Four is too much. Two, too few. But three elements are just right. Not too complex. Not too simple. Three make a magical pattern. A fun way to think about the rule of three—one that doesn’t involve celebrity deaths or … Continue reading →
Hello, friend, Before I dive in—today marks 22 years since the horrors of 9/11. For me, it’s become a time to think about how people are treated and have been treated the world over and to understand that making a … Continue reading →
Today. Labor Day. The unofficial end to summer. Why do we do that? Why do we hurry summer—or any season—to a close “unofficially”? We don’t bring anything but seasons to unofficial ends, or beginnings for that matter. When I’m 80, … Continue reading →
Hello, friend, A few weeks ago I wrote about why reading middle-grade and children’s fiction is good for adults. If books help shape children—and I think they do—then can they not also shape adults? Surely we’re not beyond help. I … Continue reading →
I was reading an article the other day about what therapists know that everyone should actually know (see reference, below). It included things like “Feelings change over time,” and “Therapists guide; they don’t fix,” and “Your feelings—whatever they may be—are … Continue reading →
“…That which we call a rose, by any other word would smell as sweet,” says Shakepeare’s Juliet. I suppose it’s true enough. But I would rather smell a rose than something called stinkweed. Shakespeare was good with names and other … Continue reading →
Wouldn’t it be nice to stick a bookmark into your busy life and go play? After all, it is summer. Tomorrow’s Independence Day and you don’t get much more summery than that. Here’s my version of a perfect summer day. … Continue reading →
Hello, friend. What have you been reading lately? Chances are, you’ve been reading very little from the children’s section of the library or bookstore. And that’s a shame. C.S. Lewis said, “A children’s book that can only be enjoyed by … Continue reading →
Your voice is important. Not just what you choose to say, but your tone and how you say it. It’s important in life and it’s important in writing, too. What’s the point of having a voice if you’re not going … Continue reading →
Do pain and art go together? Take a look at the lives of artists, writers, musicians, poets. Artists like Georgia O’Keeffe, Vincent Van Gogh, Edvard Munch. Writers like Mark Twain, JK Rowling, Stephen King. Musicians such as Michael Jackson, Christina … Continue reading →
