Big Ideas (in the Ordinary) I’ve noticed that often when we try to write, we get stuck because we think we need to write about “big” subjects. So we sit and chew on our pencil and stare into space and decide our lives just aren’t exciting enough for Art with a capital A. It’s really […]
Category Archives: Especially for Kids
Hindsight Parenting: Loving During Hard Times
I Am On Your Side Mother’s Day has come and gone and I of course have been reflective. Yes. I have been thinking. I have been thinking about those mommies from Newtown. I have been thinking of mommies of those injured or killed in the Boston bombings. I have been thinking of moms who are […]
Oak & Acorn: Forage, Farm and Feast with the Family
Tasting the Evergreens Life in Western MA has its many pleasures. So many times I feel really lucky to live where I do and to be surrounded by so much beauty. The mountains, the rivers, the farmland, the flora and the fauna are just some of the things I appreciate. I live in the Pioneer […]
DIY: Social Platform for Kids Aims to Build Confidence in Creativity
Do-It-Yourself! Kids of all ages love to explore and be creative – everything from duct tape to cardboard boxes can inspire creativity and the desire to develop and hone new skills. By experimenting with materials, kids can learn new artistic techniques, practice designing and problem solving, and learn STEM skills that will stick with them. […]
For Over 250 Years, Porter-Phelps-Huntington Museum Brings Culture & More to the Pioneer Valley
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Museum Opens for 2013 Season The Porter-Phelps-Huntington Museum, an historic house museum dating to 1752 in Hadley, MA opens today (Wednesday, May 15) for its 64th season, and will continue their summer music engagement series, Wednesday Folk Traditions and A Perfect Spot of Tea this summer. Known as Forty Acres, the museum is an […]
Let’s Play: Simple Games & Storytelling
Simple Games We recently attended literacy night at our school. My little one enjoys any and all extra free time with friends on school grounds. Whatever the activity, she loves to go. She asks to go to PTO meetings. It means time being silly in school running about and connecting with friends from other grades. […]
Plainfield Historical Society Offers Online Resource, Rich Hilltown History!
Plainfield Historical Society Unveils Website Full of Local History Bring local history to life as you plan family activities for the summer! Thanks to Plainfield resident, Lori Austion, The Plainfield Historical Society has recently unveiled their new website (plainfieldmahistory.org). Although a work in progress, it’s filled with a rich amount of information on local historical […]
WebCam Catches Peregrine Falcons Nesting Atop UMass Amherst
Peregrine Falcons Nesting Atop UMass Amherst Did you know that UMass Amherst’s W.E.B. Du Bois Library is home to a pair of Peregrine falcons? You might think that’s an odd place to live, but Peregrines love to nest on tall buildings! The nest box was installed in 2003 on top of the Library and has […]
Community Conversation: Talking to Your Kids About Sex, Part 3
Hilltown Families presents… “Puberty for Parents” part of the Talking to Your Kids About Sex Series of Community Conversations with Brooke Norton Held at Cup & Top Café in Florence Tuesday, May 21st from 6:30-8:30pm Hilltown Families and Cup and Top Café are presenting a series of free talks for parents with Brooke Norton, Certified […]
5 Ways to Prepare Your Child For Summer Camp
Preparing Your Child For Summer Camp Camp is just around the corner and there’s a lot to prepare. Whether it’s your 5 year old’s first time at day camp or your 14 year old’s 6th summer away, you want your child’s camp experience to be fun and successful. But you’re the parent and you’re not […]