About a year after I had my daughter, an old friend of mine called to catch up and asked me: "What have you been reading lately?" I had always been an avid reader. I love reading books, discussing books, and sharing books. But when she asked me that question, I had to pause and think about it. Finally, I admitted: "I haven't read much lately." In fact, I had barely read anything since Little … [Read more...]
Gift Guide: Educational Gift Ideas (Or Presents that Keep on Giving)
With learning at home continuing for the foreseeable future, I've been focused on finding activities that not only engage my kids but also teach them a thing or two. In other words: this holiday season, their list includes fun educational gift ideas. After all, learning should be fun... and I'd rather buy them something that they'll use again and again. This list of educational gift ideas … [Read more...]
5 Tips for Facing the Blank Page
So you want to write, but you're unsure of where to start. Or, perhaps you're worried that whatever you write won't be as good as it sounds in your head? Facing the blank page can be hard. Getting started can be hard. Finding the right words can be hard. But there are ways to trick yourself into defeating the blank page and getting started with a story idea, or a blog post, or whatever else it is … [Read more...]
Creative Writing: Why I Welcome Criticism
I write every day, clicking away at my keyboard. This is, naturally, a solitary activity, unless you count the dog who usually cuddles by my side or my kids who are often upstairs for quiet time (when they’re not asking me for a snack for the millionth time). Sometimes I’ll join my writing group, particularly during Nanowrimo, for a write-in, where we focus on getting words onto paper. Even then, … [Read more...]
Tips for Building Resilience: Book Review of “You are Awesome” by Neil Pasricha
It’s no secret that I love Brene Brown and her work on vulnerability and shame. Her books -- and TedTalks, and Netflix show, etc. -- have helped me realize I’m not alone in a lot of what I feel and struggle with. One of her “catchphrases,” if you will, has turned into a life hack for me. When I notice my thoughts are headed in a direction that I don’t like, I stop, pause, and ask myself, “what is … [Read more...]
