5Warm Summer rains-the kind that are fun to walk in and play in. Newly formed puddles are everywhere! It's not the best day to go for a walk in a party dress. But this little girl is careful and dodges the puddles with ease. Or does she? Sometimes making a mess may just be more fun than staying clean and neat. Alan Stanley was born on a farm and has lived his entire life in Iowa. He has three adult children and two grandchildren. When his children were young he would make up funny poems that he would recite to them on the way to school each morning. Alan has worked as a marketing representative, graphic designer, and an associate pastor. His interests include art, fly fishing, bicycling, and anything outdoors. Alan currently lives in a small suburb on the outskirts of Des Moines, Iowa.