Cyndy Erickson gave me a book and an invitation last Christmas. The book is My Grandmother’s Hands by Resmaa Menakem. The invitation was to connect remotely with her, and others to talk about the book, its impact on us, and America’s relationship with race. As we read and talked about the book over several months, I decided to create a … Read
We love food!
Sara, Shelly and I just finished a Zoom meeting with the Iowa Department of Education. They want us to work with them on activities and fact sheets to flesh out their latest nutrition education efforts. It’s going to be fun and exciting to tag onto the culinary competitions they sponsored in high schools across Iowa last year. There aren’t many … Read
Covid–What Can We Do?
The other day I went on a Downtown Adventure at what used to be Peace Park, but is now the south area of Cowles Commons. It’s a lovely space, featuring prairie plants and native trees. There are inscriptions on long, low, stone walls snaking through the park. Many of the quotes were familiar, but a few were new; as were … Read
Be the Change–Voting Rights
Join us for our “Zoom Workshops” to support the belief that Black Lives Matter. We’ll study the issues, as well as routes to action. We’re starting with voting rights because we want to make sure we make our votes count in this critical election.
Educate for Change
We may not change the world overnight, but we can read and learn about White privilege, join marches and protests. Support the Black people at the heart of the movement, and step back to remember it’s not about us.
A Fresh Perspective
New resources for exploring fruits and veggies, along with some nuggets for appreciating the farmers, truckers, grocery clerks, parents, and all the others who bring them to our table.
Pandemic Journaling
Journaling works best with prompts and structure. Use the five activities in this post to reflect on how times are changing, feelings about those changes, and what you’re doing differently.
A Modern Ark
A photographer that inspires people to save endangered animals and their habitat. Watching him is fascinating. Look up species near you! Learn what you can do to help the earth!
Women’s Work
It’s complicated. Cook. Wash dishes. Mop the floor. Clean the toilet. Do the laundry. Change diapers. Even though we have careers, paying jobs, and own businesses, much of this work falls on our shoulders. And laps. And keeps us on our toes. In the last year, I fired our cleaning service and started taking care of my granddaughter June one day … Read
Last Stop on Market Street
Use this award-winning picture book to help young kids talk about the serious issues we face in our communities. “Sometimes when you’re surrounded by dirt, CJ, you’re a better witness for what is beautiful.”
