Most of the leaves had given in to the pull of last week’s showers to abandon their perches. Some were happy to ride along with gentle fall breezes this weekend to become crisp carpet under our Bean boots and the ducks’ webbed swaying. The ones that remain have all chosen to agree in beautiful auburn […]
A Family Tradition: Our Thankful Tree Read More »
As I jammed the plant stems into brown paper bags, I doubted my attempt at drying herbs in a paper bag would be fruitful. But when late-summer nights ushered in chilly thoughts and earlier evenings, I knew I had to do something with my daughters’ plethora of herbs before Frost made them worthless with her silver-coated, suffocating touch. DISCLOSURE: This
5 Simple Steps to Drying Herbs in a Paper Bag Read More »
When we, as parents and teenagers together, roll up our sleeves and delve into a project around our homestead, everyone tends to be pleasantly surprised at the outcomes.
5 Reasons We Should Tackle a Project With Our Teens Read More »
Planning a family leaf peeping trip this weekend? Or would you just like a great excuse to get outside and enjoy a beautiful fall day with your child or grandchild? These photography tips are for you! ♥ DISCLOSURE:This post contains affiliate links. ♥ As the American poet, William Cullen Bryant, so perfectly professed, Autumn is “the year’s last loveliest smile.” Why
5 Simple Photography Tips for Amazing Fall Photos Read More »
My 12-year-old and I enjoyed learning new Photography Tips in our self-guided mini Summer Photo Challenge. She was deeply intrigued in the beginning, which revolved around a lazy July morning. I suggested we each take some pictures–a Mother/Daughter Photo Challenge–using some interesting techniques. My young author listened eagerly, immediately seeing potential for improving her blog posts. (Yes, my 12-year-old
Photography Tips to Try With Your Child Read More »
“Don’t tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass.” Or so Anton Chekhov wrote. I’m reminded of the quote as I scratch “Harvest Moon” on a Sunday square of the calendar. As a writer, I wholeheartedly agree with the Russian author. As a teacher, I instruct my students to interrogate all of
Don’t Miss this Autumn Jewel: the Harvest Moon Read More »
There are so many days, in so many ways, when I feel inadequate. Days that assure me I can stretch out in the cool, dew-covered morning grass? I need them. Days that promise me I can watch the clouds conga across the bright azul field of sky for as long as I choose to? I need them. Days
Fight Your Feelings of Inadequacy Read More »
Here I am again. My knuckles are white, my heels are dug in, and my teeth are clenched. Every year I seem to grasp onto fleeting summer days with a little more passion. Maybe because time as a whole, regardless of the season, is slipping faster as I get older. Maybe because summer on our little homestead,
A Feathered Iambic Poem Read More »
In The Book Thief, Markus Zusak describes words as “clouds, waiting to be held and wrung out like rain.” Zusak is right. When dropped gently–like summer-day raindrops–or strung together painstakingly, on tip-toe, the perfect combination of words rumble through one moment of our life and never leave. But did you notice what Zusak did with his allegory? Much to my
Loving science, even if you’re a Language-Arts-kinda mom Read More »
Smore cookies are my new weakness. Read on to find out not only how to make S’more cookies, but (are you ready for this?) how to combine all different types of chocolate, marshmallow options, and cookie options to create the most amazing S’mores ever.
