I love being a citizen scientist. I participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count. I submit eBird checklists!

I signed up to learn how to count pollinators for Project BeeWatch, but my schedule didn’t work for the training.

Last week I started a new citizen science project: Firefly Count. It’s so simple. On lovely summer nights I sit in my backyard and count firefly flashes. I never knew there were so many species of fireflies! Learn more about how to join Firefly Count from Massachusetts Audubon! 

I’m doing some research for a story. My story involves baking. I’ve had some delicious success with pizzelles.

I’ve had some terrible failure with bagels.

It’s ok. I’m not that upset about the bagels. Because sometimes things in our stories work, and sometimes they don’t. But we learn every time!

One of the best ways to learn how to do something like writing or art is to copy very good versions of said thing. That’s the goal of Pictures and Words OnlineOnline Summer Story Camps 2020 camp. We’re learning how to tell great stories using pictures and words!

Every winter, I work with students at a local elementary school in an after school writing club. For six weeks we meet, discuss writing, share ideas, learn how to critique, and work towards a finished version of a two page short story. Then I gather up the stories and publish them in a book.

(“It’s not hardcover?” asked one third grader last year. No, sorry.)

This activity is a great way for me to share my love of writing and provide a way for young creatives to gain a sense of accomplishment. Parents always thank me for offering the club. But really, I get so much out of it, I owe them my gratitude.