Fall 2023

C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • F A L L 2 0 2 3 155 memories of shopping with her grandmother at Bruno’s Market and eating breakfast at the beach before school.Writing a children’s book was a way to help her process difficult times in her life while paying homage to the town she loves.Tarman returned home in 2019 after her husband retired from the military. A mother of twin daughters, now 29, Tarman also wanted to create something of comfort for other children. When her daughter Sterling was in seventh grade, she became ill with a life- threatening reaction to antibiotics which permanently affected her health. “She was in a coma for three weeks and had to stay inside for a year and endure painful medical procedures,”Tarman recalls. “We’d get her two books after each procedure, and she would immerse herself in the world of read- ing. She read over 200 books that first year. It saved her.” Tarman says she looks at art differently now. “You don’t know what’s behind that book, painting or photograph,” she says. “It could have come from something painful that the artist was experiencing. Creating this book was so healing and cathartic.” Paying tribute to the healing power of ani- mals was another reason for writing a book starring pets. Adopting their dog Lucille also saved her daughter, Tarman shares. “Sterling was in so much pain, but she would get up and take Lucille for a walk.” Now Sterling has Penny, a boxer that appears in the book, while her sister Monique has two rescued huskies, Ruby and Ryder, that also appear in the story. Recently,Tarman and her family celebrated Monique’s wedding, unsure if Sterling would be well enough to attend. “She made it and it was a real celebration for our family after everything that’s happened,”Tarman shares. Tarman wants to encourage people to take a chance and ask for help with their ideas for creative projects, as the book could not have been made without the generous support of local businesses and nonprofits. “I want to motivate others to not underestimate the people around you,” she says. “So many people in Carmel didn’t know me and put their faith, money and reputation into con- tributing to the book’s publishing. It’s going to be fun for locals to read and spot places they know.The book will be available for sale locally at small businesses.” For more information on the places and animals in the book, visit www.carmelpups.com . (Above) Pups have a fine time dining at The Forge. (Below) At Carmel Beach, cats build sandcastles while dogs surf.