On Nature - also known as: What I do in my free time

You know that sometimes awkward minute when someone new is introduced to you and they ask you what you do? How do you respond? Do you tell them about your job, or your hobbies? Do you keep it brief, or are you one of those people who kind of wander around until you get to the point?

For me, it has been a challenge sometimes to know how to answer.

I'm a writer.

But I'm also a mom, a wife, and I work at Conner Prairie.

So my answer often depends on who is introducing me to them. If we are in a casual group, I usually say that I work at Conner Prairie. Then, if they live in the state, they probably have a memory of the last time they visited, or they ask me more about it because they've been thinking about visiting.

When I'm introduced in a business setting, I often respond that I am a writer. If they ask what I write, which people frequently do, I tell them the I am a monthly columnist for our local newspaper. If I am out of state I usually respond that I am a travel writer. I tend to keep it short, and then inquire about what they enjoy doing.

Even if no one read it, I would keep on writing. It has become a core part of who I am, this process of putting words and thoughts down on paper. Even if you don't see much going on here on the blog, know that I am still writing something, somewhere, for someone to read.

Do I have free time? Yes, and no. There is rarely a time when I am not thinking about what I might or will write next. When I take a walk through nature, either in the forest or during my lunch break at Conner Prairie, I am often ruminating on ideas for new writing pieces.

I prefer pen and paper when I write, much prefer it to typing my first draft. It feeds the creative bent inside of me to see words flow across a clean piece of paper.

So in my free time, such as it is, I write. Today I typed my next newspaper column right after lunch and submitted it just before I began a phone interview for another article I am working on. A day off from my job at Conner Prairie is often spent working on my own writing. This time by myself fuels my passion for words.

I realized that many of you are not local and might never have read one of my newspaper columns, so I am including links below to the most recent two so you can see how I spend part of my writing time. 

Please leave a comment and tell me how you spend your free time. 

It's good to have hobbies, sometimes they become passions, and then you pick up a new hobby...like drop spindling. :)

May 2019 - Summer Adventures

June 2019 - Savoring nature

Happy Thanksgiving!

We hope you are having a wonderful Thanksgiving day. 

We are so thankful for you, our readers!

Enjoy the day with your family and friends. 

Remember, we have so much to be thankful for today, and every day!

Thankful Thursday ~ Back to homeschool blog hop

There are a lot of reasons for us to be thankful today, but here is one of the biggest ones: we are together! After having both girls at the Indiana State Fair for the past month, it is really great having everyone at home again. I know that a lot of our friends are looking forward to being "empty nesters," and I understand why, I just know that we still have a little while to go before that happens.

This is a picture of the 4-H complex, on a not-busy day. This is where our girls spent most of the past month. Now they get the joy of putting their bedrooms back together. Oh yeah, and they need to wash a bunch of laundry.

Arlene has one semester left of high school. Just one. After 15+ years of home education, it is drawing to a close. It will be a full semester for her, but I know she can accomplish what is still needed before graduation in December if she sticks to it. What's left? good question, and one we will look at next week as I finally get some lesson planning done. We never start until the Tuesday after Labor Day, so why change that now? 

We are going to enjoy this last week and a half together - not thinking about schoolwork. Summers are short enough, so today we are thankful for these last few days of freedom. And truthfully, I'm thankful that the Indiana State Fair is over. It was a wonderful 17 days, but I'm still a bit tired from all the fun.

I know this last semester of high school will not be the end of our family adventures, and that makes me thankful too! Here is the kind of look I regularly get treated to:

Why yes, that is Arlene pretending to drink out of the maple syrup bottle. We all like maple syrup for our pancakes, and I'm pretty sure she was trying that day to convince me to buy extra of her favorite grade. Don't worry, we bought plenty!

Life can get crazy at times, so take every moment you can when it is calm-er and be thankful. Then when it gets crazy, remember to be thankful for the people you have in your life.

Emily just began her second year of college yesterday. Nothing like coming home and jumping right in.

As I was getting ready yesterday morning, I took the time to thank God for all the wonderful things He has blessed us with. There have been really tough times, and some easier times. What never changes is God's faithfulness. He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

Be thankful, and share your joy - someone needs that sparkle in their lives today!

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Thankful Thursdays ~ Graciousness

Graciousness - n. courteousness, kindness, pleasantness

I am so thankful for the graciousness of attitude I have encountered so much in recent weeks. So many times I have found myself thankful for a kind cashier at the store, a well-spoken word from a friend, or the overwhelming grace of our Lord.

As I sat thinking yesterday about it being 40 days until Christmas, I was overwhelmed by how gracious God has been to me. It made me pause and think about how much I want to celebrate the goodness of God this season. All day today, little things kept reminding me of His faithfulness and provision.

When you find someone being gracious, notice it, remember it, and try to do likewise. 

If we all spent our time showing graciousness, instead of trying to be "right" all the time, the world would be a much nicer place.

What are you thankful for today?

NaNoWriMo ... Take 2

Today is November 2nd. That means it is the second day of NaNoWriMo for 2017. You may be wondering what NaNoWriMo is, I know I did when Arlene first mentioned it to me last year. aNoWriMo stands for National Novel Writing Month. It is a worldwide effort for writers to write each day during the month of November in hopes of getting the first draft of a new novel written in just one month. NaNoWriMo is the kick in the pants many aspiring writers need to stop thinking about writing and just write! The goal is 50,000 words by the end of the month, and there is an entire website dedicated to helping you meet your goal. The NaNoWriMo website gives all the details.

One of the best things we learned about last year is that NaNoWriMo has a site and program just for children from Kindergarten up through 12th grade. Arlene joined this Young Writers Program last year and had a really fun time learning more about plots, character development, and getting her words into the computer. During the summer the children's site offers summer camps where kids can get extra encouragement for their writing, as well as having access to chat with their friends they developed during NaNoWriMo. 

There are a couple differences between the two programs besides the age groups. The adult program does not allow you to write your novel on their site, but rather encourages you to enter your daily word count, with a verification at the end of the month. For the Young Writer's Program, kids and teens can type their novel right there and have it saved so they can work on it from anywhere with internet access. This makes it great for working from home, at the library, or during a writing class at school. It also eliminates the need for the young writer to have their own computer. Last year we had Arlene begin by writing her novel in a notebook, and then typing it out. As the month went on, she got behind in her typing, so this year she is just typing it not he website from the beginning.

If you would like to read Arlene's tips for other writers, hop on over to the post from Monday.

So what about you? Do you have a novel inside you just waiting to get out? Want to join NaNoWriMo? Besides the online support, many local libraries are having events encouraging writers of all ages. I am thankful for the support our local library has given to encourage writers in our community over the years.

What if you are not wanting to write a novel? What if you want to write a non-fiction book? While that would not fit in the NaNoWriMo mold, you can use what the NaNoWriMo program teaches writers to get started on your non-fiction book or collection of poetry. The idea is simple: write! Write everyday, and write a lot! The goal is around 1700-2000 words per day for adults. Kids and teens set their own goals. The second idea is this: turn off your inner editor and just write the first draft from start to finish. You can go back and adjust characters and plot points in December or later. So, if you're wanting to write non-fiction, just start with chapter one and keep writing! 

What if you cannot think of a book to write, but you would still like to join in the idea of writing every day in November? Then let me offer this suggestion: write a thankfulness journal every day. While it may not be 1000 words, taking time each day to think over what happened that day and what you are thankful for helps you have a better attitude towards your life and those around you. After all, Thanksgiving is coming up later this month, why not start being thankful today?!

I've got several things I'm working on writing this month, and while I may not hit 2000 words each day, or one complete book, I am going to make an effort to write something every day this month. Some of it may even end up here on the blog. :)

In the spirit of thankfulness, I think it is time to start up our Thankful Thursdays posts again, so here is what I am thankful for today...

I am thankful for the ability to learn. When I think back over the years at how much more I understand today about health and nutrition than I did when Emily was a baby I am amazed. I have been so blessed to learn from some great people: Nutritionists, Naturopaths, Chiropractors, GP's and specialists like Cardiologists. The wealth of information available today, and how easily it is accessed, has made a huge difference in how we live our lives, how we eat, and how we treat symptoms. Even in the last month I feel like my understanding of joint health has deepened, and I am thankful that by better understanding how my body works, I have been able to give it the nutrients it needs to heal itself.

I am also thankful for time spent outside, even when the weather is less than stellar. Yesterday Arlene and I were on our way home from sewing group and in the gray, overcast day we saw something rare. We were driving down a winding country road and in the tree up ahead I spotted a bald eagle! Right there by the side of the road! There was not time to stop before we passed the tree it was in, so I slowed down at the next driveway and pulled in. (I am so thankful for nice country people who do not get grumpy when you turn around in the end of their driveways!) As I was waiting to pull back out, a truck went down the road and we saw the eagle take off and fly across the recently harvested field for a patch of woods. While the pictures Arlene took on my phone were not the clearest, they clearly show it was a bald eagle, and they serve as a reminder of the majesty we saw as the eagle took flight.

What will you write this month?! What are you thankful for?

FYI- this post is just over 1000 words long, so you see, it is not that hard to hit 2000 words a day when you write.

If you are looking for some more encouragement, visit the new Weekly Homeschool Linky Party over on the Homeschool Review Crew blog! 

The Chains of History ~ a guest post

Today I am so honored to share a guest post from my dear friend Annette from A Net in Time. What an encouragement she is to me! Annette is sharing a poem about history, and a reminder, that we are creating the future with our lives. Yet another reason to be thankful today. :)

The Chains of History

Wafting in and out on the shoulders of our kin

History visits us daily.

Through the lessons in history we learn,

We see the up and downs of civilizations.

We see the influence of faith.

We see the results of geography

We see the desire for revenge.

We see the allure of alliances.

Wafting in and out on the shoulders of our kin.

History visits us daily.

We see grampa’s smile.

The dimple of Auntie Marie

The grin that reminds of a cousin

The snort of laughter of Papa Bill.

Genetics play their way through the bodies we carry.

Carefully, creatively made, reminding us of where we've been.

Wafting in and out on the shoulders of our kin.

History visits us daily.

The chains we build

As the generations move.

Faith is taught, and promisingly remembered

Faith is taught, and sadly forgotten

Faith is not taught, yet history recalls

A new generation hears the call of God.

Wafting in and out on the shoulders of our kin.

History visits us daily.

What history do you see today?

Do you see your role?

Know that fact that you will be carried?....

On the shoulders of those who follow behind?

Teach it well.

Sing it well.

Touch it and hold it and recognize that is ...

All links in a chain that bind that generations together.

So take your part in the history.

Because you are in it.

Copyright Annette V., April 7, 2017.

Annette blogs at A Net in Time when she’s not out caring for critters, teaching her lad, loving her hubby, reading books or enjoying the great outdoors.

Why you need forgiveness to make High School work

Can I just start today off by saying how glad I am for forgiveness? So many time I have failed to do what I knew I should have done, and so many other times I didn't realize that what I was doing wasn't the best option for myself or my family. Yet, there was forgiveness offered, and accepted. 

Now take that feeling of freedom you feel after being forgiven and apply it to your high schoolers. They need forgiveness too! Just as I've made some less than stellar choices over the years, our girls have had their own struggles. When I realized that my high school aged children need forgiveness as much as they did when they were tiny, things started looking up.

Education is a journey, not an event. To understand the difference, here is an example from life: a wedding is an event, a marriage is a journey. Our wedding lasted less than an hour, Kurt and I have been married almost 23 years. We have learned over the years how to offer forgiveness, and how to accept it from others. We did not learn all those lessons during the one hour ceremony, we learned them over many years of ups and downs. Your children are like that, they will learn over the years, and they'll need your help!

High school can come with a lot of expectations. If our students fail to meet all of our expectations we need to evaluate why, and offer forgiveness when necessary. Did they fail because they were being lazy or disrespectful? Then you probably need some discipline to be applied and another round of the same lessons they were supposed to be doing. But, if they failed to meet your expectations because you chose a curriculum that conflicts with their learning style, and you were not around to help them through the tough spots... then you might need to ask their forgiveness.  Did they fail because they didn't understand your directions or have good time management skills? Did they fail to meet your expectations because you never told them what you expected them to accomplish? Or maybe they failed because they have an underlying learning challenge that you didn't realize they struggled with? There are so many reasons why we, or our children, might need forgiveness that you need to be quick to offer it to them, and quick to accept it from them.

No one lives a perfect life. No homeschool is perfect. 

We try our best, ask God for help, and adjust when needed. Sometimes that adjustment comes in the middle of the week when you realize you scheduled too many activities outside of the house and they won't ever be home to watch that science video. Sometimes we don't realize until they are nearing the end of a semester that they are not really  understanding their math assignments. Choose to offer forgiveness when needed, and choose to work with your High Schoolers instead of against them! Most of the time they're not purposely trying to frustrate you, they just don't always see the world like you do, and they may interpret your vague answers differently than you thought you presented them. Try again - both of you!

Forgiveness equals offering grace, unmerited favor. You know about grace right? It is that thing Jesus Christ offers us to save us from ourselves and our sin?! That grace can be applied to your homeschool. It especially needs to be applied to the high school years!

Every once in a while we get it right. 

Then those teenagers stop you to tell you that they respect your hard work, they thank you for giving them this opportunity to be educated at home, they might even tell you how happy they are that you're their parents! That makes it all worth it!


Stop back by tomorrow for one last day in our 5 Day Blog Hop! Don't worry, there will be more posts about Homeschooling High School after this week is over. In fact, I have a lot of cool things to share with you over the next few weeks, most of which are great for High School. In the meantime, check out today's other posts about homeschooling by clicking the links below!





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Blogging Through the Alphabet: Independent Learners

This week's letter is I

Were you wondering if I had forgotten? Nope, I remembered, but life said wait. 

Wait? Yes, wait.

I could have written this post about Independent Learners and what a blessing it has been for our girls to learn how to learn on their own on Monday, but I was afraid it might get lost in the mass of reviews we posted earlier this week. :)

This is a blessing I think too many Mamas miss out on.

The blessing of having independent learners.

Let me tell you a little story about the past four days. Hopefully by the end of the story you'll have a little peak into why I am blessed by the time we put in early on by teaching our girls how to be independent learners.

Monday was the first day of work after Daylight Savings Time messed with my sleep. I got myself ready for work, checked to make sure Arlene knew what she was doing for school, and went to work. I arrived home to Arlene having done her coursework, she made dinner, and we headed out to a 3rd House legislative meeting with our State Representatives and Senator at our local library hosted by the League of Women Voters. 

Tuesday I got up early and headed in to work, while Arlene did her coursework and the laundry. That evening she had a welcome back and awards party for her volunteer position at our local history park. While she was enjoying the party with her friends, I went out to dinner with my friend Anne, whose children also volunteer there, and then we went to Goodwill.

Two days down, no input from me except to make sure Arlene knew what needed done each day. No lectures to give, and no papers to grade yet this week. Sweet!

Wednesday dawned bright, early, and cold! Arlene was helping her spinning mentor with Ag Days, a 4-H extension outreach to Second graders. She and her fellow spinner Abby worked with Sue to talk about and demonstrate spinning wool into yarn to several hundred schoolchildren. I spent the time getting my car serviced, and working on notes for my upcoming reviews. After I picked Arlene up we went to get fabric for her 4-H quilt.

Today I needed to work again. Emily had the day off of work, so I left notes for both of the girls about what they needed to get done. Once their housework, and Arlene's coursework, was done they could have the rest of the day to do whatever they wanted. When I arrived home I was treated to an explanation of how beer is really just yeast burps after they consume/ ferment too much grain. Must have been an interesting Biology lesson! :)

So now that it is Thursday evening, do I have a lot left to catch up on with Arlene for school? No. Because I invested the time when she was in Middle School to teach her how to learn, and because we lean towards the Charlotte Mason style of learning with living books and shorter lessons, plus a focus on narration, everything is completed for the week. 

What does that leave for tomorrow? Arlene and I are going to take Kurt's car for an oil change, then we're going to the gym to go swimming, followed by another stop to get quilt fabric, and an afternoon of writing reviews. Arlene will probably spend her afternoon reading a library book. 

Does this sound too simple for High School? Who decided it had to be difficult? This method fits us well, and it is realistic for both our High School Junior and this working Mama. Too often I find parents wondering if they can homeschool through High School. If you've laid a good foundation, High School is actually easier in many regards than the younger grades. 

I want to encourage you to take the time to teach your children to become independent learners, one skill at a time. I chose the picture above because it brings to memory something Arlene learned on her own: how to watercolor. I could have taught her what I know, but instead, I gave her access to two different good quality art books about watercolors. She simply read the instructions, followed the pictures, and practiced until she felt confident in her skill.

I am so thankful for Independent Learners!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Linking up with Amanda and Annette for Blogging Through the Alphabet, and Kym's Homeschool Highlights! 

Go Live Your Own Life!

What are you chasing?


Who are you modeling yourself after?


Do you have a favorite person you follow on Social Media?


Have you truthfully asked yourself any of these questions recently? 

Is it time for a little soul searching and course adjustment?


When did we cease to be happy as individuals?


Why does everyone think their answer is also the best answer for everyone else's life?


Why are we as Americans, dare I say we as Christians, so obsessed with what other people think about us?!?


These are just a few of the things I've been thinking about recently. I've been ruminating on them as God has been reminding me once again that my identity is in Him, not in the clothes I wear, where I live, or the car I drive.


I've come to this conclusion:

Go Live Your Own Life!

We have got to stop comparing, grading, and sorting,... both ourselves and other people. We need to find our own identity in Christ, and our personality from within ourselves.

I have loved most of these past 18 years of motherhood. (There were a few days in there-yowsers!) I've learned a lot about dying to self, about service to the helpless, and about God supplying all my needs.

There is one thing I've been struggling with lately though... What happened to me? Where has my personality gone to hide?

Our girls are growing up fast and will probably move out in just a few years. What will I do then? Who will I be? Right now I have no idea. I am sure that God's plan for my life continues, but He hasn't let me in on that part yet. I'm OK with that.

In the meantime, how do I find my personality (the me) I lost along the way?

Do I want to spend my precious free moments like I did before Kurt and I had children? Yes, ... and no. Do I want to go back to that same personality after 18 years of the refining fire of motherhood? Probably not, and yet, I still have some of those same passions. I like to do some of the same activities.

As I stretch myself again to try out those activities that I think will interest me as an older, hopefully slightly more mature woman, I am sure that my life will continue to change. The one thing I'm most thankful for is that God will still be right there beside me - leading me - loving me - and meeting all my needs in Christ! God does not change.

So go ahead and Go Live Our Own Life! I'll be living mine!

Thankful Thursdays ~ 5/26/16 ~ The First Ripe Strawberry!

Yesterday I ate the first ripe strawberry from our patch. Yup, afterwards I realized  I should have taken a picture of the berry before I ate it. Too late. LOL! So here is a picture of some of the ones that will hopefully be ripe next week. :)

I'm thankful for the lessons God has taught me over the years while tending our strawberry patch. Sometimes growth is slow, sometimes growth is fast. Sometimes it happens when you least except it... like when the June-bearing plants fruit again in September. We started with just four plants, now we have dozens.

God has taught me that sometimes life escapes the borders you put in place. Sometimes the healthiest thing you can do to gain control is to give a part of your life, or extra plants, away to your friends. 

A patch of strawberries is full of possibilities. Just like your daily life, some things will mature to perfection, and some will become overripe before you notice them and need to be put in the compost pile. Sometimes when it looks ready from one angle, you turn it over and realize there is still maturing that needs to happen. As we seek God's direction, we learn to put down the good choices for the best choices!

The first ripe strawberry was wonderfully sweet and flavorful. Why is there only one that ripens days ahead of the rest? I may never know, but God does. That is another valuable lesson to learn about life: God has the answers, and He will reveal the ones we need, and keep the ones we don't need hidden. That is why we can trust Him, because His ways are higher than ours, and His ways are perfect!

Here is to many more ripe strawberries, and many more lessons to be learned in the garden!

Thankful Thursdays ~ 1/14/16 ~ Coloring...

Have you tried one of the (relatively) new Adult Coloring Books yet? There are so many to choose from it may make your head spin. I had heard about them, and seen a couple for sale in the summer of 2015, but then I just kind of got busy with life and didn't think about it again.

Then, we went on vacation. 

Emily saw this ad for Florida's biggest used book store. It was only about 30 minutes from where we were staying, so of course we had to go. After finding the book I really wanted, my favorite book on nutrition, a replacement for one I had loaned out years ago and never gotten back, I decided I needed something to look at whilst the rest of the family meandered through the store. It's a really big store, we were going to be there a while. (I'll share more about that soon.)

As I was wandering, I asked one of the store employees if they had any adult coloring books. She replied "Yes, follow me." 

It was just a small selection ~ maybe 75 or 80 titles to choose from -LOL!

I decided it was time to see if I wanted to join the craze. After (carefully) looking through almost every title, I selected one that is mostly animals, with a few flower pictures.

Then, for Christmas, I got another adult coloring book from the local Christian store. Verses of Scripture, inspiring quotes, flowers... lots of choices to color to help me relax. That is the point after all isn't it? Coloring to relax. You don't have to finish the picture in one sitting. In fact, you don't have to finish the picture at all if you decide you don't want to. 

There aren't rules here. It's just coloring for yourself...although sometimes they look good enough to frame when you're finished. That might make a nice gift for a friend.

I've always loved coloring books. My Dad used to buy me Dover coloring books from the gift shop at the Art Museum when I was a child. By the Way, Dover still makes awesome coloring books! Most of these adult coloring books on the shelves today are different from the ones I used to have because the designs aren't as intricate. There are also several with a more whimsical outlook on the subject versus the usually literal/ realistic outlook of Dover coloring books.

My favorite medium for drawing is chalk pastels, but since that's a messy endeavor I rarely have time to enjoy these days, I think I'll stick with my coloring books for now. I can be as realistic as I want with my coloring. Sometimes I'm not very realistic at all. I'm thankful for finally taking the time to investigate this world of adult coloring books. It has been a good way for me to relax. It also gives me something to do with the part of my brain that sometimes get either overwrought or bored depending on how my week has been going. If you see me coloring, feel free to join in, I'll share! I hope you won't find it rude, but I actually like coloring while talking with my friends. I'm still listening. Sometimes it helps me listen better because I don't feel taxed to always be trying to make eye contact, something that can be a wearying thing for an introvert. It allows me to focus on what the person is saying, without always focusing on what they're wearing, how their hair looks, or whatever else I might be tempted to do to avoid prolonged eye contact. 

(Just being honest here folks!)

I colored this picture last weekend while watching football with my family. Kurt mentioned that he thought I was using a lot of pressure on the pencils. I was. I was working to get those rich hues out of my Crayola colored pencils. Fear not dear husband, I'm saving up my teacher rewards to get myself some higher quality pencils soon! I'll be thankful for those too!!!

If you've gotten an adult coloring book you enjoy, would you mind leaving a comment with the title? Others want some suggestions. Also feel free to leave the name of your favorite coloring pencils or pens! Inquiring minds want to know!

Thankful Thursdays ~ 12/17/15 ~ A Cup of Holiday Cheer

Do you appreciate the small opportunities for fellowship that abound this time of year? Are you willing to lay down your own idea of what should get accomplished each day in order to follow what God wants you to focus on? I am thankful for all of the fellowship opportunities that God has so graciously granted to us recently.

Just earlier this week we stopped at a friend's house to drop something off. Since we hadn't had time to chat for a while, the girls and I stayed for a bit. What did we talk about? A little of this, and a little of that. Some of it may even make it into a blog post...

My friend didn't scramble to try to make her home look perfect, or offer food they didn't have ~ she simply opened the door and invited us in. True, simple fellowship amongst friends, especially Christians, should be the norm, not the exception. It should be about being present, sharing one another's burdens, and rejoicing in the mercy God bestows upon us so lavishly. Stop trying to present an image, and open yourself to the wonderful freedom that comes from just being you. Embrace your friends as the true gifts from God that they are!

Reach out to someone and make a new friend. Invite someone over for a short visit, it may turn into the best thing you've done all week! A small opportunity to spend in fellowship, whether its over a glass of water or a mug of hot chocolate may be just what they, and you, need this week. 

In the hustle and bustle of the holidays, we need to remember to value people over things, to seek out the Christ Child in our Christmas celebrations, and to witness the miracles that happen everyday! God does not call us to live a glamorous life, or even an easy life, but He does call us to live a joy-filled life!!! It is time to be thankful for a cup of holiday cheer!