Shirley Whitehouse Akerman was an artist of life, curious about all things; a visual artist, a writer, bridge player, meditator, political junky, business woman, tai chi practitioner, a 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.
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.
