Category Archives: Expressing words and feelings

An Open Letter To Teachers

Dear Teachers, As you start your new school year there is one word that will get you through the uncertainty and the worry.  It’s the same word that is the heart of educating.  That word is ‘joy’.  No, it’s not … Continue reading

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, joy, Teaching young children, wonder, young children | Tagged , , , , | 81 Comments

Milly – The Epilogue

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, Death and dying, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Love, Peace, quilting, storytelling, wonder | Tagged , , , , , | 53 Comments

The Legacy of Milly, Part 10 – The Final Curtain

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, books, Death and dying, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Imagination, Inspiration, Kindness, Love, Peace, quilting, Teaching young children, The Arts, wonder, young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 98 Comments

Storms and Rainbows

A violent thunderstorm this evening brought  crackling lightening and booming thunder. All in a moment, two rainbows appeared. And then the power of one intensified and literally glowed. Nature is a wonder. “Those who don’t believe in magic will never … Continue reading

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 51 Comments

Dragonflies, Not Bats

A rare dragonfly show tonight. They were huge. They swooped high and low, and all around. I stood with outstretched arms, and they danced around me. Thank you, Mother Nature. Jennie

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , , | 59 Comments

Roots, Wings, and Thunderstorms

A beautiful sky was appearing after the storm tonight.  I love thunderstorms. Watching the clouds grow and change as a storm builds is exciting.  The light becomes very different.  Mother Nature is getting ready to put on quite a show. … Continue reading

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Imagination, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, self esteem, wonder | Tagged , , , , , | 64 Comments

His Memory Corner For Milly

A “Memory Corner” made for Milly from a child who adored her. A favorite birthday photo of them together, laughing and wearing a silly hat. Tiny treasures carefully and lovingly arranged, and a note that reads: “Dear Milly, I hope … Continue reading

Posted in Death and dying, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Imagination, Inspiration, Kindness, Love, young children | Tagged , , , , | 72 Comments

The Legacy of Milly, Part 5

In Part 4 the Peace Quilt became part of the permanent collection at the National Liberty Museum in Philadelphia, and Milly became an important part of my classroom.  Children adored her.  She loved singing, and Milly’s favorite song was our favorite … Continue reading

Posted in American flag, art, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Family, geography, history, Imagination, Inspiration, military, museums, patriotism, quilting, Singing, Teaching young children, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 68 Comments

Words of Wisdom, Beautifully Illustrated

Quote from “The Power and the Glory” by Graham Greene. Words illustrated by Eric Carle. Jennie

Posted in art, Early Education, Eric Carle, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, Quotes, wonder, young children | Tagged , , , , , | 43 Comments

Boston Pops, 4th of July, and Music

I moved to Massachusetts in 1984.  Since then, I have faithfully watched the Boston Pops perform every Fourth of July.  Back then, John Williams was the conductor.  He was the man who wrote the music for my favorite movies, “ET”, … Continue reading

Posted in American flag, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, music, patriotism, Singing, Teaching young children, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , , | 47 Comments