By: Sandy Churchill We know that nature abounds with opportunities for exercise and fresh air, but what about the gifts of stress relief, peaceful connection, and pure joy? On a recent bout with an incredibly stubborn bronchial infection I have maintained my near-daily, two-mile walks, regardless of wind, rain, fog, and hail. I didn’t say … More Nature’s Gifts, Year-Round
By: Sandy Churchill August has turned the page and students from pre-school to college are boarding yellow buses, toting backpacks, and gathering for sports practices in the shift to fall schedules. Thankfully, Labor Day weekend provided summer bliss of sunshine, time with family and friends, and excursions to sand and sea. My oldest daughter and … More Savoring Summer as Fall Begins
By: Sandy Churchill Piano, karate, theatre, ballet, scouting, and student government… What do these things have in common? At our house, any commitment to long-term participation in the arts, sports, government, and community service have the potential to grow a child (or even adult for that matter J) in the three Ps: patience, persistence, and … More School Activities and the Power of the Three Ps!
By: Sandy Churchill “I say this with all the love in the world,” a dear friend recently told me, while inspecting my school supply closet, “do not buy another pencil!” She was critiquing my supply stash where a hoarding mentality sometimes took over—not because I intentionally hoard, but because I often stock up, then temporarily … More Kind Correction
By: Sandy Churchill Is there such a thing as a “nature hoarder”? Truly, I prefer the term “appreciator”, “collector” or “crafter”. As a six year-old, I scrambled to collect rocks and pebbles of myriad colors and unusual shapes, some sparkly, some striped, and tried to hoard them in my bureau drawer nicknamed by my mom … More Small Treasures
By: Sandy Churchill When you hear the term “elf shop,” do you conjure images of jingle-bell-adorned, pointy-shoe-clad wee folk who work alongside Santa? True enough—but we have another meaning at our house, a worthy companion to spring cleaning. We certainly cannot be the only family out there with a list of “to-do”s, “fix-its,” and myriad … More “Elf Workshop” Helps Year-Round
By: Sandy Churchill There is nothing like a hearth fire in winter, especially in New England. The smoky scents welcome us homeward when arriving from outdoors, and the crackling blazes instantly usher in warmth, family, and the cozy embrace of home. Our family members are campers at heart, eager to hike, kayak, tent- or cabin-escape … More Glorious Hearthfires!
