I am grateful for the fine journalism and opinion pieces published by MinnPost, an online newspaper which we have been supporting since its inception. For our literary community, here’s a sobering article about a Sinclair Lewis book reacting to totalitarian uprisings 80 years ago.
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Day #345: Bees
I am grateful for the bees who are a vital part of the chain of life. I grew up very afraid of them … I am thankful that we are educating everyone about their importance. An attitude adjustment shifted my fear to respect and admiration.
Day #332: Ag in the Classroom
Do you know the National Agriculture in the Classroom folks? There’s an office in many of our agricultural states. They take books and agricultural literacy to the schools, doing their best to teach children where their food comes from and why we need to advocate for farmers and farming. I am grateful for the work they do.
Day #211: A Universe of Stories
Earlier this week, Steve and I drove to Cannon Falls where we visited the gorgeous public library. What a friendly space! They are in the midst of their summer reading program, the theme of which “A Universe of Stories” has been met with stellar success. To all the children’s librarians in all of the public libraries across America, thank you for caring so much about kids and reading that you put forth supernova efforts to bring readers and non-readers into the library.
Day #202: Perennial Garden
When our perennial garden blooms each year, I am besotted. Such beauty. We are so blessed by the grace and persistence of these individual works of art.
Day #185: Preserving Our Democracy
On this weekend, as we remember the sacrifices made by so many of our citizens to preserve our democracy, I am grateful for the words of Scott Pelley, who reminds us that “we are all woven into the tapestry of stars.” Have a listen to “Divided We Stand? Scott Pelley on Our American Flag and Our Common Purpose“
Day #151: Earth Day
I am grateful every day for the wonder of our Earth. So much beauty. Treated with respect, it provides sustenance, which we must return. We are in a symbiotic relationship. Without a healthy planet, we will not thrive. I pledge to care for the earth as I do for my friends and family. Here’s to a thoughtful Earth Day!
Day #148: Chapter & Verse
I am ever so grateful for the several Chapter & Verse Book Clubs around the country who have been meeting to discuss children’s and teen books since 2008! (good heavens) We meet monthly and we always have a good discussion, especially when some of us like the books more than others. We’ve learned a lot over the years and we’ve laughed a lot, too. I love each and every one of you! Anyone is welcome to join us. Start a group in your area—we’ll help.
Day #144: Carl Larsson
I have had three Carl Larsson prints hanging in my home since I first lived on my own. I love his intricate line, his colors, but most of all his subjects: home, family, and everyday life. The book Carl Larsson’s Home was first published in the 1890s and there are still versions of it in print! He had a rough childhood, but he persevered, creating a lovely home life for their children with his wife, artist and interior decorator Karin Bergöö. His art helps me recognize when I am content.
Day #112: Recipes
I’ve written before that my grandmother was a wonderful cook. One of her specialties was peach pie. She left us without a recipe. When I asked her to write it down, she was reluctant. I don’t know why. I would watch her make it, using pinches and handfuls to measure. She used tapioca to thicken the sauce, nutmeg, and she cut fresh peaches. I’ve hunted for a recipe that is similar. I have been unable to replicate her pie. Do you have a beloved food that you’ve been hunting elusively? I’m grateful to people who write down their recipes for posterity.
