For the past thirty-seven years I have been living a dream. In sixth grade I remember classmates gathered around my writing assignment that my teacher had posted on the classroom’s bulletin board. It was a report about my favorite bird when one of my classmates said, “Mike, you are a good writer!” I’ve always enjoyed a little praise now and then. It’s good for the soul and good for one’s confidence. Thank you, classmate for making that comment as it…..
(I’m giving my blog readers a valentine story that was published in my book titled, Holiday Adventures for Kids. Consider it my valentine card to you. I hope you enjoy it. If you like the story, feel free to order your very own copy from Amazon.) *********************************************************** The steep, snow-covered hill was perfect for sledding. Tina and her five-year-old brother, Timmy, had made many trips down the hill on their red plastic sled. “My teacher told me to remind you…..
I wrote another book! After I had released “The Easter Sparrows” I stated that would probably be my last book. The key word there was ‘probably’. 🙂 Up to that point I had written Children in the Outdoors, Volume I, II and III followed by Nature’s Christmas Story. An Easter story would round things up nicely or so I thought. Five books would be quite an accomplishment don’t you think? Then there were those other nine holiday stories that I…..
Merry Christmas to all of my blog friends. I have a special gift for you in today’s blog. Maybe this gift will put you in the Christmas spirit especially if you are struggling to get there. My book Holiday Adventures for Kids celebrates nine different holidays each represented by a story. Normally at this point I would direct you to my website but how silly of me. If you are reading this blog you already are at my website. 🙂…..
As I mentioned in my last blog a six year writing stint for Minnesota Out Of Doors became my big break in getting my material published. That experience led to the production of the three volumes of Children In The Outdoors and an opportunity to travel the four state area putting on teacher workshops. But nothing lasts forever. In 1991 the magazine had financial problems and after a discussion with the editor I decided to retire the column. I did…..
I retired from teaching in 2001. After thirty-four years attempting to inspire middle school and high school students and instill in them a love for life long learning I decided it was time to pursue another one of my favorite pastimes, writing. For the next three years I wrote and illustrated a variety of children’s stories. Today three of them have become published books. Nature’s Christmas Story, The Easter Sparrows and Holiday Adventures for Kids are all available on Amazon…..
It seems like I have known Marilyn all my life. We first met when I was seven years old and she was Ms. Allen. You see she was my second grade teacher and then lucky for me she became my third grade teacher also. The moment I met her I knew she was special. I was sure I was ‘teacher’s pet’ until years later when visiting with former classmates I discovered they too thought they were ‘teacher’s pet’. She had…..
If you read my last blog you will remember I was in the process of preparing to educate a group of 90 year old’s about the science of pumpkin farming. Since I am back at writing a blog again this week you can assume I survived that adventure. 🙂 My 90 year old audience was very attentive and seemed to enjoy my presentation. I think they especially enjoyed following along as I described the pumpkin growing life cycle that I…..
Writing books for me is kind of like being hooked on caffeine or nicotine. I just can’t quit. Of course I haven’t tried too hard either. I never know when an inspiration for a book will present itself. Several years ago I was at a craft fair selling my latest book “Holiday Adventures for Kids”. I had threatened to name that book “Amen” as I assumed it would be my last book. But as it went through the publishing process…..
What a morbid title for a blog but it wasn’t as morbid as if may sound. My sixth grade teacher had passed away at the age of 97 years after leading a happy and successful life.  In addition to  that she was the one who opened my eyes to the joy of writing and as a result it became a dream of mine to become a published author. As I was making the trip to Glenwood, MN where the funeral was…..