A star is born.

My granddaughter, Naima, is the illustrator of my book cover. I can tell you many tales about this six-year-old but will limit the stories for my sanity. It’s tough dealing with my mini-me. She talks a lot and just when you think she makes no sense, it makes sense.

My family was on vacation and Naima comes into my hotel room and states, “Your room stinks!”

I had to explain to her that old people are slowly rotting and the stench is quite common in the elderly. Hey, it’s not easy being a smelly senior citizen! She accepted my explanation and understands the facts of life according to grandpa. I was thinking of blaming the stench on my darling wife but figured I had better not.

Naima plays soccer. Naima plays slo-motion soccer. In fact, her soccer prowess could be called slo-slo-motion soccer. While the other kids run full speed, Naima jogs at her own pace oblivious to the game around her. I like her style. Running around helter-skelter can take the enjoyment out of the soccer game. Amazingly enough, the other players enjoy her. I guess eight and under soccer is not open-heart surgery. The girl goes by the beat of her own drummer. She now has a boyfriend, maybe she will be married by the time she is seven. The marriage is being arranged by her older brother. He figures life without his baby sis would be a lot quieter.

Micah Miles is my nine-year-old grandson. Unlike his sister, Micah aims to please. He generally thinks before he speaks and seems to have a verbal filter. The lad is an avid reader and reads the Harry Potter books and now is working on the Lord Of The Rings. The point is the kid reads.

In fact, at his sister's soccer game a cute little girl approaches Micah and says, “Would you like to play?”

The lad told the girl, “No thanks. I’m reading.”

His father explained to Micah when a girl asks you to play, the correct answer is, “Sure.”

I’m sure Micah will have a change of heart as he gets older. He’d rather play video games 24/7 but his parents have steered him in the correct direction. Micah doesn’t know how to write in cursive but his computer knowledge is vast compared to mine. Hopefully, he can lead me through the confusing world of modern technology. Whoops! I’m wrong he has learned cursive writing, now I have nothing to lord over him. At least when he stays at our house video games are allowed all day and night. Occasionally we do feed him.

Now for your entertainment is a short video of my violin skills or lack of at six weeks. Maestro a one and two and a three! (inside scoop by tapping on Maestro in yellow print links to entire U tube account fyi) Grandkid talk can get boring! Remember peeps always, always be kind.