A New Chapter Begins
Some readers may remember Phyllis Hoffman from the January 2021 cover of The Sun City Insider, where we featured her vibrant paintings and the whimsical world she creates from her Sun City Shadow Hills home. Phyllis is a talented self- taught artist who began painting at age 51, proving it’s never too late to chase your creative calling.
Now in her 80s, Phyllis has added yet another extraordinary chapter to her story. This past Christmas, she became a first-time children’s book author. Her book, titled “Adventures of Amy: A Secret Cave”, is a heartfelt and imaginative tale that also features her own original paintings and illustrations. It’s a story that speaks not only to children but to anyone who has ever longed to see the world more deeply, and to love more openly. It shares a powerful message: “See with your heart.”
The inspiration for her book began nearly 20 years ago while Phyllis was working at her desk in Malibu. A friend accompanied by her granddaughter paused when the little girl noticed a painting on Phyllis’s computer screen called ‘The Secret Cave’. “Oh, Grandma, look at all the animals!” the girl exclaimed. Phyllis was intrigued and asked her to point them out. The little girl eagerly did so, to the amazement of both women. “You’ve got your hands full with this one,” Phyllis joked. The grandmother replied, “Phyllis, you just grabbed the attention of a five-year-old. You should write a children’s book featuring that painting.” So she did. Although life got busy, publishing felt foreign, and over several moves, the manuscript was lost.
Twenty or so years later in 2024, while grieving the passing of her beloved husband Ron, Phyllis was going through old files and rediscovered the forgotten manuscript. She shared it with friends, who encouraged her to self-publish. So she did, with Amazon. The Kindle edition is available now, and the paperback is expected by the end of summer. There’s even a T-shirt that reads “See With Your Heart” a sweet nod to the story’s core message.
The book carries the same spirit of playfulness and meaning that defines her signature artwork, often hiding elephants in cliffs or horses etched into ocean caves. It becomes a fun and thoughtful experience for the viewer, encouraging them to look a bit more closely at the landscapes she paints to discover hidden images. “I love the magical side of life,” Phyllis says. “I like to play.”
Through her book, she invites readers to do just that: to look beyond what’s visible and discover the beauty that lives in imagination—and with the innocence and curiosity of a child.
“Adventures of Amy: A Secret Cave” arrives during a meaningful and emotional time in Phyllis’s life, following the loss of her husband Ron. The two were married for 57 years. Ron, who affectionately called her “Littlebird,” was not only the inspiration behind her artistic moniker but also was her biggest cheerleader. “He couldn’t remember to rinse his plate,” she says with a smile, “but he knew everything.” A history buff with a passion for history, Ron’s vast knowledge never failed to impress. Though their interests didn’t always align, their differences made their bond stronger. Together, they raised two children and delighted in their grandchildren. “Children suck the life out of you,” Phyllis laughs, “and grandchildren put the life back in.” Ron is missed deeply by all who knew him, and his loving encouragement continues to echo through Phyllis’s work and her new literary adventure.
Phyllis’s latest accomplishment is a powerful reminder, especially to those exploring their retirement years, that life is full of potential, no matter your age. Whether you’re picking up a paintbrush, writing your first story, or learning something entirely new, the heart has no expiration date for creativity. “It’s never too late to try something new,” Phyllis shares. “Life keeps unfolding if you stay curious.” She hopes her story inspires others to step outside their comfort zone and create something meaningful—at every stage of life.
Scan the QR code to find Adventures with Amy. Phyllis’s book is currently available on Kindle and can be found through Amazon.
