My review for MMGM, Marvelous Middle Grade Monday, under the Magical Gazebo this week taught me bravery, endurance, cleverness, and was deeply entertaining and fun with The Lost Kingdom of Bamarre by Gail Carson Levine (yes, that one – who wrote Ella Enchanted!). My review I’ve been saving this read from one of my favorite authors, and it seems like someone knew I’d need it right now, going into week eight of being on quarantine in Northern California. We’ve all had to be more brave in weird ways recently, haven’t we? Well, I found such inspiration from Levine’s main character,…
The Amazing World of Gem Photomicrography
What is gem photomicrography? Years ago I was blessed to attend the Gemological Institute of America and learn more about the inside of jewelry. Deep inside. And I fell in love with the dazzling world of miniature inside the microscope. Gem photomicrography is a specialized view deep inside of gems through a microscope – captured in a photograph. Some sophisticated lighting and angles can open up the most fascinating imagery. I’ve written an article about it combined with a devotion for Focus on the Family’s Clubhouse Magazine that is just released in the February, 2020 issue – and here it…
2020 Updates!
Thank you for your support during an exciting year and happy new year 2020! I wanted to give an update about some neat things in the works and what will be coming in the months that follow. Upcoming and recent appearances I wrote a science/devotional about the amazing inner world of diamonds and gems for Clubhouse magazine for children with Focus on the Family, and it will be out in February, 2020! I just received this preview and have to share how rewarding it was working with the Gemology community in researching the specialty of Photomicrography – taking very detailed…
That Robin Hood Moment
As the school year draws to a close, and summer thoughts dazzle the senses, I wanted to remind any of you teens or tweens who had a less than great year that there is life and meaning and hope even in the worst years. It’s super hard to see this when you’re young, but one of the benefits of getting older is developing a telescoping lens where I can see now that things that really were the hardest for me in childhood have helped me and shaped my life’s directions. Especially with how I handle challenges and adversity. After someone…
Happy Birthday Narnia and Everything C.S. Lewis
In honor of it being the birthday of The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe and Narnia, which is sixty-eight years old this week, under the magical gazebo for MMGM I wanted to share some memories of my summer C.S. Lewis study abroad program. I also have some great Narnia-themed products and books to share. When I was a young girl, I discovered the world of Narnia and wonderful books by C.S. Lewis, never suspecting that those wondrous moments stepping through the wardrobe would shape my writing and love for portal fantasy stories. I didn’t know about the spiritual allegory…
Tour Whit’s End at Focus on the Family!
Tour Whit’s End at Focus on the Family’s Headquarters! Our family takes lots of road trips and we’ve been grateful over the years for fun entertainment with Adventures in Odyssey, both their videos and especially their audio programs. This summer, we got to tour the headquarters in Colorado Springs at Focus on the Family and see Whit’s End, where many of the stories come to life. From pretending we’re spies to learning wholesome lessons while being entertained, it’s been a great resource for long drives or a fun break. The games, puppets, and activities were perfect for my…
Sherry Kyle and The Girl’s Guide to Life
When you were a tween, wouldn’t you have loved having a road map to help with the twists and turns of puberty? Sherry Kyle is a wonderful author I met at ACFW a couple of years ago. When I saw her new book called The Girl’s Guide to Life, I loved the cover and wanted to know more. The sage wisdom is presented effortlessly in a fun format for girls. Here’s an excerpt from our interview: What inspired you to begin to write and specifically about your most recent book, The Girl’s Guide to Life? When my kids were small,…
LEGOLAND and Ark Encounter – Great Family Outings
Teen and Tween Blog Post This fall come check out some new attractions like Legoland’s newest rides and get your parents to go with you! A big part of making the most of every day is finding new ways to have fun. Sometimes your parents need more fun, too! We’ve got two great ideas in California and Kentucky, and I’ll bet there are great places where you live as well. New rides at Legoland, and a visit to Star Wars Miniland. My son Joey takes you to see the newest Ninjago rides and his favorite places in Miniland. I…
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