Somehow: Thoughts on Life, Love, & Anne Lamott

A book in blue with a heart-shaped cloud caught my eye. It was "Somehow: Thoughts of Love" by Anne Lamott.  Anne Lamott.  She is one of my favorite authors – funny and irreverent.  Two of my favorite books are: "Bird by Bird" and "Help, Thanks, Wow!"  I am amazed by the skill with which Anne strings her ideas together.  She talks about real-life tragedies and triumphs with such insight.  Her faith is unquestionable.

Book. Memory. Promise: Never Forget

I am encouraged and so thankful that Lois Lowry has written Tree. Table. Book.  The octogenarian author of Number the Stars and The Giver, Ms. Lowry is an expert storyteller and isn’t afraid to take on controversial subjects.  She is a master at presenting hard situations and ethical problems to a young audience.  This most recent book spans generations and shows how stories can connect rather than tear people apart.  With story and memory, we can build bonds and begin to understand each other.  This connection between the old and young is crucial; it is the sticky hope that will ensure “never forget” leads to the promise of “never again.”

Making the Broken, Beautiful

When I read "Broken" by X. Fang and thought about a memory of something broken, I immediately thought about a glass jar that held cigars tightly packed in concentric circles. This jar was not something that I broke. No. But I can see it vividly even though this memory is close to 60 years old.  I thought the glass container was so beautiful, encircled by a red satin ribbon, holding something my father enjoyed – cigars.  When I saw it in the store, I knew I had to buy it for him for Father’s Day.  I was so pleased with myself and knew he would be proud of me.

Reveling in Winter White: Cloud Dancer

This morning, the snow called for me to breathe, slow my pace, and put my mind in order. It opened up a space for me to write and wonder, to dream and create.  I definitely have a deficit in those areas.  I don’t think I have attention deficit; I think I have intention deficit.  I get so involved in so many day-to-day comings and goings that I forget what is most important to me.  Thank goodness, nature has a way of reminding me, bringing back, pulling me into its healing sphere.

Taking Wing: Bird Research & Poetry in 2nd Grade

As the students wrapped up their science studies, I offered to read some of my own bird poems to demonstrate how they could transform their research into creative writing. Becky and I envisioned this as a dynamic way to bridge scientific inquiry with creative writing, transforming our students into "poetic scientists."

Looking for the Light

This is supposed to be a season of joy and light.  Whether you are a Christian or not, this is the time of winter solstice, where we welcome in light of all kinds to brighten the darkness.  It’s been so hard for me to feel the joy of the season this year.  It’s been a … Continue reading Looking for the Light

Joy to Writers: Lessons from 2nd Grade

 This week, I had the great pleasure of working with our 2nd grade students.  I did a short, guided listening activity in which I gave them multi-step directions and then they drew from memory.  The object they were creating was a girl, a simple shape by shape little girl with a party hat on her head and a present in one hand.  They all followed the directions perfectly. Then I asked them:  What is the girl’s name? Who is the present for?  What happened at the party?  Then on the back of their paper, they were asked to tell a story. It is still amazing to me what young children can do with a simple prompt.