Persistance over Perfection

    Looking back at our time in Costa Rica for the 2019 Earth Expedition trip, the theme that most stands out for me is Persistence over Perfection. I think often we become frustrated and give up on conservation efforts far too easily. For instance how many times have we heard someone give up on…

Rock, Feather, Bowl, Stick

I'm not sure how this conversation started, but I do know how it ended.  So maybe it's best to start somewhere in the middle.  All three of my kids (ages 12, 15, and 17) were a part of this particular conversation. At some point --after the big math problem to determine if it was more…

Discussion Guide for “The Wish Tree”

This is a beautiful story by Katherine Applegate is about community, friendship, the importance of home (a “sense of place”), the interconnection of plants and animals and people.  I strongly recommend this as a starting place for eco-based discussions! How To Use The Discussion Guides: My suggestion is: before you begin reading the story with…

The Power of Parents

Parenting has always been difficult and stressful:  colicky babies, babies who don't sleep at night; childhood illness; the pressure of finding the right college or apprenticeship,  affording weddings and college bills (can you tell I'm knee deep in the college application process right now!)-- these things have been around for a very long time! But…