Fostering a new renaissance through creativity, authenticity, spirituality, and art
Here is an idea whose time has come. I thought most people knew about Khan Academy, but I’ve realized they don’t. So this is for those of you that don’t know what you are missing! This is good internet education that is FREE. Salman Khan, with his three degrees from MIT and a Harvard MBA, … Read more
I read the above book three years ago when my oldest daughter was applying to schools, and it was out of date then, published in 2000. Since that time, these authors have put out a whole slew of titles that you can see on the shelf in any teen section of the library. Written by … Read more
Today we visited Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering (click here). This is my son’s dream engineering school, but it is also tiny, elite and very difficult to get into. This is a school especially designed to be a creative, innovative, hands-on engineering school. It is young, built in 1997 to respond to a dearth … Read more
The Pastor of our church is two books, the Bible and “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures” by Mary Baker Eddy. Christian Scientists everywhere study all week the same Bible Lesson that then is their Sermon read on Sunday. Especially in light of my role representing our church on our town’s ecumenical clergy … Read more
Today my husband, daughter and I – at the invitation of a friend – had the privilege of attending a permaculture class in New York City, held at the Sixth Street Community Center. We spent all day listening to the students’ final design presentations. Wow, was this inspiring! Not only were all the ideas great, … Read more
These facts are lifted right off one of the websites I shared with you yesterday. If you want to see backup sources for these facts, click here. Food for thought? Ninety percent of Americans make less in real dollars than they did in 1973 – on average $4,000 less. The wealthiest 400 Americans now control … Read more
Today I had the privilege of hearing Anna Lappe speak. She is the author of Diet for a Hot Planet. (I bought –and got signed– her book today but haven’t read it yet). Her mother, Frances Moore Lappe, is the author of Diet for a Small Planet, which over 30 years ago was instrumental in … Read more
The answers to questions we are having are everywhere in nature, and we just need to change our lens in order to see them. Life creates conditions conducive to life, and we can follow that example as we find ways to meet our needs while making this place an Eden for future generations. This cogent … Read more
My youngest daughter’s Destination ImagiNation middle school level team came in first place in their division today in Connecticut. They are going to Globals in May! They won last year and went to Globals then as well, but this year the competition was much stiffer, and they didn’t expect to win. Their team, called Vision … Read more
Many people think both good and bad are real. I’ve even heard people say they are codependent: that you can’t know one without the other. I’m still growing in my understanding, but I’d have to say, against all indications to the contrary, that I strongly disagree. To me, God is good, so we also can … Read more
I encourage everyone to see this important documentary. I thought it was well done and give it five stars.
I was really struck by the above verse in Hymn 361. My son is in the early throes of preparing for eight big college entrance tests this spring of his junior year. As a homeschooler, the scores on these tests are particularly important in validating his transcript. Recently, I bought the mountain of test prep … Read more
Ever wonder what I get back from my blog readers? The limerick Joe wrote for me made my day and inspired this post, but all of you are interesting people who contribute so much to my life! I cherish each of you. Here is a recent smattering of input from my readership: “There once was … Read more
As basically a multifaceted Renaissance person, and one that believes in and deeply practices cross-pollinating (see here), I’ve been contemplating what a singular purpose for me might be, especially as it relates to the following advice from four thinkers I respect. Quotes from great thinkers: “Hardly any human being is capable of pursuing two professions … Read more
I just finished an audio book not good enough to review here. As kids, we had a phase: “Close, but no banana.” I don’t remember the genesis of that idiom, but it was definitely true about this book. A friend of mine joked with me after seeing Charlie’s Angels that I could see moral lessons … Read more
As promised (click here) I wanted to feature an example of vital picture books. Usually I’d promote individual picture books that were remarkable in themselves, which is not particularly the case here. This post is about a remarkable man and his ideas. Picture books about him best communicate his important message into the budding thought … Read more
I first played the Bananagrams game last fall at Creative Arts Camp and knew then that I’d be buying it as a gift to put in my husband’s stocking. Wow, has this game made a hit in our home! Fast moving and addictive, well made, mentally stimulating, relaxing, portable and tactile… We highly recommend it … Read more