Originally published in the 80s, the subject matter is still relevant today. It’s a novel that tells the story of a couple of divorced women with children – Margo and B.B.- in their 40s. As a divorced woman of 42, I could really relate.

I spent much of my adult life single in an attempt to protect both myself and my kids. I grew up with a divorced mom and although she did her best, some of the men who came through our lives weren’t great. I wanted to avoid doing that to my own kids. My intentions were good, but by isolating us, I believe I sent my daughters the wrong message. I have spent the past couple of years trying to share a more balanced view of single parents and dating. Sometimes the results were positive, sometimes not so much.

The women in the book handle things a little differently than I would, but we are all looking for the same thing – love, a partner, companionship. I really enjoyed the book, read it in a night and a half because I’ve got to give it back to Robin when she comes through town again tomorrow, but I did find the beginning a bit unbelievable. So, if you try the book and you find yourself saying, “What is this woman thinking?” please keep going, it does get much, much better. I recommend it to anybody, not just midlife single moms.

Image credit: Barnes and Noble.com

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Smart Women: Single Moms In Love

Image: sxc.hu

*Poetry - Your poem can be of any type, rhyming or free verse, about one bird or the numbers of birds you see around your home or on a trip.

*Nature Story – I often wrote these for children’s magazines.  I researched the characteristics and habits of a bird, trying to find something unique about each one.  Then I wrote about it, trying to make it interesting for others to read.

*Fiction Story – Can you think of a fiction story that involves a bird in the plot.  I wrote one about my daughter, when she was small, trying to help a bird build its nest.  She learned the bird only wanted something it has made, but it would use some of the materials she put out.

What would you and your youngsters like to write about birds?

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Writing Tip – Kids Write About Birds

There are various ways you can do this:

• Simply keep a list of the birds you see.
• List the birds and write something about them.
• Add a sketch to the list and description.
• Write a story or poem about the birds you see.
• Make a papier mache model of a bird…or use other materials for a bird sculpture.
• Make a painting of some of these birds you see and list.

In my anthology, Tales of Adventure and Discovery, you’ll find two poems, The Red-Winged Blackbird and Lord Baltimore Oriole.   I’ve written stories published in magazines about birds.  Some were nature stories and others were fiction.

I became intrigued with sketching birds after seeing a watercolor painting my mom did when she was attending teacher training class.  (I still have this painting she did 80 years ago.  ) So I went on to sketch and paint birds, even doing paintings on commission for customers.

Do you and your children like to keep track of the birds around you?

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Keeping a Bird Watching Journal

To check on e-mail health warnings you receive, visit Snopes.com and TruthorFiction.com

Contents © Copyright 2007 Kristen King

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E-Mail Health Hoaxes Busted