Mt. Pleasant author to sign first children's book - Empty Nest by Curt Swarm

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Mount Pleasant has a famous author and motivational speaker.  Mark your calendar for Friday, December 17th.  Denise McCormick will be conducting two book signings for her first Children's (adult) book, “Never Mind the Monkey Mind.”  The first signing will be from 10:00 am-12:00 noon at Jane Anne Boutique, 520 S. Grand Ave., Mt. Pleasant.  The second will be at Lillian Grace Boutique, 120 S. Main St., Mt. Pleasant, from 1:00 pm-3:00 pm.  Books will be available to purchase at the Boutiques.  Readings are also planned for the Mt. Pleasant Public Library. 

McCormick draws upon her 30 years of experience as an educator, award winning author and motivational speaker to help children (and adults) escape from negative thinking, “chatter,” by repeating positive affirmations.  By voicing positive words, the child (or adult) communicates with the subconscious mind which then, in turn, convinces the child/adult of the truth of these affirmations.

Three major events in McCormick's life helped shape who she is today.  When she was on the golf team in Middle School, a freak golfing accident took the life of one of her close friends.  Young McCormick was left asking herself, “Why did this happen?  Why am I left behind?”

The second event took place after she was married.  She and her husband, John, and their young family found themselves in the stressful position of almost losing the family farm in the farm crisis of the 1980's.  Interest rates were in the double digits, land value and commodity prices were plummeting, farmers were losing their land and taking their own lives.  It was a dark time, when only the strong survived, and McCormick learned the strength of faith, family and stick-to-it-iveness or perseverance. 

The third event happened in the classroom where McCormick was an elementary teacher.  She was standing on a stool, reaching high on a shelf, when she fell, breaking her wrist.  It was the wrist of her right, dominant hand.  There were seven months of surgeries, casts, and rehabilitation.  She was a musician, a piano player.  She wondered and grieved, “Will I ever be able to play the piano again?” which is a short story she wrote and published.  Through the help of a wonderful occupational therapist, Joe Whalen, McCormick regained the full use of her right hand, to once again make the music she so dearly loved. 

“Never Mind the Monkey Mind” is a wonderfully illustrated (by Chloe Helms) children's (adult) book that includes a poem written by McCormick, and set to music by Mt. Pleasant High School Band Director, Jim DePriest.  The book is a step-by-step process for eliminating negative “chatter” in our brain and replacing it with positive affirmations, like, “I am strong,”  “I am powerful,” “I am successful!”  The fixed mindset is replaced by a growth mindset. 

Denise McCormick has a Master's Degree in Education and Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education.  She is a K-12 Reading Specialist with a K-8 Reading Endorsement.  She has taught elementary education for 23 years, and undergraduate and graduate college level education for 10.  An inspirational speaker, facilitating Jack Canfield's Success Principles, she is completing her Train the Trainer Certification.  McCormick's story “From Surviving to Thriving” was published in the book, “Women Who Impact,” that became a #1 International Bestseller.  She can be found on the internet at www.denisemccormick.com and on Facebook.  

The human mind has 12,000 to 60,000 thoughts per day.  80% of them are negative, which is a defense mechanism.  By replacing negative thoughts with positive affirmations, the human mind can be put on a path that knows no bounds.  

Have a good story?  Call or text Curt Swarm in Mt. Pleasant at 319-217-0526, find him on Facebook, email him at curtswarm@yahoo.com, or visit his website at www.empty-nest-words-photos-and-frames.com.

author, Curt Swarm, Empty Nest, Mt. Pleasant, Pen City Current

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