Paris E. Tompkins's Blog

YAY! I'M A PUBLISHED AUTHOR!!

After 18 years of effort, I am proud to announce that my first children's book, "The First Trip" is online and available. The story is one of Bubba Oodle, the news reporter for the Oodleville News, and his arrival in "The Land Beyond" (our Earth) from his imaginary world of "Oodleville." There is also an introduction of the other "Oodles" and some of their adventures In coming stories, Bubba will be exploring and making friends to share our lives with those in "Oodleville," and sharing the "Ood… Continue

Added by Paris E. Tompkins on November 17, 2009 at 5:20pm — No Comments

WHEN DREAMS COME TRUE: An Author's Happy Ending

Eighteen years ago I started on a journey of which I could clearly see the end, but had no idea of how I would arrive at the destination. Through trials and errors, signing three contracts and having two of them fail, speaking with and showing my idea to hundreds of people, I have finally arrived. I am happy to report that my dream is coming true!! It all began during a conversation with my daughter in which we were discussing the lack of black rag dolls on the market. We fondly talked about our… Continue

Added by Paris E. Tompkins on August 30, 2009 at 5:00pm — No Comments

12 Elements of Living a Great Life

I have been thinking quite a lot about what it takes to live a great life. So in answer to my questions, the Universe decided to give me a few answers. This information recently woke me up one morning, I jotted it down, and I've decided to share it with my friends. My father told me on more than one occasion that I "have education, but needed direction." I have often asked others for "direction" before asking for other advice, so I hope these elements of living a great life will give you some "d… Continue

Added by Paris E. Tompkins on February 22, 2009 at 10:00pm — 5 Comments

Don't throw in the towel just yet!

For the last 16+ years since I have been trying to bring my dolls and books to market, there have been many occasions when I've felt like throwing in the towel, and I often wondered why I hadn't. After having signed three contracts and seen many other people come and go who have become enthused and excited about my project, but have faded away over time, for a while it was a mystery to me why I was still holding on. I have even had people whom I have asked for advice and direction, and some who… Continue

Added by Paris E. Tompkins on November 19, 2008 at 8:46pm — 5 Comments

When Life Gives You Lemons

I guess this is the sequel to my previous blog, "Don't Worry, Be Happy, and Let Nothing Steal Your Joy. Whenever you make an affirmation like this, all kinds of things begin to come to test your resolve and conviction, as it has currently been for me. I am having trouble getting the "Bubba Oodle" dolls inspected that I had made in China. Among the options that the factory has given me is the return of my payment for manufacturing. This is where the lemons come in. It sounds okay, but this choice… Continue

Added by Paris E. Tompkins on September 29, 2008 at 7:00pm — 4 Comments

Don't Worry, Be Happy; and Let Nothing Steal Your Joy!

My friends and I were talking a little while ago, and someone mentioned that old song, "Don't Worry, Be Happy." That song, although it was a little corny, had a very powerful message that we could all stand to be reminded of from time to time. When I was younger, and didn't know better, I could have won a medal for being the world's most worried person. Not only did I worry about my problems, but everyone else's. If someone I met at the bus stop shared their problems with me, their story would c… Continue

Added by Paris E. Tompkins on September 24, 2008 at 8:44pm — 3 Comments

My Greatest Achievement by Paris E. Tompkins

Oftentimes when we ask someone what was their greatest failure, they can answer without hesitation. But when we ask even that same person to tell us their greatest achievement, they may pause and need to reflect. Was it raising children, or starting a business, or getting that degree that he or she worked so hard to receive? Or, perhaps it was overcoming a bad habit or escaping a terrible relationship. Why is it that the good we do in life is more difficult to recall than the bad? Is it that the… Continue

Added by Paris E. Tompkins on August 23, 2008 at 8:30pm — 17 Comments

12 Elements of a Great Life

This information woke me up one recent morning, and I've decided to share it with my friends. My father told me on more than one occasion that I had education, but needed direction. I have often asked others for "direction" before anyother advice, so I hope these elements of a great life will give someone some "direction." 1. Know that there is a power higher than man. This element of knowing has given me hope when times have been extremely troublesome. To know that another human does not have t… Continue