Category Archives: Expressing words and feelings

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 Peace, art, quilting, Giving, Inspiration, Love, Death and dying, The Arts, Expressing words and feelings, Community | Tagged , , | 51 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 , , , | 54 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 , , , | 46 Comments

Milly the Quilter Story – Part 4

Posted on July 2, 2026 by Jennie

In Part 3, Milly brought in beautiful fabrics and placed them on the sketch of the Peace Quilt spread out across a big table.  Children came to her like moths to a candle, picking out just the right fabrics.  At … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Community, Expressing words and feelings, Heart, Imagination, Inspiration, museums, Peace, quilting | Tagged , , , | 36 Comments

Milly the Quilter Story – Part 2

Posted on June 25, 2026 by Jennie

In Part 1, I discovered a Peace Portal at a museum and recreated it in my classroom.  Peace became a big deal and very real to children.  When I saw quilts that were murals, I knew I had to make … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Community, Diversity, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Imagination, Inspiration, museums, Peace, Teaching young children, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , | 48 Comments

Our Wish Tree at the Library

Posted on June 13, 2026 by Jennie

After reading Wishtree to my library group, I knew I had to do more.  When a really good book sticks with children, and they’re not ready to let go, it’s up to me to make something meaningful happen.  I can’t leave … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, chapter reading, children's books, Community, Expressing words and feelings, Heart, Inspiration, Library, literacy, Teaching young children, wonder, Writing | Tagged , , , | 82 Comments

Childhood Anxiety is Real

Posted on June 1, 2026 by Jennie

Out of the blue a former Aqua Roomer popped in to visit.  It was Lizzie. Lizzie visiting in 2018 My goodness, it was so good to see her.  Lizzie is now Hadrian, a they, but with the same smile and … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Inspiration, Love, School, Student alumni, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 63 Comments

Not All Days Are Good Days

Posted on May 26, 2026 by Jennie

Today was a tough day.  Nothing seemed to go right.  If you know the classic book, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, you know what I mean. It started with drop-offs.  Children who never cry cried.  For … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, children's books, Expressing words and feelings, Mindfulness, picture books, preschool, reading aloud, School, Teaching young children | Tagged , | 50 Comments

Talking Death With Children

Posted on May 15, 2026 by Jennie

Death is the dreaded “D” word when talking with children, but it doesn’t have to be.  It can be an open door to a much needed conversation.  Here’s what happened at school: Our Memory Garden at school is visited by … Continue reading →

Posted in Community, Death and dying, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Inspiration, Kindness, preschool, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , | 63 Comments