This summer was extraordinary for Thorn & Vine, and with its launch came many opportunities to nurture the writing side of things, and also start spreading the word about resources for teens, tweens, and adults for more resilience in life. Daytime at Nine I was honored to share a snapshot of our experience as wildfire survivors as well as tips to thrive in times of adversity on Fox News San Antonio. Here’s the interview! http://foxsanantonio.com/daytime-at-9/hope-can-come-after-a-tragedy One of the special connections I made was with author Pam Vredevelt who helps people find a path from losing children. She is such a…
Get Ready For A Sparkling September
September is our kick-off month for three blog themes to encourage, embolden, and inspire you, and some sparkle not to miss at Disneyland before the end of their 60th Anniversary Diamond Days celebration. Late August Note: As a gemologist, I’m always on the lookout for something beautiful to see. Pictured above is some sparkle not to miss at Disneyland before the 60th anniversary is over on September 5, 2016. Make sure to stop by The Disney Gallery right as you enter Disneyland to view this spectacular castle and some other gorgeous gems with Swarovski crystals. There are also fascinating paintings…
Wild Lessons Ready to Go
When we wandered into a beautiful quilt store, these bundles were all packaged, ready for someone to create a thing of beauty. Eight years ago on October, 22nd, 2007, we lost everything we owned in a wildfire that came through San Diego. More than 300 neighbors did as well and thousands others in surrounding areas from five wildfires that grew huge that week in Southern California. Ours was the Witch Creek fire. Now we’re launching a new vision for Live A Resilient Life™ with great resources for people making new beginnings. It reminds me of these quilting bundles I saw…
Refocus and Rebuild With Fun!
Fairy Tales at Once Upon A Time If you love fairy tales, here’s a wonderful exhibit coming up at the Bowers Museum for kids, called Kidseum, in Orange County, California. Pretend you’re in the book Anasi and the Talking Melon, or play a harpsichord in Beauty and the Beast. Then turn a corner, and it the Cinderella coach and a slide that looks like a castle and Jack and the Beanstalk, and more. It starts April 16th and run for the summer through August 28, 2016. For more information, see the website here. Chinese Gardens at Huntington Library in Pasadena…
Seven Things Audrey Hepburn Taught Me With Her Pink Prowess
Audrey Hepburn will always be remembered for her grace, candor, wit, and infectious smile. She could wear jewels like a princess and had some fun things to say. Recently I found this quote and thought that about summed it up: Growing up watching her classic movies, and her iconic style, she taught me a few key lessons in life. How to smile – My Fair Lady – a modern retelling of Cinderella, with a Cockney twist as a young girl struggles to be transformed act like a refined lady. How to have more fun in life – Roman Holiday –…
The Glass Sentence: A Different Reality With Amazing Imagination – Book Review
The Glass Sentence by S. E. Grove My age recommendation: upper middle grade through young adult. Novel’s strongest point: Amazing premise and unrivaled descriptive abilities for a contemporary work while keeping a tight pace. A bit about… Take a modern world-map and crumple it in your hand. Then pretend each wrinkle is a territory border, and each section has split into a different time. This is what really happens in The Glass Sentence though a Great Disruption in 1789 that threw all continents into different time periods, different eras coexisting in a chaotic mix and match of generations and…
Finding Your Greatest Adventure
I’m often asked this question: “I want to try new things but am afraid others will laugh. How do I begin?” What if the best way to uncover your own dreams in life, your deeper sense of adventure, could be held in your very hands? What if, like a magic potion or Jeanie’s wish, you could fly with airplanes in a dogfight, or search undersea for forgotten lands, or hike high mountain ranges without ever leaving your house. “Oh, wait a minute, I know what she’s about to say,” you think. “Books? What?” Yes, I’m encouraging you to read. Not…
Top 10 Favorite Tween Fantasy Books
Elizabeth Van Tassel, resilience expert and fantasy writer, in her snowiest setting of white backdrop in honor of those snowed in this week, walks you through some favorites stories for boys and girls ages ten and up, and younger ones that read above their grades. From gripping plots and great locations with S.E. Grove, amazing magic from Lissa Evans, and unbelievable dragons with Gail Carson Levine these books have many hours of fun to offer. And there’s a few you may not know yet, too. Hope you enjoy this video blog (VLOG) and let me know what books you enjoy…
The Hidden Hearts
On a wonderful vacation recently I started seeing things. No, really. First, after swimming with the turtles, I was resting and taking photos when I felt one in particular might be special. Get it this direction, a little voice whispered. After I peeked at the frame, I saw why. As you gaze into the pool of water as it reflects the sky, you’ll see a shape. A heart. And its twin smiled at me through the windswept clouds as a slight drizzle began. Two hearts. The next day, on a boat tour around the island, a lush landscape came into…
What is a Teen Book Festival?
Last week I attended my first Teen Book Festival in Ontario, CA and I was so very impressed, I’ve created a VLOG (short video blog) for you! It was thrilling to hear from and meet amazing authors like Jay Asher, Marissa Meyer, Nicole Maggi, Andrew Smith, and Jessica Brody. I got to see San Diego author Stephanie Diaz again and loved her comments, too. And my friend Mary Weber was there and I finally have a wonderful signed set of her Storm Siren Trilogy to keep me company when I’m writing. If you’ve ever considered going, I highly recommend it….
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