Recent Posts
Suburban Backyard Gardening 2024 Recap: Tomatoes, Flowers, and More! (Year 6)
Read how I made this year's garden lower effort, but still with a decent yield! See how crop rotation and my other gardening goals turned out.
Beekeeping Year 2 Recap: Splitting Hives, Harvesting Honey, Readying for Winter
Our bees were busy this year! Here's how we split hives, details our improved harvest setup, how our new honey extractor worked, and what we're doing this winter.
4 Years Blogging: Why write?
I've been writing the Owl for four years! Here, I reflect on why I write and how blogging can be like memoir.
How to Homeschool in the Early Years: Preschool and Kindergarten, Ages 0-7
Homeschooling doesn't have to be overwhelming or over-scheduled, especially when your kids are young! Curricula are optional. Play is mandatory. Learning will happen!
So you want to write and publish a book?
Most authors don't make bank. They write to share a message, promote their expertise, or build their brand. Here's advice from a panel of six academics and authors.
How Can We Fix the Academic System For Women?
Full-time academia doesn't work for a lot of women. How can we increase flexibility, change workaholic culture, and reward quality?
Project: Tapestry Weaving on My Lap Loom
Diving into fiber arts, I warped my tapestry loom and set to work. Here's what I made and the weaving skills I'm working on.
Book Review: Lost in Thought: The Hidden Pleasures of an Intellectual Life by Zena Hitz
A good life means you don't work for the sake of work—you work for the sake of leisure. But what is leisure? What are the benefits of reading, studying, or thinking for its own sake?
Book Review: Strong Towns: A Bottom-Up Revolution to Rebuild American Prosperity by Charles Marohn
American cities are failing. Most cities are insolvent, carrying debt they can't pay off as instructure maintenance costs loom and land values fall. What do we do?
Tutorial: How to Make a Camp Sink/Dishwashing Station with PVC (In Three Easy Steps!)
Dreading washing up after camp meals? This sink/dishwashing station, based on one I used with girl scouts as a kid, makes it easy!
How Do We Fix Sprawl? Book Review: Sprawl Repair Manual by Gail Tachieva
Suburbia sprawls endlessly. Cities are insolvent. Entire neighborhoods slump into disrepair. How can we fix it all? This practical manual details a difficult, but doable, way forward.
Forest School, Books and Crafts: Reflections on Our Homeschooling Year (2023-2024)
What does education look like when you're always learning? Here's what my kids and I have been doing this year—books, crafts, forest school, and more!
Backyard Suburban Garden Plan, Year 6 (2024)
I'm growing tomatoes (of course), repeating other favorites, trying new veggies, and planting more flowers than last year! Read how my crop rotation is panning out, and goals for this year's garden.
Bees: Splitting a Hive That Survived the Winter
Northern winters can be rough for beehives. Not all of our hives made it. Instead of buying a new nuc or queen, here's how we've attempted a split! Plus, read what I've been doing with the harvested honey and beeswax.
Book Review: Uncertain: The Wisdom and Wonder of Being Unsure by Maggie Jackson
Uncertainty can be stressful. We crave predictability and answers. But uncertainty enables creativity, better performance, predictions, life planning, leadership, and more.
Is Going to Graduate School Worth It?
Considering applying to graduate school? Many factors go into deciding whether or not to apply: personal, practical, financial.
PUBLICATION DAY: Grad School Life: Surviving and Thriving Beyond Coursework and Research
Publishing a book can be a long road—but here we are at the destination! Read about my book: How to thrive in graduate school while keeping a healthy personal life!
Journaling to Set and Achieve Writing Goals
When I was a foil fencer, I kept a meticulous journal to track progress, practice, and goals. Now, here's how I'm applying what I learned to writing.
Book Review: Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain
Extroversion is the gold standard of personality in the Western world—but why? How can introverts get ahead and use their own strengths? This book explores the impact our temperaments can have on careers, learning, creativity, and more.
Tutorial: Super Simple Crocheted Water Bottle Holder in 5 Steps (Great First Project!)
Never go thirsty with this straightforward and functional water bottle carrier! Comes together fast. A good project for beginning crocheters!
Projects: Learning to Crochet! Scarves, Water Bottle Carriers, a Hat, and Shawls
When your friends decide to learn to crochet at book club, you bring yarn and join in! Here's what I've been making from yarn this winter!
Book Review: When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing by Daniel H. Pink
Have you wondered how to take the ideal nap? When to take breaks for improved performance? The best way to start a new project? <I>When</I> has the answers.
How to Harness Patience, Expectations, Flexibility, and Relationship in Parenting for a Smoother, Less Stressful Life with Your Children
Tantrums, meltdowns, anger, sadness: How do we deal with children's normal emotions? Here are some tips from a mother of three.
Proactive Parenting: Preventing Meltdowns, Managing Emotions
Children are still learning to regulate their moods and emotions. If we help them head off problems before they arise, everyone will stay happier and less stressed.