About Anne Bardsley: Author – Speaker -Storyteller
I’m Anne Bardsley, a humor writer with a sprinkle of spirituality, heart, and soul. I love writing about family, faith, and the funny side of life—especially those moments when you wonder, Did that really just happen?
My first inkling that I could write came in seventh grade. Sister Mary Delores presented one of my papers to a group of nuns at a girls’ retreat. They were convinced I should enter their order.
At that time in my life, I was trying to learn how to shrink so I wouldn’t be taller than all the boys in my class. We had different goals.
My first book, How I Earned My Wrinkles, earned five stars and fifteen requests to be my neighbor. I consider that a pretty good review.
Life, Laughter, and Five Kids
With five children, I had little time to find myself. In fact, I could barely find the children.
Our house was always full of their friends, and I loved it—except for the sleepovers. Those years were loud, busy, messy, wonderful, and full of stories.
They were also the years when I was convinced I was fat. I obsessed over it. Now I look at those old photographs and think, Someone should have told me I looked like a stick person!
I would have been so happy if I had known.
Maybe that’s one reason I write about the things we take far too seriously. Life is too short not to laugh at ourselves every now and then.
When Humor Meets Heart
Although I’m primarily a humor writer, I also love sentimental, heart-touching stories.
That led to my second book, Angel Bumps: Hello from Heaven—a book that came from an experience that changed my life.
A few days after my mom’s funeral, I was driving to work in tears. I couldn’t believe I would never see her again. I talked to her out loud and asked her for a sign that I could always reach her.
When I turned the corner, my car was suddenly engulfed in little white butterflies.
She heard me.
After I shared that experience, people from across the country began telling me their own stories of signs, comfort, and connections with loved ones who had passed away. Their stories brought me so much comfort that I decided to gather them into a book to help others who were grieving.
I received so many beautiful stories that Heartstrings from Heaven became the second book in the Angel Bumps series.
Today, I speak to women’s groups and grief groups, sharing these stories of love, hope, laughter, and the mysterious ways we sometimes feel connected to those we miss. I believe there are no coincidences. Some moments work out so perfectly, we couldn’t have possibly planned them.
Both books have received five-star ratings, but what means even more to me is hearing that a story helped someone feel a little less alone.
A Few Things You Should Know About Me
I have the most gorgeous, brilliant and comical grandchildren. There are five of them. There is nothing better than having my four-year-old granddaughter love my waddle.
I lie about my age.
Actually, I make myself older so people will compliment me on how good I look for my age.
You can’t trust me with potato chips or ice cream. I eat mint chocolate chip for strong bones.
I fake exercise. I prefer to laugh and dance at Silver Sneakers. All that cardio makes me sweat.
I married the love of my life almost forty-eight years ago. He does give me wrinkles from time to time, but I love him.
His mom always told us we laughed too much for a married couple. She was delightful.
When people ask how such a sweet guy could have such a negative mom, I tell them:
He was hatched.
And that pretty much sums up how I try to live.
Come Laugh With Me
I hope you’ll enjoy my books, my blog stories, and the little pieces of life I share along the way.
There is enough seriousness in the world.
We need more laughter.
And if one of my stories makes you laugh, cry, remember someone you love, or simply feel a little better about your own wrinkles, then I’ve done what I set out to do.
Welcome. I’m so glad you’re here.
Angel Bumps, Hello from Heaven is the sweetest book. It contains 60 stories of signs from a loved one. Some signs are comical. Some bring tears to my eyes. Others make me hold my heart and smile. If you are missing someone in Heaven, please read this book. You will be charmed. Each sign is unique and opens up your heart and mind to watch for your own Angel Bumps.
Heartstrings from Heaven, Book Two in the Angel Bumps Series features even more unique signs.
Remember, heartstrings never tangle or sever. We are always connected. Who knew a musical ice cream truck at a cemetery could be a sign? Or an orange Circus Peanut? Even sticks by a river forming the words HI Dad. You will be comforted, awed and feel so warm reading these stories.
Contact me if you are interested in having me speak at your next event or you found inspiration or comfort in my words. I’d love to hear from you!
Have you received a meaningful sign from someone you love who has passed away? Anne welcomes Angel Bump stories from readers. Selected stories may be shared on this website to bring comfort, hope, and connection to others. Share your story on the Share Your Angel Bump page.