About My Children’s Books

Rose has a deep love for children, and it shows in her writing styles. Rose personally signs each “morning” book with your child’s name and with her motto “In the morning when you pray … you’ll find your way to a better day” and signs each bedtime book with your child’s name and with her motto “Bedtime prayer routines … bring about sweet and cozy dreams.”  If you want something else written, you can request this with your order. Similar to bookends holding up your favorite books, think of “Our Wake-Up Prayer” and “I Thank God for You” as “The Bookends of Your Day.” These morning and evening traditions with your favorite little one will be instrumental in holding up your days with gratitude and fun and will bring about peaceful evenings with that “feel-good” feeling. Rose’s books are not just for children, but they are for parents as well. It’s a reminder for parents to take a step back in this fast-paced world and to enjoy and love their children in the most treasurable and memorable ways. Rose is convinced it’s the simple things that stay with our kids well into adulthood.

Please note there is a “girl” and a “boy” version to choose from with both books.

Rose has volunteered to be a motivational speaker at the local high school for 8 years and now enjoys motivating little ones. Please reach out if you’d like Rose to visit your grade school (Pre-school through 3rd grade), your Sunday school, your local library, neighborhood gatherings, etc. Rose enjoys reading her books to young ones and teaching them her song, “I Thank God for You.” It’s a catchy tune, and kids pick up on it fast. It’s “music to her ears” to hear young children sing along with her.

10 Things That You Don’t Know About Me

  1. I was just a little tyke when my dad first discovered I had the ability to play music by ear. At that time, I still needed help getting up onto the piano bench … but when I would hear a melody which my mom and dad were playing on the stereo, I began to play along with the music. I distinctly remember my dad saying “How do you know how to play that?” I didn’t have an answer for him at the time, but he quickly realized I could play by ear, and he was amazed. I still have a tiny scar under my nose from falling off the piano bench at a very young age. I look at it as the onset of “paying my dues.”
  2. The first time I had an urge to perform for an audience was when my parents took my sister and I to see Jo Ann Castle at Diamond Jims, a famous supper club which unfortunately is no longer in business. I was only seven years old. Jo Ann Castle was in the middle of her show, and I raised my hand and asked if I could play the piano. My family members were shocked (and a little embarrassed). I was not able to perform, but Jo Ann Castle was nice enough to come talk to me after the show, and we had our picture taken together. What an amazing talent she was!
  3. I began to play the flute in junior high school. I enjoyed playing in the band, but I was among 21 other flute players. I felt the need to stick out more, so I switched over to playing the saxophone the summer before high school. Needing to stick out wasn’t an arrogant decision … It was the right decision, and I instantly fell in love with the sound of the sax. I joined a summer program called “The Twin Cities Institute for Talented Youth.” I loved every minute of playing in the Jazz band! I’m starting to play the flute more often at my gigs, and I love it!
  4. We had a super good basketball team in high school. I have fond memories of playing in the pep band at all games, especially when our team went to State. I’m a huge hockey fan, and our high school hockey team went to State one year. I was so excited to play in the pep band at the tournament, especially since the high school hockey tournament is a huge deal in Minnesota.
  5. I was in my late 20’s when my dad passed away. One of my fondest memories of him was when he called me into his den when I was a sophomore in high school. My dad was a teacher, and I have 6 siblings. We lived comfortably, but we certainly didn’t have a lot of money. When I got to his den, he said “I can tell how serious you are about playing the saxophone. Let’s go buy you one. I couldn’t believe my ears! Up until then we used the school’s saxophone.
  6. I was a junior in high school when I started to date a good-looking guy. We both loved to play ping-pong, so we entered a State tournament. We played doubles and won 2nd place. I won first place in the women’s division. The bad thing: My boyfriend’s dad told my mom his son broke up with me because I beat him in ping-pong. We remained friends, and we’re still really good friends to this day.
  7. When I graduated from high school, I packed my saxophone away. It was time to focus on a career. My high school shorthand teacher suggested I pursue a career as a court reporter since I was at the top of my class in shorthand. I took her advice and attended the Minnesota School of Business and graduated two years later. During this time, I was a part-time cocktail waitress at Mr. B’s which was located on Snelling and University in Saint Paul. I used to sing with the bands over my breaks. One evening at the end of the night, I told the band I used to play saxophone. They asked me to bring it the following week, but I said “No way! … Well … What would I play?” They encouraged me to pick a song, so I said I could maybe play “All of Me.” They were all over it. I practiced that song every night and brought my sax the following weekend. They called me up on stage and said “Rose, what do you want to play?” I said “All of Me,” and the band leader said “Oh, didn’t we tell you? We don’t know that song.” They immediately started to play a different tune and soon after cued me to play a solo. I had no choice but to adlib. From that instant, I knew performing was in my blood. I continued to bring my sax every weekend from there on.
  8. My first band was an all-female band, called “The Eyeliners.” It was a great R&B band. We often warmed up for the ever-popular “Willie and the Bees” band. When I was in my 20’s, I’d bring my sax to Wilebski’s Blues Saloon (now known as “The Blues Saloon”) and I’d sit in with all of the legendary Blues performers from Chicago and other states around the country. It brought me so much joy, and I still hold those memories close to my heart. I have been in several bands throughout the years. What a blessing it has been to meet music lovers from all different backgrounds. I’ve met some of my closest friends through music!
  9. I have had a lot of “almosts” in my life, including a chance to co-host with Regis Philbin, a chance to play with Lady A in Nashville and a few great songwriting opportunities. The word “quit” is not in my vocabulary. I’m a Taurus, and I continue to persevere!
  10. I was a stay-at-home mom for 16 years – Nothing comes close to being a mom! I loved it back when my kids were little! It has been very rewarding to watch each of my three adult kids grow into adulthood. I’m even going to be a first-time grandma this April. I currently work at the Saint Paul City Attorney’s office as a legal secretary. Retirement from my day job is on the horizon. While I’m grateful for all my day jobs, I cannot wait to focus on music, music, music!

Let's create some music ♭♫

“Please contact me if you’re interested in having music at your music venue/establishment, house party, or festival. You will have options to choose from, whether you’re looking for a duo, a trio or a full band. I will make sure your event is a hit!”

Contact Rose