December 2021 Monthly Newsletter

Book Business

Sales of audiobooks are shooting up. The trend may be due to Covid, the Delta strain, Omicron strain, working from home, busy schedules, and eyestrain. Whatever the reasons may be, it’s time for you to explore the world of audiobooks if you haven’t done it already. You can do this easily by listening to samples. Use these YouTube links to listen to samples of my audiobooks. They work in preview mode.

• Ready, Set, Lead! This is a picture book for young children and Kathy Kasten is my coauthor. https://youtu.be/Z3ifCu40jaQ

• The Grandma Force: How Grandmothers are Changing Grandchildren,  Families, and Themselves  https://youtu.be/88RJNt9jdlll

• So, You’re Raising Your Grandkids! Tested Tips, Research and Real-Life Stories to Make Your Life Easier  https://youtu.be/TNzzY8XvEbE

Audio actress Evie Irwin narrates these books. She is a pro and owns her own recording company. Evie’s words are clear, her voice is memorable and easy on the ears. Get helpful information the easy way. Buy an audio book and listen to it at home or in the car. Audio is a smart way to go. An audiobook is also a thoughtful gift.

Post-Bulletin photo by Joe Ahlquist.

The Post-Bulletin newspaper, which serves Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota, published an article about my doodle art. Matt Stolle wrote the article and I’m grateful for his experience and expertise. The article appeared in the publisher’s newsletter, electronic and print newspapers. To read the article go to https://www.postbulletin.com/community/people/7286439-Rochester-author-finds-respite-from-grieving-in-an-unusual-activity-Doodling. Thanks to the Post-Bulletin and Matt Stolle for this wonderful, hopeful article. 

Reviews

A NetGalley reviewer just posted this review of my book, Grief Doodling: Bringing Back Your Smiles. To review all feedback or read the original review go to http://www.netgalley.com/book/217669/review/596729. The reviewer gives it five stars. 

I’m so grateful for this book. And please do not listen to anyone telling you that doodling doesn’t help in life. Yes, they do. Because I have gone through rough phases of my life ad doodling did help me go through them without feeling everyone needed to understand me. This book is exactly just that. Full of doodling tips and quite helpful, but never preaching anything about the matter. The ones who have compiled this book do show that grief is something to get over with. Thank you for publishing such a simple yet a helpful book. Thank you, author/artist and the publisher, for the advance reading copy. 

From My Window

I just returned from a week-long cruise of the lower Mississippi River. My daughter and I boarded a paddle-wheel boat in New Orleans, Louisiana and cruised to Baton Rouge, Natchez, Vicksburg, and Tunica, Mississippi. We were supposed to dock in Memphis, Tennessee, but the river was too low, so the ship docked in Tunica, which is Southwest of Memphis, Tennessee.  

Photo by Amy J. Hodgson

Art doodling is a combination of ordinary doodling, comics, and folk art. My art doodles use the techniques I describe in Grief Doodling. These easy techniques enable me to create hundreds of art doodle pictures. You can too. If you haven’t tried art doodling, I recommend it highly. This art form is creative, relaxing, and fun. I think of myself as a doodle artist and another sample of my work is below. It was created with a set of elementary school watercolors and black felt-tip pen. I purposely exaggerated the size of the flower and, if you look carefully, you will see hearts, a recurring shape in art doodles. My heart and soul are in every picture.

Photo by Amy J. Hodgson

The ship we were on held 150 passengers, a number that fosters conversation and friendship. The Queen of the Mississippi will be renovated and given a new name. We’re sad about the name change because we liked the existing one. Some crew members said the water level was 27 feet lower than normal, but I think it was more like 30 feet. Sandy beaches and rock walls that used to be under water were exposed. The cruise gave us an idea of the size of the Mississippi (sometimes as much as 30 miles wide) and its varying water levels, which depend on snow runoff from Northern states. We enjoyed cruising on a small ship so much we’re going to do it again in May.

Quote of the Month

I don’t think you ever stop giving. I really don’t. I think it’s an ongoing process. And it’s not just about being able to write a check. It’s being able to touch somebody’s life. Oprah Winfrey, television producer, television host, author, and philanthropist.

New Books, New Reading Guides

Click the images below to download the reading guides for my most recent books. You can also locate them in the “Freebies” section.

November 2021 Monthly Newsletter

Book Business

The supply chain crisis has reached the publishing industry. Paper prices have risen and delivery dates aren’t assured. If you plan on giving books to children, relatives, or friends, order now. Ready, Set, Lead! would be a fantastic holiday gift for your child or grandchild. ORDER NOW if you’re interested in this beautifully illustrated hardcover book. Some ordering links:

•  https://www.kobo.com

• http://play.google.com

• https://www.chapters.indigo.ca

• https://www.amazon.com/ 

Exciting news! The eBook versions of my forthcoming books, Daisy a Day: Hope for a Grieving Heart, a collection of 365 short readings for the bereaved, and First Steps, First Snow, a picture book for young children based on a true story, are on Amazon. Both are available for pre-order now. The print versions will be available for pre-order in mid-November. Daisy a Day would be a thoughtful gift for a bereaved friend or yourself. First Steps, First Snow shows the beauty of walking in fresh snow and animals that live in the woods. 

This issue of the newsletter is a few days early and the next issue will be a few days late. My daughter and I are taking a short cruise on a Mississippi River paddleboat. We start in New Orleans and depart from Memphis. I return on December 4th, will get the newsletter out as soon as possible, and hope to have some cruise photos for you.

Reviews

A sample illustration by Carol Hill Quirk from First Steps, First Snow.

I think getting reviews for books is harder than writing them. For my two forthcoming books, First Steps, First Snow and Daisy a Day, I need to get reviews from influencers—other authors, experts, and readers. So far, I have a list of about 20 potential reviewers for each forthcoming book. From experience, I know I’ll receive about four responses to these inquiries, not many for the hours involved.

You can become a book reviewer. Write a short review of Daisy a Day or First Steps, First Snow. I’ll be glad to send you an electronic version of the book for review purposes. Your review doesn’t need to be long. One powerful sentence or a paragraph will do. When the print book is released, I’ll send you a free, autographed copy. Thanks for your help.

From My Window

Writing and illustrating Grief Doodling changed my life. My husband’s former bedroom is now my art studio, and every wall is covered with framed pictures.  I’ve given doodling workshops to community groups and will soon be giving one to members of my church. Below are a few of my art doodle pictures. These pictures and others will be in a January art show.  

Photo by Kathy Meyer, RN

Art doodling is a combination of ordinary doodling, comics, and folk art. My art doodles use the techniques I describe in Grief Doodling. These easy techniques enable me to create hundreds of art doodle pictures. You can too. If you haven’t tried art doodling, I recommend it highly. This art form is creative, relaxing, and fun. I think of myself as a doodle artist and another sample of my work is below. It was created with a set of elementary school watercolors and black felt-tip pen. I purposely exaggerated the size of the flower and, if you look carefully, you will see hearts, a recurring shape in art doodles. My heart and soul are in every picture.

Photo by Kathy Meyer, RN

Quote of the Month

You can give without loving, but you can never love without giving. Robert Louis Stevenson, Scottish novelist, poet, and travel writer. A Child’s Garden of Verses is one of his most famous books.

I Love Doing Doodle Art!

October 2021 Monthly Newsletter

Book Business

Zumbro Valley Medical Society Alliance has made Grief Doodling one of its health projects. ZVMSA gave copies of Grief Doodling to every counselor and social worker in the Rochester, MN public school district—90 copies in all. ZVMSA has also purchased copies to give to Olmsted County Public Health nurses. 

I’m giving a virtual workshop about Grief Doodling to public school social workers/counselors on Wednesday, October 6th. The workshop highlights the benefits of the book, how to use it with students, and questions to ask. Thanks to ZVMSA for supporting this timely resource. Thanks to Sarah Clarke, Coordinator of Social Emotional Learning, for her support. And thanks to my daughter, artist Amy Hodgson, for creating slides for the talk.

I was on Valeria Teles’ podcast program, “Fit for Joy.” Valeria gave me a wonderful introduction and I enjoyed talking with her. To listen to the program, go to https://fitforjoy.org/guesta1/harriet-hodgsonand listen to Healing Conversation #690. Thanks for inviting me to be on the podcast, Valerie, and for your thoughtful, insightful questions.

Reviews

Good reviews help to sell books. My granddaughter, Haley Earley, a talented person, manages my website, designed the masthead for this newsletter, and just designed a publicity flyer for me. It contains sentences from reviews I’ve received in the past. The readers’ comments are heartwarming, to say the least. The flyer directs people to amazon and local bookstores to order my books. I plan to use the flyer for press kits and handouts when I give talks to community groups. Thanks for your verbal and artistic talents Haley. You’re a gem!

From My Window

As my husband’s life was ending, I turned to doodle art to cope with stress. It worked. After a half hour of doodling, I felt refreshed and ready to return to caregiving. This unique art form has captured my interest big time. I spent most of last week creating doodle art. When Charter House, the high-rise apartment I lived in, asked for artwork to hang in its gallery, I suggested doodle art. Charter House took me up on my offer and my artwork will be part of an exhibit in January of 2022.

Photo by Kathy Meyer, RN

This gives me time to create and frame more pictures. I’m excited about exhibiting and sharing my doodle art. My artwork combines watercolor paints and black ink.  “Your doodles are so happy!” a friend exclaimed. I couldn’t have asked for a greater compliment. 

Finally, I want to remind you that I have three audiobooks: The Family Caregiver’s Guide; So, You’re Raising Your Grandkids! Tested Tips, Research, and Real-Life Stories to Make Your Life Easier; The Grandma Force: How Grandparents are Changing Grandchildren, Families, and Themselves. Evie Irwin does a fabulous job with the narrations. I could listen to her voice all day. Do you need company in the car? Is eyesight a problem? Are you tired of reading? Listen to an audiobook. All these books are available from Amazon. Order an audiobook today—a gift from you to you.

Quote of the Month

I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way—things I had no words for. World-famous American artist Georgia O’Keeffe.

September 2021 Monthly Newsletter

Book Business

WriteLife Publishing and Boutique of Quality Books Publishing (BQB) have created Facebook groups for author street teams. The groups are for anyone who loves books—readers, writers, reviewers, librarians, and book clubs. Team members get news updates, access to free books, and other goodies. What do team members do? You write reviews, provide blog support, foster discussion, and post online comments. Joining makes you a reading ambassador. To join a street team, log into:

• WriteLife: https://www.facebook.com/groups/writelifestreetteam

• BQB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/bqbstreetteam

I’m published by Write Life and BQB. Join a team today and help me spread the word about my 42 published books and two forthcoming books. Check the websites often for book giveaways. Thanks for your help.

As soon as a review copy of First Steps, First Snow is available, I will contact authors and influencers and request reviews. The purpose of First Steps, First Snow is to make kids ages 5-7 aware of nature, woodlands, and the animals that live in them. The 8” x 8” hardcover picture book is slated for release on August 1, 2022. I can hardly wait. Here’s the eye-catching cover by Carol Hill Quirk. 

Image from Google.com

Reviews

OverDrive, an eBook retailer that sells to libraries, accepted Ready, Set, Lead! for its back-to school sales promotion. The promotion runs from August 16th to September 30th. Grief Doodling: Bringing Back Your Smiles is also part of the event. Both books are suitable for parents and grandparents to share with children.

Thanks for the boost OverDrive!

This review of Ready, Set, Lead! was just posted on www.amazon.uk.com.

This is a wonderfully vibrant book that is extremely motivational for children and yet speaks to the young person in everyone, reminding us of all we can achieve. Beautiful simple prose set out the narrative against some gorgeous water colour illustrations that bring the pages to lift the message clear off the page. A perfect gift to encourage and inspire your young ones and the type of book so well presented that you want to read it again and again.  

From My Window

Carol Hill Quirk, illustrator of First Steps, First Snow, majored in fine art at Union College in Schenectady, NY. After raising four children, she returned to art and started doing pen and ink drawings. However, after she was diagnosed with lymphoma, once but twice, Carol put her career on hold. Thankfully, she survived and was able to return to illustrating. Carol has illustrated many children’s books.

Photo courtesy of Carol Hill Quirk.

A friend asked Carol to illustrate a book about endangered species. Carol accepted the challenge and went on to illustrate a series of books on the topic. Growing up in New England helped Carol illustrate the forest scenes and nocturnal animals in First Steps, First Snow. Thank goodness Carol knows about book layout, cut lines, design software, and a host of other things I don’t know. Please visit https://www.bloomsandvines.com/ to learn more about her work.

You may not know this, but I love to bake. For me, baking is a relaxing and satisfying activity. A few months ago, I injured my shoulder and, to ease the pain, sat in a rocking chair for a month. The pain slowly dissipated but I gained 10 pounds. Groan. Now I’m trying to shed these pounds by not baking, eating less, and exercising daily in the Charter House Wellness Center. I peddle one and a half miles a day. My weight loss motto: Slow and steady wins the race.

Photo by Kathy Meyer, RN.

Quote of the Month

This is a wonderful day. I’ve never seen this one before. Maya Angelou, author, poet, actress, singer, activist, and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

August 2021 Monthly Newsletter

Book Business

The French film crew—director, camera man, and sound man—have come and gone. Co-producers and co-writers Sylvie Gilman and Thierry de Lestrade came to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota as part of their research for a documentary about aging. The award-winning team has created many documentaries, including “Science of Fasting,” “Brains in Danger,” “The Altruism Revolution,” and “The Amazing Powers of the Gut.” 

Since Charter House is owned and operated by Mayo Clinic, Sylvie and Thierry wanted to interview two residents, and I was one of them. The interview was supposed to take place in a guest apartment, but the film crew didn’t think it looked homey, and asked to film in my apartment. (Thank goodness I’m a neat person.) Filming began with Charter House supervising physician Brandon Verdoorn, MD, who asked me some questions and listened to my heart with a stethoscope. 

The sound man wanted to record the ticking of the antique clock, a family heirloom, and held the boom mic over it. “This clock speaks to me,” I remarked. “It says good life, good life, good life.” Sylvie was touched by my comment. I was also filmed in the back bedroom where family photos are displayed. As I pointed to photos of my father-in-law, brother-in-law, and husband—all Mayo Clinic physicians—I cited some of their achievements. Sylvie said I speak from the heart. 

Image from Google.com

When the film crew learned I ride an exercise bike in the Charter House Wellness Center they decided to film me there. They also filmed me in the park across the street. I was asked to sit on a bench and look like I was thinking and meditating (not sure how one does that) and then read a book. Filming was cut short by a fierce thunderstorm but resumed after the storm passed.

Sylvie and Thierry enjoy film making because it gives them chances to visit other countries and talk with people they wouldn’t ordinarily meet. “I wouldn’t have met you,” Sylvie explained. Though I may never see their documentary about aging, I’m glad to be part of it. What a marvelous, memorable day!

Reviews

Peggy, a friend of mine, sent me this email about giving Grief Doodling to grieving child. This is a touching story and I thank Peggy for sharing it.

Recently I took a sympathy note to a friend’s house, having learned that their beloved dog of 14 years had just been put down, and their daughter was struggling. As we chatted, I realized I had in my car a copy of Grief Doodling that I was taking to another friend. I retrieved the copy and gave it to the girl who had lost her dog. The father looked at it and said he wanted one too. Hopefully, he has ordered one for himself. It is a healing ritual we can all use at this time of great loss.

Photo by Kathy Meyer, RN.

Here is a review from an Amazon customer. Not surprising that Harriet Hodgson has written another wonder. Harriet’s own experience with grief and years of writing and numerous books, talks and appearances have aided many through the grieving process. As someone who has experienced grief, learning a new method applicable to all ages is remarkable. Doodling as stated, “It is the art of thinking,” says designer Steven Heller. The book’s beautiful and creative graphics and illustrations, interspersed with wisdom on dealing with grief, meld together to create a lovely unison. Anyone who has experienced a loss would be wise to read Grief Doodling and start doodling. 

From My Window

Seeing the cover of a book for the first time is exciting and makes a book real. This is the cover of my forthcoming book, Daisy a Day: Hope for a Grieving Heart, a collection of 365 readings. Each reading is three or four sentences long—a boost for the day that awaits or during the day when energy wanes. The readings are divided into categories: Shock and Anguish, Coping and Finding Balance, A New and Meaningful Life, and Making Good from Grief. The message of the book: You will survive this awful and awe-full time.

Quote of the Month

I don’t dream at night, I dream at day, I dream all day; I’m dreaming for a living. 

Steven Spielberg, Academy Award winning American film maker, producer, and writer.

July 2021 Monthly Newsletter

Book Business

Exciting news! I have two books in production, Daisy a Day: Hope for a Grieving Heart, to be published by WriteLife Publishing and First Steps, First Snow, a children’s book to be published by Boutique of Quality Books. This book is a poem I wrote years ago and was included in the American Poetry Anthology. The talented watercolor artist Carol Hill Quirk is illustrating First Steps, First Snow. Thanks to Terri Leidich, owner/publisher of both companies, for accepting these manuscripts. 

A French film company is coming to Mayo Clinic in Rochester to shoot footage for a film about advances in aging. Some footage will be shot at Charter House, where I live. Mayo asked Charter House administration to select two residents to be interviewed, one male and one female. I am the female and will update you on the experience after filming. The translated film will be shown in Europe. In case you’re wondering, I have no expectations of becoming a film star. 

In June I was a guest on Donna O’Donnell Figurski’s BlogTalkRadio program, “Another Fork in the Road,” broadcast nationally and internationally on www.braininjuryradio.com. Donna moderated a panel about caregiving that included Lisabeth Mackall, author of Dying to Live Your Life, Jeanette Davidson-Mayer, author of Our Central Command Post, and me, author of The Family Caregiver’s Guide. It was an honor to be on the panel and meet these dynamic women. Checkout Donna O’Donnell Firgurski’s book, Prisoner Without Bars: A Caregiver’s Tale.

Grief Doodling is Zumbro Valley Medical Society Alliance’s 2021-2022 health project. Lynne Hemann, co-president of the ZVMSA, and I met with Sarah Clarke, Social and Emotional lead person for the Rochester, Minnesota Public Schools. ZVMSA is donating books to all school counselors and social workers in the district. We are also going to contact private schools about this timely grief resource. 

Reviews

When I started writing 43 years ago, I didn’t know I would have to deal with Amazon algorithms. In addition to tracking sales, Amazon computers track reviews. When a book receives10 reviews the computers notice. After a book has 25 reviews the computers really notice and order more books. I have worked hard to get 14 reviews of Grief Doodling: Bringing Back Your Smiles. Now I am trying to get 25 reviews. Please consider ordering a copy and posting a customer review on Amazon. I can also email an electronic copy of the book to you. Thanks for your kindness and help.

From My Window

 Photo by Kathy Meyer, R.N.

I love my job as Assistant Editor of www.opentohope.com.  The work is interesting, and I get to connect with amazing grief authors. This is a part-time job and I set my own hours. Part-time work allows me to pursue my own writing projects. Most importantly, I am working with a fantastic team. The website, which has one million active readers, includes articles, television, radio, podcasts, webinars, and books. Thanks for thinking of me Open to Hope. I love my job and the website’s purpose—providing comfort and hope to those who mourn.

The charming park across the street has become a precious part of my life. In the summer, I like to sit on a bench and listen to the gurgling fountain. The tall oak trees, which look like they are hundreds of years old, provide a canopy of shade.

Bistro tables and chairs are scattered about. Recently the city held a Movie in the Park event, and it was well attended. I am grateful to the city of Rochester for maintaining this nurturing green space in the heart of the city.

Photo by Kathy Meyer, R.N.

On June 15th I gave a workshop about grief doodling with Chaplain Rachael Hanson. Our workshop was for Charter House residents. We shared information about types of doodling, easy techniques, and doodling to help heal grief. The workshop attendees seemed to enjoy themselves and here are some of their comments.

• “I wasn’t sure at first but doodling really is calming.”

• “I’m expressing myself in a good way—better than throwing eggs at a wall.”

• “I found myself crying as I doodled. Your workshop was really helpful.”

Thanks to Chaplain Rachael Hanson for her unwavering encouragement and help. Working with you is a joy, Rachael.

Finally, I have volunteered to read to the blind, a free service from the Minnesota State Services for the Blind. I don’t know when the program will begin but am looking forward to it and think my radio training will come in handy. Enjoy every day of July and file these warm days in your memory. You will need them when winter comes.

Quote of the Month

To exist as a nation, to prosper as a state, to live as a people, we must have trees.

President Theodore Roosevelt, conservationist, naturalist, historian, and writer.

June 2021 Monthly Newsletter

Book Business

At 4:30 in the morning I had an idea for another grief healing book. I liked it so much I started writing, wrote for hours a day, and finished the book in record time. WriteLife accepted the book, and it will be released on May 1, 2022. Thanks to owner and publisher Terri Leidich for believing in my idea and for her astute suggestions. When I have more details about the book, I will share them with you.

I finished my radio interviews for Grief Doodling. All the interviews were in major markets. SiriusXM and four Fox Radio stations were the last interviews. Two of the Fox Radio interviews were only two minutes apart and I felt like a radio star. I enjoy radio and think it is one of the best ways authors can spread the word about their books.

An ad for Grief Doodling is in the latest issue of Rochester Magazine, an online/print publication from the Post-Bulletin newspaper. The magazine comes out once a month. The June/July issue is a double issue for summer. Rochester Magazine designed the half-page ad, and I am pleased with it. Grief Doodling is available from Amazon and your favorite bookseller. 

Reviews

Grief Doodling: Bringing Back Your Smiles
Review from the Minnesota Coalition for Grief Education and Support

Harriet Hodgson, assistant editor of the Open to Hope website and MCDES member, is a health, wellness, and grief author. She is also all too familiar with personal grief. This past year as her husband was dying, she took up art doodling as a way to cope. In the end, she had a book which offers tips for doodling and touches on many vital grief topics. Hodgson presents helpful and hopeful ideas for pre-teens and teens as well as instrumental grievers of all ages. Reviewed by Eunie Alsaker.

Ready, Set, Lead! by Harriet Hodgson and Kathy Kasten

This book is a hit in my house! My 2-year-old loves it. He loves to read and has several books. Over the past week, he has gone and found your book . . .  every-single-night for me to read it. 😊 I think it’s a great and plan to read it during one of my virtual GYI read alongs! Love it—well done friend!” Gina Watts, Director of Youth and Family Division for the John Maxwell Team. 

From My Window

I am now a columnist for the Pipeline Magazine, an online publication from the Rave Writers International Society of Authors (RWISA). My column is called At Home with Harriet. The column will contain writing tips, articles based on 43 years as a freelancer, and articles about current events/issues. Thank you for this honor RWISA. I am thrilled to join the Pipeline team.

The Compassionate Friends (TCF), an international organization for parents and families that have suffered the loss of a child, invited me to give two workshops at its 44th national conference, July 16-18. Grief Doodling: A Forward Step on the Healing Path is one workshop. Affirmation Writing: A Grief Healing Step is the other. I hope dozens of people sign up for the online workshops.

Most of the newsletter photos are by Kathy Meyer, RN. Kathy is one of the most giving people I have ever met. After the clouds drifted away and the sun came out, Kathy took this photo of me hugging a tree in front of Charter House. Thanks for another great shot, Kathy! I love trees in general and love this one.

Free leadership resources to go with Ready, Set, Lead! are available from my blog. These resources include a full-color mini poster for kids and recipes for leadership cookies and homemade granola. To download the resources, visit my website and click on the blog tab. Your comments and questions are always welcome. Please send them to my new email address harriethodgson57@gmail.com.

Quote of the Month

To learn to read is to light a fire; every syllable that is spelled out is a spark. Victor Hugo, French poet and novelist. His literary career spanned more than 60 years.

Free poster to encourage kids

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.

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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. 

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

1. Heat oven to 375 degrees. Coat baking sheet with cooking spray.

2. In a large bowl, combine sugars, Crisco, vanilla, and egg. Beat until fluffy.

3. With wooden spoon, work in both kinds of flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

4. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto baking sheet, 2 inches apart

5. 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

1. Heat oven to 300 degrees.

2. Coat a rimmed baking pan with cooking spray.

3. Peel and seed the apple. Slice very thinly.

4. In a large bowl, combine apple slices and other ingredients, except cranberries. Stir well.

5. Pour mixture into baking pan. Spread out evenly.

6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring several times, until granola starts to brown.

7. Remove from oven and cool on rack. Stir in dried cranberries. Enjoy as a snack or with your favorite yogurt.