Did you watch the Milan Olympics? They ended on February 22. I admired many athletes, but only one became my hero, Alysa Liu.
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Why Alysa? She’s incredible! At age 13, she became the youngest American National Champion. At 16, she retired. She said skating wasn’t fun anymore, that all her choices were controlled by her father and coaches. Teenagers crave independence, and Alysa did too.
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At 18, only eighteen months later, Alysa returned to skating. She missed it but needed control of things like music and costumes. After taking time off to be a teenager, to make her own choices, Alysa was ready to challenge herself again. At 20, she won Olympic Gold, her way.

I admire someone so young, so talented, making choices based on experience. Mistakes happen whenever we try something new. It’s part of the process. It’s part of being human for all of us, and for Alysa too.


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Alysa’s Past

This is China’s Tiananmen Square on June 2, 1989.
Alysa wasn’t born until 2005, so this is her father Arthur's story.

Arthur joined the pro-democracy movement. He organized college students in protests and hunger strikes that spread across Beijing during May of 1989. By June 5, the Chinese government forced its military to crush all protest. They even used tanks on their own citizens.  Arthur escaped China by coming to the United States as a political refugee. 


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​​ Would you believe Arthur and Alysa had spies watching them back in November of 2021? China wanted her to skate for them during the Beijing Olympics, and they tried spying to make it happen.
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They used their “naturalization project” to convince athletes and their families to compete for China. When a man called asking for the Liu’s passport numbers, Arthur hung up and contacted the FBI. He knew US Figure Skating never made those kinds of calls.

The FBI took the case seriously, met with Alysa, and gave her more security during the Games. Alysa was happy with seventh place. A month later in March she came in third and won a bronze medal at the World Championships. Funny, in April Alysa retired. Now I understand more of her story.
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1. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/father-of-american-figure-skating-hero-alysa-liu-confirms-our-suspicions/ar-AA1X4YTX?ocid=winp2fptaskbarhover&cvid=41c847f084a74d08fdc300b777ab2911&ei=16
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2. https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/sporting/a70022994/who-is-alysa-liu-dad-arthur/
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3. https://www.britannica.com/event/Tiananmen-Square-incident


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                                                         Alysa, Donna, Jimmy, and MacArthur Park

The first photo was taken after Alysa won her gold medal thanks to “MacArthur Park” and Donna Summer. The second is Donna in a recording studio, but she was probably singing a different tune in 1977. “MacArthur Park” came out a year later.

The week Alysa skated to “MacArthur Park,” it only had 12,000 listeners a day. It leaped to 139,000 by Sunday, just three days after her gold medal. That’s a 505% surge. Not bad for a song recorded 50 years ago!

​So how did Alysa stumble across such an old song? Her coach and choreographer picked it, and Alysa loved it right away. “MacArthur Park” took her all the way to the gold medal at the 2025 World Figure Skating Championship.
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With the Olympics looming in 2026, Alysa needed a new program. This time she chose music from Lady Gaga. But when she tried it out in two competitions, she got mixed results. Alysa decided to return to “MacArthur Park” and give the choreography a few new twists. Watching Alysa skate to music she loved in that gold-spangled costume was magic! Everyone, including the Olympic judges agreed.


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Meet Jimmy Webb, the man who wrote “MacArthur Park.” Before Alysa skated, he was nervous, then amazed to watch her give his old song new life. Afterwards Jimmy posted on Instagram how proud he was to be part of her inspiration.
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And what inspired Jimmy? The real MacArthur Park in Los Angelos! That’s where he met his girlfriend for lunch. Where they watched old men play checkers by the trees. 

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When they broke up, Jimmy poured his anguish into a song. And into a cake that he never made, let alone left out in the rain. His song is definitely quirky. That’s probably what inspired Donna Summer to record it, and Alysa Liu to keep it for her 2026 gold medal performance.

                                                                          Tomorrow: What’s ahead for Alysa Liu
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​1. https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/alysa-liu-s-olympic-gold-skate-sends-donna-summer-streams-soaring/ar-AA1WUBUa?ocid=winp2fptaskbarhover&cvid=a1263ef2288d4eed8f237a08a620e423&ei=14
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2. https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/macarthur-park-writer-jimmy-webb-finds-joy-in-alysa-liu-s-viral-skate/ar-AA1XaNNB?ocid=winp2fptaskbar&cvid=fb59e1885e36403f92178d3557799296&ei=5


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​After winning the gold medal, her first big decision was to pull out of the World Championships. Alysa wanted to perform; this would be the last time she’d see some of her fellow competitors. Her last chance to say goodbye. 

But Alysa was honest with herself. With only a few weeks to train, she might not give her best performance. She’d already worked hard on the Lady Gaga program for the US Championships, but that only got her second place. That’s when Alysa and her team decided to switch back to MacArthur Park for the Olympics, and they had one month to get ready.
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After two months of constant pushing, I can see why Alysa needed a break. Time to breathe. To take opportunities that might never come again. Have you seen her at the Vanity Fair Oscars Party or the iHeartRadio Music awards? That’s where she gave Taylor Swift six awards. I’m glad Alysa’s having fun. At age 20, she deserves it!


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​​ I don’t need a crystal ball to know taking care of herself will be a priority in Alysa’s future. It’s been seven years since she became the youngest US Champion. She’s learned from experience when to listen to herself. and when to listen to others.

In March Alysa took a break from skating and competition to rest up and try new things. When she returns next year, I think she’ll follow her post-retirement path. She’ll make decisions in her own interest. They won’t be perfect, but she’ll make them her way.
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1.https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/alysa-liu-withdraws-from-world-championships-shares-regrets-and-future-plans/ar-AA1YMl09?ocid=winp2fptaskbar&cvid=c894a3a2240246d8a449aab000a89bef&ei=14
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​2. https://www.profootballnetwork.com/olympics/alysa-liu-mindset-career-march-2026/

​Did you watch the Winter Olympics in Milan? I did—from breakfast until bedtime. The TV was background noise, but when something caught my attention, I stopped and watched. 

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:
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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
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#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.


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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.
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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.  

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


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​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.
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                                                                                 Tomorrow: the top two events
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                                                                                                                      #2. Alysa Liu Skates the Program of Her Life 
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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.
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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
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The men haven’t been dominant like the women’s team. They haven’t won gold since the Miracle on Ice game in 1980. I watched, and so did everyone in the country. It was a HUGE moment, American college kids beating the practically professional Soviet team.
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The 2026 game was on the last day of the Olympics, on the anniversary of the Miracle. I missed everything but overtime. Both teams, Canadian and American, skated like their national pride depended on it. Play was fast and furious!

I didn’t see Jack Hughes shoot the winning goal, or lose two teeth, but I saw the response. Every American player threw their stick up in joy. Then they all crashed into a Plexiglas wall. Thank goodness it stayed up! Then the camera turned toward the Canadians who just realized their medal would be silver.

If you’d like to see images of Team USA, click the link below. There’s a photo that makes me tear up. Scan down and find two toddlers. Their father, Johnny Gaudreau, played with many on this squad, but two years ago he and his brother Matthew were killed by a drunk driver. Johnny’s teammates didn’t forget. They hung his jersey in the Olympic locker room, and it’s in the photo alongside his toddlers. 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


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Another Source with a Different Opinion on the #1 Moment
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Source #1 said this “was a sensational Olympics for the US by nearly every measure. But one stood out.” Can you tell it wasn’t the men’s hockey team, and that it was Alysa Liu?

They said it was an indelible moment, that Alysa broke the mold of what an ‘ice princess’ should be when she showed no sign of fear. She floated across the ice to “MacArthur Park”, looking as if every single moment was pure joy.
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Alysa proved that sports don’t have to be stressful or serious. MacArthur Park is a little silly but lots of fun. Like Alysa. I don’t know how she handled the pressure, but she inspired everyone with her skating. And by the choices she made to get here. To this Olympics and her first gold medal. 

Have you ever read a quote and realized it’s talking to you?
​It makes you feel better on a bad day and encourages you to keep trying. 

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.  


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​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!
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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.
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                           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.
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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/


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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!
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                           So who said it? Anne Lamott
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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
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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!


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                                          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
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​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.”
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            Source: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+1%3A12&version=ESV

Once a month I get to read aloud for Mrs. Brown’s fourth graders at Cridersville Elementary. I started the year with my favorite book, Neil Armstrong’s Wind Tunnel Dream. It was an easy pick!

​Part 1: The Search for Books: 
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​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!   

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


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


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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
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​​                                                                                                                                     Part 2: Meeting the Books
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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.
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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? 
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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.
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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?


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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?


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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
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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. 
 
 
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                                                                                                                             Part 3: Picking THE Book, x Two:  
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​ 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.
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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!


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​​       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


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​       #1. ‘You’re having a big feeling. I’m right here with you.’
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​The big idea for this phrase, to validate that feeling. To let kids know they’re not alone.
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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.


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​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?!
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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.


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​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. 


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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

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​                     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.

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                         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.


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​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.”
​
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.

I’m a workaholic; I always have been. When I was teaching, I could enjoy vacation until the last day or two. Then I found things I had to do.
​
Now that I’m retired, I work all the time, I don’t have to, but writing and publishing took over my life. If you look, you can catch me working in these two photos.
​

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.
​
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.


​​       

​​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.
​
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.


​​

​ 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!

 
​

​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.
​
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.
​
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. 
​

​

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!
​

​

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.
​​

​​Within minutes, I’m on my computer, writing and revising again. First up, the stories I put on hold to hang out with family.


​

​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!

Simon at DiBella Law Office asked me to share a link to their website. I looked, said yes, and decided to add my advice as a retired teacher/parent/grandparent. I’d prepare my kids first before putting them on public transportation.

Simon’s link: dibellalawoffice.com/public-transportation-safety-guide-for-kids/ 

I live in a small town; my kids used school buses. But if you live near a city, your child may have to take public transit. It can be an opportunity to learn safety skills and independence. My goal, to help your kids do it safely. 

​​

                                                                                   
 Part 1: Talk to Your Kids: The first step is to have an age-appropriate conversation. You want to inform your child; to help them feel prepared, not anxious.

For elementary age kids, DiBella’s site suggests that parents focus on strangers. Talk about who’s trustworthy, like transit employees or moms with children, and who to avoid. I’d check in with your local transit system for safety suggestions. It’s in their interest to help you and your child.

​For middle and high schoolers, DiBella suggests that parents have honest conversations with their teens about risk, Unfortunately, that might include physical or sexual harassment. You also need to talk about how to report unsafe conditions. You should be their first contact, and their advocate.

To get them ready, I’d ride with my kids first and talk about what we see. How other people handle situations, what they did right, and what they didn’t. I’d let my kids sit by themselves, with me a few rows back as a safety net. It gives them confidence and lets them test their wings.
​
I’d also take DiBella’s suggestion to role-play situations your kids might encounter. Practicing where it’s safe, where they can make mistakes helps kids respond when they need to. A rule for teachers: repeat to remember; remember to repeat. Another strategy, ask your kids what they’d do in problem situations. The faster they can answer, the faster they can respond in real life.


​​

Part 2: Set Expectations for Behavior: Talk with your child about rules for public transportation. Help them understand there are consequences for breaking them.

Here are 6 rules from DiBella’s website. I’d also double check with your local transit company
to see if they have additional ones.

1. No running or climbing on buses or trains. It’s a safety issue.
2. Be courteous to fellow passengers. Think please, thank you, and excuse me.
3. Use headphones when listening to music and videos. It’s the polite thing to do.

4. Be aware of your surroundings and the people around you. If you’re using headphones,
I’d use 1 earbud to stay tuned in. Sit where you have the best view of the people
​around you. Consider the buddy system; 2 sets of eyes are better than 1.

5. Locate the fire extinguisher. I’d also look for exits in case there’s more than 1.
6. Share your location with your parents/guardians, just in case.
 

​​

​
​Part 3: Teach Kids How to Handle Emergencies:

No matter how hard you try, you can’t anticipate everything that could happen to your child. But you can teach them how to respond, and you can minimize harm and maximize their safety. 


​

The biggest risk for your child— getting lost or confused.
These 2 tips will help them figure out where they are.

1. Teach them how to read the transit maps so they can find their location in real time.
2. Make sure they know their route and the important landmarks on it.
​

               ​Part 4: Teach Them How to Deal with Danger:
​

When something feels wrong, tell your child to trust their gut and look around. There might be something broken, a reckless driver, or someone behaving strangely. If that happens, try these 2 tips.

1. Move away from the problem. Giving yourself distance, even backing away, is a good thing.
​
2. If things still feel wrong, get off the bus/train and contact a parent right away.
​
​

​Your kids may need to get help from the transit authority, so prepare them ahead of time.​

​ 3. Show them where to find security booths and call boxes along the routes they use.

4. Help them program the transit security number into their phone.

5. If your child gets on or off in a school zone, tell them they can go inside for help.

6. Let them know 911 is the best option for emergencies ​like fire, a serious injury, or crime.
​
​

                                                                                     Part 6: Additional Information and Resources:
​

Part of keeping your child safe is teaching them how to handle basic first aid, just in case. You’re giving your child a gift…the knowledge and confidence to handle whatever happens.

1. Keep band-aids and antiseptic ointment in your child’s backpack so they can handle small injuries like cuts.
​
2. Talk about the differences between small things and serious ones, like what to do if they’re in a bad fall. Should they ask a transit employee for help or call 911?
​

​

​1. Legal Rights & Protections for Public Transit Passengers

2. Responsibilities of Transit Authorities to Ensure Safety

3. Common Legal Issues Involving Accidents or Negligence on Public Transit

Goodbye, Penny! On November 12, 2025, the US Mint stamped its last penny. They won’t make any more new ones, but there are lots of old ones still around. I wonder, how many can you find in your house?

My Source: https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2025/11/12/penny-discontinued-shortages-us-mint/87214531007/
​

​                                                                                                                                      Part 1: The End of the Story: 
​

It all started with the Department of Government Efficiency. Think Doge. In January of 2025, they said that 4.5 billion pennies were stamped in 2023, and they cost taxpayers over $179 million. That’s a lot of pennies!

I couldn’t do the math, and Google couldn’t either. So I checked the US Mint’s 2024 Annual Report. They said each penny made in 2024 cost 3.69 cents to make. Ridiculous! To pay four pennies to make one? That’s non-cents! LOL!
​
President Donald Trump looked over both reports and then signed an executive order in February 2025. It ordered the US Mint to quit making pennies. They stopped…ten months later. 


​

It’s only been a week, but the end of the penny is already affecting businesses like McDonalds. When you use cash, they’ll ask if you could round up to the nearest nickel. Then they don’t need pennies to make change. Why? Thousands of stores can’t get them!

Note—if you use credit cards, no problem. Banks can give you change electronically.
​
Some businesses even round down. Losing a few pennies won’t hurt the bottom line in the short term, but over a year it can. Think dollars. Hundreds, even thousands! 


​

So what can business do? Ask Congress for help. Businesses have legal issues that are much bigger than mere pennies. Did you know 10 states and some localities already have laws that won’t let business round to the nearest nickel? Ouch!

You’d think government would have addressed this, but you’d be wrong. So what can you do? Use your credit card…it’s an easy button. If you prefer cash, use it. Just round up and be generous to businesses during this time of change. It won’t last forever.

                                                                                                         Part 2: My Top Ten Quotes

​Have you heard some great lines about pennies? I picked ten famous people who had something to say about them.  
​
My Source Link: www.azquotes.com/quotes/topics/pennies.html


​

​
​1. "One penny may seem to you a very insignificant thing,
​but it is the small seed from which fortunes spring."

By Orison Swett Marden (1848-1924)
​
American inspiration author & founder of Success magazine



​​

2. "A penny saved is a penny earned."
And 
"Watch the pennies and the dollars will take care of themselves."

By Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)

American writer, scientist, inventor, statesman,
diplomat, printer, and publisher

PS... J. Paul Getty, founder of the Getty Oil Company, said something similar…
"If you look after the pennies, the dollars will look after themselves." 


​

​3. "Human beings have the remarkable ability to turn
nothing into something. They can turn weeds into
gardens and pennies into fortunes."

 By Jim Rohn (1930-2009)
​
American entrepreneur, author, and motivational speaker

​

​
4. "Be careful who you call your friends. I’d rather have
four quarters than one hundred pennies."

By Al Capone (1899-1947)

American gangster and businessman



​

6. "Pennies do not come from heaven.
They have to be earned here on earth."

By Margaret Thatcher (1925-2013)

British stateswoman, leader of the Conservative Party,
​and Prime Minister

8. "If teardrops were pennies and heartaches were gold,
I'd have all the treasures my pockets could hold."

By Dolly Parton (1946)

American singer, songwriter, actress,
​philanthropist, and businesswoman

​10. "Whatever your dream is, every extra penny
you have needs to be going to that."

By Will Smith (1968)

American actor, rapper, and film producer




​

                                                      Part 3: My Top Ten Songs
​​
​Can you think of any song titles with pennies? I picked the top ten from an online source.
​
​​My Source Link: https://www.ranker.com/list/the- best-songs-about-pennys/reference


​

​1. “Penny Lane,” was recorded by the Beatles, a 1960s English band from Liverpool. Think John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr.
 
It was released in February 1967. “Penny Lane” became a top five hit in Europe, and it reached the top of the US Billboard Hot 100.


​

2. “Penny Arcade” was sung by Roy Orbison, a famous American singer, songwriter, and guitarist.
​
Orbison recorded “Penny Arcade” in 1969. He took it to #1 in Australia and New Zealand, to the Top 30 in the UK, and to #133 in the US. 


​

​3. “A Penny for Your Thoughts” was recorded by Willie Nelson, an American singer, guitarist, songwriter, actor, and activist.

He released it in February of 1976. 

4. “Penny Lover” was sung by Lionel Richie, an American singer, songwriter, musician, record producer, and TV personality.

​It was the fifth and final release from Ritchie’s 1983 multi-platinum album, Can’t Slow Down. “Penny Lover” was also a top ten hit on the US Billboard Hot 100. It hung out at #8 for two weeks in December 1984.



​

​

​6. “Throw a Penny” was performed by the Bee Gees, a trio of brothers. Their first names, Barry, Robbin, and Maurice.
​
You’ll find “Throw a Penny” on their 1974 album, Mr. Natural. 

8. “Pretty Penny” was recorded by Stone Temple Pilots, an American rock band from San Diego, California.

It came from their 1994 album Purple, but it was released as a 1995 promo single. 

​9. “Penny Hardaway” was recorded by Ghostface Killah and the Cool Kids.
​
They released it on their album When Fish Ride Bicycles back on July 12, 2011. 


​

10. “The Penny Arcade in California” was recorded by the Neutral Milk Hotel.

It came from their 1998 album, The Aeroplane Over the Sea. Would you believe they actually renamed the song when they were touring?

I was surprised when I got an email from Bella at Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers. She asked me to share their link about driving safely when you’re pregnant. I never connected the two in the 80s when I had my kids.

I checked their link and found some great common-sense tips I’d like to share with you. Here’s the link to their web site if you want to check it out for yourself.


​                                             Link: https://cooperhurley.com/driving-while-pregnant/

​
​

                                Part 1: Seat Belts & Safety Tips
​

Seat Belts: Whether you’re pregnant or not, driver or passenger, wearing a seat belt is the safe thing to do. Take a look at this photo and check out how this mom-to-be is buckled up. She’s following National Highway Traffic Safety Administration guidelines.

1. Mama’s lap belt is under her baby belly. It fits against her hips and pelvic bone. Not across her stomach. That’s dangerous for both mom and baby-to-be.

2. See her shoulder belt? It’s on the shoulder, running across the middle of her chest. It’s not in a dangerous position, like around her neck, or under her arm, or behind her back. Keep as much space as you can between your baby bump and the steering wheel, and as little as possible between your shoulder and the seat belt. 


​

​ Safety Tips:
1. Buckle your lap and shoulder belt correctly. They’ll keep you safe.
2. Check with your doctor to see if your medications might affect your driving.
3. Adjust your seat, steering wheel, or seat belt as needed. Space and comfort are good things for both of you.
4. Move distractions. When you’re expecting, focus and memory can be tricky. Things like cell phones can take your focus away from the road.
5. If you’re not feeling well, it’s ok to be a passenger, especially if you’re tired, nauseas, or in pain.

   

​ Road Trips: When you’re pregnant, long commutes and road trips can be a challenge. Think pit stops alone! But don’t worry. I found six ways to stay safe and comfortable.

1. Share your plans. Make sure someone knows when you’ll arrive. Give them a contact number in case you’re running late.

2. Plan for emergencies. Have your insurance cards and contact information ready, just in case.
​

3. Pick rest stops carefully. Make sure they’re labeled and well-lit. If you run into a problem, stay in your car.

4. Take breaks, even if you don’t need them. Get out. Stretch your legs. Check out the bathroom. No one wants to feel tired or nauseous.

5. Bring snacks and drinks in case you need them. If you have gestational diabetes, pick healthy ones.

6. Travel in the right clothes. Think loose, casual, and well-worn. Don’t let cute clothes distract you. Think comfy when you’re pregnant and traveling!


​

When to Stop: Listen to these 4 signals. They’ll tell you when you need a break and for how long. Don’t be a hero. You’re driving for two.
​​

1. Discomfort—If you can’t reach the steering wheel, or wear your seat belt properly, or sit comfortably…Take a break. Discomfort affects your focus and your driving.

2. Nausea—most moms-to-be have it. If yours is intense or you get motion sickness, stop! Your body is working for two.

3. Fatigue—anyone who’s tired should take a break. Moms-to-be, you’re building a brand-new person. No wonder you’re tired!

4. High blood pressure—whether it’s chronic or because of pregnancy, STOP! It’s dangerous for you and your precious cargo.
​

​

Car Accidents: Would you believe car crashes happen more often during the second trimester? The rate was 42% higher than for nonpregnant women. There wasn’t data for the first trimester or the third. My guess, they’re both lower than the second trimester.

The most serious kinds of injuries: pre-term labor, hemorrhaging, placental abruption, internal bleeding, miscarriage, and birth complications. They sound like collision injuries, not the kind you get from fender-benders.
​​

So what do you do in an accident? First, take some slow, deep breaths to calm down. Next keep an eye out for symptoms. If you have a concern, see the doctor. If they’re serious, call 911 or get someone to drive you to the ER. If you see a doctor, follow orders. Ask questions about your condition or about changes you notice.
If you’re in an accident, exchange insurance and contact information. Call the police to make an accident report. Touch base with your insurance company. They’ll help you if you decide to make a claim or get legal advice.


​

Post Delivery: Take time after you get home to recoup from childbirth and sleepless nights. If you had a normal birth, give yourself a few weeks to recover from any abdominal pain, bleeding, or soreness. Let family take care of you while you learn to care for your new baby.

If you had a C-section, you’ll need more time to heal. Maybe as much as six weeks before you drive again. Until then, rest up; follow doctor’s orders. Don’t do any lifting or heavy movements. Instead take time to catch up on your sleep and enjoy your new baby. 


​​

Car Seats: You probably bought yours long before baby’s due date, and you made sure it met safety standards. That it didn’t have any recalls or visible defects.

Make sure you install it a few weeks before your due date. The seat must face backwards according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration guidelines.

No matter what kind of delivery you had, car seats are too heavy for you to lift once baby’s here. Enjoy letting someone else do the heavy lifting; your turn will come soon enough.

Many strollers are designed to hold car seats safely. They’ll help you move baby around, but you’ll still need help getting it out of the car and into the stroller. Your doctor can tell you how much to carry right away, and when you’re fully healed. ​

If you’re my age, do you remember January in second grade? That’s when I learned cursive. It was thrilling! But by the time I was teaching second grade, cursive was gone. The era of teaching to the Ohio Fourth Grade Proficiency Test had begun.
​

So what’s so special about cursive? Take a stroll down cursive’s timeline to see how it developed and why it might be coming back.
​
                                                          My Sources: Who Invented Cursive? - Word Smarts
                                            Why Cursive Writing and Penmanship Is Important - Word Smarts


​

  Part 1: In the Beginning, There was the Roman Empire
​

Rome became an empire in 44BC (Before Christ). That’s when Julius Caesar decided to promote himself to emporer, but Rome had already been powerful for 600 years. This illustration features Roman chariot races in a coliseum. Think stadiums with horses and gladiators. 
​

Roman scribes modeled their writing after the Etruscans of Ancient Italy. That’s Tuscany, western Umbria, and northern Lazio in modern Italy. If you want to learn more about the Etruscans, check out Wikipedia’s maps and alphabets. Funny, their alphabet only has capital letters.

                                Links: Etruscan civilization - Wikipedia   &    Etruscan alphabet - Wikipedia
​

​Check out some real Roman writing! Did you notice it’s all in caps; without one single lower-case letter? It reminds me of the Etruscan alphabet.

Tomorrow: Meet Charlemagne. He came up with a new version too

                       Part 2: Fastforward to Charlemagne and the Middle Ages

​Charlemagne, the King of the Franks and the Holy Roman Emperor, enters the cursive story sometime around 768 AD. He remains on the scene until 814 AD. AD means After the Death of Jesus Christ.
​
Charlemagne wanted an English monk to standardize handwriting. Over the years the monks created the first standard form of cursive. Its name, Carolingian script or miniscule.

​

Look below, and you’ll see an older example. Carolingian has lower-case letters. There’s separation between each word and even punctuation, but letters aren’t connected yet. Later versions of cursive will be based on Carolingian. 
​

During the Middle Ages, parchment grew more expensive, so writers pushed letters and words close together.  Then in the 1400’s the printing press was created, and typeface grew dark and heavy.

By the time the Renaissance came along, people added twists and curls to their writing, making it difficult to read. As a result, people returned to Carolingian. 
​
​

​


​
By the 1300s Italian humanism appeared. Did you notice the print is light and elegant? Its name, italic. 

The italics we read in books today looks like this… humanism arose from the study of ancient Greece and Rome, and it spread across western Europe. Interesting, the two fonts look a lot alike.
 

​​


 Part 3: Cursive Comes to the New World
​
When the English came to America, they brought their culture too. Their books and their handwriting. The first and most successful one written especially for the colonies, The New England Primer. Many children learned to read and write from its pages, especially in the northeast.

​This is one of its pages. The verses focus on the role of parents, the wages of sin, and on salvation. Many passages come straight out of the King James Bible. 

I can imagine children placing velum, a thin sheet of paper on top, then tracing over the letters and words. That’s how they learned to write, and it’s also why New England had so many literate citizens. Boys, especially.

Penmanship was a sign of education and wealth, but it also showed your gender. Everyone added flourishes to their writing. Ladies used curves and bows while men favored straight lines. 


​

​Do you recognize this document? It’s the Declaration of Independence. 
​

I thought it was written by Thomas Jefferson, but it turns out Timothy Matlack, a calligrapher, copied Jefferson’s words onto that original Declaration. The name of that early cursive, Copperplate.

Do you recognize this man? His name is Platt Rogers Spencer; I’d never heard of him either. Platt was an abolitionist. He lived during the 1800’s, and he worked to free slaves before the Civil War. But that’s not why he’s in this post…

In the mid 1850’s he came up with a new form of writing. Its original name, chirythmography. I don’t think I can pronounce it. In Greek it means timed handwriting. Would you believe Platt actually used a metronome to help writers match their pen strokes to a beat?
​
BTW, a metronome is used in music to help you play at a steady pace. Not too fast. Not too slow. Funny, I never pictured it as a handwriting tool.

Chirythmography is too fancy for me. I prefer its ordinary name, Spencerian script. It’s much easier to pronounce! Spencer wanted to make penmanship available to everyone, and it worked! Look below…

​
Do you recognize this logo? Platt penned it, and it’s been Coke’s logo ever since. His writing style caught on. Many schools and businesses adopted it. Why? Because good penmanship meant opportunities…for jobs and promotions.
​

 
                                                            Part 4: The Twentieth Century and a New Millenia
                                                                     

The late 1800s brought change. Spencerian was too slow for clerks and telegraph operators who had to turn Morse code into cursive. 

​Austin Palmer had a new idea, and a how-to book. He also taught writers to use their arm muscles to write faster. It worked!

The Palmer Method became super successful for business and personal writing. If your great grandparents wrote letters during the early 1900s, their handwriting would have looked like this.

​Do you recognize Zaner-Bloser from your schooldays? I printed in it. In 2nd grade I learned cursive, and in 3rd grade I HAD to use it…on spelling tests and everything else! Imagine spelling a word right but mixing up a cursive stroke. URGH!
​

Elmer W. Bloser, a classmate and friend of Zaner, bought part of the company in 1891. Five years later they renamed it, Zaner & Bloser, and in 1921 it became simply Zaner-Bloser. As of 1972 ownership of Zaner-Bloser was sold to Highlights for Children. They still own it, and children still learn their letters from them.


​

So what happened to all those kids born in the late 80s like mine? All three of them print. The only thing they write in cursive is a signature. Why?

My two sources claim it’s because of keyboards and touchscreens. That’s partly true: we take tests online. But from my perch as a 2nd grade teacher, it’s testing. From 3rd grade up, tests dominate the curriculum. If it’s not on that test, teachers don’t teach it. They might want to, but penmanship isn’t tested.

In Europe, kids are still taught penmanship, and it’s coming back here in the states. Would you believe in 2024 California became the 22nd state to require that cursive be taught again? Why? Research is beginning to show that there are benefits to cursive, like increasing memory. People who take notes on paper remember things longer. 

​

​My two original sources:
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1.https://wordsmarts.com/cursive-penmanship/?lctg=c4d2fe5b-125d-41db-a63c-ea78909f2d82
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2. https://wordsmarts.com/history-cursive-writing/?lctg=a98ce4ad-51ba-48fd-ac39-1bd7f46aac1d

If you’d like to learn more, check out this link. It lists twelve benefits your child will miss if they don’t learn cursive. Link: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/the-death-of-cursive-writing-will-have-serious-consequences-for-your-grandkids/ss-AA1OTN8q?ocid=winp2fp