Ellen Akerman finds inspiration in Mexico, yoga-ing, practicing Spanish, eating mangoes
and dancing wherever music is playing. She feels fortunate to have lived in the world of
children, teaching more than thirty years in Ontario, Canada. During this time, she managed
to squeeze in some writing courses and promised herself “someday I will write.” Her first
book, BUDDY’S STORY, is a fictional memoir inspired by her courageous uncle, Bernard
Akerman. Uncle Buddy is given a voice to tell the story of his life, living during a time
before cerebral palsy was understood. Ellen has come to realize that writers can help to
open hearts by sharing both sorrows and joys.
Shirley Whitehouse Akerman was an artist of life, curious about all things; visual
artist, writer, bridge player, meditator, political junky, business woman, tai chi
practitioner, lover of books and world traveler. Before there was such a thing as
blogging, Shirley filled her journals with her thoughts and feelings about American
politics. She wanted to know about people and their lives, how they lived and what
they thought. She develops a philosophy of how to live and sticks to it, active right
up until her 101st year.