WiFi Anyone? Nature Girl in Training
So many times, I hear people talk about the “wonders” of the Great Outdoors and the magical sounds of nature. They rave about the healing effects of fresh air, the natural aroma of campfires and the sweet, soothing sounds of crickets chirping at night.
While I appreciate the beautiful lands, trees and waters that we are blessed to have, I’ve never been a nature-type girl. The thought of sleeping on the wet ground, fighting off nature’s creatures and cooking (yes cooking … ugh) over a campfire, makes me itchy and hungry.
With that said, it doesn’t mean I haven’t tried. I’ve tried and I’ve failed miserably. Read more »
Metro East Libraries Brace for Massive Cuts
Published in the 6/6/10 issue of the Suburban Journals/Collinsville Herald
Metro East Libraries Brace for Massive Cuts
Library System Lays off Staff, Slices Services
Evaporated state funding is claiming another victim: Libraries.
The Lewis and Clark Library System, which links nearly every library book in the Metro East, on July 1 will no longer offer nonessential services to members – meaning the continuing education, legal advice and advocacy provided since the 1960s will end. Six positions will also be chopped. Read more »
Collinsville’s ‘Worker Bee’ Recognized
Published in the 5/27/10 issue of the Suburban Journals/Collinsville Herald
Collinsville’s ‘worker bee’ recognized
‘It’s my way to give back,” she says
Lois Metzger was a Collinsville High School Kahok cheerleader in 1955. Since then, she has been cheering for her hometown as an avid volunteer, booster and supporter.
Metzger, 73, was recently recognized by the Collinsville Junior Service Club for 50 years of active membership in the organization. “It’s a way to give back and make people aware that Collinsville is a good place to live,” Metzger said. Read more »
Set Up Camp In Your Own Backyard
Published June 2010: ParentUSAcity.com
Set Up Camp In Your Own Backyard in Nationwide Event 6/26
Article Overview:
Looking to spend some quality time with your family? Join thousands of families heading to their own backyards to experience the great outdoors as part of the national Great American Backyard Campout Event this Saturday, June 26.
Sing campfire songs, tell stories, and create indelible memories! Read more »
‘Do What You Love’ to Stand Out at College Admissions
Published June 2010: ParentUSAcity.com
‘Do What You Love’ to Stand Out at College Admissions
Article Overview:
“There’s a new buzzword in college admissions that should guide your summer plans – the word is ‘authenticity,’” one expert told us. “Do what you love,” said another.
Summer is the perfect time for teens to reevaluate their extracurricular activities. For college hopefuls, quality beats quantity. Read more »
Productivity: One Wet Dog at a Time
For the past few days, I’ve had the house to myself. It sounds like a wonderful thing – time to complete all of those tasks that I’ve been putting off, time to sit back, relax and catch up on TV shows, and time to do all of those things I’ve wanted to do, yet I’ve been too busy to accomplish.
Wrong. It is a horrible thing, especially for productivity.
Instead of vegging out on the couch, completing home projects and freelance gigs and washing the dog who has smelled up the entire house, I have been a miserable wreck of ADD-stricken angst. Read more »
How Writing is Like Dancing
I’ve never been much of a dancer. Besides a few wedding receptions, 20-something bachelorette parties and a teen party in the past, I don’t usually show off my dancing moves for all to see. That doesn’t mean that I don’t try to pop, lock and drop it for the sake of embarrassing my kids, but I’m not an expert by any means.
My daughter, though, is an avid dancer and has performed in recitals for the past five years. I sit in awe each recital weekend, amazed at the determination these dancers have and the grace they exhibit with each number.
When I watch my daughter dance with her peers, I’m reminded of how dancing is such a beautiful art of expression – just like writing. Read more »
About Me
Three words to describe me? Passionate. Motivated. Curious. These traits help me as a college media adviser and instructor, freelance writer, and mom. This site, focused on writing, reflecting, and teaching, strives to tell the stories of the “average” person. From student journalism and higher education to parenting and freelance writing, you’ll find a mix of blogs with a hint of humor, sarcasm, and inspiration.
Feel free to browse my sample works including feature news, magazine, and web copywriting pieces from the past and present. Check back often for daily updates, blog entries, and additional stories. Feel free to contact me directly at shphilpott@gmail.com or follow me on Twitter. Comments are welcome!
