Incorporating Art into Houston Kids' Lives

Enter the world of Claude Monet, Mary Cassatt and Vincent van Gogh at the upcoming MFAH Family Day Pleased to Meet You: The Artists of Impressionism. Listen to Opera in the Heights perform a special selection of Impressionist music in the gallery, sketch the paintings of masters and listen to a storybook in the gallery featuring Vincent van Gogh. Create an oil pastel landscape inspired by Monet and learn more about the characteristics of impressionism at the family-friendly gallery cart.


Don’t miss Storybook Films for the youngest ones at 1:30 p.m. featuring animated adaptations of the popular storybooks Art, Ish, and The Dot. The Reel Kids film series at 2:30 p.m. features a showing of the French classic slapstick comedy My Uncle starring Jacques Tati.

All activities take place in the MFAH permanent collection galleries.

When: MFAH Family Day takes place 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 3; Family Activities 1:00 – 4:00 p.m., Museum hours are 12:15 - 7:00 p.m.

Admission: Admission to the museum is $7 for adults and $3.50 for children and seniors. All Family Day activities are free with the price of general admission. Discounts available. For information on the ticketed exhibition Impressionist and Post-Impressionist Masterpieces from the National Gallery of Art, visit http://www.mfah.org/.

Where: Family activities will take place throughout the MFAH’s two buildings. The Caroline Wiess Law Building, 1001 Bissonnet Street, has free parking across the street. Call 713-639-7300 or visit www.mfah.org/planyourvisit for more information.

Activities: Beck Building Activities
Performance by Opera in the Heights
Second Floor, Gallery 214
2:00 p.m.

Listen to the beautiful sounds of impressionism at this in-gallery performance by Houston’s Opera in the Heights.

Sketching in the Galleries
Second Floor, Gallery 222
1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Pick up a pencil and sketch works of the impressionist era. An MFAH Teaching Artist is on hand with clipboards, paper and drawing materials at this informal program.

Lemonade Stand
Porte Cochere

Masters of Color: Gallery Cart for Families
Second Floor, Gallery 223
Explore the techniques Impressionist artists used to create their works on view in the gallery. An MFAH Educator is at the gallery cart with hands-on materials and activities to help you explore color, brushstroke, and more!

Storytime: Camille and the Sunflowers
Gallery 218
1:30 and 3:00 p.m.
An MFAH Educator reads this lovely storybook in the galleries. Meet Vincent van Gogh as he befriends a young boy in a French town. Then explore a work of art by van Gogh in the gallery with hands-on materials and looking activities.

Light, Color, Landscape!
Porte Cochere
Rain Locations: Lower Level, SW Bell Studio and Farish Classroom
1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
First, be inspired to create your own impressionistic landscape with oil pastels. Then be amazed as you see your work anew through a filter of color and light you build in the studio! MFAH Teaching Artists are on hand to get you started with materials in the Porte Cochere, just outside the Main Street entrance to the Beck Building.

Law Building Activities
Storybook Films: Art, The Dot, and Ish
Brown Auditorium Theatre
Law building - Lower Level
Free with General Museum Admission
1:30 p.m.
Meet the young artists of three celebrated storybooks who, like the Impressionist artists, let their creativity and imagination guide them. Families with young ones will enjoy these animated films, adapted from beloved children’s picture books.

Art
Art, a young boy, joyfully draws scribbles that squiggle, splotches with blotches, zigs and zags, doodles and dogs, and so much more! Based on the book by Patrick McDonnell, with narration and music by the versatile Bobby McFerrin (6 minutes).

The Dot
Vashti may not be able to draw, but she can at least make a dot. When she sees the dot framed above her art teacher’s desk she decides that she can make a better dot. Soon Vashti is making big dots and small dots, red dots, blue dots and purple dots (based on the book by Peter H. Reynolds, 8 minutes).
Ish
With a little encouragement from his sister, Ramon discovers that creativity is about a lot more than getting things just "right." (Based on the book by Peter H. Reynolds, 9 minutes).

Reel Kids Film: My Uncle (Mon Oncle)
Brown Auditorium Theatre
Law building - Lower Level
Free with General Museum Admission
2:30 p.m.
Slapstick prevails in this French film when Jacques Tati’s eccentric hero Monsieur Hulot is let loose in the ultramodern home of his brother-in-law, and in an antiseptic factory that manufactures plastic hose. Tati directs and stars in the second entry of the Hulot series, a delightful satire of mechanized living. (116 minutes)

Until the next nap time...

Cool Culture for Kids and Adults in Houston

I like to introduce various cultures to our family but it can be difficult at times to share these with a youngster. However, here is a clever way to explore some Hispanic culture and enjoy a break from the day.

The Artisan Jewelery Bazaar will be held on Tuesday, May 4 from 5 - 8 pm at Under the Volcano, located at 2349 Bissonnet. This is a sale of Colombian and Mexican artwork and artisan jewelry with part of the proceeds benefiting "The Vagina Monologues" and La Rosa Womens' Shelter. While I don't advise taking children to the bar, this event provides a short break for adults and then an opportunity to talk about how the art and jewelry were created and how the pieces reflect the Colombian and Mexican culture. My daughter would love the jewelry and I appreciate the lessons about different cultures.

Please RSVP so the facility can make the necessary arrangements.
Amira Gongora, Community Coordinator: (713) 551-3944
Oralia Acosta (832) 858-4260

Talento Bilingue de Houston

Until the next nap time...

Annual Free Child I.D. Kit Day Set for Sat., Aug. 8 at Community National Bank

Annual Free Child I.D. Kit Day Set for Sat., Aug. 8 at Community National Bank

Community National Bank (CNB) will sponsor its eighth annual “Free Child I.D. Kit Day” Saturday, August 8, 9 a.m. to noon, in the bank’s Bellaire Room, 5123 Bellaire Boulevard at South Rice. The bank, along with the Bellaire Police Department, Bellaire Lions Club and McGruff, the Crime Dog, will distribute the free child identification kits to area families as a community service.

"If you don't have a Child I.D. kit for your child, we encourage you to come get one on August 8. If you have a Child I.D. kit, we hope you will come update the photo, which should be done annually,” said Bellaire Police Department Community Resource Officer Tim Quimby. According to Community National Bank CEO Randy Dobbs, the bank has distributed hundreds of kits to help protect local children over the past seven years.

Geared to children from 2-1/2 years to early teens, Free Child I.D. Kit Day will include children's on-site instant photos and fingerprinting for their families' records. The bank will serve complimentary lemonade and donuts and distribute “goody bags” to the children.
Completed Child I.D. kits contain pertinent identification data such as names and contact information of the child's friends and family, blood type, allergy information and DNA hair sample, in a compact, comprehensive, confidential and convenient format.

Bellaire Police Department Officer Quimby notes that having a recent casual photograph of the child (as opposed to a posed portrait) is a major help to law enforcement in search efforts. He will be available to answer crime prevention questions.

The Bellaire Lions Club is a member of Lions International, the world's oldest and largest service club. Its mission is to empower volunteers to serve their communities, meet humanitarian needs, encourage peace and promote international understanding. The Bellaire Lions Club is a group of service-minded men and women who serve their community and their state by carrying out the organization’s mission. Service-minded individuals, who can spare an hour or two each month, are invited to join the Bellaire Lions Club. For more information, please contact Lion Morris Dante, 713-843-6323 or morwdan@sbcglobal.net.

Community National Bank, independently owned and operated, is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday; and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday. The drive-through bank, 5235 Bellaire Boulevard at Ferris St., is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to noon. The FDIC insures the deposits of Community National Bank, an equal opportunity lender.

For further information on Community National Bank's Child I.D. community service program, call (713) 664-4777.

Until the next nap time...

Free Art Workshop for Parents & Kids

Art League Houston and Target Present Dream the Future!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT:
JILL NEPOMNICK or LINDA PHENIX at 713-523-9530

Registration (required) by e-mail: jill@artleaguehouston.org or by phone at 713-523-9530

Dream the Future! A FREE Workshop for Parents and Children (ages 5 to 11) This workshop requires a parent to attend with their children, and there is a limit of four attendees per family.

Date and Time: Saturday, July 25, 2009; 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon (Please note that once instruction begins at 10:00 am, no latecomers can be admitted. Check-in is between 9:30 and 10:00 at which time a continental breakfast will be served.)

Location: The Art League Houston House located adjacent to Art League Houston. Please note that Art League Houston is located at 1953 Montrose Blvd., Houston, TX 77009. The ALH House is located at 1003 Bomar. Parking is available in the ALH parking lot. Participants are strongly advised NOT TO PARK in the Texas Art Supply parking lot.

The Dream the Future! workshop is part of Art League Houston's ArtBound! project, sponsored by Target. Artbound! workshops promote family literacy and encourage family interaction through the arts. They are taught by professional artists with activities that can be easily replicated at home.

About the Dream the Future Workshop: Art League Houston and Target are pleased to present Dream the Future!, an ArtBound! workshop led by artist and educator Angela Cook. The workshop is for parents and children (ages five to eleven) and will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2009, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon. The workshop is FREE, but due to limited space, reservations are required.

Artist/Educator Angela Cook will facilitate the workshop which will have families creating sculpture from everyday objects. All supplies will be provided. The sculptures created during the workshop can also serve as prototypes for things we will need in the future. This workshop is in conjunction with Detritus, an exhibition of paintings and sculptures, which will be on view at Art League Houston from July 17 to August 28, 2009. Painter Angela Berloian joins forces with Jessica Moon Bernstein, a sculptor who makes use of the detritus of others to create art.

Dream the Future! Workshop Schedule: 9:30 am to 10:00 am: registration, continental breakfast, an coloring activity 10 am - Noon: Art Workshop - Due to the nature of the workshop, once instruction begins at 10:00 am, no latecomers can be admitted.

Please note that Art League Houston maintains that creativity at its best takes time, therefore Artbound! workshops are designed to give families an experience that runs counter to fast-paced activities.

Until the next nap time...

Creating Bugs

Little K did NOT want to go to school today & I had a lighter load, so we played for a few hours this morning. We watched channel 8 TV and blew bubbles outside using the new bubble toys from PaPa Don & Grammy. Then, we got creative. We used old materials to create bugs. Little K stayed focused for almost an entire hour and unleashed her artistic side. (See our creations at left. Mine is the purple bug on the far left, while Little K's is the big eyed one.) It was too fun.

It made me remember how easy entertaining a little one can be. Now I just have to figure out what to do on Monday since it's the MLK Holiday.

Tomorrow, I'll be presenting tips from my book at the Barnes & Noble on Hwy. 6 North. Then, I'm heading to a meeting and back to the office. However, at some point, I'll post photos from our trip this afternoon to the Lee & Joe Jamail Skatepark and the Police Memorial. It was cool.

Until the next nap time...

Pumpkin Patch

When I think of fall, pumpkins always come to my mind. That's why we headed to Dewberry Farm three years ago to pick out a pumpkin from an actual pumpkin patch. Ever since, we've made Dewberry Farm an annual favorite.

They've added quite a bit of activities since last year, from a new fort to climb to the people-size gerbil running wheels that will give the adults a real workout. We should have allowed more time but we only had about two hours. We arrived around 7 pm since we wanted to see the 350 jackolanterns carved with themes from the NFL to Disney and Hollywood. Tip: Bring a flashlight so you can better navigate the half-mile jackolantern tour and be ready for a long line. Bring plenty of cash since the admission price does not include everything within the farm.

All in all, we really loved the trip again. This year, Little K said her favorite was the swing. It's an old horse walker that has bags of sand (or something similar) hanging from them. Kids can grab hold of the sand bags and whirl around the circle. (See Little K at left.) Just hang on tight. I loved the hayride but I do love cuddling. Hope you and your families can make time for this special treat.

Until the next nap time...

Where to Go When You Have No Power

With no power at our house, we continue the wait for power from my parents' home. At least they have a generator. We've spent more time than I care to admit in front of the TV, watching "The Jungle Book". However, we've ventured out for a few fun trips.

PaPa treated all of us to ice cream the other night after dinner. What a welcome treat that cold dessert was. My butter-pecan ice cream brought back memories of my Grandfather taking us out for ice cream after dinner at the cafeteria years ago. Butter-pecan was Grandfather's favorite flavor.

On Sunday, after checking out our own house and trying to nap there in the afternoon heat, we gave up. With no circulation, it was not worth the attempt. Our house was built in the 1930s and the windows have been nailed and painted shut. There's NO circulation. Trent, Little K and I ventured to Memorial City Mall for a ride on the carousel. For $1 per ride, it's one of the simplest ways to please a child and stay cool. I love all the colors and lights.

If you have any fun ways to stay cool while CenterPoint (& others) restore power in Houston, add your comments to this blog for others to see and try. Thanks!

Until the next nap time...

Fun-Filled Day

We had a Mommy & Little K Day on Friday. I can't believe how much I enjoyed it.

First up: a trip to the dentist. It was Little K's first dentist appointment so she was a bit hesitant. The hygenist Miss Lynnda was super about explaining everything and even letting Little K sit upright in the chair. Of course, the treat bag full of toys was helpful, too. I had not prepared myself for my daughter's intrigue. After her cleaning, it was my turn, making it a challenge to supervise a 3 year old while getting my own teeth cleaned. Little K found the tools amazing. After Miss Lynnda skirted the window with the water tool, Little K was investigating everything. Unfortunately, I didn't get a photo of Miss Lynnda AND Little K cleaning my teeth, drowning me in water & flossing my teeth. That photo would have been priceless.

Tip for next time: bring a toy that will keep Little K engaged for awhile.

After that we went to breakfast at Le Peep with Grand, my mom. It was yummy and great for kids.

We went home and did our artwork. I bought finger paints with little sponges for designing, plus some butcher paper to lay on the driveway. Together, we created two banners that now hang on the fence by our driveway. Little K loved painting her hands & feet so she could do handprints & footprints on the paper . She sang with glee and I realized how much I had missed just hanging out with her.

After school & weekend activities just aren't enough for me. it filled my heart to spend that quality one on one time with her. I realized how BUSY I've become over the last year and how much I've missed with my daughter. Not to be too hard on myself, we do a lot of stuff together after school & on weekends. But I was carefully reminded on Friday that this time passes too quickly. I'm determined to make more of these moments.

Until the next nap time...

Last Thursday night, Trent & Little K has special Daddy time while I went to "A Celebration of Reading," benefiting the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy and the Barbara Bush Texas Fund. When I offered to help my mom set up for this event, she misunderstood my intentions and got me a ticket to the event. Cool, right? Well, I'd rather stay home in the evenings to spend time with my daughter and husband but I went any ways.

It was amazing. We gathered in the Hobby Center and were seated. Former President George W. H. Bush and Barbara Bush welcomed everyone and introduced the first author, who would read a 10-minute excerpt from his book. Low & behold, in walked Former President Bill Clinton. Wow! He read from his book "Giving" and then announced that some members of the audience would receive a complimentary copy of his book (including moi). All politics aside, this was pretty impressive.

We then heard from a woman who said she had graduated from college without knowing how to read by faking it and cheating. She struggled to find work and said it was especially difficult to find the right products at the grocery because she couldn't read the labels on meat. Finally, she went to the Reading Commission and began to learn to read. Programs like the ones being sponsored at "A Celebration of Reading" helped this woman learn to read. Her goal: to read a book to her second grader's class. She was on her way.

Next we heard 10-15 minute readings from the following:

• Jim Nantz: journalist for CBS Sports and author of Always By My Side
• Immaculee Ilibagiza: survivor of the 1994 Rwandan genocide and author of Left to Tell
• Amy Grant - contemporary Christian artist and author of Mosaic: Pieces of My Life So Far
• Jill Conner Browne - author of the Sweet Potato Queens series

This is a photo of the stage, including a custom made book case that was designed and underwritten by the interior design firm where my mom works. The stage set was then donated to Ronald McDonald House Houston to help youngsters nurture their love for reading. Super cool.
I don't think anyone in the audience left the event without feeling inspired. Just in case we needed a boost, a light dinner and discussion followed.
Now I have a long list of books to read and plenty of inspiration to do good for others. Reading 20 minutes per day with my daughter is my first step.
Until the next nap time...

Is Spring Here to Stay?

I just received a copy of my article on fun things to do with kids this spring... including Spring Break. The article ran in the March 2008 issue of The Buzz magazine. Be sure to check it out so you know loads of spring activities.

Also, I'd like to extend a warm thank you to the MOPS group at Second Baptist (main campus) for welcoming me to its meeting last night. My book 100+ Activities for Houston Kids & I received such a warm welcome that I ran out of books at the event last night. Wow! I just finished delivering the additional orders this afternoon & hope everyone finds the information helpful for their families. With sunny weather like today, it's hard to imagine that just yesterday it was stormy. Perhaps spring is here to stay.

Until the next nap time...

Ranch Hand

We all got some much needed rest at our family ranch this weekend. Saturday was a bit windy & chilly, but the sky was cloudless so it was hard to resist being outside. While Little K played with my mom and sister, Trent & I shot skeet. It was my first time but a highlight of my weekend.

Little K found lots of cool rocks and looked for critters. What a ranch hand she is! After playing on the playground and cruising around in the golf cart, we went to Martha's Bloomers to find a blackberry tree. As you can see, Little K discovered a beautiful butterfly (decoration) and we picked up 2 thornless blackberry trees and 2 tomato plants. We love our trips to Martha's Bloomers for their wonderful garden ideas.

When our Houston ground soaks up all this rain, our family is going to plant these in a sunny spot in our back yard. I think Little K will really enjoy watching the plants grow. PaPa Don will be proud that we're at last trying again to grow a garden. (In 2004, the local squirrels ate my tomato plant while I was in Australia. It looked like my husband took the weed-wacker to it, but he promises it was the squirrels. I'm hoping that our vast array of outside kitties will prevent the squirrels from snacking on our plants.) We'll keep you posted.

Until the next nap time...

Artist of the Sky

Earlier today, I was thinking about our holidays and remembered the cutest thing that Little K said. We were on our way to Galveston to visit my in-laws. It had been a long day and nearing dinner time. From the back seat, my husband & I could hear Little K starting to whine. She was tired of being in her car seat and needed a distraction.

My mind raced to find some diversion. We started looking out the window at the clouds. It was nearing sunset and the clouds shimmered in pinks, oranges and purples. I was amazed at the beauty as Little K carefully described the sight. She grew quiet momentarily and then asked, "Who painted the sky?"

Trent & I looked at each other & smiled. It was such a cute thought.

"Who do you think painted the sky," I asked. "Who made it?"

Little K concluded that God painted it and my head must have grown a number of feet wider. (Well, at least I'm honest.) But I also felt so lucky at that moment. That my daughter had noticed nature's beauty right in front of us all. It's a great reminder to me.

Until the next nap time...

Fun Links for Moms

Here's a link to a hillarious performance by a mom singing her own rendition of the William Tell Overture, including the numerous expressions of moms in a day. It cracks me up.
http://wayne.harlows.us/video/Moms_William_Tell_Overture.wmv

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I want to share a clever site to help remind you of self examines. The site borrows credible information from the Susan G. Komen Foundation & delivers the info in a fun way.

Until the next nap time...

Fall Fun in Houston's October

Fall is coming. I'm reminded every time I look at all the leaves in my pool. If you'd rather have fun than help clean out my pool, there are loads of fun things happening in Houston this October.
Cornelius Nurseries Fall Harvest Festival will be held Saturday, October 6 and is an enjoyable way to pick up some fall décor for your house and yard, while your youngsters decorate their very own pumpkins. This low-stress activity is perfect as a come and go event, encouraging people to get in the mood for fall. Bring your camera for plenty of photo opportunities with scarecrows, pumpkins and haystacks. Little K loved it last year & so did her parents.

If you like speed and strength, get ready for the Wings Over Houston Airshow, October 6-7 at Ellington Field. Flight enthusiasts revel in the daredevil acts and military prowess on display here. Welcome the Canadian Forces Snowbirds as they delight audiences with their seven- and nine-plane close formations, tight turns and head-on passes. Hold your breath as the Air National Guard F-16s haul it above your head with extreme force. From skydivers to World War II fighting planes, this show provides an amazing history lesson in a thrilling environment.

Dewberry Farm in Brookshire has an amazing 12-acre pumpkin patch so your little helpers can pick out their own pumpkins. Then tackle the huge slides, hay stacks and more. A new feature this year is the Pumpkin Light Parade. This nighttime hayride through Halloween Hollow will thrill both kids and adults as popular cartoon characters, movie stars and other critters come to life in a spectacular display of more than 300 carved pumpkins. Mark your calendar for a Saturday night at Dewberry Farm.

If it's still too hot for you outside, here's another option. Starting in October, the Health Museum welcomes Sesame Street Presents: The Body, a kid-friendly way to explore how the body works. Tackle fitness with Grover’s obstacle course or irritate a giant nose to see how a sneeze occurs. This traveling exhibit combines music, dance, physical adventures and more to teach how people’s (and lovable Sesame Street characters’) bodies work. Before the holidays are upon us, learn how to keep your body healthy at this hands-on exhibition. Check out the traveling exhibitions section of the Web site at http://www.mhms.org/.

Until the next nap time...

Stop & Smell the Roses & Appreciate Family

So how many people does it take before the hard head relaxes? No, this is not an Aggie joke (although I know a few if you're interested.)

Yet again today, my orthopedic surgeon advised me to SLOW DOWN & in fact recommended that I take a short nap EVERY DAY. After I got back up from the floor in hysterics, I asked if he took a nap daily. "No, but I'm not as hard on myself as you are & I'm 61, not 32," he responded. Ouch! I'm working on it... really.

Even better is the Daddy Diary blog today that talks about over-booking our kids in one camp after another. Where is the balance between too much activity & lazy kids? Read the dad's blog for his complete thoughts, but he's not alone in thinking that it's okay to have some lazy summer days, curled up with your kids. Little K can make up a game of "Go night night, Grand" in about 5 seconds. Kids' imaginations will only grow when allowed the time & space.

So my new project -- wait, this is not work-related... it's a good wholesome vision for my life-- is to enjoy a balanced life with family & friends in a healthy, Christian way. I'm enthusiastic about this new approach & hope it's long lasting. Perhaps if I can quit over-booking myself, I won't do it to Little K or The Hubbie. What a loving mom I am!

Until the next nap time...

Will You Wiggle?

Get ready to wiggle because Toyota Center is proud to welcome The Wiggles to Houston for 2 shows on Sunday, August 26th! Sam, Murray, Jeff, and Anthony will be joined by their friends Dorothy the Dinosaur, Wags the Dog, Henry the Octopus, and Captain Feathersword as they make children sing, laugh, and dance during their all-new Racing to the Rainbow Live tour! Need more information about The Wiggles to determine if this is right for your family? Check out http://www.thewiggles.com/us/home/.

Date: Sunday, August 26th
Time: 1:30 pm & 5 pm
Ticket Prices: $35, $28, $23, and $18
Buy tickets by phne at 1-866-4HOUTIX or online at http://www.toyotacentertix.com/.

Until the next nap time...

Another Blueberry Farm to Try

Looking for blueberries to pick in a family-friendly environment? An old high school friend emailed me to recommend Chmielewski's Blueberry Farm in Hockley. My friend said that it's not too far from the west side of Houston & her son really enjoyed it. How about a healthy snack of blueberries?

Until the next nap time...

Indoor Houston Activities Invite Imagination

I've been worried that it's going to rain all day but nothing yet. I clearly remember the weather forecast calling for a 40% chance of rain today. Little K will be home with me tomorrow so the raindrops will likely come then. Thank goodness we have MOPS in the morning to keep both of our minds active.

If you're looking for a fun indoor activity when it's raining or just too hot (those days aren't far away!), take a trip to Memorial City Mall. Little K loves the Carousel. I love comparing this photo with last year's photo. It's amazing to see how fast our children grow up. After a $1 ride on the Carousel, grab a bite to eat in the nearby Food Court. Then, wander through the mall until you come to the Milky Way Playcastle. There is a height restriction of 48" tall to enter so this is best for young kids. Burn off some energy while you & your child climb through the fantasy world of mushrooms, nets and slides.

If your child is older and an aspiring author, bring him/her to Brazos Bookstore on Tuesday, March 27 at 7 pm, when the store celebrates the arrival of author & former Houstonian Laura Moser. Moser is the co-author of the book series including The Rise and Fall of a 10th Grade Social Climber, All Q, No A: More Tales of a 10th-Grade Social Climber, and Foreign Exposure: The Social Climber Abroad -- the latter of which Moser & co-author Lauren Mechling will be showcasing Tuesday night. Encourage your preteens and teens to meet these authors in the flesh and learn how to pursue a writing career. See the Teenreads.com interview with these authors to determine if this is a good fit for your young writer. It's motivating to hear from young women like these who have turned a passion for writing, exciting travels and fun into a profession. I don't think the kids will be the only ones to learn from these authors. Hope to see you there.

Brazos Bookstore also has a young children's reading area and hopes to begin a parent & child story time. More updates to come.

So now you have at least a few options to spark your imagination whether it rains tomorrow or not. Until the next nap time...