The Adventures of 'Ittle Bear

07/03/2026

For our author friends who write to make the world a bit kinder, we encourage you to apply for this year’s Ella's Way awards.

Last year we were highly honored to win their gold award for excellence in children’s literature promoting kindness and inclusion.

​ No worries! PDF's are preferred but we will accept just a physical copy of your book. After completing the application, paying the entry fee and printing your receipt, simply mail your book...

06/18/2026

We are so excited to be part of this wonderful donation package!

Thanks to Ella's Way for all their hard work for acceptance and inclusion!

06/11/2026

So honored and proud to be among this amazing group of others helping to build a kinder, more accepting world!❤️

06/11/2026

What time is it?

Where am I?

Changing time zones and continents isn’t easy.

Waking up and not quite knowing where you are.

Staying hydrated (lots of water, caffeine only when needed to drive, and little or no alcohol), sleeping with a mask and white noise, and eating healthily helps me adjust.

What are your tricks for great travel?

Enjoying a typical Swedish breakfast with egg, cucumber, Kalles caviar, and dark rye bread.

06/09/2026

“Con mucho gusto”, or “with great pleasure”, is the way they say “you are welcome” in Colombia.

When I studied the little bit of Spanish that I have, I learned “de nada”, or “no problem”.

It was explained to me several times that in Colombia, things are done with pleasure.

Big Person was working a lot this trip but ‘ittle Bear, as always, managed to have great adventures, meet new friends, try new foods, and experience the wonderful aspects of Colombia!

Maybe she’ll have a new story to share someday, but for now, we are leaving with the thoughts of “con mucho gusto” in our minds and hearts!💛💙❤️🇨🇴

06/09/2026

Departure signs are always fun - so many possibilities!

I always think of Jimmy Buffett’s “Reading departure signs in some big airport reminds me of places I’ve been. Visions of good times that brought so much pleasure make me want to go back again!”

Where have you been you want to go back to?

06/07/2026

Swedish🇸🇪 strawberries🍓
Michigan 🇺🇸 blueberries 🫐
Portuguese 🇵🇹 oranges 🍊
Indiana 🇺🇸 cantaloupe
Brazilian 🇧🇷 papayas
Hawaiian 🇺🇸 pineapples 🍍
Colombian 🇨🇴 dragon fruit

What are some of your favorite fruits around the world?

We just couldn’t appreciate guava though. 🤢 We did at least try, as we did Singaporean durian.

06/07/2026

There is a tired ‘ittle Bear after a full day of adventure while Big Person was working hard.

What do you think she did? What friends did she meet? What new food did she try? What adventures did she have?

06/06/2026

Different snacks are always fun to try!

The plantain chips have become a favorite (the ripe ones on the left are my favorite, but both are good)!

What have been some of your favorite snacks around the world? And what ones just weren’t a hit?

I still can’t do salty licorice. 🤢