Today we’d like to introduce you to Rose Bruno Bailey.
Hi Rose, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hi, My name is Rose Bruno Bailey. I’m a writer/poet/blogger and an author; published online and in print. I also dabble in philanthropy. I’m not rich so I jokingly call myself a dime store philanthropist.
My background was theater and dance. A few years ago, I became friends with someone much younger than myself. Melissa Bender of Melissa Bender Fitness saw something I wrote and suggested I write poetry. We ended up being best friends, and ten years later my first poetry book Camellia in Snow was Published by Janet Scott McDaniel of Finnlady Press.
After poetry I began blogging. This led me to write all types of writing genres. I started pitching magazines, and I’ve been quite successful at it. I met children’s author Kristen Sheppard and publisher Tannya Derby, and those encounters led to my first children’s book published in 2021. Maew’s Home Journey was illustrated by my niece Nerissa Tony when the illustrator the publisher picked backed out.
I’ve been in various publications and newspapers, local and national; and it’s led to many new opportunities, I’m currently writing a television series with a writing partner in London, and I run a group called Letters From Uncle Louie; we send cards to seniors in assisted living homes.
My blog mychangeforaten was all about combining weight loss, fitness, and helping a charity with each ten pounds. I was in a Richard Simmons video and I fell back in love with dance. I’m currently getting certifications so I can inspire and teach others. I’ve done all of this after the age of 45. I believe we can accomplish anything at any age, and I’m just starting my journey. I learned early on to pay attention to the mentors that come into your life and pay that forward. I also learned in the power of collaboration with others. I’m extremely grateful for to all of my mentors.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My husband was laid off twice in this period. I got through the first time waitressing, and I kept my weight and fitness routine going despite the struggles.
The second time he was laid off both my mother and my cat passed away. I jumped in and got us through financially, but with the pandemic I gained some of my weight back. I’m currently working on healing in mind, body, and soul and losing the weight again. Fitness and dance are major passions of mine. My husband James and I are a team, and we support each other. Part of what has made me who I am is due to our wonderful marriage, and the many homes we experienced throughout his television career. Those experiences shaped much of my writing and life.
I never stopped writing or getting published during those difficult times. In fact, my struggles inspired my writing. Things may have been hard but I always bounced back, relying on my optimism. Maew’s Home Journey was published during the pandemic.
Poet Robert Frost once said. “The best way out is always through.” My husband James and I got through, together. He is thriving in his career again and I continue to chase my goals and meet amazing people along the way.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My writing is one of my major passions in life. My first poetry book, Camellia in Snow, is ten years of my life in words. I’ve been called the nature poet. I think what sets me apart is I started writing with zero background in writing. Melissa suggested I write, so I did.
My first Children’s Book Maew’s Home Journey, is a love letter to all of the cats we rescued and our journey. It’s about a Siamese cat looking for a house, but he believes a house is things. A fancy collar, a fluffy bed by the fireplace. He goes on a journey and learns he wasn’t looking for a house, but a home. Home is love. I recently did several book events at Buy the Book in The Woodlands. One of my book events was a charity event for Clipped Ear Cat Sanctuary. I feel my writing gives me another opportunity to give back. I love to help both animals and people.
I’ve written vegan articles for VegNews Magazine and the Houston Chronicle. I wrote a vegetarian article for Texas Highways Magazine. I’m a vegan, and a healthy lifestyle is part of who I am. Some of my articles are memoir pieces from my life. When I write and create I feel alive. I’m always working on something and my next Children’s Book Maew’s Funtastic Fundraiser will be out in 2024. I’m also pitching my next poetry book. I’m excited for the process of writing a television series and teaching dance fitness. One of my future goals is to get involved in public speaking events. I was invited to speak to high school students in January so I’m jumping in. My husband James always says, “don’t think, just do.”
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
There is no age, only attitude. We are all here experiencing life, and we are given the same amount of hours in a day. We have choices to make. Choices on how we spend our time, choices in our nutrition and movement, choices of who we would like to be. Choices to be happy. There will be challenges and losses. It’s how we respond to those struggles that will get us to our future goals. My writing partner John Mangan says everything is material. So I muse off of all the material that comes my way. It’s not always easy, but giving up is never an option. There was a time in my early 30’s when I thought I was too old to dance, and I was lost for a moment. I’m so glad I listened to my new best friend and became who I am today. I found my authentic self.
I feel I am here to be of service and give back to others, sharing my talents and the wisdom I’ve learned along the way. I didn’t get to where I am alone, I’ve had many mentors along my journey. I begin always with gratitude, and hope for all that is to come. I will never stop dreaming.
In memory of two of my dearest mentors, Georgia Hubley and Chris Dickerson. Gone too soon but their guidance will always be with me.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mychangeforaten.
com - Instagram: @rosebrunobailey
- Facebook: @rosebrunobailey
- Twitter: @mychangeforaten
- Other: Rose Bruno Bailey https://g.co/kgs/RsrMvL
- Amazon and Barnes and Noble @rosebrunobailey
Image Credits
Rose Bruno Bailey
