Download this free Ready, Set, Lead! poster. It was designed by the book’s illustrator Penny Weber. Hang the poster in your child’s room or the kitchen, where family members see it often. Watch for more Ready, Set, Lead! freebies.
May 2021 Monthly Newsletter
Book Business
Radio is an efficient way to publicize a book. I’ve talked about Grief Doodling: Bringing Back Your Smiles on four major market stations, with two more to go. Frankie Boyer (Frankie is female) was the host on Biz Talk Radio, a network of 300 stations. Though the network is based in Texas, Frankie interviewed me from Boston. She told listeners I graduated from Wheelock College and I am a proud graduate.
Rick Dayton was the host on KDKA Radio, “the voice of Pittsburgh.” He asked good questions and I think I gave good answers. In Seattle, the host was Breanna Ruiz. Her syndicated show is on five stations, including KHTP, formerly CBS Radio, and now called Odyssey. The Philadelphia interview with Suzanne Monaghan on KYW, one of 103 AM/FM stations in the country with three call letters, was recorded via Zoom. She is the mother of twins and identified with me as the grandmother of twins. Thanks to all the radio hosts who welcomed me.
Reviews
“Harriet Hodgson is the author of 42 books. Harriet is also an artist. When her husband died recently, she used the art of doodling to cope with the tremendous loss. Beginning with the premise that doodling is fun, Hodgson uses illustrations from her own grief doodling to encourage readers to give vent to their grief. Such brief units as “Just Listen,” “Crying Speaks for You,” “Looking to Others,” and “Dandelion Wishes,” help chart a happiness course for life after loss. In my opinion, Bringing Back Your Smiles is an apt subtitle for this book.” Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. Marian Beaman. Goodreads reviewer.
“Books like this one are so important. While I am not experiencing grief currently, I can certainly see how the distraction and creativity of doodling would prove helpful for someone who is grieving but moving towards healing. There’s a special little boy in one of my classes and I intend to suggest this book.” Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. Elynana Favers, librarian and NetGalley reviewer.
“What a wonderful book! I requested it based upon the doodling part. At this time, I have no grief in my life. The author has a charming way to address grief with doodling. The book is appropriate for all ages of persons to use. She gives handy tips for the types of pens and paper to use for doodling. She mentions when the best time for doodling (anytime) and where (anywhere) to help you cope with the things that are giving you stress. There are a lot of whimsical doodles that the author gives you to use. I will use them and, using her instructions, adapt them with my own designs. This book will help you open your mind to the different possibilities for successful doodling if you are new to doodling. Highly recommended.” Tina Cay, NetGalley reviewer.
Exciting news. Ready, Set, Lead! was awarded first place in The Firebird Book Awards, family/parenting category. Co-author Kathy Kasten and I are grateful for this recognition. Our leadership book for kids ages 4-8 is available as a hardcover print book, eBook, or audiobook. It is a thoughtful gift for kids and grandkids.
From My Window
It is almost spring in Minnesota. One day people are out in shirt sleeves, the next day they are wearing winter coats. I don’t know to dress for the weather. On rainy days I exercise in the grocery store and walk the aisles four times. “Can I help you?” an employee asked. I showed her my pedometer and she smiled.
Thanks to Kathy Meyer, RN, for taking yet another photo of me. I appreciate your kindness, Kathy.
Writing is a sedentary job and I need to exercise daily. A month ago, I injured my shoulder (a long story) and spent weeks in a rocking chair watching television and taking pain medication. I gained four and a half pounds. Now that I am better, I plan to walk off these pounds. Is physical activity part of your day? I hope so.
Quote of the Month
To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow. Audrey Hepburn. The actress is famous for her starring role in the movie “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” She had two sons and felt her role as mother was the most important role in her life.
An interview with Harriet Hodgson on Grief Doodling
A User’s Guide for Grief Doodling: Bringing Back Your Smiles
1. Purpose
The purpose of Grief Doodling is to help kids acknowledge their grief and express it with doodles. It is a grief roadmap for elementary, middle school, and high school students.
2. Objectives
To recognize your grief feelings
To understand the benefits of doodling
To learn basic doodling techniques
To follow the doodling prompts
To keep on doodling
To create a visual record of your grief journey
3. Benefits of Doodling
You already know how to do it.
You are expressing feelings in a creative way.
There are no mistakes; it’s a doodle.
Doodling isn’t a mindless activity; it is thinking in disguise.
Doodling gives you a break from grief, something you need right now.
You feel better after doodling.
Grief doodles tell who you are and reveal who you can be.
4. Contents of the Book
Dear Grieving One (letter to user)
Why Doodling is Fun
Techniques and Tips
My Grief Doodles (31 prompts)
Resources
Blank Pages for Practice and More Doodles
5. Discussion Questions
Have you doodled before?
Do you often doodle the same thing? If so, what is it?
Which doodling technique do you like best?
Which doodling prompt did you like best?
Will you keep doodling? Why?
Ready, Set, Lead! Guide
Dear Parent, Grandparent, or Teacher,
Good leadership begins in early childhood. That’s why we wrote Ready, Set, Lead! for kids ages 4-8. Though young children may not be able to describe leaders, they recognize them, respond to them, and remember them.
The purpose of this guide is to extend the book beyond its pages, spark discussion, and promote a child’s interest in becoming a leader.
As our poem says, we believe every child is capable of leadership. Watching a child’s leadership skills develop is exciting for them and for you. Though their progress is gradual, young children can see and feel their progress. They can also track it on a sticker chart.
You and your child are working on leadership together. This is a beneficial experience for both of you. Be proud of yourselves. Give a cheer for the leadership experiences that await you. Enjoy each one and savor this time with your child.
Sincerely,
Harriet Hodgson
Kathy Kasten
Oatmeal-Raisin Leadership Cookies
Ingredients
¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup brown sugar, packed
½ cup butter-flavored Crisco or margarine
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 large egg, room temperature
½ cup almond flour
¼ cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon salt
1 ½ cups quick-cooking oatmeal
½ cup golden raisins or reduced sugar craisins
Method
Heat oven to 375 degrees. Coat baking sheet with cooking spray.
In a large bowl, combine sugars, Crisco, vanilla, and egg. Beat until fluffy.
With wooden spoon, work in both kinds of flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto baking sheet, 2 inches apart
Bake 7 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Makes about 3 1/2 dozen cookies. Give some to a friend who wants to be a leader.
Leadership Granola with Apples & Cranberries
Ingredients
1 Granny Smith apple - Name one leader you like.
3 cups quick cooking oatmeal - Think of 3 ways you could practice leading.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - Pick 1 project to do with your parents.
¼ cup honey - Do you know a leader as sweet as honey?
2 tablespoons extra light olive oil - Take 2 steps on your project.
2 tablespoons unsweetened apple juice (not from concentrate) - Take a 2-day rest from leadership.
½ cup sliced almonds - Put a sticker on a chart when you are half done with your project.
½ cup reduced sugar dried craisins - Add another sticker when you are done. Good job!
Method
Heat oven to 300 degrees.
Coat a rimmed baking pan with cooking spray.
Peel and seed the apple. Slice very thinly.
In a large bowl, combine apple slices and other ingredients, except cranberries. Stir well.
Pour mixture into baking pan. Spread out evenly.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring several times, until granola starts to brown.
Remove from oven and cool on rack. Stir in dried cranberries. Enjoy as a snack or with your favorite yogurt.
April 2021 Monthly Newsletter
Book Business
April 1st is launch day for Grief Doodling: Bringing Back Your Smiles—a big day for me. I’ve waited months for this day. Please read the Amazon blurb and the marvelous reviews in this newsletter. If I could hire a marching band to celebrate the book release I would. Check out the Grief Doodling book trailer.
“Southern Writers Magazine” published my article about Grief Doodling on March 24, 2021. Thanks for helping me spread the word “Southern Writers Magazine.” I enjoy writing for you.
Christine Crosby, editor of GRAND Magazine, a lifestyle magazine for today’s grandparents, asked me to write an article about Grief Doodling. I wrote the article, sent her the book cover, and a photo of me. GRAND is published six times a year and I’m not sure when my article will appear.
I just signed with the Annie Jennings Public Relations company. It is going to do a radio campaign for Grief Doodling in six major radio markets. According to the company, the shows are author and guest friendly. Thank goodness I’ve had radio training and previous experience, including a parenting show on Minnesota Public Radio years ago.
Reviews
Grief Doodling: Bringing Back Your Smiles
I appreciate NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me the opportunity to preview an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.
I’m a doodler. My notebooks are full of squiggles, flowers, and designs. In fact, I carry a doodling notepad and colored markers to draw while I listen to seminars and meetings. When I saw “Grief Doodling” was listed as being available for advanced review, I crossed my fingers and toes that the publisher would grant me the opportunity. The book combines my love of doodling with my love of therapeutic tools. My crossing worked and my hopes were not crushed in that this book is everything I hoped it would be.
Hodgson opens the book with a doodling “how to” guide that will prompt the reluctant but not tether those familiar with the process. She then takes time to explain the benefits of doodling as a part of processing thoughts as one is grieving. Each page that follows gently nudges the reader to consider their grief journey while creating. She isn’t sly with her intentions but remains gentle and affirming.
For clinical use, this book would be a fantastic tool for homework to take the place of an open journal. It will appeal to older elementary caged children through adults as it is simple and self-guided. Outside of the therapeutic setting, this book would make a nice gift for a loved one experiencing grief. Once completed, “Grief Doodling” serves as a time capsule of memories and progress through a difficult period. Rating: 5 out of 5 stars, Lauren G., Reviewer.
This is such a good book for any child that is going through grief. The whole book talks about how you will feel and what you can do about it. Each page gives you the ability to fill in some already doodled pictures. The author also gives you examples of doodles and how to make them. This would be wonderful and needed for any child who is trying to help themselves with grief. I would recommend this book to anyone. Rating: 5 out of 5 stars, Christine E., Educator.
The Book Excellence Awards, an international program that recognizes literary excellence, chose The Grandma Force: How Grandmothers are Changing Grandchildren, Families, and Themselves, as a finalist. I am grateful for this honor and appreciate the helpful training videos. (Photo by Kathy Meyer, RN.)
From My Window
During the pandemic, the popularity of audiobooks has increased. I have three audiobooks, The Family Caregiver’s Guide, So, You’re Raising Your Grandkids! and The Grandma Force: How Grandmothers are Changing Grandkids, Families, and Themselves. All are beautifully narrated by voice actress Evie Irwin. She does a marvelous job, and her voice is a perfect match for my books.
My giant African violets are blooming again. Yes, this is a real plant, not a fake one!
Photo by Kathy Meyer, RN.
“Supply Woes Slam Global Manufacturing,” an article in a recent issue of “The Wall Street Journal,” says global supply disruptions are causing problems in car manufacturing, plastics manufacturing, and other fields. Freezing weather in Texas also caused delivery problems. The article doesn’t mention disruptions in printer ink supplies, but they exist. I know this because I have experienced them.
I print out often. When I ran out of ink, I panicked for a moment but was able to order the last in-stock cartridge from Amazon. When I went to my local office supply store to buy more cartridges, I was shocked to see empty shelves. According to a sales associate, ink cartridges are scarce because so many people are working from home. If you print out often, order cartridges early and order a few extra.
Quote of the Month
I must have flowers, always and always. Claude Monet
When I read this, I realized Monet was telling the truth. John and I visited Monet’s house and garden in France. Monet planned the garden himself and grew vegetables for the family. Like his paintings, Monet’s garden is an expression of his soul.
Your comments about the newsletter are welcome. Please send them to my new email address, harriethodgson57@gmail.com. Happy spring!
March 2021 Monthly Newsletter
Book Business
Hear ye! Hear ye! Ready, Set, Lead! will be officially released on March 1st. I can finally hold a book in my hands. All of the above books, with the exception of the one on the right, are published by WriteLife. I am grateful to Terri Leidich, owner and publisher of WriteLife, for her faith in me. Last month the Independent Book Group (IPG) newsletter featured Ready, Set, Lead! This was exciting news because the newsletter is sent to thousands of publishers, book buyers, and librarians. Thanks for the boost IPG!
The Family Caregiver’s Cookbook is only available as an eBook. This book is packed with family recipes and original recipes. To make the recipes real, I added brief stories to each one, such as the story of the Christmas roast beef that finished cooking early. I put the beef on top of the car so the dog wouldn’t eat it. The next Christmas my sister-in-law asked if dinner was on top of the car again. The answer was “no.” I only did that once. The cookbook is available from Amazon.
A guide for Ready, Set, Lead! Is now available. To get your free guide visit www.lioncrestleadership.com and click on Ready, St, Lead! Guide. This concise guide is for parents, grandparents, guardians, teachers, and librarians. It contains sample log pages for kids. To watch a one-minute video about Ready, Set, Lead! and the companion book, Drawing Out the Leader in Me, please visit https://vimeo.com/499243217.
Reviews
Ready, Set, Lead!
All of us experience leadership in our daily lives and all of us have the potential to lead, but do we? If more of us were taught early on how to effectively lead, we might be living in a different world. This book simply yet profoundly gives basic principles of circumstantial leadership, when one thing happens, your reactions to it determines a greater outcome.
Learning to use our successes and failures in a way to positively lead is a basic premise in this book. Written so children will understand it yet distinctly relative for any age. Harriet Hodgson and Kathy Kasten capture the essence of leadership and through storytelling communicates how to tangibly put it into practice. A highly recommended read. Betsy, Singer, ABC 6 News, KAAL TV Anchor
Drawing Out the Leader in Me
What if we did more to help bring out the leader in every child? We teach manners, kindness, and award good behavior but that doesn’t necessarily teach effective leadership. The workbook partner to Ready, Set, Lead! is a great tool to help children grasp the basic skills that are needed to cultivate the leader inside.
Betsy Singer, ABC 6 News, KAAL TV Anchor
My great grandsons can hardly wait to sink their teeth into the leadership idea. They may not understand the words yet but can enjoy the pictures.
Ready, Set, Lead!
This children’s book addresses a topic that is rarely geared toward children. . Written in rhyming verse by two of Rochester’s own, it focuses on identifying what leadership is and looks like, and how kids can be leaders every day. It is filled with simple, honest truths that re nuggets of wisdom for all ages but told in a way that’s easy for kids to understand.
The diversity in gender, race, and ability in the book is refreshing, teaching children that leaders don’t have to fit into a certain mold. The words and illustrations share these important lessons with beautiful color. Kelsey Hawley, Book Nook, Post-Bulletin February 2, 2021.
Ready, Set, Lead!
There is an old saying, “All’s well that ends well.” When it comes to being an effective leader, a better statement would be “All’s well that beings well.” If you want to set a child on the right path to becoming a highly effective leader, then you should go through this book with them. It teaches them to embrace their unique God-given leadership characteristics from whatever personality style they have.” Chris Rollins, President, Rollins Performance Group, Inc., DISC Executive Master Trainer
From My Window
I had both of my Covid-19 shots. The first shot made me chilly and that was the only side-effect. The second shot caused intense chills and a nighttime bout of fever. The chills were so bad I bundled up on long underwear and two fleece sweaters. According to a Mayo Clinic nurse, the side-effects can last three days. Mine lasted two days and I am grateful.
The Grief Coalition of Southeastern Minnesota is up and running again. The purpose is to inform the public about grief resources in the area and help to coordinate these resources. To learn more about the coalition please visit www.rochestergrief.org
I was fascinated when I read “The Therapeutic Value of Reading,” an article in the February 3rd issue of “The Wall Street Journal.” Elizabeth Bernstein makes a strong case for reading and says it expands our world, provide escape, offer novelty and surprise, broadens perspective, and helps improve social life. “Books can also distract us and help reduce our mental chatter,” she writes. Though
booksellers say people are buying more books, some buyers have trouble finishing them. It is difficult to focus on a book if your mind is elsewhere, according to Bernstein. When this happens, she suggests meditation, reading a short story, choosing something relevant, and returning to familiar reading. “When times are uncertain and scary, something familiar can be a source of solace,” she concludes. The lesson here is to keep reading and I hope you will choose some of my books.
Quote of the Month
Reading is a way for me to expand my mind, open my eyes, and fill up my heart. - Oprah Winfrey.
Literary Titan gives So, You're Raising Your Grandkids! Five Stars
Originally posted on Literary Titan:
It is common to see grandparents raise their grandkids. The reasons vary from the children getting in trouble, passing away, divorce, teen pregnancies, parents being in jail, not being in a capacity to raise the kids, or not having the right parental skills. Grandparents raising grandkids may seem easy, but it’s not. Harriet Hodgson takes us through the struggles, the fun times that create the relationship children have with their grandparents.
Harriet Hodgson uses real-life example to delivery some poignant and sage advice. She raised her daughters’ children, and so speaks from a position of experience throughout the book, but not as a teacher, more as a knowing grandparent. The kids were twins and raising them was an amazing experience. The author notes how difficult it can be when grandkids ask for information which you think would be best explained by their parents. Losing her daughter was painful. Grieving for her daughter, the twin’s father, her brother, and father in law was among the lowest moments in her life.
This book reads like a parenting guide for grandparents. Some may feel that, since they are grandparents, they know how to raise kids. But remember, you are raising kids from a different perspective now and this book illuminates those differences and helps you tackle them. The author writes about family values and helps one understand what children want and how they should be treated. Raising teens can be an uphill task for anyone. The writer shares her experience raising her grandkids in their teen years, and how adolescents react to issues.
The tips Harriet Hodgson shares should be mastered by everyone as they will always come in handy at some point in life. The book is written in a flowing style, with the author listing her thoughts then explaining later in detail. This book not only educates you on parenting, but also helps to understand and cope with grief.
Throughout the book Harriet Hodgson words are backed by research and science. That is the other amazing thing about this book. Everything listed is a fact, and one gets to understand how some families come to be. From the texts in the book, one can tell that Harriet is excellent at care-giving.
I’ve learned a lot just by reading this book. Mourning can take a toll on someone, but there is always that period where you rise up. The author did well by talking about stress and the effect it has on kids and how one should take care of their health. You understand how you can encourage a child to aim higher and get to the peak in everything they do.
The Grandma Force Book Trailer
Speak Up Talk Radio Interview
February 2021 Monthly Newsletter
Book Business
When you look at a newly released book, you notice the title, author, front cover, back cover, size and price. But do you notice the paper? A freelance writer for 40 years, I am acutely aware of paper—the quality, the weight, the color, and even the smell. Thank goodness my 42nd book, Grief Doodling: Bringing Back Your Smiles, is printed on heavier paper.
The reader uses a felt-tip, gel, doodling or ballpoint pen to illustrate grief prompts. Terri Leidich, President of WriteLife Publishing, chose 70-pound paper for the book. (Magazines are usually printed on 50-pound paper.) The heavier paper prevents ink from seeping through to the other side. Paper costs have risen a whopping 25 percent, so this is an investment for WriteLife Publishing.
What are the reasons for spiking paper costs? According to the article, “Top 6 Factors Affecting the Cost of Paper,” the reasons are higher pulp prices, decreased supply of pulp, transportation costs, tariffs, fewer paper mills, and exchange rates. These factors affect all print publishers. Grief Doodling is easy to read and, because of the paper, easy to use. Here is the link to pre-order your copy: https://www.amazon.com/Grief-Doodling-Bringing-Back-Smiles/dp/1608082520
Please view our Ready, Set, Lead! book trailer at https://vimeo.com/499283217. Kathy Kasten and I are excited about our leadership book. When you see it you will be excited too.
Reviews
The Firebird Book Awards gave Grief Doodling the First Place award in the Self-Help category. This award differs from others in a significant way. Entry fees support women and children who are living in long-term shelters. The Firebird symbol was chosen to represent something rare. I am grateful for this meaningful award. To learn more about it go to https://www.speakuptalkradio.com/author-harriet-hodgson/
Check-out the editorial reviews of Grief Doodling on Amazon. Reader reviews can’t be posted until the book is released on April 1st. However, one reader sent me her review. I wish Harriet Hodgson’s book Grief Doodling: Bringing Back Your Smiles had been around when my family was paralyzed from the loss of a loved one. But we have it now and the ideas in this compelling book are so wonderfully healing. Now we are doodling and laughing and crying as we deal with life’s losses. What an inspiration! Thank you, Harriet! --Jana Zinser, author of Fly Like a Bird
From My Window
My computer crashed. I was unable to write, print out, send emails, receive emails, or post on social media for a week. To say I was frustrated would be a gross understatement. Not having computer capability was torture. I write every day and like to see results at the end of a day—a new book outline, revised outline, edited pages, or new copy.
Taking a break from writing in my favorite, save-the-back chair. Photo by Kathy Meyer, RN.
Now I’m back in business, thanks to the diligent efforts of Chris Senne, the tech support person at Charter House in Rochester, MN. His expertise enabled me to return to my writing schedule and use social media. My new book is shaping up nicely. Now I need to find an agent to represent me, which is harder than writing a book. I’ve contacted several agents and haven’t heard back from them yet.
Photo by Kathy Meyer, RN
I’m a member of the Rave Writers International Society of Authors (RWISA), an affiliate of the Rave Reviews Book Club. RWISA members produce quality work, support quality work and are always striving to be better. Here I am flexing my writing muscle. I am proud to be a RWISA member and wear its t-shirt. Yay!
Quote of the Month
The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even heard but must be felt with the heart. - Helen Keller
January 2021 Monthly Newsletter
Book Business
Thanks to Open to Hope Foundation President Dr. Gloria Horsley, Executive Director Dr. Heidi Horsley, and Webmaster/Editor Neil Chethik for offering me the position of Assistant Editor of www.opentohope.com. The duties, suggesting writing topics for contributing authors, reading articles, and checking tag words, are a good fit for me.
I admire Open to Hope’s mission of helping bereaved people find hope again. As the website says, “If you have lost hope please lean on ours.” Before I accepted the job, I compiled a list of 40 topics for authors to consider. The ideas came from my grief experience, ongoing research, and the grief healing books I have written. Here’s to another year of Open to Hope articles, books, radio, and television!
And thank you to the Rave Reviews Book Club for choosing The Grandma Force as a finalist in its 2020 International Literary Award Contest. I am profoundly grateful to the RRBC and its Governing Board for this honor. I have been honored twice. So, You’re RaisingYour Grandkids! was the Grand Prize Winner of the 2019 contest.
Reviews
Reviews of Ready, Set, Lead! are starting to arrive and this is one of them.
If you have a child in your life that you care about and want to see them succeed, then you must read this book with them. Leadership is a learnable skill, and this book has keys that will help set any child on the path to being a leader and set them up for success no matter which path they choose to follow. Chris Robinson, Executive Vice President, Maxwell Entrepreneurial Solutions, and more importantly a proud father of six—triplets, a single, and twins.
Here is another review of Ready, Set, Lead. I received an Advanced Review Copy of this book and am very impressed with the message! The illustrations are splendid and in today’s age of technology, this resource is great for building face-to-face skills of leadership, honesty, compassion, and other character traits that kids can’t learn through a computer.
Hodgson is known for her parenting wisdom and it’s visible through this book’s message. Kasten’s leadership expertise also shines through. Written in rhyming verse, this would be a good book for parents or teachers to read aloud. Pre-read questions could include: What makes a good leader? How can we be good leaders? (Heaven knows we need better leaders full of integrity today!) After the read-aloud, ask the children to self-check: What skill could we/you work on this week?
This is a good purchase for a parent, school, or public library to add to their collection. Paige Jaeger, Author and Librarian
From My Window
Photo by Elizabeth Nida Obert
The season of joy became a time of sadness when my husband, C. John Hodgson, MD, MPH died November 28, 2020. John was an adventurer, a specialist in aerospace and aviation medicine, and charter member of the Society of NASA Flight Surgeons. I was proud to be his wife for 63 years. His love continues to be the inspiration of my life. Family always came first with John. This photo, taken by photographer Elizabeth Nida Obert, is one of my favorites.
I am grateful to the Rave Reviews Book Club for its words of sympathy and bevy of comforting gifts. I love all the gifts, especially the RRBC coffee mug with the words “Story Teller” on it. RRBC is like a family to me and I am blessed to be part of it.
Thank you for reading this newsletter. Your comments, questions, and suggestions are welcome. Email them to me at harriethodgson@charter.net. I am looking forward to hearing from you. Have a marvelous new start and new year.
Photo by Kathy Meyer, RN
Quote of the Month
And suddenly you know it’s time to start something new and trust the magic of new beginnings. Meister Eckhart, German Theologian, Philosopher, and Author
Remembering C. John Hodgson
Corrin John Hodgson, MD, MPH died on November 28, 2020 of advanced prostate cancer, heart and lung disease. John was the eldest son of Dr. Corrin H. Hodgson and Florence Pitman Hodgson of Fergus Falls, MN. When John was about two years old the family moved to Rochester. From ages 4-9 he lived in Lima, Peru where his father worked at the British American Hospital. The family returned to Rochester in the 1940s. John attended Folwell School, Rochester High School, Dartmouth College, and received his MD from the University of Minnesota.
After interning at St. Mary’s Hospital in Duluth, he began neurology training at Mayo, Rochester. This training was interrupted when he was drafted into the Air Force during the Berlin Crisis. During 10 years of active duty, Dr. Hodgson was a flight surgeon/director of medical services at Air Force bases in Mountain Home, Idaho, Pleiku, Vietnam, Selma, Alabama and Fairborn, Ohio, where he was Chief of the Vibration Branch, Aerospace Medical Research Laboratory.
Dr. Hodgson completed his Air Force training in Aerospace Medicine at the USAF School of Aerospace Medicine and NASA Manned Spacecraft Center. He took additional internal medicine training at Mayo, Rochester and joined the Division of Preventive and Internal Medicine. Much of his practice was devoted to aviation medicine and he served as Medical Director of Northwest Airlines for years.
Dr. Hodgson was president of the North Central Occupational Medical Association. He was a Fellow of the Aerospace Medical Association and American College of Preventive Medicine. He was a member of the Space Medicine Branch of the Society of USAF Flight Surgeons and a charter member of the Society of NASA Flight Surgeons.
From 1988 to 1992 he served on the Board of Directors of the International Academy of Aviation and Space Medicine. He served as President of the Airlines Medical Directors Association and trustee of the American Board of Preventive Medicine. He was a consultant to IBM, the Federal Aviation Administration, and USAF Surgeon General.
Dr. Hodgson was Director of Base Medical Services, 934th Tactical Airlift Group at the Minneapolis-Saint Paul Airport. He retired from the reserves with the rank of colonel. In 1991 he retired from Mayo Clinic to become Medical Director of 3M. He returned to Mayo, Rochester to practice internal, preventive, aerospace, and aviation medicine. He was a member of the Delta Omega Honorary Society of Public Health, was honored as Air Force Reserve Flight Surgeon of the Year and received the Airlines Medical Directors Achievement Award.
Family came first with Dr. Hodgson and he was immensely proud of his two daughters and twin grandchildren. His daughter Helen, mother of the twins, died in 2007. He is survived by Harriet (Weil), his wife of 63 years. He is also survived by brothers Dr. Stephen Hodgson (Eleanor) and Dr. Clague Hodgson (Kristi), daughter Amy J. Hodgson, granddaughter Haley (James) Earley, grandson Dr. John Welby, and great grandsons Everett and Judah Earley.
A memorial service will be held on a later date. Memorials are suggested to the Corrin H. Hodgson, MD Endowed Scholarship at the University of Minnesota and the Rochester Public Library. To contribute to the scholarship fund, contact the university and refer to endowment #11535.
Inexpensive Ways to Keep Kids Engaged When They Are Stuck Indoors
Guest Blog written by Jenny Wise of specialhomeeducator.com
Sometimes, kids seem to have an endless stream of built-in creativity that keeps them going, but on other days, “I’m bored!” is all you seem to hear. When the latter happens, finding productive channels for that youthful energy can be a struggle. We found some ideas to help you with those stir-crazy days without overspending.
Health and wellness writer Harriet Hodgson has authored over 40 books. View her selections here!
Toys with Purpose
One solution for kids may seem both obvious and overwhelming at the same time: educational toys. Educational toys have been around for generations, from building blocks to memory games, but because they are such a popular go-to, they come in a tremendously broad variety.
It’s easy to get lost in the selections, so Education.com recommends aiming first for toys that match your child’s current interests and abilities. Look for options that provide open-ended opportunities rather than singular functionality. Collaborative and pretend play toys are a boon, and toys that involve exploration of the real world are also a plus.
Stories and Such
Reading for pleasure is beneficial to kids in critical ways. There are relatively obvious perks, such as helping them to better grasp grammar, punctuation, and spelling. However, it not only can help them academically, as there are indications that reading for pleasure helps them throughout life. They develop empathy and have healthier relationships, and their risk of issues like dementia and depression are reduced.
If your kids aren’t already bookworms, Scholastic suggests reading aloud to them and incorporating artistic play with the story. Maybe this would be illustrating a part of the story or designing a cover for a favorite book. You can save on art supplies when you use a KiwiCo promo code or coupon.
It can also help to pick out books on a favorite subject, like a sports hero, animal, or hobby. To help fit your budget, almost any electronic device can be turned into an e-reader with a free or low-cost app, and then you can load it up with free ebooks.
Another idea is to get your own creative juices flowing and tell your youngster a story. Flintobox explains it’s a great tool to have at the ready for a wide number of circumstances, from calming tantrums to food refusals. What’s more, your storytelling offers surprising benefits to your kids, helping to boost their language and memory skills, enhancing their cognitive perception, and sparking their imaginations. You can even teach them to be storytellers! And while these exercises will cost you a little time, the memories and benefits are priceless.
Burn Excess Energy
There are times when kids seem to have boundless energy, and if they are cooped up inside, it can sometimes lead to frustration or trouble. If your youngster needs an outlet, thankfully, there are plenty of opportunities to burn that energy off. You can plug your child into some age-appropriate online exercise videos or dance videos, or you can make up your own dance playlist with your child’s favorite tunes.
Another fun way to entertain your child is with a scavenger hunt. You can let riddles guide the game as your child searches for solutions throughout the house. It’s a great way to engage your kiddo’s mind and body at the same time!
Next time your child is bored, find something productive for that energy. Whether it’s a stimulating learning toy, storytime, or time for physical activity, there are plenty of good options available to moms and dads. Being cooped up can be frustrating, but with good tools at your disposal, your child can be engaged, learning, and having fun!
December 2020 Monthly Newsletter
Book Business
Drawing Out the Leader in Me, an art activity book for kids ages 4-8, is available for holiday gift giving. Pair the book with new crayons, watercolor markers, or colored pencils and you have a creative gift. This activity book sparks conversation between grandparents and grandkids. The whole family may get involved in leadership conversations.
To order Drawing Out the Leader in Me please visit https://lioncrestleadership.com/product/drawing-out-the-leader-in-me/
Order a copy for your child, grandchild, or neighborhood friends. You may also order the hardcover picture book, Ready, Set, Lead! from this website. The picture book and activity book are a strong duo—loaded with interesting, fun information about leadership.
Brain injury author and educator Donna O’Donnell Figurski invited me to appear on her blog talk radio show, “Another Fork in the Road.” Her show is broadcast nationally and internationally. Donna and I swapped stories about caregiving, advocacy, self-care, isolation, and other topics. To listen to the show go to https://survivingtraumaticbrainijuury.com/2015/07/21/speak-out-in-the-air
Please read Donna’s book, Prisoners Without Bars: A Caregiver’s Tale.
Reviews
I read a variety of books and just finished Gifts of the Crow by John Marzluff and Tony Angell. My hometown of Rochester, Minnesota has a terrible crow problem. Thousands of crows live here. Crow droppings appear on rooftops, sidewalks, parked cars, park benches, trees and foliage. When the art center chose the crow for its logo I was puzzled. Why a crow?
Gifts of the Crow answered the question. This book is a cross between a textbook and story book. Though it contains more information about a crow’s brain than I need to know, I enjoyed the book. Tony Angell’s line drawings are detailed and charming, but I wish they were larger. Each drawing is worthy of a half page of space. Still, I learned many fascinating facts about crows.
Crows mate for life and stay together as families. They remember human faces and can “read” them. These ancient birds show gratefulness by delivering gifts—a shiny piece of foil, a small hunk of metal—to helpful humans. Crows know how to make and use tools, such as bending wire into a loop to get food from a jar.
If you are interested in biology, wildlife, birdwatching, or a curious person, Gifts of the Crow is for you. The research is impressive, and the stories will make you gasp in surprise or laugh out loud. Crows have been around for 30 million years. Now, rather than thinking of them as pests, I think of crows as survivors—alert, adaptive, amazing.
From My Window
What a month! After testing negative twice for covid-19 I tested positive. The retirement community quarantined me for two weeks. I wasn’t allowed to walk to the other side of the building to dispose of trash or down the hall to do laundry. Every day was a day of suspense. Thankfully, I never developed symptoms of the virus. I am one of the lucky ones—blessed beyond measure.
Earlier in my career, I was a food writer for a local magazine. I love to cook and love to bake. The other day I decided to make oatmeal cookies with chocolate chips. When I looked in the cupboard, however, there were no chips. I did find two gift chocolate bars, cut them into pieces, and added the chunks to the cookie dough. This photo by Kathy Meyer, RN shows me holding a sample cookie. Can you see the chocolate chunks?
I’m excited. Ready, Set, Lead! is being made into an audiobook. According to Julie Bromley, Marketing/Audiobook Manager of BQB Publishing and WriteLife Publishing, the recording process takes six or seven weeks. Audiobooks benefit youngsters. “Introducing small children to the world of audiobooks will ignite their love for reading,” says Bromley. I agree wholeheartedly. Watch for the audiobook on Amazon!
Quote of the Month
This quote from Pablo Picasso is the perfect quote for the December newsletter: The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.
Benefits of Grief Doodling
Doodling is calming. These moments give you short breaks from grief.
Doodling affects thinking. As doodling expert Sunni Brown says, “Doodling is thinking in disguise.”
Doodling is creative. Many bereaved people turn to creative projects and doodling is one of them.
Doodling helps you know yourself. Surprising ideas may come to mind while you are doodling.
Doodling can be spiritual. Some doodlers mediate while they are doodling and others pray.
November 2020 Monthly Newsletter
Book Business
Having a book come off the press is exciting. My latest book, Drawing Out the Leader in Me: An Art Activity Book for Kids Ages 4-8, written with leadership expert Kathy Kasten, comes off the press any day now. I love children’s art and have a favor to ask of you. If you purchase the book, please scan a couple of pages your child or grandchild has completed and send them to me at harriethodgson@charter.net I would like to include the drawings in this newsletter.
“Better together” is a phrase often used in book marketing. Ready, Set, Lead! and Drawing Out the Leader in Me are stand-alone books, yet they may be better together. These books are a powerful duo. Since they aren’t off the press yet, I’m holding copies of the covers in this photo, taken by Kathy Meyer, RN. Ready, Set, Lead! is a hardcover book and Drawing out the Leader in Me is a paperback. To order the set please go to https://lioncrestleadership.mykajabi.com/ready-set-lead-book Thank you!
From Sad to Glad, my grief healing workbook for kids ages 5-9, has gone to press and will be available soon. Centering Corporation shared the gold and yellow cover with me. In the psychology of color, yellow symbolizes happiness and gold is associated with achievement and triumph—good reasons for choosing these colors. To order From Sad to Glad and companion workbook, From Darkness to Sunshine, log into www.centering.org and click on “children and teens.”
Reviews
People often ask me what I am reading. Most of my reading is research for work in progress. Not this time. I am currently reading 2030: How Today’s Biggest Trends Will Collide and Reshape the Future of Everything by Wharton School professor Mauro F. Guillen. Guillen shares some of his findings at the outset.
Due to a dropping birthrate, by 2030 there will be more grandparents than grandchildren.
The middle class in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa will outnumber the middle class in the US and Europe combined
For the first time in history, the global economy will be driven by non-Western consumers.
Women will own more global wealth than men.
The first chapters of this book shocked me. However, Guillen offers suggestions for coping with the changes he predicts. This book contains things you need to know. He ends the book with a postscript written during the COVID-19 pandemic. Things like the growth of online shopping, online education, and entertainment will continue, according to Guillen. If you only read one book a year, this may be the one to read—a wake-up call for all of us.
From My Window
Winter is here and Minnesotans have hunkered down. When the weather socks in, we wear decades-old storm coats and serious boots. Forget fashion. Minnesotans just want to be warm. Our apartment is on the 18th floor of a high-rise building. The snow we see from our floor may be a blizzard or may not even reach the ground. I know, all too well, that the sparkling scene below hides icy streets and treacherous driving conditions.
At this time of year, I am so grateful for my African violets. I love violets because there are many varieties and colors. This photo, taken by Kathy Meyer, shows me with a new violet, three different-colored plants in one pot. Though I am terrible gardener and call myself Mrs. Blackthumb, for some odd reason I can grow violets, and always have several plants blooming. Many people have asked for my growing tips and I am happy to share them.
Use African violet potting soil. This soil has special fertilizer in it and will prolong the life of your plant. Set the violet in a place that gets filtered light, never direct sunlight. Water your violet once a week. Make sure the pot has enough drainage. A violet that sits in water will become limp quickly. Once this happens, you may not be able to nurse it back to health. Remove dried blossoms and limp leaves regularly. Finally, if your violet dies, buy another!
Quote of the Month
If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need. Macus Tillius Cicero.
Cicero died in 43 B.C. Centuries later, his quote still rings true and it applies to me. My African violets are like a garden and I had a special case built for our many books.