February 2026 – “New Year, New Direction”

February 2026 - New Year, New Direction!

February 8, 2026

Dear Friends and Family,

I hope you had an enjoyable holiday season with family and friends.

There has been a bit of a pause with my newsletter distribution due to many new happenings, which seem to be common these days… in a good way!

In this issue, you will read about some exciting changes coming in 2026, including a new philanthropic partnership.

Enjoy!

In This Issue:

A Philanthropic Partnership
SEALL Book Club Launch
An Animated Face-Lift
Hobby Corner

1. A Philanthropic Partnership

When I began writing I Don’t Think So!, I always knew I wanted to donate a portion of my proceeds to an organization focused on providing counseling services to individuals and families.

After much consideration, I have chosen Summit Counseling Center, a Metro-Atlanta-based counseling center, focused on providing hope, healing, and lasting change for over 30 years.

My family and I have greatly benefited from their services.

10% of all proceeds from the sale of I Don’t Think So! and future books in the series will be donated to Summit Counseling Center to provide counseling services for children in need.

2. SEALL Book Club

During the holidays, one of my cousins sent me a simple text, asking if I ever considered starting a children’s book club. This got me thinking…

After the holidays, I bounced the idea off a friend, Rena Olsen, who recently released a children’s book that aligns with the purpose of I Don’t Think So! She loved the idea. We decided to partner and create…

My son, Austin’s outstanding, artistic talent and Rena’s awesome creativity were combined to design this cheerful and whimsical logo!

The Social, Emotional Awareness & Life Lessons (SEALL) Children’s Book Club promotes our shared vision of instilling favorable social skills, confidence, and emotional well-being in children through stories of kindness.

Rena Olsen, author of Maxine’s Joy

Maxine teaches young readers that joy can be found even during difficult times. And that joy is best lived when shared with others. Maxine’s Joy is a true story, based on the joy-filled life of Rena’s mom, Maxine.

Kelli Joyner, author of I Don’t Think So!

Young readers will delight in following Mia’s tale of overcoming her shyness and the joys of friendship while embarking on magical adventures as they learn that their greatest gift is being oneself.

Maxine’s Joy is a philanthropic project. All profits donated to Alzheimer’s causes supporting families living through dementia.

10% of all proceeds from I Don’t Think So! will be donated to Summit Counseling Center, supporting children in need of free or subsidized counseling.

Stay tuned for more details about upcoming in-person and virtual SEALL events featuring Maxine’s Joy and I Don’t Think So!

3. An Animated Face-Lift

Most of you are aware that Monica Violet Joy of Monica Violet Joy Productions, who has devised and produced hit series such as Blue’s Clues, SpongeBob and CoComelon, just to name a few, is responsible for the beautiful, custom artwork on my Instagram channel. Monica was also the art director for I Don’t Think So!

Recently, Monica launched the first of many animated shorts featuring characters from I Don’t Think So! that will be posted on my Instagram channel.

See the inaugural animated short here… Follow me on Instagram to see future shorts as they are released!

Custom artwork by Monica Violet Joy Productions.

4. Hobby Corner

In the last newsletter, I featured photos of my exterior fall decorations. This month, even though it’s February, I’m including a couple of Christmas photos, as promised… Enjoy!