Meet A Mom – Meet Julie Beasley, Author of “H Is For Harvey” | Kingwood Moms

Meet A Mom – Meet Julie Beasley, Author of “H Is For Harvey”

Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in Houston?
Midwest is the easiest answer. I was born in Wisconsin and raised in Kansas and Indiana, but I lived in Chicago and then New York for many years before moving to Houston nearly three years ago. So sometimes I tell people I’m from New York—just because it sounds cool. But let’s say, I’m from Chicago! #Midwestaccentsrule

Child(ren) and Age(s)?
My baseball-and-Michael-Jackson-obsessed-son Elliott is 8. My crazy-for-coloring-and-Sia-music-loving-daughter Pippa is 5.

One thing people would be surprised to know about you…
I was bucked by a reindeer as a kid, played basketball in college and have never eaten a mushroom—knowingly. That’s 3, sorry.

Favorite local things to do in Houston?
I Walk around Rice Village and 19th Street in The Heights, take out-of-town guests to Discovery Green and for a coffee and pastry at Phoenicia, swim laps at the Weekley YMCA, and jump off the diving board at Colonial pool to make my kids laugh.

Do you have a favorite family friendly restaurant in the area?
Mia’s. Because I can go for the steak salad before rewarding myself (and the kids, of course) with free ice cream.

What is your go-to activity for yourself for pampering or for fun?
I like to wander around Lily Rain, Bering’s and especially HomeGoods. Buying a new throw pillow or picture frame I really don’t need puts me in the best mood.

Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor, or in the corporate world? Please share!
You know Peggy from MADMEN? That’s sorta me. I worked full-time at ad agencies in Chicago and New York for years, but I now work as a freelance writer for some great Houston agencies since moving here for my husband’s job. When Harvey hit, I got the idea for a children’s story “H is for Harvey” as a way to help kids understand the hurricane’s impact and appreciate all those who showed their Texas-sized hearts by helping others. 100% of the royalties from the book will go to The Astros Foundation for ongoing Harvey relief.

How has the Houston community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
I never really seriously thought about writing a children’s book until Harvey. How our community responded to the storm really inspired me. Seeing the social posts of doctors wading in water to get to patients, those opening their homes for a dry place to stay, people collecting items for shelters, kids having lemonade stands to raise money – it was so touching and it made me proud to call West University Place home. I’ve made some great friends here who have been my biggest cheerleaders for the book, helping in many ways.

What is the best advice for juggling mommyhood and running a business (or volunteering, working, etc)?
Take things one step at a time, never be afraid to ask for help, give yourself a break if things don’t work out as planned, try not to over-worry about things you have no control over, don’t give up if your passionate about accomplishing something, and drink coffee—a lot.

What would you tell the old “You” before you had kids? You’ll probably always wear double digits, so get used to it and love your body anyway.

Funniest shortcut/routine for helping you through parenthood? Reading books is best, but when writing one with your kids in the house—extra screen time with Peppa Pig is mandatory OINK!

To find out more info on H is for Harvey including where to purchase go to hisforharvey.com and https://www.facebook.com/hisforharvey

https://www.cmhouston.org/h-is-for-harvey-storytime

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