From My Window
Call Me Mrs. Doodle
I continue to create doodle art. My studio, which used to be John’s bedroom, has two windows, and the light is perfect. Every wall of my studio is covered with artwork. Instead of buying birthday cards for friends, I give them original doodle art. If I have time, I’ll make some doodle art Christmas cards.
Photo by Margaret Freel.
Helping Grieving Kids
At least 204,000 children and teens in the US have lost parents to COVID, according to the COVID Collaborative. This is a shocking statistic. To help
grieving children, Zumbro Valley Medical Society Alliance (ZVMSA) made Grief Doodling its health project of the year.
Photo by Kathy Meyer RN.
ZVMSA gave copies of Grief Doodling to every counselor/social worker in the Rochester, MN Public Schools, public health nurses in Olmsted and Dodge counties in MN, Mayo Clinic Hospice offices, Elder Network grief support group in Rochester, and the Jeremiah Project, which serves single mothers and their children. We are also donating books to the Boys and Girls Club. ZVMSA was founded in 1928 and we’re dedicated to improving community health. I’ve belonged to ZVMSA for more than 40 years and am proud to be a member.
Thanksgiving Memories
Thanksgiving is all about family. I offered to host Thanksgiving dinner in my apartment. In preparation, I cleaned out my freezer and measured the sides to judge its capacity. Ruler in hand, I headed to Aldi’s, where I measured the length of frozen turkeys, which were all too large. (You can picture it, right?) I went to another grocery store and bought a frozen turkey breast, which fit in my freezer nicely. I made the cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and stuffing ahead of time. So far, so good.
Photo by Margaret Freel.
Then my grandson called and told me he had COVID, and his girlfriend might have it. Suddenly, dinner for six became dinner for four and we were glad to be together. I hate to admit this, but I like the stuffing more than the turkey. As usual, dessert was my sister-in-law’s fabulous pumpkin pie. Thanksgiving dinner was delicious, if I say so myself, and I was blessed to share it with family members.
Reviews
A Good Foundation
Ready, Set, Lead! is a great message for future generations. Kathy and Harriet have done a wonderful job of bringing the concepts of leadership, kindness and courage to children through the art of verse and beautiful illustration. This book is a good foundation for the little leaders of tomorrow. The inclusivity of this book is refreshing, and I think it will be relatable for almost any child! Victoria Tecken, 5 out of 5 stars.
Profound and Beautiful
First Steps, First Snow by Harriet Hodgson is an enthralling poem with exquisite illustrations. A sweet book that I definitely recommend. The questions suggested to think about at the end of the book deepened the experience of reading it, making it even more profound and beautiful. Greta Volpe, 5 out of 5 stars.
Book Business
My 45th book, Winning, is in production now. I’m making corrections, a slow, tedious process, especially with bifocals. Looking for tiny blue periods and semicolons and dashes strains my eyes and I need frequent breaks. Still, this part of the production process is worth the effort. Thanks to WriteLife for publishing Winning. Thanks to editor Andrea Vande Vord for her diligent work. The cover is supposed to be ready this month. I can hardly wait to see it!
Quote of the Month
I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. – Charles Dickens, British author and social critic.