Illness, home repairs, and despair over America’s current political antics descended on me like a heavy grey cloud this month. So, I missed the boat in posting a Valentine’s Day-related essay. Thankfully, I’m back in writing mode now, and the slightly longer days of sunlight and the first spring songs of birds have had aContinue reading “Finding Hope in Hard Times”
Author Archives: littleseedsread
A Year of Firsts
One year ago, on January 15th, during a nasty winter storm, my sweet little grandson, Owen, came into the world. I remember the anxiety I felt because, for days, heavy snow and ice were forecast. My daughter and her husband lived in the country and had a 30-minute drive to the hospital for the baby’sContinue reading “A Year of Firsts”
The Gift of Time
Recently, I went out for breakfast with my dear friend, Sheri. We discussed our families’ plans for the Christmas holiday and how our large families handle gift-giving. As our families grow and disperse, it can be challenging to know what to give. My strategy has been to start planning and buying earlier, give more giftContinue reading “The Gift of Time”
Without Words
I had just been looking at photos of my beautiful grandchildren on the Frameo that my daughter and son-in-law gave us for Christmas a couple of years ago. It’s a bittersweet gift for which I’m grateful. Sweet –because I love having photos to glance at every day, making me feel like my family is near. Continue reading “Without Words”
My Favorite Time of Year
Autumn has always been my very favorite time of year. The colorful foliage and cooler temperatures energize me and stimulate my creative impulses. Over the last four years, I’ve particularly enjoyed participating in some fall writing contests for children’s picture book authors. One is the Fall Writing Frenzy Contest hosted by author Lydia Lukidis andContinue reading “My Favorite Time of Year”
Back to Our Future
Just when you think everything in your life is perfect and going smoothly, things can change abruptly sending you into a tailspin. SUCH is my life now. Four years ago, my husband and I moved from the country to a city, so I could be closer to my mother, who was terminally ill. It wasContinue reading “Back to Our Future”
Growing with Children’s Books
About twice a month, I visit my local library and stock up on children’s books to study. I always suspect that other library patrons wonder why a 64-year-old woman is reading children’s books instead of adult best-sellers. But this is something children’s authors must do to stay on top of publishing trends and learn tricksContinue reading “Growing with Children’s Books”
Forever Friends
Recently, I received a surprise phone call from one of my best friends. We hadn’t spoken in a long while, and when we talked, it was as if we’d never been apart. We picked up right where we’d left off. To me, that’s the sign of a true and lasting friendship. No matter what timeContinue reading “Forever Friends”
Spring Cleaning
Every year at about this time, the city where I live holds community clean-up week, which not-so-coincidentally occurs when college students move out of their rental properties after graduating. This is a big deal for little towns like mine. It’s the custom for some residents to drive around and pick through other people’s trash beforeContinue reading “Spring Cleaning”
From the Mouths of Babes
This month, I had the great pleasure of attending my first SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) conference. It was a regional meeting for the Midwest held in Davenport, Iowa – a 3-day affair featuring presentations by outstanding published children’s authors, literary agents, and publishers. Attending all the informative sessions made me feelContinue reading “From the Mouths of Babes”
Little Seeds Read 