Author Archives: Jennie

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About Jennie

I have been teaching preschool for over forty years. This is my passion. I believe that children have a voice, and that is the catalyst to enhance or even change the learning experience. Emergent curriculum opens young minds. It's the little things that happen in the classroom that are most important and exciting. That's what I write about. I was a live guest on the Kelly Clarkson Show. I am highlighted in the seventh edition of Jim Trelease's million-copy bestselling book, "The Read-Aloud Handbook" because of my reading to children. My class has designed quilts that hang as permanent displays at the National Liberty Museum in Philadelphia, the Fisher House at the Boston VA Hospital, and the Massachusetts State House in Boston.

Milly’s Farewell

Posted on July 27, 2026 by Jennie

This card was passed out at the memorial service. It’s an odd thing to say that a eulogy was inspirational.  Yet for Milly, how could it be anything less?  And, it’s unusual to laugh out loud at the words the … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Community, Death and dying, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Inspiration, Love, Peace, quilting, The Arts | Tagged , , | 61 Comments

I’m Here!

Posted on July 25, 2026 by Jennie

I was the last to bloom, but I’m here. Can you tell how happy I am? My leaves are outstretched like arms reaching for the sky. Winged Victory! Jennie was the first to see me. She told me flowers are … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, flowers, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature | Tagged , , , , | 63 Comments

Milly the Quilter – Part 10

Posted on July 23, 2026 by Jennie

In Part 9, Milly continued her visits to school.  The children and Gloria were always thrilled when it was a ‘Milly day’.  At last, after years of quilts that went away to places of honor, Milly made a quilt, “Our Towns” … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Heart, Inspiration, Peace, preschool, quilting, School | Tagged , , , | 59 Comments

Milly the Quilter Story – Part 9

Posted on July 20, 2026 by Jennie

In Part 8, Milly and the children were guests of honor at the one-year anniversary of the Boston Fisher House.  With a full crowd in attendance, including members of the Fisher family, we presented the God Bless America quilt.  And, a … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Community, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, Peace, quilting, The Arts | Tagged , , , | 50 Comments

Managing the Heat

Posted on July 18, 2026 by Jennie

Hot is the word this summer. How to stay cool? Eat dinner in the pool! What a great way to spend time with neighbors. The kids and I ate our pizza in the pool. The other adults did not.  Crazy. … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, Gloria, Inspiration, wonder, young children | Tagged , , | 63 Comments

Milly the Quilter Story – Part 8

Posted on July 16, 2026 by Jennie

In Part 7, the God Bless America quilt was delivered to the Massachusetts Fisher House in Boston.  The plan was to have a grand event and send-off, but the Director asked if Boston could have the quilt.  Headquarters not only agreed, … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Community, Giving, Giving thanks, Heart, Inspiration, military, patriotism, Singing, Teaching young children, The Arts, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 45 Comments

Blood Red Sun

Posted on July 14, 2026 by Jennie

I can’t recall when I’ve seen the sun so red. It was beautiful. Late afternoon today the sky was milky with far-away forest fires. No blue skies, no clouds. The blood red sun was the only beacon. Jennie

Posted in Mother Nature, Nature | Tagged | 47 Comments

Milly the Quilter Story – Part 7

Posted on July 13, 2026 by Jennie

In Part 6, the quilt, Milly, and the children were VIPs aboard the Intrepid Museum in NYC.  What an event!  The museum’s Curator called me to say the quilt was too large to hang at the museum.  Their Executive Board unanimously … Continue reading →

Posted in America, art, Community, Giving, Inspiration, military, patriotism, quilting, The Arts | Tagged , , , | 37 Comments

Milly the Quilter Story – Part 6

Posted on July 9, 2026 by Jennie

In Part 5, the children were over the moon singing “God Bless America” at every opportunity.  We sang for soldiers, and made our own God Bless America book for families, writing and illustrating all the words to the song.  Children still … Continue reading →

Posted in America, art, Community, Giving, Giving thanks, history, Inspiration, military, museums, patriotism, quilting, Singing, The Arts | Tagged , , , , | 55 Comments

My Christmas in July

Posted on July 8, 2026 by Jennie

The past two weeks have been busy with doctor’s appointments and surgery for Hubby. That means a lot of waiting, and for me reading D.L. Finn’s Miracles and Ghosts: A Christmas Collection.  This is the best Christmas in July, ever! … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, Death and dying, Imagination, Inspiration, reading | Tagged , , | 64 Comments