. I hope you understand.
Please follow Carlo the Mouse on Twitter at @carlothemouse and you will discover more.
Like Carlo the Mouse Facebook page

© All Rights Reserved by Mrs.D.Books.




Carlo the Mouse, Book 1: Too Many Rules for One Little Mouse  is PUBLISHED!

Grab your boots and hold on to your hat, because you are in for an exciting trip! The new series of Carlo the Mouse has been born. Too Many Rules for One Little Mouse is the first in a series of books on Carlo’s adventures. Each book will give readers an entertaining look into the life of a little mouse born inside a hospital’s walls. Clever, curious, and very impatient, Carlo the mouse dreams of the world outside the hospital. His parents teach him how to follow the rules and how to survive on his own, but Carlo’s insatiable desire for adventure constantly gets him in trouble. Will the little adventurer manage to survive when he leaves home? You’ll find out in Mrs. D.’s next books on Carlo the mouse. Let your imagination soar in this full series of Carlo’s adventures!


 Carlo the mouse, Book 2: Now We’re Talking!
Published!


Listen to the news and keep your eyes open, because a curious little mouse has had his wish come true! Now We’re Talking! is the second in a series of books on Carlo’s adventures. This nosy little mouse leaves home for the first time to explore life inside the hospital. But Hospitalia is a strange place, and there’s no place for him to hide. Cold, sterile, and unfriendly, the hospital looks nothing like Carlo had imagined while sitting at home. Before he knows what’s up, the kitchen staff are on his tail. Will the hungry mouse manage to trick the hospital manager, cook, and exterminator without breaking the rules his parents taught him? You’ll find out in Mrs. D.’s next book on Carlo the Mouse, What’s Going On? If this clever mouse outwits you, don’t get discouraged. Keep reading and follow Carlo’s adventures!

Carlo the Mouse, Book 3: What's Going On?
 Published!


Trouble! Where did that ravenous little mouse come from who's disturbing the peace in the hospital? What's Going On? is the third in a series of books on the adventures of Carlo the mouse. Carlo knew he was not supposed to go near the manager's office, but when the kitchen staff were chasing him, he made a choice that started a war. This is only Carlo's first time out, and already everyone is after him. Imagine what could happen when he learns his way around the hospital! He likes to eat, and is growing like a mushroom after the rain. Will this be the end of our curious little mouse, or will Carlo manage to outsmart the clever manager, angry cook, and sneaky exterminator so he can go home safely? You'll find out in Mrs. D.'s next books on Carlo the mouse. Remember, Hospitalia is a strange place .



Carlo the Mouse, Book 4: Rules Are for a Reason
( Coming soon! )


More trouble for the Most Wanted Mouse! The hospital cook, manager, and exterminator have proclaimed war against the mice of the world! Rules Are for a Reason is the fourth in a series of books on Carlo the mouse. Always hungry, the curious little mouse snoops underneath each door, driving the hospital staff crazy. He’s constantly breaking the rules his parents taught him. One morning, Carlo wakes up sick. Horrified, he leaps from his bed and looks in the mirror—and finds he looks like a meatball! Fly disease? Mousesclerosis? Chickenpoxsclerosis? Sounds long! What sickness did the carefree mouse catch while exploring the hospital? Will Carlo turn into a chicken … or a frog … or maybe a prince? You’ll find out in the next book on Carlo’s adventures: Nothing Is Safe in a Mouse’s Life. If you want to know if Carlo will learn to follow the rules Papa Mouse and Mama Mouse taught him, you must read every day and follow your parents’ rules. More exciting adventures of Carlo the Mouse await you!




Carlo the Mouse, Book 5: Nothing is Safe in a Mouse's Life
( Coming soon! )


A whisker-licking story of one kind little mouse! Who would ever suspect that Carlo would meet Fidel the cat inside the hospital? Who would ever believe that the tricky young mouse would outsmart the old cat? Who would ever imagine that for the first time in his life, the daring mouse would venture away from his home and find himself outside the hospital? Homeless, cold, and hungry, Carlo and his family face attacks from vicious birds. Throughout his dangerous journey, Carlo finds adventure aplenty. He learns about life outside the hospital and the dangers that mice face on a daily basis. Determined to return home safely, Carlo has grown up and finally understands why he must obey the rules his parents taught him. Follow the unexpected adventures of this bold little mouse!



Carlo the Mouse, Book 6: It's my life!
( Coming soon! )


Once a mouse falls in love, almost anything can happen! His heart skips a beat! He can't eat, drink, or sleep! He is tossing in bed, losing rest and extra fat! He bleaches his brown hair and becomes a blond mouse! What is going on with Carlo? Papa Mouse is distressed. Is he getting a heart attack? Carlo looks like a bleached punk! Mama Mouse is in shock. Their little mouse has grown up, and he is in love with a cute mouse. He is getting married, dear friends! The young mouse gets his wish. He soon has a pretty wife and a bunch of kids, but he still dreams of seeing the world. Life is short, and a day can hold many adventures. Sliding off a roof, Carlo falls inside an open car trunk . Kick off your boots, hold your hats, and enjoy this book, my little friends. 



Join Carlo the Mouse on Vacation in this delightful original picture book.



Carlo the Mouse on Vacation


A funny story, full of the adventures and troubles of Carlo the mouse, who lives a simple life in a Florida hospital but always dreams of greater things. In this vibrant picture book, a daring mouse takes center stage in an adventure even bigger than his appetite. 


          But where is Carlo these days?

 If you have any suggestions about Carlo’s future adventures, please email olga@mrsdbooks.com.

 For updates, visit www.mrsdbooks.net.
Thank you for visiting my blog!

Sunday, September 2, 2012

BOOK SIGNING! Celebrate the Irish Festival with MRS.D - a local author of children’s picture books.



 BOOK SIGNING at Smithville INN , Smithville Village, N.J.
 

MRS.D. (Olga D'Agostino)
All welcome!!!
Celebrate the Irish Festival with MRS.D.- a local author of children’s picture books: CARLO THE MOUSE ON VACATION and THE TREES HAVE HEARTS.
Olga D'Agostino grew up in Western Ukraine. She finished business college in Lviv, Ukraine and immigrated to the United States in 1992 with her two small daughters. For many years she worked in her own business, The Famous Bagel Gourmet, Smithville, NJ. She has written many children’s stories. They have valuable lessons about the importance of family, friendship, love, self-acceptance, and new discoveries. Her two new books: GOOD MORNING WORLD and THE CITY KITTENS AND THE OLD HOUSE CAT will be available shortly.

Available now for signing(SOFT COVER):



This enchanting story will touch your heart ... The beautiful illustrations will reveal the story of a young girl in a strange place and lost in a strange language. It will take your child into the imaginary world of a little girl who moved to America from a different country. Unable to speak English, the lonely girl could not find friends. She lived in an old house with a small garden, where three blooming trees and the mysterious wind became her first imaginary friends...





A funny story, full of the adventures and troubles of Carlo the mouse, who lives a simple life in a Florida hospital but always dreams of greater things. In this vibrant picture book, a daring mouse takes center stage in an adventure  even bigger than his appetite. Join Carlo the Mouse in this delightful picture book.

For updates on her books pleas check:






Friday, August 24, 2012

Stop and Breathe… Be a Child for a Moment…

The Trees Have Hearts - Mom's Choice Award Winner!



This enchanting story of a young girl in a strange place and lost in a strange language, was written by a woman who lived it, and made of that experience a wonderful tale of beauty, peace and friendship.





After you finish reading this book to your child, stop your busy life for a moment and take time for you and your child. Close your eyes and go to a special place, where everything is simple and pure. Cuddle with your child on the green grass or golden sand… stare at the beautiful blue sky… listen to the splashing waves… spin around in a blooming garden or talk to the whispering wind. Look around you and see what is important in life and to your child.

Stop and breathe… Be a child for a moment… Dive into their imaginary world where you can hide in the shadows of blossoming trees. There was a time when my curly-haired girl taught me how to see her world through her innocent green eyes.

Do not lose this precious time together; our children grow so fast and I believe that these special moments are given to us for a reason. Hug your children every chance you get; reassure them that they are loved. They have their worries and fears, ideas and solutions as we do. Right or wrong, our children need us to understand their imaginary world and to be present in their dreams. Try to listen and hear what they are hearing and see what they are seeing. Love simple things with an open heart and you will receive unconditional love. Teach your children, lead them through their life, but let them run free in their imaginary kingdom.

I had the privilege to see this imaginary world through the eyes of my little daughter and saved those moments in my memories forever. The curly-haired girl is running free in the blooming garden. Now, it is your time, and I will share my story you



 The Trees Have Hearts was based on the story of this little girl.





© All Rights Reserved by Mrs.D.Books.




 
Follow the delightful story of a little girl who discovers the real meaning of friendship in The Trees Have Hearts.
ISBN 13 (SOFT): 978-1-4691-3479-6
ISBN 13 (HARD): 978-1-4691-3480-2
The Trees Have Hearts is available as ebook. To download e-books please go to:

Friday, June 22, 2012

Begin a Big Adventure With Your Little Ones!



























A funny story, full of the adventures and troubles of Carlo the mouse, who lives a simple life in a Florida hospital but always dreams of greater things.















In this vibrant picture book, a daring mouse takes center stage in an adventure even bigger than his appetiteCarlo has never been outside the four walls of his home and he has one unfulfilled wish—a vacation. 



































In a twist of fate, he unexpectedly finds himself embarking on his adventures and misadventures by accidentally landing inside an open car trunk, catching the wrong bus, and boarding an airplane that takes him halfway around the world to Paris.































The shrewd Carlo finds a way to survive the most unusual situations while dodging—or causing—mayhem along the way, touching readers’ hearts and making them laugh.































Each new adventure teaches Carlo something about the world and himself. The book is written in a humorous style and is easy to read.































With funny characters and illustrations bursting with life and fun, “Carlo the Mouse on Vacation” gives parents, grandparents, babysitters, and children an interesting way to spend time together.






























The story allows young readers to discover themselves, and teaches children not to lose themselves in today’s hectic world.


























REVIEWS FROM AMAZON 

Joseph T. Wilkins - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Carlo The Mouse on Vacation (Paperback)
"A delightful bit of whimsy, written with humor, innocence, and a lively sense of the fun of adventure. The grandchildren loved it!"

Joseph T. Wilkins, author










It passed my expectations! Very entertaining! January 4, 2012
Amazon Verified Purchase
This review is from: Carlo The Mouse on Vacation (Paperback)
I bought this book for my nieces and nephews. While reading this book together we had fun and the most quality time we have had in a while. The book was very funny, entertaining and engaging, as well as easy to read. The children easily relate to the main character CARLO, who grabbed their attention from the beginning and held it to the end of the book and had great illustrations bursting with color. As an adult I had as much fun as the children had. The book was also educational teaching children of self acceptance I would recommend this book for children as well as adults to read to their kids. I can't wait until the next book comes out.





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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By PDS910 on July 13, 2013
Format: Paperback
The adorable mouse, laughing from the front page of a brightly illustrated children's book, 
caught my attention as soon as I spotted it on a shelf in one of the old bookstores located in 
Smithville Village. Briefly looking through the book, the amusing illustrations surprised me with 
cute characters and vivid colors, bursting from every page. I must admit that I am not a kid, but I 
still love children's books and if I have an opportunity to find a new children's book, I will read it
 immediately. Curious, I hid in the corner and started reading the first chapter. At first, the story
 took me by surprise. Written in a comic style, the curious mouse took me on an unexpected
 journey from New Jersey to Paris. This book was more than a story about food-loving mouse 
and an unexpected vacation. I quickly realized that on the journey of Florida mouse, a friendly, 
peaceful and carefree character Mrs. D. created, she wanted to show children that life is not
 always glorious. In reality, we all have responsibilities and have to work hard. The book is full 
of whimsical characters and the adventures of the inquisitive mouse made me laugh to the last
 page. This book allows children to travel in their imaginations and builds eagerness to see new
 things. It reminds them that there is a huge world waiting to surprise them with new discoveries
 and adventures. The book promotes individuality and although it is sometimes hard to be
 yourself, it is always the best policy. The story has some tricky twists and unusual scenes,
 but overall it is a great read for all ages. I can proudly say Carlo the Mouse on Vacation joined
 my bookshelf and looking at the happy Carlo, I am reminded that I am perfectly happy with who 
I am. Travel with Carlo the mouse and discover your journey!



CARLO'S ADVENTURES ARE COMING IN YOUR WAY!

Carlo the Mouse: Grab your boots and hold on to your hat, because you're in for an exciting trip! Let your imagination soar in this new full version of Carlo's adventures. This series of 10 books is an entertaining look into the life of this little mouse, who was born inside a hospital's walls. His parents taught him how to survive on his own, but Carlo broke all their rules in exploring the hospital.

Clever, curious, and very impatient, Carlo constantly gets in trouble with the hospital staff, causing chaos in the hospital. Somehow, he manages to survive the exterminator, the head cook, Fidel the cat, and the hospital manager, who becomes his worst nightmare.




As he learns about famous cooks from watching cooking shows on TV, Carlo dreams about the world outside the hospital. But as he takes an unexpected vacation far away from home, he finds out that the world outside the hospital is not what he expected. His insatiable desire for adventure gets him in constant trouble.



ISBN 13 (SOFT): 978-1-4628-4449-4

ISBN 13 (HARD): 978-1-4628-2993-4

Carlo the Mouse on Vacation had been published and is available as ebook on e-devices. To download e-book please go to: CARLO THE MOUSE ON VACATION


I would like to convey my heartfelt thanks for reading this post and visiting my blog.