Grandmother will draw a flower or a cat.Granddaughter will tell stories over video chat. They make a list of what to paint. On their weekly calls to reacquaint. This e-bonding time is their current normGiving them unique ways to brainstorm And connect over hobbies that they adoreKeeping each other company is never a bore. When …
I have not worn makeup since mid-March, since this pandemic began. But I put on mascara and lipstick and curled my hair to see Judy Blume. By “see” I mean through my computer screen for the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Summer Spectacular happening now through August 4. This conference normally occurs in …
I have been thinking about the importance of reading the past few days. As next week is Celebrate Literacy Week in Florida, schools all over the state and in my district are planning activities to engage kids in reading. This makes my soul happy. I wish adults could have a break from the regular work …
Do you listen to music every day? How about multiple times per day? How does it affect your mood? Last week, the music app on my phone popped up and displayed how many hours of music I listened to in 2016. It was an impressive amount. The notice had me thinking about how much I …
The world needs more children’s books. And more adults need to read them in this uncertain, disturbing society that we often live in. As I read book after book to my kids today, I heard all the important messages that we adults need to remember. I felt uplifted and hopeful after hearing simple reminders of: …
I gave this speech (below) in my Toastmasters group. Actually it was credited as two speeches from the Competent Communicator Manual – with emphasis on vocal variety and visual aids. The total time it took me to deliver this speech was almost fourteen minutes. I received such great feedback from the presentation and I had such …
I enjoyed a lunch meeting with three other ladies on Friday. We met for work purposes but the conversation later turned to personal endeavors and lastly, one of my favorite topics: creativity. I referenced how I recently read the book Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert (author of Eat, Pray, Love) to the group. That’s when I …
Yesterday I served as a judge for the University of West Florida Marks Invitational which is a speech and debate (forensics) competition where students compete in a variety of categories. I volunteered to judge one or two panels. They placed me in the dramatic interpretation contest. Other events like impromptu, humorous, and other topics were taking …
As I pulled apart the now taffy-like creature from my ironing board, I once again said to myself: “Oh well, I don’t have to be the crafty mom. I am creative in other ways.” Flash back to a few days prior: my two girls had made a beaded bird, butterfly and heart with these special …
“Smile, not the fake toothy smile,” I said to my oldest daughter. “Smooth your dress right there,” I pointed to my youngest daughter. “Okay, 1…2…3…!” SNAP! I took the photo. “Wait you blinked, let’s try again!” Does this sound familiar? We strive to capture that perfect family moment, the two kids smiling while wearing their …
