Get Caught Reading - Life on the Amazing Goldilocks Planet

   

Since May is Get Caught Reading Month, I'm very happy to share a book with you which will make a difference in the lives of the children you love. Are you one of the grandmas (or grandpas) who are so blessed to have grown children who love and walk with God, and who are committed to hand down confident faith with you to the children you all love? Do your grandchildren want to go to church, want to talk about their walk with God, and embrace a confident faith of their own? Or, do you have grown children who, like so many their age, are no longer involved in church, who do not embrace a confident faith of their own, and/or grandchildren who tell you they are, "not into that church thing any more"?

May is National Get Caught Reading Month

May is National Get Caught Reading Month - according to daysoftheyear.com they say, "reading is not just fun; it’s a powerhouse of benefits. It boosts our understanding of the world, lights up our creative minds, and enhances our empathy towards others." Reading is wonderful for us at any age, so let's consider a few benefits of reading and then some possible book choices - did you know . . . 

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About More Differences Between Canada & the USA

Yesterday I wrote about some of the differences this "Lost Canadian" is learning about with the USA and Canada. Today I want to share a little more about what I'm learning about how they are different - and there are some significant and important differences in how their Governments function.

illustrate my own - Check Out this Series

  

Quite a few years ago I wrote a series of books for children about Bible people. I was motivated to do so because when you see books about Bible people, they are usually about just a few Bible people and there are so many more people in the Bible with fantastic accounts of how they were able to know and walk with God. I enjoyed writing the Bible stories, but am not an artist, so I thought maybe it would be fun to write a series of books with an "illustrate my own" "twist" - the children - and/or families - could illustrate their own books!

Chihuly is Here!

From time to time I write about the amazing things in store for you at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids, MI. Today I'm very happy to let you know about something incredible which will is now at Meijer Gardens until November 1, 2026 - Chihuly is here! Yes, Chihuly - and Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is the only place in the USA where you will be able to enjoy the amazing art of Chihuly in the USA this year (the only other place in the world you will see Chihuly this year is in Venice - Italy)!

Today is National Play Your Ukulele Day

My exposure to people playing the ukulele has been limited - I thought it was a simple instrument which people just strummed to play. But, my middle grand can get actual real music out of their ukulele - music which is actually pretty! So, since today is National Play Your Ukulele Day, I thought I'd share some info about ukuleles.

If you are looking for a fun, unique gift, or just because, a ukulele might be just the thing. I contacted Kala and they sent me their wonderful Kala Learn To Play Color Chord Ukulele to review; today I am very happy to let you know about this wonderful ukulele.

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" on the Differences Between the Governments of USA and Canada

Yesterday I wrote a brief "overview" of Canadian Government and some of the ways it is different from the US Government. Today I want to look more at how Canadian and US Governments differ - and this "Lost Canadian" has learned some of these differences are significant. I learned the following on-line - "While Canadians and Americans share fundamental democratic rights, they do not have the same rights, as their laws differ significantly. Canadians are protected by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, offering rights like universal healthcare, official bilingualism, and stronger collective rights. Conversely, Americans have distinct constitutional rights, notably the right to bear arms and stronger protections for free speech." So, what does this mean?

A Family of Her Own for Candy

  

I often review books for children from a number of publishers and always enjoy the books which tell a great story and have colorful illustrations. If the books also find a way to involve the children in the story, then the book is likely to get a high review from me. So, when I write stories for children, I work to be sure all these things are covered in my stories and my Candy the Kitten . . . and Me books definitely do these things! Today I want to share with you one of the books in this series - A Family of Her Own for Candy.

Summertime Fun - Build a Water Wall!!!

Since Summer is just around the corner, now is a great time to get ready for some Summertime Fun! I am really happy to share a new idea I found on Pinterest - of course - with you today . . . Water Walls! What is a Water Wall, you ask? Well, it is a place where your grandchildren can, play, discover, have fun, oh and yes, get wet!!!! What could be better on a hot Summer day???

Today is Global Love Day

Certainly every day is a day to be sure we love all others, but today is especially a day set aside to do so. Nationaltoday (dot)com says, "Dedicated to the spreading of love and peace to all mankind, Global Love Day is observed annually on May 1. This day was created by The Love Foundation to encourage unity and celebrate humanity through unconditional love. The world would be a much better place if we all showed just a little more love to each other, and this day is a big step in this direction." I'm sure we all agree with showing love to others, so let's look at some ways to do this . . . 

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Canadian Government

Growing up in the USA, I am familiar with a Constitutional Federal Representative Republic where the Constitution is the highest law of the land and each of the fifty states shares power with representatives elected by citizens. At least, this is how it is supposed to function in the USA, there are supposed to be "Checks and Balances", but at this time it doesn't seem to be working very well. Time will tell if our Constitutional Representative Republic stands or is replaced by an authoritarian government.

So, as a "Lost Canadian", I wanted to know what type of government Canada has, and have learned in some ways it is similar to what I'm used to here in the USA, but is different in other ways and has its own way of making their government work.

The "Buzz" About Praying Deeper!

Over the years, from time-to-time, I've shared Scripture prayers with you which you can pray for yourself and for your grandchildren. Today I'm letting you know about a book which provides a year of Scripture prayers for you - Praying Deeper Through the Old Testament.

It is available in our bookstore and on Amazon, but I thought today I'd share with you some of the fun things people are saying about this book . . . 

Just for Fun!!! More "Sand" Facts!

 As you go through this day, take a moment to share a few more fun "sand" facts with the children you love! Did you know . . . 

grandma's cookbook . . . Caramel Corn!

  

I thought it would be fun to share a special popcorn recipe with you today! From time to time homemade caramel corn makes a delicious treat to share with your family  . . . add a movie and you have the makings for a wonderful evening with those you love! Try this recipe (I found it on  allrecipes.com) -