Don't forget to count your blessings.

If you have a roof over your head, clothes in your closet, food in your pantry and your utilities haven’t been shut off, you’re doing pretty well in my book. Sometimes we think we haven’t “made it.” But we have. We have a lot more than people in less-developed countries who, as it turns out, tend to be happier than we are. Perhaps it's because they know what true happiness is: caring for loved ones; spending your day as if it were your last; being content with what you have; helping others who aren’t as fortunate--the things that really matter in life.

If you spend your whole life constantly competing, you’ll never win. As for me, when I’m on my death bed, the material things I owned and the amount of money I made won’t matter. What will matter is what I think about myself when I reflect on how I helped others and how I left this world--hopefully making it a better place.

After staring at a drawing of a young girl sprawled on a log, the waves hitting her back, I was inspired to write a background story to go with it. This is my free-write for that photo:  

    When Andrea opens her eyes, she's lying on her side, waves hitting her back. Somehow she floated back to shore. Slowly, she crawls out of the water, wincing in pain as she does and plops onto a piece of wood. Exhausted and out of breath, she looks for Drew, but he’s nowhere in sight. Probably halfway to Glassboro by now.

    Sand crunches between her skull and the boards, and her head begins to throb. The smell of seaweed drifts further and further as she closes her eyes.

     Earlier that evening, Andrea put on her skimpy little black dress. Drew’s favorite. She wanted him to notice her again; not push her aside like he’s been doing the past couple of weeks.

    But when he arrived at the shore, an hour late, he barely looked at her. Didn’t even mention the dress.

    “How was your week?” she pried.

     He shrugged without saying a word.

     Ever since she told him that she didn’t want to sneak around anymore, he’d been acting differently. 

    She’d originally planned to make amends today, but as she watched him become more and more distant, with total disregard for her feelings, her pain, she changed her mind. He treated her like shit, had been for a while. And it needed to stop.

    “I wanted to meet today because…”she took a deep breath, “I was going to apologize.”

    With this, Drew looked up.

    “But sitting here, with you ignoring me like this, I’m not sure I want to anymore.”

    Drew dropped his voice to a whisper, “Well, I came today to tell you...it’s over.”

    Andrea gasped and chucked her apple into the water.

    “I put up with your shit for two years. Threw together this nice picnic for you, kept your secret this whole time, and this is how you repay me?”

    “Calm down. You knew I was married when you met me,” he said. “What'd you think? I would just leave my wife and kids for you?”  

    “Then why'd you lead me on? Was I just a screw?” She kicked the wicker basket onto his lap as she stood, her cheeks burning.

    “Calm down. If you keep acting like a child, I’ll leave right now.”

    “Do it! I don’t care.”

    He grabbed his shoes and wallet, shaking his head.

    Then Andrea lit up the screen on her cell. “I’m calling your house!”

    When he turned back around, she was already thumbing his name.

    He lunged toward her. “Don’t-

    When his wife answered, Andrea turned around so he wouldn't distract her.

    Then everything went black.

    

    

                                                     Colorado National Monument           

            I traveled to Grand Junction, Colorado one weekend for a business trip, and as I drove around aimlessly after work one day, I discovered this hidden gem. I don't know why more people haven't heard of it; it's absolutely gorgeous. Here's my brief review of it.

            When people think of Colorado, they picture big, glorious snow-filled mountains with ski slopes and snowmobiles, or they think of Denver and its soaring art scene. With its clear skies, numerous lakes and high mountains, it has plenty to offer. But did you know it also has a canyon? If you didn’t, you’re not alone. Many people who’ve lived in Colorado their whole lives haven't even heard of it. That’s why it’s Colorado’s hidden gem.

            The Colorado National Monument can be described as the Grand Canyon meets The Rockies. Upon entrance into The Monument, you’ll drive down a long, winding road that carries you through a panoramic view of the canyon with many places to stop and take pictures. And trust me, you’ll want to! With its towering monoliths and red rock cliffs, there’s no way you can pass up this great photo opportunity. Be sure to wear comfortable clothes, though, and walking shoes, because you might be tempted to hike some of the trails along the way. Or perhaps you’d like to just walk the plateau, overlooking the majestic view and take it all in. Either way, if you drive straight through and never get out to breathe in the fresh air or feel the cool breeze, you’re doing yourself a disservice—and you’ll kick yourself later for rushing through it!

            After traveling through the canyon, you’ll eventually end up at the Grand Mesa National Forest. Here, you might think your beautiful scenic route has ended and start putting up your camera as you get ready to head out. But don’t put your gear away yet! More picturesque opportunities await. As you drive past the beautiful scenery to the top of the frosted mountain, make sure you’re ready to tap on the breaks. You never know when you’ll spot an elk, red-tailed hawk, or any of the other species of wildlife. 

            To get the most out of this trip, you should schedule a whole day to visit this amazing sight and its natural beauty. You can access it through the little-known towns of Grand Junction, a gem in itself with vineyards and a small-town feel, or Fruita, which has great views of the Monument. There is a $10 entrance fee per vehicle, but it’s well worth the cost.  

Favorite Quotes

These are some of my faves:

"There are many little ways to enlarge your child's world.  Love of books is the best of all." -Jacqueline Kennedy

"Once you learn to read, you will be forever free." -Frederick Douglass

"Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers." -Harry S. Truman

"No matter how busy you may think you are, you must find time for reading, or surrender yourself to self-chosen ignorance." -Confucius

"The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who cannot read them." -Mark Twain

"Try not to become a person of success, but rather a person of value."  -Albert Einstein

"Anger dwells only in the bosom of fools." -Einstein

"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans."  -Lennon

"An eye for an eye leaves everyone blind." -Gandhi

"Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be." -Abraham Lincoln

"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go." -Dr. Seuss

90 Classic Books for People in a Hurry

The perfect birthday gift or stocking stuffer. This is for those who wanted to read the classics but never had the time.  Each story is explained in a brief graphic summary.

Brain Rules

John Medina, director of the Brain Center for Applied Learning Research at Seattle Pacific University, outlines 12 Brain Rules.  He describes how the brain works and offers plans to get the most out of it in our daily lives—including home, school and work. My favorite part--naps! It's true. We all need them. Read his book to find out more.

Proust and the Squid: The Story and Science of the Reading Brain

I wanted to make sure to share this book. It helped me understand how the reading brain works. I think this could be useful to educators, or parents, of children with reading disabilities or anyone who enjoys learning about the science of reading.

Maryanne Wolf describes the intricate process of literacy skills by explaining the history of how writing and reading developed, the developmental stages involved in learning how to read, and what happens when the brain can't learn to read.