BottomlessBookBag

Sugar In Milk

  Picture books, as a form of publication, are usually written for young readers, even nonreaders. But, there are many "picture books" with higher vocabulary and abstract ideas that would need an adult to explain to a young child. Grandma’s Gift, written and illustrated by Eric Velasquez is one such picture book. Assigned to the genre biography/memoir, the story is the realistic event described by a young boy whose family lives in Spanish Harlem, New York City. Sometimes referred to as El Barrio , this culturally rich community is Spanish speaking and African American in heritage. Receiving the Pura Belpre Award , some would call the story a memoir written by young Velasquez.  The story is set during the Christmas holidays. Young Eric will stay with his grandmother while his parents are working. “Grandma” is a perfect example of a loving, wise grandparent. She and her grandson remind me of Latino children I tutor. Their English language is excellent but ofte...

  The Skinny Cows and the Fat Cows Carol A. Brown  W hen I was about 10 years old, I would spend several weeks each summer on my grandmother’s farm. I remember telling her, “When I grow up, I want to be a farmer, or maybe a farmer’s wife. Grandmother surprised me with a reply, “Well it’s very hard work. I’m not sure you would really like it.” Then she picked up her milk pail and trudged back to the house. Grandmother milked their cow twice each day, 7 days each week, 365 days a year. This was her routine until her sons were able to pitch in with chores. She also worked her garden in season, kept house and cared for her children. Both she and Granddad worked hard at the textile mill in town along with running a farm. Even during the dark days of the Depression era, my grandparents kept their family well fed, safe, and protected on the farm. The family always had a cow, or as they called her, the milk cow. The cows were Jersey breed with rusty red coat, ...

  In 2008, I traveled to Brazil with the North Carolina Baptist Singers.  It was one of those once in a lifetime adventures. Although sang in many churches and schools, one my favorite memories was conversations with children at their schools. We had a great time trying to understand each other in broken English and very limited Portuguese. Read more about out wonderful trip to Brasil.

I was looking through my personal diary/journal written December 2020. I don't think I realized at the time how lonesome and scary was our community during Christmas time a year ago. Although we still face many frightening events occurring December 2021, we can trust the promises of God. We are looking at the Advent of Christ's birth which has already occurred. Today we wait for the Advent of Christ's second coming to earth. On that day, we will no longer see in a mirror darkly.  This beautiful devotional magazine will help keep your thoughts focused on the Advent Season. Refresh is published by Lighthouse Bible Studies. 

  Photo by Carol Brown. Crystal Coast beaches North Carolina. No matter if we are making a call or receiving a call, it is helpful to know ways to make the most of the conversation. There was a time, when we communicated through letter writing. Then the telephone rescued families from isolation. In 2021 we can connect with both voice and vision and be able to see and hear others. See this article in how to make the most of every visit.  Three Keys to Connect in a Stay at Home World. published by Christian Broadcasting Network Spiritual Life.  

  An Easter Story for Children—and Adults By Carol A Brown   When working with young children who have little or no understanding of death and resurrection of Christ, it is best to use concrete examples showing how new life actually happens.     I tutor young school children in an afterschool program sponsored by my church. Children come from many different cultures, races, and backgrounds. The one thing in common is their interest and curiosity about the life and times of people from the Bible. Children usually relate well to David and his victory over Goliath, Adam and Eve creation story, and the birth of baby Jesus (though most of the time there is confusion about whether or not Santa Claus was at the manger scene).   The most challenging story is the Easter Story. Explanations of death and burial can be daunting. Even with the death of a relative most children have not experienced the trauma of a funeral and the viewing of de...