Inspiration

Our Lives, Your Pages

Experience speaks louder than words

  • Collage of vintage family photos pinned on a bulletin board, featuring black-and-white pictures of children and adults, labeled "Sisters" and "Pig Roast," along with a handwritten note with the name Carlene Szostak and a magnifying glass graphic with birds.

    Carlene shared experiences of growing up

    No worries, no cares, just innocence and joy. Loving these happy-go-lucky moments of childhood.

  • Collage on a bulletin board featuring vintage photos of young girls, labeled 'Sisters,' 'Future Authors,' and 'Girl Power.' Includes a cartoon firefly, a note paper titled 'Charlotte,' and the 'CJ Corki' logo with birds.

    Playing and learning, Charlotte leads the way

    Playing with my sisters all day long. Life was simple and untroubled back in the day.

  • Collage of vintage photos with handwritten labels and illustrations on a corkboard background. Includes images of a girl in various stages of childhood: standing with a toy wood clock, dressed in a Polish costume, during Head Start, sitting with a rosary, with a sister, in kindergarten, as a flower girl, and at first communion. Blue ribbon reads '1st Place' next to 'Madeline Hoge'. Illustrated teddy bear and pushpin elements included.

    The youngest, small but a fierce powerhouse!

    Remember those carefree days of being a kid? Always ready to grab a comfy spot and a good book!

  • A collage of various family photos displayed on a corkboard. Images include children using a water pump, a family at a lake, children exploring bushes, a child and an adult on a pedal boat, and a campfire gathering. A teddy bear drawing and a note with "Love, hugs, blessings, Grandmother" are also featured.

    Marshmallow Bush Alert!

    Grandfather was always looking for ways to teach the grandkids to use their imagination. His marshmallow bush let their minds run wild. It was this bush that was the inspiration for us to start writing children’s books.

  • Collage of children in various Halloween costumes, including a bunny, superhero, witch, pumpkin, astronaut, teddy bear toy, firefighter, and bee. Includes a note signed "Love, Hugo & <Name>, Grandmother’s."

    Don't Fear the Monster

    Halloween is the perfect time for kids to dress up in fun costumes, and have tons of spooky fun but it's important to remember that not everyone is comfortable with all the spooky decorations and costumes.

  • Bulletin board with various family photos of children, a teddy bear drawing, and a pink note.

    The Dinosaur Discovery

    Can you find your Egg-cellent differences?