I've been thinking lately of the beauty of the real, versus the emptiness of mirage. In every area of life, it seems there is reality as provided/intended by the Creator, and there is a mirage that offers nothing more than empty illusion and unfulfilled desire.
As humans, we have innate needs/desires for many good things. Our life is spent in seeking fulfillment of these needs, and frustration and disilllusionment result when we find only mirage.
We seek God, but instead find religious systems; we desire knowledge and wisdom, but are distracted by a school system that innoculates children against the acquisition of both knowledge and wisdom; we require nourishment, but accept faux food substitutes that not only fail to satisfy, but also cause malnourishment and obesity; we want to have fun, but we end up sitting and watching others play; we want our lives to count-- to be spent for things that matter, but we end up with days nibbled away by the mundane and trivial.
For some of us-- mothers at home with children, for example-- mundane details are among the things that matter. We are creating for our children an atmosphere conducive to physical, spiritual, and mental growth. Beyond that, we must be aware of time-stealers so that we have time to embrace reality, and are not deceived into accepting a mirage.
There is so much more to think about, but the essence of my thought for today is that there is solid truth and reality behind life's mirages. You don't have to settle for an unfulfilled life-- you can go beyond to the solidly satisfying reality of life as it can be.
I'll write more about this at some point, but in the meantime, you may want to read "Making Time For Things That Matter," an article that addresses living realistically every day. I also recommend reading anything by C.S. Lewis- a man who illuminates reality in a way few others ever have.
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Our Family Has Grown!
We're just back from Texas, and after many years of having a four-boy family, we now have a daughter-in-law! It was a lovely wedding, with many friends and family coming from afar. Here's a photo of our newly blended family- Our family is on the left, and the bride's family-- they had four girls-- including a brother-in-law and two nephews, is on the right. I'm going to enjoy having a girl in the family!
I'll soon be posting a photo of new four-legged family member, plus a new book announcement. But for now, the wedding is all the excitement I can post for one day!
Monday, June 12, 2006
SAT Score Drop
There are some articles that everyone should read, and David Kahn's OpEd piece,How Low Can We Go?, from the Wall Street Journal, is one of them.
His most telling point?
"Students who read widely and often throughout their elementary and high-school years develop the kinds of reading skills measured by the new SAT. Students who avoid reading don't--and can't develop them in a cram course."
He's right, you know. So chuck the remote, and make a trip to your bookshelves or the library. It's what your mind needs now!
His most telling point?
"Students who read widely and often throughout their elementary and high-school years develop the kinds of reading skills measured by the new SAT. Students who avoid reading don't--and can't develop them in a cram course."
He's right, you know. So chuck the remote, and make a trip to your bookshelves or the library. It's what your mind needs now!
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Free GPA Calculator
Just in time for graduation and the end of the school year, I've added a free GPA Calculator to my website!
There are actually two calculators-- one to figure the semester grade point average, and another to calculate the cumulative grade point average. These work for homeschoolers as well as traditionally-schooled students. Use them, and enjoy!
There are actually two calculators-- one to figure the semester grade point average, and another to calculate the cumulative grade point average. These work for homeschoolers as well as traditionally-schooled students. Use them, and enjoy!
Monday, May 01, 2006
The Big Month
This month will be rich in experiences, but spare in blog posts-- one of our boys is graduating from college on May 14, and getting married the following Saturday. So enjoy some of the interesting blogs listed to the right, read a good book, and bask in the bliss of spring (unless you're in the southern hemisphere;-)).
Reminder-
If you're planning to take an SAT or ACT with essay in the fall, don't forget to register for a Beat-the-Clock Essay Workshop! You'll learn techniques for success in timed writing, and you'll come away from the four-hour workshop with two essays written. Your essay score can affect your college admission, so plan to succeed!
I'm offering a Beat-the-Clock Essay Workshop as a kickoff event at the Northern Virginia Home Education Conference on July 13 at the Dulles Exposition Center. Register for both events at the same time, and receive a discount!
You can download a registration form at my website or at the NoVA Conference website.
Sign up today!
Reminder-
If you're planning to take an SAT or ACT with essay in the fall, don't forget to register for a Beat-the-Clock Essay Workshop! You'll learn techniques for success in timed writing, and you'll come away from the four-hour workshop with two essays written. Your essay score can affect your college admission, so plan to succeed!
I'm offering a Beat-the-Clock Essay Workshop as a kickoff event at the Northern Virginia Home Education Conference on July 13 at the Dulles Exposition Center. Register for both events at the same time, and receive a discount!
You can download a registration form at my website or at the NoVA Conference website.
Sign up today!
Monday, April 17, 2006
Learning Defined
Here's another quote from Charlotte Mason's A Philosophy of Education, which is Volume 6 in her excellent series.
"One thing at any rate we know with certainty, that no teaching, no information, becomes knowledge to any of us until the individual mind has acted upon it, translated it, absorbed it, to reappear, like our bodily food, in forms of vitality. Therefore, teaching, talk, and tale, however lucid or fascinating, effect nothing until self-activity be set up; that is, self-education is the only possible education; the rest is mere veneer laid on the surface of a child's nature."
An Announcement:
The April 2006 Newsletter is posted on the articles page of The Everyday Education.
And a Reminder:
The Transcripts Made Easy is now available as an instantly downloadable e-book! You can get yours today at The www.TranscriptsMadeEasy.com.
"One thing at any rate we know with certainty, that no teaching, no information, becomes knowledge to any of us until the individual mind has acted upon it, translated it, absorbed it, to reappear, like our bodily food, in forms of vitality. Therefore, teaching, talk, and tale, however lucid or fascinating, effect nothing until self-activity be set up; that is, self-education is the only possible education; the rest is mere veneer laid on the surface of a child's nature."
An Announcement:
The April 2006 Newsletter is posted on the articles page of The Everyday Education.
And a Reminder:
The Transcripts Made Easy is now available as an instantly downloadable e-book! You can get yours today at The www.TranscriptsMadeEasy.com.
Friday, April 07, 2006
Baby Videos, Part II
I'm still thinking a bit about the baby videos-- I find it unnerving, though certainly not surprising, that the rush for the almighty dollar supersedes even the best-documented evidence that a product is harmful. One of the by-products of overexposure to media is the loss of the ability to think analytically. If a parent spends a significant amount of time sitting and staring, his or her chances of making wise choices for children pretty much evaporate.
If you have a television in your home, please read one or more of these books (if you click on the titles, each link should open in a new window, where you can read more about the book). The evidence is compelling-- overwhelming, even-- that television is very bad for children (and it doesn't do anyone else much good, either). Remind me to post some day on the glorious possibilties of life without television!
If you have a television in your home, please read one or more of these books (if you click on the titles, each link should open in a new window, where you can read more about the book). The evidence is compelling-- overwhelming, even-- that television is very bad for children (and it doesn't do anyone else much good, either). Remind me to post some day on the glorious possibilties of life without television!
Endangered Mindsby Dr. Jane Healy
Your Child's Growing Mind : Brain Development and Learning From Birth to Adolescence
Four Arguments for the Elimination of Television
The Plug-In Drug : Television, Computers, and Family Life
Articles
Sesame Street Videos Spark Controversy by David Crary
Parents, Children Lose Art of Conversation This article, from the New Zealand Herald, is not specifically about the Sesame Street baby videos, but more about what happens to communication when television intrudes.
Should you tell your infant how to get to "Sesame Street"?
Thursday, April 06, 2006
Baby Videos? Never!
Have you heard about the new "Sesame Beginnings" videos that are targeted toward babies and children up to three years of age? Because these videos are designed to be watched by parents and children together, they have gotten the "quality time" pass from several "experts," who seem to conveniently ignore the fact that, for many good and scientific reasons, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises against any sort
of television/video viewing for children under two. If you want to know more about that, just google 'dangers of television babies children' for a quick overview of some of the primary arguments against television viewing for children.
Mental, physical, and spiritual dangers aside, sitting and staring is rarely genuine quality time. It certainly does not provide a baby with the intellectual stimulation of playing or talking directly with a live human being, preferably a parent. And those infant moments are fleeting-- why waste them on prepackaged mental junk food?
For more stories about the controversy, go ahead and google 'sesame baby video controversy.' That should keep you busy for awhile! I'll add links to interesting editorials as I find them. You may also want to read the article on my website "Making Time For Things That Matter: Seven Principles For Family-Centered Living." Not surprisingly, the second principle is 'Do and be; don't sit and stare!'
Resources:
Endangered Minds by Dr. Jane Healy
Editorial: Learning Must Start With Dad, Mom, Not TV
of television/video viewing for children under two. If you want to know more about that, just google 'dangers of television babies children' for a quick overview of some of the primary arguments against television viewing for children.
Mental, physical, and spiritual dangers aside, sitting and staring is rarely genuine quality time. It certainly does not provide a baby with the intellectual stimulation of playing or talking directly with a live human being, preferably a parent. And those infant moments are fleeting-- why waste them on prepackaged mental junk food?
For more stories about the controversy, go ahead and google 'sesame baby video controversy.' That should keep you busy for awhile! I'll add links to interesting editorials as I find them. You may also want to read the article on my website "Making Time For Things That Matter: Seven Principles For Family-Centered Living." Not surprisingly, the second principle is 'Do and be; don't sit and stare!'
Resources:
Endangered Minds by Dr. Jane Healy
Editorial: Learning Must Start With Dad, Mom, Not TV
Thursday, March 30, 2006
Freecycle Your Stuff!
I've been doing some spring cleaning, and it's such a delight to send good stuff out the door to people who really want it! That's what Freecycling is all about.
If you've never heard of it, Freecycling is often conducted via an internet group, which are formed (often on Yahoo or MSN) by locality. My particular Freecycle is centered in my county, and there are other groups for other metro areas in the region.
Someone who has something they want to give away posts it to the message board, and people who would like to have it e-mail the person offering, and arrange pick-up. It's super-convenient, and it's totally free.
So far, I've given away a home gym that had to be dismantled before it would fit into a pick up, a shabby recliner, a bag of partially used perfumes and lotions, a pair of shoes, a terrarium, extra liriope, and other stuff. Just think of all the stuff that's being kept out of the landfill!
Look for a Freecycle group in your area, and bless someone with things you no longer need! And now, excuse me while I find more good things to give away;-).
If you've never heard of it, Freecycling is often conducted via an internet group, which are formed (often on Yahoo or MSN) by locality. My particular Freecycle is centered in my county, and there are other groups for other metro areas in the region.
Someone who has something they want to give away posts it to the message board, and people who would like to have it e-mail the person offering, and arrange pick-up. It's super-convenient, and it's totally free.
So far, I've given away a home gym that had to be dismantled before it would fit into a pick up, a shabby recliner, a bag of partially used perfumes and lotions, a pair of shoes, a terrarium, extra liriope, and other stuff. Just think of all the stuff that's being kept out of the landfill!
Look for a Freecycle group in your area, and bless someone with things you no longer need! And now, excuse me while I find more good things to give away;-).
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Get out!
Despite yesterday's snow, I'm still thinking about spring, and the need to seize the day, and do the thing that is appropriate for the moment.
Spring means outdoors, breathing great gulps of crispy-fresh air, moving winter-weary bodies and bones in unfamiliar ways, clearing mental cobwebs along with the physical. It's simply not human to be confined, institutionalized, imprisoned, when life is waiting.
Even in the heart of the largest cities, there are pockets of green in which to rejoice in the new season (I know, because I grew up in the heart of a very large city, and green was nourished and cherished). For your children's sake, clear the calendar of obligations, and go outside. Work in the yard, take a picnic to the park, ride bikes, play basketball, walk, walk, walk!
Finally, here is a quote from John Taylor Gatto's The Underground History of American Education, page 129. Call it a thought for the day!
"What should make you suspicious about school is its relentless compulsion. Why should this rich brawling, utterly successful nation ever have needed to resort to compulsion to order people into school classes-- unless advocates for force-schooling were driven by peculiar philosophical beliefs not commonly shared?"
If you'd like to read more of Gatto's thoughts on education, I recommend "Dumbing Us Down." It's interesting, to say the least!
Spring means outdoors, breathing great gulps of crispy-fresh air, moving winter-weary bodies and bones in unfamiliar ways, clearing mental cobwebs along with the physical. It's simply not human to be confined, institutionalized, imprisoned, when life is waiting.
Even in the heart of the largest cities, there are pockets of green in which to rejoice in the new season (I know, because I grew up in the heart of a very large city, and green was nourished and cherished). For your children's sake, clear the calendar of obligations, and go outside. Work in the yard, take a picnic to the park, ride bikes, play basketball, walk, walk, walk!
Finally, here is a quote from John Taylor Gatto's The Underground History of American Education, page 129. Call it a thought for the day!
"What should make you suspicious about school is its relentless compulsion. Why should this rich brawling, utterly successful nation ever have needed to resort to compulsion to order people into school classes-- unless advocates for force-schooling were driven by peculiar philosophical beliefs not commonly shared?"
If you'd like to read more of Gatto's thoughts on education, I recommend "Dumbing Us Down." It's interesting, to say the least!
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Spring Fever!
Clear, sunny days, warm enough to get out-- spring fever has arrived! It's time to close the textbooks and rack up a few hours toward the boys' elective classes in "Landscape Maintenance" and "Forest Management." So far this week, we've worked on pruning ornamental shrubs and fig trees; building a split rail-style fence from 15' sections of fallen trees; leaf-raking, and selective daffodil harvesting;-). Lunch on the deck is mandatory, though the brisk breeze tends to whisk away napkins before we've even begun.
This is one of the beauties of home education-- it can be tailored to fit the person, situation, and context. We can concentrate on math and language arts through harsh winters and blazing summers, then focus on outdoor joys when beautiful weather arrives. One of the cruelest facts of institutional schooling is that it robs children of the freedom to experience seasonal changes in any memorable way. (And really, how did it ever get to be normal to institutionalize children for a dozen or more of the most significant developmental years of their lives?)
The skills my boys are learning in their practical electives will be useful throughout life. They won't be forced to hire expensive help to do simple, satisfying home, property, and car maintenance tasks, and by the time they are so busy that the task no longer seems satisfying, they may be able to train their children to take over.
It has been one of my goals to equip the boys with the ability to earn a living with either minds or hands, whichever they choose. I don't want them to be lopsided-- all filling and no donut. Physical activity can refresh a tired mind, just as a comfortable reading break can refresh a tired body. Remember, mens sana in corpore sano!
I believe that developing competence in multiple arenas is a way to achieve emotional balance and economic security. It's also a way to encourage the kind of synergistic thinking that made Leonardo da Vinci one of the greatest Renaissance achievers in art, science, and math. And finally, being able to work with either head or hands as necessary provides adaptability to meet changing family and economic needs. It also reduces the likelihood that personal identity becomes tied up in a job title.
In the final analysis, multiple competencies make it easier to focus on family relationships and the things that matter most in life, and to maintain personal equilibrium in the face of life's challenges. So-- it's a beautiful day-- wouldn't you rather be outside doing a bit of nature study?
This is one of the beauties of home education-- it can be tailored to fit the person, situation, and context. We can concentrate on math and language arts through harsh winters and blazing summers, then focus on outdoor joys when beautiful weather arrives. One of the cruelest facts of institutional schooling is that it robs children of the freedom to experience seasonal changes in any memorable way. (And really, how did it ever get to be normal to institutionalize children for a dozen or more of the most significant developmental years of their lives?)
The skills my boys are learning in their practical electives will be useful throughout life. They won't be forced to hire expensive help to do simple, satisfying home, property, and car maintenance tasks, and by the time they are so busy that the task no longer seems satisfying, they may be able to train their children to take over.
It has been one of my goals to equip the boys with the ability to earn a living with either minds or hands, whichever they choose. I don't want them to be lopsided-- all filling and no donut. Physical activity can refresh a tired mind, just as a comfortable reading break can refresh a tired body. Remember, mens sana in corpore sano!
I believe that developing competence in multiple arenas is a way to achieve emotional balance and economic security. It's also a way to encourage the kind of synergistic thinking that made Leonardo da Vinci one of the greatest Renaissance achievers in art, science, and math. And finally, being able to work with either head or hands as necessary provides adaptability to meet changing family and economic needs. It also reduces the likelihood that personal identity becomes tied up in a job title.
In the final analysis, multiple competencies make it easier to focus on family relationships and the things that matter most in life, and to maintain personal equilibrium in the face of life's challenges. So-- it's a beautiful day-- wouldn't you rather be outside doing a bit of nature study?
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
City of Books
I was reading Charlotte Mason's 'A Philosophy of Education' this morning and came across this quote:
"The teacher who allows his scholars the freedom of the city of books is at liberty to be their guide, philosopher, and friend; and is no longer the mere instrument of forcible intellectual feeding."
True!
You can read more about Charlotte Mason's wise educational ideas at Ambleside Online. This wonderful site also offers CM-style lesson plans, and excellent book lists. Enjoy!
"The teacher who allows his scholars the freedom of the city of books is at liberty to be their guide, philosopher, and friend; and is no longer the mere instrument of forcible intellectual feeding."
True!
You can read more about Charlotte Mason's wise educational ideas at Ambleside Online. This wonderful site also offers CM-style lesson plans, and excellent book lists. Enjoy!
Monday, March 06, 2006
Too Much Trouble
So when is something more trouble than it's worth? I find chaos and disorder terribly stressful, yet as we prepare to have lightning-scorched carpet replaced, moving everything from the two affected rooms into the rest of the house, I am surrounded by what appears to be chaos. Of course, I've tried to label boxes, but you know how it is-- here's an empty space in the 'office cabinet top shelf' box-- let's toss in this little stack of stuff from the bedroom closet. And there goes the perfect organization! The new carpet will be nice, but I don't know that it's worth all this stress.
I wonder about other things I put off because they are more trouble than I want to face at the moment. I so often want to go somewhere or do something with my boys or as a family, but it's just too much trouble to find someone to stay with my mother/grandmother. She's bright and perky for a 93-year-old, but she won't stay alone, and she hates it when I go anywhere without her. She also hates to pay for a companion service to sit with her, and we can't afford to do so. I hate to impose on my sweet in-laws too often, so we end up letting weeks, months, and years pass without doing anything special as a family.
I know that caring for her is the right thing to do, but I would love to have fun with my family sometimes without having to stress over alternative care arrangements and feel as if we have to do everything quickly in order to get back. The boys are growing up so fast-- one will be married this summer, and the youngest is 14. We don't have much more time together, and just as I've had to do with clearing out rooms for new carpet, I probably need to just face the stress and do the thing that matters most. Stress is momentary, but memories are priceless.
I wonder about other things I put off because they are more trouble than I want to face at the moment. I so often want to go somewhere or do something with my boys or as a family, but it's just too much trouble to find someone to stay with my mother/grandmother. She's bright and perky for a 93-year-old, but she won't stay alone, and she hates it when I go anywhere without her. She also hates to pay for a companion service to sit with her, and we can't afford to do so. I hate to impose on my sweet in-laws too often, so we end up letting weeks, months, and years pass without doing anything special as a family.
I know that caring for her is the right thing to do, but I would love to have fun with my family sometimes without having to stress over alternative care arrangements and feel as if we have to do everything quickly in order to get back. The boys are growing up so fast-- one will be married this summer, and the youngest is 14. We don't have much more time together, and just as I've had to do with clearing out rooms for new carpet, I probably need to just face the stress and do the thing that matters most. Stress is momentary, but memories are priceless.
Saturday, March 04, 2006
Gaining Perspective
Whenever you feel your focus shifting from things that really matter, something happens that sharpens perspective once again. Perspective shifted for a lot of people this week with the news that Missey Gray of HeartSchooling died March 1 following the birth of her baby, Melissa Kate. In addition to her new daughter, Missey, 31, leaves her husband Tom, and her children Nathaniel, Samantha, Susan, and Natalie. They are all in my prayers.
Like many others, I didn't know Missey in person, but through her warm presence online. She chose to share her homeschooling path with others through her blog and e-groups, lighting lamps so that those coming behind might see more clearly. The tone of her blog, last updated the morning of March 1, is so warm and friendly that it's almost impossible not to smile while reading it. She has resource links posted at her Geocities page, justahappygrl, and it seemed as if she was 'just a happy girl.'
On Missey's blog, the header reads: "HeartSchooling is my personal blog dedicated to promoting the educational philosophies and methods of Ruth Beechick and Charlotte Mason, and in that vein, to sharing various aspects of my family's daily life because, after all, 'education is an atmosphere, a discipline, and a life' and 'The mother's heart is the child's schoolroom.'"
Missey, in life and in death, reminds us that it is the moments that matter. For mothers especially, the days spent with our children are precious and all too fleeting. It's important to keep perspective, know who and what is important, and to live life with eternity in view, because we are not promised there will be a tomorrow. Someday, we will be able to say "thank you, Missey, for sharpening our perspective."
You can read more memorial comments about Missey at The Old Schoolhouse blog.
Like many others, I didn't know Missey in person, but through her warm presence online. She chose to share her homeschooling path with others through her blog and e-groups, lighting lamps so that those coming behind might see more clearly. The tone of her blog, last updated the morning of March 1, is so warm and friendly that it's almost impossible not to smile while reading it. She has resource links posted at her Geocities page, justahappygrl, and it seemed as if she was 'just a happy girl.'
On Missey's blog, the header reads: "HeartSchooling is my personal blog dedicated to promoting the educational philosophies and methods of Ruth Beechick and Charlotte Mason, and in that vein, to sharing various aspects of my family's daily life because, after all, 'education is an atmosphere, a discipline, and a life' and 'The mother's heart is the child's schoolroom.'"
Missey, in life and in death, reminds us that it is the moments that matter. For mothers especially, the days spent with our children are precious and all too fleeting. It's important to keep perspective, know who and what is important, and to live life with eternity in view, because we are not promised there will be a tomorrow. Someday, we will be able to say "thank you, Missey, for sharpening our perspective."
You can read more memorial comments about Missey at The Old Schoolhouse blog.
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
The Right Thing & The Bears
There's more in the news about the Maymont bears, and the parent of the child who was bitten has shared her story, hoping to reduce the outrage. The truth helps, and finding out that the parent did not escort the child to feed the bears was a huge plus in her favor. She's brave to come forward, because community anger is strong, but it's the right thing to do. Let's hope the community responds with understanding.
More articles related to the Maymont bears:
After Bear Bite, Boy Said, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry"
Mother Hopes Her Talking Aids Mourning for Bears
Turning Around the Violence Will Take a Monumental Effort
More articles related to the Maymont bears:
After Bear Bite, Boy Said, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry"
Mother Hopes Her Talking Aids Mourning for Bears
Turning Around the Violence Will Take a Monumental Effort
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Caring for Charismatic Megafauna
There has been a major flap in Richmond since two captive bears were euthanized because one allegedly "bit" a child. Columnist Mark Holmberg muses on why the bears death elicited so much more sorrow than the death of a human, and I'd like to offer some possible answers:
Because "‘innocent human" is an oxymoron.
Because we are used to the deaths of humans -— particularly those who've chosen to color outside the lines.
Because we had taken the bears from their home, and failed to protect them from predators.
Because we've not been hurt by bears -— they don't make our downtown a scary place; they don'’t hunt us, invade our homes, violate our persons, or commit unspeakable atrocities. They may defend themselves when we are out of our places, but we are not their prey.
And because the incident that led to the death of the bears was in no way the bears' fault. Maymont had tried to protect the bears by a two-fence system-- a tall chain link fence placed well inside a shorter wooden fence-- all posted with warnings to stay back. The system has worked for years, and would have continued to do so, if an adult-in-name-only had not decided to take his or her child close enough to feed or pet the bear.
What was this person thinking? A bear-- even a cuddly-looking bear at Maymont-- is a wild animal. To place an apple-scented child within snacking range is simply insane. The actual 'bite' was more of a scratch, though, and the parents left without reporting it. It was only later they decided that perhaps they should obtain treatment.
So, why does the bears' death cause greater sorrow than the deaths of humans? It is because they were at our mercy, and we failed them.
Because "‘innocent human" is an oxymoron.
Because we are used to the deaths of humans -— particularly those who've chosen to color outside the lines.
Because we had taken the bears from their home, and failed to protect them from predators.
Because we've not been hurt by bears -— they don't make our downtown a scary place; they don'’t hunt us, invade our homes, violate our persons, or commit unspeakable atrocities. They may defend themselves when we are out of our places, but we are not their prey.
And because the incident that led to the death of the bears was in no way the bears' fault. Maymont had tried to protect the bears by a two-fence system-- a tall chain link fence placed well inside a shorter wooden fence-- all posted with warnings to stay back. The system has worked for years, and would have continued to do so, if an adult-in-name-only had not decided to take his or her child close enough to feed or pet the bear.
What was this person thinking? A bear-- even a cuddly-looking bear at Maymont-- is a wild animal. To place an apple-scented child within snacking range is simply insane. The actual 'bite' was more of a scratch, though, and the parents left without reporting it. It was only later they decided that perhaps they should obtain treatment.
So, why does the bears' death cause greater sorrow than the deaths of humans? It is because they were at our mercy, and we failed them.
Monday, February 20, 2006
Filing a Claim
Filing a homeowner's insurance claim after our lightning strike has been a new experience for me. We've had our insurance for nearly 25 years without a claim, so I am going to be interested to find out if filing a claim will cause our premiums to go up.
So far, Allstate has done a pretty nice job of taking care of things. We had a new well pump installed the first business day after the strike; our phone service restored in a very reasonable amount of time; and a check for taking care of repairing and painting scorched areas of sheetrock. All our affected electronics were picked up, serviced or declared totaled, and the repairable ones returned within less than two weeks. Scorched carpet will be replaced in the next couple of weeks, and since we chose "like kind and quality," it will cost us nothing.
I have heard a lot of insurance horror stories, but so far, this isn't going to be one. The only thing that is not entirely convenient is that for the 'contents' portion of the claim (mostly electronics), they priced out replacement items of like kind and quality, and will send us a check for that amount minus the depreciation. When we replace the items, and send in the receipts, they will reimburse us for the depreciation amount they didn't send in the original check.
It would have been more convenient if they had allowed us the entire replacement amount-- maybe in a debit card sort of thing like the Red Cross issues-- so that we wouldn't have to deal with extra paperwork and mailing and all that sort of thing. But that's a relatively small quibble. At least we were able to choose our replacement items! With the debit card method, though, I could have had the flexibility to spend less for some items, and more for others. As it is, I had to measure each item with Allstate's allowance to see whether we could recover enough to cover the depreciation. It would have been more efficient to just allocate portions of a lump sum by priority, then shop for the best prices, and stretch the funds to the max.
I'm thankful that damage was no more than it was. When we looked at the smoldering phone wires, we knew it had been a close call. We're grateful to still have a house, singed carpets and all!
So far, Allstate has done a pretty nice job of taking care of things. We had a new well pump installed the first business day after the strike; our phone service restored in a very reasonable amount of time; and a check for taking care of repairing and painting scorched areas of sheetrock. All our affected electronics were picked up, serviced or declared totaled, and the repairable ones returned within less than two weeks. Scorched carpet will be replaced in the next couple of weeks, and since we chose "like kind and quality," it will cost us nothing.
I have heard a lot of insurance horror stories, but so far, this isn't going to be one. The only thing that is not entirely convenient is that for the 'contents' portion of the claim (mostly electronics), they priced out replacement items of like kind and quality, and will send us a check for that amount minus the depreciation. When we replace the items, and send in the receipts, they will reimburse us for the depreciation amount they didn't send in the original check.
It would have been more convenient if they had allowed us the entire replacement amount-- maybe in a debit card sort of thing like the Red Cross issues-- so that we wouldn't have to deal with extra paperwork and mailing and all that sort of thing. But that's a relatively small quibble. At least we were able to choose our replacement items! With the debit card method, though, I could have had the flexibility to spend less for some items, and more for others. As it is, I had to measure each item with Allstate's allowance to see whether we could recover enough to cover the depreciation. It would have been more efficient to just allocate portions of a lump sum by priority, then shop for the best prices, and stretch the funds to the max.
I'm thankful that damage was no more than it was. When we looked at the smoldering phone wires, we knew it had been a close call. We're grateful to still have a house, singed carpets and all!
Thursday, February 09, 2006
FYI -
FYI: Our phone box was struck by lightning on Saturday, so
we do not have internet access until repairs are completed. I will
check e-mail as often as possible, but please be patient if there is a
delay in my response. My computer is supposed to be repaired in 3-5
days, so it shouldn't be long! Thanks for being patient.
we do not have internet access until repairs are completed. I will
check e-mail as often as possible, but please be patient if there is a
delay in my response. My computer is supposed to be repaired in 3-5
days, so it shouldn't be long! Thanks for being patient.
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
Free Communication Convention!
Here's an interesting sounding event! You might want to check it out;-).
Janice
The 1st Annual Say What You Mean Communication Convention.
Begins Wednesday, February 1st and goes through Friday, February 3rd. It is in honor of The Great Communicator's birthday and designed to bring attention to the importance of communication skills-especially for the Christian community. It promises to be great fun for the entire family with free seminars, contests and prizes!
Wednesday is Homeschool Day!
We are offering a free 5 Day eCourse for parents that will help them teach communication skills to their children. We also have a free eBook with the best of my communication articles for homeshoolers, free audio seminars you can download as well as some live interactive chat workshops. Your children can have fun as they hone their presentation skills by entering our Silly Product Contest! We also have a drawing and a scavenger hunt where you can win prizes donated by our sponsors like The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, Art of Eloquence and Write Shop!
Thursday is Business Day!
We are offering a free 5 Day eCourse for small business owners, a free eBook with the best of my communication articles for entrepreneurs, free audio seminars as well as live interactive chat workshops. You can get some exposure for your business as you compete to win in our Elevator Speech Contest.
Friday is Teacher Day!
We are offering a free eBook with the best of my communication articles for classroom or co op teachers, free audio seminars as well as a live interactive chat workshop. Enter our Most Creative Teacher contest for your chance to win a prize!
This is a unique event and we are excited to bring all this information to you in a fun and entertaining environment. Stop by February 1st -3rd at Say What You Mean Communication Convention.
Special Offers:
Many of our sponsors have special offers for you during the convention! Check out their links on our sponsor page. Our sponsors include The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, Write Shop, Grapevine Studies, Homeschool Talk Radio and Art of Eloquence plus many more!
Pass it on...
Please feel free to pass this along to your homeschool groups and other Christian organizations you belong to! All are welcome and the convention is FREE!
Remember, God gave each of us something to say that only we can say...something that someone else needs to hear! Let's fellowship together, have fun and hone our skills so that the Lord can work more effectively through us!
This announcement courtesy of JoJo Tabares of Art of Eloquence.
Janice
The 1st Annual Say What You Mean Communication Convention.
Begins Wednesday, February 1st and goes through Friday, February 3rd. It is in honor of The Great Communicator's birthday and designed to bring attention to the importance of communication skills-especially for the Christian community. It promises to be great fun for the entire family with free seminars, contests and prizes!
Wednesday is Homeschool Day!
We are offering a free 5 Day eCourse for parents that will help them teach communication skills to their children. We also have a free eBook with the best of my communication articles for homeshoolers, free audio seminars you can download as well as some live interactive chat workshops. Your children can have fun as they hone their presentation skills by entering our Silly Product Contest! We also have a drawing and a scavenger hunt where you can win prizes donated by our sponsors like The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, Art of Eloquence and Write Shop!
Thursday is Business Day!
We are offering a free 5 Day eCourse for small business owners, a free eBook with the best of my communication articles for entrepreneurs, free audio seminars as well as live interactive chat workshops. You can get some exposure for your business as you compete to win in our Elevator Speech Contest.
Friday is Teacher Day!
We are offering a free eBook with the best of my communication articles for classroom or co op teachers, free audio seminars as well as a live interactive chat workshop. Enter our Most Creative Teacher contest for your chance to win a prize!
This is a unique event and we are excited to bring all this information to you in a fun and entertaining environment. Stop by February 1st -3rd at Say What You Mean Communication Convention.
Special Offers:
Many of our sponsors have special offers for you during the convention! Check out their links on our sponsor page. Our sponsors include The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, Write Shop, Grapevine Studies, Homeschool Talk Radio and Art of Eloquence plus many more!
Pass it on...
Please feel free to pass this along to your homeschool groups and other Christian organizations you belong to! All are welcome and the convention is FREE!
Remember, God gave each of us something to say that only we can say...something that someone else needs to hear! Let's fellowship together, have fun and hone our skills so that the Lord can work more effectively through us!
This announcement courtesy of JoJo Tabares of Art of Eloquence.
Thursday, January 26, 2006
E-Book Review- Website ABCs
E-Book Review
Web Site ABC’s by Phyllis Wheeler
Category: The Everyday Entrepreneur (Homeschool + Home Business)
Reviewed by Janice Campbell
The Computer Lady has done it again! Phyllis Wheeler has taken a seemingly complex subject, and made it accessible. Internet Commerce (aka e-business or e-commerce) is a vibrant, growing field, but in order to provide goods or services online, a company must have a website! There are many books and programs available to help set up a website, but most are too complicated for computer novices, or too expensive for a start-up venture.
Wheeler’s new e-book, WebSite ABC’s, bridges the gap between the beginner and a first website. Using detailed text instructions, coupled with screen shots, Wheeler walks the reader through the process of learning exactly what is necessary to get online in just hours. She covers simple HTML, how to find and use a free web design program, how to create an information or sales site, how to find affordable hosting, how to tie in a shopping cart, how to make an e-book, and much more.
The greatest strength of WebSite ABC’s is its simplicity. The information presented is adequate, but not overwhelming. Using Wheeler’s information, anyone with internet access can create a simple, income-producing website. The casual tone and “let me show you” warmth of WebSite ABC’s removes the intimidation factor from unfamiliar terms and concepts, and leaves the reader with a “can do” feeling.
Information in the e-book is applicable to both PC and Mac. While Wheeler’s example screenshots show a PC, she includes keystroke instructions for the Mac when necessary. WebSite ABC’s is a remarkably friendly introduction to the world of e-commerce, and is suitable for both high school students and adults. Now there’s no excuse for not setting up a website!
Click Here! to purchase Phyllis Wheeler’s WebSite ABC’s.
Web Site ABC’s by Phyllis Wheeler
Category: The Everyday Entrepreneur (Homeschool + Home Business)
Reviewed by Janice Campbell
The Computer Lady has done it again! Phyllis Wheeler has taken a seemingly complex subject, and made it accessible. Internet Commerce (aka e-business or e-commerce) is a vibrant, growing field, but in order to provide goods or services online, a company must have a website! There are many books and programs available to help set up a website, but most are too complicated for computer novices, or too expensive for a start-up venture.
Wheeler’s new e-book, WebSite ABC’s, bridges the gap between the beginner and a first website. Using detailed text instructions, coupled with screen shots, Wheeler walks the reader through the process of learning exactly what is necessary to get online in just hours. She covers simple HTML, how to find and use a free web design program, how to create an information or sales site, how to find affordable hosting, how to tie in a shopping cart, how to make an e-book, and much more.
The greatest strength of WebSite ABC’s is its simplicity. The information presented is adequate, but not overwhelming. Using Wheeler’s information, anyone with internet access can create a simple, income-producing website. The casual tone and “let me show you” warmth of WebSite ABC’s removes the intimidation factor from unfamiliar terms and concepts, and leaves the reader with a “can do” feeling.
Information in the e-book is applicable to both PC and Mac. While Wheeler’s example screenshots show a PC, she includes keystroke instructions for the Mac when necessary. WebSite ABC’s is a remarkably friendly introduction to the world of e-commerce, and is suitable for both high school students and adults. Now there’s no excuse for not setting up a website!
Click Here! to purchase Phyllis Wheeler’s WebSite ABC’s.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
