Most of you know I also teach music lessons. Here is one of my favorite TED Talks about the affect playing a musical instrument has on the brain. Get playing!
Goodness knows why cucumber can’t be my go-to when I must munch. Or an apple. They crunch, and I crave crunch, so why do I find myself up to my eyeballs in a popular brand of breakfast cereal that has those freeze-dried strawberry pieces?… Continue Reading “Fish Sticks”
It is time again for the Whatcom County Youth Fair at the Northwest Washington Fairgrounds in Lynden, Washington. On April 10 and 11, 2020, I’ll be teaching creative writing again! If your youth has outgrown some of the other Youth Fair activities, this might… Continue Reading “Whatcom Youth Fair”
Outside, rain drenches the brown grass and fallen leaves to the sounds of high winds through the naked trees. Fog, like low lying clouds, clings to the earth in defiance. Nature seems to groan as another gust bends the trees with a roar that builds and then diminishes like birth pangs. And just around the corner of… Continue Reading “For the Others”
What are you up to, Shai? Where have you been? I’m not bored, that’s for certain. This fall, my husband and I decided to tackle a new venture selling Medicare Advantage plans. The schooling devoured my time like a hungry Voskan tundra wolf, but… Continue Reading “Where are you?”
In my wildest dreams, I never thought I’d be typing my thoughts out regarding my dear friend, Aiko, on a document in my “Dearly Departed” folder. I’m called a ‘writer’ and an ‘author’. Words which really mean I talk a lot with my fingertips.… Continue Reading “In Memory of Cathy Aiko Barkdoll”
Days are longer and weather patterns are becoming more favorable. Sunglasses and wide brim hats are in fashion, as are retina displays and lounging by the pool, so… it’s a good time to blow the dust off of that novel you were trying to… Continue Reading “Character Escape”
Follow my post to the end for what may be the best two minutes you spend today. No, I’m not arrogant. Trust me. I overheard a conversation recently in which one person said, “If Bill saw you do that, he’d chop your head off!… Continue Reading “Another Word Bites the Dust. Literally.”
Friday I had the privilege of working with the savvy students in Miss Leonard’s class of 4th, 5th, and 6th graders. These BCA students soaked up poetry and story writing tips like eager little sponges! Such energy packed into polite and respectful kids. I’ll… Continue Reading “Miss Leonard’s Fab Class!”
I’m home after a very successful set of workshops at the Whatcom County Youth Fair. Creativity flowed and fun was had by all! Students enjoyed the games and activities, as well as the learning material presented. They even had the opportunity to share their… Continue Reading “Whatcom County Youth Fair”
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