Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Working with NH History in Schools

It was exciting to interviewed by a teacher doing a research paper and proposal for NH history projects in schools. I've written about the history of our state for many years in newspaper and tourist paper columns.

One of my popular children's stories, Sarah Jane's Daring Deed, in the anthology, Tales of Adventure and Discovery, is set in the pioneering era of our state.

The teacher interviewing me has encouraged me to develop the activities and extended history I've been planning for students and teachers. So...I'm trying to work this into my summer plans.
She may use some of these with her students. Then I'll get to see if they work.

Friday, July 03, 2009

Making Sense of the Chaos

For years, I've often put my rough drafts, current projects, and copies of columns and articles into files and the files into boxes or file drawers. Sometimes there will simply be clippings, pamphlets and other items that make their way there, too.

Then how, I ponder, do I find them?

At one time I was much better organized. However, after living in a multi-generational house for more than a decade and balancing several jobs or businesses along with my writing, I sometimes feel I'm buried in chaos.

So, after hearing a couple of speakers mention the 20 Minutes a Day to Organization process, I determined to stick with it. (I've started several times, saw no progress in my mess and gave up.)

I've been doing this for about two weeks. From the outside, it doesn't look like I've accomplished much, but I know I'm making progress. My husband says he can see the floor in our bedroom/living room area!

I've found some older drafts that I can revitalize. I discovered greeting card designs from the days I made these for sale. I've found research, family memorabilia and other items to stimulate my writing.

So I'll stick to my 20 minutes of making sense of my chaos.