When my daughter was in high school, I would look over the essays that she submitted to her English class or for college admission applications. I would get out my red pen, it was really the “Track Changes” Tool within Microsoft Word, and highlight where I thought she should cut, use tighter language, or rephrase … More Role reversal: Learning from my kids
I’m not much of a football fan. I say that to preface any errors that I might include in my description of an incredibly human moment in a football game. This past weekend, my alma mater, the University of Washington (UW), played Washington State (WSU) in the Apple Cup, our in-state rivalry game. The tension … More A Concentrated Dose of Emotion
Holiday time brings a few friendly ghosts forward. I welcome them. No…not like the story of the “Disappearing Girl” that I shared recently. The rush of November and December will invariably stir up melancholy moments where I receive – gladly – glimpses of my dad. Tiny whispers as I hear myself think in ways he … More A Hug in Four Parts
It seems like these days pass so quickly that we often finding ourselves reading, appreciating the gift of a post, and then moving on too quickly. To extend some of the great notes of the week, we have Well Said Saturdays – bringing a few quotes from recent posts forward. From Mashed Potato Madness by … More Well Said Saturdays – November 25
In this episode, I’m with my co-host, Dr. Vicki Atkinson, and my delightful daughter, Miss O. Miss O shares a personal narrative that’s she written as an assignment in 3rd grade. And then she tells us what a hook is and what she’s learned about drawing in an audience by using one. She fills us … More Episode 45: Third Grade Writing Wisdom with Miss “O”
We couldn’t be more excited for our friend – author and podcaster – Lois Roelofs whose book “Marv Taking Charge: A Story of Bold Love and Courage” is a finalist for a Chicago Writers Association Award! Read all about the finalists – including Lois’ beautiful book here: 2023 Book of the Year Awards (chicagowrites.org) Wynne … More Cheers to Lois!
My wife winced as soon as she woke up. She had a splitting headache. I told her to lie back down and I would try to get rid of the pain by rubbing her temples and neck muscles. When she got back up after a few minutes and said that the headache was gone, I … More A grateful heart
I recently heard that there’s been a shake-up in the world of Happiness research. On a Ten Percent Happier podcast on which Dan Harris was interviewing happiness researcher, Elizabeth Dunn, she said she went back to review the research done on the five things that have traditionally been recommended for improving happiness: Practicing gratitude Social … More Happiness Research
Heads Up, and Gobble Gobble… I can’t help but share a ‘take two’ of this Thanksgiving piece. Of all the things I wrote on WordPress last year, a post about mashed potatoes still gets a lot of attention. I suspect it has little to do with the holiday itself – or the spuds in question … More Mashed Potato Madness
It seems like these days pass so quickly that we often finding ourselves reading, appreciating the gift of a post, and then moving on too quickly. To extend some of the great notes of the week, we have Well Said Saturdays – bringing a few quotes from recent posts forward. From I Love Her Better…Now … More Well Said Saturdays – November 18
The Heart of the Matter 