DIY writers retreat

I've just returned home from a DIY writers' retreat. This was the second time my friend Hildy Morgan and I traveled to the shore to carve out a time away, a time dedicated to concentrated effort on our works-in-progress. No meals to prep, no laundry or dirty floors calling, no weeds or seeds or countless other needs of home vying for attention. Just stories - telling them, discussing them, dissecting them, writing them. Hildy is a perfect partner for such a retreat.

Stories flowed as we watched the rising sun transform the visible world, the churning sea at first steel gray, then touched with a glowing band of red, then coral, then gold, until the full sun danced silver-white on the water. Who wouldn't be inspired?

In the days away, I wrote 5000+ words on my novel-in-progress, the sequel to Risking Exposure. That places me about two-thirds done with the first draft, on target with my goal - finish the first draft by year's end.

Next week, I head to Washington DC for a research day at the Library of Congress. I'll keep you posted.

Reporter helps rescue stranded Houston truck driver on live TV

The devastation in Texas caused by Hurricane Harvey has dominated our news in recent days. Amid the heartbreaking images, the loss of life and livelihood and property are those images which give us hope. As Mister Rogers said, if we "Look for the helpers" when tragedy strikes, we see the good people can do.

One of many such helpers is Brandi Smith, a reporter for KHOU TV in Houston. She and her cameraman, Mario Sandeval, were covering the flooding of a Houston beltway when they noticed a rig stuck in rising water on the highway below. The driver was trapped inside the cab with water up to the window.

Smith urged him to stay in the cab and not try to swim to safety. Then, with the camera still rolling, she flagged down a sheriff's rescue team and told them of the situation. Thankfully, they had a boat and were able to rescue the man. The cameraman even captured the grateful driver hugging the reporter.

Meanwhile, at the Little League World Series...

Because of the way players are encouraged to become high-paid demigods, I'm not a fan of professional sports. But kids playing a sport, learning to win and lose with grace, trying their best and pursuing a dream - that I can get behind.
This summer's Little League World Series showcased a number of such instances in the players, coaches, and spectators alike. Here are a few:

This image may look like kids tied up in their own texts. In fact, the boys come from different countries and were talking to one another using Google Translate.

After a heartbreaking loss to the team from the Dominican Republic, the Venezuelan pitcher collapsed into sobs on the mound. Here he is comforted by coaches from the Dominican team, even before his own teammates and coaches can reach him.

And then this - spectators cheering for kids they don't know, kids who may play against their own kids in upcoming games.

Only 1 kid on the Dominican team has his parents here so the Mexican team parents are stepping in and going crazy for the DR. Awesome. #LLWS pic.twitter.com/V4FKH6cGiE

— Cespedes Family BBQ (@CespedesBBQ) August 20, 2017

Sports at their best, supporting and encouraging fairness and good faith effort.

Anonymous donor supplies an entire primary school with back-to-school items

A California woman has donated school supplies for all 200+ students at an elementary school in central Texas.

Kendra Lorenz, a first-grade teacher at Rosebud Primary School was initially contacted by the anonymous woman last year. That's when, through an organization called Donors Choose, the donor bought school supplies for Lorenz' class. Lorenz was delighted to learn that this year, the same donor wanted to donate supplies for the school's entire student body. She told reporters, "Our families struggle. That's the nature of the beast around here. You can't put into words how much that support means."

Donors Choose connects potential donors with public school projects of their choice. Teachers in high-poverty public schools post details about a class project they'd
undertake - if only they had the supplies. Donors scroll through the list of projects ranging from literature to robotics, from health to music and get more information about the needs and costs involved. Then they pledge financial support at any level for projects which tug at their heart.

The result is more engaging lessons for students. Ultimately, a better educated student creates a better society for us all.

7-year-old hosts 14 foster kids in Princess for a Day Party at Disney World

Jordan West is not a typical 7-year-old. She's grown up with an awareness of her social responsibility, fueled by her brothers' activities in founding the charitable organization Champions of Change. Their mom Olivia acts as Executive Director for the non-profit.

Like many girls her age, Jordan likes write stories and play princesses. She thought other girls might like that too so last July she sponsored her first 'Princess for a Day' party. She invited two dozen girls in the Rochester NY area foster care system to join her at a spa. The girls got hair up-dos, manicures, pedicures, and make-up to let them know, in Jordan's words, "You are beautiful, and you are loved."

That first princess party caught the attention of the White House. Last fall Jordan was invited to host a party there which she did, of course! She invited 115 girls from the Washington DC foster care system.

Several months ago, Jordan and her mom started fundraising to sponsor a party where 'real' princesses live - Disney World. Through garage sales, lemonade stands, 'pennies for princesses' drives, and private donations, about $10,000 was raised, enough to allow Jordan to invite 14 girls from the foster care system to her Disney World party. The girls were treated to pampering at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Cinderella Castle.

And the girls' reactions? The photos say it all.