How's your sense of wonder these days? Do you stop and stare at the sunrise? Would you marvel at a squirrel's acrobatics? When's the last time you studied a crocus poking through winter's last snowfall? The past few weeks, I've been revisiting my first book, re-reading it closely as I prepare to release a revised edition. For the book, I interviewed a group of moms, … [Read more...]
Take Your Play History
When I was about ten years old, I found a library book about creating habitats for salamanders, frogs, toads, turtles and crickets. I pored over that book, resolving to find everything necessary to assemble a creature-friendly container that I could keep in my room. Right next to my bed. Growing up on a farm, I had access to a murky pond and pond-like critters. … [Read more...]
What Is Family Culture – Interview with Dr. Helen Fagan
When I (Ann) wrote about family culture in 2008, I offered a few simple thoughts and personal examples on the topic. Curious to learn more about the concept of family culture, I interviewed Dr. Helen Fagan, leadership and diversity scholar and practitioner, to understand the topic better and offer readers a solid resource. The following are Dr. Fagan's thoughts on … [Read more...]
The Creek Bed of Creativity – Interview Excerpt
My friend Elizabeth Marshall asked to interview me about my recently released book On Being a Writer: 12 Simple Habits for a Writing Life that Lasts, co-authored with Charity Singleton Craig. Here's a snippet of our conversation: Elizabeth: Refueled. I like that. Tell me more. Ann: I recently came across a quote attributed to Anne Lamott: “Sometimes you’re not … [Read more...]
Book Response – Cracking Up: A Postpartum Faith Crisis
As an editor and writing coach, I quite happily end up with a lot of books. I'm going to introduce you to some of them. These won't exactly be reviews, however. I'd say these posts will read more like a response to each book. Today, I'm offering my personal response to Cracking Up: A Postpartum Faith Crisis by Kimberlee Conway Ireton. __________________________ One … [Read more...]
Risk is Relative
In college I took an acting class. Just one. I wasn't much of an actress, and I was terribly overwhelmed and shy—a conservative misfit at a liberal Big 10 university. One week, the instructor said we had to take a risk and then return to class and report on it. My self-imposed risk was to introduce myself to someone sitting next to me in one of the giant lecture … [Read more...]
Curiosity Journal: January 9, 2013
Most Wednesdays (or thereabouts) I’ve been recording a Curiosity Journal to recap the previous week using these tag words: reading, playing, learning, reacting and writing. Sometimes I mix up the order, just to keep you on your toes. Reading The High Calling is hosting a book club discussion featuring Karen Swallow Prior’s Booked: Literature in the Soul of Me. You can … [Read more...]
Food on Fridays: Clementine Candles
For the Food on Fridays carnival, any post remotely related to food is welcome—though we love to try new dishes, your post doesn’t have to be a recipe. We’re pretty relaxed over here, and stories and photos are as welcome as menus and recipes. When your Food on Fridays contribution is ready, just grab the button to include with your post. It ties us together visually. Then … [Read more...]
Looking for Jewels
Last week, I participated in a Tweetspeak Poetry party. During that one-hour gathering, we snatched ideas, images, words or phrases from one another and spun something new, to complement, to add to the beauty, 140 characters at a time.Connections are made. Wordplay abounds. Raw material appears, woven later into actual poems and published at Tweetspeak Poetry.[blackbirdpie … [Read more...]
Curiosity Journal: March 21, 2012
Each Wednesday (or thereabouts) I’ve been recording a Curiosity Journal to recap the previous week using these tag words: reading, playing, learning, reacting and writing.:::ReadingHey, I finished grading papers! Maybe soon I'll read something written by a person over the age of 18?PlayingOur weekend away with friends was so relaxing, so rejuvenating, so restful.They know … [Read more...]
Do-It-Yourself French (13 language acquisition ideas for the easily bored, non-sequential, or ADD learner)
When I married my bilingual husband 21 years ago, I didn't speak of a word of French. After the ceremony, we traveled to Belgium for a second reception where I was greeted by well over a hundred guests with beaucoups "bisous" and a heartfelt "Felicitations!" which means "Congratulations!" At the reception, his friends and family performed skits, told jokes, reminisced, … [Read more...]
Curiosity Journal: February 22, 2012
Each Wednesday I’ve been recording a Curiosity Journal to recap the previous week using these tag words: reading, playing, learning, reacting and writing.:::ReadingI read more of The Thinking Life: How to Thrive in the Age of Distraction, continuing to find lots of lines about slowing down.But it's not only about making time to think. For example, I thought this portion … [Read more...]
Curiosity Journal: January 18, 2012
Each Wednesday I’ve been recording a Curiosity Journal to recap the previous week using these tag words: reading, playing, learning, reacting and writing.:::ReadingI didn't get much reading done this week, and I'm trying to be okay with that.Sometimes I think a Kindle tucked in my purse would allow me to make the most of unexpected free time.PlayingOne of our kids is … [Read more...]
Curiosity Journal: January 11, 2012
Each Wednesday I’ve been recording a Curiosity Journal to recap the previous week using these tag words: reading, playing, learning, reacting and writing. Now I'm testing a slimmed-down version.:::ReadingI started Run with the Horses: The Quest for Life at Its Best, by Eugene Peterson. In light of New Year's Resolutions and other hopes of pursuing goals and dreams, I … [Read more...]
Curiosity Journal: January 4, 2012
Each Wednesday I’ve been recording a Curiosity Journal to recap the previous week using these tag words: reading, playing, learning, reacting and writing. Now I'm simplifying, to see if I like a slimmed-down version. ::: Reading From Rumors of Water: Thoughts on Creativity & Writing, by my friend and colleague L.L. Barkat, Chapter 2: "Let the unrestrained rain of … [Read more...]
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