The Institute of Children’s Literature Long, long ago in the spring of 1996, I found an ad about the Institute of Children’s Literature in West Redding, Connecticut, offering their course on writing for children. I was impressed that they required their students to take an aptitude test before accepting them, so I decided to take … Continue reading The Institute of Children’s Literature
Warm weather means book sales are sprouting up
With the temperatures rising—finally!—the rummage sales are blossoming all over town, and my favorites are the huge city-wide used book sales. What could be better than 100,000 used books all in one place at bargain prices?! I don’t have to actually need any books to get excited about these, I just like being there to … Continue reading Warm weather means book sales are sprouting up
Fasting by Scot McKnight
The spiritual activity of fasting is important throughout scripture, yet the fact that it is really a simple physical activity has confused me. What is the point of fasting? When should we fast? And what good does it do? I’ve always wondered if it was supposed to accomplish something good in the world, or in … Continue reading Fasting by Scot McKnight
The Beauty of Easter
Easter, Just As I Am J ust as I am, without one plea but that thy blood was shed for me, and that thou bidd’st me come to Thee E ternal Lord, everlasting Father, O Lamb of God, I come S inful, powerless, weak, foolish, confused, tired, I come to Thee. U nless you fill … Continue reading The Beauty of Easter
The Bridge of San Luis Rey
Response to The Bridge of San Luis Rey By Thornton Wilder ©1927 [A novel consisting of Four Novels] This is a short--but full and fascinating--novel about the lives of the five people who happened to be on the old, old bridge on the day that it fell, killing all of them. The narrator tells us … Continue reading The Bridge of San Luis Rey
Best Children’s Books and Much, Much More
While browsing around for children’s books (to read and study for word counts, language, etc.), I naturally googled “Best Children’s Books”. That took me to a wonderful website by that name. It is so full of useful information that even after an hour or so of browsing I feel like I have only scratched the … Continue reading Best Children’s Books and Much, Much More
Health Problems are a Write-Off
Health Problems are a Write-Off After spending the first warm day in weeks at the park with my camera, I was surprised to find my back and knees aching by the time I got home. That annoyed me, because I didn’t think I was doing anything particularly strenuous, so yesterday when I went to the … Continue reading Health Problems are a Write-Off
Sitting–the new smoking?
A recent article in the newspaper announced that, according to researchers, sitting is the new smoking? Huh? The sub-title explains: “Sedentary behavior raises health risks.” And don’t I know it! (Although I do think the health risks from smoking far outweigh those from sitting.) I am writing this while standing, and hope that my knees … Continue reading Sitting–the new smoking?
Review of Pride and Prejudice
Book Review of Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen © 1813 I read this book under such lovely circumstances: a week holiday to Grande Prairie at my sister-in-law’s invitation, with plenty of time to myself, especially on the 11+ hour bus rides. I am still on the bus going back. The bus lost all but … Continue reading Review of Pride and Prejudice
Another Georgette Heyer book for Valentine’s Day
Review of The Convenient Marriage by Georgette Heyer, originally published in 1934 Again, I decided to celebrate February, Valentine’s Day, by reading another Georgette Heyer book. This was a fun book, and I read it quickly. Knowing her oldest sister loves Captain Heron, a military man with little money, 17-year-old Horatia, a confident, direct young … Continue reading Another Georgette Heyer book for Valentine’s Day
Happily Writing 