Building Writerly Resources: Learning to Critique (there’s just one more thing…)

The goal: Critique without overwhelming. The problem? It’s really tricky. The solution: Just one more thing… With the talented author Judith Robbins Rose (Look Both Ways in the Barrio Blanco), I feel very fortunate to lead one of the Connect Groups for the Rocky Mountain Chapter of SCBWI. Our Denver South Connect & Critique follows … Continue reading Building Writerly Resources: Learning to Critique (there’s just one more thing…)

Exploring the Human-Animal Bond: Book Review of CHESTER and GUS, by Cammie McGovern

Having raised six service dog puppies, I know only too well the challenges of those dogs needing a change of career. In Chester and Gus, Chester, the chocolate lab whose fear of loud noises kept him from becoming a service dog, is chosen to be the companion for Gus, a non-verbal boy with autism. The … Continue reading Exploring the Human-Animal Bond: Book Review of CHESTER and GUS, by Cammie McGovern

Exploring the Human-Animal Bond: Elizabeth Holman and “Facility Dog 101”

First published in PeEmail, the Rocky Mountain Chapter of Canine Companions for Independence newsletter, April 2019 Colorado’s Canine Companions for Independence (CCI) village has known Elizabeth Holman first as a puppy raiser, then as a graduate team — first with facility dog Waffle, and now with Tootsie. Professionally, however, she’s Dr. Elizabeth Holman, Palliative Care Psychologist … Continue reading Exploring the Human-Animal Bond: Elizabeth Holman and “Facility Dog 101”

Exploring the Human Animal Bond: Therapy Animal Opportunities in Denver

If there are two words that puppy raisers often dread, it’s “The Call.” Your pup is being released from the service dog program. The great news is that these dogs can continue to make a difference. You and your pup now have the opportunity to become a therapy team. The commitment varies, but is typically … Continue reading Exploring the Human Animal Bond: Therapy Animal Opportunities in Denver

In the Garden: Ideal Roses for Your Colorado Garden—and Secrets for Success

By Susan Wroble (Based on presentation by Tammy Jansen at the DRS 2017 SymROSEium) Like so many of us, Consulting Rosarian Tammy Jansen daydreams of the perfect rose. You know the one — its incredible form captures Queen of Show. It’s a disease-free, pest-free, non-stop bloomer. Of course, the perfect rose is thornless and self-cleaning. It has beautiful … Continue reading In the Garden: Ideal Roses for Your Colorado Garden—and Secrets for Success

Building Writerly Resources: Nutty for Newberys

My January tradition isn’t getting into shape, losing weight, or becoming organized.  Instead, I watch for the American Library Association announcements, and get my hands on the latest Newbery Award winning book as fast as I can. I’ve loved the Newberys since I was old enough to read them. This award, given to “the most … Continue reading Building Writerly Resources: Nutty for Newberys

Chris Hinds and Porthos

UPDATE!!! Congratulations to Chris and Porthos — Chris won the run-off election for Denver City Council in June 2019. We look forward to his work to make Denver a city for all.    In the coming months, Denver residents may be hearing a lot about Chris Hinds — and seeing photos of Chris with his … Continue reading Chris Hinds and Porthos

The thing about jellyfish

By Susan Wroble Ali Benjamin’s book The thing about jellyfish has rightly won well over a dozen awards, from National Book Award Finalist to National Public Radio’s “Great Read of the Year” list. I loved the story, with its themes of friendship and grief, and its sections neatly divided by the parts of the scientific method. … Continue reading The thing about jellyfish