by Marlene Bumgarner | Oct 11, 2016 | Aging, Child development, Community, Family, Good Reads, Grandparenting
A Different Way to Check out Books One long hot day last summer Bean and I were tired of being inside the house and decided to go for a walk. I regretted our decision as soon as the hot moist heat hit my face, but Bean was scootering happily down the street so I...
by Marlene Bumgarner | Mar 28, 2016 | Child development, Family, Good Reads, Grandparenting
I love spring, and the spiritual renewal it brings. I love the flowers blooming all around me: crocuses, daffodils and freesias popping out of the ground; magnolia, apple and cherry blossoms in the trees. I also love our family holiday traditions, especially the ones...
by Marlene Bumgarner | Dec 28, 2015 | Family, Good Reads, Grandparenting
The Gift of Poetry My almost-five-year-old granddaughter distributed our gifts on Christmas morning. “This one’s really heavy, Grandma,” she announced as she placed a large colored bag beside me on the couch. “I think you should open it...
by Marlene Bumgarner | Nov 2, 2015 | Family, Good Reads, Grandparenting, Health, Nature
Last week I introduced Richard Louv’s concept of nature deficit disorder, and his theory that helping children develop a connection with nature may prevent a variety of health and behavioral issues Ever since, I’ve been thinking about those three butterfly...