Today, I realized I am a grown up. It’s not because I have a mortgage or a few stray gray hairs poking out. It’s not because my knees pop when I get out of bed or because I use clichés that people under 20 do not understand. I realized I was a grownup when I told my kids a story about “when I was a kid” and they both rolled their eyes, just like I did when I was younger. When I was a kid, I couldn’t stand it when those “wise” adults u sed to preach to me about what kids should do. Kids should be kids – how much more vague does that get?
Blog/Sample Work
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 the rest at http://www.shannonphilpott.com
Metro East Libraries Brace for Massive Cuts
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.
Collinsville’s ‘Worker Bee’ Recognized
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.
Set Up Camp In Your Own Backyard
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 the full story at http://www.shannonphilpott.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.
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. Read the rest at http://www.shannonphilpott.com
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, 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.
I’m a Scaredy Cat Writer
It may sound incredibly ironic for me to admit, as a teacher of writing and an active freelance writer, that I am deathly afraid of writing. With every project I begin, fear consumes me and I initially panic. I doubt myself and sadly, procrastinate. And then, I breathe and realize that I’m human.
Inspiring Summer Reading Program
When I was younger, I loved to read – everything from each book in the Sweet Valley High series to magazines and newspapers. This love of reading inspired my love of writing. I would read books and articles and try to mimic the style, the action and the flow that engaged me for hours on end. Over the years, time has not been kind to my love of reading. Between preparing for my classes, running kids to soccer games and dance lessons and maintaining somewhat of a clean house, the hours turned to minutes (and often these minutes consisted of keeping up with my RSS feeds on my mobile phone). My children, though, have found the time to read and they read hours on end, especially when the cable is out or their Nintendo DS games need to be charged. [More...] Since my schedule allows me to spend the summers at home (for the most part), I’ve always wanted to launch a summer reading program with them. My initial idea was to make it a game or a contest, with prizes for thousand and million word readers. But, ultimately, I’ve been hesitant because I don’t want reading to become a chore, like homework … This summer, though, they launched it for me. In fact, my daughter was most inspired on the last day of her parish school religion class last week. Our parish priest challenged each child to read a gospel from the Bible before the fall semester. She pushed aside her Babysitter’s Club books and the Twilight series and cracked open the big book. Each day, I have been inspired watching my daughter pick up her Bible and read a few passages, eager to accomplish this goal. I was touched that she was taking her faith seriously and inspired that she was seeking information to guide her on a daily basis. As we were sitting outside today, soaking up some sun – my daughter with her Bible and hand and me on my MacBook – I leaned over and asked her which gospel she chose to read. She smiled, giggled a little, and said, “Mark. Father Joe told me it was the shortest.” I may have jumped the gun with my awe of her dedication, but I’m still quite inspired by her clever thinking. Happy Summer Reading! - Shannon Philpott Blog Entry: May 28, 2010 © Shannon Philpott, 2010. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Shannon Philpott and shannonphilpott.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Shannon Philpott-Sanders 