Make Someone Happy

Sure, gifts are nice and all, but how do you really make someone happy? The GNH formula is a great place to start. That’s “gross national happiness,” as developed by Bhutan King Jigme Singye Wangchuck back in the ’70s. It’s rather fascinating (see the video below, if you want to know more), but the gist is that: … More Make Someone Happy

Laughter

When was the last time you laughed like this? Head back, smile wide open, eyes pinched with happiness, not caring who saw you—scratch that—WANTING people to see you and see your joy.

Making Unicorns

Once upon a time, there was a little girl who was obsessed with unicorns. She wanted to wear unicorn clothes. She wanted to color unicorn pictures. She wanted to make up unicorn stories. She want to play unicorn games. She wanted to BE a unicorn. And through the magic of some leftover craft supplies and … More Making Unicorns

Two to Tango

We had one date in college, and it was a disaster. That was 17 years ago. After college, Chicago kept putting us in each other’s paths. Eventually, mutual friends had a party, and I decided to give him another chance. Plus, he said he was up for trying tango lessons with me—and he actually followed … More Two to Tango

Inspiring Minds: Ed Emberley

I first heard about Ed Emberley at a Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators conference. Ed has been making kids’ books since 1961, when his first book was declared an ALA winner. Since then, he’s illustrated more than 50 (!) children’s books, including Caldecott winners. But that wasn’t what caught my attention about Ed.

Turn Around

Turn Around: A Love Story I got the call from Ryan on a Wednesday evening. “You’re going to have to pick up Szaba. I’m stuck in traffic.” The daycare was closing in 20 minutes. We share one car, and I was working miles away. I had to hop a bus and hope. Cue panic mode.

Double Rainbow

If you haven’t seen the “Double Rainbow” video by now, my husband would make some comment about the breadth and depth of the hole you’ve been living in for the past two years. I’ve included the video below, should you want to refute him or simple have a laugh down memory lane. Needless to say, … More Double Rainbow

Surprise and Delight

When I worked at Cranium (before it was sadly decapitated by Hasbro) we had a saying we applied to every game and toy we created: Surprise and delight. When I think back to my childhood, it’s the “surprise and delight” moments that really stand out—something wonderful that happened on some ordinary day, suddenly making it … More Surprise and Delight