The Duke rides again! Movies and money mark the INSP Duke Days of Summer!

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The Duke rides again! Movies and money mark the INSP Duke Days of Summer!

This post is in partnership with the INSP Network.

When I was a kid, John Wayne film reruns were a staple of early Sunday morning television. It was on those Sunday screenings (via what would now be considered a super small screen) that I came to adore the Duke. Whether starring in a western or war flick, Wayne proved every bit …

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Summer reading giveaway: 'Masters of Mischief' (The Misadventures of Max Crumbly #3)

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Summer reading giveaway: 'Masters of Mischief' (The Misadventures of Max Crumbly #3)

Simon & Schuster is partnering with me for a giveaway!

Grandparents typically rank among the top supporters of their grandchildren’s educational efforts, spending hours helping with homework, attending activities and events, volunteering in the classroom and more.

But how can grandparents help out in the same manner during the kids’ summer break? One way is to slow down the “summer slide” of reading and comprehension skills by encouraging grandkids to make reading a regular part —an enjoyable part — of their long summer days. It can be as simple as…

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Delightful display: Custom canvas print from Canvas Factory (review and giveaway)

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Delightful display: Custom canvas print from Canvas Factory (review and giveaway)

I'm one of those grandmas who displays lots and lots of photos of my loved ones. All around my house. For this post, I began counting the number of pictures I have placed here and there. And stopped thirty six. With the remainder of the main level plus the family room to go, I've chosen to just guesstimate here. I'm guessing there are fifty or so scattered about. On walls, bookcases, mantels, and more.

I delight in seeing my sweeties, old and young, in pictures. But with that many pictures to adore—and dust—I clearly don't need anymore.

Yet an offer to review—and give away! (more on that below)—a custom canvas print from Canvas Factory…

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Grand giveaway: Grandparent journals and Logitech webcam make connecting with grandchildren simple

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Grand giveaway: Grandparent journals and Logitech webcam make connecting with grandchildren simple

Win a perfect prize for connecting with grandchildren now... and later

Both of my grandmothers lived far away from me when I was a child. My maternal grandmother—the one the longest distance from me but closest to my heart—got in the habit as I got older of writing letters a few times a year, filling me in on the simple day-to-day of her senior years.

Gramma was always intentional in staying in touch with me, up until her arthritic hands could no longer write and my return letters—typed in large, bold-face font for easier reading—were no longer easy to read at all as her vision had failed. Had webcams been around prior to her passing, I'm pretty sure Gramma would have been keen on connecting via the high-tech wonder.

Those handwritten letters from my grandmother are among my most cherished possessions. I still have every one. And though I loved reading of her ordinary everyday doings, I now long for more. I wish she would have shared her family story, her personal longings, her dreams and wishes and deeper thoughts on the virtues and values she held close and hoped to instill in her progeny.

My desire for something tangible showcasing such sentiments from my grandma is what makes me so excited to share this giveaway.

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