Gardening, woodworking, jewelry making, painting, 3-D printing, writing, and music making – these are just a few of the hobbies that my immediate family pursues. Lately, I have spent some time pondering personality traits. For instance, I think that we condition ourselves and our children for anxiety. Sometimes we, as parents, set up unnecessary and…
self reflection
Tenacity
While having my tea on this glorious Saturday morning and checking my emails, I realized that I have a slight problem with tenacity. Or, rather, my problem might be the opposite – one of letting go instead of firmly hanging on. Earlier this year, I resigned from the garden club advisor position I hold at…
Promoting the Unboxing of Students
Today is Slice of Life Tuesday and since many participants in this weekly forum hosted by TwoWritingTeachers.org are educators, my blog today focuses on an educational topic. It is also a post that applies to parents and offers encouragement to allow your student to find their strengths, whether or not those strengths fall within the…
Poetry Friday: Stones
What follows in a piece of free writing that I did two weekends ago after a Hike and Write workshop. I have not yet gotten to edit but thought I would publish what ten minutes of an uninterrupted stream of consciousness writing produced. I was happy with the results. Now, to fine-tune it. Tell me…
Who are your readers?
Last Saturday, I participated in a Hike and Write event through my workplace. Actually, I was a co-organizer of the event but since it was not well attended, I participated in the discussion and writing activities as if I was an attendee. It is no secret that I like to write. I’ve written this blog…
Home Improvements
Today, my husband started a new home improvement project. He’s quite a handy guy. Two years ago, during the month of January, he completely renovated our main bathroom. It is gorgeous with glass tiles and a shower screen. He installed a new tile floor, new lights, new cabinetry, a new toilet, and even a new…
On Being Awkward
I am a person who does not easily fit with others. On the surface, it might seem like I am congenial. But, in truth, I struggle with small talk and chit-chat. I have always been reserved – in high school that was interpreted as being stuck up. In my undergraduate college days, I was still…
Learning & Connections
There is a constant about being a lifelong learner and that is you are never done! Learning occurs over the lifespan for those who choose to continue on this journey of never being satisfied with what you know. As one becomes older, I think it becomes more about what you realize you do not know…
She Blinded me with Science
Okay, so this morning, I woke early, about 5:30 a.m.. It is early for me. I have friends that awaken an hour before that time. But, for some reason the old Thomas Dolby song, “She Blinded me with Science” was stuck in my head. Anyone that knows me well, knows that I love science! I love life…
Easy Listening
Today, I came home from work slightly tense. It is all okay. I have a new job and am adjusting to the responsibilities of it. In these early days, sometimes, I feel as though I need to prove myself. My gut tells me that this is a normal reaction to a new job. But, I…










