Patio Pleasures

Spring is such a lovely time of year. My husband enjoys gardening on our city apartment patio and I enjoy sitting out there with a cup of coffee or tea, taking in the smell of magnolias blooming on the numerous trees around the balcony. There seems to be a magical quality to this season. Everything turns green and comes to life, including my imagination. It doesn't take much to transform even a small space into a secret garden of your own. Pull out those pots and potting soil and take to the outdoors... spring is here!

Whit is Published in Kids In Print!

Whit was published in the yearly Kids In Print publication put out by our local library. His story about Talgres the Squirrel and how he saved his animal friends made page four!  Needless to say we are very proud of our budding author. Here he is at the book signing and reception with the graphic novelist/cartoonist, Chris Schweizer. He is also pictured here with some friends from our homeschooling group. Pictured from left to right is Blake (published for his photography work), Whit (my favorite author of wildlife fiction), Haylee (a budding poet), and Shelby (published for her artwork).  I would say he has a great circle of friends! Congratulations Whitman, on a fantastic literary beginning!

Of Lizards and a Wish for Spring

My children went outside today to enjoy the sunshine. It has been unseasonably cold for S.C. this winter. The sunshine on the balcony was bright and warm, even though they are calling for sleet tomorrow.
As I was in the kitchen tidying up from lunch, I heard my youngest start to shout, "Mom! The first one! Quick Mom, it's the first one!" I hurried to the back door to see what first one we were referring to. There was my six year old son pointing to two little lizards on the brick wall. "The first lizards of spring, Mom, they are here!"
The excitement of both of children was infectious. Indeed, the first lizards of spring are here! Dare I hope they brought warmer weather?
So, with no offense meant to the groundhog, I think the lizards have beat them to it!