I’ve been rereading Uncommon Core in preparation for planning out my next book, and I have to tell you, it’s giving me the feels. I’ve cried through every chapter, remembering the connection I had with my students and the lessons we learned from each other. In some ways, it’s a hard book to market becauseContinue reading “A book for everyone”
Category Archives: The Beauty Around Us
Loving Mom
Recently I had an experience that was surreal in its timing and a reminder of the cyclical nature of life. Mid to late July I was anxiously awaiting the illustrations to be done for my book For I Am Yours and enjoying a rare time of fulfillment and joy. The day finally came that LorraineContinue reading “Loving Mom”
For I Am Yours: Watercolor Illustrations
I’m thrilled to share another completed illustration for my children’s book For I Am Yours. Lorraine Watry is the amazing illustrator, and she’s been blogging about her process for her followers and students. She has never illustrated a book before, but her watercolor paintings have won numerous awards. To read more about her process, go to: Continue reading “For I Am Yours: Watercolor Illustrations”
Choose to be Teachers and Students
My daughter and son-in-law asked me to speak at their wedding. I was honored but also hesitant–what could I, of all people in their lives, say about marriage? The only thing I know without a doubt. With their permission, here’s my speech: As we gather to celebrate your journey together, I want to share withContinue reading “Choose to be Teachers and Students”
The Philanthropic Experience: A Student’s Perspective
One of my current college composition student wrote a personal narrative essay that beautifully illustrates one of my ideas to reform education ( ). This is what I proposed in that post: The Philanthropic Experience For those students who don’t want to continue their formal education but aren’t ready to go out into the worldContinue reading “The Philanthropic Experience: A Student’s Perspective”
Friday Writing Challenge: My first kiss and first love
Writing Prompt: Your first love and first kiss; if separate, discuss both My first kiss: The sun was shining through the branches and leaves. His face was luminous and shadowy at the same time. Our faces were already close. The makeshift fort had just enough room for our young bodies to sit facing each other, ourContinue reading “Friday Writing Challenge: My first kiss and first love”
Blessing 27: Nelson
My father-in-law, Nelson Hawkins, was a blessing in my life for so many reasons. Even during the last few years, things between us didn’t change. Nelson continued to send me Mother’s Day cards, birthday cards, and Christmas presents–something no one would have expected him to do–yet he never stopped treating me like a daughter-in-law, andContinue reading “Blessing 27: Nelson”
Anxiety’s Guide to Public Speaking
By guest blogger: Mirade Leigh Some people have no problem speaking publicly. They can get up in front of a group of people, large or small, with confidence, without breaking a sweat; their hands do not shake; their face will not flush; they do not so much as stutter. If you are one ofContinue reading “Anxiety’s Guide to Public Speaking”
Hope Found: Lessons from The Lord of the Rings Trilogy
I have a confession to make: I’m suffering. I say this not to elicit sympathy; I just want to be truthful. So please don’t think I need a pep talk, want attention, or that I’m just trying to bring other people down. My truth may not be other people’s reality, but I think there mayContinue reading “Hope Found: Lessons from The Lord of the Rings Trilogy”
Relay for Life: A Survivor’s Story
It’s been five years since Ian was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor: Primary Adenocarcinoma of the Brain. It was rare, one in a hundred million; the tumor had sprouted tentacles, and we didn’t know for sure if we had found it before it had spread; there was no protocol for treatment; there was noContinue reading “Relay for Life: A Survivor’s Story”
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