cold, colder, coldest

Today was another really cold day (air temperature was around -20 and the windchill even colder this morning).  That is just plain cold, but it is all part of living in Minnesota.  If it doesn't hurt us (I haven't gotten frostbite yet), it will make us stronger, right?  I am looking forward to the possiblity of above zero temperatures on Wednesday.

read more books

Here are a few books I read in 2013 that are worth adding to your reading list.  The fiction books all happen to be from the juvenile section of the library, but I think that they are just as decent reading for adults as for children.

FICTION

I blogged about The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster last January, it was published before I was born but had never read it before.  It was written for children, but I think that adults would really understand it better.  

I read Airman by Eoin Colfer because my nephew recommended it to me.  Conor is a fourteen year old boy who is very interested in flying.  He also is implicated in a crime he did not commit.  If you like well written adventure stories or know a preteen/teen who does, this book is worth picking up.   

Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink is historical fiction and set in the woods of Wisconsin.  Some people would compare the Little House books by Laura Ingalls Wilder, but I think that the story by Brink offers much more adventure.  Maybe because Caddie's brothers Tom and Warren figure prominently in the story.  It would make a good read aloud for a class or a family.

 NONFICTION 

Kisses from Katie by Katie Davis is a book I read last summer for book club.  It tells the story of Katie choosing to go to Uganda to help orphans there.  An inspiring story that made me think and consider what impact I can have on the people around me. 

Organized Simplicity by Tsh Oxenreider is a book anyone could benefit from.  I liked when Oxenreider talked about having a definite purpose for different parts of your room, and then deciding how you are going to have the room set up.  This is worth looking through for some of the tips/recipes she has for cleaning even if you don't think you want to reassess/organize your entire home.

The Trust Edge by David Horsager is about becoming a better leader.  Individuals who have a supervisor role at work would become better at their job by taking even one of the seven pillars to heart.  If you are trying to start a business would do well to read this book.  If those do not apply to you, reading this book and applying some of the principles would improve your work and personal life. 

What books did you read this past year that you would recommend others read?

sixth quilt

Here is the baby quilt I finished on Sunday.  My sister helped me pick out the fabric a couple months ago.  My goal was to make a baby quilt for a boy, and I think that it works well.  Nothing like the approach of the end of the year to get a project done.  This is one of six quilts I completed in 2013.

Happy New Year!

One-Dog Sleigh

One-Dog Sleigh by Mary Casanova is a new book I stumbled across at the library.  This winter story is a companion to One-Dog Canoe and perfect for sharing with children this time of year.  A girl and her dog decide to go on a sleigh ride.  As they are out and about, other animals decide to join them on their ride despite the protest of the girl.  First, the squirrel joins them.  Then an owl, a lynx, a dear, a bear, and a mouse join the group.  If you know of children who like snow and animals, this is a great book to share with them. 

what I am learning

What I am learning....

1. I am learning how to play the piano.   I have never taken any kind of music lessons before.  So far it doesn't seem hard and I am learning to read music.  It is also a good reminder to me how children might find learning certain things more challenging than I realize.

2.  Thankfulness is good for you.  Being thankful doesn't come easy for me.  Each day I have been writing down something to be thankful for, and some days it is a stretch.  It is getting easier, and it seems to keep me in a better frame of mind.  I may continue this project beyond the month of November.

3.  Living in the same small community for a number of years really is a good thing.  Twice in the last week I have had people check up on me because they wanted to make sure I was okay.  One friend had not been able to get a hold of me by phone and the other had not seen me at work.  It is nice to know there are people looking out for me.

What are you learning?

Little Red Writing

Little Red Writing written by Joan Holub and illustrated by Melissa Sweet is a new picture book that I look forward to sharing with my students.  Little Red's teacher, Ms. 2, gives her class of pencils a set of words and the assignment to write a story.  Little Red sets out uncertain what to write about.  She soon encounters a strange noise and discovers it is coming from Wolf, the pencil sharpener.  If you and your children like new versions of well known fairy tales, this would be a book to look for at your library.  If you teach children writing, you might also find it helpful as a springboard for a lesson on writing a good story.