Category: Blog

  • The Alchemist: #7-11 The Obstacle of Realizing the Dream

    The Alchemist Posts  “Having disinterred our dream, having used the power to nurture it and spent many years living with the scars, we suddenly notice that what we always wanted is there, waiting for us, perhaps the next day. Then comes the fourth obstacle: the fear of realizing the dream for which we fought all…

  • Blessing #14: My Students, Ripples in the Water

    Blessings “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.”  ~ Mother Teresa My journey to keep my dream alive has created a wonderful habit: I count my blessings when dark thoughts creep in. Now, whenever I feel the walls closing in on me, I immediately…

  • The Write Stuff: At Least Get These Right

    Before anyone will take you seriously, whether you are a writer or not, there are a few words you need to use correctly. I don’t care if it’s for a job application or you are texting, writing statuses, or sending emails; getting these words wrong will make people judge your intelligence. I’m not kidding. If…

  • Ian Knows Pain

    Besides the obvious struggles, Ian’s Cancer treatments three years ago have created other problems for him now. The radiation machine that zapped the bad cells in his brain also deteriorated Ian’s gums and teeth. Two years after his treatments, our dentist told us Ian needed to get eight caps on his molars. The two-hour procedure…

  • 32 Things To Teach Your Children so They’re Successful in School: Part 3

    Education Reformation Blog Part 1 concentrates on what to teach for learning-ready behavior (academic and social). Part 2 concentrates on the ethical characteristics of successful students. Part 3 concentrates on knowledge and skills students may or may not receive in school, so it is essential that parents make sure children have a solid foundation in these categories.…

  • 32 Things To Teach Your Children so They’re Successful in School: Part 2

    Education Reformation Blog Part 1 concentrates on what to teach for learning-ready behavior (academic and social). Part 2 concentrates on the ethical characteristics of successful students. 11. Teach them to be proactive: Students who are proactive are preparing themselves for school work before a teacher assigns it: They ask clarifying questions before they leave school; they notify the…

  • 32 Things To Teach Your Children so They’re Successful in School: Part 1

    Education Reformation Blog As part of my Education Reformation, The Never-Give-Up Initiative, I have mentioned the equal balance of responsibility among students, teachers, and parents. The greatest obstacle children face in their achievement of educational success is the misconception that teachers will teach them everything they need to know. Teachers must teach their content area,…

  • Blessing #13: Dennis and Lori

    Blessings Part of my writing journey has been to count my blessings, to focus on the things I’m thankful for rather than the things that are going wrong in my life. Not only does this heal my soul, but it has also helped me become a person who can see joy in everything. It has helped…

  • If I Could Write a Letter to Me

    Dear Darling 17-year-old Girl, I know you are scared; I know you feel alone; I know you are putting up this protective barrier that makes you seem hard and confident, but deep down, you are really scared. I know because I am you. It won’t always be that way. You have a long road ahead…

  • The Alchemist: #4-6 The Obstacle of Fear

    The Alchemist Posts Paulo Coelho’s words about the third obstacle we encounter when pursuing our dreams helped me stay strong during my own struggles. “Once we have accepted that love is a stimulus, we come up against the third obstacle: fear of the defeats we will meet on the path. We who fight for our…