I wanted to write about it then, but I was in the middle of another post. When the Olympics ended, I found some great articles I decided to write about. Here are the two source links for this post:
​

1. https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/it-was-a-sensational-olympics-for-the-us-by-nearly-every-measure-but-one-stood-out/ar-AA1WSZgX?ocid=winp2f
2. https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/the-seven-best-team-usa-moments-of-the-winter-olympics-ranked/ar-AA1WS1HS?ocid=winp2fptaskbar&cvid=eb6c992

​

​Imagine taking two years off because you burned out from skating; then coming back and winning the gold medal! That’s exactly what Alysa Liu did. It’s an impossible dream, but she made it look easy!

Alysa is as unique as her hair. It’s fun, and that’s what she was missing. At age 13 she became the youngest World Champion skater ever, and 7 years later she quit. She couldn’t take the rigid structure— having a coach dictate her life. Teens hate that.
​
Alysa lost sight of why she started skating. I’m glad she found her way back again and skated for herself, and for us too! Her performance, pure joy!


​

#1. How the US Men’s Hockey Team Won Gold
​​

​The men haven’t been as dominant as the US women’s hockey team. They haven’t won gold since the Miracle on Ice game in 1980. I watched it, and so did everyone else in the country. It was a HUGE moment, American college kids beating the practically professional Soviet team.
​
​The game against the Canadians was on the last day of the Olympics, on the anniversary of the Miracle. I missed everything but overtime. Both teams skated like their national pride depended on it. Play was fast and furious.
​

​
I didn’t see Jack Hughes shoot the winning goal—hockey moves fast! But I saw the response. Every American player threw their stick into the air in pure joy. Then they all crashed into a Plexiglas wall. Thank goodness it didn’t collapse. Then the camera turned on the Canadians as they realized they were settling for silver.

If you’d like to see images of Team USA, click the link below. One photo makes me tear up. Scan down to find one of the team and two toddlers. Their father, Johnny Gaudreau, played with many of the Olympic squad, but two years ago he and his brother Matthew were killed by a drunk driver. Johnny’s teammates never forgot him. His jersey hung in the Olympic locker room, and it’s in the photo alongside his children. It was an incredible game for Team USA and an incredible photo for Johnny’s teammates and the Gaudreau family. 

Link https://www.si.com/winter-olympics/team-usa-gold-medal-mens-hockey-win-sports-illustrated-best-photos

I wanted to write about it then, but I was in the middle of another post. When the Olympics ended, I found some great articles I decided to write about. Here are the two source links for this post:
​

1. https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/it-was-a-sensational-olympics-for-the-us-by-nearly-every-measure-but-one-stood-out/ar-AA1WSZgX?ocid=winp2f
2. https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/the-seven-best-team-usa-moments-of-the-winter-olympics-ranked/ar-AA1WS1HS?ocid=winp2fptaskbar&cvid=eb6c992

​

This is Alex’s fourth Olympics. He’s already won bronze and silver, but Milan was his last chance to win gold in the halfpipe. He sat in fifth place after two runs. With one last try, he’d be lucky to medal. Winning gold—seemed out of reach.

Then Alex laid down his best run ever…GOLD! How?
​
He repeated the words he always says before take-off. “I am greatness, and this is my moment. I can feel it in my bone marrow.” This time Alex must have thrown his heart, his body, and his soul into that jump. It worked!
​

​

                                         #4. Elana Meyers Taylor Wins Gold—For Her Deaf Toddler Boys
​ 

At 41, Elana was entering her fifth Olympics in bobsled. She’s won five medals, but never gold. This time she did, by .04 or 4/100 of a second. That’s fast!

How fast?! I tried starting my stopwatch and stopping it right away. The best I could do was .4 or 4/10 of a second. Too slow! At that rate I wouldn’t have medaled or been in the top ten. Try it! See how you do!

Not only did Elana take home the gold, she’s now the most decorated Black athlete in Winter Olympics history. Impressive, but that’s not what really matters to her.
​
Elana said, “Parenting my two sons with disabilities has done everything for me.” Winning medals doesn’t matter—being a mom does. The best part of winning, hugging and celebrating her golden moment with them, in real time.  


​

​​#3. Corinne Stoddard Posted About Falls—Then Stayed Up For Bronze

Have you ever fallen in front of the WHOLE world? Me, thankfully no. Corrinne Stoddard has…. a staggering 4 times during the Milan Olympics.

After choking and falling so many times, Corrine wrote on Instagram how embarrassed she felt about handling her own expectations. NBC sports announcer Ted Robinson said anyone who’s raced short track has lived through falls, and what’s even worse—fear of them.

Redemption came in her last race, the 1500 meter. Corinne not only stayed on her feet—she won bronze. Long before the Milan games, Corrine talked about her struggle with anxiety and insomnia. I’m so glad she had that last race, beat her fears, and medaled.
​
                                                                                 Tomorrow: the top two events

I wanted to write about it then, but I was in the middle of another post. When the Olympics ended, I found some great articles I decided to write about. Here are the two source links for this post:
​

1. https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/it-was-a-sensational-olympics-for-the-us-by-nearly-every-measure-but-one-stood-out/ar-AA1WSZgX?ocid=winp2f
2. https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/the-seven-best-team-usa-moments-of-the-winter-olympics-ranked/ar-AA1WS1HS?ocid=winp2fptaskbar&cvid=eb6c992

Part 1: The Seven Best Moments (Source #2), Plus My Comments
​
#7. How the US Women’s Hockey Team Won Gold

The first line from the article said it wasn’t a surprise. I disagree. The US won the first six games by wide margins. They even beat Canada 5-0 in an earlier match. Canada has won 5 of the last 7 gold medal matches; the US, only 2. So after losing, I knew Canada would be out for blood, and gold.

They were! With 2 minutes left, Canada led, 1-0. That’s when Hilary Knight scored the tying goal. I missed the game but watched the overtime. That’s when Megan Keller scored the gold medal winning goal. It was an incredible moment…watching the thrill of victory for the Americans, and the agony of defeat for the Canadians.


​

On the 2nd day of the Games, Jesse fell during the skiathlon and bruised her lower ribs. She pulled herself up, pushed through the pain, and still finished 8th in the event.

Despite rib pain and trouble breathing, Jesse kept skiing. She refused to listen to the doctors. They said it could get worse. even cause long-term problems, but this was her last Olympics. Jesse competed in multiple events, including the individual sprints. This time she only made it to the quarterfinals.
​
In her last race, Jesse took on the women’s 10 km freestyle. That’s about 6-1/4 miles. Imagine skiing each one struggling to breathe, with aching ribs, but Jesse pushed to the finish. Then like everyone else, she collapsed, exhausted.  Jessie fought the pain, earning herself 3rd place and the bronze medal.  

 
​

                                 #5. On His Last Olympic Run,  Alex Ferreira Wins His First Gold Medal
​

This is Alex’s fourth Olympics. He’s already won bronze and silver, but Milan was his last chance to win gold in the halfpipe. He sat in fifth place after two runs. With one last try, he’d be lucky to medal. Winning gold—seemed out of reach.

Then Alex laid down his best run ever…GOLD! How?
​
He repeated the words he always says before take-off. “I am greatness, and this is my moment. I can feel it in my bone marrow.” This time Alex must have thrown his heart, his body, and his soul into that jump. It worked!

                                               #4. Elana Meyers Taylor Wins Gold—For Her Deaf Toddler Boys
​

At 41, Elana was entering her fifth Olympics in bobsled. She’s won five medals, but never gold. This time she did, by .04 or 4/100 of a second. That’s fast!

How fast?! I tried starting my stopwatch and stopping it right away. The best I could do was .4 or 4/10 of a second. Too slow! At that rate I wouldn’t have medaled or been in the top ten. Try it! See how you do!

Not only did Elana take home the gold, she’s now the most decorated Black athlete in Winter Olympics history. Impressive, but that’s not what really matters to her.
​
Elana said, “Parenting my two sons with disabilities has done everything for me.” Winning medals doesn’t matter—being a mom does. The best part of winning, hugging and celebrating her golden moment with them, in real time.  


​

​Have you ever fallen in front of the WHOLE world? Me, thankfully no. Corrinne Stoddard has…. a staggering 4 times during the Milan Olympics.

After choking and falling so many times, Corrine wrote on Instagram how embarrassed she felt about handling her own expectations. NBC sports announcer Ted Robinson said anyone who’s raced short track has lived through falls, and what’s even worse—fear of them.

Redemption came in her last race, the 1500 meter. Corinne not only stayed on her feet—she won bronze. Long before the Milan games, Corrine talked about her struggle with anxiety and insomnia. I’m so glad she had that last race, beat her fears, and medaled.
​
                                                                                 Tomorrow: the top two events
​

                                                                                                                      #2. Alysa Liu Skates the Program of Her Life 
​                                                                                       

Imagine taking two years off because you burned out from skating; then coming back and winning the gold medal! That’s exactly what Alysa Liu did. It’s an impossible dream, but she made it look easy!

Alysa is as unique as her hair. It’s fun, and that’s what she was missing. At age 13 she became the youngest World Champion skater ever, and 7 years later she quit. She couldn’t take the rigid structure— having a coach dictate her life. Teens hate that.
​
Alysa lost sight of why she started skating. I’m glad she found her way back again and skated for herself, and for us too! Her performance, pure joy!

#1. How the US Men’s Hockey Team Won Gold
​

The men haven’t been as dominant as the US women’s hockey team. They haven’t won gold since the Miracle on Ice game in 1980. I watched it, and so did everyone else in the country. It was a HUGE moment, American college kids beating the practically professional Soviet team.

​The game against the Canadians was on the last day of the Olympics, on the anniversary of the Miracle. I missed everything but overtime. Both teams skated like their national pride depended on it. Play was fast and furious.
​

I didn’t see Jack Hughes shoot the winning goal—hockey moves fast! But I saw the response. Every American player threw their stick into the air in pure joy. Then they all crashed into a Plexiglas wall. Thank goodness it didn’t collapse. Then the camera turned on the Canadians as they realized they were settling for silver.

If you’d like to see images of Team USA, click the link below. One photo makes me tear up. Scan down to find one of the team and two toddlers. Their father, Johnny Gaudreau, played with many of the Olympic squad, but two years ago he and his brother Matthew were killed by a drunk driver. Johnny’s teammates never forgot him. His jersey hung in the Olympic locker room, and it’s in the photo alongside his children. It was an incredible game for Team USA and an incredible photo for Johnny’s teammates and the Gaudreau family. 

Link https://www.si.com/winter-olympics/team-usa-gold-medal-mens-hockey-win-sports-illustrated-best-photos

​
​This year I’m focused on moving forward and persevering with the things I’ve been building…my stories, blog posts, book reviews, videos, and newsletters. My goal is to see those stories published. So, I’ll keep on keeping on until the crown is won, and my stories are in the hands of readers.    



​

​So who said persistence wins the crown? The Apostle James, one of the disciples of Jesus

It’s biblical! Think James 1:12 ESV. Here’s how it’s written in the English Standard Version…“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”
​
            Source: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+1%3A12&version=ESV

I get emails from a website called Inspiring Quotes each day. Some speak to me; some don’t. I delete the ones that don’t and save the ones that do. Sometimes I share them with you. Would you believe my file of quotes is 141 pages long?

I haven’t shared any for a while, so I decided to pick four and write about them. I hope they’ll speak to you too. If you click on any of the source links, you can get emails from Inspiring Quotes too.  


​

I get emails from a website called Inspiring Quotes each day. Some speak to me; some don’t. I delete the ones that don’t and save the ones that do. Sometimes I share them with you. Would you believe my file of quotes is 141 pages long?

I haven’t shared any for a while, so I decided to pick four and write about them. I hope they’ll speak to you too. If you click on any of the source links, you can get emails from Inspiring Quotes too.  
​

​So who said it? Anne Lamott
​
Anne’s writing is known for its self-deprecating humor, and it’s on display in this quote. Everything needs a break if it’s going to keep running. Any machine that’s used constantly will wear out sooner, and so will we.

Source: https://inspiringquotes.com/quote/almost-everything-will-work-again-if-you-unplug-it-for/?lctg=c4d2fe5b-125d-41db-a63c-ea78909f2d82
​
         Tomorrow: another quote that spoke to me.
​                           I hope it speaks to you too.

I get emails from a website called Inspiring Quotes each day. Some speak to me; some don’t. I delete the ones that don’t and save the ones that do. Sometimes I share them with you. Would you believe my file of quotes is 141 pages long?

I haven’t shared any for a while, so I decided to pick four and write about them. I hope they’ll speak to you too. If you click on any of the source links, you can get emails from Inspiring Quotes too.  


​

​I’ve never thought of myself as talented, but I’ve always been a pretty good writer. Good enough to publish three books. How did I do it? By writing!
​
Over twenty years, I began to write each day, and every year I wrote for longer and longer periods of time. I took classes and learned how to write a good story, whether it’s a picture book or middle grade. I found a critique group. We meet every week, and I listen to their advice. That’s how I finally wrote and published three books. It’s how I’m still growing as a writer.
​

​

                           So who said it? May Sarton

She’s a prolific writer with 19 novels and 17 books of poetry to her credit. If you want to read the best of her writing, look for her journals and memoirs.
​
May wrote “The House by the Sea” when she moved from New Hampshire to the coastline of Maine in 1973. It’s her personal account of the solitude, nature, and her creative process, and it’s where she connected writing to plants. They wither away without food, sun, and care. To grow as a writer, May realized she had to fuel and care for her writing each day.

         Source: https://inspiringquotes.com/quote/a-talent-grows-by-being-used-and-withers-if-it/


​

When I struggle with my computer, I click restart. That usually works! If it doesn’t, I call in my husband/tech support, and I still get a break.

When words are my problem, I take a break! Sometimes I only need a few minutes. Sometimes I switch to another writing project. But if I’m still stuck, I take the night off. And in the morning, somehow, the words come. Thank goodness!
​

​

                           So who said it? Anne Lamott
​
Anne’s writing is known for its self-deprecating humor, and it’s on display in this quote. Everything needs a break if it’s going to keep running. Any machine that’s used constantly will wear out sooner, and so will we.

Source: https://inspiringquotes.com/quote/almost-everything-will-work-again-if-you-unplug-it-for/?lctg=c4d2fe5b-125d-41db-a63c-ea78909f2d82
​

​

So true! I pulled out 3 old picture book manuscripts that used to be submission ready. I spent about 4 weeks on each one.  It’s funny…They were supposed to be ready, but in 2026 the characters and plots needed more revision.

It’s also true for the first 3 chapters of my middle grade novel. I spent a little time on the other 7 last year, but week after week I polished the first 3. Adding details, pulling them out, over and over again. I thought in September I was close, but now in February of 2026, they’re all tighter, more polished, and I hope, almost done!


​

                                          So who said it? Taika Waititi

Taika is an actor, director, and writer from New Zealand. He believes the artistic process never ends. That it’s a conversation between him and his audience. It lets him look at his work from different perspectives and experiment with it. His method won him the 2020 Best Adapted Screenplay Oscar for “Jojo Rabbit.”

Source: https://inspiringquotes.com/quote/no-idea-is-final/?lctg=c4d2fe5b-125d-41db-a63c-ea78909f2d82
​

​

​​
​This year I’m focused on moving forward and persevering with the things I’ve been building…my stories, blog posts, book reviews, videos, and newsletters. My goal is to see those stories published. So, I’ll keep on keeping on until the crown is won, and my stories are in the hands of readers.    

                     So who said keep on keeping on? Martin Luther King Jr.

According to the US Dictionary.com, he made it popular in a 1964 speech, but that quote has been around for a long time, long before World War I. It was also popular inside the African American community. Curtis Mayfield recorded it in a hit song in 1971. Bob Dylan used the phrase in “Tangled Up in Blue” in 1974.

            Source: https://usdictionary.com/idioms/keep-on-keeping-on/

So who said persistence wins the crown? The Apostle James, one of the disciples of Jesus

It’s biblical! Think James 1:12 ESV. Here’s how it’s written in the English Standard Version…“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”
​
            Source: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+1%3A12&version=ESV

​Part 1: The Search for Books: 
​​​

​My search started on the Ohio Digital Library website. When I read to classes on Zoom, I want the book to be the star, and the digital library always delivers a great read!   

​
​

Step 1: Click on the search bar. Then type ‘survival,’ and hit enter. 
​

​This came up on the left…Showing 1-24 of 1,888 results for survival. 
There’s no way I’m looking at all of them…
So, I narrowed my search.


​

​ Step 2: I scrolled down the left side, looking for Picture Books. 
​​

​I checked Nonfiction first. It had1 title, but I didn’t pick it.
So, I scrolled back up to Picture Book Fiction. I highlighted it for you.
Do you see 15 titles? Bingo, I hit paydirt!
I clicked. Look below and see what I found! 


​

​
If I’m interested, I check out the book and flip through the pages.
If I like it, I keep it. If I don’t, I return it.
I wound up with 4 survival titles, but I can only read 1.
Can you pick out THE Final 4?

Tomorrow: Meet them, description by description
​
​

​​                                                                                                                                     Part 2: Meeting the Books
​

What the library said: It's time to go, but no one can find Hannah! That's because she's in the park with much to do. She needs to collect caterpillars and sticks, make a bow and arrow, and build a bed out of leaves. Deep in the shrubs, she sets up a secret hideout for herself and her companion, an Odd Furry Creature. Together, they hunker down over the campfire, lost in their own little world. But then a voice cuts through the branches and clearly says, "Where are you?" Hannah brushes off her paper, and the reader learns that Hannah was lost—not in the woods—but in her drawing. This dreamlike, lyrical picture book with shades of Where the Wild Things Are illustrates the power of imagination to transport us to new worlds.
​
What I liked: Hannah and her park. Kids can easily imagine themselves stepping into Hannah’s shoes and sharing her adventure. My concern: Is the story big enough for kids to learn something new about survival? 
​

​

What the library said: Rama and her family, are forced to flee their once-peaceful village to escape the ravages of the civil war raging ever closer to their home.
​
With only what they can carry on their backs, Rama and her mother, father, grandfather and brother, Sami, set out to walk to freedom in Europe. This unique picture book was inspired by the stone artwork of Syrian artist Nizar Ali Badr, discovered by chance by Canadian children's writer Margriet Ruurs. The author was immediately impressed by the strong narrative quality of Mr. Badr's work, and, using many of Mr. Badr's already-created pieces, she set out to create a story about the Syrian refugee crisis.

What I liked: The illustrations! They’re created with stones, and they’re incredible. The story is written in both English and Arabic, and it’s about a family escaping civil war in Syria to start a new life in Europe. My concern: Will kids understand the depth of this story?


​​

What the library said: A 2018 Caldecott Honor Book that Kirkus Reviews calls "a must-read for our times," A Different Pond is an unforgettable story about a simple event - a long-ago fishing trip. Graphic novelist Thi Bui and acclaimed poet Bao Phi deliver a powerful, honest glimpse into a relationship between father and son - and between cultures, old and new. As a young boy, Bao and his father awoke early, hours before his father's long workday began, to fish on the shores of a small pond in Minneapolis. Unlike many other anglers, Bao and his father fished for food, not recreation. A successful catch meant a fed family. Between hope-filled casts, Bao's father told him about a different pond in their homeland of Vietnam. Thi Bui's striking, evocative art paired with Phi's expertly crafted prose has earned this powerful picture books six starred reviews and numerous awards.

What I liked: The father and son going fishing together. How they work together to stay warm, to catch enough food to feed the family, and to stay connected to their home in Vietnam. My concern: This story is really quiet. Will it engage my audience? Can they imagine themselves in this story and take something away from it?


​

What the library said: When two scientists find themselves stranded on Iceland's newest volcanic island, Surtsey, they have to navigate fiery lava, fogged-up glasses, and dwindling supplies to survive until rescue arrives. Based on real life events, this action-packed book keeps readers guessing about the one surprising twist in the tale that's not entirely true.    
Endnotes include information about volcanoes, Icelandic culture, and Norse mythology. Perfect for young adventurers
​
What I liked: A volcano erupting on an island. A man stuck, trying to survive, then escape. Exciting! My concern: This story is so unlike anything my audience has experienced. 
 
 
​                                                     ​

                                                                                                                             Part 3: Picking THE Book, x Two:  
​

​ Did you pick this one? I didn’t when I pulled the other three titles. They had bigger themes to explore.  From civil war to emigration to volcanic eruption, they all seemed more important.

But the biggest thing to consider—the audience. Fourth graders are 9-10 years old. When I remembered that, The Hideout won. The illustrations are bright and colorful. They appeal to this age group. Fourth graders live in the here and now. They have bedrooms, and they’ve played in parks. It was easy for them to figure out what they’d need to survive in the illustrations.
​
As for the other three, I read that kids don’t have the context adults have. If you mention Vietnam or 9/11, kids don’t know about them so reading and understanding books about them is harder. Who knew? I was on the right track after all!


​

​​       This week I had to pick another book for Mrs. Brown’s class. Can you guess which one I chose?

An article about 7 calming phrases for kids caught my attention, and I thought it might catch yours too. The words help parents handle tantrums by using understanding and empathy as tools to calm emotions. Then problems can be solved.

It sounds a lot like Gentle Parenting, the technique many parents use. Here’s the link to that article: https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/personalfinance/i-ve-studied-over-200-kids-parents-who-are-really-good-at-handling-tantrums-use-7-calming-phrases/ar-AA1JOOxN?ocid=winp2fptaskbarhover&cvid=af1c5db946564753bdf41ab69c2e75e9&ei=21


​

​       #1. ‘You’re having a big feeling. I’m right here with you.’
​
​The big idea for this phrase, to validate that feeling. To let kids know they’re not alone.
​
Emotions are hard to navigate, no matter your age. If someone understands and supports you, it helps. It can shrink big feelings. Over time, with practice, it will even get faster and easier for you and your child.


​

​Can you imagine the relief a kid feels after hearing that? It builds trust and helps them calm down faster. Why? They don’t have to scream to be heard.

My note of caution from the parent and teacher in me, I’d still say I believe in you, no matter what. Even if my child told me an untruth. OK, a lie, but sometimes littles don’t always understand what they’re saying or feeling, especially during a meltdown. 

 

             #3. 'Your feelings make sense.'

The big idea behind this phrase, I understand you and your feelings. Who doesn’t want to hear that?!
​
I wondered, what would you say if you weren’t sure how your child felt or why? Me, I’d start with I love you. Everyone needs to hear that. Then I’d ask about their feelings and go from there.


​

​
​The key words…not upset and help. Imagine being a kid who just threw a temper tantrum. Your parents aren’t mad; they understand and want to help.

Wow! You don’t have to worry about being in trouble. You can focus on calming down. 


​

​​
Here’s to empathy and understanding! Everyone gets mad. Kids, parents, me too, but the last line changes everything. It tells a child they’re safe, and everyone around them too. Thanks to a good parent!

We adults could use that too. We should give ourselves permission to feel angry, then channel it so we don’t hurt anyone else, including ourselves. Think of it as modeling a good strategy, while your child is learning it too.

         Tomorrow: Two more phrases, a sneak peek, plus a final conclusion

​
​

​                     6. 'Take your time. I'm not going anywhere.'

Time is a gift others give you. If your child panics and melts down, give them your time. Time to calm down until the panic disappears. When kids don’t have to hurry emotions, it’s easier.  It’s true for us adults too.

​
                         7. 'We'll get through this together.'

Have you noticed it’s easier to get through the tough stuff if you’ve got a friend around? It’s true for kids too. This phrase helps them feel supported, gives them confidence to face future challenges, and makes meltdowns less likely. Really! All because that child got to face the tough stuff with someone who loves them, like a mom or dad.


​
​

​When you look at the 7 phrases featured in this post, there’s a common thread. They’re about connecting and understanding parents and children. It’s not about parents controlling a child’s emotions; it’s about guiding children to help them control their own emotions.

These 7 phrases are like seeds. They won’t grow immediately; it takes time. Temper tantrums don’t vanish right away. Everything worth while takes time. To quote this article, “a child who trusts their own feelings, knows they’re worthy of support, and believes that love doesn’t disappear when life gets hard.”
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I believe in a rainy day/blizzard kind of love. It sticks around when life gets tough. It never leaves. It’s always ready to help a child in need, even if they’re all grown up, like mine.

In the first one, I’m pretending to read so my husband can take a picture. Lake Fun for You and Me, my second book, was coming out, and I needed a photo for social media.
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In the second, I’m really writing. I always sit in a comfy chair with a great view. That’s where I write stories for picture books and middle grade novels. I design posts for my blog and book reviews, and I create newsletters and video scripts. It’s hard to stop writing, but I’m learning.


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​​Part 1: Putting Family First:​  By the time I retired, my children were grown, and they’d moved away. Visits were precious so I tried to be present, and I wrote later.

If I visited during their work week, I’d write all day. Then take time off for dinner. When we settled in to watch TV or a movie, then I went back to work.
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Looking back, I wish I’d put off working until my kids went to bed. I’m a night owl so it’s easy for me to stay up and write. 

BTW—these photos are not my kids or grandkids. Their images are private.


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​ In 2019, I published my first book, Neil Armstrong’s Wind Tunnel Dream, and my first grandchild was born. Since then, two more joined the family. Time with them is precious.

My husband and I travel 2-3 days to see them for birthdays and holiday vacations. I work all the way there. That’s easy! Once we arrive, I work hard to keep myself from writing. To invest my time in building and maintaining a relationship with them.

Writing, it’s what I do when they’re napping or down for the night. In the six years since the first grand arrived, I’ve learned how to spend my 3-5 hours of writing time. I keep up on my blog and my vlog. The biggest blessing, classic posts; That’s a nice way of saying the old ones. They’re worth pulling out and dusting off. AND, they preserve my time with the grands!

 
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​Part 2: Hanging Out With Family:  I’m a night owl, but my children and grandchildren are early birds. To spend more time with them, I get up early too.
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I used to be up when the grands woke, but now I’m up an hour later. It’s still way earlier than usual. With the oldest, we play a game where she tries to wake me up. So far, she hasn’t caught me snoring, but who knows? She might get me the next time!

​I also try to be present when they’re up. I don’t work. I don’t hang out with the adults. Wherever my grandkids are, that’s where you’ll find me.
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Whatever they’re doing, I try to do. When I’m too old, too stiff to join in their fun, I turn into an audience of one, and I cheer from the sidelines. 
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When I hang out with my grands, it’s all about the play. If we’re inside, I’m all in for hide and seek, Candyland, cards, whatever game they pull out.

Outside it depends…I’m terrible at throwing, catching, running, but I can still handle the swings. Slides and monkey bars, not so much either. Some things just don’t age well; at least not on me ☹

When the grands do things I can’t, I join the audience. I watch, applaud, and cheer. That way we’re all happy.

My grands can count on me as a TV/movie buddy. I’ll watch anything from Mr. Rogers to Bluey, from Frozen to the new SpongeBob movie.

I feel the same way about books. I’ll read any story they hand me until we have to stop. My favorites, the ones I gave them, of course!
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Part 3: Heading Home and Staying Connected: All good things must come to an end, and so do family vacations. I treasure time with my kids and my grandkids, yet I’m also happy to get back on the road again.
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​​Within minutes, I’m on my computer, writing and revising again. First up, the stories I put on hold to hang out with family.


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​I have two WIP’s, writer-speak for Works In Progress. Charley’s back, and so am I. We’re working with Callie again, and my new goal—to polish Chapters 1-3 until they’re submission ready. I’m close, and Callie will tell me when they’re done.

Now that I’m home again, it’s time to work on staying connected to my grands. For the older two, I video-call once a week. It only lasts a couple minutes; long enough for them to tell me what they’re up to or for me to ask.

​For the littlest, he taught me something new…His mom sent me a quick video. He said, “Hi grandma. Love you.” That’s it! Short and sweet! It took me a few hours to realize I could shoot a video too. His reaction—he burst into a smile as soon as he saw it. At his age, that’s HUGE! If you have a little who isn’t ready to video chat, I think it’s a great way to stay connected!