Sunday, September 7, 2014

BE better

 wildlife carousel in Minnesota—a fish and a duck showIn the same time and with the same energy one might think "I plan to do better," or "I intend to be better in the future," one could *be* better right then, right there.

No planning or intentions are necessary to be better, in this moment, than one might otherwise have been. Each decision to make a better choice in thought, word or deed is what "better" is made of.
SandraDodd.com/being
photo by Sandra Dodd

Saturday, September 6, 2014

Sculpters of what's around them

"People who go to school are more able to take orders and be tougher. Homeschoolers are like masters, sculpters of what's around them."
—Kramer Wyllyamz (10)


SandraDodd.com/playing
photo by Phoebe Wyllyamz

Friday, September 5, 2014

Helping parents be awesome

photos are links

From a note that came in today from the mom of a toddler:

"Reading your book helped me make my relationship to my husband so much better. I only read the book a week ago and I already see a difference for the three of us. Our daughter is also so much happier because we are."
—Elaine Santana

and

"Sandra, I have been reading your Big Book of Unschooling and my 11 year old son started to read over my shoulder. He wanted to read more and took it away. When his 8 year old brother asked him what he was reading he replied 'It's this book that helps parents to be awesome.' That just about sums it up! Thank you xxx"
—Nicola Wright

Other feedback on the book is here: SandraDodd.com/bigbook
Cover art by Holly Dodd (black lines by Sandra)
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New cover, 10th anniversary edition:



2019; Forever Curious Press

Thursday, September 4, 2014

Door stuff

Joyce Fetteroll wrote:

A computer, a hand held game, an iPod are doors that lead to a vast world of experiences. Just as your front door leads to a vast world of many different things you can do. Would you refer to all the things your family does by going through your front door—walks, shopping, visiting friends. mowing the lawn, vacations—as "door stuff"?

Stop looking at the door. See the richness that exists beyond the door.

—Joyce Fetteroll




SandraDodd.com/screentime.html
photo by Sandra Dodd
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Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Just life

Kirby bellydancing with Michael's mom


When Kirby was 13 he was asked whether he liked homeschooling better than school. Most 13 year olds asked a question by an adult will look down and mumble "It's okay," or "I like it." Kirby made eye contact and said "I've never been to school. I have no basis for comparison."

So with no basis for comparison, my kids have just life.

(writing from 2004; can't find to link)

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Fourth Birthday of Just Add Light and Stir

Thank you for looking, for reading, for thinking.

Thank you for being a conduit for peaceful ideas.
SandraDodd.com/peace
photo by Sandra Dodd

Monday, September 1, 2014

Shared lives

Parental encouragement, smiles, acceptance and support are what turn plain or unsettled life into magical and transformed shared lives.
colorful churro stand at a flea market
How Unschooling Changes People
photo by Sandra Dodd