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 I wrote School Is No Place for a Frog way back in the early 2000s. It was originally titled Teacher’s Pet. I submitted it to publishers and agents, but apparently, the time wasn’t right. At least, that’s what many of them told me. So, I let it simmer on the back burner for years. Then, in March 2013, I had a brilliant idea. Because I write in movies—that is, I see my characters’ antics dancing, or perhaps stumbling, across my brain—I decided to turn my picture-book manuscript into a stage play. I wanted to see my characters cavort across a real stage. I worked on the script for months until I thought it was ready for the world. Then I approached the board of the Nutley Little Theatre in my hometown and asked if I could produce the play on their stage. I proposed that I would direct it, cast it, provide the costumes and props, and run the rehearsals. I was thrilled when they agreed. I cast the very best actors—adult actors who would portray grade-school children, a beyond-her-prime ditzy teacher who proclaimed each day, “Another wonderfully ordinary day!”, a clueless principal, a very frustrated frog mama, and a frog who desperately wanted to be a boy. A frog who wanted more than his bog. Now I’ve resurrected this picture-book manuscript, made significant revisions to reflect the changing publishing landscape, and am ready to send it out into the world again—hopeful that the time is right this time. Below are select photos from the stage play, School Is No Place for a Frog, performed on October 5th, 2012 at the Nutley Little Theatre—to a standing ovation. Notable Actors: Penny Potenz-Winship — teacher Don Sheffrin — frog Marvin Krieger — principal Marie — student Janice Wolf — frog mom Nelson — student ? — female student ? — male student This was definitely not your "typically ordinary" day in any classroom.
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6/28/2025 15 Comments WHO Am I? I asked ChatGPT . When I asked ChatGPT who I was, this is what it said. |
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ALCOHOL INK ARTIST
 |  |  PHOTOGRAPHER |  |  |
STAGE MANAGER
 |  |  JEWELRY DESIGNER |  |  |
ENOUGH ALREADY!
Clip Art compliments of Bing Images
3/22/2025 3 Comments
KIDDLE KORNER Read Alouds by Donna
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I love picture books. Do you?
I love to read them. I love to write them. I love to listen to them.
During Covid I created an online group called KIDDLE KORNER Book Talk. Each week I chose a picture book to read to a group of young children via ZOOM. Because I own more than 4,000 picture books, it was hard to choose. I have so many favorites. Here are some of the titles that I read.
I hope you and your child will love them as much as I do. Leave a comment if you do. AND … I’ll leave more stories here.
HAPPY LISTENING!
I love to read them. I love to write them. I love to listen to them.
During Covid I created an online group called KIDDLE KORNER Book Talk. Each week I chose a picture book to read to a group of young children via ZOOM. Because I own more than 4,000 picture books, it was hard to choose. I have so many favorites. Here are some of the titles that I read.
I hope you and your child will love them as much as I do. Leave a comment if you do. AND … I’ll leave more stories here.
HAPPY LISTENING!
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
by Bill Martin, Jr. & Eric Carle
by Bill Martin, Jr. & Eric Carle
 |  Fix-It Duck by Jez Alborough |
 Carla’s Sandwich by Debbie Herman & Sheila Bailey |  “Not Now,” Said the Cow by Joanne Oppenheim & Chris Demarest |
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 |  The Giant Jelly Bean Jar by Marcia Aboff & Paige Billin-Frye |
Clip Art compliments of Bing.com
Book Covers compliments of Amazon.com
Book Covers compliments of Amazon.com
(Names are changed to protect the infamous.)
I belong to a very talented group of writers who write about many different topics in various genres. Astrid and Bronwyn write lyrical poetry. With few words, their pages sing. Beatrix reads from her novel, a work in progress, based on stories from the Bible. She says that she uses creative license to make the story flow. Arnie's stories are filled with dialogue, which makes you feel like you are eavesdropping on his characters’ conversations. Bentley brings courtroom drama to life while Rowan reenacts the Civil War. There are essays and memoirs and pirate stories for children and so, so much more.
As the goose in Charlotte’s Web said, “It’s a veritable smorgasbord!” And in each meeting, I listen mesmerized and in awe of these gifted writers. When the mic is passed to me and it’s my turn to read, I hope that I will rise to their expectations.
I’ve been with this writing group for more than a year, and I look forward to each meeting. Some of my reading choices were my picture book manuscripts, Busy Lizzy, Frogs Don't Go to School, and Feeling Not Good Enough Feels Yucky (aka, Poor Hannah).
I've read chapters from my teacher book, Make Your Classroom a Play Yard for Learning.
I shared a mini story that I wrote for a contest called 50 Precious Words. REALLY?! Have you ever tried to write a story arc with a beginning, a middle, and an end? Try it! It’s not easy, but it is a fun challenge.
I’ve also read excerpts from my book, Prisoners Without Bars: A Caregiver’s Tale, published by WriteLife Publishing in 2018. “Colorful Roommate” is one of my more … well, colorful chapters.
I was tickled pink when Bentley, one of my writing group friends, read my book, Prisoners Without Bars.
I was on cloud nine when he said to the group that if they had not turned the first page of my book, they should.
I was over the moon when he went on to say that he is an avid reader and that my book, Prisoners, brought him to tears and that it's also the best book that he's read in the past twenty years. I always say that Prisoners Without Bars: A Caregiver’s Tale will make you Laugh! Cry! and G-A-S-P! (I guess it did.)
Oh Bentley, I want to tie a banner behind a plane and soar your words through the sky.
Please READ PRISONERS WITHOUT BARS: A Caregiver's Tale!
Images compliments of Bing.com
1/31/2025 2 Comments
Prisoners Helps Prisoners!
This is a very random and happenstance event that occurred over Thanksgiving last November when my son and daughter-in-law, Jared and Emily, visited Emily’s family in Tennessee.
What a fun surprise!
Most often we never know how our books affect others. Sometimes we do––through strange and unsuspecting avenues. This is one of those times.
This is an excerpt from an email from Tom Hallquist that brought surprising and exciting news.
From: Tom Hallquist to John H.
Quick question: who is Donna Figurski––any relation to Emily.
I read Donna's book "Prisoner without Bars" around 2020 and I was so impressed that I have asked the Department of Corrections to develop training for returning citizens for home healthcare. I am making another presentation this Monday for the state to pay the salary and expenses for one year. But the returning citizen must write or give a presentation on how the experience changed their life. Probably just a coincidence. But I like the name.
Tom
Let me explain.
Who is Tom Hallquist?
Tom is a lifetime friend of my daughter-in-law’s father, John. Tom is also an adjunct professor at Columbia State Community College in Tennessee, and he is a member of the Tennessee Community Resource Board (TCRB). On the TCRB, Tom works with the Tennessee Department of Correction and the Board of Parole. He works with inmates (he calls them returning citizens), encouraging them to seek a better and more productive life in society upon their release.
Now the really FUN part!
Tom uses my book, Prisoners Without Bars: a caregiver’s tale in workshops and lectures as a catalyst and as inspiration for the inmates.
The uncanny part of this is that I would never have known about this creative and very important service that my book is offering, had Tom Hallquist not been a friend of Emily’s family.
Six degrees of separation!
Clip Art compliments of Bing Images
12/29/2024 1 Comment
Back Cover Blurb - My Life Rewired
I recently wrote a back cover blurb endorsement for a new book on brain injury. The book, My Life Rewired, by Rob Baugh was published on December 12th, 2024.
Here it is----->
I thought you might also like to see the front cover. I love it.
I interviewed Rob Baugh on my radio show, Another Fork in the Road on the Brain Injury Radio Network on blogtalkradio.com on October 21, 2024. Click the soundbar below to listen to the show.l
 On December 11th, 2024, I was interviewed by the lovely Mary Crafts. Mary is the podcast host of “Crafting a Meaningful Life.” She is also a life coach, an inspirational speaker, a consultant, a former CEO of her catering business in Utah, and an all-out dynamic personality. | |
On Mary’s show titled, “Finding Strength and Love Through Life's Unexpected Challenges,” Mary and I discussed how life trounces on us and tosses obstacles in our paths and how we react to those barriers and conquer the hurdles. We talked about my unexpected fork in the road when my husband, David, had a traumatic brain injury in 2005 and how David and I are wending our way through the maze of brain injury life. Mary and I also chatted about my book, Prisoners Without Bars: a caregiver’s tale, published by WriteLife Publishing in 2018, and how my honest, heart-wrenching story not only provides readers with an inside view of the debacles and triumphs of brain injury that David and I face, but it also guarantees to make readers Laugh! Cry! And G-A-S-P!
You can listen to the video interview here. Please let me know what you think.
Finding Strength and Love Through Life's Unexpected Challenges
12/21/2024 0 Comments
A Birthday Gift that Made Me Cry
Prisoners Without Bars: a caregiver’s tale just garnered another amazing Amazon review. I feel honored and humbled that people read my book and take the time to write a review.
Sherida Stewart did just that and here are her words. And what’s even more special, this review was published on my birthday, December 7th. I couldn’t ask for a better birthday present. Her review made me cry—happy, happy tears!
Thank you so much, Sherida, for making my day.
Sherida Stewart did just that and here are her words. And what’s even more special, this review was published on my birthday, December 7th. I couldn’t ask for a better birthday present. Her review made me cry—happy, happy tears!
Thank you so much, Sherida, for making my day.
Sherida Stewart
5.0 out of 5 stars A compelling love story…..
Reviewed in the United States on December 7, 2024
I met this author a couple of years ago, but just recently read her book….an engaging, heartfelt, and honest story of the impact of her husband’s life-changing medical event. The author expressed truthful emotions about their experiences and the perseverance required by both the patient and the caregiver in dealing with the challenges.
My husband endured an accident which forever altered our “normal.” He had multiple (miracle) surgeries, then weeks in the hospital, followed by months of recovery. I admire this couple who offer hope and inspiration to others facing devastating changes in their lives.
5.0 out of 5 stars A compelling love story…..
Reviewed in the United States on December 7, 2024
I met this author a couple of years ago, but just recently read her book….an engaging, heartfelt, and honest story of the impact of her husband’s life-changing medical event. The author expressed truthful emotions about their experiences and the perseverance required by both the patient and the caregiver in dealing with the challenges.
My husband endured an accident which forever altered our “normal.” He had multiple (miracle) surgeries, then weeks in the hospital, followed by months of recovery. I admire this couple who offer hope and inspiration to others facing devastating changes in their lives.
11/17/2024 0 Comments
Oh NO! The Holidays are Near!
Many of us are looking forward to the start of the winter holidays. Thanksgiving is near—little more than a week away. Did you know that Thanksgiving is one of the busiest holidays for travel in the United States? Lots of folks will travel over the river and through the woods to granny and grandpa’s house, while some will squeeze onto buses, trains, and planes to spend precious time with family and friends in far and distant places. TSA says that nearly 3 million people pass through its checkpoints at airports during the Thanksgiving weekend. That is not a weekend that I want to fly—for sure.
Just as the bloated bellies and the travel weariness from Thanksgiving have subsided, it’s time to start all over again. Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Diwali, and New Year's are right around the corner. Holidays are supposed to be fun, but they also include their share of stress and frustration. Many extra responsibilities are thrust upon us. Buying presents, cooking special dinners, entertaining extended family members, and frolicking at office or family parties are some of the things that must be done with a smile.
For those living with brain injury who just barely get by in everyday life, this time of year, or any holiday, for that matter, can be a nightmare. The extra fuss and bother, the excitement, the parties, and the noise can throw a person completely out of whack.
So how do folks with brain injuries, injuries that have forever altered their lives, deal with all the happy, smiling faces around them? How hard is it to put on a happy face when you are in pain, whether it be physical pain or emotional pain? It’s not easy.
Here are a few strategies you may want to try. Think of them as a menu or a smorgasbord of possibilities to choose from. Tweak and adapt what works for you and ignore the rest.
Prioritizing is essential for getting through the holidays. Deciding which activities are most important and when the best time to do them helps to ease stress. I’m better at night. I can accomplish much more then. I think most people work best during the day. But whatever time is your best, use that time.
Pacing yourself and setting reasonable goals helps to lower stress. When I first started cooking Thanksgiving dinner, I went overboard. I don’t know who I was trying to impress—maybe my new husband. I remember serving about ten food items (turkey, stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce (sometimes from a can, sometimes homemade with fresh berries), mashed potatoes, candied sweet potatoes smothered in brown sugar and marshmallows, corn, cauliflower in cheese sauce, buttered dinner rolls, and to end the meal, a pumpkin pie). Now, if/when I cook a turkey dinner, it’s just the essentials—turkey, stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, (canned) mashed potatoes, candied sweet potatoes, (forget the marshmallows and brown sugar), and corn.
Planning and organizing is key to making life easier and more manageable. Making lists and checking them twice helps to keep me on target. Lists can serve two purposes. They can help you to keep organized, but they can also give you a sense of accomplishment as you cross off the completed tasks. Organizing the list helps to visually see which tasks are most important.
Altering Traditions
I know the word “tradition” means a ritual done again and again and passed on for generations, but if the tradition causes stress and strain in your life, then it’s time to make new traditions. Or better yet, forego tradition altogether and do what comes easily, whatever makes you happy at the time.
When my kids were little, we went all out for holidays. Turkey was the highlight of Thanksgiving Day. A tree with decorations and lights and tons of presents was the delight on Christmas morning. But when our kids grew up, we altered our holidays. We didn’t go overboard anymore. After David’s brain injury, we pulled back even more. We realized that we didn’t need all the glitz and glam. We had each other. Sometimes tradition can be overwhelming, and when that happens, it’s time to change tradition. We did, and we are less stressed because of it.
Some years I don’t even bother to pull my four-foot Christmas tree from the box, pull down its branches, and plop it on the floor in my living room. Even that seems to be too much work. And you know what? It’s okay. Sometimes I think the holidays are too hyped, and that makes people feel left out when they aren’t out partying or whatever they think will make them happy.
So, best advice: Do what is best for YOU. You make your own holiday!
I know the word “tradition” means a ritual done again and again and passed on for generations, but if the tradition causes stress and strain in your life, then it’s time to make new traditions. Or better yet, forego tradition altogether and do what comes easily, whatever makes you happy at the time.
When my kids were little, we went all out for holidays. Turkey was the highlight of Thanksgiving Day. A tree with decorations and lights and tons of presents was the delight on Christmas morning. But when our kids grew up, we altered our holidays. We didn’t go overboard anymore. After David’s brain injury, we pulled back even more. We realized that we didn’t need all the glitz and glam. We had each other. Sometimes tradition can be overwhelming, and when that happens, it’s time to change tradition. We did, and we are less stressed because of it.
Some years I don’t even bother to pull my four-foot Christmas tree from the box, pull down its branches, and plop it on the floor in my living room. Even that seems to be too much work. And you know what? It’s okay. Sometimes I think the holidays are too hyped, and that makes people feel left out when they aren’t out partying or whatever they think will make them happy.
So, best advice: Do what is best for YOU. You make your own holiday!
Avoid the Holidays
As a last resort, you might even skip holidays entirely. They can be just too hard to deal with. I completely understand when folks choose to ignore it all. Sometimes that’s the only way. It’s hard to watch others having fun when you are not able to be a part of the frivolity. Forced holiday cheer is depressing.
I usually avoid watching the ball drop at Times Square or listening to Auld Lang Syne because both are sure tear jerkers for me. Even when I was partying with my husband and friends on New Year’s Eve, I’d feel sad. Don’t ask me why! So, now I avoid the hullabaloo of New Year’s Eve. On December 31st, David and I share a quiet evening in front of the fireplace with cheese and crackers, a bit of flavored seltzer water, and a kiss at midnight to bring in the new year.
Find your something and do it for YOU!
As a last resort, you might even skip holidays entirely. They can be just too hard to deal with. I completely understand when folks choose to ignore it all. Sometimes that’s the only way. It’s hard to watch others having fun when you are not able to be a part of the frivolity. Forced holiday cheer is depressing.
I usually avoid watching the ball drop at Times Square or listening to Auld Lang Syne because both are sure tear jerkers for me. Even when I was partying with my husband and friends on New Year’s Eve, I’d feel sad. Don’t ask me why! So, now I avoid the hullabaloo of New Year’s Eve. On December 31st, David and I share a quiet evening in front of the fireplace with cheese and crackers, a bit of flavored seltzer water, and a kiss at midnight to bring in the new year.
Find your something and do it for YOU!
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I'm always searching for a good book. So I was surprised when there was one sitting on the table next to me for the past year. My friend had given it to me, and I promised to read it right away. Then life got in the way—you know what I mean.
For me, it was writing a book with my coauthor, Deb Brandon. It was deadlines for my radio podcast and writing a variety of articles for which I was being interviewed. It was ukelele lessons then, playing uke on the beach with about sixty members of the Santa Cruz Ukelele group. It was overseeing the painter for my house, and it was plunging the bathroom sink drain—you know, everyday ordinary life.
But one day, at loose ends and with a couple of minutes to spare, I picked up my friend’s book. I sat under the umbrella on my deck and read "Finding Her Way” by Sydney J. Reuben until the sun had set and I could see no more.
BUT . . .
I saw myself in Sydney’s words—in so many of her stories. How did she know?
I couldn’t wait to meet Sydney on the corner the next day and give her a big hug.
I hope you will find Sydney’s book as uplifting and enlightening as I did. Let me know what you think, and I’ll tell Sydney when I meet her on the corner.
For me, it was writing a book with my coauthor, Deb Brandon. It was deadlines for my radio podcast and writing a variety of articles for which I was being interviewed. It was ukelele lessons then, playing uke on the beach with about sixty members of the Santa Cruz Ukelele group. It was overseeing the painter for my house, and it was plunging the bathroom sink drain—you know, everyday ordinary life.
But one day, at loose ends and with a couple of minutes to spare, I picked up my friend’s book. I sat under the umbrella on my deck and read "Finding Her Way” by Sydney J. Reuben until the sun had set and I could see no more.
BUT . . .
I saw myself in Sydney’s words—in so many of her stories. How did she know?
I couldn’t wait to meet Sydney on the corner the next day and give her a big hug.
I hope you will find Sydney’s book as uplifting and enlightening as I did. Let me know what you think, and I’ll tell Sydney when I meet her on the corner.
MY AMAZON BOOK REVIEW
Finding Her Way by Sydney J. Rueben is brilliant. In her honesty and her openness, Reuben leads the reader on a journey of discovery. Through a variety of literary formats, poetry, prose, fairy tales, and anecdotes, the author lays bare her inner self as she reveals stories from her life—some painful, some embarrassing, some joyful. Reuben is searching for peace while discovering her own awareness.
The essence of Finding Her Way touched me, inspired me, and will stay with me always.
You can find the book on Amazon.
Finding Her Way by Sydney J. Rueben is brilliant. In her honesty and her openness, Reuben leads the reader on a journey of discovery. Through a variety of literary formats, poetry, prose, fairy tales, and anecdotes, the author lays bare her inner self as she reveals stories from her life—some painful, some embarrassing, some joyful. Reuben is searching for peace while discovering her own awareness.
The essence of Finding Her Way touched me, inspired me, and will stay with me always.
You can find the book on Amazon.
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Author
I am the author of Prisoners without Bars: A Caregiver's Tale. It's the true story of how my husband almost left me--three times.
He had three brain surgeries in less than two weeks. Those are pretty drastic measures, don't you think? I told him if he didn't come back to me, I would never forgive him. And guess what? It worked. He did!
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