“Books are like old friends that you can confide in.” -DJ Mermaid I have two favorite books that are all time American Classics and are a pleasure to read. They are Charlotte’s Web and To Kill a Mockingbird. Here’s a sneak-peek into why I like these great books. Charlotte’s Web: “I dare say my trick […]

During Oscars week this year I asked the seniors in the memoir-writing classes I lead to choose a title of one of the films nominated for best picture and use it as the topic for their next essay. The Big Short: Know any short people with big personalities? Any stories about investments? Short circuits? Brooklyn: […]

In my meeting with DJ Mermaid this week we talked (among other things) about expressing our honest feelings in our personal stories, and the importance of using strong verbs to express ourselves. DJ Mermaid is a very fast learner, and you’ll see an example of this in today’s post #3. IN her original draft she said […]

I’ve been visiting elementary schools with my Seeing Eye dogs more than 25 years now, so it’d be reasonable to think I’ve heard every single question a kid would dream up when it comes to blindness or guide dogs. Jackie Petrozzi But hey, who ever accused kids of being reasonable? Last Friday afternoon my Seeing Eye […]

Our friends Jim and Kathy Zartman invited Mike and me to a pretty cool event tonight. We’re going to a gala that benefits the Chicago School of Violin Making, and it sure sounds like my kind of party: Starts early – 6:30 p.m. Begins with a sampling of three to four wines Promises ”substantial”  Hors […]