Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Ukkusiksalik National Park Reserve

While most National Parks are places where families are able to go and experience nature, beauty, and incredible places, I have learned Canada has some National Parks which are extremely remote, so much so you have fly or take a boat to them. Plus, some of these remote National Parks are also quite dangerous - due to Polar Bears. But remote and dangerous or not, Ukkusiksalik National Park Reserve is absolutely a park you want to know about, whether you ever visit it or not as it is a truly amazing place!

Summer Reading - If You're Groovy and You Know It, Hug a Friend

 

Any day is a great day for a hug and this book is all about hugs, so I'm very happy to share it with you again today. I have long been a big "fan" of picture books. If you are able to combine a fun story with colorful illustrations, well, I am likely to like the book. I do not believe it is ever truly possible to outgrow an excellent picture book - just because the book was written for children ages three to five, it does not mean a grandma will not also enjoy the book. In fact, I am fully convinced all picture books should include "grandmas" when it lists the ages for whom the book is written!

With all of this in mind, a couple years ago when I had the opportunity to select a few books from Scholastic to review, I just had to ask for the book I'm reviewing again today . . . and I am SO happy they sent it to me!

Please Stand Up & Speak Up

    

I have posted this a few times, but with all the things which are happening in our world, I'm sharing it again today. I write grandma's cookie jar to provide ideas for ways grandmas - and grandpas, moms, and dads might connect the children they love with God and build strong, loving relationships. I share recipes, book reviews, fun facts, and more - I typically stay away from politics. But not today. People I know and love live in fear. People I do not know live in fear - and some are dying at the hands of our government - in our country and now around the world. Our government is drowning in corruption and the trump-epstein files causes great concern. I can not stay silent. I do not believe Jesus would be silent, either. So, I am sharing images I found on instagram - they say what I am thinking.

Today is "Hug Holiday"

  

Don't you just love it when your grandchildren show their imagination? Well, nine years ago when my youngest grandson was three, he looked at his Poppa and said; "I'm Kenobi, Kenobi." Then ran at him to attack! Apparently Kenobi, Kenobi (Obi Wan Kenobi) decided Poppa was Darth Vadar and had to attack him! Kenobi, Kenobi did very well - defeated Darth Vadar. I asked him if Poppa might be tired (after about 20 minutes of running full bore at poppa, arms - light sabers - flailing) and maybe he was in need of a hug. To which he said (rather indignantly) "He is NOT Poppa. He is Darth Vadar. I can NOT hug him!" Of course he can not!

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Tuktut Nogait National Park

When I think about National Parks I picture the Great Smokey Mountains National Park and Lassen National Park in the US - as they are parks I'm very familiar with. The Smokies are one of the most-visited National Parks in the USA and while not many people visit Lassen each year it is amazing (it is where I met my husband, so of course, I love it!) But there is a National Park in Canada which is so remote it is rarely visited - it is Tuktut Nogait National Park and I'm writing about it today.

The Relief for Grief - Available on Amazon

 

The past few years have brought blessings into our lives for sure, but many have experienced loss as well. Loss is a normal part of our lives. When we experience loss, we experience grief. It is important for us to work through grief, and while there are tools available to help us do this, today I am happy to let you know about a book which is available to help you do exactly this.

Summer Reading - A Dog is a Dog

When it comes to books for young children, A Dog is a Dog by  Stephen Shaksan  has to be on my list of "favorite things"! I love the simple text which is sure to keep you guessing - and flat out laughing!  A Dog is a Dog is clever, fun and unexpected . . . the ending is a "hoot"!

A Dog Is a Dog is sure to leave children and adults guessing and laughing . . . because a dog is a dog, unless it's a . . . 

A Few Quotes From Dr. Seuss Quotes!

March was "Dr. Seuss Month" and I shared a quote from him just about each day, but even though it is no longer March, I thought it would be fun to share some more quotes from the "doctor". Have you heard any of the following quotes . . . 

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Torngat Mountains National Park

If you enjoy visiting National Parks which are remote and only accessible by plane or boat, then Torngat Mountains National Park is the place for you as there are no roads into this National Park! But, do not fear, once you arrive there you will find there are so many amazing things for you to do and see making it absolutely worth the effort to visit this National Park!

Get Your Copy of The Little Ginormous, Humongous, Hairy, One-Eyed Monster Boy's Adventures!

    

I have been writing about my picture book for children - The Little Ginormous, Humongous, Hairy, One-Eyed Monster Boy's Adventures!  and today want to let you know about the second story in this book - The Little Ginormous, Humongous, Hairy, One-Eyed Monster Boys & Their Not-So-Peculiar, Scary, or Terrifying Discovery! 

Summer Reading - Do NOT Open This Book!

  

I have reviewed this book before, but as I think about books my grands have loved which I am able to recommend for Summer Reading fun, this one is definitely a book I happily recommend! It was sent a few years ago for review from Scholastic - and today I am very happy to let you know about, Do NOT Open This Book!

Let's All Be People Who Live Lives of Compassion to ALL

I have shared in the past some interesting and wonderful things I learned about my great grandpa Badgerow. Today seems like a good time to share it again. He was orphaned the day before his 11th birthday, raised by his sisters, finished the 8th grade, and became a small business man - he had a grocery store/gas station in Sparta, Michigan.

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Thousand Islands National Park

When you think about visiting a National Park, you may think you have travel to an area far from where many people live to enjoy the park. While in some cases this is certainly true, when you think about planning a visit to Thousand Islands National Park in Ontario, you will find it is very possibly close to where you live!

Make Anytime Funtime with The Little Ginormous, Humongous, Hairy, One-Eyed Monster Boy's Adventures!

  

If you have young children in your life, then you know how important it is to read books to them - it sets them up for a lifetime of learning - and it is just fantastic to snuggle together and read a book together at bedtime - or anytime! I read many books to my children and most recently to my grands when they were little, and we enjoyed making up our own stories, too!