Writing

Seedling Kids: School Lessons

July 17, 2016February 21, 2026 Writing Sparkle

With a majestic height reaching to the sun, and a thick hairy stem that is often over looked, this is a stalk that’s size is such that stories that shame Jack and the Beanstalk live in its branches. However, people’s eyes travel up past the healthy shoots of triangular toothed shaped leaves to the flower… Continue reading Seedling Kids: School Lessons

Writing

New Shoes

July 7, 2016June 30, 2021 Writing Sparkle

It was the first Monday of Kindergarten. Jacob was nervous. His hands were trembling as he tried to seal the Velcro laces on his old shoes. He liked the comfortable feel of his shoes on his feet as they snuggled against his toes. He didn’t mind the dirt-caked rubber, or the grass stains. “I have… Continue reading New Shoes

“Coffee is a language in itself.” – Jackie Chan

June 5, 2016June 30, 2021 Writing Sparkle2 Comments

I love coffee. I love coffee dates. The last few weeks have been hectic with company, appointments, school trips, soccer practice, gardening, and the general stuff of life. As you can imagine, I am very excited to sit down and have a coffee with you. I love this idea of “If we were having coffee…” because for… Continue reading “Coffee is a language in itself.” – Jackie Chan

Writing

Gregory Green and the Backyard Bullfrogs

April 23, 2016June 29, 2021 Writing Sparkle1 Comment

Gregory Green was upset, and not just a little upset, he was terribly upset. He had just moved to a new house, in a new neighbourhood, in a new town. Although his parents told him he should be happy because he had finished his school year before moving, he was not. He didn’t want to… Continue reading Gregory Green and the Backyard Bullfrogs

Miscellaneous

Names Matter

April 17, 2016June 29, 2021 Writing Sparkle

In an article titled How names influence our destinies, it is stated that, “Scientific studies have shown that the world makes different assumptions about a boy named Tyrone than it does about one named Philip, and while these assumptions are often wrong, they can have considerable influence on the course of a life.” – theweek.com… Continue reading Names Matter

Coffee Blog

If we were having coffee…

April 3, 2016June 29, 2021 Writing Sparkle1 Comment

We would begin quietly, just enjoying the warm sunshine on our skin, the white sand hot between our toes, the sounds of waves breaking on the beach, children laughing, and voices mixed in various conversations around us. There would be a small beach table between us, and our chairs would face out toward the ocean.… Continue reading If we were having coffee…

Writing

Vacation Under the Oceans of Naboo

March 27, 2016February 21, 2026 Writing Sparkle1 Comment

We stand eagerly on the platform with crowds of other vacationers. It feels something like boarding a train only this platform is grey under our feet, and we stand in small groups of eight designated by yellow boxes painted on the floor. This designation is for our space travelling safety. A television near us reports… Continue reading Vacation Under the Oceans of Naboo

Writing

A Composted Teachable Moment

March 20, 2016February 21, 2026 Writing Sparkle

Schools teach children about recycling, and the children are quick to learn what belongs in the garbage, and what goes into the recycle bin. In addition to traditional recycling, I am aware that in my son’s kindergarten class they also repurpose materials for crafts. For example they keep empty apple sauce containers from the children’s… Continue reading A Composted Teachable Moment