Linda Wallace

Artist’s Statement

Linda Stevenson Wallace is a writer and inspirational conference speaker. As an elementary school teacher, Northern California Writer’s Teacher Consultant, and guest speaker for conferences, Linda has entertained many with her inspiring stories and writes a weekly column called “Second Look” for Southern Siskiyou Newspapers. To love others is her greatest motto! She has endured the devastating effects of multiple sclerosis by learning to love herself and people with whom she comes in contact . Believing her life is enveloped by God’s unconditional love has allowed her to carry on.

She is one of six children raised on a cattle ranch between Cedarville and Eagleville, California, which gave her the material for many of her stories. Growing up in Surprise Valley near the borders of Oregon and Nevada provided lessons in practical living and endurance.

Linda is a mother of two sons. Her husband is also a teacher. He is her inspiration, lover, and dearest friend. Linda and her family reside in Northern California near the majestic Mount Shasta.

Contact Linda Wallace for Speaking Engagements at:

Phone: 530-926-2838
Email: wallace1504@sbcglobal.net
Pure Love Images
1604 N. Old Stage Road
Mt. Shasta, Ca. 96067

Some Topics for Writer’s, Educators, or General Audiences

1. Facing Writer’s Fears
2. The Writing Game: Eye to Publication
3. Life Is a Story: Write Yours
4. Self-Publishing Keys
5. Writing: The Positive – Keep Words Flowing
6. The Power of Words: Create an Heirloom
7. The Writing Game: Any Child Can Write
8. The Art of Story Telling
9. Empowering Educators With Stress Reduction and Laughter
10. Overcoming Obstacles With Pure Love
11. Tea Time: History for Relaxation
12. Tea Time: Examine Your Life

A sample of Linda’s inspirational column:

Happy Within?

Have you ever thought about how happy you are within yourself, your very being? When you get up in the morning, are you happy to greet the day? Do you think, “What possibilities lie ahead? Will God’s hand touch me today? Will I let Him, (maybe through other people) touch me? Can I recognize He’s there? Can I look forward to whatever the day has to offer?
How do I see the people in my life? Am I glad to see the people around me? Do I feel happy the day has
begun? Do I feel happy and sing in the shower? Do I ever think, “Can I compliment three people, helping each to have a better day?”
Well, maybe people might think you are an idiot, if you were like that every day. Life has its ups and downs. No one can be happy all the time, but we do have a choice how we react to things. We can’t live a pipe dream. We can’t blame everyone and everything for robbing us of our happiness. There are people out there that rob themselves of their happiness, by blaming every- one else for their own unhappiness, their own inadequacies.
People in general, are truly insecure creatures. We look for approval. We look for others to make us happy. We think, “This person should call on the phone?” My family isn’t acting like I’m alive. Don’t they know I need them? I want them to react the way, “I want them to react.”
Think of a person who has a dependent personality. That kind of person is insecure and needs always to be needed, or wanted or controlled. It is hard to be secure as a person, within our self and be confident. It is easier to find faults with others, because it gives us an excuse why we don’t reach out to new people, reach to our family more, or try to even help other people, or start new friendships. We can blame the people in front of us for our unhappiness.         Reaching out to others can be scary. Making new friends and plotting new ways takes boldness.
I remember when I got sick with multiple sclerosis, and I couldn’t do the things the way I’d always done them. I couldn’t be perfect. I wanted to hide. I didn’t want people to see me. I drew inward. I cried for a year. It’s a wonder the people that loved me, stayed near me. I became insecure. Luckily, my true nature, with God’s helping hand, lifted me up and said, “You’re still there. You’re still the same person. Find your joy! Happiness is within you.” Be happy and relax.
Happiness is a choice. Every day when we wake up, we have a choice. That choice is to decide if we are going to be happy. Am I secure within myself, can I feel good, even if health problems present them- selves? Can I make the most out of what is before me? Do I want to be happy, or do I want to be right? Now that is the question. Does it really matter? Sometimes we dwell on things that really don’t matter, in the full scheme of things, of life.
Love is a choice. Love is the thing we all depend on to help us be happy. We want that kiss, that tender touch, or smile. “So his dirty clothes are on the floor. So she talks too much. Oh, where did all the money disappear? Everything is his fault! Everything is her fault! She usually doesn’t talk nicely to me. He has dirty language.” What do we want to focus on? Love is a choice!
A “faith walk” can help anyone with anything. Faith keeps me going, believing tomorrow will be better. Faith helps me be happy within myself. I don’t want to complain about anyone. I just want to work on my inner self. Reinhold Niebuhr wrote the Serenity Prayer that helps any of us work on being happy within ourselves. He wrote: “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.”

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From inside the book:

Mothers Make Memories!

Dear Ruby Mae

Mama, I cried for you tonight. I didn’t know why at first, but then I remembered when you would rub my back with lotion. I was so little then. My blond pigtails would touch the floor, when I lay on your lap. Your fingers were always warm. Sometimes, I’d hear your voice singing softly to me floating on the air.
I loved holding your arm and helping you up the stairs. You’ll have your knee replacement operation soon. You walk much slower now. I don’t have to run to catch up with you. I don’t have to do what you tell me to do. But it’s funny, I still do. In fact, sometimes I surprise myself because I hear your words coming out of my mouth. Words I said I’d never use. But it’s funny, they seem right, now!
I think it’s your hair that fascinates me most. It’s so fine and white. It’s hard for me to see you differently. I feel the same. You should be the same, but when you drag your left leg, and I see the bow in your back, I picture two five gallon buckets filled with milk in each hand. I hear you say, “Grab hold. Lindy. Diane, you get the other side. Help me carry this milk to the separator.” In the early morning air, the three of us labor toward the house from the barn. I often remember seeing the steam rise from the buckets and our breath float out into the brisk air.
We laugh as we walk and you tell us stories about when you were a little girl.
One of my favorite stories happened when you were six. You and your sister walked home from school down an old country road. You had walked about two miles and were getting tired. All of a sudden a snake slithered across the road. You screamed at the top of your lungs and Aunt Dena had to carry you the rest of the way home. Aunt Dena was only three years older than you. I could see you jumping on my aunts’ back, crying your head off. Aunt Dena, who was pretty skinny then, carried you another mile home.
Now the buckets are gone. The separator is rust, and your back is round. You smile, when you look at me all grown up. I feel your love warming me all over. Your advice is always heard. I know you think I’m not listening, but I do hear you . . . every once in a while, like a whisper in the wind!

From The back cover:

Love is the key to the world, and a picture is worth a thousand words!
The pictures and stories in this book span generations. The collection will awaken your
memories of people who have loved you! The stories encompass
true life experiences of love, encouragement, and perseverance. Following each
story is a Bible reference that exemplifies the story’s message and brings
God’s wisdom to your very soul.