How (Not) to Make an Impression

English 112 was supposed to be an easy A for me. I’ve tutored students through English 112, for goodness sakes.  Babies. Children. Humans half my age and with none of my experience. So, naturally, English 112 has been kicking my wordcrafting booty in the best sort of way.  I might even share my “impeccably researched” … Continue reading How (Not) to Make an Impression →

The L.M.Montgomery Method of Friend Sorting

Everyone needs a wonderful variety of friends.  Let L.M. Montgomery help you. Start by asking, "Anne or Emily?" Sort friends according to the responses to ensure that you have an adequate collection. "Hunh?" Okay, so you're going to need to elaborate.  "Anne of Green Gables or Emily of New Moon?" "Hunh?" Alright, here's a friend … Continue reading The L.M.Montgomery Method of Friend Sorting →

What would help me keep my big mouth shut?

The subtitle for my blog -- as well as much of my writing -- is inspired by the lyrics of Birds, by The Collection .  Their music is inspiring, and life-affirming, and has gone a long way to restore things like my love for music, my faith, and my will to live.  You should really go … Continue reading What would help me keep my big mouth shut? →

Nassar, Denhollander, and the Rest of the Story

"And that's . . . the REST of the story . . . " Remember Paul Harvey?  He would tell us some remarkable story, and then he would tell us the REST of the story.  The part we didn't know. The part that actually mattered most. I had a rest-of-the-story moment last week.  Like everyone, … Continue reading Nassar, Denhollander, and the Rest of the Story →

Custodians of Knowledge

This is an old post about one of my very favorite lesson plans that I used during my stint as a homeschool enrichment tutor.  It's about Shakespeare and hip hop. Somewhere along the line, I was introduced to a TEDTalk in which Shakespeare is compared to hip hop.  (I wish I could remember which brilliant … Continue reading Custodians of Knowledge →