About
"I hope my stories and videos will not only inspire and encourage you but also empower you to be intentional with your yellow brick road journey ahead."
2019 IndyHumane Mutt Strut
I have always been a fan of the Wizard of Oz, although the Wicked Witch caused me many sleepless nights growing up. Don’t even mention the flying monkeys! “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” fills me with awe as I sing along in wonder of what’s really up there. And then there’s Dorothy’s unexpected encounters on her search to return home to Kansas, forming friendships with other seekers along the way.
Courage, love, and wisdom they desperately desired, not realizing they had it within them all along. Then, of course, there’s the Wizard, the powerfully scary ginormous face that grants wishes only after the completion of ridiculous life-threatening, unnecessary requirements. In the end, he was a fraud, but somehow received a hero’s sendoff. There’s a lot going on over that rainbow!
Like Dorothy, there is a yellow brick road before us – with unknown encounters along the way. Some will last a moment, others a lifetime. And they will change us, hopefully, as Good Witch Glinda says, “For Good.”
Two of my favorite brick-road companions are my incredible mom and dog Toto. One day en route to buy a Christmas tree, Toto arrived unexpectedly in my lap – and life. And my mom (aka Dancing Grammie) … well, at 94 she’s not slowing down. In fact, she not only continues to tap-dance across the porch for our weekly “Porchcasts” but she just published her first book! For more information, check out her website at DancingGrammie.com.
I hope our stories and videos will not only inspire and encourage you but also empower you to be intentional with your yellow brick road journey ahead. I don’t believe in coincidences and see every opportunity and encounter as a chance to learn and grow. You are, in fact, still reading. Coincidence? I think not!
So strap on those ruby slippers or, in my case, cool leopard print sandals (with ruby red toenails, of course) and enjoy this journey with me – and Toto too!
~ Julie Osborne
About Me
Everyone has a tale to tell. For me, stories unfold wherever I go – so sharing them seemed the obvious next step. I am a woman who lives life with zest and excitement and sees each day as an opportunity and adventure. With my children grown, I approach this next chapter as more “open” than “empty,” remembering that with the nest unoccupied, I can leave too. In fact, “vacated” and “vacation” come from the same root word. Remember all that freedom before kids?
My stories will reflect personal experiences as a single parent raising two children from the toddler years into adulthood. There will be tales of amazing strangers I’ve met through the years, along with reflections from launching my kids to ushering in a new life season by proclaiming a “Gap Year for Parents” to travel and reconnect with loved ones.
After growing up in the suburbs of Chicago, traveling the world, and living overseas in Japan, my heart remains at home in Indiana. Dorothy got it right, “There’s no place like home.” And in the end, I believe that no matter where our yellow brick road takes us, the ultimate destination is our home in heaven.
My Personal Mission Statement: “Trust God to lead the way, Teach through my writing and speaking, and Serve with a joyful heart to inspire and empower all who cross my path.”
About Toto
I’m a Miki Chihuahua mix from Indiana, not Kansas, but I somehow ended up in the land of Oz – that is the house of Oz. But my story didn’t start that way. For the first two years of my life, I lived on a cold patio with 15 other dogs and fought daily for food and attention. One day all that changed when a rescue group showed up and took us away. New warm homes awaited us. Soon I would find my forever home in an unexpected place – the lap of Oz. Today, I not only have a loving mom but a wonderful family, a backyard to myself, friends who visit for playdates, cozy beds in every room, toys galore, and delicious meals. Our story is even published in the Chicken Soup for the Soul Miracles book!
Who knows what the future brings, but my journey on the yellow brick road has led me to my forever home, and I couldn’t be happier! To read more about my life with Oz, check out our stories at Oz And Toto.
Resume
A visionary leader seeking freelance writing opportunities. Recognized as a business, ministry, and community leader with passion, creativity, and strong organization /communication skills. Areas of expertise and interest includes creative non-fiction, spirituality/religion, empty nesters, singles, and parenting/family.
Key Qualifications
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Professional Writer of feature stories, news clips, blog posts, Bible studies and devotional materials
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Committed Bible Study Teacher and small group leader
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Strong Communicator skilled at connecting, training, and motivating people
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Experienced Leader holding various project management roles
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Enthusiastic Team Player and contributor
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Visionary with proven organizational skills to create ideas and move through implementation
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Community Organizer who empowers others to action