writer in residence

Beverly Daniel of Casa Linda was a teacher for 24 years, but she’s always been a writer and a cat person. “Cats have such personality, and each one is different,” she says. Now and then, she would write a poem about one of her cats, and eventually, she realized she had a pretty healthy stack of them. She decided in 2005 to use the poems in a lesson for her theater arts students at George Washington Carver Learning Center. A colleague noticed the students had memorized passages from the lesson and were reciting them in the hallways. So the colleague asked the children to make illustrations for their favorite poems, and they surprised Daniel with them. Last year, after she retired, Daniel compiled those drawings and her poems into her first children’s book, “Too Many Cats in the Bed.” Daniel’s sisterin-law is a mystery novelist who had bad experiences with small publishing houses, and she encouraged Daniel to self publish. Daniel started Cataloony Gazette for “Too Many Cats in the Bed” and her sister in law’s children’s book, “Pete Goes to Brat Camp,” which Daniel illustrated. Earlier this year, she published, “A Rainbow of Kittens,” another book she illustrated. Her next book, which is still in the editing process, was inspired by her niece. It’s titled “Madilyn Millicent Middleton Meow,” and it’s about a little girl who goes through the closet door, and it becomes another universe. Daniel prints her watercolor illustrations on children’s T-shirts and baby onesies for gifts. She recently started selling them, along with her books, online and from booths at local craft fairs and art shows. She’s working to market her books, and as long as she enjoys it, she thinks she will find success.

“I believe in what I have because I’ve seen how children and adults react to it,” she says. “Now it’s just about getting the word out.” Find Beverly Daniel’s books online at cataloonygazette.com.

—Rachel Stone

what gives?

Small ways that you can make a big difference for nonprofits

Go for a run...

...benefitting Lakehill Preparatory School. The school’s 13th annual Trek for Tech starts with a 1-mile run at 8 a.m. A 5k starts at 8:30. There will also be a 40-yard dash, at 7:30 a.m., to celebrate the school’s 40th anniversary. Registration costs $20 in advance or $25 on the day of the race. All proceeds go to technology enhancements for the school. Sign up online at getmeregistered.com/TrekForTech, or call the school, 214.826.2931.

Get your ’80s back … at the third annual Hairballs and Hair Bands Paws in the City benefit, 7–11 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5 at the Shops at Park Lane. The $35 ticket includes entry plus two drink vouchers. Download some Van Halen, pull on the leg warmers and you’re in the mood for the party to profit pets in need. Featured festivities include a concert, costume contest and drinks. Paws in the City is a Dallas organization that provides foster homes, medical care and adoption for animals. The event is for ages 21 and up. Visit hairballsandhairbands.com.

Or run for fun … and to support Dallas Academy, a firstthrough 12th-grade school near White Rock Lake that provides programs for students with special needs while also offering sports and activities enjoyed by students at larger, more traditional schools. Registration begins at 7 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 12 at the school, 950 Tiffany Way. The 1-mile fun run starts at 8 a.m. and the 5k race starts at 8:45 a.m. Prizes for overall and age group winners will be awarded beginning at 9:45 a.m. Register and learn more at dawgrundallas.com.

KNOW OF WAYS that neighbors can spend time, attend an event, or purchase or donate something to benefit a neighborhood nonprofit? Email your suggestion to launch@advocatemag.com.