An Intended Meeting

Norma Gene Rambow introduced herself to me on February 9, 2016, during a presentation that I was giving at The Armed Forces Retirement Home, in Washington, D.C.  Norma is a resident of AFRH and she hails from Battlecreek, Michigan.  Norma asked if I would sign the copies of my books that she had chosen for her granddaughter who is an elementary school teacher.  As I began to dedicate my books to Norma's granddaughter, Norma quietly shared that I would dedicate "To Glenna."  I looked up at Norma Gene Rambow and paused.  She then shared with me that her granddaughter was named for her very own great grandmother, "Glenna," Norma's beloved mother.  From that moment, Norma and myself began to discuss education, writing, and a sundry of additional topics.

Reading Buddies

On April 13, 2016, I joined residents of The Armed Forces Home, in Washington, D.C. and the students of Creative Minds International Public Charter School, for an hour of lively discussion and reading their favorite books.  The bright and open space at the school where we sat at round tables to learn from one another was a delight. This relatively new "Reading Buddies Program" is a natural for the students of this International Charter School and their friends that live just footsteps from the school itself.

All For The Love Of Children And Reading

Being an Area Chairperson of four Alexandria City Schools for Reading Is Fundamental of Northern Virginia, gives me the opportunity to visit schools and observe children and their school community at their very best.  And, along the way I have met remarkable people.  Mildred Rivera is one of those individuals that certainly has her heart dedicated to children and she is a true advocate for literacy.  

Looking Ahead

More often than not, the months of January and February have been times of reflecting and regrouping for me.  I am grateful to view this time frame as such, because it provides a sense of personal growth and hopefully a clearer vision of what lies ahead.  

A Vietnamese Community Celebration

Music, laughter, delicious cuisine, and colorful costumes were everywhere at the 2016 Viet Nam New Year Festival held at Jeb Stuart High School, Falls Church, Virginia.  This colorful and festive event took place on February 6 & 7, 2016, from 8:00am-5:00pm and throughout the celebration during both days, the momentum was constant and the good will among those attending never faltered.

Most Grateful

Recently, while having a conversation with my son Ryan, I was encouraged to take some pauses - a little time during each and every day to reflect and be most grateful.  And within minutes of our conversation, Ryan sent to me some photos of his rescue dog, "Scooby."  Receiving the pictures of "Scooby" and knowing the life that "Scooby" had endured prior to being adopted / rescued by my son Ryan and his best girl, Stephanie, the pictures did indeed bring a smile to my heart and a pause to a very preoccupied mind.