He reached out and we shook hands. As he looked me in the eye, I handed him a copy of my book, "Beads on One String". Before I could say anything, he said, "What would you like me to do with this, autograph it?"

Laughing, I said, "No. This is for your grandchildren". He said, "What?" and I repeated, "This is for your grandchildren." Then a huge smile came over his face and he said, "Really? That's great!"

Then I explained how I had written it as a song but then it became a book. That it was about our "connectedness" in the world and how we're like beads on a necklace, being all different sizes, shapes and colors, but all held together by one string. The string representing our "commonalities" or things we share throughout the world.

He was examining the book cover, looking over a few of the pages and carefully listening as I continued telling about how the Director of Education at St. Cloud State University loved "Beads on One String". How she had called me into her office to write a curriculum for elementary schools based on my book.

I went on to describe how the book is now being used in "anti-bullying" education throughout Minnesota and other states. If he was interested, I suggested, I would like to come to Washington to meet with him and the Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan, to discuss "Beads on One String" and the school curriculum.

He said he would read the book, thanked me, shook my hand and we parted.

I noticed something different, but special. Whenever someone would give him a gift or a business card, he would give that item to his personal assistant, who put everything in a shoulder bag. But when I gave him the copy of "Beads on One String", he kept it and carried it with him.

How cool!

So that was my excitement yesterday, getting to talk about "Beads on One String" with Vice President Joe Biden.

Peace,
den

03-20-09