Summer reading programs are a great way to keep your kids reading this Summer. When you sign up for a reading program, you offer them an incentive to read during months when they're not thinking about school. One of my children happens to be an avid reader, but not all kids are. These summer reading … Continue reading Get your kids reading this summer
inspiration
Our favorite books of poetry for kids
I’ve been working on a big poetry based project, and so I was inspired to pick up some poetry books for my kids at the library last week. We have enjoyed reading them. We giggle a lot, the poems often prompt questions from my children, and they want to repeat and recite their favorite parts. … Continue reading Our favorite books of poetry for kids
Random Acts of Kindness
I don't know about any of you, but I feel like the summer season is flying by. I was taken aback when I looked up from my life this week and realized that we're already halfway through the year. This year has had it's ups and downs for my family, but overall, 2019 has been … Continue reading Random Acts of Kindness
Monkey Business: My experience being part of a live storytelling show
In February of this year I had a new opportunity as a writer that really pushed me out of my comfort zone. Oral Fixations: An Obsession with True Life Tales is a live storytelling show. Each version of the show has a theme, and the producer carefully curates stories from 8 people who have a … Continue reading Monkey Business: My experience being part of a live storytelling show
How to use a marriage journal
As a writer I've always utilized journal writing as a tool. I've tried a lot of different tools and methods of journaling, and each provides their own benefit. That's why I wanted to share about a tool I use in my marriage. My husband and I have been a couple since 1997. It's amazing to … Continue reading How to use a marriage journal
Love Changes Everything
Last week I found myself struggling in two of my relationships. I was taking things personally. I had failed to set boundaries, and found myself feeling unheard and unseen. After a frustrating and unproductive exchange of text messages, I muted my phone and tried to reset my energy. But as I prepared dinner for my … Continue reading Love Changes Everything
6 children’s books about ecology
I intended to post this blog around Earth Day, but my mom life got in the way and I wasn't able to hit that deadline. I thought that I should scrap it altogether, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized that there was no reason to. We can take actions everyday … Continue reading 6 children’s books about ecology
Love the one you’re with
I hovered behind my mom in the kitchen as she made dinner. The fish sticks went in to the built-in oven, and when my mom turned around, she almost bumped in to me. She sighed, “What is it, sweetie?” “I have a serious question.” I was 13, and in these moments, my mom responded with … Continue reading Love the one you’re with
Going the extra mile with David Sedaris
My husband surprised me last week with a ticket to see one of my favorite authors, David Sedaris. He was coming to our city as part of the DMA Arts & Letters live series, and he was also doing a book signing. I’ve been a big fan of David Sedaris’ work since around 2004, when … Continue reading Going the extra mile with David Sedaris
Lessons in Confidence
My 6-year-old daughter came screaming into the house as I put the final dinner dishes in the dishwasher. The clang of the appliance gate clattering our dirty tableware met the front door of the house as it burst open with my child's wail. Startled, I asked if someone had been hurt. My daughter sobbed through … Continue reading Lessons in Confidence
Author Cristee cook 