Here’s a new approach to Christmas

Written by Shelley Plett Tuesday, 09 November 2010 15:42

“Christmas can (still) change the world. This year, Give Presence” —Advent Conspiracy

 

Somehow, in the midst of the overwhelming cynicism circling the holidays, my excitement for it never diminishes.

On Sept. 1, I start to nonchalantly gear up in my head. I label September as my favorite month of the year because, as much as I love summertime, I just can’t help it—fall has a bigger piece of my heart. It might be the red leaves, my fireplace, snuggling with a quilt and whoever happens to be on the couch (within reason), or huge crockpots of soup.

Fall is the gateway to Christmas. The name still sends the right kind of shivers down my spine. I love everything about it, from the threat of a Christmas Eve blizzard to the...

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Stir the creativity, it’s time to write

Written by Shelley Plett Tuesday, 26 October 2010 16:36

I can do this. WE can do this. However far behind you are, take comfort in knowing that there is somebody else out there in the same boat, and look for that next fun scene. And then the next. And if that doesn’t work, set someone on fire. In your book, of course.” —Sara Gruen, from a Nanowrimo pep talk for participants, 2007

 

A couple of weeks ago, I had the chance to first listen to, and then meet one of my favorite authors. I went through the meet-and-greet line pretty quickly, satisfied with her signature in my copy of her book.

It only took me two weeks to think of what I should have asked.

Her name is Sara Gruen and she wrote “Water for Elephants,” an amazing story set around a fictitious traveling circus in the...

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Our children need imaginative play

Written by Shelley Plett Tuesday, 12 October 2010 15:01

“It seems that in the rush to give children every advantage—to protect them, to stimulate them, to enrich them—our culture has unwittingly compromised one of the activities that helped children most. All that wasted time was not such a waste after all.” —Alix Spiegel, NPR

 

I am a member of a newly formed community playground committee. Our goal is to raise enough money to purchase and install a big play system in our city park, a couple of other smaller structures, and to create an account to cover repairs and upgrades as they are needed in the future.

It’s a big job considering the starting point is $0. But we’re a committee of parents who really believe this is something that will benefit the kids and in the bigger...

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Colors will vary for our kids’ futures

Written by Shelley Plett Tuesday, 21 September 2010 17:46

“There’s no sense letting all this beauty go to waste.” —“Beauty,” The Sun Magazine, Issue 417

 

It’s easy to get wrapped up in what you want for your kids. Much of the time, it’s probably what we wanted for ourselves. Even in kids as young as mine, I see traits and talents in them that I jump on and try to nurture. I don’t want anything to go to waste. They’re potential is as beautiful as it gets.

I know what my kids mean to me, which is everything, as nearly every parent understands. Some days they just have a way of completing you all over again. And it makes a mom stand up and take notice of the sheer beauty that makes them, them.

I have no desire to be a so-called helicopter parent, a dictator, or “that...

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