001.jpgI often tell students I meet how I get good story ideas when I'm out for a run. Well, I'm just back from today's run and though I didn't get any story ideas... I was thinking about the connection between being a mom and a writer and a teacher. This may sound weird, but I decided it has somethingto do with love. I don't generally talk much about my family in my blog entries, though you may know that I have a grown daughter Alicia (named after Alice in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland)... Alicia moved to New York for work last August, and I do miss her so much it sometimes hurts. But you know what? Writing and teaching and getting to meet young people helps A LOT.

Miss Wendy at Orchard Elementary just sent me this picture she took yesterday during my visit to her school. Look at those sweet shining faces of the kids I got to meet .... irresistible, no? I hope the kids at Orchard got something out of my talk. I definitely got something out of the visit. They helped fill my heart. Just like my students do, and just like working on stories does! Wishing you all a peaceful, happy long weekend -- and a full heart.