“If stories come to you, care for them. And learn to give them away where they are needed. Sometimes a person needs a story more than food to stay alive.” —Barry Lopez Stories matter. A lot. Here are some reasons why . . . Stories help us reflect on life and understand where we've been… Continue reading Stories Matter
A Good Movie for the Vacation
A few months ago I set my DVR to record "Mr. Holland's Opus," the 1995 film with Richard Dreyfuss. The movie remained in the DVR for months. Finally, when my husband and I were coming up empty-handed for movies to watch on cable we decided to watch "Mr. Holland's Opus." The movie begins in 1965… Continue reading A Good Movie for the Vacation
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Merry Christmas
27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27
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Baseball & Two December Holidays
Family. Friendship. Generosity. The great American pastime. Interracial and interfaith friendships. All of these topics are woven together artfully by Sharon Robinson in a new book, Jackie's Gift. This is a true story about Sharon Robinson's father, the great baseball player Jackie Robinson, and her family's first Christmas in Brooklyn, NY. The Satlows are a… Continue reading Baseball & Two December Holidays
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Charro Claus Giveaway Announcement
I'm having technical difficulties with my Flip Camera (i.e., with uploading the video to my computer). Therefore, I'm going to announce the name of the person whose name I picked out of the bowl. Katy will be receiving a copy of Charro Claus and the Tejas Kid, compliments of Cinco Puntos Press. If you missed… Continue reading Charro Claus Giveaway Announcement
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A Persuasive Touchstone Text
Karen Kaufman Orloff wrote I Wanna Iguana, which quickly became one of my favorite texts to use with my students to teach voice in persuasive letter writing. She's out with a new book, I Wanna New Room, which can be added to my growing list of touchstone texts for a persuasive unit. If you're familiar… Continue reading A Persuasive Touchstone Text
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The Eve of the Eve of the . . .
Hannah, my oldest daughter woke up this morning and said: Today is the eve of the eve of Christmas eve. I paused and counted the days back from Friday, smiled and said, "Yes, you're right, it is." "Well, then, I think today deserves a celebration," she smiled at me. It is this excitement I want… Continue reading The Eve of the Eve of the . . .
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SOLSC
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Thinking About Others
Most schools in this area are on break. However, my daughters' school is not one of them. They continue to go to school through Wednesday. Today I volunteered in my first grade daughter's classroom. If you are lacking a little spirit this holiday season, then you should volunteer in a first grade classroom too. 🙂 Among… Continue reading Thinking About Others
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Needs vs. Wants — Winner Announcement
I finally purchased a Flip Video Camera since the video feature on my regular camera broke several months ago. Hence, today's giveaway announcement follows on video below. My apologies for some of the focusing issues... I'm still trying to master this piece of technology. Find out if you won a copy of Charlie and Lola:… Continue reading Needs vs. Wants — Winner Announcement
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Rethinking and Rewriting Princess Stories
My best friend and I are both expecting daughters in 2011. We're been friends since my freshman and her sophomore year of college. We've been in each other's weddings. We simply cannot wait to watch our daughters grow up together! Last Monday, when she called me to announce that her third child would be a… Continue reading Rethinking and Rewriting Princess Stories
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A Book Party
I am sitting here, humbled and grateful. My school hosted a Book Party/Signing for me yesterday. I am fortunate to work for a school who values professional development and celebrates together when good things happen. With each person who walked through the door, my smile grew bigger. I am thankful to work among the best… Continue reading A Book Party
