Jilly Gagnonโ€™s debut novel #famous

#17DABash interview with the author and a chance to win a free signed copy of the book! ๐Ÿ“๐Ÿ“š๐Ÿ’• comment on this post by Friday, 12/8/17 midnight Pacific time to be entered to win! Jilly Gagnon’s debut YA novel #famous is a sweet modern day love story told from both Rachel’s and Kyle’s point of view.Continue reading “Jilly Gagnonโ€™s debut novel #famous”

American Writers Museum in Chicago

A visit to the American Writers Museum at 180 N Michigan Avenue in Chicago with a fellow writer is the source of renewed inspiration and energy for writing and reading. The museum, which opened in May 2017, has a variety of exhibits including an entire room devoted to picture books with large displays of coverContinue reading “American Writers Museum in Chicago”

Itโ€™s never too late

While visiting former colleagues last week, I saw this quote on the board in 7th grade. I’m a living example of this quote even though I’d never heard it before. Not that I wasn’t proud of my previous accomplishments, but the starting over part speaks loudly to me. I’ve always been a fan of F.Continue reading “Itโ€™s never too late”

Look for happiness

I love coffee. It’s magical. Coffee is one of the things that makes me happy. This particular cup (yesterday with a good friend) would have been appreciated for the obvious reasons. But the bubbles formed when milk, yes milk – never cream, was added let me know coffee loves me too. ๐Ÿ’•

You can go home again

I was lucky ๐Ÿ€๐Ÿ’š๐Ÿ€ enough to spend a decade at a great school with fabulous colleagues, the most supportive families, and children that filled my heart every single day. I’ve been gone for 17 months but whenever I return to Chicago, a priority for me is reconnecting with the children who made getting up atContinue reading “You can go home again”