 There was a time when blogging felt like a natural extension of my day. I would sit down, reflect, write a few thoughts, add an illustration, and send it out into the world. It wasn’t about algorithms or optimization or “funnels.” It was simply about sharing something meaningful and hoping it might land in the right hands. Somewhere along the way, I drifted from it. Not because I stopped having things to say — goodness knows I still have plenty of thoughts — but because the world became louder, faster, and more complicated. Social media began to favor speed over substance. Short posts replaced longer reflections. And like many people, I wondered whether thoughtful writing still had a place. I’ve decided that it does. So, I’m back to blogging. Not to chase trends or numbers, but to reconnect — with parents, grandparents, caregivers, and anyone who believes that kindness, creativity, and happiness still matter in the lives of children. Why Blogging Still Feels Right to Me At 85 years old, I’ve learned a few things. One of them is that depth has a way of lasting. A blog allows me to slow down. To explain why I write the books I write. To share what I’ve learned from creating more than 100 children’s books, thousands of illustrated musings, and a lifetime of art centered around joy. A blog doesn’t rush me. It doesn’t demand clever tricks. It simply asks me to be honest. And honesty, I’ve found, travels farther than noise.
Writing for Parents, Not Gatekeepers Over the years, people have often asked whether my books are used in schools, approved by educational boards, or part of formal reading programs. While those paths can be wonderful, I’ve come to realize something important: The most powerful reading moments don’t happen in institutions. They happen at home. They happen on couches, at bedtime, in kitchens, and on grandparents’ laps. Parents and grandparents are the ones who choose the books that shape early memories. They are the ones who read aloud, answer questions, and model curiosity and compassion. That’s who I write for. My stories are not designed to teach children how to pass a test. They are meant to help children feel safe, seen, and hopeful — and to give grown-ups something meaningful to share with them. Why I Write Children’s Books About Happiness People sometimes smile when they hear that many of my books revolve around happiness. As if happiness were a small or simple thing. In my experience, happiness is neither small nor simple. It’s a skill. It’s a practice. And it’s something children learn best when it’s modeled gently, not preached loudly. Stories are how we do that. A story can show cooperation instead of competition. It can celebrate kindness without sermonizing. It can remind children — and adults — that contentment often comes from simplicity, gratitude, and connection. Those ideas have guided my work for decades, from Happy Musings to books like Let’s Everybody Fish and now my newest project, The Very Happy Farmer.  A New Book, and a New Way of Sharing the Journey As I work on The Very Happy Farmer, I’ve begun preparing short videos showing how a book comes to life — from the first lines of text to the early illustrations. I am surprised (and delighted) by how many people enjoy seeing the process. It turns out that watching something grow slowly still resonates. That’s another reason blogging feels like the right companion to these videos. A blog gives me space to reflect on the why behind the work — not just the what. In the coming weeks, I’ll be writing more about:
 What You’ll Find Here Going Forward If you’re new here, welcome. If you’ve been with me for years, thank you for staying. This blog will be a place for:
 A Final Thought
I’ve spent my life believing that light deserves to be shared. That art should lift rather than impress. And that children deserve stories that honor their hearts. Blogging allows me to continue that work in a quiet, thoughtful way. So yes — I’m back to blogging. And I’m very glad you’re here. With gratitude, Sally Huss The Happy Artist https://www.sallyhuss.com
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If you’ve ever felt just a little bit different — maybe your hair sticks out funny, or you’re shorter, taller, louder, or quieter than everyone else — you’re in very good company! In fact, everyone has something slightly askew. And that’s not just a line from my children’s book — it’s a truth that makes life far more colorful, compassionate, and fun.  A World of Differences Imagine if we all looked the same, talked the same, and thought the same. Life would be like a row of identical ice cream cones — neat, but terribly boring! The beauty of humanity (and childhood!) lies in our differences. Some are big, some small, some visible, and others hidden deep inside. In Everyone Has Something Slightly Askew, we meet a cast of delightfully unusual characters — a woman with hair growing from her feet, a man with monkey bars coming out of his ears, a potter with too many arms, and even a pair of Siamese twins who learn to work together thanks to their extra eyes. It’s all whimsical, of course, but beneath the rhyme and humor lies a gentle truth: being different isn’t bad — it’s just different. And often, what seems odd or challenging can turn out to be a blessing in disguise.  What’s Your “Askew”? Every child, every adult, has something that makes them feel “askew.” Maybe it’s a physical trait, a medical condition, a learning challenge, or even a quirky personality trait that others don’t always understand. For many children, those differences can feel like heavy burdens — something to hide or fix. But what if, instead, they were seen as part of what makes each child special? What if the thing that feels like a flaw is actually a spark of originality? In my story, I use humor to show that what might appear “freaky” or odd can have surprising benefits. The woman with hairy feet can dance and dust at the same time! The man with monkey bars for ears can hang upside down without a care. The potter with extra arms makes dinner and dishes in record time! It’s all a reminder that our oddities can become our superpowers if we learn to look at them differently. Real Kids, Real Challenges Of course, not every “difference” is funny or imaginary. Some children face real-life challenges — like diabetes. In Everyone Has Something Slightly Askew, I gently touch on this reality. Kids who rely on insulin pumps or monitors might sometimes feel left out or self-conscious. But these children show incredible courage and discipline every single day. The infusion set, pump, and careful monitoring of blood sugar are all part of their unique rhythm of life — one that allows them to stay healthy, strong, and happy. It’s a lesson in adaptability and gratitude. Just as the whimsical characters in my book find joy in their oddities, children with medical needs can find pride in their resilience. Their strength inspires everyone around them.  Teaching Kids to Celebrate Uniqueness So how do we help children embrace their “askew” parts — and respect the differences they see in others? Here are a few simple ideas:
 The Deliciousness of Differences At the end of the book, I compare human variety to flavors of ice cream — and I mean it! Imagine a world where every cone was vanilla. How dull! It’s the swirl of chocolate fudge, the sprinkles, the caramel ribbons, and the surprising little crunches that make it exciting. Our world works the same way. Every person adds their own flavor — their creativity, kindness, courage, and individuality — to the mix. Together, we create a joyful, delicious variety called humanity. So, whether you have freckles that pop like stardust across your nose, or hair that can’t quite behave, or a talent for something no one else understands — treasure it. These are not mistakes. They are masterpieces in disguise. A Message for Parents, Teachers, and Grandparents As adults, we can help children internalize this idea. When a child points out someone’s difference, that’s a teaching moment. When a child feels embarrassed about their own, that’s a loving moment. Stories like Everyone Has Something Slightly Askew open doors for these heart-to-heart talks. They remind us all that “askew” is not a flaw; it’s just part of being marvelously, miraculously human. And sometimes, the very thing we wish away in ourselves turns out to be the gift that makes the biggest difference in the lives of others.  What’s New with You? If everybody has something slightly askew — and we do — then we can all relax and smile a bit more. Maybe we’ll dance like the lady with hairy feet or laugh at the funny shapes life gives us. We can remember, as the story says: “Enjoy your oddities, your differences, your specialness, Just as you enjoy your sameness.” And that’s the secret to being happy — learning to love ourselves, just as we are, and letting others do the same. f you’d like to share this message of joy, kindness, and self-acceptance with the children in your life, you’ll find Everyone Has Something Slightly Askew — and many other happy, heartfelt picture books — at Sally Huss’s website
 Children love to move, to skip, to twirl, and to dance. Dancing is one of the purest expressions of joy, and sometimes it takes just one free-spirited child to remind everyone of its magic. Meet Allison Rose, a little girl who can’t stop dancing. From the moment she wakes until the stars appear, she’s on her toes — inviting the whole world to join her in the celebration of movement. The Story of Allison Rose Allison Rose dances on her toes, And all she ever wears are dancing clothes. She dances on her bed when she gets up in the morning, Donning her clothes, which are never boring. She dances in the kitchen where she goes to eat. She dances in the living room, waking her cat from its sleep.  She dances in the garden. She dances at school. She even dances underwater in the swimming pool. She dances all day until late at night. Others thought it was an extraordinary sight. Anyone could see that Allison Rose Is a dancer from the bottom of her feet to the tip of her nose.  But why? Why do you dance wherever you go?” A growing crowd wants to know. Then she turns and speaks to the baffled collection, Who are keeping her under their close-eyed inspection. “Dancing keeps me on my toes. That’s all I have to say about that,” says Allison Rose. But then she thinks it would be more fun If she were not the only one. “Why not join me?” she asks. “What kind of dancing would you choose, If you had on dancing shoes?” Hmmm, they think, What a most tantalizing thought. So, she offers a number of suggestions, Hoping that they will make some interesting selections.  “There is toe dancing, sometimes called ballet, And slow dancing in which the dancers sway. There is square dancing, which requires a group to participate, And chair dancing in which your arms must hesitate. In this dance you never leave your seat And are only allowed to move your feet.  Germans like their polkas and schottische, And there are jigs for the Irish and Scottish. There is dancing like Zorba the Greek, And to do the limbo, the Jamaicans must not be weak. The proper English prefer tea dancing, And some at rock concerts swear by free dancing. There are dances for the bride and groom, And waltzes that fill a ballroom.  There are rumbas and sambas and tangos, And even flamboyant fandangos. The South Americans never stop with just a few. They are always coming up with something new. You might like the cha-cha-cha, Or their delightful cucaracha-cha. How about a lovely quadrille, Or a simpler dance in the form of a reel?  In France the ladies do the can-can, But don’t try it unless you think you can can. There are some silly dances like belly dances, Grizzly bear dances, and tarantella dances. And there are even dances for loafers called clogging, And dances for loggers on logs called logging. There is, of course, fox-trotting, bunny hopping, Jitterbugging, and hip hopping.  Then again you might prefer a line dance, Every cowboy considers it a fine chance. Tap dancing was popular long ago. So was the colorful Caribbean calypso. You might not be up to the Polish mazurka dance, And would wish to join in a more peaceful May pole dance.  Keep in mind that there are many dances with dips, And many others requiring flips, And still other dances that wiggle hips. As Allison Rose rattles on, Her suggestions begin to catch on.  The crowd begins to pick up their feet. They discover that dancing is indeed a treat. She calls out, “It doesn’t matter. Choose any style. Each will lead you to a smile.” As they boogie-woogie to their hearts’ delight, They find that even cowgirls love dancing in the moonlight.  Then they all yell, “Thank you, Allison Rose, For unlocking our dancing toes.” Now which dance would you choose, If you had on dancing shoes? The end… but not the end of dancing. “Dancing with the feet is one thing. Dancing with the heart is another.” Why This Story Matters Children naturally respond to rhythm and movement, and dancing builds both body and spirit. This story celebrates:
A Closing Thought Allison Rose reminds us that dancing is more than steps and styles — it is joy in motion. Whether twirling in the kitchen, gliding across a garden, or simply tapping to a tune, dance gives children a way to express themselves freely. Her story is a celebration of imagination, movement, and the happiness that spreads when one child’s delight inspires others to join in. Click here to find this book on Amazon.
Simply click here to visit my Children’s Books page. This book is also available in a multicultural version.  Looking to meet new friends in a new neighborhood, I wandered over to our little community park one day. What I found was a group of middle-aged women having the time of their lives poking and pushing and smashing and slashing a small whiffle ball around. The old tennis court had been transformed into a makeshift pickleball court with hand-painted lines, a sagging net, and cracks where grass grew. Dogs ran through the play, kids whizzed by on bikes and skates, and the snow-capped Rocky Mountains loomed in the distance. I stood on the sidelines watching patiently, trying to figure out the scoring system and the point of the game—other than pure fun. I figured if I hung out long enough, someone would notice my eagerness and invite me in. And they did. When that moment came, I jumped right in, knowing I could probably manage this game. After all, I had once been the top junior tennis player in the country and even a Wimbledon semi-finalist. Surely pickleball couldn’t be too difficult—even at my age, 81. That was the beginning of my love affair with pickleball.  Finding Friends and Building Skills Those four women soon became my closest friends. Together we laughed, stumbled through the rules, and reinterpreted the scoring system every time someone new showed up with advice. Around the same time, I started teaching my unusual form of tennis—“Zennis,” a dance-like, happy way of swinging the racket—at The Garden of the Gods Resort and Club. Before long, I added pickleball to my teaching. The funny thing? I could barely keep score myself! But that didn’t stop me. Teaching kept me one step ahead of my students. It also sparked the idea for my book, DARE TO DINK: Pickleball for Seniors and Anyone Else Who Wants to Have Fun. The Head Rackets Pro was shocked.“You’ve only been playing six months!” he said. I smiled. Nothing was going to stop me. After all, I’d already written and illustrated over 100 children’s books. Why not pickleball? What Pickleball Means to Others While gathering stories for my book, I asked fellow players—most of them seniors—why they loved pickleball. Their answers warmed my heart.
 Lessons Pickleball Has Taught Me Over time, I’ve made some observations about the game:
I see the same excitement in my students. One woman with two hip replacements can no longer ride horses, but pickleball gave her a new passion. Another had never hit a ball before, yet she beams every week as she grows more confident.  A New Kind of Happiness Some of my happiest moments now are in the summers here in Colorado Springs. I sling my pickleball bag over my shoulder, grab my visor and water jug, and head to Monument Valley Park. Walking through the trees toward the courts, I can already hear the laughter, the pop-pop of the ball, and then the greetings begin: “Hi, Sally.” “Good to see you, Sally.” “Want to play in?” It makes my heart sing. Pickleball may look like just a simple game, but for me—and for so many others—it’s a source of joy, friendship, fitness, and lifelong learning. Want to Learn More?If you’re curious about trying pickleball, or if you’re already playing and want to dive deeper into the fun, my book Dare to Dink, click here.
For pickleball gifts and art by Sally Huss, click here.  Eight Golden Rules for How to Play Your Best Tennis As I sit watching the 2025 U.S. Open on television, I am struck by how little has changed in the sport I have loved all my life. Match after match, player after player, the same mental and emotional struggles are on display—fear, nerves, pressure, frustration. I know them well. I suffered from them too. In my youth, I was fortunate to win the U.S. and Wimbledon Junior Championships and even become a Wimbledon semi-finalist in the Women’s Division. On the outside, that may have looked like success. But on the inside, I was anything but happy. I was fearful, nervous, and full of doubt. The pressure of expectations—family, coaches, and later, the world stage—made the game something to survive rather than enjoy. Back then, tennis was played with wooden rackets and without the financial opportunities players have today. But pressure is pressure, whether it comes from a coach’s demands or today’s agents, sponsors, and media scrutiny. That kind of pressure eats away at joy. So, I did something radical. I quit.  Dance, Zen, and the Birth of Happy Tennis Walking away from competitive tennis gave me the gift of perspective. I turned to dance therapy, something that seemed far removed from the structured rigidity of competitive tennis. But in dance, I discovered a freedom of movement and expression that I had never felt on the court. At the same time, I immersed myself in the study of Zen philosophy. The combination of these two practices reshaped my understanding of performance, competition, and joy. I began to realize that the real battle was not against an opponent across the net, but against fear, self-judgment, and ego within myself. When the ego is removed from the game, something beautiful happens: you play freely. You play joyously. You play without the constant shadow of “what if I lose?” And ironically, you play better. This was the foundation of what I came to call Happy Tennis—a way of playing that is stress-free, demand-free, relaxed, effortless, and powerful. Returning to the Court Fifteen years after I walked away from professional competition, I returned to the game with this new approach. The results were astonishing. In a Virginia Slims event, I defeated the world’s fourth-ranked player. Later, I competed in senior events and rose to become one of the top senior players in the world. But the real triumph was not the trophies—it was the freedom and joy I felt each time I stepped onto the court. I also began teaching this method to others. Year after year, I watched students transform as they shifted from fear-based playing to joy-based playing. They discovered that tennis is not about taking—points, games, victories—but about giving: giving your best effort, your fullest attention, your truest self to the ball. That philosophy eventually became the heart of my book, Eight Golden Rules for How to Play Your Best Tennis, a book endorsed by legends Billie Jean King, Mary Carillo, Dick Enberg, and others. The Golden Rules Without giving away the entire book, let me share the essence of what these Golden Rules represent. They are not about technique, topspin, or perfect footwork. They are about the inner game. They show you how to:
The Ball Always Wins One of the most powerful lessons I learned is this: the ball always wins. Whoever is in harmony with the ball—devoted to it fully, without distraction—will come out ahead. The ball knows if you are paying attention. It knows if you are with it for the love of the game or merely using it to chase a point. When you shift your focus away from the score, the audience, the trophy, or the money, and simply give yourself to the ball, the game becomes alive. Every shot, every rally, every moment is an opportunity to play.  Tennis as a Metaphor for Life The beauty of this approach is that it doesn’t stay on the court. Playing tennis with joy and fearlessness naturally spills over into life itself. Life, like tennis, is full of distractions, noise, and pressure. But when you meet each moment with awareness, generosity, and focus, everything shifts. Instead of trying to take, you give. Instead of struggling, you flow. Instead of fearing outcomes, you live fully in the process. This is the deeper gift of Eight Golden Rules for How to Play Your Best Tennis: it is a book about tennis, but it is also a book about life. A Final Thought As you watch today’s champions at the U.S. Open, or as you step onto the court for your weekend match, I encourage you to ask yourself: am I playing to win—or am I playing to play? When you learn to love the ball, love the moment, love the movement, and love the game itself, the rest takes care of itself. Winning becomes secondary. Joy becomes primary. That is Happy Tennis. And that is the way to play your best. This book is available on Amazon through my website. Click here.  You may be wondering what all the fuss is about with this thing called “pickleball.” It has nothing to do with pickles and very little to do with a regular ball. Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in America, and for good reason: it’s easy to learn, fun for all ages, and creates a community of happy, active people.
What is Pickleball?Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. It’s played on a smaller court than tennis, with a net in the middle and a perforated plastic ball (similar to a whiffle ball). The paddles are solid, lightweight, and easy to handle. Because the court is smaller and the game emphasizes control over power, pickleball is accessible to beginners while still challenging for more experienced players. Why Everyone Loves It. The magic of pickleball lies in its simplicity and joy. You don’t need to be a trained athlete to play. In fact, many people who had long since put away their tennis rackets or felt sidelined by more strenuous sports are now rediscovering their athletic spirit through pickleball. Here are just a few reasons people fall in love with it:
As one seasoned player put it, “Pickleball is less about competition and more about connection.” That’s what makes it so unique. Why You Should Try ItIf you’re looking for a new way to have fun, stay active, and meet people, pickleball may be just the ticket. All you need is a paddle, a ball, and a local court. Chances are, you’ll find a welcoming group of players ready to show you the ropes. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never played a sport before — pickleball is for everyone. And if you once loved tennis or another racquet sport, you’ll find pickleball a refreshing, less demanding way to keep that spark alive. Final Thoughts: Pickleball is more than just a game — it’s a movement toward fun, health, and community. It reminds us that laughter, connection, and play are timeless joys. So, if you’ve been curious about pickleball, why not grab a paddle and give it a try? You may just discover your new favorite pastime. 👉 If you’d like to dive deeper into the fun and spirit of pickleball, check out my book Dare to Dink.  As I woke up this morning with the remnants of a mildly disturbing dream lingering in my head, I thought that it would be nice to have a perfect bedtime story to read to myself every night before dropping off to sleep. It would set things right for the mind. Naturally a prayer or two are helpful as is the practice of counting one's blessings. But I thought that a magical bedtime story would be wonderful, one that went deep into oneself and planted the perfect thoughts. Then I wrote it. Here it is: There is a wonderful plan of which you are a part. It is to bring goodness into the world, into your country, into your town, into your home, into your life and heart. You, like all people, are the container of this goodness. You have the ability to spread goodness wherever you go and wherever you are. The plan includes you, but is not about you. It is about goodness, and the more you realize this, the better you feel. The better you feel the more goodness you spread. When you think of yourself, think of goodness. When you think of your work, think of goodness. When you think of the people around you, think of goodness. When you think of the circumstances in your life, think of goodness. This is why you are here - to be good, think good, do good and feel good. Why Goodness and Happiness Belong Together Goodness and happiness are not separate things. When you act with kindness, live with integrity, and look for the good in life, you naturally feel happier. And when you feel happier, you can more easily share goodness with others. It’s a perfect circle. A beautiful one. So tonight, as you close your eyes, remind yourself: Goodness matters for goodness’ sake. A Gentle Reminder This little musing is one of many I’ve written and illustrated over the years. If you enjoy thoughts like this, you might like my books: Both are filled with short, uplifting pieces just like this one — reminders to keep your heart light, your outlook bright, and your life centered on goodness and joy. |
Sally Huss
I'm an author/illustrator of many children's books, over 100. I've also had 26 of my own licensed art galleries across the country and filled them with my art and happy thoughts. Those thoughts became the basis of my King Features syndicated newspaper panel -- Happy Musings. In this blog, you will find themes on health and happiness, tennis and pickleball, love and life -- all to inform you and brighten your day. Archives
February 2026
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