Hobbies

I first became interested in teaching small children how to write during my undergraduate work as I trained to be an elementary teacher. In the 1980s, the teaching of writing was shifting in a new direction. Influenced by educators like Donald Graves and Lucy Calkins, the focus moved away from rigid rules, drills, and worksheets and toward a child-centered approach.

Finding books to read is both planned and serendipitous. Every day I read the Wall Street Journal. They include a book review, usually non-fiction. On the weekend, they have a large book review section with new publications of a wide variety. I’ve learned to respect their choices given…

Fall is the perfect time to breathe new life into your garden! As the sweltering summer heat fades away, cool temperatures create ideal conditions for a variety of plants to thrive. You can extend your growing season and enjoy a bountiful harvest well into autumn…

Mirrors are more than practical or beautiful. Mirrors catch light and motion. They are interior design objects, magic creators of illusion and space. It is not vain to have many mirrors in your home. No, it is smart! Mirrors „open“ walls for extra depth and effectively…

I like to say that books love us and want us to be happy so, in that spirit, I created “book-desserts” for myself when I was losing 55-pounds in my late-30s and early-40s. Today, I still use book-desserts to maintain the original loss. I’m currently 61, had two babies and a husband who I call…

Retirement is often the perfect time to explore where you come from. With more freedom in your schedule, you can turn curiosity about your family’s past into a meaningful journey. A heritage or ancestry trip isn’t just about seeing places on a map; it’s about walking…

If you’ve ever tasted gumbo and wondered, “Is this Cajun or Creole?” you’re not alone. These two Louisiana-born cuisines share ingredients and history, but they’re not the same. Let’s dig into the flavors and traditions of each and tickle your palate at the same time…

In these book comments, I open a new mystery series, set in the Inner and Middle Temples in London, by former KC Sally Smith. It’s fun to be “in the beginning.” I read a series combined into one big book, The Complete Patrick Melrose Novels. No one book is too long…

People often tell me I look 10 years younger than my actual age. And I’ll be honest, I love hearing it. I get the gawks, the double takes, and plenty of confused faces from 30-something men when I tell them my age while they’re trying to chat me up. But here’s the truth…

Have you always wanted to get involved in something meaningful in your community? Are you simply looking for a way to connect with others around you? Starting a community project in your 60s can be an incredibly fulfilling experience, especially when you’re motivated…