Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Vuntut National Park

I have been surprised by how Canada has quite a few National Parks which are "remote" to say the least. I suppose considering how a large portion of Canada is in the "far North" I should not be surprised by this. Perhaps a more accurate way to say this would be to say I am so impressed by how Canada is choosing to preserve remote places - whether lots of people will travel there or not! Apparently in Canada National Parks are not just places for lots of people to spend their vacations, they are places of incredible beauty worth preserving and protecting - Vuntut National Park is one such place for sure!

Tomorrow is Canada Day!

Since I have recently learned I am able to become a Canadian citizen because my ancestors were Canadians (Canada Bill C-3 - look it up - you too could be a Canadian!), this year I'm celebrating Canada Day! What is Canada Day, you ask? Well, Canada Day unites the nation of Canada every July 1, commemorating the anniversary of the Constitution Act of 1867. This pivotal act consolidated three territories into the single nation of Canada. 

grandma's cookbook - Chocolate-Dipped Sparkly Pretzels for the 4th!

The Fourth of July is just four days away, so if you are looking for a really simple activity which yields a fun and  celebratory snack, take a look at this idea I found on Pinterest for Chocolate-dipped, sparkly pretzels!

More Dr. Seuss Quotes!

 

Most days through the month of March I shared a Dr. Seuss quote . . . he said some really excellent things; things worth thinking about for sure! Today I thought I'd simply share a few which stand out to me. So . . . my Dr. Seuss quotes for today are . . .

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!